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

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 BMO Harris Bradley Center 1001 N 4th St Milwaukee, WI 53203 Milwaukee Bucks website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 18,717 Demolished: 2019 The Bucks Stop (Playing) Here Editors Note: BMO Harris Bradley Center was demolished in early 2019. The Bucks now play at the new Fiserv Forum . The BMO Harris Bradley Center is the only major public professional sports arena in the country built through the philanthropic gift of one family. It has served as the home of the Milwaukee Bucks since 1988. During this period the 18,600 seat facility has also been the home court for the Marquette University men’s basketball program. The AHL Milwaukee Admirals were also tenants of the Bradley Center from 1988- 2016. The Bradley Center has four levels of seating, including 42 suites and 16 theatre boxes. Also included in the facility are 14 permanent concession stands, 3 clubs and 4 Bucks Pro Shops merchandise stores. The thirty year history of the Bradley Center will come to a close at the end of the 2017-2018 basketball season. The arena has served Milwaukee well, but it lacks the size and amenities found in many of the newer NBA facilities. In addition, due to its origin as a philanthropic gift, no funding was designated for capital improvements over the life of the facility. The Bucks will begin playing in the Wisconsin Sport and Entertainment Center now nearing completion just a block away in Fall 2018. Food & Beverage 3 The Bradley Center concessions program offers a wide variety of both stadium standards, as well as a strong mix of regional favorites. Classic Concession stands offer the following fare: hot dogs ($5), burgers ($8), chicken tenders ($9), BBQ sandwich ($6), nachos ($6), popcorn ($6), pizza ($7), burritos ($8.50), candy ($4.50), ice cream ($6 / dish) and pretzels ($6). They also offer Pepsi brand beverages ($5.75) and bottled water ($5). As you would expect from the Beer City, there is an extensive selection of beers available at the TapHouse, including Corona, Redds, Blue Moon, Leinie’s, Heineken, Lakefront, New Glarus Spotted Cow, New Castle, and of course Miller Beer brands. Domestic brands are $8.50 and premium brands are $9.50. Amongst the more popular regional items available at the Bradley Center are brats ($5.50), chicken and waffles ($7.50), polish sausages ($6), Milwaukee dogs ($10) cheese curds ($6.50) and Milwaukee Fish Frys ($11.50). Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere within the Bradley Center is one of celebrating the past 50 years of Bucks basketball, while looking forward to next season in the new Wisconsin Sports and Entertainment Center going up next door. Each home game highlights one season in the Bucks history, with trivia quiz contests for the fans during each break in the action. A member of the team from that season also personally makes an appearance at the game and signs autographs in the main lobby of the arena prior to the game. There are many commemorative giveaways on different nights throughout the 2017-2018 season. Another popular activity is to roll back the price of a specific concession item to its 1968 price for the evening. The future of the Bucks looks bright as they prepare to move into their new home in the fall of 2018, as the roster is one of the youngest in the NBA. Throughout the games, a series of videos featuring some aspect of the new arena is shown, boosting fan enthusiasm. Many of the in-game contests feature ticket giveaways to games for next season. Neighborhood 5 Milwaukee has a very vibrant downtown area with many great restaurants, bars and attractions within walking distance of the Bradley Center. The arena is located between several college campuses, guaranteeing the nightlife will just be getting started as the game ends. On the restaurant front, Milwaukee is a melting pot of great ethnic restaurants, many of which are located along the riverfront on both Water Street and in the Old World Third Street section. Two restaurants to check out are the Milwaukee Brat House and Mikeys Burgers and Bombs. When you think of Milwaukee two things come to mind… beer and Harleys. A great way to spend your pregame time on weekends is to check out the Harley Davidson Museum and go on the Miller Brewery Tour. Both attractions are located just west of the Bradley Center area. You can save a great deal on parking by staying in one of the many hotels within walking distance of the arena. The closest is the Hyatt Regency around the corner from the Bradley Center, but for a more uniquely Milwaukee experience stay at the Brewhouse Inn and Suites. It is a former brewery converted into a great boutique hotel. The lobby even still has the distilling tanks as a furnishing. When scheduling a trip to Milwaukee, check out the sports calendar to see if you can score either a double or triple header of games in a weekend. In addition to the Bucks, you also have Marquette University playing at Bradley Center. By simply crossing the street, you can also catch a UW Panther basketball game or a Milwaukee Admirals hockey game at the UW Panthers Arena. Fans 4 Milwaukee fans are very basketball-centric as there are two main sports in town, basketball and baseball. Older fans remember the glory days of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading the Bucks to their only NBA Championship and Al McGuire leading Marquette to the NCAA Championship over UNC. Younger fans are aware of the more recent successes of the University of Wisconsin / Madison reaching the NCAA finals and UW Milwaukee reaching the Sweet Sixteen. Bucks fans are also very passionate about their rivalry with a certain team just a couple of hours south of town in the Windy City. Though the Bulls dominated in the Michael Jordan/Scottie Pippen era, the rivalry has been much more contested in recent years and typically sells out the Bradley Center very quickly. The fans at Bradley are led in their Fear the Deer cheers by Bango, the Bucks mascot. In addition, the team has established a statewide network of Bucks Bars to televise games, promote the team and set up group outings to the Bradley Center several times per season. Access 3 Bradley Center has more than 10,000 parking spaces available within a six-block radius around the arena. It is very easy to access from I-43 at exit 72C coming from the west or exit 73A coming from the east, north or south. Please be aware that there may be some street closures in the immediate area of the arena in conjunction with the construction of the Bucks new home. Better yet stay at one of the many hotels located within a few blocks of the arena and walk to the game. Once at the Bradley Center, there are four main entry / exit points into the facility. The lobbies and concourses are wide enough to allow a good traffic flow within the building. There are 28 restrooms spread throughout all four levels of the building, so you should not expect any long lines. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for Bucks games range from $10 for 400 level seats – $275 for seats at court level. In most cases you should be able to obtain these tickets at standard pricing, avoiding the pricier secondary markets. Parking runs between $10 – $20 depending on which lot you use. Concessions are very reasonably priced. Extras 2 The Bucks franchise has existed since 1968. In that period of time they have won 13 division titles, 2 conference titles and 1 NBA Championship. Amongst the top players who have played in a Milwaukee uniform are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Quinn Buckner, Alex English, Gary Brokaw, Bob Weiss, Marquis Johnson, Junior Bridgeman, Oscar Robinson and Sidney Moncrief. Final Thoughts As the BMO Bradley Center goes through its final season, it looks back to celebrate the many special moments that took place there. This includes replays on the video board of Bucks victories, visits from Milwaukee’s stars of the past and special theme nights. Stadium Journey bids adieu to the Bradley Center and looks forward to reviewing the Wisconsin Sports and Entertainment Center in the fall of 2018.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Otter Sports Complex 4113 2nd Ave Seaside, CA 93955 Cal State Monterey Bay Otters website Otter Sports Complex website College Baseball by the Sea The sports scene in Monterey is somewhat limited – aside from races at Laguna Seca  or soccer at nearby Cardinale Stadium  with Monterey Bay FC, you don’t have many options. However, college sports fans can find solace in the fact that Cal State Monterey Bay fields sports teams, including a baseball program. Situated right on campus adjacent to the school’s other athletic fields, the Otter Sports Complex is Monterey Bay’s home for baseball.   Food & Beverage   3 There are several food trucks and concession stands open right behind the grandstands where you can find numerous options. Steak sandwiches, melts, flatbreads, nachos, or grillitos are available for $12, steak & bacon sliders or chicken artichoke wraps are $10, chicken wings are $8, hot dogs, nachos, fries, or grilled cheese sandwiches are $7, and water or soda costs $3.   Atmosphere   3 The stadium itself is simple enough; reminiscent of local baseball fields, there are three grandstand sections that are all open and available to fans who wish to sit in any of them. Many fans bring their own folding chairs and line them up right against the fencing itself behind home plate to watch the game. Landscaping, through simple, features beautiful flowering bushes and trees, making for a nice aesthetic. Weather in Monterey is practically perfect all year round, which means you won’t be uncomfortable watching CSU-MB games.   Neighborhood   5 Monterey is like much of the rest of coastal California; beautiful and relaxing. Boasting the weather and scenery of the Bay Area, but with the small-town feel of more inland locations, Monterey features a regional airport, numerous locations to stay at, and a wide variety of places to eat. In addition, the world-famous Monterey Aquarium is just minutes from CSU-MB, as are Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. The locals are kind and courteous, always willing to give you directions and recommendations on where to go, and no matter what time of the year you are going, there is always some sort of festival or celebration going on, such as Italian Fest, Jazz Fest, and Octoberfest. For great food check out Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, or Hula’s Island Grill. Hotels are plentiful here, including Hilton Garden Inn Monterey and Hotel Pacific. The stadium’s immediate location, the town of Seaside, also features numerous restaurants and hotels.   Fans   3 The majority of those in attendance are family and friends of the players on the field. With that said, there is also a notable attendance of younger fans, be they local youth players themselves, or kids who just want to watch baseball without their parents paying the price of MLB teams up north. The fans who do attend games here are also sports knowledgeable, knowing all the players on the field as well.   Access   5 Parking is plentiful on-site for $5 – these lots offer easy in-and-out access to fans attending games here, and payment for parking is made at the pay stations as you enter the lot, making for a seamless experience on game day. To get to the stadium, you just need to take the Lightfighter Drive exit from Highway 1; from there, you’re practically dropped off right next to the parking lot entrance.   Return on Investment   5 Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, making games at CSU Monterey Bay incredibly affordable. Couple that with very affordable prices for parking and concessions, and you have a great day watching college baseball for a great price. Also, with the great weather you won’t be miserable watching the Otters take the field, so this really is a win-win for all parties.   Extras   2 QR codes are posted at various locations for fans to scan each game’s digital program. The field also allows fans to walk around behind the warm-up area for the visiting team, giving you an up-close view of their workouts and bullpen action.   Final Thoughts Going to Monterey may not bring college baseball to mind, but this should change for diehard fans of the sport. CSU Monterey Bay features a great affordable product with stellar weather in a fantastic city – this is a great option for fans who want to catch some sports, either if you’re visiting or a local.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Schoonover Stadium 1508 Campus Center Dr Kent, OH 44242 Kent State Golden Flashes website Schoonover Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 500 Consistent Excellence In 2005, Kent State University opened a new facility for its baseball program. Officially named Olga A. Mural Field at Schoonover Stadium, the venue is modest with a capacity of only 500. What the ballpark lacks in glitz, it more than makes up for in history. Schoonover Stadium was built on the site of the previous home of the Golden Flashes, Gene Michael Field. But it’s more than just the location where you’ll feel the history, you’ll also see it on display on the outfield walls. There is no doubt that Kent State has been the most successful baseball program in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The Golden Flashes won eight MAC Tournament titles from 2001-2012. In that 2012 season, Kent State also made a rare appearance in the College World Series in Omaha. 21 players have gone on to play in the Major Leagues including Gene Michael, Thurman Munson, Steve Stone, and Dustin Hermanson. When you see a game at Schoonover Stadium, you can be sure that you’ll see a future Major Leaguer and some of the best players that the MAC has to offer. Food & Beverage 2 There’s one small concession stand near the entrance toward the third base side of Schoonover Stadium. Here you’ll find hot dogs ($3), burgers ($5), chicken sandwiches ($4), and Italian sausage ($5). Pepsi products are available in 20-ounce plastic bottles for $3. If it is a cold spring evening, you can also pick up either coffee or hot chocolate ($2). The quality is a little less than average, and the prices are probably just a tad on the high side. Atmosphere 3 The seating at Schoonover Stadium can be found in the grandstand behind home plate, with mostly metal bleachers, but also a few rows of blue plastic chair back seats. It’s a fairly comfortable view, although if you’re in the bleachers you may either want to bring your chair back or head for the top row where you can lean up against the fence. The numerous displays of Kent State’s success on the field add to the overall atmosphere as well. Besides the years noted for MAC championships and Regional appearances, you’ll also find the #15, in honor of Thurman Munson, who starred at Kent State and the New York Yankees, and died way too young in a plane crash at nearby Akron-Canton Airport in 1979. You’ll see the number 30 down the left field line and the number 14 down the right field line, both with the name Schoonover. These are meant to highlight the fact that the Kent State baseball program has won 30 or more games in 14 consecutive games (through the 2013 season). Neighborhood 4 Schoonover Stadium is located about two miles from downtown Kent, Ohio. There is nothing within walking distance of the ballpark, so you’ll need to have a car with you. The best place for a pre or post-game meal and/or drink is the Water Street Tavern, which also offers the adjoining Cajun Dave’s. I love this spot primarily because Cajun Dave’s offers a fantastic menu with a lot of barbeque and southern influences. I especially like the shrimp and grits. As for the Water Street Tavern, they have a good beer menu, and plenty of TVs to stay up on the day’s sporting events. Zephyr Pub is probably better suited to the football crowd when the weather is a bit nicer. They have a wonderful outdoor beer garden, but also a pool table in case you’re looking to shoot some sticks. If your inner beer snob is calling, then Ray’s Place should be your destination. They have the best beer selection in Kent and recently have won acclaim for their MoFo burger recommended by Chef Michael Simon. If you’re in the area for a weekend series, consider staying at one of the hotels south of the stadium, near I-76. I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, and it is certainly suitable for baseball fans on the road watching their favorite team. Fans 3 You’ll find the usual mix of friends and family that make their way to a baseball game in the Midwest, but the spectators at Schoonover Stadium also display a little more hardball knowledge and passion than most similar venues in the region. This is not a social event, it’s a chance to root the Golden Flashes on to victory. Stand along the left field line and you’ll find a particularly high level of baseball conversation amongst the ardent viewers leaning against the fence. Access 4 The parking situation is a little unusual when you go to see a game at Schoonover Stadium. There is a small lot immediately outside the gate, but it fills up quickly, so if you want to park nearby, then be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the first pitch. If that lot happens to be full, then there is a nearby larger parking lot. They discourage fans from walking along the road to the stadium, so there is a free shuttle bus that runs continuously between the two parking lots. If you can’t stand to wait, then you could of course walk (although the parking attendants will do their best to persuade you not to). In any case, parking is free. If you’re feeling sneaky, you can walk through the orange fencing that separates the baseball and softball fields and access the venue for free. I’m sure the attendants will certainly flag you down, and it’s not worth being dishonest to save yourself $5, but that’s your call. Restrooms are adequate on-site, and sure beat the port-a-potty options you’ll find at many Midwest parks. Return on Investment 3 Unlike many MAC ballparks, there is a charge to attend a game at Schoonover Stadium. It will cost you $5 for an adult ticket, and $3 for a ticket for anyone aged 60+ or between the ages of 4-14. Children under the age of 4 are free to enter. The ticket window only accepts cash, so come prepared. When you add in the concession prices and free parking, Schoonover Stadium offers an average return on investment. Extras 3 One extra point for the consistent excellence that the Kent State baseball program has shown since the turn of the century. Another extra point for the efficient bus shuttle that runs between the two parking lots. One final extra point to the subtle tribute to Thurman Munson, one of those great players that you can’t help but wonder, “what if?” Final Thoughts If you like college baseball, then you’ll enjoy a trip to Schoonover Stadium. The history of this fantastic mid-major program is on full display, so sit back and enjoy a high level of baseball.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Bedford Field South Drive Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers website Bedford Field website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 1,200 Tigers Field Hockey at Princeton Bedford Field on the campus of Princeton University is home to the Tigers' field hockey program. It is a relatively new stadium, having just opened in 2012, and is located right next door to Class of 1952 Stadium, home of Princeton lacrosse, with which it shares a concourse. Princeton field hockey has historically been among the most successful programs in the country, qualifying for 25 NCAA Tournaments, which is ninth on the all-time list. They won one national championship in 2012. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a truck with a Coca-Cola logo that is parked on the concourse between Bedford Field and Class of 1952 Stadium. The menu includes hot dogs, crispy chicken sandwiches, pretzels, popcorn, chips, cotton candy, candy, soda, and water. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also available on cold days. Other than the crispy chicken sandwich, which is $7.50, everything is under $5. Atmosphere 5 As mentioned above, Bedford Field shares a concourse with the Class of 1952 Stadium, and you will enter through the gates between the two venues. Bedford Field will be to your right as you come in, and you can walk up into a large set of bleachers along one sideline. A small scoreboard behind the goal on the left shows shots, saves, and penalty corners in addition to the score and time. There is also a grassy area behind one goal where some fans like to stand or sit in their chairs or on the ground. Although animals are not permitted inside Bedford Field (except service animals), this area is not considered part of the stadium, so it is a popular area for fans to hang out with their furry friends and watch the game. Princeton keeps fans engaged with music and sound effects to pump up the crowd during penalty corners and after goals. All the seats are up close to the action, with no track or anything else separating the crowd from the field. The concourse is lined with posters honoring Princeton lacrosse and field hockey, and the effort the school put into this facility shows they truly care about the sport. Neighborhood 4 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. But there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there, even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 5 Princeton fans pack the 1,200-seat bleachers for field hockey games as well as lining the grassy area behind the goal. They proudly wear their orange and black and come ready to cheer on their team for the whole game. When Stadium Journey visited, the bleachers were mostly full, although some fans were late to arrive, and it was not nearly as full when the game started as it would eventually become. With a strong fan and alumni base, this seems typical for Princeton field hockey. There is a good mix of friends and family of the players, alumni, and locals coming to check out a game. Access 4 Parking for Bedford Field is available in Lot 20, about a five-minute walk from the stadium. Lot 20 is a huge lot that accommodates many places, not just Bedford Field, but you will want to park near the entrance from the traffic circle at Theatre Drive. This will offer the shortest walk to the stadium, about five minutes via Woodlands Way. For those arriving by public transit, the Princeton station on NJ Transit's Princeton Branch is located a short walk from the stadium, and if driving, you will likely pass it as you get on campus. The Princeton Branch, better known as The Dinky, is the shortest commuter rail line in America and connects Princeton's campus to Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. It consists of just those two stops, and the trip takes about five minutes. Restrooms are available on the concourse, under the Class of 1952 Stadium bleachers, and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds. The one thing to keep in mind is that there is a lot of construction going on at the moment in the vicinity of Lot 20 and Bedford Field, and some roads or sidewalks may be blocked off. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all regular season Princeton field hockey games is free. Parking is free, too, and concessions are quite affordable. Note that there may be a charge to attend Ivy League and NCAA Tournament games as the ticketing policy is set by those respective organizations, not the school. Extras 3 One star for the banners on the concourse honoring Princeton field hockey and lacrosse. A second star for the sign on the scoreboard honoring the 2012 national championship and the adjacent sign honoring all of Princeton's postseason appearances. Finally, be sure to look for the tiger statue by the entrance on the Class of 1952 Stadium side of the concourse, a reference to Princeton's mascot. Final Thoughts Bedford Field is one of the nicest college field hockey stadiums in the country, with a fan base to match. For fans of the sport, a trip to a Princeton field hockey game is a must. This is an outstanding facility.

