Danville & Burlington are joining the Old North State League, but don't worry they are not leaving the Appalachian League. The two new teams will be owned and operated by Knuckleball Entertainment, who own the Burlington Sock Puppets and Danville Otterbots of the Appy League. They will play a partial schedule this season. Ryan Keur, Knuckleball Entertainment owner, and Alec Allred, CEO of the Players League, began talk of expanding into the Burlington and Danville markets over a year ago. Allred was the co-founder of the ONSL before moving on to The Players League last year. “Ryan approached me in November or December with the idea, and we all loved it! Burlington and Danville are great baseball cities, and we can't wait to be a part of their communities. Ryan is an incredible operator, and we know he will add much value to the Old North State League.” The new teams will call Burlington Athletic Stadium and Dan Daniel Memorial Park home. Sock Puppets GM Anderson Rathbun sees it as an opportunity as an avenue to further that mission and be able to give twice the amount of athletes the experience that we have been able to provide athletes these first three seasons as the Sock Puppets. “We are always exploring avenues that allow us the opportunity to activate our stadium in a fan-centered, entertainment-focused way. The way the Sock Puppets schedule broke out with a few open weekends and the Old North State League looking to expand into new markets, it was a perfect fit. We see this as an incredible opportunity to try new things that will stimulate the stadium atmosphere and elevate the energy fans will experience when they watch a baseball game here in Sockville.” The two new teams will announce their names in the next few weeks. They will play a part-time schedule of 13 games and won't be eligible for the ONSL championship. The plan is to transfer to full-time and beyond next season. According to Allred, this was due to finalizing everything between the two sides late in the year. “The Old North State League had already announced the schedule, and the by-laws were finalized. So we all felt that the best way forward was to go ahead and insert them into the infrastructure and operations and give them league opponents to play in 2024 without the ability to compete for a championship this first year.” The new teams will be separate entities from the Puppets and Otters, who will play their 24-game schedule in the Appy League. Danville will release the new team's name on February 28, while Burlington will wait until March 7 to unveil their club's new name. "The addition of an Old North State League team here in Danville is a perfect fit for all involved," said Otterbots GM Austin Scher. "The members of our incredible fan base, which grows by the year, now have even more opportunities to enjoy affordable family fun and high-level baseball. Additionally, folks can look forward to some antics that have never before been seen at this ballpark. It's new. It's wild. It's different, and I think fans across the country will have a new favorite hat in baseball." The ONSL season will begin on May 18. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Red Auerbach Arena 415 South Street Waltham, MA 02453 Brandeis men's basketball website Red Auerbach Arena website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 2,500 Here Come the Judges Brandeis University is a private research university located in the Boston suburb of Waltham. Founded in 1948 as a Jewish-sponsored secular institution, it is named after Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish Justice of the Supreme Court. The school has a total enrollment of just under 6,000 students and is best known for its research, neuroscience, and economics programs. Brandeis has numerous notable alumni, including multiple Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners. The Judges (an appropriate nickname for the athletic squads considering that the school is named after a Supreme Court Justice) play at Red Auerbach Arena in the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center. The Boston Celtics used Brandeis as their preseason and practice facility from 1991-1999, and the Auerbach Arena remains a reminder of these days. The larger Gosman Center contains indoor training facilities for many of the school’s athletic teams. Eight Brandeis men’s basketball teams have qualified for the NCAA Division Three tournament, reaching the Elite Eight in 2008 and 2010. Four women’s teams have also played in the tournament. The program is notable for the fact that three former Boston Celtics (K.C. Jones, Bob Brannum, and Chris Ford) have served as head coaches for the Judges. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions sold at Brandeis basketball games. There are a pair of vending machines in the Gosman Center lobby, but neither one was operational during Stadium Journey’s visit. Fans are welcome to bring in their snacks to enjoy during the games. Atmosphere 2 The Red Auerbach Arena is located inside the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center, which also contains many of Brandeis’ athletic training and fitness facilities. The basketball court is placed in the middle of an indoor track and several tennis courts. Curtains are hung from the ceiling to eliminate the large open spaces beyond the basketball court and to create an arena setting. Despite the comfy enclosure, the court feels empty and cold. A scoreboard hangs at the center court which displays basic game information. There is no pep band, cheerleading squad, or dance team present at Brandeis games, and a meager turnout from the student body. While there is a good turnout from local fans and family members, any noise created by these fans is swallowed up by the vast emptiness of the facility. A highlight of a game at Red Auerbach Arena is the presence of the Brandeis mascot, a judge (who kind of looks like Carl from the movie Up), who wanders the court wearing a proper judicial robe and carrying a large gavel, which he uses to bonk the occasional fan on the head. There are portable speakers on the far side of the court that play music during play stoppages. The PA announcer goes about their work unobtrusively, avoiding the over-the-top antics so common today, even in smaller gymnasiums. Neighborhood 4 Waltham is a suburban city located 13 miles to the west of Boston. It was an early center for the labor movement in America and a focal location for the Industrial Revolution. Today the city has a population of 65,000 residents and is a center for research and higher education. Waltham was ranked as the 13th best place to live in America by Money Magazine. For visiting fans, nearby Moody Street contains a collection of international shops and restaurants, as well as the Embassy Cinema and Charles Riverwalk. The Waltham Tourism Council has an extensive listing of nearby food and lodging options. Of course, if visiting from out of town, you may be considering a trip to nearby Boston, where the list of options is nearly endless. Fans 2 A perusal of the box scores from Brandeis’ 2023-24 season shows the listed attendance at every home game to be exactly 175. Every game. All season. What a coincidence! Seriously, since Brandeis doesn’t charge admission, there’s no reason for an exact head count at their games. A look around the gym during Stadium Journey’s visit showed this number to be a pretty good estimate. The crowd at Judges games is certainly what we call here at Stadium Journey to be a “friends and family” type of crowd. Most of the fans in attendance seem to have a personal connection with the players on the court and are knowledgeable about the team and enthusiastic in their support. The fans in attendance make up for the lack of support from the student body. Surprisingly, despite the wide geographic footprint of the UAA, there was a big turnout of visiting fans during the day of Stadium Journey’s visit. Access 4 The Gosman Center is fairly easy to get to, especially by Boston standards. The campus is located in suburban Waltham, 13 miles to the west of downtown Boston. Located near the intersection of Interstates 95 (also known as Route 128) and 90 (the Mass Pike), the Brandeis campus is easy to find whether driving or accessing public transportation. The Brandeis/Roberts T station is under a half mile from the Gosman Center via the MBTA’s Fitchburg Commuter Rail. The 553 bus has a stop right outside the athletic complex. If visiting Brandeis on a weeknight, be sure to give yourself a little extra time to arrive no matter what your chosen transportation method. Red Auerbach Arena is located inside the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center, located alongside Brandeis’ other athletic facilities on the southeastern edge of campus. Fans will enter into a small, but bright lobby. The basketball court will be located to your right. Seating is on one side of the basketball court, consisting of molded plastic bleachers. Fans will enter at the top of the bleachers and walk down to their seats. There is some standing room at the top of the bleachers. Restrooms located in the lobby are small but clean. For fans who are interested in seeing where the Celtics used to practice, the Shapiro Gymnasium is down the hallway behind the bleachers. There are no signs that the Celtics ever played here except for Red Auerbach’s name on the court. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to Brandeis basketball games. During conference play, you can watch both the men's and women’s teams compete. That’s two games for the price of none! Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the Gosman Center, meaning you will not have to reach for your wallet even once when at a Judges basketball game. Extras 2 Banners hang inside Red Auerbach Arena honoring NCAA tournament appearances from all of Brandeis’ athletic teams. National Championship teams (1976 men’s soccer and 1983 men’s cross country) have their banners hanging over the seating area, along with Brandeis’ first basketball team to qualify for the NCAA tournament, in 1958. The Brandeis Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the hallway behind Red Auerbach Arena, adjacent to the Shapiro Gymnasium. The fact that the Boston Celtics used this facility as their practice facility from 1991-1999 and retains the name of NBA legendary coach and general manager Red Auerbach is worth an extra point. Final Thoughts Fans visiting Red Auerbach Arena expecting to get a history lesson about the Celtics teams who frequented the facility in the 90s will be disappointed, but it remains a solid, if unspectacular, place to catch some quality Division Three basketball. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Kia Center 400 W Church St Orlando, FL 32801 Orlando Solar Bears' website Kia Center website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 17,353 Hockey Night in Orlando The idea of hockey in Florida should no longer be a foreign one to sports fans – the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning have been in the league for several decades with their respective successes in the NHL. The ECHL also has several Florida teams, including the Orlando Solar Bears. Perhaps unfairly forgotten by most in the Central Florida sports landscape, this hidden gem provides a perfect opportunity to see some great hockey in an A-plus facility that won’t break the bank. In the last few years, Orlando’s sports revival has seen the stock of the Solar Bears experience rise exponentially, with fans packing the house on a nightly basis for Orlando hockey. Food & Beverage   4 The concessions at Kia Center are impressive. The home of the Solar Bears combines standard stadium concessions and local favorites with known brands from around the country. Among the popular spots are PDQ Chicken ($15.99-$19.99 for chicken tenders, $15.99 for chicken sandwiches) and Papa Johns ($10.99-$11.99 per personal pizza); local favorites come in the form of 4 Rivers BBQ ($15.99 for BBQ chicken nachos, pulled pork nachos, or carved turkey sandwiches) and Gringos Locos Tacos ($12.99-$15.99 for nachos, $6.99 for tacos). Stadium favorites like popcorn ($6.99), jumbo pretzels ($4.99), hot dogs (9.99), and even Brazilian meat bowls and burritos ($14.99) are available. Drinks include soda ($6.49-$7.99) and beer ($11.99-$13.99). Smaller food vendor carts are also scattered around the arena, including coffee stands and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. The downside of Solar Bears games is that some of these concessions may not be available at all games, as the upper level is closed off and some of the stands are only open when demand requires. Perhaps the coolest thing about the concessions at Kia Center, though, is the Ultra Club bar, an outdoor location that overlooks the downtown skyline, while also providing a beautiful gathering space for some fresh air, good drinks, and TVs that show the action inside. Another great spot is the Big Storm Brewing location on the event level near the main entrance – this bar and restaurant is open from 11 am to 7 pm on weekends, as well as during Kia Center events, and features its entrance to the arena for fans with tickets. Atmosphere   5 Kia Center is stunning; from the vibrant and colorful concourse lighting that extends to the main entrance lobby to the unique arrangement of the court’s flooring – everything here is visually beautiful. The arena looks like it is a new facility, not one that has been open for over seven years. The acoustics are also great, making the crowd roar loud and noticeable. Solar Bears seats are routinely full when it comes to ticket sales on the weekends, or for certain theme nights, meaning you have the feel of a big game depending on when you go. But perhaps the best thing is that Solar Bears games feel like they are a family affair; there are young fans at every game, and the team works to engage with younger fans like few others. The family-friendly atmosphere penetrates everything you see and do at Kia Center. Neighborhood   5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? Kia Center is steps away from Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years; with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City SC and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic, the City Beautiful loves sports. The immediate area around Kia Center includes suburbs to the west and the downtown city center to the east. There are tons of hotels nearby, and since the arena sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. Fans can easily stay at the Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, or the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown, and still walk to the arena with ease. For local restaurants, AC Sky Bar is one of the most popular sports bars in the Church Street area. Fans also visit Aku Aku Tiki Bar, World of Beer, and Tin & Taco, and if you want to see the sights, Lake Eola Park is just a few blocks away; this park is an Orlando landmark that is also home to a weekly farmer’s market on Saturday mornings. Being in Orlando you are also just a short drive from Walt Disney World, Sea World, and the Universal Studios theme parks. Fans   4 The fans who come to Orlando Solar Bear games are passionate, to say the least. Not only do they love their hockey team and cheer them on with fervor, but attendance has grown in recent years. A lot of fans can be seen sporting t-shirts and jerseys from the team, an impressive feat for any minor league or lower-division professional sports franchise working in the shadows of other, larger pro teams in the city. The disappointment here, however, is the closed upper level. While bigger games do draw larger fan totals, such as on opening night, themed nights, and during playoff games, your run-of-the-mill mid-week games only draw about half capacity, which can leave the arena looking bare in some places. Even during playoff games the upper-most deck of Amway Center is covered by large curtains. That said, the attendance has been growing as of late, which is encouraging for the Solar Bears and their quest to return to prominence. Access   5 How much easier can an arena be to get to? Driving on I-4 you pass within a few yards of Kia Center itself, so not finding the venue is quite arguably an impossibility. But if you do somehow get lost, signs all around downtown point the way to the facility, and both the South Street exit and the South Street Express Lanes exit drop you off right next to the arena. Also, when leaving there is an I-4 express lane entrance on South Street well. Once you get to Kia Center, the Geico Garage is your best option for parking, and the best part is that the garage connects to the arena through a sky bridge across the street. There are also numerous other parking options nearby in parking lots and garages in the area; the only downside of late is the continuing construction in and around the I-4 corridor throughout the greater Orlando area. Return on Investment   5 Tickets are not expensive for Orlando Solar Bears games, and neither is parking. Add to this the quality and quantity you get for food when at the game, and you have one of the best values when it comes to taking your family out for some hockey. With the ease of getting to the arena, parking, getting into the game, and finding something to eat inside, it is hard to argue against the Solar Bears when comparing them to other hockey teams around the minor leagues, and maybe some pro hockey teams as well. Extras   3 Fans can also enjoy the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame and other team memorabilia on the main concourse – these displays pay tribute to some of Orlando’s sporting heritage, community connections, and their best players of years past. Like other stadiums, the Solar Bears have their championship banners hanging in the rafters for all visitors to see. Finally, Kia Center has also partnered with Disney, meaning there are various displays and nods to the Orlando theme park throughout the facility, including large painted Mickey statues in the main lobby, and an entire suite inside sponsored by the theme parks. Final Thoughts The Orlando Solar Bears are a great choice when looking for a quality addition to your Central Florida visit. Whether you’re a hockey fanatic, a sports junkie in general, or just want to find something to take the family to that won’t cost you $100 a head to get in the door, hitting up a Solar Bears game is a great option for you to consider. Between the low cost and the high entertainment value, it is easy to see why the Orlando Solar Bears are on their way up from here.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 North Charleston Coliseum 5001 Coliseum Dr North Charleston, SC 29418 South Carolina Stingrays website North Charleston Coliseum website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 13,000 Stingrays Sighted on South Carolina Coast The South Carolina Stingrays were founded in 1993. They are an affiliate of the Washington Capitals and the Hershey Bears. The Stingrays play in the Southern Division of the ECHL. They were the first professional hockey team in the state of South Carolina, and the oldest continuously operated ECHL team to remain in its founding city. Over the years the Stingrays have been regulars in the ECHL playoffs, as they won the Kelly Cup in 1997, 2001, 2009, 2015, 2017, and 2021. More than 30 Stingrays have gone on to play in the NHL. The home ice for the Stingrays is the North Charleston Coliseum. The Coliseum also opened in 1993. It seats 10,537 in its hockey configuration. The Coliseum is part of a complex that also includes a performing arts center and a convention center. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage offerings at the Coliseum are organized much like a food court at a mall. A wide variety of national brands are represented, as well as some local favorites. The food court has a large seating area that allows you to eat your food at a table, rather than trying to balance it in your lap at your seat. There are also individual concession stands around the concourse for those who want to get back to their seats ASAP. The foods offered at Stingray games are for the most part the arena standards of pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy. Some of the more unique items offered are noodles, fried rice, funnel cakes, and booze pops. The Coliseum sells Pepsi brand soft drinks, as well as tea, craft beers, and wine. Friday night games are known as Frothy Fridays. Frothy Beard beer is only $5 on Friday nights. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 The Stingrays and the North Charleston Coliseum have partnered up to provide a better-than-average gameday experience for their fans. The ice surface features the very colorful blue and red Stingrays logo. Banners saluting the multiple Stingrays’ championship seasons hang from the rafters at the venue. The center-hung videoboard features replays of significant plays on the ice, updated game statistics, and information on upcoming events at the venue. The video board is also used for fan-based contests, kiss cams, and dance cams. Neighborhood 4 North Charleston is a bedroom suburb of Charleston, SC. It offers many shopping and dining options that can’t be found in Charleston due to narrow streets and strict Historic District regulations. It also provides free parking for the most part… something that is unheard of for the most part in Charleston. The closest accommodation to the North Charleston Coliseum is the Hyatt Place Charleston Airport. It is located next door to the Coliseum, just a two-minute walk from door to door. This saves you from paying the $10 parking fee charged by the Coliseum. The nearby Bonefish Grill is an excellent option for a pre or postgame meal. Rusty Bull Brewing Company provides an excellent option for those looking for a wide selection of craft beers. Two attractions you will want to check out in North Charleston are the Waterfront Park along the Cooper River and the Hunley Project. The Hunley was a Confederate submarine that was lost at sea during the Civil War. The submarine was recovered in 2000. The Hunley Project outlines the history of the Hunley during the Civil War and the long painstaking process of restoring the 150-year-old vessel. Fans 4 The South Carolina Stingrays have built one of the largest fan bases in the ECHL. This is due partly to the long history of the team in the area. It is also due to the many retirees from the northern climates that have relocated to Charleston due to its warmer climates. They are well-versed in hockey from living in the north. A third source of fans is the many military personnel in the area. They also come from areas of the country with a strong hockey influence. The average attendance for home games is 7,447. The crowd is at its loudest on power plays and Stingray goals. You can expect to hear “(enter the name of opposing goalie)… you suck!” after a Stingrays goal. Stingray gear is very popular attire at games, and if you forgot your gear, the Reef shop at the Coliseum will be glad to help you. Stingrays’ mascot Cool Ray does a great job of keeping the fans energized throughout the game. Access 4 The North Charleston Coliseum is easily accessed from virtually anywhere along the Atlantic coastline. Directions from Downtown Charleston: Take I-26 West to Montague Avenue (Exit 213). Turn left on Montague. Follow Montague past International Boulevard. The Coliseum entrance will be on your right. From Savannah/ Hilton Head: Take I-95 North to Highway 17 North.  Take Hwy 17 North to I-526 East.  Take the Montague Avenue exit off I-526 East. At the end of the ramp turn right on Montague and the Coliseum will be on your left. From Myrtle Beach: Take Highway 17 South to I-526 West.  Follow I-526 to Montague Avenue and exit. Go straight to the base of the ramp. Turn left at Montague Avenue and the Coliseum will be on your left. Coliseum gates open one hour before the puck drop, leaving fans plenty of time to get something to eat or drink and find their seats. Return on Investment 3 The Stingrays offer tickets at a wide variety of prices. 200-level seats are priced at $19-$26. Tickets at the 100 level of seating start at $27 for seats in the corners and behind the goals. The top pricing level is $36 for seats between the blue lines. Parking at the North Charleston Coliseum is $10 on game nights. Concessions prices are very reasonable by arena standards. Extras 4 The Pink in the Rink fundraiser at the North Charleston Coliseum is one of the largest events of the year to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Funds raised go towards breast cancer research and programs that benefit breast cancer patients. The Fan Zam rides between periods are unique in that the Zambonis are specially rigged to carry multiple riders, rather than the usual one. The North Charleston Coliseum has hosted concerts by Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Hootie and the Blowfish, Brad Paisley, Mumford and Sons, and many more. It has also hosted both the Big South and Southern Conference basketball tournaments and two presidential debates. Final Thoughts The South Carolina Stingrays are a solid organization that brings many of the northern transplants to the Charleston area regularly to enjoy a night of great hockey. The North Charleston Coliseum is the longtime home for Stingrays hockey. It provides easy access to the major interstates in the Charleston area. With fellow ECHL members located close by in Savannah and Greenville, every game is a rivalry game.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Robins Center 365 College Rd Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website Robins Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 7,201 The Spiders’ Web The 2023-24 season marks the 52nd season of basketball being played at the Robins Center. The Robins Center opened as the home of the Richmond Spiders teams in 1972. A $17 million renovation in 2013 transformed the arena into one of the premier facilities in the Atlantic 10. These renovations included four new videoboards, upgraded seats, premium seating options, and terrace hospitality areas. The Spiders have consistently competed against and beaten some of the top programs in the nation. Spider basketball fans are passionate and regularly fill the Robins Center, to make it one of the top home-court atmospheres in the Atlantic 10. Food & Beverage 4 Simply put, the concession options at the Robins Center are impressive. The Robins Center concession stands offer standard concessions including hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn and peanuts. However, the following additions are what set the concessions apart. Papa John’s Pizza, Chicken Sandwiches, and Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream are all available on the concourse. Other options include candy, caramel corn, peanuts, fruit snacks, fruit cups, veggie cups, and chips. Fountain Pepsi products are available as well as Dasani bottled water. The University of Richmond started selling beer and wine to the general public at men’s games in 2018, and in doing so became the first Division 1 school in Virginia to sell alcohol to the general public at basketball games. The Robins Center is a cashless venue. Lines can tend to get long during halftime, but other than that are not bad. Atmosphere 4 The seating bowl of the Robins Center is a single level surrounding the court and offers great sightlines. Entrances to the seating bowl are about halfway up, with half of the seating above the portals and half below. All seats are chairback and are angled toward the court, with the exception of the student section which is bleacher seating. There are four giant video boards at the top of each of the four corners of the arena. Along with video replays, they provide the score and stats such as points and fouls for each player. Above each of the four video boards in the corners is a terrace/suite level. There is a small pep band in one end zone in the student section. Richmond is the only D1 school that has a Spider for its mascot and the school does a great job promoting this. Not only is there a Spider mascot that makes his way around the court during the games, but there are two giant spiders projected onto the ceiling above the court. Also, the pre-game video incorporates a giant spider and web to make you almost feel like a spider is crawling out of the video board and into the crowd! Neighborhood 3 The Robins Center sits in the northern part of campus between Robins Stadium (home of Richmond basketball) and Pitt Field (home of Richmond baseball). Many of the parking lots in the vicinity of these three venues are used for basketball parking. The campus is beautiful, clean, and well-kept. Westhampton Lake is a short walk from the stadium and is a great place to bike or jog around. There is also a bridge that crosses the lake with a nice gazebo on one side. Richmond is the capital city, so in the downtown area, there are many museums and the capitol building, that can be visited. If you are looking for a variety of shopping or dining options, take a 15-minute drive to the Short Pump area which offers several restaurants and a two-level outdoor mall. Marriott is the official hotel of the Spiders, so if you are looking to spend the night check out the Visitors Guide for a list of Marriott hotels in the Richmond area that offer special U of R rates. Fans 5 Spider fans are very passionate about their basketball team, and the majority of fans in attendance are clad in red Spider gear. For a typical game, expect at least 6,000 fans to be in attendance. For the last two seasons, Richmond has averaged 6,000 fans. The Spiders’ sold out five games in 2022-23, and several games in 2023-24. Due to the intimate design of the arena, the fans are right on top of the court, and it does not take much for it to get loud. Access 4 The University of Richmond’s campus can be a little tricky to navigate if it is your first time. However, if you point your GPS to the Robins Center, you should be fine. Be aware that there are only two-lane roads leading to campus, so allow extra time. General parking is free and available behind the Robins Stadium press box. This is only a 2-3 minute walk to the Robins Center. Many of the other lots immediately around the Robins Center are for parking pass holders only. The lots are well-signed and the parking-lot attendants are friendly, so just follow their lead. Both paper and mobile tickets are available for Spiders’ games. The ticket office is on the College Road side of the arena. Entrance to the arena is easy as there is no clear-bag policy and the security staff are not overbearing. There is a single concourse under the seating bowl. It is spacious and clean, and the portals to enter the seating bowl are well-marked. Return on Investment 5 In a day where prices to attend sporting events seem to continue to rise, the prices to attend a Richmond basketball game are a breath of fresh air. Tickets to a typical Atlantic 10 conference game range from $10-27. However, $5 tickets and BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals are offered to select games. Throw in affordable concessions, free parking, and free game programs and it is well worth the cost to see some of the top “mid-major” basketball in the country. Extras 4 The Robins Center has a Family Fun Zone on the concourse, that provides games and activities for kids and families. Another bonus is the free parking at various points around campus and the friendly staff. A popular pre-game promotion among Spider fans is the Basketball and Brews for select games. This is an add-on to your ticket that includes a pre-game craft beer taste testing session with five local breweries and restaurants. The arena has also hosted various political events including the 1992 Presidential debate between George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot; and an address by President Barack Obama in 2011. Final Thoughts The Robins Center is frankly a great venue for college basketball. It is the perfect size for the Spiders, in the middle of campus, and the fan base consistently fills it up. Due to the design of the arena, one could argue it offers a better experience than VCU’s Siegel Center across town, which does not have the best sight lines. Richmond also has an attractive home schedule each season. The Atlantic 10 schedule is always great, and the Spiders have had an attractive non-conference schedule for many years as well. If you are in Richmond and are a college basketball fan, it will pay you to visit the Robins Center to catch a game. You will find a great college basketball atmosphere against some great competition.

