Photos by Google Photos Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Cardiff City Stadium Leckwith Rd. Cardiff, Wales CF11 8AZ Cardiff City FC website Cardiff City Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 26,828 You Won’t be Blue in Cardiff City The Cardiff City Stadium was built in 2009 on the site of what was previously the Leckwith Athletics Stadium. This venue had also hosted UEFA Cup soccer having once been the home of Inter Cardiff. To compensate for the loss of the Leckwith Stadium, a similar venue was built across the road from the new development that in addition to athletics also serves as the home of Cardiff City's Academy team and Welsh Junior side Cardiff Grange Harlequins. Cardiff City's former stadium, Ninian Park, was adjacent to the new stadium and has now been demolished to make way for new housing development. The stadium is shared with Cardiff's Rugby Union club Cardiff Blues and the city's most famous venue the Millennium Stadium is also within a ten-minute walk report on this and the Sophia Gardens Cricket Stadium will follow in the future. Food & Beverage 3 Outside the stadium and before kickoff fans can enjoy burgers and hot dogs from #BurgerBar and a pint from the Tap and Hammer. Inside fans can enjoy a few interesting varieties of hot dogs that include the New York Dog (grated cheese, onions, and a choice of sauce), the Dallas Dog (chili, fried onions, and grated cheese), the Boston Dog (bacon and fried onions), and the American Dog (fried onions and a choice of sauce). Each hot dog sells for between £4.5 to £6. Other options inside the stadium include tea & coffee (£1.60), Coke products(£2), beer (£3.50), and pies (£3.10). The Grazing Shed is home to their "super tidy burgers" and is located at USW Stand and the Ninian Stand in Kiosk 111. The burgers are made from locally sourced Welsh ingredients on homemade buns baked fresh daily. The Bunga Bunga features blue cheese fondue, smoked bacon, cajun mayo, red onion confit, ketchup, and lettuce. The El Toro is topped with honey-glazed goat’s cheese, chorizo, mayo, hot chili, and lettuce. Atmosphere 3 In terms of facilities, the new stadium cannot be faulted, and when full one would imagine the atmosphere to be intimidating. This particularly would be the case when Cardiff hosts their arch enemies Swansea city. However, as with most new British Stadiums, the atmosphere never lives up to that of a club's previous home, which is mainly due to the lack of old-fashioned British terraces. The Bluebirds stadium is comprised of the following four sections: The Canton Stand (North), The Ninian Stand (East), The Grange Stand (South), and The Grandstand (West). Away supporters are tucked in the corner of the stadium between the Grange and Ninian stand. Inside The overall experience is common to what one would expect at a modern stadium. The seating is comfortable the views are great on the pitch, and the facilities are spacious and easy to get around. The stadium is spacious and offers pre-game entertainment and live music, and fans' supporters will cheer before the match and throughout the 90-plus minutes of football. There are two video screens on opposite ends of the pitch and various signs to visit Asian countries of the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore are evident on the upper level of the building. Neighborhood 4 The Capital City of Wales offers everything that a Soccer, Rugby, or Cricket supporter could wish for. Excellent sporting facilities, excellent Bars and Restaurants, excellent shopping, River Walks, and a Castle are all within twenty minutes walk of each other. The city also offers plenty of choices of both budget and executive hotels. Outside of the city, the valleys and coastline of Wales are well worth exploring, making a sporting visit to the city ideal for combining into a vacation. The neighborhood surrounding the stadium is a mixture of old and new development with the Retail Park being ideal for whiling away an hour before kick-off. However, most visitors tend to head for the City Centre or Cardiff Bay. Cardiff Bay is the regenerated area of the Docks previously named Tiger Bay, the area of Cardiff where a young Shirley Bassey was raised and one which gains a mention in the Ian Dury song "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" This area of the city has museums, small shops, and bars and is popular amongst locals and visitors. The new shopping retail park development next to the stadium offers plenty of variety for food and drink. Greggs Bakery, Subway, Mcdonald's, KFC, and Costa Coffee offer plenty in the fast food range. If you are looking for pub food then Toby Carvery provides the traditional British Sunday roast for £3.99. Cardiff City Centre a mere fifteen minutes' walk away is well populated with Bars and Restaurants offering food to serve all nationalities. Fans 3 During the 70s and 80s, Cardiff City had a reputation for having some of the most notorious hooligans in the British game. Although a small element of this remains, the club has been successful in re-branding its trouble-free image over the past ten years. A game day now normally goes off trouble-free with only the local derby game against Swansea City having the potential for crowd trouble. These fixtures are normally moved to a Sunday Noon kick-off with heavy travel restrictions in place. Access 3 The stadium is easily reached by a kick-off car exiting Junction 33 of the M4 motorway which runs between Swansea and London. Take the A4232 towards Cardiff and exit for the B4267 and the stadium is immediately on the side. Parking is available at the stadium for £5 or in any of the City Centre car parks and nearby side streets. Please be aware that parking in the Retail Park is limited to ninety minutes and heavy clamping fees apply if you exceed this. Cardiff Central Railway Station is approximately twenty minutes walk although local branch lines from this station will take you to Ninian Park Halt which is a mere five-minute walk. Return on Investment 3 Unless Cardiff is playing Swansea then tickets can be easily purchased over the internet using the club's website or on the day of the game from the stadium ticket office located by the main entrance to the stadium. Tickets will be more difficult to purchase if the club is promoted to the Premier League. Tickets are priced as low as £9 up to £30 and are £2 cheaper if purchased in advance. In today's climate, this is good value for your money but again I suspect there would be a big price hike if the club gains promotion. Extras 4 There is a large superstore situated by the main entrance to the stadium selling a wide range of both Cardiff City and Cardiff Blues souvenirs. As normal with most British Football Clubs, a match day program is available which provides plenty of pre-match reading and is a good value for £3. Cardiff is one of the few Championship and Premier League clubs that let smokers depart the stadium at halftime into a controlled area for their fix. Final Thoughts Cardiff City Stadium comes alive on match day with local pubs and restaurants near the grounds packed with fans. Once inside the stadium, the crowd becomes electric against bigger opponents but halftime takes for a fine day of footy on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena MacInnes Drive Houghton, MI 49931 Michigan Tech Huskies men’s hockey website MacInnes Student Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 4,128 Huskie Hockey in Houghton When you enter John MacInnes Student Ice Arena you are bound to be excited about the hockey contest you are about to see. If you’re not, then just wait until about 25 minutes before the puck drops when the pep band enters the arena, led by the drum corps, and marches (or maybe saunters) to their perch in the far corner of the arena. Pilgrimage may be too strong a word when making the trip to Houghton, Michigan to see Michigan Tech Huskies hockey given the religious connotations that come with the word, but at the very least you will have made quite a journey to reach the copper country of the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. The Huskies are three-time NCAA Champions (1962, 1965, and 1975). They play in the John MacInnes Student Ice Center, named for the former head coach of the Michigan Tech hockey program who served in that role from 1956-1982, leading the team to each of its three NCAA championships. A trip to Houghton for Michigan Tech hockey is well worth the long and snowy drive. Food & Beverage 3 At first glance, the food and drink selection is well below average. However, the hot dogs ($3.25) are some of the best that I have had. They are much more like a kielbasa, with that smoky goodness than like any hot dog. Also in the main concourse, you can find fantastic ice cream, with flavors ranging from Mackinac Island Fudge to Blue Moon to the irresistible Yooper Mud Slide. Other selections include nachos ($3.50), nacho cheese dog ($3.75), and popcorn ($2). Pepsi products are the fountain soda of choice with small ($1.50) and large sizes ($2.50). Hot beverages include coffee ($1.50), hot chocolate ($1.75), and cappuccino ($1.75). It may be a basic menu, but what they have is very good. Atmosphere 4 For more than 40 years, MacInnes Arena has been the home of Michigan Tech hockey. The band certainly sets the tone for early energy, but the student section is immense and active as well. What’s more, the seats (black and gold plastic chairbacks) are comfortable and roomy with better than average legroom, but no cupholders. There’s also good pitch between the rows, so you shouldn’t have to worry about a large-headed soul in front of you blocking your view. Almost all of the seating is on either the north or south side, with a few bleachers and handicap seating on the east side behind the goal where the Huskies shoot twice. The game presentation itself is pretty basic. The scoreboard is standard with no video replay capabilities, and you can expect the typical intermission contests like chuck-a-puck or some other race of some kind. The mascot, a huskie named Blizzard, does a good job of being a part of the presentation both on the ice and in the stands. I really can’t speak enough though about the band. They make this arena experience special. Dressed in black and gold striped overalls, they are the non-stop entertainment, keeping fans engaged during breaks and intermissions. Neighborhood 4 Houghton, Michigan is a small town in the western part of the Upper Peninsula. Michigan Tech is the primary employer in Houghton, so this is very much a college town through and through. The main downtown strip along Shelden Avenue is where you want to be either before or after the game. The Library Restaurant and Brew Pub is a great choice to spend some time with, located on Isle Royale Street. They have terrific burgers, sandwiches, and eight locally-made beers. There are also a couple of TVs to stay on top of the recent sporting events. Just down the road, if you enjoy microbrews, stop into the Keweenaw Brewing Company for one of their home-crafted ales. At only $2.50 per pint, it is an inexpensive way to experience the great beers in this town. If you’re in town for breakfast, then a stop at Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant would be a wise destination. The Finnish French Toast will be easily finished. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Let’s just say it’s delicious. Finally, if you are looking for some good seafood, then Joey’s Seafood & Grill is the place for you. If you’re just looking for a good place to get your drink on, then try the Downtowner. Whatever you’re looking for, you should be able to find it in the pleasant downtown area of Houghton. Fans 5 The student section at Michigan Tech is one of the best that you will find in the NCAA. They take up almost an entire side of the arena, and they stand and cheer and chant and dance for the entire game. They wave flags, and just generally wreak havoc. You could sit and watch this crew the entire game and get your money’s worth. The rest of the fans are not slouches either. They know their hockey and love their team, and that is evident from beginning to end. Access 4 Parking will cost you $5, and you still have to walk just a little bit as you will be outside of the Gates Tennis Center. It isn’t an exorbitant price, but it is a little more when compared to the other Division I teams in the Upper Peninsula. You should be able to get in and out of the arena without a lengthy delay, and the arena is easy enough to find, just south of M-41 on MacInnes Drive. The concourses are easy to navigate inside the arena, even during intermissions, and the restrooms are of adequate size and cleanliness. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $5 for standing-room tickets, and there is plenty of railing to grab a standing spot along the east side of the arena. The top ticket price is $20 for reserved seats. When you add in the cost of parking, a hot dog, and a drink, then it will cost you somewhere between $15-$30 to see a Michigan Tech hockey game. This is well worth the cost for what may be one of the better atmospheres in all of collegiate hockey. Extras 4 I love being in an arena with national championship banners. Even though it has been since 1975 since Michigan Tech last won an NCAA title, and 1976 since they won a conference title, this is still a proud and historic hockey program. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan loves its hockey, and of the three Division-I- I programs in this part of the state, the experience to be had at MacInnes Arena is the best. The pep band and student sections are each top-notch, and well worth another extra point. Final Thoughts A journey (and it is a journey) to Houghton, Michigan to see the Michigan Tech Huskies is well worth the trip. Whether you live in the area, are a major hockey fan, or you are just following your team on the road, you will enjoy what you find at MacInnes Arena.

Photo Courtesy of Northwestern State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Prather Coliseum 399 Caspari St. Natchitoches, LA 71497 Northwestern State Demons website Prather Coliseum website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 3,400 Demons Dunking in the Prather For a school that has only been in the NCAA tournament three times in its history– including the most recent appearance in the 2013 season – the fans know how to make some noise. With the conference title on the line, an opportunity for the team’s head coach to become the all-time leader in career collegiate wins in Louisiana, and in celebration of its centennial season, the Demons of Northwestern State rocked the Prather Coliseum with their fans there to witness. Eventually, all that was cheered for was awarded with the teams’ win and eventual Southland Conference Tournament title victory. The Prather Coliseum max capacity is 3,400, but for basketball games only about two-thirds of the coliseum is used for seating space. There is baseline seating at each end of the court and on one back end of the coliseum are smaller practice courts. The Prather looks like a hanger on the outside, and it hosted rodeos at one time. The Demons celebrated their centennial season for basketball in the 2012-2013 season. The first recorded games on campus took place 100 years ago in 1912. NSU was then known as Louisiana State Normal School and it’s believed basketball games were played outside, but there is no definitive documentation. Food & Beverage 3 The Prather has all of your basic food items covered at its lone concession stand. There is only one concession stand available though, so you can at times expect to stand in line if you hit the stand at the wrong time. The concession stand offers hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, candy, and popcorn. For drink options they have 20 oz. Coca-Cola products and water all for a reasonable $3. Overall there is not the best of selections, but the prices are more than fair so there is very little room to complain here. Atmosphere 4 The Demons have done a good job of providing a great atmosphere for college basketball. Interestingly enough, they place the student section behind the west basket, which is the one the visiting team uses in the second half. It’s a great placement for the students. The Prather is filled with Demon memorabilia and remnants of teams and players of the past. You can see the banners of the former Demon teams that have been conference champions hanging from the rafters. I was pleasantly surprised for a school this small to have such a great college basketball atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Natchitoches is a smaller city, but its downtown area is about a mile north of the campus and has a nice historic district. In the downtown, there is a red-brick road and there are a few bars that peer over the river. There are a few different options for places to eat or hang out, and there are always the fast-food chains as well. Fans 3 I’ll start with the student section which was a bit of a disappointment. The students showed up, but with silent chants and looking bored most of the game. As for the other fans in attendance, most were either older alumni or faculty but they kept the game alive. They were proud of their school and openly supported it by applauding when needed and joining in with the cheerleaders’ chants. Access 2 The access to the Prather is one of the hardest I’ve ever experienced at the college basketball level. I don’t know if my directions were bad, but my route to the coliseum was confusing. When I got to the campus I had to drive all the way through it to the athletic side and when I got there I wasn’t sure if I was at the right place. Let’s just say the Prather’s outer appearance doesn’t look like it’s still an occupied building – very antiquated. However, there is an open parking lot across from the arena and parking is free. The parking isn’t bad at all and the walk to the coliseum isn’t far. When you get in though, it’s an old laid back coliseum with a straightforward entrance; ticket scanned in lobby, walk into coliseum. The bathrooms were clean and I never noticed a line, even during halftime intermission. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $10 for adults to $9 for kids aged 3-15 for double-header games. All kids under the age of 2 are admitted free into the games. With food prices more than manageable and tickets prices as low as this, a trip to the Prather makes for a fun trip out in a historic city. The Demons are doing a great job of not only providing a great atmosphere for college basketball, but making it affordable for the whole family to go. Extras 3 One point automatically goes to free parking. In today’s economic world this is always a plus. Another point goes to the Demons’ success at 100 years and recognizing its players from the past. Head coach Mike McConathy gets an extra point for becoming the winningest coach in Louisiana. Final Thoughts You can’t help but root for the Demons, despite their devilish theme. Even if the Prather used to host rodeos or was a hanger, it goes down as one of my favorite places to visit for basketball.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Theunissen Stadium 100 W Campus Dr Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 Central Michigan Chippewas website Theunissen Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 2,046 Chippewa Baseball Theunissen (pronounced ten-uh-son) Stadium has been the home of Central Michigan Chippewas baseball since 2002. The Chippewas have been relatively successful over the years with 13 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, most recently in 1995. However, the team has yet to appear in the College World Series. It’s a very comfortable and straightforward game day presentation when you’re at a CMU baseball game. As long as the weather cooperates, you can expect to have a beautiful day at the ballpark. Food & Beverage 2 There isn’t a lot on hand in the one small concession area on the third base side behind home plate. The most interesting items (pretzel bites) were sold out before the game began. I tried the classic hot dog, which was decent, and enough to get me through the game. Snacks are the only other option including nachos, popcorn, caramel corn, candy, and beef jerky. Bottled beverages are available including Pepsi products, water, and Gatorade. If you just need something to sip or chew on, you’ll be satisfied, but if you come hungry, be prepared to be disappointed. Atmosphere 3 It’s a very laid-back atmosphere at Theunissen Stadium. One could easily sit back and take a nap. I like this when I visit college baseball venues. You’re here for the game, more than the entertainment value (as opposed to minor league baseball where the entertainment is a big part of the draw). You’ll hear some walk-up music for the home team from a pretty good sound system, as well as the announced batter, but otherwise, it is a very clean presentation. There are two display boards. In the right-center field, there’s a basic line score scoreboard. In the left center, there is a small video display board that displays the batters' name, number, position, and home town along with a picture. About 20% of the seating is maroon chair back seats stretching between each dugout. The legroom is slightly below average, but there are cup holders for your drink. There’s a good pitch between rows, allowing an unobstructed view of the person in front of you. The seating is general admission, so if you don’t mind the screen in front of you, it is worth it to arrive early enough to find a seat in this area. The remaining seats are silver metal bleachers which are less than ideal, but fairly roomy. There is seating above each dugout and extending down the line for those fans who prefer not to have the safety screen in their view. All of these are bleacher seats. There are not a lot of foul territories, especially in the outfield, making the park feel more intimate, despite its fairly deep and symmetrical outfield fence (330-375-400-375-330). There is no covered seating so be sure to bring a hat and/or sunscreen if the weather is warm. Neighborhood 3 Baseball and beer go well together, and I am always glad to find a local brewery when I visit a new ballpark. In Mount Pleasant, this means a stop at the Mt Pleasant Brewing Company. It’s a couple of miles from the park, but the drive is worth it. They have eight beers on tap ($3.50 each), and pretty good sandwiches. I can particularly recommend the Brewben (Reuben) for $8. Another favorite of mine is La Senorita. It’s a chain Mexican restaurant found in many towns in Northern Michigan, and this is the original location. I don’t know if I would call it authentic Mexican food, but I’ve always liked it, especially the seafood burrito, and their margaritas. Fans 2 There were a couple of hundred fans in attendance during my recent visit, which made the place feel rather empty. For the most part, it was a quiet collection of patrons, enjoying the game and the fine weather. Similar to many college baseball venues, you will find mostly friends and families of the players participating, meaning that the few fans that are on hand are interested in the outcome. Access 4 Theunissen Stadium is located just a couple of miles from M127, just north of the geographic center of the lower peninsula of Michigan. It sits alone off of West Campus Drive, with the football stadium ( Kelly/Shorts Stadium ), basketball arena (McGuirk Arena), and softball stadium within proximity. Parking is free, the concourse is wide, and restrooms are larger than they need to be, so you shouldn’t expect to stand in any lines. Return on Investment 4 Free parking, a comfortable stadium, and low concession prices combine for a very enjoyable day at the ballpark. Programs are available at the ticket window for $1. If you want a program be sure to get one before you enter the stadium, as it is a little bit of a hassle to go down the stairs and over to the ticket window. The school would be well served to offer these at the concession stand as well. Extras 2 I appreciated the ability to choose a seat that wasn’t behind the screen. Many universities don’t give you the choice. There are times when safety is appreciated, but in most instances, I would prefer to be able to see the game without mesh interfering with my view. While the second scoreboard didn’t offer much, it was nice to have a little bit more information in front of you. The display of some stats would be a nice addition, but I was happy just to have a little more than the basic line score. Final Thoughts Overall, this is a very affordable sports experience, and worth a stop if you’re in the area.

