Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Colorado State Stadium 751 W Pitkin St Fort Collins, CO 80521 Colorado State Rams website Canvas Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 41,200 Rams Football Finally Back on Campus The Colorado State Rams had waited nearly 50 years to play football on campus again, and on August 26, 2017, that dream finally became a reality with the opening of Canvas Stadium, a sprawling 17.5-acre multi-purpose venue in the heart of campus; Colorado State would go on to defeat Oregon State on opening day by a score of 58-27. Costing nearly $240 million to build, the stadium complex includes both an alumni center and an academic center, designed to bring faculty and students into the space year-round. In addition, the facility includes advising services for students, offers banquet spaces for use by CSU alums, and brings all of Colorado State’s football operations under one roof, with coach’s offices, training spaces, and even a full-size practice field next door to the stadium. Three other key features of the new stadium include the New Belgium Porch, a craft beer space behind the north end zone that will be open on non-event days (and is also one of the most coveted seating areas in the stadium), the Hall of Champions beneath the west grandstand, which showcases the history and achievements of the Colorado State football program, and perhaps most prominently, a 2,000-pound sculpture of two life-size rams butting heads, aptly named “Rocky Mountain Rumble”, located on the north side of the stadium; this 21-foot sculpture was crafted by the late Dawn Weimer, and took 5 years to create. Before moving to Canvas Stadium, the Rams played at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium, a slightly smaller venue located about four miles west of campus. The Ram’s original on-campus home was Colorado Field, a 12,000-seat facility which opened in 1912 – Colorado Field was torn down in 1972; the site is now the location of Jack Christiansen Track, home to CSU’s track-and-field teams. Food & Beverage 4 Canvas Stadium has a wide variety of food and beverage options available at its concessions stands; perhaps not everything you could ask for in terms of stadium fare, but enough to satisfy most tastes. Food options include burgers, chicken wraps, salads, pizza and cheesy bread from Marco’s, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, fries, peanuts, kettle corn, and packaged candy; prices range from $3.50 for the smallest items to $10 for combo baskets. Drink options include coffee, hot cocoa, bottled water, fountain soda, fresh-squeezed and frozen lemonade, and of course, beer and wine. While beer is available both in bottles and on tap from the regular concessions stands all along the concourse, you can find many more craft beer options behind the north end zone on the New Belgium Porch. The New Belgium Porch offers standing room only, but is open to fans from all other sections; in fact, Canvas Stadium seems less full than it actually is, since so many fans move down from their regular sections to watch the game from the New Belgium Porch. Atmosphere 5 Canvas Stadium incorporates a beautiful mid-century modern design, from the Rams-logo elements interspersed along its exterior, to the mix of Colorado sandstone, metal panel, and glass materials that tie into the rest of the architecture on campus, to the wide-open plazas that function as outdoor terraces for year-round use. Be sure to take a walk all the way around the stadium before or after the game to see the breathtaking architecture, complete with plenty of greenery, so much so that it is easy to forget you are high in the Rocky Mountains. Also be sure to stop by the Hall of Champions, under the west stands, to see the many trophies and other items on display. Once you enter the stadium, be on the lookout for CAM the Ram, CSU’s live mascot who makes appearances at football games and other events on campus. CAM is an abbreviation of Colorado State University’s original name (Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College), and he has a whole troop of handlers who help bring him onto the field during the game; CAM even has his own trailer, which is parked outside during the game by the east stands. Also be sure to get to the game early to watch the CSU Marching Band during pregame, where they spell out C-S-U and create other formations; the band looks smart in their white uniforms, complete with green-and-gold logo sleeves stretched across the bells of their tubas. Neighborhood 3 Located in the heart of Colorado State’s campus, Canvas Stadium is located near some on-campus housing. As such, there are lots of small quick-service type restaurants located within walking distance of the stadium, particularly along West Elizabeth Street near Moby Arena, home of CSU’s basketball teams. There are a couple of more substantial eateries within driving distance, however, such as Café Bluebird, which is open for breakfast and lunch, and The Lost Cajun, which features real Cajun cuisine such as beignets and gumbo (both of these restaurants are located northeast of campus). If you are going to be in town for the weekend, and are looking for something to do before or after the game, like many places west of the Mississippi the main attractions near Canvas Stadium are the natural and wildlife areas, worth exploring for their breathtaking scenery and fresh air. A couple such options are the Cache La Poudre River and the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, both of which offer hiking and other activities. Fans 4 Fans at Canvas Stadium show up in force, and most are adorned in CSU colors, and are proud to be cheer on their team. While the new stadium doesn’t quite sell out, the team is seeing much bigger draws than they enjoyed at Hughes Stadium, both because of the improved facilities and because the on-campus location is more convenient for students; opening day drew a crowd of about 37,000, just shy of the stadium’s capacity of 41,000. I mentioned earlier that certain parts of the stadium seem empty, and this is mostly due to the fact that fans are allowed to use tickets from their regular seats to get onto the New Belgium Porch, and many fans can be seen watching the game from there. Technically only the first few rows of the north end zone are sold as standing-room-only seats; the rest of the fans in this area are from other sections, so even though the north end zone seems full, it doesn’t count toward capacity, since most of it isn’t “real” seats. Access 4 Getting to Canvas Stadium isn’t very difficult, except for the potentially long drive from the nearest airport or major city, as Ft. Collins could be considered a little off the beaten path. However, you should be able to easily find parking within a few blocks of the stadium for around $20, as long as you get there a little early (half an hour before the game or so). There are not any large lots to speak of, but plenty of residents and businesses rent out spaces in their private lots or driveways, and you can enter the stadium from any side. Once you get inside Canvas Stadium, however, be prepared for some long lines, especially during halftime, as there are a lot of people packed into a small concourse, particularly on the west side. There appear to be plenty of bathrooms, but perhaps not enough concessions stand to accommodate the crowd size; your best bet is actually to walk around to the south side or the east side (where the students are), as those sections are far less crowded than the “alumni stands” on the west. The Hall of Champions is also a great place to go to beat the crowds, as this area seems to be pretty deserted while the game is going on. The New Belgium Porch also empties out at the beginning of the fourth quarter (predictably), as beer sales end at that time. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to games at Canvas Stadium run about $40 for the general public, which is in line with prices at other similarly-sized college football venues. Given all the amenities provided at the new facility, for example the Hall of Champions, the New Belgium Porch, and the Rocky Mountain Rumble statue, not to mention the stadium design itself with all of the CSU elements built it, this is a great value. Furthermore, you may even be able to get tickets cheaper on the secondary market, since (so far) the new stadium is not quite selling out. Extras 5 The Colorado State Rams are a decent football team, with winning records over the past few seasons, although bowl game victories have been hard to come by of late. Nevertheless, the beautiful, brand-new stadium provides a big incentive for football fans to make the trek to Ft. Collins; the university has pulled out all the stops to make this a great atmosphere for college football, and your visit to Canvas Stadium will not disappoint.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Madison Square Garden FANFARE Score: 4.29 Madison Square Garden 4 Pennsylvania Plaza New York, NY 10001 St. John's Red Storm website Madison Square Garden website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 19,812 Red Storm Ready to Make Noise at MSG St. John’s Red Storm basketball, a member of the 11-team Big East Conference, has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2019 but appears to be on the way back under legendary coach Rick Pitino. If early-season success is any indication, the Red Storm will be packing Madison Square Garden for the remainder of Big East Conference play. St. John’s calls four arenas home. The Red Storm play eight games at the "The World's Most Famous Arena", six at Carnesecca Arena on campus in Jamaica Queens, three at UBS Arena in Elmont New York, and one at Barclays in Brooklyn. Pitino signed a six-year, $20 million in the offseason and promptly brought in 11 new players to the roster. The excitement and the crowds have followed him to the Garden. The legendary building which houses the New York Knicks and New York Rangers is also famous as a major concert venue. Billy Joel will end his monthly residence at the World’s Most Famous Arena with his 150th-lifetime performance in July. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage choices are varied and endless. In addition to the basic fare, there are tacos, Japanese food, sushi, gourmet burgers, barbeque, and deli sandwiches. Some Stadium Journey recommendations include the Teriyaki Bowls, burgers at Fuku Spicy Chicken Sandwiches ($16), The Daily Burger (Cheeseburger $15), pastrami and corned beef ($19) at Carnegie Deli, and tacos at Avenue Cantina. The multitude of stands means fewer lines and waiting. There are several drink and snack stands and also a few Beverage Marts where fans can grab a beer or soft drink and go. Draft beer is $15.50 for domestic and $16.50 for imported. The Craft Beer Garden offers at least 30 different varieties of beer including lagers, pilsners, and IPAs. Atmosphere 4 The Red Storm is drawing better these days which comes along with winning. St. John’s brings an exuberant team of cheerleaders, a dance team, and a band which enhances the game-day experience. The Garden does a solid job of transforming the arena into a home-court feel. The scoreboard, signage boards, and ceiling are all illuminated red. The game starts with the obligatory hype video, then player introductions include a plume of flames. On this visit, MSG was hosting The Holiday Festival which used to be a two-day tournament the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Now it’s a one-day tripleheader event in early December. Georgia Tech and Penn St. battled in the first game, St. John’s hosted Fordham in Game 2 and the St. John’s women played Villanova in the nightcap. Neighborhood 4 The area around MSG, located in midtown Manhattan, is busy and boisterous. Pedestrians, taxis, trucks, cars, and buses flood 7th and 8th Avenues and 34th Street even late at night. Penn Station is situated beneath the building and the new bold and beautiful Moynihan Train Hall (Amtrak and Long Island Railroad) is directly adjacent to MSG on 8th Avenue. Macy’s, Empire State Building, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center are within walking distance. There is the Molly Wee Pub and Mustang Harry’s for pre-gaming and also Koreatown. NY Pizza Suprema, 413 8th Avenue, is often rated one of the best pizza places in Manhattan. Fans 4 The Red Storm gets excellent support from local alumni. The fan base is starved for a winner after years of mediocrity. Led by Pitino and his ability to attract top-flight players, St. John’s should be able to satisfy their fans’ appetites. The Red Storm have not won an NCAA Tournament game since 2000. St. John’s plays six games during January and February at MSG. Expect the number of dates at MSG to increase next season if Pitino gets his way. The Red Storm only played four regular season games at the Garden last year. Access 4 Except for traffic around MSG, access is a plus. The Path Train from NJ, subway stations on 7th and 8th Avenue, LIRR trains from Long Island and Queens underneath at Penn Station, and Grand Central Station (serving Westchester and Connecticut) is about a 15-20 minute walk. Driving to MSG can be problematic coming in from the West Side Highway or East River Drive. There are plenty of parking facilities nearby so check Spot Hero or Park Whiz to prepay for parking which could be as low as $25-30. The Garden has six entrances for the general public. The main marque entrance on 7th Avenue is open but still undergoing construction. It will be a grand entrance once completed and funnel fans right into the lobby and box office. Return on Investment 4 The investment for one event at MSG is costly. The upper bowl starts at $61.The lower bowl will start around $100. Food and beverages are pricey but much more options are available and the quality has improved. Souvenirs are often costly and could be purchased elsewhere. Extras 5 Madison Square Garden opened in 1968, making it the oldest pro sports venue in the New York area and the oldest arena in both the NBA and NHL. Throughout its tenure as the city’s premier entertainment facility, MSG has hosted innumerable amount of historic events, and some of the most important are highlighted on the main concourse. Madison Square Garden, which hosts about 320 events per year, is the last venue in the NBA or NHL to not support a corporate name. MSG sports the following premium seating areas: The Hub Loft, Madison Club, Delta 360 Sky Club, and J.P. Morgan Club. There are also suites and lounges which can be rented out on a per-event basis. Over a billion dollars went into renovations to MSG during three off-seasons from 2011 to 2013. The first part of the renovation included a massive scoreboard affixed to the center of the iconic roof, while the second involved two skywalks dubbed the Chase Bridge above the bowl which provide extra seating space and feature a bird’s eye view of the floor and additional areas for media and the handicapped. St. John’s has played a game at MSG every year since 1931, a record 92 seasons. Since 1983, the Big East Tournament has been held at the Garden. The tournament is the longest-running conference tournament at any one site in all of college basketball. Final Thoughts Madison Square Garden is a must-see location for sports and entertainment fans alike. It’s an action-packed venue both inside and out. It can be loud and crazy, but always an exciting and worthwhile Stadium Journey.

Photos by Marc Heiden, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ryan Field 1501 Central St Evanston, IL 60201 Northwestern Wildcats website Ryan Field website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 49,256 Northwestern Football at Ryan Field Built in 1926, Northwestern University’s Ryan Field is the oldest football stadium in the Chicago area that does not have a flying saucer on top of it. A 1996 renovation added a few upgrades, but the look and feel are largely unchanged from the early days of college football – falling somewhere between historic and decrepit in terms of character. Northwestern was a founding member of the Big Ten in 1896, and when the University of Chicago dropped its football program in 1939, Northwestern became the Chicago area’s only Big Ten team – a title it currently lords over the University of Illinois. Though generally successful in the early years, the football program fell into a steep decline in the postwar era. Between 1949 and 1994, the Wildcats earned no bowl appearances and only a handful of winning seasons; during a particularly bad stretch in the late 1970s, they eked out a total of three victories over six years. Then a surprise turnaround in 1995 ended with a conference title and a trip to the Rose Bowl, catching the entire region by surprise. Despite being the smallest program in the Big Ten, the Wildcats have mostly remained competitive since then, with more bowl appearances in the last 15 years than the preceding five decades combined. Food & Beverage 4 The best food is at the south end of the stadium, where a long row of grills awaits. Burgers and hot dogs ($4), brats ($6), and chicken ($7) are better here, as are the tasty desserts (funnel cakes are a favorite, $7/$8). The star attraction is Real Urban Barbecue, with brisket and pulled pork sandwiches ($9), mac ‘n cheese ($4), and variations on the noble tater tot ($5/$9). However, this area is absolutely crushed at halftime – I wouldn’t want to walk through there, let alone fight through a line, so stop here early. A runner up is the open-air grill in the outer concourse on the west side of the stadium, just inside Gate N – still crowded, but nowhere near as bad. In addition to the usual suspects, there’s a black bean veggie burger with chips ($6). The main concession stands are okay (hot dogs $3.50, Polish sausages $4.50, snacks like soft pretzels $4.50) but the quality is a step down from the aforementioned grills. Note that stands in the outer concourse have the same options and shorter lines than ones in the inner concourse. There is decent hot cocoa ($3.50 at stands, $5 from vendors) if you need a quick warm-up. Soda and bottled water are $4, and no alcohol is sold. If you just need some quick food in your stomach, grab a hot dog ($4) from one of the Mustard’s Last Stand carts outside on Central before you head in. Bring cash – a few concession stands accept credit cards, but not all, and if there are any ATMs inside the stadium, they’re not easy to find. Atmosphere 3 This is a refreshingly simple game experience. Some areas feel so close to the game that it’s exhilarating. Views of the field are excellent throughout, with the sole exception of the obstructed view seats at the top of the lower-level west stands. Even the upper deck offers a terrific perspective of the game and a lovely view beyond the stadium, with the white dome of the historic Ba’hai Temple peeking above the tree line. Conversely, this isn’t one of the more intense game experiences around, either. It’s pretty laid back, and the stadium production doesn’t do much to accentuate it. The video screen blends well with its surroundings and the quality is sharp. The camera operator doesn’t always seem to know what to do between plays, but there are some charmingly nerdy videos during breaks in the action. The public address system is kind of ridiculous, relying on one speaker on a pole above the north end zone, though at least it’s audible throughout the seating area. Neighborhood 4 Ryan Field is a 20 to 30 minute walk from Northwestern University’s lakeside campus in Evanston. While lovely in the autumn, there isn’t much to do in the immediate area other than a visit to Mustard’s Last Stand (1613 Central St.), a classic hot dog shack just west of the stadium. The closest bar/restaurant is Bluestone (1932 Central St.), which is nice but not really sports-oriented, and it gets crowded quickly. Downtown Evanston is about 30 minutes away by foot (or three stops on the CTA Purple Line) and full of great places to eat and drink. It’s well worth planning to spend the evening there. Among places to drink, Tommy Nevin’s Pub (1450 Sherman Ave.) is the chief game day bar, Bat 17 (1709 Benson Ave.) has good sandwiches, and Firehouse Grill (750 Chicago Ave.) will keep kids entertained with vintage fire department memorabilia. All three are close to the CTA Purple Line. Lou Malnati’s (1850 Sherman Ave.) will have games on and serves hot, filling deep dish pizza. For cheap eats, Edzo’s Burger Shop (1571 Sherman Ave.) is tops, though there are good noodle and pasta places around too, such as Dave’s Italian Kitchen (1635 Chicago Ave.). Evanston excels in fine dining, notably the Nepalese restaurant Mt. Everest (630 Church St.), live jazz spot Pete Miller’s Seafood & Prime Steak (1557 Sherman Ave.), and the Michelin-recognized Found Kitchen and Social House (1631 Chicago Ave.). Fans 3 Northwestern fans are sometimes outnumbered in their own stadium, especially when the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, or Wisconsin are in town. While it’s not fair to pin that on lack of student enthusiasm – some of their rivals have more than double the enrollment that Northwestern does – it can be hard to get swept up in the emotion of a split crowd, and the visiting fans set the tone as much as the home fans do. Rival fans are most heavily concentrated in the east stands, but they appear to feel welcome throughout the stadium. The only area that’s completely set aside for home fans is the southeast corner, where a tightly packed student section and the student band are situated. The term “Midwestern hospitality” comes to mind as you watch Northwestern fans during the game. It’s not in their nature to try to intimidate or shout over opposing fans – the rules of good hospitality dictate that visitors be made to feel welcome, be allowed to chant and yell as they please, etc. But Northwestern fans are capable of making plenty of noise when it’s called for, and they take their colors seriously – there’s a lot of royal purple and black in the crowd. They tend to be realistic about their team’s prospects and appreciate when visitors show an interest. Access 4 The CTA Purple Line and Metra Union Pacific North Line have stations on Central Ave. in Evanston, a short walk east and west (respectively) of the stadium. Fans can transfer to the CTA Red Line at Howard for connections to Chicago, and the Union Pacific-North line runs between downtown Chicago and Kenosha, Wisconsin. On game days, the PACE suburban bus system runs a Ryan Field Express from the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg. Getting to the stadium on the CTA is easy, but getting away takes some patience. Central is a sleepy little station near the end of the Purple Line. It does all right before games, but it’s an unholy disaster afterward. Imagine your grandparents trying to make a PowerPoint presentation in a hurry, using information being shouted at them, with a small, greasy tablet computer, at gunpoint; and you should have an impression of how Central and the Purple Line cope with postgame crowds. Much better, if weather permits, to follow the march of fans south toward downtown Evanston – a pleasant half-hour walk – and dine or drink there before heading home. (Both the CTA and Metra have stops in downtown Evanston as well.) The parking lots adjacent to the stadium and the golf course next to the CTA station are open to Northwestern season ticket holders only. Somehow, visiting fans still manage to tailgate in there, presumably with a borrowed pass. If you arrive early, you may be able to find parking on the streets around the stadium, but traps abound – keep a very close eye out for signs with parking restrictions. Leaving after the game will be tough, as narrow Central Ave gets backed up. There are some small pay lots near the intersection of Central & Green Bay Road (usually $20) and pay garages in downtown Evanston with free shuttles to the stadium; the one at Clark & Maple, near the Century Theaters, is probably the biggest and easiest to find. Alternately, there are free lots on campus, primarily along Sheridan Road, southeast of the stadium. Tailgating is welcome in the campus lots, and there are free shuttles. If you’re walking from one of the remote lots, you’ll see students offering pedicab rides. Figure about $5 from the CTA station or $10 from one of the closer campus lots. Inside the stadium, the small and grimy restrooms show the stadium’s age. There are pockets of port-a-potties in a few corners of the stadium to help deal with the crowds. The upper-level restrooms are a lot less crowded. There is seating for disabled fans in the east and west stands and elevators in the west stands (it’s a very long walk to the upper deck). The corridors of the stadium are narrow and difficult to traverse, so plan your entrance gate in advance, and definitely do not try to traverse the south end zone food court. Disabled parking for single games on the west side of the stadium is first come, first served. Return on Investment 3 On average, tickets range from $35 in the end zones to $50 for reserved seats in the east or west stands. All but the back rows of the west stands provide great views of the field. I’d avoid the south end zone, which is crowded and seems to attract most annoying fans. The upper deck is a good value as long as you don’t mind the long walk up there. Extras 3 One bonus point for the student band. Northwestern may have the smallest enrollment of any school in their conference, but the size and quality of the band would do any of their rivals proud, even if some of the halftime themes (“A Tribute to Disney Musicals”) aren’t really designed to pump up the crowd. A second bonus point for purple harmony. Northwestern seems to have convinced most of the sponsors to allow their ads to be rendered in purple and white, avoiding the usual clash between corporate logos and everything else. It’s all about the purple and white and black at Ryan Field. On the whole, the game production is pitched to the character of their fans. Playing a lolcat video during a break in the action seemed to epitomize that – Northwestern fans are a smart, fun-loving bunch but they aren’t screaming meatheads and the stadium isn’t trying to coerce them into it. Another bonus point for beautiful Evanston and the historic character of the stadium. It’s well behind the times in some respects (and simply outdated in others), but Ryan Field wears its history with a quiet, understated charm. It’s not hard at all to imagine classic college football of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s being played here. And even if the game is unmemorable, Evanston is a great place to spend the day. Final Thoughts Ryan Field doesn’t have a lot to offer beyond great views of the field and a friendly, hospitable atmosphere, but that’s enough for a pleasant day of college football.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Piney Orchard Ice Arena 8781 Piney Orchard Parkway Odenton, MD 21113 Maryland Black Bears website Piney Orchard Ice Arena website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 500 Bear with the Bears The Maryland Black Bears play in the North American Hockey League, in Tier II of the junior hockey system in the United States. The Black Bears play their home games at Piney Orchard Ice Arena, a 500-seat municipal ice rink located in Odenton. Although the building also includes several other rinks which are open to the public when games are not going on, the Black Bears always play on Rink One, the main arena. Food & Beverage 4 There is one concession stand to the right of the main entrance which has a varied selection. The best option is buffalo wings from local vendor The Great Butcher, which are six for $8 and also include free fries. Other meal options include cheesesteak for $9, hot dogs for $5 (add $1 each for chili and cheese), cheese pizza slices ($3.50), mozzarella sticks ($7), and bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches ($6.) Snack options include fries ($4, or $6 with cheese), candy ($2), Pringles ($4), and funnel cake ($7.) Drinks include soda ($2.50 for a small or $3.50 for a large), bottled water ($1.50), Red Bull ($3.50), coffee ($2), and Gatorade ($2.50). Alcohol is sold at the stand, with beer ranging from $4-$5 and wine also costing $5. Although the prices are a bit high for this level, the selection is impressive. Atmosphere 5 Black Bears games have an amazing atmosphere from before they start right through until they end. Pregame introductions involve fancy spotlight shows and players running through a title of youth players. One of the more unique traditions in junior hockey is the fish toss. After the Black Bears score their first goal, fans throw rubber fish onto the ice through a large opening in the net. These fish are free each game to season ticketholders and sold for $1 each to everyone else. After everyone throws the fish, the team’s mascot, a black bear named Bruno, will skate onto the ice and scoop them up in a net. The team keeps the fans engaged in other ways as well such as music during timeouts and a “Get Up and Dance Media Timeout” which the fans really seem to enjoy. Although it’s not an actual dance cam due to the lack of video board, it’s just as fun without one. As for the arena itself, all seats are uncomfortable concrete risers with no backs that can be painful to sit in by the end of the night. There is one scoreboard in the stadium which shows only basic information such as score, time, and any active penalties. Neighborhood 2 Piney Orchard Ice Arena is located right next to the actual Piney Orchard. While the nature preserve there is scenic and can be fun for a family day out, that’s about the only thing in the immediate vicinity of the arena. If you’re looking for something other than nature trails and duck ponds or want to do something at night it’s closed to the public, you will need to head up Piney Orchard Parkway to Annapolis Road. There are a number of restaurants there ranging from high end steakhouses to sports bars to Italian eateries. However, this will involve driving several miles just to get there. Fans 5 Black Bears games usually sell out or come close and the fans are extremely loud and passionate. Many of them are season ticket holders and go to most or all of the games, but you also get some fans who are checking out the team for the first time. Between the large crowds and the small rink, it can get surprisingly loud here at times. Although the Black Bears rank towards the bottom of the NAHL in attendance, that is misleading because they have one of the smallest arenas in the league. They simply can’t get the thousands of fans a night that some teams get because the arena holds only a fraction of that. Access 2 Depending on where you’re coming from, you will need to take either the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, Interstate 97, or U.S. Route 50. Regardless of how you get here, you will need to do several miles of driving on local roads. Once you get there, the lot next to the arena is pretty small. Although you may have a hard time parking if you wait until right before the game to arrive, in an interesting twist, you may also have a hard time parking if you arrive before doors open in an attempt to give yourself enough time. This is because this is a municipal rink, and there is often a public session, youth hockey practice, or other event before the Black Bears take the ice. If that hasn’t cleared out yet, you may still have a difficult time parking despite allotting plenty of time. There is a set of restrooms located under the bleachers, but getting around that narrow passageway can be difficult if it gets crowded. The area near the entrance that includes the concession stand, team store, several tables, and the stairs to the bleachers can also get congested and make walking around difficult. Although the lines at concession stands can get long during intermissions, they move quickly. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $9 for sideline tickets on the side the Black Bears defend twice. On the attacking side, tickets go up to $12, while tickets at center ice are just $15. There is a $2 discount for military members. Parking is free, and while concessions are somewhat pricey, the value elsewhere makes up for it. Extras 3 One star for the fish toss, one of the more unique traditions in sports. A second for the free roster sheets available at the entrance on the front table. A third and final star for the Black Bears’ loyal group of fans who crowd the rink every night. Final Thoughts There are many instances of a low-level sporting venue being too big for the crowd it holds. Piney Orchard Ice Arena is the rare instance (at this level) of a venue being too small for the crowds. Although the atmosphere at a Black Bears game is impressive as is, and a visit is definitely worthwhile, it would be even better if they could pack a couple thousand fans in here rather than just a few hundred. They’re definitely capable of drawing those crowds, they just don’t have any place to put them.

