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

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Colonial Country Club 3735 Country Club Cir Fort Worth, TX 76109 Colonial Country Club website Charles Schwab Challenge website Year Opened: 1936 Charles Schwab Challenge continues streak at Hogan’s Alley The Charles Schwab Challenge is played at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Although this was Charles Schwab’s first year being the sponsor in Fort Worth, the Colonial Country Club first hosted the US Open in 1941. Due to World War II, no tournament was played from 1942-45, but a PGA Tour golf tournament has been held at the Colonial Country Club every year since 1946, giving the course the honor of being the PGA Tour’s longest-tenured tournament at a single venue. The tournament is traditionally hosted over Memorial Day weekend. The Colonial Country Club is known as “Hogan’s Alley” because legendary Ben Hogan won the tournament five times. The course yardage is 7,209 (creating a Par 70 for golfers), and the course record is 61, co-held by seven PGA Tour pros: Keith Clearwater, Lee Janzen, Greg Kraft, Justin Leonard, Kevin Na, Kenny Perry, and Chad Campbell. The course has also hosted three major or significant professional golf events: the 1941 U.S. Open, the 1975 Tournament Players Championship, and the 1991 U.S. Women’s Open. Food & Beverage 3 There are numerous concessions tents around the golf course, with nearly one stand per hole as the tents are strategically placed for patrons to be able to buy food and not miss any action. The Charles Schwab Challenge food and beverage options are the standard sports fare, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, along with pretzels, peanuts, and various sweets. The food and beverage prices are typical of what sports fans are accustomed to when going to events; $10 is the highest price for food or alcohol options, with soda beverages running from $4 to $6. Being in Texas, there is BBQ in the B&B which is near the 9th tee box – their menu includes brisket and pulled pork with many other BBQ staples. There is also the 1936 Colonial Bar and Grill, as well as a variety of cocktails and different kinds of beer available in the Fan Zone. Ben and Jerry’s ice cream carts are also located at various places along the course, for fans looking for a sweet treat or some water. In addition to the general food areas, there are the premium seating areas for fans that want to have a more leisurely and upscale place to eat. One of the upgrades for concessions is the Champions Club, with a cost of $250 (upgraded tickets, but gives access to air conditioning as well as television while you eat and drink). In summary, there are plenty of food and beverages here for any fan to enjoy, but the overall menu is what fans expect at PGA events. Atmosphere 4 The Charles Schwab Challenge continues bringing an impeccable environment for avid golf fans. Hogan’s Alley continues to be one of the best-groomed courses on the PGA Tour. The private club opens their course to the golf world and creates an atmosphere like all the fans are members of the club. There are great seating opportunities to watch the best of the best play on the Par 70 course, and the Colonial Country Club and the volunteers create an environment that is attractive to all types of golf fans. The amenities here include a kids’ autograph zone, the Famous 13th Hole (a par 3 over water with the patron’s seating directly above the green, leaving very little space for the golfers safe zone on the green), and finally The Five, a Schwab Performance Center that is a live interactive golf experience focusing on the five fundamentals of both golf and investing, connecting Ben Hogan’s ground-breaking approach to golf and Schwab’s approach to investing and retirement. As in all PGA tournaments the fans excitement escalates on the last day, with fans getting to see the final pairings and leaders coming down the 18th fairway to the Colonial Clubhouse, with Ben Hogan’s statue overlooking the 18th green. The winner of the Charles Schwab Challenge receives the customary Scottish royal tartan plaid jacket, the Leonard Trophy, and a 1973 fully renovated Dodge Challenger. Neighborhood 4 The Colonial Golf Course is located about four miles from downtown Fort Worth. The golf course is located on the south bank of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, just northwest of the campus of Texas Christian University. There are several tourist attractions in Fort Worth near the Colonial Country Club – Fort Worth Zoo on University Drive is just across from the main entrance for the tournament. The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the top-rated zoos in the country. In addition, the Cultural District around the general parking at Farrington Field features several museums, including the world famous Kimbell Art Museum, the Will Rogers Memorial Center (home of the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo), and the new Dickies Arena. However, a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must when visiting the Fort Worth area, and it is just a few miles on the other side of downtown. There you can see the famous “World’s Largest Honky Tonk” Billy Bob’s Texas, home to live music from national recording acts, a large dance floor, pool tables, mechanical bull rides, and live bull riding on the weekends. The stockyards also have a few steak houses that are well worth the visit, and there is also a local Tex-Mex favorite, Joe T. Garcia’s, but be prepared for long lines if you chose this eatery. Or if you’re looking for BBQ, Heim BBQ at 1109 W. Magnolia Ave is one of the top-rated BBQ places in the state. But the best food option might just be the Ol’ South Pancake House – this Fort Worth stable is a 24-hour family restaurant that is perfect for those early tee times at the tournament. There are plenty of lodging options while in town, with two good choices being the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa at 1701 Commerce, and the Stockyards Hotel at 109 E Exchange. If you want to be within walking distance of the Colonial Country Club, though, then the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth or the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth are your better options. Fans 5 The Colonial Country Club is a private golf club, but the fans that flock to this course are very diverse. As with all PGA Tour events, there are plenty of groups that form around certain golfers. The largest gallery the past few years have been around Jordan Spieth, which is great for fans of other golfers that want plenty of space to follow another golfer around the course. In general, golf fans are very courteous and respectful of everyone in attendance. This holds true around the course at Colonial – the whole crowd is united in supporting the players, but the support becomes the loudest as the final pairing head to the 18th green on Sunday evening. Access 3 The Colonial Country Club is located off University Blvd across from the Fort Worth Zoo. The club is situated in the Park Hill-Colonial Hills neighborhood, and this old neighborhood can’t support general parking for the PGA event. However, there are three parking options available to patrons; Bronze, Silver, and public. The Bronze and Silver parking areas are located on the opposite side of the neighborhood, on the Texas Christian University campus. The cost for Silver parking is $75 per day or $300 for the week, with a shuttle that takes patrons to the Colonial Clubhouse. The bronze parking is close to the silver parking, but the cost is $25 a day cheaper, and $50 cheaper for the week. Lexus Owners receive a $20 discount when driving their Lexus vehicles. The final option is public parking, with all general parking costing $20. The Charles Schwab Challenge website states $15, if you buy in advance, but fails to state that there is an added $6 service fee. The general parking is located at Fort Worth’s Farrington Field at 2921 W. Lancaster or Rockwood Lane Fort Worth, with both areas providing free shuttles to the course. The main entrance is on Rogers at the 4th hole fairway. There are metal detectors at the gates and Andy Frain Services checks patrons’ bags. There are no opaque bags allowed that are larger than a small purse (6” by 6”) including carrying cases, backpacks, camera bags, or chair bags. Clear plastic, vinyl, or other bags not exceeding 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, as well as food if it is stored in one-gallon clear plastic resealable bag. All mobile phones, tablets, and PDAs should be put in the silent mode, and cameras are allowed during practice rounds only. Once inside the course is very walkable, as the landscape is flat with plenty of trees for shade. Return on Investment 3 The return on investment at the Charles Schwab Challenge is as expected for a PGA Tour event, but is a little better than its metroplex counterpart, the AT&T Byron Nelson in Dallas. The daily grounds tickets are $50 per ticket, but the Colonial Country Club is one of the treasures on the PGA Tour – the historic golf course has hosted some of golf’s greatest players. There are also special ticket packages that enhance a patron’s experience, but they come at a price; the Patio Club@16, Hogan Club@18, and Best seats@18 green. These all have clubhouse access, with food and beverage included, but the prices range from $275 to $350 per ticket. The concessions pricing is on par with typical sporting event concessions prices, but the overpriced parking keeps the ROI from being higher; the AT&T Byron Nelson’s free parking option may have spoiled me when it comes to parking. Overall, however, the return on investment is in line with other sporting events. Extras 5 A trip to the Colonial Country Club is a chance to see the game’s biggest names firsthand, and those names represent a wide range of styles on the PGA Tour. Since the tournament’s inaugural event in 1946, golf greats like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson, as well as modern-day stars such as Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Rose, have won this tournament – the 2019 champion was Kevin Na, making the tournament his third PGA Tour win. The Charles Schwab Challenge is also among the PGA Tour leaders in charitable giving, including generating a record $13 million awarded to charities in 2018. The tournament has generated $100 million for more than 150 charitable organizations over the past two decades. The Colonial Country Club fifth hole, which has the Trinity River running alongside the fairway, is mentioned as one of the best holes in America. This hole is regularly ranked as one of golf’s most difficult, and is the anchor in the very tough three-hole stretch nicknamed the “Horrible Horseshoe.” The Colonial staff and volunteers also do a great job throughout the week helping patrons navigate to and from the parking lot shuttles to different places around the course. Finally, the Charles Schwab Challenge’s placement on Memorial Day weekend inspires the tournament to remember the men and women of the Armed Forces that sacrificed their lives while serving their country, with a moment of silence during tournament play. Final Thoughts Colonial Country Club is a beautiful course laid out in a perfect setting to host a PGA Tournament, with an easy course to navigate and plenty of shade from the large oak trees along the fairways. The DFW area is also a great tourist area for golf fans to enjoy, with plenty of restaurants and lodging in the vicinity. In fact, traditionally the DFW area hosted back-to-back weekends of PGA golf, with the AT&T Byron Nelson tournament in Dallas followed by the Charles Schwab Challenge here; Dallas-Fort Worth is the only metroplex area in the US that hosts two PGA events each year. In 2019 the PGA Championship broke up the consecutive weekends, but if the PGA returns to their prior schedule, then spending a week in the DFW areas watching two PGA Tour events is a must for the avid golf fan. However, if the schedule stays the same with a break between the two tournaments, then golf fans have a great choice in choosing which side of the metroplex; either a link style course in Dallas, or the traditional golf course in Fort Worth.

Photos by Jeremy Inson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Stadio Olimpico Viale dei Gladiatori Rome, Lazio 00135 Italy SS Lazio website Stadio Olimpico website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 73,000 SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico Società Sportiva Lazio (SS Lazio) has been in existence since the turn of the 20th century. Known commonly as Lazio, the club is a member of the Italian Serie A, the top tier professional soccer league in Italy. With a capacity of 73,000 Rome’s Stadio Olimpico is Italy’s highest profile and most modern stadium. It is the only stadium in the country with a five star ranking from UEFA, European football’s governing body and therefore the only one capable of hosting major finals. It was named for the 1960 Olympic Games, had a roof added for the 1990 FIFA World Cup where it hosted the final, and then upgraded to meet UEFA’s specifications in 2008. The city was rewarded for the upgrades when it hosted the 2009 Champions League final, in which Barcelona ran riot against Manchester United to win 2-0. It was the fourth time European soccer’s premier club final took place there after the stadium hosted finals in 1977, 1984 and 1996. Most of the time Stadio Olimpico plays host to cross town rivals SS Lazio and AS Roma, who enjoy the ups and downs of life in Serie A. It also hosts the national soccer team’s most important fixtures and a Diamond League track and field meet every June, while Italy’s rugby union team have now begun playing their matches there as well. Food & Beverage 3 Like most stadiums in Italy, the best food is available from the various concession stands and food trucks outside the stadium. Hot sandwiches or pizza slices are the most popular choices and most serve chips, chocolate and candy as well. Alcohol is available from outside the stadium, but once inside the sale of alcohol is prohibited. There are some food counters in the stadium, which sell overly-expensive sandwiches, coffee and soft drinks, but in truth it is better to suffer the hunger pangs, then get back to the city centre and enjoy some of the best food around. Atmosphere 4 There are few matches around with a better atmosphere than a Rome derby between Lazio and Roma. Talk occupies the city for weeks before and the whole stadium is a vast cauldron of boiling hot emotions. Fireworks, flares, mega-banners and non-stop singing ensure that the Rome derby is one of the most passionate matches in the football world. There are few other domestic or European games that can match its intensity. The visits of Inter and AC Milan and Juventus will also push the attendance towards capacity and have a similar atmosphere. Lazio average gates of about 35,000, though for matches with some of the smaller teams in Serie A the atmosphere can be decidedly flat. Neighborhood 2 The Stadio Olimpico is the centrepiece of the Foro Italico sports complex north-west of the city, which also houses the swimming centre that hosted the 2009 FINA World Swimming Championships and the tennis centre where the Italian Masters takes place each May. It was built in the 1930’s at the behest of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and while it boasts an impressive array of neo-fascist architecture and design, there is precious little else in the area and with the centre of the Eternal City less than 30 minutes away, it is better to head back there to sample its charms. One place to avoid, especially for night games, is the nearby bridge Ponte Milvio. The bridge has often been the scene of soccer hooliganism and knife attacks between rival fans, most notably when English teams are in town. Fans 4 Lazio fans occupy the curva nord, and their supporters pride themselves on being some of the most passionate around. Politically Lazio fans are considered some of the most notoriously far-right leaning supporters and so have little compunction in showing their admiration for Mussolini. Either way Lazio’s supporters make a huge amount of noise, despite the fact that they stand in the part of the stadium with the worst views, behind the goals and across the running track. It means that a match at the Stadio Olimpico is rarely a dull affair. Access 3 Reaching the stadium on public transport means at least one change and the main two routes involve jumping on the A metro line. Fans can either alight at Flaminio and catch the number 2 tram, which drops fans a short walk from the stadium. The alternative is to get off at Ottaviano and take the number 32 bus that drops fans off across the road from the stadium. If arriving by car from outside the city drivers need to take the ring road exit sign-posted Flaminia and then follow signs for the stadium. From inside the city, the stadium and Foro Italico complex are both well signposted. Drivers be warned though, battling traffic in Rome isn’t for the faint hearted and there isn’t great deal of parking nearby. Once at the stadium entry points and turnstiles are well signposted though. Return on Investment 4 Much depends on who it is you go and see and where you sit. While fans may be happy to put up with watching over the running track against one of the big teams, they may be less so if they have to watch from afar as Lazio takes on the likes of Cesena or Catania. Still the noise and the singing will always be there to some extent and the side like to play exciting, attacking football. Lazio are also blessed by being located in one of the most stunning cities in the world, with its array of world famous sites. As such a match at the Stadio Olimpico is the perfect accompaniment to a trip to the Eternal City. Extras 3 Such is the size of the stadium that tickets are fairly easy to obtain, except for the derby when fans will sell their own mother to land one. Tobacconists around the city have them for sale and Lazio have shops in the city centre and the main train station (Stazione Termini) where fans can buy tickets. Expect to pay from about €25 ($33) to €90 ($120) for a ticket. Supporters should have a photo id on them when they buy tickets and at the match. If you can’t get to a game, Lazio have a number of supporters’ clubs’ in the suburbs, predominantly north of the city. Visitors may have to pay a small fee to become members, but once inside drinks are cheaper than the city bars and you will meet some of the most dedicated and passionate supporters about.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 ODU Soccer Complex 1528 W 43rd St Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website ODU Soccer Complex website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 4,000 Old Dominion Soccer Located on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, the ODU Soccer Complex is home to the Monarchs’ men’s and women’s soccer teams. The 4,000-seat stadium opened in 1991 and has played host to several conference and NCAA tournament events. During ODU’s seven seasons in Conference USA, the Soccer Complex hosted the men’s conference tournament three times and the women’s conference tournament once. ODU won the tournament in 2014 and 2016 on their home field. The Monarchs have since joined the Sun Belt Conference as of the 2022 season. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage situation at the ODU Soccer Complex is confusing at first but is somewhat unique once you figure out what is going on. There are signs for a concession stand under the bleachers, and even a menu, but this area has not been in use for a while. Instead, there is a lounge area on the far side of the field, across from the bleachers, called the Lions’ Den, where fans can buy food and drink or just hang out at the tables. Hot dogs, nachos, and sausages are all $5, peanuts and candy are $4, and chips are $3. Bottled water is $4 and soda is $5. Uniquely, alcohol is also available at the Lions’ Den although it must be drunk in this area and cannot be brought to the rest of the stadium. Domestic beer is $8, IPAs are $10, and wine is $8. Only credit cards are accepted so be prepared. Atmosphere 4 When you walk into the ODU Soccer Complex, you will head to your left towards a large set of bleachers. All seats offer a decent view of the field, although your view of areas close to the sideline or the corners may be blocked by the back of the benches or other objects in the way. There is a large scoreboard to your right as you sit in these bleachers which also shows shots and corner kicks, and a much smaller one on the other end that is barely visible. The team does a decent job of keeping fans involved, with giveaways and stuff like that, and it is not uncommon to hear fans banging together inflatable thundersticks to create a loud noise. As in most soccer games, the fans create the atmosphere here rather than the team, and they do a pretty good job at it. Neighborhood 3 The ODU Soccer Complex is located along a residential street so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head a few blocks east on 43rd Street to the vicinity of Chartway Arena, there are many options for visitors to enjoy. La Herradura is a popular Mexican restaurant, and Del Vecchios is known for its pizza. If you make the short drive into downtown Norfolk, you will find even more options. Fans 4 Old Dominion draws about 400 to 500 fans a match to their soccer games according to the official numbers, though it seems fuller at times. While it may not seem like much, this is typical for college soccer. Although there are always going to be friends and family of the players in attendance, most of the crowd is loyal Monarchs fans with no direct connection to the program coming out decked in their ODU gear and sporting the school colors. The fans range from young children to older fans who have been following Monarchs athletics for years. Of course, ODU students turn out as well, although they do not sit in any organized section. No matter who they are, the fans will cheer for the Monarchs throughout the game and bang their ODU-branded inflatable thundersticks together to create a hostile atmosphere. Some of them seem to just be here to socialize in the Lions’ Den while drinking their adult beverage of choice, but most do seem to want to cheer and create a great atmosphere. Access 3 The city of Norfolk is accessible via many highways, including I-64, I-564, I-264, and I-664. The ODU campus is easily accessible from all of them. However, if coming from points north and west of Norfolk, you will likely need to take one of the bridge-tunnels across either the harbor or the bay. These can have long backups at times, particularly later in the season as summer approaches and people start heading to the beach. Be sure to allow extra time to get across. Once you are on campus, parking is available in Lot 43 by the field hockey stadium, about half a block from the Soccer Complex. If that fills up, which it almost certainly won’t, parking is available in the Elkhorn Avenue Garage a block and a half away. Getting around the stadium is a bit more complicated. The concession stand is located on the opposite side of the stadium from the bleachers. Standard restrooms are available behind the bleachers near the area that purports to be a concession stand but no longer is, but to get there you have to walk all the way to the end of the bleachers and then back around no matter where in the bleachers you are sitting. This is because the only ways in and out of the bleachers are at the ends – there are no other stairs from the back concourse. Return on Investment 4 Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $5, with the military getting in for $4 with a valid ID. ODU students get in for free. This is a pretty standard price for college soccer among venues that charge, and with this being an above-average venue, it is worth paying for. Concessions are affordable and parking is free so this is a good deal. Extras 2 Look for the marketing table by the entrance with free posters, programs, and other giveaways. Also check out the banners on the side of the glass building to the left of the entrance that houses the ODU locker rooms and offices. These banners honor the achievements of Old Dominion soccer through the years. Final Thoughts The ODU Soccer Complex is one of the nicer college soccer venues in the country. Although it is over 30 years old at this point, it feels significantly newer. More importantly, the team does a lot to get fans excited about soccer, and the fans respond in due course. The beer garden-like area that is the Lions’ Den is also a nice touch for those who are interested in that sort of thing. Overall, the ODU Soccer Complex is a gorgeous venue to take in a college soccer game and is recommended for any fan in the area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Bill Beck Field Tootell Road Kingston, RI 02881 Rhode Island Rams baseball website Bill Beck Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 1,000 Baseball at Bill Beck Field Baseball was first played at the University of Rhode Island in 1898, just six years after the founding of the school. The Rams have played on the site of their current ball field, Bill Beck Field, since the program’s inception. Since 1981, the team has competed in the Atlantic-10 Conference. Named for the former URI baseball and football coach, Bill Beck Field has undergone multiple renovations in recent years, including a new FieldTurf surface, backstop, scoreboard, fencing and bullpens. An indoor batting facility was completed in 2011. The Rams have qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice, in 2005 and 2016. In addition, Rhode Island has won three Atlantic-10 conference titles. Three former Rams (Dave Stenhouse, Nick Greenwood and Angelo Dagres) have played in the major leagues. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available to fans at Bill Beck Field. Fans can bring their own snacks or drinks to enjoy during Rams baseball games, provided no alcohol is brought on premises. During the chilly spring months of the college baseball season, it’s not unusual to see a bunch of hot Dunkin’ beverages in the stands. Atmosphere 2 You wouldn’t expect an elaborate gameday presentation with the limited resources available at Bill Beck Field. Distractions are kept to a minimum here at Kingston. Music is played between innings and batters, and the PA announcements are limited to lineup changes. A simple scoreboard beyond the left field fence displays basic game information. While there is a lot of energy coming from the stands here, there’s only so much noise that 100 or so people can make. If you’re a fan who likes to hear the chatter coming from the dugouts or conversations between players and coaches, you’ll truly enjoy your time here. Neighborhood 2 Visiting baseball fans looking for dining or recreational activities within walking distance of the University of Rhode Island may be disappointed with the school’s rural location. The URI campus is fairly self-contained, without many attractions nearby. Those willing to travel a short distance will be rewarded with many wonderful restaurants and sights. The Mews Tavern in nearby Wakefield boasts 69 beers on taps and an extensive bar menu. It is a favorite of the student body. In addition, Narragansett, located 8 miles to the south, Newport, 16 miles to the east, and Providence, 29 miles to the north, offer a wide variety of dining, lodging, and tourist options for the adventurous baseball fan. There are no lodging options directly adjacent to the URI campus. The closest option is a Holiday Inn out on Route 1 in South Kingstown (the different spellings of “Kingstown” and “Kingston” are most likely a colonial thing). Fans looking to make a weekend of their trip to URI would be advised to check out Newport or Providence, both short drives from campus. In addition, Boston is a short 90 minute drive from Kingston. Fans 2 The crowds at Bill Beck Field would certainly fall into the “friends and family” category. Ranging in size from 100-200 fans, virtually everyone in attendance has a close personal connection with someone on the field. This makes for a crowd that is really into the action going on down on the field, and a high level of enthusiasm. Access 3 Bill Beck Field is located on the southwestern corner of the URI campus in Kingston, Rhode Island near the school’s other athletic facilities, including the Ryan Center and Meade Stadium . The small town of Kingston is located 29 miles south of Providence and 20 minutes south of T.F. Green Airport. Driving to Kingston from Providence will take you about 40 minutes on a normal Saturday. The campus is located on Route 138, approximately a 10-mile drive from I-95 as it passes through southern Rhode Island. The URI campus is served by public transportation, as RIPTA busses have several routes that serve the campus from Providence. In addition, the Kingstown train station is about two miles away from campus, with Amtrak making regular stops at the station. Bill Beck Field has had several improvements in access in recent years, most of which have focused on the playing field and training facilities. For fans, there is little in the way of seating available, with only a single small aluminum bleacher section located behind home plate. There is a nice, terraced seating area on the first base side of the field. There is plenty of room all around Bill Beck Field for fans who wish to bring their own lawn chairs or roam around the field throughout the game. The next phase of the Bill Beck Field renovation project will feature a new grandstand/press box. There is ample parking available in the lot adjacent to Bill Beck Field. In addition to a pair of port-a-johns located near the ball field, rest room facilities are located in the Boss Ice Arena next door. It’s a little walk, so plan ahead. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge to attend a Rhode Island baseball game at Bill Beck Field. Likewise, ample parking is available adjacent to the ball field at no charge. With no concessions available for purchase, local baseball fans can watch a game at the sport’s highest level without spending a single red cent. Extras 1 The outfield wall has some nice graphics honoring Rams NCAA Tournament appearances and conference titles. Also honored on the outfield wall are two former URI players, Rick Ligi and Joey Canicola, who both passed away during their playing careers. Final Thoughts Bill Beck Field is a simple facility that meets the needs of the URI Rams perfectly. For fans, there is little going on here to distract from the action on the field. Some may not enjoy this most relaxed of settings, but you can bring your own chair and a cooler, and you won’t have to reach for your wallet even once. It doesn’t get much better than that. If planning a trip to Kingston, remember that the baseball season here in New England largely takes place in March and April, when the weather can be unpredictable at best. Postponements, cancellations and even changes in venue are common. Be ready to be flexible when coming to Rhode Island. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 FBC Mortgage Stadium 4465 Knights Victory Way Orlando, FL 32816 UCF Knights website FBC Mortgage Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 45,000 SpaceU Football Glory A great many things have changed for UCF since their championship parade down Main Street USA in Disney’s Magic Kingdom in 2017. After two back-to-back undefeated regular seasons, the team has finally moved from the American conference to the Big XII. The Knights and their fans have been on the highest of highs in the last half-decade. Arguably the most visible and fastest growing program in NCAA Football, UCF has long been a hidden gem among college game-day experiences. However, the latest round of popularity has only helped this notoriety grow even further into the mainstream. A trip to a Knights football game at FBC Mortgage Stadium, aka the Bounce House, reveals that the college football experience is alive and well on the campus of UCF – from the tailgating all across campus to the in-game fan interaction, the average uninitiated fan who isn’t familiar with the Knights will be surprised by the atmosphere here. Food & Beverage   5 After having average food options for many years, UCF invested in local businesses and upgraded their options. By far the star of the concessions at FBC Mortgage Stadium is Four Rivers BBQ; this central Florida BBQ restaurant has become a local favorite and can now be found at UCF football games. The best options here are the pulled pork sandwich ($14), BBQ nachos ($13), brisket sandwich ($15), and the Messy Dog, a footlong hot dog topped with pulled pork, southern slaw, and signature sauce ($13). Other popular options at the stadium are the Knights Lobster Roll ($18) and Knight Burger ($12), nachos ($8), Cracker Jack or chips ($5), and jumbo pretzels ($5). Drink options include sodas ($6), Truly Vodka Sodas ($10), beer ($10-$11), BodyArmor Water ($7.50), and bottled water ($4). Standard stadium fare is also easy to find, as are other local favorites like Kelly’s Ice Cream ($7-$9). Atmosphere   5 There is a reason they call FBC Mortgage Stadium the Bounce House – the fans keep this facility rocking all game, and the stands can be felt bouncing along as the fans hype up the players on the field. Holding approximately 45,000, the facility gets very loud as well. The pre-game tailgating is incredibly vast, covering nearly every open lot and green space on campus for hours before the game even starts, reaching from the lots at the stadium itself all the way across campus to the far corners of the academic buildings. The facilities at FBC Mortgage Stadium are immaculate as well, with restrooms constantly restocked with paper towels and soap. During the game, everything one expects from a college football game is here, from the band performances to the Golden Knight riding onto the field on horseback before kickoff. The fans are sport-knowledgeable and know their favorite players well. During night games, the new LED lighting adds to the look on the field, adding colored hues during performances and flashing on and off whenever the Knights score. During the second half fans take part in “Lights Up, Lights Down”, where everyone turns on their cell phone lights and waves them up and down in unison to create a truly remarkable sight. Unlike some Florida colleges where fans go to be part of a fad or part of the scene, the fans at FBC Mortgage Stadium go out of pure loyalty. UCF games are truly a sight to behold for a college many had dismissed as just another mid-major team, and fans from all over the Big XII have remarked on how friendly and welcoming the UCF faithful have been to visiting patrons. Packed and sold-out games are a frequent occurrence in Orlando, and it is easy to see why. Neighborhood   4 FBC Mortgage Stadium is located on the campus of UCF; both the immediate area around the stadium and the campus itself are chock full of places to find food and shopping. Just outside the stadium’s main gate are Addition Financial Arena  and UCF’s baseball stadium , and you can also find the UCF campus bookstore and associated Starbucks, as well as Burger U, the campus bar and burger/wings joint frequented by fans and students. Outside of campus you can find Blaze Pizza, Tijuana Flats, and countless more restaurants. For somewhere to stay, the closest options are Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East. Fans in the area are also less than an hour from Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center to the east, while to the west they can find downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Park.   Fans   4 The fans at UCF are among some of the best in college football – they broke records for attendance when Fox Sports came to town for their Big Noon Kickoff show. However, a lot of that has changed since those undefeated seasons. The stadium is frequently sold out now for most games, thanks to the team’s recent successes, and when FBC Mortgage Stadium is full to the gills with upwards of 45,000 fans, the noise level gets loud. However, ticket resellers mean some road team fans can invade Orlando and make it less of a home field advantage, and with some losses piling up of late, the student section has started to look a little more bare, especially after halftime. Before the game starts, the parking lots and garages all over campus are packed full of tailgating fans. Most of all, the experience at FBC Mortgage Stadium is extremely family friendly – you will see the full range of fans, from older generations who have been long-time Central Florida residents to the youngest fans with growing families.   Access   3 The biggest difficulty of game day at FBC Mortgage Stadium is the parking and traffic in and around the stadium. Being that the facility is located on campus, the roads in and out of the facility are small and get clogged quickly. Parking lots and garages fill up fast, so getting to the stadium early helps avoid a longer walk from across campus to the stadium’s gates in the hot Florida sun. Thankfully, the school has done a great job of managing the traffic flow in and out of campus. Additionally, new updates to FBC Mortgage Stadium’s ingress and egress mean no longer having to enter a gate and navigate the entire concourse to find your seat.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to UCF games start at around $50 to $75 and go up from there. Students can also purchase student-guest tickets on the day of the game on a first-come first-served basis, for guests to sit in the student section with them. With ticket prices for top-level college football in Florida’s great weather, it won’t break the bank to take the family or friends to a game on a given Saturday. In addition, with concession prices also low and with top quality food, you can also feel comfortable knowing getting a bite to eat won’t cost an arm and a leg. But you want to get your tickets early, as they sell out frequently many months ahead of time before the season even begins, regardless of the Knights current record.   Extras   4 Outside the main entrance to FBC Mortgage Stadium stands a statue of former head coach George O’Leary; it is a popular photo spot for fans. Before the game, fans can also watch the players arrive at the stadium and walk inside during the Knight Walk. After that, the March to Victory features a horse-riding knight clad in golden armor who rides into the facility before kickoff, alongside a miniature pony named Nugget, with the marching band in full parade behind them. This march starts in the tailgating areas near Addition Financial Arena  and proceeds into the stadium after marching past the fans outside. Pre-game concerts also feature local stars, from cover bands to Shaq, aka DJ Diesel. In addition, several games feature flyovers, and smoke machines were added throughout the stadium in 2023 to go off whenever a touchdown is scored.   Final Thoughts 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, and it is easy to see why they are flocking to Orlando. A visit to Orlando’s hometown team is almost now a must-see for any sports fan traveling through the state of Florida.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 F.G. Clark Center Harding Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70813 Southern Jaguars website F.G. Clark Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 7,500 There's No Dome Like The Mini-Dome In the northern part of Baton Rouge sits the campus of Southern University, a well-known HBCU (Historically Black College and University). Its athletic teams are known as the Jaguars and they compete in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference). The Jaguars have played at the F.G. Clark Activity Center since 1975. It’s named after Dr. Felton Grandison Clark, who served as the university’s second president. The arena is nicknamed the “Mini-Dome” because of its resemblance to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. (The football team plays its in-state rival the Grambling Tigers in the Bayou Classic at the Superdome every year.) The Jaguars men’s basketball team has made 9 NCAA tournaments, the last making March Madness in 2016. The Jaguars have retired the jersey numbers of Avery Johnson, Bobby Phills, and Bob Love. The court was renamed the “Avery Johnson Court” in 2013. Food & Beverage 2 The menu includes stadium basics such as hot dogs ($5), hot sausages ($7), nachos ($6), candy ($2), popcorn ($2), chips ($1) and 20 oz. bottled Coke products ($3). The one unique item on the menu is jambalaya ($7). There are two concession stands but only one was open during the game I attended. I assume the second stand is open during SWAC games. Atmosphere 3 The first thing I saw in the parking lot was the “Awakening” sculpture by Al LaVergne. It was erected in 1976 and according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Library it is meant to be a “representation of a facet of positive changes in America.” There is not much to the concourse but once you head to the seats you see the floor with the Southern logo at midcourt and light blue around the out-of-bounds area. The lower bowl has chair-back seats with the yellow seats at the front being reserved for season ticket holders while the blue seats are general admission. There are also yellow bleacher seats surrounding the blue chair backs if the crowd is large enough. There is a DJ to keep the entertainment going during timeouts and halftime. There should be cheerleaders as long as the game is occurring when classes are in session. They were not there when I attended a game in December after finals were finished so keep that in mind if you want to attend a game. Neighborhood 3 There are not a lot of things to see in the vicinity of Southern University. The campus is surrounded by residential areas. If you are spending a day in Baton Rouge I would recommend driving seven miles to downtown where you can visit several museums as well as the Louisiana State Capitol. Hit up Schlitz & Giggles for pizza, the Cecelia Creole Bistro for Creole dishes, or Aztecs if you want Mexican food. Overnight lodging options downtown include the Hilton, Hampton Inn, Courtyard, Hotel Indigo, and Watermark. Fans 3 The stands are not typically filled to the brim but the fans that do show up are loyal and get behind their Jaguars. The Southern fans are knowledgeable about basketball and appreciate a good play when they see one. Access 3 One thing that should get you to consider going to a game here is that the parking is free! Inside the arena, there are enough bathrooms but as mentioned before there are only two concession stands (occasionally only one is open) and the lighting is not great in the walkways. Return on Investment 4 A general admission ticket costs $15 but you have to purchase it the day of the game at the ticket window outside. A ticket, free parking, jambalaya, and Coke will cost you $25 by yourself, $50 for a date or hangout, and $100 for a family of four. Not bad for Division One college basketball! Extras 1 The DJ at the end of the court is a nice touch. The DJ keeps the energy flowing while there are breaks in game action. Final Thoughts When you come to a Southern basketball game you will see the Jaguars give everything they have to win and their fans will appreciate their efforts.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Knott Arena 16300 Old Emmitsburg Rd Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers website Knott Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 3,121 Basketball on the Mount Located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in the Catoctin Mountains, Mount St. Mary's University is the second-oldest Catholic college in the United States. The school's athletic teams, known as the Mountaineers or simply The Mount, compete at the PNC Sports Complex across Route 15 from the main campus. In addition to fields for the baseball , softball , lacrosse , and soccer teams, the Complex is home to Knott Arena, where The Mount's basketball team plays. The Mountaineers currently compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) but previously competed in the Northeast Conference for many years. They won the NEC Tournament six times, most recently in 2021. Before joining Division I, they had five Final Four appearances at the Division II level, including a national championship in 1962. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand operating out of a window in the lobby by the entrance, and another, smaller one on the other side. Menu items include pizza rolls (more similar to sandwiches than the tiny microwavable pockets of the same name that you can buy at supermarkets), hot dogs, nachos, hot pretzels, and a wide variety of baked goods including fresh-baked cookies and homemade Rice Krispie treats. Bottled water and Pepsi products are also available. Prices are reasonable as nothing costs more than $6 and most of the items are much less. Beer is also available at a separate table for those of age. Atmosphere 4 One of the more unique characteristics of Knott Arena is the roof. A low, sloping roof hangs over the seating area, trapping in noise, while the roof over the court is significantly higher. Glass windows line one baseline, letting in some light from the outside. Most of the seats are wooden bleachers, although there are some reserved padded chairbacks on one side. A pep band and the Mount St. Mary's students sit in the bleachers behind one baseline, and the mascot, a costumed mountaineer, tends to hang out there as well. When they are not on the court performing, the Mount cheerleaders will usually be found in this area as well. However, before the opening tip, the cheerleaders will stand in the aisles in the seating area and bang their pom poms together until the game is underway. While this is an interesting tradition, it can obstruct the views of fans if they are sitting too close to the aisles. Fortunately, once the game gets underway, they move away quickly. There are promos on the court during some of the media timeouts and at halftime, to keep fans engaged. During other breaks, the cheerleaders will perform on the court and the pep band will play music. The pep band is small but passionate and features instruments not often seen, including an electric guitar. Neighborhood 2 Emmitsburg is a small town in Maryland just south of the Pennsylvania border, and there is nothing within walking distance of campus. If you make the short drive into town, you will find a few places to eat and stay, as well as some interesting sites such as the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and various Catholic shrines. Thurmont is a short drive away, about 10 minutes south on Route 15, and offers more options than Emmitsburg itself. However, this is a very rural area, and while it’s scenic, there isn’t a whole lot to do here. Fans 4 Mount St. Mary's draws reasonably well to their home games, and the stands are mostly full even if they don't completely sell out. As mentioned above, the shape of the roof traps the sound from the crowd and so it can get extremely loud here at times. The crowd goes wild after big plays, made baskets, and the like, and the Mount erupts into mayhem. The cheerleaders, dance team, and pep band also launch into cheers during games and help get the rest of the crowd into it. While Knott Arena may not be the largest arena in college basketball, it certainly is not quiet. Access 3 The PNC Sports Complex, including Knott Arena, is located right off US Route 15, and signs are directing you to gameday parking once you get there. Some lots are paved while others are gravel. From there, you will walk to the upper doors of Knott Arena to enter the lobby. The wooden bleachers can get uncomfortable, and the drop between rows is unusually large. While this does improve sightlines, it also makes getting up and down the bleachers rather tricky. Restrooms are available in the lobby and are of sufficient size for the crowd. There may be a short line at halftime or after the game, but otherwise, you should have no problem. Return on Investment 3 Reserved chairbacks at Knott Arena cost $20, while the wooden bleachers, which are general admission, cost $12. Youth (age 5-17) get in for $5. Discounts are sometimes available, such as a Family Four Pack to select home games, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, and four candy bars for just $49. The opportunity for discounts offers enhanced value, but if paying full price for tickets, it's about what you would expect for this level. Extras 3 The unique shape of the roof in Knott Arena helps trap sound and almost makes the building feel like a literal cathedral of basketball. Look for the banners on the walls honoring Mount St. Mary's basketball history, including the 1962 Division II championship. Programs are available at the entrance for $1. Final Thoughts Basketball on The Mount is well worth checking out for any fan in the area. Although it's pretty far removed from the other Division I schools in Maryland, it is still worth making the trek out to Emmitsburg for a game at Knott Arena.

