Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium 2225 Oliver Jackson Blvd Abilene, TX 79601 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 12,000 Abilene Christian University Football Established as a hub of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881, Abilene, Texas quickly became a regional economic centerpiece for the Big Country. Dubbed Key City, Abilene has maintained its importance to the west-central area of Texas for the nearly 150 years since. Allen Booker Barrett, educator and Church of Christ preacher from Tennessee, founded what would become Abilene Christian University in 1906 on five acres of land purchased from J. W. Childers. Originally named Childers Christian College in honor of J. W., the school was renamed Abilene Christian College in 1920. Though the school moved to a new, much larger location in 1929, its name remained until the school gained full university status in 1976. What began with 25 students on a 5-acre parcel of land near the railroad in west Abilene has grown into a university serving over 6,000 students, including 4,200 undergraduates representing all 50 states, 2 territories, and 56 foreign countries, all laid out in the northeast corner of town. ACU athletics competes at the NCAA Division I level, with its football team competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (the FCS, formerly 1-AA). The early days of the athletic program were spent as either independent teams or as members of the Texas Conference/Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In 1952, ACU joined the NAIA and competed as a member school for 20 years. In 1973, the Wildcats joined the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference, where they remained until beginning the transition up to Division I in 2013. Today ACU offers 17 varsity sports, and the school has produced 40 Olympians and 43 NFL players.   Food & Beverage   3 Concession options at Anthony Field include standard ballgame fare with a few local specialty items. Cash, credit/debit cards, and ACU campus Bean Bucks are all accepted. Food options include the basics like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, Frito pie, chips, and candy. The specialty items offered are walking tacos (chili and cheese in a bag of Doritos, Fritos, or chips of your choice), smoked pork nachos, and the Wildcat Wrap (jalapeno and cheese sausage wrapped inside a warm tortilla). Chips cost $2, candy $3, while popcorn and hot dogs are $4. Other entrees begin at $6, with the pork nachos being the most expensive item at $9. Condiment tables with napkins and forks are located across the concourse from most concession stands. Beverages are served in plastic bottles or cans, with no souvenir cups available. Coca-Cola is the drink provider, which means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Dasani water, Gold Peak tea, Smartwater, and Powerade are among the offerings. They do sell Monster Energy Drinks and Monster Ultra Zero, but no alcohol is available, nor is it allowed on ACU’s campus. There is also a Bahama Buck’s concession stand on the visitor side of the stadium with shaved ice available. In the rare event that a West Texas fall Saturday is cold enough, hot chocolate will be available, but take advice from my years of experience – it will sell at a rate greater than sno cones in the summer. Most drinks cost $4, with hot cocoa costing $3 per cup and Monster and Smartwater requiring $5 each. There are more than enough concession stands on the home side of the stadium. In fact, during the first half not all the roll-up doors were up at the game I last attended, but the lines were still manageable. As halftime approached and lines began to get longer, all the windows opened and the lines were immediately shortened. With only 3 or 4 windows, and a single Bahama Buck’s stand on the visitor/student side of the stadium, there are naturally long lines here, so my suggestion for the quickest access to a concession stand, no matter where you are seated, is to go to the northwest corner of the stadium (home side nearest the scoreboard), where the shortest lines seemed to consistently be located.   Atmosphere   4 Abilene Christian has averaged well above 9000 fans per game since Anthony Field opened in 2017. This has created a home field advantage for the Wildcats, which has led to some exciting games and big upsets in the past few years. The on-field emcee leads games and activities during planned time outs in a smooth and entertaining manner, and the production level is professional and polished; the sound system is also clear and can be heard anywhere within the stadium. The HD scoreboard also provides clear pictures. There are televisions located at each concession stand, playing the in-house feed of the game so fans can keep up with the play on the field. In addition, the restrooms have a radio feed being played loud and clear, so fans don’t have to miss a moment of the action. Lastly, one often overlooked piece of sound equipment is the referee’s lapel microphone – at the game I most recently attended, the mic used by the ref was easy to hear, even into the last minute of the game. The clarity of communication from the striped shirts eliminates some confusion from the crowd, as the referee can explain clearly what the calls on the field are, especially on replays and in a close contest.   Neighborhood   4 Abilene Christian, located on the eastern edge of the University Hills neighborhood of Abilene, is surrounded by a mixture of mid-century single family homes, duplexes, and condos, which are popular with students, faculty, and as short term vacation rentals. Traditionally a safe and quiet area of town, this Rockwellian setting is slowly showing signs of modernization through business development north and east of the university, as well as urban renewal one home at a time. Paired with the school’s desire to compete academically and athletically with top tier schools across the US, Abilene Christian’s campus has grown into a beautiful gem on The Hill. Within a short drive of the stadium, visitors will find numerous dining and sleeping options. In addition to multiple AirBnB and Vrbo listings near campus, there are multiple hotels within a couple miles of the venue, including Courtyard by Marriott ,  Home2 Suites , Residence Inn , TownePlace Suites , Holiday Inn Express , and Comfort Suites , among others. Dining options within a short drive are varied, with choices ranging from drive-thru fast food to fine dining restaurants. Located cater corner from Anthony Field you will find Allen Ridge, a retail and dining center featuring lakeside dining options, as well as a playground and walking trail. Restaurants found in Allen Ridge include Twisted Root Burger Company, Cork and Pig Tavern, Phoenix Pho, and The Biscuit Bar. With ample parking across the street from both the stadium and restaurants, dining and walking to the game is a viable option. Multiple fast food options can quickly be found by traveling south on Judge Ely Boulevard, or east on Ambler Avenue. Among these quick options you will find McDonald’s, KFC, Braum’s, Rosa’s, Schlotzsky’s, Raising Cane’s, Taco Casa, Panda Express, and Jason’s Deli to name a few. Or, for casual sit-down experiences in the same direction you can find Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, Chipotle, Blu Barrel Bar and Grill, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Other local favorites within a reasonable drive include Galveston Seafood Company, Oscar’s Mexican Food, Rock and Rollerz Burgers, and Texas Flaming Grill. Lastly, another local favorite is a Texas top 50 barbecue joint, namely Jay’s BBQ Shack on South 11th Street. For fine dining, a few suggestions that require a bit longer of a drive include The Beehive, Taylor County Taphouse, and Perini’s Steakhouse, among many more. Perini’s is located in Buffalo Gap, approximately 30 minutes south of Abilene, where the owner, Tom Perini, is famous for serving presidents, governors, and celebrities – his meals provide some of the best bites of food you will ever eat.   Fans   4 Wildcat fans are known to be loyal. They are generally neither rude nor confrontational, but get loud, cheer success, and expect to be competitive in all athletic endeavors. As the university has grown, and their athletic programs have moved up in competition, the number of regional rivalries has diminished, yet there are a few that remain. The particular game I last attended was one such game, providing a sellout crowd that pitted two nationally ranked teams which are geographically less than 100 miles apart. Since opening in 2017, Anthony Field has seen its average per game attendance range between 9,200 and 10,000 annually. This typically ranks in the top 35 among FCS schools and in the top five among private schools, despite ACU playing in a conference with schools from as far west as Utah and as far east as Kentucky and Georgia.   Access   5 Abilene Christian University’s athletic complex is located mere blocks off Interstate 20 in Abilene, Texas via exit 288, at the corner of Ambler Avenue and Judge Ely Boulevard. With Abilene Regional Airport a mere 12 minutes’ drive away, the university is easily accessible whether you are flying or driving into town. If flying commercial you will be forced to utilize American Eagle, with connections at DFW airport; Abilene Regional allows private planes as well. There are multiple rental car agencies at the airport to choose from, in addition to rideshare services. Public transportation is not a reasonable option in Abilene. Parking near Wildcat Stadium is limited, but there are plenty of lots and street parking within a half mile of the field. Parking along the streets immediately to the west of campus is free and relatively open. The businesses and fields across Ambler Avenue immediately to the north of the stadium are pay-to-park and charge $20. The campus parking lots on the south side of campus, past the track and baseball facilities, are open to the public and free on a first-come, first-serve basis. The closest of these lots is approximately a quarter mile from the nearest gate into the stadium, which has entrances on both sides, as well one coming from the tailgate area on the south end. Once inside the stadium there is 360-degree access, with walkways that go around behind both end zones. The walking path behind the north end zone is elevated and provides a picturesque view looking back toward campus, and has turfed berm seating, while the path behind the south end zone is adjacent to the tented tailgate zone; standing viewing along the wall is permitted there.   Return on Investment   5 General admission tickets are $17, and reserved tickets can be purchased through the school’s athletic website, with varying prices, presumably based prices set by individual season ticket holders who are reselling their seats. With the ability to safely park for free and bring in a water bottle, it is possible to enjoy a top-level FCS football game, sitting close enough to the field to hear the sound of the pads crunching together, for less than a $20 bill. In addition you can get an entree and a drink for as little as $10, making ACU football border on bargain level entertainment for a Saturday afternoon or evening.   Extras   5 The ACU Big Purple Band has a longstanding tradition of producing quality musicians; their halftime marching performances are also modern and entertaining. The biographical Hall of Honor photographs lining the outside of the stadium, as well as along the concourse walls, create a museum feel. Even though the Wildcats have only participated at the NCAA’s Division I level since 2013, they have produced world class athletes for many decades. On field and scoreboard activities are conducted during scheduled timeouts to keep the crowd’s attention. The emcee on the field is also entertaining, and guides players through the games in a fun, engaging manner. The fans, not only the students but those on the alumni side as well, enjoy the first down callback for each new offensive first down. The PA announcer will call out “That’s another First Financial Bank…” and the entire crowd will respond in unison “FIRST DOWN!”. I noticed this interactive response only increased in volume as the game grew in intensity, prompting inexperienced fans to begin following the lead of the veterans. Any modern big game experience with free parking deserves special attention. In the ever-growing race to fund athletic programs and “keep up with the Joneses” in the world of NCAA sports, many schools turn to every revenue stream possible. But when a program chooses to ignore the well accepted area of paid parking in exchange for their fans’ benefit, public recognition, and extra credit, is well deserved. While not fancy in nature, concession stand prices are reasonable, thus deserving of an extra point. The Wildcat Wrap, a jalapeno cheese sausage inside a fresh tortilla, is a tasty treat and filling for $6.   Final Thoughts Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium offers a wonderful setting for a football game. Fans are close to the action and concessions and restrooms are plentiful, assuring time wasted waiting in line is minimized. In addition, the cost comparison and ease of access increases the pleasure of your experience here.  I would suggest placing Wildcat Football on your short list for college football games to attend, as they are fun for the family and affordable. This author’s suggestion is, if time allows, to get some Jay’s BBQ for Friday's or Saturday’s lunch (they are open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch only), possibly taking your purchase to the tailgate before the game. Enjoy your food before going into the stadium to watch the game. Then for dinner or Sunday’s lunch, I would make reservations at Perini’s and enjoy a medium rare steak with succulent sides, before calling it a weekend and heading home.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gee-Gees Field 200 Lees Ave Ottawa, ON K1S 5S9 Ottawa Gee-Gees website Gee-Gees Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 3,352 Horses on the Gridiron At the University of Ottawa, they have been playing football since 1881.  Although they have the same lineage as Toronto, McGill and Queen’s, they do not seem to have the same history.  Ottawa looked east to join the initial Quebec Rugby Football Union in 1894.  Through the sixties, the Gee-Gees played in the OSLAA (Ottawa-St. Lawrence Athletic Association) and in the seventies moved to the OQFIC (Ontario-Quebec Football Intercollegiate Football Conference).  In 2001, Ottawa finally returned to the Ontario Conference and the current OUA.  The convoluted history of the Gee-Gees culminated with six OSLAA Championships, five Dunsmore Cups, four Yates Cups and a pair of Vanier Cups.  Ottawa also boasts six National Championships before the advent of the Vanier Cup in the sixties. For a number of years, Ottawa played at Lansdowne Park, home of the Ottawa Rough Riders.  When Lansdowne had structural issues and the south grandstand was condemned, the Gee-Gees needed to make some new plans.  The University of Ottawa built their own stadium on their Lees Campus in 2013, and Gee-Gees Field was born.  Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession tent at the southwest corner of Gee-Gees Field with a very limited selection. Soda, hot dogs, chips and chocolate are the options. Alcoholic beverages are available at a separate tent. Both are available through the tailgate as well as when the gates open. Atmosphere 3 Entry to the stadium is at the southwest corner, where the pregame tailgate occurs.  The Lees Campus of the University of Ottawa, where Gee-Gees Field is located, was formerly the location of Algonquin College.  The building is still standing to the west of the field and is used for football as well as other things.  On the side of the building, above the tailgate area, are six banners representing Gee-Gees football championships.  One honours the six OSLAA Championships, one honours the five Dunsmore Cups, one honours the six pre-Vanier Cup National Championships, one honours the 1907, 1975, 1976 and 2006 Yates Cups and the final two honour the 1975 and 2000 Vanier Cups.  The tailgate area offers a DJ, tent selling alcohol, a number of games including cornhole and some picnic tables.  The Ottawa tailgate is unique in that fans are able to bring in their own alcohol with some limitations.  The tailgate is open two hours before kickoff. Entry into Gee-Gees Field proper happens an hour before kickoff.  Sitting at the top, around the 25-yard line of the west side may give fans a peak at the Canadian Parliament buildings off in the distance.  There are not too many spots to see this view, but they exist. Gee-Gees Field is a very simple structure. The field is oriented from west to east and is wedged between the Rideau River and Highway 417. The seating is on the south side of the field and consists of 20 rows of aluminum bleacher benches. The scoreboard is a simple football scoreboard and is found in the northwest corner. Chain link fencing surrounds the stands and field and is covered with banners with Gee-Gee markings. Gameday production at a Gee-Gees game is about what one would expect for an OUA football game.  A unique aspect is that uOttawa is fully bilingual and all of the announcements are made in both English and French.  Gameday staff hand out sticks and buckets to fans entering to make noise and a tent is there with materials to make signs.  Ottawa’s mascot, Gee-Gee takes part in the pregame announcements and walks the stands, interacting with fans throughout the game.  The uOttawa cheerleaders perform stunts and lead cheers from the sideline also.  The Gee-Gees make use of the horse sound effect often, especially announcing Ottawa first downs. Neighbourhood 5 Gee-Gees Field is located on the Lees Campus of the University of Ottawa in the Old Ottawa East neighbourhood of the city.  It is approximately 2 km from Parliament Hill and offers a number of places nearby for pre or postgame food and drink.  Some options include Fathers & Sons, In’s Kitchen, No Forks Given and Elgin Street Diner.  There are plenty of other sporting options in Ottawa for fans to take in.  The University of Ottawa fields a number of Gee-Gee teams including basketball and hockey .  Carleton University also fields Ravens basketball , football  and hockey teams.  The annual Panda Game between Carleton and Ottawa is a local event worth checking out.  The Colonel By Classic and Capital City Hoops are also rivalry games played at TD Arena between Ottawa and Carleton.  Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata is home to the Ottawa Senators  and Ottawa Black Bears.  Other sporting options include the Ottawa 67’s , Ottawa RedBlacks , Ottawa Blackjacks, Ottawa Charge and Ottawa Titans .  Ottawa also has a plethora of other tourist options including skating on the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, the Canadian war Museum and Museum of Nature to name a few.  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Embassy Suites is a good option. Fans 3 Assessing Ottawa Gee-Gee fans can be a bit of a challenge.  For the 2025 season, Ottawa did not publish any attendance figures.  During the previous season, the Gee-Gees averaged over 1,600 fans per game.  This ranks them near the bottom of the OUA at 9th.  The 2024 attendance figures were an improvement from the previous season where they ranked 10th and had over 500 fewer fans per game.  The Panda Game draws huge crowds every year, but the regular home games at Gee-Gees Field do not draw anywhere near capacity.  The fans in attendance make a decent amount of noise and make use of the provided buckets.   Access 4 Gee-Gees Field is located on the Lees Campus of the University of Ottawa in the Old Ottawa East neighbourhood of Ottawa.  It is east of Lees Drive, between Highway 417 and the Rideau River.  The proximity to Highway 417 means getting to the stadium should not be too difficult.  However, fans should keep in mind that traffic in Ottawa can be an issue and there are plenty of twists and turns in the city.  There was plenty of slow traffic on Highway 417 for the duration of the game which was reviewed.  There is very limited parking at Gee-Gees Field and uOttawa suggests parking at the Minto Sports Complex, where there is a large parking garage where fans can purchase parking.  A shuttle is provided to the stadium, however it is only a twenty minute walk along a trail by the railway tracks. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Mann and King Edward and the light rail Lees station is right there.  Fans should consult the Ottawa-Carleton Transpo  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the stadium is not difficult, however, getting to the stadium from Lees Avenue will require fans to go around the existing buildings.  The path is well marked with signs.  Washroom facilities are good and in the building to the west.  They are not right by the door and will require fans to again follow the signs while traversing the halls. Return on Investment 4 Ottawa Gee-Gees football tickets are $22 for adults with discounts for students and youth.  Tickets are available online and will cost an extra $3 at the door.  Concession prices are good and parking is not very expensive.  The product on the field is solid and the Gee-Gees are consistently a competitive team.  The location is unique and offers a very “Ottawa” feel to the sporting experience.  A good use of the sporting dollar. Extras 3 An extra mark for the annual Panda Game.  The rivalry game between Ottawa and Carleton at TD Place Stadium is the premier USports football game.  It routinely outsells the Vanier Cup and no other USports football game comes close to the attendance.  If there is one USports football experience to put on the bucket list, this is it. An extra mark for Paul Padon, Rick Zmich, Phil Cote and Brad Sinopoli, the four Ottawa Gee-Gees who have won the Hec Crighton Award as the Most Valuable USports player in the country. An extra mark for the unique tailgate party offered by uOttawa.  Although not heavily populated, the opportunity to bring one’s own alcohol is definitely unique in this league. Final Thoughts Taking in an Ottawa Gee-Gees football game is a great way to spend a fall afternoon and Gee-Gees Field, although not fancy, does offer a uniquely “Ottawa” experience.  The location right on the Rideau River is very unique and the Parliament Building can even be seen from a few spots.  It is definitely worth the trip. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lehigh Arena @ Wellington & District Community Centre 111 Belleville St Wellington, ON K0K 1G0 Wellington Dukes website Lehigh Arena website Year Opened : 2010 Capacity: 1,225 The Dukes of Prince Edward County One of the hidden gems of Ontario is Prince Edward County.  The quiet area on the shores of Lake Ontario, just south of Belleville, offers a number of small communities and provincial parks.  One of the villages of Prince Edward County is Wellington, home of the Dukes of the Junior A level Ontario Junior Hockey League.  Wellington offers a population of nearly 2,000 of the 25,000 residents of Prince Edward County and is one of the smallest centres in the league.  