The Lexington Legends announced they will join the Atlantic League for the 2021 season. The Legends had been members of the South Atlantic League since its inception in 2001 but will now become an independent team in the new loop. The majority of its clubs are located on the east coast from Long Island to Gastonia, North Carolina. Whitaker Bank Ballpark will be the most western ballpark, located 379 miles from its closest rival; however, this isn’t the first time baseball in Lexington was situated furthest away from its nearest competitor. In 1954 the Lexington Colts played barely a half a season in the Mountain States League before suspending operations on July 6. The hastily put-together ball club was the city’s first in 31 years, and it would be over 50 years before another minor league team would call Kentucky city home.  Things looked fine when the ball club hosted its first game on April 24 against Kingsport. The ceremonial crowd brought out former Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler and the Colts pounded out a 14-2 victory in front of 1,200 fans at League Park. The victory was welcoming since the team had only four days to practice and get to know each other for manager Zeke Bonura.  The league only awarded Lexington a club on April 7, just 17 days before their home opener, to replace the Hazard Bombers, who were unable to field a club for the season. MSL league president Virgil Q. Wacks was enthusiastic about placing a team in the Bluegrass Capital.  Wacks even came to town in hopes of meeting with anyone who would operate a franchise in the then-8-team league. Things moved swiftly with negotiations on who would operate the club, and improvements were made to the Blue Grass Athletic Park home of the Lexington Hustlers, a Negro League baseball of the past nine seasons. The Lexington Ball Club received assistance with finding players and a manager, selling tickets, and daily operations from the league and Chandler. Fans were encouraged to name the team, with the winner receiving two season tickets and ten wrestling tickets at what was now called League Park. The runner-up would win a book of 25 tickets.  The club’s GM, Michael Tice opened up downtown offices in the Northern Bank building. The Lexington Herald sports editor, Ed Ashford, would be the team president, and former Chicago White Sox player Zeke Bonura was picked as the manager of the unnamed ball club. Ashford announced that there would be a limited number of shares of common stock offered to the public at $25 a share.  A Lexington Colts Stockholder, File Photo, Lexington Herald “The more small stockholders we have, the more fans will have. The more fans we have, the better team will have, because we’ll have more money to spend in acquiring good players in improving the ballpark,” stated Ashford in the Lexington Herald in the April 17, 1954 edition. Tickets would go on sale a week before the first game at various locations in the city and surrounding towns. Fans wishing to purchase a book of 25 tickets, would only need to shell out $20. The price would fetch $1 for adults and 50 cents for children at the gate. The team opened the season at Kingsport and did not officially have a name, the local paper joked that it should be called the “Fleas” because of the early requirements of their schedule and its hastily thrown-together squad. The ball club would make the 500 miles round trip from Lexington only to be rained-out; they would have to turn around and open the season at home the next day at 3 pm. The team would be christened the Colts during its home opener. The name was favored by 24 people who remembered the previous professional club of the same name in the Blue Grass League from 1923. The only other moniker that received as many votes was Throurobreads or Thorobreds. The other choices had racehorse themes and included the Yearlings, Racers, Ponies, Whirlaways, Fillies, Stake Horses, Turfs, Stallions, Pacers, Trotters, Man o’ War, Jockeys, and Thoroughbred Flyers. “It has a tradition of many years, as the last professional team, a successful aggregation in the Old Blue Grass League,” said Len Tracey, who was one of the citizens who picked the name. “Its five letters are admirably adapted to newspaper headlines. There are few if any other teams in the nation that beer the same nickname.”  Lexington was the most northern club and 131 miles from its closest rival in Middlesboro. It was further away from Newport (218 miles) and Kingsport (250 miles) one way. One could only imagine the bus rides on pre-interstate roads.  Lexington Home Opener Newspaper Ad, File Photo, Lexington Herald If Lexington’s distance from the rest of the league members wasn’t enough of an inconvenience, the schedule was quickly thrown into chaos when the Newport Canners dropped before the season when directors failed to raise enough money to begin operations. The league went ahead with a 7-team schedule playing day-to-day, rarely knowing more than a day or two in advance where they were playing next. League president Wacks would then spend the next week looking for an eighth club to even out the MSL. The Hazard Development Association drew up a plan to enter the league. La Follette was also considered an option to fill the spot and offered two local ballparks until a proper facility would be available. Finally, the city of Lynch, Kentucky, was hoping to operate its new $30 million stadium that needed a little more seating. However, Hazard returned on April 29 but quickly dropped out 6-days later without playing a game. Just like with Newport, it was due to the financial difficulties of putting a team together in such a short time. The league was down to 7-teams once again, and the Morristown Red Sox would be the next organization to dissolve. The Sox management was unhappy with having to sit idle for as many four days because of the uneven schedule on May 17. A week later the league finally released an updated season schedule for the remaining teams. Back in Lexington, unpleasant weather canceled games or left fans bundled up at League Park watching the Colts start with an 8-11 record. The postponement was a large financial loss for the club which had to cover all operating costs. The team moved on, having specialty nights like Little League, Gift Night Ladies Night. The rainouts did allow for Satchel Paige to make an appearance with the Globetrotters baseball team playing the House of David as part of a doubleheader. Colts manager Bonura knew things would be hard and liked Lexington as a baseball town. However, little things did surprise him during his time in town. He told of a story of one of his players hailing a cab to the ballpark. The cabbie said, “there ain’t no ballpark in this town.” They then drove to the nearest gas station and were unaware of the ballpark.  However, there was a time when the club failed to report to an away game in Kingsport for financial reasons on the charter bus. The Kingsport fans, aware of the situation, passed the hat around at the ballpark to net an impressive $118 that supplied the team with two meals while in town. The gesture was taken very kindly by management in Lexington, who was unaware of the act of kindness. Things were going pretty smoothly, despite the financial difficulties with many of its members. The Colts were playing .500 ball and made a move for first place in the league. The Maryville-Alcoa Red Sox announced that they would not continue unless $8,000 was raised to pay off debt. Attendance improved slightly at the ballpark, but the club switched to Morristown. It returned the next day after securing the $8,000 objective. However, they moved once again to Morristown six days later, this time for good, and renamed the Reds. Sam Bray, president of the Kingsport Cherokees, jokingly offered his team bus, all of its equipment, the franchise, plus an additional $3,000 for any responsible person who would agree to continue its operations throughout the season. Thinking that no sound person would take him off on his offer, the stunt resulted in positive PR throughout multiple media outlets and increased attendance figures at his ballpark. Lexington player getting the field ready before the game, File Photo, Lexington Herald Back in Lexington, management decided not to enforce blackouts of Cincinnati Redlegs games on home television sets. A total of 35-40 Reds games conflicted with Colts games and organized baseball agreements allowed the Lexington club to block any, if all games. The Colts opted not to interfere with the broadcasts in order not to give ill will to its fan base. Scores and updates were provided to fans at the ballpark during games. The Morristown saga concluded on July 1 when it withdrew from the league without notice, not for financial reasons, but because the owner “didn’t have time to give to it. This left the MSL with an uneven five clubs. The writing was on the wall, and the rest of the loop’s members did not hide the fact who they wanted out of the league. It was at this time that presidents of the other teams met in Middlesboro and said, “We’re sorry, but Lexington has to go.” The Colts were teetering on the brink of elimination due to poor attendance and burning through its operating budget. Wacks had indicated that $6,000 would get a team through the year before the start of the campaign. The Colts were a long bus ride from the other Tennessee and southern Kentucky teams; it only made sense to continue the season without them. However, other clubs were facing financial difficulties including the Oak Ridge Pioneers whose owner Ross Charles stated that $10,000 was needed by July 4 to continue operations, and the Harlan Smokies who almost exited the loop before additional support was provided to continue operations. Colts president Ashford indicated that when Morristown folded his club would more than likely leave the league and operate by other means than to continue once again in an odd-numbered league. “Even in this event, however, the Colts will not be disbanded. We will continue to play exhibition games with Semi-Pro teams in the area, both at home and on the road, for the next two months, retaining only those Players whose contracts are owned by us. The players who are with us an option will be returned to the teams that hold their contracts.”  The Colts’ last few days in minor league baseball were during the July 4th weekend that did not have them scheduled against any league opponent. Instead, they played a two-game series against the always-game Hustlers, dropping the first game 7-0 before winning the final 6-5.  On July 6, a nicely written telegram stated that they were no longer in the league. It was the custom at the time to let the last team in the league fold first. The Colts would dissolve at midnight but honored their commitment to play in Kingsport–a 4-hour drive by car on current interstate roads. However, just like the team’s first game, it was rained out. The team finished with a 34-37 record. The league would limp for another two weeks, with Wacks looking for a sixth club to replace Lexington. However, on July 20, Harlan became the fifth team to cease operations that season, and the Mountain States League gave up the ghost the next day. It had hoped to reform for the 1955 season, but it would never operate again as a professional league. The Colts would not continue as an independent ball club, although there appeared to be plenty of opportunities to do that, but enough money had been lost on the season and a few remained in town to continue the year playing semi-pro baseball for other clubs. A total of 43 men suited up for the Colts and only six of them remained on the team from April 25 to July 6.  Bonura spoke at a Rotary Club meeting and believed Lexington to be a great town but would be better placed with closer rivals instead of clubs down in Tennessee to keep travel expenses down. “The club wouldn’t have made any money. You can’t enter the thing with the idea that you have a big money maker. It takes some civic-minded people who want Lexington to have baseball to back the team with the idea that over two or three years, they aren’t going to lose any money, but then they aren’t going to make any either.” Lexington would not host another professional baseball team until 2001, 47 years later. Unlike the 31-year gap between the two versions of the Colts club, many fans barely remembered the Mountain States League version that came in and went from town quicker than a thoroughbred at nearby Keeneland.  It was not too uncommon for other members of the loop who were more than likely losing money and on shaky grounds themselves. Kingsport would join the Appalachian League the following year and after a one-year-hiatus, remain in the league to this day. However, except Lexington, none of the cities represented in the league still operate in a professional or summer-collegiate league at this time. The Legends would play 20 seasons before Major League Baseball announced this past December that it would be part of its revamped minor-league affiliation this season. At this time, the organization is making plans to return this season either in a summer collegiate league or in the independent Frontier League, depending on who you talk with. It is safe to say that baseball will continue in some form in the Blue Grass Capital. As questionable as baseball might appear at this time, it will be nowhere near the entropy that existed for the 90 days in 1954 when Lexington had a minor league baseball team. The quickly assembled franchise suffered from small attendance figures, a loss of money, long traveling days, and playing in a league that was losing clubs left and right.  The Colts were a footnote in history. The Legends have been mainstays. Professional baseball was lost for almost 50 years, that won’t be the case with the current announcement.  ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter  @ballparkhunter  and his  YouTube channel .

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Harry W. Lawson Ice Arena 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Western Michigan Broncos men’s hockey website Harry W. Lawson Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 3,667 Free Tickets for Students or a New Kitchen for the Coach’s Wife The students who attend Western Michigan University hockey games at Lawson Ice Arena are affectionately known as the “Lawson Lunatics” and visiting teams and their coaches know that they will face an additional challenge due to the Lunatics. Normally students are allowed free to all games, but with an NCHS sanction three-game series, head coach Andy Murray recently announced that he would buy all the student tickets for game two , allowing the Lunatics to enter the game, provided they bought a ticket for game one. Murray added that his wife kind of wanted a new kitchen, but he would rather invest it in the Lunatics. There has not been a lot that has changed at Lawson in recent years, but that’s arguably a good thing. The 3,667-seat capacity ice arena opened in 1974, adjacent is the Gabel Natatorium which is home to the university’s swimming team that is also shared with the Kalamazoo community. The arena was named after Harry W. Lawson, a professor at Western Michigan who organized and founded the club hockey team in 1956, which eventually became the school’s varsity team. The arena itself has gone through a series of renovations in 1993, 1997, 1998, 2006, 2013, and 2016. The latest renovations included new boards and glass, a new ice making system, and an overhaul of the ventilation system that has allowed the arena to become LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. Lawson is the oldest and second smallest arena in its conference, but the general atmosphere is exciting and all the fans are into the game. Some of those exciting years include six appearances in the NCAA Tournament and two conference championships. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stands in the exterior concourse near the main entrance offer standard fare such as $4 hot dogs, $5 Italian sausages, $6 cheeseburgers, $7 barbecue chicken sandwiches, and traditional sides. The arena offers Pepsi products for $2 or $4 and $3 Water Street coffee. The small “NUTS 4 NUTS” stand sells almonds and cashews. Atmosphere 4 It is amazing what a 20-member student pep band and a few hundred Lawson Lunatics can bring to the arena. They are clever, inventive, and a slightly naughty group of students who cheer and make the atmosphere fun and lively. A well-sized concourse surrounds most of the ice and fans can enjoy the action anywhere in the house. Plastic seats with backs are located behind one goal and traditional bleacher seats with backs fill the remaining seating options. The legroom is a little tight and there are no cup holders. There are great sight lines for fans who like to be on top of the action, but be aware that overhead netting can affect viewing from the higher rows. A four-sided scoreboard located over the center ice gives fans statistical information and the clock. There are also video screens located in three of the four corners that provide great replays. The history of WMU hockey is depicted with NHL hockey jerseys of players who started at Lawson and were later drafted. There are banners displayed overhead reflecting league champions and NCAA appearances. Neighborhood 4 Lawson Arena is just west of the WMU main campus with many restaurants, breweries, and bars nearby. The cities of Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids appear to be battling each other for the title “Craft Beer Capital of Michigan.” Local options include One Well Brewing, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Final Gravity, Latitude 42, and Arcadia Brewing. Nearby University Roadhouse and Bruno’s Pizza are good choices, while Ray Ray’s Italian Beef and Sausage on Miller Road offers great food at low prices. The Old Goat Tavern has inventive burgers and draft beer choices. A newly remodeled Delta Hotel by Marriott is west of campus on US 131. The downtown area offers several well-rated Bed and Breakfast choices and there are other lodging alternatives on major highways surrounding the city. Fans 4 Overall, it seems that the WMU hockey fans are into the game and are invested in the product on the ice. There is a good mix of alumni, families, students, and hockey fans that make the event a lot of fun. Interestingly, there are more WMU students attending hockey games than men’s basketball. The average attendance for much of the current 2018-19 season is 3,167 fans per game. Music is played throughout the game, but most likely due to acoustics, it is hard to hear the PA announcer. A gentleman named Bill Saunders is in charge of one of the penalty boxes; as he walks across the ice, the Lunatics greet him with a chant of “Sexy Senior.” Access 4 At Stadium Journey, we like the word “free,” as in free parking and free programs. This is the case at the Lawson Arena for hockey games. Multiple parking lots are within reasonable walking distance and physically challenged fans are well accommodated with parking and seating. Restrooms and concessions are crowded between periods, it is advised to leave a few seconds early to beat the rush. Return on Investment 4 Bench and chair back seats go for $23, while Family Zone tickets behind both goals are $15. Concession prices are very reasonable, and when you include free parking and a free program, the ROI is very fair on anyone’s budget. Extras 4 A point is awarded to the WMU Pep Band – they are a lot of fun to listen to and watch. Another point goes to the Lawson Lunatics and their creative cheers supporting their team and deriding the opponents. A third point for the respect for team history around the arena is lots of individual photos along with the jerseys and banners. The fourth point is for the friendly, courteous staff that’s always ready to help fans with any questions. Final Thoughts Whether you are a devoted hockey fan or a sports fan curious to know what college hockey is like, you will have a good time at Lawson Arena. For fans visiting Kalamazoo for the first time, you will find lots to do and see.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Walt Disney World Resort Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 runDisney Marathon Weekend website Walt Disney World Resort website Year Opened: 1971 Running Through Disney World The runDisney Marathon weekends have become a staple of Disney’s sports scene. After starting with just a marathon every January, the schedule now includes no less than four race weekends a year with 5k, 10k, half, and full marathons scattered throughout each weekend. Different themes offer fans and runners a different experience each time, making this one of the more unique and memorable marathons in the country. Without a doubt, this is certainly a special event to be seen by fans and runners alike. In addition, the runDisney expo and merchandise experiences are coupled with race registration and bib pickup at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex during race weekends. Food & Beverage 3 During races, the finish line complex at EPCOT features several food trucks set up that offer the basics of coffee, soft drinks, breakfast pastries, and various food options. For races that include a run through Magic Kingdom, Casey’s Corner is open the entire morning, offering its full menu of hot dog variations. A chili cheese dog starts at $11.49 and goes up to $13.49 for a footlong, as does the Bacon Mac and Cheese dog. A standard hot dog is $9.99 to $11.99, while the plant-based slaw dog costs $11.49. Most popular are the corn dog nugget meals for $8.99, while various options for French fries run $6.49. Drinks include bottled water, apple juice, and sodas for $3.50-$5.50, while the mint julep lemonade slushy costs $6.49. Atmosphere 5 The Disney Marathon weekends are incredibly fun for fans and runners. Each race weekend has a different theme, from the traditional full marathon weekend (January) to the Disney Princess (February), Star Wars (April), and fall themes (November) – each weekend offers a different feel to them. DJs are present at both the start gates and the finish line to get runners and fans energized (you are after all starting each run around 5 am), and they keep the energy going the whole time. Each time a corral of people is let onto the course, fireworks and pyrotechnics are shot off from the starting gate. When the winner of each respective classification crosses the line, confetti cannons and a breakable finish line greet them at the end of the course. For courses that run through Magic Kingdom, fans are allowed to travel from the parking lot at EPCOT to the Magic Kingdom via Monorail to watch the runners traverse the course through the park. In addition, each race features various characters that are available for photos with both fans and runners at the main finishing complex at EPCOT. Neighborhood 5 The race complex is located on the parking lot of EPCOT (except for the Fall Feast 5k, which is traditionally run at Disney’s Animal Kingdom), which is deep in the heart of Walt Disney World. Because of this, you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport from the hotels to the starting gates, and then from the finish line back to their hotel. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans 5 The fans here are unique, as they are almost all family and friends of runners participating in the events. Because of this, there’s a special feeling as runners run the courses and finish the races. Each fan has someone they’re rooting for and helping cheer on. No matter what, you feel the excitement in the air at all times, from the moment the first athlete crosses the line to the time when the balloon ladies who pace the back of the field arrive at the finish. Access 3 Getting to the race parking lot is pretty easy, but traffic for certain races can be a pain. Parking is free for the race at EPCOT (or Animal Kingdom for the Fall Feast 5k), but there is a decent walk from the parking lot to the corrals and finish line. Fans can also go through bag checks and security checkpoints in the parking lot as well. Depending on how the course is set up, traffic getting into the races can get backed up throughout Disney property, as many races block off commonly used roads (which are utilized as part of various courses). In addition, after the race is over parking can once again back up a bit getting out, as by that time regular park guests are arriving for their day at EPCOT. Return on Investment 4 Getting into the running complex and the grandstands is free, with most viewing areas also free – grandstands are set up all along the finishing stretch as well as at the start line for fans to root on their athletes. For longer races, such as the half and full marathons, fans can line up at various stages along the route to cheer on their loved ones. For races that go through Magic Kingdom, you can get a chance to see your loved ones race under Cinderella’s castle or run down Main Street USA, and for a price of $65 you can join the chEAR Squad during longer races (half and full marathons). This guarantees you a reserved grandstand seat near the finish line to get the best view of the runners crossing the line, as well as free beverages, snacks, and your own set of restrooms. Whenever races go into Magic Kingdom, those packages also offer special viewing areas in front of the castle to watch the runners pass under the arches in the park; for $120 the Race Retreat package offers runners and fans the chance to relax in an air conditioned area near the race finish line that includes food, drinks, a live video feed of the race, and live timing for runners. Extras 3 Runners and fans descend upon Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, as race registration and bib pickup is located here all weekend, as well as the runner expo and race merchandise. Here, you can shop for all the official runDisney gear and keepsakes you need, as well as check out some of the latest offerings from various companies for runners. Athletes taking part in the races also traditionally dress up as various Disney characters for each race, usually joining in with the respective theme for each event. Final Thoughts This is easily one of the more unique experiences for sports in Central Florida, and it has become a fan favorite. From former Olympians to everyday people, thousands descend upon the Walt Disney World resort for runDisney marathon weekends. Once you have been to an event, it is easy to see why people have made these events a part of Disney’s rich sports history.