Photo Courtesy of USA Today Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Albertsons Stadium 1400 Bronco Lane Boise, ID 83725 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl website Albertsons Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 36,387 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl matches a team from the Mountain West Conference (MWC) with a team from the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The bowl is televised nationally on one of the ESPN networks. The bowl (while previously under a different name) is the longest-running cold weather bowl game that is currently active. From 1997 to 2010, the bowl was known as the Humanitarian Bowl. The 2011 game was the inaugural Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. To date, 21 different teams have played in the bowl. At 4 appearances, Boise State has played in the bowl the most times. Cincinnati defeated Utah State, 35–19, in the inaugural Humanitarian Bowl in 1997. Coincidentally, in 2011, Ohio defeated the Utah State, 24–23, in a thriller. Food & Beverage 4 At the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl concession window, visitors will find traditional fare like pretzels, hot dogs, candy, and popcorn. The beverage selection includes Coke products, sports drinks, and water. Alcohol is not served or permitted inside the stadium. Vendors in the stadium also offer mini donuts with a variety of dipping sauces, roasted nuts, kettlekorn, and pizza. All items are reasonably priced for a sporting event. Atmosphere 3 Because of the title sponsor for the bowl has changed often over the years, there is some lack of identity for the bowl. As 2011 was the inaugural Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, even local fans who attend the bowl game regularly were not sure what to expect. Several activities were provided prior to the start of the game to keep fans entertained. There was a Battle of the Bands, a snowmobile jump exhibition sponsored by Monster, a flyover, and a balloon release. Neighborhood 3 There are a few establishments near the stadium for fans and visitors to stop in before, after, or even during the game. Some of them, like Suds and the End Zone, try to create a fun atmosphere for fans that can’t get tickets to the game, but still want to be near the action. Others, like Chili’s, Baja Fresh, The Ram, Pie Hole Pizzeria, Subway, Starbucks, and Burger King, provide traditional food and beverage options. Beyond the establishments in the area, fans are encouraged to tailgate. Fans 3 The stadium was fairly full for the first half of the game, but for reasons unknown, many did not return after half time. The game was close, the teams were evenly matched, the weather was beautiful, and the game started in mid-afternoon so the large number of deserting fans was curious. However, the fans that did stay for the complete game were very active and engaged. A large number of Utah State fans traveled to the game, due to the easy distance and the significance the game had for their program. Many Boise State fans attend the game annually to support the bowl, and often supporting the WAC opponent featured. Access 5 Bronco Stadium provides plenty of access to parking. Fans can park in parking lots and structures all over campus for reasonable prices, or even free in some areas. The school also arranges for shuttles to take fans between the more-distant lots and the stadium. There is also ample access to bathrooms both inside and outside the stadium. Port-a-potties are provided all around the parking lot surrounding the stadium for those fans tailgating on game days. Inside, there are several restrooms available on the upper and lower levels of the stadium. Return on Investment 2 Considering that this bowl features a WAC team against a MAC team, and is held in the cold weather in December, the pricing seems rather high. The majority of seats in the stadium, upper and lower level, were priced at $50. The corner seats were $30. End zone seats were $18 a piece. Extras 2 The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl trophy features a crystal bowl filled with real potatoes. As far as trophies go, that is pretty hard to top. The Idaho Grower Shippers Association donated three potatoes to The Idaho Foodbank for each fan that attended the game. More than 28,000 fans attended the game, which equates to more than 84,000 potatoes. Final Thoughts The game is worth going to for the blue turf alone, although the game action is often quite good.

Photos by Nate Voge Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Dee Glen Smith Spectrum 800 East 1000 North Logan, UT 84332 Utah State Aggies website Dee Glen Smith Spectrum website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,270 Welcome to Aggie Land I have been to nearly 100 games over the past years to the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The 10,270-seat arena, which gives the aesthetic sensation of viewing a fall-time vista, fills with Aggie Blue several winter nights of the year. It may not be the largest arena in Utah, but it has been recognized by several as the loudest and best venue to watch a college basketball game west of the Mississippi. Food & Beverage 5 The concessions selection has evolved over the years with a few traditional mainstays. There is a selection for everyone from normal concessions, local restaurants and vendors to national chains. The normal fare is very affordable and includes nachos ($4), pretzels ($3), hot dogs ($3), Churros ($4). There are two concession areas located along the concourse dedicated to the regular fare, while two others add pizza, bbq pork sandwiches, and World Famous Aggie Ice Cream. Local vendors include stands with kettle korn and roasted almonds, while there are two sandwich shops located to the side of the concession areas. Paun Island serves up Suka Chicken and Kalula Pork sandwiches ranging from $5-$10 depending on size, while Frank’s offers chicken, beef or turkey subs ranging from $8-$20. USU is a Coca-Cola sponsored university and only carries Coca-Cola products at events. Powerade, Smartwater and other sodas range from $3-$4. The chain restaurants include a Utah original in Costa Vida. The chain opened in 2003 and its fresh mexican food made its way to the Spectrum very soon after. A newer addition and sponsor of Aggie athletics is Chick-fil-A. The restaurant opened in Logan during 2011 and now sells its chicken sandwiches at the Spectrum. Atmosphere 5 The 2011-2012 season has been somewhat of a down year for the USU men’s basketball team, and there was also an issue between the students and university administration during the first home game of the season. Those two factors have made for a down year in attendance in the student section, but during Senior Night against the Idaho Vandals, the Spectrum was in the form that has made it famous nationwide. The doors open one hour before tipoff and for some games, the students have been waiting in line for hours — sometimes all day. The student section, which constitutes half of the stadium, fills up fast and all the way to the brim. There is a buzz from the moment the doors open and the famous chants and heckling intended for opposing teams, begins much before tipoff. There is also a great community feel during and after the game. Aggie men’s basketball is something the connects Cache Valley and appeals to all ages. Neighborhood 3 The Spectrum is surrounded by student housing and lacks in proximity to restaurants. Fredrico’s Pizza, a Cache Valley establishment, has been a local favorite for several years and Aggie Ice Cream is sure to please. However, this is where the buck stops when it comes to close restaurants. What is unique about Logan, is there are several post and pre game hang out spots and several restaurants have touted themselves as the place to hang out post game. Angie’s Restaurant, known as “Where the Locals Eat” is the hole-in-the-wall diner of Cache Valley and a local treasure. The prices are reasonable and selection is nothing short on variety. Fans 5 The Aggie student body is quite frankly what makes the Spectrum a premier venue for college basketball. It is the most ruthless, relentless and organized group of students I have ever seen. Most say it only compares to the Cameron Crazies at Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium . If you haven’t attended an Aggie men’s basketball game, go search it on YouTube and enjoy a small fraction of what goes on at the Spectrum. The student body never varies from tradition. Although, two chants in particular have been implemented in the past three years and have made the student body that much more famous. One minute before tipoff, the students begin the, “I Believe That We Will Win,” chant. During the starting lineups, each player is assigned a motion with or phrase that each student repeats during the announcement of that players name. The students always give an emphatic, “Stew!” when his name is announced across the PA. Each time the opposing team fouls a prompt shout of, “You, you, you, you, you, you, Suck!” ensues. During the first half, the opposing team shoots toward the basket not facing the student section. This doesn’t discourage the students from rabid attempts to distract free-throw shooters. A confident shout of, “You will miss it!” begins as a soft slow chant and increases speed and volume rapidly during the first shot. If the free-throw shooter misses the shot a self-affirming, “We were right, we were right!” follows. If the shooter makes the free-throw, the heckling continues in the form of, “You still suck!” With the quality of officiating which often reigns in the WAC, “Take his whistle” chants happen almost on a nightly basis. When the Aggies get momentum, the Spectrum becomes increasingly louder and with each crowd pleasing play — a dunk, a shot and the foul or a long 3-pointer — sends the student body into a frenzy bordering on psychotic. There have been several occasions where I am pretty sure I lost my hearing, both in the student section and sitting on press row. The Aggies tend to be a second-half team and there is no question that the student body plays a huge factor as the opposing team shoots toward the basket under Section F. Section F hosts the most ruthless and faithful of the student body — including the “Shirtless Wonder” “Wild Bill” Sproat. To add to the distraction factor of Wild Bill, Section F composes the most unified distraction tactics I have ever seen. The Aggie student body is so loud and ruthless that a certain team in Utah took a hiatus from the Spectrum before returning this season, and another altogether gave up on trying to win inside the Spectrum. Access 5 Parking at any sporting event is rarely pleasant, but parking for Aggie men’s basketball games is very reasonable. At one time, there used to be several places one could park for free and walk a small distance, but the university has put the clamps down and free parking at a reasonable walking distance is difficult to find. However, $5 per vehicle at several nearby parking areas including a free shuttle from some areas. Return on Investment 5 The price to attend an Aggie men’s basketball game is beyond reasonable compared to other premier venues and the Aggies boast one of the best home records in the nation. Disappointment is unlikely to follow after a night in the Spectrum. Extras 3 One extra point goes to “Wild Bill” Sproat. The superfan brought huge popularity to and exposure to an already popular student body. He made several ESPN appearances and trended on twitter during several games. One more point goes to the innovative idea of the Aggie Shack. The retail store sits on the concourse adjacent to the main entrance to the Spectrum. The Aggie apparel is somewhat overpriced, but in those urgent situations when one forgot to wear blue, it is a great resource to have. One more extra point goes to the PA announcer Rob Flygare. Although his phrases cause occasional head scratching, his intonation and enthusiasm tends to send the fans into that much more of a frenzy. Final Thoughts Attending a game at the Spectrum is something that should be on the bucket list of every sports fan. Although the venue is nestled in a location very much out of the way for non-locals, it is well worth the trip.

Photo by Drew Cieszynski Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Riverside Sports Complex Center 900 University Ave Riverside, CA 92507 UC Riverside Highlanders website Riverside Sports Complex website Year Opened: ? Capacity: 2,500 State Parks Meet Baseball California is known for its many National and State Parks, often drawing visitors from far-reaches of the earth. The University of California, Riverside campus seems to embrace the state's culture with a variety of trees and flora surrounding the diamond. The UCR Highlanders play at the Riverside Sports Complex, one of the few stadiums in Division I that does not have a corporate name or named for a donor. While the stadium may seem a bit behind Division I standards, The Plex has hosted the Division II College World Series in the past. Former Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim player, Troy Percival, provided the means for renovations in 2007, including a home team locker room. Food & Beverage 1 Food is limited to a single concession stand near the first base foul pole. Fans sitting on the third base side have quite a walk to get to their food options. The menu is limited, offering pizza ($2.50), hot dogs ($2.50, or add chili for an additional $0.75), nachos ($2.50), pretzels ($2.50), candy ($1.50 - $2.50), chips ($1.50), sunflower seeds (42), and peanuts ($3). The beverage options include soda with free refills ($2.50), bottled water or Gatorade ($2.50), coffee ($1) and hot chocolate ($2). Atmosphere 4 While I would expect more of a rowdy atmosphere at a UCR basketball game, the serene setting at the ballpark seemed just fine. Upon walking through the front gates, fans can quickly notice that towering trees surround the concourse and outfield wall. The trees are such a presence that the outside traffic, campus, and surroundings seem muted. This really helps to immerse fans into the baseball game as distractions are limited. Neighborhood 3 Just outside campus is the University Village, which offers Quizno's, Del Taco, Denny's, Yoshinoya, and Rubio's among others. There is also a movie theater if fans have time to catch a flick before or after the game. Other nearby food options include Jason's Deli, Coco's, Marcello's Pizza & Pasta, Getaway Cafe, SubStation, Duke's Bar & Grill and Mediterranean Palace Grill. If time allows, fans should also be sure to check out downtown Riverside. Here, fans can be treated to the Tio's Tacos, the Mission Inn, and the California Citrus State Historic Park. Tio's Tacos may be one of the most interesting stops ever made, as Martin Sanchez built one of the greatest collections of folk art in the world. Fans 2 Just like the basketball venue, the crowd was lacking. Aside from the "Diamond Girls," seated behind home plate, the crowd was limited and very few wearing the UCR colors. While modifying a venue is not an easy fix, I can't help but think that perhaps the program could benefit from a smaller, more intimate venue similar to that of Cal State Northridge. The fan turnout is clearly the biggest opportunity for improvement at a UCR game. The venue and the team are both decent, so more of the local fans need to commit to come out and support the Highlanders. Access 3 The UCR Sports Complex can be a little tricky to find if you are not familiar with the area as it does not have a stand-out name that fans have become accustomed to with many baseball venues. Most fans will reach the area via the 91 Freeway and simply follow signs to baseball parking. Parking is $5 per vehicle, but fans may be able to find some free alternatives on the nearby streets if they are willing to walk a bit. The restrooms are a single set beyond the grandstand. The Men's room had 11 stations, which seemed to be more than enough for the venue. The restrooms were a bit run down, again reminding one of the restrooms that would be found in a state park. Seating inside the stadium is bleachers with seat-backs behind home plate and aged fold-down seats above the dugouts. Return on Investment 3 Fans can walk up and get their tickets for a relatively inexpensive price. Adult tickets go for $7, while youth and seniors can get a seat for just $5. Coupled with parking at $5 and some low-priced concessions, any fan can do the whole experience for under $20. While fans will not experience the frills that they may be accustomed to at other venues, attending a Highlander game is still a sound investment. Extras 2 Unfortunately the venue did not provide much in terms of extras. If I were to mention two items, the first would be the aforementioned paths behind the seating area. These paths are filled with colorful flowers and are lined with many towering trees. Next is the Highlander sculpture, witnessed immediately upon entering the venue. After fans hand their ticket to the attendant, they can spot a concrete sculpture that has the likeness of the school mascot. Final Thoughts Riverside may not be the first city mentioned in Southern California vacation destinations, but as mentioned in the Neighborhood section, certainly provides its fair share of entertainment. The same goes for the baseball team. While the Highlanders may not have the notoriety of local programs such as Cal State Fullerton , USC, or UC Irvine , the Riverside Sports Complex still proves to be a great place to catch a game. Fans could benefit from some upgrades to concessions and seating, but the experience should still be recommended to the average baseball fan.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 UCCU Center 800 W University Pkwy Orem, UT 84058 Utah Valley Wolverines website UCCU Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 8,500 Wolverine Valley Located on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, the UCCU Center is a microcosm of UVU itself. The school was known as Utah Valley State College until 2008, when it achieved four-year university status. A year later, UVU became a full Division I member after a seven-year provisional wait. The rapid rise of the program culminated with a naming rights deal for the former David O. McKay Events Center with Utah Community Credit Union in August 2010. Food & Beverage 3 There is a lot of space designated for concessions, but only one window was open for this game. Even so, you can get a lot in just one place. Entree-wise, you have pizza or a teriyaki chicken bowl on the high end ($5.50) followed by a $5 burger combo, a $3.50 BBQ pork sandwich and $3 for a “Chicago Dog.” Snack options include “Nachos Supreme” ($3.50; 50 cents more for extra cheese), not-as-supreme nachos ($3), popcorn, churros, pretzels or a jumbo candy bag (all $2.50) and a candy bar ($1.50). For drinks, you have Pepsi products ($2.50 reg., $3 jumbo), bottled juice, Gatorade or Exude, a locally-made sports drink ($2.50), a can of Rockstar ($2.50), bottled water ($2), milk ($1.50) or coffee ($1). Atmosphere 3 Attending a game at the UCCU Center has nearly all the elements of a quality college basketball experience; a small but supportive crowd, an army of enthusiastic cheerleaders, an interactive mascot in Willy the Wolverine and just the right amount of promotional tie-ins. For whatever reason, though, I felt like there was still something lacking. One is a pep band; the fight song is played over the loudspeaker, which diminishes the collegiate experience. The other, I believe, is beyond UVU’s control: its conference affiliation in the Great West. For starters, the schools are so spaced out (from UVU to the New Jersey Institute of Technology) that there are no natural in-conference rivals for fans to get excited over. Second, NCAA bylaws dictate that the Great West as presently constituted must wait until 2020 to qualify for an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. (The GWC tournament champion does get an automatic bid to the CIT tournament.) Without something more glamorous to play for, the games feel somewhat hollow. Neighborhood 2 UVU is the quintessential commuter college, bordered on the west by Interstate 15 and surrounded by major roadways. That limits, however, the ability to find good, unique eats close by. Unless, that is, you come to a Friday game. In that case, you can eat at Greg’s Restaurant, located in the UCCU Center’s lower level. Greg’s is where UVU’s culinary arts students put their skills to the test with a different cuisine style each week. Be aware that you can only get into Greg’s by reservation. Any other night, you’ll have to travel up the hill on University Parkway for pre or post-game grub. One unique sandwich shop is The Italian Place (1086 S. State; 2.3 miles away). It prides itself on its Philly cheesesteaks in either half, full or “Monster” sizes. You can either get just “Steak ‘n’ Cheese” or go with the “Steak ‘n’ Everything” with mushrooms, green peppers, onions and tomatoes. If you don’t want steak, they also have pastrami, turkey and ham sandwiches available. You can also get your steak or turkey in a salad, if you wish. Fans 3 As with any college team, the fan critique begins with the student section. UVU’s is named the MAWL (Mighty Athletic Wolverine League). You can’t miss them thanks to the giant MAWL banner overhead and the MAWL logo on the court in front of them. About 15 students were in place at tip-off, a number which about doubled midway through the first half. Almost each one was decked out in his or her green MAWL t-shirt, a positive sign the students were engaging themselves. I was surprised, though, that the MAWL didn’t make noise when the opponent had the ball until cued by the cheerleaders. The rest of the 1,313 in attendance did the right things at the right times, but UVU’s game-long domination kept things mostly mellow. One fan behind me seemed determined to be the loudest person in the arena on foul shots. Most of the time he had no competition, instead garnering looks and laughs from most of his fellow fans. Access 4 The lot closest to the UCCU Center costs $3 to get into. There are a vast number of student parking spaces nearby, but the hours of enforcement aren’t clearly marked, so park in those at your own risk depending on game day and time. Each end of the concourse has a set of perhaps the largest bathrooms I’ve seen in an arena. Even at full capacity, you have plenty of width to maneuver your way through without any hassle. Return on Investment 3 All of the components of a quality game experience were in place, but the feeling surrounding the program (and, thus, its home) isn’t as energized as it could be if UVU were in a different league. UVU has done well throughout its time in the Great West, but I believe a change of scenery would bring more life in the program. As a result, the UCCU Center experience would become more valuable and worthwhile to both the casual and rabid Wolverine fan. Extras 1 One point for UVU’s “lights out” player introductions. Even though it’s a “small-time” program, adding this special touch makes players and fans get that much more excited. Just one small step from small-time to big-time. Final Thoughts As UVU continues to carve out its niche in the Utah sports scene, the UCCU Center has the potential to become a consistently exciting venue. The best-case scenario is if UVU becomes a member of an established conference such as the WAC (as has been rumored) and establishes significant natural rivalries. That combination would significantly elevate both the program and its home. In other words, a good experience now is on the brink of becoming great soon. Editors Note: Utah Valley Wolverines have since moved to the WAC (Western Athletic Conference).

