Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadium of Light Millennium Way Sunderland, England SR5 1SU Sunderland AFC website Stadium of Light website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 49,000 Sunderland 'Til I Die The Stadium of Light, one of England’s biggest stadiums, was built in 1997, providing a home for Sunderland A.F.C. The Black Cats moved here from their previous home, Rocker Park, Sunderland’s home for 99 years. The name “Stadium of Light” is a tribute to the former mining industry, which was a huge part of Sunderland’s history. Originally, the Stadium of Light was built as a 42,000 all-seater stadium, but in 2002, it was expanded to 49,000. This resulted in the North Stand being extended and now has a reputation for being a huge stand, much like Tyne-Wear Derby rival Newcastle United’s St James’ Park . As it is a simple design, the stadium can be further developed to a 63,000 all-seater ground, which would make it the third-largest soccer stadium in England. Not only are soccer matches played here, but it has played host to many concerts and has also been put forward as a venue for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Food & Beverage 3 English soccer stadiums aren’t renowned for the greatest of grub, and this falls in this category. Various pies but the price at £2.50, which is fairly reasonable, and sausage rolls and pasties will set you back £2. Beverage-wise, a pint is £3.60, which is very good for a soccer stadium, while a soft drink costs £2.00. Unlike many other stadiums, the Stadium of Light offers a variety of meal deals. For a child, the £5 meal deal includes a small chocolate bar, a packet of crisps (or chips if you’re American), a soft drink, and a sausage roll. Now, that is by far the best children’s meal deal I’ve seen at any other soccer stadium! The other meal deals include a pint, a packet of chips, and a sausage roll for £5.50, or you can change the sausage roll for a pie, which would be an additional 50p. Atmosphere 2 If I was basing this review on when Sunderland played Newcastle, I would possibly give it 6 stars, but I’m not. When Sunderland battle against Newcastle in the “Tyne-Wear Derby,” a fierce and crazy loud atmosphere is created. But as you may know, this only happens once a year at the Stadium of Light. As the team slowly declines, the negativity in the stadium rises. During the 2012-13 season, the Black Cats have been probably the most depressing and lifeless teams in the Premier League, and the fans just can’t get behind a team who have won only four times at home this season. A couple of years ago, because the Stadium of Light was a fortress and for an away team visiting, a draw would be a good result. Now, the hostile environment that the away players were used to just isn’t there, and anything less than a win is disappointing. No songs are sung by the home supporters anymore, and it seems like they just can’t be bothered, and I can’t blame them. It’s sad to see such a great stadium have so little noise. Neighbourhood 4 The surroundings of the stadium are pleasant, and there is nothing that can be faulted. On offer for the away fans is a pub and barbecue tent area, which proves extremely popular! The locals are very helpful if you are lost. Also located right outside the stadium is a fantastic aquatic complex. From an overnight point of view, just 0.2 miles away is a highly-rated hotel called “The Chase Guest House.” This is not from highly-rated experience scores, but from looking at reviews, it has a 9 out of 10 scores and is also not too expensive. If you’re wanting to make a weekend out of a trip to Sunderland, Europe’s largest shopping mall, The Metro Centre, is easily reached from the stadium. Fans 3 The team has been very poor over the last couple of years. This has resulted in a dip in crowd scores. However, that said, 40,000 people still turn up week in and week out, which is very creditable. The noise made by the fans can be deafening when they are on the counterattack, though understandably, boo their team more often than not. When Sunderland beat a major team ( Arsenal , Manchester City , Chelsea , Manchester United ), I have to admit that it’s something that you have to witness. The passion attendance shown by these supporters is unbelievable. Last year when Man City came to town, that exactly happened. Just watch this video and be amazed. Overall, the Black Cats fans are a friendly, loyal bunch who will stick with their team through thick and very thin. Access 5 Getting to the stadium is very easy. In and around the stadium is a lot of traffic, but is dealt with quickly and isn’t a problem at all. If quickly by train, you’re in luck. The train station is a stone’s throw away from the stadium, and that seems to be a popular choice of transport. Additionally, I recommend getting to the ground early and parking in the train station car park. I can’t remember exactly how much it is, but it is only a few pounds. From the station to the stadium, it’s about a quick five-minute walk. Otherwise, you can get a spot in the other car parks around the stadium or on the streets by the housing estate. Return on Investment 3 Although the team is pretty dismal, the ticket prices are very good. It seems like The Black Cats’ target audience is childrentravelingfive-minute because, for an Under 16, it’s only £12, which must be one of the cheapest tickets in the Premier League. For an adult, it starts at £27, which is fairly expensive for the quality of football you’re watching. The team has a lot of young, budding players, but at the moment, the excitement level is quite bad from the team. I would pay to watch Sunderland pay, just to get the experience of being at a Premier League game. Extras 4 Around the stadium are a few statues. The first one is of 1973 FA Cup-winning manager Bob Stokoe, which was unveiled in 2006. Located at the entrance, the other statue is of a Davy Lamp, a tribute to the mining industry. Also, a large “Red Wheel” is just outside the West Stand – something the miners used to use. On a game day, a couple of activity destinations are dotted around the stadium for the kids. One of them is a penalty shoot-out stall, and the other is a target shooting stall. I found this quite fun and the first I had seen at a Premier League ground. Also, a club shop is just outside the ground, and a programme is on sale for £3. It is a great read and has been regarded as among the best in the league throughout the years. Final Thoughts Visiting the Stadium of Light is something you should do. It’s a program ground, which at times can be very full of atmosphere. My only problem is that when you get there, you will be disappointed with the contest. However, overall I would recommend visiting this stadium, as it is reasonably priced to get in and has well-designed many-around all-around features that not many other stadiums have.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dwyer Stadium 299 Bank St Batavia, NY 14020 Batavia Muckdogs website Dwyer Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 2,600 Muck in Name Only Dwyer Stadium (named for Edward D. Dwyer, a long-time president of the Batavia ball club) encompasses a field that has been used for professional baseball in Batavia, New York since 1939. The current 2,600 seat incarnation was erected in 1996 and is primarily the home of the NY-Penn League Batavia Muckdogs, the only in-place charter franchise of the league, and owner of one of the most memorable monikers in minor league baseball. In addition to giving a home to the Muckdogs (for the last two years the short-season, single A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, after long affiliations with the Cardinals and Phillies), the park also hosts games for Genesee Community College teams, as well as local high schools. While the neighborhood is strictly small town New York State and the park is showing its age in places, Dwyer Stadium serves up a good, affordable baseball experience for families and baseball fans alike. Food & Beverage 3 Dwyer Stadium has a good selection of food and drink, especially for a short season A-ball field. The main concession area is located in the home plate plaza by the main entrance, along with a beer concession, a small treats concession by the kids area, and a beer-and-peanuts stand under the third base bleachers. The main concessions deliver standard ballpark and regional fare, including Zweigles’ red and white hot sausages, burgers, fries, pizza, and chicken. The choice of the grub has got to be the Muckdog Signature Dog (red or white hot with “Muckdog Sauce” and onions for a reasonable $3.50). Or–how can you resist?–“Muckdog Chow,” a red hot, white hot, burger, or cheeseburger, served on top of macaroni salad and homefries, smothered in Muckdog Sauce, and served in a big plastic dog bowl, all for $5.75. Small and large Budweisers are available at most concessions for $4 or $5.50 respectively, and the specialty beer concessions serve up Southern Tier Farmers Tan, Rohrbach’s Muckdog Red Ale, Rohrbach’s Highland, Genny Light, and Brooklyn Summer Ale for $4.75 for a small and $6.50 for a large. The beer booths also deliver 16-oz cans for $5, and 25 ounces for $7. You’re at their park, so you might as well give the fine Muckdog Red Ale a try. Atmosphere 3 Dwyer Stadium has one main entrance to the right of the ticket booth. It opens out into an entrance plaza behind home plate on the first base side in a wide walkway that runs from outfield to outfield outside of the seating area, with two openings at first and third base. Both walkways end in tented picnic areas just before the home and visitor bullpens and clubhouses, in left and right field respectively. The only cover in the park (besides those tents) is the seats under the grandstand behind home plate, which is topped with the press box. The gates open an hour before game time, and home team fans can seek autographs at the dugout on the third base side. Wherever you’re sitting, you’ll have a good view of the field and the open sky beyond the outfield walls. Mascot Homer, the dog, and the fan relations crew run the between-inning entertainment, which includes the minor league standard races, quizzes, and contests. One unique event during my most recent visit was a lucky young fan getting to hit the owner in the face with a shaving cream pie, which showed the good-natured relationship between the team management and the community. All that said, there are signs of wear around the park that need addressing. The scoreboard has seen better days and is missing some lights; the visitors’ clubhouse in right is missing an “I” in its sign, rendering it “Vistor” and the sound system in the bleacher seats is reminiscent of the NYC subway speakers in the 80s; nearly unintelligible. Neighborhood 2 The park is located as part of a neighborhood Little League complex, which gives you an idea of the surrounding area. It is very much in a small town in Western New York, and perhaps the best you can say for Batavia is that it is under an hour drive to both Rochester and Buffalo. In town, there are a couple of standard small-town historical attractions, the Batavia Downs Racetrack, and the Darien Lake Amusement Park is a short drive out of town. Meat-lovers are in luck, as there are quite a few steakhouses and BBQ places in town, including Larry’s Steakhouse, T.F. Brown’s, Center Street Smokehouse, and Alex’s Place. Bar stops include Tully’s, O’Lacys, and City Slickers. For those with kids (or kids at heart), Oliver’s Candies (with hand-made chocolates, candies, and ice cream) is a must-visit downtown. A surprising amount of chain hotels are mostly right off the NY Thruway, including Best Western, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, Quality Inn, Super 8, Days Inn, Clarion, and Red Roof Inn. Fans 3 A regional holdout from when seemingly every little burg in Western NY was home to a NY-Penn League franchise, Batavia still seems to have a good deal of local enthusiasm for its team. “Muckdogs Home Tonight” lawn signs are regularly seen while driving around town, and they still put in a respectable showing in the park. The fans are mostly local families and not baseball purists, to be sure, but they are involved with the game and show support for their local pride and joy as you might expect. Access 4 Batavia is an easy exit off the NY Thruway (I-90), as well as state roads 98, 63, 33, and 5. A large, free parking lot is right next to the stadium, and additional parking is also free in the adjacent parks. It is under an hour to both Rochester and Buffalo, and Batavia is about 2.5 hours to Toronto, and four hours to Albany or Pittsburgh. Those not driving can take the Batavia Bus Service Route 2 or 3 from downtown to the UMMC Station ($1), and a small regional airport (Genesee County) is north of town. In the park, an inner walkway in the seating area splits the box seats below from the general admission seats above, and a wide outer concourse runs from outfield to outfield around the diamond to get people where they need to be. Return on Investment 4 The strength of minor league ball is its value for the dollar, and the Muckdogs are no different. Box seats are $7.50, and general admission seats are $6.50, so there’s no sticker-shock there. Coupon books of eight games are available for both kinds of seats and bring the cost per game down to $5.75 and $4.75 respectively for box or GA seats. Group rates for 20 or more get the price down to $5.50 per person, and all-you-can eat seats are available on the Hot Corner picnic area for $15 or $17.50 per person, with slightly expanded menu choices for the higher amount. Nearly all the food items (even the special items) are under $5. Small beers go for $4, and 20 oz cans go for $7, and the large specialty beers don’t top $6.50. It is just an affordable experience all around. Extras 3 For a low minor league park, Dwyer Stadium has a more than average amount of extras. In addition to the standard stadium commemorative plaques (on the outside of the park by the ticket window), there is a revamped Batavia Wall of Fame and three plaques dedicated to Batavia as the birthplace of the NY-Penn League, Gene Baker (first black manager in professional baseball), and Whitey Loos (local baseball star in the 40’s and WWII casualty) on the main concession building. A boosters’ plaque is by the main entrance, and a small art installation called “I Am Someone in the Crowd” is located on the back of the home third base bleachers. The press box behind home is dedicated to Wayne H. Fuller (long-time PA announcer). A small shed by the main entrance houses the team store and fan relations booth, and a modest kids area is located down the right field line. Booths sell programs in the main entrance plaza, and in a nice tip of the hat to scorers, a slanted resting shelf is located underneath the game lineups to make it easier to prepare your scorecard. Final Thoughts Dwyer Stadium is full of little surprises for the visitor and provides a straight-forward, cost-conscious evening of baseball for all comers.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadio Renato Curi Viale Pietro Conti – Località Pian di Massiano 06125 Perugia PG, Italy AC Perugia Calcio website Stadio Renato Curi website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 24,000 Stadio Renato Curi The AC Perugia Calcio is the main football club in the capital city of Umbria, a region in central Italy. Founded in 1905 as a partnership between Fortebraccio and Libertas, the team plays home games in the stadium Renato Curi, a structure built between May and October 1975. The facility is located in Pian di Massiano and from November 26, 1977 is entitled to Perugia Calcio midfielder who died on October 30 of the same year during the home match against Juventus and valid for the Serie A. Before that tragic event, the facility was named Stadio Comunale di Pian di Massiano. The football complex was inaugurated on October 5, 1975, Perugia vs Milan 0-0. The first goal in A league game was made by Franco Vannini after 53 minutes of Perugia vs Lazio 2-0, October 19, 1975. The original map of the stadium was shaped like a “U,” because there were two stands and a curve, “Nord.” “Curva Sud” was built later and opened to the public in the1979 season. The Italian national team has played 5 official matches in the stadium Renato Curi. The first on December 22, 1983, Italy vs Cyprus 3-1, match valid for the qualification to the European Championship finals, the last on June 4, 2014, Italy vs Luxembourg 1-1, a friendly match in preparation for the World Cup. The balance of these matches is 4 wins and 1 draw. AC Perugia Calcio closed Serie A championship 1978/1979 undefeated. Only two other teams in Italian football have concluded an unbeaten Serie A: Juventus in 2011/2012 and AC Milan in 1991/1992. Of note, finally, that also ACF Fiorentina played some home games in the stadium of Perugia, because during the 1990 Franchi in Florence was the object of work for the World Cup “Italia 1990.” From 1938 to 1975 AC Perugia Calcio played home games in the stadium of Santa Giuliana, structure still present in the city. Food & Beverage 2 As in almost all Italian stadia, at the Renato Curi fans can buy both hot and cold drinks, served in paper cups if we decide to bring them on the stands; both hot and cold sandwiches, both savory and sweet snacks. This price list at the match Perugia vs Brescia: 0.5 liters water, 1 euro; coffee, 1 euro; coke 0.5 liter, 2.5 euro; chips or popcorn, 1 euro; hot sandwiches, 2.50 euro. The dining options are located under the stands. Around the facility there are several peddlers of sandwiches. A sandwich with roast pork costs 4.50 euro. A 0.5 liter bottle of water costs 1 euro. Atmosphere 3 The facility is constructed in red metal and gray concrete and recalls the stadiums of some English clubs. The view of the playing field is excellent from each area. The main grandstand (divided into the following sectors: Tribuna Vip; Poltroncine; Tribuna Ovest Laterale) is the only covered seating, while the two curves and the other grandstand (Est) are uncovered. For the Curva Nord, seats in white and red form “R Curi,” while in Tribuna Est is the word “Perugia” is spelled out. The supporters guest is hosted in a part of the Curva Sud, the one closest to the main grandstand. Neighborhood 3 Pian di Massiano is located in western Perugia, in the direction of Lago Trasimeno and Toscana. It has an area of about 70 hectares and is full of sports facilities (in addition to the Stadio Renato Curi there are Palasport Evangelisti, a facility for baseball, another for rugby, etc.) and green areas. Fans 4 The most passionate fans are the Grifoni, a nickname of AC Perugia Calcio and they follow home games from the Curva Nord. During the match this section of the stadium is a stain of red and white. Fans wear T-shirts, waving flags and show scarves of these two colors. The main rivalry is with another team of Umbria, Ternana. The matches between Perugia and Ternana played at Curi or at Liberati are called Derby dell’Umbria. Other rival fans are those of Lazio, Arezzo (Derby dell’Etruria), Fiorentina, Siena and Hellas Verona. Good relationships exist with Empoli and his supporters. Access 4 Reaching Renato Curi Stadium is simple. Pian di Massiano has a minimetrò station. Some public transport busses link the facility with the train station of Perugia. Finally, we can reach Perugia by car along the highway A1. From A1 we have to take the highway 6 if we come from Florence, or the highway 3bis Tiberina if we come from Rome. In both cases, once you get close to Perugia, just follow the signs to the stadium. Numerous parking is available for fans, the nearest about 200 meters from the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for the Serie B 2014-2015: Tribuna VIP: 55 euro, reduced 45 euro (for women and over 65), 31 euro reduced for under 14. Poltroncine: 40 euro, reduced 32 euro (for women and over 65), 23 euro reduced for under 14. Tribuna Laterale (Est /Ovest): 25 euro, reduced 20 euro (for women and over 65), 15 euro reduced for under 14. Tribuna est (Gradinata): 18 euro, reduced 15 euro (for women and over 65), 12 euro reduced for under 14. Curva Nord: 12 euro, reduced 9 euro (for women and 65 over), 7 euro reduced for under 14. Extras 4 Eurochocolate is an event that makes Perugia the Italian capital of chocolate since 1993 and takes place in October. The many culinary delights of Umbria: torta al testo , gnocchi with duck sauce, torcolo di San Costanzo . Umbria Jazz, the most important Italian jazz festival that takes place since 1973 in Perugia in July. Assisi, the medieval town where St. Francis was born and since 2000 is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way Oakland, CA 94621 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum website Year Opened:  1966 Capacity:  63,026 The Black Hole The Oakland Raiders began play at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in 1966, two years before Charlie Finley moved the Athletics west from Kansas City. There are definite differences between an A’s game and a Raiders game, the most obvious of which is probably the tarped off third deck during A’s games that the Raiders use as seating. Beyond that, the atmosphere is entirely different with different people, a different sport, and a packed house. The Coliseum is unique in that the playing surface is below ground level. Because of this, when fans enter gates they’re looking down on the field from the top of the first level. From there you head downstairs to a lower level seat and upstairs to the second and third levels. The Coliseum has been at the bottom tier of NFL stadiums along with California neighbors Candlestick Park and Qualcomm Stadium. Because of this, many have added the Raiders to the list of potential teams that can make their home at the Los Angeles football stadium. With the passing of Al Davis, much of this speculation has been put on the shelf while the front office figures their next steps. Food & Beverage   4 Much of the food options from the A’s games are available at Raiders games with the added bonus that all concession stands are open and ready for business. The main difference is that beer prices are at a premium for the football games. Beers can reach the $9.50 plateau while the $5 variety of the same beer is available during baseball season. Many of the normal options are available at The Coliseum like hot dogs, nachos, and garlic fries. The most popular item may be the teriyaki chicken, a must-try when visiting Oakland. Atmosphere   4 Even though The Coliseum isn’t aging well, a Raiders game is still quite the party. It starts in the parking lot, hours before kickoff. The Raider Nation gets there early to fire up their grills and toss back a few cold beverages. This moves into The Coliseum, where the party really starts. Designed like many of the coliseums that were rolled out in the 1960’s, the bowl-shape is conducive to good views from any seat. My seat was around the 50 yard in third deck; a great view of the game. Neighborhood   1 The Raiders and A’s share a parking lot with Oracle Arena, home of the Golden State Warriors. The immediate neighborhood is largely industrial and less than cozy. I wouldn’t wander far from the parking lots as the area doesn’t have the best reputation. Perhaps because of this, there is no place to eat or drink within walking distance prior to the game. A worthwhile trip in neighboring San Leandro is Ricky’s Sports Theater, ranked 2nd best sports bar in the nation by Sports Illustrated. They have over 100 screens and tons of Raiders memorabilia. Fans   5 Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t be scared of the Raiders’ fans. They are a passionate fan base made even more special by the years of inept football that they suffered through. The fans supported the team through the heartbreaking move to Los Angeles and welcomed them with open arms when they moved back to Oakland. Undoubtedly, Raider fans are boisterous and like the label of bully. Though I’ve never witnessed any violence at a Raider game, it is obvious that their fans enjoy a certain level of intimidation. They are one with the silver and black. The Black Hole is one of the most passionate and chaotic sections in all of sports. They’re rambunctious fervor when the opposing team is in the redzone is mob-like. This is home field advantage to the max. Access   4 The most convenient way to get to the stadium is by taking BART which stretches over much of the Bay Area. The Coliseum/Airport Station is right on the other side of San Leandro Street accessible by the pedestrian overpass. Other public transportation options are AC Transit buses and Amtrak trains, both with stops for The Coliseum. If driving on 880, exit at 66th Avenue or Hegenberger to access the Coliseum. It’s a pretty easy drive into the area with wide freeways and surface streets. The one knock is the time it takes to get through the security lines and into The Coliseum. I’ve waited for up to 25 minutes in a line (if you can call it that) to get inside. Once inside there seemed to be plenty of restroom and concession access on the third level that I was on. It may be different on the lower level as the first and second decks share the same promenade. Return on Investment   2 With the cheapest ticket at $56 combined with high concession prices and parking at $35 the Coliseum is just about as expensive as any venue in the NFL. However, it doesn’t provide the state of the art amenities as the newer stadiums around the league. My best tip is to take BART to the game as a round trip ticket will cost you around $10 depending on where in the system you are coming from. Extras   2 It’s a pretty bare bones experience at Oakland Coliseum. With the exception of the championship flags there isn’t much in the way of memorabilia or nostalgia. But that’s sort of the way the Raiders roll, as they don’t retire numbers. Between the coliseum and the arena next door is a ring of championship plaques honoring the successes of the teams that play there; 4 for the A’s, 3 for the Raiders, and 1 for the Warriors. Lastly, there is a torch lit in honor of legendary owner and infamous personality Al Davis after he passed away early this season. I’m not sure if it’s a permanent thing but it’s certainly a nice touch.