Lumped in with the plethora of retro classic ballparks that now dot Major League Baseball, Comerica Park in Detroit, home of the Tigers, seems to get lost in the shuffle. Is it just another of the new cookie cutter parks, or does it stand out amongst the crowd? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave to discuss another great baseball Stadium Journey on the latest episode of Obstructed Views. You can find Stadium Journey's review of Comerica Park and the Detroit Tigers game day experience here.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 AAMI Park Olympic Boulevard Melbourne, VIC 3001 Australia Melbourne City FC website AAMI Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 30,050 Unrivalled A-League Fan Experience in Melbourne City Melbourne’s 30,000-seat AAMI Park (or Melbourne Rectangular Stadium for FIFA purposes) is one of Melbourne’s premier sporting stadiums and plays host to rugby union (Super Rugby’s Melbourne Rebel’s), rugby league (The NRL’s Melbourne Storm) and the A-League football team Melbourne City. The outdoor sports stadium, which is owned by the Victorian Government and located about 1km to the east of the Central Business District, was built in 2010 and has five tenants across three sports. The stadium has hosted Asian Cup football matches as well as Four Nations rugby league games. The venue will also host matches during the upcoming 2017 rugby league world cup. AAMI Park has also played host to gigs from notable bands like the Foo Fighters and Taylor Swift. The $270 million stadium design features an interesting “Bioframe” design, with a geodesic dome roof that covers most of the seats while also still allowing light through to the field. The northern and southern sides of the stadium are called the Olympic Side and Yarra Side, while the exterior of the stadium is covered in thousands of LED lights which can be programmed to display a variety of patterns and images to highlight the home team for that respective game. Furthermore, the stadium won the award for the most iconic and culturally significant stadium at the 2012 World Stadium Awards. While the name Melbourne City Football Club might be relatively new to Australia’s premier football competition, the Hyundai A-League, the professional team certainly is not. The club was founded in 2009 as the Melbourne Heart and played under that name from its inaugural 2010 – 11 season until it was acquired and subsequently rebranded in mid-2014 by the City Football Group who hold full ownership of the club. Food & Beverage 3 AAMI Park offers an array of typical sports stadium grub with a few interesting additions that add to the appetite of fans and delivers a better food fan experience than some other stadiums. The stadium food on offer is the general type of bain-marie food items that one would see at a major stadium with items on offer such as the usual easily cooked hot dogs, meat pies, chips, chicken strips and chips, burgers, fish and chips, and more of the usual fare. There are some healthier options such as sandwiches and wraps however in terms of dietary requirements, there is no gluten free or vegan food to be found, which is interesting given the way other stadiums are moving in this direction. One thing that is good to see from a fan experience perspective is that there is also a German-inspired sausage stand selling big gourmet sausages in crusty bread rolls. This stand has large lines as people obviously find this an enticing food option. AAMI Park offers a restaurant located on the external concourse of the stadium called The Bench, which is a place where fans can meet for a drink and a meal prior to the match. The Bench is open 2.5 hours before kick-off and offers gourmet pub food like BBQ ribs, mushroom burgers, chicken parmigiana, and pizzas. Staff are attentive and polite with positive attitudes and while there are long lines at the food stands these move fast. Outside the stadium, local clubs are allowed to sell items to raise money for their clubs with members from Melbourne team Bentleigh Greens selling an array of sweet and savoury nuts that fans grab by the bag full as a quick pregame snack. The drinks that are available inside the stadium are again typical of a major stadium beverage contract and include the standard Coca-Cola varieties along with water, juice, and iced tea. Alcoholic drinks are limited to mid-strength including Carlton-Mid and Hahn Light beer. Spirits such as Jack Daniels as well as Bulmer’s cider are also available, which is good to see as many stadiums don’t actually do cider. Responsible service of alcohol rules prevent full strength drinks and punters from purchasing more than four beers or two spirits in one visit to the bar which is fairly standard across Australia’s stadiums. One thing that is annoying here is seeing 30 odd sad pre-poured beers lined up at half time with no head on them. In an obvious attempt to move the beer lines faster, this is a disturbing standard practice for public stadium bars but it’s one that many fans have great frustration with as fans really want an ice cold freshly poured beer as well as one without small bugs on the head as was seen here, due to not washing the taps out properly. During my recent visit, the venue did however replace this beer and were happy to do so saying that it does happen from time to time. While there is no genuine craft beer here, the other issue with both the light beer and spirits is that they are poured from cans into plastic cups (no glass or cans inside stadium for safety issues), meaning that the drinks lose some of their chill when poured and from a staffing perspective seems like a lot more work. However they compensate for this by having an ice bucket to use to add ice to your spirits. The ice bucket was filled when I bought drinks on two occasions, but at halftime it was empty and staff were too busy to refill it. Water is available inside the stadium to fill up bottles up, which in summer is very beneficial for fans. Overall, you’ll find a selection of typical stadium food and drinks with a few interesting additions that provide some extra incentive to take a punt and enjoy some stadium grub here. Perfect for a day at the footy! Atmosphere 4 The walk to the stadium is peppered with lively bars and cafes as fans sing songs and march to the ground before games. Fans here are vocal and passionate both outside the ground and inside as well, and one can feel the anticipation building prior to the match. The all-seated intimate stadium is a rectangular football stadium, which has a unique ‘bioframe’ design featuring 30,000 seats. While there are no cup holders or padded seats, the stadium does offer an exceptional viewing experience for fans regardless of where they sit. Seats are ample in size and offer good pitch and rake as well as sight lines to be able to see all of the action on the field. The seats make you feel close to the finely prepared grass while two TV scoreboards provide data insights, highlights and replays for fans that adds to the fan experience. The stadium’s unique lighting design means that teams can have their colours represented on the roof throughout the match, which is a good thing seeing as multiple tenants use this space. The first impressions of the fan engagement activations is one of pure class. The Melbourne City ‘City-Square’ fan zone is an outstanding set up that includes skill drill tests for young fans, gourmet food trucks, EA Sport FIFA gaming stations, penalty shoot-outs, membership support, merchandise tents, competitions, giveaways, raffles and other events. The fan zone is inside an area known as Gosch’s Paddock that includes a number of grassy fields where kids can kick footballs with their friends or family. Inside the stadium the fan engagement continues with fans being allowed to play FIFA16 against one another on the big screens, which entertains fans in the stands and those lining up to buy food and drink. City fans are loud and entertaining as they sing songs, chant war cries and offer funny banter with the rival team. There is a constant vocal noise typical of a lively football match throughout the game, which really adds to the night’s atmosphere. Seating options are plentiful and all offer a good view of the field. The two ends are cheaper than the east and west stands, which offer corporate seating and a centre view of the field, making it possibly a slightly better view to take in the whole ground. Most of the stadium offers cover from the elements, however the first few rows of each stand would potentially become wet regardless of the roof protection during heavy rains. The stadium offers general admission, although many games are also reserved seating due to members seating and for bigger matches or sold out events. While away fans are positioned into one far end corner of the stadium this is more so they can all be with their fellow supporters as generally for football matches here, fans can sit alongside fans of the opposing team without any aggression. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is set in the heart of Melbourne with the Central Business District only a short walk away with ample transport and well lit walking paths making it very accessible. The Richmond area is surrounded by a bustling nightlife featuring award winning restaurants, tasty pub menus, craft beer bars, and supermarkets. Fans can take advantage of the local shopping and sightseeing around this area before a game while also stopping in at various bars pregame where fans of all teams are welcomed, albeit with a bit of cheeky banter. The area to and from the stadium, either from Richmond or Jolimont train station or from walking via the city is very safe and secure, not least due to the large amount of people riding bikes or walking on the foot paths to either the stadium or local bars. There are literally hundreds of quality bars and restaurants to try either on the walk to the stadium or in the Richmond area if that’s where you disembark on the train. From modern Australian food like burgers and seafood or chicken and chips, Melbourne is famous for its vegetarian and vegan options as well so buying affordable food and drinks that are also healthy is something which is very easy near the stadium. Melbourne also has a wide selection of craft beer bars and craft beer on tap at pretty much every bar, so if good beer is your thing then you will not be disappointed. A must would be to try Slowbeer in Richmond, as well as Holliava which is quite close to the stadium. In terms of attractions and entertainment, there are a variety of nightclubs and bars in the area which are worth investigating. From rock and roll music venue, The Corner Hotel to the rollicking 9T4 bar, there is a bar for any fan. There are plenty of close hotel options that fans could choose to stay at in the Olympic Park area. However, with the city only a short walk away it would be wise to find a hotel in the CBD and take the short tram or train ride or walk to and from the stadium. Melbourne offers an abundance of premium to backpacker style accommodation listings making it easy to find a place to stay. One hotel that is both affordable and close to the stadium is the Pullman Melbourne on the Park. Fans 4 The AAMI Park stadium is home to some of the most passionate fans in Australia with the relatively new Melbourne City FC fans being a vocal force that channel the traditions and history of the former team, Melbourne Heart, along with the club’s ties to Manchester City FC in England. Melbourne City fans are positive, passionate, happy, and respectful fans who are well behaved and offer a good family friendly vibe to home games here. Fans are loyal and supportive of both their team and the opposing team, and are youthful in terms of membership. It’s obvious that Melbourne City fans love their club, with huge turnout for the City Square fan zone where families and fans of both teams, but more predominantly City fans, are engaging with team reps and mascots before the game starts. Average attendances for Melbourne City A-League games hovers around 10,000-15,000 per game with bigger matches against the likes of Melbourne Victory or Sydney FC drawing even bigger crowds. The team offers a type of flair and attractive football that is not seen frequently in the A-League. The crowd is loud and excitable here and throughout the match the noise is a constant with war cries and singing ringing throughout the stadium’s terraces. City fans wave team flags and their colours throughout the entire match and are entertaining in their banter with fellow fans. Access 5 The venue is well equipped for people with special needs as the accessibility in Melbourne from the transport, pathways to the ground and the stadium itself with lifts and disabled seating is world class. Once inside the stadium, it is very easy to walk around as there is ample space to move about and find your seats, toilets, food and drink, or exits. Toilets and snack bars are plentiful with the best time to visit each of these just before half time. Exiting the stadium is a breeze and can be done in only a few minutes. However, traffic builds up quickly on Punt Road and on Olympic Boulevard meaning that grabbing a taxi or getting your car out can be troublesome. Walking is by far the best option and can be done easily back to the city by following the majority of the crowd who are also walking back there meaning that this is a safe, healthy, and fast way to get back into the city to catch a train or tram home from there. Transport runs until about 1am in Melbourne with the trams running even later for night routes. Most transport is very cheap at around $4 per ride, but you do need to have a MYKI transport card which can be picked up at most 7/11’s or newsagents in the city or suburbs. Ubers to and from the city cost about $10 or less provided there is no traffic, while a taxi would be around $16-$20. Public transport is incredibly easy to use and ride to the game here. A Melbourne transport card (MYKI) costs $6 and can get fans to the game in about 5-10 mins from the city either by trams or suburban trains. Two train stations (Richmond and Flagstaff) serve the stadium area and run well before and after the final whistle. Parking is available in the Melbourne Olympic Parks precinct for under $30 per car. However, you can also drive and park for free in local streets where the time limits are 2 or 3 hours. Just be careful regarding what the signs state. Fans can park in the Richmond area, which is only a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium. There are signs here warning of 2-3 hour parking and permit only zones for local residents. Whatever you do, do not park in a driveway or in a tow away or loading zone as the parking inspectors will get you! Paid parking is an option and starts at $3 per hour, which is quite affordable for a match day. Avoid on street parking along Olympic Boulevard and Bridge Road as when the stadium empties, all the fans walk along these roads meaning that your car is less safe as thousands of people walk between cars increasing the chance of accidental damage. The stadium’s gates all offer easy access into the ground, but most fans will enter via the Olympic Boulevard end as this is where the majority of the ticket booths are located. There are different security checks that range from metal detector wands to pat downs and bag searches depending on the match. The venue accepts ticketless QR code ticketing as well as standard stadium tickets each of which is scanned upon entry. Fans are advised to arrive early as ticket collection and entry into the stadium can get busy before play starts. Concourse traffic is generally busy right before the match starts or at half time, but due to the size of the venue, it’s quite easy to walk around the whole stadium with ease. The main concourse does not have a view of the pitch, except on the third level east and west stand, but fans will be advised to move on as these areas are walkways and for people in wheelchair spaces. The toilets, bars, and food areas are all very well maintained and cleaned throughout the event, so the venue itself is one which is very clean and tidy. Return on Investment 4 A match at AAMI Park is worth the time and effort, as this is a world class venue that offers an intimate setting for watching live sport. From exceptional fan engagement, superb pitch and comfy seats to inexpensive tickets, unique food items and easy transportation, this is a venue worth watching a match at. Ticket prices are around the $20-$30 mark for the cheapest seats and range up to $60-$80 for the halfway line seats. Corporate functions and all inclusive seats are more expensive. Melbourne City offer various ticket promotions for members and fans including ticket discounts on match days to members. Fans are encouraged to sign up to City-Zen which is the global fan site of the City group where fans can gain exclusive discounts, giveaways, and prizes. Extras 4 The free match day programs and scarves for fans were an unexpected present that fans were delighted to on match day during a recent visit. Parking and transport near the stadium is easy, food and drink is fresh and healthy, and the fan engagement is world class. Ticketing is a breeze as is the purple red sunset that falls over the stadium in summer for twilight games. Final Thoughts A Melbourne City A-League game at AAMI Park is an outstanding fan experience that offers fans a variety of best practice fan activities, tasty food and drinks, vocal atmosphere, and entertaining football. This is a must do sporting event in Melbourne!