Memorial Stadium, Photo Courtesy of Historic American Buildings Society Located in Baltimore’s Waverly neighborhood, Memorial Stadium was the home field for Major League Baseball’s Orioles, the National Football League’s Colts and for a few years in the late 1990’s, the NFL Ravens. The Canadian Football League’s Stallions, Minor League Baseball’s Bowie Baysox and the North American Soccer League’s Bays and Comets also called Memorial Stadium home. Memorial Stadium was the site of six World Series and an NFL Championship Game. Over the years the facility came to be known as “The Old Gray Lady,” or thanks to the frenzied devotion of Baltimore fans, “the world’s largest outdoor insane asylum.” Designed to be a replacement for Municipal Stadium, which had stood on the site since 1922, construction on the horseshoe-shaped, double-decked stadium began in 1949. The first games were played here in 1950 once the lower deck was completed. The upper deck was finished in 1954. Today Memorial Stadium is seen by ballpark aficionados as an example of the transition in ballpark design from the classic ballparks of the 1910s and 20s to the multipurpose stadiums built in the 60s and 70s. Memorial Stadium Interior, Photo Courtesy of Historic American Buildings Survey The defining feature of this mostly nondescript facility was the 116-foot tall brick and stone exterior façade and memorial wall. The wall featured the city seal of Baltimore and the following dedication, spelled out in stainless steel letters ranging in height from twelve inches to ten feet tall: ERECTED BY THE CITY OF BALTIMORE 1954 DEDICATED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE PEOPLE OF BALTIMORE CITY IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND AS A MEMORIAL TO ALL WHO SO VALIANTLY FOUGHT AND SERVED IN THE WORLD WARS WITH ETERNAL GRATITUDE TO THOSE WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE TO PRESERVE EQUALITY AND FREEDOM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS The Stadium was formally dedicated on May 30, 1956. A parade and memorial service were held, and Army General Raleigh B. Hendrix presented stadium management with a bronze urn filled with soil from every American military cemetery on foreign ground. The urn was later encased in the memorial wall. The Orioles defeated the Red Sox 2-1 on that day. Memorial Stadium Facade, Photo Courtesy of Historic American Buildings Survey Over the years, Memorial Stadium developed a reputation as a good place to watch a baseball game but not so great for football (as someone who attended both sports at Memorial Stadium, I can confirm). As the stadium aged, the Colts attempted to get a new home built. Their impasse with the city ended with their infamous escape in the middle of the night to Indianapolis and the Hoosier Dome. The Orioles continued the push for a new facility, finally getting it in 1992 with the game changing Oriole Park at Camden Yards. After the departure of the Orioles, there was much debate over what to do with the vacant stadium. Memorial Stadium was granted a reprieve when the Ravens played their first two seasons in Baltimore on 33rd Street while Ravens Stadium (now M&T Bank Stadium) was built. After the Ravens’ last game in 1997 Memorial Stadium once again stood empty. Efforts to designate the facility as a historic landmark fell short, making demolition inevitable. For Baltimore sports fans, the loss of The Old Gray Lady hit hard, as chronicled in the documentary The Last Season: The Life and Demolition of Memorial Stadium . Memorial Stadium was demolished in March 2001. As a compromise to those who opposed its demolition, the memorial wall was left standing. This compromise proved to be unpopular with both sides. The ten-story wall seemed very much out of place without a stadium attached to it, and it, too was torn down in December of 2001. Memorial Stadium’s legacy carried on in a number of ways. 50,000 square feet of turf was transplanted to the new Ravens Stadium. The YMCA built on the Stadium site contains many signs from Memorial Stadium. Of course, many pieces of Memorial Stadium, including seats, lockers, even urinals-found their way into collectors’ hands on the secondary market. For many years pieces of Memorial Stadium could be found at the Sports Legends Museum next to Oriole Park (sadly, this museum is now gone, as well). Both foul poles from Memorial Stadium made their way to Oriole Park. Memorial Stadium Wall at Camden Yards, Photo Courtesy of Keith Eggener Most significantly, on the pedestrian mall that was once Eutaw Street, in between Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium, is a low, curving wall bearing the last line from the original dedication from Memorial Stadium: “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS.” The bronze urn presented by General Hendrix at Memorial Stadium’s dedication is encased in glass nearby, along with a photo of the old ballpark and a brief history of the facility. The site of Memorial Stadium is now home to a mixed-use development named Stadium Place. Located in this senior-housing community are retail shops, a youth center, a YMCA, playgrounds and a scaled-down replica of the old field used for youth baseball, with home plate at the same location as it was in the old ballpark. In a nod to Memorial Stadium’s past, the baseball field can be converted to use as a football gridiron. A bronze plaque honors the old ballpark. For more information about Memorial Stadium, read Keith Eggener’s excellent 2012 article on PlacesJournal.org Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 LaVell Edwards Stadium 1700 N Canyon Rd Provo, UT 84604 BYU Cougars website LaVell Edwards Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 63,470 Independent (And it feels so good) The Brigham Young Cougars have been playing football since 1896, but have been independent since 2011. Since then, the stadium and the school have seen quality opponents come and go, but the excitement at games continues to remain and impress. And with a new head coach and coaching staff at the helm, there is even more excitement surrounding the program. The stadium was built in 1964, but with the near-constant sellouts, the upgrades to the stadium and the quality of the opponents, you probably wouldn’t think it is that old. But as one of the few independents in the nation, does the LaVell Edwards Stadium (LES) fit the bill? Food & Beverage 4 As the largest stadium in the state of Utah, there are plenty of food options to choose from, whether you want just a snack or a full fledged entree. There are even a few specialty items that will get your taste buds going. Some of the more popular items include “Cougar” Dogs ($4), Polish Sausages ($5), Popcorn ($4), Nachos ($4) and Candy ($4). The BYU Creamery is a big staple on campus and it is available on game day – you can get a pint of BYU Creamery ice cream for $4. The more unique items on the menu include Pulled Pork Sandwiches ($9) and a Bratwurst combo with chips and a drink ($7). As a Coke campus, all soft drinks served on game day are Coke – a regular sized soda will cost $4 while a souvenir cup costs $7 but you do get unlimited refills during the game. Minute Maid frozen lemonade is also available for $5 and is available in regular and strawberry flavors. The biggest note here is that as an LDS (Latter-day Saints) campus, there is no alcohol served during the game. The Creamery items and any of the sandwiches are definite must tries if you ever attend a game at the LES. No matter what you choose, you will not be disappointed. Atmosphere 4 With more high quality opponents on the schedule, LaVell Edwards Stadium has a bigger game day atmosphere than in years past. The stadium is a bowl-shaped stadium, so fans will have a great view of the field no matter where they sit. The biggest features are the two HD scoreboards on both the north and south ends of the stadium. The video boards are connected by a video ribbon that surrounds the entire edge of the stadium. The graphics are top notch, especially on replays, which shows the actual replay system officials use during the game. The sound system is pretty good, and music is played often in between downs and during game breaks such as TV timeouts and quarter breaks. Before the game, there is the ceremonial lighting of the “Y” and the pregame prayer, which take place before every home game. There are different “cams” that are interspersed throughout the game, including the Air Guitar Cam and the Dance Cam. The BYU Marching Band does a terrific job throughout the game keeping fans entertained while playing very good music as well. You will have a pretty good view of the field regardless of where you sit. But if you want a view that faces the mountains, you will want to sit closer to the west side of the stadium. As a reminder, if you come during the winter months, it will be a lot colder and the chances of snow increase – just keep in mind there are no umbrellas allowed in the stadium so plan ahead. Neighborhood 4 LaVell Edwards Stadium is located on the extreme northern end of campus and along University Parkway, which is the main road to get from Interstate 15 to the stadium. As an atypical college town, there are no bars around town – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t stuff to do. Even though there are no bars in town, there are plenty of places to eat within driving distance of the stadium. One of my favorites is Pizza Pie Cafe – where it is all you can eat Pizza, Pasta and Salad – for around $7 (drinks are a buck or two extra). They have several different kinds of pizza (including dessert pizza) and have 10 different kinds of pasta with six different kinds of sauce. For a more local feel, you can try Burgers Supreme which is just down the road. As a bacon fanatic, I recommend the Bacon Cheeseburger. There are a lot of shopping areas as you come down University Parkway, but not much in the way of attractions. If you’re craving a flick before the game, there is a Cinemark theater on the way to the stadium, which includes new Luxury Lounger seats that recline back. For LDS faithful, the Provo Temple is about a half-mile to a mile away. Coming into the stadium, I noticed a Super 8 that was just two blocks away and a Days Inn that wasn’t far behind that. If you’re coming from I-15 and using University Parkway to get to the stadium, you will pass anywhere between 7 to 10 hotels within driving distance. So if you’re coming from out of town, book in advance because rooms tend to fill up and it can be more expensive closer to game day. Fans 5 If there was one thing that made my visit to LaVell Edwards Stadium special, it would be the fans. They are about as passionate a fan base as I have seen so far. And the game I went to was homecoming, which made the night even more special. The capacity of the stadium is 63,470, which makes it the largest stadium in the state – and it was a near sellout with very few empty seats. It may be a little emptier during the winter months, but it looked just about full from where I was. Add to the fact they were playing an SEC opponent AND they’re getting opponents like these to come play there – I’m not at all surprised the stadium was near capacity. Up in the press box, it is still LOUD – glass vibrating and floor rumbling loud. The fans are in the game the whole time – the only time they get up is at halftime and quarter breaks. Both the student section (known as The ROC) and all other fans join in to the fight song “Rise and Shout, the Cougar is out!” and everyone gets loud on third and fourth down plays. It is an exciting fan base to say the least. Access 4 In terms of accessibility, the stadium has enough features and parking to make game day an enjoyable experience. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has buses and Trax lines that run near the stadium, but they fill up on game day, so make sure you give yourself extra time to get to the game. And if you’re coming in by plane, the nearest major airport is Salt Lake International, about a 45 minute drive north of the stadium. There are numerous lots around the stadium open to Cougar Club members or reserved parking – otherwise it will be a little of walk but should cost around $10 to park further away. Traffic wise – make sure to pack your patience. If a game is sold out or close to it, you could be looking at a 20 to 30 minute wait just to get out of your lot – but campus and city police do a nice job of directing traffic before and after the game. You can either pick up your ticket at will call or print it out at home and bring it to the game. When entering the stadium, as long as you don’t have any of the prohibited items with you, you will be just fine. Event staff are very friendly and they are there to help answer your questions. The upper concourse has a little less room than the lower, but it didn’t cause too many problems during the game. The restrooms are a little hard to find but look nicely kept at least during my experience. For those wanting to move between the upper and lower concourse, there are ramps located throughout the stadium for those that want to move around. Return on Investment 4 The stadium has done a great job of keeping everyone happy, so you really do get the bang for your buck. Seats in the upper bowl start at around $15 and lower bowl seats start at around $35 to $40 dollars, so depending on where you sit, you may be getting a good deal. The concession prices are right on par in regards to other stadiums in the country. And parking is not bad if you take public transit – you’ll also pay as little as $10 for parking. Extras 3 One point for the pregame rituals. The marching band spells out the word “Cougars” before the game, with the crowd getting into it. There is the Cougar Walk, where students line up outside the stadium and then rush in to take their seats. And starting something new this year (2016), the athletics program is inviting active service members to come and participate in the lighting of the “Y” prior to the game. One point to “Y” Mountain. It is well kept all throughout the year, and was lit up for the homecoming game, which I thought was a nice touch. One point for the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. With fall in full swing, you can see the colors changing on the trees. And with just the right sunset (which we had), the mountain gives off a beautiful glow that is remarkable. It truly is breathtaking to have that type of beauty within range of the stadium. Final Thoughts It may not be a bucket list experience quite yet, but it is certainly getting close. You may be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t attend at least one home game during a season. With quality opponents and a very devoted fan base, LaVell Edwards Stadium is a must visit the next time you’re in town for game day.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center 7201 Rossville Blvd Baltimore, MD 21237 CCBC Essex Knights website CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: n/a A Knight At The Gym One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Essex began in 1957, operating out of nearby Kenwood High School. CCBC Essex has one of the top-rated associate nursing programs in the region. The school mascot is the Knights and they play nine sports. Essex has won nine NJCAA national championships including the 2004 Men’s Lacrosse Championship. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, CCBC Essex has had over 100 NJCAA All-Americans. The basketball program runs out of the Wellness & Athletic Center (WELL). There is only a women’s team currently. In 2022 advanced to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament Quarterfinals while eventually losing to the eventual second-place team of Morton College. The Knights did win the NJCAA DII Women's Basketball Championship 3rd Place Game. Major renovation of the Wellness and Athletics Center started in 2022. We did not see that the arena and basketball floor are getting remodeled, but there are chances that overall enhancement also makes some changes to this area. According to CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis, “The planned renovations for the Wellness and Athletic Center will truly enhance the overall experience for anyone who steps into this facility. Not only will the building be more aesthetically pleasing, but it will also be a more functional learning space for students.” An 8,000-square-foot, $16.8 million project, the addition will be attached to the building for a new fitness center, announced CCBC-Essex, to go with plans to build two large dance studios with changing space, faculty offices, and a restroom that will materialize after renovating about 6,500 square feet on the existing mezzanine level. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food options except for some snack machines. Signs say food is not allowed in the venue, although no one seems to check that. Atmosphere 1 There is not much else in terms of the atmosphere at the WELL. There are some simple PA announcements and some music played from a small speaker. The basketball court is a rubberized surface and not the preferred hardwood court. The court sits at the center of the arena, with even the small grandstands floating out inside the venue’s running court. There is a very large amount of extra space around the basketball floor. One of the stands is larger than the others. The smaller set of stands seems to serve as the visiting team stands and is strangely located behind the scorer's table and benches. It almost seems to not belong. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Essex is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the sprawling Franklin Square Hospital. You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Closest to campus is the neighborhood Dellis’ Restaurant Bar & Grill. There will be some other options around this area that are referred to as Golden Ring. One of my favorites is Pizza John which is a bit further away in Middle River. This extremely popular pizza joint has some pretty good, albeit a bit greasy pizza. And greasy does not equate to being a bad thing. Just expect very large crowds on Friday and Saturday nights. White Marsh Mall and the area around it are not too far away as well. There are numerous options around that area. Red Brick Station Restaurant & Brew Pub is a very good restaurant on the Avenue at White Marsh. Also, look at Ledo’s Pizza near the Lowe’s store. Their square pizza is very good, and a pretty good value. Mission BBQ is another great option. This small BBQ chain is quite impressive and honors the veterans of America as part of its design. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. Access 4 CCBC Essex is located just off of both the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and I-95. The quickest and best way to access campus is to exit off I-695 at either the Philadelphia Road or US-40 exit and find your way east to Rossville Boulevard. Directions should be easy to follow but also follow signs for Franklin Square Hospital. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from campus. Because of current construction, you should try to enter from Lot 2 towards the hospital. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 There are a few plaques around the little park-like setting of the athletic fields that honor student-athletes from Essex that has passed away. Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. Final Thoughts The CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center serve as a decent venue for intramural sports and classes, but currently, it is a strange venue for any level of intercollegiate sports. Hopefully, the venue will be better after construction finishes.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Prairie Meadows 1 Prairie Meadows Dr Altoona, IA 50009 Prairie Meadows website Year Opened: 1989 Thoroughbred Iowa Prairie Meadows in Altoona, IA offers live horse racing (thoroughbreds and quarter horses) from May through September. Post time usually begins around 6 pm, although there are earlier races on special race days. Besides the one-mile dirt horse track, the facility also has a casino on site that offers slot machines and casino game tables featuring poker, blackjack, etc. About 2.7MM people attend the races each year. Food & Beverage 3 There are several food and beverage options available at Prairie Meadows – inside the grandstand building itself you can find a full-fledged, upscale Steakhouse called AJ’s if you are looking for a full meal, while for snacks and beer, there is Hop’s, which offers pizza slices, popcorn, chips, candy, and beef sticks, as well as beer, wine, alcohol seltzers, Monster energy drinks, water, and soda. Outside at the track, there is a full bar, as well as two eateries, Trackside Eats and Furlong’s, which have burgers, chips, Philly cheesesteaks, and sausage, as well as all the same beverages you can get inside at Hop’s. Atmosphere 3 There is a parade ring at the track if you want to look at the horses before the race, and there are multiple seating options, including benches you can sit on, or small round tables you can stand at. There is also a raised patio which has tables with umbrellas if you want some shade, although since most of the racing is at night you probably won’t get much use out of those. Many fans also stand and watch from the rail around the track. For wagering, there are computer terminals inside, and live attendants outside if you prefer the personal touch. The nicest feature here is that you can get close to the action, as the concourse isn’t that big, and everything is therefore close together. Neighborhood 4 There are all sorts of restaurants and hotels near the racetrack to fit any budget, as I-80 goes right by the facility, so it is in a good location – plus the attached casino is a pretty major tourist attraction in and of itself, so it a lot of the lodging and cuisine options in the area was created with the casino in mind, with racegoers getting to take advantage. Altoona is about 15 minutes northeast of Des Moines, and if you want to try and catch another sporting event while in town, the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League may still be in a season depending on when you go (the IFL usually has games from March thru July). There is also a sizeable antique mall ( Brass Armadillo ) in Des Moines if you are into that kind of thing. Fans 3 There were not a ton of people there when I last visited, but you will see the facility get a little more crowded as the night goes on for Friday and Monday races – with the 6 pm start time people may not be done with work quite yet. Saturday and Sunday nights tend to be the busiest days; there is no live racing Tuesday thru Thursday. Access 4 Prairie Meadows offers free parking for all guests and the further right you can get (as you face the building) the less walking you will have to do once you enter the building, as the track’s main entrance is on the right end. The concessions lines are pretty short both inside and on the track itself, and there are nice bathrooms inside the building. The crowds are not that heavy, and you can sit inside in-between races if you prefer. Return on Investment 5 There is no admission cost to get into Prairie Meadows, and it only costs $4 for a program, so the only thing you may have to pay for is concessions (if you get any), and of course, the cost of any wagering you do. With free parking and free admission, this is a superb return on investment – if you have never seen any horse races I would recommend it, and this track is a great, low-key way to begin. Extras 2 There isn’t a ton here at Prairie Meadows that you wouldn’t find at most any other track, but they do have some great horse racing-themed artwork on the walls as you walk thru the grandstand building, and the bugler here (unmistakable in his red attire) stands right next to the finish line, so you can get a good view and hear him very clearly – I don’t recall being able to see the bugler at the other horse racing tracks I have been to.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Tavistock & District Recreation Centre 1 Adam Street Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0 Tavistock Braves website Tavistock & District Recreation Centre website What exactly is Crokinole? Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 600 Hockey in the Capital of Crokinole Small-town hockey is just a little different.  Tavistock, Ontario is less than a kilometre from Sebastopol.  Sebastopol probably holds no significance to anyone outside of the immediate area, and even most Ontarians are unfamiliar with the conjunction of Line 29 and Oxford Road 59.  Sebastopol was the home of Eckhardt Wettlaufer, who was the maker of the earliest known Crokinole Board. For those not in the know, Crokinole is a disc-flicking game of dexterity combining elements of shuffleboard and curling scaled down to table-top size. Tavistock is the nearest village and annually hosts the World Crokinole Championship.  Part of the rural township of East-Zorra Tavistock, the village is also home to the Tavistock Braves, a Junior C hockey team part of the Provincial Junior Hockey League.  The Braves have been part of the fabric of the community since 1970, when they began as a Junior D team.  When the Ontario Hockey Association reorganized in 2012 and eliminated the Junior D level, the Braves moved up to Junior C and became part of the PJHL in 2016 with the amalgamation of Junior C hockey in Ontario. Servicing the community of just over 7,000, the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre has been a part of the community since opening in 1996.  At a capacity of 600, the facility is home to the Braves, the senior Tavistock Royals, and also houses the Tavistock Curling Club.  Food & Beverage 2 For the game that was reviewed, concession options were very limited.  What appeared to be a concession window on the main floor was not open during the game.  There were vending machines with Pepsi products and small snacks.  The Blueline Club, above the lobby on the west side of the arena, sells a very limited selection of domestic beer and spirits.  Alcoholic beverages must be consumed in the Blueline Club and may not be brought into the stands.  There are windows from the club that look out to the ice, so fans will not miss any of the action. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is very simple.  Light-coloured brick and siding with red accents in a simple rectangular-shaped building is what fans will find upon arrival.  The parking lot is shared with the Memorial Hall, and in both cases, fans must drive through the fantastic Queen’s Park Stone Gates.  The gate was restored in 2016 and is a nod back to a time long past.  Fans will notice the feed mill to the north, a reminder that Tavistock is a rural community surrounded by farming.  Inside the Recreation Centre, fans are welcomed by temporary tables selling tickets, 50/50 tickets, and Chuck-A-Pucks.  The lobby has several trophy cases dedicated to minor hockey teams, along with championship team pictures posted above the windows.  Of note in one of the trophy cases is a display with pictures of a training session held in Tavistock by Canadian Ice Dancing Olympians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.  Retired jerseys of Brent Loggan and Keith MacMillan, former Tavistock Braves who passed away at 18, are memorialized in the lobby also.  Beside the wooden benches in the lobby is a crokinole board, a reminder that this is the home of the World Crokinole Championships every June. Inside the arena, the ice surface runs from east to west, with the seating all on the north side.  The seating consists of two sections of wooden benches with five rows and two sections with four rows of plastic arena seats. The standing room section is behind the seating.  Behind the seating, there are trophy cases for the various Tavistock teams, including the Braves.  The Braves display has an impressive array of artifacts and championship team pictures.  The rafters are littered with minor hockey championship banners, and the east side wall is where fans will find the Braves championship banners from both the Junior D and Junior C levels.  The banners all feature the former logo of the Chicago Blackhawks, which has since been retired.  The simple score clock also hangs on the east wall.  A curious aspect of the Tavistock Rec Centre is that there are no ads on the boards at all, and the top and bottom trim, which is normally yellow, is blue in Tavistock.  Don’t be mistaken. There are plenty of local ads here.  They just hang above the benches on the south side or are on the southeast glass, where there are no spectators to worry about. The gameday production in Tavistock is very simple.  The Rec Centre has a good PA system, and announcements are easily understood.  Simple promotions, including a 50-50 draw and Chuck-A-Puck, are present also. Neighbourhood 3 Tavistock is a village located between Stratford and Kitchener.  