Photo Courtesy of Bucknell Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium 701 Moore Ave Lewisburg, PA 17837 Bucknell Bison website Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 13,100 Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium, Home of the Bucknell Bison There are few things better than taking a drive through the rolling hills of Central Pennsylvania on a cool autumn day for some football. In the middle of scenic Lewisburg is Bucknell University, and the Bison play football at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. It has been awhile since the team has seen success as their one and only Patriot League title came in 1996. Though you can find a better overall football and stadium experience at rivals Lehigh and Lafayette a couple hours to the east, a trip to Bucknell is worth a visit to the town and scenic region. Food & Beverage 2 Not too much is offered, and though I would recommend eating in-town before or after the game, there are enough options to keep you full. Hot Dogs ($2.25), Cheeseburgers ($4) and Italian Sausages are the main foods, while the rest are primarily snacks. There was a Pulled Pork Sandwich ($3.75), but it was gross, bad enough for me to throw out. The hot dog I had however was good and filling. It was great seeing a “soup of the day” on the menu as that came in handy for many on a chilly day. There are several drink options available like ice tea, hot chocolate, PowerAde, and fountain soda. Atmosphere 2 Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium isn’t the coziest of venues as a track keeps fans a little further back from the football field. The seating design is a partial horseshoe and that leads to seats in the corners being quite far away. Given that there is not too much of a crowd, nobody sits out here. Bleachers make up most of the seats, while closer to midfield, there are several sections that have small, blue chairs. Sitting on the west side stands (the home side) provides a nice view of some campus buildings along with overhanging trees. A great touch was at the south end of the stadium, where landscaping was filled in during a late-’80s renovation and shrubs were cut so they spell out “Bucknell”. Crowd noise during the game was minimal and though it was nice to have a pep band, they played way too much and could be heard after just about every play in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quarters. Neighborhood 4 Lewisburg is a quaint borough and worth a stroll through the center of town on Market Street. One could even take a long walk from downtown to Bucknell’s campus. Market Street is charming with several great local places to eat, drink, and hang out. The Lewisburg Hotel is a great place whether going for a nice dinner or out for a drink and a bite at the bar. Another one of the several great options around town is the Town Tavern, a local place more geared towards the bar scene. Fans 2 The amount of fans was lacking when you compare it to similar schools within the Patriot League. The game I attended was both Homecoming and Senior Day. Though the announced paid attendance was over 6,000, I would estimate only 3,000 or so were actually there as only the middle stands (between the 30-yard lines) filled up on one side of the stadium. They were there for support, but I would say most were only mildly interested. The crowd noise during a huge defensive third-down play towards the end of the game did not generate much more noise than what you would hear at other points in the game. Access 2 Bucknell and the stadium is easy to get to as it is right off of U.S. Route 15. If you’re coming from Interstate 80, the trip is only about 10 minutes down Route 15. It takes a little longer if you’re arriving from the south and using the Pennsylvania Turnpike or I-81. The biggest problem with the stadium experience here is the total lack of direction when it comes to parking. There is nobody directing you where to go when you arrive at the stadium and no signage either. So, you are forced to drive around looking for parking on a campus that is limited in that regard. I ended up in a lot behind Fraternity Row, hoping it was fine to park there. Even looking online, the parking map gives you no direction as it only displays the locations of certain tailgates. As for bathrooms, though there is only two of each, they are surprisingly spacious and halftime didn’t feature any lines for men or women. Return on Investment 4 A Bison football game is very affordable with a general admission ticket going for $8 and a reserved seat only $10. Combine that with free parking and cheap concessions, a football afternoon in Lewisburg is quite reasonable. The quality of football and atmosphere may not be great, but it’s worth spending a serene fall afternoon in Bucknell and Lewisburg. Extras 1 Right at the main entrance of the stadium is a stand-alone plaque recognizing and describing Christy Mathewson, whom the stadium is named after. Mathewson was a Bucknell alum who went on to become part of the first class entered into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Additionally, famous Bison coaches are honored with similar plaques and descriptions in the landscaped area towards the South end zone.

Photos by Paul Derrick, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 NRG Stadium One Reliant Park Houston, TX 77054 Texas Bowl website NRG Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 71,795 A Look at the Texas Bowl Originally called the Texas Bowl back in 2006, Meineke became the title sponsor for 2011, changing the name of the bowl to the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. Since 2010 the bowl has been played between middle tier Big 10 and Big 12 schools, with the 2011 game pitting the Northwestern Wildcats against the Texas A&M Aggies. The game is hosted at NRG Stadium which is home of the NFL Houston Texans and is a more than ample location for a bowl game. The Bowl advocates have been pretty good about hosting one of the local Texas Big 12 schools for this game which always makes for a pretty good size crowd. Food & Beverage 3 When you head to NRG Stadium for the Texas Bowl you will notice that not as many stadium concessions are open as there are at the Texans games, however there are still plenty of options. You will find an array of options from chopped beef sandwiches, nachos grande, corn dogs, hamburgers, etc., as well as a variety of Coca-Cola products and alcoholic beverage choices. Unfortunately for fans the prices don’t decrease any for this game from the NFL prices so expect to fork out some dough if you’re real hungry or thirsty. Atmosphere 4 Even though the Texas Bowl is between two teams in the middle of the pack in their conferences that doesn’t take anything away from the atmosphere. The atmosphere for the game is great and even though NRG Stadium might be a tad big for this type of game, the closed roof helps keep the noise in making for a rowdy location. Since College Station is only an hour and a half from Houston, Aggie fans were there in abundance and made this game almost a home game for the Aggies. The atmosphere may not be BCS bowl quality but it makes the Texas Bowl definitely worth checking out. Neighborhood 5 Houston is the biggest city in Texas and 4th largest city in the United States and definitely provides an ample amount of options for things to do. NRG Stadium may not be in downtown Houston like its Houston siblings Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center but there are still plenty of great options nearby. My favorite nearby option is Ruchi’s which is an excellent Tex-Mex place located off of Main. They give you a great amount of food and at a fair price. I highly recommend Ruchi’s fajitas and guacamole which I think is some of the best in Houston. A visit to Ruchi’s will definitely not leave you disappointed. Another nearby favorite of mine is Mama’s Oven; if Soul food is your cup of tea then this is your place. Mama’s Oven has all your soul food favorites like pork chops, meat loaf, greens, and sweet potatoes. The prices I think are more than generous and the customer service is always top notch, which makes a trip to Mama’s Oven always worth it. Fans 4 The Texas Bowl selection committee has been good about picking one of the more local Texas teams to play in the bowl since they took over which makes for a Texas size crowd. The 2011 game brought in many of the College Station rowdies making the fan base a majority of Aggies. The fans were great throughout the game cheering on the Aggies and there were even Texas Longhorn fans to play devil’s advocates. Overall the Texas Bowl provides a great fan base, but if you’re a non Texas team be ready for hostile territory. Access 4 NRG Stadium isn’t downtown like its Houston counterparts, but that can be an advantage as traffic is a little less congested. I was pleasantly surprised that traffic for the Texas Bowl was not nearly as bad as it is for Texans games. Parking will cost you anywhere from $10-$25, depending on how close you want to be to the stadium. I recommend getting a parking pass before showing up to ease the decision making process and ensure that you have the spot you want. Return on Investment 3 You will find tickets for the Texas Bowl range anywhere from $25-$100, depending on exactly where you would like to sit at NRG. Luckily for fans, NRG Stadium doesn’t really have any bad seats so I would recommend just paying the $25 for a seat. Unfortunately you’re going to be paying more for parking and food if you plan on consuming anything inside NRG, so you may as well save a bit on the ticket itself. Overall it’s not a real bad deal, but to watch two mid tier teams, I think it is a tad on the expensive side. Extras 2 The Texas Bowl gets one point for hosting their game at NRG Stadium, this place is a must-see beauty for any football fan. My second point goes to the Texas Bowl committee for choosing local Texas teams to play in this bowl; it not only helps the fan base but also makes for a great trip for local alumni. Final Thoughts The atmosphere for the game is great and even though NRG Stadium might be a tad big for this type of game, the closed roof helps keep the noise in making for a rowdy location.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Crenshaw Gym 2204 Henry St Ashland, VA 23005 Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets website Crenshaw Gym website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 1,310 The Buzz Around Randolph-Macon The campus of Randolph-Macon College is located in Ashland, Virginia, about 20 miles north of Richmond. RMC's athletic programs, known as the Yellow Jackets, compete at the Division III level in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Randolph Macon's basketball team is one of its most successful programs, having won the Division III National Championship in 2022. The basketball team makes its home in Crenshaw Gym, which originally opened in 1964. The venue seats approximately 1,300 fans and is also home to the volleyball programs. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concession stand in the atrium of Crenshaw Gym that opens half an hour before tip-off. A very basic menu consists of chips, candy, bottled soda, and water. While limited, the options are affordable, with everything costing $2. Atmosphere 5 Although Crenshaw Gym is a Division III venue, the experience here is on par with many Division I arenas. Before the game, a drummer will beat a large drum faster and faster as the crowd claps along and gets hyped. The team's mascot, a costumed yellow jacket, also loves to get the crowd into it. Cheerleaders and a dance team perform on the court during breaks in the action. Crenshaw Gym is a small, intimate gym, with seats on both sides of the court. One side consists of chairbacks and the other of bleachers. Arrive early if you want a chairback, as the arena does fill up. Regardless of where you sit, you will be up close to the action, with fans all around you raising the energy in the building. There is a small atrium just inside the doors of Crenshaw, featuring a merchandise table, a concession stand, and a table selling tickets to those who were unable to use the app to purchase them. The atrium is festooned with the Randolph-Macon logo, reminding you that this is the home of the Yellow Jackets. From there, you can walk through a set of doors to the gymnasium itself and take your seat. Neighborhood 3 Randolph-Macon College is located in Ashland, about 20 miles north of Richmond. Downtown Ashland includes many options, including the Iron Horse Restaurant, The Caboose Market & Cafe, and Trackside Grill. There are hotels available as well, for visitors who are staying overnight. Richmond is a relatively short drive away and offers many more options than would be available here. Fans 5 Although Crenshaw Gym only seats about 1,300, Randolph-Macon fills it to near capacity for most games. The fans are loud and passionate about the Yellow Jackets. Many of them have some connection to the team, whether that is a parent of a student-athlete, a student, or an alumnus. Some of them have been coming to games here for many years. Randolph-Macon may be a Division III school, but the fans here are comparable to many at the Division I level. This is a boisterous crowd, and Crenshaw Gym can get extremely loud at times. Access 2 The Randolph-Macon campus is a few miles off Interstate 95. Once you are on campus, you can park in any lot you want, but lots closer to the arena may already be full when you get here. This will especially be true if there is some other event at the college earlier in the day and fans have arrived and parked for that. At a minimum, you should be able to park in a large lot across Center Street and the railroad tracks from the main campus, about a five-minute walk from Crenshaw. Just watch for oncoming trains, as you will need to cross the railroad tracks at grade. There are also no clear signs directing you to Crenshaw, so we suggest using Google Maps or a similar app on your phone to ascertain the specific location and the right way to walk. Restrooms are located off the gymnasium floor and are small, so there may be a wait to use them. One good thing about access is that the Ashland Amtrak station is located less than a 10-minute walk from Crenshaw Gym, with access up and down the Northeast Corridor. This may not help most people, but for some, it will be extremely convenient. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Randolph-Macon home games are just $10 each, available in advance through the Ticket Spicket app. This is on the high end for Division III, but won't break the bank. When you consider that the environment here at Randolph-Macon is one of the best in Division III, it is certainly a good deal. Extras 4 Free programs and a merchandise table are located in the atrium and are each worth an extra star. Look for the banners in Crenshaw Gym honoring Randolph-Macon basketball achievements, including the 2022 national championship. The pregame tradition with the drum beating faster and faster to get the crowd pumped up is worthy of an extra star as well, and not something you often see at this level. Final Thoughts Don't let the fact that Randolph-Macon is a Division III college fool you. A basketball game at Crenshaw Gym is as good an experience as many Division I schools. With an energetic, packed crowd, and one of the best teams in the nation taking the court, a visit to RMC to check out some college hoops is well worth it to any fan in the area.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 G. B. Hodge Center Hodge Dr Spartanburg, SC 29303 USC Upstate Spartans website G. B. Hodge Center website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 878 This is Spartan Country In a time when college athletic facilities has become a race of who can build the biggest, most technologically advanced, extravagant facility, G.B. Hodge Center on the campus of the University of South Carolina-Upstate has kept simplicity at the forefront. With a seating capacity of 878, G.B. Hodge Center is the smallest venue in NCAA Division I basketball. USC-Upstate made the jump from NCAA Division II to Division I in 2007, becoming members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Spartans would stay in the A-Sun until the 2017-18 season, when they would leave for the Big South Conference, which is more concentrated throughout the Carolinas. While Upstate has not earned a trip to the NCAA tournament since joining the highest level, they have appeared in post-season tournaments in six of their seventeen seasons in Division I.   Food & Beverage   3 A small concession stand in the lobby gives fans everything they would expect at any large arena – hot dogs, personal size pizzas, soft pretzels, popcorn, and nachos with cheese dipping sauce, along with chips, candy, and the ever-popular pickle are available. And as Georgia is to Coca-Cola, Pepsi is to the Carolinas; soft drinks here are from the Pepsi family of beverages, along with Aquafina and Gatorade. While the inside concessions might not be all that eye popping, BBQ plates from the Greenville-based Big Dave’s All American BBQ are sold outside the arena.   Atmosphere   3 G.B. Hodge Center is a rather non-descript building, which would be a bit difficult to pick out if you weren’t sure what it is you were looking at. Its ability to blend into the surrounding campus buildings is part of the charm of G.B. Hodges Center. Once into what is considered Eddie and Anne Payne Arena, the walls of each end of the floor display a large videoboard showing a live feed of the game, along with individual player point and foul totals, as well as team field goal and 3-point shooting percentages and rebound totals. An accompanying more traditional scoreboard provides game time, score, and team foul totals. Despite the closeness of the primary seating area on both sides of the court, USC-Upstate has found room along the sideline of the parquet court for a row of courtside seating. Throughout the game, fans are entertained by updates of Spartan athletic accomplishments and appearances by Upstate student-athletes, but it is the game entertainment crew that deserves a lot of credit for the amount of on-court contests and engagement they have with fans.   Neighborhood   3 The USC-Upstate campus is on the outer reaches of Spartanburg, in a bit of an isolated area with not much by way of restaurants or other points of interest. Downtown Spartanburg is less than 5 miles from Upstate’s campus, and provides visitors with a wide variety of restaurants, shops, hotels, and the typical points of interest of downtown areas. The campus of the Southern Conference member Wofford Terriers , as well as Division II Converse University, are also in Spartanburg, just 4 miles away – this could give visitors many more options in planning a full day of sports in Spartanburg. Those looking to experience more of what the city of Spartanburg has to offer might just be interested in taking a walk around the downtown area. Morgan Square is a lovely small park surrounded by several locally owned restaurants, and downtown Spartanburg also has a very vibrant art scene, with several public displays and sculptures throughout downtown.   Fans   3 Despite being the smallest venue in D1 basketball, it doesn’t take away from the passion of fans that fill G.B. Hodge Center. The Spartans typically draw well compared to their Big South counterparts when considering their gym is typically half to two-thirds filled for conference matchups. Expect larger crowds for contests against other schools from the area; Gardner-Webb , Winthrop , Presbyterian , and High Point tend to draw some of the larger crowds. A large number of fans definitely is a good indicator of the level of fan support behind a program, but the numbers themselves do not tell the whole story. On nights when the Spartan Army fills G.B. Hodge Center, it can be every bit the homecourt advantage as some of the largest arenas in the nation. Spartan fans are a supportive group; it is just the consistency of filling the gym that seems to be the challenge.   Access   4 USC-Upstate is conveniently located two miles off I-85 from North Pine Street, as it transitions to the I-585 bypass. G.B. Hodge Center is situated toward the front of Upstate’s campus, separated from the remainder of the athletic facilities that are concentrated at the back of campus. A relatively large parking lot sits in front of the arena, making accessing the entrance rather straightforward. The lobby is well laid out for fans needing to purchase tickets, or simply needing their tickets scanned for entry before moving into the gym. Accessing seating is not the most convenient set up, as limited space around the court requires fans to get to their seats on either side of the court via the lobby area. Fans are not able to cross along the baseline. The front row of seating can also create challenges when navigating the walkways. When factoring in the legs of spectators and fans coming and going to their seats, congestion can make traversing the walkway a bit of a challenge. Given the size limitations of the gym, passing from one side of the court to the other does require fans to return to the lobby.   Return on Investment   5 With tickets starting at just $8 and court-side seats available for $20, it would be hard to find a better deal in Division I basketball. Parking lots are typically free, with the exception of homecoming, when there is a $10 charge for the lots adjacent to G.B Hodge Center; concessions are kept to a reasonable rate as well. All-in-all, the basketball investment at USC-Upstate is worth the minimal financial commitment required.   Extras   4 A display featuring Stadium Journey’s recognition of G.B. Hodge Center as the # 15 best college basketball experience in the NCAA’s Division I definitely garners recognition and credit as an extra feature of G.B. Hodge Center. Casts of spartan warriors line the walls above each of the seating areas – this goes a long way in supporting the University’s “Spartans” nickname. While there is not a lot on display by ways of looking at the history of USC-Upstate basketball, the wall behind the team bench does proudly showcase the 1982 NAIA Championship banner. Following the game, children 12 and under are invited to the floor to get some shots up. This is a small gesture that on the surface seems inconsequential, but goes a long way in building the hoop dreams of the next generation of Spartans.   Final Thoughts The beautiful thing about college athletics is that game experiences come in all shapes and sizes, and are special in so many different ways – from the largest arena, Syracuse’s JMA Wireless Dome (35,446), to Upstate’s G.B. Hodge Center with its seating capacity of 878. But, as exhilarating as experiencing games at the largest arenas in the nation can be, the arenas at the other end of the spectrum can be just as spectacular for their own reasons. What G.B. Hodge Center lacks in frills and extravagance, it more than makes up for in intimacy and the sense of community practically every fan in the gym feels for one another, and even visitors.

