Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1 AMB Dr Atlanta, GA 30313 Peach Bowl website Mercedes-Benz Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 75,000 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl – Mercedes-Benz Stadium Originally played at Georgia Tech’s Historic Grant Field, today more commonly known as Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl has upgraded its home as Atlanta has built newer venues – the game was previously played at Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium and in the Georgia Dome, but has now moved to its current residence, Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Chick-fil-A and the Peach Bowl appear to be the perfect marriage of bowl and corporate sponsorship. Having sponsored the bowl since 1997, the two have the longest corporate partnership of any bowl game. The stability of the chicken sandwich magnate’s backing has helped the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl establish itself as one of the premier bowl games in the New Year’s Six rotation. Food & Beverage   5 When Mercedes-Benz Stadium initially opened, a priority was put on providing fans with a wide variety of concessions at the lowest prices possible. $20 can get fans all the following: a chicken tender basket with fries, a hot dog, a slice of pizza, pretzel, bag of popcorn, nachos with cheese, and a refillable Coca-Cola product. Wanting a bit more? Beer and a hot dog will set you back just $7. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also gives fans what seems like an endless selection of high-end food options. There are nearly 35 different concession stands and more than 25 bars throughout; choices run the gamut from Asian, BBQ, Jamaican, specialty burgers, pizza, and even vegan options, just to name a few. In addition, fans have the chance to experience several local and regional eateries all in one place – this includes Southern-Korean-Mexican infusion dishes at SO:KO:ME, Williamson Brothers BBQ, burgers from the legendary Holman & Finch and Farm Burger, and Papi’s Cuban Grill. It would be difficult to ask for more when it comes to stadium concessions; Mercedes-Benz Stadium delivers on both by providing a wide variety of options at extremely reasonable prices. Atmosphere   5 Starting in 2024, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will be contractually tied to the College Football Playoff for at least the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Beyond that it is impossible to fathom the bowl not being part of the playoff at some level. The Southeast has an obsessive nature about itself when it comes to college football, and the region without a bowl game of the magnitude of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl just does not seem right. As host of a neutral site matchup, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl does an outstanding job at working both fanbases up into a near craze leading up to kickoff. Big plays on both sides of the ball are followed with scoreboard graphics to excite fans, as well as neutral calls for fans to “Get Loud” during pivotal plays. Going forward, the bowl’s importance in crowning a national champion will only magnify an already electric atmosphere, with both sets of fans fervently hoping to advance to the next round. Neighborhood   5 Atlanta has become the self-proclaimed “Capital of College Football”, and with good reason. From the Aflac Kickoff, the College Football Playoff, having twice been awarded the College Football National Championship Game, and being the home of the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, college football has definitely found a home in Atlanta. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in the heart of downtown Atlanta, sits behind both State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, and the Georgia World Congress Center, which hosts the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Fest. The area is also full of bars, restaurants, hotels, and other points of interest to help fans pass the time. Besides the College Football Hall of Fame, just across the street is Centennial Olympic Park, which hosted many events during the 1996 Olympics, and the immediate area boasts many other attractions as well – the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Atlanta Children’s Museum are all within walking distance of the stadium. The area definitely gives fans a slew of options to check out as part of their Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl experience. Fans   5 The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl has been one of the most popular bowl games in recent history, selling out 24 of the last 27 games, and at one point having a streak of 17 consecutive sellouts. Only the “Grand Daddy of them All”, the Rose Bowl, surpasses this success at the box office (the Rose Bowl has contractually sold out every game since 1947). Not that it needs help to increase fan interest, but the role the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will play in crowning college football’s National Champion will only increase the frenzied level fans will play in the game; both sets of fans show up in droves, and are loud in response to big plays from their teams. The excitement from fans of the victorious team permeates downtown Atlanta, as their celebratory chants echo throughout the hotels, bars, and streets well into the night. For fans without a rooting interest in the game, it is difficult not to get caught up in the passion created by the fanbases – it truly creates a special experience. Access   4 Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s location in downtown Atlanta can create some hurdles getting to the area. In a city of this size, a bowl game can be one of several events happening around Atlanta that day, which just adds to the traffic issues that already plague the highways and surface streets in the area. Also, adding to the challenge is that there is only so much parking available at the stadium, and it can get expensive. Given these challenges, using Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, might make the most sense. The availability of MARTA at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport gives fans flying to Atlanta the flexibility of not needing a vehicle to enjoy the attractions and bowl festivities in town. On game day, expect MARTA to be crowded, so the earlier the better if trying to avoid the largest of crowds. The stadium itself is rather easy to navigate during the game, but concourses are a bit narrow throughout, so they do become rather difficult to traverse during breaks between quarters, and especially during halftime. If concessions or a bathroom break is a must, sacrificing some game time can make it a much quicker trip. Bottom line is when bringing so many people to one location, inevitably it will create some headaches that require a bit of patience to deal with. That said, there are ways to help alleviate that impact and make the experience as easy as possible. Return on Investment   4 When talking about ticket prices for New Year’s Six bowl games, premium games come with premium prices. However, given the role the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl plays in crowning a college football National Champion, there should not be a ton of sticker shock at these prices. Going forward, the starting point of ticket pricing will largely depend on where the game falls in the playoff rotation – expect tickets to start in excess of $100 to get in the door for a quarterfinal, and even higher when the bowl hosts a semi-final match up. The bottom line is, if a fan of college football simply wants to attend a game of such importance, buy tickets early because they will only increase in price once they hit the secondary market. Despite what is likely to be a triple digit price tag, the opportunity to be part of a team winning a national championship might be priceless. Judging the cost of a ticket strictly by face value might be skewed a bit given the magnitude of this game. Extras   5 In partnership with the Georgia Aquarium, discounted tickets are offered as pigskin meets aquatic life for a football-themed aquarium pep rally, which takes place the day before the game. Gameday kicks off with the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Parade presented by Lions Club International. The parade route starts at the intersection of Baker and Centennial Olympic Park Drive, and ends at the front doors of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Fest at the Georgia World Congress Center gives fans an opportunity to take part in promotions, games, pep rallies for each team, and start their pregame festivities before the gates of Mercedes-Benz Stadium open. As college football moves to a 12-team tournament format starting in 2024, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will play a significant role annually in crowning college football’s National Champion. At minimum the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will host a quarterfinal match up each season; 2024 will be one of the quarterfinal games, while 2025 will see the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl play host to one of the two semi-final games. Alumni groups of participating teams commonly host their own events in the days leading up to the game. From pep rallies to bar meetups and tailgate parties the day of the game, fans of each team are sure to find events specific to their program. Final Thoughts The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is as nearly a perfect bowl experience as you are going to find.  Beyond the game holding National Championship implications, everything leading up to the game makes the experience both memorable and as easy on fans as possible. College football in the south is held in a certain regard that is difficult to match in any other part of the country. The marriage of college football in Atlanta and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl gives fans all they could want in a bowl game – a game with National Championship implications in a first-class stadium, in a location that gives fans from out of town the ability to access hotels, attractions, and the game easily, makes the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl one of the top bowl experiences out there.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium info FANFARE Score: 2.71 James A. Calhoun Gymnasium 1678 Asylum Ave West Hartford, CT 06117 University of St. Joseph men's basketball website James A. Calhoun Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 800 A Tiny Gym With a Big Name Jim Calhoun is a legendary figure in college basketball. As coach of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team, he won three national championships, in 1999, 2004 and 2011. He finished his career with 873 victories in Division One, good for 11th all-time at the time of his retirement. Considered to be one of the best coaches in the history of college basketball, Calhoun was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. The University of St. Joseph was founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Mercy Connecticut. Originally known as Saint Joseph College, it is a private Roman Catholic university located in West Hartford, Connecticut. This small school was founded as a women-only college, becoming co-educational in 2018. The school currently boasts an enrollment of just under 2,500 students. Jim Calhoun was hired as coach of the newly formed men’s basketball program in 2018. Calhoun coached the team for three seasons. A member of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, the Blue Jays have qualified for three NCAA Division III tournaments in their short history, advancing to the sweet sixteen in 2023. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at the O’Connell Center. Fans needing a snack during a Blue Jays game can bring their own into the facility or utilize the vending machine located in the lobby. Atmosphere 2 Stadium Journey visited USJ for their annual Holiday Tournament during the 2023 semester break, which might have held down attendance and excitement. Fans who frequent Division Three basketball games will find a familiar, low-key game presentation here at Calhoun Gymnasium. Missing during Stadium Journey’s visit were the student body, cheerleaders, pep band, mascot and most of the extras that breathe life into a small college gymnasium. The gym features a modern, crystal-clear sound system over which music is played during stoppages. Scoreboards at either end of the gym provide basic game information. With its intimate setting, it’s easy to see how Calhoun Gymnasium could provide a great home-court advantage when filled with boisterous Blue Jays fans. Otherwise, it’s a clean, comfortable place to catch some affordable, quality college basketball. Neighborhood 4 The University of St. Joseph is located in a residential neighborhood in affluent West Hartford. Niche.com recently named West Hartford the best place to live in Connecticut. Downtown Hartford is a short ten-minute drive away. For visitors looking to stay outside the city, West Hartford Center is located just a couple of miles away and contains many dining and shopping options. More options are available at the newly developed Blue Black Square. More information about things to do in West Hartford can be found here. Fans 3 As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey visited USJ during the semester break, which held down attendance despite the tournament setting. During Stadium Journey’s visit, crowds were small, estimated at about 200 fans by the eyeball test. Many of the fans present were there to support the other teams in action. This could very accurately be described as a friends and family type of crowd. While interacting with several students who were working at the game, they spoke of the gymnasium being packed with standing room only crowds for big games in recent years. We’ll take them at their word and split the difference with our rating. Access 4 The University of St. Joseph is located in West Hartford, a town of 64,000 residents. The USJ campus is just 3.5 miles from downtown Hartford. In fact, if you follow Asylum Street to the east, you’ll find yourself at the XL Center in about ten minutes. The town center is located just a couple of miles from campus. USJ’s suburban campus in a residential neighborhood is easily reached via Interstate 84. For fans using public transportation, CT Transit serves the USJ campus. Maps, directions and local points of interest can be found here. USJ’s 84-acre campus contains 19 buildings designed in the Georgian architectural style by the Olmstead Brothers. The Calhoun Gymnasium is located in the O’Connell Athletic Center on the northern edge of campus alongside the school’s other athletic facilities. Parking is available in lots adjacent to the O’Connell Center. Seating consists of molded plastic bleachers on either side of the court. There is no seating on either end of the court. This intimate gym seats only 800 fans, so all seats feature excellent views of the court. Rest rooms and vending machines are located nearby in the lobby. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to basketball games at Calhoun Gymnasium cost $10. During conference games, one ticket is good for admission to both the men’s and women’s games. Parking is available at no cost in lots adjacent to the O’Connell Center. Extras 2 There is a trophy case in the O’Connell Center lobby which displays the hardware won by various Blue Jays teams over the school’s history. Flags commemorating championships and tournament appearances by the men’s and women’s basketball teams and volleyball teams hang on the gymnasium walls. Another extra point is awarded for the upgrading of the school’s facilities. The new gym, opened in 2021, doubled the size of the old facility and was dedicated to Coach Calhoun upon his retirement. Final Thoughts The University of Saint Joseph is a new basketball program with an already impressive resume. With a gym named for a basketball Hall of Famer and multiple post-season appearances under its belt, this cozy facility is a great place to catch some quality basketball at an affordable price in an intimate setting. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

January 1, 2024, is a date that has been long awaited by women's hockey fans the world over. For the first time, all the best players in the world will be playing in a single professional league. After years of fractured competition and infighting among subgroups looking to spearhead the premier women's professional league, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) will begin play when New York and Toronto meet up in the circuit's inaugural game. In all, six teams will compete in 2024, playing in hockey hotbeds throughout the United States and Canada. One of the stated goals of the PWHL was to play in professional-quality venues, as previous leagues had played in smaller rinks and had experienced nomadic existences in many cases. Thus far, the response from fans has been overwhelming, as ticket sales have been strong in the six league cities. Stadium Journey takes a look at the six inaugural venues the teams will be calling home for the 2024 season. Click on the links to view our existing reviews of each venue. We hope to soon be adding reviews of the PWHL game day experiences in each of the six venues to our website. Boston - Tsongas Center - Capacity 6,500 The Tsongas Center is the home of the UMass Lowell RiverHawks and the former home of the American Hockey League's Lowell Lock Monsters and Devils. Located roughly a half hour northwest of Boston, this venue should be a strong draw for fans from the hockey hotbeds north of Boston, including the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire. Even fans located south of the city won't have too hard of a time reaching Lowell by Interstate 495. Minnesota - Xcel Energy Center - Capacity 18,064 The Minnesota entry of the PWHL will play in what is by far the largest venue in the league, the Xcel Energy Center, home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild. They are the only team to be playing in an NHL facility full-time. The upper deck and part of the lower deck will be cordoned off for PWHL games. Minnesota is the only team not located within 400 miles of another team. Montreal - Verdun Auditorium - Capacity 4,114 Located in the Montreal suburb of Verdun, the Auditorium was built in 1938. Over the years it has been home to many squads from the Quebec Major Junior League and other circuits. The Montreal Les Canadiennes of the CWHL were slated to play here before the league folded in 2019. As part of their agreement, significant renovations were undertaken. Four games are scheduled to be played at Place Bell, home of the American Hockey League's Laval Rocket. New York - Total Mortgage Arena - Capacity 8,412 Perhaps the most controversial placement of a team was putting the New York entry in Bridgeport, Connecticut, located 60 miles from New York City. On a good day, the drive will take an hour from downtown New York. Total Mortgage Arena currently serves as the home to the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League. New York plans to play in venues all around New York City, with 5 games to be played in Bridgeport, 4 at the UBS Arena, home of the NHL's New York Islanders, and three to be determined. Ottawa - TD Place Arena - Capacity 9,862 Home to the Ottawa 67s of the Ontario Hockey League, Ottawa has perhaps shown the strongest ticket sales off the bat, as several games have already sold out at TD Place. TD Place was the site of the original Women's World Hockey Championship in 1990. Toronto - Mattamy Athletic Centre - Capacity 3,850 Perhaps best known as the site of the former Maple Leaf Gardens, Mattamy Athletic Centre is now the home of the Toronto Metropolitan University Bold hockey teams. Shortly after tickets were made available, season ticket memberships completely sold out, meaning the Toronto team would be playing before a full house all year long.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Clearview Federal Arena at RMU Island Sports Center 7600 Grand Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15225 Robert Morris Colonials men’s hockey website Clearview Federal Arena at RMU Island Sports Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 1,200 Colonels are No Longer Skating on Thin Ice Robert Morris University is a private school in Moon Township, PA near the Pittsburgh International Airport. The school has an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students. It is especially known for its business and mathematics programs. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Colonials. The hockey program at Robert Morris University is relatively young, as the program started in 2004. It has been very successful on the ice, as they earned the AHA Tournament title in 2014 and the AHA regular season titles in 2015 and 2016. They have been to the NCAA Hockey Tournament twice. The team now plays in the Atlantic Hockey League. Other schools in the league include Air Force, Army, Bentley, Canisius, Holy Cross, Mercyhurst, Niagara, RIT, and Sacred Heart. In 2021 the RMU hockey program was discontinued due to financial hardships in the athletic programs at the school. RMU has always had a competitive disadvantage against other AHA teams, as most of its competition either plays in on-campus arenas or in professional rinks that feature many more amenities. Alumni and the school started a Hockey is the Goal Fund to get the program back up and running again. This campaign included pledges from alumni and students, special events, and recruitment of corporate sponsorships. The campaign was a huge success, and the program returned to the ice in time for the 2023-2024 season. The home of the RMU hockey program is the off-campus RMU Island Sports Center on Neville Island. It is located 6 miles east of the RMU campus. The facility opened in 1998 and RMU bought it in 2004 to house its brand-new hockey program. The facility has two rinks, with the Colonials playing in the Clearview Federal Arena section of the complex. The arena has bench seating for 1,200 fans, Food & Beverage 4 Concession services for Colonial’s hockey games are provided by the IceHouse Bistro. It offers a full line of Starbucks coffee products, as well as a better-than-average set of concession stand fare. Fans looking for more than a snack can get grilled cheese sandwiches ($7), quesadillas ($7), 1/3 hamburgers ($10), chicken sandwiches ($10), a chicken tenders’ basket ($11), cheesesteak sandwiches ($14) or an Impossible burger ($14). These orders all include an order of fries. Lighter far include popcorn ($3), chips ($3), pretzels ($4), fries ($4), nachos ($5), cheese pizza slice ($3), pepperoni pizza slice ($4) and salads ($8). The RMU Island Sports Center sells Pepsi brand sodas ($5) and water ($4). Atmosphere 3 As you enter Clearview Federal Arena, the seating is only on one side of the rink. It is bench seating and offers clear views of the action on the ice, as the team benches are on the opposite side of the ice. The Colonials logo is prominently featured at center ice and there are several signs on the walls identifying the rink as being the Clearview Federal Rink and as being RMU’s home ice. The walls also include banners from each of the Atlantic Hockey League schools as well as banners from each of the Colonials championship seasons. There are simple scoreboards at each end of the ice. Neighborhood 3 The immediate neighborhood surrounding the RMU Island Sports Center is limited due to the fact it is on a small island in the middle of the Ohio River. However, the Fairfield Inn and Suites has a property on Neville Island, which is within walking distance of the Sports Center. Carmody’s Grille offers a convenient dining choice on the island. It serves pub fare and has an extensive set of craft beers to choose from. The North Shore and Downtown areas of Pittsburgh are just a short drive SE of Neville Island. Attractions in those areas include the Andy Warhol Museum the Carnegie Science Center and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Fans 4 After the near-death experience with the hockey program, the RMU fan base has come out with a burst of support for the skating Colonials. The fans saved the program through the Hockey is the Goal fundraisers, and they continue to show their support by filling the 1,200 seats at the RMU Island Sports Center. The student section, the Colonial Crazies, can be counted on to make the short drive over to Neville Island to show their support for the program. While hockey does not lend itself to the usual cheerleader-led cheering section, the Crazies are very knowledgeable about the game and know when to cheer for a good play, a successful penalty kill, or a terrific stop by the goalie. Access 3 The RMU Island Sports Center is located nine miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh and 5.5 miles east of the Robert Morris campus. It is located on Neville Island, which is in the middle of the Ohio River. The Center can be reached via I-79 and the Yellow Belt. Directions from the RMU main campus: Go east on University Boulevard. Turn right onto PA 51. Turn left onto the Coraopolis Bridge. Turn left at Grand Avenue. Directions from Downtown Pittsburgh:  Take I-279N to exit 1B-C and bear left onto PA 65 N. Go 8.7 miles. Take the exit on the right for I-79 S. At exit 65 head right on the ramp for PA 51 (Neville Island). Turn left at Grand Avenue. The Island Sports Center will be on your right. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Colonials hockey game at the RMU Island Sports Center will not burn a hole in your pocket. Season tickets are only $125. Single game tickets for General admission are $10, Youth/Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Military are $5, and RMU students are free with student ID.   Parking at the Island Sports Center is free. As long as you stick to the lighter fare at the IceHouse Bistro, the food prices are quite reasonable. Full meals tend to be pricier than average. Extras 4 Robert Morris University served as the host school for the 2013 Frozen Four Tournament. Games were held at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh. More than 60 RMU hockey players have gone on to play professional hockey. In addition to the RMU hockey program, the RMU Island Sports Center has an indoor driving range, a miniature golf course, rowing facilities, and track and field training facilities. The Pro Shop at the RMU Island Sports Center carries a full inventory of RMU hockey swag gear, as well as a great of Pittsburgh Penguins merchandise. Final Thoughts The RMU Colonials hockey program is back on solid ice after a two-year absence. The stands are once again filled with Colonial Crazies as the team is happy to be back on its home ice at the Clearview Federal Arena of the RMU Island Sports Center.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr New Orleans, LA 70112 New Orleans Saints website Caesars Superdome website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 72,208 Who Dat Nation at Home in the Dome In New Orleans, home of so many attractions and history, there is one building that stands out above the rest. It has been called one of the most iconic venues in the whole world, hosting seven Superbowls, four college football National Championships, and six Final Fours. As you approach New Orleans it lurks over the skyline with its iconic gold-shaped silhouette reflecting off the entire Crescent City – it is Caesars Superdome, and since its opening in 1975 has become the fabric of American sports and pop culture, hosting some of the greatest entertainers and some of the biggest events of all time. The Dome has welcomed everyone from presidential candidates to the Pope; it's hosted everything from WrestleMania to The Rolling Stones. It's the building where Michael Jordan and Tom Brady won their first championships, and it's where Muhammad Ali won his last championship. It's where fans got to witness the greatest ball handler ever, "Pistol" Pete Maravich in his prime, as home to the NBA's New Orleans Jazz from 1975 to 1979. But since 1975 Caesars Superdome has been home to its most well-known tenant, the New Orleans Saints (for the first eight years of the franchise the Saints played at Tulane Stadium (1967-1974) on the campus of Tulane University). The Saints have had plenty of ups and downs over the years, but one thing is for certain – Caesars Superdome is home to one of the most passionate fanbases in all of sports; on Sundays in the Fall in the Big Easy, Who Dat Nation is "Les Bon Temps Rouler" (letting the good times roll). Caesars Superdome is the largest fixed supporting dome in the world and is considered the last dome standing, as it has outlived all the other domes that were built during the 70s and 80s. The Superdome has aged quite nicely despite being almost 50 years old and the damage from Hurricane Katrina. Katrina might have been the saving grace to ensure the Dome will be used for many years to come; there was already talk of replacing the Dome before 2005, but after the devastating storm and the Saints temporary relocation to San Antonio and Baton Rouge, it seemed all but certain that the Dome had seen its last days hosting football. Ultimately the city's love affair with the Saints prevailed, however, and the Superdome has undergone countless renovations over the last 18 years to bring it up to the standards of some of the most elite sports and entertainment venues in the world. Food & Beverage   4 When you're a building the size of the Superdome you can expect plenty of food and beverage options. Also, you can't come to the culinary capital of New Orleans without thinking of food, and there is plenty of it here. There are 202 concessions points spread out throughout the six different concourse levels, so you can find anything you want to eat or drink. In 2022 Sodexo Live! became the exclusive catering partner to Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center – the company is based out of New Orleans and is known for serving authentic southern and Creole dishes. The 504 Eats stand is the best way to get a taste of New Orleans, with menu items ranging from alligator sausage and fresh gulf shrimp to jambalaya and Ponchatoula strawberries. The 504 Eats section is always popular with locals and visiting fans, but there are plenty of other options to choose from. For example, the Beau Coup BBQ stand offers brisket and pork sandwiches, while Geaux Nuts offers assorted nuts. King's Table and Parish Grill offer the regular fare of hot dogs and popcorn, while Little Caesars has several stands located on the concourse to get pizza. For another taste of the South stop by the custom nacho stand, which offers seafood and Cajun nachos, or stop by Bayou Kitchen and Market to get alligator jambalaya or a fried gator po’ boy. Bienville Burgers offers custom burgers, while the Delta Roost is the only place in the Dome to get a quality breakfast.   Lastly, Dressed or Not Po’ Boys is another place to get New Orleans-style po’ boys. As part of their agreement with Sodexo Live! the Saints offers six Provisions Markets throughout the Superdome; the markets are set up like a grocery store deli, where you pick your food and check out at the register like at your local grocery store. They also have wood-fired pan pizzas for sale, and you can also purchase a Saints souvenir cup for $7 and get free refills throughout the game at the many drink stations spread out along the concourse. Atmosphere   5 New Orleans is the ultimate party city, and as you would expect, the festive atmosphere extends to Saints games as well. The action begins early on game day outside at Champions Square, a tailgating area on the east side of the building. Here you'll find jazz or zydeco bands playing on stage, as well as thousands of Saints fans dancing and dressed up in costumes. Champions Square also features countless bars, pop-up shops, and local food trucks, all backdropped by the New Orleans skyline and giant murals of historic moments in Saints franchise history. Make sure you check out Club XLVI, a premium club now open to the public in Champions Square. Caesars Superdome is in the middle of a 5-year $400 million renovation, scheduled to be completed in time for the 2024 season. There are eight entrances to the Dome, with the main entrance being the Champions Square entrance at Gate C, where you enter the plaza on the 200 level. In years past the Superdome featured various exhibits at each entrance on the plaza level, for instance, a Hurricane Katrina exhibit at Gate A, Saints Hall of Fame at Gate B, a Louisiana High School football helmet display at Gate E, and a Sugar Bowl exhibit at Gate G. These displays were removed as part of the renovation, but it would be nice if these exhibits could return in the future. There is also a rather large pro shop that opened during the 2023 season located at the Gate A entrance on the north side, and WWL 870AM, the official radio of the Saints, has its booth set up on the 200 level as well. You can get a good view of former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert leading the pregame show, and Saints legend Deuce McAllister sometimes even makes an appearance. In 2024 the brand-new Caesars Sportsbook will open on the 200 level, offering fans a chance to bet on games. For such an old facility the concourses are wide and virtually spotless. The Superdome has six levels, with public seating on the 100, 200, 500, and 600 levels, while the suites and club level take up the 300 and 400 levels. As part of the 2023 renovations they completely gutted the east side concourse and added faster escalators that go all the way to the top of the Dome – there is one long intimidating escalator taking fans from the 200 level to the 500 level, as well as more bars and premium club seats on the east side, including the 40-yard bar that runs on the east side of the plaza level. The escalator goes straight up and was designed to get fans from the lower levels to the 500 and 600 levels in less than a minute. The Saints also installed a standing-room-only party deck at the very top northeast corner. Once you get in your seats you can tell how massive the Superdome is. Six levels make up the Dome, including 73,208 seats and 165 luxury suites; the ground level has three new clubs for premium seating: Caesars Legacy Club on the east side of the building, Crown Royal Signature Club on the west side, and Mercedes-Benz End Zone Club in the north end zone (the End Zone Club includes suites that are on the field). In 2016 the Saints installed two large state-of-the-art LED videoboards in the end zones that measure 330 feet wide and 35 feet tall, with excellent graphics and replays. Neighborhood   4 To put it quite frankly there is no other city in the world like New Orleans, but there is more than just Bourbon Street and drunken tourists wearing Mardi Gras beads year-round. If you come to New Orleans you'll find a very rich and storied city filled with lots of culture, music, attractions for all ages, and some of the best foods that can only be found here. The Superdome is nestled among the skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD); in this neighborhood, you’ll find mostly high-rise and government buildings, but the CBD also has a few attractions worth checking out. About a mile south is the National World War II Museum, a must-visit in New Orleans and the largest collection of WW2 memorabilia in the country. A few other sites nearby include Harrah's Casino, Saenger Theatre, Southern Contemporary Arts Center, and the Roosevelt Hotel, which houses an amazing Christmas lights display. Compared to most big cities New Orleans has quite a small metro area, so no matter where you are in the city you are less than 10 miles from all the attractions. The French Quarter is a must-visit when in the city and is about a ten-minute walk from the Dome. Most people associate the French Quarter with Bourbon Street, but there are so many more sights to see around the Quarter than just Bourbon Street – you can visit Jackson Square, Royal Street, the French Market, Jax Brewery, St. Louis Cathedral, and many more historic sites and museums, while for shopping there is the three-story Riverwalk Marketplace or the upscale Shoppes at Canal Place. It's impossible to list all the restaurants in the city, but must-visits in the French Quarter include Cafe du Monde and Pat O'Brien's, which is famous for its hurricane drinks and dueling pianos. You can also find upscale bars and restaurants like Galatoire’s, Mothers Restaurant, and the Carousel Bar, and a block south of the Dome you'll find Drew Brees-owned Walk On's, which hosts a Saints pregame party before every game; I saw a lot of fans at Walk On's after the game waiting for traffic to get less congested. There is also a Dave and Buster’s across the street from the Superdome as well. New Orleans also has a few family-friendly options, including the Aquarium of the Americas located just off the French Quarter on the River; you can also either take a riverboat or a streetcar uptown to visit the Audubon Zoo. The Garden District is also about a ten-minute drive from the Dome, or you can take a tour of the many historic houses, and you may even run into a celebrity or a movie being filmed.   City Park also makes for a great visit for the family as well, just for its gardens and scenic beauty alone. Fans   5 Saints fans can be considered one of the most passionate fanbases in the NFL – according to a 2020 Forbes article, Who Dat Nation ranks as the third most passionate fanbase in all of sports, and to make things even better, the Saints had the highest overall score for fan game day experience according to that article. One thing that makes the fanbase so great is that the Saints are the only NFL team in the region, so the entire Gulf Coast region from Lake Charles to the Florida panhandle, up to Jackson, Mississippi, and Montgomery is considered the Saints market; a whopping 3 out of 4 Louisiana residents consider themselves Saints fans. This fanbase has suffered through so much over the years, from the days when fans wore bags on their heads that said 'Aint’s', to perhaps the darkest day in New Orleans' history when 30,000 people rode out Hurricane Katrina inside the Superdome as a shelter of last resort, not to mention the countless losing seasons the Saints have gone through. Nevertheless, Who Dat Nation continues to support the franchise, with every home game resulting in a sellout since 2006. It can get pretty raucous inside Caesars Superdome when the Saints score – Mardi Gras music and "When the Saints Go Marching In" plays over the speakers as the fans go wild dancing and celebrating. The Ying Yang Twins' "Stand Up and Get Crunk!" became the Saints official anthem after their Super Bowl win and is constantly played at Saints games; the Ying Yang Twins performed at halftime of the most recent game I was at. After Saints wins it's not uncommon for second-line parades and brass bands to form and go marching in the streets of New Orleans – I have never seen a franchise love their team as much as Saints fans. It is also Halloween at every home game, as you will find fans dressed up in various costumes, including several superfans such as Darth Saint (a guy dressed up in a black and gold Darth Vader costume), Santa Saint, Elvis Saint, Moses the Saint, the Bless You Boys (three guys who dress up as popes and bishops), and finally the Whistle Monsta (who wears a giant whistle on his head and whistles really loud – he is responsible for the whistling you hear throughout the game). Access   3 Getting to Caesars Superdome is easy no matter where you are coming from, as the Dome is one of the first things you’ll see when you get into the city no matter which direction you come from. Interstate 10 is the main way you come into town – if coming from the west use exit 234A onto Clairborne Street, while if coming from the east use the Canal Street exit at 235B. Navigating the one-way streets and aggressive drivers to get to the Dome once in the city may pose some issues, however; New Orleans isn't exactly known for its nice streets, as many of the streets are congested and need lots of upkeep. There are several parking garages on site but expect to pay around $50 to park if you want to park in the garage or at any of the public lots scattered around the Dome. There are tons of public lots and garages scattered throughout the Central Business District, though, with much cheaper parking than that closer to the Dome. NOPD has upped patrols in this area due to recent crimes and snatch-and-grabs, so you should have no problem in the daylight hours, as there are tens of thousands of people walking in the streets; just make sure you lock your car. Also, when walking up Poydras Street to the Dome on gameday expect to see multiple jazz bands playing on street corners, and people celebrating in the street like it is Mardi Gras. Once inside the Superdome, you should have no problem getting around on the wide concourses, as the only backup occurs during halftime; I tested it out, and it only took 17 minutes for me to do a complete walkthrough from one side of Caesars Superdome to the other. Return on Investment   4 There is high demand for Saints games with every game since 2006 resulting in a sellout – there is even a years-long waitlist to get season tickets. I talked to one guy who waited seven years before he got season tickets, and after coming to a game here it is easy to see why. The Saints haven't exactly been winning a lot of games since Sean Payton and Drew Brees left, but you couldn't tell that here, as it was still a festive atmosphere. You can still find tickets on secondary sites, though; if the Saints are winning expect to pay a decent price, between $50 and $70 to sit in the upper decks, while to sit in the 100 or 200 levels expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars at least. During the most recent game I was at, the Saints weren't doing too hot so you could find tickets in the upper deck for less than $50, which I consider a great return on investment. There are no other fans in the NFL like Saints fans, and the Superdome is one of the most iconic buildings in the NFL. Plus, you get to visit a city like no other in the world when you come to New Orleans. Extras   5 One extra for the Superdome sitting next door to the Smoothie King Center, home of the NBA's Pelicans.  Though the Saints and Pelicans never play on the same day, there are instances where they play at home on the same weekend, so you may be able to catch an NBA and NFL game back-to-back. Another extra for all the events and historic moments this iconic building has hosted over the last 48 years. The Dome is also scheduled to host its eighth Super Bowl in 2025, and besides the aforementioned events, the Dome is also home to the annual Bayou Classic between Grambling State and Southern. It also hosts the Sugar Bowl and New Orleans Bowl every year, as well as the Louisiana high school football State Championships; the Dome was also home to Tulane football until 2014, two arena football teams, and the NBA's New Orleans Jazz. It's hosted MLB and college baseball games, as well as hosted a minor league baseball team in 1977, and in 1976 soccer star Pele played an exhibition match here, as the New York Cosmos took on the Dallas Tornados. Multiple wrestling events have been held here as well, including WrestleMania 30 and 34, and multiple WCW events. Caesars Superdome has also welcomed several big-time concerts over the years including The Jackson 5, Allman Brothers, Kiss, Prince, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Janet Jackson, Guns N' Roses, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, U2, Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Tim McGraw, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Kevin Hart, Jay-Z, and Taylor Swift. Another extra for Champions Square and the tailgate area outside the Superdome – Champions Square captures the spirit and culture of New Orleans, and shows just how much the city supports the Saints. The backdrop for the square consists of large banners of signature moments in Saints and Superdome history, including banners of "Pistol" Pete Maravich (a folk hero in Louisiana), Drew Brees holding up the Saints Superbowl trophy, Muhammad Ali knocking out Leon Spinks, and a banner of the late great Saints owner Tom Benson. There is also a large statue of Tom Benson holding up the Vince Lombardi Trophy located in Champions Square, which makes for a great photo op. At Saints games they also check your tickets at Champions Square, so you are free to walk into and out of the Superdome as many times as you want. And of course, you can't talk about the Saints without mentioning the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina and the rebirth of the Saints after the storm. When coming to a game here it's hard to imagine what this place looked like in the days after the storm, with even a few people dying inside the Superdome; it's hard to believe his place didn't get condemned. Nevertheless, one of the most dramatic moments in sports history occurred here on September 25, 2006, the night of the Superdome's re-opening, when Saints safety Steve Gleason blocked a punt in the first quarter of a rivalry win against the Falcons. This would kickstart an improbable run for the team and the Drew Brees-Sean Payton era, culminating four years later in this team winning its first Super Bowl. That symbolic moment of hope and resilience is captured in a bronze statue of Steve Gleason blocking that punt – located on the southeast side outside the Dome, the large statue is titled "Rebirth". Before Katrina, the Saints had only been to the playoffs five times in 38 years, with only one playoff win, but since Katrina, the Saints have been to the playoffs nine times.