For a small community, there are a surprising number of food options.  Quehl’s, D&D Homestyle Cafe, Double D’s Roadhouse, and Madmash Brewery are all a short walk from the arena.  The Rec Centre is also home to the Tavistock Royals of the OEHL, which is a Senior level of hockey.  Neighbouring towns of New Hamburg and Woodstock also have PJHL teams and are a short drive away.  As far as other tourist type options, the Tavistock Fall Fair and World Crokinole Championships have annual spots on the calendar that probably won’t cross with the hockey season.  For accommodations, heading out of town is probably necessary heading west to the Shakespeare Inn or east to the Newburg Inn. Fans 3 Fan support is difficult to assess in the PJHL as attendance statistics are not consistent across the league and not readily consolidated.  That being said it seems that Tavistock readily draws between 150 and 225 fans per game.  The game that was reviewed saw 250 fans in attendance, no doubt due to the Braves hosting the rival New Hamburg Firebirds.  This probably puts the Braves in the middle of the league.  Fans in attendance are supportive but not over the top, not unlike most Ontario fans.   Access 4 Getting to the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is not difficult.  Tavistock is 15 km southeast of Stratford and 38 km west of Kitchener.  The village is very small, just 2.25 km2, so there is not much of the village to get through.  The Rec Centre is located at the end of Adam Street.  There is free parking available at the Rec Centre.  There is some public transit that links the villages of East-Zorra Tavistock, but timing will probably be an issue for hockey.  Interested fans should consult the EZTransit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the Rec Centre is not terribly difficult and, of course, there are a number of stairs, which is to be expected.  The washrooms in the facility are fairly small, but should not be a huge issue. Return on Investment 4 There is tremendous value in PJHL hockey.  Tickets for the Tavistock Braves are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.  Youth are $4 or free with a paying adult.  Tickets must be purchased at the door.  Drinks in the Blueline Club will go for $7 and parking is free.  The product on the ice is good and fans will have an enjoyable evening of hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Tavistock Braves being part of the fabric of the community and the Recreation Centre as an East-Zorra Tavistock community hub. An extra mark for Tavistock as the Crokinole capital of the world. An extra mark for the Tavistock Braves giving fans actual physical tickets, something that is nearly extinct. Final Thoughts There is a lot to be said for hockey in the Crokinole capital.  The Tavistock Braves provide a good product and fans will enjoy themselves in a small town atmosphere.  The Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is a good facility and acts as a hub for the village.  Overall, an experience worth taking in. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin 9, Schapenatjesduin Den, 2554 BW Den Haag, Netherlands Silicon Storks website Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,000 Fiesty Birds Baseball has surprisingly old roots in The Netherlands, but the trauma and want of WWII and the immediate post-war years mostly killed the sport until the Marshall Plan brought relief to the continent and helped revive dormant interests such as baseball, allowing the founding of many new clubs in the early 1950s. The capitol of the country got on board with this post-war trend, and the Storks Sporting Club was founded in early 1952. The 50s saw a boom in interest in the club that grew it from the original twelve members into three divisions of teams. Bouncing between the top Honkbal Hoofdklasse and lower levels, the Storks finally clawed their way back to the top level in 2018, though they still struggle against the more established competition. The team moved around a lot during its history, from sharing football club fields in the fifties, to open fields, before eventually ending up at Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin in 1975, once called “the most beautiful baseball and softball field in the Netherlands.” While that title has surely passed it by, the sportpark is still located in a lovely stretch of parkland. Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin definitely has a scenic location and one of the most interesting locales for all of Honkbal Hoofdklasse.It is also easy to get to and covers all the other stadium basics quite well. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 As with nearly all the clubs in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, all the concessions are handled through the team’s clubhouse, where a bar and grill or perhaps a bar and other small kiosk will dole out the food and drink. The difference is usually in the selection, and the Stork’s pub grub menu is about par for the course. There’s a modest selection of grub to be had at excellent prices. Of course, there are various incarnation of frites (€2.15 and under), as well as Dutch broodjes sandwiches (€2.10 and under), tosti sandwiches (€1.70 and under), and Dutch bittergarnituur (fried meatballs — €2.75, €4.25, or €10 for 8, 16, or 40 pieces). If you want to get your drink on, there’s wine (€1.80), Jillz (a Dutch cider, €1.75), and Dutch beer Hertog Jans (€1.85 each, or a case of 24 for €36). Yes, that’s right: If the cheap prices aren’t enough, you can buy your beer by the *case* . The lack of selection is made up for by cheapness and volume. Coca-Cola is the non-alcoholic drink family of the team. Although a case of beer might be tempting, try out the Jillz cider for a new taste to explore. You obviously have to get some frites (try the Dutch traditional mayo), and maybe give the local bittergarnituur a taste? Popping these fried appetizers while watching the game is surprisingly addictive. Atmosphere 3 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin is a baseball and softball-only facility nestled in a scenic little park, overlooked by a wooded hill next to the park. Although there apparently was a bit of a rabbit problem when the park first opened, the bucolic setting is now seemingly rabbit-free. While the setting is serene, you won’t mistake it for anything more than a Rookie-league park in America. Several fields are right next to each other, and most of the walls and structures are made from chain-link fences. The team clubhouse is located by the park entrance, a good deal away from the main field, a departure from most Honkbal Hoofdklasse parks. The main seating area behind home plate is four rows of benches on stone steps, mostly underneath the shade of the trees on the hill behind the park. The dugouts are on the outside of the fences, and a small, separate trailer on the first base side of home plate houses the announcer’s booth. A small digital scoreboard just records the score, balls, strikes, outs, and inning in right-center field. Trees rise above the chain-link outfield wall in an unbroken line. Smoking is very much still a thing in the otherwise progressive Netherlands, and there are several picnic tables in the area in front of the clubhouse with ash trays built in to accommodate them. There is also a small play area near the tables, so make of that what you will. Here is an important bit of information: Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin does *not* have lights. While this does not affect the afternoon games on the weekend that start at 2 PM, this does affect the Thursday night games that start at 7:30 PM. Even if the Storks are scheduled for a home game, they will *not* be playing at Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin. They either will be the home team at an opponent’s field or play at other fields beside this one. So be alert if you’re visiting on a Thursday. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the Seventh Inning Stretch, period. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming to the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Neighborhood 4 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin is located very close to the coast and the beaches it houses. While there is even more to do in the city center of The Hague, unlike many of the other parks in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, there is a lot to do and see. There are a good selection of restaurants close to the stadium. The upscale Meer en Bosch Tavern is to the east at Park Meer en Bos, not far from Bistro Borracho. Just to the north overlooking the beach, there are a clutch of multicultural restaurants, including Italian La Tourterelle B.V., Mexican Chicoleo, Turkish Marmaris, Greek Restaurant Apollo, and American Restaurant Hudson Kijkduin. Further west is foodie haven Suiderstrand. A short walk from the park is most obviously, the beach. There are several resorts and pavilions in the Kijkduin locale offering a wide selection of beach entertainment, including a nearby parasailing school. If you’ve had your fill of the beach, the Park Meer En Boos is close to the ballpark, complete with a bird sanctuary in addition to its arboreal charms. And just to the north is the beginning of the massive Westduinpark, a nature sanctuary that also houses some WWII historical sites. The shore-adjacent location means there are several hotels in the area, but perhaps not as many as you’d expect. The upscale Hotel NH Atlantaic Den Haag is the closest to the park, very close to the Foundation Beach Resort Kijkduin. Holiday house rental Haags Duinhuis are to the south, and the Bed and Breakfast at the Beach is further to the north, as is B&B Ereprijs. Fans 3 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semipro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. The Storks are newly back in the top-level Honkbal Hoofdklasse and seem to draw on the low-end of average Dutch baseball crowds (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Local and visiting fans make up the crowd, and the crowd seems invested, even if their team’s fortunes aren’t the brightest right now. Access 4 Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin is accessible by mass transit from The Hague and by transfer from nearby Rotterdam, and it is easy to navigate once you get there. The only mass transit to the park from the city center is a rather painless half-hour bus trip. From The Hague Central, the HTMbuzz Stadbus 24 will take you to Kijkduinsestraat, Den Haag (€2.55), a short walk from the ballpark. Driving, cab, or ride share will set you about a little over 20 minutes from the city center, if you were so inclined. The Hague is extremely close to Rotterdam, and it is only a half-hour drive from there to the ballpark. There is a small parking lot by the ballpark, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the park entrance. There is one entrance to the facility through the main gate. This is the only choke point in the entire park, as it opens out onto wide-open pathways in the fields that reach to all the different fields in the complex. Return on Investment 5 There’s no charge to get into the park, so you can’t really argue with that. Drinks (even beer) are all under €2, and food is mostly under €2.75 except for some truly large amounts of bittergarnituur. How can you argue with these prices? . Extras 2 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has a selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards. There are two memorials: a retired number of Win Remmerswall (49) on the clubhouse, and the terrace outside the clubhouse is dedicated to Ed Lakwijk. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts In one of the better and easier-to-reach locations in all of Honkbal Hoofdklasse, Sportpark Kijkduin-Schapenatjesduin hits all the basics well, even if the physical facility won’t turn your head.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dunn Field 546 Luce St. Elmira, NY 14904 Elmira Pioneers website Dunn Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 4,020 An Old Dependable in Elmira Dunn Field has been hosting baseball for 80 years dating back to the 1939 season and is the home to the Elmira Pioneers of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, a college wood bat league that operates during the summer months to provide college ball players a minor league-style experience. Before the arrival of the latest incarnation of the franchise, the name first dates back to the turn of the last century in 1900. The ballpark was home to minor league baseball in various leagues from the Eastern League to the New York-Penn League producing 13 league championships. After a decade of independent baseball, the college wood bat variety took up shop at Dunn Field and does not appear to be looking back, producing the fourth-highest average attendance totals in all of summer collegiate baseball last season (2017). Dunn Field comfortably seats 4,020 people and is still a grand reminder of what ballparks used to look like at one time. It still holds up handsomely well for a midsummer night of baseball. Its setting and location along the Chemung River and its history make up a strong baseball cocktail that should be sipped slowly on a warm summer night in the southern tier of New York. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand operates two windows directly underneath the grandstand and in front of the main entrance. There is not a huge selection of food, but the prices range from $3-$5. Highlights include the grilled chicken sandwich, pulled pork, and the nachos grande. There is an additional concession booth on top of the grandstand that serves a spicy jalapeno pretzel and cotton candy. A nice little touch near the park’s entrance is a local coffee shop that does business only during home games. They serve the high-end iced coffee varieties you would find at Starbucks or Tim Horton’s. If you have a few people with you on game night, opt for the nachos served in a batting helmet for $10. This can easily feed two to three people. In the adult beverage department, the prices are even better. While many parks up the prices beyond belief, even at this level, the Pioneers offer domestic cans of 12-ounce beers for $3 and 24-ounce cans for $5. Hey, who needs Thirsty Thursdays? Atmosphere 4 Dunn Field provides a nostalgic atmosphere for baseball and begins with a magnificent art deco entrance. The entrance still houses its original ticket booths that are narrow and small. There is no need to look for food since the concession stands are smacked down in front of your eyes. The souvenir shop is to the left and has a few nice bits of team paraphernalia. A few t-shirts sell for $5 and that is a bargain. There are also a lot of activities for the kids that include plate painting, bouncing bubbles, and the classic carnival game of strength-ring the bell. The splat of the mallet and the ringing of the bell can be deafening at times, but try telling that to the crowd of kiddies waiting in line to give it a try. If you love cuddly mascots, the Pioneers employ Stitches who makes his way around the stadium and field throughout the game. Dunn Field is quite large and filled with nostalgia throughout every corner of the building. The covered grandstand features full-service box seating, plastic bucket seats, and theater-style teal seats that are peeling and cracking. The teal color was from when the Florida Marlins had their Single-A franchise in Elmira from 1993-1995 and it needs a fresh coat of new paint. Other evidence of the Marlins and their teal revolution exists on the roofs of the dugouts that were installed at the time of their arrival. Many stories can be told about the baseball that has been played here. Photos of Babe Ruth, Don Zimmer’s wedding, and a contract signed by Earl Weaver don the interior royal blue walls. Also in this area are the twelve different championship banners won by the Pioneers in numerous leagues that date back to 1914. If you need more proof of the stadium’s glorious past, talk to a few fans and they will tell you one of their favorite stories from their youth. Neighborhood 3 Dunn Field is located along the river and situated in a residential neighborhood. Many of these homes look as if they are post-Victorian models and are kept up quite nicely. You may be lucky to see groups of folks outside on their wraparound patios entertaining guests en route to the ballpark. Unfortunately, there are not any restaurants or entertainment options within walking distance. Downtown is three miles away and there are a few local establishments I would recommend. Legends Bar & Grill has the local delicacy of chicken spiedies on their menu, and the Elbow Room features a great selection of wings and burgers. If you are a fan of microbreweries, Upstate Brewing Company is a popular destination in town. Chubby’s is popular among the local populace for its pizza and atmosphere. Fans 4 They have been playing baseball in Elmira for more than 126 years and games at Dunn Field has become a rite of passage. They have seen the Pioneers play in Single-A, independent, and now in the collegiate wood bat league. The crowd is laid back and relaxed underneath the historically covered ballpark. They are willing to share a few baseball stories from when they were younger and all indicate that the place has not changed much in quite some time. One gentleman’s wife was looking through an old program from the early 1980s and discovered that it was signed by Wade Boggs when he was playing in the Red Sox system. The husband remembered asking for the autograph but blanked out that it was the major league Hall of Famer. There are many more great stories to share and they could fill up a book. Access 5 I enjoy having signs and directions to the ballpark directly from the interstate. They are listed on I-86 with other Elmira attractions in town. There are a couple more signs that will guide you to the stadium’s entrance and once you are there, there is ample free covered parking near the stadium. This is the one time when you can put the GPS away and enjoy the ride to the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for adults are $8 and for students/seniors, the cost is $5. The Pioneers offer VIP seating in their box seats that include wait service for $10. These are the old fashion seats that are two rows in the back of the home plate. Extras 4 The charm of Dunn Field would be enough to attract any ballpark traveler to Elmira. The amply-sized stadium has the look and feel of many great minor league ballparks that are no longer around. It is clean, spacious, and ideal for a relaxing day of baseball viewing. What is better than watching a simple game at a perfectly simple and beautiful historic stadium? ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The University of Kansas announced this week a renovation project to the 68-year-old Allen Fieldhouse that aims to enhance the fan experience at Jayhawk men's and women's basketball games. These renovations will include a new center-hung scoreboard, LED lighting, and a new sound system, along with enhancements to concession and hospitality areas. Since opening on March 1, 1955, Allen Fieldhouse is generally considered one of college basketball's best venues. The project, funded by private donations, will occur in two phases to minimize disruptions to the Jayhawks' 2023-24 seasons. All renovations are expected to be complete by the fall of 2024. “Allen Fieldhouse is a preeminent destination for sports fans and has long been heralded as the best in-game experience in basketball,” KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff said in a press release. “There is no arena in sport that provides the tradition and character of the Fieldhouse, and this project will go to great lengths to maintain that, while dramatically enhancing the fan experience for our men’s and women’s basketball supporters. This is a strong statement to our commitment to not just sustaining but elevating Kansas Basketball to new heights, and it will be a game-changer for our programs, student-athletes and fans.” The project will also expand the Fieldhouse's concourses, add a "Jayhawk Pub" concept on the venue's second level, and a new team store with flexible mezzanine space above it. Further, the adjoining Wagnon Student Athlete Center will be remodeled to create a "front door" to Allen Fieldhouse while maintaining space for student-athlete services. The renovations to the Fieldhouse come as KU is also developing a new campus gateway just outside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the Jayhawks' home football stadium for the past 102 years. That project will significantly upgrade the stadium and will also feature the construction of conference, entertainment, and retail space at the corner of 11th and Mississippi Streets, on the campus's north side. Rendering of Allen Fieldhouse Renovations, Courtesy of the University of Kansas Rendering of Allen Fieldhouse Renovations, Courtesy of the University of Kansas Rendering of Allen Fieldhouse Renovations, Courtesy of the University of Kansas

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 E. Claiborne Robins Stadium 23B Boatwright Dr Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website E. Claiborne Robins Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 8,217 Richmond Spider’s Web Robins Stadium opened on September 18, 2010, when Richmond knocked off Elon in overtime 27-21, in front of a sellout crowd. The stadium is named for E. Claiborne Robins, in recognition of decades of support to the University of Richmond athletics program. In addition to being the home of Spider football, it is also the home of Richmond’s lacrosse and track and field programs. The all-brick façade of the stadium fits in well with the surrounding campus buildings. Despite seating less than 10,000 fans, the stadium is beautiful, and intimate, and serves as the perfect home for the Spider football program. Food & Beverage 5 A wide variety of concession items are available at Robins Stadium for reasonable prices. Concession items range from hot dogs ($3.50), hamburgers ($4.50), cheeseburgers ($5.50), chicken tenders ($5.50), steak and cheese subs ($7.00), Papa John’s 8” Pizza ($10), and Italian Sausage Sub ($7). Also available is the Spider Special for $5, which changes each week and features a food item from the opposing team’s home state. When we attended, the Spider Special has Loaded Tater Tots. Side items include fries ($3), fried pickles ($5), nachos with cheese and salsa ($5), popcorn ($3), caramel corn ($4), soft pretzel ($4), and peanuts ($3). Healthy items such as mixed fruit cups ($4) and veggie cups with ranch dip ($4) are also available. A gluten-free bun can be substituted on any sandwich for $2 extra. There is also the RVA Combo Meal which is 1 hot dog or 2 chicken tenders, fries, and a small drink for $5. This is a great value. Pepsi products are offered as fountain drinks and are $3.50 or $4.50 depending on the size. Bottled water ($3.50), coffee ($2.00), and hot chocolate ($2) are also available. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted at the concession stands, and the lines move quickly. Robins Stadium also offers GrubHub, where you can order ahead of time and just go pick it up from the concession when it is ready. Atmosphere 4 Robins Stadium features split-level grandstands on each side of the playing field, with the east grandstands being slightly higher than the west grandstands. Atop the west grandstands sit the suites, while the press box sits atop the west grandstands. There are three sections of chairback seats between the 30s in the west grandstands. All the other seats in the stadium are bench back. One interesting item of note is that the Richmond team bench is on the west sideline, opposite the pressbox. The playing surface consists of field turf, with the giant spider logo at midfield. New for the 2021 season is a large 60’ by 28’ LED video board that stands 75 feet above the north endzone. It features both replay and live video, in-game stats, and out-of-town scores (which is updated throughout the game!). There is a track surrounding the field, but it does not take away from the experience of the game. This is due to the fact the first row of seats is elevated quite a bit above the field level, providing great sightlines for even the lower rows. While the University of Richmond, does not have a marching band, they have a different area high school band performs pregame and at halftime on the field. They also play in the stands throughout the game. After each Richmond score, a large bell on the east grandstand rings. Due to the size of Robins Stadium and with most seats being either chairback or bench-back, there is not a bad seat in the house. Sightlines are great from anywhere in the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Robins Stadium sits in the northern part of campus near the Robins Center (home of Richmond basketball) and Pitt Field (home of Richmond baseball). Many of the parking lots in the vicinity of these three venues fill up with tailgaters before the game. The campus is beautiful, clean, and well-kept up. Westhampton Lake is a short walk from the stadium and is a great place to bike or jog around. There is also a bridge that crosses the lake with a nice gazebo on one side. Richmond is the capital city, so in the downtown area, there are many museums and the capitol building, that can be visited. If you are looking for a variety of shopping or dining options, take a 15-minute drive to the Short Pump area which offers several restaurants and a two-level outdoor mall. Marriott is the official hotel of the Spiders, so if you are looking to spend the night check out the Visitors Guide for a list of Marriott hotels in the Richmond area that offer special U of R rates. Fans 3 While the Spiders’ fan base may not be as large as some FCS powers, they are undoubtedly a passionate and committed bunch. While many games sell out, the crowd is upscale and many seem to view it as a social event. That said, there are some die-hard fans that are into the game and get loud after big plays and on third downs. However, overall the crowd would not be described as raucous. Access 4 Being on campus, Robins Stadium can be a little difficult to find, but if you point your GPS to the address for Robins Stadium you shouldn’t have a problem. Not familiar with the campus or where to go once you park? No problem. There are signs around campus directing you to the stadium and how many minutes walk it is. Many of the parking lots surrounding the stadium and reserved for Spiders’ donors, but general parking is well-marked and is free. When we attended, however, all the general lots were full, and the campus police told us we could park anywhere on campus we could find! There are entrance gates on the east and west sidelines and in the south endzone. Bags are checked upon entrance, but the attendants are friendly. All tickets are now mobile tickets; this created a backup when we attended as the scanners were having a hard time reading people’s phones due to the sun’s glare. This created quite a backup just before kickoff at each gate. The concourses under each grandstand are clean and spacious. The restrooms are also clean. Handicap seating is available on each side of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $30-$40 for conference games. This may seem a little high for FCS, but given the quality of competition in the CAA, this is not too bad. Concession prices are also reasonable and parking is free. Extras 5 Robins Stadium has several features that give it extra points that are worth noting. First, is the friendliness of the staff, from ticket takers to ushers to concession workers. These folks were all extra friendly and thanked us for coming to the game. A second extra point is for the free game program. A third extra point is for the free parking at various points around campus and the friendly parking staff that help direct you to where these areas are. There is also a Spider rock near the Spider Walk the players touch as they enter the field. The family fun zone in the north end zone is a big extra for those of us with small kids. This area has giant inflatables, games, balloon artists, and face paint. This area is right below the giant video board, so you don’t miss any of the action while in the family fun zone. The GrubHub option ensures that you can get concessions without waiting in line! Final Thoughts The CAA is one of the top football conferences in the FCS, and the Spiders are often competitive in the league. This ensures that you will see competitive, high-quality football on any visit to Robins Stadium. Combine this with a beautiful stadium, passionate fans, and affordable prices, you have a great football experience in the capital city of Virginia. While FBS programs such as Virginia Tech and Virginia are definitely more well-known in the state, a visit to Robins Stadium is definitely a must for college football fans in the Commonwealth.