The 2026 World Cup may seem like a long way off now, but the ultimate soccer event will be here in no time. The venues will be spread across North America, with the USA, Mexico, and Canada all due to host games. There are set to be two stadiums in use in the Great White North, with the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver and the BMO Field in Toronto both set to act as the stages for some of the biggest games in world football. Can Canada Build on Their Last World Cup Appearance? As one of the host nations in the next World Cup, Canada will get an automatic entry without having to qualify. This will mark their third appearance in the ultimate competition, after having appeared at the last edition in Qatar in 2022. They didn’t make it out of the group stages that time but will be eager to better that performance on home soil. At the time of writing, Canada is listed around the middle of all teams in the football betting to win the World Cup. They're not favorites, but they aren't ranked as complete outsiders either. This suggests that sportsbooks are aware that they may represent an additional threat on home turf. They also have a few players who are likely to be global superstars by that time, which could be why some people believe they can build on their last appearance. Football culture in Canada and the rest of North America is growing, and this has been helped by many of the top talents forging careers across the pond in the top leagues. This support will be essential to pushing the country forward and helping them get to the knockout stages of the next competition. Canada Will Have Host Stadiums in Vancouver and Toronto Most of the stadiums for the next World Cup are in the USA, but Canada will have two key locations to attract swathes of supporters from around the world. Organizers opted to use spots on opposite sides of the country that have easy access to the USA, with Vancouver and Toronto set to host games. The Vancouver spot is the BC Place Stadium, which is a double bowl arena with a total capacity of 54,405. It’s a multipurpose ground that acts as the home for BC Lions in the Canadian Football League and Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer. It is well-prepared for massive games, as it has already hosted the 2010 Winter Paralympics and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup championship match. The BMO Field in Toronto is slightly smaller than the Vancouver site, with a capacity of 30,991. However, an expansion to 45,736 is planned of the World Cup. The stadium is currently the home of Toronto FC in the MLS and the Canada men’s national soccer team. The World Cup is always a great opportunity for people to see some of the most impressive stadiums from around the world. Canada has the chance to spruce up two of its best locations before the paramount football event, and they are likely to attract thousands of fans.

Photos by Aaron S Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Bank of the James Stadium 3180 Fort Ave. Lynchburg, VA 24501 Lynchburg Hillcats website The Bank of the James Stadium website Year Opened: 1940 Capacity: 4,000 Minor League Baseball in the Virginia Hill Country Baseball had been played in Lynchburg, Virginia since 1886 and the city has represented many leagues from the Virginia League, the Appalachian League, the Southern League, and the South Atlantic League. Baseball has been played at one place since 1940, what is now called The Bank of the James Stadium was known as City Stadium for most of its 80 years. The first game took place in front of 7,000 fans on April 11, 1940, between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers. That same year it served as the home of the Lynchburg Senators of the Virginia League where 2,500 fans came out on opening day to watch the Senators play its first game. Later on that year the club captured the league championship. The stadium has been the home to Carolina League baseball since the 1966 season and the Hillcats since 1995. The man who brought Carolina League to town was Calvin Falwell who has served as the president of the Lynchburg Baseball Corporation since 1956 and was known as “Mr. Baseball”. The stadium would be rededicated in his honor in 2004 before the club secured naming rights with Bank of the James in 2020. The ballpark has gone through multiple renovations since 1978, but the most extensive rehab took place in 2002 when $6.5 million altered the look of the facility. The improvements included the completion of a brand new concourse with seatback chairs, two picnic areas, two new concession stands, eight luxury boxes, a new press box, and a brand new state-of-the-art scoreboard Food & Beverage 5 The Bank of the James Stadium has a great selection of food and beverage options for such a small stadium. Hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, pizza, pulled pork, brats, Italian sausage, and grilled chicken salad are all available at prices ranging from $3 to $8.50, including kid’s meals for $4. Numerous snack items are also available including nachos, peanuts, Cracker Jack, chips, French fries, mac ‘n cheese bites, pretzels, and Little Caesars crazy bread ($3 to $5). If you find yourself craving something sweet, The stadium also offers many different dessert items, including Oreo churros, several ice cream selections, and assorted types of candy ($2 to $5). Drink items are equally numerous, with selections including bottled water, fountain soda, Gatorade, Rockstar energy drinks, hot chocolate, several coffee choices, including cappuccino, and even beer and wine. Beer starts at $5, the wine starts at $6, and non-alcoholic drinks run $2 to $4. Atmosphere 3 The Bank of the James Stadium has comfortable seating, with wide chair back seats in the section behind home plate, and in the first few rows along the first and third baselines (most of the seats along the baselines are metal bleachers). Most of the section behind home plate is covered by a roof, so you will be protected from the sun (or rain) if you choose to sit there, which is actually the general admission section (unlike most sports venues where general admission would be the “worse” seats). The scoreboard at Calvin Falwell Field is pretty basic and does not include a video board, and the in-game activities between innings are pretty standard. Neighborhood 2 There is not a lot to do in the immediate vicinity of The Bank of the James Stadium, though the region offers plenty, such as Appomattox Court House National Park and the National D-Day Memorial both within a 30-minute drive. Less than a mile from the baseball field, though, is Fort Early, a Civil War-era battlefield with a couple of monuments, and you can also visit Amazement Square (a children’s museum) in downtown Lynchburg. Downtown is also the place to be if you are looking for a bite to eat while visiting – Depot Grille and Market on Main are both great choices. And if you are looking for a place to stay while in the area, most of the hotels near downtown are bed and breakfasts, but there are a slew of national chains southwest on Highway 29 near Liberty University, including a Hilton Garden Inn and a Fairfield Inn & Suites. Fans 2 The Lynchburg Hillcats averaged about 1,858 fans per game, with Sundays tending be the least attended. This ranks them second to last in the league. This level of attendance doesn’t lend itself to much crowd noise, although it does make it really easy to park and to get around the stadium. Access 3 Getting to The Bank of the James Stadium is not hard, per se, since there isn’t a lot of traffic in the area, but the venue does feel like it is a bit out in the middle of nowhere, so you won’t be able to use Interstates for much of your trip, meaning you will hit a lot of stoplights on your way in and out of town. The stadium does have some free parking on site, however, which is nice, in addition to some reserved parking slightly closer to the front entrance for about $6 per vehicle. Moving around the concourse is easy, thanks in part to the small crowd size, and there are no lines to speak of. The only downside really is that the parking lot is not that well kept up – on one recent visit, I ended up ruining a pair of sneakers, due to the summer heat being so bad it melted some of the asphalt. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Lynchburg Hillcats games start at only $6, which is a pretty good deal and is in line with other minor league parks in the vicinity. Free parking is also a plus, and the concessions prices are reasonable, albeit coming in at a slightly higher price point perhaps than similar venues. The only downside is the out of the way location, so depending on where you live, you may be able to find a baseball game that is a little easier to get to. Extras 3 The Lynchburg Hillcats have a great logo, with nice bright colors, and there is a huge play area for the kids inside the park. It is the only ballpark in professional baseball that allows dogs to all home games. Also, the staff does a lot of great promotions throughout the year. Final Thoughts The atmosphere can be somewhat laid back and down-home at the ballpark. A Hillcats game is comfortable and relaxing but not over the top in excitement or exuberance. That said, there are other parks nearby you could visit with bigger crowds and better amenities. But if you do find yourself at The Bank of the James Stadium for a game, you will certainly have a decent time.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Houston Field House 1900 Peoples Ave. Troy, NY 12180 RPI Engineers men’s hockey website Houston Field House website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 4,780 Warehouse Hockey Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute played hockey as far back as 1901, but it was World War II that may have had the biggest influence on the NCAA hockey program. As part of the Veterans Educational Facilities Program where the United States military sold off various pieces of war surplus equipment and other assets, RPI would get in on the action. Led by RPI president Dr. Livingston Houston, the Troy, New York engineering school would purchase a Navy Warehouse located in Davisville, Rhode Island. The building was deconstructed and shipped to Troy and reassembled on campus. That warehouse became the Houston Field House, the current home of the RPI Engineers hockey program. The doors opened on the new facility in 1949 and the rest is history. At one point, the Houston Field House was the main civic arena for the Albany area and would even host the 1959 Frozen Four. RPI has a long history in college hockey. Playing in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), essentially the Ivy League of college hockey, RPI has enjoyed National Championships in 1954 and 1985 as well as graduated several players to the NHL including Hockey Hall of Fame member Adam Oates. RPI is similar to several other programs where the hockey team plays at Division I and the other programs play at Division III. A trip to see the Rensselaer Engineers will bring a smile to the face of fans who love the uniqueness and coziness of College Hockey. Food & Beverage 3 Houston Field House does not have an exemplary culinary scene. There is one simple concession that serves pretzels, chicken tenders, curly fries, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, and popcorn. Soft drinks of choice are Pepsi products and bottled water and coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also available. There is a Ben and Jerry’s stand on the opposite side of the arena for those wanting a little something extra, and several vending machines around the arena. A private club sits at the west end of the arena and it appears, food-wise anyway, membership has its privileges. Atmosphere 3 Considering the Houston Field House is a former military warehouse, the exterior of the arena is quite attractive. The main entrance is on the west side of the building and features a rounded entry with bay windows at the top that leads into a small atrium where the ticket windows can be found. Passing through the second set of doors in the atrium, fans are brought right into the concourse to the west side of the ice, behind the net. It is immediately noticeable that the floor is higher than the ice surface, which although may be trivial at best, does give the fan a feeling that there is something slightly different here. With an interior very much like the North Bay Memorial Gardens , the Houston Field House feels long and compact and the aesthetics of the concourses are a secondary concern at best. The east side of the arena is open and houses the Zambonis and other maintenance items for the arena. Although there is a long, blue curtain on the east side, little effort is done to hide these items. With no seats behind the east glass behind the net, a long “Engineers” sign is on the glass. A unique feature. RPI does what it can to make the Houston Field House as homey as possible. Several murals depict great Engineer moments in hockey as well as large team pictures of the 1954 and 1985 National Championship teams. The exterior of the private club boasts a huge number of photos of former Engineers who have gone on to play professional hockey including Brad Tapper, Marty Dahlman, Darren Puppa, and Kevin Constantine to name a few. In the rafters, above the ice, banners proudly hang for NCAA tournament appearances, ECAC Championships, and the 1954 and 1985 National Championship banners. At the east end of the arena banners honoring players and coaches who have provided a significant contribution to the program hang. These include Joe Juneau, Frank Chiarelli, Bob Brinkworth, John Carter, Jerry Knightley, Adam Oates, and coaches Ned Harkness and Garry Kearns. The video board that hangs at centre ice does the job but will not blow fans away. The seating area is fairly straightforward and the higher fans sit, the more likely the massive beams running east to west will interfere with the view. The west end looks to have been renovated at some point as the corners are rounded in the seating area. The east end of the north and south side seats are not great for the view and should be avoided. Pillars in each of the four corners hold up the large beams and should be considered when choosing seats. Many of the red or blue seats in the Houston Field House are wooden and a definite throwback to a past era. Fans who want the perfect center ice picture with the logo should sit on the north side of the arena. The gameday production at RPI is what one would expect for college hockey. The pep band is great and they play throughout the game from the top of the northeast corner of the arena. Students in attendance are normally found around the band. The Rensselaer mascot, Puckman, can be found traversing the crowd throughout. On an Engineers goal, a member of the band runs the entire perimeter of the arena carrying an RPI flag and getting high fives from all who are passed. Neighborhood 3 The Houston Field House is located on the east side of the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute near the rest of the school’s athletic facilities. The immediate neighborhood of the arena does not offer much in the way of pre and post-game libations. Heading west, towards the Hudson River to downtown Troy is a much better option. Their fans can find several good options including Brown's Brewing Company, the Whistling Kettle, The Ruck, Nighthawk, Sea Smoke, and the Stadium Journey favorite, Dinosaur BBQ. As far as other sports go, the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Frontier League is also located in Troy. However, nearby Schenectady and Albany offer other options. The Union Dutchman are rivals of the Engineers and they play at Achilles Center in Schenectady. The Albany Firewolves of the National Lacrosse League are found at MVP Arena and Siena Saints and Albany Great Danes basketball are also in the Tri-City area. Fans wishing to stay in Troy can try the Hilton or the Best Western Franklin Square. Fans 4 The Engineers enjoy a solid fanbase in the ECAC. For the 2022-2023 season, RPI has averaged over 2,000 fans per game. Compared to other programs, that is in the top 4 in the conference. Still, under 50 percent capacity, there is plenty of room to grow. The fans that are in attendance are loud and engaged and bring that college hockey atmosphere to the game. The band leads the students in fan participation and RPI fans declare how each player “sucks” from the opponent when they are introduced. A humorous tradition at RPI comes during an opponent’s penalty where the fans belt out that the offending player “sucks” and is receiving two minutes for “sucking.” Access 3 RPI is located on the east side of Troy. It is easily accessible from Highway 7 from the north and Highway 4 from the east. There is parking available in the general area of the athletic facilities, but the terrain is not overly flat, and getting from Houston Field House to where parking is in the east can be a trek. For those fans wanting to take public transit to the game, some buses run on Peoples Dr to the south and Burdett Ave to the west. Fans should check out the Capital District Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Houston Field House can be tight. The concourses that run under the grandstands are not very wide and the arena is not accessible for the entire 360 degrees. The seating is fairly old, with wooden seats, however, they are plenty wide enough. The washroom facilities are good for a small crowd but would be taxed with a big group. Return on Investment 4 NCAA hockey has tremendous value. Tickets for the Engineers go for $15 each with discounts for kids and seniors. There is a $3 surcharge for games that are considered premium. Concession prices are good and parking can be found for free. As for the product on the ice, RPI provides a decent team. The gameday atmosphere is excellent and a whole lot of fun when combined with the band, students, and the uniqueness that is NCAA hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Big Red Freakout. It is the biggest game of the year and essentially part event and part reunion. Students camp out to get tickets and it has put RPI on the hockey map. An extra mark for the part of the Harlem Shake video being recorded at Houston Field House. An extra mark for the tremendously unique history of the Houston Field House and its origins as a military warehouse. Final Thoughts There seems to be something special about a Division III school that plays Division I hockey and the Rensselaer Engineers fit the bill. The Houston Field House is a unique facility, with a tremendous history that hockey fans should take in. Troy is the place to be for some Saturday night RPI hockey! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photo courtesy of the Ohio Valley League For some of us, the wait is over. The Clarksville Whirlybirdz of the Ohio Valley League appeared to have released their logo. However, it is not on the league or team's website but on the Madisonville Miners, another OVL member's page. It was reported by Jason Moragas on his Twitter page . The logo features a baseball-shaped bird head wearing a propeller beanie with the town’s name of Clarksville more prominent than the club's name. The colors are navy blue and silver, with a yellow for the bird’s beak. The Whirlybirdz will play home games at Rossview High School beginning June 3. They will join the Bowling Green Pistons (formerly the Franklin Duelers) as new franchises. The Ohio Valley League is a summer-collegiate loop that is entering its 12th season of operations with 12 league members. The Tennessee town hosted minor league baseball in the Class D KITTY League between 1946-1949 and 47 years later in 1996 in the independent Big South League. MY THOUGHTS I like what I see so far, but I hope there is more from the Whirlybirdz franchise. The Ohio Valley League has a collection of logos that ranges from amateur to professional level, and this one ranks close to the top. The propeller beanie might make an ideal promotional item for kids of all ages at home games, and I can almost envision the mascot walking around the ballpark. It's professional and reminds me a little of the Baltimore Orioles original logos. In that case, it's pretty solid. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Holt Arena 550 Memorial Dr Pocatello, ID 83209 Idaho State Bengals website Holt Arena website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 8,000 Basketball at Holt Arena While having attended an Idaho State University (ISU) football game and a rodeo in the Holt Arena, I fully expected this trip to Pocatello for an ISU men's basketball game to be equally as forgettable. However, this visit in Jan 2013, actually left me pleasantly surprised and I found myself questioning my past opinions of the arena. With only a very modest sized crowd, the Holt Arena was deafening and intimidating as the Bengals went on to beat Sacramento State 60-59. Opened in 1970, the Holt Arena is a half dome reminiscent of a large airplane hanger. Unassuming from the outside, the multipurpose arena offers several different seating arrangements that allow for different sports, concerts, and entertainment events. Logistically, hosting any event in the middle of a football stadium is crazy. The various courts and stages that are installed make up only a small fraction a football field square footage. Fortunately for Bengal basketball fans, ISU seems to have it down to a fine art. In order to not separate the crowd from the game and eliminate the home court advantage, the court is brought close to the permanent north bleachers and temporary bleachers surround the three sides of the court. Respectable for its size even with temporary bleachers, the arena boasts 8,000 seats during basketball games and a 12,000 (permanent) seating capacity for football games. Many of the dome's features are unavailable during the basketball game such as the video boards, or family friendly play place. Food & Beverage 1 Holt Arena offers just a very small number of food vendors, serving very limited and standard game time treats. During basketball games, the south side of the arena is closed, which further reduces the available options. The concession prices are surprisingly fair considering that there is no alcohol being sold to subsidize the prices. Atmosphere 2 The arena is adorned with trophies, plaques, and sports memorabilia from throughout the school's past, giving the facility a feeling of past sports legacy and special moments. However as the student body is virtually nonexistent, you're instantly struck with confusion wondering which is the home team. Luckily for this game, the hometown fans showed up in the second half. The heavy (ugly) insulated roof helped lend to the incredible noise that the small crowd produced. Neighborhood 3 Settled at the south end of Pocatello, Idaho State University is surrounded by older and well kept single-family homes, which slightly separates the school as the more active part of the town. Having learned from past experiences of trying to find original restaurants around the university, we talked to the other spectators and got two solid recommendations. Portneuff Brewery, a traditional polish brewery, and Butterburr's which is a family diner. As a winter storm was starting to settle in, we opted for Butterburr's, which was closer to our hotel. The large diner was filled to capacity, and the locals were really piling in. The soups are warm and homemade, and the pies hit the right spot. I will definitely be returning again for their Cheddar Broccoli soup. Fans 3 While I remain underwhelmed at the complete lack of a student section from ISU, I am extremely impressed with the amount of local hometown support the team seems to have. Families and local residents don the orange and black to support the Bengals. While the Bengals struggled to get things going during the first half, the fans didn't waiver. The second half was loud, intense, and actually kept my attention. Access 5 From the freeway, to parking, to the seats is less than 10 minutes. One unique feature that I noticed during this trip is Bengal tiger paw prints painted on the roads throughout town, all of which lead you to the Holt Arena. I have never waited in line at the box office, restrooms, or concessions. The small attendance reduces all congestion, and traffic flow before, during, and after the basketball game. Return on Investment 3 Even though the men's basketball games uses just a portion of Holt arena's potential, the $15 ticket I bought, allowed me to attend one of the best college games I have attended in quite some time. While I'm not a Bengals fan, I will absolutely be looking into attending again. Extras 0 Nothing that should be considered extra.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Veterans Memorial Stadium 5000 Veterans Stadium Dr Troy, AL 36082 Troy Trojans website Veterans Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 30,000 The Trojan Wars Troy University was founded in 1887 and is the third largest university in the state of Alabama. It has more than 20,000 students and offers more than 110 undergraduate degrees and 50 graduate areas of study. The school has had a long tradition of offering classes in conjunction with the Fort Rucker Army Base located nearby to both the soldiers and the families who are based at the fort. This relationship with the military played a major role in “Trojans” being selected as the team name. The Trojans were known as fierce warriors who outsmarted their enemies. The school has a long and illustrious football history at three different levels. It began as an NAIA school and won a National Championship, then moved up to the NCAA Division II level and winning National Championships in 1984 and 1987. The program joined the FBS level of play in 2004 as a member of the Sun Belt Conference, where it has six conference championships. All total the Troy football program has won 20 conference championships and participated in six bowls since joining Division I. They have had winning records in 25 out of the last 27 seasons. Food & Beverage 3 There are five concession stands located within Veterans Memorial Stadium. Two are positioned on each side of the field at the concourse level and one is in the entry plaza area in the end zone. The concourse is open towards the field, so you will not miss any of the action while waiting for your food. The concession stands offer your typical stadium fare, including nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza slices. Pretzels, peanuts, chips and popcorn are all very reasonably priced snacks. Veterans Memorial Stadium sells Coca-Cola brand beverages at $4 for a medium drink and $3 for a bottled water. Beer is available at the stadium and sells for $8. Atmosphere 5 Troy University and Veterans Memorial Stadium can be a very intimidating place to play for opponents. First time visitors travel through town to get to the campus and see a sleepy southern town. When they reach the campus, their first view is the 30,000-seat stadium looming over them. Veterans Memorial Stadium is the largest stadium in the Sun Belt Conference, with two decks on each side of the field. Built in 1950, it has undergone multiple expansions over the past few years. Today it features a six-story press box with 27 sky boxes and a booster’s level than can handle more than 1,000 fans. It boasts an excellent electronics package, with a state-of-the-art sound system, a 1,250 square foot video board and ribbon board on both sides of the field. If that is not enough to impress the visitors, a wall at the entrance to the stadium lists all the Trojans championship seasons. Neighborhood 3 Troy, Alabama is a small southern town of 20,000 residents. Its main employers are Troy University and the nearby Ft. Rucker Army Base. Most of the activity in town revolves around the town square or along US Hwy 231. Three popular dining options in the area are Sips on the Square, Hooks BBQ and Sister’s Restaurant. The main attractions in Troy are the Johnson Center for the Arts and the Pioneer Museum of Alabama. All the lodging choices are found along US Hwy 231. These include the Quality Inn and the Best Western Troy. Troy University is located adjacent to the downtown area and features a well-manicured campus made up of several quad areas. The academic buildings are primarily red brick. Veterans Memorial Stadium is on the eastern edge of the Troy University campus. It is in the Athletics Complex, in between the Trojan Arena and Riddle-Pace Baseball Field . The Tailgate Terrace pregame area is just outside of the stadium. Fans 4 The fans play a crucial role in the Trojans success, as sellouts are commonplace. However, the game day experience starts well before the fans enter the stadium. The tents go up on Friday nights along the Touchdown Terrace just outside of the stadium gates. Everyone is decked out in their finest red and black outfit and the table decorating contest is as fierce as the football game. A few hours prior to the game, a parade begins on the main quad with the cheerleaders, the Sounds of the South Band and the drill team escorting the team through the crowd and into the stadium. Once inside the stadium it is a sea of red, with little space for the opposition. The student section and the Sounds of the South Band are strategically seated on the visitor’s side of the stadium. This guarantees the visiting team will have difficulty in communicating from the sideline out to the field. The band seems to have a different rift for nearly every situation that occurs in a game and the crowd willingly follows their lead. Access 3 The only drawback to Troy is if you aren’t from there… it is hard to get there. The town is located approximately 40 miles south of Montgomery in southeastern Alabama. From I-85: take the Taylor Road exit (exit 9) and go south on Taylor Road until it ends at US Highway 231. Take Highway 231 south for 40 miles towards Troy. Once you reach the city limits of Troy, turn right on George Wallace Street and Veterans Memorial Stadium will be impossible to miss on your right. You will turn right at the entrance to the campus before you reach the stadium. Friendly volunteers do a great job of pointing you to the appropriate parking area on campus. Shuttles will provide rides to the front of the stadium as the street immediately in front of the entrance is closed after 5pm the day before a game. Return on Investment 4 The Trojans will not plunder you budget-wise. Tickets are $24 for reserved seats or $15 for General Admission. Parking on the Troy University campus is free. The concession pricing is quite reasonable, and a hotel stay in the area is just under $100 a night. Extras 4 The Trojans are not afraid to play the big boys. In recent seasons they have defeated both LSU and Nebraska on the road. Nearly 60 Troy football players have gone on to the NFL. The best known are Demarcus Ware and Lawrence Tynes. The Sound of the South Marching Band has won numerous national honors over the years and deserves its own extra. There is always a large contingent of soldiers from Ft. Rucker at each game. Make sure you show your appreciation for their service during the game. Final Thoughts Alabama and Auburn may get all the attention, but the Troy Trojans are dangerous, especially when playing at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Like their fabled Trojan Horse, the enemy takes Troy lightly at their own peril.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hamlin Tennis Center 240 S 31st St Philadelphia, PA 19104 Penn Quakers website Hamlin Tennis Center website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 500 Penn Tennis The University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn or UPenn, is a private Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Penn is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Benjamin Franklin is Penn’s founder. The university has also produced many alumni, which include 14 heads of state (including two U.S. Presidents) and 25 billionaires. Penn allows undergraduates access to courses at all of Penn’s undergraduate and graduate schools, except the medical, veterinary and dental schools. Undergraduates at Penn may also take courses at Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Swarthmore, under a reciprocal agreement known as the Quaker Consortium. Penn’s sports teams are nicknamed the Quakers. Located in Penn Park, the Hamlin Tennis Center is the home of the Penn men’s and women’s tennis teams. The facility was opened in the fall of 2011. The facility has 12 all-weather courts and six of the courts can be viewed from stadium seating. It is located next door to the Multidimensional Amphitheater, Penn’s softball field. Also with Penn Park is the Hecht Tennis Center, which is the indoor home to the Penn tennis programs. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at the Hamlin Tennis Center or in any other place within the Penn Park athletic field. Plan on bringing your own food. Atmosphere 3 The venue is an amazing place to watch tennis. The raised seats and viewing areas are fantastic ways to watch some fairly high quality tennis action. The seats themselves are nice, but remind me of what you would experience at a state or national park campfire auditorium, as the floors are basic gravel. Neighborhood 5 There is no real neighborhood to the stadium as it is inside of Penn Park, a set of athletic fields for the university. You will find plenty of shops and restaurants to satisfy almost any appetite. The best bet is to find a food truck, as they will be plentiful around the campus. I was lucky to find the Insomnia Cookies truck on 33rd St between Market and Chestnut just as they had some fresh cookies coming out of the oven. There will be a lot less food trucks on weekend games, unfortunately. Also located nearby at Drexel University is a location of Landmark Americana (3333 Market St), which is a great option for post game eating. This restaurant offers a nice choice of meals and has a large bar, as well. For Saturday games, look out for the $10 all-you-can-eat wings special. They also offer numerous drink specials at the bar. Also nearby is Wahoo’s Fish Tacos (3180 Chestnut St.), which is primarily a west coast chain, so finding them here is pretty special. If driving, consider Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue for traditional Philly cheesesteaks. This is not one of the more touristy spots, but is still in a safe neighborhood and offers free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. Fans 2 The majority of the fans are friends and family of the athletes. The ones in attendance all seem quite knowledgeable of the game. Access 2 There is not a lot of parking in the area. Parking will not be cheap, as this is Philadelphia and no parking is cheap. Plan on paying at least $15. You can enter the Penn Park lots at River Fields Drive and may be able to find some cheaper parking. Interstate 76, the Schuylkill Expressway, is right behind the university and is very busy. But it would make a convenient way to get to the game. Public transportation is easy to find and use. SEPTA mass-transit system is right off campus, and Amtrak’s 30th Street train station is a short walk away. Return on Investment 4 Aside, from parking, there is no charge to attend a UPenn tennis match. Extras 3 The view of Philadelphia is worth the trip by itself. Stop on your way to see the amazing Franklin Field just off to the side of the softball field and Penn Park. The stadium has been open since 1895 and is an amazing venue. Franklin Field is also the site of the annual Penn Relays track and field meet. This event gets the biggest crowds yearly for the stadium. Also check out the Mondschein Throwing Complex, located on the old softball field, as it is also nearby and offers a great facility for field events. Final Thoughts There is no cost to attend this unique facility, other than parking. If in Philadelphia, you should look to see if you can fit a tennis match into your schedule.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 NYTEX Sports Centre 8851 Ice House Dr North Richland Hills, TX 76180 Lone Star Brahmas website NYTEX Sports Centre website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 2,400 Not the Same Old Bull The NYTEX Sports Centre, referred to as Brahmaland by fans and staff, was built in 1999. It is a multi-purpose sports facility housing junior hockey, youth and adult hockey clubs and leagues, figure skating and hockey classes, volleyball, and a youth summer sports camp. It has two ice rinks and one hard wood floor arena containing many volleyball courts. It is very much a neighborhood sports recreation facility. It was the original home of the NAHL Texas Tornados hockey team. The Tornados moved to Frisco, TX in 2002. In the 2013 offseason, the Tornados were sold to Texas Hockey Partners (THP) and are now relocated back in North Richland Hills becoming the Lone Star Brahmas. The Lone Star Brahmas began playing in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) in the 2013/2014 season. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concessions stands; one downstairs, one upstairs. They offer snacks: Danish, muffins, oatmeal, fruit, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, cookies, nachos, ice cream, etc. ranging from $1.50 – $3.75. There is no Coke or Pepsi here. RC Cola, Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper, and 7-UP are your soda choices for $2 for a 20oz bottle. There are energy drinks and bottles of water available. No outside food or drink is allowed in the NYTEX Sports Centre. Atmosphere 3 There are no light shows, no smoke and grand entrance to the rink for the players; it is wonderfully about the hockey game. The Brahmas organization plays the Zamboni song between periods and little ones can take a ride on one. The seats rows range from 1 – 11 so one is very close to the ice no matter where you sit. The first five rows are blue plastic seats with a back, the remaining are aluminum benches some with backs, some without. There are no cup holders. I’d recommend avoiding section L, rows 6 – 11 as there is a wall and other camera and equipment blocking portions of the view of the game. The same can be said of section D, rows 9 – 11 as there is a wall making that area an obstructed view. There is what’s known as terrace seats up above one of the goal lines and seats are just $8 to sit in that area. Those are nice seats as you can watch a play develop as it comes down the ice. There is a net one must look through in this section which some folks may not appreciate. The music level and choice is perfect. It is hard to decipher what the announcer is stating. He does call goals and penalties twice, but it is still hard to understand what is being announced. It’s very cold in the ice rink itself. Wear several layers; bring gloves, ear muffs and a blanket or two, especially if you’ll be sitting on the aluminum benches. One can walk the upper concourse and get views of the volleyball courts and the secondary ice rink. The USA, Texas, and Canadian flags are proudly displayed above ‘suites’ in the arena. Within the recreation center on the lower level there are windows with chairs and table tops that allow visitors to watch hockey action on the ice; however, these windows are blocked for the NAHL games. Neighborhood 3 North Richland Hills is a suburb of Dallas, TX and is probably closer to Ft Worth, TX. There are plenty of things to see and do in both these cities which are maybe a 20 – 30 min drive away; however, be aware of the horrendous road construction in the area. The arena is near several residential areas. There is a high school across the street and a couple blocks away are strip malls, shopping, and fast food restaurants. The absolute best place to eat before or after the game is ZuRomas. This is an Italian sports bar located right in the NYTEX Sports Centre. It has a window that looks out over the secondary ice rink giving patrons the ability to watch some hockey leagues play (youth leagues and hockey clubs). It has eight or so TV’s with a variety of sports events televised. It has a variety of beers on tap and in bottles and has a full bar. Gourmet pizza is recommended and they do have other Italian offerings as well as sandwiches, burgers, and salads. It is laid back and the staff is phenomenal. There’s also the Bronco’s Sports Bar & Grill about a mile and a half away from the arena which may be worth a visit. If you want to drive through the road construction, there is the Fort Worth Zoo about 15 miles away. A nice Best Western is about three miles from the rink, though it is in the midst of all the construction. Fans 3 When was the last time you saw an individual wearing a cowboy hat, banging a miniature hockey stick on the bleachers to get the crowed riled up for an ice hockey game? As well as fans wearing those #1 Fan foam puck hats? It’s here in North Richland Hills, TX. The Brahmas fans are loud and without any prompting from a video board. Cow bells, horns, and plain old yelling, applauding, and banging on the bleachers. There are a lot of ‘hockey families’ who seem to know each other well. And the Brahmas fans welcome any and all visitors including any opposing team guests. I suspect that’s because it is about the hockey; not about disliking any opponent. Access 2 The one downfall of visiting the NYTEX Sports Centre is that you have to travel Texas state highways 183 or 121, both which have dreadful construction going on. There are half completed overpasses, mass amounts of orange cones, plenty of workers with orange vests, cement walls, dirt access roads, with minimal signage to figure out where you are. It’s horrible. Once you get off the highway, getting to arena is not that bad as it is in your typical suburban neighborhood. I did not notice any public transportation options. The closest airport is DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport). Restrooms serve their purpose. There are minimal lines at the end of the game and the restrooms are serviceable but somewhat icky by that time with all the traffic throughout the day. Entry into the arena is effortless and backpacks are allowed. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices range from $8 (terrace seating) – $22 (on the glass). The plaza and mezzanine seats $10-$14 are probably your best bet. Concession prices are great and there is no charge for parking. There are ticket promotions/deals as it was a 2 for 1 ticket deal the evening I attended a game. Give the team a call, (817) 336-4423, for promotions as I’m not finding those offerings on their website. And, you get to see a hockey game without a whole lot of other thrills, a refreshing experience. Extras 3 Be sure to pick up a roster sheet at no charge at the service stand. You’ll need it because you can’t always understand the announcer. ZuRomas being right in the sports complex is a definite plus. Great atmosphere, good service, and you get to watch hockey being played as you are eating and drinking. The merchandise shop is more than a souvenir shop. It appears to be more of a shop for hockey players offering sales of hockey sticks, helmets, tape, jerseys, t-shirts. It has a stand for ‘repair’ services for hockey equipment. There are some souvenir items including cowbells but no hatpins or pennants. The Lone Star Brahmas offer a fan experience survey on their website which I find unusual. It’s a quality act that they are reaching out to fans to express their likes/dislikes to improve the game day experience. Final Thoughts One can spend an entire Saturday watching all kinds of hockey being played at NYTEX Sports Centre (if that’s your thing). For those hockey fans that live in and around the Dallas/Ft Worth area and don’t mind the road construction, make the trip to visit an NAHL Lone Star Brahmas game. The price is right, the game experience is spot on, and you’ll meet incredible hockey fans at the NYTEX Sports Centre.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium Campus Dr Xenia, OH 45385 Central State Marauders website McPherson Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 7,000 Invincible Band in Wilberforce William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium is the home field of Central State football, as well as the stomping grounds of Central State’s Invincible Marching Marauders band. Located in Wilberforce, OH, the facility opened in 1949 – the team had a great deal of success on the field during the 1980s and 1990s, winning 3 NAIA championships between 1990 and 1995. However, due to financial difficulties and lack of enrollment, football was shuttered at the school in 1997 but was brought back in 2005. McPherson Memorial Stadium is named after a Central State graduate who was killed in World War II. The facility is currently beginning some pretty hefty renovations, thanks in part to a $917,000 donation from a former player, so the facilities should see a little bit of a facelift in the next couple of years. Food & Beverage 1 There is only one concessions option at McPherson Memorial Stadium, which is a temporary tent/smoker setup from Mack Daddy’s, a local area barbecue joint. For $15 you can get a combo with BBQ pork or brisket (either a sandwich or just the meat with your choice of sauce) plus two sides (collard greens, mac, and cheese, or baked potato salad). The lines are long and they sometimes run out of certain items, and the price is probably a little on the high side, but the baked potato salad is pretty good (think potato salad with bacon pieces and chives mixed in). Mack Daddy’s also sells bottled water and canned sodas for $1 each. Atmosphere 2 You can tell there isn’t a lot of money for football at Central State – there is no mascot, and the players don’t have any tent or any fanfare at all when they come onto the field at the start of the game; they just run on without much warning. There are cheerleaders, however, and like almost all HBCUs there is a pretty solid marching band that performs during the game and at halftime – the Central State band is named the Invincible Marching Marauders. On my most recent visit, the band left after halftime, but I am not sure if this is normal or only b/c it started raining at halftime on this particular day. Marauders Cheerleaders, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey There is a lot of construction going on right now at McPherson Memorial Stadium, which is obvious from the temporary fencing/police tape in certain areas, as well as the construction debris littering the ground near the grandstand. The facilities are also a little dated, which I will touch more on in the Access section. Neighborhood 2 Central State University is in a very rural area – not quite in the middle of nowhere but close – with lots of farmland and empty fields in the vicinity. There is a post office and a gas station right across the street from the general parking lot, but nothing in the way of restaurants unless you drive about 5 miles west toward Xenia proper. The campus itself has several attractions, such as the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center and the botanical gardens, while the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument is not far away. There is also another college, Wilberforce University, right across the street from CSU. There are also several hotels in nearby Xenia, about 5-10 minutes from the stadium if you plan to be here overnight, but they are all of the low-price local variety, instead of the more upscale national chains you may be used to. Fans 2 The fans at McPherson Memorial Stadium are 100% friendly, and I had a blast chatting and laughing with them during the game in what turned out to be a losing effort for a team with a losing record so far this season. Unfortunately, even on my most recent visit, which was Homecoming, the home stands were only half full, and the much larger visiting stands were practically deserted. Access 3 There is VIP parking right next to the stadium, but for the rest of us, there is free parking on the other side of the (small) campus, on the other side of the roundabout at the campus’ main entrance. Most of the entrances/streets are blocked off on the game day, so there is only one way in, which is from Brush Row Road turning onto Galloway Drive, and into the parking lot from there. The main entrance on US 42 West (intersecting with Wilberforce Switch Road) is technically open, but unless you have a VIP parking pass they will turn you around and send you back out again when you get to the stadium. All of that said it is about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the free parking lot on Galloway Drive to McPherson Memorial Stadium. Once you get to the stadium there is plenty of room to move around, but if you are sitting on the visiting side (metal bleachers with no backs) you will have to go out onto the track to walk around. The main stands have chairback seats in the middle with backless bleachers on the ends – the stadium should not be very crowded, however, so even if you have general admission seats you can usually sit wherever you want – note that the main stands are better from a sun perspective, as there is more shade on that side. I did notice, however, that many fans just stood behind the fence around the field and watched from there, instead of watching from their seats in the stands. The major downside is the pretty dated bathrooms – the men’s bathroom is labeled with a cardboard sign, for example – and there is only one bathroom for each gender; the men’s bathroom is on the far side of the main stands and the women’s bathroom is on the near side. There are no bathrooms on the visiting side. Return on Investment 2 Tickets to Central State games are $21 general admission including fees, and tickets can only be purchased online – there is no ticket booth at the stadium. You can park for free if you are willing to walk a little (or can’t get VIP access), and the concessions seem a tad overpriced, although drinks are a bargain at $1 each. Extras 1 There is a table set up where you can buy Central State team gear, but the only options are t-shirts for $15 and face masks for $10. They did have a promotional tent there on the day I last visited, although it may have only been for Homecoming, where Walmart gave away free bottles of water, lens wipes, fidget spinners, plastic cups, stress balls, and other tchotchkes. Merchandise Table, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts I love football, but McPherson Memorial Stadium is, unfortunately, a tough venue for me to recommend, with its lack of concessions options, dated facilities, limited fanfare, and unsightly debris from the imminent construction. I believe it will get better with time, as the updates are put in, but for now, I would only recommend a visit if your favorite team is playing here, or if you happen to be a diehard CSU fan.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium 5757 US Highway 90 West San Antonio, TX 78227 San Antonio Missions website Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 9,200 Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium – San Antonio Missions The origin of the San Antonio Missions and minor league baseball in the Alamo City can be traced back to the club’s founding in 1888. One of the four charter members of the Texas League, the Missions have found themselves aligned as the farm club for a host of MLB teams over the years – these include the St. Louis Browns, Baltimore Orioles , Chicago Cubs , Houston Colt .45s, Los Angeles Dodgers , Seattle Mariners , Milwaukee Brewers , and currently the San Diego Padres . Over the course of their history, the Missions have had a remarkable amount of success, winning 14 league title and 12 division titles. A litany of Hall of Famers and All-Stars have donned the Missions unis, with a who’s who list including Brooks Robinson , Ron Santo , Billy Williams , Joe Morgan , Dennis Eckersley , Mike Piazza , and Adrián Beltré . Since 1994 the Missions have called Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium their home ballpark. Named in honor of long-time San Antonio politician Nelson Wolff , who was instrumental in getting the park built, the Wolff was the host of the Double-A All-Star Game in 1997, as well as the Texas League All-Star Game in 2011. The ballclub officially took possessions of the stadium in 2006, the last time major renovations took place. These renovations included $1.2 million to improve concessions, replace the scoreboard, and add a new lighting system. However, the clock is ticking on this ballpark – with MLB’s taking over operations of the minor leagues in 2022, they required all stadiums to have certain requirements  that Wolff Stadium just currently does not have. This has put the Missions owners in the spot of having to significantly upgrade or move to a new location; either way, a plan has to be submitted by 2025 . Read on to learn more about what the Wolff is currently like.   Food & Beverage   4 I have no complaints whatsoever with the food and drink situation at Wolff Stadium – there are two main stands, one on the first base side and one on the third base side, that serve all your traditional stadium fare: hot dogs, fries, chicken fingers, nachos, popcorn, soft pretzels, sodas, etc. You can also get Frito pie, jumbo hot dogs, and corn dogs at these stands. Also on the main entrance level you can find a sno cone stand, an ice cream shack (where you can get your requisite ice cream sundae in a replica batting helmet), and a “carnival” stand that serves up all manner of fried goodness (think mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, and fried chicken on a stick). There are also freestanding carts offering up beer and hot sandwiches, such as cheesesteak and patty melts. On the second deck, however, the options somehow get even better – beloved San Antonio institution Bill Miller Bar-B-Q has a stand offering up a pared-down menu that still has some of their hits; these include sliced brisket sandwiches, sausage wraps, brownies, and their legendary sweet tea. Another local fave, Sofia’s Pizzeria , also has a stand up here where they sell whole pies or pizza by the slice.   Atmosphere   3 Quite frankly, the Wolff is starting to show its three decades worth of age. However, there is still plenty in terms of atmosphere to make it worthwhile for fans to attend. First off there is the berm, which is the seating area behind the left field wall, popular with budget-conscious fans and home run ball seekers. This grassy hill allows fans to bring in lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and enjoy great views of the park while watching their wallet (more on this in the ROI section). One of the updates done as part of the 2006-2007 renovation was the construction of an all-you-can-eat-and-drink “fiesta deck”. This area is able to be rented out for groups of 25-200 and offers a great time. There is also a covered picnic area down the right field line, as well as an adults-only bar/patio behind the first baseline stands. Fans can also take in the mini version of the Missions Hall of Fame, with plaques of important figures in team history located on a wall behind the home plate stands. This area is near the Missions team store for all your Missions swag needs; note that there is also a separate store selling merch for the Flying Chanclas (see the Extras section for more on that).   Neighborhood   2 The area where the Missions ballpark currently sits is on the far southwest side of the city, sandwiched between an older residential neighborhood and an industrial park. Wolff Stadium is also within eyesight of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, the “gateway to the Air Force”. Having grown up in this part of town it has a soft spot in my heart; however, it is miles – both literally and figuratively – away from the heart of the city, its vibrant downtown . In the immediate area of the ballpark, the options for dining, lodging, and entertainment are extremely limited. There are mostly chain restaurants that aren’t too far, and there are also a few really good Tex-Mex spots that are a short five-minute drive away – these include Los Dos Hermanos , which serves up all the hits like enchiladas, fajitas, and tortas. Apetitos Mexican Restaurant is also a nearby favorite, serving up breakfast and lunch favorites like chilaquiles, migas, huevos rancheros, and carne guisada. For lodging there are quite a few more options near Wolff Stadium, primarily since the ballpark is so close to the military base. These include Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Lackland AFB  and Best Western Plus Lackland Hotel & Suites , to name a few. For entertainment, however, there are very few options nearby, but you aren’t too terribly far from SeaWorld San Antonio  and Traders Village  shopping complex. All in all, the relative lack of these three key types of amenities are part of the driving force behind the team seeking a new spot for their ballpark.   Fans   4 Fan support has never been a serious problem for the Missions; last season they averaged just under 4,200 fans per game, which filled up the ballpark on a nightly basis. The fans that attend love the team, are into the games, and are passionate about baseball. All of these factors contribute to a winning formula for a minor league baseball team – the team does its best to reward fans for coming out by having quality players and fun activities, and the fans reward the team with their devotion. Hopefully this will be a relationship that can be maintained going forward.   Access   2 Access is another area where the team struggles in comparison to other teams in the Texas League and those across the state. Wolff Stadium, as mentioned, is a 15-minute drive from San Antonio’s downtown, and a 22-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport, both via Highway 90; the ballpark is conveniently viewable from said highway. If you choose to drive there are two parking lots at the stadium, one on the third base side and one on the first base side. There are plenty of spaces available and the cost is relatively low. Should you choose not to drive or use a rideshare, the city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , does have a stop outside the ballpark.   Return on Investment   4 If there is one area where the Missions truly excel, it is in terms of ROI. Single-game tickets for the Missions can be had for as low as $8 apiece, which is for the berm seating, but seats in the stands are equally as friendly. The team also runs a $2 Tuesdays promotion throughout the season; tickets are $2 each, as are quite a few concession items. Parking for Missions games is normally $10, but is $5 during the $2 Tuesday promotion. Couple all this with a concessions menu where nothing outside of liquor at the bar costs more than $8, and you’ve got a bargain. This is especially a great deal when you factor in the talent that comes in and out of the Wolff Stadium each season.   Extras 4 Like most minor league teams, the Missions do whatever they can to attract fans to the ballpark. They offer a ton of themed nights and giveaways throughout the season, ranging from bobbleheads to Spurs replica Manu Ginobili jerseys, to a Star Wars night and an Avengers night. The team also has fireworks displays on Saturday nights after home games. They also take part in Minor League Baseball’s Copa de Diversion  during the season, which is a lot of fun (and the uniforms are fantastic). The team also boasts a trio of some of the most fun mascots in all of baseball in Ballapeño , a human-sized jalapeno, his mother Mamapeño , who wields a fierce chancla during the Copa de Diversion games, and Henry the Puffy Taco , the living embodiment of a truly unique San Antonio culinary delight (for a more in-depth rundown on the mascots, click here ). Henry is also involved in one of the teams’ oldest and most beloved traditions, tackle the taco .   Final Thoughts I currently do and probably always will have a warm place in my heart, and in my memories, for Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium. I’ve seen a lot of baseball here over the years and for whichever reason comes first, I will miss it if/when it’s gone. With that being said, I have to admit it’s not a stadium that needs to be on anyone’s bucket list. However, I think if you do attend a Missions game here you’ll have a good time. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hilton Coliseum 1700 Center Dr Ames, IA 50011 Iowa State Cyclones website Hilton Coliseum website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 14,356 Cyclones Basketball in Ames Hilton Coliseum sits on the grounds of Iowa State University and is home to the Cyclones men's and women's basketball teams as well as the gymnastics, volleyball, and wrestling teams. Hilton Coliseum opened on December 2, 1971 at a cost of $8.15 million. 