Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Prince William Ice Center 5180 Dale Boulevard Woodbridge, VA 22193 George Mason Patriots hockey website Prince William Ice Center website Year Opened: 2011 Mason on the Ice The George Mason Patriots ice hockey team competes in Division I of the ACHA, the top level of intercollegiate club ice hockey in the United States. Play at this level is roughly comparable to Division III of the NCAA, but predominately features teams like Mason which do not sponsor the sport at a varsity level. The Patriots play their hockey at the Prince William Ice Center in Dale City Virginia, about a half hour drive from their campus in Fairfax. The original Prince William Ice Center opened in 1996 but collapsed in 2010 due to heavy snow. Thankfully, nobody was injured as they were able to get everyone out in time, but the building was completely destroyed. The current version opened in November 2011. In addition to Mason, several youth and adult teams of various levels play at the Prince William Ice Center, and many figure skaters and speed skaters train here as well. There are two rinks at the PWIC, an Olympic-sized one and an NHL-sized one. Mason always plays on the NHL-sized one. Food & Beverage 4 There is a snack bar located in the lobby of the Prince William Ice Center, to the left of the front doors to the building and directly across from the doors to the NHL-sized rink. There are some tables you can eat at and warm up during intermission, or you can bring in your food and eat it in the bleachers while watching the game. There is a good range of offerings here, including several all-day breakfast options, plus food like pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, and hot dogs which are more conducive to the time of day Mason usually plays. bottled water and a wide range of soft drinks and energy drinks are available, as are ice cream floats. Alcohol (beer, wine, and hard seltzer) is available to fans of legal drinking age, which is surprising for a municipal rink. Pries are reasonable - other than alcohol, everything is $7 or less, and most of it is much less. Atmosphere 3 Walking into the Prince William Ice Center will put you in a spacious lobby with display cases, banners, and trophies dedicated to the various teams who play here. The NHL rink is to the left of the entrance while the Olympic-sized rink is to the right. Mason always plays on the NHL rink, but if you want to confirm, you can ask at the front desk. Once inside the rink area, there are a few rows of bleachers on one side of the ice. Netting extends from the top of the glass to the ceiling, so you will be watching the game through it no matter how high you sit. That being said, all seats are pretty close to the action so you should have a good view. There is not much going on here besides the game itself. Music is played during breaks in the action, though it is not so loud as to become annoying. The PA announcer announces the starting lineups and will typically announce goal scorers, but often does not announce penalties. They do put the time remaining on the penalty up on the scoreboard, so you can at least see who it was called on and whether it was a major or a minor. Like most of the ACHA, this is a pretty basic experience in a standard municipal rink. Neighborhood 3 There is not much in the immediate vicinity of the Prince William Ice Center. There are a few fast food restaurants, gas stations, and the like, but this is a standard suburban area with not much going on. There are some shopping centers closer to I-95 which have some dining and other options, but nothing beyond the ordinary. The Dale City/Woodbridge area is a typical suburb of Washington, DC. Fans 3 By our estimation, there were between 100 and 200 fans in attendance when Stadium Journey visited the George Mason game, most of whom had some connection to the players on the ice. The crowd could be loud at times, while at other times it was quiet enough to hear the live stream commentator if you were sitting close by. This is a pretty standard crowd for ACHA, more than some people might expect for a team few know exists, but a far cry from what you'd see at an NCAA level. Since the Prince William ice Center is half an hour from Mason's campus with no transportation available, you will find few if any of their students in attendance. Access 2 The Prince William ice Center is located a few miles off I-95, and it is easy to get to, though we suggest using a GPS as it isn't clearly signed. Once you get in the lot, the ice arena is located behind the Boys' and Girls' club. Follow the road past that building to the Ice Center lot. Once you get there, you may have trouble finding a space as the lot is relatively small. Even if you get there early, you may struggle to find a space. This is a municipal rink, so other groups are usually using the ice before Mason's game. You may need to circle the lot a few times waiting for someone to leave. As mentioned, other groups often have the ice before George Mason does, so if you arrive early, you may have to wait for them to clear out before you go in the rink. This could be as late as 20-30 minutes before the game starts. That being said, you can eat something at the tables in the snack bar while you wait, or watch the TV which is often showing a hockey game or some other sporting event. Getting in and out of the stands can be difficult, as there is a small space between the bleachers and the entrance that may have a lot of people trying to crowd into it at once. It can get bad during intermission, but iis even worse before and after the game, as people will be coming for one event at the same time people are leaving the other. You shouldn't have too many issues, but it can be claustrophobic for a minute or two before you manage to get where you need to go. Restrooms are located in a walkway between the NHL and Olympic rinks, and you should have no issues here. There was water on the floor of the men's room when we went, but this is to be expected when people are trekking ice from the rink in there, and there is no reason to suspect it was anything but water. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to George Mason hockey games are $10 for students and $15 for adults (i.e. non-students.) This is on the high-end for ACHA hockey but certainly will not break the bank. Concessions are reasonably priced as well. Extras 3 Look for the banners in the rink and displays in the lobby honoring the myriad of teams and individual athletes that call or have called the Prince William Ice Center home. There is a large George Mason logo on one set of doors to the building, plus the team logo on center ice. Even though this is a municipal rink, it feels like the team's home, not just some rented place they play at. There is a merchandise table just inside the entrance to the link that sells GMU hockey gear. Final Thoughts While Prince William Ice Center is a municipal rink, don't let that fool you. A George Mason ACHA hockey game here is definitely a fun experience for college hockey fans in Northern Virginia. With no NCAA teams calling this area home, club hockey is basically the only way to check out the college level of the game. George Mason fans and college hockey fans in general will definitely want to make the trek down to Dale City to check out a Patriots game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Cecil College Gymnasium One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 Cecil College Seahawks website Cecil College Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970: Remodeled 2010 Capacity: 1,500 Basketball Seahawks Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007. The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The Seahawks won the NJCAA Division II national championship for basketball in 2006. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, The gymnasium is located on the first floor of the Physical Education building (Building E) on the North East campus. Food & Beverage 2 There are no real food options available at the arena. We are giving much credit to the vending options, which include a hot pizza vending machine. We attended after a major snowstorm and between semesters so the machine was not working, but we are hoping it is as awesome as it sounds. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level basketball game. There are some simple PA announcements and music played. There is only one grandstand in the gymnasium with nice comfortable seats. Technically there is also a small 4-row set of stands behind the benches but we think it is usually only used by the athletic trainers. Neighborhood 3 North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is named from its direction on the Maryland map. Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs and its sister restaurant across the street, Woody's Tacos, are our choices for meals when in town. The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games, as well as other local teams fans. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the country's busiest and most well-known highways, so getting to campus will not be difficult. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the building. You can enter from both sides of the gymnasium as there will be people charging for tickets at both entrances. Return on Investment 4 There is a simple $5 admission charge, paid in cash. That small price, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. Extras 1 Cecil has a good number of trophies and other things that show their past accomplishments throughout the arena and building. Look for the National Championship trophy. Final Thoughts The Cecil College Gymnasium is a simple affair but serves as a decent, albeit simple, venue for intercollegiate sports.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Bojangles’ Coliseum 2700 E Independence Blvd Charlotte, NC 28205 Charlotte Checkers website Bojangles’ Coliseum website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 8,600 Checking out in Charlotte The Bojangles Coliseum opened in 1955 as Charlotte’s first dedicated sports and concert venue. It has gone through various names over the years, including the Charlotte Coliseum, Independence Arena, Cricket Arena, and Bojangles Coliseum. It has operated as Bojangles Coliseum since 2008. When it opened it was the largest unsupported steel dome Coliseum in the world. It has a capacity of 8,600 in its ice hockey configuration. The Bojangles Coliseum was the first sports facility in the Deep South to serve as the home for a professional ice hockey team. The story of hockey in Charlotte is a story of fire and ice. The Baltimore Clippers of the Eastern Hockey League were left without a home rink with several games left in their 1956 season after their home rink burned down. The team moved to Charlotte on an emergency basis to play its last 5 games. Charlotte went wild over this new sport in the South, with 10,000 fans turning out for the initial game and 40,000 fans turning out over the five-game span. The Clippers owner was so impressed that he decided to keep the team in Charlotte permanently. It was an immediate success, as the Charlotte Clippers won the regular season and playoff championships in their first full season in Charlotte. After the first two seasons, a contest was held to rename the team. Maurice “Rocket” Richard was brought in to announce the name change to the Charlotte Checkers. Over the next 20 years, there were several changes in league affiliations with the Eastern Hockey League and the Southern Hockey League both going out of business. Finally, the Checkers would move on to the ECHL and eventually to the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2010. The Bojangles Coliseum hosted professional hockey from 1956-1977 to 1993-2005. The Checkers eventually returned to Bojangles Coliseum permanently in 2015 after several years at the Spectrum Arena in downtown Charlotte. In 2019 the Checkers took home the Calder Cup as the champions of the American Hockey League. The team serves as the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers of the NHL. Food & Beverage 5 Bojangles Coliseum offers a well-rounded set of concession offerings along the concourse level of the facility. Kelly’s East Side Diner offers a Bojangles chicken menu, plus hot dogs, popcorn, and craft beer. The Route 74 Grill serves a roadhouse menu of pizza, hot dogs, nachos, and brats. Charlotte’s Local Tap features a City BBQ menu of pulled pork sandwiches, pork/brisket tacos, and nachos, along with several craft beers. Goalie Guacamole features Latin-influenced street food, including chicken or pork nachos, chips and salsa, and chicken/pork Mexican rice bowls. Beer enthusiasts can head to the Beer Garden to sample more than 16 different craft beers. Each of these vendors features Coca-Cola brand products and operates on a cashless basis. The Red Line Club is a premium dining offering at the ice level of the Coliseum. It is positioned between the Checkers locker room and the rink. This offers patrons the opportunity to high-five the players as they enter and depart the ice between periods. The Red Line Club does accept reservations. Atmosphere 4 Checkers games at the Bojangles Coliseum are very well done. Each game provides some type of promotional giveaway. The stands are usually 70-80% full regularly. Even if you are seated in the balcony area of the arena, you’ll have a great view of the action on the ice. The Coliseum made several improvements in its facilities in preparation for the Checker's return in time for the 2016 season. These included the installation of wider seats in a reconfiguration of the seating bowl surrounding the ice. The electronics package also was enhanced with a new scoreboard, sound system, and sports lighting at the facility. Neighborhood 3 Unfortunately, the area immediately around the Bojangles Coliseum is very transitional. We encourage you to park only in the arena’s parking lot or to take a ride share to and from a game. There are some spots worth visiting within driving distance of the Coliseum. Vaulted Oak Brewery is a favorite for before and after-the-game drinks. The Mint Museum is highly recommended for any trip to the Queen City. Fans 4 Charlotte has the savviest hockey fans in the southern region of the AHL, as the city and the Coliseum have hosted a hockey team off and on since 1956. This predated the arrival of pro basketball and pro football by three decades. It has allowed the team to build a couple of generations of hockey fans. Bojangles Coliseum and the Checkers have a talented team on hand to keep the fans energized throughout the game. The team includes mascot Chubby, PA announcer TJ Chillot, organist Jason Atkins, aka “Greazy Keys” and the team’s cheer and dance team the CheckMates. The fans can create quite a din on powerplays or after a Checker’s goal. Their cheers are amplified by the Bojangles Coliseum’s tin roof, which tends to reflect the noise down into the seating bowl. Access 4 Bojangles Coliseum is easy to get to, as it lies along one of Charlotte’s main thoroughfares on Independence Boulevard (Highway 74). The parking lot is adjacent to the Coliseum, and it opens two hours before puck drop. The parking is built into your ticket price, which makes the parking process go much faster. Recent renovations have added additional entry points into the arena, and the doors open one hour before the puck drops, giving you plenty of time to find your seats. There are three main entrances to Bojangles Coliseum. The doors open one hour before the puck drops. This leaves you plenty of time to find your seat, get something to eat, or watch warmups. This helps keep lines from growing too long and the flow into the arena runs very smoothly. The concourse runs 360 degrees around the ice and is wide enough to handle the typical Checkers crowd without significant bottlenecks. The most recent renovations at Bojangles increased the number of restrooms by 33%, a much-needed improvement over the long lines, especially between the periods. Return on Investment 3 You will need to pull out your checkbook when purchasing tickets to a Checkers game, as they are quite pricey. There are five different levels of tickets in the seating bowl. The cheapest seats are known as balcony seats. They cost $25 and are located on the sides above the concourse. Attack seats ($28) are in the corners above the concourse. Gold seats ($35) are located on the sides just below the concourse. Platinum seats ($45) are in the lower levels on the sides of the rink. The two highest-priced ticket levels are Rinkside ($55) and Glass ($150). Glass seats are the first row of seats adjacent to the glass, while Rinkside seats are the rows immediately behind the glass seats. The parking fees are covered in the ticket price. Concession prices are well priced. Extras 3 Over the years the Charlotte Checkers have won several championships in the leagues they have played in. These include the 1956 Eastern Hockey League titles in 1956, 1971, and 1972, as well as the 1975 and 1976 titles in the Southern Hockey League and the ECHL title in 1996. In 2019 the Checkers were crowned as the Calder Cup champions of the AHL. The Checkers played their first regular-season outdoor game in January 2024. The Checkers Outdoor Classic was held at Truist Park, the home of the Charlotte Knights minor league baseball team. The banners from the various championships the Checkers have won over the years ring the perimeter of the seating bowl. Final Thoughts The original home of the Charlotte Checkers is still going strong nearly 70 years later. Bojangles Coliseum has undergone numerous renovations over the years to remain a viable home for one of the first southern ice hockey posts in the country.