Photos by Benjamin Evensen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 ASUI Kibbie Dome 1000 Stadium Dr Moscow, ID 83844 Idaho Vandals website ASUI Kibbie Dome website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 16,000 All Quiet in the Dome Nestled in the Palouse region of northern Idaho, the William H. Kibbie-ASUI Activity Center sits on the campus of the University of Idaho. The Kibbie Dome, as it is referred to by most, is one of the first things you see when coming into Moscow from Pullman, WA and the Pullman-Moscow Airport. It may be one of the most interesting facilities in college football. Starting as an outdoor stadium in 1971, the dome was added in 1975 to make it a completely indoor facility. Today the Kibbie Dome is home to not just football, but also basketball as it converts into the Cowan Spectrum, and indoor track and field. The Idaho Vandals were at their best in the late 80’s to early 90’s playing in the Big Sky Conference. From the 1985 season to the 1995 season, the Vandals made the FCS playoffs every year except 1991. Twice they came a win away from the FCS Championship, but fell in 1988 to Furman and 1993 to Youngstown State. Throughout this time the Kibbie Dome was rocking, and was known as a very loud venue. There was a lot to cheer about, as coaches like Dennis Erickson and John L. Smith, players like Mark Schlereth were in Moscow. In addition, two Walter Payton Award winners John Friesz and Doug Nussmeier were slinging passes for Idaho. In 1996, the Vandals made the jump to FBS play to join the Big West Conference, leaving behind the years of history (9 Big Sky Championships) and rivalries in the Big Sky. 18 years later, the change has not been pretty for Idaho. After the Big West stopped sponsoring football, Idaho was not invited to the geographically-fit Western Athletic Conference, and the Vandals joined the Sun Belt for football while remaining in the Big West for other sports. After some conference realignment, the Vandals finally found a spot in the WAC in 2005, but it was short lived as the WAC dropped football in 2012. Idaho spent the 2013 season as an Independent before joining the Sun Belt in 2014 again as a football-only member. Throughout this time, the Vandals football field fell off from what they were at the FCS level. From 1998 till now, Idaho has only three winning records and two bowl appearances, both wins, in 1998 and 2009. With the lack of winning in Moscow, Idaho, the fans have lost interest and the dome sits empty most games. When the WAC dropped football, Idaho desperately tried to find a conference to call home as its former WAC foes found new homes in the Conference USA and Mountain West. After being denied admission to the Mountain West, Idaho was given a “trial membership” in the Sun Belt. As for the 2016-17 season the conference will decide if Idaho should stay. Unfortunately another big reason for Idaho’s troubles finding a home is the Kibbie Dome. Seating only 16,000 it is the smallest FBS stadium in the country and the age is apparent when sitting in the dome. While plans have been discussed to improve the dome drastically, including adding seating to get over 20,000, the team needs to start winning and fans need to start coming for the renovations. For now though, Idaho plays in the Kibbie Dome just trying to survive in the world of FBS football. Food & Beverage 2 There just isn’t much when it comes to food in the Kibbie Dome. The basic food is available like pizza, hot dogs, candy, and Pepsi products. But that pretty much is it. The prices are fair, but it lacks anything unique or memorable. You will come away satisfied, but may be wishing there was more available to eat. Atmosphere 2 When Idaho is winning, the Vandals have a loyal fan base that packs the dome and creates a very loud, intimate atmosphere for opponents. But those days are far in the past, and with years and years of struggling to win more than four games a year, the Kibbie Dome is lucky to be half full. The seats are bleacher style with only a select section on one side of the stadium having back rests. The good news is that the dome protects you from the elements and the harsh Idaho winters. The dome actually becomes quite warm with all the people in it, and it is a nice place to go to get out of the cold. The Idaho Marching Band is very good too, and their halftime show is worth catching. A giant new video screen was installed in 2013 and is a nice addition to the Kibbie Dome. There is only seating on either sideline; behind the end zones are just padded walls. But with how small the stadium is, every seat is a good seat at the Kibbie Dome. The dome shows its age and that’s what keeps the rating down, along with very little fans at the game and not much excitement. That being said, playing or watching a game in the interesting venue like the Kibbie Dome still has something special to it. Neighborhood 4 While the Kibbie Dome is on the other side of campus from the downtown area of Moscow, going to the restaurants and bars in Moscow on game day is a good idea. There are many Vandal fans out, and if you don’t have tickets, watching the game at a sports bar is a fun idea too. The University of Idaho campus is small but has many historic brick buildings. The Arboretum has walking trails around beautiful trees and the Palouse fields. Many people tailgate outside the Kibbie Dome on game days, and many fans hang around there before the game. If you have time and the kickoff times sync-up, catching a Washington State game at Martin Stadium in nearby Pullman, WA is a fun idea too. Just 8 miles away, the campus of Washington State and the city of Pullman are fun places to visit. The town of Moscow and the area of the Palouse are very scenic, and finding something to do shouldn’t be much of a problem. Fans 2 The fans that do come to the games usually are into the game and will be quick to voice their happiness or frustration at their team. But the dome has been barren these past couple years, and you can’t blame Vandal fans too much for that with how bad the team has been. When the team is good, fans will come and fill the place like they have in the past, creating a big home field advantage. But till those days come again, only two stars can be awarded here. Access 3 Getting to the Palouse in the winter can be tough, and roads are known to be dangerous in the rough winters in the area. Moscow is not near really anything besides Pullman, which is just as isolated. Spokane is about two hours away, but driving there in winter is very tough. The Pullman-Moscow Airport is accessible from SeaTac airport in Seattle and the airport in Spokane, so if you are coming from somewhere else expect a connecting flight. Once you are in the area, getting to the stadium is a breeze. The roads through campus flow nicely to the Kibbie Dome, and parking is plentiful around campus. Parking prices are more than fair, and there should be no worries about having to walk more than 15 minutes to the stadium from a parking spot. Return on Investment 1 While the stadium is interesting to see, and the ticket prices are not bad at all, for now going to games at the Kibbie Dome just lack any sort of excitement. The feelings of success are long gone, and the only reminder about what Vandal football used to be are in the rafters. When the team starts winning that can change, but for now there is no real return on investment other than getting to watch a Sun Belt football game. Extras 2 There are some extras for Vandal fans, but not much. The rafters hold banners for all Vandal conference championships in all sports, as well as banners for the 1998 and 2009 Humanitarian Bowl Championships. Retired numbers of a few Vandal legends hang too. The Vandal store has booths on both sides of the stadium to get Vandal gear. One interesting note is that the Kibbie Dome’s arched roof is made entirely of wood, and has won awards as it is the only arched dome in the country made of wood. Final Thoughts The Vandals fell a long way from their Big Sky days, and still today haven’t quite recovered. Through years of coaching changes, conference changes, and losing seasons, the program has struggled, and fans have lost interest. The days of success can come back even at the FBS level, and in his second year head coach Paul Petrino has showed promise of getting Idaho to be competitive. To get there, changes must be made to the outdated Kibbie Dome to give it a more modern feel and a larger seating capacity. To get there, the team must do the simple task of winning games. Until then, the Kibbie Dome remains small and outdated, but is still an interesting and unique venue.

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hardy M. Graham Stadium 15 Mount Pelia Rd Martin, TN 38238 Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks website Hardy M. Graham Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 7,500 Skyhawk Football at Graham Stadium There’s a women’s basketball coach who attended and played some hoops at this little school in Martin, Tennessee. Patricia Sue Head went on to accomplish enough in her profession to garner a street sign welcoming you to the college home of the eight-time national champions. That sign bears the name of legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt. She wasn’t born in Martin, but the game of women’s college basketball, as we know it today, was conceived here. Summitt has never been shy about her love for Martin and after a visit to this beautiful campus, you’ll understand why. Residents of the Volunteer State will tell you that every town’s geographic location can be described as sitting between two of the state’s biggest cities. Martin fits this to a “T” (pun not intended, but credit accepted). Martin sits between Nashville and Memphis. So if you are from Martin and you meet Bob from Chicago, Illinois, you tell Bob, “I’m from Martin, Tennessee.” Before the blank stare can form on Bob’s face, you add, “It’s about halfway between Memphis and Nashville.” Then Bob from Chicago gives you an affirming nod and he now knows exactly where in the state of Tennessee you live. A bounce pass away from where Pat Head played half-court basketball is the home of the Skyhawks football field. Hardy M. Graham Stadium, named for the longtime fan and donor of over a $1 million, opened in 1964 and accommodates 7,500 fans. Your first impression upon arrival may be of your high school football stadium with a few upgrades. That’s not intended to come off as negative or snarky in any way whatsoever. The simplicity in style is a highlight. The berms in either end zone give the stadium an overall natural and organic look that blends in rather well with the beautifully manicured campus. It’s no surprise that anything planted or sown in the ground looks great on campus. UT Martin is to horticulture as law is to Harvard. The entire campus has beautiful scenery and landscaping. The playing surface inside the Graham is FieldTurf that was installed in 2008. Each end zone is painted in the UT Martin school colors with the base color being orange and a navy “SKYHAWKS” in one end zone and “UT MARTIN” in the other. To follow the paragraph regarding the great horticulture with a blurb on a stadium that uses FieldTurf seems wrong and in a way it is. Although it looks as good in November as it does in September and low maintenance equals cost-effective, the fact that this school does not have a grass field is downright shameful. In fairness, Graham Stadium photographs very well because of the consistent and colorful appearance of the turf. However, when campus is crawling with future Directors of Athletic Grounds and Facilities at universities and professional sports stadiums across the country, it seems like a disservice to the students. When it comes history and tradition, Skyhawks football has seen its share of not-so-great seasons, but they did win a share of the OVC Championship in 2006. To put that in perspective, UT Martin has won one conference championship in the OVC’s 66-year history. Food & Beverage 2 Concession selection is scant, but so are the prices so take the positive here and see the $2 soda cup as half-full. You won’t get specialty foods as if you’re at an NFL game, but honestly, why do you want to go to a football game? Do you go to watch it and soak in the atmosphere or do you go to taste foods you can order at a restaurant? You get nachos ($3.50), hot dogs ($2.50), chips ($1.50), popcorn ($1.50), and soda. It’s affordable and practical. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Atmosphere 3 The backdrop of color-changing leaves is not hidden by one stadium expansion after another in the tiring arms race between NFL, Jr. programs. Many of the larger schools have expanded their stadiums to the point of erasing any identifying characteristics of the campus and surrounding area. It’s one set of bleachers and skyboxes after another rising to the sky and covering up any backdrop. UT Martin does a great job of allowing the game to be the show. For some it’s vanilla and boring. For others, it’s perfect and pure. One is not above the other. The only wrong is if there’s only one from which to choose. Thanks to schools like UT Martin, we will always have a place to go to enjoy a football game not surrounded by non-descript bleachers, skybox windows, and ribbon boards. Neighborhood 3 Depending on your tastes, Martin, Tennessee is either very charming or equally boring. I fall in the former category of tastes as the quaint and Mayberry-type town is a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon in the Fall. Ask locals at the game their thoughts on the following Martin dining options — Sammies, Olivia’s Opera House, or Addie Bea’s Seafood Restaurant. There may even be a few hidden gems that a kind fan may disclose. Towns like Martin are great for finding good local food. Following the game and good meal, park your car on the side of one of the neighborhood streets (legally, of course) and take yourself on a walk around the town sidewalks. Feel what it’s like to live in a community where you can feel assured that your children can walk safely to school. Imagine the joy residents must feel when they can just walk out their door and enjoy a quiet stroll through the neighborhood. Fans 3 Martin is a small school in a small town with a small alumni base, which, in turn, leads to small crowds at football games. Although the crowds may not be enormous, the fans are not sleepy and disinterested. Those clad in orange and blue can get vocal and boisterous and the football IQ is high, what with this school lying in the valley of the mountainous SEC. Access 4 Graham Stadium is a 2.5-hour drive from either Memphis or Nashville putting this school in place many call, “the middle of nowhere.” Once in Martin, you will have no problem getting to the stadium. There is parking to be had near Graham Stadium, so you shouldn’t have to walk too far to get to the game. There are police officers close to the stadium to direct traffic which is always taken for granted until they aren’t there and you are left to navigate the choppy waters of game day traffic alone. Inside the stadium, access to your seat is similar to that of a high school football stadium on steroids. With capacity of 7,500, you won’t be hiking up flights of stairs unless you are sitting at the very top. Getting out of your seat and to the stairs/aisle is not impossible like it can be at many stadiums. The bleachers don’t trap or lock you in once you sit down so you don’t have to avoid that third soda with your nachos. Trust me. You’ll make it to the restroom easily. Speaking of restrooms, they are easily accessible as well. There is only one concourse on each end of the stadium and its width is sufficient enough to keep you from rubbing elbows with people you don’t know or with whom you would not want to rub said elbows. Return on Investment 4 A ticket to get inside is $18. Many schools of similar size and stature may charge in upwards of $30 for a single game ticket, so this price is very good in the current market. More importantly, kids age four and under get in free. UTM students are also given free admission with a valid student ID. Go online (UTMsports.com) to check prices for games in the event a school uses a tier system for pricing dependent on the team they are playing. Extras 1 Venues like Graham Stadium are fantastic “Farm System Venues” for young kids. Don’t take your three year old to an NFL game. It’s a huge waste of money and you’ll both be extremely miserable. Take them to a venue like Graham Stadium. They have room to run around and it’s not sensory overload for a little one like an NFL or SEC-game day experience would be. It’s a great venue to introduce them to the excitement of the entire game day experience — the smells, the sounds, the “everything” that makes football what it is in the South. Oh, and children ages four and under get in free which solidifies the fact that UTM is a premier Farm Venue. Final Thoughts Overall Graham Stadium is a good place to see a football game if you are in the area or your team/school is playing on the road. You may not want to make the 2.5-hour drive from Nashville or Memphis solely for a football game. It will not do justice to the entire area. You can spend a part of your day in Martin for a game, take a walk around campus, have a good meal, and then a walk around one of the neighborhood streets. Martin is very close to Reelfoot Lake and the Tennessee River so it would not be a horrible idea to take in these Tennessee landmarks as an anchor to your weekend. Better yet, an extended weekend where you take a Friday and/or a Monday off from work would be ideal to avoid being rushed while trying to take in this beautiful region of the state. At the end of the day, it’s easy to conclude that Martin is a beautiful area of the South that is so much more than just a town that sits between Nashville and Memphis.

Photo Courtesy of Bob E / Yelp Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Spanos Center 1178 Larry Heller Dr. Stockton, CA 95211 Pacific Tigers website Spanos Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 6,150 A Team in Transition The Pacific Tigers basketball team is in the midst of a major transition. Bob Thomason, the team’s basketball coach for 25 years, retired in 2013. Thomason left as the team moved to the West Coast Conference (WCC) the same year. This move placed Pacific in a conference with all private schools and better teams such as Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s. One constant during this transition has been the Spanos Center. The arena has been largely unchanged since it opened in 1981 and has seen five Tigers squads make the NCAA Tournament during that time. From 1981 to the opening of Stockton Arena in 2005, the Spanos Center was the premier entertainment destination in Stockton as the facility is expandable to accommodate 8,000 people. Food & Beverage 2 There are two main snack bars in opposite corners of the venue as well as a smaller one beyond one end line. There should be enough to satisfy your hunger albeit without getting too creative. Hot dogs ($3.50), polish sausages ($4.50), and personal pizzas ($6.50) are the main dishes. However chili plays a big role; chili dogs ($4), chili cheese dogs ($4.50), chili cheese nachos ($4.50-$5.50) or a plain old cup of chili ($2.50) are all available. Pepsi products ($2.50-$3) and an array of candy and ice cream accompany the main courses. Atmosphere 3 Though the Spanos Center holds over 6,000 fans, 3,000 mostly chair-backed seats make up most of the seating area. The upper levels are rarely used and the lower levels provide a great view. The upper levels are entirely made up of bleacher seating. There are scoreboards in three of the four corners, one of which has video capabilities. Unfortunately, it is used predominantly for advertisements. My favorite feature is the nicely designed ceiling, centered over the middle of the court. Orange and black banners close in the action and the excellent public address announcer work in concert for a great experience. This is a great place to watch college basketball. Neighborhood 2 Stockton is consistently considered one of the most dangerous or miserable or depressing cities in the nation. In 2013 they filed Chapter 9 bankruptcy after they were hit hard by the housing crisis. All that being said, Stockton is slowly coming back a bit. Though Stockton is known (at times, rightfully so) to being a dangerous city, UOP is located in an upscale residential neighborhood. Safety should not be a major concern. Nearby Pacific Avenue is a great place to grab a bite to eat prior to a game. One of my favorite spots is Abbey Trappist Pub which has the best tap/bottle list in town. The tap list tends to skew local while the bottle list covers the best nation and worldwide. Empresso Coffeehouse is probably the most noteworthy place on Pacific Ave. The excellent coffeehouse is in an old movie theater where they have events such as concerts and art shows. It’s a very unique coffeehouse experience. Though there are nice places nearby, Spanos Center can’t take advantage of the beauty of the waterfront, unlike Stockton Arena or Banner Island Ballpark . Fans 2 While I’d like to believe there is excitement with the school moving to the WCC, it is not reflected in the seats. Even if you only consider the lower level as capacity, the seats are only a quarter full. The student section wasn’t too rowdy and the fans subdued. They certainly understand and appreciate the game but it wasn’t your typical college basketball experience. I feel like Pacific has an opportunity to be a destination for college basketball fans. They are the only Division I program in the immediate area. The Bay Area and Sacramento schools are at least an hour away and Fresno is two hours south. Access 4 Spanos Center is located just a few blocks from Highway 5 and two miles from 99. Getting from the freeways is easy through safe city blocks. Take main drags Pershing or Alpine to the convenient (and on this night, spacious) parking lot. Parking in the designated lot costs $5 but there is easy street parking nearby as well. You can enter the arena from two of the four corner entrances. You enter the Spanos Center at the top of the first level and the bottom of the second level. Restrooms and concession stands are at every other corner when you make your way around the court. Return on Investment 4 A night at Spanos Center is a great buy with general admission going for $10 and assigned seating for $14. The assigned seats are in chair-backed seats. Premium games jump out to $14 and $20 respectively. Considering the increased level of competition and affordable parking and concessions, this is an easy, fun night out. Extras 2 I love the feel in Spanos Center; I just wish there were more fans there. The banners on one end of the court honor the league championships from every sport for men and women in Pacific history. Below these banners are retired jerseys from all the programs as well. Most notable of which is former number one overall pick, Michael Olowokandi. At the other end of the court are banners signifying accomplishments at the national collegiate level; for example, NCAA tournament appearances by the basketball and swimming teams. Most dominating amongst these are the two National Championships for women’s volleyball from the 1980s.

Photo Courtesy of First National Bank Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 First National Bank Arena 217 Olympic Dr Jonesboro, AR 72401 Arkansas State Red Wolves website First National Bank Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 10,038 Howling For Hoops It’s been said that sport makes for great theater. A game at the Convocation Center at Arkansas State University reaffirms that statement perhaps more than any other arena in Division I college basketball. The set-up of the arena, which has been affectionately known as The Convo since it opened in 1987 as a multi-purpose facility in the truest sense, looks like the byproduct of having the seating from four theaters welded together with a stage area in the middle, with its lighted seating leading the way to rows of red seats. The movie theater effect was enhanced in 2012 when the original scoreboard in the middle of the building was replaced with four large HD video boards in each corner. “I think I like the way it is now. It takes a little bit getting used to, but I like it better,” said longtime ASU alumnus Rick Gillette of the four screens. Gillette spoke of the building’s flexibility when it comes to catering to the entertainment needs of the community. “Anything from a rodeo to tractor pulls to basketball games to track meets. You name it,” he said. “It’s served it all.” In addition to the four video boards, the other thing that sets The Convo apart is its quadrant system. The arena has no concourse that connects around the outside of the seating area. Instead it features four pod/quadrants (red, blue, yellow and green) that each consists of a set of bathrooms, a concession stand and then one specialty stand (either additional concession stands or souvenir stands). The layout makes it really simple to find a bathroom or a food stand, but perhaps the most difficult arena to find a quiet moment to sneak away to talk on the cell phone. In Oct, 2017, the name of the venue was changed to First National Bank Arena after that company contributed $5 million to the Red Wolves Foundation. Food & Beverage 3 The Convo has two traditional concession stands that feature items such as hot dogs ($3), Polish sausages ($3.25), hamburgers ($3.75), cheeseburgers ($4) and nachos ($3.50) – along with Coke products. Leading up to halftime a long line forms near the Lewis BBQ stand in the blue quadrant where selections include regular BBQ sandwiches ($5.25 regular / jumbo $6.50), BBQ bologna sandwiches ($5.25) and BBQ nachos ($5.25). Another popular halftime destination is the yellow quadrant that features Lil Orbits donut stand (most popular items are the $5 powdered donuts) and a snow cone display, where the most requested flavor is homemade ice cream ($4). Atmosphere 3 The building mirrors the light tan brick of the entire university (all athletic facilities do as well). Most fans enter through the red quadrant, which is the closest one from the free general parking area. Those who wish to see the large “A State” logo facing them on the court should sit on the eastern side of the center, although there really is not a bad seat to be found. Even the highest seats in the corner offer a decent view – and all seats feature seat backs that are moderately comfortable. The four video screens are fairly easy to read when on scoreboard mode, but the numbers could stand to be a little larger. The mascot, a large red wolf named Howl, does a good job of firing up the crowd in the first half and then interacting with audience members in the second. Neighborhood 3 Jonesboro is located inside of a dry county, but there are still several options to grab libations inside of bars “clubs” throughout the city, but I didn’t spot any bars within close range of the ASU campus. The most popular of these are located downtown on a three-block area on Main Street, such as Cregeen’s Irish Pub and Skinny J’s. Another regular destination is Fat City Grill on Caraway Road. When it comes to lodging, there is a large cluster of hotels near the intersection of Red Wolf Boulevard and U.S. 63, including Fairview Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn. Fans 3 Not many people wear the school colors, which adds to the movie theater feel. On a related note, the souvenir stand – for whatever reason – was not open on the most recent game I attended, even though it was Senior Night. The fans, who are all very friendly and cordial, will raise some noise when the Red Wolves are beginning to mount a run and will even let out a howl or two when asked to do so by the PA announcer. The school band is a very spirited bunch that starts getting the fans into the game with an array of songs well before tipoff. Next to the band, the student section consists of an enthusiastic group who waves big signs and tries to do their best to distract the other team. Although the biggest distraction could be found behind the other hoop where a fan, who was dressed as a referee wearing sunglasses would interchangeably hold up posters of Kate Upton in a bikini and Justin Bieber to dissuade the opposing team from making its free throws. Access 3 Parking is a pretty easy process. All parking near the lot is for those who make considerable donations to the university’s Red Wolves Foundation, but parking is free across Olympic Drive by the baseball team’s J.A. Tomlinson Stadium-Kell Field. There are four known bathroom stations in the entire building (one in each quadrant). The men’s bathrooms are entirely too small to handle the needs of an entire section if the arena is actually full. I presume that the women’s bathroom is of comparable size. In addition, the lack of an outer concourse that orbits the building restricts access. The pathway between the upper and lower seats offer plenty of room to roam, but it still feels awkward walking in front of everyone just to move around the building. Note: Avoid any seats that are close to the beginning of the upper section to avoid passers-by. Return on Investment 4 When it comes to Division I college basketball, an Arkansas State game is a great deal. With free parking next to the baseball stadium, free programs and tickets that range from $8-$25, a family can easily enjoy a night out at the game without coming close to breaking the bank. Extras 2 One point is rewarded for the band getting the fans fired up with spirited renditions of hit songs beginning 40 minutes before the game. One point is rewarded for the free programs and masks bearing the visage of head coach John Brady. Final Thoughts For those who live in the area or are thinking about following their favorite team to a game in Jonesboro, a trip to The Convo is recommended. For one, it’s a low-priced bargain. For another, the four screen, four quadrant set-up is very unique – whether you love it or hate it.