14,510 fans showed up that evening to watch Iowa State defeat Arizona. The arena has played host to many NCAA tournament activities including regional basketball, regional gymnastics, and the NCAA wrestling championships. In 2006, the arena received a new video board and sound system at the cost of $2.5 million. Although not usually included with the top college basketball arenas around the country, Hilton Coliseum is a great venue to take in a game. Food & Beverage 3 Hilton Coliseum provides fans a decent option of foods, with nothing overly elaborate and prices in line with what you would expect at a Division I college basketball arena. Choices include walking tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, pizza, etc. that will run about $6-$7. Snacks, desserts, and nuts run about $4-$6. Your best bet for a drink is $6 for a bottomless soda. Pepsi products are served at Hilton Coliseum. Also available are coffee, hot chocolate, and water. As with many college arenas, alcohol is not served. Atmosphere 4 In Hilton Coliseum, the concourse is separated from the arena so when getting food or a drink, you can't see the game. One spot in the concourse worth seeing is the entrance to Johnny's (a spot for donors to get food and drinks). Johnny's refers to legendary basketball coach Johnny Orr, who coached the Cyclones from 1980-1994. The entrance includes display cases with lots of different memorabilia from Coach Orr's tenure with the Cyclones. Entering the seating area, you are met with cardinal and gold, the schools colors. As the team enters the court, the Cyclone alarm blares and the fans come to life and stay engaged in the game throughout. Every seat in the arena is a theater cushioned seat and they are quite comfortable. Banners adorn the ceiling around the arena with all the accomplishments of the team proudly on display. The video board over the court provides fans an easy opportunity to keep updated on stats and see replays. Neighborhood 4 Hilton Coliseum is located on the Iowa State campus and sits near Jack Trice Stadium, home of the Cyclones football team. As such, there isn't much right outside the venue but minimal driving will open up a litany of choices. Welch Avenue is a few blocks west of Hilton Coliseum. On Welch, you can find Cy's Roost and Welch Ave Station. Both are popular before and after the game and are good places to have a drink. For lunch or dinner, there are a few places well worth going to. For comfort food and barbecue, Hickory Park on Duff Ave (the main road through town) can't be beat. They have over 100 menu selections and the barbecue is among the best around. Also on Duff is the Mucky Duck Pub. The British-themed pub has a great environment and great food, including outstanding fish and chips. Another great choice is Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grille. Great drink specials and quality food combine for a great time at Dublin Bay. Fans 5 Iowa State basketball fans are among the best I've encountered. The fans are a knowledgeable bunch and are quite loud when the situation dictates. While there are always lulls in games, those lulls are at a minimum at Hilton Coliseum. They sense the importance of certain possessions and plays throughout the game. As fans go, they are a nice bunch as well. They make no bones about who they are rooting for but are fair to the visiting team. The student section is a lively bunch. They stand throughout the game and have come up with creative ways to heckle the opposing team. The heckling is good natured which makes it much more enjoyable for the average fan. Access 4 Getting to Hilton Coliseum is easily accomplished from I-35. There are plenty of parking areas around with the football stadium and many parks and open areas surrounding the arena. The layout makes for a fairly convenient walk to the arena. Once inside, the concourses are wide enough to get through without much problem and there are ample restrooms for the crowds. Plenty of good handicapped seating areas for fans in wheelchairs are available. Return on Investment 4 Prices for games generally run $25-$50 depending on the opponent and where your seats are. With the recent success of the team, seats aren't as easy to come by but there aren't any bad seats wherever you sit. Combined with reasonable parking prices and average food prices, attending a game at Hilton Coliseum is one of the best values in the Big 12 and possibly one of the best values of any ranked team. Extras 4 An extra point goes to the game day staff. They can't be any nicer. Hilton Coliseum also boasts one of the nicer stores to pick up any Iowa State gear a fan needs. They have a large selection and the store is impeccably clean. Add another point for the banners that hang from the ceiling of the arena. The majority of the banners are cardinal and gold (the school's colors) and celebrate the championships of the sports teams. Another section has Olympic banners for former students who won gold medals in the Olympics. A final extra point goes to the band and student section. They keep the game entertaining. Final Thoughts Iowa is very much a wrestling and football state. Knowing that going in, I wasn't expecting much out of Hilton Coliseum. My assumption couldn't have been more wrong. Hilton Coliseum is a great place to watch a basketball game. The fans are into the game and are especially loud when the situation dictates. The staff is friendly and the arena is easily maneuverable. Hilton Coliseum is one of the Big 12's hidden gems and well worth the trip to take in a game in Ames.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Seth Grove Stadium 1871 Old Main Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257 Shippensburg Red Raiders website Seth Grove Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 7,700 Up With The Ship Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship or SU) is a public university in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 50 master’s degree programs. Many of the original historic buildings of the campus, including Old Main, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous alumni of the school include Brent Grimes, former National Football League cornerback; Rob Davis, the Director of Player Development of the Green Bay Packers; and best selling author Dean Koontz. The Red Raiders are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and have been members of the PSAC since its foundation in 1951. The Dixon trophy is awarded to the top athletic program in the 18 university Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Shippensburg has won the trophy seven times, the most by any PSAC member. The field hockey team at Ship has been the most successful team on campus winning the national championship in Division II twice in the last six years. Football has been a strong team as well. The mascot is “Big Red,” a red-tail hawk wearing a pirates hat. The stadium is named for the late J. Seth Grove, former coach at Shippensburg. Food & Beverage 3 There is a simple food stand located on each end of the main grandstand. It is a simple affair with cheap prices and good quality. Both stands are cash only and there is not an ATM at the stadium. Across from each food stand is a temporary trailer selling french fries. Atmosphere 4 The stadium has one large main stand that holds most of the seats, while there is a small visiting stand on the far side of the field that has its own entrance. Most of the seats in the stands are bleacher type with no back. There is a decent scoreboard at the stadium. The football field does sit a bit away from the stands because of track surface. There are cheerleaders, the team mascot and a fairly large marching bad to enhance the atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Shippensburg is a nice little town located just to the north of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as well as the Maryland border. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. You can’t go wrong with CJ’s American Pub & Grill for dinner and then stopping by Goose Bros. Ice Cream for dessert. There are other options as it is a small college town with quite a few variety of places to go. Nearby Chambersburg has many more local and chain options. Fans 4 The fans seem to attend the games well and the stands filled up fairly quickly. They are loud and exuberant. The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock and Millersville. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance. Access 4 Shippensburg is located right off Interstate 81, a major route from the south through to the northeast. Accessing the campus is easy as you get off that main road as it is marked well. The university is located about a half an hour to the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore, and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the stadium. Parking is also free. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to the game are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and non-Shippensburg students. Shippensburg students, faculty and staff get in free. Parking is free. The value for your dollar is strong here. Extras 3 There is a large rock located next to the playing field with a large ship logo painted on it. I had a hard time finding out the significant of it, but I am sure it means something to the players and fans. There are free programs available at the games, while supplies last. A portable campus bookstore sets up shop at the main stadium entrance selling quite a bit of Ship gear. Final Thoughts Shippensburg plays a good level of football and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Larry Mahaney Diamond 278 Whites Bridge Rd Standish, ME 04084 Sebago Slammin' Salmon website Larry Mahaney Diamond website The Slammin’ Salmon In the summer, Maine’s lakes region is a popular retreat, drawing visitors looking to beat the heat. Tucked into this scenic area is Larry Mahaney Diamond at Saint Joseph’s College, home to the Monks baseball team. During the summer months, the ballpark plays host to the Sebago Slammin’ Salmon of the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League (GNCBL). The GNCBL is now in its second season of assigning teams to dedicated home fields. Previously, games were played at various sites around the area. In 2024 the Slammin’ Salmon split their home schedule between Mahaney Diamond and St. Louis Field in Biddeford, but now solely play at Mahaney. Mahaney Diamond is one of the top amateur baseball venues in Maine, frequently hosting the state’s high school championship game.   Food & Beverage   0 There are no concessions available at Mahaney Diamond, but fans are welcome to bring their own food and drink to the ballpark. While this might be an inconvenience, the ability to bring outside food provides fans with the opportunity to go beyond the typical stadium fare.   Atmosphere   3 Mahaney Diamond is a rather basic facility, with three sets of aluminum bleachers encircling home plate and shaded by trees overhead. Two additional sets of bleachers sit beyond the visiting dugout, though they are not protected by netting, so it really isn’t the place to be overly distracted. Many fans choose to sit in tailgating chairs along the grassy hillside on the first base side of the field. The woods surrounding the area also truly make it a relaxing location to watch baseball. The stadium setup is a bit interesting; a crow’s nest of sorts sits atop the visiting team’s dugout and press box, while game operations are built atop the home dugout. The school’s softball field sits beyond right field, so close that the two fields share a portion of the outfield fence. The baseball field plays a bit short at 320 feet down each line, and just 380 feet to center field. Left field is guarded by a large blue wall that makes shots in that direction a bit more challenging, but also gives the field a bit of character, rather than having just a single, uniform height fence all the way around. There is not much here when it comes to the game presentation – no walkup music, no mid-inning games; just the game in its most basic form.   Neighborhood   2 Mahaney Diamond is located in the town of Standish, part of Maine’s western lakes region. While the field sits in Standish, most nearby dining and attractions are just up the road in Windham, along the busy stretch of US Route 302, which is lined with both national chains and locally owned favorites. For early weekend games, Chute’s Family Restaurant is a popular spot for breakfast. Alternatively, if heading straight to the field Amato’s is a convenient stop for a sandwich or snack to bring to the game. Or, if you are looking for a post-game weekend meal or pregame weekday bite, there are several solid options along 302, including Cormier’s Dog House, Luchador Tacos, and Fire & Ice Maine’s wood-fired pizza. There is also Pat’s Pizza, a Maine institution for over 75 years, though some feel the quality has declined in recent years. The area near Larry Mahaney Diamond is best known for its proximity to Sebago Lake, one of the largest and most popular lakes in the state of Maine. Sebago Lake State Park is about 20 minutes north of Saint Joseph’s campus; the park offers both daily beach access and camping sites. One of the larger campgrounds in the area, Point Sebago, has a beautiful resort golf course, and Seacoast Adventure on Route 302 offers family-friendly fun, including mini-golf, go-karts, and a seasonal water park. Because the region caters more to lake tourism, vacation rentals are the more common desire, so there is not an overabundance of hotel options in the area. Of the ones in the area, most are more independently owned motels.   Fans   2 Most of the teams throughout the GNCBL are not necessarily community-based organizations, but instead centered around attracting the families of players. Attendance at Larry Mahaney Diamond tends to be modest, with most games drawing fewer than 100 fans. Slammin’ Salmon games typically are made up of mostly player friends and families, and at this point the team does not yet have much of a local following. Overall it is a relatively laid-back environment, fitting the casual nature of the league overall.   Access   3 Mahaney Diamond’s location in Standish makes it one of the more rural sites in the GNCBL. US Routes 202 and 302 provide the most direct access to nearby Windham, but both can get congested in the summer months with traffic heading to the lakes. For those coming via the Maine Turnpike, the Gray exit connects to Route 202/115, and leads into Windham as well. Saint Joseph’s College is tucked away on the shores of Sebago Lake, and even with GPS, the entrance can be easy to miss. Access is via the main gate onto McAuley Drive, with an immediate left turn into a dirt parking lot, a turn that can be easy to second-guess despite what your GPS directions say. From the lot, it is a short walk down a mild incline to the seating area. While most of the field is easily accessible, the third base side is more limited due to the presence of batting cages and field maintenance equipment along the fence line.   Return on Investment   3 There was no charge to attend the most recent game I attended. The field’s open layout – with no exterior fencing and a hillside next to the parking lot offering clear views – makes it difficult to restrict access to only those seated in the bleachers. Online ticket prices for the Slammin’ Salmon are listed at $11.75, which appears to be the standard rate across the league for the 2025 season. That price feels steep, however, compared to teams like the Sanford Mainers of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, who play at a higher competitive level and charge nearly 25% less for admission.   Extras   1 Saint Joseph’s College has a 2-mile walking trail that runs through campus, around the school’s athletic fields, and through the woods along the shores of Sebago Lake.   Final Thoughts Summers in Maine bring with them a more relaxed way of life, where time seems to slow down, which perfectly complements the games here. There is not going to be a wow factor in the experience at Larry Mahaney Diamond, including no wacky mid-inning contests, nor sound effects following every pitch. It is the drone of boat motors in the distance mixed with dugout chatter, the pop of a mitt, and the crack of the bat, all perfectly overlaid to create a combination of nature and baseball that truly gives all the vibes of summer baseball in Maine.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 R. L. Graves Athletic Field 2 Fort Road South Portland, ME 04106 South Portland Puffins website R. L. Graves Athletic Field website Puff Up Founded in 2017, the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League (GNCBL) is a summer league based in Maine that gives college players a chance to develop during the summer months. In its early years, the league operated with a nomadic model; teams traveled throughout Maine and New Hampshire to play games at various local fields, without fixed home venues. That changed in 2024, when the league was sold and reorganized to focus on community-based franchises, each tied to a specific home field. The shift brought greater structure, local identity, and fan engagement to the league. Team rosters are primarily made up of college players who attend Maine schools or who are Maine natives returning home for the summer. One of the new franchises in the reorganized GNCBL is the South Portland Puffins, who began play in 2025. They call R. L. Graves Athletic Field home, located on the waterfront campus of Southern Maine Community College. While the field had hosted GNCBL games in the past, this is the first time South Portland has had a team of its own.   Food & Beverage   1 A small snack table sits behind the modest press box, offering a limited selection of candy bars, chips, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and bottled Gatorade. It is nothing elaborate, but it gives fans some basic options to grab a quick drink or snack during the game.   Atmosphere   3 Graves Athletic Field is a bare-bones setup, just a baseball diamond and backstop, with a small set of bleachers and a game operations shed behind home plate. A small electronic scoreboard sits in the outfield, though it is not used during Puffins games. The field directly abuts the school’s softball diamond, even sharing part of the left-field fence. The field is backdropped by boats moored in Portland Harbor, just off Willard Beach, and the 19th-century brick buildings of Fort Preble, a coastal defense fort first established in 1808. Despite the basic setup, game day comes together better than might be expected. There is a public address announcer introducing batters, as well as playing walk-up songs and music between innings. Most fans bring tailgating chairs or just find a spot on the fence along each of the base lines to watch the game from. This truly is baseball in its simplest form, in a picturesque environment.   Neighborhood   4 Graves Athletic Field sits on the campus of Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, on what was once part of historic Fort Preble, a coastal defense installation built shortly after the Revolutionary War. Though the fort was active for over 140 years, the only known shots fired in conflict here were warning rounds at a Confederate ship during the Civil War. Today, several of the original brick structures still stand throughout campus. The area also features Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, located just a short walk along the Spring Point Shoreway Trail. Visitors often enjoy walking the granite breakwater that stretches out into Portland Harbor to get a closer look. Just off campus is Willard Beach on Simonton Cove, a small, quiet spot popular with locals looking for a peaceful place to relax by the water. If you are looking to grab a bite to eat before or after a Puffins game, there are several local spots within walking distance – Spring Point Tavern, El Corazon Casita, and North 43 Bistro each offer a different flavor of coastal Maine dining. Just up the road, Lady Shuckers Snack Shack serves oysters on the half shell, lobster rolls, and a rotating menu of sandwiches. For dessert, the locally beloved Red’s Dairy Freeze is just a short drive away. While a South Portland Puffins game may not be a destination event on its own, coastal Maine is. For nearby lodging, McKernan Inn, located right on the SMCC campus at Spring Point, is a scenic and convenient option, though it fills up quickly. Just across the harbor, however, Portland’s Old Port offers several hotel options.   Fans   2 Attendance across the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League tends to be modest, with most games drawing fewer than 100 fans. At South Portland home games, the crowd is usually made up of player families and a few curious onlookers, including some spectators who stumble upon the game while heading back from the beach, or were out walking the dog. At this point, the team does not yet have a steady local following or neighborhood fan base; it is a quiet, low-key scene, typical of many summer college baseball experiences.   Access   3 Southern Maine Community College sits at the easternmost edge of South Portland, and while it is a scenic location, access is fairly limited. Broadway is the main route into the area, as well as the most direct way to reach the field. Fort Road runs alongside the ballpark, but winds through residential neighborhoods and is not a major throughway. That said, the area is served by a public bus route, with a stop just outside the ballpark, and is generally bike-friendly, providing a few different ways to get here. Parking is not much of an issue. Thanks to the evening start times and summer schedule, spots are typically available in the lots along Benjamin W. Pickett Street or even along Fort Road itself. From either place, it is just a short walk to the field. As for accessibility, there is not much that requires navigating – just a small section of bleachers and a game operations shed behind home plate. The path that many watch the game from also serves as an access the beach, but it is plenty wide enough and does not create much congestion.   Return on Investment   2 If judging the return on investment based on the listed online ticket price, $11.75 after fees, coming to a South Portland Puffins game is hard to justify, e specially when higher-level summer baseball is available nearby for less money. Adding to the dilemma is the open layout of the field; because Graves Field sits next to a public pathway to the beach and Fort Road, there is no controlled entry point. Unless someone is entering the small bleacher section behind home plate or setting up a chair directly behind the backstop, there is little way to enforce ticketing. Most of the field is visible to anyone walking by, making the idea of paid admission feel more like a suggested donation than a true ticket fee.   Extras   2 Not enough can be said about Graves Athletic Field’s location, namely backdropped by Portland Harbor and off set with the red brick buildings of campus. In addition, if you walk toward the shore, the famed Portland Headlight can be seen not too far off in the distance. There are several historic markers around the field and around the Fort Preble buildings which surround it, offering context about the site’s military past.   Final Thoughts The score given to South Portland Puffins baseball does not necessarily reflect the baseball environment at R. L. Graves Athletic Field – the field’s location is a stunning place to sit back and take in a game, while enjoying the tranquility of the harbor in the distance, while the game itself is typically entertaining enough to provide a baseball experience with a true, laidback Maine summer feel.