Photo Created by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey A familiar baseball team will return to the Independence Baseball League this season. The former Gem City Bison will return as the Bison Baseball Club after a one-year hiatus. The Oahe Zap will operate the new version and serve as a travel team, playing 19 games and not competing for the playoffs. It is a welcome surprise for the Bison, who appeared to have made a splash when debuting in the IBL in 2022 in Laramie, Wyoming. The ballclub operated out of the University of Wyoming Cowboy Field, changed ownership groups after the season before announcing that they would take a break last February. Bison and Zap GM Lizzy Kocer said that the return of the Bison name had been in the works for quite some time and that the club will be operating via all social media accounts and have an official website. “The Bison has a name that stands out. Their marketing and logo design is high-end and top-of-the-line. Many people love the name and branding of the Bison ball club and we don’t want to make any changes but promote the team at our ballpark.” The league will begin the season on May 23, while the Bison won’t start until July 4. Their season will consist of only 19 games, and won't be eligible for the playoffs. The formation of the Bison will secure more home dates for the Zap and the other clubs in the loop. Fans should expect to see Bison gear sold at the stadium, a concession shop online, and two sets of uniforms for the team this season. The objective is to expose the Bison in the community from social media posts to the Pierre 4th of July parade.  The two clubs will play each other five times this season. Kocer added that the plan is to find the Bison a permanent ballpark and city for the 2025 season; there will be an emphasis on eastern South Dakota. Zap ownership will operate the club and is looking for an ownership group that fits its business model. “We will be happy for them to have a city of their own one day and hope to copy and mirror the organizational feel we have in Pierre. The future owners will have to have the same amount of care and make sure their town has the same amount of love for summer collegiate baseball.” Stadium Journey visited a Bison game when it was based in Gem City (Laramie) in 2022 and gave it a 2.71 FANFARE Score. The score was a result of a few factors: concession prices, neighborhood, pricing, and atmosphere. “The combination of a ballpark that has no modern amenities and a team competing in a new, amateur wood bat league would not produce a good atmosphere. However, credit the Bison front office and a small but enthusiastic fan base for creating a fun game day experience.” This year, the Bison won’t have to worry about the stadium experience as they will be one of three travel teams that include the Nebraska Prospects and another former IBL club, Plainsmen Baseball (formerly the North Platte Plainsmen). Besides the Zap, the 8-team loop will see the Hastings Sodbusters, Spearfish Sasquatch, Fremont Moo, and Casper Spuds return from last season. The return of the Bison is a great story in the world of summer collegiate baseball. We all know what happens when a team takes a hiatus, most don’t come back. The team’s season will be short and sweet in 2024, but if things work out as planned the club will be in the right place for the 2025 season. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter, Instagram, and his YouTube channel.  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 epet ARENA Milady Horákové 1066/98 Prague, Czech Republic AC Sparta Praha website epet ARENA website Year Opened: 1917 Capacity: 18,887 The Crown Jewel of Czech Soccer epet ARENA, more commonly known as Letná Stadium, has been home to the most decorated club in all of Czechia, AC Sparta Praha. Established in 1893, Sparta has won 37 league titles, 15 Czech Cups (both being Czech records), and two Czech Supercups. Their decorated history doesn’t stop at the domestic level. In terms of European competitions, Sparta accumulated three Central European Cups, a UEFA Cup in 1973, and reached the European Cup (now known as UEFA Champions League) semi-finals in 1992. It is no surprise that winning ways bring high expectations, and the supporters that fill the Letná never cease to drop their standards. Food & Beverage 2 The matchday experience at the Letná Stadium is something memorable, but the food is something to be forgotten. We were in the stand along the goal line across from the Ultras section. Here are a few of the same concession stands, serving the fundamental stadium food you would anticipate; sausage, popcorn, chips, beer, soda, etc. The concessions are cheap though. Every item, food, or beverage is no more than $4. The sausage itself was not bad, but they ran out of buns before the match even started. But the drinks come with a take-home cup, so at the price you pay, that is a fantastic deal. Atmosphere 5 While hosting the most famous club in the Czech Republic, the Letná would not be described as a large stadium. Rather than providing a fancy stadium atmosphere like big clubs do, the Lenta utilizes its small capacity of just below 19,000 to create an intimate atmosphere. The stadium is split into four different stands, each one accompanying its sideline/end line. Like most European stadiums, you only have access to the stand where your seat is located, meaning if you are sitting in the north stand, you only have access to the north stand concourse. Worried that you do not have any Sparta apparel for your upcoming match, no worries because there is the team store outside of the stadium. It is an expansive shop with apparel, decor, and many other Sparta-branded items. Just be sure to check out the team store before heading to your entrance gate. The seating itself is very comfortable, with chairs back at every seat and plenty of legroom provided by the rows. The cheapest tickets are located on the first level behind the goal opposite the ultras section, and I highly recommend sitting here. The views from there are great and unobstructed, you can easily see any display from the ultras, and you are close to the field, so it is fun to have the Sparta players celebrate goals right in front of you. If you sit here, be careful when the stadium gets upset, cups are prone to being tossed on the field from the second deck, and many of them miss short. There is no shortage of pre-match festivities at the Letná. The ultras start buzzing when players come on the pitch to warm up. Two hype videos are projected on the video boards, one in Czech, and one in English giving visitors a brief overview of the club’s history. Then a massive flag display takes place on the pitch as the players make their way out of the dressing rooms and onto the pitch. Throughout the entirety of the match chants, tifos, and pyros are constantly going off, and the atmosphere always stays intense. Two TV screens are serving as video boards located in opposite corners of the stadium, meaning every seat in the stadium can view one of them. These screens serve to display the score and time, the pregame hype videos, halftime promotions, and last but certainly not least crowd control prompts. For example, occasionally an away player will dive to the ground to draw a foul, leading a chant to break out from the crowd in Czech, visitors like us will not understand the point of the chant until a “do not use foul language” prompt appears on the video board, then we can use some context clues. My favorite is when the ultras light one stick of pyro, and then the video board pops up with an animation that tells the fans pyro is not allowed, which seems to only encourage the ultras to light more. Neighborhood 5 Out of all the stadiums in Prague, Letná Stadium has hands down the best location. Situated in Prague 7, the stadium is an easy 20-minute walk across the Vltava River from Old Town Square. Meaning the stadium is minutes away from the many attractions of Prague, and close to limitless restaurant/bar options. In terms of pre/post-match food and drinks, I would point you in the direction of Lokal Dulka for a drink and traditional Czech food located close to the city center. Mr. Hot Dog is a very popular spot for hotdogs, sausages, burgers, and drinks right next to the stadium. It often has a lively pre-match atmosphere being that it is so close to the stadium. It is almost impossible to see everything in Prague in just one trip, but attraction highlights include Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, and St. George’s Basilica. Be sure to check out some of the other teams in Prague as well. Sparta HC is the most popular hockey team in town, but four other soccer clubs reside in Prague including first division sides Bohemians 1905 and Slava Praha. Staying around the city center is highly recommended as you can find affordable options within walking distance of all of the attractions. For solo travelers, the city is loaded with cheap and clean hostels. Check out hostelworld.com as it is the most popular hotel booking site with quality reviews and prices.  For visitors looking for a hotel, Hotel Zlata Vaha is a great option and can be booked for around $70. If you book at the right time other affordable hotels in the area can be found for anywhere between $50-$90. Prague is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world, and Sparta Prague plays right in the hub of all of it. Fans 5 To put it simply, the fans are the ones who make the experience at the Letná Stadium so great. The big clubs in the world with legendary stadiums like Man United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich get all the attention as passionate fanbases, which is something that I don’t believe to be true. However, after attending a Sparta match, I would put Sparta as one of the most passionate in the world. In terms of general traditions, there are many. During the player walkouts, the fans hold their scarves high while all of the supporters gave a bone-chilling rehearsal of a club anthem. Scarves are waved like Pittsburgh's terrible towel while the celebration song plays in the background after every goal. The Sparta ultras are unbelievable, their section was packed before warmups, and from the time warmups started, to well after the match they stayed buzzing with songs, tifos, and two pyro displays. Most of the atmosphere in the stadium stems from the Ultras. These might be general things that a lot of supporters do, but the reason why I would give them the title as one of the most passionate fanbases is what happens during the game. For reference, we saw a league match vs FK Teplice. At the time of the match, Sparta was about 6 points clear of first in the division and Teplice was in the bottom third, so not the most meaningful match in the world. It was a disastrous start for Sparta as they were quickly playing with 10 men and down 1-0 early. This prompted the away side to begin early time wasting, and when a player would dive to the sidelines, the fans answered by jeering the player and sometimes even throwing cups onto the field. The away club even scored a second goal, but upon review got called back for offsides, and instead of cheering for the offsides, the fans started verbally attacking the assistant referee for missing the call in the first place, little to say the first half was incredibly tense, and filled with anger. Just to be clear, we do not condone throwing cups on a field, or any form of reckless behavior from fans not local to the club and are rather just visiting. If you are visiting a team on vacation, please act with respect no matter what is happening in the stands. To fast forward, Sparta came back to win 2-1 being down a man the entire match. Words cannot describe the noise from the crowd when the go-ahead goal connected. There was an older gentleman in front of me who was in tears as if Sparta just won the Champions League. When I try to think about what this team means to this fanbase, there is no better example than that gentleman sitting in the row below me. Access 4 The stadium is more than walkable from the city center, but in case you do not plan on walking, the stadium has public transport access. There is a tram stop label, “Sparta” right inform of the team shop. This stop has many different trams that serve it, so check Google or Apple Maps for what route best suits your departing location. The team store does not require entrance into the stadium, allowing everyone to check it out before the match. There is a stadium map on the front of your PDF ticket if you purchase ahead of time. This will show you what gate you need to enter, and there is signage all around the stadium using arrows to point you in the direction of the gate your ticket desires. The concourse for each stand is shared between the upper and lower levels, but it is very spacious and has tables to grab a bite before heading to your seat. I was not able to find anything about handicap access, but the guest services at Sparta were very quick to respond to my ticketing emails, so I counsel you to reach out to them for information relating to handicap access. Return on Investment 5 In terms of activities on your to-do list in Prague, the return on investment of a Sparta Prague is greater than anything else on your itinerary. General tickets are priced anywhere from 300czk – to 450czk, and VIP ticket packages go up from there. This means tickets for Sparta start at $13. That is cheaper than the following Prague attractions: the National Museum, Prague Castle, Powder Tower, and St. Vitus Cathedral. As mentioned before, the food is basic but very cheap. Food and soda are anywhere between $2-$4, beer is $3 and comes in a souvenir cup. . Extras 3 The stadium does not have anything too fancy, but props to Sparta for an expansive team store on the outside of the stadium. English was well spoken by the staff, and drinks also came with a souvenir plastic cup without an upcharge, so that was neat. There are stadium tours available, and you have to go through the website to purchase. Final Thoughts I have been to the World Series, seen my hometown Braves win the NLCS, attended major UGA Football games, and seen an NCAA Sweet 16 and an NCAA Frozen Four. Granted, seeing the Braves finally overthrow the Dodgers in game six was one of the greatest moments ever, there is nothing that compares to the value of a Sparta Prague ticket. For $13 to be a part of an atmosphere like this, you would be a fool not to attend if you’re visiting the area.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Tiger Stadium W Stadium Rd Baton Rouge, LA 70893 LSU Tigers website Tiger Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 102,321 Saturday Night in Baton Rouge Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium is home to the Louisiana State University Tigers football team; the stadium opened in 1924 with an original capacity of just 12,000. However, the increase in “Geaux” Tigers fans through the years has forced the historic venue to its fair share of remodels and renovations. Tiger Stadium now becomes the fifth largest city in the state of Louisiana on game days due to the venue’s capacity of 102,321. Tiger Stadium is the second largest stadium in the Southeastern Conference behind Texas A&M’s Kyle Field. Tiger Stadium sits on the campus of Louisiana State University less than one mile away from the Mississippi River, just south of Baton Rouge. The most recent renovation to Tiger Stadium was completed in 2014 and included 66 luxury suites, 3,000 club level seats above the south end zone, and 1,500 public seats in the upper deck, making it the sixth-largest college football stadium in the nation – the 1,500 public seats are known as the Skyline Club. Purchase of a ticket in the Skyline Club (with beer garden) includes admission to the seating area, admission to a self-serve food buffet, and the ability to purchase beer and wine. In addition, starting in 2018 Tiger Stadium saw the appearance of an additional beer garden called The Chute; this new beer drinking area is located below the south end zone bleachers. Over the past 99 years, Tiger Stadium is one of the toughest venues for visiting teams to win in (as of this writing LSU has a 439-154-18 record at Tiger Stadium). In 2005 Tiger Stadium also served as the playing site for four New Orleans Saints games, due to the devastation by Hurricane Katrina, to New Orleans and the Louisiana Superdome. Food & Beverage   4 There are plenty of great options outside Tiger Stadium for local Cajun flavors such as meat pies, boudin and alligator, red beans and rice, and even shrimp etouffee. However, the food and beverage operation inside the venue is a second chance to enjoy a little Cajun flavor – Triple B’s New Orleans Cajun Corner stands can be found throughout the stadium and offer three Cajun items: Zatarain’s Cajun jambalaya, grilled alligator sausage po’boys, and Creole crawfish pie. Or if you aren’t interested in the local cuisine there is the basic stadium fare, for example, Tiger Dogs (hot dog with chili and nacho cheese), Swamp Sausage (bratwurst), BBQ Bengal Burgers (cheese, BBQ sauce and pickles) and Grande Nachos. Besides these items the concessions stands are basic with hot dogs, nachos, bottomless popcorn, and Bavarian pretzels. The beverages at Tiger Stadium are Coca-Cola products. There are plenty of options when it comes to alcohol drinks, as the stadium has served a variety since 2019. The regional food menu, along with reasonable stadium prices, raises Tiger’s Stadium concessions to an above average ranking. Atmosphere   5 There are plenty of great atmospheres in college football, and many fans have legitimate reasons to think their school has the best atmosphere. LSU fans are no different, and if creating a list of the top three college football atmospheres, it would be hard not to list Tiger Stadium as one of them. The LSU fan base is one of the best all-around in college sports, and obviously Tiger football fans are the harder core of the group. On game day in Baton Rouge, the reflection from the Mississippi River becomes a tidal wave of purple and gold. Just like every great college atmosphere, the atmosphere begins with tailgating – over two-thirds of Tiger fans tailgate for five or more hours before every game, and many begin more than 24 hours before kickoff. There are plenty of charcoal grills, tents, televisions, music, and other festivities for tailgaters. It seems like all the tents, vehicles, chairs, and tables are decorated in Tiger apparel, and the signs around the tailgating are a warning to visiting fans that their team is about to be Tiger bait. Tiger Stadium becomes the fifth largest population in the state of Louisiana on game day, so the tailgating scene is quite a sight to see while walking around LSU’s campus. But it wouldn’t be a trip to Tiger Stadium unless you visit Mike the Tiger’s exhibit and witness LSU’s Tiger Walk. The Tiger Walk begins on top of Victory Hill, from the top of the hill down past the basketball arena, next to and into Tiger Stadium. This is a huge moment in the game day experience for Tiger fans, as the crowd will be large, so get a spot on the barrier fence early – a good recommendation is to get there an hour before the Tiger Walk. The Tiger Walk starts about 2 hours and 15 minutes before kickoff and includes more than just the players walking from the buses to the stadium, but is also a celebration of LSU football. Past LSU players start the walk followed by the current team, LSU Golden Girls, marching band, and cheerleaders, all walking down Victory Hill. This is probably the best time to head into the stadium. The team begins warmups about 90 minutes prior to kickoff, and about half an hour before kickoff and right before the Tigers leave the field after practice, the PA system, along with the video board, presents Garth Brooks’ “Callin’ Baton Rouge”, which adds more excitement as over 100,000 Tiger fans can join in the singing of the song. It is also hard to beat a night game in Tiger Stadium, especially before kickoff, when the public address announcer announces, “It’s Saturday Night in Death Valley…and here come your Fighting Tigers of LSU". LSU fans are engaged and loud throughout the game, with chants of “Geaux Tigers” and “Tiger Bait”, especially for an SEC rival. The LSU student section is the conductor in leading the charge, in making Tiger Stadium one of the loudest in college football. Neighborhood   4 The LSU campus is a few miles south from downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The campus enrollment is close to 31,000 and consists of more than 250 buildings constructed in the style of Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio; the campus occupies a 650-acre plateau on the east banks of the Mississippi River. The area just off the interstate isn’t much to see, but on the north end of campus is Chimes Street – Chimes Street is a good place to find many local bars and restaurants to enjoy yourself. There are plenty of food options available here with Chinese food, sushi, BBQ joints, southern cuisine, and sports bars where you can watch other games. Obviously any options close to campus and the stadium will be crowded, so arrive and be prepared an hour or more before heading towards Tiger Stadium. The Chimes on the corner of Chimes Street and Highland Road is a good spot to begin the day, because a trip to Baton Rouge is worth eating at a southern cuisine restaurant. This restaurant offers delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine including gumbo, crawfish etouffee, po’boys, boudin balls, alligator, and some fantastic pasta options. There is also a Buffalo Wild Wings just up from The Chimes, if you just want an alcoholic beverage. But for fans who enjoy local breweries, try visiting Tin Roof Brewing Company near the Magnolia Mound Plantation – Magnolia Mound Plantation is a wonderful tourist spot to visit if you get a chance while in Baton Rouge, and on the south side of campus there is the Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, a good spot for pregame meet ups. Baton Rouge has plenty of lodging, but there are a couple of places within walking distance from campus. On the south side there is 3-star hotel, Staybridge Suites Baton Rouge off Nicolson Drive, while back on the east side of campus is Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU – these hotels will get full and pricey if not booked in advance. As a matter of fact, the Baton Rouge area lodging prices will be higher on football weekends, so planning to stay further out might save on your wallet. Baton Rouge, being the state capital, means it has tourist attractions. I mentioned the Plantation, but downtown has both the old and new capitol buildings, the latter being one of the tallest buildings in Baton Rouge. Or one of my favorites is the USS Kidd, a Fletcher-class destroyer from WWII, now a National Historic Landmark/museum ship berthed on the Mississippi River. Fans   5 LSU fans are one of the loudest, most dedicated, and in a simple word, awesome, fan bases in the country. Tiger Stadium becomes the fifth largest population in the state of Louisiana during a Tigers home game. Tiger fans are very knowledgeable about their LSU history and are always willing to talk football with you. The southern hospitality is alive and well throughout the campus. However, there are always the cat calls of ‘TIGER BAIT’ to visiting fans wearing the other team’s colors. The atmosphere of Tiger fans tailgating is incredible; they are dedicated and love the purple and gold, but to hear the echoes of “Geaux Tigers” throughout the live oak tree campus is a credit to all LSU fans. Inside the stadium, just get ready for one of the loudest fan experiences of your life. There could be a moment that surprises you when the LSU marching band plays “Talkin’ Out the Side of Your Neck”, but this comes from the student section, and anyone that has been around college students in a hostile environment knows the students go beyond being politically correct. Access   2 Tiger Stadium is on the campus of Louisiana State University; LSU is located just south of downtown Baton Rouge. There are exits off Interstate 10, so the access getting to the stadium is a breeze, especially if you go early to soak up the LSU game day atmosphere. The parking can be prepaid which costs between $20 and $40 for reserved lots around Tiger Stadium, but there is also free parking available in a multitude of places; the LSU golf course near Alex Box Stadium (LSU baseball) is really the best option for non-parking pass holders. Like most sports venues, the best thing is to plan in advance for your trip, and this is even more true when making a trip to Tiger Stadium. Parking maps and fan guides can be found on LSU’s website, which highlight the best areas to park on game day. All gates open 2 1/2 hours prior to kickoff, and waiting until the last minute can cause you to miss some of the pre-game activities, or part of the game itself. Although there are plenty of gates to enter Tiger Stadium, not every gate will allow access to your seat – Tiger Stadium can be a maze for finding your seat, as the stadium expansion over the years never created full access to other parts of the stadium in some areas. The best advice is to look at your ticket and use the gate printed on it to prevent frustration and time lost in entering Tiger Stadium. This is a good warning for buying your ticket because if you have an upper deck ticket, be aware that you do NOT have access to anywhere else in the stadium. This can be another frustrating fact in terms of Tiger Stadium access – many visiting fans want to go in early and watch the teams warm up or want to take pictures in other areas in of the stadium, so those that want to get the full experience may be quite disheartened, especially considering that other SEC stadiums such as Texas A&M and Alabama allow fans down near the field (or between the hedges in Georgia’s case) not only during pre-game but during the ENTIRE game. LSU Athletics enforces a clear bag policy at Tiger Stadium, due to it being a conference-wide policy for the Southeastern Conference (SEC), meaning that clear bags measuring larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, or non-clear wristlets/clutches/wallets/bags measuring larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, are not allowed into the venue. The access at Tiger Stadium is probably not as bad for frequent visitors to LSU games as it is for occasional visitors, for whom it can really be a huge negative to an otherwise wonderful place to watch college football. All of this said, even leaving the stadium is a nightmare. There are 100,000+ fans being directed down one-way streets away from campus, so the problem is that trying to reach the highway can take an hour when campus is only four miles from the interstate. There hasn’t been a venue that can be more frustrating when it comes to access, but this should not keep any football fan from visiting Baton Rouge, the beautiful LSU campus, or taking in the incredible atmosphere of LSU’s Tiger Stadium. Return on Investment   5 There are five tiers of seating prices inside Tiger Stadium, and of course, any SEC game will cost more than a non-conference game. Non-conference games against opponents such as Nicholls, South Alabama, or Louisiana Tech will be between $20 and $70 when buying from the box office, and the atmosphere will still be a great experience for these games, but for a lot less money. The rest of the schedule is the SEC, so, there will be a higher demand, especially the years that Alabama visits Baton Rouge. Expect ticket prices for premier games to range from $200 to $275 per ticket, which makes the other SEC games seem not as bad, since their ticket prices range from $50 to $85. The justification for all of this is that there is free parking and great food to offset the expense of the ticket. Compared to other big programs, LSU keeps their ticket prices cheap for football games, except for premier games. However, if you are a fan of bargains, then LSU’s Louisiana Fish Fry Products Skyline Club (south upper deck) is an area that may peek your interest – the Skyline Club is an open-air seating premium club area able to accommodate up to 1,500 fans in sections 650-658. Included in the ticket cost for this is an all-you-can-eat buffet of rotating menu items and one free beverage. Beer and wine are also available for purchase at an additional cost. LSU has a strong travel fan base, so there aren’t many atmospheres in college football that beat LSU football in Tiger Stadium. Parking can be free, concessions are reasonably priced, and the overall atmosphere is worth the price of admission. Extras   5 The amazing history of Louisiana State University football is storied with success over 125 college football seasons, and Tiger Stadium has been named as one of the best college stadiums to visit by many media outlets throughout the years. In addition, the city of Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s state capital and the third-southernmost capital city in the continental US after Austin and Tallahassee, which are truly the definition of southern hospitality. There are also so many things to experience in and around the LSU campus, with the most popular on game day being Mike the Tiger’s habitat, one of the true highlights of traveling to LSU. The habitat has an Italianate tower (campanile) as a backdrop that creates a visual link to the Italianate architectural vernacular of LSU’s campus. The new habitat ranks among the largest and finest tiger preserves in the United States. Mike the Tiger is the official mascot of LSU – Mike is the name of both the live and costumed mascots. The current live tiger, Mike VII, was recently introduced on August 21, 2017, which was the first day of classes for LSU’s fall semester. LSU fans are also amazingly supportive as they travel to away games, but to see them line up for the Tiger Walk prior to games at Tiger Stadium illustrates the passion and loyalty that Tiger fans possess. Final Thoughts For 130 seasons, LSU football has been bringing fans together to watch college football in Baton Rouge. There are many reasons that LSU is voted one of the best atmospheres in college football to watch a game, but the biggest reason is that LSU is more than a football game – for fans, students, and alumni, Death Valley on a Saturday (night) becomes a way of life.