Photos by Aaron Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 StubHub Center 18400 Avalon Boulevard Carson, CA 90746 Los Angeles Chargers website StubHub Center website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 27,000 Under Cover in LA Built in 2003, StubHub Center currently holds 27,000 fans, and serves primarily as the home field for the LA Galaxy of MLS, but for the past several seasons has also hosted the LA Galaxy II of USL.  But in 2017 the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers moved in, and that team plans to call the facility home for a couple of years while their shiny new stadium in Inglewood is being built; the new venue (Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park) will be shared with the Los Angeles Rams. While StubHub Center is very small as NFL stadiums go (about half the size of the next closest, the Oakland Raiders’ Coliseum), the Chargers so far have had a very difficult time filling it, officially bringing in only about 25,000 per contest last season (2017).  This statistic, however, is made worse by the fact that it often seems like there are more visiting fans in attendance than home fans. Food & Beverage   4 On the plus side, StubHub Center has all the food options you could ever want at a sporting event and then some, but of course all this variety comes with the high prices typical of pro sports in America today. Each of the concessions stands at StubHub Center seems to offer something different; I did not see any repeats as I walked around the concourse.  And in addition to the freestanding vendors, there are also several food trucks which offer even more unique items, such as Korean BBQ and Sushi Burritos (which are exactly what they sound like – traditional sushi rolls the size of Mexican burritos). But the crown jewel of the concessions here just may be the Chargers Beer Garden, complete with hammock chairs and picnic tables, in addition to a huge selection of alcoholic drinks. One possible downside is that your more basic food options are actually a little hard to come by at StubHub Center – while you can find staples such as chicken tenders or pizza, a lot of the other staples like burgers and hot dogs only seem to come in upscale versions with higher price tags.  For example, you can find several stands and food trucks serving gourmet burgers, gourmet hot dogs, upscale tacos and nachos, and even gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.  In addition, there are also tons of other non-traditional options, too many to name them all in fact.  Selections range from bulgogi, kimchi, and poké bowls to French dip sandwiches, pasta, and cannolis, as well as more basic items such as empanadas, ice cream, cookies, and more.  Most main dishes will run you $10 or more, however, so the cost per person to eat here is probably around $25 for a meal. The drink selection at StubHub Center is equally wide, and includes everything you might expect such as bottled water, soda, milk, hot cocoa, coffee, and smoothies, as well as beer, wine, and mixed drinks, including frozen cocktails.  The beverage prices are a little more reasonable, however; for example, beer starts at just $5, but you can pay more to find craft brews and beer on tap, while wine starts at $9 and mixed drinks start a little higher.  Note that the staff does let you bring in an empty bottle (or cup) that you can fill with water during the game. Atmosphere   5 Despite the smallish crowd, the staff here at StubHub Center seems to pull out all the stops to create a good time for fans, and there are tons of amenities here that most other NFL stadiums do not offer.  For example, on the plaza before the game you can get pumped up with a concert by Chargers singers, and there are also tons of picnic tables and other seating (some of it covered) you can take advantage of.  StubHub Center also has several cooling fans dotted around the concourse, which are a great boon in the hot California sun. Besides the unique offerings, the Los Angeles Chargers also offer the traditional football amenities fans have become accustomed to at pro sports, such as flame and smoke spurting forth when the team comes onto the field, the occasional jet flyover, the cheerleaders, and the Chargers band which performs during various breaks in the action, as well as the cannon which goes off after every Chargers score. One sad bit of nostalgia – the famed sing-song chant from San Diego (San Dee-eh-go Char-gers!) has not been carried over into the new city (not even with a name change), so long time fans may be disappointed; perhaps a new chant will emerge someday. Neighborhood   4 Los Angeles is a great city, but StubHub Center is actually located 14 miles south in Carson, so you will have to trek a little bit if you want to soak in the fun and craziness of LA.  That said, you will find plenty to do closer to the stadium if you come for the day or weekend, along with hotels and lodging options to fit any budget. The closest restaurants to StubHub Center (within walking distance) are old-style diners such as Dandy Lion Restaurant and R & R Soulfood, but there are plenty of upscale options to the south along I-405, such as Olive Garden.  And if you are looking for ethnic cuisine, there are a ton of options within a few miles of the venue, ranging from Hawaiian to Mexican and Vietnamese.  In addition, if you are looking for a quick bite right before you go inside, there is a Kentucky Fried Chicken just outside the main entrance, on the west side of Avalon Blvd. Alternatively, if you are looking for something truly unique, check out The Proud Bird next to LAX airport; this aviation-themed restaurant and event space features WWII planes and other museum exhibits inside and out, and would be a great place to stop in before or after the game. If you plan to be in town for the weekend, going on a whale watch from one of the nearby beaches is a great option, especially for games in September or October, which are better months for whale migration.  But if indoor activities are more your bag, Carson is also home to the International Printing Museum and the Porsche Experience, either one of which would be a great time for the whole family. Fans   3 It is very disappointing that Chargers fans are not able to sell out this relatively small venue (smaller than many college football stadiums, actually, even some of the ones in the MAC).  Also, at times there seems to be more visiting fans than home fans, so you may not see very many powder blue jerseys. Access   3 Traffic around LA is terrible, but fortunately Carson is not that bad, given its location about 14 miles to the south.  And thankfully, football season comes after the tourist season is mostly over, so traffic here should be a little easier in the fall – NFL stadiums actually tend to do fairly well traffic-wise, though, given that most games are on Sunday, while the roadways around these big-city venues are built for (and used to) handling the much heavier weekday traffic. Parking at StubHub Center is pricey – in the main lots right next to the venue you will pay $100, but fortunately you can park right across the street (on the west side of Avalon Blvd) for $40 at nearby churches or in people’s yards, if you get there early.  When heading home, however, I would strongly recommend that you avoid driving on Avalon Blvd – if possible cut west down the side streets for several blocks, and then make your way to the freeway from there; I-110 and I-405 are to the west of the stadium anyway, so it makes sense to avoid the gridlock immediately surrounding the venue. Despite the fact that StubHub Center does not even sell out, the venue is really crowded, especially during halftime – you could find yourself in line for quite a while.  The beer garden is a little less crowded, however, so that might be a good spot to hang out if you need a break from the crowds. Return on Investment   4 Even if you buy them from ticket resellers you might pay close to $100 (or more) for a Chargers game, which is a lot of money for a sporting event.  However, that is typical of the LA market, and is not far off from many other pro football venues. I would suggest though that you pay attention to where your seat is located, and not just buy the cheapest ticket like I did – the weather is very, very hot in LA, especially if you attend a game in September or October, so if possible I would try to sit in the highest rows on the west side of the stadium, or in the upper deck on the east side, so you can sit under one of the roofs.  Anywhere in the 200 or 300 sections would be great, or in the highest rows of sections 107 thru 115 – StubHub Center is such a small facility that even if you sit that far up you won’t be very far from the action, and you will be able to see the game better from up there anyway, given that you can’t see the whole field if you sit too close. Add in the high cost of parking and concessions to the ticket price, and this could be an expensive outing especially if you have a big group.  However, you will get to be a lot closer to the action on the field here than at other NFL venues, so for a lot of fans this could be a worthwhile trip.  And it is sure to be a fun day, given all the nice amenities StubHub Center offers. Extras   4 The beer garden and full-size restaurant/tap room inside are a plus, as is the entertainment before and during the game, such as the pre-game concert and the Chargers football toss).  StubHub Center truly offers a carnival-like atmosphere, which in addition to the cooling fans and the multiple seating areas inside the venue will make for a great visit that goes beyond just the action on the gridiron. Final Thoughts The Los Angeles Chargers will soon move on to their mammoth new home in Inglewood, so you don’t have much longer to enjoy this cozy NFL venue.  If you plan to be in the LA area anytime soon, be sure to take in a football game at StubHub Center – the venue offers a lot, and if you pick the right game, you can even see your favorite NFL players up close.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Sam Boyd Stadium 7000 E Russell Road Las Vegas, NV 89122 UNLV Rebels website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 36,800 What Happens At Sam Boyd… Sam Boyd Stadium is named after Sam Boyd, a notable figure in the Las Vegas hotel & casino industry. Built in 1971, the venue has been renovated multiple times, most recently in 2015, and now has a capacity of 35,500 (a horseshoe design with no fixed seating on the north side). Besides hosting the UNLV Rebels, the stadium has been home to several (short-lived) professional football teams, and is also home to the annual NCAA Las Vegas Bowl. Temporary bleachers can be erected in the north end zone as needed to add capacity, and the venue has held over 40K on several occasions, most notably in years when BYU played in the bowl game. Food & Beverage 5 Sam Boyd Stadium has a wide variety of food and beverage options, including plenty of alcohol; concession stands offer everything you would expect at a game and then some, including pizza, burgers, hot dogs, brats, smoked sausage, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and Blings!, as well as snacks such as popcorn, churros, cotton candy, pretzels, and several varieties of nuts (salted, cinnamon glazed, and chocolate covered). Main dishes range in price from $4-$9, while snacks cost $3-$6. Adult beverage options at Sam Boyd Stadium include several stands that have full (or at least semi-full) bars, as well as stands that only sell beer, and even specialty stands that sell Guinness products. You can also buy beer for $7 at the main stands (Bud Light, Coors Light, or Miller Lite). Non-alcoholic choices include Coke products in bottles or from the fountain, Powerade, bottled water, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Atmosphere 4 The crowd is not very large at UNLV games lately, but the venue is still worth a visit. The decor at Sam Boyd Stadium really plays up the Vegas angle, with poker/casino-themed icons surrounding the distance markers on the field, the slogan “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” painted in each end zone, and even images of the Vegas skyline behind the north end zone; they also play the song “Viva Las Vegas” before every game. Besides the Vegas imagery, you will also see the mascot, Hey Reb, being chauffeured around in a red and black car decorated with Rebels logos. He drives around the parking lots before the game to help rev up the crowd, and rides around again just before kickoff when he leads the team onto the field – the second time is much better, because this time there are actually five cars, the first one sporting a giant UNLV flag, and the others bearing flags with the letters U, N, L, and V. These flags won’t be seen again, though – while at most stadiums, the cheer squad runs around with their flags after every home team score, here at Sam Boyd Stadium, they shoot off red and white confetti instead. The best thing about Sam Boyd Stadium is that all of the seats have chair backs – specifically, all the seats are bleachers with chair back rails. This is much more comfortable than most stadiums (which only have chair backs on the alumni side, if at all). Neighborhood 5 The stadium is located in Vegas – what more could you ask? While there are fewer choices near the stadium itself (south of city center, near Henderson), there are plenty of great restaurants in Vegas, too many to even begin naming them. The best ones are the buffets, where the food is very high quality, but the prices are low (because the hotels make their money off the gambling). There is plenty to do in Vegas besides dining out – in addition to the myriad casinos, there are plenty of clubs you can visit or shows to take in at The Mirage or at similar venues. You may also want to visit Hoover Dam, located just a few miles south of Las Vegas. A hotel in Vegas can easily cost over $100 per night (plus resort fees), but it is definitely worth it to be close to the action, especially if you can find something close to the strip – that place is bustling all night long! Lots of the hotels run specials, and try to get it back from the gambling, so you should be able to find a good rate. Remember that Vegas is located in the middle of a desert, however, so you won’t find much except coyotes if you stray too far from the city limits. Fans 2 The Rebels fans who show up are passionate, loud, and wear school colors, but there aren’t that many of them. In fact, you might see just as many visiting fans as you see UNLV fans. Officially, attendance is listed at 20K per game, but the actual attendance is a lot lower, more in the 10K to 15K range. They do sell team gear in the stadium, if you forget to bring your own. Access 4 There are plenty of ramps in Sam Boyd Stadium, parking is free behind the south end zone, and while there are not a lot of bathrooms, there are more than enough to accommodate the size of the crowd. Depending on where you are coming from, getting to Vegas could be a long lonely drive through the desert, so you may prefer to make the trek in the daytime. The parking on the south side is in gravel lots, and the area is actually one continuous zone with entrances on either end, so pay attention to the numbered posts along the fence to remember where you parked. There is no tailgating in this area; for that you will need to park in the grass on the north side, which will cost about $10. There are gates on the east, west, and south sides, but the main entrance is on the south, which is closest to the parking for most fans. This is also where the ticket booths and will-call are located. The concourse under the seats is plenty wide, but there are numerous pillars you have to navigate around, so watch for those – at least they are painted in Rebels colors. There are concessions stands on both sides of the aisle, however, so it should be easy to find what you want – the main stands are on the inside (closer to the field), and the satellite stands are along the outside. Return on Investment 4 Like most college football venues, ticket prices at Sam Boyd Stadium vary by game, with the cheap seats starting at $14 for some games, up to $20 or more for other games. However, since UNLV games rarely sell out, you should be able to find tickets on the secondary market, and you can always buy cheap seats and move to a different section. I didn’t notice any promotions, like free t-shirts or rally towels, but programs are free, as is parking, and concession prices are reasonable, so seeing a Rebels game is definitely worthwhile from a cost perspective, given the unique imagery and fun antics of the mascot. Plus, it gives you an excuse to see Vegas – as if you need one! Extras 3 Enjoy the view of the Rockies – people always seem to rave about the mountain views, I guess because they are a rarity in college football, since most teams are near the coasts. We should also mention all the Vegas imagery – the only thing lacking is a slot machine. A third point for the other events held here, such as the annual Las Vegas Bowl, which provide additional opportunities to visit this modern, fun venue. Final Thoughts UNLV may not have the most competitive team lately, but their stadium is definitely worth a look, and the location cannot be beat. And if you pick the right opponent, you just might witness a Rebel victory.

Photos by Bryndon Coughlin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Providence Park 1844 SW Morrison Portland, OR 97205 Portland State Vikings website Providence Park website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 20,438 Vikings Among Timbers Providence Park is somewhat a familiar territory for the Vikings, but it can be hard to consider it their home field, as the program has yet to find a formula to fill the stands and provide a fun college game atmosphere to fans. The current stadium has other tenants; Providence Park was first used for Major League Soccer for the Portland Timbers on April 14, 2011 and has recently become home for Portland’s new NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) team, the Portland Thorns. Food & Beverage 4 Beer prices range from $5-$9. Popcorn, fries and candy are also available. The menu offers a choice of Zenners local hot dogs. Bacon Cheddar smoked sausage or the Timber Brat seem to be the fan favorites. The Timber Brat is wrapped in bacon and served on a pretzel dog bun with Widmer beer-braised onions. Local restaurants have their own stations open also. Portland City Grill and Qboba Mexican all seem to be the popular choices. Atmosphere 2 The stadium overall is laid out nicely. Unless you’re sitting fairly close you will most likely be covered from the occasional down pour provided by the beautiful Northwest. Be sure to check the details of your ticket as some seats have obstructed views. The fans that have attended a Timbers game at Providence Park might not see too much of a difference. The Vikings do try to cover the Timbers logos to try to make it more of a home feel for the crowd. Other than the Vikings logo, most of the same specialty restaurants are open and the fan shop for the Portland Timbers remains open during the game . About two thousand seats were added in 2012. This bringing capacity up to 20,438. Unfortunately, the program isn’t in the current direction to even fill the stadium at half capacity. The Vikings fans sit about 10 feet away from the field creating a fun atmosphere for the players and crowd. The next best seats are Row M located in the Key Bank Club section, you are able to sit a little above eye level and it makes for a great view to see how the plays are formed. There is a private section known as The Root Sports lounge which can be rented out for big parties. The lounge provides private seating on the same level as the players. The lounge also has a lot more food options and is available throughout the game. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Portland has all kinds of restaurants, bars and shopping centers. Stop by the world-reknown Voo-Doo Doughnuts and grab a maple bacon or Captain Crunch bar. Grab a slice from Pizzacato, the best pizza in Portland, hands down. The Cheerful Bullpen is the before and after spot for any Vikings home or away games. The Cheerful Bullpen is located within minutes of Providence Park. Portland is famously known for their food carts so don’t be shy, they can be the best place for a pre game meal. Pioneer Square located about 5 minutes from Providence Park is a hot spot for local and national shopping. I also suggest checking out the Nike Factory located across the corner from the historic Multnomah County Courthouse. Nike was established in Oregon so you won’t be disappointed by the store and its many interactive features for fans of all kinds. The boutique stores like Compound and Upper Playground can be great places to check out different kinds of art. Fans 2 The fans throughout Providence Park are pretty spread out and there doesn’t seem to be a place where diehard fans sit together. Chants and coordinated cheers are absent and makes you wonder if you are watching a college football game. There also didn’t seem to be a student section. Access 5 Out of all the stadiums I’ve been to, I have never seen such a big spot for bicycle parking. It seems like it’s the popular way to get to the area and not take a car. Portland’s bus and light rail (known as MAX) system is nicely integrated into stops at and near the stadium block. “Park and Rides” are littered throughout the City of Portland. With the option of the MAX, a fan is cutting costs on outrageous parking prices and gas used to and from the game. I wouldn’t suggest trying to park near the stadium as it is located in downtown near other venues that require street parking. Remember to double check the meter signs as these meters that are closer to the stadium run on different times and prices compared to others throughout the city. Return on Investment 2 The small crowd and quiet atmosphere Portland State games provide makes for an overall experience that doesn’t cut it compared to other Division I college facilities. Whether a fan is looking to gawk at a great arena or find a quick adrenaline rush on a loud college atmosphere, this is not the place to spend your money. Extras 1 The Disc Jockey for the Vikings is one of the better DJs I’ve heard. He plays music that is family friendly yet not boring and keeps your attention throughout the game.