The Dukes, named after Arthur Wellesley, First Duke of Wellington, a British Military leader, were established originally as a Junior C team.  In 1989, the Dukes merged with the Belleville Bobcats and advanced to the Junior B level.  Just two years later, the team moved up to Junior A, in what would be currently known as the OJHL.  In their tenure, they have been one of the most successful franchises, earning the Buckland Cup as OJHL champions three times. Home for the Dukes is Lehigh Arena, located in the Wellington & District Community Centre.  Built in 2010, it is a community hub featuring an NHL-sized ice surface and a community hall.  Lehigh Arena was originally named Essroc Arena after the cement company; however, it was renamed in 2019 after the Lehigh Cement Group purchased Essroc. Food & Beverage 4 Lehigh Arena has one of the top concession spreads in the entire OJHL powered by Rico’s Food and Restaurant.  A wide variety of options are available, including burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sausage, pogos, nachos, fries, poutine, onion rings, mac and cheese, pasta, fish, quesadillas, and pizza.  Other snack items like popcorn, candy, and pretzels are also available.  Beverages include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, energy drinks, and soda.  There is also a full-service Blueline Club in the Taskforce Lounge at the east end of the arena that serves alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 4 Lehigh Arena is an attractive, modern-looking facility from the outside with light brick and large windows at the entrance.  Fans are greeted by a temporary ticket table upon entry and pass into the main lobby, which has a warm viewing area that acts as the east end glass.  The ice surface is east-west oriented with seating on both the north and south sides.  A pair of centre ice logos is best viewed from the east or west ends.  The seating consists of eight rows of plastic arena seats, which begin at an elevated first row.  Standing room with drink rails is available behind the seating area. A running track encircles the ice surface behind the standing room.  A simple, hockey score clock hangs above centre ice, and protective netting runs from blueline to blueline with the centre ice area open.  The benches at Lehigh Arena are across from each other, which is not normally found in modern arenas. Inside the arena, there are some interesting items to keep a fan's attention for those who enjoy exploring.  The Prince Edward County Sports Hall of Fame is found behind the Taskforce Lounge.  At the opposite end of the arena are the championship banners earned by the Dukes, including the 2003, 2011, and 2018 Buckland Cups.  They are flanked by a number of Division and Conference Championship banners. Minor hockey banners hang on the south wall along with displays showing the history of the Duke of Wellington and the Village of Wellington.  The north side features several trophy cases displaying artifacts from various levels of hockey, including the Dukes, and a mini-stick arena is in the upper southwest corner, to keep the younger, more rambunctious fans safe and engaged.  Wellington’s favourite hockey son, former professional hockey player and AHL Hall of Fame member, Bryan Helmer, has his number 44 retired and hanging in the southeast corner.  The gameday atmosphere at a Dukes game is not unlike the others in the league.  Promotions include a 50/50 draw and chuck a puck.  Wellington’s mascot, Duke, can be found roaming the stands and interacting with fans. Neighbourhood 3 Lehigh Arena is located at the northeast end of Wellington, in Prince Edward County.  Although a small community, Wellington has a surprising number of bars and restaurants available.  Fans should head south to Main Street, where some options are found, including Drake Devonshire, Rock ‘n Rogers Pizzeria, Pounder’s Waterfront Pub & Patio, The Lakeside, and Midtown Brewing.  The Dukes are really the only game in town; however, the neighbouring town of Picton has the Junior C, Picton Pirates. The Trenton Golden Hawks  of the OJHL are not far, as are the AHL’s Belleville Senators .  As for other tourist options, fans should consider the Wellington Heritage Museum, Wellington Beach, or one of the wineries in Prince Edward County.  For those staying in the area, there are a few independent inns in Wellington, including The Lakeside and Drake Devonshire.  For those wanting a larger, chain hotel, heading north to Belleville is the best idea. Fans 4 The Wellington Dukes enjoy some of the strongest support in the OJHL.  At the time of writing, early in the 2025-26 season, the Dukes were averaging 390 fans per game, which ranked them 6th in the OJHL at the time.  The game that was reviewed welcomed nearly 350 fans.  The previous season, the Dukes ranked 4th in the OJHL, averaging nearly 530 fans per game.  This puts them just under the top echelon of teams in the league.  Fans in Wellington are knowledgeable and supportive and generally pretty reserved, not unlike most other Ontario fans.    Access 3 Lehigh Arena is located at the northeast end of Wellington, in Prince Edward County.  It is found on Belleville Street, which leads south to the lakeshore and Main Street.  It is 36 km south of Highway 401, the main artery of Ontario.  Belleville Street is also Prince Edward County Road 2 and is the main entry from the north.  Traffic will not be an issue, and the drive will be pleasant; however, it is a two-lane highway once off of Highway 401, and possibly not a terrific drive during the winter through rural areas.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  Unfortunately, there is no public transit available.  Getting around Lehigh Arena is not an issue, and the washroom facilities are adequate for the venue. Return on Investment 5 The Wellington Dukes offer a terrific return on investment for fans.  Tickets for adults are $17 and can be purchased online or at the door.  Seating is General Admission.  There are discounts available for seniors, students, and children.  Parking is free, and concession prices are good.  The OJHL offers a solid hockey product, and the Dukes are almost always a competitive team.  This all adds up to a terrific value for the sporting dollar. Extras 2 An extra mark for Wellington’s rivalry with the Trenton Golden Hawks, which produces the best crowds at Lehigh Arena each season. An extra mark for the Wellington & District Community Centre as a community hub. Final Thoughts Heading to Prince Edward County is a great plan, especially in the autumn.  While in Prince Edward County, taking in a Wellington Dukes game at Lehigh Arena is a fantastic idea and will leave fans satisfied in one of the most picturesque areas of Ontario. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Memorial Stadium 1606 TX-24 Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 11,582 East Texas A&M Lions – Memorial Stadium The now East Texas A&M Lions  began their football journey back in 1915. Over the years they have steadily made their climb up the college football ladder to their now home in the Southland Conference, competing at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. Since the Lions first took the field,, they have sent scores of players to the NFL, including Super Bowl champions such as Harvey Martin, Dwight White, and Wade Wilson, and most recently starting quarterback Luis Perez. East Texas A&M also lays claim to two National Championships, once in 1975 as members of the NAIA and again in 2017 at the Division II level. The bulk of the team’s success has come since they began calling venerable Memorial Stadium their home. Built in honor of the 78 East Texas A&M alums and students who fought and died during World War II, the stadium opened with much fanfare in 1950; the opening was attended by former U.S. Speaker of the House and East Texas A&M alum Sam Rayburn. It has been renovated numerous times over the years, most recently with the addition of a new home team locker room, lounge and video boards. Read on to learn more about what makes Memorial Stadium unique in the college football landscape.   Food & Beverage   3 Like most small school venues, the concession stands at Memorial Stadium offer up your basic game day fare for fans. Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels are the main items, along with candy, bottled soft drinks, sports drinks, water, and beer. The highest-priced options run no more than $7. While there isn’t much in terms of variety, it will get the job done. Also, while the stadium has two stands on the home team side and one on the visitor side, only two of them were open during my most recent visit. If you’re looking for more, the stadium boasts food trucks in a grassy area near the main concourse. The trucks there during my last visit offered up tacos and Italian ice, which bumps the score up just a bit, in my opinion.   Atmosphere   3 This section (as well as the “Fans” section) almost got an incomplete grade based on my most recent visit, due to the weather that popped up. A lightning delay moved the kickoff back an hour, and it unfortunately dispersed a lot of the crowd that had been tailgating before the game (especially the students). However, once inside, the history of the stadium shines through, and that’s its selling point. Outside the stadium, there is signage touting the Lions many successes, like their national titles and the many players they have sent to the pros. Inside, you’ll find more of the same, such as the walls being painted with the years of conference titles and player records. The press box and walls of the upper level of the stadium are adorned with the names of great Lions of the past. The other main attraction is the team store located on the home team side, which sells all manner of East Texas A&M paraphernalia.   Neighborhood   3 For those unfamiliar with Texas geography, there are these isolated ecosystems that are far removed from the major metropolitan areas. These areas aren’t near a big city, yet thrive out there on their own, and that’s what Commerce is like, the place where East Texas A&M is located. The campus is roughly an hour and a half from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, an hour from the Oklahoma border, two hours from Arkansas, and nearly three hours from Louisiana. Commerce itself is a fairly contained college town. However, there are plenty of things to do for visitors. Museums in the area include the Northeast Children’s Museum , which offers visitors of all age's tons of hands-on learning experiences. Also, the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum  has the twin mission of honoring World War II’s most-decorated American soldier, as well as showing the importance that cotton growing played in the history of this region. For dining options, there are plenty of local spots within walking distance of the campus. These include Luigi’s Italian Cafe , an award-winning scratch-made Italian kitchen that’s a favorite hangout before and after Lions games. Also, there is Lone Star Eatery Bar & Grill , which offers up wings, burgers, pizza, and steaks, just to name a few of their items. In terms of lodging, spots near Memorial Stadium include Magnuson Hotel Commerce and the Lion's Den Extended Stay Commerce. The nearby towns of Sulphur Springs and Greenville also offer multiple options, and are only 15-20 minutes from the East Texas A&M campus.   Fans   4 My earlier comment about the weather impacting the fan turnout might have been a little misleading. While the hour-long delay and continuous rain during the first quarter surely impacted the overall number of fans in the stands, the ones who did stay and brave the elements are surely more indicative of the week-to-week turnout at Memorial Stadium. The fans at the stadium were loud – including a large contingent clanging cowbells throughout the game – and they rooted for their Lions the entire game. Most were decked out in East Texas A&M gear. Last season, the Lions averaged over 8,700 fans per game, which is not too far from capacity. I can only imagine how much larger the crowd would have been without the rain.   Access   2 As mentioned, Commerce is almost a world unto itself. For fans coming in to see a game at Memorial Stadium, your best bet is to arrive via Dallas. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field are each just under an hour and a half away from the facility. Once you get to Commerce, the campus is easily the most visible attraction in the city. There is plenty of signage directing you to the stadium – just follow the throng and you can’t miss it. Parking is plentiful in unmarked spots around the campus, as well.   Return on Investment   3 General admission seating for East Texas A&M Lions games starts at just $20 per person. Reserved seating is just $30. These are incredible bargains for a Division I program. The Southland Conference is home to multiple FCS playoff teams each year, and many of them make a pilgrimage to Commerce to play the Lions. Parking is also a pretty decent bargain at just $20 in select spots. Combining this with the low cost for concessions, fans are in for an affordable treat at Memorial Stadium.   Extras   3 East Texas A&M boasts all the traditional fanfare that’s found at most other colleges in the country. The Pride Marching Band  performs from the stands and at halftime and is a great source of pride – no pun intended – for the university. The Lion Dance Team  and Cheer Squad can also be found performing at home games. Lastly, Lucky the Lion is the school’s costumed mascot. He is a fan favorite and patrols the sidelines and stands at Memorial Stadium, to the delight of his fans.   Final Thoughts Despite the weather, I had a great time during my most recent visit to Commerce and East Texas A&M. Memorial Stadium feels like something from another time, in a good way. I love old school stadiums like this; they are true connections to the history of the great sport of college football. If you’re a fan of the sport of football, I would highly recommend making a visit to Commerce, to East Texas A&M, and to Memorial Stadium. I think you’ll come away as impressed as I was. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Richard Smith, and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N Pima Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Salt River Rafters website Salt River Fields at Talking Stick website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 11,000 Rafting the Arizona Fall League Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the spring training complex for the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. It also hosts the Salt River Rafters, a baseball team in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The Arizona Fall League is a developmental instructional baseball league played in various spring training complexes in the Greater Phoenix area. The season lasts a little over a month, during October and November. Major league teams send some of their most highly touted prospects to play in the league for additional practice in the hopes that it will allow them to advance to the next level sooner. This is even true for the umpires, who are Double-A or Triple-A umps getting their first experience in a four-person crew to prepare them for advancement to the next level. Each Fall League team is affiliated with five major league clubs who send their prospects there, including whatever teams play their Spring Training at that facility. The alignment varies by year, but in 2025, the Rafters drew players from the Rockies, Diamondbacks, Angels, Pirates, and Red Sox. The Rafters were Arizona Fall League champions in 2011, 2014, 2019, and 2024. Salt River Fields is located on the land of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community and is the first spring training facility built on Native American land. As of 2025, most Fall League games start at either 1:30 or 6:30 PM. Food & Beverage 3 Although there are many different concession stands at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the vast majority of them are not open for Fall League games, where the crowds are far smaller than they are for Spring Training. As you come in through the home plate gate, there is one concession stand located to your left and a cart selling alcohol straight ahead. Everything else is closed for Rafters games. The concession stand that is open has a decent enough selection. Hot dogs, chicken tenders, cheese and pepperoni pizza, and nachos are available, as are snacks such as popcorn and peanuts. Fountain soda and bottled water are available as well. A decent selection of beer is available at the alcohol cart for those of age. Atmosphere 3 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is a gorgeous stadium, with desert landscaping in the batters eye and a gorgeous view of the mountains beyond the outfield fence. There is a 360 degree concourse, although many of the features of the concourse that would be open for Spring Training games, such as concession stands and the Rockies and Diamondbacks team stores, are closed during the Fall League. The first base side will be in the shade for day games, and the shade line moves towards home plate and then third base. All seats are general admission for Fall League games, so you can sit wherever you want and will have a great view of the action from anywhere int he ballpark. There are grassy hills in left and right field that some fans like to bring blankets and sit on, but the view is better from the main seating area and you should have no problem getting a seat there in the AFL. While the hills would be packed for Spring Training games, they are nearly empty in the AFL. Some kids like to use it as a play area and will run around or roll up and down the slope throughout the game. Music is played over the PA system between batters, and sometimes between pitches. However, like other Fall League stadiums, there are not a lot of bells and whistles here. There is a t-shirt toss at select home games (usually on Thursdays) and a raffle where a randomly selected fan wins a prize, but that's about it other than the game. The Fall League is for baseball purists and baseball in its pure form is exactly what you will get here. Salt River Fields Behind Home, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is located on the land of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, with other tourist facilities in the surrounding area. A Great Wolf Lodge is basically right next door to the stadium complex, and many other resorts are nearby as well. The Pavilions at Talking Stick Shopping Center is down the street and offers everything from wings to beer to seafood to burgers and more at its various restaurants, plus entertainment options such as indoor skydiving and movie theatres. Talking Stick Resort and Casino is less than a three mile drive away. The two other Fall League venues in the East Valley, Sloan Park and Scottsdale Stadium are a short drive away, and one can easily attend a 1:30 game at one ballpark and a 6:30 game at the other. Even the West Valley venues are within a 40 minute drive or so, although it may be longer with traffic. Fans 3 The Salt River Rafters draw more fans than any other team in the Fall League, the vast majority of whom are baseball purists deeply knowledgeable about the game. The crowds are small enough and quiet enough that you can hear a lot of the banter and discussion between other fans, which gives you a feeling for just how much they know and care about the game. The Rafters typically draw about 400 fans to a weekday game and more on weekends. Many of them are retirees who moved to the area (in some cases specifically to be closer to the Spring Training and Fall League facilities) and for evening games, you will get some families as well. The paid attendance figures cited above do not include scouts (who don't need to pay for their tickets) and you will see many of them sitting behind home plate as well, although they are there to work, not to cheer. Access 4 Salt River Fields is located just west of the Loop 101 Pima Fwy at the Indian Bend Rd exit. Park in the lot behind home plate off Pima Rd as that is closest to the main entranceway. You will likely hit more traffic for 6:30 games than those at 1:30, so plan accordingly. The lot is huge, so you should have no trouble parking, although many of the closest spots are reserved handicap spots. There are several other lots throughout the complex, although you will likely have no problem parking in the main one. Were you to come here for a Spring Training game, the lots would be packed with fans and you would have difficulty getting close, but for the Fall League, it is not an issue. The concourses here are very wide, as they were designed for the much larger Spring Training crowds and you should have no problem moving around. There are restrooms open down each baseline, as well as a set in the outfield for those fans sitting on the hill. Again, this is more than enough for the Fall League games due to the size of the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices have increased several times in recent years but are still a great deal. General admission seats are just $14 for adults, with seniors 60+ and kids 11-17 getting in for just $12. Kids 10 and under get in for free when accompanied by an adult. Concession prices are on the high end since this is a major league Spring Training facility, but parking is free. If you were to attend a Spring Training game here, the airfare and hotels would cost about three times what they do the rest of the year, but if traveling from out of town for the Fall League, you will encounter no such inflation, making it a much more affordable way to experience Spring Training venues. Extras 4 Look for the signage on the concourse honoring the Salt River Braves, a local community team that played games across the southwest in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. A second star for the gorgeous landscaping and scenery in and around the stadium. As you walk in, you will cross a pedestrian bridge over a stream that leads to a pond used to irrigate the fields. There is a small but gorgeous man-made waterfall that will be on your left as you approach the stadium. A trail will take you to the pond itself. There are also gorgeous views of the desert mountains beyond the outfield fence, and for evening games, the sunsets can be spectacular. There is a merchandise store selling Rafters and Fall League merchandise at an Information booth on the concourse, on the first base side of home plate. You can also sign up for the raffle here and they will announce the winner near the end of the game. Also be sure to check out the USS Arizona Memorial Garden across the parking lot for the stadium, in memory of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the battleship that was lost. Final Thoughts A Salt River Rafters game at Talking Stick is a laid back, fan-friendly experience where you can watch baseball in its purest form with other knowledgeable, passionate fans. Many of baseball's best players have made stops in the Fall League, and an AFL game here or at any of the other venues is a chance to see future stars in an intimate atmosphere at an affordable price. This is also a Major League Spring Training facility, and while not all the amenities are open for Fall League games, it is still a great place to watch a game.