Photo courtesy of Idaho Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3 Cowan Spectrum at the Kibbie Dome 875 Perimeter Dr Moscow, ID 83844 Idaho Vandals website Cowan Spectrum at the Kibbie Dome website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,000 The Moscow Spectrum Once football ends at the University of Idaho, the men's and women's basketball teams move from Memorial Gym to the Cowan Spectrum in the Kibbie Dome, which is also the football stadium. A court is created up against the football stands on one side, while bleachers are brought in around the other three sides of the court. Curtains are then hung behind the bleachers to create a more closed in, intimate atmosphere. Seating 6,000, the Cowan Spectrum creates a very interesting atmosphere and was even named one of the 20 toughest home courts by Sports Illustrated in the early 1980s. While it isn't perfect and could use some renovations for nicer bleachers (some rows of the bleachers fell off a few years ago, luckily when no one was on them), the Cowan Spectrum is not a bad place to play basketball and is certainly a better option than Memorial Gym. Much like the Kibbie Dome, the Cowan Spectrum brings a very unique and one of a kind feeling to Idaho sports. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands open for games at the Cowan Spectrum, one at the floor level behind the curtains for fans in the bleachers and one in the main concourse for fans in the permanent football stands. The prices are fair, with just a few dollars for a hot dog, popcorn, or other basic stadium food. There isn't anything unique though, and it might just be best to wait and eat before or after the game at many of Moscow's restaurants. The Cowan Spectrum serves Pepsi products for their beverages. Atmosphere 4 Getting to seats is not a problem, but the bleachers can become uncomfortable after a while. Bringing a seat pad may be a good idea. That's really the only complaint about the overall atmosphere though. The curtains make the whole venue seem small and let you feel right next to the action. You will have a good view of the action no matter where you sit in the arena. The mascot Joe Vandal interacts with fans most of the game and the PA announcer keeps everyone into the game, as well as the band playing during timeouts. There isn't a video screen though, so no replays are available. Neighborhood 4 The Cowan Spectrum isn't that close to downtown Moscow, but a short drive takes you to all the restaurants and bars in downtown Moscow that are dedicated to the Vandals. The Idaho campus is a very scenic place with beautiful buildings, including Memorial Gym just a block away that is on the National List of Historic Places. It shouldn't be hard to find things to do before or after the game in a classic small college town. Fans 2 While the game I went to had a good turnout, in recent years the attendance numbers have not been good. In 2014 Idaho averaged just about 1,400 people per game, much less than the 7,000 capacity. While the team hasn't been especially good as of late, you still want to see more attendance than that. The fans that do come are into the game, but there isn't much to keep them entertained. The loudest they got during the game was when they offered free pizza to the loudest fans, so I hope you see what I mean by their overall interest. Winning increases attendance though, and with wins the Vandals can bring in more fans. But a move back to the Big Sky conference, fan interest could be re-sparked. When Idaho plays regional and historic rivals like Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington, and Idaho State in games that matter, as opposed to games against the likes of Chicago State, UT-Pan American, and Utah Valley in the WAC, fans will have more of a reason to come out and see them play. Access 2 Getting to the arena isn't a problem at all when you come from Moscow, but coming from other places can be a challenge in the Moscow winters. There are some highways that come into Moscow, but they can be icy and dangerous in winters. The Pullman-Moscow Airport provides flight access from Spokane and Seattle airports. Moscow is a very isolated city, with only Pullman, WA close by. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $15 to get in, and that seems just slightly steep for a mid-major program. The only thing you get back really is the basketball game, there isn't much else to take away from it. But $15 isn't that bad, and the games are very fun. Extras 3 The Cowan Spectrum isn't lacking in showing the history of Idaho basketball. Retired numbers and championship banners are hung on the curtains, and the concourse has pictures of the University's history. Overall, the Cowan Spectrum is a nice place to watch a basketball game in a unique and intimate venue. It certainly isn't something any basketball fan needs to see before they die, but it still isn't a bad place to catch a game. The University has new arena plans drawn up and progress to build it has been slow, but the school doesn't plan on playing there much longer. A new arena would definitely be much better for the University and program, but the Cowan Spectrum still keeps Idaho with a good college basketball venue for the time being.

Photos Courtesy for Florida A&M University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Al Lawson Center 1835 Wahnish Way Tallahassee, FL 32307 Florida A&M Rattlers website Al Lawson Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 9,639 The Snake Pit Florida A&M University (FAMU) is one of the oldest and most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the country. Founded in 1887, the Tallahassee-based institution has a student body of more than 13,000. Among the top majors are Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice and Black Studies. A number of famous athletes are alumni of FAMU. These include Bob Hayes (football), Althea Gibson (tennis), and baseball’s Hal McRae, Vince Coleman, Marquis Grissom, and Andre Dawson. The FAMU athletic program is a member of the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) and is famed for its very distinctive team colors of orange and green and its unique team moniker of the Rattlers. The Rattlers basketball program has won four MEAC championships and appeared in four NCAA tournaments over the years. Their on-campus home is the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center, a 9,639-seat arena built in 2009. It is the second-largest basketball arena in Tallahassee, trailing only Florida State University’s Leon County Civic Center. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stands at the Lawson Center is located to the left as you enter the arena. It offers a very limited number of items: Pepsi-branded sodas ($3), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($4), candy ($2), chips ($1), popcorn ($2), fries ($3) and chicken tenders ($7). I would definitely encourage you to visit one of the many fast food locations along West Gaines Avenue or those listed in the Neighborhood section for more substantial food offerings. Atmosphere 3 You will know immediately that you are in the right place as you enter the Lawson Center, as it is hard to miss the orange and green seats surrounding the Rattler’s home court. There is also a huge Rattler graphic covering the mid-court area. More than likely, you will also hear the sounds of FAMU’s Band of 100 tuning up prior to the game for their non-stop performance throughout the contest. As the name of the facility suggests, the Lawson Multipurpose Center has a much broader role than just athletics. It also serves as a classroom building, a conference center and a place for the FAMU community as a whole to come together, whether for graduation ceremonies, special speakers or special observances. For this reason, it does not have some of the typical features found in a strictly athletic facility. Aside from a prominent display of the school’s members of the Athletic Hall of Fame, there are very few permanent items suggesting the use of the Lawson Center for sports. This is not meant as a criticism of the Lawson Center, as it is a very nice facility in which to hold basketball games. Rather, it is a statement that Florida A&M makes the most possible use out of its facilities within the limited budget the school has to work with. On game days, the building comes alive with the cheerleading squad, the Band of 100 and the Venom dance team all working together to cheer on the Rattlers. Neighborhood 3 The FAMU campus forms a majority of the neighborhood surrounding the Lawson Center. Visitors to the campus should definitely include the Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery, and the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum on their itineraries. The Archives Research Center is housed in the first Carnegie Library built at a black land-grant college. FAMU is located just south of downtown Tallahassee in a neighborhood known as College Town (FAMU and Florida State University are only blocks apart). The very popular Cascades Park and Amphitheater helps to tie the two campuses together via a 24-acre linear greenway. The park features running and biking trails, swimming facilities, a waterfall and the 2,000-seat Capital City Amphitheater for concerts. The funky Railroad Square Art Park also borders the campus, with an eclectic selection of art galleries and the very popular Proof Brewery. Three dining favorites located close to the FAMU campus are Cassandra’s, Leola’s Crab Shack and Gaines Street Pies, while Tomahawk’s and The Warehouse are favorite watering holes. Check out the Bradfordville Blues Club for some great blues and jazz music Fans 3 The alumni and students at FAMU are very proud to be Rattlers, and they show up for games in all manner of green and orange outfits. Unfortunately, much of the green and orange that you see at a Rattlers game comes in the form of empty seats, as attendance has been a problem. It is not unusual to see the Lawson Center only one-third full. Those who do show up are on their feet and cheering throughout the game. Typically, the makeup of a basketball crowd at FAMU includes members of the Greek community, relatives, and friends of the players and members of the surrounding neighborhood. There is usually a spike in attendance for the Bethune-Cookman game, as they are the other HBCU located in the state of Florida. Access 4 Getting to FAMU is very easy, as it is in the state capital of Tallahassee. It is about 15 miles south of I-10 and only six miles from the Tallahassee Regional Airport. The campus is directly south of the State Capitol Building on South Monroe Street. FAMU is served by both campus shuttles, as well as the StarMetro public transportation system. Due to its location in a state capital, and near one of the state’s largest universities, there are many lodging options to fit any price range nearby. These include the Residence Inn, the Comfort Suites and the Econo Lodge Tallahassee. Parking at FAMU games is available at no charge at the Wahmish Way parking deck or in the football stadium parking lot located next door to the Lawson Center. Once inside the facility, you will experience very little congestion, as the concourses are wide and open to the court so you will not miss any of the action. There are more than adequate restroom facilities for an arena this size. The only area of the Lawson Center where you can definitely expect a line is at the lone concession stand. Return on Investment 4 A night out at a FAMU basketball game will not break the bank. You will enjoy a night of MEAC basketball, enjoy some great music courtesy of the FAMU Band of 100 and pay very little for the refreshments. The tickets are $10 for general admission seats, and there is no charge for parking. Extras 3 FAMU’s Band of 100 is famous for its intricate formations, musical talent, and wild dance moves. Many people come for the band performance, rather than the athletic contest. No one leaves their seats at halftime, for fear of missing one of their performances. Like any state capital, there are many museums to choose from in Tallahassee. Two of interest to the FAMU community are the Museum of Black History, which is managed by the University, and the Black Archives Research Center. This is one of the few genealogical centers in the country equipped to trace the ancestry of visitors back to slave times and before. FAMU welcomes alumni, supporters, and members of the neighborhood to attend one game a month free of charge, and treats them to a barbecue meal and courtside seating during the game as a gesture of friendliness. They receive a red carpet welcome at the door and greetings from the Venom dance team. A majority of the neighborhood surrounding the campus is made up of elderly persons and they show their support by cheering on the Rattlers at athletic events.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Island Federal Credit Union Arena John S Toll Dr Stony Brook, NY 11790 Stony Brook Seawolves website Island Federal Credit Union Arena website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 4,000 Season of the Wolf Stony Brook men's basketball Head Coach Steve Pikiell once told me, "You know, they had been promising me a new arena back when I was hired ten years ago." On November 14, 2014, that vision became a reality as the Stony Brook men's basketball team played their first official home game against Columbia in the newly minted, $20 million, Island Federal Credit Union Arena. The new arena was built on the site of the former Stony Brook Arena within the Stony Brook Sports Complex. It wasn't long ago that Stony Brook basketball was known more for its mascot Wolfie's proclivity to physically attack other mascots, than the on-court product in some basketball circles. The team did have some success at the NCAA Division III level -- qualifying for the NCAA Division III Final Four in 1978. Like their arena situation, a lot has changed for the Seawolves in a relatively short period. After reclassifying to NCAA Division I from NCAA Division III the Seawolves competed in the Stony Brook Arena for several years before moving across the hall within the Stony Brook Sports Complex to the older but more intimate confines of the Prichard Gymnasium. It was during the Seawolves time spent using the Prichard Gymnasium as a home court that the men's basketball program began to enjoy their first success at the Division I level, winning three America East Conference Regular Season Titles while routinely playing in front of enthusiastic, sellout crowds. In 2012, Stony Brook hosted its first America East Championship game against Vermont. This was the final appearance by the men's basketball team in the Stony Brook Arena as it was used on this occasion to accommodate a larger crowd. During the following academic year, approval for renovations to the Stony Brook Arena was granted and construction soon followed. In 2014 the Men's Basketball team again hosted the America East Conference Tournament final game, which was contested at the Prichard Gymnasium against Albany as the renovations were ongoing. This game served as the final appearance of the Seawolves at the Prichard Gymnasium. Nearly every aspect of attending a game at Stony Brook has now been upgraded with the move into the new arena sometimes referred to as "the island" by locals. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands located on either side of the main entrance and one stand on the main concourse opposite the main entrance. These stands offer many new options not previously available at the Prichard Gymnasium. Some items include hot dog ($4), Italian sausage & pepper hero ($6.25), cheeseburger ($5.25), grilled chicken sandwich ($5.50), pulled pork sandwich ($6), chicken tenders and fries ($6.50), onion rings ($3), pretzel braids ($4), nacho supreme ($6), pizza ($7), and garden salad ($4.95). Pepsi products are sold here; 22oz. fountain soda ($2.50), Gatorade ($2.50), coffee/tea/hot chocolate ($2.50), and Jamba Juice ($6). Passes are also available for sale to an area below the stands dubbed the Wolves Den where there is an all-you-can-eat buffet-style setup and several tables. The main courses here vary from game to game but there are always plenty of drinks, pretzels, and hot dogs in addition to the other fare. One of the benefits of coming down to this level is the opportunity to watch the players, dancers, cheer squad and infamous mascot Wolfie emerge from the locker room as they walk past the dining area. Atmosphere 4 The first thing one might notice if one had attended an event at the old Stony Brook Arena is that the orientation of the playing surface has been rotated ninety degrees. After entering the venue, you can walk on a wide concourse past all of the sections in a wide circle. All of the seats that are installed at the IFCU Arena are bright red. On the players' side of the court, there is an overhang in the seating area with three suites and VIP courtside seating located on the ground level. At the ends of each side of the court above the stands are a large video board and a large scoreboard. During some of the biggest games, the intensity level has been high and the home crowd has consistently been producing a hostile environment for opponents. The fans tend to get a little bit louder when rivals Albany and Vermont come to town. Neighborhood 3 Located on the north shore of Long Island, Stony Brook is a quiet town that is very close to the Long Island Sound. Historically the north shore of Long Island had been home to some of the most influential aristocrats and many of these historic estates are still in existence. One such estate belonging to William Vanderbilt has been turned into a museum in nearby Centerport. Admission is ($7) for adults ($6) for seniors and ($3) for children under 12 years of age. There is also a planetarium that Suffolk County, which oversees the property, built there in 1970. For pre or postgame libations, there are two great sports bars within walking distance of Island Federal Credit Arena on the other side of the train tracks. The Bench Bar and Grill has several large televisions placed throughout the establishment with sports programming always on. They have 25 beers on tap daily and a full menu of lunch and dinner dishes. Some highlights are steak and mushrooms ($19.99), St. Louis BBQ ($18.99), bourbon glazed pork chops ($16.99), seared tuna ($17.99), and rigatoni chicken alfredo ($15.99). Jake Starr Cafe is located one block east and has a similar setup with sports-themed television programming, a full bar, and an extensive menu. I would highly recommend a deluxe burger platter here with several combinations starting at $11.75. Fans 3 Attendance has increased dramatically due to the recent success of the program. The atmosphere of the smaller Prichard Gymnasium has carried over to the IFCU Arena, despite it being roughly four times larger in capacity. The student section participation has been strong as well taking up residence behind the visiting team basket in an area dubbed the RED ZONE, which is larger now than in its previous home. The band also sits in the RED ZONE area and does a fantastic job of keeping the crowd intense. Access 3 One of the great things about the Stony Brook campus is its proximity to a Long Island Railroad terminal. It is very easy to walk from the station to the game. Most people in attendance will drive north on Nicolls Road, which has an intersection with the Long Island Expressway. The campus will be to your left shortly after passing Route 347 as you proceed north on Nicolls Road. Free parking is available near LaValle Stadium and near the LIRR station. You could even travel to or from Southern Connecticut easily on the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson auto ferry which is a sponsor of Stony Brook Athletics. The terminal is only four miles away in neighboring Port Jefferson. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range from $22 for center court down to $10 for seating behind the baskets, which is reasonable for mid-major basketball. Although some of the parking nearest the arena is reserved for season ticket holders you shouldn't have any trouble finding free parking within walking distance. Extras 2 A point to the best mascot in the America East Conference, Wolfie, who is seemingly everywhere and always leading the charge. His entrance consists of him standing menacingly behind a curtain just before player introductions. Point to the university for having the willingness to invest in its athletic programs; is a move that will pay dividends. Final Thoughts Stony Brook basketball has grown a lot over the last ten years, but in another sense, it seems like this is just the beginning of something big. Strap in for the ride.

Photos by Bryndon Coughlin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Providence Park 1844 SW Morrison Portland, OR 97205 Portland State Vikings website Providence Park website Year Opened:  1926 Capacity:  20,438 Vikings Among Timbers Providence Park is somewhat a familiar territory for the Vikings, but it can be hard to consider it their home field, as the program has yet to find a formula to fill the stands and provide a fun college game atmosphere to fans. The current stadium has other tenants; Providence Park was first used for Major League Soccer for the Portland Timbers on April 14, 2011 and has recently become home for Portland’s new NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) team, the Portland Thorns. Food & Beverage 4 Beer prices range from $5-$9. Popcorn, fries and candy are also available. The menu offers a choice of Zenners local hot dogs. Bacon Cheddar smoked sausage or the Timber Brat seem to be the fan favorites. The Timber Brat is wrapped in bacon and served on a pretzel dog bun with Widmer beer-braised onions. Local restaurants have their own stations open also. Portland City Grill and Qboba Mexican all seem to be the popular choices. Atmosphere 2 The stadium overall is laid out nicely. Unless you’re sitting fairly close you will most likely be covered from the occasional down pour provided by the beautiful Northwest. Be sure to check the details of your ticket as some seats have obstructed views. The fans that have attended a Timbers game at Providence Park might not see too much of a difference. The Vikings do try to cover the Timbers logos to try to make it more of a home feel for the crowd. Other than the Vikings logo, most of the same specialty restaurants are open and the fan shop for the Portland Timbers remains open during the game . About two thousand seats were added in 2012. This bringing capacity up to 20,438. Unfortunately, the program isn’t in the current direction to even fill the stadium at half capacity. The Vikings fans sit about 10 feet away from the field creating a fun atmosphere for the players and crowd. The next best seats are Row M located in the Key Bank Club section, you are able to sit a little above eye level and it makes for a great view to see how the plays are formed. There is a private section known as The Root Sports lounge which can be rented out for big parties. The lounge provides private seating on the same level as the players. The lounge also has a lot more food options and is available throughout the game. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Portland has all kinds of restaurants, bars and shopping centers. Stop by the world-reknown Voo-Doo Doughnuts and grab a maple bacon or Captain Crunch bar. Grab a slice from Pizzacato, the best pizza in Portland, hands down. The Cheerful Bullpen is the before and after spot for any Vikings home or away games. The Cheerful Bullpen is located within minutes of Providence Park. Portland is famously known for their food carts so don’t be shy, they can be the best place for a pre game meal. Pioneer Square located about 5 minutes from Providence Park is a hot spot for local and national shopping. I also suggest checking out the Nike Factory located across the corner from the historic Multnomah County Courthouse. Nike was established in Oregon so you won’t be disappointed by the store and its many interactive features for fans of all kinds. The boutique stores like Compound and Upper Playground can be great places to check out different kinds of art. Fans 2 The fans throughout Providence Park are pretty spread out and there doesn’t seem to be a place where diehard fans sit together. Chants and coordinated cheers are absent and makes you wonder if you are watching a college football game. There also didn’t seem to be a student section. Access 5 Out of all the stadiums I’ve been to, I have never seen such a big spot for bicycle parking. It seems like it’s the popular way to get to the area and not take a car. Portland’s bus and light rail (known as MAX) system is nicely integrated into stops at and near the stadium block. “Park and Rides” are littered throughout the City of Portland. With the option of the MAX, a fan is cutting costs on outrageous parking prices and gas used to and from the game. I wouldn’t suggest trying to park near the stadium as it is located in downtown near other venues that require street parking. Remember to double check the meter signs as these meters that are closer to the stadium run on different times and prices compared to others throughout the city. Return on Investment 2 The small crowd and quiet atmosphere Portland State games provide makes for an overall experience that doesn’t cut it compared to other Division I college facilities. Whether a fan is looking to gawk at a great arena or find a quick adrenaline rush on a loud college atmosphere, this is not the place to spend your money. Extras 1 The Disc Jockey for the Vikings is one of the better DJs I’ve heard. He plays music that is family friendly yet not boring and keeps your attention throughout the game.