The city of Pensacola has had a long love affair with the game of baseball. It has hosted teams at the youth, college, recreational, military, and minor league levels over the years. It also has served as a spring training site for teams at the major league level. Baseball in Pensacola: America’s Pastime & the City of Five Flags by Scott Brown provides an in-depth look at the baseball teams and baseball stadiums that have called the city home. Pensacola is one of the oldest cities in Florida, as it was founded in 1559. It would be another three hundred years before the sport arrived in the city. The military has played an especially key role in bringing baseball to the area. Pensacola has always had a large military population due to its strategic location as a port city on the Gulf of Mexico. Baseball games were first reported in the area during the Civil War, as a means of building morale and good physical conditioning for the troops stationed in the arena. The Pensacola Naval Yard had an entire baseball league, with each ship berthed at the facility sponsoring a team. During World War I Ty Cobb was one of the first professional ballplayers to visit the base as a part of a morale-boosting tour. World War II saw several major league ballplayers train for active duty at the Naval Air Station. Among these players was Baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams, who was an aerial gunnery ace during the war. He also served as a flight instructor at the airfield. One of the airfields in the area was called Bronson Field. It served as the home of several major leaguers during the war and had a team nicknamed the Bronson Bombers. Pensacola’s first minor league baseball team was known as the Fliers as a nod to the base’s major contribution to the game. Following the wars, Branch Rickey and the Brooklyn Dodgers utilized the decommissioned air base as a home for an annual rookie training camp. Pensacola also had civic league teams sponsored by area neighborhoods or local businesses. They typically played their games at either Palmetto Beach Park, Maxent Park, or Magnolia Bluff Park. Even though Pensacola is in the Deep South, several black baseball teams shared the same ballparks with white teams in Pensacola. They would play on opposite nights or have segregated seating in the stands, both of which were considered highly unusual in those segregated times. Pete Caldwell Field was the home of the Pensacola Arthur Giants, while the Pensacola Seagulls were a barnstorming Negro League team that played their home schedule at Legion Field. Pittsburgh was the first major league city to see the potential of Pensacola as a spring training site. The team was known as the Allegheny’s at that time. They erected a simple diamond with a 500-seat grandstand. They were followed by the Cleveland Naps in 1913. The Boston Red Sox held their spring training camp in Pensacola in 1930-1931, while the NY Giants arrived in town in 1936. While they did not hold spring training in the city, the Yankees played a series of exhibition games in Pensacola on their way back to New York City after their preseason camp. Both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig played in these games. Minor League-affiliated baseball has been in Pensacola since 1927, with some interruptions along the way due to wars and league failures. The Pensacola Fliers/Pilots operated from 1927-1950. They were affiliated with several teams, including the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Washington Senators. They played their home games at Maxent Park, a 5,000-seat venue that eventually was renamed Legion Park. The Fliers team folded after the Southeastern League went out of business in 1951. The Fliers then merged with the Miami Flamingos and moved to South Florida. In 1956 the Alabama-Florida League added the Pensacola Dons as a new member. Dons named honored the Spanish Conquistadors who once ruled over this portion of Florida. The Dons played their home games at Admiral Mason Park along the Pensacola Bay waterfront. The stadium offered several modern features for the times, including concrete and steel construction and lights for night games. At first, the Dons were not affiliated with any major league team. In later years, the Dons were affiliated with the Kansas City Athletics, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago White Sox, and the Baltimore Orioles. During the last season of their existence, the Dons became the Pensacola Senators as a result of becoming affiliated with the Washington Senators. The team met its end when the Alabama-Florida League went out of business. The Pensacola Pelicans were Pensacola’s representatives in the minor leagues from 2002-2011. They played in three different leagues over the years, including the Southeastern League, the Central Baseball League, and the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. They played their home schedule at Jim Spooner Field on the University of West Florida campus. They were extremely successful both on and off the field, setting the plate for the next team to move into AA-affiliated baseball. The current Pensacola minor league representatives are the Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the AA Southern League. They began playing in 2012. The home of the Wahoos is the 5,000-seat Admiral Fetterman Field at Community Maritime Park. The ballpark is located along the shoreline of Pensacola Bay. Due to its proximity to the waterfront, the stadium had to be designed to withstand 150 MPH winds during hurricanes. Over the years the Blue Wahoos have been affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds, the Minnesota Twins, and the Miami Marlins. --- Scott Brown’s Baseball in Pensacola provides a great read for anyone interested in the history of baseball in the Deep South.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Murphy Center 2650 Middle Tennessee Boulevard Murfreesboro, TN 37130 Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders website Murphy Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 11,520 Bluenited When considering some of the most relevant college basketball venues across the state of Tennessee, Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville or Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium might be the first that come to mind, but the most important very well might be Murphy Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University, which has been at the center of the State of Tennessee’s basketball community for decades. Opened in 1972, Murphy Center replaced neighboring Alumni Memorial Gymnasium, whose capacity of 2,500 had been outgrown – Murphy Center would open not just as the home of Blue Raider basketball, but has hosted the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s state boys and girls basketball championship games since 1973 as well. Members of the Ohio Valley Conference for 48 seasons, the Blue Raiders joined the Sun Belt in 2000, where they would remain for 12 years before moving to their current home, Conference USA, in 2013. Despite a major reshuffle in that conference, Middle Tennessee recently reaffirmed their commitment to Conference USA as members for the foreseeable future.   Food & Beverage   3 Concession stands are situated in the corners of the arena, behind the walls of bleachers (more on this in a moment) at the top of the seating bowl. Concessions are nothing that will knock your socks off, but just the typical hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, chips, and candy. Sweet treats seem to be the biggest point of interest when it comes to concessions – lines for various flavors of frozen lemonade and the always popular Dippin’ Dots tend to get rather long, along the track that surrounds the seating area. Beverage choices include soft drinks from the Pepsi family and bottled Gatorade. Beer and seltzers are sold at Murphy Center. Basic domestic beers can be purchased at any of the concession stands, but the biergarten dabbles more in creating a social atmosphere for fans to hang out, while they enjoy several craft beers from Murfreesboro brewers Cedar Glades Brews and Mayday Brewery. While the concessions are less than impressive, the beer garden does add a level of social gathering to an arena that might not typically have such a feature.   Atmosphere   4 From the outside, the appearance of Murphy Center is very geometrically balanced, with many flat planes and right angles. The building sits elevated upon a mound, as a temple of sorts to basketball.  Large, glass windows wrap around the entire arena, from floor to roofline, leaving few questions about where the nickname “The Glass House” comes from. Murphy Center’s interior design was inspired by Notre Dame’s Joyce Center , with its oval shaped seating bowl, while the exterior’s geometric simplicity is reminiscent of Air Force Academy’s Clune Arena . When originally opened in the ‘70s, Murphy Center was used as a multi-purpose facility, with the floor obviously for basketball, but the upper concourse having a six-lane track and long jump pit built in. Today, this track provides space for a sizable children’s play area of inflatables. The Murphy Center court strays from the traditional hardwood appearance, rather using more of a gray that nicely complements the school’s primary blue color; the seating bowl is a sea of blue seats that encircles the court level. Upper bleacher seats back each of the court level sections, which gives the arena its 11,000+ capacity, but these bleachers are commonly pushed in and rarely used. Foregoing a traditional center hung scoreboard, two large video boards at each end of Murphy Center show a live video feed of the game, with sidebars showing running player scoring, rebounding, assist and foul totals, and a litany of team stats. LED scoreboards also hang over each of the four tunnels leading to the floor, which provide game time and score information. There might not be a college basketball pep band in the country that makes an entrance quite like that of the Blue Raiders – following a drum solo, both the pep band and cheer squads march down the rows of the east stands, as they fill their seats and begin dancing, before picking up their instruments to entertain fans during pregame. Throughout the game, mascot Lightning is an active participant of the spirt squad, willing the Blue Raiders to victory. While Lightning primarily hangs out in the student section, he will occasionally wander around the lower levels of seats, mingling with fans during stoppages in play. Given the configuration of the seating bowl at Murphy Center, the seats at midcourt are the furthest from the playing area. This mostly impacts those sitting at the lowest level, as they have to contend with being pushed back from the action with an awkward dead space/walkway in front of them.   Neighborhood   3 Murphy Center sits prominently at the corner of Greenland Drive and Middle Tennessee Boulevard, backed by Floyd Stadium  (MTSU football) and Reese Smith Stadium (MTSU baseball). Visitors will not have to look far if wanting to sit down for a bite before the game – Campus Pub and Boro Bar & Grill offer up dive bar experiences within walking distance of Murphy Center. Boro does offer live music late night, so it might offer a bit more entertainment post-game. Alternatively, on the opposite end of campus along East Main Street, Boulevard Bar & Grille provides a bit more of a family friendly atmosphere. If a more concentrated area of bars, restaurants, and shops is what you are looking for, however, take East Main Street away from campus to Murfreesboro town center, where there are several options built around Rutherford County Courthouse.   Fans   3 Attendance at Murphy Center has been on a decline since the height of the program’s recent success during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. During this run, the Blue Raiders averaged over 5,000 fans per game; these days that total is closer to 3,000. Middle Tennessee fans are supportive of their Blue Raiders, and a lot of that credit goes to the “Blue Zoo Student Section” and the pep band. What is a bit disappointing, though, is that with a reported enrollment of over 20,000 students , the number of students in attendance at games does not reflect this size. A lot of credit needs to go to the those who are in attendance, however – the Blue Zoo and the Blue Raiders pep band do a great job in setting the tone for the atmosphere within Murphy Center. Alumni and community members also comprise a large portion of those in attendance.   Access   4 Middle Tennessee's campus is located less than 4 miles from I-24, which runs regionally between Chattanooga and Nashville. Even though it is not directly off the interstate, Middle Tennessee’s campus is still easy enough to get to via local streets. A moderately sized parking lot along Greenland Drive leaves a short walk to Murphy Center. As referenced earlier, Murphy Center was built as a multi-use facility with a track built around the top of the seating bowl. This track provides fans with a great deal of space to move around the arena, and not have to worry about lines for concessions or the children’s play area backing up and impeding the flow.   Return on Investment   3 Purchasing tickets from the Blue Raiders athletics site apparently avoids Ticketmaster fees; tickets here start at $15 and are not subject to the $4.40 service fee. This seems to be a good way to go simply to save a few dollars, and the savings can be used for the $5 parking charge in the lot just outside Murphy Center. Concessions are a bit inflated, but this isn’t much different than you would see at other arenas. When compared to other schools in Conference USA, Middle Tennessee’s prices seem to be in line with the rest of the conference.   Extras   4 Banners recognizing MTSU’s conference regular season and tournament championships, along with their NIT and NCAA tournament appearances, hang from the rafters. The retired # 40 of George Sorrell is also displayed amongst the Blue Raider accomplishments. The bounce house area behind the bleachers is a popular location for parents to bring children throughout the game – it can be a great getaway for kids, as getting them to sit in their seats the whole game might be a bit too much to ask for. A history of Murphy Center lines the back side of the bleachers, celebrating its 50th anniversary. This timeline recognizes not just the basketball highlights, but also other prominent moments, including performances from Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, The Who, Elton John, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, U2, and an almost endless who’s-who of the entertainment world. A display in the court level concourse tells the story of chemistry professor Dr. Aaron Todd and “Operation Full House”. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2004, Dr. Todd made a list of 5 things he wanted to accomplish, one of them being to see Murphy Center set its all-time basketball attendance record – Dr. Todd made it his mission to fill Murphy Center past its capacity of 11,520. On February 26, 2004, Dr. Todd would see his work come to fruition, as 11,807 fans packed Murphy Center for a late season match up against conference rival Western Kentucky Hilltoppers .   Final Thoughts In the upcoming years, Murphy Center is slated for substantial enhancements as part of the athletic department’s "Build Blue” master plan. Changes will include the addition of premium suites along the top of the seating bowl, bringing seats at center court closer, and the addition of a new grand entry point. Rendering courtesy of Middle Tennessee State University While Murphy Center will have an updated look, design plans appear to have given special care to not change the facility too much, to the point where it becomes unrecognizable. Rendering courtesy of Middle Tennessee State University Murphy Center is quietly one of the special college basketball experiences in the country; the facility holds a lot of history that has long made it a special gathering place not just for Blue Raider supporters, but for those from all corners of Tennessee.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Starry Baseball Field 236 N Grantham Rd Dillsburg, PA 17019 Messiah Falcons website Starry Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 1,000 The Falcons Nest Messiah University is a private interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Grantham, Pennsylvania, although the mailing address is in nearby Mechanicsburg. Starry Baseball Field is part of the larger Starry Athletic Complex. The university began as Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home and was part of the Brethren in Christ Church. The name changed over the years going from Messiah Bible School to Messiah College, and in 2020 Messiah University. The university is now interdenominational and not part of the Brethren in Christ Church but still is evangelical with an influence in the Anabaptist, the Radical Pietist, and the Wesleyan holiness movements. The Falcons mascot is named Flex, although he was previously known as Fandango. The Falcons compete in Division III of the NCAA and are a member of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. The Falcons receive some of the biggest support in Division III and boast some of the best attendance of all schools at that level in the "Olympic" sports. The Falcons have been very successful in athletics. The men's and women's soccer teams won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012. The Falcons men's soccer team are eleven-time national champions. Messiah University is the only NCAA college to win the men's and women's soccer national championships in the same year, and they have achieved that distinction four times. There also have been national championships in women's softball, women's field hockey, and numerous individual championships in wrestling and wrestling. The Falcons baseball time are five-time conference champions in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2012. An amphitheater seating system was installed at Starry Baseball Field in 2010. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand near the field called the Falcon Hut. It offers cheap concessions from a limited menu. it is a nice little facility but it doesn't offer much if you are looking for more than a small snack. Atmosphere 4 The Starry Athletic Complex is a great little complex to watch sports. You have to access it via a covered bridge. Each of the various fields offers great views and a fun environment for each of the Falcons sports teams. Starry Baseball Field is a nice little field and the amphitheater seating, along with the hills for seating, makes for a nice comfortable place to watch a game. Messiah's "A Warmer Welcome Campaign" is an ongoing effort to enhance the outdoor athletic facilities at the Starry Athletic Complex. The Campaign is set to include a new concession and hospitality facility that will serve Messiah’s entire outdoor athletic complex, expanded and enhanced new seating for lacrosse and softball fans, and improved dugout areas for the baseball field. Neighborhood 3 Starry Athletic Fields Complex is south of the main Messiah campus. There is not much of a neighborhood in Grantham but one can venture into Mechanicsburg and/or Harrisburg for more things to do before or after a game. There is a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Camp Hill if you are feeling like eating a large meal. Vitality Bowls in Mechanicsburg could be a healthier option. Fans 4 Messiah has one of the best fan bases around . They support Falcon sports, no matter which one. If visiting on any given weekend, you are likely to find multiple games going on, with each a healthy attendance . Access 3 Messiah University, itself, is not that hard to access as it is located nearby the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-83, I-81, and U.S. Route 15. You may have more issues once on campus. The university is easy enough to get around, but the Starry Athletic Fields Complex is located to the south of the main Messiah campus, across an old-style covered bridge. Once across the bridge, there is a medium-sized parking lot that could fill quickly. We ended up parking across the campus and walking as there were so many events going on, not just at the athletic complex. This was not a bad thing, as we found a nice little walking trail, along with a swinging bridge. You need to be aware that the main parking lot might not work out for you. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for attending a game at Starry Baseball Field. Even if there was, you could easily watch the game for free along the field. The limited offerings of the Falcon Hut are also very good with prices. Extras 4 The ability to easily watch so many sports without almost any extra walking is a great extra. Go north of the nearby Criste Tennis Courts to find a delightful swinging bridge that crosses Yellow Breeches Creek. Once across the bridge above look for the campus fitness trail which offers a great walking trail around a good part of the Messiah campus. The Climenhaga Homestead is a historic house on campus that was built by the first dean of the college (Asa Climenhaga) as a way to become better connected to the campus and its students. The homestead now houses guest rooms, meeting rooms, and conference facilities. Final Thoughts Messiah University is already a great spot to watch sports, but with the upcoming "A Warmer Welcome Campaign" it may go to another level. Starry Baseball Field is a simple place but is one that offers a great place to spend a bit of time.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dantzler Arena Perkinston, MS 39573 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs website Dantzler Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 1,540 Gulf Coast Bulldogs Dance at Dantzler Arena Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is one of 15 schools that compete in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) for basketball. The MACCC is also part of the larger Region 23 of the NJCAA, which also includes five Louisiana community colleges. Located in the tiny zero-red-light town of Perkinston, Mississippi, the Bulldogs have a pretty storied basketball history – since the first year of basketball on campus in 1927 the Bulldogs have won the MACCC State Championship 11 times, with the most recent being in 2012. MGCCC also won the Region 23 Championship 14 times, with the most recent being in 2009. In addition, MGCCC advanced to the NJCAAA Tournament twice in 1990 and 2009. The MGCCC women's basketball team has had a little more success than the men's, as they won one NJCAA National Championship in 1973 and advanced to the championship game the next year, where they were runners-up. The school has gone by many names since it opened as Harrison County Agricultural High School in 1911. The school became a junior college in 1925 and changed its name to Perkinston Junior College in 1942, before changing it to MGCCC in 1962. Today the college has four campuses throughout the Gulf Coast region, with a total enrollment of 8,700 students, making it the second-largest junior c, college in the state. The Bulldogs men's and women's basketball teams play at the newest athletic venue to open on campus, the beautiful Dantzler Arena, which opened during the 2022-23 season. The new arena is part of a series of construction projects for the college that also included a new residence hall, an upgraded baseball and soccer field, and a new entrance road into campus.   Food and Beverage   2 There is one small concession stand located in the lobby area as soon as you enter the arena. The food and drink options are extremely limited with nachos, popcorn, candy, and chips being the only items on the menu. Bottles of Coca-Cola products are sold for $3 as well, and as usual, no alcohol is sold on campus, or anywhere in Stone County for that matter. Unfortunately, because of the lack of food options in Perkinston, you may want to grab a bite to eat before you leave your house if coming for a game here.   Atmosphere   4 Dantzler Arena replaces Historic Wentzell-Weathers Center, which opened in 1957 and was home to the program until 2022. The shiny, new arena holds 1,450 seats and is named after the Dantzler Family, who owned and operated a nearby sawmill in Perkinston in the 1940s. Alfred Dantzler III, the youngest of the family, was a longtime supporter and donor of the college. Dantzler Arena is an architectural beauty – from the outside the building looks quite intimidating, with the front of the building constructed with bricks, while four Greek columns make up the front entrance. The side walls of the arena are made of out tin, which makes the inside of the venue echo pretty loudly, especially when the building is packed. There is one main entrance to the building on the south side; as soon as you enter you walk into a pretty spacious lobby, with a large trophy case being the first thing that greets you. Inside the trophy case, you will find trophies, jerseys, and basketballs from some of the past years of the Gulf Coast Basketball program. Also, in the lobby, you will find the ticket table, a pop-up merchandise stand, and a large scrolling marquee on both sides of the wall that displays upcoming games and University-related events. Once inside Dantzler Arena, you realize that the gym is sunken, something that doesn't look evident from the outside of the building. But the facility is built into the side of the hill, so you are entering on the second floor of the building. The court faces north and south, with 10 rows of metal bleacher seating in the Bulldog colors (blue and grey) on each side, and a walkway that separates the rows, with five rows on the first level and five rows on the second. The arena has low ceilings, and the A/C duct work runs along the ceiling, creating a few obstructions if you sit in the last two rows. The student section makes up the entire west side bleachers, while the east side bleachers are a little calmer, consisting of mostly visiting fans and family members. On the far north end of the court is another student section, and the MGCCC Band of Gold also sits there, while the Perkettes Dance team entertains the crowd from the floor. Above the end court on the north side of the arena are all the past banners of the MGCCC State Championships the Bulldogs have won in men's and women's Basketball, while above the end court on the south side is a rather larger suite for the Bulldog Club, which overlooks the court. The centerpiece of Dantzler Arena is the two large videoboards that are on the walls above the ends of the court. The video boards are quite large for Juco basketball but are of excellent quality and show replays, advertisements, and promotions.   Neighborhood   2 There is no neighborhood whatsoever, as the only thing in the tiny town of Perkinston is the college. This area's thousands of acres of undeveloped pine forest made it ideal for the lumber and timber industry, and at one time this area was filled with hundreds of sawmills. Perkinston was built right on the railroad and was an important stop for the transportation of goods to the Gulf Coast. However, when the mills depleted the resources by using up most of the timber, the mills shut down and people vacated the communities along the railroad, Perkinston included. Today there is nothing in Perkinston besides the campus. Abandoned homes and an abandoned general store line the main road along the railroad as you come into campus – today it is a ghost town around campus except for a post office and elementary school. Fortunately, much of the land is under protection now, which has led to many outdoor activities in and around the area. Perkinston is located inside DeSoto National Forrest, and the forest offers many hiking trails nearby, the most popular being Tuxachanie Trail a few miles south of campus. Also nearby is the POW Recreation Area, a campground located on the grounds of an abandoned WWII bunker and barracks. Across the street from MGCCC’s campus is perhaps the most famous spot in Perkinston, called Perk Beach – this campground and sandbar located on Black Creek makes for a great swimming hole, and you will find many students out here on the weekends. About 15 minutes up the road is Wiggins, where you can find a few fast-food restaurants and chain stores. There isn't much to do in Wiggins, so don't expect too much. Wiggins does have Flint Creek Water Park, a popular campground right on a lake, as well as Paul B. Johnson State Park, which is located nearby. For hotels, you'll find a few smaller chain hotels in Wiggins as well, but Hattiesburg and Gulfport/Biloxi are your best bets for any big hotels, or if you want to do any shopping; both cities are about 45 minutes away, with Perkinston located right in the middle of the two.   Fans 4 Like most athletic events on the MGCCC campus, the basketball program has good attendance for every game. This is partly because there isn't anything for the students to do with 40 miles, so you can expect a good turnout, with the Bulldogs averaging about 1,000 fans per game. Students take up the entire west side bleachers, and many of them will stand throughout the game, along the railing by the walkway. Because of this, you may not be able to see the action of the court when sitting on that side, as many students will be blocking your view. As mentioned it can get quite loud in the venue – the tin walls amplify sound well. So, with the Gold Band playing and 1,000 students standing up and stomping on the metal bleachers, it can be quite intimidating for visiting opponents.   Access   4 Perkinston is located halfway between Hattiesburg and the Coast, conveniently located right off Highway 49, the main road from the coast to Jackson. Perkinston is about 40 minutes north of Gulfport and 40 minutes south of Hattiesburg. You can't help but see the campus as you drive on Highway 49 – Dantzler Arena is located on the back side of campus near the rest of MGCCC's athletic facilities. Parking does fill up in the lots surrounding the arena, so I recommend parking at AL May Stadium, the school's football stadium right across the road. It is also easier to get out when you leave if you park next to the football stadium . Once inside the Arena, everything runs smoothly; the only issue is the obstructed views on the top rows and the students who stand on the concourse in the student section along the west side bleachers.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets are $8 for general admission, and you are free to sit wherever you like. For most games, the women's team will play before the men's, and if the women's game runs long they sometimes shut the ticket stand down early, so it is possible to get in the men’s game for free.   Extras   3 If you are interested in checking out an old historic basketball gym, the old Weathers-Wentzell Center is still standing and located on the south side of campus. The old gym housed the Bulldogs men's and women's basketball teams from 1957 until 2022 and is currently used for intramural and rec sports for the college. The gym is named after former coach Bob Weathers, who guided the Bulldogs from 1961-2002. After 41 years at the helm of the Bulldogs program, Weather retired as the second-winningest basketball coach in Junior College history and was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame. His son Wendell took over the program in 2002 and coached Gulf Coast until the 2018-19 season. Gulf Coast has one NJCAA National Championship to the name – the 1973 women's team won the 1972-73 NJCAA National Championship, and there is a banner commemorating this feat on the northeast side of the facility. The 1990-91 men's team, coached by Weathers, also made it to the 1991 NJCAA Final Four in Hutchinson, KS. The MGCCC women's basketball program has produced one player who won a gold medal, but not in basketball; instead, it was in track & field; Gulfport native Brittney Reese won the gold medal in the long jump in the 2012 London Games. She also won silver medals in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, but before she won Olympic medals, she played basketball here from 2004-06, before attending Ole Miss, where she was the NCAA indoor and outdoor Long Jump Champion in 2007 and 2008. The Bulldogs men's team has produced one player to make it to the NBA in Journeyman player Ira Newble, who played here from 1993-95, before transferring to Miami (Ohio) . His best years were the five years he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003-2008, coming off the bench for Lebron James. Gulf Coast also produced a pretty big-time college player in Moss Point native Dale Brown, who played here for two years before leading Kentucky  to the 1993 Final Four, where they lost to Michigan . Former Wichita State  coach and Pascagoula native Isaac Brown also played here from 1988-1990 – Brown guided the Shockers  to the 2020-21 NCAA Tournament.