Like most shopping malls around the country, Macon Mall in Macon, GA was experiencing hard times. A new lifestyle center had lured away many of its tenants, while other national tenants had gone bankrupt and gone out of business. Online shopping has become popular during the pandemic and has cut down the flow of shoppers in the mall drastically. The vacancy rate in the mall hovered at 74 %. The final straw was the owner of the mall turning over the mall to the city of Macon. The city was facing a quandary. What do you do with a shopping mall? The first thing the city did was downsize the mall by demolishing one wing of the mall. In its place, the city will construct a 10,000-seat amphitheater. It already was a needed amenity in the area and would bring traffic back to the mall area. This still left a large vacant area where one of the anchor stores had stood. How could that space be filled? The answer to that question is to marry a shopping mall with pickleball. Pickleball is the #1 participant sport in the country. Leagues and courts are popping up everywhere. The solution is the 32-court Rhythm and Rally Sports and Event Complex. The 150,000-square-foot facility is the largest indoor pickleball facility in the world. The facility also includes climate-controlled locker rooms, showers, and a pro shop. The city of Macon has seen its white elephant turn into a gold mine. The new facility is a great hit in the pickleball community. In the first few weeks, it was open, Rhythm and Rally hosted a tournament with more than 6,500 participants. Players came from 24 four states and several foreign countries. A second tournament in January 2024 drew more than 900 participants. The facility has lined up a series of local, regional, and national tournaments throughout 2024. The local community has responded to the new complex just as enthusiastically. Local membership in the complex has skyrocketed, with most of the courts in use around the clock. The facility has also drawn the attention of government officials in other cities and states, as they all are facing the same issues of abandoned properties. It has spawned the concept of adaptive reuse in malls and other large vacant properties. In the meantime, Rhythm and Rally Sports and Events Complex expects to generate between $ 3-5 million in revenue in 2024 for the city of Macon.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ďolíček Vrshovicka 1489/31 Praha 10 101 00 Prague Bohemians 1905 website Ďolíček website Year Opened: 1932 Capacity: 6,300 What Soccer Should Be The Ďolíček, home of Bohemians 1905 since 1932. It originally opened with a capacity of around 18,000, but a turbulent history has cut it to 6,300 today. Throughout its lifetime the Ďolíček has seen the highs and lows that come with sports and the community it resides in. The resounding history that is represented on its walls represents what soccer can mean to a neighborhood, and just why we love it so much. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage at the stadium are surprisingly good for a simple ground like the Ďolíček. Each matchday the Bohieman's Instagram account posts the night's menu and what concessions are to be offered at the main stand. Most concession stands are food trucks that inhabit the concourse on the other side of the primary gate. As expected with most European stadiums sausage is a common item, in addition to the anticipated, Bohemians offered higher grade items like pulled pork, meatloaf, and other meaty dinner items. Our recommendation to you would be the pulled pork and the fried cheese as your side, and it will run you less than $7 in total. Beer is available on tap at every concession spot and comes in a nice plastic souvenir cup with a handle. You can expect basic stadium sodas like Coca-Cola and Sprite at every spot you visit. The prices for all concession items are very cheap when compared to stadiums in the United States, and credit cards are accepted. Just be sure to check out the Instagram before the match to see if anything new is being offered during your attended match. Atmosphere 3 The Ďolíček is a classic soccer ground, it's small, has history, and is the heartbeat of its community. The stadium is divided into four different stands, the main stand on the west side of the stadium, the ultras terrance resides to the north of the stadium, and finally section C along with the away end shares the sideline opposite the main stand. The exterior of the stadium and its interior are covered by murals depicting the team's history and triumphs. Section C runs from the goal line to midfield and is only three rows high, it does not have a concourse, so the fans that occupy this section are the ones that do not wish for anything else but to watch the match. As a nonlocal, I do not recommend sitting here as sightlines can be obstructed and there is one small concession stand that is cash only. We originally had tickets at the midfield part of this section, and one of our seats was under the stand for the broadcast camera, more on that later. I urge you to cough up the extra $5 and sit in the main stand. This comes with unobstructed sightlines, an overhead canopy, folding seats, the team store, full restrooms, and a concourse with many food options. As I said before, we were originally sitting with an inaccessible seat in section C, but thanks to the extremely generous and helpful Bohemians staff, we were able to pick up two unused tickets to the VIP Silver in the main stand, which is one of two hospitality sections. This area comes with a private room under the stands with free food and drink, with seats on the brink of the attacking third. The other hospitality offered is VIP gold, which comes with a private room underneath the main concourse and tickets in the main stand. The stadium features two scoreboards, on large TV screen in the corner opposite of the ultras, and an ancient scoreboard behind the ultras. Nothing gets exhibited on the TV screen as it serves as a second clock and score display. But you are not coming here for fancy stadium amenities, the Ďolíček provides the traditional soccer atmosphere that makes this sport great. It is not monopolized by greedy ownership or bandwagon fans, it is about the people and the neighborhood it resides in, and it feels pure. No matter what is happening on the pitch, the ultras are loud and passionate, the fans in the main stand are welcoming and happy, and the Ďolíček is a classic ground. Neighborhood 4 Prague is a city that has something for everyone, after all, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Prague is numbered into different districts, Prague 1, 2… and so on. The city center is considered Prague 1, and the districts expand from there. The most popular districts in terms of tourism will be Prague 1, 2, 3, and 7. These districts are where popular attractions such as Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Town Square, Welshness Square, the National Museum, and many others can be found. I would find a hostel or hotel close to the city center for the best experience. Hotel Zlata Vaha is a great hotel option that is priced at about $70 a night. Generally speaking, hotels will cost between $50-$90 depending on when you are visiting. If you are riding solo numerous hostels can be found for $10-$25 a night. The Ďolíček is in a residential neighborhood, but it is a short 15-minute tram ride to the city center which is where all of the pre and post-game options are. Prague is also extremely walkable if you prefer that option rather than public transport. Food options before the game are limitless, so you should do a little research on where to eat to find something that suits your liking, but if I had to point you in a specific direction, I would recommend Johnny’s Pizza Bar for arguably the best pizza in Prague, Lokal Doluhaaa as a great local joint for meat and drinks, or Den Noc as a breakfast bistro. Prague hosts four other soccer clubs (Sparta, Slavia, Dulka, and Viktoria Zernov) multiple hockey teams (the most notable being Sparta HC), and the O2 arena is a popular concert venue. Fans 4 On the outside looking in, Bohemians 1905 fans might seem like an average fanbase. They are overshadowed by the big clubs they share the city with (Sparta and Slavia), their stadium is tiny and aged, and they are just not who you think of when you think about teams in Prague. However, the history of this fanbase encapsulates what a team can mean to a community. As their name suggests, the club was founded in 1905, and it has played an integral part in the neighborhood community since then. The best run of history was in 1982 when the club made it to the UEFA Cup semi-final after winning the Czech first division. Then a string of mediocracy left the club stuck in terms of success, but they stayed afloat in the first division, for the most part. However, in 2005 disaster struck. The club faced financial insolvency and was forced to be relegated to the third division of Czech soccer. On the brink of the club being shut down for good, the supporters got together to pay off the club’s debts and in doing so, they saved their community's club, and are the reason the Bohemians find themselves in the first division today. Nowadays, the fans continue to show up for their team. The Ďolíček is constantly around its small capacity, but around capacity, nonetheless. The fans were welcoming and were fun to talk to as a foreigner visiting their club. They are passionate but are cognizant that they are not a top club in the league. The ultras are loud and sing the club's songs throughout the match. During the second half, they fired off an impressive green pyro display. At the end of the day, no matter what happens, this fanbase is proud to be represented by their club. Access 3 The Ďolíček is an easy ground to get to. Two different tram lines run to the stadium, and the line to the Old Town takes about 15 minutes. The stop is even labeled “Bohemians”, so there is no chance you miss your stop. As mentioned before, I highly recommend, maybe even demand you sit on the main stand. The main stand gate is next to the train stop so it is a short crosswalk away. With that being said, make sure you are entering the right gate. The gate name and location can be found on your ticket if you purchase them through Ticketportal. The concourse here is small and easy to maneuver, note that the concourse for the main stand runs only along the main stand. Once you get through the turnstiles, the “concourse”, better described as a lot, is what lies beyond the turnstiles. Here can be found the concession stands, picnic tables, restrooms, and restrooms. From here you walk up to a catwalk that spans across the main stand. This is how you get access to your seat and where you can find the quaint team store. Card is accepted throughout the concourse and English is widely spoken by the staff. The ultras section is just for ultras, and section “c” does not have a concourse and possesses a cash-only concession stand. The main stand is where every Bohemians 1905 newcomer should sit for the best experience. Return on Investment 4 Being on par with much of the Czech Republic, not including tourist traps, the return on investment is very high. Tickets to the main stand start at 300czk which equates to about $13. In terms of hospitality, VIP Silver tickets are 800czk ($36) and VIP Gold tickets are 2000czk ($90). Food is priced anywhere between $2-$5 depending on what suits your fancy. Sausage stands as the cheapest meal, and items like pulled pork are a little more expensive. Beer is around $2.50. Public transportation for Prague is very cheap and starts from just under $2 for a 30-minute ticket. Other public transport tickets offered are 90 minutes, 24 hours, and 72 hours. Extras 4 The stadium itself does not offer any outstanding extras aside from the beautiful murals on its walls, but I must give credit where credit is due to the staff. Being the ill-informed foreigner I was, I bought tickets to section c. This is where the TV broadcast camera is set up. And because there is not a high advantage point on this side of the field, they built a stand for the camera. This stand happened to be right above the seat that I purchased. With not being able to access my seat because of the camera platform, I was ready to purchase completely different tickets for the main stand at the box office, but I didn’t know if the game was sold out yet. I was able to talk to a ticket staff member at the gate we entered about my situation. In great English, he was more than happy to help and informed me that I didn’t have to buy a completely new ticket, but I could ask to trade in the ticket for a new one and pay the difference. I did not know that was an option, so this was great news to me. As I exited to walk around to the main stand to trade my ticket, I walked to the wrong ticket booth. However, at this tent were two staffers, who also spoke English, and as I tried to describe my situation and what I was told about trading in a ticket, instead, they offered me an unused VIP Silver ticket that was reserved for a friend who couldn’t make it. I tried to pay for the ticket but they refused and apologized for the inconvenience. So again, I would like to give a huge thank you to the staff of Bohemians who were very helpful as I was a Ďolíček rookie making rookie mistakes, mistakes that will not be made by you the reader. Final Thoughts This stadium is what soccer really should be. It is worth a visit while in Prague.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Gator Court 4701 N Charles St Baltimore, MD 21210 Notre Dame Gators website Gator Court website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 1,000 Gators In Baltimore Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1873. It is right next door to the “Evergreen” campus of Loyola University Maryland (which it shares a library facility). It was formerly an all-women’s college, but that ended in 2023 as it is now co-ed. The university has over 3000 students. The original name of the school was the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute. It also spent many years with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland name. In 2011, the school attained university status with the addition of several graduate-level programs. Notre Dame’s athletic teams are members of Division III of the NCAA. All sports but swimming compete within the United East Conference. Although the swim team does not compete within a conference, it participates in the yearly Old Dominion Athletic Conference swim championships. The university’s sports teams are known as the Gators. The 2023/2024 season is the first for the men's basketball program. Gator Court is home to Gators basketball and volleyball. It is located within the larger Marion Burk Knott Sports Complex. Food & Beverage 1 There is no permanent food stand at Gator Court. There is a small table set up near the entrance to the gym where candy and chips are sold. The prices are great, but you will want to plan for food. Atmosphere 3 This is a medium size gym that is very reminiscent of a high school gym. Because of the relatively small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. There is a small simple grandstand on the main side of the court. There are no seats on the other side of the court, behind the benches. A few people stand or sit in an area above the gym level where a balcony has a view of the game's action. These do offer a great view of the action, although this area is not meant for much of a crowd. Neighborhood 3 Notre Dame 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. They are one of the closer options to campus. 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 lobby restaurant which is another option. Venturing further from the university, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Fans 2 As with most small college gyms, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. The men's team, although new, is still drawing relatively well since many of the players are from the local area. Access 3 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. If one is attending weekend games, there should be no problem finding parking. There is a big lot near the tennis courts and is just a short walk away from the Knott Complex. I have not attended a game here on weekday nights so I am not sure how filled that parking lot gets. You may want to arrive a little early just in case. The Knott building can be accessed in one of two main ways. The main entrance is on the south side, while if coming from the parking lot, there is a small unmarked door from the north. The north entrance is better anyway as it takes you right to the gym level, whereas the main door brings you to the balcony area. Return on Investment 4 You are not going to be watching the highest level of basketball competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out. . Extras 1 The Notre Dame campus is small but quite pretty. Take a quick walk around before the game. There is a small trophy case with some athletic trophies and accomplishments right at the main Knott entrance. Final Thoughts There is not too much to see at a Notre Dame of Maryland University men's basketball game. But the gym is still a pleasant place to see some intercollegiate action.