Photos by Daniel Armstrong, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Show Me Center 1333 N Sprigg St. Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Southeast Missouri Redhawks website Show Me Center website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,972 Show Me SEMO The 2022-23 college basketball season marks the Southeast Missouri State Redhawk's 35th year of showing Cape Girardeau what they’ve got at the Show Me Center. In addition to housing the Redhawks men’s and women’s basketball programs, the Show Me Center serves as the main entertainment venue for the over 250,000 residents of the Tri-State Area. The venue’s construction was duly funded by the City of Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri State University. In its 35 years of operation, the Show Me Center has earned itself a national reputation for service and flexibility. It has won the Facility and Event Management PRIME SITE AWARD every year since 1997. Food & Beverage 3 Between the upper and lower concourses, the Show Me Center contains seven concession stands. Only the two on the main level and the one on the balcony overlooking the atrium are open for Redhawks games. The lower stands offer a wider selection of food offerings while the upper stand offers more beverage and snack options. There is nothing that stands out on the menu but all items are reasonably priced, ranging from one to five dollars. There will be a considerable line during the half so I would recommend going beforehand. Don’t expect to get anything during the second half either as they close immediately following the intermission. Atmosphere 3 There is nothing special about the game night atmosphere. It is typical of the low-major Ohio Valley Conference. During my most recent visit, I was disappointed in the small student section and there were fewer than 25 band members. There were only a handful of students, all of whom seemed more interested in socializing than having an impact on the game. Without a prominent student section any college basketball experience is lacking and this was no exception. While there were a few traditions that seemed promising, such as SEMO fans standing until the opponent scores the first basket, only the faithful partook in them so it had little effect on the overall feel. The arena is lacking in several modern amenities such as a video board, and the scoreboard is dated at this point. Neighborhood 1 Don’t expect to find exciting nightlife in the area. There is nothing notable within the immediate neighborhood around the arena. There are a few small bars down towards campus, a strip of chain restaurants a few miles up the road, and a handful of places in the dilapidated downtown district. Fans 3 I saw SEMO in a handful of away games prior to my visit and they always had an impressive following both in numbers and enthusiasm, so I had high expectations heading into the game and I was disappointed. The small band seemed more into the game than anyone else. Things did pick up as the game went on and the Redhawks battled back from a 15-point deficit to capture the victory but nonetheless, I was expecting more. Access 2 The parking lot outside the arena is free and large enough to accommodate a majority of the crowd, but once that fills up there are few alternatives in the immediate area. I would recommend coming early to secure a spot. The ticket office is outside, which can be unpleasant during a Midwestern winter. My biggest complaint is that there are only two general public entrances open during RedHawks games which makes a small-time crowd have a big timeline. You enter the arena into an appealing atrium and have the option of continuing around to the floor level of the arena or going up the stairs to the balcony. Once inside the arena, there are six restrooms. I would recommend using the ones on the upper concourse as the line is typically shorter and they are also cleaner than the ones downstairs. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are low ($6-$15), concessions are reasonable, and parking is free. There is also a variety of reasonably priced souvenirs inside the atrium. As far as college basketball experiences go this is a bargain. As long as you have reasonable expectations of what to find within you will leave the Show Me Center feeling satisfied. You might even become a SEMO fan in the process. Extras 4 I love seeing championship banners. They show that a school is proud of the tradition its athletic programs have set. And while even though it has been over 70 years since the RedHawks captured the national title, I feel their 1943 NAIA National Championship is worth an extra point. I before the atrium and the hall of fame area. It is top-notch and makes you feel welcome. The new basketball floor that was installed following the 2011-12 season looks very nice and is a vast improvement from the prior parquet floor. The staff at the Show Me Center are all very friendly and helpful. It’s amazing how much a pleasant and knowledgeable staff can add to the experience at a sporting event.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kohl Center 601 W Dayton St. Madison, WI 53715 Wisconsin Badgers website Kohl Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 17,230 Basketball at Kohl Center Since opening in 1998, the Kohl Center has become one of college basketball’s most recognizable arenas. With a capacity over 17,000, it is larger than many professional arenas in the country. It has seen its fair share of memorable moments and Badger fans have created consistently great atmospheres at the Kohl Center. Food & Beverage 3 You’re not going to be disappointed by the selection of food at the Kohl Center, but you’ll by no means be blown away. They have everything they should, hot dogs, pretzels, all the basics. The most diverse item on any menu is going to be the specialty Johnsonville sausage. In walking around before the game, all the concession stands were also quite similar. No matter where you sit, you do not have to go very far to get whatever it is you want. Nothing is too expensive, either. As you might expect everything to eat is reasonably priced. Also, with it being a college building, there is no sale of beer. Coca-Cola is the beverage provider. Fountain drinks go for $3.50-$4.50, along with bottles of water ($4). Hot beverages are available including coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino ($3, or $6 in a travel mug). Atmosphere 4 For big games, the Kohl Center gets rocking. I was there when the Badgers were playing a 13-15 Purdue team on a Sunday afternoon, though, and it was quite a tame atmosphere. The last time I was at the Kohl Center was in December of 2011 when the Badgers took on in-state rivals Marquette. Obviously, there were Golden Eagles fans there as well, but the Kohl Center had a big-game feel to it. During my most recent visit in early 2013, a lot of the time it felt like more people were there just to hang out with friends and family. It was Senior Day, so I would have maybe expected a bit of a better atmosphere for the final home game of the season. Still, I know this was a bad day for the Kohl Center, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. Neighborhood 5 Madison is a fantastic college town. While it may be bigger than most other ones, it is all about the Badgers and you’ll be hard-pressed to find somewhere you wouldn’t enjoy before or after a game. The Kohl Center is right on Wisconsin’s campus, making it easy to find somewhere to go before and after each game. Not only are you a couple blocks from the famous State Street (which has places like Gino’s, Hawk’s Bar and Grill, and local favorite Ian’s Pizza), but there are a few Madison favorites that you will have to choose from after a game. Badgerland Bar and Grill and the Nitty Gritty are the two closest places to go to from the Kohl Center, and both will likely be pretty crowded immediately following a game. They are both a five-minute walk from the arena. Whenever I have talked to people I know that go to Wisconsin about the popular bars in Madison, Wando’s always comes up. It may not be the nicest bar, but if you’re looking for an atmosphere after a Badger game I would be shocked if there weren’t a lot of people there. Chasers Bar and Grille on Gorham Street and the Blue Velvet Lounge on Gilman Street are also places that were recommended to me and when I was walking around after the game they both seemed pretty crowded, but not sloppy or anything like that. Fans 4 The student section was not nearly as raucous as I expected until the second half. On defensive possessions, there was pretty much no noise being made in the first half, and it was a bit disappointing. In fact, a group of Purdue students compiled three rows at the very top of the arena, and they were making a similar amount of noise when the Boilermakers were on defense. The crowd knows when to get behind their team, but don’t necessarily do so in a big way. I know against teams that are better than Purdue, the Kohl Center is a lot louder. Still, the fans could have been much more involved in the game in the first half. When the Badgers were down and trying to gain momentum, though, the Kohl Center got loud. They sensed when they needed to be on their feet and when their Badgers needed a little boost. I did ask someone just walking around a couple of questions about where to go for food and for a certain section, and the group of three stopped and helped me. The fans are nice enough where you can sit anywhere in the arena and be able to strike up a conversation about the game with whoever you’re next to. Something else that was underrated for me was the lack of movement during timeouts and the game. Fans are here to watch Badgers basketball and they focus on that. Even during media timeouts, there were not that many fans moving around to go to the bathroom or get food. One thing I did like and took note of at the Kohl Center was the organization of the fans. During some timeouts and songs played by the band and those played by the arena, fans were synchronized in their movements and also looked like they were always on the same page. For me, that’s what it should be like at a college basketball game. Wisconsin is a football school. Two friends of mine who recently graduated told me they would always do anything to go to a football game, but just going to a bar to watch the game on TV was sufficient for them for the men’s basketball team. That showed during my visit. Access 5 You will not have trouble finding parking around the Kohl Center, and you’re unlikely to have to pay more than $15. The lot I parked in was about two blocks from the arena, and I know there were plenty of other places to park within four or five blocks of the arena. Return on Investment 4 For a game against one of the lower teams of the Big Ten (one that is toward the bottom of the Big Ten standings) the cheapest ticket will be between $15 and $20. For bigger games, it may cost double that just to get into the arena. Still, you feel like part of a big family at the Kohl Center so it will be a unique experience and worth it. Extras 3 The Kohl Center really is a nice arena. It is built to keep all of the noise in the building and toward the court, and it is right in the middle of the campus. There may be not much to it as an arena, but the game presentation was good for me, as they had a lot of interaction with students for in-game contests and also focused on the band and cheerleaders. Once again, that’s refreshing for a college game. Through the front entrance, you find the Dale Chihuly glass sculptures, known as the Mendota Wall (representing nearby Lake Mendota). It’s a beautiful piece of art, even if you don’t know about Murano-style glass. Final Thoughts It’s a big arena to just host college basketball and hockey. When you are outside the Kohl Center, you probably think it’s the size of an NBA arena. While the capacity isn’t necessarily as high as a professional arena, the Kohl Center still is a large arena for college athletics. On the right day, it’s a great arena and a wonderful experience for any college basketball fan.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 WIN Entertainment Centre Cnr Crown St & Harbour St Wollongong, NSW 2500 Australia Illawarra Hawks website WIN Entertainment Centre website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,000 Basketball in the Gong The WIN Entertainment Centre (WEC) is located in the heart of Wollongong. It was opened in 1998 and has a capacity of approximately 6,000 for basketball. The Centre hosts numerous events and concerts in addition to basketball and sits in a picturesque location directly across from Wollongong’s City Beach. With WIN Stadium next door, the area is a focus for sport and entertainment. Recently there has been a push to revamp the WEC into a major convention centre. Wollongong, known colloquially as The Gong , is a coastal city just south of Sydney and the major centre of the Illawarra region. The Illawarra is a narrow strip of land with the coast on one side and an escarpment on the other, creating an attractive geographical setting. The area has a strong working class background in coal mining, steel, manufacturing, and stevedoring. However Wollongong is slowing moving towards a more service based economy, led by the University of Wollongong and a growing culture of innovation, particularly in IT. The Hawks entered Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) in 1979 and are the last remaining foundation club. Previously known as the Illawarra Hawks, the club has experienced moderate success over the years with a championship in 2001. The club is owned by the local community and has experienced several tough financial periods throughout its history. The Hawks are currently the only local team in a top-level national professional sporting league and as such traditionally receive strong local support. Food & Beverage 3 There are several food stands available around the WEC. Hot food items include nachos ($8.80), pulled beef roll ($8.70), chicken wings ($8.30), and hot chips. Sandwiches ($6.80) along with chips and chocolates are also available. Popcorn and ice cream stands are also located inside the arena. Drinks can be purchased from the bar with Pure Blonde ($7.30), Carlton ($6.80), Victoria Bitter ($6.50), wine by the glass ($4.10), Strongbow ($8.20), Smirnoff ($11.40), Jim Beam ($11.40) and Canadian Club ($11.40) among the options available. Soft drinks (Coke products), water, and coffee are also on offer. Be aware that while not all food stands are in operation, those that are sufficiently service the level of crowds that the Hawks currently attract. The food and beverage options are adequate, but if you are after something more substantial I suggest visiting one of the many local restaurants before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The Hawks have a proud history in the Illawarra. They set the scene well with activities set up around the entrance to the arena. It is a pleasant place to be with a buzz around the area and the beach across the road. Hawks games are generally family friendly with many children in attendance. The Hawks have retired five numbers and these are displayed, along with their Championship banner. There are video boards at either end of the arena that display scores and statistics. Throughout the game the crowd is kept engaged in the contest by enthusiastic announcers, the Hawks Cheer Girls and Junior Cheer Squad, and contests involving fans. The Hawks have two mascots; Moe Hawk and Tomma Hawk. I recommend getting to the game early to watch the warm up and walk around the arena before taking your seat. Both teams are introduced prior to tip off and enter with a “bang.” The Hawks also have a tradition whereby the crowd is encouraged to stand and clap until the away team scores a basket. All seats in the house are offering clear views with good opportunity to move around and take advantage of different viewpoints. The crowd does get quite rowdy at times, and are especially parochial. The WEC is an enjoyable and vibrant place to see a basketball game, especially when the Hawks are winning and they are drawing big crowds. However, during the 2013 season the Hawks are drawing just over 2,000 per game, which hurts the overall atmosphere somewhat. Neighborhood 5 Despite its working class origins, the CBD of Wollongong is undergoing a transformation with a growing trend towards small boutique bars, cafes and outdoor entertaining. Nearby Crown Street Mall is being renovated to make the major shopping centre in Wollongong a more vibrant and modern space. Options for dining and entertainment are plentiful. Corrimal St is home to many restaurants, cafes and pubs. Some of the newer hip destinations include Dagwood, and His Boy Elroy. The North Wollongong Hotel (the “North Gong”), a short drive away, is always a popular choice of pub for locals. The WEC complex itself also includes the Illawarra Brewery; a modern space with dining and bars offering a choice of nine handcrafted beers brewed on site. In addition, two new restaurants have opened beneath the new grandstand in the adjacent WIN Stadium; Chargoal (Mediterranean) and Char Char Bar & Grill (Modern Australian and South African). A couple of my personal local favourites include Gigi’s Restaurant and Bar (Italian), Ghedias (Indian), and Cold Rock Ice Creamery (desserts). For those travelling from out of town, Wollongong is a great destination. Two major hotels are located close by; the Chifley, and the Novotel at North Beach. The “Blue Mile,” which stretches from Flagstaff Hill to North Beach, highlights the stunning coastline. The area has numerous surf beaches as well as the sheltered Belmore Basin for those looking to enjoy the water. While the two major hotels in the area are the Chifley and the Novotel Northbeach, there are also numerous motels, rental apartments, and caravan parks offering accommodation. Fans 4 While Hawks fans are devoted and support their team well, there has been a decline in attendance in recent times. Although long-serving stalwarts Glen Saville and Mat Campbell have recently retired, fans still connect well with favourite players such as Larry Davidson and Tyson Demos. Wollongong is proud of the Hawks and the crowd is generally quite vocal in support of their town and team. This is especially the case when they play arch rival, the Sydney Kings. Additionally, many attendees sport Hawks merchandise. The crowd is generally well natured, and are loud. The fans know the players and follow the game intently. The Hawks would be hoping to improve their on-court performance to attract more of the locals back to their games. Access 4 The WEC is relatively easy to access given its central Wollongong location. Parking is adequate. Free parking in the CBD area fills very quickly although I’d suggest trying the Burelli St car park as you might get lucky. There are several paid parking options close by. The Stewart St car park charges $5 for events and is only a short walk away. Driving or walking is probably your best option although Wollongong Train Station is about a 15 minute walk away. The Illawarra is accessed via several major roads. If you are heading south from the M1 (F6) freeway, then it connects the region with Sydney. From Western Sydney the M7 links with the Hume Hwy (M31) and Appin Rd or Picton Rd. While in most cases the drive is quite easy, an accident or holiday traffic can cause massive delays. If you are driving from Sydney, allow some extra time just in case, and choose your game carefully. Once inside the venue it’s quite easy to move around both the exterior and interior of the arena. Restrooms are easy to locate, relatively large, and clean. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for adults range from $25 to $95, with discount opportunities for children, students, pensioners, and families. Pricing is reasonable and is comparable with other NBL venues. It’s great to be at floor level, but even if price is an issue, then the cheaper seats still provide a good view and allow you to experience the vibe of a Hawks game. Extras 3 The Hawks are very active in the local community and work hard to engage and energise the area, for which they deserve recognition. There is a well-stocked team store within the Centre with numerous items available for purchase. An extra point is also awarded for the stunning views around the area – particularly if you are travelling from outside the region in order to attend a game. It’s worth taking the time to stop at one of the lookouts above the escarpment which affords magnificent views of the Pacific coastline – pull over at Bulli Tops before you ascend down the Pass or Mt Ousley. Final Thoughts A Hawks game at WIN Entertainment Centre is always fun. They’re a community club and their game day experience reflects that passion that locals have for their club.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Stadio Libero Liberati Viale dello Stadio Terni, Italy 05100 Italy Ternana Calcio website Stadio Libero Liberati website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 20,095 As the World Terni In 1926, Libero Liberati, world champion motorcyclist in 1957, was born in Terni, in Umbria. The stadium where the Ternana Football plays their home games was named for the city’s native son. Designed by engineer Leopoldo Barruchello in 1961, Stadio Libero Liberati was inaugurated on August 24, 1969 with the friendly match between Ternana and Brazilian team Palmeiras. Ternana Calcio has only briefly climbed as high as Serie A, so the facility has hosted the top tier of Italian football only in the seasons 1972/1973 and 1974/1975. In 1974 the venue was expanded with the construction of the Curva San Martino, the section that today is reserved for supporters of the opposing team. The stadium currently has a capacity of just over 20,000 seats, all strictly to sit. The fans most fondly remember the following the coaches and players of Ternana who have made the history at the Stadio Libero Liberati: Edmondo Fabbri, Cesare Maldini, Corrado Viciani, and Franco Selvaggi (Selvaggi being a part of the Italian world championship team from 1982). The Italian National Team has played two matches at the Stadio Libero Liberati over the years: Italy vs Belgium 0-0 on February 13, 1991 and Italy vs Wales 3-0 on January 24, 1996. Food & Beverage 2 Inside the ground, on the side of the Tribuna A, there is a bar and a hospitality area. In the bar you can buy coffee, tea, fruit juices, Coke, chips, popcorn (€ 2 each), sandwiches (€ 3), and other sweet and salted snacks. The hospitality area is managed directly by Ternana Football. Around the stadium, in addition, there are peddlers of sandwiches. Atmosphere 3 The Stadio Libero Liberati looks like certain grounds of South America. The facility is formed by three rings placed one over the other, and it’s entirely uncovered. Before the construction of the Curva San Martino, the steps were interrupted at the two curves. The seats in each ring are painted with the colors of Ternana Football, red and green. On the outside walls there are some murals remembering the Chilean coup of 1973. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the district of Dalmazia-San Martino, about 2 km from the center of Terni. The facility and pitch can be glimpsed through the trees that line the Viale dello Stadio. Not far from the stadium, there is a communal swimming pool. Located along Viale dello Stadio is also the Ternana Store, where you can buy official merchandise in red and green. Fans 3 Long-time fans of Ternana Football still occupy Curva Est, however in the last several years, some fans have also moved to the Curva Nord. Fans cheer on their team with the cry “Fere! Fere!” (meaning “beast”), holding banners and waving red and green flags. The most heartfelt challenge is against Perugia, the defined derby of Umbria. There are also strong rivalries with Roma , Lazio , Napoli, Salerno, Fiorentina , Empoli , and Latina . Access 4 The Stadio Libero Liberati is about 2 km from the railway station. By car, coming from the A1 motorway, take the exit Orte and then take the SS675 that connects Terni to Viterbo. Arriving near Terni, fans can just follow the signs “Stadio” or the signs depicting a soccer ball. There is an ample availability of parking around the ground. Return on Investment 4 For the Serie B season 2013/2014 tickets range from a minimum €7 for the reduced ticket in Curva, to a maximum of €30 for seats in the Tribuna. Extras 2 The Roman Amphitheatre, built in 32 A.D. and numerous buildings erected in medieval times, still are present in the city and certainly are worth the time to visit if you are able. The delicious local gastronomic products are worth an extra point as well. From bread of Terni (characterized by the absence of salt in the dough) to ciriole (handmade spaghetti) there is plenty to like to eat while in Terni.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Androscoggin Bank Colisee 190 Birch St Lewiston, ME 04240 Androscoggin Bank Colisee website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 4,000 Temporary Home for the Pirates The Androscoggin Bank Colisee, formerly known as the Central Maine Youth Center, is perhaps best known as the site of one of sport’s most iconic photographs, that of Muhammad Ali (at the time known as Cassius Clay) standing over Sonny Liston, taunting Liston after knocking him down during their heavyweight championship boxing match on May 25, 1965. Although the Colisee is located in the small city of Lewiston, it has hosted its share of notable teams and events. The Maine Nordiques of the long-defunct North American Hockey League called the Colisee home from 1973 to 1977, and the Lewiston Maineiacs of the Quebec Major Junior League played here from 2003-2011. In addition, the Colisee has hosted the NCAA Division III Frozen Four and annually hosts the Maine High School State Championships. The Boston Celtics would regularly play exhibition games here during the 1960’s. As mentioned before, the Heavyweight Championship of the world was decided here in 1965. The Portland Pirates came to the Colisee as an interim tenant while their home rink, the Cumberland County Civic Center, was renovated following the 2013 American Hockey League playoffs. Renovations were to be so extensive as to make the rink unavailable until well into the 2013-2014 season. Originally, the Pirates were to begin the season with a road-heavy schedule, playing their first 13 home games in Lewiston. However, a contact dispute between the Pirates’ ownership and the CCCC board of trustees over concession revenues forced the team to look for a temporary home for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season. In stepped the Colisee, providing the Pirates with a consistent home in the Portland area for the entire season. As of this writing of this review in December, no resolution to the contract dispute has been reached, leaving the future of the Pirates very much in doubt. Food & Beverage 3 For an arena of its size, the Colisee has more variety in its concessions than one might expect. Still, the menu does not vary too far from standard arena fare. Recent renovations included the addition of the new Tim Horton Food Court, where the hungry hockey fan can purchase hot dogs ($3), chicken nuggets ($5), hamburgers ($3.50), pizza slices ($3.50), as well as various sides and snacks. Pepsi products are featured here, with 16 ounce bottles selling for $2. For fans seeking adult beverages can find pony-sized cans of Miller Lite ($4), Sam Adams ($5), and Labatt Blue ($7) at the pizza stand. Other stands sell Dippin’ Dots and pretzels for fans looking for snacks. There is a small souvenir stand near the entrance to the arena, selling a nice variety of Pirates gear. Atmosphere 3 The Colisee does not offer anything out of the ordinary as far as game presentation goes. The typical arena rock music blares from the speakers during play stoppages, and there is an emcee roaming the arena giving away items to fans and chatting with players during intermissions. The Pirates hold 50/50 and jersey raffles during each game. The mascot, Salty Pete, is available throughout the game for photo ops with young fans. For the most part, fans here are quiet and respectful. It is possible to hear the players barking out instructions to each other throughout the game, as it is very quiet in the Colisee during game play. Unfortunately, the game atmosphere at the Colisee lacks much of the passion and edge that was present at the CCCC. An interesting aspect of the Colisee’s physical layout is the fact that the locker rooms are quite small, especially by today’s standards. This requires the visiting team to spill out past the constraints of the locker room into the hallway under the stands for their exercise bikes, glove racks, skate sharpeners, and other equipment. Fans walking in this area are likely to run into several members of the visiting squad going through their pre-game routines. While this is a charming, old-school type of quirk, it can only be viewed as a nuisance for the players. The Pirates are a team in limbo for the 2013-2014 season. As a result, the front office is in the unenviable position of trying to market the team to what is potentially a lame-duck market while trying not to alienate their traditional fan base. While attending a Pirates game at the Colisee, it is clearly evident that all references to the city of Portland have been removed from uniforms, team gear, literature, and in-game announcements. Neighborhood 2 Lewiston is the second largest city in Maine, located 45 minutes northwest of Portland. Its twin city, Auburn is located across the Androscoggin River, and the two cities are usually linked together as a single entity. The combined population of Lewiston/Auburn is roughly 60,000, making it one of the smaller cities in the American Hockey League. The Colisee is located on the outskirts of the downtown area of Lewiston, a former industrial city on the Androscoggin River. Like many similar cities in the northeast, the downtown area suffered from neglect once the economy faded and businesses closed. The area around the arena is mostly residential, with businesses concentrated along the riverfront. Fans looking for dining options or lodging in the immediate vicinity of the Colisee will be disappointed, as there is nothing to be found right next to the arena. With Bates College located less than a mile away, the lack of any eateries was fairly surprising. Fans willing to take a short drive to the riverfront in Lewiston or across the river into Auburn will be rewarded by several dining options. In particular, the area around the Auburn mall features several national chain restaurants and hotel chains for the out of town hockey fan. Most fans will opt to stay in Portland, where the options are much more plentiful. Fans 2 It is a difficult task to assess and grade Pirates fans at this point. Even though the Pirates have committed to play the entire 2013-2014 season in Lewiston, their immediate future is still very much in limbo. Lewiston is located only a 45 minute drive from the Pirates’ fan base in Portland, yet very few of the fans make the drive north on I-95 on a regular basis. Likewise, fans in Lewiston have been slow to embrace the Pirates, as they are most likely only a temporary stop for the team. The Pirates have averaged only 2500 fans per game through the first three months of the season, ranking the team only 29th out of the 30 AHL teams. The Pirates had a relatively small season ticket holder base while playing in Portland, and less than half of these season ticket holders have renewed their plans for the year in Lewiston. Access 2 Interstate 95 runs through Lewiston, connecting travelers to Bangor, located two hours to the north, Portland, 45 minutes to the south, and points beyond. The city of Boston is only a two hour drive from Lewiston. The Oak Street Bus Station offers routes to Bangor and Boston, at which point travelers can connect to other destinations. Although there is a small airport in Auburn, most travelers will choose to fly out of the nearby Portland International Jetport. The Colisee is located at the edge of the downtown district, and the traveling hockey fan will need to wind through the city streets for approximately a mile before coming to the arena. There are three small lots adjacent to the Colisee for events, and they are more than adequate for a typical Pirate crowd. In addition, there is on-street parking available in the immediate vicinity of the arena, and many locals choose this parking option. The Box Office is located in an enclosed area at the entrance to the arena. Once inside, fans climb a narrow stairway to enter the newly renovated concourse/food court area. This area contains the majority of the food stands, a small pro shop, and a skate shop. Fans can access the seating area by passing through two vomitories, one on either side of the rink. There is a walkway in the front of the seating bowl that runs around the entire rink. Seats in the first couple of rows can offer obstructed views due to fans passing directly in front of these seats. Luckily, Maine fans know their hockey etiquette and rarely move about during play. Seats consist of individual wooden seats, except for the four corner sections, which consist of metal bleachers without seat backs. The last two rows of the seating bowl are plastic benches which have been crammed into a small space in an attempt to increase capacity. Fans should avoid these seats whenever possible. Bathrooms are located underneath the seating bowl, accessible by narrow hallways which run parallel on both sides of the rink. There are a men’s and women’s room on each side of the arena. The bathrooms are cramped, but adequate for the size of the crowds at the Colisee. Fans requiring handicapped seating will be pleasantly surprised by their seating location at the Colisee. Due the the age and layout of the arena, handicapped seating is located directly on the glass! Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Pirates games cost $12 for adults, and $10 for children and seniors. Purchasing your ticket on game day will add an extra $2 to your price. Parking in the lots adjacent to the arena costs $3, although on-street parking is plentiful and free right next to the Colisee. Many locals choose this option rather than spend the extra cash. With inexpensive concessions, affordable ticket prices, and cheap parking, going to a Pirates game will not break the bank. Extras 2 For fans interested in the history of the Colisee, there is a reproduction of newspaper articles from the Heavyweight Championship fight held here in 1965. Included in this exhibit is the photograph of Muhammad Ali towering over a fallen Sonny Liston after knocking him out in the first round of their bout. It is one of the most iconic sports photographs of all time, and it is amazing to think the fight took place in an arena so far off the beaten path. This exhibit is worth a look for any sports fan. A second extra point is awarded for the old-timey feel of a game at the Colisee. It’s not often that fans can get as close to the players during their pregame routines as is possible here. With hockey players being the friendly and accommodating people they are, it is entirely possible for fans to get up close and personal and have conversations with their favorite players before they take the ice. Final Thoughts What’s next for the Pirates? In its current configuration, the Colisee does not measure up as a venue for this level of hockey, and cannot be considered to be a long-term home for the Pirates. As of this writing, there are several rumored potential future homes for Portland’s hockey team: The Pirates and the Cumberland County Civic Center work out a lease agreeable to both parties, and the Pirates move back into downtown Portland next season. Enter into a partnership with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA’s Developmental League on the long-awaited Thompson Point Project, allowing the Pirates to move back within Portland City Limits. The Pirates break ground on a new arena in suburban Saco, adjacent to their current practice facilities. The Androscoggin Bank Colisee undergoes extensive renovations which allow the Pirates to remain in Lewiston. The Pirates team with interests in neighboring Biddeford to build a casino/arena complex. All of these potential sites are located within Portland’s established territory, so Pirate fans need not fear that the Pirates will be moving out of Maine anytime soon. Still, you never know… Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Stephen Schmidt , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Houck Field 1117 Broadway St Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Southeast Missouri Redhawks website Houck Field website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 11,126 A Neighborly Nest Chris Crockett speaks from experience. As an avid Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks fan, he and his wife have traveled to every fellow Ohio Valley Conference stadium — and anywhere else their beloved Skyhawks have played over the past seasons. “The best atmosphere in the conference,” Crockett says while standing near the sidelines of Southeast Missouri State University’s Houck Stadium, “and we go everywhere.” The venue opened back in 1930 at a cost of a whopping $150,000. It was built on top of rock quarry and named after Louis Houck, a philanthropic railroad pioneer known as the “Father of Southeast Missouri”. Its only downside, according to Crockett, was the difficulty of actually getting into it. That’s largely due to the fact that most SEMO fans are not extremely interested in entering the stadium, which has the official name of Missouri National Guard Field at Houck Stadium. Not with free beer to be consumed (see below) and an overall communal tailgating experience taking part right outside its gates. The pre-game scene reflects the region’s congruence of Midwestern politeness and Southern hospitality. Food & Beverage 3 There’s nothing highly exotic to write about here. The stadium offers the standard fare (hamburgers for $4, cheeseburgers for $4.50, nachos for $3.50, hot dogs for $3, pretzels for $2.15) with Pepsi products to help wash them down. Other popular items are cheese-stuffed Bosco Sticks for $5. The stands do offer Culver’s frozen custard for $4 for those warm games in the early part of the season. No food or drink is allowed into the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere can best be described as intimate — both before and during the game. Picture a large high school stadium carved into a hillside neighborhood with a large tailgating party right outside. From the file under “Something you don’t see everyday,” fans with a ticket to the game can wait in line and receive two small pink raffle-type tickets that are good for two cups of beer as a promotion with local distributors. This has been going on for years as a way to help foster discretion among those of age. On this night in fall 2013, cups of Coors Light were on the house as fans walked around a portion of Bellevue Street that was closed off to vehicles. A carnival-like scene unfurled with various vendors setting up shop next to a large tent featuring live music and lots of friendly fans scattering in between with free beer in hand. “This is Family Weekend, so we’re a little more chill,” said one female student, who added that the atmosphere can be much more rowdy for homecoming. Her advice to an out-of-towner? “Just come and be outgoing.” Wearing black and red wouldn’t hurt either. Although the Bellevue Block Party is just a few feet from the stadium, the party does not stop for a few lucky boosters who don’t mind spending $1,000 and more for the right to tailgate in the stadium’s eastern end zone. “It used to be first-come, first-served and it got a little out of control, so we had to put some parameters on it,” said one SEMO representative. Fans have the option to sit a few feet from the back of the end zone, separated by a concrete curb. Before FieldTurf was installed in 2010, though, fans were able to sit even closer as the grass went right up to the edge of the field — but the arrangement was a little dangerous when it came to players accidentally colliding into fans. Those gathered by the grills and tents are still really close to the action. “Now you’ll have to let us know if you run into any next-to-field tailgating anywhere else in the country. I’ve got to imagine this is really unique,” said another school representative. Pat Ruopp, a SEMO alumnus and a long-time fan, stood just a few feet from the goal post next to a table loaded with picnic food. “We’re all just here to just to have a good time and to have fun…people like football here. They enjoy football and this makes a great opportunity for people to come together.” Neighborhood 4 The stadium is a short walk from Broadway Street, which offers a good array of restaurants and bars. Two popular eateries are Burrito-Ville for those looking for a quick Mexican bite or Pagliai’s Pizza & Pasta (try the Meat Extravaganza) for Italian enthusiasts. Right next door to Pagliai’s is a sports bar called D’Ladium’s — or “D’Lads” by the locals — that features relics of SEMO’s athletic history. Further down the street is Broadway Biergarten, a popular place to down a stein or two, and The Last Call, which has an expansive outdoor patio area. Those who are little more adventurous can walk 10 minutes down the road and take a right onto Main Street, where a number of other options can be found including two live music venues, Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine and Rude Dog Pub. Cape Girardeau is a charming town that has stretches of streets that mirror its riverboat roots. In fact, it’s so charming that at the time of my visit in October 2013, a major studio film, Gone Girl based off a best-selling suspense novel and starring the likes of Ben Affleck, Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry, had recently started using the town as its primary filming location. The film should be released in 2015. Fans 4 On the night of my most recent visit, there was a late arriving crowd, but it’s hard to blame them given that there was free beer, live music, and beautiful weather. A large walk-up crowd snaked around the front gates well into the meat of the first quarter, but the main southern side eventually filled up and grew very loud when the Redhawks did anything remotely positive with the football. There are plenty of seating options on the smaller northern side where the SEMO students are situated. It should be noted that the northwest corner of the northern side is the one part of the stadium where one cannot see the only scoreboard in the facility, so if you want to keep up with game, avoid these seats. The fans are very friendly and approachable. Access 3 Parking is a tad difficult given that are no large parking lots nearby. There is ample free street parking nearby on surrounding streets, which feel completely safe. I parked a couple of blocks from the stadium just 30 minutes before kickoff. There are only two men’s and two women’s restrooms in the venue — one on each side. The main men’s room is large enough with a good-old trough arrangement, making it easy to get in and get out. The bathroom on the north side is underneath the stands near the east end zone, which makes it a bit of pain to access if you’re coming from the other side of the stands. Return on Investment 4 Two words: Free beer. That aspect alone creates a high ROI. Furthermore, ticket prices are very reasonable with $10 for reserved seats and $8 for general admission. Throw in the fact that food costs are very reasonable and street parking is free, and a Redhawks football game becomes a great entertainment value. Extras 3 One point is awarded for a having very friendly and accommodating staff and the overall communal affability of the entire experience. Two points are awarded for the two free beer tickets (one for each ticket).