When the original professional Brockton Rox baseball franchise decided to demote itself from the independent Can-Am League to the Summer Collegiate Futures Collegiate League, they promised their fans the move was a temporary one, and they would move back to the professional circuit once they straightened out their finances. That was in 2012. Today, at a press conference held in the Brockton City Hall, the return of the Brockton Rox to professional baseball was finally announced. The new ownership group, consisting of members of the Frontier League’s New York Boulders' ownership group and Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice, proudly unveiled their new logo and mission, calling 2025 a “revival season” for baseball in Brockton. The original Rox franchise, which has played in the summer collegiate Futures League for 13 seasons, folded at the end of the 2024 season. The team’s owners decided to focus their finances and energies on the professional New England Knockouts. This new ownership group’s first act was to revive the city’s recognizable franchise name, the Rox, which is a derivative of the names of the nearby Red Sox and local boxing legend Rocky Marciano. The Rox ownership group poses at the press conference announcing the rebranding. Co-owners Bill and Rob Janetschek were part of the group that purchased the New York Boulders in 2020. The elder Janetschek and Rice were both part of the Fenway Sports Group at the minor league level. Joining forces in Massachusetts was a no-brainer for both of them. Said Janetschek, "The first person that came to mind, as far as trying to engage someone from the local community, was Jim. When I found out about this opportunity, I reached out and said, 'Would you like to be an owner of the team in Brockton?' It took him 30 seconds to say yes." Co-owner Shawn Reilly stated that ownership’s first mission will be to put a competitive team on the field for 2025. They will then focus on longer-term projects, such as hosting non-baseball events like concerts and holiday festivals at Campanelli Stadium. Reilly said the team will offer lower ticket prices and a series of promotional nights, such as Star Wars night. Re-engaging the community after years of lackluster attendance will be a priority. Reilly pointed to a sold-out game played by the Savannah Bananas in 2023 as proof that “if you give them a reason to come, people will come.” Rox co-owner Shawn Reilly addresses the crowd. “This is a great sports town. We know it’s here,” Reilly said. “We’re really excited to be here to bring professional baseball back. I can promise you our ownership group and front office will work hard every day to bring affordable family entertainment to the residents of the city.” The Rox open their Frontier League season on the road on Friday, May 9 at the Tri-City ValleyCats. Their home opener is scheduled for Friday, May 16 against the New York Boulders at Campanelli Stadium.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Northwest Stadium 1600 Ring Road Landover, MD 20785 Army Navy Game website Northwest Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 85,000 America's Game The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules. Navy leads the series, which has had seven ties. The 2022 game was the first overtime game of the long series. Philadelphia is usually considered the main home to the game, although starting in 2008 a bidding process has now made the game likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, followed by New York City and Baltimore. The game has been held as far west as Chicago (1926) and at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (1983). Northwest Stadium (formerly FedExField) is located in suburban Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. It replaced the Washington NFL team’s longtime home RFK Stadium in 1997. The late Jack Kent Cooke, former owner of the Washington Redskins, spent the early 1990s looking for a new stadium. Finally, a location was found in the town of Landover. The former owner died before truly enjoying his team playing at their new home. The team's location was also even known by the United States Postal Service as Raljon, Maryland to honor Cooke’s sons, Ralph and Jon, although it was always technically in the Landover area. Northwest Stadium has seen an amazing number of expansions and reductions in seating capacity in its short lifespan. Entire seating sections have been physically removed from the stadium to reduce capacity. Some seats have been removed to make standing-room-only “party” sections, while other seats have been covered by advertisements and tarps. There is talk every year about the Washington Commanders moving either back to the District of Columbia or to the Commonwealth of Virginia. At this point, there is no specific plan in place or motion. Food & Beverage 5 There are many decent concession stands around the stadium offering the usual stadium options. The prices are not cheap, but they are pretty much in line with most NFL venues. If you worry about high food costs, your best bet is to eat before game time. There have been changes to some options to make them cheaper. There is an increasing number of self-checkout, and grab-and-go food stations added around the concourse. The team has been adding many interesting food options and keeping choices fresh and interesting. Chicken Guy, a Guy Fieri chicken finger stand is very tasty. The team has done a good job of enhancing the food offerings at both the Club Level and the main concourse. The upper concourse options seem a bit sparer, although that is common with large stadiums. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. There will be many options for Army-Navy game merchandise, but the usual Commanders' merchandise will be unavailable. The atmosphere is top-notch even with the limitations of this facility. Once inside the stadium, you may be less impressed with some aspects of the physical structure. Some areas are just poorly designed. The stadium is not aging well. The addition of a fan zone on the main concourse, which includes areas where the fans can gather and still be in sight of the on-field action, is a welcome addition to the stadium. The Commanders have brightened up much of the stadium and kept it consistent in theme. This is an improvement over our past visits to this stadium. The upper deck seems incredibly too high to enjoy the game. Some seating sections in the upper deck require your having to go both up AND down a set of stairs to find your seat. A former walkway has been filled in with three rows of seating. Doing so has created some navigational issues, in that fans may need to go up and then back down a small set of stairs just to move from one area to another. It is weird to see entire seating areas in the Club Level that are blocked off and covered up. The upper deck also still has some audio issues. There are areas there where the sound is nearly inaudible. In addition, the lower deck still has some obstructed view seats. They do often go for quite low of a price but it is still incredible that a stadium built just one year before Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium has the severe design flaws that it does. Many other parts of the seating bowl are just a bit weird here at Northwest Stadium. It opened with 80,000 seats. A few years later, the Redskins added many temporary and permanent seating areas to bring the total seating to over 91,000. Now the stadium is getting smaller, with many seats changed over to those standing-room-only areas and/or tarp-covered areas to bring the official capacity down. Cadets in Formation - Army/Navy Game Neighborhood 2 Suburban Landover is not the most exciting neighborhood. Northwest Stadium sits in an area surrounded by parking lots. That kind of setting can be good for tailgating but often means the area is lacking a bit. It would be nice if there could be food, drink, and entertainment options located in the area, such as at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Live complex. I would love to see something similar, even if they are temporary, game-only, locations. Currently, fans who are not tailgate types have very few pregame options. The closest thing really to the stadium is some newer housing developments. Luckily Washington D.C. is close by. If you are arriving by Metro, pregame activities are best spent there. The Foggy Bottom neighborhood is a good option in D.C. as there are still plenty of restaurants to choose from. Georgetown is another great option The choices there will astound you, but Martin’s Tavern will always be a good choice. Did I mention you are right near Washington, D.C.? The number of other attractions, museums, restaurants, and other sights is astounding. Spend some time pre or post-game seeing the many things around this great city. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone has a side. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game. Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation. Access 3 Northwest Stadium’s location close to the Washington Beltway is not usually seen as a positive. This suburban location compounds the traffic nightmares in the area. The stadium is located far from public transportation and with limited parking alternatives, the stadium can be hard to get to. The opening of the Washington Metro’s Morgan Boulevard Station in 2004 gave attendees at least one public transportation option. It is slightly less than one mile away, and there are decent walkways between the station and the stadium. Sure, it could be closer, but at least it is an option. The Largo Town Center Station, also on the same Blue line as the Morgan Boulevard Station, is another walkable option but is far less convenient. There is plenty of parking available around the stadium. The problem has been that it is pricey. There are a few non-approved lots to the north of the stadium around Brightseat Road, but that is an exception. In the last few years, the stadium staff made major strides in improving the operations of their lots. Fans are required to enter their designated lots from specific access roads. The idea was to allow for a more efficient entry and exit from the stadium. It seems to have worked. Return on Investment 5 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest around. It is a much-desired ticket for many fans, so expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. Extras 5 It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably extra-enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend. Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations on the field. It is well worth attending just for this. The game will always have a good flyover pregame, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also always have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony. Both the Navy and Army have ships and other large equipment around town displaying their awesome firepower. Final Thoughts The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest make it a must-see for any real sports fan. We have often been critical of Northwest Stadium, and rightfully so, but the team has made the stadium as nice as they really can.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Liberty First Credit Union Arena 7300 Q St Ralston, NE 68127 Omaha Beef website Liberty First Credit Union Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 4,600 Beef! Liberty First Credit Union Arena , formerly known as Ralston Arena among other names, is located in a suburb of Omaha, Nebraska. The multipurpose venue hosts concerts and other events, as well as being home to the Omaha Lancers of the USHL (minor league hockey) and the Omaha Beef of the Champions Indoor Football League. The Beef has been to the CIF championship game for two years running, and took home the title in 2021 – the team has a rabid following who look forward to another trophy. Affectionately known by Beef fans as The Slaughterhouse, Liberty First Arena offers a superb atmosphere for indoor football; read on to hear what makes it so great. Food & Beverage 4 Liberty First Arena has a ton of concession options and with stands large and small all over the arena. Tacos, barbecue, and pizza are all available on one side of the arena with prices starting at $9, but if you walk around to the other side of the arena you can also find more budget-friendly $6 burgers and $5 hot dogs, plus similarly priced chicken tenders, soft pretzels, and other snacks. There are also a couple of smaller stands offering just beer, or beer and smaller snacks - beer starts at $6 while soda (either fountain or bottled) and bottled water can be found for $4. Atmosphere 5 The three best things about Beef football, besides the winning product on the field of late, are, in order, the killer logo (a wicked-looking steer skull outlined in orange, which sparks when shown on screen, reminiscent of a steer being branded), the great promotions and entertainment for the fans, and the range of great seating options. Starting with the fan entertainment, the Beef has a cheerleading/dance team, and a great mascot named Sir Loin who interacts with fans throughout the game – Sir Loin rides into the stadium before the team takes the field in an Omaha Beef-deco Jeep, and revs up the crowd in the lead up to kickoff. That same Jeep is used following the first quarter in a promotion where fans throw mini footballs from the stands onto the field, trying to get them through the windows of the Jeep, which is sitting at midfield – one lucky fan who manages to toss their ball through one of the windows wins a Beef prize pack. They do the promotion again during halftime as well, except with a trash can at midfield this time with fans throwing tennis balls. Continuing with the fan entertainment, there is also a Beef-themed inflatable tunnel the team runs through when they take the field, and tchotchkes tossed to the crowd during breaks in the action. The staff also plays the ‘Chicken Dance’ at least once during the game, which kids and many adults love to dance along to. The halftime shows are also well done – at the most recent game, I attended they did a tribute to the musical ‘Annie’, complete with staff members garbed as orphans, furiously sweeping and scrubbing the turf at midfield under the watchful eye of the crowd. And don’t forget the inflatable beach balls the crowd can bat around, and the ultimate staple of arena football, i.e. being allowed to keep the ball if you happen to catch it when it leaves the field. In terms of seating options, you really can’t go wrong at Liberty First Arena – first of all the seats in the stands have chairbacks, and there are also tables with chairs at the top of the grandstand that fans can watch the game from, or use temporarily to eat their food, so they can avoid bumping elbows down below. There are also suites up on the main level if you want to pay a little more for tickets, and for a truly special experience, there are 2 field-level Super Club suites where you can eat free popcorn, order other concessions and have them brought to you. Neighborhood 4 Liberty First Arena is located in Ralston, a suburb of Omaha, which is a decent-sized city with plenty of attractions, hotels, and restaurants. The city and region are known for their pioneer heritage – Omaha is located just across the Missouri River from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Creighton University is not far from the arena, and the birthplace of President Gerald R. Ford is also nearby. If you plan to fly in for the game, Omaha has what I consider to be the perfect-sized airport – large enough to have flights coming in from many destinations, but small enough that the rental cars are located on-site, so you don’t have to ride a shuttle bus to some distant garage before getting on your way. Note that some of the closest hotels and gas stations to the airport are located in Carter Lake, Iowa, due to the Missouri River (which is technically the eastern border between the 2 states) changing locations over a century ago, followed by a Supreme Court ruling stating that the original border still stands. To join the Beef after party, be sure to check out Therapy Bar & Grill after every Beef game – Therapy is located at 5059 S 108th St (between O Street and Q Street), and offers drink specials, karaoke, and dancing. The same DJ from the Beef game is on hand running the music. Therapy is located a couple of miles from Credit First Arena. Fans 4 Beef football has some amazing fans – while they may not fill the stands, they are loud and proud of their team, some of them almost to (and some past) the point of raucousness, which I consider a good thing when it comes to sports fans. A huge percentage of them show up in Beef team gear, and the team store does some pretty hefty traffic as well before and during the game. You will hear the fans getting loud throughout the game – they are constantly on their feet, ringing their cowbells enthusiastically during big moments in the contest. Access 5 Access to Liberty First Arena couldn’t be better – there is free parking right outside the arena, and there are plenty of different entrances, making it easy to get in and out. There is plenty of room to walk around the concourse, and there are elevators open to take fans to all levels if needed. Concession lines are short, and there are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the crowd size. There are also plenty of staffers on hand to help you find your way if you happen to need help. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Beef football start at $20, which is a great price for pro sports, and they can be purchased directly from the Liberty First Arena box office, so you don’t have to worry about those pesky Ticketmaster fees. And, if you’re a technophobe like me, you can even get printed tickets at Will Call, if you would like that type of souvenir to take home. Of course, you can also opt for digital tickets instead, either print-at-home or mobile, if you prefer that route. Extras 5 Besides the stellar logo, which I can’t say enough about – be sure to pick up a Beef t-shirt or hat to take home so you can show it off – and the great crowd, which is loud and brings the energy, Liberty First Arena offers so many other extras during Beef football. The DJ does a great job with the music, and besides the female cheerleaders/dance team, the Beef also has a male dance team called the Rump Roasters, who join in keeping the crowd riled up. Another great plus is that after the game, fans are allowed onto the turf for about 15 minutes to meet the players and get autographs, as well as meet the cheerleaders and other staff, and toss footballs around and/or run around on the turf – this is a great bonus which not a lot of other teams offer. The Beef also has its chain gang dressed in red karate kid outfits with black hachimakis (headbands), as a nod to one of its sponsors, Black Belt Movers. Final Thoughts If you have never seen arena football, I recommend it – the faster pace and shorter field make for a lot of excitement, and the Omaha Beef does it superbly. The staff puts on an amazing show, the facility is awesome, and the team itself is on a roll. If there is any possible way you can make it out to Nebraska for a game, you should take advantage of the opportunity. Let’s go, Beef!