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 Greyhound Hoops 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 Notre Dame of Maryland University, which also just became a coed school in 2023. Loyola has a strong liberal arts program, as well as a fine education school and the Joseph A. Sellinger School of Business and Management. Reitz Arena replaced the original 1926 Evergreen Gymnasium on the campus. 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. Food & Beverage 1 You should try and eat before the game. Why? There is a simple temporary food table set up in the entranceway to the game. There is no real lobby to the arena, so there is no room for additional offerings. The small amount of food sold is done so at a good price, but just too limited. Atmosphere 4 The arena changed the seats from all bench seating to a mixture of chairs with seatbacks 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 crowd. There is just not always a big crowd. Reitz Arena’s scoreboard layout is extremely impressive, especially for an arena of its size and age. There is not a center-hung scoreboard. Instead, there are four large video boards, one in each corner of the court. One board on each baseline displays time, score, and informative stats. The adjacent board shows replays and close-up shots when appropriate. 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 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. Fans 3 Reitz Arena usually does not fill, but it can still get intense during a tight game. The fans are very supportive of their Greyhounds, which once again is a product of a tight-knit religious school. We attended a game between semesters so it was light on students. A semester game will see much more of a student presence. Reitz Arena will get as loud as any other mid-major arena in crunch time of a hotly contested game. Access 2 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. There is a small paid visitor lot right off Cold Spring Lane. 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 cafe in the student center. And it gets even weirder at times, as the ticket windows are far away in the student center and not at all near the arena doors. The doors to the arena itself are a pair of doors back near the cafe. Frankly, finding an arena should not be this difficult. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are relatively decent for a Division I program. You should be able to get a ticket for less than $20. You may have to pay for parking, but the price may not be that high. 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 a 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. 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 Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Pruitt Hall Pruitt Drive Livingston, AL 35470 West Alabama Tigers website Pruitt Hall website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 1,500 A Hidden Gem In Western Alabama Located less than a half-hour drive from the Mississippi state border sits the small community of Livingston, Alabama. If you are not paying attention while driving on Interstate 20/59 it is very easy to miss the exit to reach the campus of the University of West Alabama. Do not let the fact that UWA is a Division 2 program fool you, its teams are competitive and the fans are very supportive. Basketball is no exception as a visit to Pruitt Hall will show you just how great Division 2 action can be. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concession stand on the right of the foyer that sells hot dogs ($3), popcorn ($2), candy ($2), and coke products ($3) for drinks. The stand is cash only. Livingston has a few good restaurants so I would grab a bite before heading to the game. Atmosphere 4 When you arrive in the Foyer at Pruitt Hall you notice a trophy cabinet on the left showing the Tiger's athletic accolades over the years. A sign says “UWA Tigers” between the entrances to the seating areas of the basketball court. To the left side of the gym by the team benches are the seats with backs on them and I assume those belong to Season Ticket holders. There are only four rows of seats on that side of the gym! The general admission side of the court is on the right side and the worst seat is a whopping seven rows away from the court. Banners commemorating the successes of the men’s and women’s basketball programs are placed on the walls above the bleachers. The student section is located behind the baseline away from the entrances and has a tiger logo and “UWA" letters above it. The other wall has a giant tiger logo. The court has a red exterior with “Tigers” spelled out on the baselines while the midcourt has the tiger logo with “UWA” letters below it. There are two screens on opposing corners of the gym that I thought were going to be videoboards but were simply scoreboards that also showed the players during the starting lineups. The band played during all of the breaks in action and the cheerleaders did perform although they were hard to see from the general admission side until the last media timeout when they performed on the baseline. Neighborhood 2 Unfortunately, there are not a lot of tourist attractions in Livingston. However, there are some good restaurants including Diamond Jim’s & Mrs. Donna’s for American fare, Tres Hermanos for Mexican, and Austin’s Q&A Steakhouse. The lodging options include Comfort Inn or Western Inn. Fans 3 The fans show up for basketball and get behind their Tigers throughout the entire game. They can get loud and can cause problems for the opposition. I witnessed some fans going at one of the Valdosta State players (in the “good fun” way, not the “despicable behavior” way). I thought that was funny to witness and figured it bore mentioning. Access 2 The good news is Livingston is located on Interstate 20/59. The bad news is Livingston is a bit of a drive away from decent-sized towns such as Tuscaloosa or Meridian. From I 20/59 take exit 17 onto State Highway 28 (you should pass the restaurants and hotels I mentioned earlier). Turn right on Highway 11 and go straight until you reach Chapman Street where you will make a right turn onto the campus of UWA. Parking is free on Chapman and a short walk to the entrance of Pruitt Hall. There is one restroom per gender and you walk on the side of the court to get to your seat, not unlike most high school games. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $10 per person with a drink and a hot dog going for $6. $16 for a women’s and a men’s game is a good deal in my opinion. I would skip the food and just pay the $10 to get in. Extras 1 Pruitt Hall is a short walk from Tiger Stadium, home of UWA football and where Malcolm Butler and Tyreek Hill once played. Final Thoughts The University of West Alabama and the community of Livingston, Alabama may both be small but that does not mean they are not proud. There is some good eating and a great university with a proud athletic tradition to check out should you ever be on I-20/59.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Fertitta Center 3875 Holman St Houston, TX 77004 Houston Cougars website Fertitta Center website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 7,100 Cougartown The University of Houston is a public university boasting over 46,000 students. The Houston Cougars basketball team entered the 2023-2024 season joining the Big 12 Conference. The "Coogs" are famous for their teams of the eighties that came within an eyelash of a National Championship while being one of the most exciting teams in college basketball, fondly referred to as Phi Slama Jama. The Cougars played their first season in 1946 and have made six appearances in the Final Four. Home for the Coogs is the Fertitta Center. It opened in 1969 as the Hofheinz Pavilion and was renamed in 2017 after a donation from Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta. The renaming was not without controversy. Negotiations held with the family of Judge Roy Hofheinz, a Houston judge and politician, resulted in the creation of the Judge Hofheinz Plaza and bronze statue in front of Fertitta Center. The court was also renamed. Previously it was named after legendary Houston coach of four decades, Guy V. Lewis, but a donation by the Penick Family has the home of the Cougars to be formally known as the Penick Court @ Fertitta Center. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at the Fertitta Center are okay, but they will not bowl the fan over. A limited number of concession points sell the expected arena basics including popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, and nachos. The Hugo’s concession offers some Mexican fare including tacos, guacamole, taquitos, and roasted street corn. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice in Fertitta Center and Red Bull has a fairly significant presence also. Beer is also available with Budweiser and Bud Light the most prevalent major brands. Atmosphere 4 For a large university in a very large city, the Fertitta Center's capacity of 7,100 is relatively small.  The exterior of the arena is very unassuming.  Fertitta Center is located with other athletic facilities on campus, north of football’s TDECU Stadium.  The building is low-profile with slanted, silver siding exterior and plenty of glass at the entrances.  The Holman Street side of Fertitta Center provides the main entrance via the Hofheinz Plaza, named after Judge Roy Hofheinz, whose likeness is immortalized with a bronze statue near the sidewalk. Upon entering the concourses, Fertitta Center provides a nice main entrance atrium with theatre-style ribbon boards welcoming fans as they enter.  The concourses are bright and clean and full of Cougar red and white along with items for the treasure hunter to see.  Murals for the “Game of the Century” at the Houston Astrodome from 1968, which saw the Cougars defeat the top-ranked UCLA Bruins in front of over 52,000 fans, are found in the concourse. A trophy case proudly displays NCAA hardware at the Hall of Honor as well as murals honoring coach Guy V. Lewis, Phi Slama Jama, and the most honored Cougars, Otis Birdsong, Elvin Hayes, Michael Young, Clyde Drexler, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Inside the Fertitta Center, Penick Court runs from west to east with the best spot to sit to get that perfect center court logo from the north.   The north side of the arena is where the retired numbers for Young, Hayes, Drexler, Olajuwon, and Birdsong.  Also hanging on that north wall are banners for the NCAA Tournament appearances and the 1967, 1968, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 2021 Final Four appearances. The seating area is a single tier with the main concourse behind.  The south side features club seating that is courtside.  There are large video boards at the east and west end of the arena and a ribbon board around the ceiling. The gameday production is what one would expect from a major college basketball program.  The band is terrific and sits in the west corner with the students.  Shasta and Sasha, the Cougar mascots, partake in the pregame festivities and traverse through the arena.  Cheerleaders and flag bearers are also part of the production. Neighborhood 4 Fertitta Center is located on the campus of the University of Houston in the Greater Third Ward area. It is part of South Central Houston, just south of Downtown Houston. The immediate area does have some fast food and chain options within walking distance. A short jaunt in the car or on public transit will bring more options including Eric’s Restaurant, District 7 Grill, and Edgar’s Hermano. There are a ton of other sporting options to choose from in Houston. The Cougars play football just across the road at TDECU Stadium as well as other varsity teams. The Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park; the Houston Texans play at NRG Stadium; and the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash play at Shell Energy Stadium. Rice University fields football, basketball, and baseball teams among others and basketball teams hit the court for the Texas Southern Tigers and Houston Christian Huskies. There are a ton of other tourist options in Houston including the Houston Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, Graffiti Murals, and Houston Space Center. For fans who wish to stay near campus, the Hilton University Houston is close by. Fans 4 Houston Cougar fans pack the Fertitta Center for each game. The relatively small capacity of Fertitta Center allows for a significant fan atmosphere. At the time of writing, the Cougars are averaging over 7,100 fans per game for the 2023-2024 season. The previous season they attracted over 7,400 fans per game. The small capacity of Fertitta Center hinders their support as compared to other Big 12 teams. The student section, known as The Cage was not a factor in the game that was reviewed as it was between semesters when campus is fairly quiet. Access 4 The Fertitta Center is located on the campus of the University of Houston, which is in the Greater Third Ward neighborhood of Houston.  It is located south of I-45, so there is limited travel through the city to get to the arena.  There is parking available on campus, which can be expensive in some places.  For those who wish to take transit to the basketball game, the light rail Metro runs a few blocks south of the arena.  Some buses run along both Cullen Blvd and Scott St.  Fans should check out the Metro website for maps, fares, and schedules. Getting around Fertitta Center is not difficult.  The Cougars, as of this writing, employ a clear bag policy.  Stadium Journey recognizes that security procedures for major sporting events are in constant flux.  Stadium Journey highly recommends fans consult the Houston Cougars website for the most up-to-date security protocols including prohibited items and bag policy. Return on Investment 4 With the limited capacity of Fertitta Center, Cougar tickets are not easy to come by. The ticket office makes tickets available only a few weeks before each game. At the time of the review, standing-room tickets were going for about $30. Tickets on the secondary market usually start in the $40 range depending on the opponent. Parking can be expensive with the Stadium Garage going for $40 and other campus locations going for $30 to $35. A parking bonus for the game reviewed was free parking for the men’s basketball game for fans who paid for parking for the earlier women’s basketball game. Concession prices are about what one would expect at a college basketball game. The product on the floor is as good as anywhere in the NCAA and the gameday production is solid. Overall the return on investment for a Cougars game is pretty good. Extras 0 There are no extra points awarded for the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center. At the game that was reviewed, it was clear that there were some operational issues at Fertitta Center. Limited General Admission seats were sold and also assigned to groups causing some significant displacement of fans. When dealing with displacement issues, more than one employee was not sympathetic or helpful to those who were displaced. Staff also denied that the error, which has happened on numerous occasions, was the responsibility of the Houston Cougars. Attempts to contact the Houston Cougars ticket office did not produce a response.  Hopefully, the University of Houston and Fertitta Center can correct some of these issues going forward and make the fan experience better. Final Thoughts Catching a Houston Cougars basketball game is a great college basketball experience that fans will enjoy.  However, some homework should be done before heading out to the game, however, to maximize the enjoyment of the game. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

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 Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Gator Court 4701 N Charles St Baltimore, MD 21210 Notre Dame Gators website Gator Court website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 1,000 Gators In Baltimore Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1873. It is right next door to the “Evergreen” campus of Loyola University Maryland (which it shares a library facility). It was formerly an all-woman’s college, but that ended in 2023 as it is now co-ed. The university has over 3000 students. The original name of the school was the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute. It also spent many years with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland name. In 2011, the school attained university status with the addition of several graduate-level programs. Notre Dame’s athletic teams are members of Division III of the NCAA. All sports but swimming compete within the United East Conference. Although the swim team does not compete within a conference, it participates in the yearly Old Dominion Athletic Conference swim championships. The university’s sports teams are known as the Gators. Gator Court is home to Gators basketball and volleyball. It is located within the larger Marion Burk Knott Sports Complex. Food & Beverage 1 There is no permanent food stand at Gator Court. There is a small table set up near the entrance to the gym where candy and chips are sold. The prices are great, but you will want to plan for food. Atmosphere 3 This is a medium size gym that is very reminiscent of a high school gym. Because of the relatively small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. There is a small simple grandstand on the main side of the court. There are no seats on the other side of the court, behind the benches. A few people stand or sit in an area above the gym level where a balcony has a view of the game's action. These do offer a great view of the action, although this area is not meant for much of a crowd. Neighborhood 3 Notre Dame 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. They are one of the closer options to campus. 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 lobby restaurant which is another option. Venturing further from the university, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Fans 2 As with most small college gyms, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. Access 3 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. If one is attending weekend games, there should be no problem finding parking. There is a big lot near the tennis courts and is just a short walk away from the Knott Complex. I have not attended a game here on weekday nights so I am not sure how filled that parking lot gets. You may want to arrive a little early just in case. The Knott building can be accessed in one of two main ways. The main entrance is on the south side, while if coming from the parking lot, there is a small unmarked door from the north. The north entrance is better anyway as it takes you right to the gym level, whereas the main door brings you to the balcony area. Return on Investment 4 You are not going to be watching the highest level of basketball competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out. . Extras 1 The Notre Dame campus is small but quite pretty. Take a quick walk around before the game. There is a small trophy case with some athletic trophies and accomplishments right at the main Knott entrance. Final Thoughts There is not too much to see at a Notre Dame of Maryland University women’s basketball game. But the gym is still a pleasant place to see some intercollegiate action.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dorough Field House 4484 Peachtree Rd Brookhaven, GA 30319 Oglethorpe University Stormy Petrels Basketball website Dorough Field House website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 900 The Stormy Petrels Oglethorpe University is in Brookhaven, Georgia, just north of Atlanta’s Buckhead community. Named in honor of the founder of the Georgia colony, James Oglethorpe, the university was established at its current location in 1915 – after originally being founded in the central Georgia town of Milledgeville in 1835, the school moved to Atlanta in 1870 before finding its permanent home in Brookhaven. The school took on the moniker Stormy Petrels in reference to the legend that on his trip from England to the colonies, Oglethorpe marveled at the oceanic sea bird, the Storm Petrel, as it darted in and out of the ocean’s waves. The Stormy Petrels have called Dorough Field House home since 1960, and along with being home of the men’s and women’s basketball programs, the venue has also hosted the school’s volleyball team. Oglethorpe University is a member of the NCAA Division III Southern Athletic Association, which is comprised of colleges and universities throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Food & Beverage   2 A small concessions stand is adjacent to the Oglethorpe Hall of Fame on the upper level of the visiting end of the court. There is not a lot that will get mouths watering on the menu – just the basics of hot dogs, popcorn, and snacks consisting of candy and chips round out the food choices. Beverages include Coca-Cola soft drinks, Powerade, and bottled water. What does impress though are the prices; of all the items on the menu, a $3 hot dog is the most expensive. While there is not much to choose from, low prices do entice fans to grab a quick snack during the game. Atmosphere   3 Dorough Field House’s stone exterior perfectly blends in with the surrounding campus buildings and neighboring baseball field at Hermance Stadium. The impressiveness of the field house does not stop there – upon entering the gym area, fans are greeted with a series of high arching wooden supports and a wood-paneled roof. A row of long, rectangular windows run along the bottom of the roofline and in the ceiling above each basket support, allowing a bit of natural light during afternoon games. What stands out the most is Pinholster Court itself, which has been dubbed “The Blacktop”, as the playing area is painted completely black. Without a doubt it is a one-of-a-kind court; when installed in 2015 the goal was to have a unique playing surface, which is indeed the case with Pinholster Court. Despite newer facilities that strive to have the most state-of-the-art, technologically advanced basketball arena, Oglethorpe has taken the 70-year-old Dorough Field House and given it a modern, luxurious feel with its woodwork and distinct court. Neighborhood   4 Oglethorpe University is in Brookhaven, just north of Atlanta’s Buckhead community on Peachtree Road, one of Metro Atlanta’s busiest thoroughfares. There is a wide variety of restaurants in the area with a large, planned community named Town Brookhaven immediately neighboring the Oglethorpe campus. Atlanta’s famed Buckhead district is less than 5 miles to the south. Though the area has undergone a major redevelopment from the days when late-night bars and clubs were the norm, there are still plenty of bar and restaurant options in the area, many of them some of Atlanta’s finer dining establishments. On campus, Dorough Field House is tucked behind the historic Hermance Stadium, which was built in 1920, and the school’s tennis courts and track. These facilities form a bit of an athletics neighborhood in the southwestern corner of campus. Fan   3 A look at attendance numbers shows the Stormy Petrels typically draw between 200 and 300 fans per game. Occasionally attendance may double that, with fans more apt to stand along the top rail of the seating area than in the 900-capacity gym. This is pretty good attendance given the university’s enrollment is under 1,500. In all, the fans do not seem to create a definitive home court advantage, but they are definitely supportive of their Stormy Petrels. Access   3 Roads leading to Oglethorpe University can often fall victim to the gridlock of Atlanta traffic. Weekday games commonly do not tip-off until 8 pm, though, which does give time for traffic to ease a bit in the area, so dealing with the streets and highways leading to the Brookhaven campus is a bit easier during those games. Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, runs directly past the Oglethorpe campus, but with the closest stop a mile to the south it is probably not the most efficient. A small parking lot is directly in front of the field house, with a larger lot adjacent to the neighboring tennis courts and track; both mean just a short walk to the field house. The main entry point to the gym is down a sidewalk that runs between Dorough Field House and the outfield wall of Hermance Stadium. Fans enter through a rather nondescript door labeled "Game Entrance” – this doorway leads to the upper level of the field house and a walkway that runs around the top of the seating area. Return on Investment   5 It is hard to get better than free admission, free parking, and highly affordable concessions prices. A Stormy Petrels game is likely the most affordable basketball experience to be found. Extras   3 The thought of an all-black court might seem a bit different to visitors of Dorough Field House, and with good reason. While basketball courts have generally started to take on a bit more of an individualized appearance from venue to venue, Pinholster Court at Dorough Field House is believed to be the only completely black court in college basketball. The south wall of Dorough Field House features an extensive Hall of Fame. One of the more notable names is that of National Baseball Hall of Famer, Luke Appling, who played for the Stormy Petrels in 1929 and 1930. Appling’s Chicago White Sox jersey is displayed among the other retired Oglethorpe jerseys. In addition to the recognition of Oglethorpe’s greats at the south end of the gym, the north wall pays tribute to conference championships and national achievements of the school’s athletic programs. Final Thoughts Dorough Field House is a beautiful facility – from the stonework on the exterior that seamlessly blends in with the surrounding campus buildings, to the woodwork throughout the interior of the gym, the venue is remarkable. The game presentation is a bit straightforward, but the intimate setting gives fans the feeling of being part of the game. In addition, a gym this size puts fans right on top of the action on the court, where the calls from the bench, the communication between players, and the speed of the college game is on full display. The combination of these factors creates an entertaining basketball experience at Oglethorpe University’s Dorough Field House.