Photos by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 SHI Stadium 1 Scarlet Knight Way Piscataway, NJ 08854 Rutgers Scarlet Knights website SHI Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 52,454 The Birthplace of College Football SHI Stadium is home to the Rutgers Scarlets Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey. Piscataway, New Jersey is considered the birthplace of college football, as the first intercollegiate football game was played here on November 6,1869. Rutgers College beat Princeton 6-4 on that day. SHI stadium is located on Rutgers’ Busch campus.  The stadium sits on the banks of the Raritan River in Piscataway, New Jersey.    SHI stadium has been the home of Rutgers football since 1994 with a seating capacity of over 52,000, while also serving both the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. The facility has had multiple stadium names over the years. Originally named Rutgers Stadium, the corporate names started in 2011 with High Point Solutions Stadium, followed by HighPoint.com Stadium and finally SHI Stadium.   The stadium offers fans a wonderful atmosphere filled with the roar of the Scarlet faithful. Whether under the bright lights of a primetime matchup in the BIg Ten Conference on a beautiful fall day, the stadium offers a great college football experience and shows the true spirit of Rutgers University. The Scarlet Knights Take the Field. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 4   SHI stadium delivers a flavorful amount of options for food and beverage around the concourse of the field. There are plenty of options for fans to choose from self-served stands, as well as concession stands. The standout option is the barbecue stand that offers brisket, pulled pork and BBQ chicken sandwiches.  For those who are not in the mood for barbecue food there are also plenty of concession stands scattered around the stadium serving chicken tenders, tacos and nachos. There is also a Jersey Mike’s sandwich stand that sits just inside of gate C, at Section 118. The prices for concessions are fair and compare to most around the country with food around 12-13 dollars and soda being 8 dollars. For the fans that enjoy having a cold beer while you watch a game, there are plenty of beet gardens scattered around the concourse and will cost you between 15 to 16 dollars depending on the type of beer.   Atmosphere 4   The atmosphere at SHI Stadium captures the pride of Rutgers University and Scarlet Knight football perfectly. The Gameday experience starts way before you enter the stadium on Rutgers Boardwalk with a great tailgating experience. The boardwalk starts its gameday fun four hours before kickoff with many different pregame activities for those of all ages. The boardwalk is also lined with local food trucks for those who are looking to grab a bite or beverage before entering the stadium. The Rutgers Scarlet Knight marching band and cheer squad march their way down the Boardwalk signaling that kickoff is near. Once in the stadium the band, cheer squad and student section keep the energy high showing a loyal fan base to the Rutgers Football Team, with the famous “R!U!” Chant echoing throughout the stadium.   Rutgers Scarlet Knights Mascot. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey. Fans 3   The Rutgers Football program has seen their share of struggles in recent years, but that has not stopped the loyalty of fans of the Scarlet Knights. In the 2024 season SHI stadium saw an average attendance of 48,341 fans, and in the  2025 season the team has seen two sellout crowds and a largest crpwd of 52,142. What makes Rutgers fans special is their resilience and pride no matter what the outcome is on the field. The fans will proudly wear their scarlet and black to cheer on their hometown team. The roar of the crowd will echo through the stadium with their “Let’s Go Knights” chants on third down leaving you to join in with the Rutgers faithful on your visit to SHI stadium.   Neighborhood 3   The neighborhood surrounding SHI stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey offers a great blend of college town and  suburban comfort. The area around Piscataway and New Brunswick combine the charm of a campus and urban neighborhood with plenty of food options and hotels. Some of the more convenient lodging options for those who will need a hotel on gameday near the stadium are Hyatt Regency and the Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center.   Some of the top restaurants in the area are RU Hungry, which is the home of the original fat Sandwich. RU Hungry has been featured on many TV shows, including Man vs. Food. If you are not in the mood for sandwiches there are plenty of other options that are within walking distance of the downtown area that people can take advantage of. If you just want a quick pregame slice, you can find them at Daniel’s Pizzeria or Biggies Slice House. If you are looking for a good pub to have a pregame or postgame meal there is Tavern on George or the Scarlet Pub. Rutgers Super Bowl Champion Alumni. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   Getting to SHI stadium can be confusing for those who are not from the area. The Stadium sits just off of Interstate 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike about 30 miles south of Newark. Rutgers University currently has a total of three separate campuses in the local area with SHI stadium being on the Busch campus. The parking directly around the stadium is for season permits only while everyone else who is looking to attend a game will be directed to Jersey Mike’s Arena, home of the Men's and Women’s Basketball program, for general parking. General parking will cost you 32 dollars and you will be shuttled to the stadium. Once at the stadium the concourse is small but not terribly hard to get around.   Return on Investment 4   The pricing of Rutgers football tickets is similar to the college football landscape, as prices truly depend on who they are playing that weekend. Non-conference tickets will usually cost you around $55 per game, while The Big Ten Conference tickets will be around $100. There is always the secondary market, this could lower prices on the less desirable games. As stated before, the concessions are around average of other stadiums that you will attend so for those who are looking to save a little while going to a game, eating before heading into the stadium may be your best option.   Extras 4   Anytime you are at a Rutgers football game you will always be reminded that you are at the birthplace of college football, even to go as far as it being written on one of the walls behind the field goal post.   The stadium also has a wall in the main concourse commemorating all the Rutgers football players who have won Super Bowl championships after their time at Rutgers.   If you miss the other extras, you won’t miss the Revolutionary War-era cannon, fired by a group of reenactors after every Rutgers score, at halftime, and at the end of a home game win. The Cannon at SHI Stadium. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey.   Final thoughts   Rutgers football being part of a power conference in The Big Ten offers top-tier college football to the Tri-State area. The decent price and great atmosphere makes SHI stadium a wonderful place to catch a game and is often  overlooked by many people.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 550 Taylor Ave Annapolis, MD 21401 Navy Midshipmen website Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 34,000 Light Football In the Navy What is Sprint Football? Sprint football is a varsity, full-contact, intercollegiate sport played in the United States that operates under standard American football rules but with a strict player weight limit of 178 pounds or less, which must be met at official weigh-ins before each game. The sport, which originated in the 1930s as "lightweight football," emphasizes speed, agility, and fundamental execution over size and strength, providing an opportunity for smaller, skilled student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level. The game is primarily governed by the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL) and the Midwest Sprint Football League (MSFL), featuring teams from a mix of institutions, including military academies and Ivy League schools. Navy is a member of the CSFL along with Army West Point, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Mansfield University, Molloy University, St. Thomas Aquinas College, and D'Youville University. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single concession stand offering the very basics—hot dogs and such — with drinks, and that is all the food you are going to get at a spring football game. We would suggest eating ahead of the game. Atmosphere 3 There is not much to the game except for a very enthusiastic PA announcer and the impressive scoreboards. You can pretty much sit anywhere you want in the stadium due to the non-existent crowd, although we are assuming the upper deck is off-limits. We should have tried going up there to see for ourselves, but we did not. The stadium itself is what saves a bit of a score here. If this were played before such a small crowd and at many other stadiums, there would be almost no atmosphere at all. The stadium, with all its signage, statues, and tributes to the Navy's past, is worth a visit if you have other reasons to be there. Neighborhood 5 Annapolis, the state’s capital, is a beautiful town located on the shores of the Severn River’s exit into the Chesapeake Bay. It is located almost equidistant from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., providing easy access to two major metropolitan cities full of shopping, dining, and major airports. The area around the stadium is quaint and features many historic sites, including the Maryland State House. Shopping and dining are plentiful downtown near the Annapolis waterfront area as well, and fans can find plenty to entertain themselves there. Fans 2 Friends and family made up the bulk of the "crowd". We even heard a fun conversation between some fans who thought they were coming to a flag football game. We guess we are not the only ones new to sprint football. Access 4 To get to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, you need to drive on US 50 from the DC area, or on I-97 to US 50 from the Baltimore Area; both routes will drop you steps from the stadium. Once you’re there, parking is plentiful and costs $10. The lots are used daily by Annapolis visitors and state employees, so you will not get away with free parking at any time. Return on Investment 4 Parking is paid, but you can get into the game at no cost. Extras 4 The northwest end zone features the Navy goat statue and a memorial garden for the military, showcasing plaques and memorial statues from the Navy’s past. Also of interest is the Blue Angels' F/A-18 Hornet on display outside the stadium, a popular photo spot for fans. The field itself also pays homage to former star players, with yellow player numbers painted near their corresponding yard lines, and the stadium’s ring of honor features historic and notable Navy battles rather than former player names, as at other facilities. Final Thoughts Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is worth a visit, especially when watching one of the most unique variations of college football around.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Coach Richard Wackar Stadium North Campus Drive Glassboro, NJ 08028 Coach Richard Wackar Stadium website Rowan Profs website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 5,000 Glassboro Profs Rowan University is a public university in Glassboro, New Jersey. Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School, it was known as Glassboro State College from 1958 to 1992 and as Rowan College of New Jersey from 1992 to 1997. The university has an enrollment of just less than 20,000. Rowan University has 18 sports teams. They are members of the NCAA Division III, competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The teams are called the Profs (short for Professors, a nod to the university's 1923 founding as a school to train educators), and the mascot is Whoo RU. The most successful team at the school is the Profs football team, which is regularly a contender for the national title, having gone to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl five times (1999, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993) and the national semifinals in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2004, and 2005. Within Coach Richard Wackar Stadium sits John Page Memorial Field, which was first used by the football team in 1971. The stadium was renovated in 2009 and is named after the only coach in NJAC history to win conference championships in football, basketball, golf, and cross country. Coach Richard Wackar Stadium is home to the Profs' football, field hockey, and men's and women's track teams. The stadium hosted the 2022 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium features a small, limited main food stand located near the primary grandstand. This traditional concession area typically offers classic stadium fare. While the selection is modest, it fulfills the basic need for conventional, affordable stadium snacks and beverages, ensuring fans have the necessities to enjoy the action on the field. To enhance the dining options beyond the standard concession stand, Rowan University frequently incorporates one or more food trucks alongside the main grandstand, particularly for larger events like Homecoming or Family Weekend. This addition significantly diversifies the menu, offering fans a welcome variety of "gourmet" or specialty options that go beyond hot dogs and chips. These rotating vendors can feature everything from tacos and gourmet sandwiches to desserts and other ethnic or regional specialties, providing a richer, more exciting culinary experience for students, alumni, and visiting fans. This blend of classic concessions and eclectic food truck fare ensures a satisfying range of choices for all attendees. Atmosphere 4 The Profs offer a lively and spirited Division III college sports experience that emphasizes school pride and fan participation. The setting is intimate, with fans, students, and alumni filling the stands to cheer on the team. The crowd's enthusiasm is immediately apparent, creating a loud, supportive environment for the team. This atmosphere often peaks during special events like Homecoming or Family Weekend, when the stadium becomes the centerpiece of campus celebration, drawing larger crowds and even higher levels of spirited cheering. A key component of the game-day experience is the vibrant performance and enthusiastic support from the spirit groups. The Rowan University Cheerleaders and the Dance Team are constantly engaged, leading the crowd in cheers, performing stunts, and showing off synchronized routines. Their high-energy presence on the sidelines and during breaks helps maintain excitement and actively guides the audience in showing support for the Profs. Adding to the spectacle is the university's beloved mascot, Whoo RU the Prof, a large, energetic owl. Whoo RU is a fan favorite, patrolling the sidelines to interact with children, pose for pictures, and generally engage in fun, attention-grabbing antics that keep the mood light. The heart of the stadium's sound and spectacle belongs to the "Pride of the Profs" Marching Band. The band's performances are a significant highlight of the day, particularly their elaborate and musical halftime show. Their rousing renditions of the school fight song and other contemporary pieces are essential to setting the tone before kickoff and providing a memorable entertainment experience during the break in play. Neighborhood 4 Glassboro is a borough within Gloucester County, New Jersey. It is considered part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Several major roads crisscross Glassboro. These include County Route 553, Route 47, and Route 55, while U.S. Route 322 (much of which is also Mullica Hill Road) passes from east to west. There is no current passenger train service to Glassboro, but the proposed Glassboro–Camden Line, an 18-mile (28.97 km) diesel multiple unit (DMU) light rail system, is planned to stop nearby. Fans 3 The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend. Rowan is a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, which currently has all its full members as public universities in New Jersey (SUNY New Paltz will join the NJAC as a full member, becoming the NJAC's first-ever full member outside the state of New Jersey). This means that fans from other schools, especially the athletes' parents, are very likely to be in attendance. Access 3 Rowan is easy to get to, but since it is a major university, you should research ahead of time your best entrance to the campus. If attending a weeknight game during the semester, give yourself a bit of time. We like to use the entrance near 500 Joseph L Bowe Blvd. Return on Investment 4 Attending a football game at the stadium offers an excellent return on investment for an afternoon of Division III collegiate entertainment. The initial investment for an adult is highly affordable, typically costing $10 for general admission. Discounted tickets are available for just $5 for faculty/staff, senior citizens, and children aged 3-12. While the total cost will increase with purchases from the concession stand or food trucks, the low entry price provides accessible, high-energy entertainment in a community-focused environment. For a minimal financial outlay, fans receive a complete game-day experience featuring live football, a marching band, cheerleaders, and the excitement of campus spirit, making it a valuable use of leisure time and money. Parking is free. Extras 3 The pre-game atmosphere, particularly the lively tailgating in Lot O, which often features a live DJ, lawn games, and free food/giveaways for students, creates a robust, community-driven event is a nice extra here at Rowan. The presence of the Rowan University Marching Band, Cheerleading, and Dance Teams provides quality, high-energy entertainment both before the game and during the halftime show, successfully maintaining crowd engagement. Homecoming and Family Weekend games may include an extensive Kids Zone with inflatables and face painting, multiple food trucks, a Beer Garden, and an expansive University Showcase. These elevated offerings are not consistently available for every regular-season game. Final Thoughts Rowan University plays a high level of football, and the NJAC opponents are skilled, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by Meg Minard , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sloan Park 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy Mesa, AZ 85201 Map It Mesa Solar Sox website Sloan Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 15,000 Solar Sox at Sloan The Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League (AFL) play their home games at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. The AFL is a developmental league designed to provide some of the top prospects of Major League Baseball with additional instruction and playing time. Games are held at various spring training complexes throughout the Greater Phoenix area, and the season runs for just over a month during October and November. For the 2025 season, the Mesa Solar Sox roster features rookies from five MLB organizations: the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees. The franchise began in 1992  (the AFL’s inaugural year) as the Sun Cities Solar Sox, playing their first two seasons at Sun City Stadium . In 1994, they relocated to the newly opened Peoria Sports Complex, where they remained through 1996. From 1997 to 2013, the team played at HoHoKam Stadium, and in 1999, they adopted the name Mesa Solar Sox to reflect their home city. Since 2014, Sloan Park has served as their home field. Sloan Park is best known as the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs. Owned by the City of Mesa, the stadium is named after the Sloan Valve Company, an Illinois-based global leader in water-efficient technologies. The Solar Sox have claimed the AFL Championship title six times, most recently in 2021. Food & Beverage 3 During Arizona Fall League games at Sloan Park, one concession stand is typically open, offering a modest but satisfying selection of food and snacks at standard AFL prices. Hot items include chicken tender baskets (generous enough for two), hot dogs, cheeseburgers, fries, and nachos, ranging from $6 to $15. Snack options - priced between $4 and $9 - feature peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, chips, soft-serve ice cream pouches, and candy. Bottled beverages include Coca-Cola products at $6 and water priced between $5 and $6. The stand also offers a wide variety of canned beers, wine, cocktails, and seltzers, typically priced from $9 to $12. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks and bottled water into the stadium. Beer Selection at Sloan Park, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 Most seats at Sloan Park offer shade, which is especially welcome for 1:30 p.m. start times. Seating is general admission, so fans can choose their preferred spot - easy to do with crowds typically under 1,000 for Fall League games. The inner concourse is wide open, allowing fans to watch the action from anywhere. During lightly attended games, it’s common to see parents and kids tossing a ball along the walkway. Sloan Park - Playing Catch, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Protective netting of medium thickness extends to the foul poles, meaning no seating area offers a net-free view. Only the lower bowl is open for Fall League games; the upper level houses the press box, announcer booth, and suites. Seating consists of traditional green fold-down stadium chairs with comfortable width, decent legroom, and cup holders. Unfortunately, the cushioned fold-down chairs once placed along the top row are no longer available—a small letdown for returning fans. The grassy berms and outfield seating areas in left and right field are also closed during Solar Sox games. Music is minimal, played only before the game and between innings, making for a refreshingly quiet atmosphere. A Solar Sox game is ideal for fans who come to watch baseball and scout future talent, without the extraneous fanfare typical of MiLB or MLB events. The Arizona Fall League promotes a ‘Sunday Funday’ where kids get to run the bases after the game.  On occasion, Mesa’s mayor throws out the first pitch. Neighborhood 4 About a mile northeast of Sloan Park is the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center . This center contains several places to eat, a movie theater, and many stores including a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Restaurants include Cracker Barrel, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Henhouse Café (good for breakfast), Copper State Taphouse, and plenty more. A little over a mile west of Sloan Park (make a right on Rio Salado Parkway out of the ballpark) is the Tempe Marketplace , an even larger shopping area. This contains 26 restaurants/places to eat in cluding the Thirsty Lion and King's Fish House, a multitude of shops, and another movie theater. If shopping is your thing, this might be the place to go. For places to stay near the ballpark, the Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West and a Courtyard by Marriott are just beyond right field. The Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa is adjacent to the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center (about 1.2 miles from the ballpark). A Hilton Garden Inn and a Homewood Suites are a mile the other way (west) of the ballpark. Hotel rooms in the area are about 1/3 the price for Fall League games as compared to spring training games. Hotels Next to Sloan Park, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Adjacent to the ballpark is Riverview Park which offers a fishing lake, playground, picnic area, and water fountains to enjoy pre or post-game. For other sports in the area, visit the other two East Valley Fall League Stadiums: Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River Field . ASU (Arizona State University) football , basketball , or soccer games are about three miles from the ballpark. Or sports fans can go downtown Phoenix and see an early-season Suns game. Fans 3 Fans who attend AFL games are the fans who like baseball for the game, not ‘the event.’ Day games tend to draw retired fans, plenty of scouts, and a lot of autograph hounds with their binders, player cards, balls, and Sharpies.  During the weekday afternoon games, expect minimal children. A few more families are at the evening and weekend games. Since most fans have a common interest in baseball, expect to meet, share stories, and make friends with those who sit around you. The fans cheer for all the good plays regardless of the team or player. Access 4 If flying in for a Mesa Solar Sox AFL game, the closest airport (about seven miles from Sloan Park) is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Public transportation is somewhat available – from the airport, it’s a combination of using the Valley Metro  light rail, transferring to a bus, and taking a short walk. Since there are under 600 fans or so attending a game, traffic access is not the nightmare it is for a Cubs spring training game. Plenty of parking is available for no charge. Massive numbers of handicapped parking spaces are available. It is easy to get to the area by driving, as it is located near the corner of the Loop 202 Red Mountain and Loop 101 Pima Freeways. If drivin g to attend night games, allow extra time due to rush hour on those freeways. Only the first base gate is open for Fall League games. Clea r sports bags (12” x 12” x 6”) or less are allowed.  Getting through security is easy:  walk through the metal detector ( no need to remove items from pockets).  Security personnel will stop you to check bags, if needed.  The security folks here are much more friendly than at other parks.  Restrooms (including family restrooms) on the first base side concourse are open for AFL games and are kept clean. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices have increased for the 2025 season: $14 for adults, $12 for kids 11 - 17 and seniors (60+), and children under 10 get in free. Parking is still free; food prices are not too bad for a sports venue (and you can bring in your own). Fans can sit anywhere they want. The AFL sells season ticket packages (single or double), worth the investment if you and/or a friend plan on attending more than 10 or 15 games. Extras 3 Sloan Park will host both the Home Run Derby and the Fall Stars Game during the 2025 Arizona Fall League season. If you're in town the weekend of November 8, it's well worth a visit. The merchandise stand (just upon entry to the stadium) provides printed copies of the starting lineup and team rosters.  