Image courtesy of the Mascot Hall of Fame The Mascot Hall of Fame  in Whiting, Indiana was recently named the number one Pop Culture Museum in the United States by USA Today . The recognition comes as a result of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, where the winners are determined by a public vote.   The Hall of Fame was founded in 2005 as an online museum by original Phillie Phanatic  David Raymond. It opened its physical location on the shores of Lake Michigan in 2018. Since 2005, the Hall has elected a class of mascots into its membership each year, based on the criteria of being active for over 10 years, and impacting their team, fanbase, and community.   “This incredible feat marks a momentous occasion not only for the beloved mascots but also for the dedicated team behind the scenes who work tirelessly to bring joy and laughter to visitors from all corners of the globe,” said a spokesperson for the Mascot Hall of Fame in a news release. “As confetti rains down and cheers echo, the Mascot Hall of Fame stands tall as a testament to the power of imagination and boundless possibilities of play.”   Just a half-hour outside of Chicago, the Mascot Hall of Fame features interactive exhibits and a host of memorabilia honoring some of the most popular mascots of all-time. The Phillie Phanatic was part of the inaugural Hall class, along with the Suns Gorilla  and the Famous San Diego Chicken . Other mascot who’ve been inducted in the ensuing years include the Spurs Coyote , Brutus Buckeye , and Mr. Met .   “Congratulations to all mascots for this well deserved recognition,” the release continued. “Congratulations to Mayor Steve Spebar and the City of Whiting team for believing in our mission. Congratulations to the heart and soul of the Mascot Hall of Fame – our staff.” ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Coleman Coliseum 323 Paul W. Bryant Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Coleman Coliseum website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 15,383 Yeah, Alabama! You will never mistake the pecking order of the athletic programs at the University of Alabama. However, this doesn’t mean that playing in the shadow of Alabama football takes away from the passion fans show for the university’s other athletic programs – on the contrary, it might help drive the passion for all things Crimson Tide. Basketball has been played at Alabama since 1912, when the team suited up as college basketball independents. They soon experienced a short stint as members of the Southern Conference, before finding their home in the SEC, where they have played since 1932. Coleman Coliseum opened in 1969, replacing Foster Auditorium, Alabama’s home court since the late '30s. Since its opening, the coliseum has been home to Alabama’s basketball programs, along with its gymnastics squad. Food & Beverage   3 Concessions at Coleman Coliseum are rather run of the mill; the menus at each of the stands are high on snack foods and a bit light on more filling options. Much of the menu includes chips, candy, peanuts, popcorn, and soft pretzels. The only options of substance are hot dogs or the B-Ball Banger sausage. Previous seasons saw a more expansive menu, but prices were substantially higher for those options. Possibly the most impressive menu here now is at the Rita Italian ice stand, which beyond the standard frozen treat serves custard cookie sandwiches, milk shakes, and frozen drinks. Soft drinks here are from the Coca-Cola family, including Powerade and Dasani bottled water. Alcoholic beverages include domestic and premium beers, hard seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, and individual servings of boxed wine.   Atmosphere   3 From the outside, Coleman Coliseum bears a partial resemblance to the Roman-referenced coliseum, with a series of large columns framing the expansive glass windows of the main entrance, offset with brick structures and siding. The arena's large arching roof stands out, foreshadowing its grandeur beyond the doors. Upon passing through the front doors and into the lobby, the main ramp leads into the arena, revealing a sea of crimson seats set off by a light-finished court framed in crimson, with the trademark Alabama “A” superimposed over an outline of the state of Alabama. A small four-sided scoreboard hangs over center court, while halo screens encircle the top and bottom of the replay boards, providing real-time game statistics and advertisements. Installed in 2009, it appears that not much has been done to upgrade the scoreboard, but individual player statistical boards, as well as video replay boards, hang high from the rafters at each end of the ceiling. Despite some of the arena's physical shortcomings, there are several factors that enhance the game experience.    An impressive lighting package surrounds the scoreboard and is utilized throughout the game  to turn the arena a deep red, while  flames shoot up from pyrotechnic boxes during player introductions. Also, throughout the game there's a nice balance of the pep band, spirit squads, in-game host, and popular music. When looking at seating, try to avoid the extremes of any of the sections – t he highest reaches of the baseline seating at the visiting end of the floor have obstructed views of the scoreboards and action along the baseline. Similar challenges persist with seating in the corners of the lower levels of the seating bowl, as the wall supported seating at the ends of the floor, along with the basket stanchion, blocks the view of play in the opposite corner of the floor. The best option would be any of the seating along the sidelines. Overall, the arena atmosphere at Coleman Coliseum provides a highly engaging fan experience, in line with what would be expected for college basketball, for a highly competitive program frequently vying for top billing in the SEC.   Neighborhood   5 Coleman Coliseum, located toward the southeastern corner of Alabama’s campus and neighbored by Alabama baseball’s Sewell-Thomas Stadium , is a bit separated from the main concentration of extracurricular activities in Tuscaloosa. The surrounding area is heavily populated with off-campus student housing, along with chain and international restaurants. The Druid City Brewing Company Tasting Room is also just a short distance from the backside of the arena. The primary entertainment district of Tuscaloosa, known as “The Strip”, is just over a mile from the southeast athletics neighborhood. This area is full of Alabama apparel shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Or, for those who might prefer a more subdued experience, downtown Tuscaloosa, across Queen City Avenue, offers a more mature vibe with watering holes, restaurants, boutique shops, and several hotels. About a 5-minute drive from downtown, just off the junction of I-20 and I-359, is another cluster of hotels and several chain restaurants. Tuscaloosa is a classic college town, where the university drives much of the heartbeat of the community. Visitors would be hard-pressed to find locals who are not somehow tied to the school, or who are not ardent supporters of at least one of the Alabama athletic programs – these ties go a long way in developing a sense of pride that permeates throughout the Tuscaloosa community.   Fans   4 The term “Roll Tide” is used around Tuscaloosa much like “Aloha” is used in Hawaii; fans commonly greet each other or end conversations with the phrase. This pride in all things Alabama runs deep throughout Crimson Tide County. While alumni and Alabama fans bring a great deal of passion to Coleman Coliseum, much of the credit needs to go to the Alabama student section, the Crimson Chaos. It's not just that the students of the Crimson Chaos stand the entire game, but their cheering, jeering, and otherwise doing everything a student section should do to create a home-court advantage adds a lot to the atmosphere here. Access   3 Interstate-20 and two US highways feed into Tuscaloosa, making Coleman Coliseum conveniently accessible for fans traveling from any direction. There is plenty free parking  in the area, the most convenient located in the Capstone parking garage along Paul Bryant Drive. Shuttle buses are also available to bring fans back and forth from the parking lots a bit further out from Coleman Coliseum. The Coliseum has entry points on all four sides, but most fans enter through either the main front lobby, or via the entry on the 2nd Avenue side of the building, where there is also a large pre-paid parking area. Narrow concourses contend with security screening and ticket scanning, making things a bit of a challenge to navigate. The concourse runs completely around the arena, and not in view of the court. The massiveness of the seating is broken up intermittently with crossways, but given the size of the seating sections, especially for seating at the end of the floor, it does not seem to be nearly enough.   Return on Investment   4 Ticket prices start at $30 for seats in the upper reaches of the seating area, which might initially seem a bit high. However, when considering there is free parking available, the $30 does seem to be a bit more palatable. Concession prices are typical of sports stadiums, so the inflated prices should not come as much of a surprise. Overall, basic ticket prices start at a rather reasonable rate when factoring in typical costs. However, make sure to check out the secondary market, because even after fees, those prices can still save you $10 on an individual ticket.   Extras   4 Even before heading into Coleman Coliseum, the Sarah Patterson Champions Plaza recognizes the founding of each of Alabama’s varsity athletic programs, with a brief history and recognition of the conference and national championships won by each program. Along the lines of points of interest even before entering Coleman Coliseum, the Paul “Bear” Bryant statue, located at the end of Coliseum Drive, primarily showcases the history of Alabama’s most cherished program throughout the years. Inside the concourse, fans are reminded of the legends of Coleman Coliseum with displays of past Crimson Tide stars, including Latrell Sprewell and Robert Horry, among several others. Also included are biographies of the careers of the current head coach, Nate Oates, along with legendary coaches C.M. Newton and Wimp Sanderson, found on the wall of the concourse not far from the main entry point. Each large photo is accompanied by a synopsis of the careers of each coach. Lastly, Alabama mascot Big Al is an ever-present part of the game presentation during timeouts and for halftime entertainment.   Final Thoughts The current state of basketball facilities has been a story of unfulfilled dreams – formal proposals for either major upgrades to Coleman, or a completely new arena, began to be made public in 2018, but any tangible progress has yet to become reality. Coleman Coliseum is at a point where real progress needs to be made for the sake of the future of Alabama basketball. Initially, thought was given to gutting the inside of the facility and rebuilding from the inside out, but that was in 2018, and those plans never came to fruition. More recently, plans have come together to completely replace Coleman Coliseum with what is currently referred to as “Competition Arena”; while plans for the new arena have been released, there is no projected date for when construction might begin. In its current state, Coleman Coliseum leaves much to be desired. Its saving grace is that fans do fill the arena with a great deal of excitement, and Alabama typically has a highly competitive team in the SEC. Given the upgrades many other athletic facilities have seen in recent years, however, the time has come to invest in the future of basketball at Alabama with a new (or at least improved) facility.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Sloan Park 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy Mesa, AZ 85201 Map It Chicago Cubs Spring Training website Sloan Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 15,000 Cubs in Mesa Sloan P ark, best known as the spring training home for the Chicago Cubs , is already celebrating its 10th season.  This facility often rates at the top of many Cactus League stadium rankings, and deservedly so. The city of Mesa, AZ, built Sloan Park on the site of the former Riverview Park Golf Course, and some beautiful landscaping remains.  The city developed the surrounding area into Riverview Park, a premiere recreation area offering fishing, water fountains, climbing towers and playgrounds, and multiple walking paths.  The Cubs have been in Mesa since 1952.  The Cubs played spring training games at Rendezvous Park from 1952 – 1966, after which they moved to southern California.  Hohokam Park was the Cubs spring training facility from 1979 – 2013. Cubs fans have provided huge crowds in spring training throughout the years, and they continue to flock to the Arizona Cactus League in February and March, often breaking attendance records. Food & Beverage 5 The food choices at Sloan Park are the best in the Cactus League, though at major league prices.  Several permanent stands line the concourse, specialty kiosks sell snacks and beverages, and the right field pavilion has six or more food trucks selling an assortment of tasty cuisine. Permanent concession stands reflect Chicago:  Windy City Dog, A Taste of Chicago, The North Side, On Deck, and Rendezvous Park Grill.  The distinctive Vienna Beef Chicago Dog is available throughout the ballpark.  Other choices include regular hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken tenders, tater tots, pizza (Chicago style), pretzels, nachos, totchos (nachos made with tater tots), and more.  Prices generally run $5 - $14. Kiosks selling Chicago Dogs, kettle corn, cotton candy, ice cream, beer, peanuts, chips, churros, cotton candy, and other unhealthy snacks dot the concourse.  The right field food trucks include Chuckies (famous breaded pork tenderloin from Iowa), Lobstar (New England seafood), Churros Locos (Churros and Mexican), Kona Ice, and more!  The food trucks can chang e from game to game.  This is your best choice for ‘non-traditional’ stadium far e. The Jim Beam Bourbon Bar is on the left field concourse.  The right field concourse has Hornitos Hacienda.  Both offer cocktails and draft beer, with Hornitos pouring Goose Island IPA (from Chicago).    The concessions sell Coca-Cola brand soft drinks and all kinds of domestic and premium beer in cans and on draft.  Beers run a hefty $15.  Soda is $7 ,  with a 20 oz bottle of water costing $6. Fans can bring in sealed bottled water and small snacks. I recommend getting your refreshments early as long queues occur during the game. Atmosphere 5 Spring training games at Sloan Park are a pleasurable, fan-packed, social event. Most seats have shade, needed for an afternoon start time.  If you prefer getting some rays, one section down the first base side gets the sun.  Seats are the traditional green stadium fold-down ones and have a comfortable width, decent legroom, and cup holders.  Two levels of seating are available, with the second level holding the press box, announcer, and suites.  Fans pack the grassy berms beyond the left field and right field fences.  Sloan Park Berm Seating, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A Budweiser Rooftop down the left field line, where fans can enjoy the game day experience, overlooks the outfield.  While the inner concourse has a wide-open view to the field, you ca n’t always see the game in progress while walking the concourse.   The sheer volume of fans standing at the drink rails blocks the view.   Medium-thickness nets run down to the foul poles; the places to watch net-free baseball are the berms and the rooftop.   The organization replaced the scoreboard in 2023, which has improved the readability considerably.  Lighting engineers adjusted the background color and numbers, making it so much easier to read. Well done!  The scoreboard provides the starting lineups, the line score, and the photo, number, DOB, hometown, and position of the player at bat.  An analog clock sits atop the scoreboard, similar to the clock over the manual scoreboard at Wrigley Field.  Spring training games do not incorporate the use of video on the scoreboard.   The music person plays music while the PA announcer calls the starting lineup, a pet peeve of mine.  They do not play son gs during the game, which is a relief.    Fans can converse and meet their neighbors without yelling. Neighborhood 4 About a mile northeast of Sloan Park is the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center . This center contains several places to eat, a movie theater, and many stores, including a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Restaurants include Cracker Barrel, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Henhouse Café (good for breakfast), Papago Brewing (beers), and plenty more. A little over a mile west of Sloan Park (make a right on Rio Salado Pkwy out of the ballpark) is the Tempe Marketplace , an even larger shopping area. This shopping center contains 26 restaurants/places to eat, including the Thirsty Lion and Kings Fish House, multiple shops, and another movie theater. If shopping is your thing, this might be the place to go.   For places to stay near the ballpark, the Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West and a Courtyard by Marriott are just beyond the right field berms. The Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa is adjacent to the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center (about 1.2 miles from the ballpark). A Hilton Garden Inn and a Homewood Suites are a mile the other way (west) of the ballpark. Hotel rooms in the area triple in price during spring training, so keep that in mind.   For other sports in the area, visit some of the other East Valley spring training stadiums: Hohokam Stadium (Oakland Athletics), Scottsdale Stadium  (SF Giants), Salt River Fields ( CO Rockies and AZ Diamondbacks ) , and Tempe Diablo Stadium (LA Angels ).     You can catch some ASU baseball or basketball, or head downtown to see a Suns game or an early-season Phoenix Rising FC match. Fans 5 It is no secret that Cubs fans are some of the most loyal in sports, and they show it in their attendance at Sloan Park.  The stadium often sells out in the spring, exceeding 15,000 fans.  The fans show up several hours beforehand to tailgate, watch the team on the practice fields, and try to catch fly balls.  The stands are full of Cubbies blue.  As at most spring training venues, fan s are easy to talk with as they are there to socialize and enjoy a game on a warm AZ afternoon or evening. Access 3 The stadium is at the intersection of Loop 101 and Loop 202 in Mesa, AZ (close to Tempe).  And while you’d think it would be easy getting to and from the venue, being right off two highways, it is not.  The city blocks off roads and turning lanes, causing drivers to make roundabout turns to get to and from the parking areas.  And it’s much more of a mess getting out after the game than into it. Parking in paved and grass lots costs $10 to $20.  The venue offers plenty of handicapped parking at $20 a vehicle.  A designated rideshare spot is in front of the stadium.  Public transportation is available, though some walking is required.  Check Valley Metro for schedules and fares.  Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport is 8 miles from the stadium. Sloan Park has four gates open for spring training.  Fans walk through a scanner for security purposes.  This 2024 season, bags up to 16” x 8” x 16” are allowed, though backpacks are not (even if they are clear).  The never-ending bag rules see m to change from season to season, so check their website before heading to the park. Even though they are wide, the concourses are packed and congested because of the volume of fans.  The venue has plenty of restrooms, all with diaper-changing tables.  Return on Investment 3 Spring training tickets run from $29 (lawn) to $99 (infield box), depending on the opponent and day, which is far too high for a spring training game.  Parking costs $10 - $20, again, way too much for spring training.  Food prices are traditional MLB prices, with beers running $15 and a hot dog $7 - $9. This is excessive to me, but fans pay it.  Extras 5 Several additional items are worth noting about spring training in Mesa.  The outfield area has a Kids Zone with a mini baseball field, and the left field upper deck showcases Cubs’ retired numbers. Facsimiles of Wrigley Field abound at this ballpark .   Just inside the first base gate, you will find a replica of the famous Wrigley Field marquee, where an employee will put your personalized message on the message board. There are the rooftops.  An analog clock sits at the top of the scoreboard.  Clark, Waveland, and Sheffield Street names surround the stadium.  The field dimensions and design are similar to Wrigley, as is the unique curved outfield fence ne ar the foul poles. Sloan Park Outfield Curves, Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Replacing the scoreboard is the best thing the city has done for the game day experience at Sloan Park. Final Thoughts Though it will cost a pretty penny, all baseball fans should try to take at least one trip to see the Cubs play at their spring training home in Mesa, AZ.