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Liberty Stadium Landore Swansea, Wales SA1 2FA United Kingdom Swansea City AFC website Liberty Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 22,500 The Power in the Gower Swansea City’s rise through the English football leagues from near extinction in 2003 to establishing themselves in the Premiership, winning the League Cup in 2013, and playing in Europe is one of the most gratifying stories in recent years. At the same time, they have left their cozy, but rundown former home of the Vetch Field to move to the purpose-built, council-owned 22,500 Liberty Stadium that they share with the local rugby team The Ospreys. Despite being the smallest capacity in the Premier League, it is a compact, comfortable, and clean stadium that more than suits the needs of the highest-place supporter-owned club in the English League pyramid. Food & Beverage 4 The Liberty Stadium supplies the usual standard grub of beer, soda, hot dogs, meat pies, chocolate, and chips; combinations of the above come in special £5 ($8) combo deals. For something more exotic a few curry outlets are providing a tasty and not-too-spicy chicken curry and rice for £6 ($9). Atmosphere 5 Swansea’s rise through the leagues has been built on a possession-based passing game. Despite changing managers during their rise, their owners have insisted on maintaining the quick passing style that has won them friends and plaudits galore and brought comparisons to Spain and Barcelona’s tikka-tikka style. As such, the fans demand good football and respond vocally when it occurs. The Liberty fills up quickly and thanks to clever ticketing policies it is rare that the attendance isn’t close to capacity. As such, there is usually a rollicking good atmosphere, with the very best coming when their South Wales rivals Cardiff City make the short trip along the coast. Neighborhood 3 Across the road from the stadium is where the real action takes place; Rossi’s Fish and Chip Bar. The family-run business was already well-known in the area but bought new premises in 2005. A few weeks later the new stadium opened across the road and business has boomed ever since. A good-sized piece of fish and all the chips you can eat to take away will set you back £7 ($11), though it is slightly more to eat in at the 48-seat restaurant. For more sophisticated dining try La Parrilla down at the restored Swansea Bay Docks selling all manner of Mediterranean-inspired dishes; a main with starter or dessert plus wine will work out at about £25 ($41) per head. For post-match festivities head to Wind Street in the Mediterranean-inspired center of town which is jam-packed with pubs and nightclubs that stay open late into the night and do a roaring trade on Friday and Saturday nights. As with most new-built stadiums, there isn’t a great deal to do around the stadium apart from the odd shop and fast food restaurant. While it is neither salubrious nor dangerous, it is just lacking any real options for something to do. Much better to jump in a taxi (£7, $11) or catch a bus and head back into town to find something going on; on a good day the seafront provides a great option to stretch the legs or go for the dip, or there is the well-known picturesque village of Mumbles a few miles round the coast to enjoy. Fans 4 Swansea City fans are appreciative of the good football that they play and are well aware of how close to going over the edge they came. As such, they are very friendly and always up for some good-natured banter with opposing fans, though Cardiff City is the one set of supporters that can stir their ire. Furthermore, as a supporter-run club, they are looked after by their own and as such their needs and wants are listened to by those in power and acted upon. In all, it makes up for a very good fan experience. Access 3 Swansea train station is on the main west line out of London and a 10-minute ride in a taxi from there to the Liberty Stadium will set you back about £7 ($11). Trains from London take about three hours and return costs around £60 ($98), but make sure you book up early as prices rise steeply. Numerous buses also run from the city center, with the 4, 120, 125, and X20 the best options. If driving, Swansea is off junction 45 of the M4 motorway that runs west from London and takes about three and a half hours on a good day. Once off the motorway, follow the A4067 towards the city center and then follow the signs. Parking is available but limited both in the stadium car parks at £6 ($9) and on the nearby streets. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are about average for the Premier League and come in two bands. Category A matches are priced at £45 ($73) for adults and £22.50 ($38) for concessions (over-60s, U16son, and students). They include fixtures against Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, adults, and Tottenham Hotspur. Category B games come priced at £35 ($57) for adults and £17.50 ($28). Extras 3 The local rugby team, The Ospreys, competes in the Heineken European Cup and the Pro 12, a league featuring clubs from Ireland, Italycompetes, and Scotland. They feature, several Welsh internationals and have a reputation for entertaining rugby; tickets cost £28 ($46) for adults and £20 ($32) for concessions. As ever there is a club shop that features all the usual paraphernalia of both Swansea City and the Ospreys. Keep an eye out for the discount rail where last season’s gear has been knocked down to more affordable prices. There are also tours available of the Liberty Stadium, check the website for details. Final Thoughts Swansea City fans have known what it has been like to suffer through lean years and also know what it’s like to revel in glory seasons. You can’t break the heart and souls of its fans and supporters. Liberty Stadium is providing a fitting symbol for their continuing rise.