It sells a collection of artfully designed merchandise.  The artists who design the t-shirts obviously don’t live in AZ and print everything in black or dark colors, not realizing how HOT it gets here.  Offering some shirts in white would be welcomed.  Not playing music while the PA announcer calls the starting lineups or player changes, and only playing between innings, makes the game more enjoyable. It gives fans the ability to have conversations with their neighbors. Final Thoughts Attending a Mesa Solar Sox game at Sloan Park is a much more relaxed, uncongested game day experience than seeing a Cubs spring training game. When coming to the area during the fall season, it is worth visiting some AFL games.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Estadio Jalisco C. Siete Colinas 1772 Independencia, 44290 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico Map It Atlas F.C. website Estadio Jalisco website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 53,961 Guadalajara Fútbol When you think of Mexican fútbol (soccer), for many the name Chivas de Guadalajara immediately pops to mind. But what if we told you there was another option to watch top-flight Liga MX fútbol in Mexico’s second city, closer to town and at fan-friendly prices? While Chivas plies its trade at the gleaming Estadio Akron on Guadalajara’s outskirts, its former home Estadio Jalisco – in the northeasterly Independencia neighborhood – hosts both Atlas F.C. as well as second-division Leones Negros . Opened in 1960 and maintaining a retro feel, Estadio Jalisco is unlikely to win any beauty contests, but it is Mexico’s third-largest stadium and hosted matches in the 1970 and 1986 World Cups. It’s also featured some pretty good club fútbol in recent years; Atlas ended a 70-year title drought in December 2021, and then repeated the feat six months later to become only the third team in Liga MX history to win back-to-back titles (the league plays two mini-seasons per year). Combine the quality on-field product with a spirited, grassroots scene both inside and outside the stadium, and you’ve got yourself one fine sports fan experience. Food & Beverage 4 Mexico is synonymous with sensational street food, and you’d be wise to arrive at Estadio Jalisco at least an hour before kickoff to scope out the offerings on the four streets bordering the venue. It’s built right into the neighborhood, so you’ll find tacos al pastor, tortas ahogadas (the signature “drunken” sandwich of Guadalajara), elotes (corn), churros, and more wafting from both brick-and-mortar establishments and temporary carts. For a DIY drinking experience, grab a cerveza or canned cocktail from the Oxxo mini-market on Calle Monte Carlo and stroll until finding your meal of choice, beverage in hand. Inside the gates, concessions are simple but satisfying; think crispy tacos dorados, popcorn and chips (drenched in chile and lime, the Mexican way), hot dogs, and the usual beverage selections. There are also offerings from local fast food outlets, including mini-pizzas and chicken fingers. Service lines can get congested close to kickoff, so it’s best to grab your food early or flag down one of the many vendors roaming the aisles. If you’re a stadium concession connoisseur, Estadio Jalisco has an incredible option for you: A ticket in the San Matías Premier section, starting at around $50, includes four beers, two hot dogs or sandwiches, and unlimited snacks and soft drinks, brought directly to your seat by attentive stadium employees constantly asking if you’d like anything else. I opted for this package – mainly to guarantee a seat in the lower level near center pitch – and left stuffed to the gills. Atmosphere 3 As alluded to above, Estadio Jalisco is at one with its community, not buffered by an endless parking lot like a modern-day fortress. The pregame hub of activity is along the stadium’s east side, in Plaza Brazil. There you’ll find brand activations, inflatable test-your-skill stations, and pumping music. Interspersed with the street food vendors are merchandise tents, where you can outfit yourself in red and black Atlas gear at a fraction of official team store prices. Inside, the gameday fervor will depend on Los Rojinegros’ fortunes and the caliber of opponent. For the early season match I attended vs. Santos Laguna, not a traditional rival, the stadium was at roughly 40% capacity. Expect greater fervor for the annual Clásico Tapatío  vs. Chivas, when Mexico City giants Clúb América come to town, or the biannual Liga MX Playoffs. As with most Mexican sporting events, there are spirited PA announcements and numerous in-game advertisements. An investment in new, 4K video boards would go a long way, as the two current monitors high above each goal are small and outdated by modern standards. And speaking of retro: There is a ring of “luxury boxes” circling the lower level of seats. Only a fraction were in use, and those that weren’t had a simple piece of plywood keeping them closed. Estadio Jalisco Video Board, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 The working-class Colonia Independencia, around three miles or a 15-minute drive from the historical center of Guadalajara, is not overly polished, but it is authentic. Expect to mix with families, lifelong fans, and street performers drumming up excitement before the gates open. Although a rideshare driver warned me about the neighborhood, safety is generally fine on matchdays when exhibiting typical urban awareness. With “strength in numbers,” I felt completely at ease walking several blocks west of Estadio Jalisco post-match to hail a DiDi (Mexico’s local, cheaper alternative to Uber). If you prefer to linger after the final whistle, options abound for a late-night bite or celebratory drink, especially along Calzada Independencia and nearby avenues. Fans 3 Atlas supporters are collectively nicknamed La Fiel (“The Faithful”), apropos because they endured seven decades between enjoying the fruits of a championship. The most fervent among La Fiel call themselves La Barra 51 and set up in the lower level behind the north touchline. While this is a passionate group with the requisite standing, chanting, and flag-waving throughout the match, I have observed larger and more frenetic supporters’ groups at other stadiums across Latin America. The scene was predictably more subdued in my high-priced, food-focused section. Access 3 Getting to Jalisco is straightforward but can be hectic. The Macrobus rapid transit line runs directly along Calzada Independencia, just steps from the stadium, while several local bus routes also serve the area. If coming from the city center, Colonia America, or Zapopan – the areas you’ll likely be staying in as a visitor – it’s best to rely on Uber or Didi. Fares are cheap, and available drivers are plentiful. If you’re driving, be warned: parking is limited and informal, often relying on small private lots or curbside attendants. Arriving early is strongly advised. I found stadium ingress and egress to be easy. There are numerous entry gates, and once inside, you can circle the concourse until you find your seating section. Note that fans are required to upload personal info and a selfie to a Mexican Football Federation app before entry, an effort to curb hooliganism. You can scan a QR code outside the gate and complete the process in minutes, mobile reception permitting. Return on Investment 5 There are ticket prices to match every budget at Estadio Jalisco. The least expensive way through the gates is an upper-level seat starting at 175 pesos (around $10). If you’d like to sit closer to the action, lower-tier tickets can be had for roughly $17. Atlas adjusts its ticket pricing based on the caliber of the match. It will cost more to attend the crosstown showdown vs. Chivas, and with both fanbases vying for tickets, you may need to purchase an official Atlas club membership card to guarantee ticket access. StubHub operates in Mexico, so that is always an option. If your goal is to just check Estadio Jalisco off your bucket list, then look at attending a Leones Negros match, which will be even more wallet-friendly than seeing Atlas. Extras 3 Guadalajara is known as the City of Eternal Spring and definitely warrants a few days of exploration. Most visitors make the “pilgrimage” to the town of Tequila about an hour away, where legendary names like Jose Cuervo and Sauza were born. There are countless tour options so you don’t need to worry about driving. The Centro Historico is rich with colonial architecture and the hustle and bustle one expects in a large Latin American city. It’s Mercado Libertad is one of the largest indoor markets in the world and sells just about anything you can imagine under one roof, from food to crafts to home goods to clothing. You can pick up an “authentic” Atlas or Chivas jersey for well under $10. Southeast of the city center is Tlaqueplaque, known as the home of mariachi music and an array of traditional restaurants. Final Thoughts Estadio Jalisco isn’t perfect, but rather it's imperfect in the most endearing ways. The aging concrete, the echoing chants, the scent of grilled meat in the air coalesce to create something few modern sports venues can replicate. You truly feel at one with the proud residents of Guadalajara while sitting in its creaking seats.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Amerant Bank Arena 1 Panther Pkwy Sunrise, FL 33323 Map It Florida Panthers website Amerant Bank Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 19,250 Banking on Success For many years, the thought of locating an NHL team in South Florida was seen as a joke. Fans are not laughing anymore, as the Florida Panthers have played in three straight Stanley Cup Championships, bringing the 2024 and the 2025 Stanley Cups back to their home ice at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL. The arena opened in 1998 as the National Car Rental Center and has gone through several naming rights agreements over the years. It became the Amerant Bank Arena in 2023. It has a capacity of 19,250 for hockey, making it the largest arena in Florida. Included in this count are 70 suites and 2,623 club seats. Food & Beverage 4 Amerant Bank Arena concentrates its food concessions in a food court format, rather than spreading them throughout the concourse, which really keeps the fan traffic flow manageable. The arena has three food courts on each of the two general seating levels.   Vendors operating in the food courts include the BBQ Shack, Nashville Hot Chicken, Tastes of Florida, and Poutine and Ice Cream. Pricing on some popular items include hot dogs ($9.85), double burgers and fries ($23), chicken tenders and fries ($18), onion rings ($12), popcorn ($10), nachos ($15), and empanadas ($11). The arena serves Coca-Cola brand sodas - a 20 oz goes for $8 and a water is $7. Adult beverages can be enjoyed at several bars within the Amerant Bank Arena. These include the Funky Buddha Bar, the Coor Light Cold Zone, the Jameson Crossbar, the Patron Patio, the Corona Beach House, and Club Stoli. Prices for adult beverages include premium liquors ($17.50), wine ($22), and domestic beers -16 oz ($15). All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 Despite the large capacity of the arena, there really are no bad seats. Sightlines are excellent even in the 300 level. The fans are energized by the team’s pair of mascots…. a cat and a rat. Stanley C. Panther is the primary mascot, while Viktor E. Ratt assists him. (Toy rats fly out of the stands after Panther wins). The center-hung scoreboard does a great job of keeping the Panther fans updated on the game stats and action. Each of its four video screens measures 38 feet wide by 31 feet high. There are also two angled screens at the base of the scoreboard to provide fans whose seats are close to the ice a good view of replays and game stats. Amerant Bank Arena Video Scoreboard, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The Pantherland Team store sells a wide variety of spirit items. It is in the main lobby on the Plaza level. Neighborhood 3 Amerant Bank Arena is in Sunrise, Florida, a suburb located 12 miles west of Fort Lauderdale, FL. The neighborhood surrounding it is predominantly commercial, with the Sawgrass Mills shopping mall the only tourist attraction in the area. Sawgrass Mills has several restaurants. They include the Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, Yard House, Johnny Rocket’s, the Rainforest Café, and a wide range of fast-food brands.  Home to over 350 retailers, the vast complex spans a broad spectrum of brands, ranging from upscale boutiques to affordable outlet shops Lodging options close to the Amerant Bank Arena include the Doubletree by Hilton Sunrise and the LaQuinta by Wyndham Sunrise. Fans 4 While the Panthers did suffer from attendance issues during their early years, the team’s success in recent years has energized the local fans. The team benefits from the large retirement population in the area, as many Floridians moved to Florida from cold-weather climates where ice hockey has a major sports presence. You will also notice large numbers of Canadian license plates in the lots, as many Canadian “snowbirds” have winter homes in the area. The stands are a sea of red, as the fans are celebrating several championships, something the South Florida sports community has not experienced in recent years. The team’s season ticket allotment has sold out for the past two years, but individual game tickets remain available via SeatGeek, the official ticketing partner. Access 3 The best way to reach Amerant Bank Arena from the Ft Lauderdale area is to take I-595 West to NW 136 th  Avenue, then turn north for 1.5 miles to the arena. It may look like taking the Sawgrass Expressway to the game is a more direct route, but this expressway is a toll road, and it can get very backed up during the afternoon rush hour period. There is no nighttime public transportation service in the area, so you will need to drive or take a taxi/rideshare to get to the game. (One word of warning…. If you miss your turn, you will be in the Everglades swamp!) There is a large parking lot with more than 7,000 spaces at the arena. Parking can be pre-purchased on the Panthers website. The parking lots open two hours before the puck drops. The arena's main entry point is located on its south side. Doors open one hour before the puck drops. Once inside, you will find it easy to navigate, as the concourses are wide enough to handle even a full house. There are two seating levels in the arena, with a suite-only level sandwiched in between them. Several sets of elevators and escalators transport fans to their appropriate seating level. The three food court areas serve each level of the arena, and service is usually very quick, except during the two period breaks. Return on Investment 3 Parking in the Amerant Bank Arena lot can vary by opponent, but on average, it costs $35-$40. Many fans tend to park in the Sawgrass Mills lot across the street from the arena for free, with little pushback from the mall operators or the local police. Ticket prices have soared due to the high demand for tickets after the two straight Stanley Cup Championships. You can expect to pay $100-$150 for seats in the lower level and $40-$80 in the 300 level. Overall, the concessions offered in the food courts are priced on the high side. On average, figure a cost of $25-$40 per person for your food and beverages. Extras 3 In addition to hosting several Stanley Cup Finals games, the arena has hosted the NHL All-Star game twice (2003, 2023). Amerant Bank Arena is a major concert venue in South Florida. Recent concerts have included the Jonas Brothers, Barry Manilow, Cardi B, and Ariana Grande. The facility has also hosted both the Latin Billboard Music Awards and the Latin American Music Awards. Florida Panther fans enjoy a strong tailgating tradition usually found at football games. This is possible year-round due to South Florida’s tame winters. Final Thoughts Lord Stanley’s Cup has found a winter home at the Amerant Bank Arena in recent years. The Florida Panthers and their fans are truly “taking it to the Bank” at their team’s home in South Florida.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena 1116 S. State St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines men’s hockey website Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 5,800 Get the Most from Yost Yost Field House opened in 1923 to house the Michigan Wolverines basketball team. When the squad became so popular that the place could not hold all the fans who wanted tickets, Crisler Arena was built in 1967, leaving Yost to host gymnastics for a few years. In 1973, the building was converted into an ice arena, and the Wolverines hockey team has been there ever since. The arena is one of the oldest in college hockey, debuting on November 10, 1923. Unique among college rinks, Yost features distinctive arched windows and brick construction, setting it apart from others. Only Princeton's Hobey Baker Memorial Arena (built 10 months prior) and Northeastern's soon-to-be-demolished Matthews Arena (1910) have older rinks. At the time of its opening, Yost was the largest indoor building of its kind on any U.S. college campus. These days, Michigan hockey is a perennial contender, which makes Yost a great place to visit. It is an old-school hockey arena and should be on the bucket list for all hockey fans. Food & Beverage 4 All of the athletic venues at the University of Michigan have the same concession provider with similar offerings at similar prices. Yost Ice Arena has a single concourse with 13 stands. The most common is Wolverine Classics, which offers hot dogs ($7.25) and stadium sausages ($8.25) that are provided by Dearborn Sausage Company, and they are very good. Snacks include a soft pretzel for $6.50 (add $2 for the cheese cup) and popped maize ($6.50) instead of popcorn, a shoutout to the school colors of Maize and Gold. Buddy's Pizza out of Detroit is the pizza provider, with a four-square pepperoni or cheese pizza going for $16. BBQ Shack has loaded BBQ Nachos for $15, the same price as a BBQ Chicken Sammie, which is the most appealing option. Hail! Hail! Burger and Chicken have just that, with tenders going for $13. Coca-Cola products are on offer in various sizes. A souvenir beverage mug is $12.25, a 32-ounce souvenir cup soda is $9.50, and a 20-ounce bottle of pop is $6.50. Bottled water will cost $5.50, while hot chocolate or coffee is $5. Alcohol is now available here, with a 16-oz. can of beer ranging between $12.25 and $13.50, while a canned cocktail goes for $16.25. Overall, although food and beverages are rather expensive, it is higher quality than fare found in similar stadiums. If you’re staying in Ann Arbor, though, better to save your appetite for the large selection of excellent restaurants found downtown. Atmosphere 5 The exterior features arched windows and brick walls and provides a timelessly classic appearance. Although it is over a century old, it looks like it was built last week, a testament to the remarkable job of keeping it up to date for players and fans. Inside, most of the seating consists of aluminum benches on all four sides of the rink.  Modern theater-style seating is provided on the upper level, parallel to the rink. After several renovations in recent years, the arena has added a new ice surface and glass around the rink.   Overhead, there are many banners reflecting the successful history of Michigan hockey, as well as an octagonal state-of-the-art video board. Modern touches, such as noise baffles, make the environment more enjoyable. The sound system is lively, and the announcer’s voice is very clear.  During the video review of a Wolverine's goal, the fans are treated to The Beatles’ “Let It Be.” While walking around the concourse, fans can truly experience and enjoy the history of the school’s hockey program. Display cases explain the changes that have occurred over the years, while pictures of former and current players are on the walls and even support pillars. Yost Arena Hockey History on Support Pillars, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Two maize and blue Zamboni machines, a favorite among fans, maintain the ice, piloted by young men wearing sports coats and ties—a tradition unique to Yost that adds character to the game. The results create an intimate, cozy, and vibrant hockey experience. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Ann Arbor is within walking distance, and Main Street is the primary thoroughfare. Here you will find a great variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and breweries. Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a favorite spot and is featured on ESPN as the local place to go and would be a perfect early morning stop if you want to get supplies for a gourmet tailgating party. Places like Ashley's and Arbor Brewing Company's Corner Brewery provide excellent full-service options as well. If you like Italian food, then Mani Osteria and Bar comes highly recommended, especially if you want something a little more upscale. Frita Batidos serves up tasty Cuban-inspired food. The Blue Nile serves up Ethiopian food, which is both unique and delicious. If you want to enjoy a cheaper option, the New York Pizza Depot offers some specials throughout the week. Kids will love the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum, while adults might prefer the university's Museum of Art. Both should be inspired by the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology or the Museum of Natural History. All are within walking distance of each other and the sports complex. Hotel accommodations can be found clustered near I-94 just to the south of the stadium but expect to pay a hefty sum to stay here. If you’re flying in, the Detroit airport is about 20 miles to the east along I-94, and there are plenty of hotels there for a much better rate. As well, there are several lodgings in the northeast corner of the city along Plymouth Road. Fans 5 The seating capacity is 5,800, and the average attendance usually exceeds 5,500. Students sit in the southeast corner of the arena next to the school’s hockey band–a very lively bunch. They keep the place rocking, offering chants and cheers that are quite clever. Michigan Wolverines Band and Student Section at Yost Arena, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Access 4 Yost Ice Arena is in central Ann Arbor, equidistant from I-94 and Highway 23, the main expressways around the city.  Getting here, as with all Michigan athletic facilities, will require some travel through the city. Considering that this town welcomes over 110,000 fans for Wolverine football games, getting 5,000 in and out of Yost is relatively easy. There are a number of free parking options as long as football or basketball is not playing at the same time. Crisler Lots 4, 5, 6, and 7 are near the Crisler Center, while University Lots 13, 14, and 32 are at the corner of Hoover and Greene. The arena is within walking distance of downtown, and you can find street parking there, with meters expiring at 6 p.m. If you get there around 5, you can pay for an hour and have a drink or two at one of the many establishments before strolling over to the rink. Remember that no bags are allowed at any Michigan sporting event, which makes entry quick and painless. Getting around Yost is not too difficult, as the single concourse is wide enough, though you can expect lines at concessions and restrooms during intermission. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are available through SeatGeek, the university's official reseller. As this is a secondary market, ticket prices vary widely between games. Big Ten matchups can be very costly, with the cheapest option often exceeding $70. If budget is your concern, try for a non-conference game where you should be able to get in for $30 or less. Food is also expensive, but at least you can park for free. Still, with the overall experience one of the most memorable in college hockey, the expenditure is well worth it for puck heads. Extras 5 A point for the Charlie Brown statue along the concourse. I don't know the connection between Michigan and Peanuts, but it is always nice to see Charlie when traveling. A point for the History of Yost display; it is important to appreciate the past when visiting a historic venue such as this. Another point for the photographic roster along the wall of one course. Another point for the other displays recognizing the achievements of Michigan hockey over the years, including 9 national championships. A final point for the student section and band, who really add to the proceedings. Final Thoughts Michigan is known for football, but if you are lucky, you might find a hockey game the night before the Wolverines take to the gridiron. With so much history here, a visit comes highly recommended. Get there early and get the most out of Yost.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ira R. Herr Field 600 Campus Rd. Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Elizabethtown Blue Jays website Ira R. Herr Field website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 1,000 Fun In E-Town Elizabethtown College (usually referred to as just E-Town) is a private college in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown is in Lancaster County, 21 miles southeast of Harrisburg and 20 miles south of Hershey. The college was founded in 1899 by the Church of the Brethren and offers 53 majors and over 90 minors, and concentrations focusing on arts, humanities, and sciences. The Elizabethtown College Blue Jays have been a member of the NCAA Division III and the Landmark Conference since 2014. The most famous athletic alumni may be Gene Garber, who is the former all-time saves leader for the Atlanta Braves (currently third behind John Smoltz and Craig Kimbrel). Ira R. Herr opened in 1970, and Elizabethtown is the only soccer team in the Landmark Conference to play on a natural grass surface. Herr Field has been the host site for numerous NCAA and conference contests in men's and women's soccer, including the 1989 NCAA National Championship, which the men’s team won, 2-0, over UNC-Greensboro and the 1997 NCAA Women’s Final Four, a semifinal appearance by the Blue Jays, its best finish in program history. Most recently, the men’s soccer team hosted the 2018 Landmark Conference Championship, topping Catholic 1-0 for its first league title since 2006. Elizabethtown women's lacrosse used Herr Field as a temporary home in 2005 and for parts of the 2011 season while the turf was replaced at nearby Wolf Field. Food & Beverage 2 There is no permanent food stand at Herr Field, but the Jay Truck, a mobile food truck, is almost always located right nearby for games. Even if the truck is not around, the nearby student center should have food. The prices for both are very fair. Atmosphere 3 Herr Field is a nice, small college field. There is one fairly large grandstand as well as a smaller stand next to it. The hill on one end of the pitch is designed beautifully and reminds you of which college you are at. Neighborhood 4 The town of Elizabethtown is quite quaint and also offers a nice variety of food options. Our top choices would be Good Burrito Co. and PizzAtown. Hershey is just a short drive north. There just happens to be a major amusement park located there, as well as other Hershey attractions. The Troegs Brewery on Hersheypark Drive offers guided and self-tours, as well as a great tasting and food room. If you’re looking for more standard dining options, then you will find a Red Robin and Fuddruckers all in the area. I might suggest checking out a lesser-known option, the Parkside Bar and Grill (3 E Derry Rd, Hershey, PA 17033), as they have some great burgers and other bar food options. Fans 4 As with most small college fields, the bulk of the fans tends to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. It was a decent crowd, but the student turnout seemed light. Access 5 Elizabethtown is off the PA-283 freeway that runs between Harrisburg and Lancaster. Access to the town itself is quite easy. The college itself is located a few blocks from Market Street, which is the main street in E-Town. The town itself is fairly walkable but driving and finding parking are not much of an issue. Return on Investment 5 There are no charges to attend games, and parking is free, so the value is fairly high. Food prices are also quite fair. Extras 2 The fields' surroundings are very nice, and the campus is a nice place to walk around before or after the matches. E-Town is a great little extra on its own, as this quaint Pennsylvania town is always a favorite stop of ours. Final Thoughts E-Town’s Ira R. Herr is a pleasant small college gym in an exactly pleasant small town. If traveling in central Pennsylvania, attending a game here is a nice choice.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Phil Simms Stadium 150 University Boulevard Morehead, KY 40351 Morehead State University website Jayne Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 10,000 Welcome to Phil Simms Stadium On October 18, 2025, Morehead State’s football stadium was renamed Phil Simms Stadium, in honor of the legendary Giants  quarterback. Simms led the Giants to victory against the John Elway-led Broncos  in Super Bowl XXI, winning Super Bowl MVP honors after throwing 3 touchdown passes in that game. Simms would lead the Giants to the Super Bowl again 4 years later, but suffered a broken foot late in the season, leaving Jeff Hostetler to start in, and win, Superbowl XXV in the famous ‘wide right’ game against the Jim Kelly-led Buffalo Bills , the Bills 1st of 4 consecutive Superbowl appearances. Phil Simms Stadium, formerly Jayne Stadium, opened in 1964 and holds 10,000 fans. The facility boasts grandstands along both sidelines, as well as a running track around the field itself, and field-level club seating behind the south end zone, under the scoreboard. The press box can accommodate 20 media/game day staff, while the President’s box can accommodate up to 50 guests. The Morehead State Eagles compete in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision, as part of the Pioneer League.   Food & Beverage   4 Morehead State offers basic concessions at its stands under the home seats, although they do sell alcohol, which is not always the case at college football stadiums. The lines for alcohol tend to be a little long, but the lines at the regular stands are much shorter. Food options at the main stands include hot dogs, brats, pizza, nachos, pretzels, chips, candy, and popcorn, along with fountain sodas, bottled water, and Gatorade. With nothing costing over $4, prices are very reasonable – you can easily get a main dish, side, and a drink for under $10. Phil Simms Stadium also has a few food trucks on the concourse, in the Southwest corner along Playforth Place.   Atmosphere   3 The bright blue and yellow colors at Phil Simms Stadium really pop, and the scoreboard behind the south end zone is easy to read. The Eagles also offer the traditional marching band, along with a great mascot, and the cheer squad throws out t-shirts to fans in the stands. The highlight of the day, however, is the howitzer pulled by an army truck, sitting over in the Northeast corner all game long. The school’s Army ROTC cadets operate the gun and is very loud – it goes off every time the home team scores.   Neighborhood    2 There is not a lot in Morehead, Kentucky, beyond the university. The town is nestled in a long valley at the foot of the Appalachians to the north and south, with only a few restaurants and places of interest. There is a gift center, and some flea markets/antique malls nearby, but most of the restaurants near Phil Simms Stadium are the fast-food or pizza place type. Morehead is about an hour west of Huntington, West Virginia, which is near the border between the two states. If you are coming from the east, your GPS will likely tell you to take I-64 onto Highway 60 about 30 minutes past Huntington, but I think you are better off just staying on I-64 until you get to Highway 32, and backtracking to the university; that route will keep you off the smaller roads, and offer more shopping/lodging options when you get off I-64.   Fans   3 The visiting stands will probably be pretty empty when you attend a football game at Morehead State, but the home stands should be pretty full, with lots of Eagles gear to be seen and a festive atmosphere. I didn’t notice an obvious student section during my most recent visit, but the fans were engaged and really seemed to enjoy themselves.   Access   4 Getting to Phil Simms Stadium is easy enough, with I-64 not that far away from the university. There is plenty of parking on the west side, though, as you might expect, some of the lots are reserved for those with passes. Lots of fans park for free a little further away and just walk over. Once you get inside the stadium, there is plenty of room to move around the concourse, and the concessions lines are short, except for alcohol, as mentioned above. There are also plenty of restrooms, though they are not the nicest. Even if you are rooting for the visiting team, you are better off sitting on the home side, as that is where all the amenities are.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to Morehead State football at Phil Simms Stadium run around $17 for adults, including taxes/fees, and can be purchased on the school’s athletic website. This is a real bargain for college football, and with reasonable concession prices, you would be hard-pressed to find much better value. The Eagles put on a good show, and the stadium is not too crowded, which will let you get really close to the action.   Extras   2 The facility has a small trophy room showcasing team uniforms, awards, and a special case dedicated to Phil Simms. There is also a small team store on the home side, which sometimes offers special items for certain games, so make sure to shop on your way in, so you don’t miss out.   Final Thoughts I would absolutely recommend a visit to Phil Simms Stadium in Morehead, KY. A great little football facility in a rural town, there is nice scenery, and you will have a fun time.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Bank of America Stadium 800 S Mint St Charlotte, NC 28202 Carolina Panthers website Bank of America Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 75,037 Panthers across the Carolinas The Carolina Panthers were announced as the NFL’s 29th franchise in 1993 and began play in 1995. They played their first season of home games at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium while their current home, Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, was being constructed. The Panthers went 12-4 in just their second season, making it all the way to the NFC Championship. The team has since won their division 5 times and made it to the Super Bowl twice. Bank of America Stadium opened in 1996 and is currently owned and operated by Tepper Sports and Entertainment. The venue currently seats just over 75,000 fans and is also used to host Charlotte FC  (MLS) matches, as well as being the annual host of the Duke’s Mayo Classic and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl , the former being a game held during college football’s opening weekend each year. Photo courtesy of Abe Carlile Each of Bank of America’s 3 entrances is flanked by 2 larger-than-life snarling, crouching bronze panthers; these are the largest sculptures ever commissioned in the United States. The statues are named “Indomitable Spirit”, and the names of the Carolina Panthers original permanent seat license holders are engraved into each statue’s base – PSL holders are also honored with a banner inside the stadium.   Food & Beverage   5 Bank of America Stadium’s concessions include pretty much anything you can imagine, including all the standard fare at reasonable prices, such as hot dogs, burgers, pizza, etc., as well as all-you-can-drink soda for around $10 in a souvenir cup; there are refill stations (Coke products only) all over the concourse. The venue’s concessions vendor, Levy, also makes a point to ensure that all items are available on all three seating levels, meaning you don’t have to go up and down to find what you want. In addition, the third seating level offers myriad tables and chairs set up next to the concessions, so you can sit and eat your food before you go out to your seats – these tables are set up next to wall-size windows, to allow great views of downtown Charlotte while you dine. In addition to the basic fare, Levy also offers plenty of special menu items, which rotate slightly every year. In the most recent iteration, you can find “The Masked Bandit”, a smoked/chopped brisket sandwich with cheddar cheese, coleslaw, and bourbon BBQ sauce on a marbled bun, as well as a pressed Cuban sandwich featuring Mt. Olive pickles and Duke’s Gold BBQ sauce. Other non-standard options include fried rice; a BBQ platter with pork, a chicken quarter, and a jalapeno cheddar sausage link; lamb/beef gyros; and nachos, most notably one variation offering pulled/roasted BBQ chicken with Cheerwine BBQ sauce – Cheerwine is a local soda favorite. These special food options start at about $14, and in addition to these, the stadium has bars set up all over the concourse, as well as vendors selling cans of beer in the seating sections.   Atmosphere   5 The fun on a Carolina Panthers game day begins with tailgating both outside and inside the stadium; the gates open 2 hours before game time, but you can get in early if you are attending one of the tailgates. There are set-ups outside the stadium as well, such as the Bud Light zone, for those who prefer not to do their own grilling in one of the parking lots. You might also catch a glimpse of the Panthers PurrCussion Drumline, who march out of the stadium about 2 hours before kickoff and patrol the area around the stadium, before coming back inside to perform during the game. In addition to tailgating, Panthers gamedays offer all sorts of other excitement – it is best to be in your seat well before kickoff, so you don’t miss anything. For example, at certain games you can expect to see military paratroopers swooping in to land on the field; halftime exhibition football games between youth players and local pro/college mascots, including Sir Purr himself; or a recognition of the Bank of America Teachers of the Year. At the most recent game I attended, there was a Play 60 theme (the NFL’s Play 60 initiative encourages children to be physically active for 60 minutes a day); the festivities before that game included a kids combine before the game at nearby Romare Bearden Park, as well as a Play 60 tunnel run. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood    5 There is plenty to do in Charlotte, NC – the 14th largest city in the US based on population. There are myriad restaurants within walking distance of Bank of America Stadium, far too many to name, as well as plenty of hotels if you want to stay nearby. I-77 goes right through town, and I-85 is not far off, if you would rather save money and stay a little further out. In terms of attractions, the most well-known is probably the NASCAR Hall of Fame, located about a mile from Bank of America Stadium. Here you can walk through the sport’s history, pick up some souvenirs, and even try your hand as a member of the pit crew, or go head-to-head in one of the Hall’s driving simulators. Charlotte Motor Speedway is also not far away, and if you are interested in taking in some other games during your visit, there are no fewer than 8 FBS football schools across the 2 Carolinas. UNC-Charlotte  is the closest, or you can check out the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets , or the MLS aforementioned Charlotte FC .   Fans   4 Panthers fans are loud and love their team – you will see plenty of them wearing team gear, and they will cheer loudly for big plays out of the field, as well as during third downs. The team has rewarded this passion with 2 Super Bowl appearances in the past 20 years, and the fans don’t want to let their squad down. That said, the Panthers are going through some rough times on the field in the past couple of seasons, so you might have smaller attendance than usual – but Panthers fans will really show up in force for big games, either against Division opponents or for games against some of the bigger names in the NFL. Bank of America Stadium (pre-game) - Photo courtesy of Abe Carlile Access   4 With a 75,000+ capacity, moving around the concourse can be challenging, especially if you are trying to grab food or a drink right before the game or during halftime – you are better off waiting until near the end of the 1st or 3rd quarter. That said, the staff does a great job making getting in and out easier, with plenty of ramps, escalators, and elevators to help you move between levels. Outside the stadium, there is plenty of parking – you might pay as much as $40 or $50 for a spot, depending on how close you want to get, and be forewarned that some of those spaces are in parking decks, which can take a while to get out of after the game (I speak from experience). It is recommended to park a little further away, both to save money but also to get out faster; walking a half mile or mile from the stadium means fewer cars you have to play chicken with as you make your way onto the highway. Once you get to the freeway, however, you can mostly expect smooth sailing. Insider pro tip – the best place I have ever found to park at Bank of America Stadium is a small lot underneath I-77, on W Morehead St, on the other side of the freeway from Tora Sushi & Bar. The lot is unmarked, but its entrance directly faces the I-77 northbound on ramp; a bit of a walk from the stadium, but super convenient when you leave.   Return on Investment   4 Carolina Panthers tickets will most likely be sold out on the team’s website, so you may have to depend on third parties to find tickets. Depending on what game you choose, you may be able to get tickets in the upper deck for around $40 to $50, including fees, while for marquee matchups, you can expect to pay well over $200. This is not uncommon as NFL stadiums go, and in some cases is on par with college football as well. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Given potentially high parking costs, as well as concession prices which can hurt the wallet depending on what you get, the experience at Bank of America is definitely worthwhile, given all the great amenities the Panthers staff offers during a typical gameday. Nevertheless, unless you are dying to see the Panthers take on a particular opponent, you may want to wait to find a cheaper game to make your visit a little more affordable.   Extras   5 The Panthers have team stores on every level, with the largest and main one on the first floor. That one tends to have longer lines, so depending on what item you want, you may be better off hitting up one of the satellite stands, which have all the basics – the main store, of course, has a much wider selection. Note, they do sell special items for certain games, such as pins showing the date/opponent for that particular game, which may sell out if you don’t purchase early. Before the game, during the National Anthem, the staff unfurls a giant American flag shaped like the country, which is a great sight to see. They also have both the North Carolina and South Carolina flags on display, to highlight that they represent not just one but both states. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey If you are lucky, you might also get an autograph from one of the players if you head down to the field about an hour before kickoff, when the teams are warming up.   Final Thoughts I would absolutely recommend a visit to Bank of America Stadium to see the Carolina Panthers – the staff pulls out all the stops to ensure a fun gameday, so make a point to take in all the festivities. And while attending an NFL game can be pricey, the Panthers do make an effort to offer some affordable options.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Pucillo Field 105 Pucillo Drive Millersville, PA 17551 Millersville Marauders website Pucillo Field website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 700 Marauding In PA Millersville University of Pennsylvania (commonly known as Millersville University or MU) was founded in 1855 as one of Pennsylvania's normal/teaching schools. One of its biggest programs is meteorology. Malik B and Black Thought of The Roots are two of the university's most well-known alumni. The Roots are best known by many people as the house band of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The soccer field is named in honor of Dr. John A. Pucillo, who served with distinction as coach, athletic director, and administrator at Millersville from 1925 to 1957. The Pucillo Field complex includes a competition soccer stadium and an 80-yard practice football field for use by intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation. In early 2014, Millersville University Student Senate approved $2.5 million for the project from funds remaining from the Student Memorial Center renovations. Groundbreaking took place in April of 2014, and the facility was completed in time for the 2014 fall season. When the soccer teams took to the newly-built Pucillo Fields in the fall of 2014, it was a return to the site as the programs played on a grass surface at the site until the early 2000s. But for a decade, the soccer teams played at Biemesderfer Stadium . Millersville participates in varsity sports as part of NCAA Division II. Their sports teams are known as the Marauders. The Marauders compete as members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In lacrosse, the school was the 1982 AIAW Division III national champion. Food & Beverage 0 There is a nice concession stand in the gymnasium's lobby, but it was closed on a busy weekend where there were multiple sports events going on in the same area. There are no permanent food options outside at the stadium itself. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is very nice, but it is a simple setup. As you enter the stadium, you will find two grandstands sitting along the pitch and some hill seating on one end. Neighborhood 3 Millersville is a nice little town located just to the west of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. Although it is not the most exciting place, I tend to go to the Sugar Bowl just down the street. They have simple pizza slices and sub sandwiches at a good value. Wayback Burger is another local option. Some great food options exist in the nearby Lancaster area. A very nice hotel, the Lancaster Arts Hotel makes a nice place to stay and watch games. The hotel serves as an art gallery and lodging establishment while making use of former factory space. Fans 3 The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend. The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, and Shippensburg. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance. Access 4 Lancaster and Millersville are easy areas to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. The university is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the stadium. Parking is also free, but watch for any regulations during weekday games. Return on Investment 5 Parking and admission are free. Extras 2 The nearby gymnasium lobby cases also hold information about the members of the Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame. Following extensive renovations to the lobby in 2017, it was renamed the Anttonen Lobby in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Ralph (Doc) and Judith Anttonen. Final Thoughts Millersville University plays a good level of soccer, and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

With the European and South African club rugby seasons officially over, it is now time to look ahead to next season’s Investec Champions Cup. The Investec Champions Cup is an in-season tournament in which clubs from the Gallagher Premiership (England), TOP 14 (France), and United Rugby Championship (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and South Africa), compete. Round 1 is slated for the first weekend of December with the knockout stages starting in April. Last season saw Stade Toulouse of the TOP 14 defeat Leinster Rugby of the URC 31-22 in front of 61,531 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This season’s final will be played at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 24 May. The top 8 teams at the end of the regular season for each respective union qualify for the following season’s Champions Cup. The champions of each union head up three of the four pools for the following season and the winner of the Champions Cup heads up the fourth. In the event that the Champions Cup Winner is also the champion if its respective union, the runner up of that season’s Investec Champions Cup is awarded the top spot in its respective pool. The pool draw took place on 2 July, so here’s what we’re looking at for next season’s Investec Champions Cup: Pool 1 Pool 2 Stade Toulousain (TOP 14) Leinster Rugby (URC – Ireland) Union Bordeaux-Bègles (TOP 14) ASM Clermont Auvergne (TOP 14) Hollywoodbets Sharks (URC – South Africa) Stade Rochelias (TOP 14) Exeter Chiefs (Gallagher Premiership) Bristol Bears (Gallagher Premiership) Leicester Tigers (Gallagher Premiership) Benetton Rugby (URC – Italy) Ulster Rugby (URC - Ireland) Bath Rugby (Gallagher Premiership) Pool 3 Pool 4 Northampton Saints (Gallagher Premiership) Glasgow Warriors (URC - Scotland) Munster Rugby (URC – Ireland) Racing 92 (TOP 14) Vodacom Bulls (URC – South Africa) Sale Sharks (Gallagher Premiership) Stade Francais Paris (TOP 14) DHL Stormers (URC – South Africa) Saracens (Gallagher Premiership) RC Toulon (TOP 14) Castres Olympique (TOP 14) Harlequins (Gallagher Premiership)

This week's episode takes a look at the world of rebranding from the low levels of baseball all the way to the NBA!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Thompson Gymnasium One Alpha Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Elizabethtown Blue Jays website Thompson Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 1,000 Fun In E-Town Elizabethtown College (usually referred to as just E-Town) is a private college in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown is in Lancaster County, 21 miles southeast of Harrisburg and 20 miles south of Hershey. The college was founded in 1899 by the Church of the Brethren and offers 53 majors and over 90 minors and concentrations focusing on arts, humanities, and sciences. The Elizabethtown College Blue Jays have been a member of NCAA Division III and the Landmark Conference since 2014. The most famous athletic alumni may be Gene Garber, who is the former all-time saves leader for the Atlanta Braves (currently third behind John Smoltz and Craig Kimbrel). Thompson Gymnasium opened in 1970, but it underwent a forced renovation in 2015. During construction on the gymnasium’s pitched roof, a vapor barrier was blown open by a thunderstorm, resulting in water damage to the court. Food & Beverage 0 There are no normally scheduled food offerings at E-Town games. I would suspect that student organizations occasionally offer bake sales or simple concession offerings in the lobby for certain games. There was an organization selling bracelets when we attended. Atmosphere 3 The arena is very nice, but it has a basic high school-type setup. As you enter the arena, you will find bleacher-filled grandstands sitting along two sides of a volleyball court. Outside the gym and down a hallway are the E-Town Hall of Fame and trophy cases. There are also some sports-specific display cases located in the gym itself and the adjacent lobby. Neighborhood 4 The town of Elizabethtown is quite quaint and also offers a nice variety of food options. Our top choices would be Good Burrito Co. and PizzAtown. Hershey is just a short drive north. There just happens to be a major amusement park located there, as well as other Hershey attractions. The Troegs Brewery on Hersheypark Drive offers guided and self tours, as well as a great tasting and food room. If you’re looking for more standard dining options, then you will find a Red Robin and Fuddruckers all in the area. I might suggest checking out a lesser-known option, the Parkside Bar and Grill (3 E Derry Rd, Hershey, PA 17033), as they have some great burgers and other bar food options. Fans 4 As with most small college gyms, the bulk of the fans tends to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. It was a decent crowd, but the student turnout seemed light. Access 5 Elizabethtown is located right off the PA-283 freeway that runs between Harrisburg and Lancaster. Access to the town itself is quite easy. The college itself is located a few blocks from Market Street, which is the main street in E-Town. The town itself is fairly walkable, but driving and finding parking are not much of an issue. Return on Investment 5 There are no charges to attend games, and parking is free, so the value is fairly high. You also won’t be spending money on any food offerings, so there’s that. Extras 2 There is a nice Hall of Fame and other athletic displays down a hallway attached to the gymnasium. It is always cool to see national championship trophies, no matter the level. E-Town is a great little extra on its own as this quaint Pennsylvania town is always a favorite stop of ours. Final Thoughts E-Town’s Thompson Gymnasium is a pleasant small college gym in an exactly pleasant small town. If traveling in central Pennsylvania, attending a game here is a nice choice.