Earlier this week Washington and Michigan met for the national championship. Coincidentally, they also ended up as Stadium Journey's choices for the best game day experience in all of college football. This time, the Huskies took home the title. Not a bad consolation prize... Stadium Journey's team of correspondents have visited all 133 Football Bowl Subdivision stadiums, criss-crossing the continent to give you, our readers, the information about what a game day looks like at each and every college football stadium in the country. Stadiums are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the stadium), return on investment and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more stadiums receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review, just click on the link below the photos of each stadium. The resulting list is sure to produce some discussion among college football diehards. That's OK, we can take it. We actually encourage you to visit our social media channels to take part in the discussion. Without further ado, we're proud to present our 2023 ranking of the 25 best game day experiences in the Football Bowl Subdivision. 1. Husky Stadium - Washington Huskies 4.86 Aaron Terry - There are lots of college football stadiums, but a trip to Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA should definitely be on every fan’s bucket list. It is hard to top the setting and the energy here. 2. Michigan Stadium - Michigan Wolverines 4.71 Paul Swaney - There is no doubt that a trip to Michigan Stadium belongs in any list of the best stadium experiences in college football, the United States, North America, or worldwide. Come to Ann Arbor and see what the Big House is all about. 3. Arthur L. Williams Stadium - Liberty Flames 4.71 Aaron Terry - The renovations to Williams Stadium are long since complete, and the team has really proven itself since moving to FBS. Tthe experience here is pretty close to top notch and should only get better with time. 4. Bryant-Denny Stadium - Alabama Crimson Tide 4.57 David Welch - While the primary draw to Alabama football certainly is the championship level of play, the overall experience is bolstered by everything associated with the game-day experience. You do not have to be an Alabama football fan to realize how special the Alabama Crimson Tide football experience is. 5. Ohio Stadium - Ohio State Buckeyes 4.57 Sean MacDonald - Ohio Stadium is doubtless one of the top experiences for a sports traveler. College football home games are truly events and if you haven’t been to one of the football stadiums in the Big Ten, consider Ohio State as the perfect place to start. 6. Autzen Stadium - Oregon Ducks 4.57 Aaron Terry - The chance to see Power 5 college football, at a budget-friendly facility like Autzen Stadium, and one that is so easy to move around, should not be missed. In addition, the Pacific Northwest is a great place to visit, and you can find plenty to do in Eugene while you are here. 7. Bridgeforth Stadium - James Madison Dukes 4.57 Gregory Koch - James Madison was one of the top venues in all of FCS. This has always been an FBS-quality stadium, and since the move to the next level, it has gotten the chance to show why. The Dukes have one of the best atmospheres in the country and some of the best fans. 8. Memorial Stadium - Clemson Tigers 4.43 David Welch - Clemson is one of the top game-day atmospheres in college football. Even in years when a championship season might not be realized, the passion from fans and the electricity that builds up inside the stadium leading to kickoff creates a one-of-a-kind college football experience. 9. Sanford Stadium - Georgia Bulldogs 4.43 David Welsh - The amount of tradition connected to University of Georgia football goes such a long way in making the game experience one of the best in the county. 10. Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium - Texas Longhorns 4.43 Eric Moreno - Being a proud, native Texan, I freely admit I have a predisposition to all things orange – especially those of the burnt orange variety. However, I think any college football fan will admit upon their visit to Austin and Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium that it is truly one of the great palaces of the sport. 11. Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium - Oklahoma Sooners 4.43 Aaron Terry - Watching an OU football game at Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or evening; this is college football at its finest. Come join 80,000 of your closest friends for a game here, and make time to check out the town of Norman; I guarantee you it will be good time. 12. Kidd Brewer Stadium - Appalachian State Mountaineers 4.43 Will Halpern - Kidd Brewer Stadium is the place to be on Saturday in Western North Carolina; the stadium embodies what makes Boone and Appalachian State such a great place to visit: great food, beautiful views, and passionate fans decked out in black and gold. 13. FBC Mortgage Stadium - UCF Knights 4.43 Chris Green - While many may not think of UCF when it comes to the best college experiences in Florida, the team has quickly turned that opinion around for fans who have entered the gates at FBC Mortgage Stadium. A growing and expanding program like UCF warrants increased interest from fans. 14. Tiger Stadium - LSU Tigers 4.29 Michael Davis - There are many reasons that LSU is voted one of the best atmospheres in college football to watch a game, but the biggest reason is that LSU is more than a football game – for fans, students, and alumni, Death Valley on a Saturday (night) becomes a way of life. 15. Lane Stadium - Virginia Tech Hokies 4.29 Joseph Oakes - Lane Stadium has a great sight line no matter where you sit within the stadium and can be one of the loudest stadiums in the country at times. We wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Lane Stadium to watch the Hokies, especially a night game. 16. Williams-Brice Stadium - South Carolina Gamecocks 4.29 Andy Mantsch - This is a venue that you don’t want to miss. The experience is unique, memorable and full of tradition. It embodies everything that makes college football great. 17. Reser Stadium - Oregon State Beavers 4.29 Paul Hilchen - Corvallis was selected as the Best College Town In The PAC-12. There’s a lot at Reser Stadium for the avid football fan and it’s a top notch experience; good fans, good atmosphere, it is the total package. 18. Blaik Field at Michie Stadium - Army Black Knights 4.29 Paul Baker - Watching an Army football game at Michie Stadium is more than just a game. It is part history lesson, part sporting event, part Fourth of July. Simply put, this is the greatest game day experience in America. 19. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium - Memphis Tigers 4.29 Aaron Terry - Football teams in the American Athletic Conference often get overlooked, since they aren’t in the more prestigious Group of 5. However, passing on these schools means you will miss out on some really great college football venues like this one. 20. Canvas Stadium - Colorado State Rams 4.29 Aaron Terry - Be sure to take a walk 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 to see the many trophies and other items on display. 21. Acrisure Stadium - Pittsburgh Panthers 4.29 Patricia Beninato - Yes, Acrisure Stadium is primarily associated with the Steelers, but it’s the royal blue-and-gold home of the Panthers on Pitt game days. With easy access, reasonable prices, and fun fans, those who want to experience a big-time Division 1 college football game with all it entails would do well to see a Pitt game. 22. Hard Rock Stadium - Miami Hurricanes 4.29 Aaron Terry - Hard Rock Stadium for a Miami (FL) Hurricanes football game is a trip worth the time and expense – you will be treated to lots of great food in the stadium, a wonderful crowd, and a high-quality venue with shade from the elements. 23. Albertsons Stadium - Boise State Broncos 4.29 Tamara Dooley - Unique in all of football is The Blue, the world’s first blue AstroTurf field. First installed in 1986 basically as a way to make Boise State stand out during their days in Division 2, it has transformed into a rallying point for the Boise State team and fans. 24. Stanford Stadium - Stanford Cardinal 4.29 Chris Green - If you’re looking for a high quality, high class, high excitement, and high value college football experience, look no further than Stanford Stadium. It will be hard to find a more beautiful and relaxing site for which to catch college football, and Stanford’s fans make the event even more enjoyable. 25. Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex - Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 4.29 Chris Green - Though nearly every stadium in the FBS division of college football features a larger capacity for its home crowds, this is by far one of the best stadium experiences in the NCAA. Perhaps no stadium features 360-degree views that are all stunning in their way.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 William S. Johnson Arena 1416 Spring St. Jeffersonville, IN 47130 Jeffersonville HS Red Devils website William S. Johnson Arena website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,306 The Home to High School Hoops in Jeffersonville Jeffersonville High School basketball began in 1906, and in little over a century, the program has won 1,649 games, 34 sectional titles, 16 regional championships, six semi-states, and one state title. The list also includes 12 members of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and 11 Indiana All-Stars. One of those Hall of Famers is William Johnson, whom the building is named after, who served as the team captain for two seasons and led the Devils to 31 consecutive victories heading into the 1935 State Championship. However, mysterious circumstances on that final day of the tournament in which the Devils played three games without their head coach Hunk Francis who was found “in a stupor” in a taxi cab by his players that morning. He was incapacitated during the team’s final day of play. Devils head coach Janis “Hunk” Francis was found in a stupor in a taxi cab by his players as they were about to head to the Butler (now Hinkle) Fieldhouse. Johnson took over as player-coach, and Francis had to be propped up on the bench throughout the first two games. The Devils won the first two games but fell to Anderson High School in the championship game 23-16. Francis claimed that he was doped the night before and that it might have involved some prominent Jefferson people. Many people thought he was drunk, but his effects did not wear off by the championship game that night, and it was reported that his condition didn’t get better until two days later. Francis resigned a week later. Was Francis drugged after he left the team dinner Friday evening? The number one theory is that gamblers wanted to prevent Jeffersonville from winning; allegedly, odds were 12 to 7 against the Devils winning against the favored Anderson team. Players seldom talked about the mystery surrounding the 1935 championship game, and with all the members now deceased, it is now part of Hoosier High School lore. The Devils would not make it back to the title game until 1974, and it would not be until 1993 that they broke their jinx and captured the school’s lone basketball state title at the Hoosier Dome. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand is located in the main lobby of the building offering many items found at other gyms. Fans can purchase a hot dog, chili and cheese hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and a dish they call Devil nachos for the prices of $1.50 and $2.50. Guests can wash it all down with a bottle of Coca-Cola or Sweet Tea. Atmosphere 3 The gymnasium debuted in 1972 and was renamed in honor of Johnson seven years later. It originally had a capacity of 5,306–one of 31 gyms in the state that seat 5,000 or more–but was trimmed down to around 4,800 after recent renovations that included the WJHI radio station in the upper level. The seating sections are broken into an upper and lower level, with wood on top and red plastic seats on the bottom; the top level offers a wraparound concourse for easy movement and a few nice vantage points from behind the net on both sides. The Red Devil theme is evident from a fire design foul line, a giant J-tailed logo at the center court, and four state championship banners hanging from the rafters in one corner of the gym. The main lobby is large enough to offer a trophy room, ticket offices, a concession stand, and four glass cylinders that display the school’s four state championship titles. There is even a button that plays the final 39 seconds of the 1993 state championship basketball team’s radio broadcast, a very nice touch. One game worth checking out is against New Albany. The heated rivalry dates back to 1909 and a packed gym is expected when the Bulldogs come to town. The game takes on a college feel with a bolstered student section and pre-game ceremonies that are passionate and engraved in the hearts of many in town. The Jeffersonville/New Albany rivalry is at 160 games as of this writing. Neighborhood 4 Jeffersonville is located across the river from Louisville, Kentucky, but offers enough dining and entertainment that might keep you in Indiana. Main Street borders the Ohio River and is home to the Big Four Bridge, which is a pedestrian-only crossing that offers a spectacular view of the Louisville skyline and the many barges that pass underneath. Some markers detail the history of the bridge that was first constructed in 1895. Downtown Jeffersonville features shops and restaurants, infused with local traditions and buildings that have been repurposed. Pearl St. Taphouse, Big Four Burgers & Beer, and The Barrelhouse on Market are three top choices. If you are looking for more wallet-friendly places, visit Orange Clover Kitchen or Ann’s By the River. Pearl St. Game & Coffee House pours some of the best coffee in the area, it is ridiculously smooth. Howard Steamboat Museum & Mansion is a great way to spend an hour or two, or one can simply cross the river into Louisville and explore other great museums, fine restaurants, and plenty of bourbon distilleries and craft breweries. A few miles down the interstate in New Albany is one of the area’s best breweries. The New Albanian Brewing Company Pizzeria & Public House is both a great place for locally brewed beers and homemade pizza. Fans 3 The Red Devils fans have a long history with their basketball and rivalry games against nearby New Albany High School would be the game you would want to attend during the season. The fan base does its best rooting for their hometown team and when you are in this part of the state, basketball roots run a little deeper. Access 3 Johnson Arena is a nice-sized facility that is extremely easy to get around. There is plenty of parking located outside of the main entrance and it’s located only a few miles from the I-265. However, one should use their GPS when traveling by car. There are bathrooms on both levels of the facility and seats and exits are marked for fans inside the main gym. Return on Investment 4 The Johnson Arena is your typical basketball gym from the 1970s and when it is filled, one begins to understand the term Hoosier Hysteria. Ticket prices are $6 and concession prices are less than $2.50. The main lobby offers a nice collection of basketball traditions and plenty of accolades from the various school sports teams. Visitors also get to enjoy some quality time along Main Street in downtown Jeffersonville. It’s a very charming city that is nice to visit during the basketball season, but perhaps more appealing during the warmer months of the year. Extras 2 The Johnson Arena receives a point for the interactive display of the 1993 state championship team. Fans can press a button to hear the final 39 seconds of the radio broadcast from that magical season that resulted in the school’s first state championship after several finishes as runner-up. The Johnson Arena receives its last point for being located in a very pretty town that offers a lot to do before and after the game. The Main Street area has great restaurants and places to grab a drink and you can also take a nice walk across the Ohio River into Louisville if that strikes your fancy. The Big Four Bridge is also a nice attraction that is a perfect way to get a little walk on a warm day. Final Thoughts There is a lot to enjoy about watching a basketball game at the William Johnson Arena including easy access off the interstate, a charming Main Street, proximity to Louisville, and affordable concession prices. There is a lot of history on display, but easily could be more from a basketball program with over 100 years of operation and various seasons of winning basketball. If you are ever in the area, check to see if the Red Devils are playing a game at the Johnson Arena.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Humphrey Coliseum 55 Coliseum Blvd Starkville, MS 39762 Mississippi State Bulldogs website Humphrey Coliseum website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 10,575 Welcome to The Hump Mississippi State basketball has been a successful program over the years with a final four appearance in 1996, three sweet sixteens, ten NCAA tournaments, ten SEC regular season crowns, and four SEC tournament championships. The Bulldogs play basketball at Humphrey Coliseum, a 10,575-capacity arena that opened in 1975. In 2023 it received a renovation that included adding a premium area, restrooms, concession stands, and an expanded concourse. Food & Beverage 4 Typical stadium fare includes cheeseburgers ($10), chicken tenders and fries ($10), hot dogs ($4.50), sausage ($6.50), pizza ($8), popcorn ($6), nachos ($5), pretzels ($5), chips ($3), and candy ($4). Smoked brisket and pork sandwiches ($10) are also sold. Chick-fil-A is sold at the arena provided you do not attend a game on Sunday. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider and drink options for sale include Dasani water ($4), bottled sodas ($4.50), Powerade ($4.50), and a souvenir cup ($6). Alcohol is sold at the arena with domestic beers including Bud, Miller, Michelob, and Coors ($9) or Cathead and White Claw seltzers ($10). The concession stands are cashless. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at a Mississippi State Bulldogs game depends on how the Bulldogs are playing and who the opponent is. The entrance has been renovated and what was the lobby of the attached Mize Pavilion (the Bulldogs basketball practice facility) is now a Mississippi State basketball experience with a screen and a walkway that reveals the Coliseum seating bowl. The walls on the concourse are filled with images of Bulldogs' sports history, a “Welcome to Starkvegas” sign with basketballs, and “Hail State” slogans. When you walk the renovated concourse you know you are at a Bulldogs game. When you walk into the bowl and find your seat you notice there is a lot of maroon. The seats are maroon, the basketball banners are maroon, and the exterior of the basketball court is maroon. The baselines read “The Hump” and the midcourt features an outline of the state of Mississippi. The cheerleaders keep the fans engaged throughout the game and when the arena is packed it can get very loud. Neighborhood 4 If the dictionary had an image beside the phrase “college town”, the town of Starkville would be a great choice. That being said, Starkville still has a lot to offer, particularly in the Cotton District that is adjacent to MSU. Restaurants in the Cotton District include Two Brothers Smoked Meats, Bulldog Burger, Boardtown Pizza, and Bin 612. For those wanting to visit a bar check out Drifter’s, The Klassroom, or Mojo Maroons. The Cotton District attracts students and can get packed so for those looking to avoid the younger crowds can head downtown and check out places such as The Little Dewey for BBQ, The Camphouse for seafood, and the Central Station Grill. Hotel chains located in Starkville include Comfort Suites, Courtyard, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn. Fans 3 The fan support for the Bulldogs basketball team seems to be based on how the team is doing. The arena is packed when the team is doing well but when the team is on a slide the arena has a lot of empty seats. As mentioned before Starkville is a college town and most students move away to other cities when they graduate and become alums. Football and baseball seem to be higher priorities for Bulldog fans than basketball. Access 3 Starkville and Mississippi State University are not the easiest places to get to. It is roughly midway between Tupelo and Meridian with both cities being over an hour away while Columbus,  the closest decent-sized town, is half an hour away. Columbus has an airport that has flights coming from Atlanta-Hartsfield airport while the closest airport with multiple destinations is in Jackson, over an hour and a half away. If you are coming from Highway 82 Westbound, turn onto Old Highway 82 then turn left at George Perry Street. Make a right turn at Bailey Howell Drive and there will be paid parking lots on both sides. From Highway 82 Eastbound, take the offramp to Highway 389 and keep going until you reach Main Street. Main Street becomes University Drive and Barr Avenue. Take a left at George Perry Street and another left at Bailey Howell Drive to find the parking. From Highway 12 Northbound you will turn at the College View Drive exit and turn right before making an immediate left to Bailey Howell Drive. Paid parking will be $10-$15 depending on the lot but I was able to park by Dogwood Hall for free. Granted I attended a game on a Saturday when class was not in session. Once inside the arena, the concourse has been widened during the renovation, there are plenty of restrooms and concession stands spread out through the arena. Return on Investment 4 Non-conference game tickets start at $13 ($10 ticket, $3 fee) for upper-level seats behind the baseline and are $15 for upper-level sideline seats. SEC games vary based on the opponent and if it’s a weekday or Saturday game. Upper-level seats will range between $15-$25 for upper baseline and $20-$35 for sideline seats. If you pay $10 to park, snag $15 tickets, and have a cheeseburger and a beer you will spend $45 by yourself, $80 for a date, and around $150 for a family of four. Considering this is SEC basketball this is a great deal! Extras 4 The Lady Bulldogs team were back-to-back finalists in 2017 and 2018 in the Women’s tournament. Their banners hang in the rafters. They were most famous for ending UCONN’s 111-game win streak on a buzzer-beater in the 2017 Final Four. There are several banners including one recognizing the Men’s 1996 Final Four team as well as the other NCAA tournament appearances and SEC championships. Other banners recognize former head coach Babe McCarthy, the 58-year voice of the Bulldogs Jack Christl, and Bailey Howell who is considered to be the best player to come out of the MSU program. Bailey Howell’s team won the SEC in 1959 but neither the 1961 or 1962 teams that also won the SEC were able to go to the NCAA tournament due to the State of Mississippi not allowing its state schools to play integrated teams. In 1963, having earned a bid to the NCAA tournament, the then Maroons snuck out of Starkville in the middle of the night to board a plane in Memphis and flew to East Lansing, MI to play Loyola-Chicago, a team composed of mostly African-American players. When the Maroons flew back to Starkville having lost to Loyola they were met with applause and laws began to change eventually integrating the Mississippi State team. The schools met up in 2013 at Humphrey Coliseum to commemorate what is now called the “Game of Change”. Final Thoughts The Bulldogs have a nicely renovated arena to play their games in and the Bulldog faithful have the opportunity to make “The Hump” an intimidating place to play. A Mississippi State Bulldogs basketball game is a great time and an experience that you can have on a budget.