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 City Stadium 3201 Maplewood Ave Richmond, VA 23221 Richmond Kickers website City Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 22,611 Kicking It In Richmond The Richmond Kickers were founded in 1993 as a member of what was then known as the United States Interregional Soccer League (USISL). Although top division soccer has enjoyed stability in the United States for the past 20-plus years with the success of MLS, the lower divisions have not. This has meant the Kickers have bounced from league to league and level to level in various incarnations of the USISL and its successor, the United Soccer League. In 2019, the USL was renamed the USL Championship, with another league below it, which rather confusingly was named USL League One. While the vast majority of USL teams stayed in the Championship, the Kickers moved down to League One, where they remain to this day. The official capacity of City Stadium is 22,611. However, this includes the east stands, which have not been in use for some time due to needed upgrades that have not been performed. Food & Beverage 3 The concession situation at City Stadium is a bit confusing. There is a permanent concession stand on the concourse, but only drinks are sold here. Coca-Cola products, including bottled water, are around $3 each, and beer is $6.50 for a 16 oz or $11.50 for a 32 oz. If you want something to eat, there are food trucks located in one corner of the concourse – turn left as you come in and go all the way down. One truck sells Chick-fil-A, one sells burritos and other similar products, and the third sells shaved ice. There is also a Dippin Dots stand on the other end of the concourse, which also sells cotton candy and popcorn. Prices at the food trucks are a bit pricey but well worth it. The Chick-fil-A is a less expensive option if you want to save money, but you get what you pay for. Atmosphere 4 There is one entrance to City Stadium, on the west side. Once you enter, you will find stands on both sidelines, but the ones on the east (far) sideline are not in use due to needed repairs. On the near sideline, all seats are general admission bleachers without backs except one section of reserved chairbacks bolted onto the bleachers at midfield, which are reserved for season ticket holders. There is one digital scoreboard that theoretically shows shots on goal as well, but when we went, that remained at zero for both teams for the whole game, even as they recorded multiple shots on goals and the Kickers even scored twice. Being a minor league team, the club tries to entertain fans, but since there are no breaks other than halftime, this is harder than it would be at a minor league baseball game. However, they still do a good job, rolling the stadium lights during pregame and after goals. There are also contests during halftime. The Kickers have a kangaroo mascot named Kickeroo, who interacts with the fans during the game. Neighborhood 5 Although City Stadium is located in a residential neighborhood, it is a short walk from the Carytown section of Richmond, where one can find numerous businesses and restaurants. Carytown Burges & Fries is one local favorite, as is the Galaxy Diner. Both are a short walk from the stadium. Fans looking for a drink before or after the game should have no trouble finding it near the stadium. Garden Grove Brewing is located on Cary St., and many other restaurants will serve alcohol as well. However, true bars (i.e. places which primarily serve alcohol) violate Virginia’s alcohol laws, so you will not find any of those here. Those looking for other entertainment while in town can check out the Byrd Theatre, also in Carytown. History buffs might enjoy the numerous Civil War sites located in and around Richmond, which was of course the former capital of the Confederacy and played a major role in the war. Fans 4 Like many soccer teams, the Kickers have a group of rowdy Supporters (yes, Supporters with a capital S) known as the Red Army, who sit in Section O for each game. But “sit” is not the right word here, because the Red Army will stand for 90 minutes, chanting, singing, waving flags, and banging drums. They also use smoke periodically, which makes for an impressive display, but fans who are sensitive to that sort of thing should try to avoid sitting near them. The Red Army is the most passionate of the Kickers fans by far, but the rest of the crowd can get into it at times as well. The stadium can get loud during the game, especially after a Kickers goal. Fans will cheer on the Kickers and will not hesitate to boo the referees if they feel a call went the wrong way. Access 4 City Stadium is located just off the Downtown Expressway (I-195) in Richmond. Simply exit the highway, drive a couple of blocks, and you’re there. Free parking is available in a gravel lot and rarely fills up, but if worst comes to worst, ample street parking is available within walking distance of the stadium. Just make sure to obey all street signs. Once you enter the stadium, there is ample space to move around the concourse. Lines at the concession stand and food truck don’t generally get too long, but to avoid waiting on line, it’s best if you arrive early. Restrooms are located in both corners of the west side concourse and are of ample size to handle even the largest crowds. One thing to keep in mind when traveling to City Stadium is that many GPS apps will take you to the wrong side when you are looking for the parking lot. The main entrance to the parking lot is off Freeman Road, and there is also a VIP entrance off Maplewood Avenue. McCloy Street puts you on the wrong side of the stadium, but some apps will take you there anyway. Getting out of the lot after the game can take some time, especially if you don’t park near the entrance, but the highway is only a couple blocks away and once you get on, it should be smooth sailing. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $18 for general admission seats anywhere except the center chairbacks. However, fans also have the option of joining a program called Kickers+ for $59. In addition to other benefits such as a discount at the club shop and free jersey customizations, fans who join Kickers+ can get 50% off up to four tickets per game for the whole season. If you plan on taking a family of four to multiple games, this can be an opportunity to save money as it will lower the ticket price to just $9 each. Concessions can be pricey, but there are more affordable options available if you want lower-quality food. Throw in the free parking and a visit to a Kickers game is a great value. Extras 2 There is a trailer on the concourse which serves as a club shop and sells Kickers gear to fans. A second star goes to the Red Army and the energy they bring to the stadium. Final Thoughts Although City Stadium is showing its age, it’s still an exciting place to watch a match. Despite the instability in USL with levels changing and leagues being renamed on an almost yearly basis, City Stadium is still a great place to watch a Kickers game.

, Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Vibrant Arena at The MARK 1201 River Dr Moline, IL 61265 Quad City Storm website Vibrant Arena at The MARK website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 12,000 Still the Mark in the Quad City Vibrant Arena at The MARK, known previously as TaxSlayer Center, iWireless Center, and The MARK of Quad Cities, opened in May 1993 under the name Mark of the Quad Cities. Its current name went into effect in September of 2017 for $3.3 million for over ten years. The 9,200-seat facility is located in Moline, Illinois, and was constructed at the cost of $33.4 million. Since 2018 the arena has been home to the Quad City Storm of the SPHL after local ownership consisting of Ryan Mosley and John Dawson purchased a team in the league to replace the recently departed Quad City Mallards of the ECHL. The Storm kept hockey alive on the banks of the Mississippi River and hopes to bring back success from its days of the original Mallards franchise. The original Mallards hockey club operated from 1995-2007 in the Colonial and Central Hockey Leagues ceasing operations to make room for the Quad City Flames of the American Hockey League who operated for two seasons before being relocated by the parent club to Abbotsford, British Columbia. With the Quad City suddenly vacant, the Mallards were reborn in the CHL in 2009. The new Mallards were saved from folding again in 2011 and operated in the league until being absorbed into the ECHL for the 2014-2015 season after the CHL ceased operations. In 2017, the club signed a multi-year affiliation with the NHL Vegas Golden Knights and its AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves for the 2017–18 season. However, after ownership reported that it lost $4 million in five years the club ceased operations. The arena offers the perfect size for a minor league hockey arena and the surrounding neighborhood provides enough activities for both families and weekend getaways with friends for a night of fun and excitement. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has an abundance of menu options from pizza, spicy chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, hot dogs, and hamburgers. The potato bar at the Brewhouse Lounge & Patio offers tailored-made potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, or barbecue brisket for $6. The lounge is a nice place to hang out with large windows overlooking downtown and pints of Green Tree Brewery pints for $7.25. If you like the usual, enjoy domestic for $6.75, imports for $6.50, mixed drinks for $6, and Woodbridge wines for $7. Pepsi products are available throughout the arena. Atmosphere 3 The seating area is broken into two sections in a horseshoe shape configuration. The views are unobstructed due to the absence of a middle scoreboard hovering above the ice and there is not a bad seat in the arena. The team has banners of previous championships won by the Mallards along with the retired numbers of four former players. There is one large video screen at the end of the arena that posts scores, information, and other activities for the audience, similar to the setup at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. The concourse offers a stand with team merchandise and a 50/50 raffle adjacent to the stand. A larger team store is located downstairs inside the main lobby of the arena. The colors of teal and purple give the main concourse a 1990’s feel, but it is spacious, clean, and wraps around the entire building. The nightly promotions offer $1 beers on Wednesdays, $2 beers and hot dogs on Fridays, and $1 sodas and post-game skating on Sundays. There are also 19 promotional nights throughout the season then including Teddy Bear Toss, Vegas Trip Giveaway, Post-Game Fireworks, and Pucks and Paws Night. The team also employs the Mallards Bud Ice Girls who perform during the night at intermission. Neighborhood 4 The arena is located in Moline, Illinois, which makes up 25% of the Quad Cities with neighboring Rock Island down the street and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, across the Mississippi River. The distances between these four cities are relatively close and all offer a little bit of everything to enjoy before or after the game. The John Deere Pavilion is across the street from the arena offering interactive exhibits from the company’s history. The Rock Island Arsenal Museum has been in operation since 1862 and features an impressive amount of weaponry. The Jumer’s Casino and Isle Casino are two great ways to spend the night without the kids. There are also a few great places to eat within a few blocks of the arena including Nico’s Hispanic Fusion offering cuisine from various Latin American countries like mofongo, mondongo, and fried plantain sandwiches. Bent River Brewery has a fine selection of beers on tap: Mississippi Blonde, Jalapeno Pepper Ale, and seasonal favorites Sweet Potato Ale and Jingle Java Holiday Stout. Quad City is known for its style of pizza that is found at various locations including Uncle Harris, Harris Pizza, and Pizza Shack. The style differs from varieties in Chicago and New York in that the dough is somewhat maltier and nuttier, and the pizza sauce is spicier. The pies are cut by large scissors into strips instead of slices to further add to their uniqueness. Fans 3 The Mallard fans have strong, loyal fans who have been with the team since its initial inception in 1995. There are plenty of younger fans out at the arena for a good time and cheering on goals and hits on the ice. Average attendance hovers above the 3,000 mark and most weekend night games pack in the highest attendance figures. Access 4 The MARK sits along the Mississippi River and is easily accessible from I-80 and I-74; there are numerous parking lots adjacent to the arena that will run you no more than $5 a car. Once inside there is plenty of room to roam around with concessions, restrooms, and exits marked inside the building. Mallards games do not necessarily jaw capacity crowds, but a parking map can be useful just in case. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Mallards games start at $10 for upper-level seating with $16, $20, $24, and $30 tickets rounding out the price points for each game. The closer you are to the ice the higher you will pay for a ticket and I would suggest thinking about the price that works best for you. The cost of parking is $5, you can also park on the street for free when applicable, and concession prices are affordable–loaded potatoes for $6 and craft beer for $6.75. Extras 3 An extra for the loaded baked potato which seems to be popular in this part of the country. You do not usually find this type of cuisine at most sporting events, but Abby good way to fill you up during those cold winter nights at the old hockey game. Secondly, the downtown location along the Mississippi River provides fans easy access on foot to bars, hotels, restaurants, and the John Deere Pavilion. Whether you’re with family or friends you should be able to entertain yourself while in the Quad Cities. Lastly, for dollar beers on Wednesday night. I have heard of Thirsty Thursdays where dollar beers are the norm but never on Wednesday night. I really cannot complain, since the beers are $2 on Friday nights.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium 1 Avenue of Champions Clemson, SC 29634 Clemson Tigers website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 83,350 Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium – Clemson Tigers In what otherwise would be a sleepy college town of just over 17,000 sits the 83,350-seat Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium, ominously dubbed “Death Valley”. Originally founded as a military and agricultural school in 1889, Clemson began playing football in 1902. The Tigers were successful in their early years, but it would be Frank Howard who would bring consistency to the program, leading the Tigers for 30 years and nearly 300 games. It was Howard who would start the tradition of rubbing the chunk of quartzite from Death Valley, California. Howard implored players, "If you're going to give me 110 percent, you can rub that rock. If you're not, keep your filthy hands off of it". The legend of “Howard’s Rock” was born and is the centerpiece of the famed, “Greatest 25 Seconds in Sports”. Clemson would go on to national prominence in 1981 under Coach Danny Ford when the Tigers won their first National Championship in an Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska. It would be 35 years until Clemson would reach such heights again, winning the BCS Championships in 2016 and again in 2018. Whether it is the history, tradition, or year-round passion for every morsel of the off-season and recruiting news, there is just something about college football in the South that resonates differently than it does in the rest of the county. Football at Clemson University is a true Southern football experience, rooted deep in traditions old and new. Food & Beverage 4 As with schools with a heavy tailgating presence like Clemson has, there are always impressive setups and spreads throughout the tailgating encampments. Fans are eager to offer up a plate to passersby or to share with neighboring tailgaters. Once inside the stadium fans have a bit more than just the usual concessions stand suspects. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and chicken sandwiches are the main staples but can be partnered with fries and a beverage for a combo meal. Those looking for a bit of a taste of the south can grab boiled peanuts on the top deck, marked ‘TD’ on stadium signage. Mac Attack with their mac-and-cheese serves three variations of the comfort food classic, while Fort Hill Grill in the southeast corner of the main level concourse has a limited menu, but does provide grilled bacon burgers and chili dogs. As with most schools in the south, Coca-Cola is the soft drink of choice at Memorial Stadium. Fans wanting something with a bit more of a kick to it are out of luck, as alcohol is not sold inside the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The game-day atmosphere of college football in the South has the feel of a highly formal event, from the tailgating to the game. By tradition with Southern Greek life, fraternity, and sorority members come dressed to the nines for college football games – sports coats and ties are common attire for fraternity members, while many female members of the student body don dresses in various hues of purple and/or orange. It is a rarity for any Clemson fan to show up without orange as a featured color in any outfit. The team’s arrival at the head of the “Tiger Walk” two hours before kickoff signifies the unofficial end of tailgating, as many fans crowd the walkway from Perimeter Road to Memorial Stadium to catch a glimpse of the team as they head to make final game preparations. Much of what makes the Clemson football experience so special are all the traditions that are interwoven from the pre-game warmups to after the final seconds tick off the clock, the highlight of these being what has been dubbed, “The Most Exciting 25 Seconds in Sports”. The Tigers board buses outside of their locker room on the west end of the stadium and ride them around to the east end. The stadium of more than 80,000 then erupts as the buses come into view and stop at the gates under the scoreboard. Head Coach Dabo Swinney gathers players for one last word of encouragement before a cannon blast signals the Tigers down the hill as they rub Howard’s Rock. The band erupts into “Tiger Rag” and fans ring out with, “C-L-E-M-S-O-(PAUSE)-N!”, as the spirit squad leads the team onto the field with flags spelling out “CLEMSON.” All this excitement comes in about 3-4 minutes, but the adrenaline of it all carries on throughout the game, from first down chants, touchdown cannons, and a well-choreographed musical selection that combines the traditions of the Clemson band with an in-house DJ. The in-game entertainment staff does such a good job combining the importance of Clemson’s traditions, partnering them with keeping students and fans engaged to perfectly complement the game, while not taking the spotlight off the reason everyone is there. As if there were not already enough traditions going on before and throughout the game, in one of the more...interesting...traditions in college football, win or lose, Clemson's students rush the field to sing the school alma mater with the team and coaches. While students rushing the field following a big win is not completely an uncommon occurrence, seeing it after handily beating a non-conference opponent does catch you off guard if you are not expecting it. It is so easy to get caught up in the traditions and events going on to complement the game, it almost makes you feel as if you are a Clemson alum. Neighborhood 5 With a population of just 17,000, game days bolster that number significantly. What typically would be a sleepy rural South Carolina town is transformed into a moderately populated city. Clemson, South Carolina is a great college town. College Avenue sits just off the northern edge of campus and is a stretch of apparel shops, bars, and restaurants. The sidewalks are crowded with fans dressed in orange, purple, and white. The street gets backed up with cars for close to a half mile. It is everything you would expect from a college town’s main thoroughfare on game day. For fans looking to take the game day experience late into the early morning hours, the Clemson nightlife continues until 2 a.m. If there is a drawback, it is that Clemson does not have a large hotel inventory city-wide, but does have a concentration of both locally owned and chain hotel options along Highway 123. Clemson’s small-town nature, along with the tailgate culture of the area, helps make Clemson a great game-day college town. Fans 5 Clemson football fans are every bit as passionate as any college football fan base you will find in the nation, and the recent successes of two National Championships in three years have done nothing but push that passion to a nearly unmatched level. Even for evening kickoffs, fans start setting up tailgating encampments in the pre-dawn hours for a full day of revelry before the main event. Tents and pull-behind trailers are set up as far as the eye can see, as fans spend the day grilling and putting down a few beverages as they toss footballs and take in the day’s early matchups. As game time nears and fans begin to empty the tailgating fields and head toward Memorial Stadium, they seem to already be filled with fervor in anticipation of kick-off. The game entertainment crew does a great job whipping fans into a frenzy before the game starts, but the fans need little help making “Death Valley” a difficult place for the visiting team to play, in turn making it such a memorable experience. Access 3 One of the biggest drawbacks is given its location, getting in and out of Clemson before and after games can be quite the challenge. Leading up to approximately 3 hours before kickoff, traffic patterns start to change with lanes and street closures. The streets of Clemson are not overly wide to handle a high volume of traffic. The volume of traffic paired with the number of pedestrians in and around campus can make navigating the streets challenging. There are free shuttles that bring fans from parking areas at the furthest reaches of the area and drop them off at Kingsmore Stadium . So, those who might not want to park in the heart of the game day festivities have the option to park closer to the main travel arteries into Clemson, to make getting out post-game a bit quicker. The most popular lots for tailgating enthusiasts though seem to be the intramural fields adjacent to Littlejohn Coliseum . Some fans have tried to circumvent the traffic issues with golf carts to make getting around town a bit easier. It works well for those in the carts, but it does create some uncertainty with pedestrians. As fans begin making their way into the stadium, the easiest access point is found along the northern side of the stadium and provides full navigation of the main level. Fans with tickets on the southern top deck will find an entry point at the apex of the steep hill. Some carts can assist fans in getting up the challenging grade. When looking at the navigability of Memorial Stadium, the lower-level concourse is split into inner and outer concourses – one side allows for lines of concession stands to back up without impeding the flow of fans. Other than some challenges in getting between levels on the southern side, Memorial Stadium does allow fans to get around the stadium with relative ease. Return on Investment 4 When looking at price points for college football, there are a lot of factors that go into ticket pricing besides the face value. Tickets for many of the high-profile programs get snapped up almost as soon as they go on sale, which leaves fans to navigate the secondary market. The secondary market can end up being rather deceiving, easily turning what looks like a bargain of a ticket into an expensive venture once service fees are tacked on. The further ahead you can plan, the more affordable the overall experience will be, and this will also increase the likelihood of securing a ticket when it goes on sale. Parking can get a bit expensive if waiting until the last minute and the need arises to pay for private lots. Off-campus prices typically run $40-$60 whereas on-campus lots typically run $10 - $30 if purchased ahead of time. A free lot and shuttle are available from the New Spring lot in neighboring Seneca, approximately 2 miles from campus. Extras 5 Clemson recognizes its heritage as a military school with a series of medallions honoring each of the branches of service. The medallions are embedded in each of the brick pillars that make up the exterior gates of the stadium along Williamson Road. Not enough can be said about the role Clemson’s traditions play in creating a top-notch experience. Clemson’s entrance down the hill is one of the few that can legitimately be considered in the discussion of college football’s best entrances. For $10 fans can rent cushioned seatbacks to make their game experience a bit more comfortable. Except for club-level seating, Memorial Stadium has exclusively aluminum bench seating. A rarity in college football, Clemson does provide fans with a half-time pass out, allowing them to leave and then later return to the stadium. Around the main level concourse, large banners highlight Clemson’s 1981, 2016, and 2018 championship seasons. Key bowl victories are also memorialized with similar type banners. Final Thoughts 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. From the pregame festivities along both University Avenue and in the tailgating lots around Memorial Stadium, the energy that is built up inside the stadium leading up to kickoff, and a typically high caliber level of football, both contribute to creating an unforgettable college football experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bud & Jackie Sellick Bowl 4600 Sunset Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46208 Butler Bulldogs website Bud & Jackie Sellick Bowl website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 7,500 A Relaxing Day at the Butler Game The Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl is the home to the Butler Bulldogs football program. The stadium was constructed in 1928 and at one time sat 36,000 with the option of increasing capacity to 72,000. At the time the Butler Bowl, as it was known until 2016, hosted the likes of Red Grange and the University of Illinois and Notre Dame football. However, throughout the preceding nine decades the stadium’s capacity would shrink to 20,000 and then to 7,500. The facility has seen copious transformations in the last decade that included the construction of student apartment housing on the east side of the field, a new brick press box, new stadium lighting, and new south-end seating and entrance. The stadium sits below the fame of Hinkle Fieldhouse and provides an intimate feel to any football contest. 