For the first time in 37 years, Colorado Springs will not have professional baseball. Pioneer League President Michael Shapiro confirmed to the Denver Gazette  that the Rocky Mountain Vibes will not return in 2026.  Colorado Springs's KRDO-TV separately confirmed that the Vibes will shut down all operations. Professional baseball came to the Springs in 1988, when the Elmore Sports Group purchased and relocated the Hawaii Islanders to serve as the Cleveland Indians ' AAA affiliate, renaming the team the Colorado Springs Sky Sox . The Colorado Rockies joined Major League Baseball in 1993.  Located just 70 miles from Denver, he Sky Sox became the Rockies' AAA affiliate in 1993 -- and would remain so until 2014. The Sky Sox were then the Milwaukee Brewers ' AAA affiliate from 2015 until 2018. Owner D.G. Elmore announced in 2017 that the Sky Sox would relocate in 2019 to San Antonio and would play as the Missions ; the Pioneer League's Helena Brewers (A) then replaced the Sky Sox in Colorado Springs, leaving the city without a AAA affiliate for the first time in 31 years. Elmore also announced that the team would rebrand, debuting as the " Rocky Mountain Vibes " in 2019. When MLB converted the Pioneer League to an unaffiliated, independent league in 2021, Colorado Springs also lost its 33-year connection to an MLB parent club. The Sky Sox averaged more than 4,100 fans for a 72-home game season according to the Denver Gazette . Over the 48 home games in 2025, the Vibes had an average attendance that was approximately 40 percent lower (2,390). blocktickets Park, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey 2025 has been a tough year for professional baseball in Colorado, as none of the Centennial State's three Pioneer League teams will return. Owners of the Grand Junction Jackalopes recently announced an intention to relocate the franchise, and the Northern Colorado Owlz ceased operations during the 2025 season.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Pucillo Gymnasium 105 Pucillo Drive Millersville, PA 17551 Millersville Marauders website Pucillo Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 3,000 Marauding In PA Millersville University of Pennsylvania (commonly known as Millersville University or MU) was founded in 1855 as one of Pennsylvania's normal/teaching schools. One of its biggest programs is meteorology. Malik B and Black Thought of The Roots are two of the university's most well-known alumni. The Roots are best known by many people as the house band of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Pucillo Gymnasium opened in 1970 for a cost of two million dollars. It also underwent renovations in 2008, and a new floor and locker rooms were installed in 2015. The gymnasium is named in honor of Dr. John A. Pucillo, who served with distinction as coach, athletic director, and administrator at Millersville from 1925 to 1957. Millersville participates in varsity sports as part of NCAA Division II. Their sports teams are known as the Marauders. The Marauders compete as members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In lacrosse, the school was the 1982 AIAW Division III national champion. Food & Beverage 0 There is a nice concession stand in the gymnasium's lobby, but it was closed on a busy weekend where there were multiple sports events going on in the same area. Atmosphere 3 The venue is a pretty basic small college gym with seats on both sides of the court and a few on the sides, especially at the second level, which also seems to serve as a running track. When students are in session, especially during weekday games, there will be much more of a student presence, which will make for a better atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Millersville is a nice little town located just to the west of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. Although it is not the most exciting place, I tend to go to the Sugar Bowl just down the street. They have simple pizza slices and sub sandwiches at a good value. Wayback Burger is another local option. Some great food options exist in the nearby Lancaster area. A very nice hotel, the Lancaster Arts Hotel makes a nice place to stay and watch games. The hotel serves as an art gallery and lodging establishment while making use of former factory space. Fans 3 The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend. The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, and Shippensburg. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance. Access 4 Lancaster and Millersville are easy areas to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. The university is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the stadium. Parking is also free, but watch for any regulations during weekday games. Return on Investment 5 Parking and admission are free. Extras 2 The lobby cases also hold information about the members of the Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame. Following extensive renovations to the lobby in 2017, it was renamed the Anttonen Lobby in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Ralph (Doc) and Judith Anttonen. Final Thoughts Millersville University plays a good level of volleyball, and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bears Stadium 120 Monroe S. Boyertown, PA 19512 Boyertown Bears website Bears Stadium website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 4,500 The Mecca of Legion Baseball The year 1982 was a magical year for the town of Boyertown. The small town about an hour north of Philadelphia debuted a brand-new ballpark on August 17 that was unlike anything seen before in the area. Later on, that season, the stadium hosted the American Legion World Series, and wouldn’t you know it, the local team captured its first championship in front of a hometown crowd of 6,563, who packed the building for the 14-8 victory of Lafayette, California, in the decisive game. Bears Stadium was built as a joint effort between the school district and the American Legion program for $600,000, with minimal taxpayer contribution and maximum volunteer effort from the community. The finished product was nothing short of spectacular, a 4,500-seat venue featuring a covered grandstand, a large press box to accommodate at least a home and away radio broadcast team, and grandstand seating down both the first and third baselines. Boyertown Post 471 would be quite the dominant legion ball club during the 1980s, making a second World Series appearance in 1983 and winning another championship four years later in 1987. That 1987 team won the state championship by defeating a Montoursville team featuring future Hall of Famer Mike Mussina on the mound. The Bears chased him after a 9-1 lead after 5 innings. The three World Series held at the stadium attracted a total of close to 84,000 people, including the 34,023 in attendance for the 1982 series, which was the highest since the Legion went to its current 8-team double-elimination tournament format. The club would add another appearance in the final game in 1988. The stadium itself would be home to two more World Series in 1991 and 1994. The Bears have won 11 of the 24 tournaments in which they have hosted or participated. The stadium has also been home to high school state playoff tournaments beyond the county level in 30 seasons, which include 10 Mid-Atlantic tournaments. Currently, the stadium is home to both Post 471 and the Boyertown High School baseball program. It now features decorative bear statues that flank the entrance to the ballpark and can also be found throughout specific areas in town. Its design, features, and history led rival high school coach Kevin Manero to dub it the “Mecca of Legion Baseball.” Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand located behind the main grandstand and is open every game with a great variety of burgers, hot dogs, meatball sandwiches, soft pretzels, and plenty of soft drinks. The prices range from $2 to $5 and are quite impressive for this level of baseball, but then again, Bears Stadium is not your typical Legion stadium. Atmosphere 3 A very laid-back atmosphere for American Legion games, but during regional and tournament games, the vibe gets a much-needed boost of excitement. The ballpark itself would fit in nicely in some of the lower levels of Minor League Baseball–with a few additional touches–and is an impressive palace for both high school and Legion baseball. The exterior of the grandstand is colored in white and red, featuring the name of the stadium in a simple font and team logos of the Post 471 and the high school team. There are three areas of seats that include a main grandstand behind home plate that offers a roof that provides a nice shade during hot summer days. There is also a team store that offers souvenirs, from shirts and caps, next to the third base bleacher seats. The outfield walls are lined up with local advertisements and a simple scoreboard behind the left field wall. Neighborhood 2 Boyertown is a small town of 4,000 located in Berks County between the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia. The town offers a few places of interest that include the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, specializing in the state’s road transportation history. There are over 90 locally built vehicles, from horse-drawn carriages and wagons to motorcycles. The museum also includes a 1938 Reading Diner and a 1921 Sun Oil Gas Station. Another popular attraction in town is the Colebrookdale Railroad, which is not to be missed. Connecting Pottstown and Boyertown, this Civil War-era relic invites passengers to explore for themselves a mythical Secret Valley. Restaurant options include Carmelo’s Pizza & Boli’s, Firefly Cafe (vegan), The Bear’s Den, and Talarico’s Sandwich Shop. The Other Farm Brewing Company is the town’s own nano-brewery located on Main Street and also features wood-fired pizza. Fans 3 The crowd is made up of friends and families, along with a few locals who support the Bears various programs. A very ardent and knowledgeable group of people is in the grandstands; this is definitely a baseball-loving town. Access 2 Depending on where you are coming from, Bears Stadium can be a little journey. It is around 41 and 48 miles respectively from Philadelphia and Allentown, but only a short 20 miles from Reading on state roads. Once you find the ballpark, the open layout ensures you can get around without issues or concerns. Return on Investment 3 Admission is free, and a donation hat is passed through stands during the game–a nice little throwback. There is a lot of great baseball played at the ballpark, and its location is not too far away if you happen to be in the area watching games at nearby Pennsylvania ballparks: Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Limeport Stadium in Limeport, and even Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia. Extras 4 Bears Stadium features a decorated statue of a bear that is decorated. The statue is part of Bear Fever project that decorates numerous bear statues around the town to tie the community together. Bears Stadium receives a second point for being in a cradle of impressive ballparks from the major leagues to the high school level. Boyertown is within an hour drive of seven different baseball stadiums that are in all shapes and sizes that including the major leagues, minor leagues, summer collegiate leagues, and amateur leagues. Final Thoughts A great-looking ballpark that is not far off the beaten path when visiting other baseball stadiums in nearby Allentown or Reading, Pennsylvania. A peculiar stadium that serves both high school and American Legion baseball might just be worth the trip for its impressive size and aesthetics. There are not too many of its kind in this part of the country.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium Wise, VA 24293 UVA-Wise Highland Cavaliers website Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,086 Highland Cavaliers The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is located in Wise, Virginia. Their football team competes in the NCAA’s Division II. Unlike their counterparts at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville (UVA’s main campus), the football squad in Wise refers to itself as the Highland Cavaliers. Originally an NAIA program, the Highland Cavs began the transition to D2 in 2012, where they currently play as members of the South Atlantic Conference. They play their home football games at Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium, which opened in 1999 and has a seating capacity of 3,086.   Food & Beverage   4 The selection at Carl Smith Stadium is not huge, but the prices are great – nothing costs more than $3.50, except for the BBQ sandwich/nachos, which are $4.50 and $5.50, respectively. Where else in college sports can you find a cheeseburger for $3.50, or a bottle of water/soda for $2.50? Other options include pizza, pretzels, nachos, chips, popcorn, candy, Gatorade, coffee, and hot cocoa. The smallest of these items goes for $2, such as the candy and chips, while a hot dog without chili runs only $2.50.   Atmosphere   3 Despite its small size and lack of fans during certain games, Carl Smith Stadium is a modern-looking venue, with plenty of signage showing off the Cavs. They have most of the accouterments a college football stadium should have, except for a videoboard, a team tunnel, and maybe a mascot – though compared to similarly-sized venues, UVA-Wise is better than most. There is a band, although it is small, and the team celebrates touchdowns by the cheer squad running flags up and down the sideline. There is also a team gear stand under the main stands.   Neighborhood   2 Wise, VA, is located about half an hour north of I-81 in Virginia, near the town of Abingdon. In terms of attractions, there is a lot of Civil War history all over Virginia, and on my way through Abingdon, I saw a cemetery with a large sign over one section marked, Unknown Confederate Dead. Closer to Wise, there aren’t any standout restaurants I noticed, although there are several pizza places, and some local fast food joints which you won’t find elsewhere – those are actually the best kind, the non-chains.   Fans   2 During my last visit, the stadium wasn’t very full, especially on the visitors’ side, though there was a row of red tents set up on top of the hill above the home stands, where fans tailgated during the game, in full view of the field. I thought this was a great setup – why not tailgate during the game, and be able to watch it, instead of tailgating in the parking lot where the party has to end when the game begins? This way, you have the best of both worlds.   Access   4 Once you get to Wise, the stadium is pretty easy to find, being right on campus – when you are driving on 646, be sure to turn onto Thomas Jefferson Dr. If you are coming from the east you will see the school’s main entrance at Cavalier Dr. first; if you turn there, take an immediate left onto Smiddy/Clinch Vly Dr, then turn right onto Thomas Jefferson. If you miss Smiddy, the loop you end up on will dead-end before you get to the football field, so you’ll have to turn around. Once inside the stadium, there is plenty of room to move around, short to no lines at the concessions and team gear stand, and plenty of room to sit on the hillside if you would rather do that instead of sitting on metal bleachers. There are no chair-back seats in Carl Smith Stadium.   Return on Investment   4 There is no cost to attend football games at UVA-Wise, and no cost for parking either, so you can’t go wrong taking in a Highland Cavaliers game on a Saturday afternoon. You won’t see anything over the top here, just football in a pleasant setting. Then again, what more does a person need?   Extras   3 The signage on the building behind the visitors’ side is a nice touch, and the colors really pop on the turf field. You can also get really close to the action here, given the small size of the venue, and being able to tailgate during the game is a major plus.   Final Thoughts If you like college football, I would definitely recommend a game at UVA-Wise. Sure, you can find more energetic atmospheres at nearby FBS venues, but you will also pay a lot more. If you want to take a family or group of friends to a game, a trip to Carl Smith Stadium is a great way to do it.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Central Recreation Centre 519 Drury Ln Burlington, ON L7R 2X3 Burlington Cougars website Central Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,300 Cougarland The Burlington Mohawks were founded in 1952 as a Junior B franchise on the shores of Lake Ontario.  They were known as the Mohawks until 1976, when they were rebranded as the Burlington Cougars.  The Mohawks won the Central Jr B Hockey League title in 1957 and 1958, and they were transferred to the Niagara District Junior B Hockey League in 1962.  Burlington won another league title in 1964 and eventually dropped to Junior C for a couple of years in 1967.  The return to the Junior B level brought with it a return to the Central League, where they won four more league titles and a Sutherland Cup in 1981 as the best Junior B team in Ontario. In 1993, the Junior B Cougars left the Central League and joined what would become the OJHL, graduating to the Junior A level, where they have remained ever since.  Cougars alumni include Hockey Night in Canada’s Kevin Bieska, Pat Quinn, Steve Valiquette, Paul Henderson, and current owner, Ron Sedlbauer. Home for the Cougars is the Central Recreation Centre, commonly referred to as Central Arena.  Built in 1968, Central Arena is nicknamed The Oven during the summer when it is home to the Burlington Blaze of the OJLL, but is more apt to be called the Freezer during Cougar season. Food & Beverage 2 A small snack bar window is found just outside the entrance to the arena.  The menu is simple and includes soda, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Gatorade, candy, popcorn, chocolate, chips, and hot dogs.  Many teams in the OJHL have a Blueline Club that sells alcoholic beverages.  It seems that Burlington does not have such a club. Atmosphere 2 Central Arena is part of a larger community centre in Burlington.  The Central Recreation Centre building is a simple combination of light stucco and siding on the exterior. A colourful mural at the southwest corner of the building is the exterior highlight.  Fans can enter the building at the main entrance on the west side.  The main entrance leads fans into a small lobby where they will need to traverse a staircase to the spectator level of Central Arena.  In the hallway, just before entering the main arena, there are a pair of trophy cases with awards and some older team pictures. It’s not nothing, however, the trophy cases are not terribly interesting and do not hold much in the way of artifacts.  At the top of the stairs, fans will find the ticket sales table as well as a merchandise table and concessions just down the hall. Inside the main arena, fans are met with a very plain area with few markings or banners. The Cougars do have a significant history and have enjoyed success, including a Sutherland Cup; however, there is no acknowledgment of the Cougars before they moved to Junior A, and little history is on display.  The ice runs from west to east with ten rows of step benches on the south side.    An enclosed operations/press box is at the top of the south side, dividing the seating area.  The simple scoreboard is found on the west wall.  The centre ice logo is perfect for a picture from the seating area.  The ceiling is slanted from south to north and has silver insulation covering it.  Huge, diagonal, structural I-beams also run from south to north, originating from the middle of the seating area can obstruct the view of the ice from some spots in the viewing gallery.  There is some standing room behind the benches at the top; however, to find a view unobstructed by the support beams is nearly impossible.  The arena is extremely cold.  There are gas heaters above the seating area, so fans may consider choosing a seat underneath a heater that is working. The gameday production at a Cougars game is very simple.  The PA announcer is decent, and the sound system is okay, allowing fans to understand the announcements as they are happening. Neighbourhood 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington.  There are several other recreation facilities in the immediate Central Park area including the curling club, lawn bowling, tennis club, library, baseball diamonds, and theatre.  The practice facility for the famous Burlington Teen Tour Band is in this area also.  Other than the park facilities, it is a fairly residential area with little in the way of pre and post-game culinary facilities.  Fans should consider heading south towards Lakeshore Road to find bars and restaurants.  Some options worth considering are The Carriage House, The North Coal Kitchen & Bar, Joe Dog’s, La Creme de la Creme, and Pepperwood Bistro Brewery. There is not much in the way of other sports options in Burlington and fans would probably need to head southwest to Hamilton for those options.  Central Arena is also the home of the Burlington Blaze  of the OJLL during the summer months.  For other entertainment options fans should consider checking out the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Drury Lane Theatrical Productions, and Spencer Smith Park.  Fans wishing to stay in Burlington should consider the Waterfront Hotel or The Pearle Hotel. Fans 3 For the 2025-2026 season, the Burlington Cougars are drawing an average of 225 fans per game.  This ranks them in the middle of the pack of the OJHL at 11th, not among the elite franchises but far from the basement.  In the previous season, the Cougars averaged just over 200 fans per game.  At the game that was reviewed, there were just over 100 fans in attendance, however, it was a mid-week game, not the traditional Friday night that the Cougars enjoy.  Fans in attendance were fairly quiet and reserved.   Access 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington, east of the Queen Elizabeth Way south of Highway 403, and north of Lakeshore Road.  Fans coming to Burlington from out of town will be required to drive a bit through the city, however, the travel is not difficult. There is plenty of parking in the area at no cost, however, it is a busy area with many other recreation facilities where parking will also be utilized.  Fans who wish to take public transit to Central Arena have several options on Drury Lane, New Street, and Central Park.  