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Nusz Park 425 Lakeview Dr Starkville, MS 39759 Mississippi State Bulldogs website Nusz Park website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,100 New Home at Nusz Park The Bulldogs softball program is a fairly new sport at Mississippi State University, with its first year being in 1997. Prior to that, the school competed as an independent in softball from 1982 thru 1986 before taking a ten-year break. Because of Title IX and its impact on women’s sports, the SEC began sponsoring softball officially in 1997. Since starting back up, the Bulldogs softball team has been one of the more successful softball programs in the conference. Though they haven’t made any trips to Oklahoma City for CWS, the Lady Bulldogs have made 14 regional appearances, with their first being in 2000. The Lady Bulldogs play on the north side of campus at the brand new Nusz Park, which opened in 2016 and is located right next to the famous Dudy Noble Field, home of MSU baseball. For the first 20 years, the softball team played at the MSU Softball Complex which was located on the same site. The old softball complex had only one set of bleacher seating that could hold just 300, and the field itself was beginning to show its age, so after the 2015 season, the entire softball facility was stripped down and rebuilt into what it is today. The new state-of-the-art softball facility was constructed for just $6 million – renovations included the installation of 1,100 maroon chair back seats in addition to an expanded concourse, upgraded press box and practice facility, and the first permanent concessions stand at the softball stadium. The facility was named after former alumni couple Tommy and Terri Nusz, who made a significant contribution toward the construction of the park. Food & Beverage 3 Part of the recent renovation included the opening of the first full-service concessions stands at the softball complex. Though you will not find anything fancy, the aptly titled Hail State Eats stand serves the basics with everything being priced at $2 to make it easy on the wallet – hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, candy, and 20oz sodas are all the same price. Coke is the soft drink provider and no alcohol is sold, though you are allowed to bring your own beer if you drink it out of a cup. Atmosphere 3 Nusz Park sits nicely tucked away on the north side of campus right next to all the other MSU athletic facilities except Davis Wade Stadium. The field faces to the north, with beautiful Chadwick Lake off in the distance behind right field. The Bulldog athletic facilities are behind the complex, with A. J. Pitts Tennis Center and Nusz Park sharing the same entrance; there is even a walkway where you can walk between both venues. Nusz Park blends in nicely with its surroundings – the brick facade makes it look like just another campus building. The former MSU Softball Complex consisted of one set of bleachers behind home plate that extended from dugout to dugout, but the renovation in 2016 added over 1,000 maroon chair back seats, which is more than double the number the old complex could hold. There’s also standing room only sections with drink rails at the top of the concourse, where fans can watch the game from high above. Taking inspiration from Dudy Noble Field next door, Nusz Park has added a boardwalk that circles the entire outfield from foul pole to foul pole. There are also fans in the outfield grilling and tailgating and trying to recreate their own Left Field Lounge at Nusz Park. Neighborhood 4 Mississippi State is unique in that it is a big SEC school in a really small town void of any attractions, as the college itself is the main attraction in town. Because there are not a lot of big cities nearby, Starkville has kind of developed its own little subculture and is void of a lot of national chains and malls, as many of the restaurants are local to the area and use local farms instead of big-name producers, and many of the shops are mom and pop style stores. The Cotton District is the main area of town for nightlife; located just off campus within walking distance of Nusz Park, the District as it’s known is home to multiple bars and restaurants. The Cotton District is unique in that many of the neighborhood’s buildings resemble buildings you’d see in New Orleans and Europe, as the developer of the neighborhood traveled there for ideas during the mid-90s. Bin612, Gringos, Drifters, Bulldog Burger, The Fountain Bar, The Klaassroom, Commodore Bobs, Two Brothers Smoked Meats, and StaggerIn are some of the bars in the District. The Bin is a late-night favorite among college students who flock to the bar for its famous cheese fries – when the bars close around 1 am, you can find a huge line of college students stretched the whole block waiting to get the famous fries. In addition, Two Brothers Smoked Meats has really good smoked wings and its signature white BBQ sauce, while Bulldog Burger has a huge selection of different burgers. The Cotton District is a small one block area that gets really packed with a lot of college students, especially on weekends so the older crowd of alums may want to venture more towards downtown if they want to avoid hanging out with the younger college students. Just a short way down University towards downtown you’ll encounter multiple bars, restaurants, churches, and tons of residential units and one-bedroom houses. Located midway between the District and downtown is the famous Little Dooey – this BBQ joint prides itself on its smoked BBQ, fried catfish, and other Southern favorites. Little Dooey is even a favorite among the folks at College GameDay, with Lee Corso calling it the best BBQ in the country. And right next door to is Stromboli’s; this tiny rinky-dink looking Italian eatery doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the smell of the pizza being cooked can be smelled from across the street. Right behind Stromboli’s is Central Station Grill, which is built into an old milk plant – the Grill is known for its Sunday brunch and drink specials. And yet another favorite in this area is Dave’s Darkhorse Tavern, a pub-style bar famous for its pizza and located on the side of a sketchy looking motel. Though the motel is not the safest, the bar has really good pizza, and if you come in on your birthday everyone with you gets a free 24-inch pizza. This dimly lit tavern also has really good live music and is the place that attracts the mid to late 20s crowd, unlike the Cotton District; many of the service industry workers (cooks, chefs, waiters, bartenders, etc.) can often be found spending their weeknights at The Tavern, as many of them work during the weekend. Besides the above, a couple of bars and restaurants in downtown I recommend checking out are The Beer Garden at Hotel Chester, which is an outdoor bar in the courtyard of an old historic hotel, and the State Theatre, which is a 3-story club type bar. Restaurant Tyler is my favorite restaurant for lunch, however, as it has a really cheap seafood blue plate special, and in its basement, there is a bar called Downstairs at Tyler, which is located in a former speakeasy that was used during prohibition. Oby’s is another favorite of mine and features sandwiches and po-boys. Super Bulldog Weekend is the big event for the community during the spring, with hundreds of food and arts and crafts vendors lining the streets of the Cotton District. Usually held during the Spring Football Weekend, this event always coincides with a big SEC baseball series, so if you time it right you may be able to see an MSU baseball game while in town. The baseball games this weekend usually attract a higher crowd than usual – in fact, most of the attendance records at Dudy Noble Field have been set during Super Bulldog Weekend. Fans 2 There was a low turnout at the game I attended most recently, but it’s hard to knock the fans as an exciting top 5 baseball match-up was taking place next door. Many of the fans at Nusz Park seem to be employees of the university or friends and family of the players. The Bulldogs are averaging about 480 fans per game, which places Nusz Park about halfway full. There were about 50 or so fans out in the outfield tailgating during the game, and as usual, there were several people ringing cowbells. Fans here are definitely reserved, and not as rowdy or passionate as their big brother counterparts next door. Access 3 The one drawback to coming to a game in Starkville is that the city is located in kind of a secluded area of the state. The closest major cities of Tupelo and Meridian are both located over an hour away, and the closest major airport is over an hour and a half away in Jackson (although there is a smaller Golden Triangle Regional Airport located nearby in Columbus). There are really only two roads coming into town and those are Highway 82 that runs east to west and Highway 25 which runs north and south. However, the town has recently become more accessible to other areas in the state thanks in part to the upgraded Highway 45, which is located just outside of town and is the main road you would travel on if coming from the coastal area of Mississippi. Twenty years ago this road wasn’t fully constructed, meaning you would have to get off on a rural back road and then get back on the highway later; it was also a two-lane road that made traveling to Starkville pretty dangerous. Within the past ten years, though, this road has been widened to four lanes and it is now fully finished. Make sure you fill up on gas before embarking, however, as there aren’t many stations on the roads heading into Starkville – it’s more of a peaceful rural drive through the backwoods. Once in Starkville prepare for lots of traffic congestion, as the town is small and the roads are not exactly the nicest. If in town during a weekend when the baseball team is playing, parking around Nusz Park can be a nightmare, as the lots fill up quickly; my suggestion, if you are in town for a weekend game, would be to park at one of the lots on campus and walk from there. There are usually several lots open just south of Davis-Wade Stadium and you cut through the famous football tailgating spot The Junction. Usually though if there is not a game going on next door then there should be plenty of parking found around Chadwick Lake or the Sanderson Center, which houses the university’s fitness center. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for tickets to softball games at Nusz Park, so factor that in with the cheap concessions prices and you could get food, drink, and get to see top-level SEC softball action for less than five bucks – the return on investment is good at Nusz Park. Extras 2 Nusz Park got into the national spotlight in its first year after opening, as the 2016 SEC Women’s Softball Tournament was hosted here. Though the Bulldogs did not win the tournament, it was nice for this facility to host such a high caliber event in its first year of operation. Try to come to town when the baseball and softball teams are both playing on the same day. The newly renovated Dudy-Noble Field is truly one of the best atmospheres to watch a college baseball game at in the country – attending a game there is something every baseball fan should experience. The two fields are located next door to each other, so fans can walk between the two venues and catch a doubleheader of baseball and softball. Final Thoughts At Mississippi State, the softball team is often overshadowed by the other MSU sports programs, as even the women’s basketball program dominates interest in women’s sports here. However, not to be outdone, Nusz Park is an absolutely gorgeous facility in which to catch a softball game, and truly a hidden gem of a stadium that is worth checking out if you are in the area.

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 Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mitchell Center 2195 Mitchell Center Dr Mobile, AL 36608 South Alabama Jaguars website Mitchell Center website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 10,041 Welcome To The Mitch Mobile, Alabama is home to the original Mardi Gras, the USS Alabama battleship, and Dauphin Street. It is also where the University of South Alabama is located and where the USA Jaguars athletics program plays. Basketball has been played at the University of South Alabama since 1968. The USA Jaguars have made the NCAA tournament eight times but have not been invited to the dance since 2008. After playing in Jaguar Gym for the first three decades of the program’s existence the Jaguars moved to the Mitchell Center in 1999, their home ever since. In addition to servicing the University of South Alabama, it is also the premier concert venue in the Southern part of Alabama. Food & Beverage 3 The typical stadium fare includes cheeseburgers ($7.50), hotdogs ($4.50), nachos ($4.50), Conecuh sausage ($7.50), chicken tenders ($8), pretzel sticks ($5), chips ($3.50), and candy ($4). BBQ sandwiches ($9), BBQ potatoes ($11), and BBQ nachos ($11) are also sold. Soft drinks are provided by Coca-Cola and options include Dasani water ($5), 22 oz sodas ($3.50), and a 32 oz souvenir cup ($5.50). Beer is sold with Bud Light, Miller, and Coors costing $6.50 while Michelob, White Claw, and South Alabama beer sold for $7.50. The concession stands are cashless. Atmosphere 3 There are two entrances to the Mitchell Center with the South entrance (the one with the parking next to it) having a sculpture called “Challenge” by Gail Folwell that depicts a tip off in basketball. The North entrance is near the Moulton Bell Tower and has a sculpture of a jaguar in front of it. If you enter through the North entrance you will walk by the Waterman Globe, which had been at the Waterman Building until 1973 when it was disassembled. It was restored and reconstructed in time for its placement at the Mitchell Center when the arena opened. By the globe, you will see a small South Alabama athletics hall of fame with plaques commemorating notable people in Jaguars athletic history. Keep walking around the concourse and you will find a trophy case, displays with South Alabama slogans, and mannequin displays showing the uniform combinations of the different Jaguar athletic programs. When you enter the arena’s seating bowl you will see it is split into two levels with the top level having mostly red seats with some blue seats spelling out “USA”, the common abbreviation for the University of South Alabama. The end seats on the top level were tarped off when I visited. Meanwhile, the lower bowl of the arena has blue seats and contains the student section as well as the band. The rafters of the arena show banners commemorating both the men’s and women’s basketball successes and a videoboard hangs over midcourt. The out-of-bounds area of the court is blue while the midcourt logo follows a trend of having the program’s logo overlaying an outline of the state. Shoutout to the band, cheerleaders, and mascots SouthPaw and Miss Pawla for keeping the fans energized throughout the game. Neighborhood 3 While technically the South Alabama campus is located in the city of Mobile it is a bit of a drive from the tourist spots one would think of when imagining Alabama’s second largest city. If you have the time to do so I would recommend heading to the USS Alabama Battleship for a tour. It was used in World War II and the park that surrounds it has a gift shop and an aircraft pavilion containing planes that were used in several wars. For family trips the kids will love the Exploreum while Fort Conde and the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum are also worth checking out. Keep in mind if you are attending a South Alabama Jaguars basketball game you will likely be in Mobile during Mardi Gras season. Catch a parade in the first city to celebrate Mardi Gras. Local eateries to try out include Dumbwaiter for Southern fare, Roosters for Latin American dishes, and Wentzell’s for seafood. Dauphin Street has several bars including The Haberdasher, Brickyard, and Hayley’s Bar. Lodging accommodations include Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and Candlewood Suites. Fans 2 The fans are not likely to fill the stands to the brim of the arena but the ones that do show up really get behind their Jaguars. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, their arena is a bit oversized for their current fanbase as the arena only gets full when a team like Auburn shows up. As previously mentioned, part of the upper deck is tarped off for Jaguars games. Access 2 The campus of the University of South Alabama is about a ten-minute drive from Interstate 65. From I-65 take exit 5A onto SpringHill Avenue before turning left on McGregor Avenue. Make a right on Old Shell Road and this will take you to the Mitchell Center on your right. While parking is free the lot immediately adjacent to the arena is reserved for Season Ticket holders. There is a parking lot between the tennis courts and Shelby Hall that I would recommend parking in. There is a path in the trees you can walk through to get to the South Entrance or you can walk north and pass by the old Jaguar Gym before taking a left and entering the Mitchell Center through the North entrance. Once inside the arena, there are ample restrooms, the concourse is wide enough, and there will not be long lines at the concession stands. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $10 for upper-level seats or $15 in the lower bowl for games between conference foes. If you pay $10 for a ticket, and buy a beer and a burger you will only pay $25 for yourself, $40 on a date, or $70 for a family of four. There are not many better deals than this in Division One college basketball! Extras 2 The Waterman Globe is located in the Mitchell Center and is a piece of Mobile History. It does a full rotation once every 3 minutes and 50 seconds. The Mitchell Center has become the destination for entertainment acts that want to perform in Mobile, Alabama. If you want to catch a concert in Mobile, chances are you are heading to the Mitchell Center. Final Thoughts The South Alabama Jaguars have a lot of untapped potential as of late. They have a facility that could potentially be an intimidating atmosphere if the team that played there was intimidating.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Neville Arena 250 Beard-Eaves Ct Auburn, AL 36830 Auburn Tigers website Neville Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 9,121 Basketball’s Tiger Home In War Eagle Town If you want an amazing college basketball experience come on down to Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama. Built in 2010 and renamed in 2022 after originally being called Auburn Arena, the 9,121-capacity venue plays host to one of college basketball’s best atmospheres. The Tigers program made the final four in 2019 and since then Auburn games are some of the hottest tickets in college basketball. Neville Arena is almost certainly the best arena in the state of Alabama and some would argue it’s the best in the SEC. Food & Beverage 3 The standard fare includes Hot Dogs ($6), Cheeseburgers ($8), Chicken FIngers ($9), Pizza ($10), Popcorn ($5), Nachos ($5), and Pretzels ($5). Coke is the soft drink provider with options including a regular soda ($5), souvenir cups ($7), Dasani water ($3), and Powerade ($6). Chick-Fil-A is available at the arena (provided the game is not played on Sunday). If you want a beer the options include Budweiser ($10), Miller ($10), Michelob ($10), or a variety of IPAs ($14). The concession stands are cashless. Atmosphere 5 When you walk towards the entrance of Neville Arena you see the statue of Auburn Tigers legend Charles Barkley. Once your ticket is scanned you find yourself in an atrium with a giant Auburn logo overlooking all the Auburn faithful and a wall telling you “War Eagle”. After going up a couple flights of stairs the concourse reveals itself with a view of the court and Auburn stuff on the walls. When heading to the seats it becomes apparent there is not a bad view in the arena due to the fact the seats are all relatively close to the court. The outline of the court is navy blue with the baselines saying “Auburn Tigers” and a large Auburn logo at midcourt. The center-hung scoreboard was upgraded in 2020 and is a 360-degree screen. When the arena is full (as has been the case for years) Neville Arena is one of the most intimidating arenas in the nation. An intro featuring Charles Barkley gets the crowd hyped and the crowd will not settle down until well after the game is over. Neighborhood 5 Nicknamed “The Loveliest Village on the Plain”, Auburn is one of the most beautiful places in the state of Alabama. A trip to Auburn must include a stop by Toomer’s Drugs which is across the street from the trees of Toomer’s Corner. Restaurants down Magnolia Drive include Little Italy for pizza, Moe’s Original BBQ, and Taco Mama. If you want to go to a bar, options include the 17-16 Bar on Magnolia, The Saloon, or Halftime on College Street. Lodging within walking distance of Auburn University includes The Hotel at Auburn University and The Laurel Hotel. Fans 5 Neville Arena has been packed to the brim with Auburn fans for every non-covid game since the Tigers made the final four in 2019. They start arriving 90 minutes before the tip and they make noise throughout the game even in non-conference games against inferior opponents. In recent years students have been known to camp out a couple of days before games against opponents such as Kentucky and Alabama to get the best seats. The fans help make Neville Arena one of the toughest gyms to play in the nation. Access 4 To get to the arena from I-85 turn off exit 51 and head North on College Avenue. Turn left at Donahue Drive. Parking by the arena is reserved for Tigers Unlimited ticket holders. Fortunately, there will be free parking by Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum (Auburn’s former arena) which is also across the street from Plainsman Park (Auburn’s baseball stadium). Once you make the 5-minute walk across Heisman Drive to Neville Arena the concourse is wide enough, there are plenty of restrooms, and several concession stands are spread throughout the venue preventing lines from getting too long. The only knock on the venue is that exiting the arena can take a few minutes to do there being only a couple of arena exit points. Return on Investment 3 The demand for an Auburn Tigers basketball ticket is so high that the only tickets I could buy through Auburn’s website were for games against inferior non-conference opponents that were Standing Room Only. A ticket for that cost me $50. There were a couple of games I could have gotten in for $40, again Standing Room Only. Tickets for reserved seats in non-conference and SEC games will likely have to be purchased on the secondary market and some games cost $300 just to get in the building. That shows you how much demand there is to see these Auburn Tigers. The atmosphere is virtually guaranteed to be great no matter the opponent and the parking is free. Extras 3 At the main entrance of the arena is the Lovelace Museum and Hall of Honor which showcases memorable moments and memorabilia from Auburn’s athletic successes. Auburn’s football venue, Jordan Hare Stadium, is located next to Neville Arena. There is a Buc-ee’s in Auburn. Final Thoughts Auburn is a beautiful place and its basketball arena has one of the best atmospheres in all of college basketball.