St. Louis has always been known as a “baseball city.” The city was attracted to the sport very early, as news articles show the first game taking place on July 9th, 1860. The earliest games were played on open fields in parks, with no fences or stands in place. St. Louis’ Big League Ballparks by Joan M. Thomas takes an in-depth look at the many teams, leagues, and ballparks that have earned the city this accolade. One of the first baseball structures in St. Louis was Red Stockings Park. It opened in 1875 and was used by the St. Louis Red Stockings of the National Association for one season. In 1888 it was used by the St. Louis Whites of the Western Association. The ballpark featured a basic wooden stockade and had a capacity of 1,000. After 1876 it was used by a variety of amateur leagues for their games. Another St. Louis ballpark of the 1880s was Union Park, which opened in 1884. The park had a capacity of 10,000. It featured a wooden grandstand that was painted white and had two wings down the baselines that featured opera chairs. The playing field featured blue grass and clover and the Union Maroon’s uniforms were white with maroon leggings and caps. The scoreboard at the park featured the scores from other games that were underway, which were transmitted to the stadium by telegraph. A brass band played each time they took the field. Sadly, the team only lasted two seasons, as they exhausted the owner’s wealth. Like many other ballparks of the era, Robison Park went through a variety of names and affiliations during its existence. (1893-1920). The venue began its life as New Sportsman’s Park. It was home to both the ballpark and an entertainment complex. The complex included an amusement park, which included a beer garden, a waterfront ride, and a lake. The ballpark served as the home of the St. Louis Browns. In 1899 the Browns and the ballpark were sold to the Robison Brothers, who changed the ballpark name to League Park. They also changed the uniform color to Cardinal red and the team’s name to “Cardinals.”  In 1911 ownership of the team transferred to the daughter of one of the Robison brothers upon their deaths. The daughter changed the ballpark name to Robison Park to honor her father and uncle. A later sale resulted in the ballpark name changing to Cardinal Field. In 1920 the Cardinals moved to Old Sportsman’s Park. The stadium of many names had reached its end. The ballpark was torn down in 1926 and was replaced by a high school. Handlan Park opened in 1914. The ballpark featured a single-deck wooden grandstand behind the plate and bleacher seating beyond the outfield walls. It was home to the St. Louis Terriers team of the Federal League. The Federal League and the Terriers folded in 1916. The park was then used as an athletic field for St. Louis University. From 1920-1921 Handlan Park was used by the St. Louis Giants of the Negro National League. Another Negro National League team, the St. Louis Stars, played at Stars Park from 1922 – 1931. The Stars featured “Cool Papa” Bell a future Baseball Hall of Fame member. The capacity of the ballpark was 10,000. Sportsman’s Park survived the longest of all the structures devoted to St. Louis baseball. It began its service to the city as the Grand Avenue Grounds. It opened in 1868 as the home of the St. Louis Brown Stockings. In 1882 local brewer Chris Von der Ahe took over the Grand Avenue Grounds and renamed it Sportsman Park. The team was remarkably successful under his ownership, as they won four straight American Association pennants and one World Series title. In 1920 the National League Cardinals became co-tenants with the Brown Stockings. This was good for Von Ahe’s brewing business as it doubled the number of home games, and the National League allowed both games and drinking of alcoholic beverages on Sundays. Over the years, Sportsman’s Park would see several improvements, as capacity was expanded to 34,000 seats, and lights were added in 1940, making night baseball possible. One of the more unique occurrences during Sportsman’s Park’s years was the 1944 World Series. It featured the two home teams! The St. Louis Browns played the St. Louis Cardinals in a six-game series, with the Cardinals winning the Series 4 games to two. However, for most of their years as co-tenants, the Cardinals had the more successful teams. They won the World Series in 1926 and 1934. In the 1930s, the Cardinals featured the Gashouse Gang, a team made up of Daffy and Dizzy Dean, Frankie Frisch, Ducky Medwick, Leo Durocher, and Johnnie Mize. (All future Baseball Hall of Fame members). In 1954 both the Anheuser Busch Company and the Busch family purchased Sportsman’s Park and the Cardinals. (The Browns franchise had relocated to Baltimore, where they rebranded as the Orioles.) Busch made several major improvements, including enlarging capacity, installing a new scoreboard, as well as structural improvements to the plumbing and lighting systems. In 1961 the St. Louis Cardinals NFL franchise was added as a tenant. By the mid-1960s Sportsman Park was showing its age. It had ably served baseball well for nearly 100 years. The team made plans for a downtown ballpark that they hoped to move into by 1964. However, due to labor stoppages, the stadium was not ready until the 1966 baseball season. The Cardinals moved into the first Busch Stadium on May 12, 1966. The stadium’s full name was Civic Center Busch Memorial Stadium. As you can imagine, the stadium structure around the playing field was quite different from Sportsman’s Park. It featured a circular shape featured by many stadiums of the era that hosted both baseball and football teams. The capacity of the new stadium was 46,000 seats. It was topped by a 70-foot canopy of open arches to replicate the look of the nearby Gateway Arch by the Mississippi River. The stadium also had very modern electronic amenities. The scoreboard could move a flying cardinal across the screen, which was revolutionary for the times. In 1970 the stadium was one of the first stadiums in the country to install Astroturf. (It would later tear the turf out due to the extreme heat it produced during the sweltering summer days St. Louis experiences) The years in the first Busch Stadium were very memorable, as the Cardinals would go to six World Series during this period, winning the Series in 1967 and 1982. The team would also feature five Baseball Hall of Fame players during this period (Orlando Cepeda, Steve Carlton, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Ozzie Smith) plus one manager (Red Schoendienst). In 2006 the Cardinals moved into the new Busch Stadium (often called Busch Stadium III). The current stadium has a capacity of 44,383. It features a grass playing surface. In its inaugural season, the Cardinals sold out every game. The Cardinals have won two World Series (2006, and 2011) since moving into the park. Busch Stadium hosted the 2009 MLB All-Star Game. Over the years the ballpark has hosted St Louis Cardinals football, soccer matches, and the 2017 NHL Winter Classic. Busch Stadium has a separate entity within the stadium complex known as Ballpark Village. It is across the street from the stadium, within the footprint of the former Busch Stadium. Ballpark Village is a live/work/play development that includes restaurants, bars, a hotel, apartments, and retail stores. The complex is also home to the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, the Cardinal Nation Bar & Restaurant, and the team store.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Slush Puppie Place 1 Tragically Hip Way Kingston, ON K7K 0B4 Kingston Frontenacs website Slush Puppie Place website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,614 Hip at the Fort Editor's Note: Leon's Centre was renamed as Slush Puppie Place in February 2024 The Kingston Frontenacs were in serious trouble. The writing was on the wall. If the City of Kingston would not partner with the Frontenacs for a new arena to get them away from the aging Kingston Memorial Centre, then the Ontario Hockey League franchise would be forced to find greener pastures. Fortunately, the City of Kingston stepped up and in 2008, the K-Rock Centre opened to the public. With much fanfare, the arena opened on the site of the original Fort Frontenac, a 17th century trading post, right in beautiful downtown Kingston. Hockey personality and Kingston native, Don Cherry would drop the first puck for the Frontenacs and the next chapter in Kingston hockey was born. In 2018, the city would sign a naming rights deal with Leon’s Furniture Ltd. for five years. Although many would point to Cherry or team president and former Toronto Maple Leaf legend Doug Gilmour, as the first sons of Kingston, what is currently known as the Leon’s Centre would open to a set of even bigger Kingston legends. The first performance at the arena would be a concert by the iconic Canadian band, The Tragically Hip. So iconic and revered in the community are The Hip, that the address of the Leon’s Centre has since been changed to 1 Tragically Hip Way. Perhaps the most significant date in the young lifespan of Leon’s Centre was August 20, 2016. Before succumbing to brain cancer, Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip would perform in a nationally televised concert, the final one for the band. Junior hockey in Kingston dates back to the forties with the Kingston Victorias, who were eventually renamed the Frontenacs, after Louis de Buade de Frontenac, Governor General of New France in the 1600s. The current franchise would join the OHA as the Kingston Canadians. They would be renamed the Kingston Raiders for one season before being sold. After the sale of the team, the return of the Frontenacs would usher in a new era for the team. Current owner Doug Springer would purchase the team in 1998. Although the Fronts have not enjoyed a ton of success on the ice, with only two East Division Championships to show for their efforts, the Frontenacs experience has improved significantly and remains a great option for sports fans. Food & Beverage 4 The concession options at Leon’s Centre will not leave fans hungry. The nine concession stands that are on the 100 and 300 levels offer a wide variety of culinary treats. All of the expected items can be found including popcorn, hot dogs, burgers and chicken fingers. Smoke’s Poutinerie has a presence at Leon’s Centre to treat fans with a variety of poutines, fries, hot dogs and burgers. The Craft Brew & BBQ stand offers fresh BBQ options like pulled pork and the Pizza Pizza stand offers slices. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at Leon’s Centre and bottled water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and slushies can also be found. A pregame spot to stop for a drink inside the Leon’s Centre would be the Molson Brew House which offers a full bar as well as wine, beer and ciders. Prices are not out of line for an OHL venue. Atmosphere 5 Leon’s Centre offers an atmosphere for Frontenacs hockey that is among the best in the OHL. Outside of the arena, in the northwest corner sits actual ruins from the original Fort Frontenac. Across Ontario Street is the current Fort Frontenac, which is a Canadian Military venue. The exterior of Leon’s Centre is attractive with light coloured brick. The south side of Leon’s Centre is Tragically Hip Way, a portion of Barrack Street that Kingston City Council renamed in honour of the famous Kingston band. Inside the concourses of Leon’s Centre fans will have the opportunity to check out some of the local flavour. The pillars in the concourses are all wrapped with photos of big shows in Leon’s Centre history. Bryan Adams, Russell Peters and Gord Downie all have a presence here, just to name a few. A number of local displays and tables are found throughout the concourse, but the Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame will require a few minutes look. Don Cherry, Doug Gilmour and Kirk Muller all have a presence and more can be found. The exterior of the team store, Frontenacs Originals, features classic jerseys from the original Frontenacs, Canadians and Raiders on display. Team photos for all of the modern era teams can also be explored. Inside the seating bowl, fans will notice the single seating bowl circled by an upper level concourse. The ice surface runs from west to east with the best view of the centre ice logo coming from the south side. A banner on the east side of the building memorializes the final Tragically Hip show in Kingston. On the west side the honoured numbers of Mike O’Connell, Tony McKegney, Brad Rhiness, Ken Linseman, David Ling, Mike Zigomanis and Keli Corpse hang proudly. When the Toronto Maple Leafs replaced their honoured numbers banners the old ones were distributed across the country. It is no surprise that the number 93 of Doug Gilmour from the Air Canada Centre hangs on the west side. The Frontenacs have started a new program where on Remembrance Day, they honour a local veteran. They are memorialized with a banner on the west side entitled the Honourary Captains. Having such a significant military presence as Kingston does, it is another excellent way for the Frontenacs to connect with the community. The game day experience at Leon’s Centre has improved significantly. Much research and work has gone into an improved experience which begins with the pregame rituals. The video presentation is solid and captures a local flavour unlike any other OHL venue. It is clear that the Frontenacs have forged a relationship with Fort Henry as the historic, military motif is felt throughout the presentation. Some of the clips are even filmed at the fort. Live mascot Cap’n Frank pontificates the importance of the city and the game on the ice before The Battery, the local drumline, welcomes the Frontenacs on the ice as they enter through an inflatable fortress. The Trevor Walsh Group plays during intermissions and before games and Barrack, the Frontenacs mascot, can be found interacting with fans around the arena. The Frontenacs should complete the local feel with a goal song which is original and local, probably one by The Hip. Neighbourhood 5 You can’t find a neighbourhood in junior hockey better than the surrounding area in downtown Kingston In just the immediate area alone there are a ton of food options. All are easily within walking distance of the Leon’s Centre. Head to Princess Street and you will find what you are looking for. In recent years the Kingston downtown has been hit with the major restaurant chains and those are easy to find right nearby. Jack Astor’s, The Keg, Milestones and Lone Star Texas Grill are all right there and all safe, well-known bets. If you are looking for something a little different, and something uniquely Kingston you will not have to venture far. Some options to consider include The Toucan, Chez Piggy, The Merchant Tap House, Wooden Heads, Grizzly Grill, and The Public House. This is just a small sampling of what is available to you. Make sure that you save time either before or after the Fronts game to do some investigating and check out the food options downtown. Kingston is a bit more of a summer tourist city, but there are plenty of things to do here. The Leon’s Centre is right across the street from the waterfront. The ferry to Wolf Island Provincial Park is right there as are the meeting spots for the Kingston Trolley Tours and Kingston 1000 Island Cruise tours. Confederation Park is also right downtown and is a terrific meeting spot when waiting for friends. Across the water you can see the campus of the Royal Military College of Canada and just beyond that is Old Fort Henry. The college influence is not lost on Kingston and there are a ton of spots to catch some live music on Princess Street. If you are looking for other sporting options in Kingston, there are a few. Other cultural endeavours you may wish to consider include the Pump House Steam Museum and the Kingston Penitentiary Museum. The RMC Paladins play hockey at Constantine Arena, which is just across the bridge from Leon’s Centre. The other main options would be found with the athletic teams from Queen’s University. The Queen’s Gaels football team plays at Richardson Memorial Stadium , which was recently renovated. The Gaels basketball team plays on campus in the Athletics and Recreation Centre and the hockey team plays in the former home of the Frontenacs, the Kingston Memorial Centre . There are also a ton of places to stay downtown. Three you may wish to consider include the Delta, Holiday Inn and Confederation Place. All are mere steps from the Leon’s Centre and the heart of downtown Kingston. Although there remains a lot to do in Kingston throughout the year, the best time to catch a game and enjoy the city would definitely be during the opening month. Fans 3 The Frontenacs have felt the sting of not having a great amount of success on the ice. Kingston has welcomed between 3,000 and 4,000 fans on average since 2016. The 2018-2019 season has been a rebuilding one for the team after making a strong run the previous year. As a result, the attendance has fallen significantly and the game that was reviewed was scarcely attended. It is unfortunate as the Frontenacs are working diligently to put together the best possible game day experience. Hopefully some more success on the ice will translate into steadier crowds and a stronger following. Access 3 The Leon’s Centre is located at the St. Lawrence River in downtown Kingston. Getting to this point can prove challenging from those coming from out of town. Downtown is a significant distance from Highway 401, the major highway connecting Southern Ontario. It is near Highway 2, but it is not a really significant highway. Therefore, travellers will have to travel a significant distance through the city of Kingston to get downtown. Be prepared for a plethora of traffic lights. There are Kingston Transit buses that travel along Princess, Brock and Ontario Streets. For those who are interested in public transit, check out the Kingston Transit website for maps, schedules and fares. The Leon’s Centre does not have any parking of its own. Fans who drive to the game will be required to find parking in one of the surface lots near the arena. There is a decent sized parking lot across from the arena, on the other side of The Tragically Hip Way, however it is pretty much a dirt lot and is extremely messy during mild temperatures. Surfaced lots will probably run around $5 for the event, which is not terrible. There are a few entry gates around the arena. They are not huge but do the trick. Ticketing windows operate outside for the most part. If you are needing to wait a bit before the gates open, then waiting in the gate on the northeast side of the arena is probably best. There is early entry for season ticket holders. The concourses are not huge in the Leon’s Centre, however considering the crowd size is normally well below capacity, there is ample space to move around. The lower concourses do not travel 360 degrees and at either end of the arena you will have to turn around. The washroom facilities in the Leon’s Centre are also adequate for the experience. Return on Investment 4 As with other OHL experiences, Kingston Frontenacs hockey offers terrific value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Fronts will go for between $19 and $22.25. Concession prices are not too troublesome and parking isn’t awful either. Junior hockey offers a terrific product on the ice. Although the Frontenacs aren’t terrific on the ice in 2019, the cyclical nature of Junior Hockey ensures that the Fronts will be back challenging for the post season soon enough. Extras 3 An extra mark for the best neighbourhood in all of Junior Hockey. There is not really a better spot to be than downtown Kingston. A great tourist spot with a terrific nightlife and a grand history. An extra mark for the Leon’s Centre being built on the site of the original Fort Frontenac and incorporating the ruins as part of the site and maintaining the heritage. An extra mark for the work the Fronts have done in their pregame show. Definitely unique in Junior Hockey, the Frontenacs are pushing the entertainment envelope in the OHL. Final Thoughts Kingston is one of the truly great places to visit in Ontario. The Kingston Frontenacs can be a part of a stop in Kingston and the Leon’s Centre is a solid facility. The Fronts are pushing the envelope in what fans can expect for a game day experience and the product on the ice can only get better. Hockey fans should definitely take a trip to Eastern Ontario to the historic, vibrant city of Kingston and make plans to catch the Fronts in action. There will be no regrets. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Every baseball fan knows that Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are the two oldest stadiums in Major League Baseball. However, did you know that Wrigley Field was not the original name of the ballpark… or that it was not built to house the Chicago Cubs? These, and many more interesting facts, are found in Chicago’s Wrigley Field by Paul Michael Peterson. Weeghman Park was built by Charlie Weeghman, a Chicago millionaire, to house his baseball team, the Chicago Federals, who played in the Federal League. The new stadium was built in an astounding two months and opened for business on April 23, 1914. Unfortunately, the Federal League failed financially just one season later, closing in 1915. Weeghman was not deterred, as he then purchased the Cubs of the National League and moved them to his new ballpark. Weeghman was ahead of his time, as many of baseball’s longtime traditions were innovations introduced at his ballpark. He was the first owner to allow fans to keep foul balls that went into the stands, and the first to build concession stands in a ballpark. In 1919, Weeghman ran into financial difficulties and sold the Cubs to chewing gum millionaire William Wrigley, Jr. Wrigley then renamed the ballpark “Cubs Park." The first few years of Wrigley’s ownership were lean, both on and off the field. In 1926, the ballpark was finally christened as “Wrigley Field.” He recruited some of the top players of the era, and the results on the field changed dramatically. By 1927 the team was drawing more than a million fans per season. By 1929 the team was playing in its first World Series. The senior Wrigley died in 1932, and his son, P.K. Wrigley took over the team and the ballpark. He was responsible for one of the defining features at Wrigley Field, the planting of the ivy on the outfield walls. This was to protect the players from injury by running into the brick wall, but he also saw that it would be an amenity in making the park more fan-friendly. Another feature that still stands today is Wrigley Field’s manual scoreboard. This was added to the park in 1937 by Cubs front office genius Bill Veeck. He also produced the concept of the “pennant race.” The Wrigleys were avid sailors on Lake Michigan. Their boats were often decorated with pennants won in races. Veeck added pennants to the top of the scoreboard, arranging each team’s flag in the order of the league standings. In 1921 Wrigley Field became the first two-sport stadium in major league sports. Bill Veeck saw that the stadium sat empty after the baseball season and was not generating any income for more than half of the year. He reached an agreement with George Halas to have the Chicago Bears of the NFL play their home schedule at Wrigley Field. The shape of the field was not ideal for football but it was squeezed in between the first base dugout and the left field wall. The Bears would continue to play at Wrigley Field through the 1970 season. One tradition that did end was Wrigley’s reluctance to add lights. P.K. Wrigley was agreeable to adding lights as early as 1941, but World War II was underway, and the steel in the light towers was required for the war effort. Stadiums throughout the country were also under orders to follow the “blackouts” required at night, as there was a fear that enemy bombers would find a lighted field an attractive target. Later, the residents of the neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field fought against lighting the field, as they did not want the noise and traffic created by night games to interfere with their lives. Finally, on August 8, 1988 the lights went on for good. A more recent development is the creation of viewing areas atop the apartment buildings that surround the park. These areas often include bleachers, bars, and food service. The Cubs went to court to prevent these additions, arguing that it was stealing business away from the team. Eventually, an agreement was brokered, where the Cubs receive a licensing fee from each building that houses one of these structures. We have chosen to focus on the structural and historical aspects of Wrigley Field in this book. However, readers will find that Chicago’s Wrigley Field is filled with the tales of the Billy Goat Curse, the exploits of famed announcer Harry Caray and the Bleacher Bums, as well as the records set by Cubs Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, and Billy Williams. We know readers will enjoy this look at one of baseball’s most unique ballparks.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hawkins Field 2600 Jess Neely Dr Nashville, TN 37212 Vanderbilt Commodores website Hawkins Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 3,802 Hawkins Field – Vanderbilt University Commodores Baseball Tucked in amongst the athletics facilities at Vanderbilt University is Hawkins Field, home of the two-time National Champion Vanderbilt Commodores. Built in 2002, Hawkins Field replaced McGugin Field that sat on the same parcel of land. Vanderbilt had seen limited success prior to the hiring of coach Tim Corbin in 2003, the season after Hawkins Field was completed. The successes Corbin has headed, between College World Series Championships and the amount of high-level major-league talent produced, has helped in creating one of the top-notch game day atmospheres in college baseball. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions offerings include BBQ sandwiches ($11) or BBQ nachos ($10), hot dogs ($5.50), nachos and cheese ($7.50), and flatbread pizza ($15). Beverages include a full line of Pepsi products, along with candy and snacks. Daddy’s Dogs serves a wide variety of grilled dogs starting at $6 for the basic. Outfield seats have access to a concessions tent, along with one of the concessions stands inside of Memorial Gymnasium. Weekend series features local food trucks that are accessible just outside of the stadium in left-center field. Two beer stands offer Bud Light Seltzers, Michelob Ultra, and Bud Light ($9) or craft beers ($12); wine is also available ($10). Vanderbilt offers in-seat ordering to cut down on the wait time of concessions lines. Atmosphere 4 Hawkins Field is squeezed between the intersection of two campus streets, Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium and football’s FirstBank Stadium. The limited space results in a bit of a disjoined continuity to the stadium, where the outfield and infield seats are separated. Infield seats are large with mesh backing, which provides a great deal of comfort – protective netting extends down the entire infield grandstand. This netting does tend to play tricks with your eyes a bit, but seats further back seem to limit the obstruction. Outfield seats are almost entirely aluminum bleachers, with small sections of mesh seats with a drink rail on either side of the batter’s eye. The configuration of Hawkins Field is rather standard – right field 335’, center field 400’, and the power alleys 375’. Because of the way Hawkins Field abuts Memorial Gymnasium, it creates a short porch at 310’ with a curved 35’ wall that can create some awkward ricochets. A large HD scoreboard sits beyond the left-center field wall that provides fans with the current batter and stats, line score, and line up, along with the pitcher’s pitch count and velocities. For fans in the outfield, there are smaller scoreboards on the walls of the grandstand which provide score, inning and count information. In keeping with a college feel to the game, cheerleaders help fill dead time between innings and following scoring plays, as well as lead fans in traditional Vandy cheers. The game presentation is not one of the constant advertisements, sound effects, and scoreboard games, but there is enough to keep fans entertained throughout the game. Neighborhood 5 One of the big draws to Nashville is its vibrant nightlife – the epicenter of the excitement has been dubbed the “Honky Tonk Highway”, and is within 2 miles of Vanderbilt’s campus. Here visitors can take in Nashville’s famed juke-joints and bar scene. The historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, is the centerpiece of this downtown neighborhood. If looking to pair a visit to Vanderbilt with other local sporting events, the Nashville Predators are less than 2 miles away at Bridgestone Arena. Both Lipscomb and Belmont Universities are also within a few miles of the Vanderbilt campus, and Nashville SC of the MLS is just on the other side of I-65, at GEODIS Park. The minor league season of the Nashville Sounds should also be starting up just about the time conference baseball play begins. While Nashville’s most popular tourist attractions are a quick rideshare away, Centennial Park and the Greek Parthenon replica are immediately across the street from the Vanderbilt campus. The Hillsboro neighborhood directly bordering Vanderbilt also has many shops and quality restaurants. Fans 4 College baseball might have some of the most passionate fanbases, and even more so in the Southeastern Conference. Even during early season games where the weather might not be ideal for baseball, it does not stop supporters of the Vandy Boys from filling the stands. Vanderbilt typically packs the house for each game; most weekend series are either sellouts or have just limited seating available. Commodores fans recognize good performances from both the home and visiting teams alike. While they are not shy about giving the visiting team the business during games, they equally acknowledge good play. Access 4 Stadiums located in large metropolitan areas frequently come with the traffic headaches associated with big cities. If approaching from the north, south, or west, the best way to get to the stadium would be from I-440, exiting onto 21st Street. This will provide the easiest access to the 25th Street parking garage via Highland Avenue. Fans coming from the east might have more highways to navigate. Hawkins Field has three points of entry, one being to the grandstand, while the outfield seats have two entrances of their own. Return on Investment 3 The overall success the Commodores have had under head coach Tim Corbin has translated into an extremely high level of support. While tickets are available for just about every game, waiting until the last minute will either limit the selection or leave you watching from the top of the nearby parking garage due to tickets being sold out. Vandy baseball has two separate price levels – for weekday games, typically against non-conference opponents, infield seats run $20 while seats in the outfield bleachers run $10. Tickets to weekend series, mostly series against other ranked teams and conference opponents, run $30 for infield reserved tickets and $20 for seats in the bleachers. Free parking is available on the 8th through 10th levels of the 25th Street parking deck. Extras 4 Vanderbilt does a lot to recognize the success of their alumni and program as a whole. Flags with the names of current MLB players from the program fly around the outside stadium; the concourse area also features nameplates of the Commodores 1st round draft picks. Not only are the successes of individual players displayed but so is the lengthy history of success in both the SEC tournament and the College World Series – fans entering through the main gates are immediately welcomed by the 2009 and 2014 National Championship trophies. Saturday conference matchups provide young fans with interactive games, autograph signings, and tailgating games, along with arts and crafts. Vanderbilt also offers a ton of promotions between gate giveaways, discounted tickets, and food specials. Final Thoughts Baseball at the college level is a whole different type of experience than what you might get at the major and minor league levels. From fans and players alike, there is a whole different passion that rides on almost every pitch. When you add in the high level of expectations from a program such as Vanderbilt, it flows over into creating a top-notch, college baseball atmosphere.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 United Center 1901 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60612 Chicago Blackhawks Website United Center Website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 19,717 Blackhawks Hope to Take Flight At United The Chicago Blackhawks, one of the NHL’s most storied franchises and winners of the Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015 have fallen on hard times. The team, one of the league’s “Original Six”, founded in 1926 will not make the playoffs again this year for the fourth consecutive season and sixth out of the last seven. But better days appear to be ahead as Chicago, a member of the Central Division, won the Draft Lottery in 2023 and selected phenom center Connor Bedard. The 18-year-old wonderkid has been impressive this season until sidelined by a broken jaw in December. The speedy centerman is back in the lineup and expected to be a staple at United Center for years to come. The Blackhawks have hoisted six Stanley Cups and countless other conference and division titles since entering the league. They sport a list of Hall of Famers notably Glen Hall, Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Tony Esposito. The retired numbers that hang from the rafters are 1 (Hall), 3 (Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson), 9 (Hull), 18 (Denis Savard), 35 (Esposito), and 81 (Marion Hossa). The Blackhawks made Chicago Stadium (nicknamed Madhouse on Madison) their home until January 1995 due to the NHL lockout and then moved across the street into the United Center. The facility is the largest in square footage in the United States and has a capacity of 19,717 for hockey (with room for 3,000 more fans willing to take standing-room-only tickets). There are 167 executive suites, 34 club boxes, and 5 super suites in the facility. The arena is owned jointly by the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks. Food & Beverage 4 There are four stands around the stadium dubbed Chicago Dish that offer some of the local Chicago favorites including the Chicago Dog, Vienna Polish Sausage, Garrett Popcorn plus french fries, chicken tenders, and ice cream. Pepsi Products ($6.75 for a small soda) are served at United Center. Remember never, ever put ketchup on a Chicago Dog or risk the wrath of the locals. Beer concessions are provided by Chicago’s own Goose Island Beer Company. Goose Island’s Blackhawks Pale Ale is back for its second season and is available in 16 oz. cans. A can of beer is $10.75, domestic drafts $12, and $13.50 for imported. Bottled water is $4.75. Rocky's Bar offers a unique and inviting experience in honor of the late Chicago Blackhawks Chairman W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz. One of the nicest additions is the Pepsi Grab N Go and The Dashery Markets. The locations are powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology. Atmosphere 5 The madhouse is probably best described as a funhouse in 2024. The fans still fill the seats but losing has taken the passion down a notch. The fanatics do pump up the noise for the anthem as they cheer throughout Jim Cornelison’s fantastic rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. That tradition began on May 9, 1985, before Game 3 of the playoffs versus the Edmonton Oilers. When the Hawks hit the ice for warmups and each period, three loud blasts of the goal horn are heard without any introduction from the Public Address announcer. The Allen Organ, a replica of Chicago Stadium’s famous Barton Organ, is fabulous and accompanies the anthem. The music played during breaks is played at a reasonable decibel level and the crowd responds well to Tommy Hawk the mascot who appears on the Jumbotron for many of the contests during breaks in the action. The main entrance to the stadium is at Gates 2 and 3 on the north side (gates open 90 minutes before the event) and is impressive as fans walk through a large atrium lined with banners and the Michael Jordan statue with the Madhouse Team Store on the left. There is a stage with a band playing and a bar to your left as you enter the lower bowl. Guests can enter the arena with a small purse or personal bag up to 10x6x2. No backpacks or other bags are allowed. Exceptions for guests with required medical equipment will be provided. Bag check is available in United Center Parking Lot J on Wood and Monroe Streets. As fans enter the arena it is illuminated vibrantly in Blackhawk red. The views of the ice appear to be unobstructed with the only drawbacks being no cupholders and the concourses are a bit narrow. There are three levels of seating and two levels of suites. United Center's acoustics were designed to amplify noise to replicate "The Roar" – the din that made Chicago Stadium famous, especially during hockey games. The designers originally estimated that the United Center would be 80% as loud as the Chicago Stadium had been. To amplify noise, they placed angled steel panels around the top level to reflect noise into the arena's bowl The massive center scoreboard was unveiled in 2019 and at the time was the largest in the NHL or NBA. The HD video board at center ice provides crystal clear views on relays and great graphics packages. The statistics are all-inclusive and not only show who is on the ice but also how much time they have played and how long their average shift is. A 360-degree ribbon board keeps fans updated on out-of-town scores and info on upcoming events. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood surrounding the United Center is designated as the Near West Side. It lies to the west of downtown Chicago and is just north of I-290 (known as the Loop Highway). It was seen as unsafe in the past but is rapidly gentrifying. The closest hotel to the United Center is the Hotel Chicago West Loop which is about a half-mile walk. There is a Hyatt Place and Courtyard Marriott (near Rush University Hospital) just under a mile away. The Billy Goat Tavern (of “Cheezborger…no Pepsi” fame back in SNL’s glory days) is the official pre and post-game hangout of Blackhawk fans. The original location opened in 1934 but no longer exists. The immediate surrounding area is lined with parking lots with few entertainment or dining options. Bacci Pizzeria and Barn Hockey Bar are two nearby possibilities. More of the restaurants are east of the United Center on West Odgen Avenue. Fans 4 The Blackhawk fans are noted for being loud and loyal. Most of the fans are decked out in Blackhawk jerseys and attire. During the game, which is typical for fans of a last-place team, the locals often chirp about their team and seem to be waiting for bad things to happen. The building has lost some of its raucousness since its Cup runs which ended in 2015. The building is typically sold out but losing and inflation knocked the Hawks down to 95.5% of capacity through December. In 2021, the Blackhawks consecutive sellout streak ended at 535 games. One popular site for Blackhawk fans and visitors alike is the Madhouse Store. The 10,000-square-foot retail space is co-branded with both Bulls and Blackhawks gear. The store is equipped with interactive technology which allows fans to design their jersey or hat. The store is open daily to the public from 10-5. Access 4 While traffic is often an issue, access from I-290 is rather straightforward, take the Damen Avenue exit (#28A) and then Damen Avenue north to Madison Street. Turn right on Madison and the United Center will be on your right. From I-90 East take the Madison Street exit and take a right on Madison. The building will be on your left. The train (better known as the L for Elevated) offers three options as the Green, Pink, or Blue lines stop in the vicinity. The Blue Line is a half-mile walk from the Illinois Medical District stop and the Green or Pink lines are 0.6 from Ashland and Lake. There is also the 20 Bus that stops just outside the building on Madison and the 19 express bus to downtown following the game. The train is $2.50 and the bus is $2.25 per ride. A new stop (0.4 miles away) is being built on the Green Line at Damen and Lake and will open middle of this year. That stop shaves about 5 minutes off your walk from the previously mentioned stops. There is also an enclosed Uber zone to wait for your ride located just north of the arena on Madison and Wood. Return on Investment 3 In 2022, the Blackhawks were ranked 5th most expensive according to the Fan Cost Index at $573.76. Fan Cost Index comprises the price based on four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking, two game programs, and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. On the plus side, there are upper bowl tickets available for upcoming weekday games against lesser-known opponents for as low as $29 on Ticketmaster not including fees ($50.29 at checkout). Parking is fairly reasonable with lots nearby between $23-40 and food prices are typical for an NHL venue. Extras 4 The rafters are an impressive sight with 6 Stanley Cup Banners, 4 for Conference Championships, 2 for earning the President’s Trophy, and 16 for Division Championships. Then there are the retired numbers and all of the banners for the Chicago Bulls. The origin of the Blackhawk's name and iconic logo is worthy of one point. The original owner of the team served in the 86th Infantry Division, which was nicknamed the “Blackhawk Division” during World War I. The division was named for Black Hawk, a prominent member of the Sauk Indian nation based in Illinois. The team was named in his honor. The iconic logo of the team was designed by the wife of the original owner in 1926 and has never been changed or updated. In a pregame video, the Blackhawks honor the many local native American tribes that have called Illinois home for centuries. One point is for the Blackhawk's goal song The Fratellis's hit single, "Chelsea Dagger", which is most prominently associated with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. The song, a staple since 2008-09, is played at the United Center after every Blackhawks goal and win. The United Center, which hosts the Chicago Bulls, has activities scheduled for an average of 200 nights a year. The facility is one of the largest indoor concert venues in the area Olivia Rodrigo, Nicki Minaj, Tim McGraw, Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Chicago’s own Sebastian Maniscalo are all slated to perform this year. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional will be held at United Center in March of 2026. Final Thoughts United Center is a must-see venue for sports fans and hockey enthusiasts alike. If the Hawks can trend upward led by Bedard a Stadium Journey to the Windy City will be even more memorable and could ignite the United Center to madhouse status once again.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 FAU Arena 777 Glades Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33431 Florida Atlantic Owls website FAU Arena website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,000 Winning in Paradise The story of the 2023 NCAA basketball tournament was the Florida Atlantic Owls making a surprising run to the Final Four. That means they are now a very popular draw, which presents challenges for the stadium traveler. The Owls play out of the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, which holds just 2,900 (though a sellout is considered 3,161), and almost all seats belong to season-ticket holders or are reserved for students. The secondary market has seen very high prices, but tickets that are returned from the visiting team are made available at the box office. That is your best bet, other than enrolling as a student and picking up a student ticket the day before. Even then, that's no guarantee of entry as the student capacity of 750 is often exceeded, and some students are sent home. Everyone loves a winner, and the Owls are certainly that these days, even after moving up to the American Athletic Conference. So, if you are fortunate enough to get in, what is the experience like? Food & Beverage 2 The biggest weakness here is a limited selection of food and beverage options. There is a single concession stand inside the main entrance with typical arena fare. The cheapest food items are small popcorn and small cotton candy at $6, while almost everything else is $8 (hot dogs, nachos with cheese, pretzels (add $2 for queso), hamburgers (add $1 to make it a cheeseburger) and a large popcorn). Snacks are limited to chips for $3 and boxes of candy for $4. Coca-Cola products are $5, as is Powerade, while water is a buck cheaper. Beer is reasonably priced at $7 for domestic (perhaps the only place where beer is cheaper than a hot dog) and $8 for imported, and there is even wine for $9 and Prosecco for $10. Fans should eat before or after the game as several good establishments have a short drive to the arena. Atmosphere 5 The venue opened in 1984 and was initially called FAU Arena, with The Burrow added as a nickname (there is still a sign outside indicating this). The campus features burrowing owls on campus, contributing to the arena being nicknamed The Burrow. In November 2022, Eleanor Baldwin donated $7.5 million, and the arena is now named after her (and nicknamed The Elly). The team won 20 straight games after the change of name, adding a bit of good luck. Inside the main entrance is a large lobby, where the trophies from last season are on display, as well as a single concession stand. If you have lower bowl seats, you can enter the gym on this level and walk up to your seats; if you are on the upper level, you have to use a stairwell on the correct side to reach a walkway at the top of the building and then walk down to your seats. The two levels of seating on both sides are separated by metal bars; you will need to know where your seat is. On the second level,  behind one net, is a large club area that leads to some suites. You need a special ticket to enter this area. Students take up the entirety of the lower bowl along the same side as the cameras, in other words, facing the logo. There are two smaller student sections behind each basket as well. Sellouts have attendance listed at 3,161, and students make up about 25% of this number, which gives the arena a fantastic atmosphere from well before tip-off. It can be loud, so if that bothers you, you can stay outside until closer to game time. I think this is what most fans do, as the upper bowl took a lot longer to fill up. By game time, though, nearly every seat was taken, and the crowd was energetic. There is no scoreboard above center court, which gives this small venue a more open feel. At the far end is a huge video board that shows highlights and all the player and team stats. There are two mascots: Owlsley is the grown-up, and there is also Hoot, who seems to be a baby owl. Both were very active during the game, as were the cheerleaders and dance team, who are known as the Fly Girls. When FAU slams a dunk home or hits a key three-pointer, two students run flags around the court. It was a very dynamic atmosphere until the final buzzer. Neighborhood 4 The FAU campus is self-contained and bordered by the Boca Raton airport to the northwest, Spanish River Road to the north, Glades Road to the south, and a creek to the east. It is quite a large area, and walking to any eateries outside the campus is not recommended. However, several establishments are within a short drive. In particular, downtown Boca Raton is just 10 minutes away and has dozens of restaurants and bars that should offer something for everyone. Slightly closer to campus is the Irishmen pub, while the Town Center at Boca Raton is just to the southwest of the campus and includes Tap 42 Craft Kitchen and Bar, as well as a Hooters, among other joints. Of course, the Atlantic Ocean is right there, and there are a few beach parks within a 15-minute drive of the arena. There are many hotels within the vicinity of FAU, though prices can be high during the winter season. You may want to stay a few minutes away to save some money. On the campus, the FAU Fogelman Sports Museum is nearby and open for a few hours every day except Monday. It is free and contains quite a bit of sports memorabilia and is worth a visit if you have time in the area. Fans 5 It was an hour before the tip, and the student section was mostly full. It is because student capacity is so limited (many students were turned away a week before the game). Students show up early to grab a seat, which is great to see. A student section that cares about their team, and they stood for most of the evening. By the time the game started, the arena was full, and it stayed that way until the end of the game. Fans are loud and proud and deserving of their fantastic Final Four run last year. Access 4 FAU is located next to I-95 and is easy to get to by following your GPS. You do have to drive a bit on campus to get to the free parking lots immediately surrounding the arena. Getting out is pretty easy, too as you can be on the highway in just a couple of minutes. Inside, there is not a true concourse but a lobby that leads to the main gym for those in the lower seats and the stairwells to the upper level for fans in those seats. As such, there is no real difficulty in getting around. The single concession stand does see long lines before the game, so if you need to eat, get there early or wait until the game starts. Restrooms are a bit difficult to find, but there were no lineups there that I saw. Return on Investment 4 This might be the most difficult area to rate because tickets are hard to come by, and you can pay close to $100 on the secondary market. As mentioned, tickets that are not used by the visiting team are returned and made available at the box office, which is likely your best bet to snag one. I saw a small lineup more than an hour before the game, so if this is your plan, you need to arrive early. Parking is free, but food is a bit expensive. Still, this is one of the best experiences in college basketball, with a talented team playing in front of a passionate crowd in a small, intimate venue. Extras 3 The floor is adorned with palm trees, one of the more attractive court designs in college basketball. I always appreciate the attempts to add a bit of local flavor to the court.  The trophies in the front lobby for both the men and women merit a point. There are photos and other displays inside some of these stairwells that are worth checking out. Final Thoughts Overall, FAU is the epitome of what college basketball should be: a small school that maintains a small arena where students get the best seats despite the team's rise to national prominence. I don't know how long this combination will last, so if you want to enjoy this experience, you should get there in the next few seasons to appreciate all that the team has to offer the fans.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Columbia IceField Arena 220 Columbia St. W Waterloo, ON N2L 0A1 Waterloo Warriors website Columbia IceField Arena website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 680 Waterloo’s Barn They just don’t build them like this anymore.  Taking the ice in 1963 for the first time the Waterloo Warriors represented their fledgling school with pride.  The school was established in 1959 as an outgrowth of modern day’s Wilfrid Laurier University, located up University Ave, Waterloo ballooned into a huge school with over 40,000 students and one of the strongest reputations for engineering and computer science.  Success for the Warriors on the ice has been up and down in the ultra-competitive OUA conference of USports, culminating with Queen’s Cup Championships as conference champions in 1974 and 1996 and a University Cup as National Champions in 1974. Home for the Warriors since 1983 has been the Columbia IceField Arena.  Cheekily named after the natural phenomenon located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and its location on Columbia Street in Waterloo, the CIF is a throwback to a lost time.  The home of the Warriors, is essentially and affectionately a barn. Food & Beverage 1 In previous years a concession booth could be found inside the Columbia IceField, however, it seems those days are past.  The concession booth has been repurposed and a couple of vending machines are the entirety of the culinary selection.  In the recreation centre there is a Jugo Juice stand, but it is rarely to never open during hockey games. Atmosphere 4 The Columbia IceField Arena was originally built in 1983 and is now part of a larger recreation centre for the University of Waterloo.  From the exterior it is clear where the additions have taken place as the arena roof with its brown shingles pokes up above the rest of the rec centre.  The main entry from the cul-de-sac is on the east side and the rec centre has an attractive silver and glass exterior.  Upon entry, fans are met with the main ticket booth and then head to the arena lobby.  Welcomed by the starkness of the black colouring of the lobby walls, fans are met with the ticket table and enter the small lobby.  The lobby has a number of interesting nuggets for fans of the program to examine.  The Warriors have done a very good job documenting their history.  The lobby is filled with pictures of Warrior Alumni who have gone on to play professionally.  Of particular interest is the group of alumni coaches, including NHL coaches Geoff Ward and Karl Taylor.  An encased jersey for Tyler Norrie, who passed away too young, while still a Warrior hangs with an inscription.  A large trophy case houses information about the current Warrior hockey teams. Upon entering the arena itself, fans are immediately struck with the sudden drop in temperature and the amazing architecture.  The eyeline is drawn to the gorgeous hardwood ceiling with arched supports that give the CIF that feeling of a throwback arena to a different time, when ice surfaces were in actual barns.  The arena is not very huge and feels more like an arena for youth hockey as one built for spectator sports.  The ice surface runs from west to east with the seating on the north side of the ice.  For video purposes, the main logo is oriented towards the south, where the media box and cameras are situated above the player benches.  The bleachers are a mere three rows giving fans a literal ice level view.  Hanging above the ice surface are the Waterloo championship banners which include the 1974 and 1996 Ontario championship banners along with the 1974 National Championship banner.  The honoured numbers of Warriors Mike Bishop, Don Langlois, John Wynne, Mike Zettel and Ron Hawkshaw also hang above the ice surface in an unusual nod to hockey history not normally found in the OUA.  Team photos of the championship teams are on the west wall, welcoming fans as they head towards the bleachers.  Hockey scoreboards hang above the southeast and northwest corners. The gameday production at a Waterloo Warriors hockey game is simple.  The PA system is good and it is easy for fans to understand the announcements.  At some games the Warrior band will be present, sitting in the northeast corner.  The band is pretty small, but adds to the overall atmosphere and has been around for decades. Neighbourhood 4 The Columbia IceField Arena is located at the north edge of the campus of the University of Waterloo.  The main campus is bordered by University  Ave and Columbia Street and the CIF is located just on the opposite side of Columbia.  There are a number of options for pre or post game meals in the area, but most would require a significant hike.  The University Club is located on campus, but has very limited, weekday lunch hours.  Heading east to the offerings of King Street or south to University Ave would be the best idea.  Some options include Morty's Pub, Ennio’s Pasta House, Games on Tap, Mel’s Diner and Molly Bloom’s. There are a number of other sporting options available in Waterloo.  The Warriors field a number of other athletic teams including football and basketball.  Just up the street is Wilfrid Laurier University and the Golden Hawks also field football, basketball and hockey teams among others.  Junior B hockey is in Waterloo with the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins.  Heading to the twin city of Kitchener, fans could take in the Kitchener Panthers of Intercounty baseball, although the schedules will not match up, or the sporting centrepiece of the area, the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL.  Kitchener-Waterloo is renowned for Oktoberfest, which is the largest Bavarian festival in the world outside of Frankfurt, Germany.  Other tourist spots would include The Museum, Jazz Room or nearby St. Jacob’s Market. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Delta and Courtyard are short drives from campus. Fans 2 OUA hockey is a bit of a hidden gem that unfortunately, not enough people know about.  The Waterloo Warrior fanbase is not huge.  In the 2023-2024 hockey season, the Warriors averaged 140 fans per game, which was up from the previous year.  This ranked them 15th in the conference where only one school attracts over 1,000 fans per game.  The attendance is not too underwhelming for the OUA as a number of schools attract around the same number of fans.  Waterloo’s advantage is that the CIF holds a mere 680 people so it does not require a big crowd to add to the atmosphere.  That being said, there is plenty of room for the Warriors to improve. Access 3 Getting to the Columbia IceField Arena is not too difficult.  Located at the north side of the University of Waterloo campus, the IceField is easy to get to by major Waterloo streets including Columbia Street and University Avenue.  The IceField is a fair distance from highway 85 and fans will have to drive a bit through the city to get to the arena.  Parking is available for free on weekends and in the evening behind the optometry building on the other side of Hagey Blvd, opposite the arena.  There are also cash lots in the Columbia IceField Athletic Centre lot and across Columbia Street on Ring Road. For fans wishing to take public transit, Grand River Transit buses stop along Columbia St and at multiple points on the University of Waterloo campus.  The light rail also stops on the University of Waterloo Campus and beyond, but there is a bit of a walk from the stop to the CIF.  Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. The ticketing booth is immediately inside the Columbia IceField Athletic Centre entrance from the cul-de-sac off of Hagey Blvd.  Cash and credit cards are accepted. Getting around the arena can be a chore.  With such a small space, a decent crowd can jam up the works quickly.  The lobby in the arena is not huge and a logjam trying to get in can slow things up significantly.  There are two small washrooms in the entryway of the arena, one for each gender.  Even a crowd of a couple hundred fans can put a real strain on the facilities. Return on Investment 4 Canadian university hockey is one of the last great bargains in sport.  Waterloo Warrior hockey tickets are available for $10 for adults.  Seniors and students pay only $8 and children go for $5.  University of Waterloo students have free entry.  Concessions are very limited and parking can be found for free.  Put this all together and the investment is very small.  The return for that investment is very good.  The product on the ice is solid and the building is very unique and offers a good atmosphere.  Some concession options would improve the return for sure, even the availability of coffee or hot chocolate to combat the cold temperatures would be welcome. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Waterloo Warriors ongoing rivalry with their neighbours up the street, the Laurier Golden Hawks.  The rivalry is tracked across all sports and the Battle of Waterloo trophy is awarded each year. An extra mark for the history on display at the Columbia IceField. An extra mark for the uniqueness of the CIF and the throwback architecture of the building. Final Thoughts Taking in a Waterloo Warriors hockey game is a great way to enjoy some hockey at a very low price and in a facility that is truly unique.  The Columbia IceField Arena is definitely not oversized and offers a different experience than all of the other OUA hockey facilities.  Hopefully, the Warriors can enjoy some more success at the barn and challenge in the OUA for another Queen’s Cup soon. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hancock Whitney Stadium 500 Stadium Dr Mobile, AL 36608 Senior Bowl website Hancock Whitney Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 25,450 The NFL Draft begins in Mobile For 75 years the country's top college football players have converged in Mobile, AL, for the annual Senior Bowl. What was once just a football game featuring the best players from the North taking on the best players from the South, has now evolved into a weeklong event for the NFL as the official kickstart to the NFL Draft. It is usually held the weekend before the Super Bowl and the day before the Pro Bowl. The Senior Bowl is much more than a regular all-star game, but an annual tradition on the NFL's calendar as coaches, scouts, and front office personnel from all 32 NFL teams are on hand for the weeklong festivities to get their first glimpse at their teams’ next star players. The game has played host to some of the greatest players ever to grace the NFL – a whopping 56 players enshrined in Canton have all come through Mobile en route to their Hall of Fame careers. The Senior Bowl traces its beginnings to 1950 when it was played in Jacksonville, FL; in 1951 the game was moved to Mobil where it has been played ever since. The game is played on the campus of the University of South Alabama at the brand new, state-of-the-art Hancock Whitney Stadium, which opened in 2020. There's probably a good reason that the game has stayed in the Port City after all these years, and that is because Mobile can be considered the birthplace of Mardi Gras, and Senior Bowl Week takes place right in the middle of Mardi Gras season. The Gulf Coast's love affair with football, combined with Mobile's hospitality and festive carnival spirit, make this the perfect recipe for an event like this. It is no wonder NFL scouts rave about coming to Mobile every year. Food & Beverage   3 There is no shortages of concessions here with ten permanent stands throughout the facility. The usual fare of hamburgers ($5), corn dogs ($4), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), pretzels ($3), and popcorn ($2) can be found, but they also sell chicken sandwiches ($7), Conecuh Sausage ($6), and pork nachos ($6). They also have a chicken tenders and fries combo ($7) and a Philly cheesesteak combo ($8). Coke is the soft drink provider with 32 oz. drinks for $4, or you can get a 20 oz. Dasani bottled water ($3). They also have three custom stands built into the concessions – a Cotton States BBQ stand on the southwest corner, a pizza stand on the northeast concourse, and a taco/nacho stand on the southeast side of the concourse. Foosackly’s, a Mobile-area chicken chain, has their food truck set up on the concourse as well. There are several beer stands located throughout the stadium which sell 16 oz. Michelob Ultra and White Claw ($7), or Bud Light, Miller, and Coors ($6). The concessions here sell mixed drinks as well, and you can also get beer from the permanent concessions stands. Atmosphere   5 As mentioned the Senior Bowl is more than just a game; it is a full-fledged event in itself filled with fan fests, parades, food, entertainment, and concerts that take over the city for 5 days. You can definitely tell that this is Mobile's premiere sporting event every year. From 1951-2020 the game took place downtown at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, but in the early 2000s the aging stadium was beginning to fall on hard times, and the game was at risk of moving cities. Fortunately, since the opening of Hancock Whitney Stadium in 2021 the game, as well as the event's festivities, now have a much more intimate experience. The 25,500 seats are the perfect size for an event like this – the stadium is designed so no matter where