Fans should consult the Burlington Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Traversing the arena can be difficult as there are plenty of stairs throughout the arena.  As mentioned above, there are plenty of obstructed views due to the diagonal structural beams and railings.  The washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 4 OJHL hockey provides tremendous value for the sporting dollar.  Tickets to the Cougars are $15 with discounts for students and seniors.  Children 12 and under are free as are Burlington Eagles minor hockey players.  Although the facility is not the greatest, and the gameday production is simple, the on ice product is fast-paced and solid.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent.  In the end, the Burlington Cougars provide a solid return on investment for the fans’ sporting dollar. Extras 2 An extra mark for Central Recreation Centre as a community hub. An extra mark for the Cougars having a consistently competitive team on the ice. Final Thoughts A trip to see the Burlington Cougars will not blow fans away with bells and whistles and Central Recreation Centre has some issues, however, there is great value in OJHL hockey and the Cougars are consistently competitive.  Fans will leave a Cougars game having enjoyed themselves and seen some solid hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Paycor Stadium One Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati Bengals website Paycor Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 65,515 The Rumble In The Jungle The Cincinnati Bengals were founded in 1965 and began play in the NFL in 1968. The originally played in Riverfront Stadium along with the Cincinnati Reds of the MLB. They then played two seasons at Nippert Stadium at the University of Cincinnati while their new home stadium was being built along the Ohio River. The Bengals then moved into what was originally known as Paul Brown Stadium, which was named for the team’s founder and first head coach in 2000. The stadium was renamed Paycor Stadium in 2022 as part of a branding agreement with the team. Food & Beverage 3 Paycor Stadium offers a mix of stadium favorites, along with several Cincinnati specialties. Among the hometown favorites are Skyline Chili (coneys, hot dogs, chili bowls), Donato’s Pizza (pizza, nachos, pretzels), Gameday Faves (Glier’s brats, Glier’s mettwurst), and Cincy Burger and Fries (cheeseburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, fries). Alcohol is sold at the Canopy Cantina and the Garage Beer Cave. The concession areas are grouped in pods around the stadium, which get quite congested during quarter breaks and halftime. Wait time to be served is extensive. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 5 The gameday activities get off to an early start with the opening of the Pregame at the Banks area three hours before the kickoff. This area is also known as the Jungle Zone. It features entertainment, a pregame pep rally, food stalls, appearances from Bengals stars of the past, boardwalk-style games, and team merchandise stands. This area is located along Freedom Way. Once inside Paycor Stadium, you’ll have no doubt you are in “The Jungle.” The stadium is outfitted with the orange and black striped tiger motif of the Bengals throughout the facility. Shortly before the kickoff, the Guns and Roses version of “Welcome to the Jungle” is played, which sends the crowd into a frenzy. You will also see the tiger stripe theme carried out at Stripe the Jungle games, where sections of the stadium alternate between wearing black or orange colored clothing, giving the visual effect of tiger stripes. The Bengals fans are among the most passionate in the NFL. They regularly disrupt the visiting team’s attempts to communicate with the sheer volume of their cheers. The Bengals also have their own unique cheers called “Who Dey”. The full version of this cheer is “Who Dey think gonna beat Dem Bengals?”, followed be the refrain of “Nobody!”. Touchdowns or field goals by the Bengals are followed by the Bengal Growl fight song. The crowd joins in with great gusto on these cheers and songs. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood immediately outside of Paycor Stadium is known as “The Banks” as it is along the banks of the Ohio River. Several restaurants along Second Street parallel the Ohio River. These include Yard House, O’Malley on the Alley, the Cincinnati Smokehouse, and E&O Kitchen-The Banks. The National Underground Railroad Museum is also located in the Banks neighborhood. The Reds stadium, the Great American Ball Park, is also just up the street. There are several hotels located in Fountain Square, which is just one block inland from the Banks. These brands include the Hyatt Regency, the Hilton Cincinnati, and the Westin Cincinnati. Fans 5 The Bengals Nation is loud and proud. They are extremely loyal to the team, filling the stadium even in December when the weather along the Ohio River is icy. They sing the Fight Song and take part in the “Who Dey” cheer with great passion. For the most part, they are very welcoming of visitors, unless they are wearing the colors of the rival Cleveland Browns. We are amazed at the orange and black outfits that the locals put together, and their loyalty to the team, despite their nearly annual falling just short of the Super Bowl. Even though Cincinnati is one of the smallest markets in the NFL, you would never know it after experiencing the crowds and the enthusiasm at a Bengals home game. Access 2 There are several ways to get to Paycor Stadium on Sundays. The typical way to reach the stadium is via car, and Paycor is easily accessible via I-75 or I-71. The rideshare area for pickup/delivery is on Second Street between Vine and Walnut Streets. This is only a few blocks from the stadium. Queen City Riverboats deliver fans from the Covington/Newport, Kentucky side of the Ohio River to Paycor Stadium. The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) runs shuttle buses from Kentucky on game days. There are numerous parking lots/decks along Second Street and in the Fountain Square area. These lots typically open four hours before kickoff. Two free ways to get to Paycor Stadium on game days are to ride the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar to the stadium. It makes frequent trips throughout the downtown area, with a drop-off at the Second Street Station. Fans from Kentucky can walk across the Ohio River via the Roebling Suspension Bridge. While Paycor Stadium is easy to get to via multiple transportation routes and options, the stadium’s design often fails in several ways as far as access. Once at the stadium, the gates open 90 minutes before the kickoff. While there are seven entry gates into Paycor Stadium, most fans enter at the gate on the west side of the stadium, which is closest to the parking, public transportation, and tailgate areas. This results in a massive backup getting into the stadium. The other gates are not visible from this high-traffic area. The concourses within the stadium are dark and cave-like like with few areas of natural light allowed in. For the most part, the concourses are bare concrete walls with little or no graphics to break up the starkness of the passageways. The exceptions to this are the Ring of Honor displays featuring the team’s elite players over the years and colorful tiger graphics on the walls in the concessions pods. Once in the seating bowl, there are additional issues with access. The 300-level seating on the east side of the stadium can only be accessed via the escalator. This can result in long delays in getting to and from your seats. The second issue is that if you are seated in one of the upper levels of the stadium, you must know ahead of time which side of the field your seats are on. The seating areas behind the end zones are purposely left low to provide wonderful views of the Ohio River from the south end and the downtown Cincinnati skyline from the north end. This means the upper-level seating at Paycor Stadium does not provide 360-degree access to other areas of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 The Cincinnati Bengals have a very large season ticket base, which results in an average cost of $140-$180 for single-game tickets. Tickets for games against close rivals like the Browns, the Ravens or the Steelers can be much higher. Travel costs to a Bengals game vary greatly due to the method of transportation. Walking over the Roebling Bridge from Kentucky or riding the Cincinnati Bell Connector is free of charge. Riding on a TANK shuttle bus from Kentucky is $1 each way. Riding the Queen City Riverboat from Kentucky is $10 round-trip. Parking lots/decks near Paycor Stadium run from $25-$40 on gamedays. Many of these lots operate on a season ticket-only basis, so check ahead when plotting out your trip. Concessions at Paycor Stadium vary greatly in price. Many of the stands represent Cincinnati-based food chains that charge the normal price for goods sold at their neighborhood stores, while other stands charge a premium in stadium prices. On average, you can expect to pay $10 for brats, a mettwurst or french fries, $8 for a hot dog and popcorn, and $9 for a pretzel. Drink prices run $7.50 for a soda, $14.50 for a craft beer, and $6.50 for a bottle of water. Cocktails are priced at $14, and wine is $12. Extras 2 Paycor earns an extra for the tremendous views of the Ohio River and the downtown Cincinnati skyline behind each end zone. Another plus must go to the unique “Who Dey” marketing of the team, which includes cheers, songs and other imagery throughout the stadium. Final Thoughts The gameday experience at Paycor Stadium offers wonderful views of both the downtown Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River. The fans' enthusiasm is contagious, and the energy level is high. Unfortunately, the stadium design has many drawbacks in accessibility that bring down its overall score.

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Beldon Field 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. Towson, MD 21286 Goucher Gophers website Beldon Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 Home Of The Gophers Goucher College is a former all-women’s college located in Towson, Maryland, a northern suburb of Baltimore. The college opened in 1885 as the Women’s College of Baltimore City, changed its name to its current name in 1910, and went coed in 1986. Goucher relocated to its present suburban location, northeast of the county seat of Towson in Baltimore County, in 1953. The college is named in honor of its founding member, John Goucher, and his wife, Mary Fisher Goucher. Goucher College is a private co-educational liberal arts college. It was initially affiliated with the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but currently has no real church affiliation. The college has approximately 1,480 undergraduate students enrolled in 33 majors and 1,200 graduate students. Notable alumni include Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps Margaret G. Kibben, Maryland State Delegate John A. Olszewski, Jr., and frequent John Waters actress Mary Vivian Pearce. Goucher athletic teams are known as the Gophers. The college competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Landmark Conference. Beldon Field opened in 2009. It is the home of men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and field hockey. This review is for both the men's and women's soccer teams, which generally run as a doubleheader event. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at Beldon Field. Fans should make sure to eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 4 There is a pleasant, simple grandstand at Beldon Field. Additional seating is along the hills surrounding the venue. You will find a variety of seating options. The field is in a little bowl or meadow, and sound travels extremely well within the area. This creates a lovely little atmosphere so that even small crowds sound rather lively. Neighborhood 4 The Goucher College campus has been used for a few scenes in the Netflix series House of Cards, so expect to recognize the stone buildings. Towson is a semi-urban area with a large shopping mall and numerous restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are The Crease, Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Zia’s. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 3 Most of the fans are the players' friends and family, with a few scattered students in attendance. Access 4 Goucher is located just off the Baltimore Beltway (I-695). The only negative is that Towson is a busy area, and traffic can be bad at times. The college itself is pretty and quite suburban. You will find plenty of parking close to the arena, though a night game may make parking tight at times. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. So, although the level of play is relatively low, the free parking and admission make this a fantastic value for sports fans. Extras 2 Goucher College has a little athletics hall of fame located in the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena lobby. The pretty little campus is a nice extra in itself. Final Thoughts Beldon Field is a pretty basic, low-level sports field located in a lovely suburban setting near Baltimore. It is not worth making a trip just for a Goucher Gophers game, but if you are in the area, you will enjoy the game for its low level of investment.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Nippert Stadium 2700 Bearcats Way Cincinnati, OH 45221 Cincinnati Bearcats website Nippert Stadium website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 38,088 The Bearcat's Lair The University of Cincinnati was founded in 1819 and today is a thriving urban university of more than 53,000 students. The athletic teams at the University of Cincinnati are known as the Bearcats, and they play their games on campus in an area known as Varsity Village. This section of the campus is also home to the basketball, baseball, and track facilities for the University. The home of the Bearcats is Nippert Memorial Stadium. Football has been played on the site of the stadium since 1901. However, the stadium structure was not built until 1915. This makes it the fourth-oldest playing site and the third-oldest college football stadium in the country, trailing only Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech and Davis-Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University. It has been a tough place for visitors to win at, as the Bearcats have a .640 winning percentage in home games. The stadium is named in memory of James Nippert, a Bearcat football player who died after a football injury was complicated by blood poisoning. His grandfather, James N Gamble of Cincinnati-based Procter and Gamble, donated the funds to build the stadium in his memory. There is a memorial monument for Nippert atop the student section behind the south end zone. The stadium has gone through numerous renovations over the years, but still retains much of its character, with lots of the brick structure and wrought iron gates intact. The field at the stadium is named Carson Field for Arch Carson, who played a huge role in bringing football to the university in 1885 and in the creation of its first playing location in 1901. The stadium has made more than $86 million in improvements to the stadium in recent years. More than 1000 feet of ribbon boards have been installed on the facing surfaces to provide information throughout the game. A large videoboard is located atop the north end zone. It is a very busy setup, as it features sponsor names, game statistics, and out-of-town scores… leaving very little room for the replay screen. Food & Beverage 4 There are 75 points of sale locations within Nippert Stadium. The concession stands are primarily located along the east and west sides of the stadium, with a lesser number located behind the end zones. The east concourse (visitor’s side of the stadium) is served under the heading of the Nippert Market title. These stands include food from popular local vendors, including Donato’s Pizza, Skyline Chili, Bibibop, Milton’s Donuts, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Rhinegeist Brewing. The west stands (home side of the stadium) offer the same vendors, plus the Rhine Room and Garage Brewing. The south end zone serves as the student seating area (known as the Ruckus) for the stadium and features some of these same vendors. The premium seating areas are serviced separately from the general concession stands. Alcohol is served in Nippert Stadium. The legal drinking age is twenty-one in Ohio. There is a two-drink limit per purchase. All purchases inside Nippert Stadium are cashless. Atmosphere 4 There are several areas on the University of Cincinnati campus for fans to enjoy pregame activities. The Bearcat Family Zone is located on the Sheakley Lawn and opens three hours before the kickoff. It offers games, entertainment, food trucks, and a large screen TV. A beer hall will be located nearby for the adults to enjoy. The Grid Tailgate is located on the Campus Green and features food trucks, musical entertainment, and team merchandise. The Bearcat team does its pregame Catwalk through this area 2.5 hours before kickoff. One of the unique activities at Bearcats games is the entry of the Bearcat Band for their pregame show. The band descends from the top of the end zone stands to the field to begin its pregame performance. Neighborhood 3 The University of Cincinnati is in an area of Cincinnati known as the Heights. The Heights neighborhood is located two miles north of downtown Cincinnati. Nippert Stadium is in the center of the University campus in an area known as Varsity Village, due to all the athletic facilities surrounding it, including Fifth Third Arena , UC Baseball Stadium , Tangeman University Center, and the Lindner Center. In fact, the exterior of the stadium is barely visible due to the proximity of these other buildings. The neighborhood surrounding the university is an urban mix of commercial and residential properties. Hotels within walking distance of the campus include the Fairfield Inn and Suites Cincinnati Uptown and the Hampton Inn and Suites Cincinnati Uptown. Restaurants in the area include Adriaco’s, Mio’s Pizzeria, the Good Plates Eatery, and Murphy’s Pub. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is about 1.5 miles away from campus. Fans 4 Fans arrive early on gameday Saturdays to begin setting up in one of the multiple tailgating areas on the University of Cincinnati campus. The tailgates feature food trucks, performances by the Bearcat Band, cheerleading squad, and dance team. The West Stands form the backbone of supporters of the Bearcat athletics. The stands are heavily populated by alumni and major supporters. The stands feature red and black seating, the school’s colors. Seating features seatbacks as well as bench seating. Premium seating is located inside a spectacular glassed-in seating area atop the West Stands. Cincinnati Bearcats Band and Student Section, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The fanbase at the University of Cincinnati is very supportive of the program, and games sell out frequently. In recent years, the Bearcats have been very successful on the field and in the Big XII Conference. The 2021 season was especially memorable, as the Bearcats went undefeated during the regular season and participated in the four-team national college playoffs. Access 4 Getting to Bearcats home games is relatively easy via either I-71 or I-75. Take the Martin Luther King Drive exit off the expressway onto Eden Avenue. Gameday parking is available at the Eden Parking Garage located at 3223 Eden Avenue. The parking garage is a 20-minute walk from the stadium, but there are free shuttles running constantly between the two before and after the game. Stadium gates open two hours before kickoff. Fans can use their digital tickets to get early access to Nippert Stadium. They can scan their tickets at the Fifth Third Arena ticket office, the Tangeman Ticket office, or at the Grid and receive a wristband for fast entry via the special Fast Pass gates of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Single-game parking is available at the Eden Garage for $25 on the day of the game (credit/debit card only). Other parking garages surrounding the stadium are for season ticket holders only. Concession, prices vary by vendor. Skyline Chili offers its menu at everyday prices, including Coneys ($7), nachos ($8), loaded fries ($15), sodas ($5.50), and draft beers ($17). Fan Favorites offers the popular Hemplers brand hot dogs ($7) and double-smoked sausages ($10) as well as Grippo’s Chips ($5). There are several 513 concession stands along the concourses. They offer a value menu of items priced at $5, $1, and $3.00. Selections include $5 hot dogs, candy and chips, $3.00 sodas, pretzels, nachos and popcorn, and $1.00 candy. Tickets range from $25-$50 for non-premium seating. Expect to pay higher prices for games against Big XII Conference opponents. Extras 3 Nippert Stadium has also served as the home of the Cincinnati Bengals (1968-1969) and FC Cincinnati (2016-2020) while those teams were building their own stadiums. Nippert Stadium has hosted several concerts over the years. Performers have included Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, N'SYNC and The Roots. A great place to take a pregame photo is the Bearcat Bench statue located near the Campus Green. Final Thoughts Nippert Stadium is one of the oldest and most unique college football stadiums in the country. Its location in the middle of the University of Cincinnati campus is encircled by academic buildings, making its exterior nearly invisible. Recent renovations have ensured that it will be the home den of the Bearcats for years to come.