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Capital One Arena FANFARE Score: 2.86 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Georgetown Hoyas website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20,356 Georgetown A-Hoya The Georgetown Hoyas are one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. With players like Allen Iverson, Dikembe Mutombo, Patrick Ewing, and Alonzo Mourning, the Hoyas dominated the Big East for many years. They have reached five Final Fours, including a national championship victory in 1984. For many years, the Hoyas played on campus at McDonough Arena but moved off campus to the Capital Centre in Landover, MD in 1981 to accommodate the bigger crowds. McDonough is still home to the Hoyas’ women’s basketball team. In 1997, the Hoyas moved back to the District into what was then called the MCI Center and is today known as Capital One Arena. This arena is also the home of the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Capitals of the NHL. Georgetown’s colors are blue and gray and were chosen after the Civil War to promote unity between northern and southern students, many of whom had served in battle for one side or the other. Blue and gray were, of course, the colors of the Union and Confederate military uniforms, respectively. Food & Beverage 3 Seeing as Capital One Arena is a professional sporting venue, it does have quite a wide selection. However, the flip side of this is that what they have is quite expensive for a college venue. Additionally, many of the stands, including most of the specialty stands, will be closed for most games due to the smaller crowds compared to the Wizards and Capitals. That being said, fans certainly won’t go hungry. Main course selections include cheeseburgers and chicken tenders well as items such as sausage and hot dogs. Snacks include popcorn and hot pretzels. Drinks include bottled water and fountain soda.. Keep in mind that fountain beverages no longer come with lids or straws at Capital One Arena in an attempt to reduce environmental waste. Since Capital One is an off-campus arena, it is not too surprising that alcohol is available as well. Prices are very high, as this is a professional arena. As part of the naming rights deal, all Capital One credit or debit cardholders get a 10 percent discount on concessions throughout the arena, but this does not come off automatically and you must notify the cashier. Atmosphere 2 Capital One Arena is a perfect example of why bigger isn’t always better. Although the arena seats over 20,000 fans, it is rarely even close to full. Although the Hoyas’ former on-campus home is way too small at only a few thousand seats, it seems like there should be a happy medium somewhere. The arena is far too big and has a tendency to mask the crowd noise from the few thousand fans who show up. That being said, there are no plans to build a new arena on or off campus at any point in the future and the Hoyas seem content with playing at Capital One despite the thousands of empty seats at each home game. The Hoyas do at least try to keep fans engaged. Before each game, the Hoyas are introduced as spotlights and strobe lights light up the court. These lights continue during all media timeouts, which can get quite annoying, although they do not turn the lights out in the arena except at the beginning. There is a pep band as well as cheerleaders and a dance team to pump up the crowd, and contests on the court during TV timeouts. The Hoyas’ mascot is a bulldog named Jack, and there is both a costumed version and a real live dog version. The most popular Georgetown chant is “Hoya Saxa,” which literally means something to the effect of “What rocks!” in a combination of Greek and Latin. Fans can expect to hear it several times a game. Neighborhood 4 Capital One Arena is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of DC, though the area has gentrified significantly since the arena was built. The Greene Turtle is a popular sports bar located right around the corner. while the Gallery Place shopping mall is also right around the corner and includes numerous stores and a movie theater. Unfortunately, a lot of other businesses in the area have closed in recent years, between COVID and rising crime in the area. The neighborhood is still pretty safe despite public perception to the contrary, but you are in a major city so be aware of your surroundings. Your best entertainment options will involve traveling a bit away from the arena, but not far. That’s because you’re in DC, the nation’s capital, and there’s a lot to do. The best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s checking out the many memorials and monuments on and around the National Mall, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply taking in the historic sights, there’s something for everyone here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some private ones are not. Keep in mind, however, that if you wish to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 2 Georgetown only draws a few thousand fans a game in a 20,000 seat arena, which is not a good look. Gone are the days when the Hoyas dominated college basketball and played before large crowds. The fans who do show up can get loud at times, but there simply aren't that many of them, especially in such a large arena. It is unfortunate to see just how far this fan base has fallen. Access 3 Capital One Arena is located just steps from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. While this may seem like an amazing thing, the unfortunate reality is that Metro is difficult at the best of times and unusable at the worst. The last few years have seen numerous construction projects shut down several stations for weeks or even months at a time. Even if one of these isn’t ongoing, there is track work almost every weekend that increases headways on many lines and often closes several additional stations. The result is that there could be 24 minutes or more between trains, and that’s assuming everything functions properly, which it frequently doesn’t. The good news is that even people coming from outside the immediate DC area can take the Metro by parking at one of the suburban stations. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for parking with the same SmarTrip card you paid your fare with or you will be subject to a much higher rate at certain stations. If you don’t want to chance it with Metro, you can drive to the game. Ample garage parking is available but is costly. The exact cost varies by the day and based on availability, but expect to pay at least $20 and probably much more. You can also take a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. Once you’re in the arena, the concourses are wide enough to allow for easy navigation. There can be long lines at concessions or restrooms during halftime, but if you leave as soon as the half ends, you should be back in your seat by the time the game resumes. Of note, Capital One Arena has a no bag policy. Even clear bags are not allowed, unless they are wallet sized or required for medical reasons. Bags which meet these narrow requirements are allowed whether they are clear or not. This makes things extremely difficult for fans. Return on Investment 3 The Hoyas use a dynamic pricing method for their tickets, meaning pricing varies based on demand, opponent, and other factors such as the day of the week the game is being played. Good seats can be had for as little as $10 for non-conference games against lower-tier opponents, but if you want to see a top-level Big East school like Villanova, expect to pay at least $30, and possibly over $100 if you want lower-level seats. If you don’t care who you see the Hoyas play, you can have a chance to watch Big East basketball and get great seats for far less than what a comparable location would cost for other events in the arena. Tickets are still relatively affordable for the bigger games, but you’ll be paying more for worse seats. All that being said, you can often find better deals on the secondary market, especially closer to game time or if Georgetown is playing a weak opponent. Concessions are extremely pricey as well, this being an NBA arena and all. When combined with the mediocre fan experience, a Georgetown basketball game is average value at best. Extras 2 A team store is located on the 100-level concourse and sells Georgetown gear. :The pregame introductions, with spotlights illuminating the court, are impressive, though the continued use of light shows during all media timeouts gets irritating. Final Thoughts The Georgetown basketball program has fallen on hard times in recent years. Attendance is down, performance on the court is down, and this has all contributed to significantly reduce the quality of the fan experience here. Georgetown plays its home games in a cavernous arena that is mostly empty for the typical game, and that is simply not conducive to a good fan experience.

1998 Olympic Hockey Gold Medal winner and Isobel Cup champion executive Colleen Coyne joins us to discuss the past, present and future of women's hockey. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stan Ogrodnick Court at Ray Oosting Gymnasium 300 Summit St. Hartford, CT 06106 Trinity Bantams men's basketball website Ray Oosting Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 2,200 The Bantams R. Oosting Place Trinity College was founded in 1823 as Washington College. It is the second oldest college in the state of Connecticut. With an enrollment of 2,200 students, Trinity offers majors in 41 fields of study. The college, with an all-male enrollment until 1969, was ranked as the 12th best liberal arts college in the country by Forbes magazine in 2022. Trinity is known as an early example of Collegiate Gothic architecture in the United States. Basketball was first played at Trinity College in Hartford, CT in 1894. Players from the college would play other teams at the local YMCA. In 1897 Trinity upgraded to games against other colleges (Yale and Wesleyan). Official intercollegiate play began in 1905. Today the Bantams compete in Division III’s New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). Over the years Trinity has qualified for ten NCAA D-3 Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 1995. The women’s basketball team has played in three tournaments, reaching the Elite 8 in 2023. The Bantams basketball teams play at the Stan Ogrodnick Court at the Ray Oosting Gymnasium. Oosting coached the Bantams from 1924-1957, and Ogrodnick from 1981-2008. Ogrodnick boasted a record of 469-186 during his time at Trinity, holding the school’s all-time win record. Food & Beverage 0 There were no concessions available during Stadium Journey’s visit, despite it occurring at Trinity’s Holiday Tournament. We’re not sure if this is typical at a Bantams game, but no concession area space was noticed in the facility during our visit. Fans were welcome to bring in their refreshments during the game. Atmosphere 2 Trinity College is well-known for its architecture and beautiful campus. The Ferris Athletic Center, which houses Oosting Gymnasium and other athletic facilities, does not share this aesthetic. The building is a fascinating mashup of old and new. To reach the gym, one passes through the older exterior to a newly renovated student lounge to a small lobby filled with mementos of over a century of competition. Then, you pass through the gym doors into the 1970s. Almost everything inside the gym is colored in Trinity’s blue and yellow, with the school’s rooster mascot adorning the floors and walls throughout. Unfortunately, much of what you find in the Oosting Gym feels like it’s from the 70s. Music and PA announcements are made over a substandard sound system. The PA announcer strangely only announces baskets. When you notice that her perch is located 15 feet above the court, you quickly understand why she isn’t able to pick up all the game calls consistently. Stadium Journey attended a game during the semester break, which understandably held down representation from the student body and overall attendance, even though we visited during their annual holiday tournament and the team was ranked in the top 10 nationally. It’s quite possible that the atmosphere and crowd kicks up a notch or two when school is in session. During our visit, the crowd was very quiet and reserved. There were no cheerleaders, pep band, or mascot to help liven up the proceedings. Neighborhood 2 Trinity College is an urban campus, located in the Barry Square neighborhood of Hartford. Much is made about the dangerousness of the area surrounding the campus. While the area shares many of the same problems as other urban neighborhoods, the campus is very self-contained and safe. And being only a mile or two from downtown Hartford and its attractions is a plus. People may not think of Hartford as a destination location, but there is much to see and do in Connecticut’s capital city. Among the attractions located a short distance from Trinity College is The Old State House, which contains exhibits on Hartford's history. Tours are discounted for AAA members and will cost history buffs a mere $3. The State Capitol and Bushnell Park are popular attractions located nearby (Trinity College trivial fact: this was the original site of the college before they moved to make way for the capitol building in 1872). The Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both located just a short drive from the downtown area. Check out Hartford.com for more information. Of course, you can always catch a game at the XL Center or Dunkin’ Park should schedules line up. Fans 3 As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey visited the Oosting Gymnasium during the semester break. While there was a decent crowd in attendance, the absence of the student body was noticeable. Looking at box scores over the season, the Bantams draw crowds that are comparable to other small schools in the area. Here at Stadium Journey we like to call these smallish crowds “friends and family” crowds, as most of the fans in attendance seem to have a personal connection with the athletes on the court. Fans are generally knowledgeable and passionate, without being rowdy. Since the NESCAC’s geographic footprint is small, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout by visiting fans in the building. Access 3 Oosting Gymnasium is located in the Ferris Athletic Center at the center of the Trinity College campus. In addition to the gymnasium, the Ferris Center contains the school’s field house, squash center, natatorium, fitness center, and varsity weight rooms. The school’s outdoor athletic facilities are located in the immediate area. Trinity College is one of the few liberal arts colleges located in an urban setting in the nation. With downtown located two miles away from campus and Interstate 84 just a mile away, the campus is fairly easy to get to if driving. If utilizing public transportation, CT Transit’s 61, 39, and 41 buses all have stops near the Ferris Center. There is not a lot of parking right around the Ferris Center. If visiting during the day, this isn’t a bad thing, as this beautiful campus is a great place for a stroll. Upon entering the facility, fans will pass through a remodeled student lounge before entering the gymnasium’s lobby and passing through the blue and yellow doors into the gym. All seating is on one side of the court and consists of molded plastic bleachers. Lower rows have some uncomfortable-looking plastic seats. In this cozy gym, you’ll have a good view no matter where you sit. Return on Investment 5 There was no charge for admission to a Bantams basketball game. Again, Stadium Journey attended Trinity’s Holiday Tournament during the semester break, so we’re not sure if this is standard procedure. With free parking on site and no concessions, you won’t reach for your wallet once during a Bantam basketball game. Extras 5 In a gym as old as Oosting at a school as old as Trinity, there’s going to be some history. And Trinity College displays its history proudly. Take some time to check out the trophy cases in the lobby, where a century-plus of hardware is displayed with pride. You’ll be amazed at how many rooster-shaped trophies they have! Hanging from the rafters above Ogrodnick Court are banners honoring Bantam tournament appearances, conference championships, and milestone achievements in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and volleyball. Right at the entrance to the Ferris Center are a cluster of bricks and a cornerstone, which were taken from Alumni Hall, the school’s first gymnasium, built in 1887. The Bantams played there until a fire destroyed the building in 1967. The Trinity mascot, the Bantam, deserves at least one extra point. There’s a display in the lobby honoring its creator, the Honorable Joseph Buffington. Once you enter the gym, the Bantam logo is everywhere, including a pair of giant representations on the gym walls. Final Thoughts The Ray Oosting Gymnasium is a fascinating mix of old and new, while appearing in many ways to have frozen in time in the 1970s. Despite the gaudy décor, this is a great place to visit, take in some small-college basketball history, and catch some quality hoops at the most affordable price. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

-- Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Toscano Family Ice Forum 523 Jim Calhoun Way Storrs, CT 06268 UConn Huskies men's hockey website Toscano Family Ice Forum website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 2,691 Bringing the Huskies Home The University of Connecticut ice hockey program started play in 1960. At the time, the team competed at the Division III level, playing at an outdoor rink adjacent to Memorial Stadium. The Huskies played outdoors until the construction of the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum in 1998. The opening of the Freitas Forum coincided with the squad’s move to Division I. After spending a few seasons in the MAAC/Atlantic Hockey Association, the Huskies moved to the more prestigious Hockey East Conference in 2014. The team also began playing a portion of their schedule at the XL Center in Hartford. Eventually, the Huskies played their entire home schedule off campus, as the Freitas Forum did not meet NCAA or Hockey East standards. A study done by the university concluded that it cost the school $20,000 to hold a game in Hartford. Wanting to move back to campus, the university began construction of a new $48 million hockey facility in the school’s athletic district. Named in honor of UConn Board of Trustees Chairman Dan Toscano (’87) and his family in recognition of a donation to the school, the first game at the Toscano Family Ice Forum was played on January 14, 2023. Included in the new rink are team offices, lounges, training areas, and strength and conditioning facilities. The rink is also made available for public skating sessions. At the current time, the plan is to split UConn’s schedule between Toscano Forum and the XL Center. The Huskies have yet to qualify for the NCAA postseason tournament. Five UConn alumni have played in the National Hockey League. Food & Beverage 3 In many new sporting venues, the concessions experience is a big focus. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be the case at Toscano Forum. There are small concession stands in each corner of the venue. Each stand contains a slightly different menu, so you may need to wander around to find what you need. There’s not a whole lot offered at these stands, with hot dogs, pizza slices, and assorted snacks comprising the menu. What saves Toscano from a sub-par score is the presence of Bear’s Barbeque in the southeast corner of the arena. Fans can choose from their popular pulled pork and brisket, served in a sandwich with chips or over mac and cheese. Bottles of Coca-Cola products are sold at the Toscano Forum. Among the many different beers served at Toscano are two beers brewed especially for UConn athletics, Husky Hops IPA from Kinsmen Brewing and TwoConn Easy Ale from Two Roads Brewing. Fans looking for wine or mixed drinks will be able to find choices at UConn hockey games. Atmosphere 5 When designing the Toscano Family Ice Forum, the university made a conscious decision to keep the venue small so that it would be filled to near capacity most nights, maximizing the noise and energy during games. After attending a UConn game, it is clear that leadership’s vision has paid off. Stadium Journey attended a game during the semester break, so there was a very sparse turnout from the student body. This had a minimal effect on the crowd and atmosphere, as the empty student sections were filled up by fans who otherwise might have been shut out from attending a game. The band was in attendance, filling the rink with music during play stoppages and continuing student section traditions, such as turning their backs on the opponents during play stoppages and taunting the visiting goalie whenever the opportunity arose. The UConn staff put on a professional-level show, with a high-quality video board anchoring the presentation with hype videos, replays, crowd shots, and more. The PA announcer adds energy to the proceedings and an excellent sound system fills the venue with noise during play stoppages along with the band. Since the venue is filled primarily with season ticket holders, the fans in attendance are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Neighborhood 3 The University of Connecticut is located in the village of Storrs, which is incorporated within the town of Mansfield. It’s a short drive from Toscano Forum to downtown Storrs. With just over 15,000 residents, Storrs’ population pales in comparison to UConn’s total enrollment of almost 33,000 students. It’s no surprise that the 4,000-acre UConn campus dominates this small town. Visitors to Storrs can still find some solid dining options in town. Downton Storrs is located right across the street from the main entrance to UConn. While the downtown area has some good choices for dining, the must-see for any visiting fans is the UConn Dairy Bar. The Dairy Bar, operated entirely by students, has been in operation since 1953. All products are made fresh on-site. While enjoying your ice cream you can see the cows grazing in the adjacent fields. Since there aren’t a ton of options for lodging near UConn, many fans coming to the area will move on to Hartford, located about a 30-minute drive to the west, or the twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, located about 45 minutes to the southeast. Fans 5 The response to the Huskies moving back to campus has been overwhelming. Tickets have been grabbed up almost as quickly as they have been made available, and Toscano Forum is packed night in and night out with rabid Husky fans. Stadium Journey attended a game during the 2023 semester break without much of a turnout from the student body, and the arena was still nearly filled. Connecticut has never been thought of as a traditional hockey market, overshadowed by New York on one side and Boston on the other. However local hockey fans are as knowledgeable and passionate as any of their neighbors, and they make Toscano Forum an intimidating place for visiting teams. Access 3 The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, a small village located about a half-hour drive east of Hartford. Storrs is not directly served by any highways, so fans visiting Toscano Forum will have to navigate some country roads to reach campus. Interstate 84 runs about seven miles north of UConn. Toscano Family Ice Forum is located on the southwest edge of campus alongside UConn’s other athletic venues, including Gampel Pavilion, Elliot Ballpark, Marrone Stadium, and Freitas Ice Forum. Fans who have not been on campus in a while may be quite surprised by the changes in the area, as the baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and hockey teams all have received new venues in recent years. Fans visiting Toscano Forum will enter the north side of the venue into a small lobby, climbing a flight of stairs to reach the 360-degree concourse, which runs atop the seating bowl. The standing room and bar rail seating are located at this level.  The seating bowl is steeply pitched, ensuring great sight lines from all seats in this cozy arena. Restrooms are located on the east side of the facility and are large enough to accommodate even a sellout crowd. Lines are minimal at concession stands but can still form during intermission. Return on Investment 2 The ticketing system for UConn hockey games at Toscano Forum is unique. Since the venue is very small, the first choice for seating goes to season ticket holders, with a portion of the seating reserved for students, visiting teams, families, etc. As you might imagine, this doesn’t leave very many tickets left over. Those tickets that remain are snapped up quickly when they go on sale to the public. Most fans must then scour the secondary market for UConn hockey tickets. A recent scan of ticketing websites show that they start at around $45, increasing markedly from there. Add in concessions that are priced a bit on the high side, and attending a UConn game can become an expensive proposition. Parking in the lots directly adjacent to Toscano Forum is reserved for season ticket holders. Fans attending UConn hockey games who do not hold parking passes must park at the South Garage, about a half-mile walk from the front door of the arena. This can be a tough walk on a cold winter night, and fans pay $15 for the privilege. Extras 4 A great tradition at UConn hockey games is the playing of Brass Bonanza, the old Hartford Whalers goal song, after Husky goals. Every self-respecting arena needs to have a signature selfie spot for that perfect Instagram post. Toscano Forum has a fire pit in the entry plaza and a giant goalie helmet on the concourse. Both have proven to be very popular locations. There’s a display on the south wall of the arena that outlines some of the history of the UConn hockey program. Photos of every player on both the men’s and women’s teams are posted on the east wall of the facility. Final Thoughts When planning a new venue, size matters. Do you want a small venue that is guaranteed to be filled with rowdy fans, or a large facility that will be mostly empty most nights, but which will come in handy for a few dates each season? The University of Connecticut opted for the former. They could have built bigger, but would it have dampened this excellent facility? Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