5,647 seats include 250 chair back seats along the west side of the stadium. The most prominent feature might be the student hill that takes up the south side of the stadium that fills up with many fans at the beginning of the game. Food & Beverage 3 The Hinkle Fieldhouse concession stand is the main area for food and beverage. The choices include hot dogs, chips, candy, popcorn, and Pepsi products. However, it contains Italian beef sandwiches and nachos with house-roasted beef and cheese. Premium and domestic beers are available at popular pricing. There is an outside kiosk that features breaded chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, brats, and pretzels for additional choices. Atmosphere 4 The Bulldogs play in the 11-team Pioneer League and entertain schools from eight different states from coast to coast. During our visit, the Princeton Tigers were making its first-ever trip to the state of Indiana in 150 seasons and brought along quite a few followers with them to the stadium. The night was clear, the weather was comfortable, and the crowd is intimate. All of this made for an ideal night of college football on the last weekend of summer. The parking lot is filled with tailgating, campers, and various picnic tables adorn with brats, burgers, dips, and plenty of chips and drinks. Inside, the views from the student hill are quite perfect when holding a can of beer and cheering on your favorite team. The stands themselves are of bleacher quality and provide a close enough experience to the game. The Sellick Bowl has all that one would expect from the program and perhaps all you would ever need: two opponents, a few friends, and a nice night to enjoy the football game. The wrought iron fencing, the brick exterior and interior, and the presence of the Hinkle Fieldhouse provide a beautiful backdrop to an already picturesque Butler campus. If there is time, take a stroll around the historic buildings, just a short walk from the stadium. Neighborhood 4 The campus is located within walking distance of Broad Ripple Village, a nice place to shop and walk around during the day, but a destination for the younger college crowd after dark. Downtown Indy is only six miles south of campus, but the best place to enhance your visit is in SOBRO (South Broad Ripple). Twenty Tap offers distinctly different craft beers, along with their own, that are unavailable throughout the city. They offer menu options of vegetarian banh mi sandwiches, fried cheese curds, and poutine during the fall and winter months. The beer options also include a $4 pint of the day. Next door is Fat Dan’s offering mouthwatering and lip-smacking smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, juicy burgers, pressed Cubanos, Italian beef, and house-smoked meatloaf and Reuben sandwiches. There is even a draft beer of the day. Across the street is Yats, which offers Cajun and Creole cuisine at affordable prices with eclectic surroundings. If you are looking for a hangout with pub food and sports, The Bulldog the traditional Butler hangout, and the Broad Ripple Village is a few miles up the street off of College Ave for more bars, small pubs, and shopping. The best slice of pizza in Indianapolis is served at Goodfellas - Jersey Shore large slices. Fans 3 The Butler fans were energetic during our visit to the stadium. It was homecoming and alumni and students set up tailgating several hours before kickoff, with many opting to remain in the parking lot instead of attending the game. Once inside, a small student section did their best to cheer the home team and many enjoyed a much more relaxing day on the hill in the back of the south end zone. Access 4 The football stadium shares the parking lot with the basketball arena, but many people park throughout campus or on the residential streets surrounding the campus. This can make for an interesting beginning to the football game as many people walk in droves toward the main entrance. There is parking down the hill on the north end near the baseball stadium, but it does require a little bit of a hike. Once inside the stadium, the concession areas are all located on the west side along with bathroom facilities. If you happen to be on the visitor’s side or down the hill, it may take a little bit of walking to get a drink or use of facilities. Return on investment 3 The cost of a ticket ranges from $12 to $15 depending on what type of seating you wanted the game. The price of a youth ticket is $8. The parking is free and the concession prices are extremely reasonable. If you are at the game on the right night and with the right crowd, it can be a very welcoming place to watch football and one that should not be overlooked. Extras 3 The stadium receives a point for the hill on the south side of the stadium. It’s a great way to enjoy the game with friends and cheer on the Bulldogs to victory. The stadium receives the second point for the Hinkle Fieldhouse looming in the distance of the football bowl. The iconic basketball venue towers over the field and creates an ambiance that’s second to none in the city of Indianapolis. The stadium receives the third and final point for the brick exterior and interior of the stadium. The historic venue feels right in place in the 21st century. Final Thoughts This was my second football game at the Sellick Bowl and I was satisfied with what I witnessed during my visit. The stadium was full of festive moods, and plenty of socializing, and was just as good as any other small college football program in the area. It’s nice to know that somewhere tucked away on the Butler campus one can enjoy college football the right way. ______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

While many baseball fans stick to visiting the ballparks of Major League Baseball and its affiliated teams, there is a culture of quality baseball and impressive facilities located from coast to coast across the continent - independent baseball. Since the great minor league reorganization of 2021, these independent leagues have become more closely affiliated with MLB and serve as a testing ground for proposed rule changes and initiatives, some of which have come to be used in the majors. There are seven professional independent baseball leagues located throughout the continent. Players who fill the rosters of these leagues range from former Major Leaguers fighting to keep their careers alive to players who never got the chance to play under the bright lights of the upper levels of pro baseball. Stadium Journey has visited 52 of these cathedrals to the game, ranking them according to our patented FANFARE Rating scale, which takes into account a ballpark's food and beverage, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. When two or more ballparks were tied, we consulted a Stadium Journey Council of Elders to break those ties. Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present our list of the 20 best game day experiences in independent baseball for 2023. 1. Fairfield Properties Ballpark - Long Island Ducks - Atlantic League 4.29 Meg Minard - Summer on Long Island can be a lot of fun with the beaches, piers, and boating. When on Long Island, be sure to spend an afternoon or evening enjoying a laid-back, entertaining nine innings with friends and family at Bethpage Park. 2. Duly Health and Care Field - Joliet Slammers - Frontier League 4.29 Eric Hasman - Duly Health and Care Field has a surprising lot of pros to make it one of the best ballparks in the Chicagoland area. It offers a wraparound concourse, creative food options, cheap prices, a healthy selection of craft beers, and an active surrounding neighborhood to make it well worth your while to visit. 3. Jimmy John's Field - United Shores Professional Baseball League 4.29 Marc Viquez - There is a lot to say about Jimmy John’s Field and the USPBL. There have been leagues in the past that have operated out of one baseball stadium, but those stadiums were nowhere near the caliber of Jimmy John’s Field. 4. Shaw Park - Winnipeg Goldeyes - American Association 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a class act in the world of independent league baseball. The crowd support, enthusiasm, friendly staff, and all-around a great time are what makes a visit to Shaw Park a great investment with your ballpark dollar. 5. Dehler Park - Billings Mustangs - Pioneer League 4.14 Meg Minard - This is an excellent ballpark to visit with the focus of entertainment on the ballgame while still providing modern conveniences, good food, and engaging fans. 6. Clipper Magazine Stadium - Lancaster Barnstormers - Atlantic League 4.00 Gregory Koch - Although Lancaster has not had an affiliated baseball team for 60 years, that has not stopped the fans here from cheering for their local independent league team. You wouldn’t know from looking at Clipper Magazine Stadium that it’s Indy Ball rather than affiliated, and the experience here is as good as it is at many “real” minor league parks around the country. 7. Mercy Health Stadium - Lake Erie Crushers - Frontier League 4.00 Chris Green - The Lake Erie Crushers are a team that is perhaps overlooked too often, which is unfair to their extremely family-friendly atmosphere. Mercy Health Stadium is well laid out, and while it may not feature multi-level suite boxes or upper deck seating, the venue offers great sightlines and comfortable seating in all areas. 8. Thomas More Stadium - Florence Y'Alls - Frontier League 3.86 Marc Viquez - Thomas More Stadium is a small stadium that packs in a big punch. It is a simple facility that makes up for it by getting base hits with free parking, local food variety, affordable prices, and a positive attitude. The use of the water tower and the phrase "Florence Y'all" is awesomely fun. 9. Joseph L. Bruno Stadium - Tri-City ValleyCats - Frontier League 3.71 Paul Baker - While “The Joe” may not stand out from the crowd as a facility, the ValleyCats do a whole lot right at Bruno Stadium. With a game day experience that features a top-notch menu, excellent customer service, and numerous extras, a trip to Tri-City is certainly one worth taking. 10. Franklin Field - Milwaukee Milkmen - American Association 3.71 Marc Viquez - Milkmen Stadium is a fancy new facility that will only be challenged by the imagination of its architects who are currently building the Ballpark Commons around it. The enthusiasm by the game day staff dressed as milkmen and the numerous dairyland themes make for a nice alternative to watching professional baseball in Milwaukee. 11. Haymarket Park - Lincoln Saltdogs - American Association 3.71 Paul Baker - Haymarket Park is a nice facility located close to downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska. Sports fans visiting the area should be sure to check out the nearby Memorial Stadium. Baseball fans will enjoy the mix of the ballpark’s small-town feel and modern amenities. 12. Field of Legends - Kansas City Monarchs - American Association 3.71 Marc Viquez - CommunityAmerica Park is a very nice place to watch a baseball game; it’s spacious, plenty of promotional nights, and is easy to get to by car. If you happen to be in town when the T-Bones are playing, it might be worth your effort to watch a game on the Kansas side of the city. 13. Wellspan Park - York Revolution - Atlantic League 3.71 Paul Baker - PeoplesBank Park represents the York community perfectly. It is not a flashy place but has plenty of features to keep the casual fan interested. Plus, it is a comfortable place for the serious baseball fan. Loaded with local vendors and touches, PeoplesBank Park is worthy of a Stadium Journey. 14. Stade Canac - Quebec Capitales - Frontier League 3.71 Paul Baker - Quebec would never be considered a baseball city by most fans, but Les Capitales has been one of the more successful independent teams both on and off the field. A trip to historic Stade Canac is one worth taking for any ballpark chaser. 15. Grizzlies Ballpark - Gateway Grizzlies - Frontier League 3.71 Marc Viquez - It is a marvelous, little ballpark that has become one of the better ones in independent baseball. The ticket prices are affordable, the food is creative and fun, and promotional nights should attract fans to the stadium. When in St. Louis, there is more than one option for a baseball game. 16. Impact Field - Chicago Dogs - American Association 3.57 Marc Viquez - Impact Field is a fantastic-looking stadium and one that pushes the boundary for stadium design and aesthetics. The Chicagoland is a crowd with both major league and MLB partner league ballparks, and the Dogs provide a lot of fun and excitement with their branding, ticket pricing, and promotional nights. 17. Bosse Field - Evansville Otters - Frontier League 3.57 Marc Viquez-Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball. 18. Truist Point - High Point Rockers - Atlantic League 3.57 Michael Rusignuolo - While they aren’t selling out their spacious stadium, the Rockers are drawing decent crowds for their games and seem to be developing a respectable local following. The fans that are showing up seem dedicated, with most already decked out in team gear and lining up a good half hour or so before the gates open. 19. Newman Outdoor Field - Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks - American Association 3.57 Paul Baker - Ballparks like Newman Outdoor Field and cities like Fargo are the backbone of minor-league baseball. Boasting affordable prices, a friendly atmosphere and a comfortable, fun place at which to watch a game, a trip to North Dakota is a worthy Stadium Journey for any baseball fan. 20. Wild Things Park - Washington Wild Things - Frontier League 3.57 Steve Bloom - Located adjacent to I-70 and near the Washington Crown Center shopping mall, the colorful ballpark offers various food options, between-inning promotions, and even cookies and milk.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Cooper Field 37th St NW & O St. NW Washington, DC 20057 Georgetown Hoyas website Cooper Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,750 The Hoya Coop Georgetown Hoyas lacrosse is one of the top college programs in the country, having competed in 15 NCAA Tournaments and reaching the quarterfinals ten times, although they only have reached one Final Four, in 1999. The Hoyas play their home games at cooper Field, formerly known as Multi-Sport Field, which is also home to the Hoyas' football program. Multi-Sport Field underwent major renovations in 2018 and 2019 thanks to a donation from Peter and Susan Cooper. The stadium was renamed in their honor and expanded from 2,500 to 3,750, and permanent restrooms, concessions, and a concourse were added. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located just inside the entrance to Cooper Field. Typical options such as hot dogs and chicken tenders are available, as are assorted snacks, chips, candy, and soft drinks. The menu is pretty basic but you certainly won't go hungry. If you are looking for something more, there is sometimes a food truck parked outside the stadium selling tacos and quesadillas. Fans can leave the stadium to get the food and return with it. However, this truck is incredibly overpriced with the cheapest item being a whopping $15. The prices at the concession window in the stadium are much more reasonable. Atmosphere 3 Cooper Field has improved a lot since the renovations and is now a venue worthy of such a top lacrosse program. A proper concourse is now located under the bleachers, and fans can walk up steps or a ramp to their seats. All seats are bleachers which can get a bit uncomfortable, but as the stadium is small and the front rows are elevated, you will have a great view of the action from anywhere. A small scoreboard is located behind the end zone to the left of the bleachers. As the stadium is located in the heart of the Georgetown campus, many of the historic buildings are visible from the stadium. Some fans elect to watch the game from the walkway outside the McDonough School of Business rather than enter the stadium and watch from the bleachers. Neighborhood 5 Cooper Field is located in the middle of the Georgetown campus, and you’ll probably have to head off campus to really do anything. However, the Georgetown neighborhood (which lends its name to the school, not the other way around) is one of the best in D.C. There are numerous restaurants ranging from casual sandwich shop Booeymonger’s to luxurious upscale restaurants such as 1789, and everything in between. Georgetown Cupcake sells exactly what its name implies, Clyde's of Georgetown is a locally popular American pub and bar, and Chaia is known for its fancy vegetarian and vegan tacos. All of this is located just a short walk or drive away from the University. If you’re willing to head downtown to the National Mall area, the District has so much more to offer, and the best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the sights and monuments on the Mall itself, or visiting one of the many museums such as the various Smithsonians, there’s something for everyone. All of the government-run attractions are free, but some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you wish to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. . Fans 5 Georgetown is one of the top lacrosse programs in the country and the attendance reflects it, as they routinely draw close to 2,000 fans a game and sometimes even more. A rowdy student section sits in Section 3, although "sits" is not the right word here as they will typically be standing for almost the entire game. They cheer and shout throughout the game, and many of them turn up shirtless with painted chests even in weather that is less than ideal for doing such a thing. The seating is general admission and this section is not reserved for the exclusive use of students, but be warned if you try to sit behind them, your view may be obstructed. While not matching the student section, the other Hoya fans are also extremely passionate about their team. Cooper Field can get incredibly loud at times with the fans packed together in the small bleachers. While many lacrosse programs don't draw very well, Georgetown does and that is reflected in the experience here. Access 4 Parking is conveniently available in a garage that is right at the stadium if you use the right elevator to exit. Unfortunately, this bank of elevators isn’t clearly marked, but even if you use the wrong one, you shouldn’t have to walk more than a minute or two. Parking is $5 per hour, which means it will likely cost more than your game ticket, but considering the neighborhood, this isn't out of the ordinary. The concourses are easy to navigate and a massive improvement on the way it used to be here. Restrooms are available off the concourse and are of a sufficient size for the crowd. Unfortunately, the Washington Metro does not run to the Georgetown neighborhood and the closest stops are several miles away. There are buses that stop nearby, but your best bet is to drive or take an Uber or Lyft if driving is not an option. Georgetown is nowhere near downtown and is just across the river from Virginia, so you do not have to worry about city traffic coming in. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $10, which is a reasonable price for the experience you're getting, and are just $5 for youth. Concessions are affordable as well, at least at the main window. However, the parking that can cost more than twice what a ticket does brings this down a notch. A family of two adults and two children will pay almost as much to park as they will for their tickets. For smaller groups or fans traveling alone, the price to park may make up the majority of the cost of going to a game here. Extras 2 One bonus star for the gorgeous setting of Cooper Field in the middle of Georgetown’s campus. The field is surrounded by historic buildings which remind you of the college setting. A second and final star for the Jack the Bulldog statue near the entrance. Jack is the Hoyas’ mascot, and although neither the live nor costumed versions made an appearance during our visit, the statue is a nice touch. Jack the Bull Dog Statue, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts When most people think of Georgetown athletics, they think of the men’s basketball team once led by Patrick Ewing as a player, and later led by him as coach. However, the Georgetown lacrosse program has enjoyed just as much success over the years, and that tradition continues to this day. Georgetown lacrosse has some of the best fans in the country, and the experience at a Hoyas lacrosse game is top notch. A Georgetown lacrosse game is a must for any fan of the sport.