Photo Courtesy of New Mexico State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Pan American Center S Triviz Dr & Payne St Las Cruces, NM 88003 New Mexico State Aggies website Pan American Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 8,994 Henson Court Hoops Built in 1968, the Pan American Center was part of a $22 million campus-wide construction project at New Mexico State. The Las Cruces arena itself cost $3.5 million, and was designed by W.C. Kruger and Associates. On February 9th, 2002, NMSU honored legendary coach Lou Henson by naming the court after him. Henson once attended New Mexico State before taking over as head basketball coach, and ended up winning a total of 779 games in college basketball as a head coach. The floor design that currently graces Pan Am Center was unveiled in the 2011-12 season. The capacity of 8,994 makes Pan American Center one of the largest college basketball arenas in the Rocky Mountain area. Even with that current capacity, the arena has hosted over 13,000 fans 24 times in its history. Food & Beverage 3 Pan American Center offers all of the food you would expect to find at a college basketball venue. Hot dogs, nachos and popcorn all cost $4.25, with Coca-Cola drinks being slightly more expensive than that. You can also get Pete’s Combo (hot dog, chips and drink) for $8, and a Kid’s Combo (hot dog, popcorn, small drink) for $6. Candy and peanuts cost $3.50. Other concession stands around the concourse offer a little more variety, including bratwurst, chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and corn dogs. These range in price from $3-$5. Alcohol is also available in Pan Am Center: 24 oz. cans of beer cost $8.50, and single-serving mimosas cost $7.50. Atmosphere 3 Fans can enter the Pan American Center through doors on any side of the building. The logos on the court face the west side (sections 6-12). Both teams enter the court through a tunnel in the southwest corner. The Aggies bench is located in the northeast corner, with the visitors in the southeast corner. The visiting fans section is located behind their bench in sections 21 and 121. ‘ Before the game, NMSU’s mascot Pistol Pete brings out a piñata of the opposing team and does terrible things to it at center court before having it tied to a rope and raised to the rafters. Pistol Pete is a very popular figure during the game as well, as he goes around the seating area taking pictures with fans and encouraging chants throughout. During pregame intros, a giant crazy arm wind thing is brought out, which is super-cheesy and extremely weird. And it also blocks a few sections’ view of the NMSU players when they are announced. Fans can literally sit at the courtside table, which is entertainment in itself when the ball goes to the west sidelines. Popcorn and beer everywhere! The school also encourages fans to move down when it is not very crowded, which seems unique, and makes the atmosphere a little bit more intimidating even when not a lot of people are in attendance. There are giveaways and various other things throughout the game. The big one is after every three-pointer made by NMSU, the cheerleaders throw out shirts to the fans. After wins, everyone in attendance gets a coupon for a free appetizer at St. Clair Winery and Bistro. There’s a main scoreboard that hangs above center court with four small video boards. Those video boards show live game action and instant replays of big plays throughout the game. On the scoreboard itself are individual stats of players on the court, as well as the other typical things you would expect to find. What makes NMSU sort of unique is what looks like an old football scoreboard that is found above the north end seating. Neighborhood 3 Some restaurants are nearby if you’re looking for somewhere to hang out before tip. Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant is right across the street, and seems to be a popular place among the Aggie faithful. The Game Sports Bar and Grill looks like the best option for a more traditional sports bar feel. These are both located on University Ave., not too far from the stadium. University Ave. has several other options for fans as well. There are a few hotels located at the University exit on I-25. Hilton Garden Inn, Comfort Suites, and Sleep Inn are all right next to each other, and are walking distance from arena. If you’re flying to Las Cruces, your best bet is to fly into El Paso and drive from there. Also in the immediate area of Pan American Center are the other NMSU athletic facilities including Aggie Memorial Stadium, Presley Askew Field, and the school’s softball stadium. So you could try and pull a double header at certain points of the year depending on the schedules. And you wouldn’t have to drive anywhere to do it. Fans 3 Students sit on both the north and south ends of the building. The pep band, known as The Roadrunner Review, sits in the southeast corner next to the visiting bench. The NMSU cheerleaders stand at the front of the students in the south end. “The Panamaniacs” as they’re called, are definitely more rowdy in the south end. All of the fans are very polite at Pan American Center. During opposing team intros, they clap. When opposing players get hurt and get up, they clap. It’s a very courteous fan base. If you sit down next to the court, you can pick out individual people quietly giving refs and opposing players the business. There’s always something about quiet, very personal trash talk that feels more authentic than people screaming it from very far away. Access 3 The arena is located just off of I-25 at the University Ave. exit. It’s also only about a mile from I-10. The arena has plenty of parking lots on all sides of it. The parking lots that are located farthest east are all free, and there’s plenty of space even when the games are more crowded. Once inside, getting around the concourse is pretty easy unless it’s halftime. The concession stand lines definitely block the walkway, and the lines don’t move very fast, so it’s a problem through the first couple minutes of the second half as well. But there are plenty of bathrooms located throughout. The entrances to the concourse are high up in the seating area, so getting up and down the aisles is not exactly the best. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets range from $5-$30. You can see where those prices get you with NM State’s pricing map . That seems to be on the expensive side among schools of the same level of basketball as New Mexico State. But parking is free to make up for it. Unfortunately, the concession prices make a night at Pan American Center a little on the expensive side for the quality of basketball environment that you get. Extras 2 The best part about the Pan American Center to me is the university’s history honored at both ends. In both the north and south concourse, the NM State Athletics Hall of Fame has pictures of all the various people that are honored. Along the east concourse, there are smaller displays where you can find a little more info about some of the people. In the south end, former basketball coach Lou Henson’s 700th win is recognized. His 779 total wins are also recognized along with the retired jerseys in the northeast rafters. NMSU has not retired a jersey for a player in its men’s basketball program since John Williamson, who played in Las Cruces from 1971-73. Final Thoughts The New Mexico State basketball experience is a very basic one, but one that you should check out if you are in the area. However, it pales in comparison to other relatively nearby college basketball arenas like UTEP’s Don Haskins Center, New Mexico’s Pit, and Arizona’s McKale Center. But there are certainly some unique things that hardcore basketball fans will enjoy by spending an evening at Pan American Center.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Finneran Pavilion FANFARE Score: 4.43 Finneran Pavilion 113 N Ithan Ave Villanova, PA 19085 Villanova Wildcats website Finneran Pavilion website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 6,500 A Renovated Classic in Philly In 1985, under the direction of coach Rollie Massimino, the men's basketball team won the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament in the first year of the 64-team field. The final game, against defending champion and ten points favorite Georgetown, is often cited among the greatest upsets in college basketball history. The Wildcats won its second national championship in dramatic fashion again in 2016 when Kris Jenkins sank a buzzer-beater to defeat North Carolina 77-74. It was another incredible victory in the championship game of the Final Four and brought sought out championship back to Philadelphia. It was no surpise that the team would win another championship not too long after. One year after that first dramatic NCAA victory, the Pavilion was opened. The Pavilion arena was originally called the John Eleuthere du Pont Pavilion. When that namesake was convicted of the murder of Olympic wrestling gold medalist Dave Schultz the current name came into usage. Du Pont is the subject of the 2014 film Foxcatcher, in which he is portrayed by Steve Carell and Dave Schultz by Mark Ruffalo. Channing Tatum is also in the movie as Schultz’s brother Mark. The Pavilion replaced the Villanova Field House as home to Villanova basketball. That building still exists just next door and has since been renamed the Jake Nevin Field House. The Pavilion was closed between 2017-2018 for a major remodel. In 2018 the newly remodeled and renamed Finneran Pavilion open again. The Wildcats had been part of the Big East since 1980. DePaul University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Providence College, Seton Hall University, St. John's University, and Villanova University chose to split from the football playing schools in order to focus on basketball. In 2013 these schools retained the existing Big East Conference name, logos, and men's basketball tournament site while adding Butler University, Creighton University, and Xavier University. The football-playing members of the old Big East formed the American Athletic Conference. Much of the pre-2013 history is shared between the two conferences. Villanova University is a private university located northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school is named after Saint Thomas of Villanova and is the oldest Catholic university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as it was founded in 1842. It is part of the Order of Saint Augustine within the Catholic church. Food & Beverage 4 There are some very good food options at Villanova games. There are a few concession stands around the arena but there are also a few located at the new entrance to the arena. The options range from the regular arena standards to more creative tacos and other craft items. Atmosphere 5 Not all Villanova games are held here at the Pavilion. They move a few Big East games a season to the Wells Fargo Center in downtown Philadelphia. That is a bit of a shame as the sound and atmosphere here are pretty fun. The on-campus arena just does not hold enough people for the biggest of games, even after remodeling. There is only so much space to go along. Finneran Pavilion is a very strange building. The ceiling itself is unique with its hyperbolic paraboloid roof providing some unique angles. The seating concourses are split between four direction-based stands. The remodel effort took the best of the quirky facility and added more modern amenities and offerings. That along with the new, better main entrance has taken a very cool facility and made it into one of college basketball's best. There are cheerleaders, a good pep band, and mascot. All the usual college atmospherics is in place here. And the crowd can get quite loud. The concourses are still small in parts and shockingly way too wide also at parts. It is a fun place to wander around, but it is strange too. Neighborhood 4 Villanova is part of the Main Line in Philadelphia. This area has some of the wealthiest towns in the country, including Lower Merion, Radnor, and Gladwyne. There are many food options in and around the area. Peace a Pizza (4 Station Road, Ardmore, PA) has good pizza by the slice, often with some unusual options. 333 Belrose Bar & Grille (333 Belrose, King Of Prussia, PA) is worth a bit of drive for high-end dining. Kelly's Taproom is the closest within walking distance and has many good food and drink options. Wayne, PA is another popular area to explore before games. Pipeline Tacos and Teresa's Next Door are good options for food and drink respectively. Of course, the city of Philadelphia is close by so many options exist in that large city. May I suggest Philip's Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue for traditional Philly cheesesteaks? Fans 5 Villanova fans take the game pretty seriously. The student section is pretty lively and the general stands are filled with proud Wildcat fans. All games are essentially sellouts, so the fans attend and do their part pretty well. Access 3 Villanova University is located on Route 30/Lancaster Avenue, not very far from I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway). Route 30 is busy but is usually not a problem to drive on. Parking is plentiful around the stadium, although you may want to plan ahead a bit. There is no parking charge for basketball in general, but that will depend on the lot you choose. Public transportation is close by as you can take a SEPTA train from 30th Street Station in downtown Philadelphia to the on-campus Villanova stop. Check the schedules for night and weekend games. Return on Investment 5 Villanova basketball tickets at The Pavilion are sold out on a season ticket basis. Occasionally, individual tickets are available depending on the opponent. Usually, you'll have to find tickets on the aftermarket. Depending on the opponent the prices will vary dramatically. Because of the arena size, it is no wonder they move some games into the larger venue downtown. If you can score a ticket to Finneran Pavilion it offers a great value, even if it is on the surface fairly high. Extras 5 The roof of the Pavilion and the unique concourse system is worth a trip alone. It can be a bit frustrating to get from one area of the arena to another because of this unique setup. It is also a bit strange to see the seating sections arranged in such a dramatic setup. Right inside the main entrance are many areas that commemorate the Villanova past along with their three national championships. The cool displays and the nice large entrance are worth a few extras by itself. The unique stands are also a great extra. Final Thoughts Finneran Pavilion is one of the most unique looking arenas around. It offers a great place to see some very high-quality basketball in a fun environment. In a world when some basketball arenas are getting larger and more corporate, it is good to know there is a building in Philadelphia that is a true classic hoops hall.

It is the one that started it all ... Oriole Park @ Camden Yards. Dave and Paul take their beer to the legendary, massively influential ballpark to see if it is still as significant now as it was thirty years ago. Grab a beer and join the trip to Baltimore on the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can read Stadium Journey's review of Oriole Park @ Camden Yards and the Baltimore Orioles game day experience here

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium 400 Oriskany St W Utica, NY 13502 Utica Comets website Adirondack Bank Center website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 5,700 Aud Lang Syne The landscape in the American Hockey League has changed dramatically in recent years. The league, which is the top developmental partner of the National Hockey League, has morphed from a league with most of its teams located in the northeast United States and Canadian Maritimes into a coast-to-coast circuit. In 2015 several of the NHL’s western teams moved their top farm teams out west into more geographically convenient locations, abandoning many long-term, established AHL cities. Bucking this trend over the past few seasons are the Utica Comets. Established in 2013, the Comets are the top farm team of the Vancouver Canucks. Despite being separated by more than 2,900 miles, the Comets have thrived in upstate New York, playing to near-capacity crowds since their arrival in the Mohawk Valley. The Comets play their home game in the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, known locally as “The Aud.” Completed in 1960, the arena was built using the first pre-stressed dual cable roof system. Food & Beverage 5 You wouldn’t expect a smaller arena like the Aud to have a very expansive concessions menu, but the choices here are many and varied. You can find all your standard arena fare here, including hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, and french fries. Coca-Cola products are featured and can be purchased in a refillable souvenir cup priced at seven dollars that can be brought back any time for five dollars. To get a proper taste of Utica, head to the Oriskany Street Grill, where local favorite Zweigle’s hot dogs are served with a variety of toppings. Also served here are Dino’s Sausages, assorted wraps and subs, and walking tacos. Pair one of these sandwiches with some onion rings, waffle fries, or sweet potato fries, and you’ll be set for the night. In addition to the high quality of the food, prices are reasonable. Another popular spot at the Aud is Kookie’s Q stand. Named for longtime Aud volunteer Kevin “Kookie” Dowling, a variety of barbeque items cooked in an on-site smoker are sold here, including pulled pork, pulled chicken, and brisket. Served over macaroni and cheese, nachos, in a bowl, or as a sandwich, Kookie’s is a popular choice among Comets fans. Many brands of beers are sold at the Aud, including Budweiser, Coors, and Labatt’s, but we advise passing on those national brands and heading over to the Utica Club stand, where several varieties of locally brewed Saranac and Adirondack Lager beers are sold. Fans looking for wine or other mixed drinks should head to the One 9 Five 9 stand, where several varieties of local Bully Hill Vineyards and mixed drinks are served. Atmosphere 5 The Aud is packed to the rafters on most nights and the small barn echoes with chants of “UTICA! UTICA! UTICA!” throughout the game. Capacity crowds create a great deal of noise and a significant home-ice advantage night in and night out. Most of the fans come dressed in the Comets’ blue and green colors, and some traditions from the Pacific Northwest have found their way to the Mohawk Valley. A pair of fans mimic the Canucks’ famed green men, and the team’s dance squad, the Comettes, perform and lead cheers during play stoppages. Just be careful when traversing the inner walkway around the dance team. Many a fan has lost their beverage or nachos after bumping into one of these lovely ladies during their routines. If you want to experience a Comets game like a season ticket holder, the team has several unique options to check out. The Horton Room, located behind section 218, is named for former Utica player and coach Bill Horton. This lounge boasts a line-up of top-shelf liquors and Labatt Blue beer and is decorated with Utica hockey memorabilia. Another option is Kilfoil’s Irish Pub. Fans looking for a pint of Guinness can watch the action in an authentically decorated Irish pub while enjoying a cold one during the game. Members looking for another new spot from which to take in the action can head to Zetlin’s Lounge. Featuring 17-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and a 22-foot bar, Zetlin’s lounge offers excellent views of the action while enjoying cold beverages. If you want to experience a Comets game like a season ticket holder, the team has several unique options to check out. The Horton Room, located behind section 218, is named for former Utica player and coach Bill Horton. This lounge boasts a line-up of top-shelf liquors and Labatt Blue beer and is decorated with Utica hockey memorabilia. Another option is Kilfoil’s Irish Pub. Fans looking for a pint of Guinness can watch the action in an authentically decorated Irish pub while enjoying a cold one during the game. Members looking for another new spot from which to take in the action can head to Zetlin’s Lounge. Featuring 17-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and a 22-foot bar, Zetlin’s lounge offers excellent views of the action while enjoying cold beverages. Neighborhood 2 The Aud is located on the edge of downtown but is not integrated into the downtown region due to the presence of railroad tracks, highway off-ramps, and abandoned buildings. The city of Utica is similar to many mid-sized cities in the northeast in that it has seen better days and is struggling to recover. Visiting fans will find little in the immediate area in terms of places to eat or stay, but there are some choices located a short drive from the Aud. Utica’s Brewery District is located about a mile from the arena, and tours of the Saranac Brewery are very popular with out-of-town fans. Architecture buffs will be sure to check out the Stanley Theater and the Utica Union Station. Fans 4 In a building with a listed capacity of 3,860, Utica has averaged over that figure in each of the past four seasons. Utica proudly touts their sellout streak, which reached 100 games during the 2017-18 season. The team has a season ticket membership of 3,300 fans, which leaves less than 500 tickets available for each game. These tickets are snapped up quickly, forcing fans to search the secondary market for available seats, a rarity in the minor leagues. Comet fans do more than just fill the seats, as they provide the team with a significant home-ice advantage. Chants of “UTICA-UTICA-UTICA” reverberate through the Aud every night. The fans here are fully aware of the shifting landscape of the AHL and are doing their best to prove they are worthy of inclusion in this exclusive club. Access 3 Located on Oriskany Street West on the edge of downtown, the Aud is easy to get to via city streets, Interstate 790, and Route 12. There are a pair of large parking lots adjacent to the Aud, as well, as ample on-street parking within a few blocks of the facility. The Aud is set up in a horseshoe layout, with a stage on one end of the ice surface. The blue and red stadium seats that make up the seating bowl all provide excellent views of the ice. There is a walkway about a third of the way up the seating bowl, where the Comettes dance team performs throughout the evening. There is constant traffic on this walkway, so choose seats a few rows up to avoid an obstructed view. There is a small concourse located underneath the seating bowl, which can become crowded during intermissions. Recent renovations have expanded and renovated the restrooms, improving traffic dramatically. Still, plan your trips to concession stands and restrooms wisely. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Comets games range in price from $18-$28. While these prices are a bit higher than neighboring American Hockey League teams in Syracuse, Binghamton, and Rochester, they are not out of line with other teams at this level. Helping to make going to a Utica Comets game more affordable is the wealth of free parking available around the Aud, both in municipal lots across the street and on street within a few blocks of the arena. With reasonable concession prices at the Aud, a night at a Utica Comets game is the most affordable entertainment option for Mohawk Valley sports fans. . Extras 3 An extra point is given for The Aud’s unique roof design. The arena was constructed using the world’s first pre-stressed dual cable roof system, designed by Lev Zetlin. This design influenced many modern dome designs seen today, including Madison Square Garden. The Aud was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in recognition of its innovative cable-suspended roof. Scenes from the 1977 hockey cult classic movie Slap Shot starring Paul Newman were filmed at the Aud. The arena hosted 1962 Frozen Four. The place still has that old-time look that has remained unchanged. A final extra point is awarded for the sense of history and community present at the Aud. From the murals that decorate the walls of the arena to the War Memorial honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice to our country to the memorabilia present throughout the building, there’s a vibe here at the Aud that just can’t be replicated in a bigger building in a bigger city. Final Thoughts The city of Utica was awarded a team at the worst possible time for a small city in the northeast when teams were fleeing established American Hockey League markets throughout the area to head out west and begin a new Pacific Division. When it was announced that Utica would affiliate with the distant Vancouver Canucks, it was widely assumed that the Comets would soon head west to a more geographically convenient location. Five years later, despite constant rumors of relocation, support for the team has swelled, and the Comets look to be solidly entrenched in the Mohawk Valley. Recent improvements to the Aud have served to improve what was already one of the top fan experiences in the American Hockey League.