you sit, you are close to the field and have a perfect view of the field. You will also not miss any action on the field as you walk the wide and spacious concourses. In the south end zone is a large videoboard that shows stats and game action as shown on NFL Network; this videoboard is also the second-largest board in the State of Alabama. The huge team store in the south end zone that is open for South Alabama games is closed for the Senior Bowl. However, there are four pop-up tents inside the stadium, and several outside the stadium, selling Senior Bowl gear (shirts, hats, helmets, programs, footballs, etc.). For the Senior Bowl, the Michelob Ultra Terrace in the south end zone is turned into a private club sponsored by the NFLPA – it is quite an impressive setup with couches and a full spread set up in the club. It is also quite intimidating to see the NFL's logo on everything throughout the game, from the NFL coaches coaching the game and NFL cheerleaders on the field, the game is even played under NFL rules. The Senior Bowl has a pretty big Hall of Fame, a who's who of NFL Legends. So, during the game it is not uncommon to see former big-name former players standing on the sidelines. Reese's is also the main sponsor of the Senior Bowl, so expect to see plenty of orange and Reese's logos throughout the stadium as well. The Reese's mascot walks around, and the Saints cheerleaders hand out Reese's as you enter the stadium. And if you have a ticket to the private Hargrove Club on the West side of the stadium, they have a giant Reese's chocolate fountain and candy station up there. Many of the traditions that fans were familiar with at Ladd-Peebles Stadium have carried over to the new site, for example, before the game Mobile's famous Azalea Trail Maids make an appearance at midfield as the teams are introduced. The trail maids are high school senior girls who are chosen to be the official ambassadors for the city of Mobile; the maids wear bright colored and long dresses, meant to evoke Mobile's Southern charm and hospitality. The Azalea Trail Maids have become sort of synonymous with the Senior Bowl and with the city of Mobile. Another yearly tradition at the Senior Bowl is the HBCU band that entertains fans during the game. Known for having some of the best marching bands in college football, the HBCU bands are a sight to see and hear as they dance while they perform. For 2024 the Talladega College Marching Band entertained the crowd during the game and at halftime, while in years past Jackson State, Southern, Florida A&M, and Grambling State have all had their bands play at the Senior Bowl. Neighborhood   3 The University of South Alabama's campus is located in a residential area on the far west side of the city of Mobile. There are a few restaurants in the vicinity for you to check out – Fuzzy Tacos, Mellow Mushroom, Ollie's Mediterranean Grill, and Heroes' Sports Bar are just some of the places to visit in the area. Mobile's famous chicken joint Foosackly’s is in the area as well and is extremely cheap, or for BBQ, Dreamland, an Alabama staple, has several locations in Mobile. To experience Mobile at its best I recommend taking the 15 to 20-minute drive into downtown where most of the attractions and nightlife are located. If you take Government Street or Dauphin Street into downtown pay attention to the many historic buildings that line this stretch. Mobile is a very historic city, and this is evident by its many antebellum mansions and historic buildings that date back to the 1800s. The entire downtown area retains that French Quarter feel like in New Orleans; Dauphin Street is even like a smaller scale Bourbon Street, but with fewer people. The Senior Bowl also takes place during prime Mardi Gras season. When it comes to Mardi Gras most people think of New Orleans, but Mobile is actually considered the "Birthplace of Mardi Gras". If you are into that sort of thing then you have to see a Mobile Mardi Gras parade. After the Senior Bowl game they usually have a parade downtown, so I recommend attending it if you have never experienced Mardi Gras before. For more on the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile, I recommend checking out the Mobile Carnival Museum located downtown. Mobile's top tourist attraction is the USS Alabama, a huge battleship that was used during World War 2 and is located in Mobile Bay – the ship is now a museum, and you can take a tour of it. For other attractions in downtown Mobile you have the Mobile Museum of History located in the old building that was used as City Hall during the Civil War. Also nearby is historic Fort Conde, a replica 1800s fort located above the Mobile Bay Tunnel and built to guard the entrance to the Port City in the 18th and early 19th Century. For kids and families you can also visit GulfQuest Maritime Museum or the Exploreum Science Center, with all kinds of hands-on exhibits. Fans   5 The unique thing about attending a game like the Senior Bowl is seeing all the different fan bases the game attracts. Mobile is prime SEC country, so you will find a lot of people representing LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Georgia.  And of course, the majority of the crowd are either Alabama or Auburn fans. With the intense college football season over by the point the Senior Bowl takes place every year, the hatred between the different schools' fanbases is not evident here – you'll find Alabama and Auburn fans talking amongst each other as friends for one day only. Hancock Whitney Stadium also has a small capacity of 25,000 and the game usually sells out. The Mobile Sports Entertainment Authority goes all out making this a top-notch fan experience. Since moving to the new stadium, they have the Senior Bowl Fan Fest located outside the south end zone, where you'll find various vendors, food trucks and displays, such as the U.S. Army simulator and photos with the Saints cheerleaders. They also have different hands-on football exhibits and bounce houses, as well as a few race cars, and an exhibit where you can get your own football card made by Panini. In addition, there are several other public and private tailgate spots scattered around the grounds, including one that features a pre-game concert. And for the kids, many of the school mascots make the trip to Mobile, so they are constantly walking around the tailgates and getting their pictures taken. If that wasn't enough for the fan engagement, the various events and festivities that take place during the week are both public and private. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday they have practices in the morning that are free and open to the public. The practices are set up like an NFL Draft combine with players running various drills, while NFL scouts and head coaches look on and take notes. They also have various media events and Q&As with current and past players at the local Saenger Theatre. During the day on Friday the players do different community events around town and visit local children's hospitals, and then on Friday night they have huge a Mardi Gras parade through the streets of downtown Mobile, with the players, coaches, and mascots taking part in the parade. To top it all off, after the parade they end the week by having a huge concert that takes place in Mardi Gras Park downtown – the Revivalists, Nelly, and Counting Crows are just some of the bands who have played in year's past. Access   3 Unfortunately, the one drawback to the game being moved is just getting to Hancock Whitney Stadium; Mobile is a very spread-out town, and the South Alabama campus is located on the far northwest side. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get to campus, as you will be navigating highways once you get off I-65 or I-10. If coming from the east I recommend taking I-10 to I-65 North and then taking Exit 5A onto Springhill Ave. Travel west for 5 miles until you reach University Blvd, and the campus will be about a mile south at the corner of University and Old Shell Road. There are 3 entrances into campus, and I recommend taking the main entrance on Jaguar Blvd in front of the baseball field. Parking is $10, but it is possible to find free parking the further away you park from the stadium. The stadium is kind of hidden on the back side of campus, but there is plenty of free parking near the basketball arena and baseball stadium. There are three entrances into the stadium, with the main entrance being on the south side. Lines tend to back up the closer it gets to game time, but once inside the facility the concessions lines run smooth, and the concourses are very wide and don't look as crowded as they actually are. Return on Investment   4 Tickets for the Senior Bowl range from $15 for general admission in the north end zone upper deck, to $55 for the chairbacks on the west side of the stadium. Every seat in Hancock Whitney Stadium has good sightlines, so no matter where you sit you are guaranteed to get a great view. I consider this is an absolute bargain to see some of the best college football players in the country, and not only that, but all the fan events and just being able to attend practice for free make this event worthwhile. You never know who the next big NFL player you are going to see is, and you never know which NFL Hall of Famer you'll spot walking the sidelines during the free practices – for a 2024 practice I spotted Terrell Owens and Jerry Rice having a chat on the sidelines. To top it all off, Senior Bowl week takes place during Mardi Gras season, so you are able to watch college football greatest players, and then afterward watch some of the best Mardi Gras parades in the country. Extras   5 One extra for the level of fan engagement the Senior Bowl provides – all the events that take place during the week make Mobile a must-visit during Senior Bowl week. This is all possible thanks to Executive Director of the Senior Bowl Jim Nagy, who took over in 2018. A longtime scout for the NFL, his vision for the game was to make Mobile a destination city for the NFL, and establish this game as the unofficial start of the NFL pre-draft process, which led to the saying "The Draft Starts in Mobile". With Nagy in charge of operations, the Senior Bowl has a full-time staff of scouts, event coordinators, social media coordinators, and sponsorship sales coordinators that work full time during the year to make sure the entire weeklong event operates smoothly. If you want to see something cool then I recommend visiting the Riverview Renaissance Hotel in downtown Mobile, the official hotel and headquarters for the Senior Bowl during the week; you never know which NFL head coach or former NFL player you'll run into while visiting. It is quite unique to walk the streets around the hotels and see the different NFL coaching staffs walking around downtown Mobile. While you are at it check out the Convention Center across the street from the Hotel, home to media row during the week. Inside you'll find all kinds of podcasts and draft shows set up broadcasting their shows, everyone from the top sports media conglomerates like ESPN and Bleacher Report, to the average fan who just decided to start a podcast or show, is set up broadcasting on the second level. Another extra for all the past big players and coaches who have been a part of this game over the years. Some of the 56 Pro Football Hall of Famers who have played in this Game include Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene, Franco Harris, Joe Namath, Walter Payton, and Derrick Thomas, while some of the current NFL players who have come through Mobile include Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herberts, Derek Carr, Dak Prescott, Davonte Smith, Deebo Samuel, Cooper Kupp, and Baker Mayfield. In addition, a whopping 20 former NFL coaches enshrined in Canton have coached in the Senior Bowl including Don Shula, Bill Walsh, Mike Ditka, Bill Cowher, and Tony Dungy. Something special they do every year for the game is induct the newest members of the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame – the former players or coaches are then honored on the field during the game. For the 75th Anniversary of the game in 2024 the Senior Bowl made a 75th Anniversary Team. Before the game they had each player make a special entrance into the stadium, with many of the players wearing their Pro Football Hall of Fame jackets as they entered the stadium. Some of the players named to the Senior Bowl 75th Anniversary team include Brett Favre, Dan Marino, Shaun Alexander, Hines Ward, Terrell Owens, Michael Strahan, Aaron Donald, Brian Urlacher, Richard Sherman, and Pat McAfee. One extra for the stadium playing host to the South Alabama Jaguars football team; entering the 2024 season the Jags have a record of 17-9 record at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Jags have also played in two bowl games and have had two players drafted since the opening of the stadium. Hancock Whitney Stadium also hosts the 86 Ventures Bowl every December.

The Huntington, W. Va., club in the Appalachian League announced its identity and branding today. They will be known as the Tri-State Coal Cats, paying homage to the area's coal mining industry. The primary and secondary logos were released, featuring the colors of Coal Black, Cool Grey, and Marshal Green. According to the team website, the Coal Cats moniker is derived from the region’s rich and historic coal mines dating back to the 1800s. “Cats” helps create an alliterative wordplay that provides the new ballclub with a one-of-a-kind name that will soon be recognized nationwide. Dylan Winters, a Marshal Athletics graphic designer, created the logos. He incorporated four distinct marks: A cat’s head is made of a piece of coal. A cat’s paw that contains the letters TSCC, an abbreviation for Tri-State Coal Cats. It is also formed from coal A TS monogram that features a pickaxe blending into the S. A roundel logo featuring the cat’s head team name and city. It includes green baseball stitching on the side. The ball club will play at Marshall University’s Jack Cook Field in the 10-team Appalachian League. The summer collegiate league will have its first game at Huntington on June 4. ------ 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: 2.86 Ross E. Templeton Center 105 Ashland Ave Clinton, SC 29325 Presbyterian Blue Hose website Ross E. Templeton Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,000 Goooooo Blue! Let’s Go P.C.! The term “Blue Hose” is said to have been born from the blue socks worn by the football team after then head coach, Walter Johnson, incorporated blue socks into the team uniform. Local sports writers picked up on and began referring to Presbyterian as the Blue Stockings, which over the years morphed to Blue Hose. With the roots of the Presbyterian Church going back to Scotland in the late 1600s, the college has incorporated a Scottish warrior as the face of its mascot, to pair with the Blue Hose. Since their jump to the NCAA’s Division I in 2007, Presbyterian College has played as members of the Big South Conference. Prior to moving to D1 the Blue Hose spent eighteen seasons in the Southern Athletic Conference of Division II, where they made four NCAA D2 tournament appearances. Before their time in the NCAA, Presbyterian was a long-time member of the NAIA. While the Blue Hose have yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament at the Division I level, they did make a run in the 2019 CollegeInsider.com Post Season Tournament (CIT) to the quarterfinals, where they fell to the eventual tournament champion Marshall Thundering Herd. Presbyterian, a relatively new Division I NCAA member with just one winning season (2018-19) at this level, seemingly is still in the process of building the foundation for their men's basketball program. Food & Beverage   3 As soon as fans walk through the doors of Templeton Center, the concessions are front and center. Options are typical of what would be found at most basic concession stands – hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, chips, and an assortment of candy. Cheese sauce and chili are also available as add-ons. For beverages, Presbyterian provides both bottled and fountain soft drinks from the Pepsi line of products. Alcoholic beverages are not available for purchase at Presbyterian basketball games. The concession stand does seem to close up shop rather early, so make sure to grab what you might want before the halfway point of the second half. Atmosphere   3 Ross E. Templeton Center uses a classically designed portico, with large support columns that welcome fans inside. The facility itself though does not have a lot of extras. Bleachers across from the team benches have a center section with seat backs, while the rest of the seats are backless benches. Behind the team benches the first few rows of seating have been removed, but seat back chairs are five rows deep at center court, while the truncated sections behind the team benches run three rows deep – all these chairbacks are designated as reserved seating. Basic scoreboards are affixed to the walls at opposite ends of the floor, which provide fans with time, score, and team foul information. Similarly sized videoboards are also at each end of the floor, one showing a live feed of the game while the other rotates between advertisements and Blue Hose graphics. The scoreboards and videoboards unfortunately do not display a running total of in-game statistics or player fouls for fans to keep up with. Stoppages in play are often filled by either performances from the cheer squad, on court recognitions, or contests run by the two in-game hosts. The games and contests that are conducted seem to be a fan favorite in filling the downtime before the ball is put back in play. Though played in a small venue with attendance that can be sparse, the Blue Hose faithful who are there do bring a great deal of passion and excitement to the environment. Neighborhood   3 Ross Templeton Center sits at the end of Presbyterian’s long, oak-lined quad toward the back of campus, neighbored by the soccer field, Martin Stadium, baseball’s Elton Pollack Field, and football’s Bailey Memorial Stadium. Presbyterian's campus is about a mile from Clinton's town center with a handful of shops and restaurants. The town center features a replica of the brick, arched train depot that serves as a tribute to Clinton's railroad history. Additionally, there are 15 bronze historical markers scattered around the town as part of a walking tour. Those interested in the town's history can access an accompanying narration of the tour through the distrx app, available on Apple's App Store or Google Play. Fans   2 The Blue Hose typically draw 200-300 fans per game to Templeton Center. According to US News & World Report, Presbyterian College’s enrollment of just under 1,000 students makes them the smallest member of NCAA’s Division I. Naturally this impacts both the size of the student body and the size of their alumni base, but it doesn’t take away from the enthusiasm at games. The stands appear to be comprised mostly of alumni and residents of Clinton, with student representation seemingly being predominantly athletes from other sports. Despite the smaller crowd size, those in attendance remain actively engaged in cheering/jeering at appropriate times throughout the game. Access   3 The easiest access to Clinton from nearby cities comes via I-26, which runs between Spartanburg and Columbia and on to Charleston on the South Carolina coast. From Greenville, I-385 provides direct access to Clinton before joining up with I-26 just north of town. Parking does seem to be a bit of a free for all – with a small lot behind the gym, many cars line Ashland Street, which runs in front of Ross Templeton Center. Larger lots closer to the football and baseball stadiums are a bit of a walk. The main entry point is on the right side of the front of Ross Templeton Center. Fans are directed into a somewhat snug lobby area leading directly to the ticket table, either for ticket purchases or to have pre-purchased tickets scanned. Once inside the Gregg Hibbert Gymnasium, the name of the Blue Hose's home court itself, seating can be accessed from the court floor behind the team benches or along the sidelines opposite the benches. The easiest way to move between sides of the floor is back through the main lobby. Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $10 for general admission seats, which seems consistent with prices of similar levels of college basketball. Free parking and reasonably priced concessions make the experience affordable all around. Extras   2 Each of Presbyterian’s athletic facilities features sculptures of the sports that the building hosts; the entry plaza of Ross E. Templeton Center displays bronze statues representing men’s and women’s basketball along with volleyball. The wall at the end of the team bench displays plaques recognizing Everett Booe for initiating the Presbyterian Men’s basketball program in 1914. A second plaque honors the 2007-08 team that was the first to transition to NCAA Division I. Final Thoughts Basketball at Presbyterian College has a nice balance of keeping the game as the feature of the experience, while also getting fans involved during breaks in the action. Sometimes less can be more when it comes to the overall basketball experience at Presbyterian. There definitely are limitations that can impact the overall game presentation, but the in-game entertainment crew does a good job with what they have, to give fans an entertaining experience that nicely complements the game between the lines.