Photos by Gail, Dan, and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales 36-50 Calle Jupiter Caguas, Puerto Rico 00725 Criollos de Caguas website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 10,000 Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales Some people claim “baseball is life.” In  Puerto Rico, that phrase is still true.  Named after a state senator,  Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales  is located in a residential area one-half mile south of the center of Caguas (pronounced caw-gwas) and opened in 1974.  In 2017, Hurricane Maria decimated Puerto Rico, dumping 35.9 inches on Caguas. This interview with Pudge Rodriguez tells the poignant story: CAGUAS CRIOLLOS BASEBALL STADIUM | Good All Over.  Reggaeton music duo, Wisin & Yandel, purchased the Puerto Rican Baseball League team, the Criollos de Caguas, in 2022.  $2.8 million of FEMA funds led to a complete renovation of the stadium and field, including artificial turf, new lights/seats/restrooms.  The new owners had the artificial turf replaced with natural grass.   In the Caguas area, the word “Criollos” typically translates to “locals” or “natives.” Food & Beverage 4 Traditional “criollo” food is offered in several food stands:  assorted styles of fried chicken, empanadas, and fried dough.  Hot dogs have traditional toppings but are finished with potato sticks on top.   Ice cold Michelob Ultra beer is (sadly) the only beer offered at $4, and $5 Pina coladas are very popular.  Coke products are sold at this venue. In most cases, food prices are not posted. Atmosphere 4 We attended the league final championship series which likely affected the experience.  Most seats are plastic with comfortable backs, without cupholders, all located under a roof. Down the right field line, the last section has gray folding chairs.  The outfield background views are beautiful with gorgeous sunsets painting the skies in the evenings. All announcements are in rapid, loud Spanish. The music is loud. The fans all bring noise-making instruments and use them to the fullest! The mascot is very popular. He roars around on a golf cart and entertains the crowd between innings. The scoreboard is a bit disappointing as it only shows the line score and the at bat player's name and photo. Neighborhood 3 Set in a mostly residential area with very good street lighting, there are a few alternatives for a drink or a meal. Popular restaurants within walking distance include Raices for traditional meals, the Jungle Burger and Grill, Winker’s Sports Bar and Grill, and PYP Restaurant.  Located on the north side of town, the Caguas Food Park  is an excellent alternative for pre-game meals.  The Four Points Hotel and Casino by Sheraton is south of the stadium. Fans 5 Caguas fans are passionate, loyal and VERY loud!  Music is played loudly throughout the game accompanied by fans with their bam-bams, cowbells, airhorns and whistles.  During the championship series, the stadium was full each night and it was VIBRANT!  The fans are knowledgeable and fully engaged with each pitch.  Several songs played on the PA system elicited fan chants.  No programs are offered – they would be very helpful to fans with limited Spanish knowledge. Access 3 The nearest airport is located in San Juan SJU Official – Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport Puerto Rico and is a 45-minute drive to the stadium. Traffic flow before and after games can be slow; fans can park in an adjacent lot south ($4) of the stadium but we recommend getting there a little early to park on the streets.    In the stadium, a relatively narrow walkway between the box seats and general admission seats can get quite crowded.  Fans stop to talk with friends, bands wander while playing their music, so it is slow going.  Updated restrooms are relatively clean but lines form later in the game.  Security is quite efficient, though security staff do a quick body “pat down” at the gate.  Return on Investment 5 Puerto Rico has a long history of honoring senior citizens who can purchase tickets at half-price, even for championship series!  All food and beverages are quite reasonably priced.  Attending a game, especially a league championship game, is well worth the price in this baseball-crazed island. Extras 5 One point for the photos/descriptions of past players on the outside of the stadium and along the walkways.  Another point goes to the passionate fans.  Reasonable ticket, parking and food/beverage prices earn a point.  The recent renovation is a big plus. Finally, the beautiful views behind the outfield fence all contribute to a great experience. Final Thoughts We were very fortunate to attend all four games of the 2024 league championship series. The Criollos emerged victorious in 2024, going 5-3 in the best-of-9 finals. We arrived early so we could sit in general admission seats behind home plate.  We got to know a few local (criollo) fans and had a great time.  Due to the noise making devices, loud PA system and music, along with fan excitement, it was very loud, but certainly less than Carolina's stadium.  Half price senior tickets are a bonus.  If you are a baseball fan who visits Puerto Rico during the Liga PR league season, be sure to head to Caguas!

Photos by Gail, Dan, and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales 36-50 Calle Jupiter Caguas, Puerto Rico 00725 Criollos de Caguas website Year Opened / Año abierto:  1974 Capacity / Capacidad:  10,000 Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales Algunas personas afirman que "el béisbol es vida". En Puerto Rico, esa frase sigue siendo cierta. El Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales, que lleva el nombre de un senador estatal, está ubicado en una zona residencial a media milla al sur del centro de Caguas (pronunciado caw-gwas) y se inauguró en 1974. En 2017, el huracán María diezmó a Puerto Rico, arrojando 35,9 pulgadas sobre Caguas. Esta entrevista con Pudge Rodríguez cuenta la conmovedora historia: CAGUAS CRIOLLOS BASEBALL STADIUM | Good All Over.  El dúo de música reggaeton, Wisin & Yandel, compró el equipo de la Liga Puertorriqueña de Béisbol, los Criollos de Caguas, en 2022. $2.8 millones de fondos de FEMA llevaron a una renovación completa del estadio y el campo, con  césped artificial, nuevas luces, asientos y baños. Los nuevos propietarios sustituyeron el césped artificial por césped natural. En el área de Caguas, la palabra "criollos" generalmente se traduce como "locales" o "nativos". Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimenticia 4 En varios puestos de comida se ofrece comida tradicional “criolla”: estilos variados de pollo frito, empanadas y masa frita. Los hot dogs tienen aderezos tradicionales pero están terminados con palitos de papa encima. La cerveza helada Michelob Ultra es (lamentablemente) la única cerveza que se ofrece a $4, y las piñas coladas a $5 son muy populares. En este local se venden productos de Coca-Cola. En la mayoría de los casos, los precios de los alimentos no se publican. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 4 Asistimos a la final de la liga, lo que probablemente afectó la experiencia. La mayoría de los asientos son de plástico con respaldos cómod os, sin portavasos, ubicados bajo un techo. A lo largo de la línea del jardín derecho, la última sección tiene sillas plegables grises. Las vistas de fondo de los jardines son hermosas, con hermosas puestas de sol que pintan el cielo por las noches. Todos los anuncios están en español rápido y fuerte. La música está alta. ¡Todos los fanáticos traen instrumentos que hacen ruido y los usan al máximo! La mascota es muy popular. Conduce alrededor en un carrito de golf y entretiene a la multitud entre entradas. El marcador es un poco decepcionante ya que sólo mue stra el resultado,  y el nombre y la foto del jugador al bate. Neighborhood / Barrio 3 Ubicado en una zo na principalmente residencial con muy buen alumbrado público, existen algunas alternativas para beber o comer. Los restaurantes populares a poca distancia incluyen Raices para comidas tradicionales, Jungle Burger and Grill, Winker's Sports Bar and Grill y PYP Restaurant. Ubicado en el lado norte de la ciudad, el Caguas Food Park es una excelente alternativa para las comidas pre-juego. El Four Points Hotel and Casino by Sheraton está al sur del estadio. Fans / Aficionados 5 ¡Los fanáticos de Caguas son apasionados, leales y MUY ruidosos! La música se reproduce a volumen alto durante todo el partido acompañada por los aficionados con sus bam-bams, cencerros, bocinas y silbatos. Durante la serie de campeonato, el estadio estaba lleno cada noche y ¡era VIBRANTE! Los aficionados están bien informados y totalmente enfocados con cada lanzamiento. Varias canciones reproducidas en el sistema de megafonía provocaron cánticos de los fans. No se ofrecen programas; serían de gran ayuda para los fanáticos con conocimientos limitados de español. Access / Acceso 3 El aeropuerto más cercano está ubicado en San Juan SJU Official – Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport Puerto Rico  y está a 45 minutos en coche del estadio. El flujo de tráfico antes y después de los juegos puede ser lento. Los fanáticos pueden estacionar en un lote adyacente al sur del estadio ($4), pero recomendamos llegar un poco temprano para estacionar en las calles. En el estadio, un pasillo relativamente estrecho entre los palcos y los asientos de admisión general puede estar bastante concurrido. Los fans se detienen para hablar con amigos, las bandas deambulan mientras tocan su música, por lo q ue el movimiento de la multitud es lento. Los baños actualizados están relativamente limpios, pero se forman lineas más adelante en el juego. La seguridad es bastante eficiente, aunque el personal de seguridad realiza un rápido cacheo corporal en la puerta. Return on Investment / Retorno de la Inversión 5 Puerto Rico tiene una larga historia de honrar a las personas mayores que pueden comprar boletos a mitad de precio, ¡incluso para series de campeonato! Todos los alimentos y bebidas tienen precios bastante razonables. Asistir a un partido, especialmente a un partido de campeonato de liga, bien vale el precio e n una isla enloquecida por el béisbol. Extras 5 Un punto por las fotos/descripc iones de los jugadores anteriores en el exterior del estadio y a lo largo de los pasillos. Otro punto es para los aficionados apasionados. Lo s precios r azonables de boletos, estacionamiento y alimentos/bebidas ganan un punto. La reciente renovación es una gran ventaja. Finalmente, las hermosas vistas detrás de la cerca del jardín contribuyen a una gran experiencia. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos finales Tuvimos mucha suerte de as istir a cuatro partidos del campeonato de liga de 2024. Llegamos temprano para poder sentarnos en los asientos de admisión general detrás del base del bateador. Conocimos a algunos fanáticos locales (criollos) y la pasamos muy bien. Debido a los dispositivos que hacían ruido, el alto sistema de megafonía y la música, junto con el entusiasmo de los fanáticos, era muy ruidoso, pero ciertamente menos que el estadio de Carolina. Los boletos para personas mayores a mitad de precio son una ventaja. Si eres un fanático del béisbol que visita Puerto Rico durante la temporada de la Liga PR, ¡asegúrate de dirigirte a Caguas!   Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.86 Streets of St. Petersburg 100 2nd Ave N Ste 340 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg website Year Opened: 1985 20 Years of Bayside Speed What more can be said about the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, that hasn’t been said already? This really is the race that has it all – location, action and excitement, ease of access for fans, and now 20 years’ worth of history to lean on. Add to this the number of races you actually get to see over the weekend, and you have one of the most jam-packed race weekend schedules around. Perhaps the most impressive thing about this race weekend are the small touches that the event and its staff make seem like pedestrian occurrences at a traditional speedway. If you go to this race, you will want to come back. Without a doubt, this event has become a mainstay on the IndyCar schedule, and it has no real plans of going anywhere anytime soon. Food & Beverage   5 Fun fact: St. Pete is a foodie’s heaven hidden away in beautiful Western-Central Florida. The race itself has some of the most amazing smells and greatest-tasting food vendors at any sports event in the country – the sound of sizzling peppers and beef on the griddle mixes with the scent of fresh seafood as one walks the concourses and sidewalks of the downtown circuit. If you’re looking for something to eat, you will find it at the Grand Prix of St. Pete. There is a wide variety of traditional American stadium fare mixed with everything from Latin, seafood, European, and Asian food options. Freshly made gyros that cost less than $10? Yes please! In addition, the track whizzes past some brilliant food options just steps away in downtown St. Petersburg. In addition, even chain restaurants like Chicken Salad Chick have pop up food tents in the fan zone to satisfy your cravings. Another often overlooked thing that makes this race a must-see is that the vendors are spread out evenly throughout the track. No matter if you are in the RV parking area, resting along the waterfront, wandering the main grandstand behind pit road, or are deep in downtown’s Pioneer Park, there is food available all over the place. Add to that the wandering beverage sellers on golf carts that have everything from water to cold beer, and you are guaranteed to not have to look far to satisfy your palette. Atmosphere   5 The fans in St. Pete know their racing. When drivers were introduced during the most recent IndyCar race, they cheered and booed with the best of them. The races are also action-packed and easy to follow, thanks to the well thought-out layout of the track, which incorporates easy to access locations from both the inside and outside of the course, giving fans the best vantage point, no matter where you want to see the race from. In addition, the quality of the racing on track is right there with the best of them, as the big names of the IndyCar Series take the track, along with drivers in lower divisions craving the opportunity to show the world what they can do. Neighborhood   5 St. Petersburg is a growing city on the rise – it is a mix of vacationers, college students (USF has a campus literally steps away from the track), and professionals mixing with both city and suburban folks. In addition, the neighborhood around the track is evolving into a high quality of life location that features some of the best hole-in-the-wall eateries you can imagine, with traditional shopping and dining (CVS, Publix, and others are there to help meet your shopping needs). Hotels and resorts vary from motels a few blocks away to the beautiful Hilton in the heart of downtown, which puts you steps away from the main gate; there is also a SpringHill Suites and a Hampton Inn right next to the raceway. Fair warning though to all fans looking to book a room for the coming race: book them ASAP! Rooms go very fast, and the prices rise the closer you get to the event, for all locations near the course. From northern Tampa to Bradenton to the south, it is hard to find a room unless you have set it up over six months in advance. Not to be forgotten, the people here are gracious, kind, and welcoming, making even the most travel-weary fan at the races feel like he or she is right at home. Also, with the course situated right on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the beach is right next door to the track, just a short drive away. Often rated among the greatest beaches in the country, relaxation under the sun is easier here than ever. Fans   5 Rude fans won’t frequently be found here – this is easily one of the most family-friendly racing crowds anyone can find. Not only that, but they’re also series-intelligent; they know all the drivers, all the teams, and why each one is better or worse than the next. They also cheer at the top of their lungs, applaud close racing and impressive moves, and oooh and aaah throughout the weekend. Nobody cuts in line when waiting to cross the pedestrian bridges or when getting their favorite driver’s autograph either; as far as sports fans go, the crowds at St. Pete are among the best there is. Access   4 Access is the ONLY complaint one may have about the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, but even with the limited parking, it isn’t hard to find a place to park on race day. This is helped by the large contingent of fans who arrive at the track via bike, as evidenced by the massive bicycle parking racks at the entrances, which are completely full by the time the main event begins on Sunday. Getting to the track is as easy as possible, with I-175 and I-375 branching off I-275, and literally ending on the street in downtown St. Pete that leads to the main entrance. How much easier could the location be to find than that? And if you don’t have a parking pass, there are plenty of local parking lots, garages, and metered spots that you can access; prices range from $10 to $40 depending on how close you want to be, but even the spaces right by the entrances average $20, which is shockingly low for a big event like this. Traffic may be the only deterrent here, as construction zones are constantly popping up around the downtown area as new buildings rise into the sky. Another incredibly cool way to get to the course is the free water taxi from the St. Petersburg Sailing Club – this short ride on a pontoon boat takes you from Demen’s Landing to the floating docks outside of the floating trackside bar. Once you arrive you can walk past the large yachts to another track entrance, and from there, a walk over the bridge drops you off right in the fan zone by the main pits. Return on Investment   5 Let’s analyze what you get for the price of admission (which can range from $50 to upwards of $100, depending on your ticket choice): You get some of the best racing in the business between six racing series (with multiple classes in the Pirelli World Challenge split into four total races over the weekend), and each series often includes more than one race over the event’s schedule. You also get to see the season opener for the IndyCar Series, the nation’s premiere open-wheel racing series. In addition, you get to watch this all in one of the most underrated beautiful cities in the country; how can you say no? Extras   5 Remember the small touches? This is what really impresses me at this race – when walking into the venue you are greeted by smiling track staff and volunteers who offer you colorful beads, a pack of sunscreen, a track and race guide, and a hand-held fan, all free! None of this is free at any other sports event you will go to. In addition, your ticket offers you free admission to the garage and paddock area for the Indy NXT, IMSA VP Challenge, USF Pro2000, and others, offering you up-close access to the drivers, cars, and teams. Also, the weekend features several autograph sessions for all the series, giving fans the chance to see their idols up close. Another awesome bonus is the myriad displays at the track – from the IndyCar Series fan zone to the various vendor activations, there is no shortage of fun things to do at the track. Perhaps one of the neater aspects of the race is the party patio on the water in the middle of the marina. A short walk over a pedestrian bridge and down onto a floating platform, this bar on the water floats along and is free to all fans in attendance. One of the best places to party, however, is the RV lot, located along the front straight at the airport. Yes, you read that right…airport; part of the course and garage area takes over a portion of an airport in St. Pete. Even cooler still, one of the runways remains open during the weekend, with everything from helicopters (you can buy rides in them during the race weekend), small private prop planes, and Coast Guard Blackhawks taking off and landing during the races. Also new for this year is a big concert on Saturday night – 2024 featured Brett Michaels on a stage in front of the fan patio near the Dali Museum, bringing with it a stellar end to a packed day full of racing. Final Thoughts The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is still one of the best sporting events for fans in all of America, let alone just in racing circles. It is hard to beat the city, time of year, the product in front of you, and the fan access this event gives. In addition, it is also hard to find a race track with a better fan experience than the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This yearly event signals the start of the season for four racing series and the continuation of two others, all while fans watch under the warm sun and the sea breezes that St. Pete offers. Whether you’re watching from the balcony of a high-rise, the grandstands along the track, the walkway next to the Dali Museum, or the party platform on the water, you will be hard-pressed to find a better place to watch quality racing.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 EAC Baseball Field 615 N Stadium Ave Thatcher, AZ 85552 Map It Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters website EAC Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 100+ Gila Valley Baseball The Eastern Arizona College (EAC) Gila Monster’s baseball team is an NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC) member.  The team plays their home games at the school’s Thatc her campus in the Gila Valley of Eastern Arizona, nestled amongst attractive farms, ranches, hills, and Mount Graham.  The baseball team bega n play in the 1909-10 season.  They paused between 1927-33, and the team didn’t play during WWII.  The school discontinued the baseball program from 1982-96.  The college has played baseball continuously since the 1996-97 season.   The Monsters have not yet made it to any NJCAA championship rounds. So far, one player, Chris Mabeu, has made it to the MLB.  Chris played one game for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2006.  MLB has drafted thirteen other Monster players. Food & Beverage 2 EAC Baseball Field has a small concession stand that also services the adjacent softball and soccer stadiums.  It sells basic snacks at extremely affordable prices.  Fresh cooked hot dogs and nachos cost $3 ;  popcorn and candy are $2.  A pickle is $1.  For drinks, Pepsi products, water, and Gatorade run $2.  Fans can bring in their own food and drinks.  We recommend bringing several bottles of water as it can get hot on the stadium bleachers.  Atmosphere 3 The Monsters provide an enjoyable, relaxed game day experience.  EAC Baseball Field was completed in the fall of 1963.  The school replaced the bleachers within the last three years.  The seating is two sets of bleachers behind home plate, five rows high, with a handrail on one side of each bleacher set.  The bleachers sit far back from the backstop.  They do not provide any shade, so bring an umbrella.  Many fans bring their own chairs and set up shop in the shade, under the pine trees, on the third base side.  The backstop and dugouts are painted in vibrant purple (purple and gold are the team’s colors).  A new, sturdy, thin net protects spectators and hangs from dugout to dugout.  The scoreboard is a basic dot matrix structure in right field which shows the line score.  It can be a tad difficult to read when the bright AZ sun is shining full force. A PA announcer calls the starting lineups and announces players when they come to bat.  Not all ACCAC baseball fields have announcers, so it is a nice feature.  A container near the home plate  backstop provides roster she ets (for both home and away teams).  EAC Baseball Field Rosters, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Music is only played between innings, as it should be.  The volume is acceptable; fans can converse with their neighbor without yelling to be heard.  All nicely done.  Like all ACCAC ball clubs, the players groom the field after batting practice.  The field is a nice plush green made of winter rye grass.  The baselines have dirt.  Pine trees line the outer right field wall.  The majestic snowcapped Mount Graham provides a dramatic view beyond first base.  The stadium does not have lights, so the team only plays day games; seven-inning doubleheaders are common, with the first game starting at noon. Mount Graham, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 2 The town boasts a population of over 5,000.  Nearby hotels include Springhill Suites and Comfort Inn .  Several other familiar chains are three to four miles away. For places to eat, try Eagles Roost ( hearty breakfast and lunch choices), Kainoas Hawaiian Grill (authentic Hawaiian cuisine), or Gila Hank’s Café (on-site campus restaurant),     The best place for a beer or adult beverage is JD’s Corner Sports Bar & Grill. Nearby activities include Roper Lake State Park (natural mineral water hot springs, camping, and fishing) and Mt. Graham Municipal Golf Course.  Eastern Arizona College offers a variety of events, from theater to other sports matches.  Fans 2 Visitors at  the Monsters baseball games are mostly families and friends.   Several of the school’s other athletes stop by to support the ball club.  All are welcoming and friendly and cheer the team on well.  Gila Monster Fans Cooling Off Under the Trees, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 2 Thatcher, AZ is about a three-hour drive east of Phoenix, a little over two hours from Tucson, in the Gila Valley.  The closest airport to Thatcher is Tucson Airport (TUS) which is 86 miles away.   The best way to get to the venue is via automobile off US 70.  The baseball field is on the south edge of campus after the soccer field on Stadium Ave.  Plenty of free parking in a gravel lot is available on the first base side.  We recommend parking closer to the soccer field as spots nearer to the baseball field may be foul ball targets. The stadium has clean restrooms next to the concessions area.  Return on Investment 5 EAC Monsters do not offer a fee for watching a baseball game.  Concessions are inexpensive.  Rosters are available for no charge.   Watching America’s future take the time to play the game, support their teammates, and put forth a good effort on the diamond is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Eastern Arizona. . Extras 3 Eastern Arizona College is   Arizona’s first community college, founded in 1888.  No other community college west of the Mississippi goes back to 1910 for baseball. Having printed rosters and an announcer calling the game deserves additional mention.  Extra kudos goes to the helpful staff, athletic department, and marketing individuals. Final Thoughts Yes, it’s a bit of a drive from the Phoenix metro and even the Tucson metro area.  But if you’re looking for a few hours of unpretentious baseball with a community-oriented fan base, pack your sunscreen, water, and umbrella.  Then take a scenic drive to Arizona’s Gila Valley to watch the Gila Monsters.