The Stadium Journey 2024 MLB Ballpark Rankings will be released soon with yours truly having had the opportunity to once again visit all 5 of California’s MLB yards. For a preview of what to expect when the Stadium Journey’s rankings of all 30 yards are released, here are the scores of the 5 California MLB parks visited on a scale of 1 through 5 stars. The scores are based on several factors such as Atmosphere, Access, Return On Investment, Food & Beverage, Neighborhood and Extras. 5. Oakland Coliseum - Oakland Athletics 2.57 The Coliseum has seen happier times.  From four World Champion teams and big names such as Reggie Jackson, Rickey Henderson, Catfish Hunter, Dennis Eckersley and the Bash Brothers Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco,   Baseball's Last Dive Bar  has had its share of historical moments that will forever remain deeply   Rooted In Oakland . It’s days as an MLB park are nearing the bitter end. Or is it?   4. Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels 3.71   The 4th oldest active park in the bigs, one could make a case that the Big A, as some locals still refer to it, holds as much historical significance as Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium. While the   City of Anaheim and the Angels  continue to work out their differences and a   state audit is looming ,  for the time being, the Angels will remain through at least 2029 with opt-out options through 2038. 3. Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles Dodgers 4.14  The mere presence of Shohei Ohtani has brought a level of excitement that you may say has matched the level that Fernando Valenzuela brought during the days of Fernandomania. Like Fernando and even Hideo Nomo during the mid to late 90’s, the fandom that Shohei brings to The Ravine come from all various walks of life. Recent enhancements throughout the third oldest yard in the Majors have made the Dodger Stadium experience much more accessible for fans wanting to experience as much of the historic venue and have assured us that Dodger Stadium will be the home to Dodger Baseball for many more years to come. 2. Oracle Park - San Francisco Giants 4.57   Upon completion of its 25th season, Oracle Park continues to shine as a Bay Area landmark that every baseball fan should pay a visit. With its picturesque views of the bay providing cool nightly summer breezes, it’s no coincidence why Oracle Park consistently ranks among the top MLB parks every year.   If visiting The City for the first time, it is a good idea to pack some warm clothing and a sizable budget. San Francisco can be surprisingly chilly for the first-time visitor expecting some warm California weather. Oracle Park is as iconic to San Francisco as its Golden Gate Bridge.  1. PETCO Park - San Diego Padres 4.71   The recently renovated   Gallagher Square , located beyond the outfield seating area is a good way for the casual fan to spend a day at Petco Park. The recent $20 million renovations to Gallagher Square presents fans with more room to maneuver, as well as an updated video board along the Sycuan concert stage, leveled tiered lawn seating and a vastly improved kids play area that features the world’s largest climbable bat and an off-leash dog park.  Celebrating its 20th year Petco Park continues to play a huge role in the revitalization of the local area throughout the East Village. With a vibrant neighborhood and enthusiastic fans coming in droves along with one of the more picturesque parks among the 30, it’s no wonder Petco Park continually ranks high in our   MLB Ballpark Rankings  and   other ballpark rankings . So these are my rankings of the 5 MLB parks traveled throughout the Great State of California. How will these parks rank overall when our 2024 Stadium Journey MLB Ballpark Rankings are released? Will PETCO Park retain its top spot? Stay tuned.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Reitz Arena 4501 N Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21210 Loyola (MD) Greyhounds website Reitz Arena website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 2,100 Release the ‘Hounds Loyola University may not be as well-known as Loyola in Illinois. Or Loyola in New Orleans. Or Loyola Marymount in California. But this university began in 1852 as Loyola College in Maryland. It is a Roman Catholic, Jesuit private university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Previously an all-male college, Loyola became coeducational in 1971, following its joining with Mount Saint Agnes College. Currently, Loyola is located right next door to all-female Notre Dame of Maryland University. Loyola has a strong liberal arts program, as well as a fine education school and the Joseph A. Sellinger School of Business and Management. Notable alumni include Tom Clancy, author of The Hunt for Red October, Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down and ABC Olympics commentator Jim McKay. Reitz Arena replaced the original 1926 Evergreen Gymnasium on the campus. Food & Beverage 1 You should try and eat before the game. Why? There is a simple temporary food table set up in the entrance way to the game. There is no real lobby to the arena, so there is no room for additional offerings. Atmosphere 2 The arena changed the seats from all bench seating to a mixture of chairs with seat backs and plastic bench type seating. The arena is small and there is not much space. That means it is loud if there is any type of a crowd. There is just not always a big crowd. Neighborhood 3 Loyola is in a very good part of Baltimore City. The problem is that there is just nothing much around the local neighborhood. Luckily Baltimore is a big city that is not too big to get around. Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane is noted for their great breakfast and down-home food. Also relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys is the closest hotel and has a new and exciting lobby restaurant which is another option. Venturing further from campus, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub (19 W Pennsylvania Ave) in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are The Crease (523 York Rd), Glory Days Grill (1220 E. Joppa Rd), Sushi Hana (6 E. Pennsylvania Ave) and Zia’s (13 West Allegheny Ave). Fans 3 Reitz Arena usually does not fill to capacity, let alone for volleyball games. Access 3 Reitz Arena certainly has issues with access. First, the campus is located in a quiet north Baltimore neighborhood. That means that getting to the campus is not easy. The best route is to travel I-83/The JFX, south and get off at Cold Spring Lane. Other options include exiting I-695, the Baltimore Beltway, and driving south via York Road or Charles Street. York is the busiest route, but may be easier than the high-speed curves of Charles Street. Second, when you get to campus, you will need luck finding parking. Not only will you have trouble finding close parking, but you may have trouble finding any parking. If it is a weeknight game during the semester, you may be sorely out of luck. Look for spaces on Cold Spring Lane or one of the small lots around that area. Then once you have found that parking space, you will need to find the arena. There are very few markings for Reitz Arena. Look for the Andrew White Student Center. The arena is actually above the art gallery and the campus Starbucks in the student center. And it gets even funnier, as the ticket windows are far away in the student center and not at all near the arena doors. And the doors to the arena itself are a pair of nondescript, unmarked doors back near Starbucks. Finding an arena should not be this difficult. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are free so the return on investment is very good. Extras 2 The maze of an entrance is almost an extra on its own, as it is so unique. But seriously, look at Diane Geppi-Aikens Field just outside the Andrew White Student Center. This is the former home to the men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse teams. Geppi-Aikens was a former star athlete and women’s lacrosse coach at Loyola who died of brain cancer in 2003. Located just outside of the Reitz Arena, the field is valuable space, so visit it while you can. Hopefully if they do remove the field, the university can still find a way to honor the beloved former coach. In 2014 the Loyola campus was designated an accredited arboretum by the Morton Register of Arboreta. The 80-acre campus boasts more than 2,200 trees that represent 84 varieties. Final Thoughts Reitz Arena is a small arena hidden away on a pretty campus. The small size of the facility can make it a nice place to see a game, if you can find your way to the arena.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Pavilion at Ole Miss Hill Dr & All-American Dr University, MS 38677 Mississippi Rebels website The Pavilion at Ole Miss website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 9,500 Ole Miss Hoops at The Pavilion When you think of Ole Miss athletics, the first thoughts which come to mind are probably the Manning Family, Rebel football, Hotty Toddy, and the entertaining tailgate atmosphere at the Grove. Ole Miss Hoops, however, has the opportunity to earn a place among these popular experiences with their brand new, state-of-the-art basketball arena, The Pavilion at Ole Miss. Constructed in 2015, The Pavilion has replaced the aging ‘Tad Pad’ which served as the home court for the Rebels since 1966. It was definitely time for a new arena, and Ole Miss held nothing back in providing a fan-friendly atmosphere complete with free WIFI, plug-in ports, the largest center-hung video scoreboard in college athletics, and a large lounge area. There’s even a Raising Canes and Steak ‘n Shake on the inside. While there’s still work to do in terms of consistent overall fan energy, the Ole Miss Hoops experience at The Pavilion has made its mark in 2016 as one of the best overall environments to watch college basketball. Food & Beverage 5 The food options at The Pavilion provide the perfect combination of quality and variety. There’s much more than the basics here. The two most popular concessions options, the Steak ‘n Shake and Raising Canes stands, are located just inside the main entrance and nearest to the student section. With popularity comes a bit of a line, but The Pavilion utilizes stanchions for each of their concession stands which helps to manage the line and speeds up service. If you’re not feeling like having burgers, shakes, or fried chicken strips, head around to the other side of the arena for additional options. The Rebel Grill offers classic fare items like a foot-long hot dog ($7), corn dog ($5), sausage basket ($10), and cheeseburger basket ($10). Pizza ($6) is available at the Old Venice Pizza Co. stand. This is a popular chain in Mississippi and their pizza is worth a taste. Chop’s BBQ serves up BBQ nachos ($9), a BBQ sandwich basket ($9), and a Hebrew National hot dog ($4). Other snacks are available at each of these stands including nachos with cheese ($4), pretzels ($5), popcorn ($3), and more. Throughout the concourse, you’ll find a few specialty carts like Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream. Beverages are headlined by Coca-Cola products. You can score a “bottomless” soda for $6, a small soda for $4, and bottled water for $3. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at The Pavilion. Atmosphere 5 Kudos to the Ole Miss Athletics Department for dedicating prime area seating to the student body. While they could certainly cash in on sidelines and end lines seating, these lower-level seats are reserved for students only and wrap from the northeast corner to the west sidelines and back around to the southeast corner. In the first season at The Pavilion, the students responded to this prime seating by showing up early and being in the game throughout both halves. Lower-level seating on the east sidelines is reserved for members of the Courtside and Pavilion Clubs. Despite much of the prime seating near the floor being reserved, there are still plenty of great seats in the upper lower section above the student section, thanks to a smart design. With a total capacity of 9,500, the arena doesn’t feel cavernous and the seats in the mezzanine level (sections 201-218) offer a great view as well. Look for seats in Section 204 for a great mid-court elevated view, with the “Ole Miss” center-court logo facing you. All of the seats at The Pavilion are cushioned You’ll definitely be impressed by the lounge area on the north side of the concourse. There is a small electronics shop, tables and sofas, and plenty of room for fans to eat or meet up away from the action. With both Raising Canes and Steak ‘n Shake located here as well, it’s definitely an active area. In the smartphone age, there just never seem to be enough electric plug-ins available anywhere, much less at a sports facility. One of the really neat aspects of The Pavilion is the installation of a standing “bar” around the concourse facing the floor. This allows fans to watch the game away from their seats and there are also plenty of plug-ins under the bar, so it makes for a great spot to charge up as well. Combine this with free wi-fi courtesy of C Spire and the experience is a smartphone owner’s dream. The center-hung scoreboard is the largest in college sports and makes use of every video panel providing a unique multi-screen, wrap around the display (features nearly 2,400 square feet of LED). The promotions crew works hard to provide both the feel of a college event but with the bells and whistles, you’d expect at an NBA arena including the popular “Kiss Cam,” “Bongo Cam,” and other promotions like the t-shirt toss, and even parachuting t-shirts down from the rafters. Neighborhood 3 The Pavilion is located on the campus of the University of Mississippi in the city of Oxford (technically, the university area is incorporated as “University, MS”). The Ole Miss campus provides the Southern charm you’d expect in the deep south and is a beautiful and comfortable backdrop for Ole Miss basketball. Oxford may be a little short on big-time attractions, but you’ll fall in love with The Square area and the plantation-style homes throughout the region. There are several must-stop restaurants while in town. For lunch, be sure to stop in for the best cheeseburger in town at Handy Andy Grocery. The place doesn’t look like much (it’s a converted small grocery), but it’s a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere on the inside with good old-fashioned greasy cheeseburgers as well as a few barbecue options. Ajax Diner is located in the town square and offers a delicious assortment of southern cuisine dishes (both the chicken fried steak and meatloaf dishes are amazing). Phillip’s Grocery is also a great stop for burgers. While Oxford isn’t overflowing with attractions and entertainment, there are a few stops worth making. Any visit to Ole Miss requires a stop at “The Grove.” While it won’t be beaming with usual activity during football tailgates, it’s still a nice central stopping point on the Ole Miss campus. Bring a football and a throw blanket. You’ll want to spend some time in Oxford’s The Square. From restaurants to coffee, shops, and bars, it’s the central hub of activity in town. Off Square, Books is a cool local bookstore if you’re interested in a little quiet time. Keeping with the book theme, one of the hot attractions in town is William Faulkner’s house (Rowan Oak). Fans 4 The Ole Miss community has embraced the new life breathed into the Rebels basketball program with a state-of-the-art facility. Time will tell if the strong attendance will continue past the first year, but so far, the students are showing up in droves and the facility was nearly sold out for the 2016 season. Average attendance in 2016 was right around 8,000 for the season, which is up by about 1,000 from strong years at the Tad Pad. And that’s not to say there are just butts in the seats. The Pavilion can get extremely loud after big moments. There are a few fan traditions including the infamous “Hotty Toddy” chant just before tip-off. In case you aren’t familiar, the chant goes like this: “Are You Ready? (yelled by the announcer) H*** Yeah! D*** Right! Hotty Toddy, Gosh Almighty, Who The H*** Are We? Hey! Flim Flam, Bim Bam Ole Miss By D***!” Access 4 The Pavilion is located on the south side of campus nearby other athletic facilities like Vaught-Hemingway Stadium , the Track, and Field facility, and the former basketball homecourt, the Tad Pad. Oxford and the campus of Ole Miss are located in the northern part of Mississippi at the intersection of Highway 278 and 7. If you’re heading in from the north or south, I-55 is the major interstate that runs nearby. Considering Oxford’s location, it’s not very convenient for fans coming in from out of town with no major airlines or transportation services nearby. In 2016, there was some significant construction taking place in the area south of the arena which impacts traffic and parking. For conference games, much of the parking around the arena, including the adjacent parking garage, is reserved for season ticket holders. However, there is plenty of free campus parking available, though a short walk will be required. Be sure to visit OleMissHoops.com for information about parking. The areas indicated in blue below are open parking lots. Tickets can be picked up at the ticket office at the main entrance on the north side. The lines are very short. You’ll quickly get into the arena without much of a headache. There is a ton of room in the concourse once you get inside. The restrooms are brand new and spacious. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for elite college basketball experiences are definitely on the high side. However, at The Pavilion, prices are relatively affordable, and offer quality SEC match-ups. Upper-level Mezzanine tickets are available for $20 and lower-level tickets begin at $25. This is a great deal to catch top-tier college basketball in a state-of-the-art arena. Concession prices are relatively affordable and parking can be found for free if you don’t mind a walk. Overall, the return on investment for a Rebels game at The Pavilion is excellent. Extras 5 There are more than just a few “extra” components at The Pavilion which help to enhance the overall environment for Ole Miss Hoops. Throughout the concourse, there’s great wall art including a neat historical display along the entire west side concourse. Be sure to spend some time checking this out before the game or during a break in the action. Above the south side is a huge mural that honors the numbers (along with a few pictures) of past Rebel Hoops greats. It’s a great usage of space that could have otherwise been a boring empty wall. Along the north side, banners hang from the rafters for Ole Miss Hoops' accomplishments. The center-hung scoreboard is the largest in college basketball and is a big part of the overall atmosphere. Money well spent. Also, the lounge area is one-of-a-kind and allows those not zoned in on the game to mingle while grabbing a bite to eat. If you need some Rebel gear, you’re in luck. In the southwest corner, you’ll find a Rebel apparel shop offering everything from mini-basketballs to hats.

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: 4.00 Alico Arena 10501 FGCU Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33965 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles website Alico Arena website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 4,633 Welcome to Dunk City Florida Gulf Coast University is a member of the University System of Florida. It opened in 1991 and has grown to offer more than 58 undergraduate degree programs. The Ft. Myers campus is now home to more than 15,000 students. The sports teams at FGCU are known as the Eagles. The basketball program at the university originally participated in sports at the Division II level, moving up to Division I status in 2011. The team is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The round ballers found their wings in 2013, as they won the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship, then defeated both Georgetown and San Diego State in the NCAA Tournament to go on to the Sweet 16. They then lost to the eventual National Champions from the University of Florida in the round of 16. It was during this tournament that the team earned the moniker “Dunk City” and “Florida Dunk Coast” for its proclivity to slam the ball through the net. The nicknames have stuck and still are in use more than a decade later. The team also played their way in as a First Four team in 2016 and a number 14 seed in 2. Alico Arena is the on-campus “nest” for the Eagles basketball program. It opened in 2002 and has a seating capacity of 4,633. The seating bowl features five sets of retractable bleachers. The seating area also includes six skybox suites. Food & Beverage 4 Alico Arena has two permanent concession stands and two portable concession kiosks. The permanent stands are located on the first level of the arena on both sides of the lobby. The portable concessions kiosks are found at the second level of the venue on the NW side of the court. The stands offer hot dogs ($5), candy ($3), chips ($3), popcorn ($4), cotton candy ($6), nachos ($5), pretzel bites ($6), cookie ($4) and Dippin’ Dots ($6). Beverages available at Alico Arena include 20 oz. Pepsi brand sodas ($3), 20 oz. bottled water ($3) and Gatorade ($4). Alcoholic beverages are also available at the arena. They include Budweiser brand beers ($6) and wine ($6). Atmosphere 4 The venues for all the sports FGCU offers are located on campus at the school’s Athletic Complex. A large statue of the school’s eagle mascot is located in front of the Alico Arena. Alico Arena is always a lively place for the Eagles' home games. The FGCU student section is located behind one of the baskets, and they do everything possible to confuse the opposition on free throws and yell loud enough that it intimidates the visitors. The cheer teams for the Eagles are located immediately in front of the student section. The arena features a wide variety of graphics in its lobby, outlining the various titles won by the various sports at FGCU. The trophies earned by each sport at the school are also on display. A spirit table offers free items such as posters, key rings, and scorecards for the fans. The seating area at Alico Arena features seatbacks on the sides of the court and bleacher seating at the ends of the court. There is a large four-sided LED center-hung scoreboard constantly providing updates and stats for the game. Neighborhood 4 There’s plenty to do nearby before or after a FGCU basketball game. Sports fans might enjoy a sports doubleheader by attending a Florida Everblades hockey game at nearby Hertz Arena. Those who like shop to shop, until they drop, can head one way on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway and shop at Gulf Coast Town Center Mall or head in the opposite direction and shop at Miramar Outlet Mall. Two popular dining spots near FGCU are Ford’s Garage at the Outlet Mall or Pinchers Crab Shack at Gulf Coast Town Center. There is no shortage of lodging facilities near Alico Arena. The two closest hotels to FGCU are the Embassy Suites on Corkscrew Commons Drive and the Hilton Garden Inn on Corporate Commons Way. Fans 4 Basketball is the marquee sport at FGCU, as the university does not have a football program. It also has established a long history of success, which has resulted in a very loyal fan base. They tend to fill the arena for conference games and bring their A-game to create noise during the game. The arena tends to hold in this noise, making it hard for the visiting teams to communicate on the floor, resulting in frequent turnovers. The student section at Eagles games is known as “The Dirty Birds”. For the most part, they do keep their cheers clean. They erupt after a dunk by the Eagles or even a clean blocked shot against the visitors. The students coordinate very closely with the Eagles cheer squad, as well as AZUL, the team’s Eagle mascot. Access 4 Alico Arena is easy to get to via I-75 in the Ft. Myers area: Coming from the North on I-75: Take exit# 128 (Alico Road) off I-75. Go left on Alico Road for one mile. Turn left onto Ben Hill Grifin Parkway and go two miles. Turn left onto FGCU Blvd. South. At the first stop sign turn left and go to the next stop sign. Turn right and go past the Aquatics Complex. Turn into the parking lot for Alico Arena. Coming from the South on I-75: Take exit# 123 (Corkscrew Road). Turn right on Corkscrew Road and go one mile. Turn left onto Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Go two miles and turn left onto FGCU Blvd. South. At the first stop sign turn left and go to the next stop sign. Turn left and go to the next stop sign. Turn right onto FGCU LAKE Parkway and go past the Aquatics Complex. Turn into the parking lot for Alico Arena. Arena doors open one hour before tipoff, leaving you plenty of time to buy a drink and find your seats. Return on Investment 4 General Admission seats are $10. Seats on the sides of the court are $33 and seats in the corners are $18. Seats behind the basket are $10. Student seating is free for persons showing their FGCU student ID card. Add $2.00 to these prices if you are buying the tickets at the door. Seating behind one of the baskets is reserved for the FGCU student section. The concessions available at Eagles basketball games are very reasonably priced. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the Alico Arena. Extras 4 Banners for each member school of the ASUN Conference hang from the ceiling of the Alico Center. There are also banners for each championship won by FGCU, as well as banners representing their trips to the NCAA Tournament. Make sure to stop by the trophy case in the lobby, as it houses the trophies for every sport that FGCU takes part in. In addition to FGCU men’s and women’s basketball, the Alico Arena also hosts commencement ceremonies, concerts, public speakers, and community events. FGCU is one of the few Florida schools to have a club ice hockey team. The team uses the nearby Hertz Arena, home of the Florida Everblades , as their home ice. The Eagle statue in front of Alico Arena makes for a great photo opp. In addition, there are two sports-specific plexiglass eagles (one dressed in baseball gear and the other in basketball gear) in the lobby of the basketball venue. Final Thoughts The Alico Arena at Florida Gulf Coast University provides a very friendly nest for the Eagles roundball program. The arena also is known as the home of “Dunk City”, as the high-flying Eagles are known for their proclivity to slam the ball through the nets regularly.