Photos by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Sam Lynn Stadium 4009 Chester Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 Bakersfield Train Robbers website Sam Lynn Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 3,500 The Sun Sets at Sam Lynn Ballpark “Historic” Sam Lynn Ballpark lies just north of downtown Bakersfield. The word historic tends to be a distinction thrown around a lot in baseball to align with venues like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, but sometimes in the minor leagues the word “historic” can be confused with the word “old”. Sam Lynn Ballpark is decidedly old, but historic feels like a bit of a misnomer. Built in 1941 for the Bakersfield Badgers, a charter member of the California League, the stadium has been home to Bakersfield minor league ball clubs ever since with a few yearly exceptions. The stadium was named for local businessman Sam Lynn who used his success to fund San Joaquin Valley youth baseball. The ballpark was home to Minor League Baseball for 75 years before the California League decided to downsize to 8 teams for the 2017 season. The Bakersfield Blaze was the last tenant at the facility at the old dusty stadium. The next season the Bakersfield Train Robbers of the Pecos League debuted and captured the league championship the very next year. There are many who think the stadium has outlived its time as a ballpark as there are numerous issues concerning it as a viable professional facility. However, you have to give it to this little ballpark that has hosted professional baseball every single season the same since Joe DiMaggio began his 56-game hit streak and Ted Williams hit .400 Food & Beverage 2 There’s very little unique in the one available concession stand here. A few local craft beers and some spiced up everyday ballpark options are about the top of the list here. Food options top out at hot link ($5), Nachos with jalapeno ($5-$6), Pizza ($3) and Grilled Chicken Sandwiches ($6). While these are cheap and decent, there’s nothing on the menu that will jump out at you. Pepsi products are available for $4 with Gatorade ($4) and bottled water ($3) also available. There are a few local-ish craft beer options available for the beer drinker, with Firestone 805 and Sequoia Brewing topping the list for $7. So what would I recommend? Probably just grab a hot link and pair it with a Firestone off the beer menu. All-in-all, that’s just not that unique. Atmosphere 2 When you approach, you may even wonder whether this is the actual stadium. The low profile and mass of bleachers hardly look like professional baseball. One of the odd quirks of the park is that the seating extends from home plate down the right field line to the fence in a series of bleachers. Everything to the 3rd base side is picnic area seating with no bleachers at all. It gives the park a bit of an off-center setup. The outfield wall is tattered and old and the field shows no unique characteristics. And facing the setting sun means there’s no shelter during the day from the heat except a covered section in the picnic area with a poor view of the field. Oddly, the stadium faces the setting sun in one of the hottest parts of the country. This design flaw may add to some of the “historic” piece and has several potential backstories, but it’s not the kind of history you’ll enjoy on a hot summer day. There’s almost no way to escape the sun and take in the game here, but if you grab a spot in the picnic area next to the home team dugout you can get a very unique perspective on baseball. The stadium is quiet enough and you’re close enough that you can overhear the players and coaches conversations just feet away. The only shaded spot in the stadium is only a few yards behind you in the back of the picnic area should you need to retreat. Neighborhood 3 Bakersfield has a population of 380,000 and there are few attractions to see in town. The ballpark is a safe and somewhat quiet neighborhood near retail outlets and fast food chains, however, the best bet is to hop in your car and head downtown or to the various local restaurants and attractions. The city is home to the largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the U.S. The foods in the region of the North of Spain and South of France are highlighted in Benj’s French, Chalet Basue, and Wool Growlers. Local attractions feature the Kern County Museum, California Living Museum, The Park at RiverWalk, and Buena Vista Museum of National Arts and Science. The city also houses sever breweries including Crusader, Temblor Brewing Company, Great Change, and Lengthwise Brewing Company. Fans 1 Fan support in Bakersfield had been pretty low during its final years as a minor league affiliate that reached a low point of an average of 740 fans a game in 2015. The Train Robbers have note reached anywhere close to those numbers since arriving in town and with such a low turnout, crowd noise is almost non-existent. While that does allow for some unique engagement in the game, it doesn’t speak well for the fans at all.I t’s a very casual and quiet experience at the ballpark. Access 3 While the central valley is removed and can be a bit of a haul for those coming from major cities and airports, the Bakersfield area itself is pretty easy to get around. Public transit isn’t really an option in the area, but it doesn’t really need to be. The parking lot is large and generally (for better or worse) empty. It’s free to park and you’ll be just steps from the main gate. Tickets range from $8 for General Admission up to $13 for the Bud Light Cool Zone. It’s pretty easy to get through the gate and to seating with such low attendance. Getting around the stadium in general is easy. Low attendance means you can get just about anywhere you need to very quickly in the small park. The main concourse goes behind the bleachers, so you won’t always have direct line of sight and this really isn’t a standing stadium. Restrooms are located behind the home plate bleachers and are sufficient, but not very clean. Return on Investment 3 Price saves this park from being an all out loss.There’s no need to pay anymore than the $10 General Admission price because the stadium is going to be basically empty anyways. Food will run you less than $10-$15 (depending on beer), so you’re looking at a $20 trip. Unfortunately, the ballpark itself is only a $20 experience for a hardcore baseball fan. Extras 1 Most of the things that make this park “historic” aren’t particularly favorable to the average fan. The aptly named vendor Froggy (due to his voice) adds a unique touch, but the lack of attendance, lack of cover from the heat and ancient stadium conditions make this hard to praise for uniqueness. Final Thoughts Overall, I’d say this park is pretty low on your list for needs to travel to and in fact is questionable in terms of its future existence. Baseball in Bakersfield has had a long and historic run, but without change in setting that run is justifiably in doubt.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Bankwest Stadium 11-13 O’Connell St Parramatta, NSW 2150 Australia Parramatta Eels website Bankwest Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 30,000 Western Sydney Stadium is #PARRAdise The new $300m Populous-designed Western Sydney Stadium opened in April 2019, promising to be a game-changer for sporting venues in Australia. With a capacity of 30,000 it features the steepest stands in the country, and is the first new major stadium in the harbour city since the venues for the Sydney 2000 Olympics were constructed. Bankwest Stadium is owned by the NSW state government, operated by VenuesLive, and will host rugby league, rugby union, and soccer (football). Sport has been played on this site in Parramatta since the 1850s. The first ground here was called Cumberland Oval, and hosted a diverse range of sports including rugby union, rugby league, cricket, and even motor racing. In 1947 the Parramatta Eels were admitted to the NSWRL premiership, the forerunner of the modern-day National Rugby League (NRL), and they too called Cumberland Oval home. After the club won its maiden premiership in 1981, exuberant fans partied so hard they inadvertently burnt the grandstand down. A modern replacement venue, Parramatta Stadium , opened in 1986. The new stadium also became the home of the Western Sydney Wanderers A-League club, and at various times also hosted international rugby league and rugby union. However, by 2015 a number of faults with the stadium were clearly evident. Located somewhat awkwardly on a portion of Parramatta Park, the stadium lacked a prominent entry plaza, and did not meet modern security and safety standards. Similarly, the alignment of the playing surface was not directly north-south and hence was not deemed FIFA compliant. Furthermore, there were only one set of dressing rooms and poor corporate and media facilities. A knockdown-rebuild was the first stage of the NSW government’s new stadium policy announced in 2015. Twenty years after being opened by Queen Elizabeth II, Parramatta Stadium was demolished in 2016. During the re-build the club based themselves down the road at ANZ Stadium in Olympic Park, a venue shared by several other Sydney clubs including Canterbury and South Sydney . The Eels came of age in the 1980s, winning a total of four premierships from five grand final appearances over the course of the decade. However they’ve experienced turbulent times in recent history, finishing at the bottom on the NRL table in 2018. A promising start to 2019, along with the opening of Bankwest Stadium, has given fans renewed hope of once again experiencing premiership glory. Food & Beverage 5 Pleasingly, Bankwest features a range of stadium staples priced at $5 or less including meat pies, hot dogs, hot chips, and sausage rolls. This is an excellent initiative and we hope to see more of it. Some of the more substantial (and expensive – generally around $15) items include chicken noodle stir fry, buffalo wings, salt and pepper squid, and pulled pork rolls. Specialist food stands include Barbeque Pit (pork riblets, beef brisket, BBQ chicken ribs), The Base Pizza (various pizzas including chicken, margarita, and meat lovers), Mr. Chicken (items such as fried chicken, and chicken burger), Craving, Frank’s (hot dogs), Catch (seafood including tempura prawns, barramundi burger, and fish and chips), The Burger Place, and Nourish (healthy options). There’s not a huge selection of alcoholic drinks with a distinct lack of craft beers. Standard beers cost around $8, pre mixed spirits $10, and wine $7. If you’re so inclined there are a couple of smallish bars (age 18+) where you can relax pre-game. Soft drinks and water are supplied by Coca-Cola. Lastly, there’s also various snacks and ice creams on sale at numerous outlets around the concourse. Atmosphere 5 The new stadium does indeed live up to expectations. The exterior is unmistakable as you approach the venue. A new entry plaza provides a site for pre-game fan activation. There’s plenty to do including small rides, ball games, animal displays, and a DJ. Local food trucks are also present to provide you with sustenance while you soak up the atmosphere. Be sure to check out the statue of Eels legend and dual international (rugby league and rugby union), Ray Price, before you enter. Once inside you’ll find face painting and photo booths amongst the wide, open concourses. At regular intervals the playing surface is visible, and there are also television screens along the walls keeping you in touch with the game. The steepness of the stands is immediately apparent. The reported gradient is 33.94 degrees, meaning there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. All seats feel close to the action, and the cauldron-like atmosphere is both intimate and loud. Each side of the stadium is named as a grandstand to honour past champions; Mick Cronin, Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling, and John Thornett. The entire eastern stand is inaccessible to the average casual fan; instead it is dedicated to media, corporate areas, and VIP seating. Therefore, if you’re attending a daytime game and prefer shade then look for seats at the northern end, or the lower bowl in the northeastern corner. The restricted access also impedes your ability to circumnavigate the stadium interior in its entirety. Video screens are located in the northeastern and southwestern corners. The screens aren’t huge but are sufficient. Sound quality of the public address system is excellent, and the free Wi-Fi is fast with no pesky sign-up process. Aisle width in the stands is good, but the seats themselves are perhaps a little small for the larger fan. However, the stadium has a wonderful ambiance and provides an unrivalled experience in Sydney – and indeed, is in the top echelon of venues in Australia. Neighborhood 4 Parramatta is located at the geographical heart of Sydney, and has been the site of significant transformation over the last few years. A hub of multiculturalism, all the attractions of a modern city are close by. In addition to a thriving CBD, nearby Church St is known as “Eat Street,” where any number of great restaurants and cafes await. Cruise the strip and make a decision based on what you feel like on the day – it’s difficult to go wrong here! Similarly, there are numerous bars and pubs in the area. The Rose & Crown (11 Victoria Rd) is a solid choice for a drink and a feed, and the Parramatta Leagues Club next door to the stadium will be buzzing on game days. If you are in town for more than just the Eels, there are several hotels close to the stadium, notably the Novotel Sydney Parramatta (350 Church St) and the Parkroyal Parramatta (30 Phillip St). It may also be worth checking the schedule at the Riverside Theatre or the horse races at Rosehill Gardens. Westfield Parramatta, a short walk away, was also once famous for being the largest indoor shopping complex in the southern hemisphere. Fans 4 In recent years the Eels have roughly averaged between 11,000-13,000 at their home games, including during their temporary relocation to Olympic Park while the new stadium was under construction. After experiencing the highs and lows in recent years “Parra” fans are parochial and vocal supporters of their club. Expect to see plenty of blue and gold in the stands. As the club continues its resurgence, and with the added bounce expected from the new stadium, crowds should continue to be good. Access 4 Fans are strongly advised to use mass transport to get to and from the venue, with most game tickets also including the cost of public transport. The Parramatta interchange (buses and trains) is around a 10-minute stroll from the stadium. Even then, there are often shuttle bus services for the less mobile fans. There’s not much parking in the area, and then most of it is metered. Leave the car at home for this one if you can. If you insist on driving then aim to arrive well in advance of kick off and try your luck in streets north of the stadium, potentially as far away as the lower portion of Pennant Hills Rd (1.5km from the stadium). Inside the stadium crowds move well through the concourses, although expect some initial congestion as fans explore the new stadium. Bathrooms are plentiful, but under the same amount of stress as any other well-attended major event. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest adult tickets for reserved seating are around $40. For this price point you’ll likely be seated at either end. To get a sideline seat will cost a minimum of $50, while “Gold” tickets set you back over $70. While there are discounts for family passes (admits 4), you will still spend close to $100 just to get in the door. Yes, this will not be a cheap family day out. However, keep in mind that this is a high-quality venue, and tickets do include free public transport to and from the stadium. Additionally, stick to the “stadium staples” to save some cash at the concession stands. Extras 5 There’s plenty to like about Bankwest Stadium. There were lots of staff and we found them particularly helpful and friendly – hopefully this will continue. There are numerous environmentally sustainable features, earning the building a gold rating for LEED energy. There are quite a few nice additions to improve the experience including pram parking areas, parent rooms, a prayer room, and free Wi-Fi. We also rate the club’s commitment to its history – before each game an Eels legend raises a flag for the fans. While the main tenants will be the Eels and Wanderers, there are aspects of the stadium which can be customized to suit the home team. Lastly, and we hope it is an ongoing trend, fans were allowed onto the field at the conclusion of the first game. Final Thoughts The new Bankwest Stadium is a whole new level for Sydney stadia. All fans should take the opportunity to check it out during its inaugural season of operation.

Photo Courtesy of FDUKnights.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Naimoli Family Baseball Complex 1000 River Rd Teaneck, NJ 07666 Fairleigh Dickinson Knights website Naimoli Family Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 500 A Curious Little Ballfield Fairleigh Dickinson University is New Jersey’s largest private institution, founded in 1942. As of 2015, it is the state’s largest private institution of higher education with approximately 11,619 students. There are two campuses in the state in Madison and Florham Park, as well as Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck and Hackensack outside New York City in Bergen County. The Metropolitan Campus is where the school competes in NCAA Division I athletics and are known as the Knights, while the Madison/Florham campus competes in NCAA Division III athletics and use the Devils nickname for its sports teams. The Knights baseball team have called the Naimoli Family Baseball Complex home since the spring of 2011. The field features both a synthetic infield and outfield playing surface, while further improvements will feature lighting, stands, and a press box. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage served at the complex, and it is wise to either eat before your arrival or bring your own food to the game. A very common occurrence at many baseball fields across the copious college campuses in the country. However, there are many fast food choices nearby that are easily accessible to the ballpark that could help out in a pinch. Do not be surprised to see a few fans brown bagging it during the ballgame. Atmosphere 2 The baseball field is recognizable from Route 4, but it does feel somewhat hidden from the rest of the FDU campus. The ball field stands directly below the very busy state road that connects commuters to New York City via the George Washington Bridge. It is a very peculiar place for a baseball field, and there is not a lot of room for many things that are common at ballgames for the fans. The main issue is that there are very few spots to grab a seat at the game, with the exception of a couple of movable small wooden bleachers near home plate. The majority of the fans either stand, bring their own chairs, or will find a sporadic plastic chair to use to watch the game. This is not your most fan friendly baseball complex, but this is due more to its cramped spacing and proximity to the highway up above than anything else. A small scoreboard stands down the third baseline, while the entire field is heavily enclosed with netting to prevent foul balls from striking cars down the left field line on the highway. The backstop itself looks like it would be better off behind a t-ball field. The outfield walls are decorated with the name of the complex, and the all synthetic field is in immaculate condition featuring the college name and logo down the first and third baselines. Neighborhood 4 The FDU campus stretches between the cities of Teaneck and Hackensack. These two cities are a mix of residential and urban. The best part about attending a FDU game is that you are in close proximity of many places to eat and shop. The Shops of Riverside is a mall that features well known chain franchises including P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, Friday’s, Smashburger, and Houston’s. There is also a Hooters and several other local pizza parlors nearby, but the best place for a pie is at Brooklyn Pizza. It is a must before or after the game with their coal oven pizza and in-house mozzarella which give their pizza a one of kind taste at a low price. Also, try the fried ravioli, a somewhat rare treat in this part of the country. If you’re in the mood for more Italian food, then Donn Pomodoro is an excellent choice, especially for brunch on Sundays. Fans 1 There are not too many places for the fans to sit and cheer on their Knights baseball team, and perhaps this is why there are so few fans who attend the game. The ones who are in attendance, make sure they are heard loud and clear. Access 2 The baseball complex can be a bit of a hassle to access for the first time. There are not too many clear signs for drivers and one could get lost or frustrated trying to figure out where the baseball field is. Add rush hour traffic from the city into New Jersey, and you have the makings for a few headaches. The best way to reach the field is to drive past the campus, under the Route 4 bypass, and make a right into the field house parking. Once you are there, park your car, and take the tunnel to the ballpark – one of the most original ways to arrive to a baseball game and a little fun to take photos inside. Return on Investment 2 Even though there is no cost for admission, attending a game is definitely left up to the imagination. Without proper seating, concessions, and even bathrooms, returning for games in the future might be limited for an average customer. There are many other college ball fields that do not offer a lot of seating, but it is usually compensated with a large grassy hill or a small knoll to spread out a blanket to enjoy the game. Unfortunately, this does not exist here at FDU. Extras 3 One star for the quirkiness of the stadium’s location that includes a somewhat secret tunnel entrance. A second star for its all synthetic turf and lack of a dirt infield. For the type of weather that exists in New Jersey during the spring time, there is less of a chance for rain outs due to flooded fields. A third star is not baseball related. Just beyond the outfield walls is the university’s soccer field. A rather basic configuration, but one that should be noted as the first professional home to US Men’s National Team Goalkeeper and New Jersey native Tim Howard. In 1997, a then 18-year-old rookie began his professional career with the North Jersey Imperials of the United Soccer League posting a 0.99 GAA before moving up Major League Soccer and eventually the English Premier League. Final Thoughts The game that I attended most recently was quickly washed out due to a wintery mix of rain and snow. Unfortunately, few were in attendance due to the gunpowder skies and chance of precipitation. However, I am not sure how many more would have been at the game due to the limited and lack of seating. The university does have plans to add lighting, a press box, and more seating to the complex in the near future. Perhaps the much needed updates could be just what the baseball field needs to enhance the fan experience at the game.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Durham Bulls Athletic Park 409 Blackwell St Durham, NC 27701 Duke Blue Devils website Durham Bulls Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 10,000 Durham Dukes From 1937 until 2009, Jack Coombs Field was the home to Duke Baseball. In 2010, Duke began a partnership with the Durham Bulls and began playing their conference game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). This agreement was expanded in 2016, Duke began playing the majority of their home games at the DBAP. The agreement called for Duke to play up to 36 games per year at the minor league park, a limited number of Duke practices, and a permanent Duke locker room and clubhouse at the facility. The DBAP sits in the midst of the American Tobacco District and offers plenty of restaurants and activities pre and post-game. Food & Beverage 2 Unfortunately, due to the small crowd size, only 2-3 concessions stands are open for Duke games. Therefore, you do not get the concession variety and choices that you do for a Durham Bulls game. This is unfortunate since the DBAP has some of the best concession choices around for Durham Bulls games. Concession choices for Duke games include hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. None of these choices really stand out, but will get you by if you are hungry. DBAP offers fountain Pepsi products for Duke games, as well as alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 3 With office buildings and restaurants rising up in the outfield, the DBAP is one of the most picturesque ballparks that you will visit. There is the blue monster that towers above left field, and sitting atop is the famous Snortin’ Bull from the movie Bull Durham. There is a huge video board in left field as well, and next to it is a manual scoreboard. Whenever Duke hits a home run, the Bull blows smoke out his nose and his eyes light up. The DBAP offers great sight lines from any seat in the house. Since it is general admission seating for Duke games, you are free to select any seat you want. If it is warm and sunny, you will probably want to sit under the overhang in the upper level, but if you desire to sit in the sun, the lower level should be your choice. There are also several picnic areas around the park, which are generally open during Duke games. Again, due to the small crowd size, you are free to sit pretty much wherever you want, except for the suites. Neighborhood 5 The Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the surrounding American Tobacco Campus have revitalized downtown Durham in the last 10 years. There are a plethora of restaurants and bars surrounding the DBAP for a variety of pre and post-game activities. Be sure to visit the Tobacco Road Sports Café which sits above the blue monster above the left field wall. It offers great food, and several TV’s so you can keep up with other games. You can even watch the baseball game from the outdoor patio overlooking the field if you’d like. Other popular restaurants around at the American Tobacco Campus include Mellow Mushroom, Tyler’s Taproom, and the Bullpen. For a complete list of restaurants surrounding the DBAP visit: American Tobacco Campus . The Durham Performing Arts Center is only a couple blocks from the DBAP and offers a variety of concerts and performing arts shows. If you have extra time, just take a stroll around the American Tobacco Campus to take in the waterfalls and history of the area. If you need to spend the night, Aloft Downtown Durham is right next to the ballpark. Fans 2 The fan support is about the only downside to a Duke baseball game. Unless Duke is playing NC State or UNC, only expect about 500-1000 fans in attendance. Therefore, the 10,000 seat ballpark can seem a bit cavernous for Duke games. However, the fans in attendance make noise and cheer for their Blue Devils. The roof over the seats can make the crowd noise from the few hundred fans in attendance sound even louder. Access 4 The Durham Bulls Athletic Park is located right off the Durham Freeway (NC 147) in downtown Durham. Once you exit off of the Durham Freeway, you will be at the parking decks surrounding the American Tobacco Campus in a couple minutes. Parking is usually plentiful for Duke games, unless there is an event at the Durham Performing Arts Center. If you are flying into town, the Raleigh Durham International Airport is only about 15 minutes away, Only the main DBAP entrance is open for Duke games. The concourse at the DBAP is spacious and easy to navigate. Concession and restroom lines are generally short due to the small crowd size. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Duke games at the DBAP are $8, which might seem high due to the small crowd size. However, there is a pretty good chance that you are going to see a ranked ACC opponent taking on the Blue Devils. Couple this with the fact that you can sit wherever you want, $8 is not a bad deal. Concession prices are on par with what you would expect at any other college game, and parking at the nearby garages is $5. If you park on the street, down the road a little from the DBAP, it is free. Extras 1 Duke baseball gets an extra point for playing at the DBAP, with all the amenities and restaurants surrounding the park. There is plenty to do before and after the game – all within walking distance! Final Thoughts While you will most likely want to visit the DBAP to see the Durham Bulls play, it is worth it to visit DBAP to see Duke play, especially if they are playing a weekend ACC series.