Imagine if Lord Stanley presented the Stanley Cup to the winners of the top amateur hockey team in Canada only to have it sent back to him not once, but on two occasions. Could you have imagined his bewilderment at seeing his contribution to the sport returned to him on multiple occasions? Well, that happened to a man who donated a similar trophy in a similar league, one that has been lost to time. However, it does make for an interesting story in the annals of sports history. Perhaps if the league had taken care of its business, the Horlick Cup might be better known today. The Horlick Cup was a $300 silver trophy presented to the winning team in the Western Polo League. It wasn’t the type of polo on horses, but the kind played on roller skates like ice hockey. The sport changed its name in the 1920s to roller hockey and is still played today in many parts of the world. The cup was created in 1904 when the sport was widely popular in the Midwest where the Western League had most of its teams. The cup was two feet high with two polo stickers crossed the front with a ball at the button. The tulip-shaped trophy had two handles and was supported with a base. The trophy would be kept permanently if a polo club won it in three consecutive seasons. William Horlick, a businessman and philanthropist, donated the trophy. He made a fortune through the invention of malted milk and lived in Racine, Wisconsin, where he owned a polo team in the league the season before. He later donated land for Horlick Athletic Field, which hosted the Racine Legion of the National Football League and the Racine Belles in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The trophy was awarded to the Elwood Grays, who finished the 1902-03 season with a 50-30 record, five games ahead of the Richmond Quakers. The cup arrived by train and stopped in Richmond for folks to admire before heading to Anderson to be engraved. It was on display at the Opera House drug store before being awarded to the Grays before their last game of the season. The inscription read, “Winners of the Pennant, Western Roller Polo Association, 1902-03.” It also listed all six player’s names. The cup was displayed in the window of the Nasbaum and Mashmeyer store. The following season, the Richmond Quakers captured the cup with a 52-36 record, one game ahead of the second-place Marion Foxy Five. The trophy was presented to the Quakers before their last game against Elwood. The Coliseum was decorated for the occasion, and small flags were provided to the fans. The cup was placed on a stand in front of the net that was draped with an American flag.  Both teams lined up on opposite sides, and members of the Elwood teams handed silver horseshoes to the Quakers in a sign of good luck while holding the cup. A speech was given in front of a raucous 2,000 faithful in the building.  The Quakers held the cup and skated off the floor while an orchestra played in the background. After the season, the Horlick Cup was put on display in the club room of the Elk’s Club since most of the roster were members.  Before the start of the season, Richmond released a statement that would remain in the Western League for the season but leave for the proposed National Polo League the following season due to salary limits on players. They also intended to keep the Horlick Cup, a clear violation since they had not won it in three consecutive seasons.  The Western League began its third season but lost two members, Indianapolis and Elwood, early in the season. After 40 games, the league was down to four clubs and announced that it was folding for the year. Marion was in first place with a record of 23-16, just ahead of Richmond in second place with a 22-18 record.  Marion felt that the cup was rightfully theirs and that the league managers awarded them the pennant when the league shut down operations. It also qualified them to hoist the cup regardless if the season ended prematurely.  On the other hand, Richmond said since the season ended early, Marion was not the rightful owner of the cup. It should be kept with them until the league is reorganized, or Mr. Horlick should be consulted on the issue. Marion president Ben Larrimer said that if M.C. Henley, president of the Richmond Athletic Association, did send it to his team; representatives would travel to Richmond to take it. Henley then replied that it would be sent to Marion once the engraving was completed on the trophy. To make things confusing, Marion joined the Central League after the Western Loop folded and became eligible for the that league's championship trophy, the Hennings Cup, which was created that season. However, as they were still playing regular season games, the club was still setting its eyes on Richmond who was holding "their" trophy. On March 16, Marion challenged Richmond to a series of games plus 70 percent of the receipts. Richmond, thinking that they were the true cup champions, challenged Danville, who wound up the champions of the Hennings Cup in the Central Polo League to a post-season series. However, none of these challenges occurred, and the cup was sent back to Horlick in Racine until the Western League was revised again.  That would occur two years later with a smaller schedule of games. The new loop consisted of Anderson, Marion, Logansport, and Kokomo. They would play an 18-game schedule, with the pennant winner awarded the Horlick Cup. For the third time, Marion had a chance to rightfully claim the championship. The cup was sent back to Indiana and put on display at the four different rinks. Newspaper articles once again talked about the silver cup; most folks thought Marion would be the clear favorite to capture it. After a two-year hiatus, roller polo appeared to be back in favor with fans in all four cities. Opening night games in Anderson and Logansport attracted 1,200 and 1,000, respectively, with paid attendance figures much lower than expected. Kokomo played in front of 2,000 howling fans the next night. However, the average crowd at games could be as low as 300 fans per game in some cities. After just 10 games and one week left in the season, Anderson called it quits due to low gate receipts and a lack of available players. With only three teams left, the league attempted to add Lafayette as a fourth team to finish the season, but that fell through. Kokomo then decided to throw in the towel a few days later due to a disagreement with scheduling. In the end, Marion and Kokomo were tied atop the standings with 6-4 records, and no decision was made on who would win the cup. Since Kokomo had quit the league, Marion might have had a claim to the cup, which was on display in town. The cup was left in the hands of the Marion club, but they felt that they did not rightfully earn it and sent the trophy back to Mr. Horlick in Wisconsin.  The local paper had this to say. "It is some satisfaction to know that they had to break up the league to keep Marion from taking the cup." For the second time, the trophy was sent back to its creator. What happened to it remains a mystery since there were never any other attempts to revise the Western League. There would be other roller polo leagues, but it appears that Horlick never bothered again to donate it to crown its champion. After two fiascos, he probably found a better use for it.  William Horlick's name is still remember and so are the contributions to sports in Racine, but the game he loved has been lost in time. Maybe the once shiny cup is somewhere in the family archives, but chances it too has been lost to the ages. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Cowboy Field 2307 Willett Dr Laramie, WY 82072 Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 56,000 NOTE: The Gem City Bison will not play in 2023, but plan to return in 2024. Laramie's Gem City Bison Deliver a Taste of America In many ways, the Gem City Bison exemplify everything good about small-town baseball. Laramie, Wyoming’s entry in the Independence League, offers low ticket and concession prices, seats that put fans close to the on-field action, and a slew of kids (and even a couple of dogs) enjoying it all. This new wood bat collegiate league opened play in 2022 with teams in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Idaho, and, yes, Wyoming, with the Bison and the Casper Horseheads. The Bison call Cowboy Field home. Situated on the east side of the University of Wyoming’s main campus, Cowboy Field was home to the school’s NCAA Division I baseball program until the school discontinued it in 1996. Since then, the field has hosted youth and high school baseball teams and events. The Bison have infused new life into 600-seat Cowboy Field, which opened in 1963, returning college baseball to the facility for the first time in 26 years. Fans seeking extravagance and luxury will want a different experience. But fans who appreciate good baseball, a small-but-engaged crowd, and an intimate interaction with the game will not be disappointed. The Bison have created that experience in Laramie, filling a void for a small but enthusiastic contingent of fans. Food & Beverage 2 An enticing aroma wafts from Cowboy Field into the adjacent parking lot, signaling that food is being grilled. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs are the only grilled items. They are good but fans will not find much more than that. The Bison do not offer a wide variety of food and drink options. Canned beer (Budweiser and Coors) and hard seltzer (Bud Light and Topo Chico) are available, as is bottled Gatorade, water, and Pepsi products. The Bison offer only the basics. Potato chips, candy, popcorn, and snow cones are also sold at Cowboy Field’s single concession stand. The selection is somewhat limited but the food is good and the drinks are cold. Atmosphere 3 Cowboy Field is old. It opened in 1963 and served as the University of Wyoming baseball team’s home field until the school eliminated NCAA baseball in 1996. There have not been many updates to the stadium in the ensuing 26 years. The grandstand is a concrete crescent of approximately 12 tiered rows that rise behind home plate, looking to the northeast. Cowboy Field does not have permanent seats, so plan to bring a chair, a blanket, or prepare to sit on concrete. There is no seating along the outfield foul lines or beyond the outfield fences. Seats on the third base line, behind the Bison dugout, enjoy the shade for games starting in the late afternoon or early evening. It can make even a 95-degree day tolerable. Perhaps not surprisingly, the visitors’ dugout along the first base line (and the seats on that side of the field) receive an unhealthy blast of direct sunlight until the sun sets. The combination of a ballpark that has no modern amenities and a team competing in a new, amateur wood bat league would not produce a good atmosphere. However, give credit to the Bison front office and a small but enthusiastic fan base for creating a fun game day experience. Neighborhood 2 There isn’t much to the neighborhood around Cowboy Field. It sits on the east side of the University of Wyoming’s campus, near apartments and university parking and away from the heart of campus. There are no nearby shops or restaurants. During summer, when students are not on campus en masse , the environs near the stadium feel particularly empty. However, a 5-minute drive west on Grand Avenue will take you to Laramie’s Main Street, a commercial district with more than 30 places to eat and drink. Fans 4 The Bison do not draw a large number of fans. However, those that come are engaged, intelligent, and responsible for helping to create a good atmosphere for baseball. Fans respond to the action on the field and enthusiastically play along with in-game promotions. The team smartly works with local youth baseball teams to participate in pre-game introductions and promotions between innings, and kids come to Cowboy Field in large numbers. Fans also bring dogs – a great dane was recently spotted holding court in the stands to the delight of everyone. Cowboy Field Fan and Dog, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Access 2 Cowboy Field is not difficult to find and there’s more than enough free parking to accommodate fans coming to a Bison game. The stadium is about a 10-minute drive from exits along Interstate 80: take Laramie’s Third Street exit if arriving from the west and Grand Avenue if arriving from the east. The only way to access the grandstand is by walking up one of two staircases, one on the left field side and one on the right field side. Fans with mobility issues and those in wheelchairs will have a difficult time accessing the grandstand – a point that the Bison and University should work to remedy in the seasons ahead. Return on Investment 4 The Bison provide an excellent return on investment. Parking is free and close to the entrance. The most expensive seat in the ballpark costs $12. General admission costs $8, with discounts available for seniors and members of the military. The team discounts by $1 for each ticket purchased through its website. Food and beverage prices are also reasonable. Cheeseburgers ($5.25), hamburgers ($5), and hot dogs ($3) are priced well short of what fans expect to pay at a ball game. All alcoholic beverages sell for $7 per can, with soda at $3, water at $2, and candy for $2-$3. Popcorn costs $2 a bag. As with tickets, the prices for food and beverage should not break anyone’s bank. Extras 2 The Bison earn a point for their branding. The team colors (brown and yellow) mimic those of the Wyoming Cowboys – a smart marketing move to entice UW fans to buy merchandise in school colors. But the typefaces, design, and logos are as good as for any team in baseball. Now, if the team would only get a bison mascot to greet fans as they enter Cowboy Field. Another point goes to the group of young cheerleaders. They take their jobs very seriously and their efforts help fans enjoy the games. Final Thoughts A Gem City Bison game does not replicate a World Series game at Yankee Stadium; it doesn’t need to. The Bison instead provide an excellent baseball experience to a community that supports it. With the team welcoming kids into all aspects of the game – short of playing it – the Bison have a solid start to becoming an important part of the Laramie community. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Andrei Ojeda and Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Oakland Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way Oakland, CA 94621 Oakland Athletics website Oakland Coliseum website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 35,067 Baseball's Last Dive Bar The Oakland Coliseum, along with the city of Oakland, have taken a beating. From the highly publicized crime rates to the more recent scandal surrounding Oakland's mayor , and soon the loss of their beloved baseball team, when all is said and done, the city in the East Bay will have lost all three of their major professional teams, among other wounds dealt to the city. The Coliseum has seen happier times. From four World Champion teams and big names such as Reggie Jackson, Rickey Henderson, Catfish Hunter, Dennis Eckersley and the Bash Brothers Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, Baseball's Last Dive Bar has its share of historical moments still deeply Rooted In Oakland . Food & Beverage 3 Because of the sparse to almost non-existent crowds, concessions are pretty limited. Choices range from the traditional Coliseum Dog and specialty dogs ,as well as fish and chips and personal sized pizzas (from Round Table), peanuts, pop corn, candy and soft serve ice cream. Bottled Coke products as well as bottled water are some of the beverages offered. Domestic and imported beer are also available throughout as well as at the Shibe Park Tavern and The Treehouse with offerings ranging from Bud Light, Stella Artois, Modelo Especial, Firestone Walker 805, Elysian Space Dust, Lagunitas IPA, Golden Road Mango Cart, Drakes Denogginizer, Holy Toledo Blonde Ale, 21st Amendment Watermelon, Henhouse Stoked Pale Ale, Blue Moon, Drakes Hopocalypse, Racer 5 IPA, and Stone Delicious IPA. If planning on visiting The Treehouse, Friday Night Happy Hour specials are offered allowing fans to arrive as early as 4:30 with tickets available for $13.70 ($10 including fees as California laws have done away with hidden fees). Atmosphere 2 Much like the maligned home of the Tampa Bay Rays, the Athletics have done their best with the stadium situation they have. The two bars in the outfield feature indoor seating areas with multiple TVs for viewing. There is also a large community garden to walk through as well. When walking through some of the main concourses, the walls have been covered with images and historical facts that follow the team’s history over the years. All of this, however, cannot hide the decrepit condition of the facility. The concourse is incredibly cramped and dark, particularly in the outfield with tons of exposed concrete, giving one the feeling they are roaming the halls of a prison rather than a ballpark. However some walls do highlight the team’s historic moments. Neighborhood 1 If you are expecting any ballpark village/entertainment vibes around the Coliseum for any pre or post game activities you will be extremely disappointed. What you will see around the Coliseum are nothing but roads and a parking lot that should offer more than enough parking for the nightly sparse crowds. Fans arriving by light rail will be traversing along a pedestrian bridge from the BART station to the sight of graffiti covered walls beside a polluted wash. Nearby businesses and eateries such as In-N-Out and Denny's have shut down due to the high rate of crime in the surrounding vicinity. The nearby Hilton is scheduled to shut its doors soon, dealing another blow to the Hegenberger Road Corridor . Fans 2 Approaching the team’s departure from Oaktown, the fans have just simply stayed away. Most nights crowds are below 10,000 and at times even below 5,000. The fans are fed up with all the empty promises of a new stadium and the failure to keep quality players to maintain a contending team. Even the most diehard of them all, the drumbeaters, the crazed fans in the bleachers known for bringing the noise with their constant drum beats at times to the angst of the visiting team, have mostly stayed away. It’s a sad scene. The fans who still do show up are some of the most passionate. These days, many A’s fans are dressed in shirts reading “SELL”. Their message to A’s management, though loud and clear, has fallen upon deaf ears. Access 4 The stadium is located right off I-880 in Oakland. If utilizing public transit, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) offers light rail service to The Coliseum from various points throughout the Bay Area reaching from San Francisco all the way to San Jose. A Clipper Card , a stored value fare card, is required to ride BART and can be purchased at any BART station. The stored value fare card is also good for most Bay Area transit services. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Athletics games start at $15, at their lowest. Advanced planning is certainly not required. You can even walk up to the box office on gameday and purchase an actual physical ticket to add to your ballpark chasing collection of keepsakes. Because most games draw crowds of less than 10,000, you pretty much can purchase the cheapest ticket and move about most anywhere in the yard. It’s not as if the gameday staff, what’s left of it, will be vigilant about checking tickets. Extras 3 Throughout the stadium there are historic display cases and markers showing the team’s past. There are also multiple statues of players past. You can find a convenient map on the walls throughout the concourse showing all the stadium’s food options. Great Moments in A's History, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Fifty-six years of baseball history. Soon to disappear. Who's to blame? There’s enough blame to pass around from A’s ownership to Oakland City Leaders. Once the A’s complete their move to their new temporary home in Sacramento, the city of Oakland will be left with no major professional sports teams, all departing within the last 5 years. Rooted In Oakland. That was the campaign cry when the A’s were celebrating their 50th anniversary in Oak-Town back in 2018. Excitement was high that a new ballpark would be built on the site of Howard Terminal next to Jack London Square. The Rooted In Oakland campaign is now gone with nary a whimper. Fans entering the stadium through the pedestrian bridge from the BART station will now notice a barren exterior that once had banners for both the A’s and Raiders. A’s ownership is doing its best to distance themselves from anything Oakland. 2019 2024 It’s no secret the Oakland Coliseum and its surroundings are in shambles. Visiting fans have expressed concerns on various social media sites regarding a visit to the Coliseum. From my perspective, I've never had any issues around the surrounding area. Is it somewhere I'd walk alone at night? Not a chance. My advice? Utilize the BART subway system and save yourself the $30 plus fees in parking. You will always be among company as you enter and exit the stadium. Aside from maybe checking out various points throughout the stadium, with no glorified ballpark village in the surrounding area you will not be doing any pre or post game activities outside the Coliseum. It will be awhile before the wounds for the city of Oakland are healed. However, that should not prevent you from visiting the East Bay and catching a game or two before Baseball's Last Dive Bar  is a mere memory. Though the stadium isn’t much to brag about, its still filled with a deep history, having hosted 6 World Series, 4 World Champions and 21 other post season appearances combined.  Come with the mindset that all you’ll be at the Coliseum for is baseball. No other frills or distractions. No ballpark villages. No in-stadium shopping outlets or kiddie carousels. Just good old fun at the old, yet crumbling yard before she joins the exodus of Oakland Professional Sports.   Howard Terminal. What could have been...