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 The St. James 6805 Industrial Road Springfield, VA 22151 George Washington Revolutionaries hockey website The St. James website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 900 Revolutionary Hockey in Springfield The St. James is a 450,000 square foot sports complex and gym in Springfield, Virginia. It contains facilities for just about every sport you can imagine, including batting cages, a football field, a swimming pool, an ice hockey rink, and much more. For members, it also offers workout facilities, fitness classes, and even a water park. Many amateur teams call The St. James home, from youth to high school to collegiate. George Washington University's club ice hockey team plays its home games at the ice rink at The St. James and competes in Division II of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), which sponsors the sport at a club level and is considered a step below the NCAA. The St. James contains two ice rinks, the North Rink and the South Rink, but as they are nearly identical, share a concourse, and are both located within one ice house, the details in this review accurately describe both. If you arrive early, just be sure to check which rink GW is playing on. Food & Beverage 3 Although there is no place to buy food in the ice house itself, Vim & Victor offers grab-and-go food options and is located directly to your left as you enter The St. James through the front doors. It offers snacks and drinks such as bottled water, as well as hot options such as burgers, fries, and flatbread pizzas. You can also buy a grilled chicken parmesan sandwich, chicken tenders, a steak burrito wrap, associated salads, and healthy bowls. Prices for the food can be fairly high, with a burger costing $15.25, although if you're just getting a bottle of water, you should be fine. There are tables to eat at in Vim & Victor if you arrive early, or you can take your food with you to the rink. Although the selection here is above average, we are only assigning The St. James an average rating in this category because Vim & Victor closes at 8 PM, and most GW games will run well past then. In fact, many of them don't even start until after 8 PM due to rink availability, so you will be out of luck on those nights. Atmosphere 2 The St. James is a huge complex but getting to the ice house is very simple. Once you enter through the front doors, walk back, and the ice rink will be on your right once you get past the football field that's on your left. You will walk through the glass doors, and the South Rink will be on your left, while the North Rink will be on your right. If you do not know which rink GW is playing on, you can check their website, try to figure it out from what's happening on the rinks when you get there, or just wait for warmups. The rink itself is actually located on the lower level - these directions will take you to the mezzanine seating that fans watch the game from, which is located in a balcony above the rink. On the mezzanine, you will find a few rows of blue, plastic, bleacher-style seating. Although you are very close to the rink in terms of horizontal distance, you will be fairly high up in vertical distance, which makes for some unusual viewing angles. There is no way to be right up against the glass; unfortunately, you will be above the boards and behind protective netting. Still, you should have a good view of the action. Unfortunately, that's just about all there is to say about this place. Music is sometimes, but not always, played during breaks in the action, and there is no PA announcer or anything like that. The good news is you will be able to hear a lot of the shouting that's happening on the ice. Hockey purists may love this, but everyone else will be bored. A scoreboard is located above the goal furthest from the entrance. It shows the score, time, and time remaining on penalties. Whether it is on your right or left will depend on whether GW is playing on the North or South Rink that day. Each rink has its own scoreboard, but they are all the same. Neighborhood 3 The street name Industrial Road makes it abundantly clear where The St. James is. This is an industrial area, and in the immediate vicinity, you will find warehouses, an auto body shop, and other similar businesses, but not many places you'd want to go to before or after the game. If you head south along Backlick Road, you will soon come to a shopping center with a pizza place as well as several places serving cuisine that fans may not be as familiar with - Colombian, Salvadoran, and Yemeni, just to name a few. Unfortunately, the location nestled around a massive freeway interchange and some railroad tracks means you are better off going elsewhere before or after the game. Fans 1 For the game Stadium Journey attended, there were only about a dozen fans in attendance, and half of them were cheering for the Revolutionaries' opponents that night, having made the trip down to see a family member on that team. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much interest in watching GW hockey, and the long distance from the campus in Foggy Bottom, combined with the lack of transportation, means that pretty much no students attend. Access 4 Although The St. James's location near a massive freeway interchange hurts the neighborhood rating, it helps it here. The Springfield Interchange connects Interstates 95, 395, and 495 and is known locally as the Mixing Bowl due to the weaving traffic is required to get from one road to another. All of those roads provide easy access to The St. James from nearby exits, so you may not even have to go through the Mixing Bowl itself. Once you arrive at The St. James, you will find a massive parking lot, although spaces closest to the building are reserved for members. Although the lot can get crowded, you should have no trouble parking as people are coming and going at all times. As mentioned above, you will walk through the main doors and go straight back to the ice house. If you are unsure where to go, the helpful staff at the front desk will give you directions. Just make sure they know you are watching the hockey game, not playing in it, as people who are actually using the rink will need to enter through different doors on a different level. One thing to keep in mind is that due to rink availability, many GW games start well into the evening and end after The St. James closes. If you are attending one of these games, you will be allowed to stay until the end, but you must arrive before they lock the front doors, or you will not be able to get in. Return on Investment 3 There is no cost to attend a GW ice hockey game at The St. James, and parking is likewise free. Food at Vim & Victor can get expensive, but this is an easily avoidable expense - eat before or after. Besides, if the game starts after 8 PM, as many do, you will not even have a choice. That being said, there isn't enough here to earn more than an average value. Extras 1 The St. James itself is worthy of an extra star here, as it is a massive sports venue that houses just about every sport you can think of. Final Thoughts A George Washington Revolutionaries ice hockey game at The St. James is a basic experience. Unfortunately, there is not much interest in this program, and most people don't even know it exists.

For almost two decades, Fort Lee, New Jersey's Leslie Monteiro has been writing about sports. It’s a true labor of love, and he’s covered every level, from high school to professional. Highly opinionated, Leslie doesn’t pull punches. You can find his work at his substack , which is below, or at thesportscol.com . Leslie took a few moments to discuss.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So, you're in Fort Lee, New Jersey, which is right next to the George Washington Bridge and is well-known for traffic jams. What else is it known for? And what are the bucket list spots to hit in Fort Lee and nearby? LESLIE MONTEIRO: Fort Lee is the birthplace of the motion picture industry in America. There are plenty of great Korean BBQ restaurants on Main Street. Gopchang Story particularly stands out. You won't be disappointed.   STADIUM JOURNEY: How'd a Fort Lee guy become a Vikings fan? Are there a lot of Viking fans in the New York City area? LESLIE MONTEIRO: I became a Vikings fan in '98 during Randy Moss' rookie season - what a season he had - and that team went 15-1, putting teams to oblivion. Of course, they would lose to the Falcons in the NFC Title Game. Of course, it had to end that way. Being a Vikings fan is nothing more than a miserable experience. Yes, there are plenty of Vikings fans in the metro area. In fact, we have a Vikings watch party at Jack Doyle's during football season in NYC.   STADIUM JOURNEY: What New York sports teams are most important to you? Why? LESLIE MONTEIRO: The Mets. The Mets fans are smart fans who truly love their team. They eat, drink and breathe them 24/7/365. It's an overlooked fanbase in the country, This is a fanbase that deserves a championship. The Mets rally around the tri-state area like no other. STADIUM JOURNEY: Are there any New York sports teams that you don't care about?  LESLIE MONTEIRO: The Knicks, Giants and Yankees. Arrogant fanbases. Arrogant teams. The media in town cheerleads them like no other. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your take on the Jets this season? Did you see this fiasco coming? How do they fix this? How did you feel about how they handled the Aaron Rodgers situation? LESLIE MONTEIRO: This is brutal. There's no doubt about it. Aaron Glenn is over his head as head coach. He thought this was going to be easy, but it turned out this is harder than he had thought. If he is going to consult former head coaches about what quarterback to play on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, then he's even worse than I ever thought. This should be a no-brainer. Either he is putting us on, or he really doesn't know. The scary part is I don't think he knows. I knew the Jets would struggle since they had no playmakers on offense. I did not think the offensive line would be this bad. They've allowed 31 sacks this season, including 15 in the last two games. They should have won at least three games by now. To be 0-7 is something no Jets fan had in mind in Aaron Glenn's first season. 0-17 is definitely not out of the question this year. They need to draft a quarterback, and they need a playmaker to play alongside Garrett Wilson. They’re probably going to need a new head coach who has an offensive mind that can work with a rookie quarterback. There's no way they can have a young quarterback working with a defensive-minded head coach. That has not worked here with the Jets. It's easy for any Jets fan, such as WFAN's Joe Benigno to play revisionist history now. I have no issues with how the Jets handled Aaron Rodgers. He had to go for Aaron Glenn to establish himself as a head coach. He provided bad vibes all of last season. He was supposed to lead through adversity. He never did. He wasn't exactly a favorite in the locker room. Even if Aaron got the Jets to 2 or 3 wins, would it be that much better when you think of the big picture? The team would stink with or without him. STADIUM JOURNEY: Will the Knicks win it all this season? LESLIE MONTEIRO: No. The Thunder are just too good. Their first two wins in double overtime against the Rockets and Pacers should tell you everything right there. The Knicks should be in the NBA Finals this year, with the Pacers not having Tyrese Haliburton and the Celtics not having Jayson Tatum. This is their best shot. If they can't get in the Finals this year, they never will. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your prediction for St. John's basketball and Rick Pitino? How far will they go this season? LESLIE MONTEIRO: St. John's will be runner-up in the Big East to UConn. They will make the tournament, and be done on the first Sunday of the tournament. There will be no Sweet 16 for the Red Storm. They don't have a point guard. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's happening with Seton Hall basketball? Do you have any inside insight on their NIL situation? LESLIE MONTEIRO: Seton Hall built a new practice facility, so the school has that going, but their NIL situation is a mess. If the Hall can't figure it out, it's going to be hard for Shaheen Halloway to do well. It's about the players, and the school has to pay them. I am not even sure if the Hall has money.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Was Rutgers joining the Big Ten a smart move? Will they be able to make it work? LESLIE MONTEIRO: It wasn't. The results speak for themselves. Rutgers is still in financial debt that it may never recover from. I don't think the school can make it work. It's been 11 years, and the program has not had success in college hoops and college football. Sure, the school has had success in other sports, but college hoops and college football bring in the revenue, and that's where Rutgers falls short. STADIUM JOURNEY: St. Peter's recently made it the Elite Eight in March Madness, which you covered. How magical was that run? I think most take it for granted. LESLIE MONTEIRO: It was fun writing about it. I enjoyed writing the stories that came with it. Just them finding a way to win made it fun. They never were intimidated. There's a day that doesn't go by that I don't forget, and people in Jersey City will remember that team forever. I wish I could enjoy the victories, but I was so focused on the story that I didn't really think about the moments to savor. It was just preparing for another story after another story. I will always appreciate the moxie of Darryl Banks III, Doug Edert and KC Ndefo and the brilliant coaching of Shaheen Halloway. STADIUM JOURNEY: Describe the beauty of covering high school sports. LESLIE MONTEIRO: Just seeing the community enjoy what the high school athletes do. At Ridgefield Park High School, it was fun seeing the village really embrace the boys basketball team. It was a home-court advantage. Not just the faculty and student body supporting the Scarlets basketball program, but the citizens who live in the Village along with Little Ferry. It felt like an event. I really enjoyed covering the players. STADIUM JOURNEY:What's your favorite New York sports venue? Why? LESLIE MONTEIRO: Citi Field. It's a beautiful, underrated place to watch a ballgame. You feel like you are in heaven as soon as you get off Willets Point when you take the 7 train or LIRR. Just so clean.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Where do you stand on hockey? LESLIE MONTEIRO: I love it. It's exciting. Who would've thought Gary Bettman would be the best commissioner in sports? The league is in its best shape since 1993. Plenty of exciting players. Beautiful sparkling arenas, including one on Long Island, the four-year old UBS Arena. Small-market Canadian teams have a shot to do well. Expansion is coming. If we can only get rid of the shootout to determine wins, it would be perfect. STADIUM JOURNEY: When did you start covering sports? Which sportswriters inspired you? LESLIE MONTEIRO: I started covering sports in 2006 when I covered high school sports for Ridgefield Park High School in Bergen County, New Jersey. I never was interested in doing this, but my former boss, Maryann Sena, urged me to write. In fact, she campaigned for me to write about high school sports in her town's newspaper, so I just did it out of respect for her. I never thought I would enjoy it, but I have. I had a good time covering Ridgefield Park High when the boys basketball team won a state championship and the football team competed in the state playoffs, which was often. Former Minneapolis Star-Tribune columnist Dan Barreiro, who now hosts a successful drive-time show on KFAN, and the venerable, 80-years young Patrick Reusse inspired me to write about sports. They can bust a vein like no one. Reusse continues to do this three times a week for the Minnesota Star Tribune . Great reporters, too, if I can say. STADIUM JOURNEY: Do ever have any days off from sports or is it sports 24/7, 365? If you have any time away, how do you spend it? LESLIE MONTEIRO: Sports are 24/7/365 for me. It's my passion. It has always been ingrained in me as a kid growing up. I literally think about sports almost every minute when I get up. I go travel around the country if I am on vacation. I have gone to places such as Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston and Denver. I plan on going to Seattle next year to see the Seattle Mariners.   Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Fred Rust Arena 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Blue Hens website Fred Rust Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,500 Blue Hen Pride The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest university in Delaware and is located in the city of Newark (that's new-ARK, not NEW-urk like the one in New Jersey.) The Delaware athletic teams are known as the Blue Hens, after the official state bird of Delaware, and compete at the Division I level. For many years, Delaware's men's and women's ice hockey teams competed at the club level, playing their home games in Fred Rust Arena, which opened in 1971. However, in 2025, the Blue Hens' football program made the jump from FCS to FBS, and to compensate for the additional men's scholarships, the university was required under Title IX to add an equivalent number of women's scholarships. As a result, the women's ice hockey program was upgraded from club to NCAA level, and now competes in Atlantic Hockey America, a hockey-only conference formed in 2023 by the merger of the men-only Atlantic Hockey and the women-only College Hockey America. The men's ice hockey team still competes at a club level in the ACHA and plays its home games in Fred Rust Arena as well. Stadium Journey has a review of that experience , although the information there is not as current as it is in this review. Food & Beverage 4 The concession experience was vastly improved at Fred Rust Arena this season, coinciding with the move to the NCAA level. There is now an alcove next to the rink that has both a concessions window and grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches, drinks, and other items, which you can pay for either at the concessions window or at a self-checkout. However, if you are using cash, you must pay at the window. Grab-and-go snacks include cotton candy, chocolate-covered pretzels, assorted candy, drinks, and protein bars, crackers, and other miscellaneous items, as well as a refrigerator with pre-made sandwiches and other light meal options. The concession window offers hot food such as hot dogs, pizza, nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels. There is also a machine that dispenses hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than $5. Atmosphere 4 Walking into Fred Rust Arena will put you in a lobby filled with Blue Hens' logos, trophies, and memorabilia, decked out almost floor to ceiling in Delaware blue and gold. The ticketing table is straight ahead - either show them your ticket or buy one if you haven't yet. Then turn right and walk through the doors to the rink. There are two sets of bleachers, one on each side, which are plastic and do not have backs but do have molded seats that are somewhat more comfortable than the usual metal ones. Before the game, they will dim the lights and light up the rink in blue while the Zamboni surfaces the ice, then the lights will come on, only to be dimmed again as a spotlight shines for the player introductions. The Blue Hens have two mascots - YouDee and their child, Baby Blue, who roam the rink and the stands throughout the game, entertaining and interacting with fans. (The Delaware mascots do not have canonical genders - fans tend to use whatever pronouns they want to refer to them) Neighborhood 3 Newark is a typical East Coast college town. Your best option is to head downtown to Main Street, which offers numerous options, including Grotto Pizza and the Deer Park Tavern. You can also head towards Christiana Mall or check out The Border Café, known for its Tex-Mex food and large “EAT” sign. Fans will also want to check out the UDairy Creamery, which makes ice cream right on campus and is conveniently located right next door to Fred Rust Arena. Although their ice cream is not sold at hockey games like it is at Delaware basketball games at the Bob Carpenter Center , it is incredibly easy to visit before or after a game, and you do not even need to move your car. Fans 3 Delaware draws a few hundred fans to a typical women's hockey game at Fred Rust Arena. The crowd is a good mix of friends and family, and locals. This is the Blue Hens' first season as an NCAA program, but they have built up a following over the years at the club level. With the low ceilings, it can get quite loud in here at times, and as excitement grows in future years, the experience should only get better in this regard. Access 4 The University of Delaware campus is conveniently located right off Interstate 95. If coming from the north, take the last exit in Delaware, and the campus will be only a few blocks away. If coming from the south, you are better off getting off at the last exit in Maryland and driving a couple of miles on local roads to avoid the tolls - this will only add about a minute to the drive and will save you $5 each way. Once on campus, there is a large lot next to Fred Rust Arena, and you pay for parking through the Passport Parking app. It will cost between $5 and $12 or so, depending on how early you arrive and how long you stay. Just keep in mind that a few spots are reserved for Creamery patrons. These are free to park in, but are short-term spaces, so unless you are just popping in to the game for a few minutes and leaving, you should not park there. Restrooms are located through a door just to the right of the entrance to the main rink area after you come in. They are more than spacious enough for the typical crowds, though there may be a short line at intermissions. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-12. Concessions are also quite affordable. However, the cost to park, which is really unnecessary given the size of the lot relative to demand, brings this score down a notch. Extras 3 Check out the banners and memorabilia for the various UD hockey and ice skating teams. The teams have shown great success over the years, including winning the 2012 ACHA national championship. The UD figure skating team has also enjoyed much success with some athletes, such as Tara Lipinski, who have gone on to the Olympics. Also check out the marketing table by the entrance, with giveaways at each game, such as posters, as well as special promotional items like hockey socks at select contests. A third and final star for the fact that kids have a chance to skate on the ice after select home games. Final Thoughts Although Delaware women's ice hockey is only in its first year at the NCAA level, it calls a great rink home and has already built a loyal following through their decades as a club team. If you're a hockey fan in Delaware, or in nearby Maryland or Pennsylvania, you will want to make the trip out here to check out a game.