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Jenny Craig Pavilion 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego Toreros website Jenny Craig Pavilion website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,100 Journey to The Slim Gym While the venue looks like a pristine, new facility, it actually opened back in 2000. When the doors opened, Jenny Craig herself was there to present it to the students and faculty. The facility was constructed at a cost of $17 million and seats 5,100 fans. We’ve all heard of stadium names that have received nicknames rather than their true corporate nickname such as “The Pond” ( Honda Center – Anaheim Ducks ), or “The Big A” ( Angel Stadium of Anaheim ) or even the Jenny Craig Pavilion, which many like to refer as, JCP, which may lead some to think the venue is named after the once popular department store JC Penny. Even with the JCP moniker, the JCP also goes by another nickname, and of all the nicknames, it may have the best of them all, known as the “Slim Gym” as a play on the diet plan. Strangely enough, the Torero basketball program is more known for producing NBA coaches than players. While the program has laid the groundwork for players to ascend into the NBA, many of them achieved more success in the coaching ranks. Three of them include Bernie Bickerstaff (Sonics, Nuggets, Wizards), Eric Musselman (Warriors, Kings), and Mike Brown (Cavaliers). Before proceeding, I should also mention the nickname of the University of San Diego. Those who have not experienced the local culture may not be familiar with the term “torero.” A popular term in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico, torero is a term used for a bullfighter. The term is synonymous with “matador,” the nickname for the team two hours north at Cal State Northridge. Food & Beverage 3 The dining options here are a step above what you would normally find in a small venue. One can even step out to the courtyard and purchase food in one of a few pop up stands as well as a food truck. Inside the foyer, you have your basic fare, hot dogs, nachos and fries ($5), garlic fries ($6.50), chicken tenders ($7.50 / $9 with fries) and BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($9). Healthy options, ironically limited in a venue named after a health guru, are Caesar salad ($8) and whole fruit ($2). The beverage options include soda (Coke products: medium $4.50 for 21 oz, $5.50 for 32 oz.) bottled water and Powerade ($4.50), and coffee or hot cocoa ($3). If you decide you want to step outside into the courtyard a food truck offers bbq chicken sandwich and cheeseburger and fries ($10). Doggos Gus has a pop up stand that serves Mexican Gourmet Hot Dogs, $6 for a Baja Doggo, a jumbo bacon wrapped dog topped with grilled onions and jalapenos ($7 for super jumbo) as well as Doggo Nachos, chips covered with nacho cheese and topped with bacon wrapped hot dog slices ($7). Other pop up stands at the courtyard offer kettle corn ($6) and Greek dining options. Gyro and falafel wraps are $7, plates $12. Gyro and falafel plates come with salad, rice, hummus, pita bread, and water. The food and beverage prices are very reasonable, especially the Greek plates. JCP does a nice job of allowing fans to venture out into the courtyard. Not only does this improve pedestrian flow should JCP entertain a good sized crowd, but access to the courtyard also allows fans a chance to step outside and mingle among each other while soaking in the scenery amidst the nice Southern California weather. If there is one minor drawback, the foyer and courtyard, located in the south end of the arena where fans enter, are the only locations where food can be purchased. Atmosphere 3 Contributing to the atmosphere is the aesthetic appeal that JCP offers the moment one steps inside the building as fans walk through one of the more impressive foyers leading into the seating area. Though it may be one of the more aesthetically pleasing college venues you may have a chance to visit, even when packed the fans don’t quite provide that intimidation factor that you would find at let’s say, Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. Though the USD basketball program can produce a respectable team every now and then, the feeling you get among those in attendance is that the visiting team is as much responsible for the big turnout, a fact not lost among both the locals and the team as well . Neighborhood 3 The USD campus is located close to several points of interest such as Old Town, Fashion Valley Mall, Mission Valley, Old Town, Mission, and Pacific Beach and Downtown. If you have some free time during the day and feel like exploring the city, chances are you won’t be too far removed from the campus. Fans 3 With top-ranked Gonzaga in town, JCP would be filled to capacity for the 15th time during its existence. Though the home team would be totally outmanned on this evening, the enthusiasm of the fans, particularly the students behind the north basket close to the visitors’ bench, would not be dampened, even “playfully” heckling certain visiting players in spite of the home 5 trailing huge deep into the 2nd half. Access 3 On most nights, access to the JCP requires little to no effort. But on that occasion when the JCP is filled to capacity, you will want to give yourself some ample time if you hope to arrive by the opening tip-off. To enter the JCP you will be walking up a hill. If a good-sized crowd is projected, it is possible that you will be standing in a long beeline along a narrow sidewalk before you arrive at the entrance. Once you do arrive at the top, you will be rewarded by walking through a huge courtyard, which is used for fans to mingle during the game should they decide to step out. The courtyard, with its tranquil scenery highlighted by a fountain that beautifully blends in with the surrounding architecture, makes for a great halftime destination. As you enter the arena, you will be walking through a very impressive foyer, highlighted by its arches, tiled floor, ceiling design, and light fixtures. Inside the foyer are displays highlighting some of USD’s great athletic moments as well as its former players who made significant contributions to the program. Inside the arena spacious walkway circles throughout the entire seating bowl, allowing fans to roam without missing any of the action. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets prices start at $8 for youth baseline, $14-$16 for baseline or sideline seats. Premium game tickets can range from $25-$40 for BYU and Gonzaga. The price for even the premium games particularly Gonzaga is actually not bad when compared to other upper-level collegiate venues. Extras 3 Inside the JCP there are two boards, one on each end that provides the fans live in-game action as well as replays, player stats and of course the score. I bring this up because most small venues only provide one board, which, depending on a fan’s desire to look at stats and replays, can be an inconvenience depending on their seating location. The 16th century Spanish Renaissance look to the JCP blends in really nicely with the buildings throughout campus. USD’s hillside location in Alcala Park also provides nice views overlooking Mission Bay. The Torero program has now participated in the NCAA Tournament four times. A banner above the USD team bench commemorates 1984, 1987, 2003, and 2008 seasons. The most recent appearance in 2008 even saw the school reach the second round. The Toreros would be the first collegiate program in San Diego to advance past the first round of the NCAA Tournament, which may come as a surprise to some given San Diego State’s recent run of tournament appearances under Steve Fisher. Final Thoughts Though it is likely you will be occupied with other activities in America’s Finest City prior to the game, if you have some other free time on your hands, take the time to walk around campus and take in some of the other 16th Century Spanish designed architecture, as well as the scenic views overlooking Mission Bay. If you have an opportunity to visit a West Coast Conference venue in Southern California, if you are a diehard college hoops fan, seize the opportunity to do it. Some of the more underrated and more economical collegiate basketball experiences can be found in such venues in Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, and USD. Like with many programs without the deep history, you just never know if you’re witnessing a future “Cinderella” in the making. Got any other thoughts? Questions? Reach me on my Twitter @Good_Drei . Also, follow my Facebook page Drei’s Stadium Journeys .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Malone Stadium 500 Warhawk Way Monroe, LA 71203 Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks website Malone Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 30,427 Soaring in Monroe JPS Field at Malone Stadium opened in 1978, and is named after the winningest coach in ULM football history. The stadium originally held 20K fans, but has been expanded several times since its construction, and currently seats 30,427. The most recent renovation occurred in 2014, when JPS Aviation/JPS Equipment Rental paid for the installation of FieldTurf here, in exchange for naming rights of the field for 8 seasons. ULM’s athletic teams were previously known as the Indians, but due to NCAA policy, the university voted to change the mascot to the Warhawks in 2006. The new mascot honors Louisiana-raised Major General Claire Lee Chennault, who commanded the Flying Tigers squadron of P-40s in China during WWII. Though most of ULM’s mascot imagery is bird themed, the mascot’s name is actually Ace, and he “flies” a P-40 styled car onto the field during pre-game when the players come on. Food & Beverage 3 Malone Stadium’s concessions have about what you would expect from a football venue of this size, but the stands do sell alcohol, which is uncommon at college stadiums. Food options include hot dogs, frito pie, pizza, nachos, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, chips, Cracker Jack, Dippin’ Dots, and boxed candy, and the prices are on the low end; food items range from $2 up to $6. All food items are sold at the main stands, except pizza, which comes from specialty stands from Johnny’s Pizza House. Drink options at the main stands include bottled water, PowerAde, and Coke products in bottles, at a cost of between $3 and $4. Alcohol is available from separate stands, including beer and mixed drinks. Beer is only $4, and selections include Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra. Atmosphere 3 Malone Stadium has grandstands on both the east and west sides, with plazas and seating for alums and donors behind each end zone. The two grandstands are not really connected, so pay attention to where you are seated so you can park closer to the one you need – the east side has the student section, the west side has the reserved section, and both sides have general admission. Almost all of the seats in Malone Stadium are aluminum benches without backs, but there are some chair back seats on the west side in the first few rows of the upper deck, and in the upper middle section of the lower deck. The stadium doesn’t often get very full, so there isn’t always a ton of crowd noise, but there is some fun entertainment, and the field itself has some great décor. The playing surface is nicely done, with the Warhawks bird head logo in the center of the field and next to every yard marker. In addition, there are talons marking the kickoff spots on both ends of the field; this is a lot more on-field décor than most football stadiums bother with, and is a nice touch. The mascot “flies” a P-40 esque car onto the field when the team comes on, which is fun to watch (see the video below). In addition, the staff shows animated video throughout the game of a Warhawks plane “shooting down” the other teams in the conference; this bird vs. plane dual imagery for the mascot really creates a great contrast. The staff does the typical fan participation events during breaks in the action, such as the Dairy Queen race between fans dressed as a blizzard and an ice cream cone. Neighborhood 3 Malone Stadium is nestled inside the loops of the Bayou DeSiard waterway, and is not far from the Ouachita River, so there are plenty of Cajun-styled seafood restaurants nearby. The closest is Waterfront Grill, which is just across the DeSiard from the stadium, but there are also several a few miles away in the waterfront area next to the Ouachita, including Mohawk Seafood Tavern and Warehouse No 1. Any of these would be a great place to have a bite before or after the game. If you plan to be in town for the weekend, there are several hotels along I-20 to the south of the stadium. Courtyard and TownePlace Suites are the nicest ones, and have reasonable rates, but there are some cheaper ones in the same area if you are on a tighter budget. Fans 2 Unfortunately not a lot of fans come to games at Malone Stadium. On average the venue will draw between 12K and 13K, which is less than half full, and attendance tends to get lower as the season progresses. The best attendance tends to occur during games against in-state opponents (either FCS or FBS) at the beginning of the season, so if you have a choice try for one of those – attendance at games versus big-name opponents (think Power 5) seems to actually be lower than games against non-Power 5 schools. The fans that do come tend to wear team gear, and cheer loudly for their team, but the stadium also tends to clear out before the 4th quarter. Access 4 Malone Stadium is very easy to get to, being not far at all from I-20, and you can park very close to the venue for only $10. There are also plenty of bathrooms and concessions stands, so you will never see any lines. The stands on the east side are easier to get in and out of, because that side has several short sets of stairs spaced evenly along its length, while the west side only has long winding ramps, one on each end, which take a little time more to get up and down. On the plus side, those with special needs will have easy access, but should plan to sit on the west side only. The only potential downside is that the two grandstands are completely separated, so if you want to try and move around during the game it won’t be easy. Also note that the staff does monitor the stands very carefully, so you won’t be able to get into a section you don’t have a ticket for, even though the stadium will have a lot of empty seats. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games at Malone Stadium start at $26 for adult general admission (upper deck), and max out at $46 for chair backs in the lower level. Youth tickets are $13, and students get in free, but can buy guest tickets for non-student friends for only $11, so if you know any ULM students you could save some money that way. The above ticket prices are slightly on the high side for similarly-sized college football venues, but are reasonable given the experience, which includes some fun entertainment like the mascot’s P-40 car. Personally, I would not spend the extra money for lower-level seats, though, because at such a small venue it is actually easier to see the field from further away. Either way, considering the low cost concessions and cheap parking, this is a very good experience for the money. Extras 3 The dual bird/P-40 mascot is very cool, especially given the strong ties to WWII in Louisiana (the National WWII museum is actually down in New Orleans, in part due to the fact that factories there produced many of the landing craft used in the D-Day invasion). Another plus is the playing surface, which has some pops of color and decoration, unlike what you’ll see at most other venues. Final Thoughts As mentioned before, the best time to see a game at Malone Stadium is early in the season against an in-state opponent if possible. While it may not look quite as modern or have as much crowd noise as some of the other football stadiums in the area, it nevertheless offers some unique elements, and should be a fun time.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Crypto.com Arena 1111 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Los Angeles Kings website Crypto.com Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,340 Kings of Royalty The Los Angeles Kings were a part of the National Hockey League’s “Second Six,” the league’s first expansion in 1967. Original owner, Jack Kent Cooke, chose the name “Kings” because he wanted his team to project “an air of royalty.” He outfitted the team in the royal colors of purple and gold and built a new arena, the Forum, as a home for his teams. The team played at the Forum in Inglewood for 32 years until moving to the new Staples Center, now Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles, prior to the 1999-2000 season. The privately financed arena cost $375 million to build.  For a good portion of their existence, the Kings had been the NHL’s most southern located team. With the arrival of Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers in 1988 and their rising popularity over the years that include two Stanley Cup Champion teams from 2012 and 2014, 10 other franchises have either moved or expanded in cities along the western region of the United States or cities south of Los Angeles. Wayne Gretzky Statue, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 Crypto.com Arena does not disappoint in terms of concessions, offering a wide variety of options for the hungry Kings fan. Among the offerings are fish tacos from Wahoo’s Tacos, LuDo Bird, Dirt Dog, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Blaze Pizza and Salt & Char Burgers. Mixed in with traditional arena fare are uniquely southern California options such as ahi tuna poke nachos and sushi. Several stands offer kosher, vegetarian and vegan options. A complete listing of concession options at Crypto.com Arena can be found here . Mobile orders for most of the concessions can be placed through the link provided and from QR codes located along the concourses throughout the venue.  Coca-Cola products are the soda providers. In addition to national beer brands, local craft brews from Golden Road and Goose Island Breweries are for sale. The Figueroa Bar on the 100-level concourse offers a wide variety of draught beer, signature cocktails and specialty drinks.  Atmosphere 5 LA Kings Championship Banners, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey As fans enter the venue through Star Plaza, a sense of history can be felt with statues lined along outside the north entrances. Fans can view statues of Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, the recently added Dustin Brown, longtime legendary broadcaster Bob Miller, and what may be the most impressive of all the statues lining Chick Hearn Court, the L.A. Kings Monument . This impressive monument, dedicated in 2016 honoring the 50th anniversary of the organization by artists Itamar Amrany, Julie Rotblatt Amrany, and Omri Amrany is made of bronze, granite and glass, and features six bronze sculptures highlighted by Dustin Brown’s iconic moment of lifting the Stanley Cup. Rise to Glory, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey This being Los Angeles, visiting fans also get to experience a hockey game during the winter months without having to wear layers and layers of warm clothing. Doors open 90 minutes prior to faceoff leaving fans to roam the venue and check out the various concession offerings, as well as other historical highlights throughout the venue.  Once inside the seating bowl fans looking up at the rafters on the north end can see the impressive list of retired numbers as well as the banners honoring division, conference and of course their two Stanley Cup triumphs. Quite an impressive display when considering it’s the basketball team with 17 banners (not counting the In-Season Tournament one) that receives most of the glamor.  Neighborhood 5 Los Angeles is one of the top cities in the nation for tourists, with a seemingly endless list of attractions, things to do and see. In the immediate area of the Crypto.com Arena, LA Live is located right across the street from the arena. Located here are several restaurants, hotels and attractions, including the Grammy Museum and the Microsoft Theater. During the holiday season, a skating rink is set up in the Xbox Plaza here.  For those who desire pre or postgame dining, the dining options for L.A. Live are listed here.  For casual dining Lazy Dog is one of my favorite go to pre and postgame dining spots at L.A. Live.  LA Live, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Fans 5 Even with the Kings ability to cater to the glitzy Hollywood crowd, Kings fans are a totally different breed from their purple and gold hoops counterparts.  Most fans are decked out in the team's black and silver attire mixed in with some throwback purple and gold gear as well dating back to their days at The Fabulous Forum. Kings fans aren’t the ones who come just to be seen. With a playoff contending team, Kings fans have mostly filled up the venue this 2024 season. With the Dodgers and Lakers being the top sports teams in town, Kings fans often get lost in the mix. Make no mistake though, Kings fans are just as passionate, loud and enthusiastic when it comes to their support and very welcoming to fans of visiting teams as well.  Access 4 When attending any event in Los Angeles, I cannot stress enough the importance of time allowance. Traffic along our famed freeways are no joke, especially along the 110 and 10 freeways, the two major thoroughfares closest to the arena. If you plan on driving and you're staying outside of Downtown L.A., the rule of thumb if you want to arrive early and experience the venue or its surrounding area is to leave yourself 3 hours; that’s right, 3 hours of leeway prior to faceoff. Also if you do plan to drive you may want to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area as a good portion of the streets within the vicinity are one-way. Parking throughout the vicinity starts as low as $10. More information on parking can be found here . If you plan on using public transit, the Pico/Union Station is a short five minute walk from the arena running service until just past midnight. The light rail offers service towards the west side to Santa Monica, points south toward Long Beach, and service to East L.A. It stretches further east toward Azusa and options to connect to other rail and bus services throughout Los Angeles County. More info can be found here .  Once inside, the wide concourses offer plenty of room to move about with two sets of escalators and elevators to transport fans to the premium and upper levels.  Return on Investment 4 On most nights Kings tickets can be purchased for as low as $20 from the team and third party sites. However if you plan to sit closer to the action in the 100 level expect to pay anywhere in the triple digits, maybe even north of the $200 range.  Parking throughout various lots around Crypto.com Arena start as low as $10 and can go as much as $40.  Extras 4 Luc Robitaille Statue, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Fans entering the arena along Star Plaza are greeted with statues honoring Kings greats. The one statue that should not be missed is the Monument Statue honoring six Kings all time greats. From the base of the statue is a timeline of some of the Kings greatest moments, as well as the names of the rosters and ownership from its inaugural season in 1967 to its 50th season. Rest assured all the words and names engraved in the Monument   as   well as the other statues are properly spelled . Recent additions to Crypto.com Arena include two new stat boards with rotating stats for each time including a running clock displaying each active players ice time. During intermissions fans seated in the 300 level can venture to the outdoor patio for breathtaking views of the Downtown L.A. skyline. An added bonus is the patio is now smoke free for everyone to enjoy ! Dining tables are also located throughout the concourses on both levels for fans to enjoy their food and beverages in a more spacious atmosphere. Phone outlets are even available as well in some of these dining areas for fans to add more battery life for the countless pictures they may take.  Final Thoughts With Crypto.com celebrating its 25th season, the Kings have had their share of great moments, rewarding their loyal fanbase with a contending team during most seasons as well as their two Stanley Cup triumphs.  As Crypto.com enters the next 25 years, fans can continue to expect an exciting brand of hockey in an atmosphere that quietly screams Southern California hockey.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Charles Schwab Field Omaha 1200 Mike Fahey St Omaha, NE 68102 Creighton Bluejays website Charles Schwab Field Omaha website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 24,505 Home of the Bluejays TD Ameritrade Park opened its doors in 2011. The stadium plays host to the College World Series in addition to being the home of the Creighton Bluejays. The Bluejays began their first season as a Big East Conference team in 2014. TD Ameritrade Park replaced the original host of the College World Series, Rosenblatt Stadium. Creighton split games between Rosenblatt and the Creighton Sports Complex before making TD Ameritrade Park its permanent home. The Bluejays were regular-season and Big East Conference champions in 2019, also making it to the NCAA regionals. Among the Creighton baseball alumni are Scott Servais, Alan Benes, dual-arm pitcher Pat Venditte, and Hall of Famer, Bob Gibson. Note: TD Ameritrade Park changed its name to Charles Schwab Field in the early part of 2022. Food & Beverage 3 TD Ameritrade Park provides your basic food and drink options. Pizza ($7), toasted ravioli ($7), cheeseburgers ($7.50), Polish sausage ($7), jumbo hot dog ($5), and chicken tenders w/ fries ($11) are your main food items. Standard snacks such as popcorn, nachos, jumbo pretzels, peanuts, and candy all can be had for $4-$7. Coke products are your soda of choice with $4.50 bottles along with water, tea, Powerade, coffee, and hot chocolate in the same price range. Beer tallboys (Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, Leinenkugels) are $8 along with White Claw and wine. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere for a Bluejays game is unique. On one hand, the team plays in a fabulous stadium. On the other, the stadium is so cavernous that there is no way for a college baseball team to fill all the seats and the fact that so few seats are taken does take away from the stadium experience. With the fan to seat ratio being so advantageous for the fans, you have your choice of where to sit, left or right side, sun or shade, etc. There is a video board in right field and a great sound system that adds to the experience. Neighborhood 5 TD Ameritrade Park is located right near the CenturyLink Center, which is a multi-purpose arena that hosts sporting events, concerts, etc. With the combination of the two venues being so close, there is an overabundance of food and drink options in the area. Blatt Beer and Table is located directly across the street from the ticket office. The big draw here is the outdoor beer garden located on the roof. There are plenty of drink options and they serve typical tavern type food. Just down 13th Street is The Old Mattress Factory. “The Matt,” named because it was indeed at one point, a mattress factory, is another popular area hangout. Again, there are plenty of drink options, food choices for adults and children, and a great smoked turkey Reuben. If you aren’t into bar food, just look around. There is probably something that will fit your taste within a few blocks. As for lodging, there are also plenty of options, with a Hampton Inn right across the street and a Hilton one block away. There are many more options within a mile or so. If you are staying in Omaha, be sure to check out the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo constantly ranks among the best zoos in the nation. Other baseball options include Tal Anderson Field, home of the Omaha Mavericks and Werner Park , home of the AAA Omaha Stormchasers. Fans 3 The Bluejays have a small band of loyal followers who attend. Other folks are there more to see where the College World Series is played than to root on Creighton. The opposing team gets some good-natured ribbing and the umpires hear the occasional catcalls but the fans keep their language appropriate for children. The Creighton fans are a nice bunch and although there aren’t many of them as compared to the number of seats available, they add to the enjoyment of the game. Access 5 TD Ameritrade Park is located just north of I-480 and plenty of signs will direct you to the right place. At the stadium, parking is plentiful. Once inside, concourses are extremely wide and you will have no problems maneuvering around. There are plenty of restrooms and a large amount of handicapped seating is available. There is only one concession stand open, but with so few fans, there isn’t much of a wait, if any. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Creighton game will cost you a little more than the average college game, but you are watching the game from a fabulous facility. Parking is $10 in the main lots, but you can find some directly across the street for a little less. Tickets run $9 for most games. Concessions are about what you will pay anywhere else, so you do get a solid deal. . Extras 3 Be sure to take a look around the concourse. On the walls are decade-by-decade boards of College World Series results and celebrated players. It is a nice touch. A nice perk of coming to the games on Sunday is the cheap ticket prices. On Sundays, all tickets are $4. Take your time looking around the park outside as well. There are plenty of different features that celebrate the ballpark and the College World Series. Final Thoughts Truth be told, the team would probably be better served having their own stadium with a more intimate setting. It’s gotta be hard to get too amped up knowing no matter how good the team is, they don’t stand a chance of filling up their ballpark. That being said, attending a Creighton Bluejays game at TD Ameritrade Park is a fun experience. The atmosphere in no way can match that of the electricity that goes with the College World Series, but if you want a relaxing experience and a place to kick back and watch some good baseball, enjoy! Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram : @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium 2500 E Ajo Way Tucson, AZ 85713 Map It Tucson Saguaros website Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 11,000 Summer Baseball at Kino The Tucson Saguaros are members of the Independent Pecos League (baseball). They joined the League in 2016 and immediately won the Pecos League Championship in their first season. The team has been successful, winning the championship again in 2020 and 2021, reaching the finals in 2022 and 2023, and having winning seasons in most of their years in the league.  This 2025 season sees them playing in the postseason for the seventh straight year! They have not been as successful in finding a permanent home. They’ve bounced around, playing their seasons at a variety of different venues throughout the years.  The team began this tenancy at Kino Sports Complex, specifically Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, in 2023.  I hope they stay here, as it’s one of the nicest facilities in the Pecos League. Kino Sports Complex is a multi-use sports and cultural event center, the largest in southern Arizona. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium was used for the 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers.  The City of Tucson did an excellent job preparing the venue for this tournament.  