Photo courtesy of Paris 24 The 2024 edition of the Summer Olympics is right around the corner, with the games scheduled to start in Paris on July 26 and running through August 11. This year’s incarnation will mark the third time that the City of Lights has held the summer games, and marks 100 years since the last games were held there. Hundreds of athletes from across the globe will gather in Paris to compete in dozens of competitions in the grandest display of sportsmanship and brotherhood that humanity is graced with every four years. The aim is to prove themselves against the best in the world for a chance at sports immortality – the best of the best also compete for one of the most illustrious prizes in all of sports, the Olympic medal. “A symbol of excellence, a source of motivation, of surpassing oneself and of ultimate achievement, medals are much more than objects: they represent the apotheosis in the career of elite athletes,” said Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024 in a news release. “Their power to fascinate and inspire goes far beyond the circle of athletes. I see it when I take them with me on a trip, particularly in the eyes of children.” Paris 2024, working in concert with the Paris 2024 Athletes Committee, has worked to ensure that this year’s medals are the most unique ever. In an effort to marry the strongest symbol of the Games with the figurative heart of Paris and of France, the groups collaborated with world-renowned jeweler House of Chaumet to create something truly unique. To do so, they revamped the design to include real pieces of metal from the Eiffel Tower itself in each one. “Thanks to Chaumet, the Paris 2024 medals have been designed like real pieces of jewelry: on both sides, they will show the most beautiful face of France” Estanguet said. “With their piece of the Eiffel Tower, they will be totally unique, creating a genuine link between the medal-winning athletes and our country.” Real iron from the Eiffel Tower was salvaged from past renovation work and has been carefully preserved ever since. Erected in 1889 as part of the Universal Exhibition, the Eiffel Tower is an indelible symbol of Paris, and is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. “The Paris 2024 medals will represent the coming together of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said Estanguet. “We are delighted and proud to present the medals for the Games of Paris 2024!” Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Gaspar Communications On Wednesday, February 7 the NFL announced that the Philadelphia Eagles would play as the designated team for the league’s historic first regular season game that will be played in Brazil, during the 2024-2025 season as part of the NFL International Series. Their opponent will be announced with the unveiling of the 2024 schedule sometime in the spring. The first game in the International Series was held on October 2, 2005 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico in a contest between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers. This year’s game is historic for several reasons – first is that this is the first NFL game to be played in Brazil, and second, the game set for September 6, 2024 will be the first time the NFL has scheduled a regular season game on a Friday night since the 1970 season opener, with the then St. Louis Cardinals taking on the Los Angeles Rams. “Hosting the first NFL game in Brazil and South America is both a significant challenge and a tremendous honor – monumental occasion for our country, highlighting our importance on the global stage," said Gustavo Pires, a prominent figure in São Paulo's events and tourism sector in a news release. “Hosting the iconic Philadelphia Eagles in our city is [also] a true honor”. São Paulo is the host city for this year’s contest which will be held at Corinthians Stadium, the home stadium of the SC Corinthians; the venue served as an official site for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and also was used during the 2016 Summer Olympics. This game is also significant for Brazil, as it will be held on the eve of the country’s Independence Day. The Brazil game is a landmark for the NFL’s international efforts, especially its ongoing expansion into South America. Opening Week 1 of the regular season on foreign soil is a unique way the league is highlighting its international growth and global ambitions – as Brazil is home to 38 million residents, the opportunities for the NFL are obvious. Photo courtesy of Kiko Gaspar Communications “With projections of over $60 million injected into our local economy, this event underscores São Paulo's potential to host major international sporting events,” Pires said. “As a city renowned for its vibrant culture and passionate sports fans, São Paulo eagerly anticipates the opportunity to showcase our warm hospitality to the world”.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Kaplan Arena 751 Ukrop Way Williamsburg, VA 23185 William & Mary Tribe website Kaplan Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 8,600 Hoops In The Colonial Capital William & Mary Hall first opened in 1971 as the UNC Tar Heels knocked off William & Mary 101-72 in front of a sold-out crowd of over 8,000. Despite the game being played, the building was not completely finished as the locker rooms were unfinished and UNC spent halftime on the team bus. In 2016, the building was officially named Kaplan Arena. The facility is home to William & Mary basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. The 2023-24 basketball season has brought new facility upgrades including a brand-new videoboard, a new sound system, and new LED lights. William & Mary competes in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). Food & Beverage 3 Kaplan Arena offers a good variety of food choices to keep you satisfied at the game including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and pulled pork BBQ sandwiches. Snack options include bottomless popcorn, candy (M&M’s, candy bars), and chips. Beverage options include bottled water, Gatorade, and fountain drinks. Alcoholic beverages are available at the Precarious Pavilion at the open end of the arena. While the food options are modestly priced, including the bottomless popcorn (!), we recommend eating a meal at one of Williamsburg's fine establishments before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 Kaplan Arena is split into an upper and lower level with a walkway separating the two. When you enter the seating area from the portal you are on this walkway with the lower level being below you and the upper level above. All of the seats in the lower level are green, while the upper-level seats are yellow. Most of the seats are chairback, with the exception of the top few rows in the upper level. However, with the size of crowds that William & Mary draws for most games, one would not have the need to sit there. There is a large four-sided videoboard that hangs above center court that is new for the 2023 season and provides the score, stats, and video replays. When we visited, there was no band or cheerleaders. This creates a rather bland atmosphere and seems to show that the basketball program is not a priority. There is not a bad seat in the house, and for most games, you should be able to get a ticket in just about any section that you want. The mascot, Griffin, roams the crowd during the game and takes pictures with fans. Neighborhood 5 If you are looking for other things to do while in town for a William and Mary basketball game, there are many options in the Williamsburg area. Colonial Williamsburg has many colonial-style homes, shops, restaurants, and attractions in the downtown area. One interesting restaurant with great food is Food for Thought, which has a menu as diverse as the minds of great American thinkers. Food for Thought’s décor features biographical pictures of inventors, scientists, and social leaders while the walls display thought-provoking quotes used to set the tone for a positive and enjoyable dining experience. Just down the street from William & Mary is Meadows Original Frozen Custard, which offers some of the best custard and concretes you can find anywhere. Also, nearby is the Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement on the east coast; and Yorktown, the site where the British surrendered and the Revolutionary War ended. There are also many other resorts and attractions nearby including theme parks Busch Gardens and Water Country. Fans 2 William and Mary averages around 2500-3000 fans for most home games. Most of these fans sit in the lower level of the 8,000-seat arena giving the upper level a desolate feeling. Most fans seem to be older alumni. When we attended, there were few students in attendance, no cheerleaders or pep band. William & Mary basketball seems to be an afterthought in the Williamsburg area. Access 4 Kaplan Arena is located on the William & Mary campus just blocks from Colonial Williamsburg, right off of Richmond Road, at the intersection of Brooks Street and Compton Drive. Access is easy from Richmond Road with free parking outside the arena. Ticket scanners and security are set right inside the exterior doors of the arena. Keep in mind that there is a clear bag policy, but they do not check the contents of the bags. Handicapped seating is conveniently located at the top of the lower level. Restrooms and concessions are on the concourse, but there are only two men’s restrooms and three women’s restrooms. These restrooms are small and reminiscent of a building built in the 1970s. They are kept very clean. Return on Investment 4 Lower level tickets are $15 and upper level tickets are $10. While there are plenty of ushers, they do not check tickets, so one could probably easily buy an upper level ticket and sit in one of the many empty lower level seats. With free parking and affordable, one could easily afford to take the family out for a night of basketball while visiting Williamsburg. Extras 1 One extra point for the friendly staff and ushers at the arena. Many of them welcomed us upon entry and wished us a safe trip home when leaving. Final Thoughts Kaplan Arena may not be on a lot of folks’ college basketball radar. The CAA is a good mid-major basketball league and has some great teams at the top, so one is almost guaranteed to see a good game. Many folks visit Williamsburg for its history and culture, and Kaplan Arena is a great place to catch a game if you are in town during the winter months.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hank McCamish Pavilion 965 Fowler St Atlanta, GA 30332 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (WBB) website Hank McCamish Pavilion website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 8,600 Women's Basketball at McCamish Originally opened as Alexander Memorial Coliseum in 1956 as the home court for Georgia Tech basketball, the arena has been more than just the nest for the Yellow Jackets. In 1996 it was used for Olympic basketball, and following a tornado that struck downtown Atlanta in 2008, the arena played home to the SEC tournament following extensive damage to the Georgia Dome, creating a need for the tournament to be relocated on short notice. Nicknamed the “Thrillerdome”, the arena also served as the home court of the Atlanta Hawks during the demolition of The Omni and construction of the now State Farm Arena, as well as the home of the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA. After 55 years and being the fourth-oldest arena in the ACC used for women’s basketball, the facility was in need of significant upgrades – rather than building a completely new arena, the coliseum was retired in order to undergo $50 million in renovations, giving birth to the newly reconstructed McCamish Pavilion. Since the completion of renovations and moving back into their home to start the 2012-13 season, McCamish Pavilion has given Georgia Tech women’s basketball a definitive home court advantage, with the team winning 63% of their games at home. Food & Beverage   3 A lone concession stand gives fans a menu that is quite standard, featuring hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and an assortment of sweet treats. However, the presence of Chick-fil-A provides a wider selection of choices, offering their classic chicken sandwich, its spicy counterpart, and grilled chicken wraps. Additionally, various Chick-fil-A desserts, as well as their wonderfully tart lemonade and sweet southern tea, enhance the overall concessions experience. With Coca-Cola’s headquarters less than a mile away, it would almost feel sacrilegious for Tech to offer anything other than Coke products. Concessions also provide fans with a wide choice of alcoholic beverages; seltzers, wines, spritzers, macro brews, and craft beers from New Realm Brewing Company, including two Georgia Tech-branded beers. While the availability of Chick-fil-A is a welcome addition, the prices are significantly marked up, nearly double those found in the restaurant. Atmosphere   3 After the 2011 season, the facility underwent a $50 million, 20-month renovation. The upgrades involved reconfiguring the seating bowl, widening the concourse, and adding club seating, an upper balcony, and an entry plaza. These changes give the arena a significantly more modern feel and addressed much-needed updates. The corner panels and underside of a relatively smaller center court-hung scoreboard incorporate honeycomb accents, perfectly complementing the school's Yellow Jacket moniker. A dark-colored roof and dark-colored seats and arena support structures effectively establish a dark background, framing the court as the primary focal point for the action. While the game remains the central focus, the traditions of Georgia Tech complement the fan involvement during most stoppages in play. Fans enthusiastically rise to their feet during the initial notes of the fight song "Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech", or in anticipation of the 4th Quarter's “Buzzweiser song”, a rendition of a Budweiser jingle during which fans energetically alternately bob up and down, joining in the chant, "IF YOU’VE SAID BUUUUDWEISER, YOU’VE-SAID-IT-ALL!". The band, along with the cheer and dance squads, contributes to the classic college basketball atmosphere. While there are a few in-game hosted features during timeouts, they more-or-less complement the pep band and spirit squad as the main focal point of breaks in the action. Neighborhood   5 The Georgia Tech campus is in Atlanta’s midtown neighborhood – McCamish Pavilion itself is on the northern most reaches of campus, in an athletics neighborhood of sorts. The tennis complex, outdoor track, baseball’s Mac Nease Ballpark at Russ Chandler Stadium, and even Hyundai Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium can be seen in the distance. Georgia Tech’s campus will never be confused with being a college town by any means, but if strolling the heart of campus it can be easy to forget you are in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas. Being in midtown, the area around Georgia Tech provides nearly an endless number of food, lodging, and entertainment choices. Just across the Downtown Connector, several entertainment venues and restaurants line Peachtree and Juniper Streets. Tech is also only slightly over a mile away from Centennial Olympic Park, surrounded by attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame, and World of Coke. Just off the western edge of campus, the nationally renowned Antico Pizza and late-night hangout spot Northside Tavern are popular locations. In addition, the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center is conveniently located near campus, but is just one of several lodging options in the area. Fans   3 According to NCAA statistics, Georgia Tech women’s basketball averages roughly 1,800 fans per game, which is in line with the national average – the Power Five conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big XII, Pac10, SEC) average 1,900, so the night-in-night-out attendance here is comparable with similar teams around the country. At a capacity of 8,600, McCamish Pavilion is one of the smaller arenas in the ACC, but it does create a more intimate atmosphere where fans are closer to the action on the floor, and their passion has more of an impact on the game than it might in a larger arena. Fans are supportive throughout, celebrating baskets and defensive stops accordingly, even in late game situations of a lopsided game. A lot of credit needs to go to the Georgia Tech pep band who, while not filling the breaks in the action with music, are passionately rooting on the Yellow Jackets. Access   4 Getting to McCamish Pavilion for a Yellow Jackets game may pose some challenges, but knowing some of the workarounds can ease some of the traffic frustrations. McCamish Pavilion is conveniently located off Atlanta's Downtown Connector just off 10th Street in midtown Atlanta. However, keep in mind this intersection is often highly congested, especially during the evening commute. For fans coming from the northwest side of Atlanta via I-75, moving to the right as soon as you see the 16th, 14th, and 10th Street exit sign will alleviate difficulties with merging at the last moment; easy rule of thumb – when in doubt, merge right. For those on I-85, taking the opportunity to turn right onto Techwood Drive can help avoid congestion on the exit ramp. Unfortunately, fans arriving from the south via the Williams Street exit may not experience the same relief from backups along 10th Street. The recommended parking lot for the arena is the McCamish lot (E65) located directly behind the arena. Additional parking is available in the garage on 10th Street, diagonally across from the facility (E66), as well as street parking along Fowler Street—be sure to check street signs for any parking restrictions. When using GPS for parking behind McCamish Pavilion, note that the gate is frequently closed for women’s basketball. Instead use the entrance on Fowler Street, which provides easy access to the back entrance of the arena. While Atlanta does have a serviceable subway system, MARTA, the most accessible stop for McCamish Pavilion is still a half-mile walk. Return on Investment   5 Tickets here go for just $7, making the experience extremely affordable. The affordability of tickets helps to offset slightly higher concessions prices. When factoring in that parking is free, however, the overall investment is well worth it. Extras   5 When McCamish Pavilion essentially replaced Alexander Memorial Coliseum, its floor found a new purpose as trim around the arena's support structures – the Yellow Jacket and “GT” logos from the old coliseum now adorn the ceilings and a section of the wall in the Calloway Club. Buzz, Georgia Tech's mascot and one of the most recognizable figures in college athletics, roams the stands during games, engaging kids, students, and anyone eager for a photo opportunity. The Yellow Jackets women’s basketball program strives to make their program accessible with their devoted supporters. For $35, season ticket holders are able to access open practices, a meet-and-greet with the team, a tour of the locker room, and the opportunity to participate in pre-game “chalk talks” on several occasions throughout the season; this provides insight into the preparation that goes into each game. The regular season and post season successes of the Tech’s women’s basketball program are recognized with banners in the rafters. Of the recognitions, the 1992 WNIT Championship team not only earned their own banner in the rafters, but also recognition among the honorees and NCAA Final Four teams in the support beams of the main entry point. One of the great experiences of college athletics are the traditions tied to them; in the minutes following the final horn, the Tech pep band's final performance, “The Horse”, gets those still in attendance up to dance with the band and spirit squad. During the drum break, band members scatter around the arena until the end of the break to complete the piece. Legend has it that band members are then forbidden to play their instruments again until after midnight, or risk bringing bad luck to the team against their next conference opponent. Final Thoughts Georgia Tech women’s basketball has the pieces in place to build an overall exciting college basketball experience, but a handful of the aspects that support the overall positivity of the women’s basketball experience might also be working against it. A university in the heart of a major metropolitan area will commonly have endless competition for viewers simply given the number of options there are in the immediate vicinity. This does not take away from the excitement under the dome of McCamish Pavilion, however.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Carroll Indoor Sports Center 515 Old Westminster Pike Westminster, MD 21157 DMV Gunners website Carroll Indoor Sports Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 200 Home of the Green Terror The DMV Gunners are a semi-professional soccer team based in Westminster, Maryland. The team is a Major Arena Soccer League 3 (MASL 3) member. MASL3 is a North American indoor soccer league that serves as the developmental league of the Major Arena Soccer League and MASL2. The league started in 2020. Major Arena Soccer League started in 2008 and Major Arena Soccer League 2 started in 2017. The Gunners play their home games at Carroll Indoor Sports Center. The venue is in its 30th season of indoor soccer. There are three soccer/lacrosse fields and one basketball/volleyball court. Food & Beverage 3 There is a simple concession stand located in one of the Carroll Indoor Sports Center's buildings. There are many options at a fair value. It still may be a good idea to eat before a game if you want more than snack bar offerings. Atmosphere 3 This is a normal indoor recreation field that we see all over the country. It is a simple setup with very little seating. There are a couple of rows of stands near the arena glass. The team also set up folding chairs for extra fans. there will be many fans standing around as well. Neighborhood 4 Westminster, a far suburb of Baltimore, is in a traditional suburban setting. Baugher’s Restaurant and Farm Market is located nearby and is one of the best family-type restaurants around and offers no better place to buy fresh produce. We also like to stop by one of the few Roy Roger's fast food restaurants when in the area. Downtown Westminster is also not far away. Here you can find some good choices such as O’Lordan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant and Maggie’s. Fans 3 Many of the fans are friends or families of the players. You may also see participants from the other fields stopping by to check in on the action. Access 4 Route 140 is the main route from the Baltimore area towards Westminster and stems from the end of Baltimore’s I-795. Access to Baltimore, Washington D.C., and central Pennsylvania is fairly easy. The parking lot at the Carroll Indoor Sports Center can get very busy with all of the youth games competing, as well as the nearby fun center. You may want to get there early as the lot can be a busy one at times. The Gunners play in the building closest to the road. There is a very small entrance to that building. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $12 ($6 for students) which is a decent value. One could say it is too high, but we think supporting an up-and-coming organization like the Gunners is worth a couple extra bucks. There are also options for season tickets which could bring the cost down even more. Extras 2 There are so many things going on at the Carroll Indoor Sports Center, that you may want to set aside some time to watch one of the other games that are going on. Players Fun Zone is the nearby amusement center that offers laser tag, arcade games, bumper cars, mini golf, and much more, so you may want to stop in there before or after a Gunners match. Final Thoughts The DMV Gunners is a simple sporting event to watch but it gives the Westminster area a nice minor league type of affair to enjoy.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Reisterstown Sportsplex 401 Mitchell Dr Reisterstown, MD 21136 Stevenson Mustangs website Reisterstown Sportsplex website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 1,500 Hockey Horses Stevenson University was originally known as Villa Julie College. It has always been a bit of a quirky place. Originally located in the Greenspring Valley of Baltimore County and its Stevenson neighborhood, the college was an all-women college until 1972 and did not even offer bachelor's degrees until 1984. It also was entirely non-residential. Eventually, the college desired to add housing and more of just about everything, so a new campus was added in Owings Mills. This expansion dramatically increased the college’s offerings and student population. In 2008, they decided they needed a new identity and changed their name to Stevenson University. That new Owings Mills campus just happened to be right next door to the old Baltimore Colts training facility. The Mustangs are a NCAA Division III hockey team that plays as part of the 5-team Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC). Normally the MAC is an umbrella organization of sub-conferences, with 16 member colleges, but with some sports, they combine into a single entity. Stevenson has also participated as part of the United Collegiate Hockey Conference at the same time, but the MAC is becoming an automatic qualifier conference in 2024 so the team will be competing solely under the MAC banner. Stevenson also fields a women's ice hockey team. The Reisterstown Sportsplex is a Baltimore County-owned sports facility that houses a 200 x 85 foot NHL size ice rink and a 180 x 80 foot indoor soccer/lacrosse field. Food & Beverage 1 The facility does have a snack bar but it was not open at the game we attended. The other option is vending machines, so it is best to eat before coming to a game. Atmosphere 2 For a recreation facility, the ice rink has two fairly large grandstands with nice seating that makes for great watching angles. Many fans also stand along the glass right inside the entrance of the rink. The arena is filled with Stevenson banners and colors so it seems like a Mustang-specific arena, although it is not. UMBC, as well as various youth teams, play here as well. The arena is also used for ice dance teams, competitive ice skaters, and general ice skating open hours. Neighborhood 4 Resitertown is a suburb of Baltimore, so there are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants in the area. Kecco's Woodfire Kitchen is right nearby and could be a good food stop before or after a game. The Cow is a fun ice cream shop located close by. Somehow we always end up north in Westminster and one of the few Roy Roger's fast food restaurants around. Fans 4 The fans are loud and make for a great environment for hockey. They seem to be quite knowledgeable. Access 4 The Reisterstown Sportsplex is at the junction of I-795 and State Route 140 so it is easy to access. There is a large parking lot at the facility, as well as other parts of the surrounding Reisterstown Regional Park. People in the area likely know of the Mitchell's Golf Complex, and the facility is located right next door to that establishment. That is a nice wayfinding point for people who have never been to the Reisterstown Sportsplex. Return on Investment 5 Games are free, as is parking, and the Division III level of play is fairly good so the return on investment is strong. Extras 2 There is likely to be an indoor soccer game playing next door, so it may be worth watching some of that action when in the building. The Sportsplex is located within the greater Reisterstown Regional Park, as well as next to the Mitchell's Golf Complex, and both are great places to stop in and check out. Final Thoughts There are no other NCAA ice hockey teams in Maryland, so a visit to see a game, especially one with no cost associated with it, is a great reason to watch a Stevenson Mustangs game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Chace Athletic Center 1150 Douglas Turnpike Smithfield, RI 02917 Bryant Bulldogs website Chace Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 2,000 Thrill of the Chace The Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Wellness and Athletic Center is a multi-purpose arena on the Bryant University campus in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Constructed in 2001, the facility was dedicated in honor of the Chaces in 2003 for their support of many financial initiatives at the school, from scholarships to senior class gifts and facility funding as Bryant expanded. Today the Center serves as home to the Bryant Bulldogs men’s and women’s basketball, swimming and women’s volleyball team. Basketball has been played at Bryant University since 1963. The Indians, as the team was then known, originally competed at the NAIA level. In 1976 the team moved up to Division Two, joining the Northeast-10 conference in 1980. The university changed their nickname from the Indians to the more politically correct Bulldogs in 1995. In 2008 the university moved all their athletic teams to Division One, joining the Northeast Conference. The Bulldogs moved to the America East Conference beginning with the 2022-2023 season. Bryan has qualified for one NCAA tournament, in 2022. The qualified for seven NCAA Tournaments while competing in Division Two, reaching the title game in 2005. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small concession stand just outside the gym which offers a limited menu. Coca-Cola products, popcorn and a selection of snacks are sold here. In the past hot dogs and pizza slices were also sold but were not available on the night of Stadium Journey’s visit. Atmosphere 3 The Chace Center is pretty typical of the smaller college basketball gyms that dot the landscape throughout the country. When a capacity crowd is present, this place can get LOUD. Even when the Chace Center is not fully packed, all the elements are here for a good time. Fans who have not visited Bryant in a few years will immediately notice the new video boards that have been installed at either end of the court. These boards are put to great use with videos, replays, graphics and game information. The Bryant pep band takes their place at the top of the bleachers on the west side of the gym, filling the gym with music. There are cheerleaders and a dance squad who perform throughout the game, as well as a mascot who roams the center interacting with fans. The PA announcer does his best to keep the energy level up, keeping his volume at 11 no matter what is going on in the game. During play stoppages fans take the court for shooting contests for prizes. A Bryant game can be a fun experience for visiting fans. Neighborhood 3 Bryant University is located in Smithfield, RI, about a twenty-minute drive from Providence. Although Smithfield is a very nice place to live, it’s certainly not a destination location. The area near campus has built up a bit over the years, with a few choices for visiting fans who prefer to stay local. There are a few dining options right near the Bryant campus on Route 7. Parente’s Restaurant, Blackies, and Laura’s Bar and Grill are popular spots. Stadium Journey recommends J’s Deli for their impressive variety of great grinders (that’s what we call sub sandwiches here in Rhode Island). Several national chain restaurants and shopping options are located about a 10-minute drive away on Route 44. Fans visiting from out of town may opt to take the 20-minute drive to Providence, which has no shortage of top-notch restaurants and lodging options. Speaking of lodging options, the story here is similar if visiting Bryant. There is a Holiday Inn Express, a Hampton Inn and Suites and a SureStay Plus right near campus, but visitors may opt to stay in nearby Providence or even Boston, only an hour’s drive to the north. Twin Rivers Casino is in nearby Lincoln just a few minutes from Bryant. If spending time in a casino is on your agenda, the twin resorts of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located an hour away just over the Connecticut state line. Fans 3 Bryant averages about 1,000 fans per game at the Chace Athletic Center, just below the average for the America East conference. Bryant is slowly carving out a niche as a solid third option in the Rhode Island college basketball scene, behind Providence College and the University of Rhode Island. The fans who fill the Chace Athletic Center consist mainly of local hoops fans and alumni. With Bryant’s affordable pricing, it’s not unusual to see many families filling the stands here. The student section can be hit or miss, depending on the opponent, Bryant’s record, and the day of the week. The student section, which can be loud and salty at times, tends to empty out quickly after halftime. Despite Bryant’s reputation, this is not a hostile place for visiting fans. Access 4 Bryant University is located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, 13 miles from downtown Providence. The campus is most easily accessed by car. Visitors to Bryant will simply take exit 15B off Interstate 295. The campus is just over a mile away from the Interstate on Route 7. Fans using public transportation to arrive at Bryant will find a Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA) bus station on the Bryant campus, offering service every 40 minutes to downtown Providence. T.F. Green Airport is 20 miles away, with Boston’s Logan Airport an hour’s drive away. Train service to the area is provided by Amtrak, which has its downtown Providence station 20 minutes away. The gym at the Chace Wellness and Athletic Center is just one of many features of the complex, which also contains a pool, aerobics studio and the Bryant Athletics Hall of Fame. Championship trophies and banners are scattered throughout the building’s lobby. In the hallway directly outside the gym are the concession stand and rest rooms. Lines can form at halftime, but are generally not an issue. The seating areas at the CAC are located on either side of the gym, with no seats on the ends. One side of the gym has individual stadium seats, while the other has molded bleachers without backs. With the small size of the CAC gym, all seats have excellent views of the action. Return on Investment 4 There is a two-tiered pricing system at Bryant basketball games. Bleacher seats are sold for $15, with chairback seating priced at $25. With free parking and inexpensive concessions, a trip to the Chace Athletic Center is an affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans. Extras 2 The Bryant Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of the Chace Athletic Center. In addition to trophy cases that display the hardware garnered by Bulldog squads over the years, there is an interactive electronic display for fans to check out. Banners hanging inside the CAC gym honor Bryant tournament appearances and conference championship teams in all sports. Final Thoughts In tiny Rhode Island, Providence College basketball is king and University of Rhode Island basketball is a solid second. Bryant University is carving out a niche in the area with a more intimate, affordable gameday experience than their two Ocean State neighbors. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

The Super Bowl may have just ended, but that doesn't mean that football has ended. A trip to Canton, Ohio should be on the bucket list for any good football fan. How does the Pro Football Hall of Fame compare to the other big sports, and why would it be in Canton? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave as they make a pilgrimage to the shrine of football in the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. 🏈🏈

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hanner Fieldhouse 590 Herty Drive Statesboro, GA 30458 Georgia Southern Eagles website Hanner Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 4,325 Final Curtain Call for Hanner Following the 2023-24 basketball season, the Georgia Southern Eagles will be leaving their home of the past 55 years for a new $64 million facility, the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center. While the new facility comes with much anticipation, there is also much to appreciate and look back on in fondness as the Eagles leave their nest. Initially established as the Georgia Teacher College Professors, the school transitioned to the Georgia Southern College Eagles in 1959. The Eagles have played as members of the Sun Belt Conference since the 2014-15 season, having previously been a part of the Southern and Trans-Atlantic Conferences, as well as spending time as an independent program upon their jump from NAIA to NCAA in 1970. Since joining the NCAA, Georgia Southern has played in three NCAA tournaments (‘83, ‘87, ‘92), have been selected for three Post Season NITs (‘88, ‘89, ‘06), and have played in one CBI tournament (‘17). Food & Beverage   2 Concession stands can be found in the court level lobby down the stairs from the main entry point. The menu offerings are somewhat limited, featuring typical stadium fare such as hotdogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, chips, and various candies. Beverages include various options from the Coca-Cola family, with Dasani water also available. For those looking for alcoholic beverages, Hanner Fieldhouse offers a selection of Budweiser products, including beer and seltzers. For a bit more flavor, craft beers from Wicked Weed are also available, as are Cutwater premixed cocktails. Atmosphere   4 From the outside, the brick and concrete facility might be a bit less than impressive, but once they step into the playing area, fans are seemingly teleported back to a time when towns shut down for games because the entire population was at the gym. Upon entering the seating bowl the fold-down, wooden seats along the upper level of sideline seating, not to mention the wooden benches at each end of the court, give the feeling that Jimmy Chitwood (Hoosiers) might run out from the locker room to take the floor. Court level seating, while a bit more comfortable, does not have the same charm as the wooden relics in the upper seating area. A row of court side seats run the length of the sideline opposite the team benches, only broken up by the center court press table. Regardless of your seat, you will be close to the action and have a clear view of the floor. However, the railings of the stairs in the upper seating area, along with the clear plastic used in the openings, can slightly interrupt the view of the court for those seated in the first few rows of the upper level. Due to a low roof line here, the use of an overhead scoreboard is impractical. Instead, LED ribbon boards span the width of the court on either end, serving at the arena scoreboards. While this setup may pose some minor limitations for certain in-game features, it brings a sense of relief as fans are spared from being bombarded with ads and commercials during breaks in the action. The promotions staff wonderfully engages fans through on-court contests, primarily featuring the Eagles youngest fans, and by simply allowing the pep band, cheer squad, and dance team to “do their thing” in entertaining the crowd until the ball is back in play. The simple act of giving these groups the stage to showcase their talents significantly contributes to energizing the fans and keeping them actively involved in the game. Neighborhood   4 Downtown Statesboro has every ounce of charm that would be expected from small town America. A mile from the northern edge of Georgia Southern’s campus, Main Street Statesboro is home to several shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. The recently revitalized Blue Mile, connecting campus to downtown Statesboro, is dotted with bars and restaurants. Notable establishments like the well-regarded BBQ joint Dolan's, and the popular nightlife spot Gnat's Landing, are found along this path. On the opposite side of campus, Dingus MaGee's is another favored spot for grabbing a bite and a pint. For those seeking a larger city atmosphere, the Georgia port city of Savannah is conveniently located about an hour east on I-16. Fans   4 Georgia Southern fans are a loud and supportive bunch – it is not uncommon for those in court side seats to be a bit more reserved, but at Hanner Fieldhouse they might be some of the more rambunctiously supportive groups. The Georgia Southern student section, the Hanner Hooligans, do a lot to bring a lively atmosphere to Hanner Fieldhouse. Though they do have a section all for themselves, it seems as if the students are more spread out than that, albeit mostly concentrated in the court level seating behind the team benches. As a whole, the Georgia Southern fan base shows a high level of appreciation and participation when it comes to the cheers and chants led by the spirit squads. Eagles fans contribute to a unique and vibrant experience inside Hanner Fieldhouse, an atmosphere that might be overlooked in a larger venue, but undeniably adds to the distinctive charm of Hanner. Access   2 Statesboro can be a bit challenging to get to. The closest bigger city, Savannah, is still an hour's drive away, while the next closest Georgia city, Macon, is nearly 2 hours. Fans coming from central and northern Georgia will definitely get familiar with the Georgia countryside along Interstate I-16. Once in Statesboro, the core of its athletics neighborhood is wedged into the northern reaches of the Georgia Southern campus on the south side of town. Parking is available in the large lot along Fair Road, behind the tennis complex and baseball’s J.I. Clement Stadium. This leaves a short walk to the front doors of Hanner Fieldhouse – parking directly in front of Hanner Fieldhouse is reserved for season ticket holders and doners. While there are some interesting quirks to navigating Hanner Fieldhouse, one being the only concession stands are located in the court level lobby, downstairs from the main concourse, there is one concourse that encircles the break between the upper and lower levels of seating. This walkway is wide enough to accommodate fans moving in different directions, but with endline seating starting in the concourse, there is a bit of having to navigate around the legs of those seated in the front rows. Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $10 for general admission seats at the ends of the fieldhouse, while reserved seats with sideline views will run $15. There is also a $3 service fee added to the transaction. While this fee is a bit of an annoyance, it is better than the Ticketmaster fee that is added to each ticket sold on top of the total transaction. Tickets are not outrageously priced to the point that it would be a deterrent to attending a game. Concession prices seem comparable to most smaller sports venues; as expected there is a premium markup on alcohol. Cash payment is not accepted here, so prices might be subject to convenience fees, which does not tend to be all that coinvent. Extras   4 The wooden seating around the upper level of Hanner Fieldhouse is a rarity, and creates a very special atmosphere that is almost a time capsule of basketball history. GUS, the Georgia Southern mascot, is an active part of the game experience, and often leads the crowd in chants during breaks. Banners of retired numbers in Georgia Southern basketball history recognize the careers of Scotty Perkins, Chester Webb, Jeff Sanders, and Michael Curry. Following the game, in an ode to their university the cheerleaders and pep band join with alumni to sing the Georgia Southern alma mater. Final Thoughts While new facilities are generally much anticipated and create a great deal of excitement for a fan base, there is always a bit of historical relevance that is left behind that can never be duplicated. There are definitely aspects of Hanner Fieldhouse which are either outdated or inconvenient, due simply to limitations in being able to improve them, which moving to a new facility can remedy, but one thing that will be difficult to recreate is the air of special basketball that is Hanner Fieldhouse.

Photo courtesy of ESPN It’s no secret that the NFL is far and away the most popular sports league in the United States. Its popularity grows in leaps and bounds each successive year thanks to a combination of the quality of its product, its innovation in technology, its embracing of fantasy sports, and now the added enticement of legalized sports gambling in many states. Television has shown that is where the real juggernaut of the NFL is able to show its strength. The Super Bowl is annually the most watched event on television in the country, and its popularity around the globe is on the rise as well. With the Big Game right around the corner, online casino comparison site KingCasinoBonus wanted to determine which analyst was the favorite among NFL fans. By analyzing a month's worth of Google keyword searches of 395 analysts, it was determined that Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, with an average of 275,840 Google searches a month, was the NFL personality that attracted the most attention online with fans. After spending 18 seasons in the league and winning two Super Bowls, Manning has easily transitioned into the media world. He and his brother, Eli Manning, have served as the commentators for ESPN2’s alternate broadcast of Monday Night Football since 2021. Second on the list of most searched analysts was another Hall of Fame quarterback, Terry Bradshaw. A four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1970s, Bradshaw has consistently been one of the most popular broadcasters in the sport since entering the field after his retirement. Since 1994 Bradshaw has helped anchor Fox NFL Sunday; his average search per month was 230,042. Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated Rounding out the top three most popular analysts is one of the most visible former NFL players in the media, Hall of Famer Michael Strahan. A Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants and the NFL’s all-time single-season sack record holder, Strahan smoothly moved into the next phase of his professional career. Currently sitting alongside Bradshaw on Fox NFL Sunday, Strahan is also a host for ABC’s Good Morning America. He averaged a total of 221,491 searches per month. Photo courtesy of Getty Images The other top searches of the year include NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, now an analyst with the NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning, and the recently retired Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski, now serving as a contributor on both Fox NFL Sunday and Fox NFL Kickoff.

While the National Football League decides its 2023 champion on the field at Super Bowl LVIII, here at Stadium Journey we're about to decide on an even more prestigious title, that of the best game-day experience in the NFL. Stadium Journey's team of correspondents has visited all 32 National Football League stadiums, including 11 venues this season, crisscrossing the continent to give you, our readers, the information about what a game day looks like at every college football stadium in the country. Stadiums are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the stadium), return on investment and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more stadiums receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review, just click on the link below the photos of each stadium. The resulting list is sure to produce some discussion among pro football diehards. That's OK, we can take it. We encourage you to visit our social media channels to take part in the discussion. Without further ado, we're proud to present our 2023 ranking of the best game-day experiences in the National Football League. 1. M&T Bank Stadium - Baltimore Ravens 4.71 Richard Smith - From the Ravenswalk area outside of the stadium to the purple seats and concourse lighting, the Ravens have set a fine stage for the enjoyment of NFL football. Expect the games to be loud inside the walls of the stadium. Every play, whether it be on defense or offense, will have the fans screaming at every detail. Even special team plays are paid attention to in great detail. The fans are knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. 2. Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis Colts 4.57 Marc Viquez - It is hard not to be impressed with the gameday experience at Lucas Oil Stadium for a Colts game. It is a stadium properly made for both the players and the fans. The pre-game festivities, friendly staff, heated environment, and location steps from some of the city’s best restaurants and bars make a perfect Sunday afternoon. 3. Acrisure Stadium - Pittsburgh Steelers 4.57 Patricia Beninato - The Steelers are one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, and Heinz Field is an admirable home for it. Well-maintained and inviting as it enters its third decade of existence, it’s the rare NFL fan who wouldn’t like to go to a home Steelers game given the chance. The Steelers put Pittsburgh on the map as one of the best sports towns in the world, and when Heinz Field is filled with screaming black and gold-clad fans on a crisp autumn Sunday, there are few better places to be. 4. NRG Stadium - Houston Texans 4.43 Eric Moreno - The Texans put a lot of effort into their game-day atmosphere. There is always tailgating in the parking lots, and they have what amounts to a carnival in the area surrounding the entrances with games, food trucks, a drumline, and more. 5. Lumen Field - Seattle Seahawks 4.14 Ryan Rohde - CenturyLink Field is an absolute marvel. To be a part of the 12s on game day is a fan experience that is second to none. The Seahawks have made many strides to make the fan experience at CenturyLink Field the best in the NFL. The noise level is easily the loudest in the NFL as these fans do not have to be prompted to make some noise for their Seahawks. If you can make it here for a game, you will enjoy yourself and you will enjoy being a part of the 12s. 6. Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia Eagles 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Eagles franchise has been one of the longest-running organizations in the NFL and has a great history of success. Lincoln Financial Field is a major improvement on its former home at “The Vet.” Game days feature sellout crowds, rabid fans, great Philadelphia food fare, and a quality team on the field. This all adds up to a great fan experience in the City of Brotherly Love. 7. Caesars Superdome - New Orleans Saints 4.14 Matt Colville - In New Orleans, home of so many attractions and history, there is one building that stands out above the rest. It has been called one of the most iconic venues in the whole world, hosting Superbowls, college football National Championships, and Final Fours. As you approach New Orleans it lurks over the skyline with its iconic gold-shaped silhouette reflecting off the entire Crescent City – it is Caesars Superdome, and since its opening in 1975 has become the fabric of American sports and pop culture, hosting some of the greatest entertainers and some of the biggest events of all time. 8. Nissan Stadium - Tennessee Titans 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Nissan Stadium’s location on the east bank of the Cumberland River provides stunning views of downtown Nashville, with easy access to some of the top tourism sites in Music City. The stadium provides an electronic package that is hard to beat, with its huge scoreboards at each end of the stadium. Accessibility is another strong point for the venue, as it offers multiple ways to get to the stadium, with the option of fans walking to the games via the Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge from downtown Nashville. 9. Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas Raiders 4.00 Lloyd Brown - Las Vegas continues to build on its reputation as a great sports town. Now that the NHL and NFL have established themselves in the Fantasyland in the Desert… it will only be a matter of time before you see the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and other major sporting events played in Allegiant Stadium…you can bet on that! 10. Lambeau Field - Green Bay Packers 4.00 Steven Burke - When the subject of “bucket list” sports facilities to visit comes up for discussion, Green Bay’s Lambeau Field almost immediately comes to mind. It certainly is atop the list of NFL fans. 11. AT&T Stadium - Dallas Cowboys 4.00 Michael Davis - Every Cowboys fan seems to have a reason why they “bleed Cowboy blue” – for some being born and raised in Texas is reason enough, while for others it might be that their hometown doesn’t have an NFL team, but television brought the Cowboys into their homes and hearts. 12. State Farm Stadium - Arizona Cardinals 4.00 Richard Smith - State Farm Stadium is a distinctive venue that offers fans a great sporting experience. The fact that it offers a cool place to watch games away from the sometimes oppressive heat of the desert is just one more win for this venue. 13. Gillette Stadium - New England Patriots 4.00 Paul Baker - It's been a difficult transition in New England as the Patriots return to mediocracy after two decades of ruling the NFL. However, the (relative) lack of success on the field has not diminished Gillette Stadium’s influence on modern facility design or fan interest in the team. Outfitted with the largest outdoor scoreboard in the country and a modern new design, Gillette Stadium remains a premier, if somewhat overshadowed, NFL facility. 14. Paycor Stadium - Cincinnati Bengals 4.00 Marc Viquez - The recent aesthetic changes at Paycor Stadium have been welcoming, and the atmosphere is always colorful before and after a Bengals game. It is one of the best values in the league and even better when the team plays winning football. 15. MetLife Stadium - New York Giants 4.00 Richard Smith - The Giants fans do feel like they are in a bit of a funk. The team has not provided consistent on-field quality for a few years and it does seem to be affecting things such as attendance. Even with that said, the team has a long history and a large dedicated fan base that provides good amounts of cheer for their team. 16. MetLife Stadium - New York Jets 4.00 Richard Smith - A game at MetLife Stadium is a great way to cap a trip to New York City and is also great for locals. The stadium may not feel like it costs 1.6 Billion dollars, but that does not mean it isn’t a good place for a game. 17. Ford Field - Detroit Lions 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Whether it is enjoying the fun in the Pride Plaza or belting out Gridiron Heroes with Theo Spight, the fans of the Detroit Lions make the most of their experience every game. Not being required to sit through the cold Detroit winters is a plus and the loyalty of Lions is unquestioned after a long drought of on-field success. Taking in a Lions game is something that all football fans should consider in their travels. 18. Levi's Stadium - San Francisco 49ers 3.86 Lloyd Brown - Levi’s Stadium is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the NFL. Its location in the heart of Silicon Valley is a major improvement over the 49er's former home at the weather-challenged Candlestick Park. The team has seen a resurgence on the field in recent seasons, providing fans with an up-tempo offense that will fill the stands. The gold rush has returned! 