Photo courtesy David Wilson, UNCG Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 UNCG Baseball Stadium Kenilworth St & Theta St Greensboro, NC 27412 UNC Greensboro Spartans website UNCG Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,500 No Spartan Accommodations When most people hear of the University of North Carolina, their minds immediately turn to Chapel Hill. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, though, was founded in 1891, and is quite the successful academic and athletic institution in its own right. Though the school served for over 70 years as an all-female institution, the student body has been co-educational for five decades. UNCG has also seen its share of success on the athletic fields. The Spartan baseball team defeated in-state foe (and then-number one) North Carolina several years ago in front of the home fans in Greensboro. UNCG has also seen considerable success in soccer and basketball, both within the Southern Conference and on a national level. The baseball victory over North Carolina took place — as do all the Spartan home games — at UNCG Baseball Stadium. This on-campus facility saw its first pitch in 1999, and has earned acclaim from numerous sources. The stadium’s facade seems a bit nondescript upon approach, and there are only approximately 900 fixed seats, but the ballpark is beautiful and spacious. Food & Beverage 3 The lone concession stand is on the concourse behind the plate, and the offerings sold from the stand are what one would expect from a “mid-major” program. The lone entree choice is a hot dog, priced at $2. Snacks compose the remainder of the menu, with peanuts and popcorn (both $2), sunflower seeds, Cracker Jacks, chips and candy (all $1) helping to get fans through the game. The chips and candy do at least offer some variety, with four different candy brands and four different types of chips. Pepsi serves as the campus’ bottler, with 20-ounce bottled sodas and water available for $2. A cup of ice (should you require one) is $1, with hot chocolate also served for $1. Atmosphere 4 UNCG Baseball Stadium is near the entrance to the campus, so most of the view beyond the wall is that of trees and campus buildings. There is also a large parking deck beyond the wall in right field. This may not sound picturesque to most, but it looks a lot better than it sounds. The lone price fans pay for the nice view and the spacious concourse comes from an overall lack of shade in the park. There are small pockets of shade near the press box, restrooms and concessions building, along with a few areas shaded by the field house building down the right field line. A number of fans brought umbrellas to provide shade on the afternoon I visited, and despite the stadium’s policies outlawing umbrellas, no one gave those fans any problems. If you choose to bring an umbrella for an afternoon game, though, be aware that you may be asked to put it down. UNCG Baseball Stadium seats 3,500 fans, though just 889 of those fans have fixed seats. This did not appear to trouble many in attendance when I visited, however, as fans brought blankets to enjoy the berm areas or folding chairs to grab a seat on the concourse. The berm area is incredibly maintained, as is the playing surface. If sitting on grass is not a problem for you, this is one of the better parks I’ve seen in which to grab a spot on the berm. The UNCG dugout is on the first base side, if this helps your decision process. The scoreboard is located in right-center field, with a video and informational screen at the top. The screen displays a photo of the current batter or pitcher, along with updated season and in-game stats. The game’s line score, ball/strike/out indicators, number of the current batter and the current time are all on display in the portion below the video screen. The board can be a bit tough to see from some of the seats, depending on the angle of the sun. There is also a net in front of the scoreboard, which can obscure the board a bit if you are looking from the right field side. Neighborhood 4 UNC Greensboro is located near most of the action in the Gate City, just blocks from one of the main thoroughfares in the city (Lee Street) and the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. The school and stadium’s proximity to NewBridge Bank Park allows visitors to utilize many of the same downtown attractions and eateries. Most of these places are a mile or so from the park, so a car may be in order if you would rather not make the trek on foot. Jack’s Corner Mediterranean Deli is just across the street from the campus, and is a favorite of many locals. An interesting combination of Greek and American deli fare is offered, including gyros, kabobs, wraps and hoagies. Prices are quite reasonable, and the restaurant goes out of its way to fit into the university district. If a night on the town is not your speed, this is a great place to keep your evening relaxed and casual. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Greensboro go hand-in-hand, and though UNC Greensboro participates in the Southern Conference, a trip to the ACC Hall of Champions is certainly a nice way to spend a few hours. The Hall of Champions is located in the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, and features uniforms, photos and other items from the conference’s past. Fans of the region are sure to enjoy some of the conference’s great moments as vividly as they did when they first saw them take place. Admission is quite inexpensive, at $5 for adults and $3 for children (through age 12) or groups of four or more. Fans 3 Attendance was a bit sparse at the beginning of the game I attended, as the game’s start time was moved up two hours in anticipation of rain in the Triad region (which actually never arrived). As the game continued, though, fans started to arrive in greater numbers, eventually making for a fairly solid crowd. It is unlikely that UNCG would ever “sell out” (more on the reason for the quotation marks later) unless an opponent such as North Carolina visited, but those who do show up love their Spartans. The noise is not deafening, by any means, but there is enough blue and gold in the seats producing cheers at the appropriate times to let you know which is the home side. The level of support is about what one would expect and hope for at this level, though more fans in the stands would always be a nice thing. The quality of the facility is certainly worthy of a full house every night. Access 5 Lee Street is quite close to the university. Lee, US Highways 29, 70, 220 and 421 and North Carolina Interstates 40 and 85 all travel within a couple of miles of the campus, making for relatively easy ingress and egress. Most GPS systems find the stadium with little difficulty, though it is often labeled as simply “Baseball Stadium”. The intersections of Walker and Aycock (front entrance) or Kenilworth and Theta (rear entrance) will help you find the park with no problem. Parking is plentiful at the front entrance of the stadium, and there is no charge. Just as with any game on a college campus, though, be careful to pay attention to signs indicating the requirement of a permit, as well as dodging foul balls. If you have a stroller or other requirement for a ramp, use the rear (right field) entrance to the ballpark, as the front entrance features a large stairway. UNCG is also accessible via bus. The Greensboro Transit Authority operates bus service through the area and the city. Bus route 1 serves the campus, with the stop just outside the stadium’s gates at Walker and Aycock. The concourse is very wide — in fact, as wide as almost any you will find — and allows for plenty of room to walk, stand or sit. The entire area is open to the field, as well, which means the only time you miss any of the action is if you need to use the restroom. Regarding the restrooms, they are near the concession areas, with clean and updated facilities. Lines should be no problem, as there is enough room for most between-innings rushes. Return on Investment 5 I almost hesitate to mention this next detail, for fear it may change. There is no admission fee for UNCG games. It seems impossible with a facility this nice and well-maintained that there is no charge for a ticket, but this is certainly a nice surprise. With free parking, our usual test of a game ticket, parking, a hot dog and a soda comes in at just $4. This allows families of four to take a $20 bill to a game and come away with change. Any Division I baseball — especially baseball in the highly competitive Southern Conference — at this price point is well worth a visit. . Extras 3 UNCG has a marketing table set up along the concourse behind the plate. A small “program” is available at the table, including photos of the UNCG players and rosters of both teams. There is not much to the program, but it is free. Fans can also sign up to participate in the in-game promotions at the table. The back of the press box features a sculpture that is visible throughout the concourse. This artwork features several different scenes of players in action. The sculpture is called “Play at the Plate”, and was designed by Brad Spencer. There is also a field house down the first base line, which houses locker room and hitting areas for players, as well as offices for coaches. The advantage this provides to the fans is that there is a window through which fans can look and see the program’s trophy cases. It would be ideal if the university could provide a way to go inside and see these items, but the view through the window is at least somewhat unique. Final Thoughts UNCG Baseball Stadium is a relaxed facility, in more ways than one. There is plenty of room to stretch out, relax and enjoy the game without feeling cramped. There are also minimal intrusions from wacky sound effects and excess crowd noise. If you’re looking for a nicely-maintained facility that allows you to appreciate the outdoors and the national pastime, make a note to add a UNCG game to your travel itinerary.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadio Armando Picchi Piazzale Montello, 14 Livorno, Tuscany 5726 Italy AS Livorno Calcio website Stadio Armando Picchi website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 19,238 Livorno Legacy The Stadio Comunale Picchi is the main facility for football in Livorno city. The building houses the home matches of AS Livorno Calcio, a club that has existed for over 100 years, founded in 1915. Since 1990, the stadium is dedicated to Armando Picchi, born in Livorno and defender of the “Grande Inter” with which he won three national championships, two European titles, and two world titles for the club. Armando Picchi died prematurely at the age of 36, and he took his first steps as a professional football player wearing the shirt of Livorno. In the city, there is also a football team called Armando Picchi. The structure was designed and built for the return of AS Livorno in the Italian Serie A league, 1933/1934, and was originally named Stadio Comunale Edda Ciano Mussolini. The official inauguration took place on the occasion of Italian B vs Austria B match on March 24,1935. However, the first game played by the home team was Livorno vs Fiorentina, October 8, 1933, and finished with a score of 3-0. Turchi, on a free kick, was the first player to score a goal in the new stadium. During the end of World War II, American military troops in Italy (still not far from the city there is the American military “Camp Darby”) used the facility for football and baseball and called this venue Yankee Stadium. Since 2013, a part of the stadium, the staircase, is dedicated to Piermario Morosini, a player for AS Livorno Calcio who died in April 14, 2012, during the match against Pescara in Serie B. The stadium was designed by Raffaello Brizzi, head of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Florence, and it is the first public work built in reinforced concrete in Livorno. At the beginning of the 1980s, Torre di Maratona was demolished. Measures have been taken over the last decade to improve the safety and capacity of the system. Today, the total capacity of the Armando Picchi stadium is 19,238 spectators. Food & Beverage 3 Each sector of the Armando Picchi stadium has its own food court (including the reserved area for the visiting fans). Look for many of the offerings under the Tribuna Centrale. The menu offers everything from coffee to beer, from liqueurs (try the Ponce alla livornese, beverage derived from the punch) to Coke products. Then there are sandwiches, a variety of cakes, ice cream, and snacks. Atmosphere 3 Stadio Armando Picchi has a ring shape. The seating sections are divided into: Tribuna Vip, Tribuna Coperta, Tribuna Laterale, Curva Nord, Curva Sud, Gradinata, Tribunette di Gradinata, and Settore Ospiti. A glass fence runs all around the field, dividing the public from the players, but it does not restrict the view. Between the field and the stands is the old track for athletics built in 1987. The teams’ entrance takes place by a tunnel that opens between the playing field and the athletics track. The distance between the two stands and the field is about 10 meters. The distance between the two curves and the field is about 25 meters. The presence of old photos on the walls of AS Livorno Calcio and pennants of other teams that have played here help to create a nostalgic atmosphere under the Tribuna Centrale. Some of the preliminary soccer matches for the 1960 Rome Olympics were held in this venue, adding to the historic significance (Yugoslavia won the gold medal for football for these games). Neighborhood 3 The stadium is not far from the city center, about 20 minutes when walking. I recommend that you eat a typical dish while in Livorno, the cacciucco for example, after the match. Cacciucco is a soup with different types of fish, and is a staple of Livorno. Stadio Comunale Armando Picchi is in the Ardenza neighborhood, the southern suburbs of the city and the area where the major sports facilities of Livorno (including the Ippodromo Caprilli and the Palasport Macchia) are located. The area is characterized by numerous elegant villas with two or three floors above which stand out the unmistakable towers for stadium lighting. At about 500 meters from the stadium there is the Naval Academy, a school founded in 1881 where the officers of the Italian Navy are educated. In the neighborhood, there are many restaurants and pizzerias. Wander around and find a spot that suits you after the match. Fans 4 The most passionate fans of AS Livorno Calcio follow the matches from the Curva Nord. In this sector, you’ll find amaranth banners, flags, and scarves dominating the colorscape. Throughout the match, fans incite their favorites with chants and songs. The roar that the teams receive when they emerge from the tunnel before the match is tremendous. The stadium announcer gives the name of the home team goal-scorer, and that name is repeated in unison by the fans. The most strongly felt match is the Derby of Tirreno between Livorno and Pisa. Other rivalries exist with Roma , Lazio , and Milan . Access 4 Getting to Stadio Armando Picchi is quite simple. By car, coming to Livorno from the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno (FiPiLi) motorway or from the A12 (Genova-Roma), just follow the signs for Variante Aurelia and go toward Livorno Sud. There is no shortage of space to park the car from Viale Italia to Via Salvator Allende. Parking for Settore Ospiti is in Via dei Pensieri, located in the La Rosa neighborhood La Rosa. By public transport, buses leave to Ardenza from the Livorno Central Station. Return on Investment 4 In the city, there are seven official retailers from AS Livorno Calcio, but you can also buy tickets for Stadio Armando Picchi online. Ticket prices range from a minimum of €9 for Curva Nord, up to a maximum of €85 Euros for Tribuna Vip. Before each match, it is useful to check the club’s website to see if there are any reductions in pricing or special promotions. Extras 3 Livorno is one of the youngest cities in Tuscany, but there are places and buildings of interest. All of these sites help to make a trip to Livorno special. They are: – The Fortezza Vecchia, site of numerous cultural and musical events, and the Fortezza Nuova, with its public park. – The La Venezia neighborhood, built during the 17th Century, is crossed by canals to mimic the appearance of Venice. – The Terrazza Mascagni, with its checkered floor consisting of about 35,000 black and white tiles overlooking the sea, is well worth a visit for tourists, as well.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sapporo Dome Hitsujigaoka 1, Toyohira-ku Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0045 Japan Nippon Ham Fighters website Sapporo Dome website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 40,476 Fighting for Respect The Nippon Ham Fighters were formed in 1948 and spent 55 years in Tokyo, where they were always a distant second in popularity to the Yomiuri Giants. Fighters games often saw the Tokyo Dome nearly empty and the team could never win anything, save a Nippon Series in 1962. The club was widely ridiculed and the corporate owners realized that their brand might be suffering as a result. Fortunately, there was a savior. In 2001, the Sapporo Dome was built as one of the many stadiums that would be used in the 2002 World Cup. Based in the biggest city on the northern island of Hokkaido, it wanted a pro baseball team for the 2003 season, when it needed to fill up all those summer nights. Having had enough of being second fiddle in the capital, Nippon Ham were more than receptive to the proposal and decided to move the Fighters up north, re-branding the club in the process. The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters were born to overjoyed northerners who could finally call a ball team as their own. The players responded in turn, winning the Nippon Series in 2006 and making it back again as Pacific League champions in 2007 and 2009. The move to Hokkaido was unquestionably the best thing to happen to this club; the question now is how does the Sapporo Dome measure up against the Fighters’ former digs in Tokyo? Food & Beverage 5 Once you enter through your assigned gate, you will find yourself on the main concourse (1F), which is spacious and very clean. Most of the concessions are located here, although there are a few on the second floor as well. My recommendation is the Prince Hotel stand which had a good variety of smaller snacks that looked better than the KFC or Subway next to it. The fried chicken with black vinegar sauce was very nice, although it won’t come close to filling you up. As usual in Japan, it pays to walk around and check all the different options as there are about 20 different vendors each with multiple locations and each offering something unique. For example, one had a cucumber on a stick for those trying to stay healthy, while another boasted a very appetizing Hokkaido Steak Donburi. The Luna Creperie on the second floor seemed like a popular choice if you had a sweet tooth. There is a hot dog stand on the third floor behind center field but I had a look and the product was not tempting in the least. Stay on the first floor and you will be fine. One difference here is that you are not allowed to bring outside food in, so there are no vendors along the streets as you see in most other stadiums in Japan. I initially thought this to be a bad choice, but after sampling the reasonably priced fare inside, I can say it won’t make a difference. Beer is served continuously by vendors running up and down the aisles, and at 600 yen is somewhat cheaper here than elsewhere. If you want to sit down at a restaurant, Sports Stadium Sapporo is a full-service restaurant offering passable Hokkaido fare at reasonable prices. It also has a lot of memorabilia from international players that have visited and dozens of TV screens. Atmosphere 2 This is a cavernous place, the second largest dome in the country (behind only the Fukuoka Dome) and it was perhaps 35% filled at the most recent game I attended. As such, the atmosphere really suffered, there were your usual cheering sections, but they struggled to make much of a difference. There is a dance squad that performed a couple of times, including the Fighters’ traditional YMCA dance during the 5th inning break, but they couldn’t really get things going. The Fighters have an interesting balloon operation running here. Fans are given both blue and gold balloons. The blue ones are released in the 7th inning as is tradition, while the gold ones are saved for when the team wins. With a 3-1 lead, I saw many fans inflating their balloons, which I thought was a bit of a jinx move, but the Fighters prevailed. After the win there were a few fireworks as well, which sent fans home with some semblance of having had fun, but overall this place needs to be full to be exciting. Neighborhood 2 The dome is located about 10 minutes on foot south of Fukuzumi Station on the Toho subway line, which is itself about 15 minutes from downtown Sapporo. There are a couple of izakayas and a family restaurant on the way, but in reality this is one area you will be leaving immediately after the game. You’ll likely head to Susukino, Sapporo’s nightlife district with plenty of bars and clubs here to keep you busy. Hosui-Susukino is the nearest station and it is only five stops away from Fukuzumi. There is a small cafe near here called Hippies that offers a “dinch” menu after 5 pm. It is a quiet place that might make a good place to start before heading out on the town. Two bars of note are Rad Brothers, which caters to the foreign crowd although its reputation is that a spot for said crowd to meet the locals; and Locotonte, which has an all-you-can-drink night on Friday for just 2,000 yen. Fans 2 I expected more than just 15,000 to make it out to an early-season game, particularly with the lower priced tickets for this one, but looking at past seasons, it seems like the visiting Buffaloes are not a big draw, particular on a cold weekday evening. Still, those that did make it were particularly annoying, at least in my immediate vicinity. There were three women sitting two rows in front who kept chatting and moving around, blocking my view, the parents with their terribly agitated child who couldn’t sit still and kept kicking me, the dork with the tripod at the end of the row who forced people to climb over seats, and the old guy who came in the 5th inning and sat next to me before proceeding to suck on a toothpick for the rest of the evening. Finally, there was the know-it-all a few rows back whose taunts to the home players got increasingly loud and obnoxious as the game and his beer consumption went on. It’s unfair to punish the entirety of Fighters’ fandom (of which I am one from their days in Tokyo) due to a few bad apples, but I’m doing it anyway. They need more fans to go and actually watch the game! Access 4 Walking from the station is easy enough; you have to go over a bridge to cross the final street at which point you walk up some stairs and find yourself at the entrance to the North Gate. There are three gates in total, with the West and South Gates also open. Ticket windows, the fan club area, and the aforementioned Sports Stadium Sapporo restaurant are all inside the North Gate, which is open to the elements when you are waiting in line. The South Gate is also outdoors, but has nothing else of note. On the other hand, the West Gate is completely covered, so it makes sense to wait here if the doors to the stadium have yet to open, which they do 90 minutes before game time. Given that Sapporo can still be cold in April, they should really open gates 2 hours prior. This stadium is rare in Japan in that you can walk the entire way around without losing view of the field, but still you need to show your ticket before entering your particular aisle. Rows are numbered from field level to the top, with 76 being the highest. It is a long hike to the top so you better be in reasonable shape if that’s where you like to sit. The second floor (2F) is where you enter the seating area, which is marked by 118 aisles starting from center field and going clockwise. Some of these aisles are only accessible by bridges which provide a view of the main concourse below. After the game, there is a rush back to the subway station, but I found that it moved well and the train wasn’t that crowded. There are also shuttle buses to various other locations in the area, so if you are not staying downtown, you might want to check these out. Return on Investment 4 When you first lay eyes on the Sapporo Dome, you are likely to think that the city has been invaded by aliens. It is a large, silver, beetle-shaped structure with what appears to be a protruding nose (that’s the observation deck, which is not open during the game). Based atop a small hill, it is quite the arresting sight. After entering, I was heartened to see that there was no protective netting running down the lines. I hate obstructed views at sporting events and every other ballpark I’ve been to in Japan has some sort of screen that usually extends past the bases. I was sitting midway between home and first just three rows from the field and had an unobstructed view of the game. The only problem here is that this section is very moderately sloped, so my view was often blocked. The rest of the seating is very steep and you don’t have to worry about that sort of thing. The Fighters have three game categories and I was fortunate to see a Value Game with my SS seat only costing 3,500 yen. The same seat would have been 5,000 yen for a Regular game and 6,500 for Platinum, which is a bit much in my mind. My recommendation would be to stick with the SS category for the cheapest games, but try the A seats (or even C) for the other types. I never saw anyone checking tickets once you were inside the seating area, so it is possible you can sit where you want once the game has started, at least when it is so empty. The field seats are the most expensive but well down the line and protected by a screen and therefore should be avoided. Another seating area that is not for most is the “Cinderella seats,” which are the small pink section in some of the photos in the gallery. These are for women only, the catch being that they buy two seats for just slightly more than the price of one, the second seat to be used for their oversized bag. The scoreboard is average at best, and doesn’t have the typical layout that you see at other parks. It’s all electronic and rather cramped. With food and drink being reasonably priced and the Fighters being a competitive and likable team, as well as the great access here, the ROI gets 4 points. Extras 4 The West Gate has a number of interesting displays on the history of the Dome, including memorabilia from the 2002 World Cup, the Fighters and Consadole teams over the years, other sporting events that have been held there and even concert performers. Definitely stop by to take a look before you go in, because it is not accessible once you have entered the venue proper. If you bring gym clothes, you can work out at the Training Room, a full gym that costs only 500 yen per entry and is at one end of the West Gate. There is also a third floor above center field where the Kids Plaza is located. Anyone can walk up and take a look out, it is an impressive venue from this angle. The observatory is 53 meters above field level and is mildly interesting, but it is not open during the game. You can visit it during off-days or before noon if there is a night game, but at 500 yen, it is a bit much, especially as it costs about 500 yen in train fare to get there and back. If you are a stadium collector though, I recommend that you take the combination tour/observatory package for 1,200 yen (the tour alone is 1,000 yen), at least if you can understand Japanese. You get taken around the venue and can see the locker rooms and bullpen which is not visible from the seating area. Final Thoughts The Sapporo Dome is a unique venue in Japan as it can host both baseball and soccer on two different surfaces. Baseball games are played on artificial turf, while soccer uses a grass pitch that slides into and out of the stadium. This in itself is not unknown elsewhere; the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale also features a sliding surface. The conversion process takes about 8 hours from baseball to soccer and 13 hours in reverse, when the entire baseball turn must be re-laid. It is a technological marvel to watch this process in fast forward. After the baseball field is removed piece-by-piece and stored, the seats at one end fold into themselves as part of a moving wall. This wall is eventually opened and the soccer stage, which is the pitch resting on air, is slowly moved inside. Then the entire lower bowl is rotated 90 degrees to complete the switch. Due to the elimination of field level seats, the dome has a capacity of only 40,476 for baseball games compared to 41,484 for soccer. Unfortunately, it is unlikely you will see this process live, but the tour shows the 8-hour process in a 3- minute video. There are so many good things about the Sapporo Dome that I’d have to say it is the best domed stadium I have seen. That’s not damning with faint praise as you might think, this place really should be visited by any fan. The lack of fans and my poor luck in choosing a seating section will hurt the score here, but this place is really brilliantly designed and makes Sapporo a great sports destination. **Follow all of Sean MacDonald’s journeys at Sports Road Trips .