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 Rodrigo Perez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Carver Arena 201 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61602 Peoria Rivermen website Carver Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 11,442 Peoria Rivermen Hockey Inside the Peoria Civic Center lies Carver Arena, and for over 40 years, it has been the home to the Peoria Rivermen, originally known as the Peoria Prancers. In downtown Peoria, the Rivermen grew up with Carver Arena, as both started back in 1982. Home to the 7th longest continually operating minor league franchise in North America, the Rivermen started in the International Hockey League and have since skipped around leagues. Since 2013, the Rivermen have been members of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Since then, the Rivermen have won four league championships, with their latest coming after the 2022 season. Food & Beverage 3 Overall, the concession stand experience is pretty standard for most indoor arenas. There are various locations along the concourse, like the River City Kitchen, Nelson Bros, and Whiskey City Eats. With so many options, wait times are not an issue, as there are various smaller stands with a limited range of items throughout the concourse. With lots of different options and locations, the service is quick despite the lengthy lines. Along with the various eatery stands located throughout the concourse, Brewhaus Bros is the one dedicated alcohol stand that serves Domestic and Imported beers. From specially mixed cocktails to domestic and imported beer, Brewhaus serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, along with classic stadium snacks. Atmosphere 4 From concerts to collegiate Basketball, Carver Arena easily transforms into an ice palace for the Peoria Rivermen. With no shortage of entrances, Carver Arena remains well-lit throughout the game, making it a safe environment for everyone. Various tables surround the concourse area with information on 50/50 raffle tickets, season ticket information, and a wide variety of team merchandise. You can get as close to the action with only a few feet separating the front row and the glass. With a video board above the ice and multiple promotions, the action stays consistent even when there’s no action on the ice. Before the game, the Rivermen get introduced and run through a giant inflatable ship wheel. With the opening festivities finalized, the home team advantage is felt throughout the night. Neighborhood 4 Across the Illinois River, Carver Arena sits past the Bob Michel Bridge on W. Washington Street. With multiple parking and dining options around the vicinity of the arena, there are plenty of pre-game spots available. Kickback on Fulton, Kenny’s Westside Pub, and Ulrich’s Rebellion Room are some bars near the arena. All offer multiple food and beverage options and are just a few blocks away from Carver. In terms of eateries, Hoops Pub and Pizza, Craft309 Kitchen + Bar, Honey Sugar’s Cafe, and Roasting Company - Apollo are alternate ways to take for those just looking to grab a bite before the game. Fans 5 While the Rivermen faithful can get quiet at times, when there’s trouble, they always respond. Every goal or fiery moment on the ice is met with wild cheers from Rivermen fans as cowbells and horns blare across Carver. The Rivermen fanbase isn’t afraid to let the opposing team know that they're not welcome, with boos ringing loud and clear after an unfavorable call for the Rivermen. While Carver Arena usually doesn’t fill up, there are still plenty of fans in the stands for that home-field advantage. A special moment of the night is the call and response between the Rivermen PA announcer and the fans. After every goal, the PA announcer will ask how many goals the Rivermen have, and the crowd will respond, counting up to the number of goals that the Rivermen currently have. Access 4 There are multiple parking options, with the marquee lot being the most appealing option because of its proximity to the main entrance. When the marquee lot gets full, the Fulton lot has plenty of space in case of an overflow, which tends to happen with Rivermen games and because of the limited capacity of the marquee lot. There are also street options and parking decks around the Civic Center; parking shouldn’t be an issue. The Toyota gate entrance is the main entrance that gets you straight to the concourse. If you enter through any of the other entrances, be prepared to do some walking. Carver Arena and the Peoria Civic Center have a clear bag policy that only allows small to medium clear bags. Both hard tickets and the more modern method of mobile entry are available. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $14-26 dollars, depending on whether lower or upper bowl seating. Glass and premium tickets range from $21 to 26 dollars, while upper bowl and Pilothouse will usually go for $14-16 dollars. There is also the option of skipping the ticket fees by calling the ticket office and obtaining tickets two hours before the game. With parking costing $10, a Rivermen game is affordable and fun for any night. With multiple theme nights, they usually involve specialty jerseys that can be won via a raffle at the end of the game. Some theme nights, such as Sunday Family Fun Day, offer reduced ticket prices for children and discounted concession items. Extras 3 The Rivermen receive extra praise for their inventive activities and multiple theme nights with specialty jerseys. From the classic chuck-a-puck to the trucker cam, there is never a dull moment where something interesting isn’t happening. The great-looking landscape that can be seen from any seat earns another point. Multiple banners line up the walls of the arena that showcase the club's past accomplishments and provide nods to past players. The Rivermen landscape adds to the game-day atmosphere. The promotional nights are also worthy of praise as they make an effort to make the Rivermen experience accessible to all. With multiple dates that offer reduced tickets, concessions, and extra activities for kids, it's hard to not praise the effort. Final Thoughts While Carver Arena and the Peoria Civic Center host many thrills, the Rivermen provide a unique experience that's hard to find anywhere in Central Illinois. With passion and support that leaks onto the ice, the Rivermen family makes any game an exhilarating experience. Not every city has a minor-league hockey team, making it one of the most unique experiences in Peoria.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hart Recreation Center 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders men’s basketball website Hart Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,600 The Hart of New England Basketball The Reverend Francis J. Hart Recreation Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “Woostah” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John and Joanne Luth donated $32.5 million to the college in 2015 towards expanding and renovating the athletic department. Their donation largely funded the massive renovations to the complex in 2016. The Hart Recreation Center houses not only the Holy Cross basketball arena, but a 1,400-seat hockey rink, a six-lane swimming pool with separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, and the college’s strength and conditioning facilities. Behind the Hart Center is a full-size track, practice fields, soccer field and a lighted turf field which service numerous sports and intramural programs. Holy Cross has a long and storied basketball history, hosting teams since 1900. The Crusaders won the national championship in 1947 and made it to the Final Four in 1948. Two additional Elite Eight appearances followed in 1950 and 1953. In 1954 the team won the National Invitational Tournament. Overall, the Crusaders have qualified for the NCAA Tournament 13 times, most recently in 2016. Ten Crusader alumni have played in the National Basketball Association, most notably Hall of Famers Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn. Holy Cross basketball was so highly regarded that they could have joined the Big East Conference when it formed in 1980. The school vetoed the move for academic reasons. Today, Holy Cross competes in the Patriot League, a mid-major conference made up of northeastern schools with high academic standards. Food & Beverage 3 A pair of concession stands are located in the main lobby. The basic menu contains hot dogs, popcorn chicken and nachos along with a solid lineup of snacks. A side order of tater tots always goes well with your chicken or hot dog. Cans of Pepsi products can be purchased at these stands along with a selection of hot beverages. In addition, adult beverages can also be found at the concession stands. Greater Good Pulp Daddy, Harpoon Rec League and Sam Adams Octoberfest highlight the offerings. Here’s a Stadium Journey insider’s tip: there are some vending machines located a bit past the concession stands in the main lobby. Bottles of soda can be found here for $2, a much better deal than the $3 cans of soda at the concession stand. This can be our secret. Atmosphere 3 Any seasoned college basketball fan will tell you that the small gyms across the country contain some of the most rabid fans and the best game day atmospheres in the country. While the Hart Center doesn’t draw large enough crowds to measure up to the legendary gyms in the nation, there’s no doubt that if this place filled up, it would be a great place to experience a game. All the elements that make up a solid experience can be found here, including a rowdy student section, pep band, cheerleaders and dance team driving the noise and excitement. There’s a solid sound system and a video board on the far wall of the gym which is put to good use with game stats, graphics and videos. Smaller scoreboards in each corner of the facility display basic game stats. There are contests held on the floor during play stoppages involving younger fans (and sometimes students) along with the standard smile and flex cams to keep the casual fan engaged. In a small gym like the Hart Center with the small-ish crowds in attendance, you can hear the players on the court and the coaches barking out instructions to their teams. It’s a great place to visit for basketball purists. Neighborhood 3 Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park, located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus. Holy Cross is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options. Worcester’s acclaimed “Restaurant Row” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center. The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park, is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross. Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain is located just ten miles outside of city limits Fans 2 Attendance at Holy Cross basketball games has dipped since the Covid pandemic. Where the team used to average somewhere around 1,500 fans per game, for the 2021-22 season this figure decreased to 800 fans per game. While attendance has rebounded a bit in the 2022-23 season, it is still below pre-pandemic levels and Patriot League averages. One thing that may strike you while at the Hart Center is that the average age of the fans here seems to skew older. The stands are filled with Holy Cross alumni, with a smattering of locals mixed in. Stadium Journey’s most recent visit took place during the semester break, but there’s usually a solid representation from the student body here. No matter what time of year you visit Holy Cross, this is a place where you can feel safe bringing the whole family. Access 4 The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Hart Recreation Center is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’ location gives it spectacular views of the city below. 2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby which houses the ticket booths. The basketball arena and hockey rink share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands, rest rooms and Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Long gone are the 70’s style carpeting, trophy cases and stained-glass windows of the old Hart Center. The basketball arena is located to your left as you enter the Hart Center. Fans holding lower-level seats will enter the arena at floor level, while fans holding reserved or upper-level seats will head to the staircases. Lower-level seats consist of molded plastic bleachers. There are three rows of individual plastic stadium seats at the top of the lower level, and metal bleachers make up the balcony seating. All seats at the Hart Center are painted purple and enjoy great views of the court. There is a concourse inside the arena that circles the entire court. At points, the concourse provides access to the remodeled upper level, overlooking new meeting rooms and a practice court. Standing room is available on this concourse at either end of the court. Be sure to time your visit to the concession stand and/or restrooms carefully, as lines can form at halftime. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Crusader basketball games start at $10 for bleacher seats, with chairback seats priced at $15 and floor seats available for only $20. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. Waiting until game day to buy your tickets increases the price by $3. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the Hart Center, and concessions are reasonably priced. All in all, a day at a Crusader basketball game is a most affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 3 Extra points are awarded for the sense of history here at the Hart Center. While the glory days of Holy Cross hoops did not occur here (the Crusaders used to play at the old Boston Garden regularly), there are reminders of the school’s success everywhere. A bronze statue of Bob Cousy greets visitors, and the new athletic Hall of Fame is filled with names of Crusader greats. Banners commemorating Crusader tournament appearances and retired numbers hang from the Hart Center rafters, and trophy cases hold mementos from Crusader titles. Final Thoughts The Hart Center is one of the nicer small basketball facilities in this part of the country. Taking in a game at Holy Cross is a laid-back, affordable experience in an intimate setting. While Holy Cross no longer competes among the giants in the sport, college basketball historians will enjoy looking around the Hart Center at the reminders of the Crusaders’ glory days. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

This weekend the University of Montana and South Dakota State University will square off in the FCS National Championship football game in Frisco, Texas. FCS stands for the Football Championship Subdivision. There are 128 college teams in the FCS, and for the first time, Stadium Journey has reviews for all 128 stadiums at this level of competition. We are proud to release our listing of the Top 20 Stadiums in the FCS. Due to ties, there are actually 21 stadiums on our list. These rankings are based on our FANFARE score, which takes into account all the factors that encompass the gameday atmosphere: food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, return on investment and extras, or anything especially unique about the stadium. When two or more facilities are tied, a Stadium Journey "Council of Elders" is consulted to break the deadlocks. We don’t expect everyone to agree with our rankings… in fact, we encourage lively discussion and debate on our social media pages. That’s part of the fun of lists like these. 1. Washington-Grizzly Stadium - Montana Grizzlies 4.43 Our top-rated stadium features spectacular natural surroundings, an engaged fanbase, close-up views of the action, and a very well-done Wall of Champions making Washington-Grizzly Stadium our top stadium in the FCS. 2. William B. Greene Stadium - East Tennessee State Buccaneers 4.43 The ETSU football program returned from the dead to play in this well-designed stadium. Greene Stadium has been designed to accent nature, rather than compete with it. It sits at the base of a mountain, yet it allows nature to determine its low profile. A large berm at one end of the stadium is usually filled with fans. The nearby mountain tends to trap the noise generated by the fans, making it difficult for visiting teams to communicate. 3. Harlen Hunter Stadium - Lindenwood Lions 4.29 Lindenwood University may be new to the FCS, but Hunter Stadium makes a great first impression. It features a sleek modern design, a two-story press box, and one of the largest videoboards in the FCS. The Lions' Pride tailgates provide a wonderful prelude to the games for home fans and visitors alike. 4. Johnson Hagood Stadium - The Citadel Bulldogs 4.29 The pageantry of a football game at a military academy is always something special. The cadets marching from the school to the stadium attract crowds that are not even going to the game. Inside, recent renovations have transformed the Fieldhouse into a castle-like structure that mimics the architecture of the Citadel campus. 5. Rhodes Stadium - Elon Phoenix 4.14 The house of the Phoenix is rising due to the great sightlines, terrific Carolina BBQ, and the sounds of the Fire of the Carolinas. 6. Franklin Field - Penn Quakers 4.14 Like many other things in Philadelphia, Franklin Field is a truly historic venue. The tales of Army-Navy games past, long-ago Eagles games, and its present tenant in the Penn Quakers are all part of its legacy. Penn embraces this history rather than competing with it. 7. Truist Stadium - North Carolina A&T Aggies 4.14 Our top HBCU stadium experience features a very dedicated fan base, a wonderful band, and a top-notch football program in the Aggies. You’ll probably stand the entire game, cheering the action on the field or dancing to the music in the stands. 8. Finley Stadium - Chattanooga Mocs 4.14 All aboard for a fun experience in the land of the Mocs. The party starts early in Chattanooga in the Pavilion across the street from Finley Stadium. Once inside the stadium, there is a food truck alley to keep the fans well fed, as well as one of the larger videoboards in the country. After the game, fans can visit Chattanooga’s many downtown attractions without moving their cars. 9. Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium - South Dakota State 4.00 The Jackrabbits have Dykhouse Stadium hopping well before the kickoff. They’ve developed a terrific reputation as tailgaters. Low ticket prices, wonderful sightlines, and a massive videoboard keep the fans coming to this virtually brand new stadium. 10. Bobcat Stadium - Montana State Bobcats 4.00 Bobcat Nation impressed us with their enthusiasm throughout the game. Montana State gets them up on their feet early with one of the best team entry celebrations we’ve ever witnessed. 11. E. Claiborne Robins Stadium - Richmond Spiders 4.00 A lovely setting, great concessions, a fun zone for the kids and full houses are all part of the Spiders gameday experience. It’s a wonderful web they weave. 12. Lawrence A. Wien Stadium - Columbia Lions 4.00 The home of the Lions features the Manhattan Hudson River view, some of the cheapest sports tickets in the Big Apple, and the panache of an Ivy League school. What else can we say? 13. Fargodome - North Dakota State Bison 4.00 Our top-rated indoor facility features one of the better tailgating experiences at the FCS level. Once inside the building, the noise generated by the crowds is deafening. More importantly, the Fargodome provides a refuge from the winter weather that often moves in towards the end of the football season. 14. First Security Field At Estes Stadium - Central Arkansas Bears 3.86 A unique playing field (it’s purple and silver) is the calling card for this stadium. In addition, the stands are filled with Bears fans due to the low ticket prices. The on-campus stadium attracts many Conway residents, as well as football-starved fans from nearby Little Rock. 15.  Stewart Stadium - Weber State Wildcats 3.86 Visiting a Weber State football game and the town of Ogden, UT in the fall or winter is an affordable family experience. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Wasatch Mountains and all the other outdoor activities available when in town. 16. Delaware Stadium - Delaware Blue Hens 3.86 Delaware Stadium is a simple facility but offers fans a close-to-the-action spectacle with one of the most successful college football programs in the country. 17. Powers Field At Princeton Stadium - Princeton Tigers 3.86 Few stadiums can boast of a more unique surrounding area. Princeton has it all, with the stunning campus of an elite school that has produced luminaries in numerous fields. Yet it has retained the feel of a small town and the vibrancy of a college town. Princeton Stadium completes that small-town feel in many ways. 18. Dakota Dome - South Dakota Coyotes 3.86 A visit to the Dakota Dome is a great way to see college football. You can take in some great scenery on your way to the game while enjoying a game in comfort and style. You won’t have to brave the elements outside. That alone makes this dome worth the journey. 19. Cooper Field - Georgetown Hoyas 3.86 Although Cooper Field is small, and not particularly fancy, a visit here is still a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon watching football at an affordable price. 20. Crocker Field At Bailey Memorial Stadium - Presbyterian Blue Hose 3.86 Presbyterian football offers some great traditions, such as the sword in the stone and the students bringing a couch to watch the action behind the end zone. The scenery is great and the 20-year-old facility still feels very modern. 21. Cowboy Stadium - McNeese Cowboys 3.86 “The Hole” offers a great family-friendly atmosphere and regularly features a dominant on-field product. Cowboy Stadium is the place to be on Saturdays in SW Louisiana.