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Spec Martin Stadium 260 E Euclid Ave DeLand, FL 32724 Stetson Hatters website Spec Martin Stadium website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 6,000 Stetson Football Fun The history of Stetson University Football is one that has a great span between its inception and its recent history, dotted with multiple stoppages in play. The most recent iteration of Stetson Hatters football features an enjoyable college football game day experience for fans with the beauty of a stadium situated in one of Florida’s quintessential small towns. Food & Beverage 3 There isn’t anything terribly exciting or different to eat at Stetson Football games, but nothing on the menu will cost you more than $5. At the top of that range is the $5 cheeseburger, with hot dogs or pizza slices running just $3. Drinks range from $2 to $3 for soda, water, and Powerade. Snacks including chips, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, and more range from $1 to $3. Beer also costs under $10, which is a steal for college football. Atmosphere 3 The facilities at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium are quite nice for a lower-division college football program. That said, the venue is missing some of the creature comforts of higher end stadiums. The majority of the seats are backed benches and not individual seats. However, Stetson makes up for this in overall presentation. The facilities are spotless from top to bottom, and the in-game experience is comfortable and extremely family friendly. The team’s band performs during the game and the cheerleaders are always present to perform and get the crowd going during breaks in the action. The team’s mascot roams the stadium throughout the game, taking photos with fans and interacting with kids. The south end zone features a pop-up team store as well. The Stetson Hatters have taken a bare-bones stadium and turned it into a comfortable and beautiful home for themselves with great ease. Stetson Hatter Band, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Spec Martin Memorial Stadium may not be located on the campus of Stetson University but it isn’t far, and the venue is literally across the street from Melching Field , home of Stetson baseball. The football stadium is located just blocks from the heart of downtown DeLand, Florida – DeLand is known for being one of the quintessential small towns in Central Florida, featuring the quietness one would expect from such an atmosphere. In addition, the town is just a short drive up I-4 from Daytona Beach, only an hour from Orlando, and is surrounded by several state parks and great nature areas. For those wanting to travel and see the sights, Blue Springs State Park is home to manatees upon manatees in the winter months. In addition, the NASCAR Racing Experience is not far away, located just north on I-4 in Daytona Beach. For hotels, Comfort Inn DeLand and Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand are the closest spots. For food, Shokudo 413 is a popular sushi stop just blocks away from Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, and Doug & Lil’s Potato Patch is a popular breakfast and brunch place near the venue. Fans 4 The fans pack in Spec Martin Memorial Stadium for every game – fans are loyal and cheer on their team with as much fervor as is to be expected from a top-quality college football experience. That said, while they may not exactly be as loud and crazy as some of their FBS counterparts, the fans at Stetson are no less supportive and fun to be around. They are sport and team knowledgeable and they certainly enjoy the game day experience, from tailgating to the in-game traditions. Most of all, the fans here are welcoming, making for a very family-friendly experience. Access 3 Getting to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium involves driving on some small-town roads; either exit 116 or 118 on I-4 will take you to DeLand. Once there, the facility is off US-17 and Euclid Ave. Parking is plentiful on site and across the street, making finding a spot easy. Most lots are no more than $10-$15, even for on-site parking. Getting around the stadium is also easy, thanks to plenty of signage around to help you figure out where your seats are. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Stetson football games start at $20 for general admission and go up to $50 for the premium backed seats at mid-field. This, combined with the low cost of parking and concessions, means you can take a family of four out to the game for around $120, which is something that cannot be said for a lot of other college football experiences in Florida. Considering that the game experience is also enjoyable, it is easy to see why the return on the investment here at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium is so high. Extras 3 Stetson’s stadium is constructed so that the upper level concourse runs from the two sideline grandstand’s upper levels around the north end zone, so the venue features great views of the playing field from all angles. The team also has a massive bell that they ring on the sidelines during pre-game intros, as well as every time the Stetson Hatters score a touchdown. Stetson Hatters Bell, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey In addition, before the game a large tailgating area called Hatter Village is set up in the parking lot outside Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, complete with food trucks and fan displays – this is easily the best place to be to experience everything Stetson football has to offer before the gates open. Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium is extremely enjoyable, and is definitely something of a hidden gem in the college football world of Florida. While many folks in Central Florida would look to UCF , USF , or UF for a local college football experience, Stetson is not to be missed – their facility is comfortable, located in a great town with plenty of local flair, and is pretty equidistant from many places in Central Florida that are hot spots for tourism.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Punjab Stadium Ferozpur Road Lahore, Punjab Pakistan Pakistan National Football website Punjab Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 10,000 The Friendliest of Friendlies Lahore, Pakistan’s second city, has long been heralded as a cultural capital. Living up to its reputation, Lahore boasts an impressive array of parks, museums, universities, and yes, even sports venues. While an active athletic community keeps the city’s sports fields busy, the stands usually sit empty. Historically, Pakistan is a country where the culture of spectator sports begins and nearly ends with international cricket. Sadly, a 2009 terror attack on the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team not only scared off visiting international cricket teams, it all but guaranteed that Pakistan wouldn’t be able to participate in the worldwide revival of interest in the domestic version of the game. Pakistan’s sports associations, though, are not content with the status quo, and efforts to boost domestic leagues and lure back foreign teams are beginning to show results in a variety of sports. We were lucky enough to be in Lahore for a planned two-game friendly football series against Palestine, which is considered a full-fledged country by FIFA. Although the series was shortened to a single game at a lackluster venue, we were impressed by the professional production of the match. We left optimistic about the future of Pakistani football and sports in general. Food & Beverage 2 Punjab Stadium lacks any permanent space for vendors. Three or four street vendors did circulate in the crowd selling what they could carry, but the options were slim. A fist-sized portion of fried daal (lentils) in a cone of newspaper cost 10 rupees (10 US cents, or 8 Euro cents). Slices of coconut were also available at similarly low prices, equivalent to what one would pay outside of the stadium. Fans seated in the VIP area (sponsors, football officials, several Westerners, and affluent-looking fans who were escorted to the area after appearing as though they belonged there) were treated to free bottled water, Coca-Cola, and 7-Up. While we didn’t see anyone attempt to bring in outside food, it seems unlikely that it would be prohibited. Smoking is allowed in the stands. Atmosphere 3 By October, daytime temperatures in Lahore begin to drop into the “comfortable” range, but most fans still took shelter from the sun under the roof at midfield along the western sideline. In addition to the shade, the western grandstand offers the majority of the venue’s seating, as well as a view that Stadium Journey fans would enjoy. From here, fans can easily spot two neighboring major sport venues: National Hockey Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium. The midfield area directly under the roof is reserved for VIPs and features padded restaurant-style chairs. These chairs continue past the VIP fence to just beyond the neighboring Palestinian fan section. Beyond that, the remainder of seating is on concreted steps. An athletics track means that the regions behind the goals are far removed from the action and best avoided. For the Palestine friendly, the stadium was under 20% of capacity, and fans were free to roam and find their preferred place. If this venue ever attracts a near-capacity crowd, caution should be used in deciding whether to attend. The first row of seating at Punjab Stadium sits about 10 feet above field level, and there are surprisingly few exits from the seating bowl to ground level. This layout creates the potential for a dangerous crowd dynamic in a full stadium. For smaller crowds, though, this poses no real danger. Public address announcements were adequately audible and made in English. A manual scoreboard was updated when goals were scored, but no match clock is visible. Organizers did an admirable job of decorating the venue with Pakistani and Palestinian flags, as well as signage specific for the match. Given the few attempts the Pakistan Football Federation has had at staging international friendlies in recent years, they succeeded in making the match feel like an event. Neighborhood 5 Three major stadiums, a noteworthy regional cricket ground, a few smaller sports fields, and an arts and culture center make up this complex. On those all-too-frequent days when none of the venues are attracting a crowd, this complex could be a black hole in the center of the city. Thankfully, it’s not, as Lahore has succeeded in doing something that many US city planners promise, but struggle to deliver: turning the stadium district into a year-round destination that sees plenty of life even on non-event days. Gaddafi Stadium is the center of the complex’s everyday use. Restaurants, a banquet hall, and a book store are among the commercial establishments built underneath the cricket venue’s stands. With direct access from the stadium’s exterior, these establishments draw enough everyday traffic to keep the complex lively despite the dearth of event dates. Lahore’s well-known, moderately-priced Liberty Market provides an alternative shopping, dining, and lodging destination within a long-ish walk from the stadium. Given Lahore’s spread-out, decentralized and car-centric nature, most would choose to drive. Posh MM Alam Road is not much farther. All of these areas are safe and pleasant places to walk around. Fans 2 Given Pakistan’s historic ambivalence to football, the lack of a truly engaged crowd is not entirely unexpected. Despite free admission, less than two thousand turned out on a pleasant Sunday afternoon. Some wore Pakistan cricket jerseys. The crowd was well-behaved and cheered politely at the appropriate times, but was far from passionate. Next to the VIP area, a contingent of travelling Palestinian fans set up a small visiting supporters section that was livelier than the local crowd. The drum beats and rhythms were the same as one hears at football matches around the world. The words to the chants, though, were changed to reflect the unique geopolitical challenges of the visitors, as well as the close relationship between the competing teams. “Meri zameen, meri zameen?” (“My land, my land?”) “Filasteen, Filasteen!” (“Palestine, Palestine!”) “Meri jaan, meri jaan?” (My beloved, my beloved?”) “Pakistan, Pakistan!” Between this chant and “Long live Palestine! Long live Pakistan! Death to Israel!” it felt as though fans were supporting both teams. Indeed, no one in attendance seemed disappointed by Pakistan’s eventual 2-0 loss. The crowd took the idea of a friendly match to a new level. The crowd for this particular match was more than 99% male. While men dominate public life in much of Pakistan, women are generally far from invisible in Lahore. There were no signs that women were mistreated or unwelcome; in fact, a female security guard was available to screen women upon entry. Still, single women might feel more comfortable attending events here in a group. Access 4 For the match, parking at Gaddafi Stadium was doubled from its non-event rate of 20 rupees. Even at 40 rupees (USD 39 cents), parking is a bargain in a global context. For very large matches, the stadium’s own parking areas could easily fill up. However, large crowds anywhere in this complex are unheard of since 2009. All taxi or auto rickshaw drivers in Lahore will be familiar with either this venue or the neighboring Gaddafi Stadium. The venue is centrally located, but central Lahore’s unpredictable traffic adds guesswork to travel time. This particular event produced no real traffic. Punjab Stadium can also be reached from the Gaddafi Stadium stop on Lahore’s new Metro Bus BRT system. Upon arrival at the stadium, all fans go through several layers of security checks. While such checks often feel annoying at sports events, they are truly necessary here. Checks are professional, moderately thorough, and non-invasive. Men are checked more thoroughly than women. Bags and seat cushions are allowed in without any trouble after inspection. A female officer is available to inspect women and their belongings. Upon entry, fans need to ascend a set of stairs to reach the seating bowl, from where they can begin moving around the stadium. Between this and the lack of restrooms, fans with special needs may have difficulty at this venue. For most, though, attending a game here is a breeze. Return on Investment 5 A full international match for free is the best value you’ll find anywhere. In a country where international matches of any type are a less-than-annual occurrence, the value is even greater. Extras 3 The attack on the Sri Lankan team occurred just over half a mile, or just under one kilometer, from Punjab Stadium. Since then Palestine has made two trips to this complex for football, and China has made a visit for field hockey. Sports, it seems, soldier on. The fact that these events are able to be staged at all is a triumph for Pakistan. Pulling them off with such professionalism is an even greater victory.

Photos Courtesy of Visit Omaha Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Baxter Arena 2425 S 67th St Omaha, NE 68106 Omaha Mavericks website Baxter Arena website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,898 New to Division I, New Arena, Omaha Mavs Are on the Rise After over 50 years at the Sapp Fieldhouse, the UNO men’s basketball team has a new building on campus to call home. Baxter Arena opened in 2015, the same year that UNO completed its five-year transition into Division I athletics. The men’s and women’s basketball teams share Baxter Arena with UNO hockey and volleyball. Food & Beverage 4 All of your basics are covered at the Baxter Arena. For those looking for something a little different, take a walk around the concourse and you’ll find something that grabs your interest. Godfather’s Pizza, a popular Midwestern chain, offers pepperoni and hamburger pizza by the slice. At the 67th Street Kitchen you can find fries topped with pulled pork and cheddar cheese, loaded tater tots with sour cream, bacon, and cheese, or even “taco tots.” And basketball fans need not worry, the Baxter Arena has beer. Shock Top and Stella Artois have kiosks with a few different options to choose from. All of your domestics are available as well at $7.50 for a 20 ounce. Right next to Godfather’s Pizza on the south side of the arena is The Blue Line bar. The lines there get long, so plan for that if you’re looking for some wine or a cocktail. The Blue Line bar also has a local beer option from Infusion Brewing, which is located in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood. Atmosphere 3 The arena was built primarily for the UNO hockey team, but it is more than serviceable for other sports as well. The upper and lower bowls share the same concourse. It’s really easy to get to and from your seat, no matter where you are located. The seats are comfortable and each has its own cup holder. Most of the upper bowl is closed off for basketball games, and the arena staff puts large curtains down to help keep some of the sound in. As the fan base continues to grow, more and more of the upper bowl will be open for basketball games. The video board that hangs over the court plays host to a variety of promotions and entertainment activities throughout the game. Dance cams, kiss cams, you name it. Just be sure to stick around for the taco cannon from Voodoo Taco, a restaurant right across the street from the arena. Neighborhood 5 Baxter Arena is right across from Aksarben Village, which is a newly developed area of businesses, restaurants, shops, apartments, and student housing. For a pregame meal, Jimi D’s offers up the best food within walking distance. There’s also Dudley’s Pizza and Tavern (a popular place for UNO fans), and DJ’s Dugout, which has huge beers and more TVs than anyone else in town. There’s also Voodoo Taco, Ponzu Sushi, and a few other options. For a postgame drink, Pauli’s has become the go to spot for Mavs fans and visitors alike. It’s your standard neighborhood bar, but it’s always a good crowd after the game, win or lose. The arena is about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown and the Old Market, which is a must see for any first time visitor to Omaha. Fans 3 This is a fan base that is still growing. As the team continues to prove that it can compete at the Division I level, more and more fans will fill the seats. There are usually around 2,500-3,500 spectators at basketball games. The crowd is a mix of long time supporters (going back to the Division II days at the Sapp Fieldhouse), recent alumni, and your casual local basketball fans. UNO plays a fast-paced, exciting brand of basketball in the Summit League. Lots of the games are back and forth, high-scoring affairs. The building may not be full, but those who show up are very passionate about their team. Access 4 The arena is a short drive north of I-80. The 60th and 72nd Street exits will get you to the arena in just a few minutes. Head north until you hit Center Street, and you will run into the arena at 67th. You can’t miss it. Parking in the arena lots is free, but they usually fill up. Luckily there is more parking available in surrounding neighborhoods. Return on Investment 5 The food and drink prices are pretty standard when compared to other arenas in the area. You won’t be charged an arm and a leg for anything. Free parking definitely adds to the value. You can expect to pay $10-$15 for an upper bowl seat and an additional $20-$30 if you plan on eating and drinking at the game. Extras 4 Download the Mav Experience app to get prices, menus, a map of the arena, and game updates. Baxter Arena also has free wifi, which is a nice touch.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Hillsborough Hillsborough Stadium Sheffield, England S6 1SW Sheffield Wednesday website Hillsborough website Year Opened: 1899 Capacity: 39,812 A Traditional English Soccer Stadium Hillsborough is the home of Sheffield Wednesday in the Yorkshire district of Owlerton, which is where the club’s nickname of ‘the Owls’ is taken from. The club and its ground are steeped in history. The club have played here since 1899 and the modern day capacity is a couple of hundred short of 40,000. The team were relegated from the Premier League at the turn of the millennium and have suffered a number of highs and lows since, with the team even finding themselves in the third tier of English football in this time, under the tutelage of several managerial appointments. The club are presently in the Championship (second tier) in the 2015-2016 season, and have achieved some stability on and off the pitch in recent years. Hillsborough can boast being a popular choice with the English FA (Football Association) as a neutral venue for cup Semi Finals and for Internationals, most notably during the 1966 World Cup. It was also used during the 1996 UEFA European Championships, hosting three fixtures between Turkey, Denmark, Croatia and Portugal in group play. Hillsborough is synonymous with the 1989 disaster which saw 96 Liverpool fans lose their life due to crushing in the Leppings Lane end (known today as the West Stand) when they played Nottingham Forest in the F.A Cup Semi Final. The irony is, that for all the media and reporting on one of the most tragic events to take place at a soccer venue, Sheffield Wednesday were not even playing. The stadium has undergone a number of changes following the Taylor Report which saw all seater stadiums being compulsory in England following the events of April 1989. It would certainly not be out of place should Wednesday achieve promotion back to the top flight in the future. Food & Beverage 4 There are a number of food kiosks in each stand which are well staffed with easy access and minimum queueing. The concourses are wide to allow fans to pass through or stand at the side and eat. There are also a number of televisions mounted on the walls or suspended from the roof showing a mixture of old games and goals, along with the Sky Sports channels. There are plenty of options to choose from including burgers, hot dogs, pizza and a variety of different pies. A lot of English clubs seem to have a deal with ‘Pukka Pies’ and their advertisements can be found around the internal walls and the pitch side hoardings. There are also a number of different beverages to choose from, hot and cold, including different types of lager and beers. The prices are reasonable and in line with what you would pay in, say the city centre. Despite being served in the standard plastic tumbler for health & safety reasons, the lager is decent. Atmosphere 4 Hillsborough is a friendly venue, and this is noticeable from engagements with the stewards to the staff in the club store, programme sellers and food kiosks. All four stands are covered and provide a good view of the pitch, though there are two corners of the stadium that have had seats added to increase capacity and they are out in the open. Some English stadiums have one specific point where fans congregate and generate an atmosphere, but Hillsborough has two, the North Stand and the Spion Kop behind the home fans’ goal. Wednesday fans are also notoriously known for their drum and band that play a variety of instruments during games. They also follow the English national soccer team and can be heard during international matches. Hillsborough is impressive both inside and out, and is a must for any ‘ground hunter.’ Hillsborough has signs of both modern development and the past. The Main Stand has upper and lower tiers and was designed by Archibald Leitch, a famous architect known for his work in a lot of soccer grounds going back to the early 1900s. The Main Stand’s facade is very modern with a new roof, corporate/executive facilities and office space upgraded within the last twenty years. There is a large scoreboard which is elevated above a police control office and sits between the West and Main Stand. It displays the teams, subs, officials and during the match it provides advertising, announcements, old goals and re-runs of match action. The North Stand is single tiered, which runs the length of the pitch and has SWFC in white against the blue seats. Both the West and Kop Stands behind each goal are converted terraces, from standing areas to all seated and each have four supporting pillars, which may obscure your view. As the stadium is situated on the River Don, there is a small bridge that you need to negotiate to access the Main Stand. To the left of the bridge is where you will find the Hillsborough memorial to the fans who died there in 1989. It has become something of a shrine, with scarves and flags from many clubs up and down the country. ‘Ozzie the Owl’ is the club mascot and he can be seen pre match. There are announcements made before the match and at half time. During the match you will hear music played by the ‘fan band,’ which is not everyone’s preference, but it does add to the occasion. Tickets are available in all stands for just about every home game, with away supporters accommodated in the West Stand. The rows are spaced out well with decent leg room. The pitch is close to the stands which means you will get a more than reasonable view of the action. The two uncovered sections tend to be for overspill from the North and Kop ends and unsurprisingly are the cheapest areas within the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Wednesday’s neighbours and rivals, Sheffield United are based near the city centre, however, Hillsborough is approximately three miles further out. Along the way there are a number of pubs, shops, fast food outlets and a couple of cash lines/ATMs. There is a train, tram, and bus service which runs regularly and all of these will take you within a few minutes walk to the stadium. You can also get a taxi, which will set you back around £8. The Old Crown, Penistone Road is for home supporters and The New Barrack Tavern accommodates home and away fans. Both are about a five minute walk from Hillsborough. There are also a Burger King and McDonalds on route from the city. Fans 4 Hillsborough features vocal fans, with songs and music created throughout play, which adds to the atmosphere and occasion. Despite some hard times, Wednesday still attract a home gate of around 22,000 for home matches. Access 4 All entry points to the stadium flow well, with minimum queuing both internally and externally. There are plenty of transport options. Whether you arrive by bus, tram, or train it will not set you back any more than £3, and all options are minutes walking distance to the ground. A taxi journey varies from around £6-£8. There is also street parking and official parking areas in and around Hillsborough. Public transport is well served. Entry to the ground is by ticket (scanned at the gate upon entry), but the club have been experimenting with a designated cash turnstile for certain fixtures. Return on Investment 5 Tickets, merchandise, and refreshment prices are reasonable and competitive with other similar clubs. With a vibrant, friendly atmosphere, if you can get a decent game to entertain you, a visit to Hillsborough provides excellent value all round. Tickets for cup games are halved or discounted which encourages more families or young kids out to the games, as it can make it more affordable for the average family. Extras 4 The official match programme is a very good read, impressively edited and produced. The shop also sells some DVDs and books for between £1 and £5. Final Thoughts The site of Hillsborough is now more than a soccer venue due to the events of April 1989. The subsequent police cover up that has seen the families challenge the official findings, has seen it become something of a shrine, with the name of the stadium regularly in the limelight. It is something that Sheffield Wednesday will have to live with, but it is an impressive, nostalgic stadium which is memorable for soccer reasons, given that it has hosted many matches over the years. Many a ground hopper will take pleasure on ticking this one off their list.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Allen Arena 401 Granny Pike Dr Nashville, TN 37204 Lipscomb Bisons website Allen Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 5,028 Allen Arena – Lipscomb University While Nashville might best be known for its nightlife and country music scene, tucked away in the quiet Green Hills neighborhood is the campus of the Lipscomb University Bisons. Opened in 2001, basketball at Allen Arena started with a bang, as the inaugural game was won on a half-court shot as time expired. Home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams, Allen Arena is also shared with the women’s volleyball program, which all compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Food & Beverage 2 Allen Arena features one small concessions stand in the main lobby. While there are a limited number of options, the prices are very reasonable – fans can choose from nachos ($4), slices of pizza ($3), popcorn ($3), candy ($2) and a wide variety of Coca-Cola beverages ($3). Lipscomb has chosen not to sell alcohol at its games. Food at Allen Arena does not provide much when it comes to choices, but it is enough to tide you over until you can grab something more substantial after the game. Atmosphere 2 Allen Arena is a modern looking facility; the school’s purple and gold colors adorn the windows of the main entrance. A smaller version of the nearby Allen clock tower has been incorporated into the arena's entrance architecture. Unlike many college basketball arenas, Allen Arena does not have an overhead scoreboard; rather scoreboards are placed in the four corners. Each end of the arena does have a video board, which seem intended to show a live feed of the game, but mostly reads “Lippy” in script lettering. The Lipscomb cheer squad puts in a lot of work during timeouts. Hardly a break in the action goes by when they are not either involved in one of the several raffles, or performing a routine before the ball is put back in play. The school mascot, Lou Bison, is present and active during the timeout promotions, but primarily sticks to the baseline area with the cheer squad. Attendance at Lipscomb is rather hit-or-miss. Games such as homecoming or the “Battle of the Boulevard”, with intercity rival Belmont University , are highly attended games – close to the 5,000 fan capacity of Allen Arena. On the other hand, most other games are lightly attended, with crowds of less than a couple thousand. Neighborhood 4 Lipscomb is in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, one of the city's most popular neighborhoods. The campus is surrounded by many large, residential homes. The Green Hills Shopping Mall is within 2 miles of the Lipscomb campus and has an extensive number of restaurants. One of the highlights is Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, a Nashville staple. Fans coming to town for an extended stay can find several other sporting options to pair with a game at Lipscomb. Three D-1 college basketball programs, Vanderbilt , Belmont , and Tennessee State can all be found around the city. Professional sporting teams in season include the Nashville Predators in the city’s entertainment district, and the Tennessee Titans , who are just across the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville. Fans 2 Sustainability of basketball attendance at Lipscomb seems to be a bit of a challenge. While the high interest games mentioned, homecoming and the rivalry game with Belmont, do have near capacity crowds, the announced attendances for most games sit in the high thousand to low two thousand. The bench side of the stands is comprised mostly of alumni who are content in watching the game. They typically only get excited during good basketball plays or questionable officiating; it is not that they are silent, but it seems to be in more an appreciation of the game than being boisterous fans. The student section is comprised of approximately 200 students who populate one of the sections across from the visiting team’s bench. Other than a handful of exuberant attendees, the overall interest in the game seemed to be a bit waning. Access 3 The most direct access to Lipscomb is via Interstate-65 from the north or south, or from the I-440 bypass if approaching from the east, west, or from Interstate-24 (toward Murfreesboro). The campus is within 2 miles of both highways. Given that Lipscomb is in a large city, gridlock on the highway is always a concern when it comes to weekday games. Once on campus parking can be a bit confusing to locate – the team’s website does not provide specific parking information. The East Deck is closest to Allen Arena, and is accessible via the secondary entrance to the campus off Granny White Pike. This deck is a bit inconvenient in that there is no way inside the deck to go to the next level up if the current level is full. The west deck is also an option, but requires entrance via Belmont Boulevard. The primary entry point into Allen Arena is at the front of the building. Once through the doors, fans enter the lobby to face a wall of trophy cases featuring the accomplishments of each of Lipscomb’s athletics programs. To the right fans will find the Lipscomb Athletics Hall of Fame, while most general admission seating is to the left. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Lipscomb basketball games are rather inexpensive; prices start at $10 for general admission seats, while reserved seating goes for $15, with some nights offering special promotions. The Nashville Night promotion offers general admission tickets for $6.15 in representation of Nashville’s area code, for example. Paired with free parking and inexpensive food options at the concessions stand, Lipscomb offers a very well-priced basketball experience. Lipscomb does offer a Junior Bison Club that includes free admission for children to all Lipscomb athletic events for the academic year. Overall, Lipscomb does offer very reasonable prices, and does make it affordable for families to attend games. Extras 3 The trophy cases in the main lobby do an excellent job highlighting the accomplishments of Lipscomb from their journey between NAIA and NCAA. A good accompaniment to the trophies won are the Hall of Fame plaques dating back to 1986. The hall of fame is very thorough in recognizing those who have left their mark on Lipscomb athletics. Adults bringing younger fans to the game will be pleased to know Lipscomb has kept them in mind. It might be a bit unrealistic to think young children could sustain their attention for the entire game, so to help provide a break for younger Bisons fans, there is a bounce house and balloon artists to help keep them entertained, when staying in their seat becomes too much. Lipscomb does a lot to make children part of the in-game entertainment. One of the big thrills for kids in attendance is when they are called to the court to help the cheer squad with the t-shirt toss. Lipscomb does a lot to make the game a memorable experience for its younger fans. Final Thoughts While Lipscomb basketball games do not have the high intensity atmospheres found at some universities, there definitely is thought put in to making the game an enjoyable experience for the entire family. While a game at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena might not be a destination stop, it can be a decent complement to any visit to Nashville.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Buccaneer Field 9200 University Blvd North Charleston, SC 29406 Charleston Southern Buccaneers website Buccaneer Field website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 4,000 Big South Pirates The Charleston Southern University Buccaneers football program began in 1991, but their home turf, the aptly-named Buccaneer Field, opened 21 years earlier in 1970. The facility is a multi-purpose one with a running track surrounding the football field, and two sets of grandstands (one on each side of the field) behind the track. The CSU Buccaneers compete in the Big South Conference of college football’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS); the stadium holds 4,000 fans. Food & Beverage 3 Buccaneer Field has more than enough options to keep you satisfied during the game – the main stand on the home side features burgers, hot dogs, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches, as well as nachos, popcorn, packaged candy, and chips. There is also a standalone Chick-fil-A stand toward the north end zone, as well as a couple food trucks/carts near the south end zone which offer additional fare such as fancy donuts, teriyaki or sesame chicken bowls, peanuts, egg rolls, and Italian ice. The lowest priced item at the stadium is a donut for $1.50, while the highest are the chicken bowls for $8; burgers are a very reasonable $4, with hot dogs selling at 2 for $5. Drinks include bottled water, canned or fountain sodas, and Gatorade for $1 to $3. Atmosphere 3 Buccaneer Field provides a solid atmosphere for college football – while the venue is not large, the stadium fills up pretty well for the average game. The west stands are the home side and include the press box tower, and most of the fans sit on this side. Almost all the seats in the facility are metal bleachers, but at the top of the middle section on the home side you can chair back benches and bucket-style chair back seats, decked out in the blue and gold of the Pirates. There is a pirate-themed play area on the south side for the kiddos, as well as some field-level seats behind the north end zone. The CSU band, or Pride of the Lowcountry as they are called, also plays modern music during breaks in the action, and of course performs before the game and at halftime. The PA announcer also helps keeps the fans entertained with very lively music during timeouts, and of course the Buccaneers staff throws out t-shirts to the crowd to keep them revved up and on their feet. Neighborhood 4 There is a gas station across the street, but there aren’t really any restaurants within walking distance of Buccaneer Field, being on campus as it is, but there are plenty within a 3 to 4-mile drive south down Highway 78 (aka University Blvd). There are a slew of Mexican restaurants in that direction plus Cracker Barrel, Carraba’s, Mei Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar, and Phuong Vietnamese Restaurant to name a few. But if you are looking for someplace to hang out before or after the game, and maybe take in some other college football action on the day, check out Montana’s a couple miles east of the stadium. If you plan to be in town for the day or weekend, there are plenty of historical sites to take in around the Charleston area, such as the H.L. Hunley, the first combat submarine to sink an enemy warship, which is on display in North Charleston. In fact, nearby Johnson Hagood Stadium (home of the Citadel Bulldogs football team ) was the original burial site for some of the sailors who served on the Hunley – their remains were mistakenly covered over when that stadium was constructed, and were subsequently moved to Magnolia Cemetery when the remains were found by historians in 1999. Besides the Hunley, the first shots of the Civil War were fired right here in Charleston at Fort Sumter, or for more recent naval history check out Patriot’s Point, where the main attraction is the WWII aircraft carrier USS Lexington. In addition, you can also find haunted ghost tours in downtown Charleston (if you are into that sort of thing). Fans 3 CSU boasts a pretty good group of fans, who cheer for their team and generally pay attention to the game. They understand the game and know when the ref makes a bad call, and they know when the game is on the line. You will see plenty of team gear in the home stands, but if you forgot yours there is a table set up selling Bucs team gear. Access 5 Buccaneer Field is in a good area traffic-wise, so the stadium is quick and easy to get without having to spend too much time waiting at lights. In addition, there is plenty of parking for $5 right across the road from the stadium if you don’t have a parking pass, so you won’t have far to walk once you get there. Once you are inside, there is plenty of room to move around, and the concessions lines are not long at all. There are also bathrooms right underneath the concourse, and you can walk around and watch from wherever you want, even if you have a general admission ticket (the upgrade seats typically will not be filled all the way). Return on Investment 3 Tickets to football games at Buccaneer Field start at $20 for general admission, which is pretty average/slightly on the low side for FCS football. There are some stadiums that charge a lot more (starting in the $30s) but you can also find a few that are a little cheaper. But on the plus side, $5 for parking is an absolute bargain, and the concessions here at CSU are more than fair. Extras 3 The play area for the kids is a nice touch, and instead of foam fingers fans can get foam pirate sabres, which all the fans seem to enjoy (the adults too, if I may say so). I did not see a mascot, but the band and PA announcer do a great job with the music, providing a fun atmosphere. Foam Sabre, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Buccaneer Field is a great little stadium at which to take in some football, and Charleston itself is a great tourist destination, especially in the fall when it is not quite so hot; if you have the time, make the trek down to Charleston and take in a Bucs game on the way – go Bucs!

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey How many people know that the Las Vegas Raiders were once known by another name when they entered the American Football League in 1960? The franchise was originally named the Oakland Senors, but it was a decision that touched off a “unanimous and extremely vociferous disapproval” from almost everyone in town. Oakland was officially awarded a franchise in the AFL on January 31 of that year; by March 20, a Name Your Football Team contest was being held in conjunction with the Oakland Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Oakland Boosters in conjunction with the Oakland Tribune. Participants would clip out the official entry blank with their name suggestion and an explanation in 25 words or less of why they chose the name. All of the entries were judged on suitability, completeness, and originality. The winner would receive a trip to Acapulco, Mexico, plus two tickets to the first home game. The second-place winner would receive a trip for two to Oakland's game in Los Angeles, plus two tickets to the first home game. The third-place winner won a season pass for two to all home games that season. There were 10,000 entries submitted, including 1,777 different names. Many of them stood out and would be ideal for a current minor league club, including the following: Atom Smashers, Aristocrats, Bonecrushers, Bicarbonates, Electrons, Gringos, Iron Ponies, Litterbugs, Nutcrackers, Poison Oaks, Termites, Zodiacs, and Prune Pickers. A little more than two weeks later, on April 5, a five-man committee dwindled the suggestions to the Admirals, Lakers, Diablos, Seagulls, Metros, Gauchos, Nuggets, Senors, Dons, Coasters, Sequoias, Missiles, Knights Redwoods, Jets, Clippers, Dolphins, and Grandees. In the end, the Senors were chosen as the victor. Helen Davis suggested the name, along with seven others, but her explanation of why the name would make a good fit for the football team was the deciding factor. She had entered contests before but had never won, even at bingo. She stated that she was “flabbergasted.” Davis stated that the name “symbolizes the history, strength, and solidarity of the Old World of California. The name personifies the original fighting spirit characteristic of the first settlers of California.” Davis added that she was not an “ardent fan” of football but that she would now be due to her name being selected for the team. Management chose the “Americanized” spelling of the name Señores, which translated to a gentleman in Spanish, and team colors of black and silver with gold trim. There appeared to lean towards naming the team with a Spanish-influenced name. Members of the voting committee liked the name Dons, but that was already in use by the University of San Francisco. Also, it was suggested for fans early on in the voting process to look for inspiration from California's rich Spanish ancestry. However, by the next day, there were already questions about the new name. The City Council disapproved of the name 4-1. Mayor Clifford E. Richell said he had not come across anyone who liked the name. Councilman Robert L. Osborne quipped that he would sell his interest in the team due to displeasure with the name. The next day a petition appeared in the Oakland Tribune to change the name. It listed that the new name is without force, impact, local significance, or color. The name will not hold up and be subject to community ridicule. “If it can't be spelled correctly, don't use it because it is not dignified to misspell it. Miss Helen Davis had a very good idea, but somebody botched it up for her,” wrote Emily Castro in a letter to the editor Tribune. A few other letters to the paper pointed out the lack of a tilde over the "n", and the misspelling of the name has been deemed a source of confusion. A few more stated that it was a lack of foresight from a 3rd rate city and that it belongs on the pages of the comic strips. Then there were the voices who said they would no longer support the new club and remain fans of the San Francisco 49ers. It was business as usual for the Senors, who were signing players, looking for a suitable stable to call home, and setting ticket prices at $4.50 a person, the same as the 49ers across the bay at Kezar Stadium. Also, the Oakland City council approved a $13,500,000 bond to build a new stadium for the team. Finally, on April 14, Oakland management bowed to public objection and changed the name to the now-familiar Raiders. The winner of the new name was Kendrick Martin, who also won a trip to Mexico. It was met with a universal appeal from the populace of the area. Martin and 26 other contestants submitted the name Raiders and won trips to Acapulco. However, he was selected as the winner based on his reasoning why the club should adopt the name. “Our team of supporters must be fired and inspired by a fighting name. Raiders imply early sustained offense carrying the fight to the opponent's camp.” The new name was met with almost universal appeal, Alan Ward wrote in his column for the Oakland Tribune the following: "The switch from Senors to Raiders for the local grid team has been greeted with undisguised glee by the populace. Not in 100 years would football fans, and non-football fans, have been satisfied with the appellation Senors. It simply didn't fit. It had no meaning. It might have had meaning elsewhere, but not for an Oakland club. Raiders-now there's a solid name. It conjures images of Sir Frances Drake and Blackbeard. It's pithy, provocative, and fits easily into a newspaper headline." Tribune columnist Ray Haywood suggested in his column that if the club keeps changing names, there will be enough Oakland area fans in Acapulco to hold a Raiders pep rally. Miss Davis was not bitter about the name change and still planned on attending every home game shouting “Ole!” after every first down. “Raiders is a nice name. I don't care that they discarded my name. I want everyone to be happy. I'm just sorry Senors caused so much satisfaction. I've been kidding so much since the contest I'm actually relieved that they changed the name.” Perhaps the public would have learned to accept and love the Senors name; it could have been possible, but after a modest 6-8 maiden season, the club went 3-25 in their next two seasons playing out of three stadiums between San Francisco and Oakland. Crowds were no bigger than 13,000 per game, and a name change would have most likely arrived sometime soon. Raiders GM Chet Soda added the following statement after the end of the 10-day naming saga. “We certainly appreciate fans' interest in our club. Public sentiment disapproves of 'Senors’. We hope everyone will like Raiders as much as we do.” After 63 years, three Super Bowl championships, and legions of fans all over the country. I think many people liked the name Raiders. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

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