19. Cleveland Browns Stadium - Cleveland Browns 3.86 Dave Cottenie - The Cleveland Browns are a solid NFL experience at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Being part of a fanbase that is as ardent passionate and loyal as any in the NFL is an attractive part of the Browns experience. Cleveland is also a great tourist destination and fans will enjoy making a full weekend of it. 20. Bank of America Stadium - Carolina Panthers 3.86 David Welch - The Panthers have continued to make upgrades to Bank of America Stadium to improve the fan experience, but previous improvements will pale in comparison to the projected $1 billion+ in upgrades the Panthers are looking to make. Future enhancements to Bank of America Stadium will likely look to provide visitors more of an entertainment destination than is currently being offered. These potential improvements will only add to the current positives that are already a part of the Carolina Panther football experience. 21. SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles Rams 3.71 Aaron Terry - The NFL’s newest stadium represents a pricey proposition but certainly comes with a lot of bells and whistles for fans to enjoy. If you plan in terms of seating, parking, and perhaps eating before the game, you can save yourself a little hassle, and perhaps a little green as well. 22. Hard Rock Stadium - Miami Dolphins 3.71 Lloyd Brown - Hard Rock Stadium is an NFL venue that has stayed current with the times, and in many ways is an improvement over its original design. The team has been fortunate to have owners from Joe Robbie to Steven Ross who have been willing to invest whatever funds are needed to improve the fan experience. It is no surprise that such special events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Football Championships, and the Pro Bowl choose to come back regularly. 23. Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City Chiefs 3.71 Lloyd Brown - Despite being one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL, Arrowhead Stadium has stood the test of time well. It keeps reinventing itself by adding amenities like the Hall of Honor, premium seating locations, and a concessions menu featuring BBQ from some of Kansas City’s finest restaurants. They also have one of the most loyal, and officially the loudest, fan base in the NFL, if not the world. 24. US Bank Stadium - Minnesota Vikings 3.71 Chuck Uteck - Regardless of where the Vikings find themselves in the standings, their boisterous supporters arrive early and stay late. The stadium is a magnificent centerpiece in Minneapolis. The two are a perfect pairing. 25. Soldier Field - Chicago Bears 3.71 Lloyd Brown - The Bears and Soldier Field both have a legendary history for Chicago natives. The fact that they never got together until the mid-1970s is somewhat symbolized by the present design of the stadium…. a modern-day seating bowl stuffed into a classic exterior dating back to the 1920s. Its setting on the shoreline of Lake Michigan is both a blessing and a curse. It is very scenic in the early fall, but brutal when the icy winds blow off the lake during the late-season games. 26. Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta Falcons 3.57 Lloyd Brown - Mercedes–Benz Stadium is continually looking for ways it can serve its community while tweaking its game day procedures to improve the fan experience. It has a strong record in this regard, as it annually hosts the SEC Championship game, is in the rotation for the College Football National Championship game, and hosts a Peach Bowl Game on New Year’s Day, it is a serious contender to host one or more World Cup games in 2026. 27. Empower Field at Mile High - Denver Broncos 3.57 Lloyd Brown - A great team history, great fans, a diverse menu of food and beverage items, along with the natural beauty of the nearby Rocky Mountains make Empower Field at Mile High Stadium a high priority for anybody’s NFL bucket list. It also makes a great add-on activity for your ski vacation in late fall and early winter. Make sure you arrive early to enjoy the Western hospitality and the many pieces of stunning public art that dot the stadium complex. 28. TIAA Bank Field - Jacksonville Jaguars 3.57 Chris Green - With continued local investment from the team’s ownership and the potential continued success of the team in Jacksonville, the future looks bright for the Jaguars and their loyal fans. This is a game day experience that many visiting fans find impressive upon their arrival, and for good reason. The Jaguars consistently produce a solid fan experience all around and have given fans good reason to be excited about the future. 29. SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles Chargers 3.43 Aaron Terry - The NFL’s newest stadium represents a pricey proposition but certainly comes with a lot of bells and whistles for fans to enjoy. If you plan in terms of seating, parking, and perhaps eating before the game, you can save yourself a little hassle, and perhaps a little green as well. 30. Raymond James Stadium - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3.29 Chris Green - The home of the Bucs may be missing that one little thing that would catapult it into the top ranks of football stadiums in America, but it is nonetheless an enjoyable experience. Proper planning for likely-to-be-congested roads helps a whole bunch here, and the tailgating is top-notch. Once inside, you will have a good time under the warm Florida sun; just don’t forget to bring a full wallet. 31. FedEx Field - Washington Commanders 3.14 Richard Smith - FedExField is a purely functional stadium in a less-than-desirable location. The team is also in a transition phase that could go in many directions. Ultimately the fan experience is better than it looks on the surface but is still far from ideal in the modern NFL. 32. Highmark Stadium - Buffalo Bills 3.00 Dave Cottenie -It will be interesting to see what a brand-new stadium will bring to the Buffalo Bills experience. There were plenty of opposing views as to what the new stadium should look like and where it should be. Until that time, the Bills are still making memories at the former Ralph Wilson Stadium. NFL fans who have yet to visit Highmark Stadium may want to make their way there before it is too late.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 PPL Center 701 Hamilton St Allentown, PA 18101 Lehigh Valley Phantoms website PPL Center website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 8,578 Phantom of the Hockey Arena Located in Downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania is the PPL Center, home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL). Since 2014, the Phantoms have been the top-level minor league hockey affiliate of the nearby Philadelphia Flyers. Previously, the Phantoms played in Glens Falls, New York, and before that, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, which they had moved into after the Flyers moved out. The PPL Center seats just over 8,500 fans and is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary as the home of the Phantoms. Food & Beverage 5 The PPL Center has a wide range of concessions that will satisfy every fan. Traditional items such as hot dogs and burgers are available, but you will find many specialty items as well. Q BBQ sells several barbecue options, including pulled pork, brisket, and nachos topped with barbecue meat. Donnybrook Sausage sells several different kinds of sausage. Burger Prime sells not just classic cheeseburgers but multiple specialty burgers as well, with a wide range of toppings. Fans can also buy pizza, chicken parm sandwiches, and much more. For those with a sweet tooth, Italian ice and frozen custard are available at the Rita's stand. Alcohol is available for those of age as well. Atmosphere 4 The PPL Center is a raucous atmosphere right in the middle of Flyers Country. The orange and black color scheme shared by both the Phantoms and the parent club can be seen throughout the arena. All seats have a good view of the ice, and you will hear every hit against the boards, every smash of the puck, and more. The Phantoms have a mascot named meLVin (yes, that is the correct capitalization) who is a bright yellow character full of mayhem in the same vein as Gritty and the Philly Phanatic. Whether it's annoying fans of the visiting team, causing chaos in the crowd, or heading out onto the ice before the game, meLVin is sure to cause beautiful chaos in the arena. Before the game, the Phantoms starting lineup is introduced as flames shot from the ice and players emerge from a cloud of smoke. Multiple pregame hype videos get the crowd roaring and ready to go. After every Phantoms goal, the PA announcer will announce "Phantoms...." and the crowd will shout "Goal" in response before the announcer says the scorer. Neighborhood 3 The PPL Center is located in Downtown Allentown, and while you may pass through some questionable neighborhoods driving to the arena, the immediate area should be safe. Chickie's and Pete's, a legendary Philadelphia area sports bar and crab house chain, is located right next to the arena. Fagley's Allentown Brew Works is a couple blocks away. The Renaissance Hotel Allentown shares a parking garage with the arena for fans looking for a place to stay overnight. Fans 4 The Phantoms have consistently ranked in the top 10 of the AHL in attendance. Phantoms fans are proud and loud, and the fact that most of them are also fans of the parent club Flyers certainly helps. The crowd noise can get quite loud here at times, and when the Phantoms score, the arena will erupt with cheers. Expect to see an arena full of fans wearing orange and black, whether those are Phantoms or Flyers jerseys. The crowd here loves their team and isn't afraid to show it. Access 3 The PPL Center is located in downtown Allentown, several miles from I-78 and US 22, so fans will have to drive on city streets to get to the arena. There are several parking garages and surface lots located near the arena, which can be reserved in advance and cost between $5 and $10. We recommend using the lot that is directly attached to the arena. You can just take the elevator to the ground floor and walk through a door that will put you in the lobby of the arena. Keep in mind that although the Arena Garage allows drivers to back into their spaces, the other garages, which are owned by the City of Allentown, do not. Keep this in mind if you're one of those drivers who insists on backing into parking spaces. The concourses of the PPL Center are wide enough to accommodate even sold-out crowds, but sometimes take meandering routes around luxury suites. Fortunately, it is very clearly singed where to go. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Phantoms games start at $23 for upper-level seats and standard seats go up to about $55 at center ice. VIP club seats will cost more. Concessions are about average price, and parking is reasonably priced as well. All in all, a Phantoms game is a decent value for your money. Extras 3 One bonus star for meLVin, one of the most exciting mascots in the AHL. Look for the display of the concourse featuring photos of every member of the team, including meLVin. A team store on the concourse offers a wide range of Phantoms merchandise. Final Thoughts The PPL Center can be a fun place to take in a minor league hockey game. With a crazy mascot and a local fan base the rocks the team colors every game, the Phantoms experience is well worth checking out for hockey fans in Eastern Pennsylvania. .

This week we're joined by the author of the book "Field of Schemes" and website of the same name. We discuss the current events in Oakland, Chicago, Baltimore and Arizona and more. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium 601 Cummings St Spartanburg, SC 29303 Wofford Terriers website Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 3,400 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium – Wofford Terriers The roots of what is now the home court of the Wofford Terriers started on the gridiron during the mid to late 1950s, when tight end Jerry Richardson established himself as a standout on the field for the Terriers. It was in the business world though where Richardson would experience his greatest professional achievements – after starting multiple successful businesses and serving as a CEO, Richardson brought professional football to Charlotte, North Carolina as owner of the Carolina Panthers. Through all the professional successes Richardson enjoyed, he gave much of the credit to the time he spent at Wofford. Jerry Richardson’s accomplishments in the business world put him in a position to give back to the college he held so dear; Richardson would give an estimated $250 million back to Wofford, including the $40 million to build what would end up being Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. Since joining the Southern Conference at the start of the 1997-98 season, the Terriers have established themselves as one of the top teams in the conference, tied with Chattanooga for the most NCAA tournament appearances (5) during that span. The crowning moment for Wofford came in 2019 when the 7th-seeded Terriers stunned the Big East's Seton Hall Pirates to reach the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32 for the first time in program history. Food & Beverage   4 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium houses two concessions stands with a decent variety on their menu, offering chicken sandwiches and tenders, burgers (including a veggie option), Papa John’s pizza, and several snacks. The real eye opener on the menu, though, has to be the fried pickles, which you are not going to find at most stadium concessions stands. The 51 Club, exclusive to Terrier Club donor season ticket holders, provides fans with some bit higher end food options, along with beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice, with Powerade and Dasani bottled water offered throughout the general seating area. Other than the suites and the 51 Club, alcoholic beverages are not available. Atmosphere   4 The exterior of Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium oozes sophistication – limestone and sleek black accents frame tall, narrow windows, creating a modern yet classic feel, while the soaring foyer welcomes fans with a marble floor, emblazoned with a simple “W” underscored with “Wofford”. Staircases flank each side of the entrance leading to the concourse level. Ticket offices can be found on either side of the main level. The charm of the parquet floor with the Wofford W at center court perfectly complements the overall elegance of the arena. In a time when gaudy floor designs appear to be in vogue, the simplicity and classic feel of the parquet almost seems comforting. Rather than the center hung, four-sided scoreboards common at most arenas, Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium has four large rectangular boards, one hung in each corner, providing fans with a live feed of the game and real time statistics. Each one also has a ribbon board below giving the time, score, and team foul information; this definitely opens up the playing area, keeping it from feeling too small. Wofford provides diverse seating choices throughout the arena, ranging from traditional courtside chair backed stadium seats to the student section bleachers dubbed, “The Boneyard”. In addition, luxurious, open-air suites are situated in each of the corners, which have the feel of theater box seating. A second level of seating along the sidelines provides fans with a view not often seen in the Southern Conference. Additionally, a drink rail encircles the seating area, providing a convenient option to enjoy the game without a feeling of being confined to your seat. Neighborhood   4 Wofford College is situated within 2 miles of downtown Spartanburg, providing a number of dining, accommodation, and entertainment options just minutes away from the campus. West Main Street, running alongside Morgan Square, has been transformed by the closure to make way for parklets, enhancing the appeal of the lively downtown district. Within the campus, the athletics district on Wofford's eastern edge hosts Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, along with Russell C. King Field for baseball and Gibbs Stadium, which serves as the home of Wofford football. The Wofford campus is amazingly designed with stunning architecture and meticulously maintained grounds. Fans   3 Typically, attendance ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 fans, but in-state rival Furman draws near sellout crowds of students, alumni, and opposing fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Casual fans planning to attend a Wofford game would want to mark this particular match-up as a must see. On a game-by-game basis, Wofford students consistently turn out and contribute significantly to the game's atmosphere right from the tip. With an undergraduate enrollment of just over 1,800 students, the student section, consisting of around 300 students, represents a substantial portion of the student body. Access   4 Located at the crossroads of two significant interstates, Spartanburg, South Carolina benefits from I-85 connecting Atlanta and Charlotte, as well as I-26 linking Columbia, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. With these key arteries running through the southeastern region, the area is readily accessible. Parking is plentiful at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in the gravel and grass lot opposite the stadium, requiring only a brief walk. The grassy parking may be a bit tricky for some, particularly if contending with rainy conditions. Upon entering, ticket scanners for fans are positioned on both sides of the grand entry point, which serves as the sole entrance to the arena. Majestic staircases on each side of the entryway guide visitors to an internal concourse encircling the top of the main seating area. Visitors with mobility limitations can access the second level by use of the escalator on the left side of the foyer. The concourse level gives fans plenty of space to navigate. The area above The Boneyard, where students gather before heading to their seats, around to the 51 Club can become somewhat narrow, especially with fans standing along the drink rail. While these obstacles may not pose an issue for most games, popular match ups that draw large numbers of fans can lead to some congestion. Return on Investment   4 Starting at $10 for kids and $16 for adults, ticket prices are reasonable but on the higher side for SoCon – when factoring in free parking, however, the overall cost is in line with expectations for the conference. Additionally, concessions are reasonably priced, making the overall experience a worthwhile investment. Extras   4 A tribute to Jerry Richardson, whose financial support and commitment to Wofford College served as the driving force behind the construction of the $40 million facility, includes a replica of his Wofford football jersey and a brief biography detailing Richardson's journey from Wofford tight end to NFL player, to co-founder of Hardee's which ultimately led to becoming the owner of the NFL's Carolina Panthers. This tribute is situated in an alcove overlooking the grand entry. On the opposing side of the entry foyer, a matching alcove proudly showcases the trophies and nets that the Terriers cut down, commemorating the five Southern Conference Tournament titles they have won. As a tribute to Wofford, after the game players, staff, and the cheer squad line the 3-point arc, joining the students of The Boneyard and the WOCO BAND in singing the school's alma mater. Unlike many colleges and universities whose pep bands are made solely of students, the WOCO BAND includes not just students but also alumni, fans, local high school students, and other community members looking to make a commitment. Final Thoughts Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium is a facility that if you didn't know what you were looking for, could be easily overlooked as the campus basketball arena – at first glance its majestic architecture may give the impression that it is one of the college's buildings designed for hosting formal galas, rather than basketball games and volleyball matches. The elegance and sophistication of the building is evident in nearly every aspect of the arena, from the entrance to the suites to the general seating, and even down to the meticulous detail of the fully encircling drink rail. The entire game experience at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium goes beyond giving fans a basketball game in a beautiful facility; it highlights everything there is to love about college basketball.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Rodgers Recreation Center 63 Lawrence Ave, Newport, RI 02840 Salve Regina Seahawks men's basketball website Rodgers Recreation Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 300 Hoops Among the Mansions Salve Regina University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Newport, RI. In Latin, Salve Regina translates to “Hail Queen,” which makes sense as the school began as a women’s college. Founded in 1934, the school is now coeducational, with an enrollment of 2,800 students in 40 majors. The school is best known today for its outstanding nursing programs. Nestled amongst Newport’s famous Gilded Age mansions, it has been ranked among the nation’s most beautiful colleges by both Architectural Digest and Conde Nast Traveler. The Salve Regina basketball teams play in the Rodgers Recreation Center, named in honor of Thomas Rodgers Jr., a longtime trustee and benefactor of the University. The building of the recreation center was the cornerstone of the university’s 50th anniversary campaign. Starting in 2023, Salve Regina competes in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference, a Division Three conference consisting of schools throughout New England. The Seahawks have qualified for two NCAA Tournaments, the most recent in 2011. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverages sold at Salve basketball games. Fans are welcome to bring in their own snacks to enjoy during the game. You’ll be sure to see many fans enjoying a warm beverage from the local Dunkin’ during a cold Rhode Island winter night. Atmosphere 2 As you might expect in a small gym like the Rodgers Center, you will not find an elaborate game day presentation at a Seahawks basketball game. A basic scoreboard on the far side of the gym displays game information, while a PA announcer goes about his work in an unobtrusive manner. There’s a cheerleading squad and pep band present, but they are rather muted when compared to many other area gyms. Most of the noise during Seahawk games comes from the families who do a good job of filling the tiny bleachers in the Rodgers Center. Neighborhood 5 Without a doubt, the biggest strength of the Rodgers Recreation Center is its location. Nestled in between Newport’s Gilded Age mansions and its famous Brick Market, there is plenty to do and see before and after a Seahawks basketball game. Easton Beach and the famous Cliff Walk are just a stone’s throw from the Rodgers Center. A local’s tip: get to the area early and walk the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path that runs behind many of Newport’s famous mansions atop a 70-foot shoreline cliff. The 40 Steps, one of the highlights of the Cliff Walk, are just two blocks from Salve’s gym. Just to the west of Rodgers Center is the Newport Casino, home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. After the game, head a half mile in the other direction to America’s Cup Avenue, where the Brick Marketplace contains numerous fine restaurants, pubs and shops. The area will be much less crowded during the winter months of the basketball season, but still worth a visit. Also located here is Cardines Field, one of the oldest ballparks still in use in the country. Other attractions in Newport include Fort Adams State Park, Touro Synagogue (the oldest synagogue in the country) and the Newport Art Museum. Fans visiting the area will have no shortage of choices for dining, shopping or lodging. More complete information can be found at DiscoverNewport.org. Fans 2 Salve Regina draws between 100-200 fans for most of their home games at the Rodgers Recreation Center. This is typically what we at Stadium Journey call a “Friends and Family” type of crowd. Most of the people in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the court. You’ll see lots of family members in the stands. As a result, the fans are invested in the game and show strong support throughout the game. There’s a good turnout from the student body at Seahawk basketball game. With many games on Salve’s schedule consisting of local opponents, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. Even though the crowds may be small, they do a good job of filling up the tiny grandstand at Rodgers Recreation Center. Access 3 Newport is a city of about 25,000 residents located at the southern tip of Aquidneck Island. Best known as a popular summer destination, this seaside town is famous for its Gilded Age mansions and sailing history. Located 33 miles south of Providence and 74 miles south of Boston, it is not easily accessed by any highways. The closest interstate to Newport is I-195, which runs from Providence to Cape Cod about 20 miles north of Newport. Route 24 runs from Fall River down through the upper half of Aquidneck Island. Once the highway ends visitors will navigate Route 114 into the city. Rodgers Recreation Center is located in the northern edge of Newport, just behind the Newport Casino and just blocks from the city’s famous Gilded Age mansions. This area is full of historic sites and a popular summer destination. While it may be a bit less crowded during the winter, it’s still not the easiest area to navigate. There is plenty of parking near the Rodgers Center, either in the facility’s lot or on local streets. Just be sure to pay attention to signs, as many area streets have restrictions. There is some public parking available near the 40 Steps on Narragansett Avenue. Seating at the Rodgers Center consists of one set of wooden bleachers on the west side of the court. Rest rooms are located right off the lobby. They are small, but plenty large enough for a Salve basketball crowd. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to a Salve basketball game are sold as General Admission seating for six dollars. Be warned that no cash is accepted here, you must buy your tickets electronically, either in advance or on your phone. The process is quick and easy for you phone novices out there. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the center or on the nearby city streets. Extras 2 Salve Regina displays its athletic history throughout the Rodgers Center. The school’s athletic Hall of Fame is located in the lobby. Inside the gym hang banners honoring conference titles, tournament appearances and 1,000-point scorers. An additional extra point is awarded for the Rodgers Center’s design. It’s shingle-style exterior is meant to be a counterpart to its Gilded Age neighbors while echoing the look of the nearby Newport Casino and Isaac Bell house. Final Thoughts Even though a trip to the seaside city of Newport, Rhode Island isn’t on the mind of many basketball fans in the winter months, A trip to the Rodgers Recreation Center is worth your time. If the weather cooperates, a walk on the nearby Cliff Walk and a postgame stop at the Brick Market makes for a great Stadium Journey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.