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Fukuoka PayPay Dome 2-2-2 Jigyohama Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-8660 Japan Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks website Fukuoka PayPay Dome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 38,561 Ad Hawks Corporate ownership is the norm in Japanese baseball, with franchises merely considered an asset among many in the large conglomerates that control them. As such, when a company falls on hard times, it often looks to sell the team as they are often money-losing operations that provide little more than publicity. Such was the case in the 1980s when Nankai Electric Railway, based in Osaka, found their overall business hampered by their terrible ball team known as the Hawks. The board wanted to sell, but the chairman prevented it as he was an ardent supporter of the team. When he died in 1988, the last obstacle disappeared and Nankai sold the Hawks to Daiei, a retail business with supermarkets throughout Japan. Daiei moved the team to Fukuoka, the largest city on the southern island of Kyushu, where they became the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. The team played four seasons in Heiwadai Stadium, a relic from 1928, and the new owners realized they needed a modern venue to show off their shiny new possession. In 1993, they opened the Fukuoka Dome, Japan’s first stadium with a retractable roof and the Hawks have stayed there ever since. Of course, Daiei themselves fell into bankruptcy and in 2005, they were forced to sell the team to mobile phone operator SoftBank who renamed the team Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. That same year, they sold the naming rights to the dome to Yahoo! Japan, and the venue is now known as the Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome, or Yahoo Dome for short. The dome is now known as the Fukuoka Yahuoku! Japan Dome It is the biggest dome in Japan, which has six of these monstrosities in the NPB, a necessity due to the rainy season that slams the country in late spring. The roof is made of titanium and is so valuable that in 2004, Tom Barrack, a billionaire real-estate mogul, bought the dome simply because the roof alone was worth the purchase price. All that is well and good, but the key question is how does the Fukuoka Dome measure up in the important aspects of the fan experience? Food & Beverage 3 Food options are not as good as at some other parks in Japan and I struggled to find something unique. This is not to say that the offerings are limited, but that they are generally things you can find at other stadiums or cheap restaurants on the outside. I settled on a chicken burger in a focaccia bun, which came with a soft drink for 780 yen. Not exactly cheap eats. Interestingly, you fill up your own drink here, something I’ve not seen at other ballparks – the clerk puts a lot of ice in an empty cup and you fill the cup much like at fast food restaurants. Speaking of fast-food, KFC and Subway are two of the American brands here, each with several stands around the main concourse. Mos Burger, a smaller, tastier hamburger is also present, but I would recommend the DomDom Burger stand instead, simply because it is not widely available. Another popular spot was Umakamon Street with yakitori, various types of yakisoba (fried noodles) and crepes for dessert. If you want something unusual, the fried squid should fit the bill. As usual, explore all the options and you should find something to enjoy. Alcoholic beverages are plentiful with all the Japanese staples widely available, beer being the most popular choice. The beer servers moved up and down the aisles pretty much up to the end of the game. Atmosphere 1 Japanese baseball games are loud due to the two cheering sections in the outfield, but the Hawks take things to the extreme and it can be painful if you prefer a quieter atmosphere. To begin, there is an MC named Max, an overly hyper DJ from Chicago who started working here in 2007. He first appears before the game to get things going with lots of rah-rah (in both English and Japanese) and then becomes more and more irritating with between-inning appearances (called Max Time!) where he interviews fans. You probably have to live in Japan for a while to appreciate just how bloody awful this is; foreigners acting goofy is a staple of Japanese TV and seeing it brought to the ballpark was depressing and really brought down the experience, at least for me. Tourists may think differently though and so I’m not docking more than 2 points for the constant bombardment of noise. There was a dance team and at least six mascots to keep fans entertained and the size of the dome keeps the cheering sections relatively quiet when you are sitting near home plate. In fact, I would say it was quieter while the game was being played and only became noisy during the inning breaks, a change from the usual pattern here. Neighborhood 2 The dome is a 10-minute walk from Tojinmachi subway station, which is itself just 15 minutes from downtown Fukuoka, so it is easy to get to. The venue is part of a larger complex called “Hawks Town” which consists of a mall, several restaurants including a Hard Rock Cafe, and a Hilton hotel (called the Sea Hawk in keeping with the theme). The surrounding area is next to the waterfront and there is a beach just on the other side of the highway, although I didn’t immediately see how to access it. If you have time and the weather is nice, it is worth exploring this area before the game but afterwards, you’ll probably want to take the subway back to Tenjin, the main nightspot in Fukuoka. If you are staying around Tojinmachi, a new izakaya recently opened right next to exit 2. Nipachi is a chain restaurant where all items are just 280 yen. There are other branches throughout the city that provide a simple and affordable post-game dining experience. Fans 4 Hawks fans are excellent, usually showing up in large numbers and staying active throughout the game. Nearly everyone participated in the balloon release during the lucky 7th inning and after the team won, most stayed for the celebrations. For about 30 minutes there were hero interviews, singing of the team song, fireworks, and more balloons being released and few left to beat the traffic. I must say that the fans seemed to really enjoy themselves here and although the atmosphere is not something I particularly like, having such good supporters around me made a big difference. I find that fans here have been friendly whenever I’ve attended a game and this time was no different as I chatted with a couple of ladies who were kind enough to show me around town after the game. Access 3 Despite being much larger than the Tokyo Dome in terms of its actual footprint, Fukuoka Dome only has a single seating bowl with 32 aisles that provide access from the main concourse. You can walk around the entire concourse, but it gets busy when a crowd of 35,000 fans is on hand. Don’t try to enter the good seats without a ticket; each aisle is manned by an eager usher who will not let you pass unless you are ticketed for that specific aisle. Once in the seating area, you are again limited to how far you can go as plastic fencing blocks you from moving to a different section of seats. Not good if you are trying to get pictures, but you can enter the outfield sections at any time as they are the least expensive, so no ticket check is required. Washrooms are not sufficient; I noticed large lines both during and after the game. Return on Investment 2 The Hawks have been one of the NPB’s most successful teams in recent year, and are the defending Japan Series champions. As such, they are charging much more for tickets than the other clubs, with seats behind the plate going for as much as 10,000 yen. The seats are the big and comfy type, but $120 is way too much for a baseball game in my mind. If you like to be close to the action, the S reserved seats are 5,500 yen, still a bit overpriced. The best bet might be the outfield reserved seats listed at 1,800 yen but marked down to 1,000 yen at the game I attended. If you are not interested in getting inside the stadium proper, you can try the museum experience. Above the outfield seats is a museum dedicated to Sadaharu Oh, the world record holder with 868 home runs. For just 1,400 yen, you can visit this and see the game. This used to be a restaurant (similar to Windows in Rogers Centre ) and I sat here a few years ago and found it strange, as you can’t hear the sounds of the game. Perhaps the Hawks thought the same as they created a museum to honor Oh, who managed the team for several years and is now the chairman. The museum is open before the game as well, so try to get there early and pay it a visit. There are three video boards above the outfield seats but two of them are used exclusively for advertising. These were given the names “Left Wing Vision” and “Right Wing Vision” in an obvious attempt to show that regardless of political bent, commercialization is the key to happiness. In fact, that was the main theme I took away from my visit here – spend, spend, spend. Things are expensive here, and I found myself inundated with commercials, right from when I walked through Hawks Mall on the way to the stadium. There are logos everywhere around and even Max got into the act, interviewing a couple of young ladies in English, sponsored by a local language school. The combination of an overpriced product and the non-stop solicitation to spend even more money really makes this the least cost-effective stadium in the NPB. Extras 4 There are a few displays worth noting as you wander around. First, at every gate there are “V” shaped pillars that commemorate each of the Hawks’ 15 Pacific League titles as well as the two championships they won in the Japanese Baseball League. There is a Material Wall that simulates a pitchers mound and home plate, exactly 18m44 apart (that’s 60’6″ for those who don’t know metric). There are pictures of every member of the entire Hawks’ roster, including those on their minor league team, shown under their place of origin. Most importantly is the Oh museum, located near gate 9 and open during non-game days as well. You can also take a tour here but I did not have time to do so on this occasion. Final Thoughts The Fukuoka Dome is an impressive structure and well worth visiting just for that. The game experience is a different matter though. For me, I found much of it to be excessive, from pricing to noise to advertising and that put a damper on what should otherwise have been a fun evening. The Hawks have a great team and should spend less time distracting their fans from the product on the field. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Sports Road Trips .

Photo Courtesy of SFA Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Jaycees Field 3715 Old Tyler Rd Nacogdoches, TX 75964 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks website Jaycees Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 Axe ‘Em, Jacks! Way out in East Texas sits Nacogdoches, the state’s oldest city and home of Stephen F. Austin State University. The area is part of a greater region known as the Piney Woods, a name that will become obvious on your trek to Jaycees Field. The home of SFA Lumberjack baseball is situated in the middle of a heavily wooded area and is part of the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex. The partnership between the city and SFA provides not only a home to SFA baseball and softball but also several fields for youth and adult baseball/softball. The complex was originally dedicated in 1980, however, a recent face lift in 2009 allowed for the upgrade of Jaycees Field and for SFA baseball to begin play. The atmosphere isn’t one of the elite, but traveling fans will enjoy the condensed seating area that bring fans together and unifies the crowd noise. Food & Beverage 1 Jaycees Field offers just enough concessions items to get you through the game. A small trailer is located right outside the main entrance on the third baseline. To access, you’ll need to leave the ticketed area and step just outside the stadium. As you enter, you’ll get a stamp on your hand that the usher can use later to allow you easy access in and out. It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter a line as you approach the stand. Your major options include the ballpark staples: hot dogs ($2) and nachos ($2). Snack items include sunflower seeds ($1), popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), chips ($1), and candy ($2). Drink options are bottled Coca-Cola products and will cost $3. Bottle Dasani water is $2. Though the variety and quality of options is nothing to write home about, at least the pricing isn’t outrageous. The hot dog is about as plain as it gets, but it’s probably your best option at just $2. The popcorn isn’t that great since it’s prepared before the game and delivered to the stand. I’ve actually overheard fans complaining about how it’s bland, cold, and unsalted. Try a bag of peanuts or sunflower seeds instead. Make sure you bring cash to the park because the stand is cash only. Atmosphere 2 Jaycees Field is a part of the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex located a couple of miles away from the university campus. The complex includes several fields for youth baseball and adult softball, as well as the home field for SFA softball. The seating capacity is listed at 1,000 and all seating areas are together surrounding the home plate backstop. This allows the crowd noise to be concentrated and a bit louder than if the seats were spread out. The seating structure is made from aluminum and includes a shade covering above the chair back seats directly in front of the press box. The chair backs are made from a simple plastic and aren’t quite as comfortable as you’d hope. On both sides of the chair backs area are aluminum bleacher seats with no backing. Looking out towards the field, a thick foul ball netting covers all direction of field view. Though netting is a norm behind home plate, this particular style of netting is a bit to thick and detracts from the overall viewing experience. Beyond the left field line lies an unofficial seating area where about 10 or so fans sit just above the fence in fold-out chairs perched on a stand. A few folks even back their trucks up to the fence and take in the view. On a hot Texas day, the best seating option is the chair backs under the shaded covering. The backstop is made from a green padding and wraps from both dugouts. Down the right and left field lines is chain link fencing covered by a green wrapping which displays the team name on the right field side and the logos of Southland Conference teams on left. A green aluminum fence lines the outfield wall and a simple electronic scoreboard sits just above the fence in right center field. A heavily wooded area is visible beyond the outfield wall. The playing surface is a natural grass field which stays in a pretty decent condition. Lining the back of the home plate area is a small strip of artificial turf with “Lumberjacks” on it. The turf doesn’t match the grass color and is fading from excessive wear. The field dimensions are: left field – 330 feet, center field – 400 feet, and right field – 330 feet. The atmosphere for SFA baseball is traditional. There’s very few (if any) promotions or activities. Music is very limited and the announcer just provides the basic facts of game play. Traditionalists will love it, others would hope for a bit more. The version of Take Me Out To The Ballgame is the traditional organ song with no words. Neighborhood 2 The immediate area around Jaycees Field is void of any restaurants, attractions, or lodging. The field is located in country setting that is sparsely populated and heavily wooded. However, the greater Nacogdoches area offers some good restaurants and is just about 3 miles east of the stadium. One of the most popular stops in the area is The Jalapeno Tree which serves up Tex-Mex favorites and some American dishes. While in town, make sure to stop in for their complimentary chips and salsa (the green salsa is amazing) and their absolutely delicious Quail Kabobs. To compliment your meal, grab one of their select Mexican brews or a Coronita (Margarita with a Corona turned upside down inside). A couple of other good options are La Carreta and Clear Springs Restaurant. While in Nacogdoches, relive a piece of Texas history by visiting the Sterne Hoya House Museum. The house was originally built by Adolphus Sterne and is one of the oldest homes still standing in Texas, bringing visitors back to the time of the Texas Revolution. If you’re looking for a thrill ride, just outside of Nacogdoches is Nac Zip, which offers five different zip lines and hours of fun. On the SFA campus, check out the oldest university arboretum in the state. There are plenty of hotels in the area, but I recommend staying at the Jones House Bed & Breakfast. Fans 2 Fan support for SFA baseball at Jaycees field could certainly use a bump in attendance. Average crowds usually range between 200 – 300. Though the crowds are small, they are vocal and passionate. It’s hard to tell if its just simply a high level of crowd noise or if the noise is louder due to the condensed seating areas. Either way, you’ll definitely hear the fans during big plays. The fan makeup is largely family oriented with a few older life-long fans. Few students make the trek from the SFA campus to the ballpark. Access 2 The Stephen F. Austin State University campus and Jaycees Field are both located just off of Hwy 59 (future I-69 corridor). Be sure to map out the location of Jaycees Field before beginning your trip. Don’t wrongly assume that the ballpark is on the SFA campus. Jaycees Field is located about 3.5 miles west of the SFA campus in the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex. I usually trust my iPhone map to get me safely to my sports destinations, but Siri was a bit confused on this one. Searches for Jaycees Field came up empty and the address provided on the SFA website got me close, but not on target (I was hopeful the trailer park I arrived at wasn’t part of the stadium). Your best bet is to find it on Yahoo! or Google maps under the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex search. As you arrive, the signage isn’t obvious and it’s easy to overlook. As you make it to the park, the parking can be a bit tight depending on the other activities going on in the complex. However, parking is free and you should be able to find a spot. It’s also not easy to tell where the entrance is to the complex. Once you finally find the small walkway leading in, you’ll eventually run into a restroom facility and the stadium becomes in view just beyond that. The ticket line will likely be short and you’ll quickly move through the gate. The concourse is a small walkway at the bottom of the seating areas and next to home plate. The seating areas have an adequate amount of aisles and they are spacious enough to move around comfortably. The restroom and concessions facilities are located outside the seating areas. The restrooms are pretty dingy, but at least you won’t have to hold it since there’s enough room to accommodate the average crowd. Return on Investment 4 You really can’t beat the overall cost of attending an SFA baseball game at Jaycees Field. Adult ticket prices range from $5 (bleacher) $8 (chair backs). SFA offers a very liberal interpretation of “kids” with the cost of admission at just $3 for those aged 9-18. Children 8 and under are free. Given the strong family crowds, this is great news to SFA supporters and traveling families. Parking is free and a game handout which lists team rosters is also free (no program for sale). Though the concession options are a bit sparse, the pricing isn’t outrageous. Overall, you’ll get to experience a great Southland Conference baseball game for very little cash out of your pocket. Extras 2 Every great live sports experience is highlighted by certain ‘extra’ features which are unique compared to other venues or make the overall experience memorable. For Stephen F. Austin State baseball at Jaycees Field, be sure to consider the following during your stadium experience: Though many fans would prefer to see athletic facilities on the university campus, it’s nice to see SFA working together with the City of Nacogdoches to provide a baseball complex for the community, as well as Lumberjack athletics. If you’re a baseball traditionalist, the atmosphere at Jaycees Field is very old-fashioned. You won’t notice blaring music, on the field promotions, or a video display. If you’re coming simply for the love of on the field baseball action, you won’t get easily distracted.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Eddie Pellagrini Diamond at John Shea Field 2601 Beacon St Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 Boston College Eagles website Eddie Pellagrini Diamond at John Shea Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 1,000 Command Performance Pellagrini Diamond at Shea Field is located in the shadows of Alumni Stadium on the eastern edge of the Boston College campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The field is named after Commander John Shea, of the United States Navy, a BC football player and class of 1917 alumnus who was killed in action during World War II. The baseball diamond is named after Eddie Pellagrini, who served as the Eagles baseball coach for 31 years, amassing 359 wins and three College World Series appearances during that time. Shea Field is located on the edge of the Chestnut Hill reservoir, and offers views of the Boston skyline from certain vantage points around the ballpark. During football season, the baseball field serves as home to many tailgaters prior to Eagle football games. During baseball season fans utilize the top level of the Alumni Stadium parking garage as a location for their own tailgate parties. Food & Beverage 0 There are no places to get food or beverages at Shea Field. Seasoned Eagles fans will bring their own items to enjoy during the game. Also, many fans tailgate throughout the game up on the top level of the Alumni Stadium parking garage, which overlooks the field. Atmosphere 3 Overall, the game day experience at Commander Shea Field is a laid-back one. The park itself is situated in a small space behind Alumni Stadium, without a lot of the bells and whistles one might expect from a team that plays in the ACC. Crowds are generally small, and there is not a whole lot of seating available at Shea Field. Four rows of bleachers run down the third base side of the field beyond the dugout, and there are three rows of bleachers squeezed in behind home plate. There is no press box here, and the Eagles’ game day staff occupy the top row of bleachers behind the plate. Fans needing to use the restrooms can choose from several port-a-johns located around the ballpark, or they can walk into Alumni Stadium and use the facilities there. Unfortunately, no concession stands are open inside the football stadium. If you want to enjoy the most complete Shea Field experience, do what the majority of BC fans do. They line up along the ramps of the Alumni Stadium parking garage that run the length of the first base side of the field. This vantage point offers excellent views of the action, and is much preferred to the metal bleachers located on the other side of the field. Fans wanting more than just a good vantage point will park their cars on the top level of the parking garage and tailgate throughout the game. From this point fans can watch the game and enjoy the party at the same time. It’s definitely the place to be during an Eagles baseball game. Neighborhood 3 Boston College is located in the middle of a busy residential area. There are a few areas in Chestnut Hill where you can shop or eat, and they are all within walking distance of the campus. Your best bet is to head to Cleveland Circle, about a 15 minute walk from the BC campus, where you will find, among other places, Eagle’s Deli, which has been featured on several Travel Channel shows for its massive hamburger challenges. It’s no wonder that it remains a favorite of Boston College students. Streets in this area are frequently congested and busy, so be careful navigating this neighborhood and allow yourself extra time. Fans seeking a more scenic and leisurely pace should spend some time down at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. It’s a favorite place for walkers or joggers, and there isn’t a better spot to be in the springtime. From the shores of the reservoir you get a fantastic view of downtown Boston in the distance. For those fans interested in a faster paced environment, head downtown towards those tall buildings, there is more than enough going on there to keep anyone busy. Fans 2 Boston College is perhaps the biggest college sports name in all of New England, but the Eagles baseball team lags far behind the football, hockey, and basketball teams in the hierarchy of BC sports. Just a quick look at the facilities surrounding Shea Field will reinforce this fact. Alumni Stadium, home of the football team, towers over the ballpark, and Conte Forum, a short walk from Shea Field, gets a great deal of love from the student body. It may be somewhat surprising that larger crowds don’t turn out for a baseball game at Boston College. A typical crowd at Shea Field runs between 100-250 fans, despite the party atmosphere possible here. There is not a large turnout from the student body either. The fans that do show up are die-hards, to be sure. Access 3 The Boston College campus is located in the Chestnut Hill section of the suburb of Newton, Massachusetts, about six miles west of downtown Boston. Newton is a very well-to-do town which frequently ranks near the top of any “best place to live in America” list. Despite its location in the suburbs, the neighborhood around Boston College shares many of the same access issues as does its big-city neighbors. Anyone who has tried to navigate the crowded, crooked streets of greater Boston by car can tell you how difficult driving in and around the area can be. If you are visiting from out of town, your best bet is to find a copilot who knows their way around town, or a trusty GPS. Most native Bostonians will tell you that your best bet is to take public transportation, known in these parts as the “T.” Like most locations in Greater Boston, the BC campus is most easily reached by subway. The Green Line’s B Branch terminus is located on Commonwealth Ave, right across the street from the Chestnut Hill campus. From here, it is a short walk to all points on campus. The Green Line’s C Branch stops at Cleveland Circle, a 15 minute walk from campus. For those who insist on driving, Boston College can be reached without actually entering the congestion of the city. If driving from the north or south, take Interstate 95 (also known as Rte. 128) to exit 24 (Rte. 30-Commonwealth Avenue). Follow this road about 5 miles, and you will find the Boston College campus on your right. If driving from the west, take Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) to exit 17. Follow Center Street to Commonwealth Avenue, and follow that for a mile and a half to the BC campus. The area around Boston College is quite scenic, with a suburban feel, but traffic can be very heavy at times. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at Shea Field will not break the bank. There is no charge for admission, and parking in the garage adjacent to the field is free. Since there are no concessions here, you will not spend any money while at Shea Field. It can’t get any less expensive than that. Extras 2 There are not a whole lot of extra bells and whistles mixed in with the game day experience at Shea Field. The team does give out a complimentary roster sheet, but there is not much else going on to merit extra points. However, extra points are awarded for the Eagles’ public address announcer, who announces upcoming batters and game highlights with a proper English accent. It’s quite unusual to hear such a voice at a baseball game, and I found myself enjoying listening to his announcements. Imagine John Houseman acting as the PA announcer at your local ballpark; that’s the best comparison I can make. Another extra point goes out to the tailgaters taking in the game from the top level of the Alumni Stadium parking garage. While the activity up there is not on the level of the Wrigley Field rooftops, it’s a great spot to catch a game from, and easily one of the best ways I can think of to spend a gorgeous spring afternoon in Boston. Final Thoughts At first sight, there is nothing overly special about Shea Field to separate it from the number of other Division I ballparks in New England. Typically, baseball in the northeast is not a big deal, as the schedule is at the mercy of the fickle weather of March and April. However, with proper planning, a day at Shea Field can be a great one. My suggestion is to pack your car with great food, your favorite beverages, and a bunch of friends, and head on up to the top level of the parking garage. From there, the action unfolds below as you enjoy the company of many other Eagles fans with the skyline of Boston in the distance. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Photos by Stephen Schmidt, Stadium Journey, Leslie Rouse, & Cheryl James Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bear Stadium 2400 Bruce St Conway, AR 72034 Central Arkansas Bears website Bear Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 The UCA Way at Bear Stadium When it comes to its athletic facilities, the University of Central Arkansas certainly is not afraid to dance to its own beat. The school’s purple-and-gray-striped gridiron at Estes Stadium is Exhibit 1A. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially when it comes to Bear Stadium. The venue was built around a previously established baseball field to match the program’s rise in stature to Division I competition as a member of the Southland Conference. These welcomed oddities include a solid black outfield wall with not one single advertisement on it (the only ads are located on the scoreboard) for a nice clean look and an expansive picnic area along the first base side, in which kids can play catch and dogs can roam (on leashes). The picnic area also features a line of trees that provide shade on a sunny day while offering a fairly decent view of the action from a lawn chair. “I can’t really see the batter, but I can see everything else,” said Glenda Owens, while two of her grandkids sat beside her. “It’s really fan friendly. This is just the best. Nice shady place. The kids can play but I can still see what goes on.” Owens also had her radio nearby to hear the action on UCA radio (Her son, Steve, is the voice of Bears baseball on 93.1 KUCA). Food & Beverage 3 The stadium has one concession stand near the front gate that sells standard items ($2.50 for popcorn, $2 for nachos) with Pepsi products — although that is scheduled to change to Coke next semester. There is a sign that says no outside food or drink is allowed in the park, but that rule does not pertain to a family picnic area along the first base side. Many fans opt to take advantage of the picnic tables that are located behind the visitor’s dugout. On the day I was there, a group consisting mostly of parents of UCA players had a whole spread covering a picnic table with bratwursts and various versions of the Cajun delicacy boudain on a large grill. “It’s hard to imagine what the park looked like before this,” said Clay Rougeau, who was in charge of the operation and has a son, Nick, on the team. “Everything has been improved since Coach [Allen] Gum got here.” Atmosphere 3 With a lack of signage on the outfield walls, one’s eye drifts to the giant American flag sitting slightly to the left of dead center. Porches are located in the left and right field corners that provide a unique view of the action. Fans can rent out the porches, but they also are accessible without paying admission at the main gate. There are a few trees in the outfield, but most of the view from the grandstands consists of parking lots and residential areas. The purple scoreboard in left field features an old-fashioned clock for a nice touch. When looking at the field, it might take you a minute to figure out that the infield and home plate dirt is actually painted on the GeoGreen artificial surface. The only real infield dirt can be found on the pitcher’s mound. Real grass begins about a foot north of the painted-on dirt. Although it’s a bit odd, it’s not that distracting during a game. Close to 90 percent of the stands are covered by an overhang, so most fans can keep the sunscreen in their cars. Those who have to face the sun are primarily picnic area participants who are not underneath the row of trees. There are no issues with sight lines in the grandstand itself, except for a row of bleachers at the top of the concourse where poles to support the roof are located. The one downside to the grandstand, though, is that fans have no choice but to view the game through the netting. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood is pleasant and safe, but there’s not much going on when the students are away (the Shell station was closed when I was there) — and Conway is in a dry county. There’s one known pizza place, Bear’s Den Pizza at 235 Farris Road, which sits across the street from the campus and has some UCA paraphernalia on the walls. Be warned: The place does not open until 3 p.m. daily. One popular restaurant for townies and visitors alike is Stoby’s, located a 5-minute drive at 805 Donaghey Ave. The place serves an addictive award-winning cheese dip with tortilla chips and a variety of sandwiches. During lunchtime, it’s best to go through the drive-thru, but you must call your order in ahead of time. Definitely worth the stop. Downtown Conway is also a quick drive from the stadium down Caldwell Street, which features more shopping and eateries. Fans 4 The fans, a majority of whom dress in either Bears’ gear or colors of purple and black, are very knowledgeable and friendly — and engaged in the action. In fact, at one point, a middle-aged female fan came up to the press box to get a better understanding of a controversial interference call on a play. Patrons are vocal when they want to be. When the Bears are doing well, don’t be surprised to hear a couple of cowbells ringing in the stands. Given that most students had left campus a week ago from when the game took place that I attended (in spring 2013), it was impressive to see how full the stands were. Access 5 The stadium is located at the northern end of the UCA campus, which features the same dark brick theme. Bear Stadium shares a parking lot with the Farris Center basketball venue, but also has a number of parking lots all around the park. All nearby parking is free. There are only one set of bathrooms, but they are fairly large with circular trough-like sinks. There was never a line to use the restrooms. An elevator behind the home plate area provides easy handicapped access to the wide concourses at the top of the grandstand. Return on Investment 4 At $6 for general admission and $8 for reserved chairback seats, a game at Bear Stadium remains a fairly good value — especially on a hot and sunny day, given the large overhang roof and the line of trees in the picnic area to keep fans cool. Season ticket holders take up a majority of the 100-plus chair backs, but there are usually a few remaining on a walk-up basis. They are very wide and comfortable and worth the $2 splurge. . Extras 4 One point is awarded for having a souvenir table ($10 for T-shirts, $18 for tank tops, $20 for hats), a rarity in these parts at comparable schools. One point is given for having no ads in the outfield. The black metal wall is a refreshing change and a hitter’s dream. One point is awarded for very friendly staff and fans. Everyone is very welcoming to out-of-towners. One point is given for the shady grove and picnic area along the first base side — and for allowing (leashed) pets inside.