The maintenance crew tore up and relaid the field, and painted the support columns, dugouts, and bullpens with the WBC colors.  The city also installed a new scoreboard prior to the WBC Qualifiers. Fortunately, Saguaros fans and players benefit from all the upgrades and refurbishment.  The sports complex also hosts the USL2 FC Tucson  soccer team, though not on the same field as the baseball games.  A Mexican Pacific League baseball team is expected to play at Kino in the fall of 2025. Food & Beverage 2 The game day staff operates one concession stand for Saguaros games. That stand offers the basics at reasonable prices: hot dogs and burgers run $4 - $6. Snacks of chips, candy, chocolates, and popsicles cost $2 - $3. Water and Coke brand soda (including Dr Pepper and Coke Zero) cost $2 - $3. Beer choices include Busch Light, Estrella, Michelob Ultra, and Barrios Citrazona IPA ($4 - $6).  Thursday home games are ‘Thirsty Thursday,’ when a select brand of beer is $2 a can. The choices are enough to get you by for a game and more than what a fan would normally expect at a Pecos League game. We recommend bringing a bottle   of water as it gets H-O-T during these games in June and July. Atmosphere 3 The Saguaros and the Sports Complex do a good job of providing comfortable, safe, entertaining baseball.  Keep in mind, this is Arizona. Temperatures easily reach the triple digits, even for a 7pm game in late June and July. Bring sunscreen and water.   Fans enter the stadium onto the concourse and then proceed down to the seating area. Wheelchair and handicapped seating run along the top of the seating bowl on the concourse. The seats are faded green stadium fold-down seats with no cupholders, but an excellent amount of legroom. They are much more comfortable than they look. The outer concourses are closed off for Tucson Saguaros games.  Shade covers the seating area in time for the opening pitch. The stadium’s scoreboard sits beyond the left field wall. It provides the line score and the at-bat player’s number. I find reading the inning number information on the new scoreboard difficult, as those numbers are too small.  Fans get a lovely view of the Catalina Mountains and beautiful colors as daylight transitions to dusk. Sit on the first base side to get the best view. Music is played between innings and is not intrusive. The speakers line the overhang above the top row and the handicapped seats. The announcer does a decent job of calling the starting lineups.  Nets extend down the baselines. The stadium does not offer net-free seating for Pecos League games. Activities include a 50/50 raffle and kids running the bases after the third inning with Sticky, the mascot.  The team has a ‘pass the hat’ for fans to drop in a few bucks after a player hits a home run or steals three or more bases.  The players play for the joy of the game.  The funds from the ‘passing of the hat’ go to the player to help with expenses.   Neighborhood 3 The stadium’s immediate neighbor is a hospital. The stadium is on the southern end of Tucson, with several places to dine or drink within a mile and many more a little farther. Fast food places like In-N-Out Burger, Raising Cane’s Chicken, and Rudy’s BBQ are nearby . For a local independent brewery a mile from Kino Stadium, try the Harbottle Brewing Company.  Tucson has plenty of breweries and restaurants, so head downtown (about 4 – 5 miles) for other choices. The Pima Air and Space Museum is six miles south and worth a visit. Four miles in the opposite direction are the Reid Park Zoo and the Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course (an 18-hole public golf course). Although not really close, the Saguaro National Park is worth visiting for its impressive views and scenery. Value hotels like Motel 6, Days Inn, etc., line the I-10 exits north and south of the stadium exit. For more upscale lodging, head closer to downtown. I stayed at the Hotel McCoy , an eclectic, artsy, welcoming, restored 1960s motel about 5 miles from the stadium, and I recommend it. Other spectator sports in Tucson during baseball season include the Tucson Sugar Skulls  (indoor football) and FC Tucson  (soccer). Fans 3 While not a whole lot show up for games, the fans cheer well when the Saguaros make an impressive play defensively or at bat. Most fans throw out their own garbage vs. leaving it behind under the seats. Quite a few fans keep score, which is always a pleasure to see. The Saguaro mascot, Sticky, is one of the biggest fans of all.  Plenty of fans sport the good-looking baseball cap and Tucson Saguaros shirts. Good-Looking Tucson Saguaros Ballcap, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to and from Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium is easy via automobile, as it is right off Interstate 10. The stadium provides plenty of free covered parking in front of the venue’s Gate B entrance, the only open entrance for Saguaros games. The gate opens only 30 minutes before game time, which isn’t a lot of time for stadium journeyers, but enough for a Pecos League game. Tucson Airport is five miles south of the venue. The city of Tucson has public transportation. Check SunTran  for fares and schedules. Remember to check return schedules, as the bus system may shut down before the end of the game. The ticket office is through the glass doors to the right of the ‘traditional’ box office, in front of the inflatable flapping saguaro.   Fans can purchase team apparel there as well. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium - Get Tickets By the Flapping Saguaro, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The stadium posts all kinds of rules on sandwich boards in front of Gate B, but getting through the security check is quite painless. Just bring your items in a 12” x 6” x 12” clear sports bag, and you’ll pass right through security. Since attendance is not high, congestion isn’t an issue when walking around the concourse. Clean restrooms are open on both the first and third base concourses, as well as additional family restrooms. The accessible stalls are near the entrance. The ladies’ room has a changing table (not sure about the men’s room). Return on Investment 4 Tickets are only $10 general admission ($8 for seniors). Fans can sit wherever they choose, roam around, and switch seats as desired. Parking is free. The food is inexpensive for stadium fare. Even the t-shirts are only $20. Baseball fans get an enjoyable, albeit warm, evening out. The team hosts several theme nights throughout the season, like Summerween (Halloween in Summer), Harry Potter Night, Disney Night, Community Heroes Night, Christmas in July, etc.  Fans should follow social media sites like Facebook to get theme night information, as it’s not posted on the team website. Extras 3 Visitors still get a decorative ticket with the green and gold Saguaro logo. Colorful Tucson Saguaro Ticket Stub, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The sprucing up of the facility and the city’s continued effort to do so deserve a mention.  The Kino Sports Complex turf will undergo ‘fall overseeding’ to ensure optimal field conditions for all players and visitors, especially as the Mexican Pacific League team starts using the field. The players and the team try to get involved in the community by participating in events like story times at a local library. Final Thoughts If you’re a resident of or a visitor to the Tucson area in June and July, be sure to check if the Saguaros are playing at home. Watching a game is an enjoyable, affordable way to spend an evening out.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Scully-Fahey Field Summer Court Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green lacrosse website Scully-Fahey Field website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,600 Big Green Lacrosse in the White Mountains Scully-Fahey Field is named in honor of Donald Scully, class of 1949, and Peter Fahey, class of 1968. Scully was a member of Dartmouth’s lacrosse and soccer teams as an undergraduate. He was a midfielder and three time All-American. Scully scored 107 goals, a school record that stood for 30 years. Fahey was a member of the school’s basketball and track teams. Four of his children also graduated from Dartmouth, and three of them played lacrosse for the Big Green. Scully-Fahey Field is situated within the Chase Field Complex, near Thompson Arena . It was constructed at a cost of $4.4 million, and features seating for 1,600 fans and lights for night games. Dartmouth has won three Ivy League championships over their history, and have qualified for the NCAA tournament once, in 2003, losing in the first round. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food sold at Dartmouth lacrosse games. Experienced Big Green fans simply bring their own snacks and beverages into Scully-Fahey Field. Atmosphere 3 Overall, the gameday atmosphere at a Dartmouth lacrosse game is similar to other venues across the country. The party starts in the parking lot, where you can find fans tailgating before the action begins. It’s a much more laid-back scene than you would find at a football game, but that’s part of the charm. Some fans even hightail it out to the lots at halftime to sneak a quick snack and drink. There’s not a whole lot of extra activity going on during a lacrosse game, but the action down on the field more than makes up for it. The fans in attendance, many of whom have a personal connection with the players on the field, are really into the action. Neighborhood 4 The town of Hanover, New Hampshire boasts a population of about 11,000 citizens. The population increases by over fifty percent when Dartmouth’s 6,300 students roll into town. As you would expect, there is a great small-town feel to Hanover. CNN and Money rated Hanover as the sixth best place to live in the United States. Weather permitting, visiting fans will want to take the short walk to The Green, which is usually the hub of activity in the town. While the weather early on in the lacrosse season in New Hampshire can be brutal, and there may be a couple of feet of snow on the ground when you visit Hanover, the downtown area is still worth a visit. The Dartmouth campus boasts classic Ivy League architecture, or you can head down Main Street and explore the shops and eateries that line the street. For a town of this size, there is no shortage of places to eat or drink, all of which are located a short walk from Scully-Fahey Field. The Appalachian Trail runs through Hanover, and there are a great many outdoor activities available for visitors to the area to sample as well, should you be visiting before the weather warms up. Several world class ski resorts are located just a short drive from Hanover should you be visiting the area during the spring skiing season. Fans 3 The NCAA doesn’t release attendance figures for lacrosse, so judging lacrosse crowds empirically becomes a bit difficult. Lacrosse season begins in February, so one might think that crowds would be sparse early in the season, but this isn’t always the case. Lacrosse fans show up in February the same as in April. In addition, the fans who do show up are really enthusiastic about the action going on down on the field, and are very knowledgeable about the sport. Lacrosse fans travel very well, so it’s not unusual to find a significant amount of visiting fans at any game. Also, dogs are welcome at Scully-Fahey Field, so you may see several in attendance. Access 3 The small town of Hanover, New Hampshire may be somewhat off the beaten path, but it’s easy to get to. Located near the intersections of Interstates 89 and 91, the Dartmouth campus is located only a couple of miles from the highway. Driving is easily the most efficient method to arrive in Hanover, but there are bus and car services that run from Manchester, located an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston. You can get more information here . Also, Amtrak has a train station just across the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. The Dartmouth campus dominates the small town of Hanover, and Scully-Fahey Field is located on the southeast edge of campus alongside the other athletic facilities. Signs direct out-of-town drivers to the best parking spots for the day’s athletic events. There is a large parking lot adjacent to Scully-Fahey Field in between the lacrosse stadium and Thompson Arena which features free parking. Directions can be found here . Seating at Scully-Fahey Field consists of metal bleachers. The first row is about five feet above ground level, so all seats offer great views of the action. There is some standing room near the entrance where fans can still take in the action while stretching their legs. There are no restrooms at Scully-Fahey Field, but the facilities at Boss Tennis Center next door are open for Big Green lax fans. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for early-season games at Dartmouth. Once the team enters Ivy League conference play, tickets can be had for seven dollars for adults, with youths admitted for four dollars. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the Scully-Fahey Field. It’s entirely possible to attend a game here without spending a single cent! Extras 1 There’s not a whole lot going on at Dartmouth lacrosse that can be considered extra, but the team does give out free programs to all fans. Also, getting to bring your four-legged friends to the game has to count for something. Final Thoughts Scully-Fahey Field is a simple, but solid facility. If you feel like braving the cold weather in New Hampshire during February and March, it’s a solid, affordable place at which to take in some top-notch college lacrosse. If you visit the wonderful small town of Hanover at the right time, it’s possible to also take in some hockey, basketball or hit the slopes while you are there. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Highland Fieldhouse 9135 Erie St. Highland, IN 46322 Highland High School Trojans website Highland Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 2,200 Highland High's Home Dome Highland High School is home to the Trojans basketball program. It is located in Highland, Indiana, in an area of the state known as “The Region” outside Chicago. Its home building has a distinctive circular dome roof that is separate from the rest of the school. The gym opened in 1970 with a seating capacity of 3,200 and has a similar design similar to other facilities at Benton Central , Greencastle,  and nearby rival Munster High Schools .  The fieldhouse construction began in 1968 and forced the Trojans to play home games at the middle school. This was due to the old high school gym being converted into an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Tons of steel and wooden frames towered over the construction site as students awaited completion. A carpenter’s strike forced construction to be delayed a few months until its grand opening in November 1970. In 2019, the gymnasium received $12 million in renovations to improve the court, seating, locker rooms, and offices. The Trojans are part of the Northwest Crossroads Conference. The boys have won five conference and four sectional championships, while the girls have had better success, winning 15 conferences and four sectional titles.  Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand serves a familiar selection, including hot dogs, popcorn, chips, soft pretzels, nachos, and soda pop. However, different items are worth mentioning. Visitors can order Polish sausage, walking tacos, spicy chicken sandwiches, nacho supreme, and street tacos. The price range starts at $2 for chips and $6 for a nacho supreme. Atmosphere 2 The Highland Holiday Hoopfest is an annual event held after Christmas. Eight high schools compete in the three-day event. However, with that being said, some of the charm of a regular high school game is missing. There are no cheerleaders, the sounds of the band, and the cheer sections at the event. There is also a lack of a crowd that definitely could add a nice backdrop to the atmosphere. The gym has an aura from its exterior; it is a dome facility that is easy to spot off the main road. Once you walk inside the lobby, you are practically inside the gym and staring at its wooden ceiling. A digital four-sided scoreboard breaks away from the standard electronic kinds, which are still popular in many parts of the state.  The school colors of blue and gold are everywhere, along with banners of multiple team championships against the walls. There is bleacher seating on all three sides, with one end opened up with a few rows of handicapped seating. Additional seating can be pulled out to accommodate larger crowds, perhaps games against rival Munster High School, but the open space is a welcome attraction to the spacious gymnasium. Neighborhood 4 The high school is in a residential area of Highland, Indiana, and a few miles away from the busy US-41, where many shops and retail chains exist. The average fan will find almost everything they want in these various spots.  Sophia's Pancake House, Kui Korean BBQ, Theo's Steak & Seafood, and Highland Gyros are on US-41, AKA Indianapolis Blvd. The Blue Top Drive-In is a throwback to the early 1960s, featuring burgers, fries, shakes, and a few muscle cars. It is a great spot for families.  The Highland Grove Shopping Plaza offers a variety of regional chains, including Chipotle, Panda Express, Dave's Hot Chicken, Noodles & Company, Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery, and Naf Naf Grill. Lou Malnati's is home to Chicago-style deep-dish and thin-crust pizza. About a mile north of the high school is a collection of restaurants in downtown Highland. Fuzzyline Brewing Company offers great craft beer, homemade burgers, and smashed potatoes with curry ketchup. Dan’s Perogies is a Polish restaurant that serves stuffed cabbage dinners, sandwiches, blintzes, and homemade soup. Fans 2 It is hard to judge the fan score based on the Holiday Hoopfest. It was not a typical Trojans game, and some holiday tournaments don't bring out a large number of fans. Many of the schools are within the area, but it is during the break when most kids are not thinking about anything school-related.  Access 4 The high school is within a few miles of US-41, the main road that connects to I-65. GPS is the best way to arrive at the school, but the gym is noticeable from Erie Street. There is plenty of parking for the game, and once inside, there is more room to move around to enjoy the view.  Return on Investment 3 The ticket price is $7 per person, and concession items are around $3 to $4 apiece. One can enjoy a night watching Hoosier High School hoops, and it can be a nice detour from the family functions taking place during this time of year.  Extras 2 The Polish sausage is hot and tasty, along with the walking tacos. The food is enough to keep fans more than satisfied until after the game. The gym’s domed ceiling gives the place its charm and adds to its character.  Final Thoughts In a state where there are plenty of great gyms to visit for high school basketball, Highland High might get overlooked. However, it's worth checking out when in the area, especially for a regular season game. It has all the charm and design to make it worth your time when in “The Region". ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at   Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cameron Hall 401 N Main St Lexington, VA 24450 VMI Keydets website Cameron Hall website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 5,029 Keys to the Kingdom Cameron Hall was built in 1981, and has a capacity of 5,029. The venue is home to the Virginia Military Institute Keydets basketball team, but also hosts the school’s annual commencement ceremony, as well as other large scale events, such as plays and concerts. The facility was named after brothers Bruce and Daniel Cameron, both of whom graduated from VMI, and who contributed $2.3 million toward Cameron Hall’s construction. The venue has been upgraded several times since it was built, most recently in 2007 when a new court was installed. In addition to the basketball arena, the facility also houses VMI’s athletic department offices, including a library and reception area, as well as five racquetball courts (in the basement). In July 2013 Cameron Hall was named one of the top venues in mid-major basketball by MidMajorMadness.com. The highest attendance ever recorded at Cameron Hall (5,029) came in 2009 during a game versus Liberty University, and that remains the venue’s only sellout. Food & Beverage 2 Cameron Hall has two concessions stands, one on each end of the facility (in the hallways behind the nets), and both serve the same items. There are only seven items available, namely hot dogs, chicken breast sandwiches, Papa John’s pizza slices, and popcorn ($3 each), as well as chips, packaged candy, and bottled beverages ($2 each). Beverage selections include Pepsi products, Gatorade, and VMI H2O, which is school-branded bottled water. Atmosphere 3 The best thing about attending a VMI basketball game is seeing all of the cadets and alums wearing fatigues, which is a pretty impressive sight. The kangaroo mascot is also really cool, and has been known to get in the ref’s face if he or she makes a call against the Keydets. In terms of amenities, the concourse surrounding the arena is a bit depressing, with mostly plain gray concrete. However, the staff has recently added lots of décor to the walls, include large pictures, a trophy case, and a “Wall of Fame” showcasing notable players. There are also lots of banners hanging above the court. On the plus side, once you get into the arena itself, all of the seats are chairbacks, and they are painted different colors in each section, making is easier to find your seat. Neighborhood 4 Lexington, VA is a very small town with a population of only about 7K, but nevertheless is home to two colleges: VMI and Washington and Lee University. The architecture in the area around Cameron Hall is very stately, and looks elegant despite its uniformity, or perhaps because of it. There are several restaurants not far from the arena, so you should be able to park on one of the neighborhood streets for a couple of hours and eat before or after the game; just be sure to check the signs to make sure you aren’t parking for too long, or during off hours. Bistro on Main is a great choice, with a menu that includes southern and French-inspired dishes, or you might try the Red Hen, known for its Shenandoah cuisine. Alternatively, if you are in the mood for some outstanding barbecue, a few minutes from downtown is BeameupBBQ & Café (the owner’s name is Scottie); while fantastic, this eatery is only open from 11-4 Tuesday thru Friday, and 11-3 Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday). Like much of Virginia, Lexington is a hotbed for military history, and there are several attractions of this type in the area. First is the Stonewall Jackson House, located just off Main Street; this is where the famed Confederate general resided prior to the Civil War. You can also visit the gravesite of Robert E. Lee, which is inside the Lee Chapel on the campus of Washington & lee University, or the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, located on Letcher Avenue. Alternatively, the George C. Marshall Museum is also located in Lexington, and celebrates the career of the main architect for European reconstruction following World War II. Fans 3 Unfortunately, for most of its games Cameron Hall does not draw a very large crowd, averaging only about 1,000 in attendance, except during the annual rivalry game versus The Citadel, and even that game only draws about 3,500. As mentioned previously, the venue hasn’t had a sellout in nearly a decade, so there generally won’t be much energy inside the building. However, given that VMI is a military school, it is neat to see so many cadets and alums showing up in fatigues, which is a pretty impressive sight to see (although during certain games you may see cadets wearing matching red shirts with fatigue pants instead). Furthermore, even though the rest of the stands may not fill up, there is an incredible amount of passion from the cadets and alums in particular, thanks to the camaraderie they feel for the school; the cheers and shouts from these two groups of fans is especially loud. See the video below to witness the fans in fatigues during a game: Access 4 Getting to Lexington is fairly easy, even though it may be a bit off the beaten path depending on where you are coming from. You can also usually park for free during VMI basketball games, but there are no “real” lots to speak of; you just have to find parking on one of the side streets, or in one of the small lots dotted around campus. One you get inside Cameron Hall, moving around is simple enough. The concourse may seem a tad bit narrow, but there is plenty of room inside, especially given the small crowd size, and the bathrooms are enormous, with plenty of stalls. Lines at the concessions are minimal, and inside the arena itself there are plenty of stairways that crisscross through the seating area, so getting to your seat is simple enough. In fact, there is even a walkway above the last row of seats, which you can use to go up and over to get where you need to be. Fans should plan to enter Cameron Hall through the main entrance, on the Main Street side; there is a back entrance but it seems to be reserved for staff and other officials. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to VMI basketball games at Cameron Hall are only $5 for general admission, and considering that you can park for free and eat cheaply at the concessions, this represents a really good value for college basketball. Given that the Keydets have not made the NCAA Tournament since before this writer was born, you may not always see the team pull out a victory, but the chance to see the swath of military clothing in the stands makes a visit worthwhile. Extras 2 The additional décor on the walls in the concourse has added some color, and makes it a little less stark as you walk around. The mascot also deserves some credit for his antics, and you can see him interacting with fans throughout the game, especially the cadets. Final Thoughts While probably not seen as a powerhouse program, seeing a VMI basketball game at Cameron Hall should not disappoint. For the best experience, you may want to wait for the annual game against the Citadel, when the venue will be at its fullest, but any game would still be enjoyable, and easily manageable from a cost perspective. Also, there is plenty to see and do in Lexington and the surrounding area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Stevenson-Pincince Field 235 Hope St. Providence, RI 02906 Brown Bears men's soccer website Stevenson-Pincince Field website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 3,500 Brown Bear Soccer Stevenson-Pincince Field was named in honor of longtime Brown men’s soccer and lacrosse coach Cliff Stevenson, who was instrumental in establishing the soccer program at Brown in the 1960s as well as giving the sport a foothold in many schools around Rhode Island at this time. In 2015 the facility was rechristened to also honor longtime women’s soccer coach Phil Pincince. In 2020 the old bleachers and press box that made up the stadium were torn down and replaced with a new three-story, 22,500 square foot facility complete with dedicated team locker rooms, training facilities, coaches offices, public restrooms, and concessions. The “Center for Lacrosse and Soccer” opened in time for the 2020 lacrosse season. Brown's men’s soccer teams have been quite successful over their history, qualifying for 27 NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2012. The Bears have won 20 Ivy League championships since 1963. Brown reached the national semifinals four times in their history, most recently in 1977. The Brown's women’s soccer teams have also experienced their share of success, winning 15 Ivy League titles and appearing in 9 NCAA Tournaments. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand on the concourse of the grandstand. If you need a snack, they've got you covered, with hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, chips, and candy available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stevenson-Pincince Field. No alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the facility. Atmosphere 3 Soccer games, at least in this part of the country, don’t feature the rowdy atmosphere that many other college sports enjoy. Most of the energy experienced at a Brown soccer game comes from the younger fans in attendance. Since local youth soccer players can be a significant presence on certain days, you may actually experience an energetic game-day atmosphere here. But generally, a Brown soccer game is a laid-back affair. Stevenson-Pincince Field features a video board in the southwest corner of the field that is put to good use with replays, highlights, graphics, and game information. Another, smaller scoreboard is located in the northeast corner of the field. It displays basic game information. Music plays over a quality sound system before the game and during halftime, while the PA announcer adds some energy to the proceedings. There’s not a lot of downtime at a soccer game for shenanigans, but the team does run a contest at halftime where one fan attempts a kick from midfield at one of the goals. If they make it, everyone in attendance wins a free large drink from a local sponsor. Keep your eyes peeled for Bruno, the school’s mascot, who may be participating in a favorite giveaway at Brown, the chocolate bar toss. Digital programs are available for all fans. Neighborhood 5 Stevenson-Pincince Field is located in Providence’s affluent East Side, adjacent to many of the school’s other athletic facilities in the Erickson Athletic Complex. Also located in the complex are Meehan Auditorium , the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center, and Murray Stadium , among others. Brown Stadium is located about a mile away. Just a couple of blocks from the Athletic Complex is Thayer Street, the East Side’s main commercial drag. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops can be found here, including Brown’s bookstore and the Avon Cinema, which dates back to the early 20th century. Other notable areas in the East Side a short walk or drive from Brown University are Hope Street, Wayland Square, and Wickenden Street. All have their own bohemian vibe and feature great local restaurants, shops, and bars. Of course, downtown Providence is located at the bottom of College Hill about a mile away from the Brown campus. If you’re visiting Providence from elsewhere, this is likely where you will find lodging options in addition to numerous additional dining choices. Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest small cities in the country for foodies. Visitors to the area will find more than enough choices to satisfy even the most adventurous of palates. If staying in Providence isn’t appealing enough, Boston is an hour’s drive to the north, with the mansions and beaches of Newport about 45 minutes south. Fans 3 Brown soccer enjoys decent support. Crowds can vary in size depending on the weather, day of week, and opponent, but crowds generally number between 500-1,000 fans. With Brown’s schedule featuring many other New England teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout by visiting fans. The fans that fill the grandstand at Stevenson-Pincince Field vary from hardcore soccer fans to students to family members of the players. While many in the grandstand seem to have a personal connection with the players on the field, the presence of youth soccer players in their uniforms and others shows that this is not always the case. Fans are friendly and you can certainly feel comfortable bringing the whole family to a Brown soccer game. Access 3 The Erikson Athletic Complex is located on the eastern edge of Brown University’s urban campus. While Interstates 95 and 195 both run close to Brown, there is no direct way to access Brown from the highway. One must navigate the East Side’s crooked, crowded streets to arrive at the complex. Luckily, parking is plentiful around Brown’s athletic facilities. There are a pair of smallish lots within the complex adjacent to Stevenson-Pincince Field. Unfortunately, since there is generally a lot of activity in the complex on the weekends, you may not be able to find a spot here. There is abundant on-street parking in the area, which is free on the weekends. Seating at Stevenson-Pincince Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in a grandstand that runs the length of the field. This grandstand is built into the Lacrosse and Soccer Center, with a concourse at the top of the seating area. Handicapped seating and standing room are located on this concourse. Also located on the concourse are the concession stand and restrooms, which are new, clean, and large enough for a typical Bears soccer crowd. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Brown soccer games vary in price depending on the opponent. Most games are priced at $7 per ticket for adults and $5 for children. Some games feature general admission seating for $2. Cash and cards are accepted at Stevenson-Pincince Field. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to Stevenson-Pincince Field, as well as on-street should these lots be full. Be sure to check signage if parking on-street for neighborhood and/or time restrictions. Concessions are reasonably priced, making an afternoon at a Brown soccer game a most affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans. Extras 1 On the south end zone fence are displayed Brown Ivy League titles, tournament appearances, and Final Four berths for both the men’s and women’s teams. Final Thoughts Renovations to Stevenson-Pincince Field have turned what was formerly just a set of bleachers surrounding a grass field to one of the more outstanding facilities in the area. Brown typically fields a competitive Ivy League team and the fan support they receive is outstanding. It all adds up to a great place to spend a fall evening in Providence. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Gas South Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth, GA 30097 Atlanta Vibe website Gas South Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,000 A......T......L! 2023 saw the three largest attended games in NCAA volleyball history, with the NCAA semi-finals and finals drawing more than 19,000 to Amalie Arena  in Tampa, while the well-publicized matchup between Omaha and Nebraska filled the Huskers’ 92,000-seat Memorial Stadium . The popularity of volleyball has been growing nationwide – Sportico  writes that volleyball is the most popular sport among high school girls, and overall participation is up 9%. With the growth of participation in volleyball in recent years, it should not come as much of a surprise that the formation of professional volleyball leagues has started to blossom around the U.S. The first of those nationwide leagues to get off the ground is the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), with seven teams nationwide in their inaugural season, and plans to expand to ten teams for the 2025 season. Metro Atlanta’s entry in the PVF, the Atlanta Vibe, found a home at the well-used Gas South Arena in the suburb of Duluth, in Gwinnett County, to the northeast of downtown Atlanta.   Food & Beverage   4 Gas South Arena doesn’t have traditional-style concession stands that run around the concourse, but rather food courts with a handful of different tastes. With attendance numbers a bit on the light side for weekday games, concessions may only be partially open depending on the size of the crowd. Despite concessions not being fully open (at least not during my most recent weekday visit), there is still a full menu of options including hot dogs, burgers, grilled and spicy chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and fries. Slices from local pizzeria, Johnny’s Pizza, are also available, and their popular garlic knots are also on the menu. Growing in popularity in recent years, Gas South Arena makes use of the self-serve market where fans “shop” for food and beverages to bring to the checkout, before taking them back to their seats. Gas South Arena serves Coca-Cola products, along with Powerade, Dasani bottled water, and Monster energy drinks.  There are also full-service bars on both sides of the arena serving beer, seltzers, wine, handmade and pre-mixed drinks, and drafts. Classic City Lager and the highly regarded Tropicalia from Athens-based brewery, Creature Comforts, are also available.   Atmosphere   3 Built in 2003, Gas South Arena has remained architecturally modern with its use of curves and large amounts of glass. Despite being over 20 years old, it still feels rather esthetically current compared to newer facilities. Fans have several seating options, from the traditional individual seats in the lower bowl to the courtside and floor seating. One interesting take on seating is the groups of living room sectionals near the end of the floor – at first thought, the idea of sectional sofas as seating might seem a bit odd, but with eight large pieces, it does give fans a comfortable option for seating, while helping to fill the large void of space at one end of the floor. Atlanta Vibe matches are a very interactive experience. From the microphone-toting in-game host and accompanying promotional team members celebrating every point as if it were a match point, the staff does a great job getting the fans excited and amped up in support of the Vibe. Also, tossing t-shirts into the crowd and dancing throughout breaks in the action are very popular with many younger fans in the stands. The interactive nature of the match does not begin and end following each point. Rather, throughout the volley fans call out “A.T.L.” each time the ball is sent over the net, and fans are ready to start over again if it returns. Despite a very vibrant atmosphere created by the fans and hype squad, the 13,000-seat Gas South Arena is a rather large venue that easily swallows up much of the excitement. Some matches draw over 5,000 fans, but that still leaves more than half of the arena empty.   Neighborhood   4 Gas South Arena is in the ever-developing Gas South District of the Sugarloaf neighborhood in Gwinnett County. The area is a bit of a transition point between a heavily commercial area with office buildings, shops, and restaurants next to residential subdivisions. Gas South Convention Center is also part of the Gas South District. There are three hotels on the arena’s property; Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, and the newly opened Westin. The Sugarloaf area has been well developed over the years and offers many other accommodations as well. In the early 2000s, Gwinnett County prioritized building venues for national acts and professional sports. Not only do the Atlanta Gladiators  of the ECHL and the Georgia Swarm  of the National Lacrosse League share Gas South Arena with the Vibe, but AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the Gwinnett Stripers , play at Coolray Field less than 10 miles north along Interstate-85. This all gives Gwinnett County a heavy concentration of professional sports.   Fans   4 The Vibe are roughly near the middle of the pack when it comes to average attendance, which hovers around 3,700 fans per game. This is not a small gathering, but given the 13,000 seats in Gas South Arena, the size of the arena doesn’t do the crowd justice. A large portion of the fan base is comprised of the next generation of volleyball stars, who hang on to every point ready to explode into celebration. Much of the credit for the passion in the atmosphere needs to be given to this group of fans, as they are very responsive to calls from the hype squad to get excited.   Access   3 With its location in central Gwinnett County, a northeast suburb of Atlanta, weekday matches can be rather challenging to get to. Rush hour traffic can add nearly 30 to 45 minutes to the trip, for those coming from the downtown area or other northern suburbs. Parking is available in the lot in front of the arena or the garage next to it. Most fans will enter the arena through the main entrance into a two-tiered lobby, which has a wrap-around concourse fans use to access their seats. The lower seating bowl is easily accessible and has manageable sloped aisles to navigate.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets start at $13, but there is no avoiding the dastardly Ticketmaster fees. A $13 ticket quickly becomes a $20 purchase, even when you buy in person. When adding $10 for parking, fans are looking at nearly $30 just to get in the door. Ticketmaster fees, even when purchasing in person at the box office before the match, put a bit of a damper on a well-priced ticket pretty quickly. It is not an issue created by the Vibe, as a $13 ticket is reasonable for a new league working to grab a piece of the professional sports market in Atlanta. However, these fees are a major issue driving up the ticket price for what is otherwise an overall affordable experience.   Extras   3 In bringing professional volleyball to the metro Atlanta area, not enough can be said about the amount of work the Vibe organization and its players have put into promoting both the game and their team. During virtually every festival and opportunity to be seen in the community, the Vibe has taken advantage. Following the game, a handful of players are made available for autographs and photos with fans. This small investment of time following the game goes a long way in establishing the players as role models for younger fans with volleyball dreams of their own. In yet another route to reaching out to the volleyball community of metro Atlanta, the Atlanta Vibe also holds a Junior Vibe volleyball academy in the summer, which again shows the organization’s dedication to being the face of the volleyball community in the area.   Final Thoughts With the popularity of volleyball at an all-time high, the formation of the Pro Volleyball Federation comes at the perfect time.  Atlanta is one of two markets that will be home to both the PVF, as well as the competing professional volleyball league, League One Volleyball (LOVB) – the other being Omaha, starting in time for the 2025 season. The Atlanta Vibe does a great job at creating a fun atmosphere to complement their high level of volleyball talent on the floor. Match atmospheres are engaging, fans are responsive, and the team gives back to the local volleyball scene, creating a love for the organization. This seems to be the perfect recipe for a team to endear themselves to the community they represent.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cougar Fieldhouse 810 N Broadway St. Greenfield, IN 46140 Greenfield-Central High School website Cougar Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 4,620 Greenfield’s Big Box Cougar Den The Cougar Fieldhouse would not open for high school basketball until the 1969-1970 academic school year but the building was ready for the Greenfield High School’s final game the previous season. The new fieldhouse held 4,620 people and was built along with the new Greenfield-Central High School that was set for classes in the fall. The old gym on School Street was built in 1926 and had a capacity of 2,500 but was always packed with fans. The basketball coach gave the team a vote on whether to play at the old gym or the new fieldhouse and the boys opted for the old place for one final game; after all, many were graduating in May and would not set foot at the new school or gym. Mike Edwards “The Greenfield Gunner” scored 57 points to send the gym out in style; a few weeks later the school captured its first sectional tournament championship since 1952. Greenfield has been the home to high school basketball since 1914 when they called an old tabernacle building home but it would not be until January 18, 1921, that the school dedicated the State Street Gymnasium. Like many gymnasiums and fieldhouses in Indiana from the 1920s to the 1960s, it was the local townspeople who put forth a vigorous effort to cover the cost of construction. The students held a carnival, the freshman class sold candy, and graduating classes each donated $100 toward the new gym. A committee of prominent citizens would put forth the rest of the capital towards the building. It would be used until a new gymnasium and high school were built in 1926. It would be more modern and would host county tournaments and sectionals. Greenfield and Hancock Central High Schools would consolidate as Greenfield-Central High School for the 1969-70 season and the Cougar Fieldhouse would be its home. The large, open space venue features two levels of seating (upper and lower mezzanine), plastic blue folding bleacher seats, and its walls are decorated like a dorm room. Numerous county tournaments, sectionals, and regionals are still hosted inside the 4,620-seat facility. During the 2019-2020 school year, the building went through $870,000 of renovations that included the addition of an air-conditioning unit for the first time in the building’s history, LED lighting, and structure and ceiling painting. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located in the main lobby of the building. The usual food items can be found here including pretzels, pizza, popcorn, hot dogs, coneys, and nachos. Two additional tables offer jumbo cupcakes and Chick-fil-A sandwiches. Pepsi products are available in the building. The concession menu items and prices are on par with a majority of basketball venues in the state and there is nothing better than the smell of popcorn, to go with a cold drink and hot dog during a game. Atmosphere 3 Greenfield-Central Fieldhouse feels more like a typical high school venue and perhaps it was designed as a big box gym that was popular in design at the time of its completion. Similar gyms that include Gary West Side Gym bare a similar look and aesthetics. The majority of future gyms will borrow the same design in the following decades. Its size is impressive and it is larger than many gyms in the other 49 states, but still fits in comfortably in all of its high school boom-boom-rah! The walls are littered with posters of current varsity players of both the boy's and girls' teams, championship banners, retired jerseys, and more banners of other high school conference members. The school colors of blue and yellow are everywhere from the walls, seats, and court. Several interesting aspects include the original basketball center courts from the two erstwhile high schools that consolidated near the entrance and a giant-sized mural of a cougar on the north wall. The scoreboard is not directly over the center court but on both walls. Staircases bring patrons to the upper mezzanine seats where there are wide aisles. Neighborhood 3 Greenfield is a town of 21,056 residents located 25 miles east of downtown Indianapolis along I-70. The town is far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbs, but close enough that many can still commute to the city for work. The downtown section is small and quaint, offering consignment and antique shops along historic State Road 40, and is slowly becoming an attraction in itself. Wooden Bear Brewing Company offers six beers on tap and food made from scratch. It is located in a former opera house built in 1895. The brewery provides a casual atmosphere where friends can gather and families can enjoy time together in the wide, open space. Hometown Classic Pizza, located in the adjoining building of the brewery, seems to be the place where locals venture for pizza. The restaurant is always packed with customers and also offers baked spaghetti, oven-baked subs, toasted ravioli, and triple-layer red velvet cake. If you are looking for more national and regional chain restaurants, many are located near the interstate entrance. However, there are still a few more local establishments that include the upscale Carnegie’s a Place To Eat and the funky and eclectic Florida Cracker BBQ that looks like something you would find in the Everglades. Other spots include Zapp Thai Restaurant and The Mug. Fans 3 Depending on the school, you will find many die-hard individuals making the trip to watch their local basketball team strive toward a state championship. The four schools that participated in Greenfield had their share of fans. The Cloverdale contingency was decked out green and many stayed until the half of the second game. Cloverdale and Northeastern had their rowdy student section, while the two Indianapolis schools did not have much of a student section. Access 4 The open-space facility is quite simple to get around throughout the game. Some staircases bring fans up to the upper mezzanine section and the main lobby houses the concession stand, bathroom, and ticket booth. Customers should keep their ticket stubs in their possession to regain entrance back into the gymnasium area. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $6 for all home games and sectional games will cost $10 for an all-day ticket. The cost of food is inexpensive, there is ample parking, and the gym provides easy access. Greenfield provides a taste of Hoosier Hysteria. Extras 2 One extra point for the high school atmosphere gymnasium. The mammoth-sized gyms of nearby New Castle and Richmond give it the distinction of something more than a high school facility. In Greenfield, you get a recognizable basketball facility. A final extra point for the two center court designs that are on display near the entrance from the two schools that consolidated into Greenfield-Central High School. Greenfield and Hancock Central were two of the last schools to shun their noses at consolidating, but two images from the Class of 1969 from each school are forever on display in the lobby. Final Thoughts The Greenfield Gym holds its own among many of the wonderful facilities in the state. It is impressive in its own right and feels more like your usual high school basketball gymnasium. The town’s basketball history is comprehensive, its teams have proven to be successful, and being in a quaint little town provides a fantastic evening of basketball. It was common in the early 20th century for a basketball court to be housed in barns, on second floors of local grocery stores, auto dealerships, or even outside. However, many of these courts offered limited seating, poor lighting, and other oddities that included haystacks, dusty floors, and cold conditions.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ottawa Stadium 300 Coventry Rd Ottawa, ON K1K 4P5 Ottawa Titans website Ottawa Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 10,332 Ottawa Titans Baseball In 1991 then-Ottawa 67s owner Howard Darwin was awarded an expansion franchise in the AAA International League. Lynx Stadium was completed in under two years of $17 million Canadian. It soon became the hottest spot in the IL, as the Lynx averaged 9,772 fans per game in their inaugural 1993 season, setting a league record. Unfortunately, from there attendance started on a steady decline, to the point where the Lynx were last in the IL in attendance in 2006. After the 2007 season, the team moved to Allentown, PA, and became the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Despite many plans over the years to redesign the facility for other purposes or to demolish the venue, Ottawa Stadium has persevered through many teams, many leagues, many names and many levels of organized baseball. After the Can-Am League’s Ottawa Champions were mysteriously left out of the league’s 2019 merger with the Frontier League, an expansion team was awarded to Canada’s capital city in the form of the Titans, who were to begin play in 2021. Unfortunately, due to the prolonged closure of the US-Canada border as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Titans did not compete in the 2021 season. The team qualified for the Frontier League playoffs in their inaugural 2022 season, advancing to the divisional round before losing to the Quebec Capitales. Food & Beverage 4 The stadium has a decent selection of concessions for a park that doesn’t usually attract large crowds. There are four permanent stands scattered along the concourse underneath the grandstand, each with a different theme and menu. Stands feature standard ballpark fare (Cappy’s Kitchen), Mexican food (Mr. Senor), Gabriel Pizza, and ice cream/donuts (Lois ‘n Frima’s)The prices and quality of the food served here are decent. Concession stands feature a specialty food item every homestand. Coca-Cola products are featured at the ballpark. A good selection of beer is also available, including craft brews from Beau’s and Stray Dog Breweries. For the best selection, head down to the Hop Yard at the top of the left field berm. For those looking for a food challenge during a Titans game, order the Titanic Sandwich, which consists of an entire loaf of garlic bread, four cheeseburger patties, two hot dogs, cheese crumbs, 4 chicken fingers, crispy onions, and spicy ketchup. Atmosphere 3 Many minor league teams feature a decidedly over-the-top game day atmosphere, with wacky shenanigans held throughout the game designed to attract casual fans and keep the younger fans in attendance occupied. While the shenanigans in Ottawa are a bit more laid-back than in other indy ballparks, there’s enough going on to keep everyone entertained and properly distracted. Assorted contests and promotions are going on throughout the game, including interns dancing on dugouts, an emcee who coordinates all activities, and a mascot who roams the ballpark interacting with fans and participating in the goings on. Kids roam the berm in left field to release any pent-up energy, and a bouncy castle on the concourse serves a similar purpose. PA announcements are made in both English and French, a fitting touch in Canada’s capital city. A small scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. With all this activity going on, you may expect a higher score. The sheer size of the stadium is a negative, as a 10,000-seat ballpark tends to swallow up any noise created by 1,500 or so fans. On the plus side, there’s plenty of room to roam and spread out throughout the game. Neighbourhood 3 There are a pair of hotels (a Hampton Inn and a Courtyard by Marriot) directly across the parking lot from the ballpark, but fans looking for places to go before or after a game will be disappointed with the lack of eateries near the ballpark. Fans visiting the area will, however, be more than happy to hear that downtown Ottawa’s attractions, including Parliament Hill’s government buildings and the popular ByWard District are a short ten-minute drive away. Ottawa boasts a great many locations that may be of interest to visitors to the city. Of course, the Parliament buildings are among the most popular destinations. In addition, Canada’s capital city boasts several museums, including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and Royal Canadian Mint. Rideau Canal is still worth checking out, even in the summer months. Visitors to Ottawa looking for other sporting options can check out the CFL’s RedBlacks at TD Place Stadium . Of course, the Senators play at Canadian Tire Centre and the 67’s play at TD Place Arena , but the hockey and baseball seasons do not overlap. Fans 3 For the 2023 season, the Titans are averaging just over 1,300 fans per game, a slight increase over their inaugural season. This places Ottawa 12th in the 15-team Frontier League. Stadium Journey visited Ottawa Stadium on a muggy Sunday afternoon with a crowd of about 1,500 in attendance. The crowd at a Titans game is pretty typical of what you’ll find across the continent in the minor leagues. It’s a family-friendly event, so you’ll be sure to find many children and families mixed in with the local die-hard baseball fans. Watching the younger fans race around the ballpark chasing foul balls is a highlight here. The crowd here is laid-back. This isn’t a place where you’ll find a rowdy game day atmosphere, although the crowd did seem to energize when the Quebec manager was tossed for arguing a call. Access 4 Situated about 10 minutes from downtown Ottawa, the ballpark is located right off Canadian Highway 417, known as the Queensway as it moves through Canada’s capital. The ballpark is easily accessed by exit 117. A couple of turns will put you in one of the two large lots adjacent to the ballpark. All transactions are paperless, so make sure you visit the kiosk to pay your fee. Ottawa Stadium has a standard late 80s-early 90s design with a single seating bowl that stretches from shallow left field around to shallow right field. There’s a berm at the end of left-field seats. All seats are faded blue metal stadium seats. There’s a walkway about halfway up the seating bowl, but since the upper seats are raised a bit, there’s no issue with obstruction. Speaking of obstructions, nets stretch from the end of one dugout around to the other. For a net-free view, pick a seat further down the seating bowl. The concourse is located underneath the grandstand, with all concessions and washrooms located here. With the smaller crowds at Titans games, getting around is no issue. The washrooms are a bit dated but clean and large enough for a typical Titans crowd. As mentioned elsewhere, there is plenty of room to move around. Return on Investment 4 All tickets are sold as reserved seats, priced at $15 for “Club” seats (sections behind home plate) and $11 for “On Deck” seating (sections further down the line). Purchasing tickets at the box office on game day increases all prices by three dollars. With the large capacity of Ottawa Stadium and the smallish crowds present, you can roam about the park as you wish. Parking is available in the large lots adjacent to the ballpark for seven dollars. Concession prices are reasonable, making a Titans game an affordable entertainment option for local baseball fans. Extras 2 All lineup announcements are made in English and French. That's worth an extra point. A second extra point is awarded for "The Switch Hitter," a sculpture located by the front entrance of the stadium. Visible from the highway, Russell Yuristy's sculpture stands six metres tall, reminding everyone that this is a hitter's ballpark. Final Thoughts While Ottawa Stadium's glory days may be behind it, the ballpark remains a functional facility that fits the Frontier League well. While it may be too large for the needs of the Titans, it’s great to see baseball continue in Canada’s capital after years of uncertainty. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.