Photo by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey It should come as no surprise to even the most casual of fans, but the Dallas Cowboys  are really popular. In virtually every corner of the country, and in a lot of places outside the U.S. borders, you’ll find die-hard fans of ‘Dem Boys – and now we have some quantifiable proof of this popularity. New data studied by online betting site CSGOLuck  revealed that the five-time Super Bowl Champion Cowboys were the most searched for team outside of the state of Texas. Researchers analyzed the Google keyword searches for NFL teams outside of their home state for all 50 states over the past year. Data that was utilized included individual searches for all 32 NFL teams, as well as searches for each team name along with the word “tickets” next to it. The Cowboys were far and away the most searched team, averaging close to 21,000 searches outside of Texas each month. Unsurprisingly, Oklahoma had the most fans, averaging 2,032 searches per month, followed by California – longtime home of the Cowboys training camp – with 1,938 searches. The team that came in second in this popularity poll was the Arizona Cardinals . Located in Glendale, Arizona, the Cardinals averaged just under 16,000 searches per month, with Missouri – former home to the Cards – being the state where they had the most fans, followed by Illinois. “The fandom for an NFL club is not limited within states but is widespread,” a spokesperson for CSGOLuck said in a news release. “Fans can develop an affinity for a particular team due to several reasons such as family ties, team success, player allegiance or a team's culture or style of play. Also, with increasing technology and media coverage, it is now easier than ever for fans to watch and support their favorite NFL teams regardless of where they live.” Coming in last in terms of popularity were the Indianapolis Colts ; the two-time Super Bowl champions averaged just over 1,600 searches per month. The nearby states of Illinois and Ohio produce the most Colts fans outside of Indy. Research results courtesy of CSGOLuck ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The NBA is the second-most popular sports league in the United States in virtually every measurable metric, trailing only the juggernaut that is the NFL. The NBA has become a global sport with millions of fans in virtually every corner of the globe. However, with that rise has come an exponential rise in cost for said fans. The experts at Fadeaway World  analyzed all 30 NBA teams to determine the most and least affordable teams for fans to follow. They determined their rankings by looking at the combined costs for tickets to a home game along with a team jersey, a 16-ounce beer, and a hot dog. When the numbers were tallied, the Memphis Grizzlies  came out on top as the most affordable team in the NBA, with games at FedExForum costing fans an average of $159.74 per game. The second most affordable was the Atlanta Hawks , with their games at State Farm Arena costing fans $164.38 on average. Rounding out the top five most affordable teams were the New Orleans Pelicans  ($166.62), Detroit Pistons  ($182.38), and Portland Trailblazers ($184.87).   “It is interesting to see how drastically the average cost differs for fans of different NBA teams,” said Nemanja Vukasinovic, CEO of Fadeaway World. “By calculating the average cost of a home game ticket, a unisex jersey, and the cost of a beer and hot dog at each stadium, we can identify which team’s supporters can expect to shell out the most money this season.”   On the other end of the proverbial spectrum, the New York Knicks  proved to be the most expensive team for fans to follow; games at Madison Square Garden cost fans an average of $334.74 to attend. The Golden State Warriors  were second, with games at Chase Center costing $332.50. The Boston Celtics  ($318.36), Los Angeles Lakers ($300.37), and Dallas Mavericks  ($269.74) rounded out the top five for most expensive. Photo by Brian O'Sullivan, Stadium Journey “The Boston Celtics are currently at the top in the latest Power Rankings, reflecting their high cost to attend their games, whereas the Memphis Grizzlies are currently 27th, hence their lower cost for supporting fans,” explained Vukasnovic. “It would be fascinating to observe any changes in these current prices as a result of teams moving up or down in the Power Rankings.”  ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey The NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, returned to Dallas, Texas in March 2024. The games were played at the American Airlines Center, home of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars . The American Airlines Center is not new to the NCAA basketball tournament, as just last season, the NCAA Women’s Final Four was played at the site. This year, the Dallas venue hosted the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight portions of the South Regional. The Sweet Sixteen portion was played on Friday, March 29th, where a single ticket allowed you to watch both games. The first game that night was the # 2 seeded Marquette Golden Eagles , from the Big East, versus a Cinderella story in the making, in the # 11 seeded North Carolina State Wolfpack , representing the Atlantic Coast Conference – the Wolfpack entered this season’s tournament on an unforeseen run by winning the ACC championship. Although the attendance for this match up was announced at 18,751, the crowd was more like 9,000, with a lot of the seats empty for most of the game. The Marquette and NC State fans, however, filled their portions of the arena, and were loud and kept the energy in the building. NC State started fast and was up 20-10 at one point, though Marquette keep fighting back to make the game interesting, but never did take a lead in the game; the Wolfpack advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986, by knocking off # 2 Marquette 67-58. The nightcap featured the # 1 seed Houston Cougars , from the host Big 12 conference, versus the # 4 seed Duke Blue Devils , and the American Airlines Center filled up to capacity for this matchup. The Houston fans traveled 4 hours along I-45 in hopes that this would be their year, with their Houston Cougars returning to the Final Four. Meanwhile the Duke fans came from all over, as Duke is one of the most popular teams in college basketball. Houston started out with an 8-0 run, and looked dominant, until an unfortunate 4-degree ankle sprain injury to Houston’s All-American point guard Jamal Snead, in the first half with 6:38 remaining, with Houston leading 16-10 at the time. After Snead left, the Duke Blue Devils saw and took the opportunity – Duke went into halftime with a 1-point lead. Houston’s defense kept the game close in the second half but looked lost at times without Snead on the floor, the result being a Duke 54-51 victory. The evening’s results set up an all-ACC Elite Eight game on Easter Sunday, March 31st. Houston’s loss had me wondering how the atmosphere and attendance would be for the Elite Eight game. Usually the higher seed fans, such as Houston in this case, leave town after the loss, meaning a less than filled arena for the next game. However, the NC State fans returned, the Duke fans multiplied, and other fans who just wanted to see a great matchup showed up; all three groups combined to come out and fill the arena. In fact, according to one source this game was the most watched Elite Eight game in the past 5 years. The teams put on a display of talent and heart during the game. Duke took the first half lead 27-21, after keeping NC State’s DJ Burns on the bench with early foul trouble. The second half was the DJ Burns, DJ Horne, and Wolfpack show, however, as the Wolfpack offense seemed to score at will, while the defense made stop after stop and forced Duke’s star Kyle Filipowski to foul out of the game. NC State’s Cinderella story thus continued, as NC State knocked off Duke 76-64. NC State’s storied run in this year’s tournament is drawing comparisons to one their own greatest March Madness runs, when the 1983 NC State Wolfpack won the National Championship against Houston’s Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon’s phi slamma jamma squad, which is the last time an NC State team has gone to the Final Four. The road ends this weekend in Phoenix’s State Farm Stadium ; the Dallas winner is scheduled to play the Midwest region top seed Purdue Boilermakers from the Big Ten Conference, while the other game will be top ranked Connecticut  vs Alabama . Will NC State’s Cinderella story continue? I, myself, can only hope after watching them in Dallas – the odds are against them, but then again, the NCAA tournament is called March Madness for a reason.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gainbridge Fieldhouse 125 S Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 Indiana Pacers website Gainbridge Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,165 Indiana Boys Basketball State Championship The IHSAA Boys Basketball State Championship Tournament is one the nation’s most prestigious and highly attended high school tournaments that creates the fame Hoosier Hysteria annually. The first tournament was held in 1911 in Bloomington but has been a mainstay in Indianapolis for most of its history, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse since the dawn of the century in 2000. Since 1997, the tournament has been broken into four seeds (A, 2A, 3A, and 4A based on school size) which has created a heated debate on whether or not the state should return to one seed. There are pros and cons for both sides, but every March four high schools in the state are crowned champions with the same pomp and circumstance that other state champions preceded. The tournament is still one of the most highly anticipated interscholastic boys' basketball tournaments in the United States and perhaps the planet and records\ attendance figures continue to pack the BLF to cheer on their hometown team to victory. It is an experience that is headed and above other state basketball tournaments in the other 49. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage options have been updated at the fieldhouse and include new and familiar options. The Warehouse District BBQ and Three Point Taqueria are two options that offer fans something different at the game. The Indiana Kitchen offers lemon pepper and honey glazed chicken wings, short rib poutine, and maple bourbon sticks. If you are looking for familiar options then Fieldhouse Favorites has you covered. Hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, pizza, burgers, pretzels, and Pepsi products are all available. There is a value menu that features $4 hot dogs, $3 popcorn, and $8 PBR and Coors Banquet cans. A unique sweet treat is served at the Steak 'n Shake Milkshake Bar which offers cotton candy, mega M&M, and crazy chocolate brownie flavors. The Fast Break Market sells grab-and-go beverages and snacks. A nacho cart offers an array of toppings and Ben's Pretzels has long lines for freshly, made baked pretzels. The Crossroads Eats sells gourmet hot dogs. The Yuengling Flight Deck and the Jim Beam Bar offer beers, wine, and cocktails. It also has various TV screens and views of the playing court. Atmosphere 4 A state tournament game in Indiana is quite unlike any other experience you'll find in the 49 other states. With that being said, it can be a little bit daunting in an NBA-size arena to host a state championship, but surprisingly it works well, attendance figures are usually around 15,000 fans per game and most of the lower bowl seating area is full, especially for the last game of the night which pits the two largest schools in the state in terms of size and enrollment. There is a lot of unity at both ends of the seating Bowl with team colors being the norm for both participants. If it's a back-and-forth game you are bound to hear quite a bit of cheering, but if one team is searching for a late-game comeback that noise can be somewhat deafening from its fans. There is usually a student section that provides its brand of cheering throughout the contest. Bankers Life Fieldhouse itself is an exceptional place to watch a professional game as much as it is to watch a Collegiate and interscholastic game as well. The IHSAA logo is proudly displayed at Center Court and after each victory, a Podium is quickly set up we're both second place, and first-place medals are presented to each member of the team. This all cultivates with the presentation of the championship trophy to the victors. Neighborhood 5 The fieldhouse is in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and even closer to retail and restaurants than Lucas Oil Stadium down the street. The only problem is choosing which place to grab a drink or eat before or after the game. Located near the arena is the local favorite Kilroy’s Bar and Grill offers 40 flat-screen televisions, shuffleboard, video games, and their famous pepperoni stuffed breadsticks. Another fan favorite, Brother’s Bar & Grill, is a short walk and is another popular destination before or after the game. A few more favorite spots after the game that are near the fieldhouse are District Tap, Tequila Street Cantina, and Pier 48 Fish House & Oyster Bar. If you have some time in town I would recommend visiting the neighborhoods of Mass Ave. and Fountain Square where one can enjoy live music, craft beer, fine dining, and a little shopping at local retail shops. Mass Ave. is also home to the Bottlework District which recently opened and houses The Garage where multiple food and drink vendors offer an array of culinary treasures. Downtown Indy is also safe, clean, and easy to get around by car, foot, or mass transit. Local museums include The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indiana State Museum, and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The riverwalk canal is also a nice spot for a stroll on a warm spring day. Fans 4 Fans far and wide travel to Indianapolis annually to root for their hometown team and it doesn't matter that they have to trek through snowy conditions, such as was the day of this final, or soggy weather. Even the smallest of schools make their presence felt, especially from the southern portion of the state where basketball is still a way of life. Fans usually congregate on opposite sides of the court and are loyal to school colors sharing every single point, south, or timeout made throughout the game with both cheers and jeers. The student sections themselves widely differ for each game, but still, lend their presence in the building. Access 4 The arena is easily accessible from the major interstates of 70, 65, and 465 with parking abundant throughout the downtown vicinity. After the game, leaving these facilities takes a little know-how of the one-way streets of Indianapolis, but signs are posted that direct customers to their desired route back home. Traffic moves smoothly during this time as well, as there are officers who are stationed to keep cars moving. The same can be said for moving around the building during the game. Bathrooms, entrances, and seating areas are well-marked. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to the state championship games are only $15 per person. The concession prices are varied and in line with venues of its kind. If your alma mater is playing for the state's grand prize, there is nothing like being there in person to root for these young heroes on the court. Alumni, student cheer blocks, cheerleaders, and mascots all up the ante during the games. You might even see a few major college coaches checking out future Divison I stars. Parking ranges from $10-$20 the closer you arrive to the fieldhouse. There are multiple parking lots and garages within a few blocks of the building. Meters in the heart of the downtown area operate from 7 am to 9 pm and charge $1.50 per hour. If you are somewhat frugal like me, there is free street parking in the Fountain Square District 15-20 minute walk to the arena. Extras 4 There is nothing quite like watching basketball in a small high school gymnasium, but the game works surprisingly well in the much larger, modern facility that is the Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The building itself provides wonderful aesthetics that begin in the main lobby and continue with vintage advertisements painted on brick walls. The collection of memorabilia showcases the building as a basketball-first facility. There is an impressive array of items from former professional clubs from the city, local high schools, and the major universities and colleges in the state. A great location near many bars, restaurants, and a few shops. The area is well-lit, clean, and safe. If you enjoy walking, explore downtown on foot. Final Thoughts Following the high school state tournament in Indiana can be quite the experience beginning with regional play, followed by sectional action, moving on to semi-state games, and then finally the state championships in Indianapolis. It is one of the oldest and still one of the best high school tournaments in the country; it's safe to say that Hoosier Hysteria is alive and well and still going strong. —— 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 Foley Field 1 Rutherford St Athens, GA 30602 Georgia Bulldogs website Foley Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 3,291 Glory, Glory to Old Georgia Established in 1886, baseball holds the distinction of being the oldest sport played at the University of Georgia, the country’s oldest public university. Initially games took place at Herty Field situated along Lumpkin Street on the western edge of the campus, but before the university joined the Southeastern Conference, Georgia baseball relocated to Samford Field, the focal point of university athletics, where they shared the space with football , who called the field home in the fall. The baseball Bulldogs remained at Samford Field for 31 years before transitioning through various fields in the Ag Hill area of campus. In 1966, however, the Diamond Dogs would finally find a permanent home at Foley Field, named in honor of Judge Frank Foley, who was a member of the 1908 Southern Conference championship team and a lifelong supporter of UGA athletics. As a founding member of the SEC, the Bulldogs have clinched seven SEC championships, including the conference’s inaugural baseball title. They also boast 15 NCAA tournament appearances, with five trips to the College World Series in Omaha and an NCAA championship title in 1990. In many southern states, college baseball might rank second only to football in popularity among men’s sports. However, despite well-rounded support for all of Georgia’s athletic programs, the Diamond Dogs do get a large amount of support from the UGA faithful.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Foley Field may not offer an extensive array of options, but they provide a variety of items at very reasonable prices. You will find the usual baseball game fare, such as popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, and personal-sized pizzas, but can also find combo meals featuring burgers or chicken sandwiches. Given Coca-Cola's presence in Atlanta, it's no surprise that Coke products are the soft drink provider on Georgia’s campus, although for a unique Southern treat, boiled peanuts are also on offer. Recently, BBQ sandwiches from Georgia-based Williamson Bros. have been added to the menu. The main concession stands operate on a grab-and-go basis, eliminating the need to place orders; simply grab what you want and take it to the cashier. In addition to domestic beers, the concession stands at Foley Field offer premium craft beers from Athens local brewery, Creature Comforts, along with High Noon seltzers.   Atmosphere   3 Foley Field underwent significant renovations before the 2015 season, including enhancements to the front entry point, press box, upper and field level suites, and right field seating. The upgrades also gave the exterior a rather modern feel with the use of large, curved windows and a metallic-type finish. The exterior of Foley Field also nicely complements the nearby Stegman Coliseum . The stadium feels like it is part of the surrounding neighborhood, so much so that the limbs of the trees outside Foley Field creep over the upper rows of seats down the right field line, providing just a bit of shade for the uncovered seating area – this is a welcome relief since the stadium does not have much of an overhang to provide shade. When it comes to seating there are several different options; Foley Field’s seating ranges from club and suite seating to reserved and general admission seats in the grandstand. Note that the Garden Club Terrace seats in right field get fans into the stadium, but lack access to much of what the rest of the stadium has to offer – fans with tickets in these seats are sequestered in right field, unable to access the grandstand. In what seems to be becoming more of a rarity in college baseball, Foley Field boasts a fully grass playing surface, including the home plate halo, which is typically synthetic in college baseball. The natural grass is complemented by evergreen trees beyond the outfield wall. The main scoreboard at Foley Field provides fans with more than just the score; the HD-scoreboard displays a full rundown of both hitter and pitcher statistics, team lineups, and pitch speeds and exit velocities. For those seated in the right field pavilion, a basic scoreboard attached perpendicularly to the main scoreboard offers run, inning, and ball-strike-out information. Throughout the game, the UGA baseball marketing crew hosts games between innings, consistent with what one might see at typical minor league baseball games. Among the crowd favorites is a race featuring a milkshake, peach, peanut, and baseball. While the atmosphere at Foley Field is lively, given its full capacity, one might expect a more constant buzz in the air.   Neighborhood   5 Foley Field is situated on the outskirts of Georgia’s campus, bordered by residential housing, an elementary school off-campus, and several other UGA athletic facilities. Across East Rutherford Street from Foley Field are Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, housing the football  command center, and Payne Indoor Athletic Facility – in the backdrop behind center field sits Dan Magill Tennis Complex, while Stegman Coliseum , home to Georgia basketball and gymnastics, can be seen beyond the left field fence. The bar and entertainment district on Broad Street in Athens is located just over a mile from Foley Field. With its high concentration of bars and restaurants downtown, along with the charm of the area, Athens is commonly recognized as one of the top college towns in America. A bit closer to Foley Field, Lumpkin Street has its own cluster of restaurants within walking distance – Cuban eatery Cali & Tito’s is worth a visit if looking for a bite to eat before heading to the game.   Fans   4 Georgia sports fans are known for their unwavering dedication to the Dawgs, regardless of the sport; if it involves UGA in any capacity, Georgia fans will rally behind it. However, while this fervor is deeply rooted in their passion for football , evident from the multitude of Georgia football jerseys and t-shirts seen at baseball games, it extends to all sports. Fans are responsive to calls to make noise and engage in each pitch of a crucial at-bat, "oooh" and "ahhh" for each swing and check swing from their big bats, and voice their displeasure at close calls not favoring the Dawgs, much like any devoted fan base would. However, where Georgia fans truly shine is in their embrace of the songs and traditions synonymous with Bulldog fandom. Fans of the Georgia Bulldogs are known for their passionate embrace of traditions and cheers. Much as Alabama  fans use “Roll Tide” as a greeting, the same is true for Georgia fans and their use of “Go Dawgs!”, ether the iconic chants of " Goooooo Georgia Bulldogs ! " or synchronized clapping to " Glory, Glory ". In addition, one of the newest traditions, occurring between the 8th and 9th innings, involves fans illuminating Foley Field with their phone flashlights during the " Krypton Fanfare " as the game moves to the final inning. Despite Foley Field being the smallest stadium in the SEC, Dawgs fans consistently fill the seats, creating a lively atmosphere; most SEC conference games are sold out or have limited seating options. Fan support for baseball also extends beyond the stadium to the houses atop the hill just beyond the right field fence, affectionately known as “Kudzu Hill”. These houses serve as gathering points for students and alumni, offering a unique game experience. Among them "The Green House" stands out, notorious for making things difficult for the visiting team's right fielder and creating a lively college atmosphere. Foley Field, though, does seem to lack the energetic atmosphere one would expect from its large student attendance. While students make up a significant part of the crowd, their impact on the game's atmosphere is somewhat subdued – the most supportive group of students, "The Spike Squad", recognizable by the spiked shoulder armor often seen at Georgia football  games, adds to the college game experience by trying to rally the Dawgs to victory. Despite occasional ups-and-downs with on-field performance, Foley Field consistently draws fervent fans eager to support their Bulldogs.   Access   3 Getting to Athens from the Metro Atlanta area on a weekday can be quite a test of patience; despite the relatively short 70-mile distance, the journey for a Tuesday or Friday game can take close to two-and-a-half hours for those coming from Atlanta. The most direct route is Interstate-85 to Georgia 316, which leads directly to Athens, while those coming from the north on I-85 may encounter slightly less traffic passing through Jefferson – accessing Athens from the east is most convenient via I-20 to US-441N. Parking for Foley Field is primarily located in the lot and parking deck behind the left field wall. While this surface lot is decently sized, it tends to fill up quickly. The Carlton Street parking garage is billed as free parking, but make sure to check signs for any parking restrictions. Be forewarned, however, that while parking spots behind left field might appear attractive, they are in a batting practice danger zone, as many home run balls find their way into the parking lot on the fly. Foley Field has three main entry points: the home plate gates and a gate along the third baseline provide access to the grandstand, while a right field gate leads to a small section of bleacher seating in the Garden Club Terrace. Remember that fans with tickets for outfield seats may find themselves sequestered in that area, which can be restrictive. Additionally, navigating the main concourse can be challenging, as the entry points to the field concourse only extend to the home plate side of each dugout, leading to congestion when accessing seats behind the dugouts or down the left field line. Overall, while getting to and around Foley Field is not overly difficult, it is just a bit more challenging than might be expected.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to games at Foley Field offer reasonable pricing – tickets in the right field pavilion start at $5 for non-conference games and $8 for conference games and matchups against rivals like Georgia Tech  and Clemson , while seats along the left field line are priced at $20 for conference games. However, grandstand tickets are not readily available directly through UGA, unless purchased as soon as they go on sale in February. The best option for purchasing grandstand tickets would be through the secondary market, but they can be fairly pricey. Due to the seating limitations at Foley Field, tickets tend to sell out quickly, leaving sections in right field or down the left field line as the only options from the athletic department, if your visit is not planned well in advance.   Extras   3 Georgia does a good job at keeping the traditions of college athletics as the focal point of the experience – while the chants, cheers, and songs are kept at the forefront during all of UGA’s athletic competitions, baseball is no exception. In doing so, this creates a baseball experience that is unique to the college game. The outfield wall recognizes the on-field success of the Bulldogs throughout the years – included are the Dawgs’ seven SEC championships, six College World Series appearances, and their 1990 National Championship. In addition, the internal concourse looks at the individuals who helped write the history of University of Georgia baseball, from the stories of James “Big Jim” Wheatley and Spurgeon Chandler to the courageous stories of Jonathan Taylor and Chance Veazey.   Final Thoughts It can be difficult to compare Georgia’s baseball experience to some of the heavyweights of college baseball, simply because the gameday experience at those schools is nearly off the charts. What Georgia lacks when it comes to some of the fan amenities and spaces, however, it makes up for in the beloved traditions of the university that make it so special for alumni and others from around the state. By the start of the 2025 season, Foley Field’s grandstand will see upgrades along the left field line to include player development facilities, coaches' offices, premium seating, and a revamped entry point – these upgrades should go a long way in helping Georgia baseball catch up with the rest of the conference, which should also help in securing UGA’s spot in national college baseball relevance. Rendering courtesy of the University of Georgia Athletics