Photo courtesy of Elon Phoenix Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Walter C. Latham Park Bank of America Dr Elon, NC 27244 Elon Phoenix website Walter C. Lathan Park website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 2,000 There Can Only Be One As you are more than likely aware if you have read our reviews of Elon University's basketball and football facilities, growth is a constant among the Phoenix athletic programs. This Colonial Athletic Conference member school boasts an impressive collection of facilities, from the old to the new. It would be easy to look at the listing of NCAA regional appearances on the wall at Latham Park and think that Elon has only recently started to experience success on the diamond. This is far from the case, however. Elon's storied baseball history actually got its start at the beginning of the 20th century, facing off against Greensboro, North Carolina's Guilford College in the school's first-ever contest in any sport in 1900. Elon won a number of conference titles in the 1930s, and made numerous appearances in the NAIA World Series before finally moving on to NCAA Division I baseball. Elon's current baseball home opened as Newsome Field in 1978, and while the actual field retains this name, the facility has seen a number of improvements in 35-plus years, along with a new name, Walter C. Latham Park. Though Elon does not have an extensive history in NCAA Division I baseball or in the Colonial Athletic Conference, their facility certainly ranks near the top of their league. Food & Beverage 2 The one place where Latham Park lags a bit behind is in the concessions. Served from a trailer behind the third base stands, the concessions menu is fairly pedestrian. Hot dogs, peanuts and nachos ($3 each) are the "major" items on the board. The peanuts are actually a great deal, as the $3 price gets you a full-size bag similar to the ones you might see in a grocery store. Candy bars ($1), Cracker Jacks ($1.50), Blow Pops ($.50) and sunflower seeds ($.50) round out the available choices. Coca-Cola is the campus' bottler, with 20-ounce bottled sodas, bottled water and Powerade available for $3 each. Hot chocolate can also be purchased for $3, which is a nice touch at some of the cooler early-season contests in the North Carolina piedmont. Be careful when going to purchase concessions, though, as the trailer closed at random intervals on the day I attended. The stand closed and reopened at least twice, that I saw. The best suggestion is to plan ahead and buy any concessions you may need early in the contest. Atmosphere 3 Latham Park has experienced a number of upgrades in its time, and one of the largest upgrades is in the seating. All of the fixed seating between the dugouts is chair back seating, which is a nice perk for a school this size. The seats can get a bit uncomfortable after a while, as they are composed of hard plastic. The seat backs can also cause back pain, depending on your height. This may inspire you to head to the berm down the third base line. This was a rather popular area on the day I visited, with some fans standing and some sitting in lawn chairs. The playing surface (the infield is turf, with a grass outfield) is visible from any seat in the facility. Sight lines are not a large concern, except for the netting behind the plate, as with most parks. The bullpens are visible down each line, allowing you to keep up with any pitchers warming up to enter the game. There is a pond behind the left field wall that is visible from many of the seats in the park, and is a nice relaxing place to visit after a game. There is a scoreboard in left-center field that resembles those found in many ballparks. The scoreboard shows the number of the player at bat, the ball/strike/out count and the game's linescore. Player statistics appear on a single-line display above the game's linescore. There is also a rotating advertisement board below the score section. Neighborhood 3 Elon is a town built around the school, for the most part. The true attraction to the surrounding community is the beauty of the campus. Spring days often see students walking, throwing a frisbee or just enjoying the nice weather. The campus and town are a great place to explore. There are a few restaurants in Elon itself (the Town Table being the closest), but most of the activity is in neighboring Burlington. There are a number of chain restaurants in Burlington, along with shopping and entertainment. Many of the choices in Burlington are located just off exits 140 (University Drive) and 141 (Huffman Mill Road) on North Carolina Interstate 85. Fans 4 Latham Park may not see every seat filled for every game, but those who attend Elon games are certainly supportive of their Phoenix. Athletes from some of the other teams at Elon also come out to support the team, which is good to see. The day I attended in early 2013 was extremely cold, but a good number of fans from both Elon and visiting Furman made their way out to see the game. The crowd started to thin out a bit as the afternoon wore on, as the game went into extra innings and the cold got the better of some people. Elon also has its own playful "heckling" section. Granted, this section consists of three or four fans at the top of the seating on the first base side, but they are quite vocal and amusing. Furman's manager tripped over the turf coming back from a mound visit, which drew a smile from him and some playful annoyance from the fans, with their mentioning it wasn't any fun if he enjoyed it. Access 4 Elon is accessible via North Carolina Interstates 85 and 40. US 70 and North Carolina Highway 100 also serve the greater Elon/Burlington area. The campus is several miles away from the interstate, however, it make take a good 15-20 minute drive from the interstate on heavy traffic days. Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) is 25-30 minutes away from the campus in Greensboro, with Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) 45-50 minutes to the east in Morrisville, between Durham and Raleigh. Parking at Latham Park is an extremely easy affair. There are a number of spots between Latham Park and Rhodes Stadium (Elon's football facility), and they are all free and within steps of the park. If you are afraid of a foul ball "decorating" your car, there is ample parking at the new Hunt Softball Park across the street from Latham Park. The walk is not that long, particularly on a warm spring day, and this parking is also free. There are two bathrooms (one for each sex) underneath the seating bowl. The bathrooms are a bit small, though certainly of an appropriate size for most Elon crowds. The facilities are clean and well-kept. Return on Investment 5 Attending an Elon game is no great strain on the wallet. Tickets for most games (all seats are general admission) are $5, with some "premium" (East Carolina and NC State, for example) games priced at $7. Youth tickets are priced at $3. With free parking, this allows you to buy a non-premium game ticket, hot dog and soda for $11. Should you choose a premium game, this total only increases to $13. Elon has experienced a great deal of success in a short time at the Division I level, and seeing a consistent quality product for this price is absolutely worth your small investment. Extras 3 Programs are available at the ticket window as you enter the park. The programs are a nice touch, and they keep you from having to bury yourself in your smartphone to find out more about the Elon team. The university may want to publicize these programs a bit more, but just making them available is a solid start. There are three commemorative plaques in Latham Park. There is a plaque honoring the Bill Graham Baseball Scholarship, one for W. Bryan Latham, M.D.'s contributions to the upgrades in the facility and one outside telling the story of Walter C. Latham, the man for whom the park is named. Latham is enshrined in the Elon Sports Hall of Fame and played at the school. The stories behind the names of many facilities are left to the fans to research, so the explanation of Latham's story is an extremely nice touch. A banner on the bullpen wall in left field commemorates Elon's Southern Conference championships (2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011). There is a similar banner on the bullpen wall in right field to honor the university's NCAA regional appearances (2002, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010). As mentioned earlier, Elon has spent just over a decade at the Division I level, and this is a nice nod to the school's tremendous level of success in a short amount of time. Final Thoughts Elon baseball is rapidly becoming known as one of the top programs in the Carolinas and the southeastern United States, and they have a beautiful facility to match this success. The park is located next to Elon's football facility, Rhodes Stadium, as well as their continually-growing athletic complex. This makes for quite lively surroundings in and around Latham Park. If your travels lead you to north central North Carolina, you certainly owe it to yourself to see one of the elite programs in the Colonial Athletic Conference.

Photos by University of Phoenix Stadium Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 State Farm Stadium One Cardinals Drive Glendale, AZ 85305 Fiesta Bowl website State Farm Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 63,400 Fiesta! Note: The stadium name has changed from University of Phoenix Stadium to State Farm Stadium since Stadium Journey last visited the Fiesta Bowl. The University of Phoenix Stadium, used as the home for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and site of the Fiesta Bowl, opened in August of 2006 to seat 63,400 but can expand to seat 73,000. The stadium features a retractable roof, much needed for the hot desert of Phoenix. The stadium uses natural grass that grows in a retractable tray that can extend outside the stadium to ensure maximum exposure from the sun. But what really sets this stadium apart is its incredible design and clean look. With bright red and blue colored corners completing its sleek silver interior, University of Phoenix Stadium is a marvel of architectural design. The stadium is also host to other sporting events including soccer matches and more. Food & Beverage 3 This will really depend on when you choose to visit the stadium. For the Fiesta Bowl, you’ll get your standard popcorn, hot dog and soda for $4-$6, depending on what size you want. They also have churros and some more traditional cuisine of the region. Prices are expensive like all stadiums, which is to be expected. They also have booths with Subway if you’re a picky eater and want to go with something familiar. The best food is in the surrounding restaurants. I’ll go into further detail about this in the “Neighborhood” section. Atmosphere 5 This stadium is a sight to behold. Photos don’t do it justice. It feels so big, but all the seats are so close to the field. I attended the 2011 BCS National Championship between the Oregon Ducks and Auburn Tigers and was amazed how our 400 level seats were so good. I returned two years later for the 2013 BCS Fiesta Bowl and was surprised that I was still blown away how cool the stadium is. Fans from both teams show up, decked out, and excited from the long month of waiting. I’ve never been to a Cardinals game, but I imagine that the fans are passionate as well. Any time or event you attend there, it will be an incredible atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Glendale is probably a ghost town outside of the Fiesta Bowl and the eight days of Cardinals games. There are a few awesome restaurants right next to the stadium that almost certainly make 95% of their profits on nine days out of the year. My favorite place there was Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. I went there in 2011 and liked it so much I went back two years later. It’s 0.4 miles from the stadium and in the heart of the local eatery. The place has parrots and a complete tropical theme. There’s a balcony to go up and eat on. The sell typical American food; cheeseburgers, sirloin, chicken as well as quesadillas, tacos and more. It’s also available for minors. Other restaurants in the same vicinity are Saddle Ranch Chop House, McFadden’s Restaurant and more. There will be a variety to choose from. Fans 4 This one touches on the atmosphere section. If you go to the Fiesta Bowl, you’ll see an incredible spectrum of fanhood. The same is probably true for Arizona Cardinals games, but I can’t vouch for that. If you’re a college football fan and want to someday attend a bowl game, Phoenix is a good place to go. I just don’t recommend it being your first. It will make other stadiums pale in comparison. Access 3 There’s a lot of parking, but Glendale is in the middle of nowhere. It’s a pretty substantial drive from downtown Phoenix and not a place I’d recommend staying at if you want to go to the Fiesta Bowl. Getting out of the stadium, in both of my experiences, was pretty smooth and fast. It would be nice if it was closer to Phoenix. Return on Investment 5 I highly recommend you go see this stadium. If not even for the event, just to see this mastery of architectural design. You can try a Cardinals regular season or preseason game, Fiesta Bowl or another event. All seats are pretty great so you don’t have to put in a lot of money for a middle seat. I also recommend you go early to walk around and take in the environment. Extras 2 Security there is incredibly thorough. Fans were “wanded” before entering. Some might find that intrusive, but I think the little extra inspection is encouraging. There were plenty of restrooms and food booths. Lines were not that bad. Final Thoughts You really do have to see this place to believe it. Everything is so spacious, so modern and so clean. It is obvious that fan comfort was a top priority after the many years the franchise spent at Sun Devil Stadium. Every sports fan should make the trip to Glendale in the coming years to see University of Phoenix Stadium. It is a truly one-of-a-kind place. A modern marvel.

Photo Courtesy of Cornell Big Red Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Newman Arena 512 Campus Road Ithica, NY 14853 Cornell Big Red men’s basketball website Newman Arena website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 4,473 The Home of Newman Nation With an Ivy League school, you would expect a deep athletic history and that is no exception with the Cornell Big Red. More than 100 years of generally mediocre basketball all changed with a remarkable class in the late 2000s as Ryan Wittman, Louis Dale and Jeff Foote helped to lead Cornell to three straight NCAA Tournaments. Their run culminated in 2010 with a trip to the Sweet 16. Since then, the Big Red have settled back to the pack in the Ivy as hockey remains the sport of preference at Cornell. Basketball is played at Newman Arena, a high school-like gym that at least features nice character and displays in the concourse. The rest of the experience however, leaves a lot to be desired. Food & Beverage 2 Food items are what you would expect at a small arena with snack varieties and small meals. From the grill, fans can grab a cheeseburger ($4.75), hot dog ($3.00) or sausage ($5.00). A cup of chili is a nice option on the typically cold Ithaca nights. One of the more unusual things being sold: Gum. I never thought at a game that I needed a piece of gum, but hey, it’s here if you want it. Beverage choices are from Pepsi. Atmosphere 2 Newman Arena is located within Bartels Hall, which houses a multitude of athletic facilities. A small ticket window is inside a small vestibule and then fans are greeted with a colorful entranceway that features plenty of Big Red displays. The basketball court is in Newman Arena and the set-up is reminiscent of a high school gym as two telescopic bleachers on the sidelines house most of the seating. These wooden bleachers are OK for watching the game, but a slightly better option are the chairback seats in the lower part of a couple middle sections. These cost a little more, though since they are hardly ever filled, it is not an issue to sneak into one a few minutes into the game. There are also a couple rows of bleacher behind each basket. An older scoreboard above center court displays only the most vital information as even “Timeouts Left” are missing. Neighborhood 4 The small city of Ithaca sits right at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, within the Finger Lakes region of New York State. This part of the country is quite beautiful as wineries, waterfalls and gorges make for a great outdoor excursion. However, given that Cornell basketball is a winter sport, the outdoors may be less desirable to explore. A visit to downtown Ithaca is a better way to spend the day and there are plenty of hot spots to check out. Beer lovers will find plenty of great establishments and the Ithaca Ale House is an excellent choice as craft beers abound. Near that same area around Ithaca Commons, several other places beckon for those looking to eat, drink or hang out. Before heading to the arena, be sure to walk around Cornell’s hilly campus as the diverse building architecture provides a classic Ivy feel. Fans 3 For most games, fans fill about a third of the gym and at only select games will more than a few thousand attend. Cornell and Ithaca have at least showed great support when the team is contending for the Ivy Title as numerous sellouts filled Newman Arena during the glory years of the late 2000s. The crowd does a nice job responding to the game and they have increases in energy as the game flows. Cornell’s pep band size depends on whether hockey is going on at the same time and regardless of numbers, they do a decent job. Access 3 Both Ithaca and Cornell can be challenging to reach from any direction and it certainly can be a nerve-wracking ride given the proficiency of snow in this part of the country. The closest interstate (I-81) is over 20 miles away, so country roads are needed. The most direct route is Exit 12 from I-81 as this leads to Route 79. Meanwhile, from the NY State Thruway (I-90) it takes almost 45 minutes of two-lane rural roads to reach Ithaca. Once on Cornell’s campus, the small streets and busy pedestrian traffic can make things a little confusing for visitors, but thankfully the athletic section is not far from the campus entrance. The Hoy Road parking deck a few buildings down from the arena is sufficient for fans attending the game. Bartels Hall provides enough space to move around before the game and at halftime, however there is a fairly small number of bathrooms available. Given the typically low attendance, this does not hinder access. Return on Investment 3 Cornell basketball is a very affordable event with free parking, tickets available for $8 and cheap concession items. The event is great for both families and passionate followers of the sport as the Ivy is a solid mid-major league with teams near the top of the conference that are usually pretty good. Extras 2 The displays throughout Bartels Hall do an excellent job highlighting the student-athletes at Cornell. Each sport receives a banner and murals throughout the area give the whole section character. I always love when a school displays their greatest athletic moments and Cornell does that quite well on the walls. Kudos to the Big Red Pep Band. Even though most members were at the hockey game simultaneously going on across the hall, those that were playing busted out a number of catchy tunes that made fans hum and sing along. Final Thoughts Cornell’s Newman Arena may have the feel of a high school gym, however the basketball and competition inside is well above that level. Big Red school spirit is splashed on the walls of the concourse before entering the gym and the intimate setting offers a decent look at the school’s basketball team. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Stadium and Arena Visits.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 bet365 Stadium Stanley Matthews Way Stoke-on-Trent, England ST4 4EG United Kingdom Stoke City FC website bet365 Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 28,383 Make Your Best Bet Bet365 Stadium is home to English Premier League Stoke City and was opened in 1997 following the club’s relocation from its historic Victoria Ground less than a mile away. The stadium’s name is taken from its sponsors and has an all-seated capacity of 27,598. The venue is a multi-purpose arena with banqueting suites and Delilah’s bar. It has hosted the likes of Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, and Elton John concerts. The stadium consists of four cantilever stands with the L-shaped Boothen and East stands being of a separate structure from the rest of the stadium. The main West stand, consisting of two tiers, houses the club's corporate and media facilities. The legendary Sir Stanley Mathews who officially opened the stadium had his ashes buried under the stadium’s centre circle following his death in 2000. Statues outside the stadium show his career at different stages. Food & Beverage 4 If you are feeling peckish on your approach to the stadium, the extra ten-minute wait until you are inside will be worth it. Sports stadium food in Britain often leaves a lot to be desired. This is not the case at the Britannia. The club now offers alternatives to the traditional food on offer within its new food courts. Separate kiosks are selling different ranges of burgers, hot dogs, pie, mash, peas and gravy, and curry and rice pots in addition to the normal range of food. These are all reasonably priced with meal deals on offer at £6.50 with a soft drink or £8.50 with a pint of beer or cider. The food is piping hot and of good quality. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere generated at the Britannia is renowned for being one of the best in England’s top flight and has often been the 13th man when Stoke has beaten some of the country’s biggest clubs at the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Made up of six separate towns, Stoke on Trent is the home of the Pottery Industry and the area is commonly known as the Potteries. There are many museums to mark the city’s pottery and coal mining industry. Festival Park houses the water park and Trentham Gardens with its Monkey World and is a mere five minutes drive from the stadium. The Potteries Shopping Centre in Hanley has all the major stores with a good selection of Theatres and Cinemas also near. The Alton Towers Theme Park Resort is the area’s best-known attraction and this is a thirty-minute drive away near the town of Uttoxeter. Port Vale is the city’s other football team located in Burslem and plays in League Two of the English Football League. Although there is a Holiday Inn and Harvester by the ground there is little to do in the vicinity of the stadium. Fans 4 The club is once again established in the top flight of English football. Stoke has hard-core support and gates held at 15,000 even when the club sunk to the third tier of English football. Stoke supporters have been officially recognized by the football authorities as the noisiest supporters in the Premier League. Access 3 The stadium is located at the Junction of the A500 and A50 which is within a five-minute drive of the M6 Junction 15. Stoke-on-Trent railway station is also well-served by trains between London and Manchester. There is plenty of parking on adjacent roads and the stadium also has plenty of parking, although delays after the game are commonplace. Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham airports are all within a one-hour drive of the city. Return on Investment 3 Like all Premiership clubs, ticket prices are high and range between £35 and £45 for league games with discounts for children and O.A.P. F.A. Cup, League Cup, and Europa League games are often cheaper depending on the opposition. Big games tend to sell out early but, if planned, getting into the stadium should not be a problem. Extras 4 There is a club superstore next to the ticket office selling a wide range of merchandise. Betting Shops are also located on the stadium concourse in the vicinity of the fast food outlets. Stadium tours are available on request and programmes and fanzines are printed for each game.