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 RGCU Field at Isotopes Park 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Map It Albuquerque Isotopes website RGCU Field at Isotopes Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,279 Duke City Baseball Disclaimer: This is NOT a review of the Springfield Isotopes at Duff Stadium. For that, check this link. Albuquerque, NM (nicknamed the Duke City) has a long history of basebal l, beginning as far back as 1880, with teams playing in various B, C, and D leagues until the mid-1950s.  Most teams were known as ‘The Dukes . '  In 1964, the Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the existing team and moved them from the aging Tingley Field to the Albuquerque Sports Stadium.  The team remained the Dodgers affiliate until the end of the 2000 season. In May 2001, city voters approved a $25 million renovation of the existing stadium.  Construction crews razed and completely rebuilt Albuquerque Sports Stadium on the same site.  Business individuals purchased the floundering Calgary Cannons and moved that team to Albuquerque for the 2003 season as the Albuquerque Isotopes (affiliates of the Miami Marlins).  The owners named the new venue Isotopes Park.  The Isotopes again became affiliates of the Dodgers from 2009 – 2014.  In 2015, the team became the AAA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies when that team moved from Colorado Springs, CO. They are a member of the Pacific Coast League (PCL). Isotopes Park, officially known as Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park (RGCU Field), is nicknamed ‘The Lab,’ as an isotope is a science-related term.  It is a top-notch stadium to watch minor league baseball. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark offers a decent variety of food.  Permanent concession stands and carts line the inner concourse.  Fans can carry one sealed bottle of water into the stadium. Permanent concession stands are: Batter Up! (burgers, chicken baskets, fries, nachos, flatbread, etc.) Pecos River Café (a variety of hot dog choices, Frito pie, etc.) Dions Pizza (pizza, salad, and more) Sante Fe Trail (green and red chile offerings, Hawaiian turkey leg, elotes, etc.) The Sweet Spot (ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, etc.) Black Angus – Perico’s (New Mexican fare)  All kinds of kiosks line the concourse offering Dippin’ Dots, pickles, snow cones, green chili and Philly, Bananas Foster, wild game sausages, noodles, beer, mixed drinks, and vodka lemonade.  Most stands offer domestic beers and Pepsi brand sodas (beer $13.50 - $14.25, soda $6.50).  Craft Corner is a beer garden near the right field foul pole that sells several local New Mexico brews on tap. The concourse provides some drink rails to pause and watch the game.  The stadium could use a few  more of them for those who like to wander. Atmosphere 4 The Isotopes organization does most things extremely well, starting with their friendly, helpful staff, the gorgeous mountain view beyond right field , and th e superb public address announcer.  Green fold-down seats run from foul pole to foul pole, with berm seating in right field and a picnic pavilion in left field.  The sea ts in the high rows behind home and third base get the shade first for day games.  The first base side seating does not get any shade and is in the sun for the entirety of da y games. The Isotope dugout is on the third base side.  Nets run all the way down to just before the foul poles and are relatively easy to see through.  The only place to watch the game net-free is the berm in right field or the group picnic pavilion above the bullpens in left field.  The team installed a new scoreboard in late 2022, which measures nearly 35 feet high by 110 feet wide and features a 15HD pixel layout.  It’s one of the largest in the Pacific Coast League.  It portrays a wide variety of statistics:  the lineup for the team at bat, player at bat and photo, player season stats and previous innings results, pitcher information, time, temperature, and plenty of advertisements.  Sadly, I didn’t notice any closed captioning, which the previous scoreboard offered. For the 2024 season, the team purchased two new LED auxiliary scoreboards which are situated along the Club level façade on both the first and third base sides of the ballpark.  TV monitors, just inside the first and third base entrances, list the starting lineups. The announcer’s voice is clear and loud, and it is especially helpful that music is not played over her calls.  The team game day operation does a really nice job with that.  More team organizations should take notice of how the Isotopes do it here.  The batter’s eye is unusual – a cluster of live pine trees - rather than the traditional green wall.  Prior to the 2023 season, the organization had to remove the iconic center field ‘hill.’  The Isotopes did this at the request of Major League Baseball and the Colorado Rockies. Isotopes Park with Hill, Without Hill, Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The one thing that could improve the atmosphere is reducing the annoying noise snippets or songs between each and every single pitc h when the Isotopes are at bat.  I t’s not loud, but it’s certainly irritating.  It is more of a pleasure watching the visiting team bat because that doesn’t happen.  Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits adjacent to Central New Mexico College and the University of New Mexico (UNM) and across the street from The Pit and other UNM Lobo sports venues.   It is a mile from the Nob Hill neighborhood, a vibrant area full of brewpubs, eateries, taquerias, pizzerias, local boutiques, and small art galleries.  Sounds from music bars fill the late-night air in this neighborhood.  For breakfast, try Frontier.  A hidden gem for Korean food is Soo Bak Seoul Bowl.  For authentic, tasty New Mexico flare, visit Cocina Azul – even the rice and beans are yummy.  Unbeknownst to the rest of the country, Albuquerque is a hopping local brewery town.   Recommended breweries close to Isotopes Park (though not necessarily within walking distance)  are 377 Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, and Marble Brewery.  But there are plenty more to visit. Things to see and do while in Albuquerque include Sandia Peak Tramway, Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument, ABQ Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and, of course, a ride in a hot air balloon. For places to stay when in town, plenty of hotels are available at the intersection of Gibson Blvd and Yale Blvd (about a mile from the park), ranging from La Quinta to Marriott brands to Holiday Inns, many with shuttles to and from the airport.  During baseball season, other sports in the area include New Mexico United (USL-C), and NM Lobos baseball and softball. Fans 3 Fans continue to come out in droves to visit Isotopes Park, especially on promotion days.  The Mariachis de Nuevo México promotion days g et near-sellout  crowds.  In 2023, the cumulative attendance total of 521,521 was the fifth most in all minor league baseball.  Because of the history with the Dodgers, attend when the team plays the OKC Dodgers , and you’ll see many Dodger fans in attendance.   Fans enjoy the game and the festivities at the ballpark. Access 4 Approaching and traversing Isotopes Park is relatively easy.  It is just a block off I-25 with plenty of nearby parking ($7) across the intersection.  Visitors or residents of Albuquerque may find it just as easy to get to via side streets versus getting on the interstate. Bus Route 16 drops fans off at the ballpark.  An Amtrak Station is about 2 miles from Isotopes Park.   The closest airport is the Albuquerque Sunport Airport, about a 5-minute drive to the ballpark.   The gates open an hour before the first pitch.   Three entrances are available, with the one behind home used only for those with club or VIP tickets.   Fans are required to use clear plastic bags, no backpacks.  The concourse gets quite crowded behind home plate but opens up nicely down the lines.  Patrons can walk the entire concourse circumference.   Fans must cross a small bridge to complete the circle (fans afraid of heights and such things may find this difficult). Re-entry is not permitted. Local law officials do a fantastic job moving cars out of the parking lots after the game.  All restrooms have baby changing tables.  The stadium has family restrooms on the first base and third base concourse and the Club level. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices vary : Club level $28 - $33, Box level $18 - $23, Reserved level $16 - $21, Berm $10 - $13 (sold on game day only).  Save $4 and purchase tickets in advance.  Kids (ages 2 to 12), seniors (65+), and military get $2 off.  Add an additional $5 for Cinco de Mayo game day tickets.  These prices are lower than some AAA teams and higher than others.   Buying tickets in advance and attending on weekdays wil l get you l ower prices.  Concession prices are about average as well.  And, if attending on a promotion day, fans may leave with a little goodie or see fireworks or mariachi.  It’s a fun time here.   Attending a game is a great sports entertainment investment. Extras 4 Some other items are worth noting.  A Hall of Fame is inside the entry to the Club level.  It displays plaques and trophies of notable Albuquerque sports individuals.  Unfortunately, it is only available for those w ith Club level tickets. The remarkable Sandia Mountain view is one your eyes will be drawn to throughout the game.  The history of the team’s name is unique.   It comes from the TV series The Simpsons in which Homer Simpson attempts to foil the fictional “Springfield Isotopes” baseball team’s plan to move to Albuquerque.  The concourse at Isotopes Park features four of The Simpson’s  characters to tie in the theme. The Isotopes installed a new LED lighting system for the 2024 season.  The lights strobe white and red after an Isotopes player hits a home run.   It’s pretty cool.  New murals have been painted along the concourse wall and include several references to Albuquerque and New Mexico.  Final Thoughts Isotopes Park is an amazing venue to take in a ballgame. The view is spectacular, the prices are reasonable, and the entertainment is enjoyable.  It’s close to the airport, so if in the Southwest, make a special trip to Isotopes Park.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1 AMB Drive Atlanta, GA 30313 SheBelieves Cup website Mercedes-Benz Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 42,500 Mercedes-Benz Stadium – SheBelieves Cup The SheBelieves movement was launched in the months leading up to the United States Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) 2015 World Cup victory, a team that may have cemented U.S. women’s soccer as the elite team in international play. It was this team that many feel launched the USWNT into prominence as the face of female empowerment  in the world of sports. The goal of the SheBelieves movement is to “inspire new generations of young girls and women to be better and strive for better”. It also strives to encourage “young girls to carve their own path” and “empower girls to reach their dreams”. United States Women’s National Team veteran forward Alex Morgan calls herself fortunate to play in the SheBelieves Cup, where she can empower the next generation. Those comments were also reflected by National Team newcomer Jaedyn Shaw, who recollects being inspired by the US team at the 2020 SheBelieves Cup in her hometown of Frisco, Texas. Considered an international friendly, the SheBelieves Cup results have the least impact on a country’s FIFA world ranking.   Food & Beverage   5 When Mercedes-Benz Stadium initially opened, a priority was put on providing fans with a wide variety of concessions at the lowest prices possible. $20 can get fans all the following: a chicken tender basket with fries, a hot dog, a slice of pizza, pretzel, bag of popcorn, nachos with cheese, and a refillable Coca-Cola product. Wanting a bit more? Getting just a beer and hot dog will only set you back $7. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also gives fans what seems like an endless selection of high-end food options – there are nearly 35 different concession stands, and more than 25 bars throughout; choices run the gamut from Asian, BBQ, Jamaican, specialty burgers, pizza, and even vegan options, just to name a few. In addition, fans have the chance to experience several local and regional eateries all in one place – this includes Southern-Korean-Mexican infusion dishes at SO:KO:ME, Williamson Brothers BBQ, burgers from the legendary Holman & Finch and Farm Burger, and Papi’s Cuban Grill. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also recently partnered with Atlanta brewery Sweet Water Brewing Company, not just to sell Sweet Water products but also to establish two bars around the stadium, one located at the 100 entry level and a second on the upper 300 level. In addition, as part of the branding of the SheBelieves Cup, US Soccer has partnered with Truly hard seltzer for their product to be sold in SheBelieves Cup-designed cans. It would be difficult to ask for more when it comes to stadium concessions; Mercedes-Benz Stadium delivers on both by providing a wide variety of options at extremely reasonable prices.   Atmosphere   4 With the popularity of soccer and the United States Women’s National Team being at an all-time high, the ability to fill a venue the size of Mercedes-Benz Stadium creates an exquisite atmosphere for an international event such as the Shebelieves Cup. Mercedes-Benz Stadium uses a series of overlapping triangles to create a modern feel, while complementing the eight-panel roof that can rotate open to become an open-air stadium (although the roof typically remains closed). Within the roof structure, the facing of its opening is used for the halo board that serves at the stadium’s scoreboard, and also provides an in-match video feed of the game that highlights fans and add other bits of entertainment around the concourse. Stadium architect HOK designed the stadium with a 16-story front window that serves as a “window into the city”, putting Atlanta’s skyline prominently on display, and the glass construction does just that – the eastern side of the building serves as the front door to the facility and gives fans amazing views of the area. As prescribed by international soccer standards, natural grass is installed for the SheBelieves Cup rather than playing on the synthetic sport turf that is standard in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The nature and flow of a soccer match doesn’t really lend itself to mid-match entertainment, but during half time and in the time between matches, the in-house DJ plays popular hits as fans, mostly the younger fans in attendance, dance on the “dance cam” of the halo board. The time is also used to feature pieces highlighting the SheBelieves Cup’s mission of inspiring young girls to envision their greatest imaginable life goals, and dream of realizing them. One of the issues with hosting two matches at this cup is that attendance takes a significant hit during the match which doesn’t involve the United States – it does seem rather counter-intuitive to have the US team play first, making the first match sort of the main event, leaving the stadium virtually empty for the second match. Despite the second match in such a large stadium having much of the energy sucked out of it, supporters of the remaining international teams are still every bit as passionate in cheering for the soccer heroes and legends of their home nation.   Neighborhood   5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in the heart of downtown Atlanta, sits just to the west of State Farm Arena . The area is thriving with points of interest and entertainment; a short walk from the facility’s front entrance are Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the United States. Directly across from the aquarium is the World of Coca-Cola, a museum dedicated to telling the history the Atlanta founded soft-drink company. Given Atlanta’s role in the fight for civil rights, several points around the city pay honor to the struggle – the National Museum of Civil and Human Rights is on the northernmost edge of the park. Also, in the nearby Sweet Auburn neighborhood visitors can find the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, Dr. King’s birthplace, and the Ebenezer Street Baptist Church. The area just outside the gates of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is currently undergoing a makeover, as the area known as “The Gultch” is being transformed into the $5 billion development known as “Centennial Yards”. With a projected completion date of 2028, two-thirds of the buildings will be ready in time for when the World Cup comes to Atlanta in 2026, and the rest will be under construction by that time   Fans   5 When it comes to supporting your country, there is a level of pride and collectivism that brings communities together. The pride in our country, and the Women’s National Team that represents it, comes with an elevated sense of fandom. Soccer fans might be some of the most diverse and inclusionary of any of the major sports. What tends to be refreshing about fans of the USWNT is they are extremely supportive of team members, with a great deal of that support coming from the demographic that is the future of women’s soccer in the United States. A stadium with more than 50,000 fans holds their collective breath as the ball enters the penalty area, waiting to exhale and react depending on the outcome of the try. Fans also release a stadium-wide gasp for a ball that sails just wide of the goal, or erupt into celebration when the ball finds the back of the net. The United States National Team supporters, dubbed the “ American Outlaws ”, definitely are a supportive bunch, often starting up and leading many of the chants throughout the match. Their chants and drum beating throughout helps to add to the festive atmosphere of international soccer. The attendance of 50,644 for the 2024 semi-finals of the SheBelives Cup set a record for the largest attendance for a US women’s soccer friendly on US soil in history – Atlanta has proven that the American version of football is not the only one of interest in the city and its surrounding communities. Access 4 With Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s location in downtown Atlanta, it can create some hurdles getting to the area. In a city of this size, events here can be just one of several events happening around Atlanta that day.  Also, adding to the challenge is that there is only so much parking available at the stadium, and it can get expensive. Given these challenges, using Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, might make the most sense - the availability of MARTA at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport even gives fans flying to Atlanta the flexibility of not needing a vehicle to enjoy the attractions in Downtown Atlanta. Bottom line is when bringing so many people to one location, inevitably it will create some headaches that require a bit of patience to deal with.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets for the semi-finals give fans access to two matches and start at $40, but once Ticketmaster fees are applied the base ticket price jumps to nearly $60. For two matches this is a good deal, but it is disappointing that ticket prices get so inflated with fees. The best bet might be to look on the secondary market, where prices tend to be slightly lower than the face value. Parking in the area can get a bit pricy, adding to the cost. General lots around the stadium can run as much as $60 per car, with some discounted to $30. If you are willing to walk a bit, spaces around Centennial Olympic Park can be had for closer to $20, however. One source of financial relief can be found at the concession stands, which have a designated menu of highly affordable options. Each fan can probably have enough food to keep them full for under $20.   Extras   5 In the weeks following the SheBelieves Cup finals, the USWNT hosts the SheBelieves Summit , which is designed to provide college students and young professionals with both networking opportunities and access to panel discussions, to help positively shape their careers. The importance of what the SheBelieves Cup represents for the youngest fans of the USWNT is not lost on the players. Many players discuss the impact the event has in encouraging young women and girls to reach their dreams, athletic or otherwise. The concourse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium does a good job of establishing a stadium feel that doesn’t make it feel like soccer is just being shoehorned into a football stadium  – a series of soccer-specific displays and promotional features give fans the feeling that soccer has a home in this facility. The excitement created by the American Outlaws goes a long way in creating a fun, international soccer atmosphere throughout the stadium. In December of 2023, the United States Soccer Federation announced they would be moving  U.S. Soccer’s training center to the community of Fayetteville, just south of Atlanta. In doing so, US Soccer is establishing roots in metropolitan Atlanta that will reach further than just the south Atlanta metropolitan area; an official groundbreaking occurred in April 2024, with the completion of Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center slated for 2026, in time for the World Cup coming to the city.   Final Thoughts The chance for fans young and old to cheer on long time USWNT heroes Alex Morgan, Mallory (Pugh) Swanson, and Lindsey Horan, as well as the heroes of tomorrow in Jaedyn Shaw, Olivia Moultrie, and Sophia Smith, is an opportunity that can create everlasting memories for the youngest of fans. In addition, the experience of witnessing some of the top athletes in the word, while representing the soil on which they play, is an extremely special experience that can be difficult to turn down, even for the casual soccer fan.