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way Oakland, CA 94621 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 63,026 The Black Hole The Oakland Raiders began play at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in 1966, two years before Charlie Finley moved the Athletics west from Kansas City. There are definite differences between an A’s game and a Raiders game, the most obvious of which is probably the tarped off third deck during A’s games that the Raiders use as seating. Beyond that, the atmosphere is entirely different with different people, a different sport, and a packed house. The Coliseum is unique in that the playing surface is below ground level. Because of this, when fans enter gates they’re looking down on the field from the top of the first level. From there you head downstairs to a lower level seat and upstairs to the second and third levels. The Coliseum has been at the bottom tier of NFL stadiums along with California neighbors Candlestick Park and Qualcomm Stadium. Because of this, many have added the Raiders to the list of potential teams that can make their home at the Los Angeles football stadium. With the passing of Al Davis, much of this speculation has been put on the shelf while the front office figures their next steps. Food & Beverage 4 Much of the food options from the A’s games are available at Raiders games with the added bonus that all concession stands are open and ready for business. The main difference is that beer prices are at a premium for the football games. Beers can reach the $9.50 plateau while the $5 variety of the same beer is available during baseball season. Many of the normal options are available at The Coliseum like hot dogs, nachos, and garlic fries. The most popular item may be the teriyaki chicken, a must-try when visiting Oakland. Atmosphere 4 Even though The Coliseum isn’t aging well, a Raiders game is still quite the party. It starts in the parking lot, hours before kickoff. The Raider Nation gets there early to fire up their grills and toss back a few cold beverages. This moves into The Coliseum, where the party really starts. Designed like many of the coliseums that were rolled out in the 1960’s, the bowl-shape is conducive to good views from any seat. My seat was around the 50 yard in third deck; a great view of the game. Neighborhood 1 The Raiders and A’s share a parking lot with Oracle Arena, home of the Golden State Warriors. The immediate neighborhood is largely industrial and less than cozy. I wouldn’t wander far from the parking lots as the area doesn’t have the best reputation. Perhaps because of this, there is no place to eat or drink within walking distance prior to the game. A worthwhile trip in neighboring San Leandro is Ricky’s Sports Theater, ranked 2nd best sports bar in the nation by Sports Illustrated. They have over 100 screens and tons of Raiders memorabilia. Fans 5 Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t be scared of the Raiders’ fans. They are a passionate fan base made even more special by the years of inept football that they suffered through. The fans supported the team through the heartbreaking move to Los Angeles and welcomed them with open arms when they moved back to Oakland. Undoubtedly, Raider fans are boisterous and like the label of bully. Though I’ve never witnessed any violence at a Raider game, it is obvious that their fans enjoy a certain level of intimidation. They are one with the silver and black. The Black Hole is one of the most passionate and chaotic sections in all of sports. They’re rambunctious fervor when the opposing team is in the redzone is mob-like. This is home field advantage to the max. Access 4 The most convenient way to get to the stadium is by taking BART which stretches over much of the Bay Area. The Coliseum/Airport Station is right on the other side of San Leandro Street accessible by the pedestrian overpass. Other public transportation options are AC Transit buses and Amtrak trains, both with stops for The Coliseum. If driving on 880, exit at 66th Avenue or Hegenberger to access the Coliseum. It’s a pretty easy drive into the area with wide freeways and surface streets. The one knock is the time it takes to get through the security lines and into The Coliseum. I’ve waited for up to 25 minutes in a line (if you can call it that) to get inside. Once inside there seemed to be plenty of restroom and concession access on the third level that I was on. It may be different on the lower level as the first and second decks share the same promenade. Return on Investment 2 With the cheapest ticket at $56 combined with high concession prices and parking at $35 the Coliseum is just about as expensive as any venue in the NFL. However, it doesn’t provide the state of the art amenities as the newer stadiums around the league. My best tip is to take BART to the game as a round trip ticket will cost you around $10 depending on where in the system you are coming from. Extras 2 It’s a pretty bare bones experience at Oakland Coliseum. With the exception of the championship flags there isn’t much in the way of memorabilia or nostalgia. But that’s sort of the way the Raiders roll, as they don’t retire numbers. Between the coliseum and the arena next door is a ring of championship plaques honoring the successes of the teams that play there; 4 for the A’s, 3 for the Raiders, and 1 for the Warriors. Lastly, there is a torch lit in honor of legendary owner and infamous personality Al Davis after he passed away early this season. I’m not sure if it’s a permanent thing but it’s certainly a nice touch.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 3911 S Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90037 Los Angeles Rams website Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 93,000 Whose House? Rams House Opened in 1923, The Los Angeles Coliseum has been the host to countless historic events, including the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics, Super Bowls I and VII, and the 1959 World Series. The Dodgers would play their first four seasons at the Coliseum before moving into their permanent fixture at Chavez Ravine. UCLA Football and the Raiders would also call the Coliseum home at one time, while the USC Trojans continue their gridiron home inside the old lady’s hallowed walls. Prior to returning to Los Angeles in 2016, the Rams would call the Coliseum home from 1946 to 1979. The Grand Old Lady has been given both California and U.S. National Historic Landmark status. The historic peristyle end of the stadium is where its signature Olympic Cauldron resides. Food & Beverage 5 For such an old venue, the Coliseum does an outstanding job of creating space to allow for a diverse dining experience. The food options are abundant, ranging from gourmet hot dogs from Daug Haus, Aussie Pies, Tamales, Kalua Pork Bowls to other offerings extending from Mexican to Asian. Just outside the peristyle end is the Taste of Los Angeles where you will find an assortment of food trucks that vary throughout the season such as the lobstatruck or the Korean Belly Bomb. The Fields LA is the newest addition in Exposition Park located next to nearby Banc of California Stadium. The Fields, open before and after the game and offers an array of pre and postgame dining options ranging from Soul Food, Seafood, Mediterranean, and organic greens. Atmosphere 4 In spite of a current capacity of over 70,000, even with a full house at its loudest the noise tends to dissipate due to its vast size. The massive oval playing surface is very large for a conventional football field, which is placed closer to the west end zone and a great distance from the east peristyle. In spite of the old yard’s deficiencies, this does not deter the fans from displaying their enthusiasm for the home team. While you won’t have the most up to date amenities found in most any modern day venue, there is still plenty of history steeped into the Coliseum. With the Rams scheduled to move to Inglewood in 2020, if you want an old-school experience, you owe it to yourself to take in at least one game before the Rams make way to more upscale quarters. Neighborhood 4 On the grounds of the Coliseum is Exposition Park. If you are looking for other activities prior to the game, the Natural History Museum, the California African American Museum, as well as the Natural History Museum and the California ScienCenter are located inside the park. To be able to visit all the museums and fully take in the experience, you would probably need two days. If you’re limited on time, you may want to visit the California ScienCenter, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Not far from the Coliseum is the L.A. Live entertainment complex directly across the street from Staples Center, easily accessible from the Coliseum through L.A. Metro Expo Line. Fans 4 After over 20 years without an NFL team, after a slow start during their inaugural return, fans have embraced the Rams with open arms and have been rewarded greatly with a Super Bowl appearance in just its third year back. It was once wondered if the fans could continually fill the stands at the Coliseum. The Coliseum, once at a capacity of over 80,000, was deemed too big for such a diverse market. With the team reaching the postseason the last couple of seasons, the fans have returned to full form, truly making the Coliseum on game day, the Rams House. Access 3 The Coliseum is about three miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles and adjacent to the USC campus. The stadium is most easily reached from the 10 or the 110, both of which unfortunately have some of the most congested traffic in the area.  There are multiple satellite lots as well as parking on the USC campus that are typically priced based on proximity to the stadium. If you should be so fortunate, you may find pricing as low as $75. Should you decide to use public transit rather than drive, the MTA’s Metro Expo Line has a station conveniently located across the street from campus, a short walk away as you walk through Exposition Park. A day pass, along with a TAP card is a great bargain at $9. The Expo Line also offers convenient connections with other MTA rail and bus lines should you want to explore what L.A. has to offer. Once inside the stadium you will find a concourse the encircles the entire stadium. If your seats are on the upper level, expect some rather intimidating inclines. Fortunately, for those do not wish to navigate up the stairs, three escalators, two of them on the south stands, are on site. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices run from $70 for seats in the corners of the peristyle end and are quite a distance from the field. If you are just looking to take in the action at a bargain (for NFL standards) regardless of your seating location this is your best bet. Otherwise, expect to pay in the triple digits for seats along the sidelines. With the success the Rams have had this year (2018-19), do not expect the prices to dwindle anytime soon. The experience you get while watching one of the top teams in action could well be worth it. Extras 3 During your visit to the stadium, be sure to walk by the arches and check out the “Court of Honor.” This memorial has many plaques to recognize the events or achievements that have occurred at the stadium. Notable names such as Daniel Reeves, Jesse Owens, Pope John Paul II, Jackie Robinson, John Wooden, and Jerry West all hold a place in the Court. If the Olympic rings and arches weren’t enough, check out the “Olympic Gateway” in front of the Coliseum. Created in 1984 by Robert Graham, this structure rises 25 feet above ground and has headless male and female bodies made of bronze. Final Thoughts The Coliseum is going through a face lift. When completed, The Grand Old Lady is expected to have a seating capacity of over 75,000. After a slow start upon their return to L.A., the Rams have had plenty of success, climaxed by a trip to Super Bowl LIII. With the Rams due to play in their gleaming new digs in 2020, the USC Trojans football program will continue to call the Coliseum their home. The anticipation and excitement for 2019 should be high and the Rams will look to finish their second go ‘round at the Coliseum a memorable one.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Regions Field 1401 1st Ave S Birmingham, AL 35233 UAB Blazers website Regions Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 8,500 It’s Time for Blazerball! The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is the third largest school in the Alabama University System, with more than 21,000 students. Its urban campus is located at the southern tip of Birmingham, Alabama. The school is relatively young, as it was founded in 1969. UAB is particularly known for its cutting-edge medical school. The sports teams at UAB are known as the Blazers, using a dragon as the school’s mascot. The Blazers participate in Conference USA at the Division I level of NCAA competition. The baseball Blazers began play in 1979 and have gone to two NCAA Tournaments and won one Conference USA title. The team has an unusual home schedule, as it splits its games between the on-campus Young Memorial Field and Regions Field, the downtown home of the Class AA Birmingham Barons. The February and March games take place at Regions Field, with UAB returning to their on-campus stadium once the minor league season gets underway. Young Memorial Field opened in 1984 and seats 1,000, while Regions Field opened in 2013 and seats 8,500. This review will focus on Regions Field, with some comparisons to Young Memorial Field included. Food & Beverage 3 Regions Field offers a wide variety of concessions including both generic stands as well as specialty foods through such vendors as the Bud Light Cool Zone and Dreamland BBQ. However, the stadium only offers a single concession stand along the third baseline for Blazer games. The stand offers chicken fingers with fries ($8), cheeseburgers ($8), hot dogs ($4), popcorn ($4), fries ($4) and chips ($2). Beverages include Coca-Cola fountain sodas ($4) and bottled water ($4). Alcohol can be served at UAB games, as it is not located on-campus. Domestic beers are $6. There is also only one concession stand a Young Memorial Field. It sells the same products as Regions Field but cannot sell beer due to its on-campus location. Atmosphere 3 Regions Field has been heralded as one of the top parks in minor league baseball. It salutes Birmingham’s industrial past with the use of brick and steel as its primary elements in its construction, it also salutes the future, as it offers dramatic views of the growing downtown Birmingham skyline, along with Red Mountain and the city’s famous mountaintop statue of Vulcan, the Greek god of metalworking. The stadium offers 8,500 seats, including 400 club level seats and 23 luxury suites. Berm seating is available in the outfield. It also has a 360-degree concourse, which allows you to get different views of the action, as well as to check out the many special food and beverage selections at the park. The park also features a large LED scoreboard/video board in left field. Unfortunately, many of these options are not available at UAB games held at the stadium. The outfield and berm seating are roped off from use by the fans and the concourse is also cut off just after the first/third base points in the stadium. In addition, the Barons team store is closed and there is no Blazer gear available for sale. Another issue is that there is no signage or other recognition that UAB even plays at the stadium… which really cuts down on the college atmosphere of the game. Once the game starts, the scoreboard does show UAB-related information and the PA announcer makes the basic line up and batting introductions. This all adds up to a less than electric atmosphere at UAB games played at Regions Field. By comparison, Young Memorial Field does not offer many of the bells and whistles or dramatic views of Regions Field. However, it definitely lets you know you are at a UAB facility. The entire color scheme of the park is in the green and gold colors of the Blazers. Banners are hung on the outfield wall highlighting the championship years the team has experienced. The dragon logo is prominently displayed on the wall padding and other parts of the park. The seating capacity is much smaller, but that seems to create more enthusiasm within the crowd. Neighborhood 5 Regions Field is located within the Parkside District of Downtown Birmingham. Its construction was seen as a way to revitalize the southern end of the downtown area. It has certainly done that, as the Railroad Park was constructed across the street from the stadium and new restaurants and shops are filling in long abandoned space in the area. Several hotels have been built in recent years to service both Regions Field and the nearby UAB Medical Center. One must look no further than beyond the outfield walls to see all the residential growth in the area, as apartments overlook both center and right field. Young Memorial is by nature a part of the UAB academic campus. It is surrounded for the most part by academic structures. Its newest neighbor is BBVA Stadium, home of the Birmingham Legion of the USL. Fans 3 The fan base differs greatly between Regions Field and Young Memorial Park. Regions Field tends to attract more locals from the communities that encircle the stadium and the family and friends of the players. When UAB is playing a local or major college rival (Samford, Jacksonville State University, Troy University, Alabama or Auburn) there is a more evenly spread crowd of the local community and members of the UAB student body. Other than these key games, the turnouts at Regions Field tend to be in the hundreds, which results in a quite muffled response, even after a UAB score, due the large area the stadium covers. The seating arrangement is on bleachers rather than seats at Young Memorial Field. However, there is a much larger turnout from the student body for games. The on-campus nature of the smaller park seems to also bring more energy to a confined seating area, resulting in a more boisterous crowd during rallies or the team getting out of a tough spot defensively. Access 3 Access to both Young Memorial Field and Regions Field has been impacted by a major construction project impacting the I-20/I-59 interchange. It is best to use your favorite mapping app/GPS for the most current directions, as the project will affect other exits as it progresses. Regions Field only has a 250-space parking lot. However, there are more than 2,500 parking spaces within five blocks of the stadium. Paid parking lots typically charge $5, but lots of on-street parking is readily available for weekend games. Parking is available at a UAB Parking Deck immediately across the street from Young Memorial Field. Return on Investment 4 Both Regions Field and Young Memorial Field offer an excellent return on investment. Admission is $7 at both locations and the concession prices are identical. Parking at both locations is either very expensive or free. Extras 3 Former MLB player and longtime manager Harry “The Hat” Walker served as the first UAB coach for the baseball program. Baseball has a long history in Birmingham, dating back to 1885. For most of these years it was played at Rickwood Park, one of the oldest baseball parks in the country. It is still in use for some college games and the annual Rickwood Classic, a fundraiser to help underwrite the maintenance cost of the stadium. The Barons and the opposition don period uniforms for this throwback game. The Negro Southern League Baseball Museum adjacent to Regions Field is well worth a visit. It is not open on Sundays. Final Thoughts Regions Field provides an excellent atmosphere for baseball at the minor league level, as it offers many amenities not found at other ballparks at the AA level. Unfortunately, many of these same amenities are unavailable to the fans at UAB baseball games. The typical attendance at UAB games is dwarfed by the sheer size (8,500 seats) of Regions Field. This tends to minimize any fan impact on the game. The lack of any UAB branding at the stadium also deters from the fan experience. At the college level, nothing can beat the unique feel of an on-campus facility.

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Legion Field 400 Graymont Ave W Birmingham, AL 35204 UAB Blazers website Legion Field website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 71,594 UAB’s Blazers are Back and on Fire One of the icons of college football has gone from being The Football Capital of the World to being known as “The Old Gray Lady” due to its location on Graymont Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama. Legion Field opened in 1927, and recently celebrated its 90th birthday, but the last few years have been difficult ones for the stadium that hosted the fabled “Iron Bowl” between Auburn and Alabama for more than 40 years. The stadium also served as the alternate stadium for University of Alabama until 2003 when Bryant Denny Stadium was enlarged. The once proud upper deck of the east stands had to be torn down in 2005 due to structural issues, reducing the massive stadium’s capacity from 83,091 to 71,594. The demise of the stadium can be tied to many factors. The loss of several marquee games led to large losses of attendance. In addition, the City of Birmingham, which owns the stadium, went through bankruptcy and deferred needed maintenance for several years. The neighborhood surrounding the stadium has also gone through tough economic times. Finally, the 90-year-old structure does not offer many of the frills found at most any on-campus stadium around the country. Ironically, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers, at least temporarily, may be the savior of Legion Field. They have returned from a two year hiatus and are the main tenants of the stadium in the fall. The team has had some very successful seasons since the return of the program and the Blazers have breathed new life into the old stadium. Food & Beverage 2 There are six permanent concession stands still operating at Blazers games. They serve the basic stadium fare of BBQ sandwiches ($7), hot dogs ($3.75), nachos ($5), sausages ($7), popcorn ($5) and roasted peanuts ($3.50). Coca-Cola brand beverages cost $4 while bottled water is $3.50. Beer can be sold at Legion Field as it is not a campus facility. Budweiser brands are available for $8. The drinking age is 21 years old in Alabama and it is strictly enforced. We suggest that you check out one of the many food trucks at the Blazer Village for a wider selection of foods at very reasonable prices. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere of dread that preceded the UAB shutdown, has made a major turn to one of optimism by the city, the university and its fans. The city of Birmingham has shown its support by adding a new and much larger video board in the end zone, replacing a scoreboard dating back to the 1996 Olympics. It has also begun working on some deferred maintenance backlogs on the infrastructure of the stadium. The University of Alabama at Birmingham has recommitted itself to the football program by building a $22 million Football Operations Center and an indoor practice field. The student body has shown its support by working with the school in creating a great game day experience for the fans. This includes the organization of a Blazer Village pregame area on site and the addition of the Blazers Walk, welcoming the team on arrival at Legion Field with the Blazers marching band, cheerleaders and student forming a cordon for the team to pass through before the game. Two new additions to the pregame festivities are a Food Truck Rally featuring 10 different choices each game and Tailgate Wars, a competition based on a combination of the best decorated table, best food,  creativity of games and largest group amongst all tailgaters. These actions have made a major difference in improving the game day atmosphere. Still much is left to be done to bring Legion Field back into competitiveness with many of its peers around the country. Though it boasts more than 71,000 seats, most of these are of the aluminum bench variety, and tarps cover more than 30,000 of these seats. The need for club seating is a necessity to bring major donors back into the stadium. The suites at Legion Field offer very few amenities other than a roof, air conditioning and a refrigerator. Lighting at the stadium is antiquated and the parking lot surrounding the stadium is unpaved gravel. These capital improvements will not come overnight, but the various parties involved seem to be willing to discuss the shared costs of these improvements. Neighborhood 2 Legion Field is in the Smithfield neighborhood. Unfortunately, the area has been in serious decline in recent years. Many homes are boarded up and there are very few restaurants in the area. Talks are underway to redevelop the area. Downtown Birmingham is less than two miles from the stadium and has lots to offer. Regions Field is home to the Birmingham Barons minor league baseball team and is less than 5 years old. Nearby is the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, which is certainly worth the visit. On the food front, Dreamland BBQ is a legend in Alabama and the Highlands Bar and Grill in the 5 Points section of town is highly rated. Fans 4 Very simply, UAB football would not have returned, or once again be playing the games at Legion Field without the Blazer fans. From the beginning they protested the closure of the program, questioned the financial picture painted by the Board of Trustees and showed their support for the program through fundraising drives and the enlistment of several members of the Birmingham business community to form a committee to bring football back to UAB. In the end, these efforts paid off, and the Blazers could not ask for a more loyal fan base. In the first year back from the hiatus, the Blazer team stunned everyone by going 6-0 in home games at Legion Field. The UAB fans reacted by bringing in an average of 43,000 persons a game and leading Conference USA in attendance in 2017, with the next closest competitor more than 6,000 fans behind Access 1 Access to Legion Field is somewhat limited as it is located within a residential neighborhood. You can reach the stadium from both exit 260 B from I-65 north or via exit 260 from I-65 south. However, both exits force a rather circuitous route to the stadium. Upon arrival you will find very limited parking with a gravel lot serving only season ticket holders. We strongly urge fans going to the games to take a free shuttle from the UAB campus. Park for free in Parking lot 4 of the UAB campus and meet the shuttles at the bus awning. Busses run continuously from four hours prior to the game until one hour after the game. (Detailed info is available at www.uabsports.com.) Due to its age, Legion Field is not the most ADA compliant facility you will encounter. Fans with disabilities should call the UAB athletic department prior to the game to set up assistance. Wheelchair seating is on a raised platform on the field which is served by ramps. ADA parking is in the lot at the south end of Legion Field. Even persons without disabilities may have difficulty negotiating the steep ramps and steps of the stadium. Restrooms and concession stands are receiving upgrades and should be much more accessible for the upcoming season. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for UAB Blazer games come at two price levels. Tickets between the 40 yard lines are priced at $30 and all other seats are available at $20. Seats are aluminum benches, so either bring your seat cushion with you or be prepared to pay $10 for a seat back that can be attached to your bench. The concessions are limited, but quite inexpensive. Parking prices run the gamut from parking in neighborhood yards for $5 to reserved spaces in the gravel lot adjacent to the stadium for $8.  The free shuttles from the UAB campus are the most cost-efficient and safest method of getting to and from the stadium. Extras 4 Several other colleges play special games in Legion Field on an annual basis. The Magic City Classic Pits Alabama A&M against Alabama State, the Steel City Classic features Miles College against Stillman College and the Birmingham Bowl is a post-season game pitting an SEC team versus a Conference USA opponent. The first football member of the UAB Sports Hall of Fame is Roddy White, a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons from 2005-2015. The largest crowd ever in Legion Field was 83,810 for a preliminary match during the 1996 Olympics that featured the USA men’s team. Among the musical artists that have held concerts at Legion Field are U2, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones. UAB has already begun fundraising efforts to build a smaller 30,000 seat stadium closer to its downtown Birmingham campus. Final Thoughts Though the “Old Gray Lady” is showing her age… the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the city of Birmingham are working together to make her last years as productive as possible.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Salem Kiwanis Field 731 Indiana St Salem, VA 24153 American Legion Post 3 website Salem Kiwanis Field website Year Opened: 1932 Capacity: 5,000 An Old Classic in Salem, Virginia When I was driving to Memorial Stadium in Salem, Virginia, I stumbled upon another ballpark. I had thought I found the correct baseball stadium but quickly found out that I was someplace else. I was about a half mile from my intended destination, but this older venue caught my eye. It had some character and quirky dimensions and looked like it had been here for quite some time, the ballpark was Salem Kiwanis Stadium. Originally known as Salem Memorial Ballpark, the ballpark debuted in 1932 and offers a seating capacity of 5,000. It served home to numerous minor league franchises that included the Salem Friends, Rebels, Pirates, Redbirds, Buccaneers, and the Avalanche. The stadium’s current name was changed in 1995 since the new stadium’s site was previously owned by the Kiwanis Club; the old park took the Kiwanis name shortly after Memorial Stadium debuted. The University of Roanoke, Salem High School, Andrew Lewis Middle School, USSSA Events, American Legion Post 3 and the Roanoke Rails (Carolina-Virginia Collegiate League) all utilize the 87-year-old stadium for games and practice. A full-time staff does nothing but upkeep the stadium that is home to 200-300 games between January and November. The facility also has time to host a variety of non-baseball events that include music, food, and beer festivals. Perhaps the stadium’s darkest moment occurred on August 22, 1974, when Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Alfredo Edmead was fatally killed after diving for a pop fly in right field and colliding with his second baseman in a game against the Rocky Mount Phillies. The game was stopped for 20 minutes and a crowd of 937 on hand were unaware of the severity of the incident. Edmead would be pronounced dead at the hospital and the following year a plaque was erected at the stadium in his memory that is now located at Salem Memorial Stadium up the road. The influx of baseball gives the old-time ballpark much needed service and perhaps provides a nice alternative to the minor league ballpark just less than a mile up the road. However, unlike many other older venues that meet the wrecking ball after a modern facility is built, Kiwanis Stadium kept on being home to baseball in the Roanoke Valley. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark offers a small concession stand that offers more than enough items to keep you full during a ball game. They include hot dogs, chili dogs, barbecue sandwiches with slaw, nachos, super nachos (chili, onions, and jalapenos), hamburgers, popcorn, peanuts, and pretzels (salted and unslated). A hot dog is the cheapest item at $2.50 and the super nachoss will cost $5. Pepsi products are available and also include Dr. Pepper, Root Beer, and Orange Crush sodas for $2 to $3 each. If you want something do dessert the concession stand offers ice cream sandwiches, nutty buddy, freeze pop, and bomb pop for $1 each. Atmosphere 3 There is a sense of history at the ballpark that includes old, wooden seats with chipped paint that creak when you pull them down, a covered grandstand that dominates the grandstand, and quite a large amount of foul territory behind home plate. The area behind home plate also includes light towers that are in play and are padded for protection. The foul territory is due mostly to the design of the grandstand that does not feature a traditional curve and is embedded into a hill. This is partially due to the stadium being home to high school football, so less of a curve is beneficial for the gridiron, but it does make an impression to first-time visitors during the summer months. The entire grandstand is spread almost flat against the grassy hill behind it. The seating underneath the grandstand appears to be at least 60 to 70-years-old and are colored blue and scarlet red. There is bleacher seating down each baseline that is not covered by the roof of the grandstand. A simple scoreboard exists in left field and the views of the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains dominate the scenery in the distance. Neighborhood 3 The home of the Salem Red Sox, Memorial Ballpark, is located just up the road less than a mile away from Salem Stadium, if scheduling permits, one can enjoy a doubleheader during a visit to the city. The town of Salem does offer enough activities to enjoy during an overnight stay or if you have a few days on your journey. There are plenty of attractions that include the Salem Historical Museum, Salem Market, and Longwood Park. The Salem Fair takes place the first week of July and includes fireworks during Independence Day. Dixie Caverns allows visitors to explore underneath the earth and a quick ride to nearby Roanoke features the Pinball Museum and Valley Greenways. Restaurant options in Salem include Blue Apron, Mac and Bob’s, Cafe Xpress, Macado’s, Local Roots, and Zorbas. If you are a craft brew enthusiast, they have you covered with Parkway, Olde Salem, and Big Lick Brewing Company. Salem offers a majority of major and regional hotel chains for your lodging pleasure. A majority of convenient locations are off of I-81 that runs north and south of the Roanoke Valley. Fans 2 American Legion games attract a loyal audience of family members, friends, coaches and peers from school. Despite the massive size of the stadium, the atmosphere is up close and personal. You could hear every banter, the ping of the ball off the bat, and the ball in the leather of the glove. The cheering from the fans provides a nice backdrop to all of this and one needs to be reminded to sit back and relax–similar to taking in a game at Mirmow Field in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Access 3 The parking lot is located behind the left field corner of the stadium and it does require somewhat of a steep climb to the main entrance of the stadium–it was built in a hill. There is a ramp that leads patrons to the main concourse. Once inside, there is plenty of room to move around and find the right spot for the game. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket for legion baseball is $8 a person, that price could differ for other events at the stadium. Not a terrible price, but the cost of a Salem Red Sox game up the street is $8 for general admission. The parking is free and concession prices are inexpensive. The investment is enjoying a baseball game at an old cranky ballpark that has a lot of life left in it. Extras 2 Salem Kiwanis Stadium earns a point for its views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains–a beautiful backdrop in any stadium. The ballpark receives a second point for its odd dimensions that includes being built into a hill and offering old, wooden seats that could probably share quite a bit of history if they had the ability to talk. Final Thoughts I discovered Kiwanis Stadium by accident and its great to know that the place is still standing offering many days of baseball during both the spring and season. Its location near Memorial Stadium also makes it viable for a quick trip inside for a game. A ballpark of its caliber is definitely past its prime for the professional ranks, but it’s nice to know that if you ever want to step back in time, you have the ability in Salem, Virginia.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Ladd-Peebles Stadium 1621 Virginia St Mobile, AL 36604 South Alabama Jaguars website Ladd-Peebles Stadium website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 33,471 U-S-A! U-S-A! In this case, U-S-A stands for the University of South Alabama, whose football team has played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, since their inception in 2009. The Jaguars were undefeated in their first two seasons of existence, and reached their first bowl game in year five, which was only their second year of bowl eligibility.​ Besides being home to the South Alabama Jaguars, Ladd-Peebles Stadium hosts the Senior Bowl (since 1951) and the GoDaddy Bowl (since 1999), as well as concerts, trade shows, and other events, including a rally for presidential hopeful Donald Trump in 2015. The venue was built in 1948, and currently has a capacity of 33,471 for football. Food & Beverage 3 Ladd-Peebles Stadium offers basic fare at reasonable prices from its concession stands, many of which are closed during regular season games. Food options include barbecue, nachos, Foosackly’s chicken tenders (a local chain), burgers, hot dogs, chips, Lance crackers, peanuts, popcorn, cotton candy, candy bars, Krispy Kreme donuts, pretzels, Dippin’ Dots ice cream, and even dill pickles. These items range from $1 to $7, and some of them support local charities. Only some of the stands have credit card machines, so you don’t have to bring cash, but it would be easier if you did. Funnel cakes are advertised, but I didn’t see any actually for sale. Drink options include Coke products from the fountain, frozen lemonade, bottled water, and 11 varieties of beer. Other bottled drinks are advertised, such as Powerade and sodas, but I didn’t see any stands selling them. The prices are very reasonable – all drinks range in cost from $3 to $5, including the beer, which is lower than most stadiums. The 11 varieties of beer include Coors, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, 4 flavors of Bud Light Ritas, and Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale, which is brewed locally in Alabama. Atmosphere 2 During the regular season, the Jaguars draw very few fans, so the stadium might be more fun during a bowl game. All of the seats are metal bleachers, and some of the seats in the end zones are blocked off to make the venue easier to sell out (about half of the seats in each zone are covered over with banners). The four grandstands are not connected, which makes it a little difficult to move around, but not bad. On the plus side, there is lots of South Alabama signage, including banners, flags, and photos all over the stadium, but only one video board (NE corner), which is lower height-wise than you normally see. On one hand this is kind of nice, because you don’t have to strain your neck looking up. On the other hand, it probably isn’t quite high enough, because if you are sitting too close to it, the edges of the stands are in your way. The best place to sit is probably the west side (closer to the north end), since this will give you the best view of the video board. Unless you like chasing field goals and extra points, that is – there are no nets behind the goal posts, so you might be able to catch a ball if you sit on the ends. Either way, feel free to buy the cheap seats (in the end zones) and sit wherever you want, since they won’t sell out, and no one checks tickets anyway. Neighborhood 3 Ladd-Peebles Stadium is located in a slightly run-down residential area. There aren’t very many places to eat within walking distance of the stadium, except for some fast food places. But, if you are looking for somewhere to hang out before or after the game, there is a Ruth’s Chris Steak House about a mile away, a Logan’s Roadhouse to the west near I-65, and a Heroes Sports Bar & Grille to the east near the water. The most popular attractions in Mobile are the USS Alabama and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. And if you are staying in town overnight, there are plenty of hotels a few miles from Ladd-Peebles, either near the water or close to I-65. Fans 2 The Jaguars fans who show up are very loud, and wear team colors – red is the most popular color, but blue is also acceptable, as is white. There are gear stands on both the east and west sides if you need to buy a shirt or hat there. The stated attendance during a regular season game is in the 10,000 to 15,000 range (about one-third to one-half full), but actual attendance is much lower. The Jaguars football program has not existed for very long, so this may help explain the low attendance. But, it would also help if the team could manage to win more games. Access 3 Designed as a bowl venue, Ladd-Peebles Stadium has plenty of spacious bathrooms, and plenty of room in the concourses, so you won’t feel cramped. There is plenty of parking near the stadium for around $10, or you can park for free further away and take a shuttle in (a lot of the students do this, since Ladd-Peebles is not on campus). Riding the shuttle will cost $2.50 per person (round-trip) so it may be more cost effective to park, depending on how many are in your crew. There are gates on both the east and west sides, and you can get to the end zone seating from any entrance by walking around inside the stadium. The ticket booth is at the north end of the west side (under the press box), but if you try to use will call, it helps if you bring the purchase code they emailed you, which will make it easier for the staff to look you up. Or you can just print them at home (unless you want a nicer souvenir). If you are sitting on the east or west side, there are ramps that take you into the middle of the stands, and then you have to use the stairs to get to your row (either up or down). In the end zones, the entrances are at ground level (in front of the first row of seats), so you have to use the stairs to go up from there. I did not notice any seating for those with disabilities. Return on Investment 4 You can’t buy football tickets anywhere for less than they cost here, so even though the experience might only be so-so, it is definitely worthwhile cost-wise. Tickets to a Jaguars game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium start at only $10, with absolutely no fees, even if you buy online. You may even be able to buy them cheaper on the secondary market, since many more are sold than fans who show up. In addition, concession prices are about as low as you will ever find – I can’t think of many venues that offer beer and snacks for less than they cost here, especially football stadiums. Extras 1 The fact they host two bowl games here every year gives additional opportunities to see the stadium. Final Thoughts Mobile is a nice town near the gulf, and the weather is second to none, so not a bad place to take in a football game. Ladd-Peebles may not be the best venue, but it is super cheap, and if you want a better atmosphere (read: bigger crowd) you could try one of the bowl games instead. Or wait until your favorite team comes to town.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02035 UMass Minutemen football website Gillette Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 65,756 (2016) A Campaign Far From Home For The Minutemen When the University of Massachusetts announced that they would be moving their program up to FBS, the top level of collegiate football, they had a problem. Their longtime on-campus home, McGuirk Alumni Stadium, did not meet minimum standards for an FBS facility. While McGuirk Stadium was renovated to bring it up to minimum standards, the team played at Gillette Stadium, better known as the home of the New England Patriots of the National Football League, for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Once work on McGuirk was completed, the Minutemen continued to play half of their home schedule at Gillette. The school and stadium had a contract that called for a portion of the school’s home games to be played in Foxboro through 2016. UMass will be playing all of their home games on campus in 2017, and have a single game scheduled at Gillette Stadium (against Brigham Young) in 2018. While they were a member of Division 1-A (and subsequently FCS), the Minutemen were very successful, winning 22 conference titles, appearing in two bowl games, eight NCAA tournaments, and three title games. UMass won a Division 1-A National Championship in 1998. The UMass program has struggled since their elevation to FBS. With the Gillette Stadium portion of their 2016 home schedule complete, they are 2-18 in Foxboro. Overall, their record is not much better, as they have complied a 5-31 record since 2012, a winning percentage of .139. Food & Beverage 4 For Minutemen games, Gillette Stadium scales back their concessions due to the smaller capacity of the venue for college football. This does not mean that Minutemen fans have limited menu selections. Enough of the 38 permanent concession stands are open here to ensure that the entire concession menu is available and lines do not get too long. Gillette Stadium’s food offerings hit all the expected notes. Stands are organized by the type of food offered at each one. Minutemen fans can choose from Fried Tenders & Wings (chicken products), Stadium Grille (burgers, cheesesteaks and grilled chicken), Market Fresh Deli (Wraps, sandwiches and salads), Backyard BBQ (pulled pork, pulled chicken and brisket), Italian Sausage (sausages, bratwurst and hot dogs) and Stadium Pizza (Papa Gino’s pizza). The Lighthouse Grill behind The Fort offers burgers, chicken tenders and pizza. Fans may have to search a little to find their desired items, but the quality is worth the effort. Fans looking for healthier alternatives will find wraps, sandwiches and salads at the Market Fresh Deli stand. Items such as turkey burgers and Kosher hot dogs can be found throughout all stands as well. Several portable stands are open to augment the menu. Food carts offer items such as nachos, Friendly’s Ice Cream, Kayem hot dogs and assorted snacks. Pepsi products are featured at Gillette Stadium. Fans looking for adult beverages can choose from several national and international brands, including Bud Light, Coors, Shock Top, Heineken, Guinness and Bass Ale. Many fans will seek out the popular Beers of New England stand, which features local microbrewed favorites from Sam Adams, Harpoon, Long Trail and Allegash Breweries. Be warned that you will be paying NFL prices for concessions here at Gillette Stadium. Atmosphere 2 One commonly heard complaint about the gameday atmosphere at Gillette Stadium is that even when there is a solid crowd of 20,000 here for a UMass game, any energy generated is swallowed up by the sheer enormity of the facility. For Minutemen games, the entire upper deck of Gillette Stadium is closed off, along with portions of the lower deck. The large empty spaces do indeed put a damper on things here. With Gillette Stadium’s location 92 miles from UMass’ campus in Amherst, it’s amazing that so many students make the trek east. Still, the student section remains only half filled. Despite the best efforts of the marching band, cheerleaders, dance squad and stadium personnel, 50,000 empty seats tend to minimize any noise and energy generated here. Neighborhood 4 Any long time visitor to Gillette Stadium and its predecessor, Foxboro Stadium can tell you what a wasteland the area around the Stadium used to be. That began to change in 2007 with the development of Patriot Place, an open air shopping center and entertainment venue located on the former site of Foxboro Stadium. Today Patriot Place consists of dozens of retail stores, over a dozen restaurants, entertainment venues including a bowling alley, theater, and concert venue, a nature trail, cranberry bog, four star hotel, outpatient health care center, and the Patriots Hall of Fame. Fans coming to Gillette Stadium for a Minutemen game who do not wish to partake in the tailgating scene can choose from eateries ranging from the upscale (Davio’s Steakhouse, Twenty 8 Food and Spirits), to national chains (Red Robin, Five Guys Burgers). Choices run the gamut here, from American fare (CBS Scene, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill), to fine seafood (Skipjacks, Blue Fin Lounge), to sports bars and night clubs (Bar Louie). If you would like to enjoy some shopping before the game, the stores at Patriot Place do not focus solely on sporting goods as you might expect from a mall located at a football stadium. In addition to the dozens of stores here, the Showcase Cinema de Lux shows first run movies in their theaters, Showcase Live contains a 16,000 square foot concert hall, and Splitsville is a combination bowling alley/restaurant/night club. With Patriot Place remaining open after games, fans are not obligated to leave immediately after the conclusion of the game. While Gillette Stadium’s “neighborhood” may not be an organic one, everything you need or want can be found there. You can’t ask for much more than that. Fans 2 Despite initial projections, fans just have not flocked to Gillette Stadium as the administration had hoped. Over the five years that UMass played in Foxboro, the team averaged about 13,000 fans per game. The two hour drive from Amherst, the longest distance between any campus and home stadium in the country, has limited attendance in a major way, as has the team’s lack of success since moving up to FBS. On the plus side, those students who travel the two hours to see the Minutemen play really want to be there, and are enthusiastic in their support of the home team. Access 4 Any local football fan can tell you about the nightmarish traffic at Gillette Stadium for Patriots games and concerts. Fortunately for UMass football fans, getting to and from Gillette for Minutemen games is much easier. Gillette Stadium is located on Route 1, a four lane highway near the intersection of interstates 95 and 495. The legendary traffic jams for Patriot games here are not an issue with the smaller Minutemen games. The 16,500 parking spaces surrounding the stadium are more than enough to handle a typical UMass crowd. Once fans arrive at the stadium, they will enjoy plenty of room to tailgate, wide and well-marked pedestrian walkways leading to both the stadium and Patriot Place, and nicely manicured grounds. For fans who can recall the old dirt parking lots and cold metal bleachers of the old Foxboro Stadium, this is a different world, indeed. Fans will enter Gillette Stadium through one of three entry plazas. The two entry plazas on the west side of the stadium deposit fans on the main concourse above the 100 level seats. The third entrance is located by the Patriots Hall of Fame, and fans entering here will find themselves at the base of the bridge and lighthouse. Ramps lead up from here to the 100 level concourse. The 100-level concourse completely encircles the field and is more than wide enough to handle traffic for the typical Minutemen crowd. Lines at concession stands and restrooms are manageable, even during halftime. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for UMass games at Gillette Stadium cost $25 for all seats. Fans wanting a more upscale experience can purchase seats in the Putnam Club for $50. Parking for Minutemen games is free. Fans used to the high NFL and concert prices at Gillette Stadium will be very pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately, if purchasing concessions during a UMass game, you will be paying NFL prices for food and beverages. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the opportunity to catch some big time college football in a state of the art facility, a rarity in this part of the country. UMass’ presence at Gillette gives fans who cannot afford to come to Patriots games a chance to experience this stadium. A second extra point is awarded to the diehard fans who travel two hours each way to cheer on their favorite team. Final Thoughts Gillette Stadium is a fine facility, one that annually finishes in the top ten of Stadium Journey’s rankings of all NFL facilities. It’s simply too big and too far from the UMass campus in Amherst to be a viable home for the Minutemen. For the 2017 season UMass will play all of their home games at the on campus McGuirk Stadium, and going forward will only play marquee games at Gillette.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Georgia Dome 1 Georgia Dome Drive NW Atlanta, GA 30313 Atlanta Falcons website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 71,228 The Dome is Home The Georgia Dome has been home to the Atlanta Falcons since 1992. But once the 2017 season begins, the Georgia Dome will be no more as a new stadium will open just south of the dome’s current location. Over the last 20-plus years, the Georgia Dome has not seen a lot of big games because the Falcons have not achieved consistent success. However, in recent seasons, the Falcons have been in the playoffs four times and as hosted three playoff games including the 2012 NFC Championship Game. While Atlanta fans are criticized for not supporting their sports teams, more fans have come to support the Falcons over the last few years because of their recent success. And while they have still have a lot of work to do in becoming the best fans in the NFL, there is nothing quite like seeing the Georgia Dome filled with over 70,000 fans cheering the Falcons to victory. Food & Beverage 4 The food prices at the Georgia Dome are on the expensive side, but the quality is worth the cost. From hot dogs, wings, burgers, popcorn, and fries, there is a wide variety of food to choose from. I had the chicken tenders and fries the last time I was at the Georgia Dome. It cost me $13 dollars, but they gave me a lot of food so I was not complaining. The one thing that does stand out is they have a couple a Taco Mac concession stands as well as an actual Taco Mac restaurant inside the dome. So if you want to go to the Brewniversity while watching the Falcons game, you are more than welcome to do so. Just like any professional football stadium, there are plenty of alcoholic beverages to choose from. And if you want a soda, then Coca-Cola is the beverage of choice because the main headquarters is a few blocks away. Atmosphere 4 The Georgia Dome is the largest cable supported dome in the world. When you walk into the stadium, it looks a lot bigger than looking at it from the outside. Over the years, the Falcons have improved to make the dome feel like the home of the Falcons by painting the seats red and black and doing the same thing with the outside walls. Then there is Falcons Landing which is located right in front of the C Gate of the dome. Fans can play games, get autographs and listen to some of the local sports talk radio host preview the Falcons game. And once you’re inside the dome, the drumline and the pregame videos and the cheerleaders do a good job getting you ready for kickoff. Because the team has had some success over the last few years, the dome has more of a big-time NFL feel than in the past. And while they have a ways to go to be a premiere NFL atmosphere, they are on their way. Neighborhood 5 The Georgia Dome is located in the heart of Atlanta, and there is a ton to do other than just taking in the Falcons game. Right next to the Georgia Dome is Philips Arena where you can see an Atlanta Hawks game as well as a concert. There is also the CNN Center where you can take a tour of CNN studios and shop at the Atlanta Braves Clubhouse store. Right around the corner is the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. Both are great places to take kids and are very informative. But the one thing that will catch the eye of many patrons is the College Football Hall of Fame, which will open in the fall of 2014. This is good place to learn all about the game and its legendary players and coaches. Fans 4 The fans in Atlanta have been ridiculed over the years because they are not as passionate as some of the other NFL fan bases in bigger markets. But because of the recent success of the team, the fans have been more actively supportive of the Falcons. The biggest issue is that the fans do show up late, so when the game starts, the dome may look a little emptier than it should be. But that has do with traffic and tailgating, and the fans eventually file in. There are normally 65,000-70,000 fans per game and they are smart and loud when they need to be. As much as Atlanta loves the Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs, the Falcons have captured their hearts because this team has a chance to do some big things in the next few years. Access 4 With the Georgia Dome located right off the downtown connector, it’s really easy to get to. And because there are plenty of parking options, getting out of stadium is not a problem either. And when it comes to moving around the Georgia Dome, that’s a piece of cake as well. However, one of the new things they have done is if you have a 100-level ticket, only those fans can walk around that level. As far as the restrooms go, they are as clean as you will find in an NFL stadium. But because there are 65,000 fans that attend a game, they can get crowded, so make sure to choose your time to go to the restroom wisely. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for a game can range from $60-$160 depending on where you want to sit. And parking will range from $20-$60, which is on the high side. But overall, it’s a good investment to make because there are only eight games per season, the food prices are not out of this world, and the product on the field has been solid over the last few years. So it’s worth spending the money to go to the dome on a Sunday afternoon. Extras 3 The entrance video is as good as it gets. Samuel L. Jackson telling fans to rise up is never old and he’s been doing it for years. The Falcons Ring of Honor is a great way to remember the best players in Falcons history. One of the most interesting things the Georgia Dome has is every helmet of every high school team in the state. Even my school was up on the wall which is a very cool thing to see for the many fans visiting from all over the state of Georgia. Final Thoughts The Georgia Dome is a good place to take in an NFL game. The officials have made improvements to the stadium to enhance the fan experience, and it has worked because whenever the Falcons are in town, the Atlanta area is always a busy place. But time is running out on the dome because the new Falcons stadium will open in the next few years. So make sure to you get the Georgia Dome before it’s too late.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Drass Field at Scott D. Miller Stadium 401 Clara St Dover, DE 19904 Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 2,500 Wolverines of The First State Wesley College is a private liberal arts college located in Dover, the capital of Delaware. The college was founded in 1873 as a preparatory school called Wilmington Conference Academy. It became a two-year college in 1918 and was renamed the Wesley Collegiate Institute and later just Wesley College. Wesley competes in Division III sports as part of the Atlantic East Conference, except in football where it competes in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.  Its teams are known as the Wolverines. Wesley has been very successful in football, achieving high rankings quite consistently. Food & Beverage 3 The food operation at Miller Stadium is quite a simple affair. There is a regular food stand at the far end of the main grandstand, as well as a tented operation at the near side of those same stands. The food is hot dogs, hamburgers and Italian sausages made straight from the grill. The offerings may be slim, but the price is cheap and the quality is quite high. Atmosphere 4 Wesley is good at football and draws a large crowd to their simple football field. The field is no more than an average high school quality stadium, but it is maintained well and offers a great atmosphere. There is one main grandstand, a small end zone seating stand, and a medium-sized visitor stand. Fans can also stand around the fencing that surrounds the field. Wesley has a nice scoreboard and has cheerleaders that help with the atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 The area is good if you need food and sustenance before or after the game. Legendary local chain Grotto Pizza has a sports bar located nearby at 1159 N DuPont Highway. They have never been a favorite of mine but fans of them will flock there. Other great choices include Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop on Gateway S Blvd, Restaurant 55 at 2461 S State St, La Tolteca Restaurant at 859 N Dupont Hwy, and 33 West Ale House & Grill at 33 W Loockerman Street. The Fire and Ice Bar at Dover Downs Casino is another choice for a drink after the game. Fans 4 The Wesley fans know the game well and support the team strongly. Wesley also plays relatively local teams, so expect to see the visitor stands full as well. Access 4 Dover is about a one-and-a-half-hour trip from Philadelphia or Baltimore, and at least two hours from Washington DC. It seems close by on a map but is isolated at the center of the Delmarva Peninsula. If venturing to a shore destination such as Ocean City, Maryland, or Rehobeth, Delaware, then Dover may make a quick, enjoyable stop, but as a destination, it is not the easiest location to travel to. Watch out for NASCAR weekends when traveling in the area; those weekends are not recommended unless you have no other options, as traffic can pile up, so leave yourself additional time in those cases. There may also be tolls unless you are already on the eastern shore or Delmarva region. If travelling from the DC and Annapolis area you will have to pay tolls across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. If going around the top of the bay from Baltimore you will have to pay very hefty tolls on either Route 40 or I-95. And coming from Norfolk you will need to pay for the Bay Bridge Tunnel. There will be plenty of parking on the streets near the stadium. Return on Investment 4 General Admission tickets are $8 and for Homecoming Weekend, special Tailgating and game package deals will be available. Extras 2 There seems to be a pretty decent tailgating culture before games in a field to the south of the stadium. An extra point is also given to the fact that the visiting team usually has their halftime meeting right along the fields surrounding the stadium. It is fun to watch the team’s plan for the next half of game play. Final Thoughts Drass Field at Scott D. Miller Stadium is a simple affair, but the high quality of play for Division III is quite evident and the fan support is very good.

Photos by Aaron Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 D. B. Milne Field 2800 University Blvd N Jacksonville, FL 32211 Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,000 FCS Football in Jacksonville D. B. Milne Field in Jacksonville, Florida is a small stadium with a high school football vibe. The venue opened in 1998 and has a capacity of just 5,000. While this crowd size won’t lend itself to a ton of energy, even if the venue were full, the experience here is on par with a lot of other football programs in the FCS. Food & Beverage   2 The concessions offered at D. B. Milne Field are not much, but they do have a pretty good beverage selection – in fact there are more beverage options on the menu than food items. Food options at D. B. Milne Field consist of hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, Tostitos with chili, soft pretzels, chips, and candy bars, with prices of $2.50 to $4.25. Beverage options include botted soda, bottled water, Gatorade, hot cocoa, Starbucks coffee, and beer and wine, including a craft beer selection.  Drink prices run from $2 to $8, with alcohol being the most expensive, and hot cocoa the least. Atmosphere   1 The Jacksonville Dolphins currently compete in the Pioneer Football League of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).  Their football stadium, D. B. Milne Field, consists of a grandstand with metal bleachers along one sideline, with additional berm seating behind one of the end zones.  The 5,000-seat venue doesn’t have a lot of crowd noise, partly due to the Dolphins on-field performance at times, but the facility does have a play area for kids next to the grandstand, and the mascot is pretty impressive. The football field is surrounded by a track, and the venue doubles as the home of Jacksonville’s track and field teams. Neighborhood   3 D. B. Milne Field is across the St Johns River from EverBank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. While there is not much in the immediate vicinity of D. B. Milne Field except some fast food restaurants, Dolphins fans (or visiting fans) will find plenty to do in the rest of Jacksonville. There are a couple of non-fast food restaurants near D. B. Milne Field, including Cotton’s Bar-B-Que and Spices Caribbean Restaurant.  If you plan to be in town for the day or for the weekend, you can also visit the Alexander Brest Museum, located on Jacksonville University’s campus – this small museum features Tiffany glass, porcelain, and other exhibits. Unfortunately, there aren’t really any hotels very close to the stadium – for those you will have to go a few miles east along I-295, or across the aforementioned river.  The two closest hotels to D. B. Milne Field are Regency Inn and Kings Inn, but there are plenty of more well-known brands further away if you are looking for something nicer. Of course, if you are willing to explore further afield than the immediate vicinity of D. B. Milne Field, fans will find plenty to do in Jacksonville, including tons of great restaurants, myriad nightclubs, and plenty to do on the water, such as river cruises, dolphin watches, and fishing. If you want to stay an extra day, you can also make the short 45-minute trip south to St. Augustine, which is America’s oldest city, and features plenty of history and several tourist attractions. Or you can check out the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. Fans   1 D. B. Milne Field rarely sells out, and the fans in attendance tend to be mostly friends or family members of the players, or affiliated with Jacksonville University in some way. At a typical game you may only see the stands about half full, if that, although a few fans do watch from the berm area behind the end zone. Not many of the fans in attendance wear Jacksonville Dolphins gear, and I did not see any for sale inside the stadium, either. Access   4 Getting to and around D. B. Field is no problem at all, thanks in large part to the small size of the venue and the small crowd size.  You can park for free in the Jacksonville University parking lots right next to the Athletics complex, about 150 yards from the stadium.  There is also one bathroom on site for each gender, so at least you don’t have to worry about port-a-potties, and there is plenty of room to walk around inside the venue, and no lines to worry about at the lone concessions stand.  The only potential downside here is that the bathrooms are a little dated. Return on Investment   3 If you just want to watch some college football, D. B. Milne Field is a great option, as tickets can be had for as little as $5, even if you do not purchase in advance.  With free parking and cheap (albeit limited) concessions, this is about as good a deal as you will ever find for college football.  Note however that you won’t necessarily get a ton of energy, and you won’t see very many great teams come to town.  That said, this may be a stadium to wait to visit until your favorite FCS team comes to town. Extras   2 The Jacksonville mascot, Dunkin, is pretty great, and the dolphin signage around D. B. Milne Field is pretty cool to see, especially given the school’s proximity to the ocean.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Aloha Stadium 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96818 Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors website Aloha Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 50,000 Football in the Pacific Aloha Stadium opened in 1975, and is located in Honolulu, Hawai’i. The stadium is home to the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors Football team, who currently compete in the Mountain West Conference. With a capacity of 50,000, Aloha Stadium is the largest venue in the state, and besides the Rainbow Warriors, the facility is home to the NCAA’s Hawai’i Bowl, and also hosts a swap meet every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday (except on football game days). Aloha Stadium was also home to the NFL’s Pro Bowl for many years, until the game was moved to Orlando. Food & Beverage   5 Aloha Stadium’s concessions offer a great mix of traditional stadium fare, such as hot dogs, pizza, and burgers, as well as a large complement of local favorites, including kalua pork, saimin, and malasadas. Before you decide what to get, however, be sure to walk around a bit first, as each stand features different items. Main dishes available at Aloha Stadium include plate lunches, a traditional meal in Hawai’i which includes rice and some type of meat, in this case beef stew, as well as saimin (a noodle soup dish), kalua pork (a traditional favorite at Hawaiian luaus, where the whole pig is cooked in an underground sand pit), gyros, salads, chicken wraps, cheesesteak, pizza, hot dogs (with or without chili), burgers, and chicken strips. Other items include roasted ears of corn, nachos, pretzels, boiled peanuts, French fries (regular or garlic), onion rings, churros, baklava, and two types of donuts (traditional and the aforementioned Hawaiian-style malasadas). Main dishes range from $4 to $12, while side and dessert items run $3.50 to about $6. There are not a ton of drink options available at Aloha Stadium, but alcohol is served, and there is even a beer garden on the upper level. Non-alcoholic selections include bottled water, coffee, and soda (from the fountain or in bottles), while alcohol selections include both domestic and premium beer on tap. Coffee is $2.75, bottled water is $3.50, soda starts at $4.75, and beer starts at $9. Atmosphere   3 The parking lots around Aloha Stadium make the venue appear deceptively full – even if you arrive two hours before kickoff, the parking lots seem packed, and there are seemingly thousands of fans outside tailgating and having a grand old time – members of the Rainbow Warriors marching band can even be spotted walking amongst the fans, banging their drums and cymbals in order to rev up the crowd. However, by the time the game begins, there are very few fans inside, so the venue is not able to generate much energy. On the plus side, Aloha Stadium has live bands performing during tailgating – you can find local bands set up on top of the entrance gates – and the marching band at Aloha Stadium is fun to watch during pregame (and again during halftime), particularly the flag bearers waving their brightly colored UH banners. Before kickoff you can see them spell out U-H, similar to pregame formations seen at other college football venues. However, be sure to arrive early, because there are two things you will NOT see elsewhere – first off, at Aloha Stadium you will hear two songs sung before kickoff: the US National Anthem, followed by the state song of Hawai’i, Hawaiʻi Ponoʻi. In addition, you will also witness the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors football team perform the Haka, a traditional Maori war dance. The Rainbow Warriors have been known to perform the Haka on the road as well, though in the past they have been penalized 15 yards for it. Neighborhood   5 Aloha Stadium is located within one mile of the Pearl Harbor historic sites, and is only a couple of miles from the Honolulu Airport. There are plenty of restaurants and attractions in the area, but you will likely need to drive to them, as the stadium is bordered by several freeways, and thus is not really pedestrian friendly. No visit to Oahu is complete without visiting the Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor, which commemorates the Japanese attack on December 7th, 1941, which led to the United States’ entry into World War II. Admission to the memorial is free, however, only 1300 walk-up tickets are available per day, so unless you book weeks or months in advance, you should plan on getting there at 7 am (when they open) to guarantee yourself a seat. Once there you can also purchase tickets to other sites, such as the Battleship Missouri Memorial (the site of Japan’s surrender, which ended World War II), the Pacific Aviation Museum (which houses one of the planes flown by former president George H. W. Bush), and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. If you are looking for something to eat before or after the game, chop suey and sushi restaurants abound on the island, and there are also myriad small bakeries around, where you can purchase all manner of Hawaiian pastries and sweet breads – feel free to stop in at one as you pass by. However, two restaurants I would recommend are Lisa’s House on Dillingham Boulevard, and Restaurant 604. Lisa’s House is about 7 miles away from Aloha Stadium, towards Waikki, and while not much to look at from the outside, features great happy hour specials, and a fabulous kimchi Teri burger. Alternatively, Restaurant 604 offers both American and classic Hawaiian fare, and is not far from the stadium. There are plenty of hotels near Aloha Stadium, but the “best” ones are all out at Waikki (near the beach) – this is the resort area of the island, and the hotels there are priced accordingly, but cheaper options can be found closer to the airport. Fans   2 As mentioned previously, the parking lot may appear full, but there are very few fans in Aloha Stadium come game time. A few more fans will trickle in after kickoff, as a lot of fans stay outside partying until the first or second quarter, but even by halftime the stadium will be almost empty, and the Warriors’ ticket pricing doesn’t really take this into account – unlike some venues, Hawai’i does not close off certain sections due to lack of demand, so fans looking to save money will still purchase tickets in the upper deck, despite the fact there is plenty of room closer to the action. Access   3 Getting to and from Aloha Stadium can be tricky. For starters, the stadium is at least a 6-hour flight from the US mainland, and even if you live elsewhere in the islands, it will still take a boat ride or a plane trip to get to Oahu. If you are flying in, Honolulu Airport is the most convenient, as it will get you within a few miles of Aloha Stadium; H-1 is the main freeway to get you to the stadium itself, from either the east or the west. There is plenty of parking in the huge lots right outside Aloha Stadium for $7 per car, but you may want to arrive early, as they seem to fill up. Also, despite the very small crowd, getting out after the game takes a long time because there are only a couple of exits, so you may want to park close to those, rather than trying to get as close to the stadium as possible; this will mean a further walk, but will ultimately save you time. Once you get inside Aloha Stadium, there are plenty of restrooms and concessions stands to accommodate the small crowd, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any long lines. There are also escalators which you can use to get to the upper levels, which is a plus – these change direction about halfway through the game, so you can use them on your way out as well. Note that driving around Honolulu is difficult, even during the tourist “off-season”, as traffic is heavy, and there are a lot of one-way streets. Also, there is not enough parking on the island, so during certain hours of the day people are allowed to park in one of the traffic lanes, which restricts traffic even more. Also, note that some of the lanes on the main drags switch direction, so even though they are painted to go a certain way, cones will be set up to switch them to the opposite directions during certain hours. Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets to Rainbow Warriors football games start at $25 for upper level seats, but you can’t really move down to the lower levels (even though there is room), as there are staff members on hand guarding the entrances to each section. Parking is cheap, though, and concessions are reasonable – there are plenty of good options for fans on a budget. The biggest downside to attending a game at Aloha Stadium is simply the lackluster attendance. Extras   3 Hawai’i is a fabulous place to visit, so sports fans should take any excuse they can find to make the trip. Also, music is a huge part of the culture in Hawai’i, so having the chance to hear the state song sung in the native language, and witness the Maori war dance, are both great reasons to visit Aloha Stadium when you come to the islands. Final Thoughts While Aloha Stadium may lack the energy of many big-time college football programs, Hawai’i is an obvious destination for anyone, let alone college football fans, so consider a trip to the islands, perhaps the next time your favorite team plays the Rainbow Warriors on the road.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Alumni Field at York Stadium Ian MacDonald Blvd. Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 York Lions football website York Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,500 Is there Hope for the York Lions? There are not many that would argue that the York Lions have been one of the worst football programs in the entire CIS.  There has been very little success on the field.  In the last 8 years, the Lions have won just 6 games.  The Lions have not made the playoffs in 10 years.  How is it possible that York can even put a team on the field?  Believe it or not there is some hope for the York Lions on the horizon. York University is the second largest university in Ontario and the third largest in all of Canada.  With a student population of over 55,000 students York has a ton of alumni to draw on and a student body large enough to support a strong program, the potential is there at York for great things.  The main campus, or Keele Campus, at York is located at the north end of Toronto in the former municipality of North York and boasts a large campus with some national level athletic facilities including the Aviva National Tennis Centre and Toronto Track and Field Centre.  York was also a host site for the 2015 Pan-Am games in Athletics.  Part of the focus in creating new facilities for the Pan-Am games was the legacy of such facilities.  The CIBC Pan-Am / Parapan-Am Athletics Stadium was built on the campus of York University and hosted all manner of track and field events.  What will now be named York Lions Stadium has a future at the university that has yet to be determined, but many believe that the future of the York Lions football program will be at the new stadium. York currently plays at York Stadium which is a block from the new stadium site.  The stadium was built in 1994 and is nothing to write home about.  The York program began in 1969, ten years after the founding of the school.  They began as the York Yeomen but changed their mascot name to the Lions in 2003 to become gender neutral.  One of the surprising developments for the 2015 season was that head coach Warren Craney shocked the CIS football world and landed some of the most sought out recruits from Alberta, which has a very strong football tradition at the University of Calgary.  Combine this hot recruiting class along with the possibility of playing in a brand new stadium and there may be hope for the York Lions after all. Food & Beverage 2 Food selections for a York Lions football game are extremely limited. Keeping in mind that the date of this review was in late August, weeks before the student body is on campus at York, the full-fledged food experience was less than stellar.  The south end of the stadium features a Beer Garden which sells light refreshments.  At the time the only food sold were bags of potato chips.  The permanent structure behind the grandstands does have windows that appear to be for selling concessions however these were not open for the review date.  It is possible that once the students get on campus the culinary experience will change slightly. To their credit, York did bring in a major league food truck for this specific event. The Beaver Tails truck was parked in the south courtyard and provided fans with the opportunity to purchase fries, poutine and various flavours of the distinctly Canadian Beaver Tail. In the licensed beer garden cans of Molson Canadian and Coors Light are available for purchase ($7.50).  Alcoholic cider is also available.  Cans of Coca-Cola products and water are available for soft-drinks.  The supply is definitely limited and the beer garden actually ran out of bottled water.  The beer garden area is licensed and patrons are required to remain in that area and not bring their alcoholic beverage into the stands, however a number of fans did return to their seats, beverages in hand. There is not much to recommend food-wise at a Lions game.  However, if you have the opportunity, Beaver Tails are definitely something worth trying.  The flat, fried dough (similar to a funnel cake) can be covered with a variety of sweet treats including various forms of candy bar.  The presence of Beaver Tails alone bumps the food score up a notch. Atmosphere 2 York Stadium screams cheap to all those in attendance. There really is not much to the physical stadium itself at York.  A grandstand on the west side of the field stands with a permanent washroom / locker room building just in the rear.  The grandstand is a simple bleacher featuring 5 sections of 15 rows.  The benches and floor platforms are wooden.  On the south side of the locker room building you will find the three national championship banners … for soccer.  On the east side of the stadium there is berm seating which many students choose.  At the top of the west grandstand is the pressbox.  From your seat you can easily see the new York Lions Stadium, which will hopefully be home to the football team in the future.  The playing surface is field turf, which is pretty much the standard in the OUA (the Ontario conference of the CIS). Upon entering the game, fans are able to collect free programs, yearbooks and thundersticks.  There is a small merchandise tent present so the diehards can get their hands on some new red and white Lions garb.  The in game promotions are typical for the league; simple and infrequent.  Like other teams in the league, Lions games are student-run, from the A/V and technical aspects, to the security and ticket takers.  The Lions enter from their tunnel through a plume of smoke and to an original song, complete with Lion roars. Seating at York Stadium is General Admission.  Patrons can choose their own seating and in so doing, may want to consider where others are sitting.  Since York is fairly accessible for other teams in the league, many fans of other teams travel to York to see their home team play.  If you wish to stay away from the opposition fans, have a good look at the crowd before selecting your seat. Neighbourhood 3 Since York Stadium is located at the very north end of Toronto, the surrounding neighbourhood is decent and the immediate driving area also has some interesting places to go. There are a few decent places to eat that are within walking distance of York Stadium. On the campus of York University you will find a Shopsy’s Sports Grill. Just on the other side of Keele St. there is a Hoops Sports Bar. Also, just up the street on Steeles you will find Angelo’s Homestyle Restaurant. Any of these options are good for a pre or post game meal. There are also a number of fast food chains in the immediate vicinity and many other options if you hop in the car and head north into the city of Vaughan. The York Lions also field competitive basketball and hockey teams along with other varsity sports.  The basketball teams play in the nearby Tait McKenzie Centre and the hockey teams play at nearby Canlan Ice Sports York.  Both places are on the campus of York.  The campus is a pretty significant distance from downtown Toronto, but not totally out of the realm of possibility for a side trip.  Much closer, however, is the city of Vaughan, which basically begins on the other side of Steeles Ave.  There are a few interesting things just a few short kilometers away.  If you are interested in shopping, then Vaughan Mills might be the stop for you.  This huge shopping centre also features a Bass Pro Shop.  A little further north on highway 400 you will find Canada’s Wonderland, which is a Canadian equivalent to a Six Flags amusement park.  Woodbine Racetrack is just 15 kilometres away and features thoroughbred horse racing and is home to the Queen’s Plate.  Also, the Aviva Centre annually hosts the Rogers Cup, formerly the Canadian Open tennis tournament. There are quite a few places to stay near the north end of campus, both in Toronto and Vaughan.  A great place to stay that is an extremely short drive away from York Stadium is the Best Western Plus, Toronto-North York. Fans 2 Regular fans that attend York Lions football games redefine die-hard.  It has been very difficult to be a York Lions fan. It is often difficult to assess the attendance at CIS football games.  There are often extenuating circumstances that account for significant attendance variances.  For example, homecoming games often draw in a significantly higher attendance than normal.  Also, an early season game before the students have begun classes often produces a significantly lower attendance.  With four home games per season, the York Lions typically draw around 1,500 fans, many of them travelling to see the visiting team.  If there is a game on campus during orientation week there is often a significant spike in attendance. With the program having as poor showing as they have had, it is a minor miracle that York has any that would claim to be fans.  The fans in attendance are often equaled or outnumbered by visiting fans and the noise level is usually pretty even regardless of what happens during the game.  That being said, like most other OUA programs, more needs to be done to entice the students to make football a part of their university experience. Access 4 Getting to York Stadium is not that difficult and getting around is also pretty easy. York Stadium is located at the north end of the Keele Campus of York University. It is located southeast of the major highway crossings of highways 400 and 407. The campus is surrounded by major Toronto streets Jane, Finch, Keele and Steeles. When driving to campus, be careful as the 407 is a toll highway and many of these streets have some significant traffic. There are quite a few different public transit options to get to York.  The GO Transit station is just east of campus.  There are also numerous TTC buses that travel in or past campus.  The TTC is also working on a significant subway station on campus.  Check the TTC or GO Transit websites for schedules and maps. There are a number of parking lots around campus.  The York website has a variety of campus maps to aid in your search for parking.  Keep in mind that the subway connection and preparation of York Lions Stadium have left the north end of campus with some significant construction that has closed some parking lots.  Parking costs are usually $5 on the weekend at pay and display machines. There is only one entrance to York Stadium, but that is not an issue at all.  Entry is through the surrounding fence at the south end of the stadium.  There is a portable ticket office for those of you who need to purchase tickets on gameday. The grandstand is so open that getting around is no issue at all.  The permanent locker room / washroom structure in the rear houses some small washroom facilities.  It doesn’t take long for lines to form so be wise when choosing a washroom time. Return on Investment 4 Attending a York Lions football game is very affordable and can be a good family event. Ticket prices for York football are $10.50 for adults with discounts for students, seniors and alumni.  Although concessions will not blow you away, they are not overly expensive and parking is fairly inexpensive as well.  If you are planning on seeing a game at York be weary of a mismatch.  Watching the Lions play a team that is closer to them in the standings offers a much better game experience as York is prone to a few blowout games each season. Extras 2 An extra mark for the annual Red and Blue Bowl.  The Lions play the cross-town rival Toronto Varsity Blues for city bragging rights.  This is often the best game of the season for the Lions and the game has been a highlight for the team since 1968. An extra mark for the City of Toronto Fill up and Go Station which offered fans free tap water and promotes the benefits of tap water as compared to bottled water. Final Thoughts The York faithful are eagerly awaiting an announcement that will put to rest the questions as to what the brand new York Lions Stadium will be used for.  Until that time York Stadium remains the home of the Lions.  Hopefully a new stadium and building on the strong recruiting class will breath new life into this program and help the Lions break their playoff drought.

Photos by Matt Colville and Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Hancock Whitney Stadium 500 Stadium Dr Mobile, AL 36608 68 Ventures Bowl website Hancock Whitney Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 25,450 Bowling in Mobile For the past quarter century Mobile, Alabama has hosted an annual bowl game currently known as the 68 Ventures Bowl. This game is a matchup between programs from the Sun Belt Conference and the Mid-American Conference. It was originally known as the Mobile Alabama Bowl and has also been called the GMAC Bowl (2000-10), GoDaddy Bowl (2011-15), Dollar General Bowl (2016-18), and the LendingTree Bowl (2020-22). For most of the game’s existence, the game was played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium until 2021 when the game moved to its present location on the campus of the University of South Alabama. Food & Beverage  4 There are plenty of choices for concessions at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The standard stadium fare includes pizza ($5), burgers ($7), hot dogs ($5), nachos ($5), candy ($4), and pretzel sticks ($5) as well as Conecuh sausage ($8), BBQ sandwiches ($12), and BBQ nachos ($12). There is also a Foosackly’s chicken finger stand that sells a 3-finger plate ($6.50) and another stand that sells hot chocolate ($6). Coke is the soft drink provider with options including Dasani bottled water ($5), 22 oz. drinks ($4), or 32 oz. souvenir drinks ($6). If you want to wash down your food with alcohol your options include Bud Light, Coors, Miller, and Micelob ($7.50) or craft beers ($8.50). Keep in mind the concessions are cashless. Atmosphere  3 Entering the stadium it looked like I was entering a South Alabama Jaguars football game, not a bowl game (It should be noted South Alabama was one of the teams playing during the game I attended). I personally would have liked to have seen more “68 Ventures Bowl” signage outside. Once inside the stadium the Jaguars logo and the Sun Belt’s logos are covered by “68 Ventures Bowl” logos letting you know a bowl game is being played. I liked that both teams' entrances featured an LED light show and smoke machines as well as the national anthem featuring a flyover by the Coast Guard. Neighborhood  3 Mobile is Alabama’s second-largest city and has a lot of attractions to see during a visit. Unfortunately, Hancock Whitney Stadium is a 20-minute drive west of the attractions I would recommend visiting. If you only have time to do one thing in Mobile I recommend getting a tour of the USS Alabama battleship. Located by Mobile Bay, it was in use during World War II. The Battleship Park also has a gift shop and an aircraft pavilion that contains planes that were in use during several wars. Other attractions to see in Mobile include Fort Conde, a replica of a 1700s fort, the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum, and the Exploreum. Restaurants to check out in Downtown Mobile include Dumbwaiter for Southern dishes, Roosters for Latin American meals, and Wentzell’s for seafood. If you are looking to visit a bar, stay on Dauphin Street and options include The Haberdasher, Hayley’s, and the Alchemy Tavern down Joachim Street. If you stay in downtown Mobile lodging options include Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and a Renaissance Hotel. If you want to stop by Gulf Shores and/or Orange Beach, they are about an hour's drive from downtown Mobile. Fans  4 Given that the game was played on the campus of one of the participants it should not be surprising that there was a large crowd for the game. The Jaguars fans made the game feel like it was a regular season home game and not a bowl. The only knock on the fans is that the game was not a complete sell out given that one team was playing a home game. Access  2 Hancock Whitney Stadium is not the easiest stadium to get to because it is at least 10 minutes away from the interstate. If you’re coming from Downtown Mobile or I-65 get on Spring Hill Avenue then turn left onto University Blvd. For $20 parking make another right at Old Shell Road and turn right at the baseball stadium. If you want to park for free you can park by USA Drive and walk 15 minutes to the stadium. Once inside the stadium, the concourse is wide open, concession stands are all over the place, there are plenty of restrooms, and the walkways are well lit. Return on Investment  4 Tickets start at $15 for end zone seats, go up to $45 for sideline seats, $65 for chairback seats at midfield, and $125 for a Hargrove Club seat. If you buy a $15 ticket, pay $20 for parking, grab a burger and a beer you would spend about $50 by yourself, $80 for a date/hangout, and $140 for a family of four. Extras  5 The 68 Ventures Bowl has seen players such as LaDainian Tomlinson and Ben Roethlisberger. In 2001 the then GMAC Bowl involved the Marshall Thundering Herd overcoming a 38-8 deficit to defeat the East Carolina Pirates in double overtime 64-61. As of the writing of this article that remains the highest scoring bowl game in history. Mobile is the birthplace of the Mardi Gras celebration and there is a Mardi Gras parade the night before the game that features the team's bands and cheerleaders. The teams also have a pep rally before a street party begins with a DJ and food trucks. Mobile is also famous for hosting the Senior Bowl, college football’s most notable all-star game. Representatives from all 32 NFL teams come down to Mobile to scout future NFL players. This game has been played in Mobile since 1950 and moved to Hancock Whitney Stadium the same season the 68 Ventures Bowl moved. One more thing to add is that the Azalea Trail Maids make an appearance at the game. These 50 high school seniors wear bright dresses meant to resemble Azalea flowers, a symbol of Mobile hospitality. Final Thoughts There is a reason Mobile, Alabama has hosted a bowl game for the past quarter of a century. It is a game that is organized well, the fans enjoy coming to Mobile, and it is a good way to spend an evening.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 William H. Detrick Gymnasium 1615 Stanley St New Britain, CT 06053 Central Connecticut State Blue Devils website William H. Detrick Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 2,654 The Devil Went Down to Connecticut The William H. Detrick Gymnasium is named for Central Connecticut’s most successful coach. Mr. Detrick coached the Blue Devils for 29 years, compiling a school-record 468 wins. While a student at CCSU, Detrick earned 12 varsity letters and was a member of the first CCSU Athletic Hall of Fame class. Central Connecticut State University, more commonly referred to as CCSU, is the state of Connecticut’s oldest publicly funded university. It was founded in 1849 as the State Normal School to train teachers.  Today CCSU has an enrollment of just under 10,000 students. More than half of CCSU’s student body lives off campus, and close to 90 percent of the students are from Connecticut. Basketball has been played at Central Connecticut since 1934. For the team’s first 50 years, the Blue Devils competed at the NAIA and Division Two level, upgrading to Division One status in 1986. CCSU now competes in the Northeast Conference, made up of ten schools located from Maryland to Massachusetts. The Blue Devils have qualified for the NCAA Tournament on three occasions (2000, 2002, 2007), losing in the first round each time. Two Central Connecticut alumni, Keith Closs and Corsley Edwards, have played in the NBA. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small snack bar that operates in Detrick Gymnasium’s lobby. Hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches highlight the menu, along with an assortment of snacks, chips and pretzels. Bottles of Pepsi products are sold here. No alcohol is sold at Blue Devil basketball games. The snack bar only accepts cash. On the plus side, no item costs more than five dollars. Should you wish to skip the concession lines, there are vending machines by the entrance to the pool. Atmosphere 2 Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Detrick Gymnasium occurred during semester break, so there was not a huge turnout from the student body, still, there was a representative crowd in the building and the Blue Devils staff put on a good show for the fans in attendance. Despite the semester break, the Blue Devil pep band, cheerleading squad, dance team and Kiser the Devil were all in attendance. Play stoppages were filled with performances or games for the younger fans in attendance. Local youth squads took the floor at halftime, along with Kiser, who interacted with fans and posed for selfies all game long. The focal point of the CCSU experience is the new video board, which is put to good use with a pre-game hype video and game stats. Overall, this is a rather understated presentation, which fits a smaller facility like Detrick Gymnasium perfectly. Neighborhood 3 Central Connecticut State University is located in a residential neighborhood on the northeastern edge of New Britain, a suburban city of 73,000 people located 12 miles from Hartford, Connecticut. Detrick Gymnasium is located at the center of campus. All of Central Connecticut’s athletic facilities, including Arute Field, the CCSU Baseball Field and the CCSU Softball Field are located nearby. There are not many choices for dining or lodging immediately adjacent to the CCSU campus, but fans looking to venture out into New Britain will be rewarded with many excellent options. Fans wanting a unique experience before or after a CCSU game should check out the East Side Restaurant, a German-themed pub complete with staff in traditional Bavarian gear and an Oktoberfest vibe all year round. Lodging options are plentiful in nearby Farmington. Connecticut’s capital city, Hartford, is a short fifteen-minute drive from Central Connecticut’s campus, and offers numerous dining, lodging and entertainment options. Fans 2 Central Connecticut averages just over 1,000 fans per game, which is slightly above the Northeast Conference average. With the overpowering presence of the UConn Huskies in the greater Hartford area, it’s hard for the Blue Devils to get any serious attention from local fans. There is a solid turnout by the student body at Detrick Gymnasium, but the students add little energy to the atmosphere. Instead of congregating in a dedicated student section, CCSU students scatter throughout the building, talking amongst themselves rather than becoming part of the game day atmosphere. Access 4 New Britain is located (naturally) in Central Connecticut, a 15-minute drive from Connecticut’s capital city of Hartford. Route 9 passes directly by the campus, and connects with nearby interstates 84 and 91. With its suburban location, the great majority of fans drive to the Central Connecticut State campus. For fans utilizing public transportation, several CT Transit busses access CCSU, with the 140 bus stopping right at Arute Field. There is a decent sized parking lot adjacent to Arute Field, a short walk from Detrick Gymnasium. Additional parking is available in the CCSU Student Center Garage and the Copernicus Garage on either side of the facility. Detrick Gym is located in Kaiser Hall along with the Jack Suydam Natatorium. The busy Detrick Gym lobby contains a concession stand, souvenir stand, restrooms, several trophy cases and the CCSU Athletic Hall of Fame. Most seats at Detrick Gym are molded plastic bleachers, with some chairback seats located on one side of the facility. All seats provide excellent views of the action, even if the grandstands are pushed back a bit from the court. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Central Connecticut basketball games are reasonably priced at twelve dollars for reserved chairback seats at center court and eight dollars for general admission bleacher seating. Seniors and children are admitted for five dollars. With free parking and inexpensive concessions, a Central Connecticut basketball game is a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 2 CCSU displays their athletic history throughout Detrick Gymnasium, with banners honoring their tournament appearances hanging inside the gym and the CCSU Athletic Hall of Fame located in the lobby. Also located in the lobby are several trophy cases where Blue Devil hardware is displayed, along with displays honoring Coach Detrick and Harrison Kaiser, the namesakes of the building where the Blue Devils play. Final Thoughts Detrick Gymnasium is typical of so many smaller facilities in the northeast. If you’re looking for an inexpensive entertainment option presented in an intimate, laid-back setting, a CCSU basketball game is the place for you. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Michael P. O'Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena 19200 College Dr St. Marys City, MD 20686 St. Mary’s (MD) Seahawks website Michael P. O'Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 1.200 The Other St. Mary's When sports fans think of St. Mary’s College, they usually think of the school in Moraga, California that produces the occasional basketball upset of Gonzaga. However, there is another school of that name as well, St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Unlike other schools of that name, this St. Mary’s is a public university that gets its name not from a Catholic saint but from St. Mary’s City, Maryland, where it is located. St. Mary’s City was the first colonial settlement in the State of Maryland, and the fourth-oldest permanent English settlement in what was then the Thirteen Colonies. Today, half of the city is a state-run historical preservation and reconstruction area similar to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts, also known as Historic St. Mary’s City, while the other half is occupied by the modern-day SMCM campus. Although the original St. Mary’s City was once a thriving port town, its population had dropped to just 100 by 1644. Today, almost 400 years later, the population is just 733, almost all of them associated with either the college or the historic site. SMCM’s athletic teams are known as the Seahawks, and they compete at the NCAA’s Division III level in the United East Conference. Since 2005, the Seahawks basketball team has competed at the Michael P. O'Brien Athletics and Recreation Center Arena. The long name is because the arena is part of a larger building of the same name (minus the "Arena" part.) This building contains a student recreational facility, a swimming pool, and the athletic department's offices. Food & Beverage 1 There is a concession stand at the St. Mary's arena, but it was closed when we visited. However, there are vending machines in the lobby near the restrooms that sell snacks, water, soda, and Gatorade at vending machine prices. Fans can bring these, or other outside food and beverages, into the arena with them. Atmosphere 2 St. Mary's plays their games in a small arena, seating just 1,200 fans. The first few rows on each side are chairbacks, while the remainder are plastic bleachers. All seats are general admission, and given the small crowds, you should have no problem finding a chairback. Wherever you sit, you will be up close to the action.. There is not much going on here other than the game itself, as you might expect at Division III. This means you will hear everything that happens on the court, from squeaking shoes to coaches shouting at their players. Some may enjoy this purist experience, while others may find it quite boring. Neighborhood 3 St. Mary’s City contains precisely two things – the St. Mary’s College campus and Historic St. Mary’s City, which is a historical reconstruction park similar to Colonial Williamsburg and Plymouth Plantation. It is a popular field trip site for Maryland schoolchildren, and tens of thousands of others visit the site every year as well. It is well worth a visit for the colonial history buff, but for just about anything else, you’re going to have to go into a neighboring town like Lexington Park. There are some places to eat up and down Three Notch Road (Route 235) and Point Lookout Road (Route 5), and some hotels that are mainly used by people visiting the historic site, but you’re going to have to drive at least 10-15 minutes to get there. Fans 2 The Seahawks typically draw only a few dozen fans a game – on a good day they might get 50 or 75. Most of them are friends or family of the players, but you do get the occasional local, or perhaps some tourists who got bored of the historical site and want to do something else for a day. The fans who do show up are not particularly involved, and with so few of them, it wouldn't matter much if they were. Sports is simply not a huge deal at St. Mary's and basketball is no exception. Access 3 Unless you’re already in town to visit the historical site, getting to the St. Mary’s campus will take some driving. Maryland Route 5 and Maryland Route 235 both serve the area, but it’s a long drive from any major city along mostly local roads. It is two hours from Baltimore and an hour and 45 minutes from Washington, DC. Keep in mind that if you are planning to travel here from areas across the Potomac River or the Chesapeake Bay, particularly the Northern Neck of Virginia or Maryland’s Eastern Shore, places that look close on a map may actually be a long drive away as there are no bridges across either body of water at this location. A map may show that the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore is only about 40 miles away as the crow flies. Still, it would be difficult if not impossible to see both the Hawks and the Seahawks on the same day as getting from St. Mary’s to Princess Anne requires a three and a half hour drive up to Annapolis, across the Bay Bridge, and back down. Likewise, parts of Virginia’s Northern Neck are only about ten miles away as the crow flies, but require almost a two-hour drive as the nearest bridge is many miles away. Once you make it onto the campus, free parking is available in Lot V next to the arena or lot V-1 on the other side. Although it is marked as being for faculty and staff only, you will be allowed to park here without issue on gameday. Restrooms are around the corner from the arena doors, in the lobby near the vending machines. They are more than sufficient for the small crowds. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are available in the lobby for $5, parking is free, and you won't pay more than a couple of dollars for the vending machine items that function as concessions. So a trip to a St. Mary's game certainly won't break the bank. However, it is hard to justify an experience as basic as this earning the top score. Extras 1 ‘Look for the banner honoring Jamie Roberts. Roberts was a former St. Mary's women's basketball player who also starred in soccer and lacrosse for the Seahawks. Sadly, she was killed in 2014 during a cross-country bike ride to raise money to fight cancer. St. Mary's soccer and lacrosse stadium is also named after her. Final Thoughts College sports, including basketball, are simply not a huge deal at St. Mary's College of Maryland. This is the Division III level, the lowest level of NCAA basketball, and that is reflected in the experience. However, for those like us who think all basketball is good basketball, a trip to a St. Mary's Seahawks game can be an enjoyable experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Vandermeer Gym 2717 S Morgantown Rd Greenwood, IN 46143 Center Grove HS Trojans website Vandermeer Gym website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 4,000 Everything is Dandy at the Vandy Gym The Vandermeer Gym is the home of the Center Grove High School Trojans basketball program. It's located in Greenwood, Indiana, 20 minutes south of Indianapolis. The school dedicated its new basketball arena in January 1996 after Melvin Vandermeer. He coached the Trojans from 1955 to 1958 and later served as principal from 1960 to 1978. When it opened, the gym sat 4,800 but scaled down to 4,000 by 2019. The massive venue has seating on all three sides and includes an upper seating bowl, four concession stands, and easy access from the immense parking lot. It also features two playing courts behind the collapsible bleachers and a walking track on the upper level. The high school has been on the same site since opening in 1884. The original structure burned down on November 1, 1952. The fire also destroyed the basketball gym, and there was a thought to cancel the rest of the season. The team would win later that day on the road in nearby Whiteland in overtime. The only items that survived were the Trojans white home uniforms. A new school and gym were designed by Evansville architect Ralph Legeman and dedicated on December 14, 1954. The high school has expanded since that day almost 70 years ago. The West Gym now serves as an auxiliary gym and will host boys' and girls' JV and freshman games and events during the Johnson County basketball tournament. Food & Beverage 3 There are multiple concession stands, but not all are open, depending on the size of the crowd. The upper concession stand is off in the corner from the main grandstand. The area houses the usual treats found at high school games across the state: hot dogs, nachos, pizza slices, popcorn, soda pop, candy, and other sweets. The gym does offer an impressive ice cream cup with an assortment of toppings. Atmosphere 3 The Vandy Gym is an impressive-looking facility that looks like it was built more recently than in 1995. The lights are bright, the school colors appear freshly painted, and the center scoreboard appears up-to-date. Visitors walk through a massive hallway lobby into the lower bowl on all four sides. Visitors sit on the west side of the court, and the cheer block takes residence underneath the basket on the north side near the cheerleaders. The cheer block makes its presence with multiple cheers and synchronized chants throughout the game. Home fans make a lot of noise from their section of the gym. Center Grove did not have a band during our visit, but it was a back-and-forth contest that was settled in overtime and had a heartbreaking final play that saw the Trojans call by one point. The game featured dunks, blocked shots, three-pointers, and layups that saw players fall to the floor. Neighborhood 3 Center Grove High School is in Greenwood, about 20 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis. It is in a residential neighborhood, close to the Greenwood Mall, 15 minutes east of the high school. This area offers an array of regional and national chain restaurants, shops, and other points of interest. Fans 4 The crowd is lively during Trojans games that feature a student cheer block that offers synchronized cheers and chants, home fans that rally their section during points of the game, and, for this game, a fervent visiting section. Access 4 The high school and gym are a few miles east of SR-37/Future I-69. The school has a large parking lot and main lobby, leading visitors inside the gym. Bathrooms and concessions are on both levels of the gym, and crowds are too crowded to cause congestion inside the seating bowl or concourse. Return on Investment 3 The ticket price is $6, concessions are between $3-$5 for most items, and the hometown fans add to the excitement. Center Grove High School is a short drive from downtown Indianapolis, making it an easy way to enjoy Indiana high school basketball. Extras 3 The gym earns a point for naming the gym after former principal Melvin Vanermeer. The venue earns a second point for having the old West Gym open and used for games. There is a chance that fans can peek inside the former home of the Trojans from 1954 to 1995 during a visit. The last point is for the cheer block, an impressive group of students cheering on their team from the stands. Final Thoughts The Vandermere gym is an impressive facility for high school basketball in Indiana. Its proximity to Indianapolis and its energetic fan base make it an easy choice during the basketball season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 William Allman Memorial Arena 15 Morenz Dr Stratford, ON N5A 6W5 Stratford Warriors website William Allman Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 2,828 Shakespearean Throwback Stratford, Ontario is probably best known as a city of entertainers. Stratford is the home to actors Cynthia Dale and Graham Greene and CBC News anchor Peter Mansbridge. Retired CTV National News anchor Lloyd Robertson was born in Stratford and Justin Beiber got his start busking on the steps of the world-famous Stratford Festival Theatre in his younger days. The world-famous Stratford Festival has seen such famous thespians take the stage for Shakespearean works as Colm Feore, Maggie Smith, and Christopher Plummer.  However, a strong hockey tradition is also felt in Stratford. It is the birthplace of former NHLers Craig Hartsburg and Tim Taylor and has seen the likes of Nelson Emerson, Boyd Deveraux, and Greg de Vries all take the ice in Stratford. The Stratford Warriors, formerly the Stratford Cullitons are a Junior B institution in the GOJHL and have iced a team since 1962. The home of the Warriors is a true throwback. The William Allman Memorial Arena opened its doors in 1924 and is celebrating its 100th season. Owned by the City of Stratford, the old-school hockey barn is a celebrated venue yet a throwback to an era long past. Named after the late caretaker of the arena, who took care of the arena for 47 years, the Allman Arena is a designated Heritage Site and is purported to be the longest continuous operating arena of its kind in the world. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at the Allman Arena are fairly basic and are what would be expected of a local arena.  The concession stand is in the lobby at the west end of the arena.  Regular snack bar items like pizza, nachos, burgers, hot dogs, fries, and candy are all on the menu.  Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and Coca-Cola products are the soft drink selections.  During the game, beer is sold in the upper corner of the concourse until the end of the second intermission. Atmosphere 4 The William Allman Memorial Arena is a throwback to a previous generation and has been painstakingly maintained to its 1924 glory with a few modern modifications.  The exterior of the arena is fairly innocuous, featuring brown brick, several windows, and a section of glass blocks.  It looks like a regular community arena. The dedication plaque to William Allman and the Heritage designation greet patrons as they enter the west side of the arena, the main entrance. Entering the arena, fans are led into the main lobby, which is oozing with Stratford hockey history.  The ticket windows, which still offer actual paper tickets, are on the west side of the lobby.  The east walls of the lobby are covered with team pictures of the Warriors and the previously named Stratford Cullitons along with several massive trophy cases. The cases are an absolute treasure trove for fans who love to see hockey artifacts.  Items from local products such as Craig Hartsburg and Tim Taylor are featured, highlighting their NHL and Team Canada accomplishments. Entering the ice surface, whether from the ice level or the steps to the upper level, is where the fan is taken back in time.  The main arena seating bowl is seven rows of wooden, double “love” seats, which are the original 1924 wood and refinished and repainted.  The exterior walls, behind the breezeway behind the seats, are painted red, white, and blue brick, with large painted section letters.  Curved iron beams create the structure and give the high, arched, white wooden ceiling the barn look that is so prevalent in old-school arenas. The breezeway behind the seats is divided by a wooden, full-length, railing in front of a row of wooden box benches.  The hardwood in the breezeway is also the original 1924 flooring.  The ice surface runs from east to west and the spot to get the centre ice logo pic is from the north.  Above centre ice is a dot matrix hockey score clock. The perimeter of the ice, high above the boards, is circled with youth hockey banners.  In the centre are the banners honouring the eight Sutherland Cups as Junior B hockey champions in Ontario, and the thirteen Cherrey Cups as the previous league champions, before the consolidation of Junior B hockey.  Banners honouring the father-son management-coach duo of Denis Flanagan Sr. and Denis Flanagan Jr. also hang above centre ice.  Finally, a banner for the 2010 Hockey Day in Canada celebrated in Stratford is prominent. The gameday production at a Warriors game is fairly simple.  Music plays during downtimes.  Although it seems that the Allman Arena does have a modern PA system, there were pretty significant sound issues during the game that was attended for this review. Neighbourhood 5 Stratford is a city of over 33,000 residents and relies heavily on tourism.  The William Allman Memorial Arena is just south of the Avon River, and three blocks north of Ontario Street, the main street through Stratford. There are a large number of local spots for fans to get a pre or post-game meal or drink.  Some of the best include Fellini’s, Bentley’s, the Boar’s Head, Pazzo, and Mercer Kitchen. All are within a short walk of the arena.  Further east of downtown, there are several chain restaurants as well. The Warriors are the only sporting option in town.  Other GOJHL teams are close in Waterloo and St. Mary’s and there are some Junior C options close by also.  At heart, however, Stratford is a theatre town.  The famous Stratford Festival has four theatres in Stratford, the Festival, Avon, Studio, and Tom Patterson, which is right across Morenz Drive from the Arena.  Morenz Drive is named after the famous Montreal Canadien Howie Morenz, who was born in nearby Mitchell, Ontario.  For fans wishing to stay in Stratford, there are several hotel options including the Mercer Inn and Best Western Arden Park, not to mention several Bed and Breakfast options. Fans 4 The Stratford Warriors are among the best-supported teams in the GOJHL.  The Warriors averaged 580 fans per game in the 2022-2023 season and averaged 670 fans per game at the time of writing in the 2023-2024 season.  This ranked fourth in the entire GOJHL for both seasons.  The fans in attendance are supportive, however, are often vocal with referees about calls. Access 3 Stratford is located west of Kitchener-Waterloo and northeast of London.  The William Allman Memorial Arena is north of the main downtown area, just south of the Avon River.  Highway 7/8 is the main road through downtown, and getting to Stratford is not difficult.  Parking at the Allman Arena is limited to spots on the north side of the arena and some street parking. The area is busy with the Tom Patterson Theatre just across the street and getting out can be a challenge if the play and the hockey game end around the same time.  For fans wishing to take public transit, Stratford Transit buses travel Ontario and Romeo Streets.  Those interested should consult the Stratford Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Allman Arena can be a bit of a challenge.  The breezeways behind the seating bowl are narrow and traversing stairs to get there will be required.  Purchasing tickets at the door, the only option as online sales are not happening as of this writing will get a patron a General Admission ticket.  When choosing a seat, fans need to be aware of seats that are reserved for season ticket holders.  Most seats that are reserved have an “R” sticker or season ticket holder sticker.  Washroom facilities are decent for the arena. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment for Stratford Warriors hockey is excellent.  Tickets are $12 each at the door.  Students and Seniors are $10 and kids under 5 are free.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent.  On the ice, the level of hockey is good and the atmosphere is also good.  The opportunity to absorb all that the historic venue has to offer puts the experience over the top. Extras 5 An extra mark for the profiles of the William Allman Memorial Arena on Sportsnet’s Canadian Cathedrals and CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada.  Videos for both are linked here. An extra mark for the City of Stratford doing an excellent job of maintaining the 100-year-old arena and restoring it to glory as much as possible. An extra mark for the Stratford Warriors and Stratford Cullitons alumni who have gone on to the NHL including Rob Blake, Ed Olczyk, Garth Snow, and Chris Pronger amongst a long list of great players. An extra mark for Wayne Gretzky scoring his first competitive goal as a youth at the William Allman Memorial Arena. An extra mark for the Warriors logo, which replaced the classic Chiefs head logo, which incorporates elements of Stratford.  The English Knight is a nod to the Shakespearean Festival and the swan underneath is a nod to the numerous swans who frequent the Avon River and are part of the Annual Swan Parade. Final Thoughts The opportunity to see hockey in a unique venue such as the William Allman Memorial Arena in an excellent tourist city like Stratford, Ontario is something that hockey fans should not pass up.  The Stratford Warriors are a Junior B institution and the price is right to take the whole experience in.  To hockey or hockey later … that is the question! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Jerry Richardson Stadium 8701 Phillips Rd Charlotte, NC 28223 Famous Toastery Bowl website Jerry Richardson Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 15,314 A Toast to the Famous Toastery Bowl There are two perspectives one could take when reviewing the Famous Toastery Bowl – the first looks at what is missing. When the Bahamas Bowl needed to be relocated for a year due to ongoing stadium construction and renovations at Thomas Robinson Stadium, ESPN Events chose Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte. The home of the Charlotte 49ers, the stadium seemed like a perfect fit for a smaller bowl like this one. However, many of the things one expected were not here; there was little sponsor activation, signage around town was minimal at best, and the massive crowd wasn’t exactly filling every open seat. A change of perspective can alter your perception, though – everything at the stadium was immaculate, the staff was friendly and welcoming, tailgating was in full force even in the parking garages, game logos were all over the place, and they even had a celebrity coin tosser in Daytona 500 winning NASCAR driver Michael McDowell. By the end of the game, many in the stands were echoing what had become a common thought: “I hope they keep this game here for next year”. Food & Beverage   4 For a smaller stadium, the food and beverage options here are numerous. Multiple concession stands exist in the stadium and all of them are open. The main draw is the Bojangles stand where you can get their famous chicken in baskets ($9.50) and have mac and cheese bacon bites ($8) or jumbo pretzels ($5 + $2 for cheese). Large souvenir cups with free refills of soda or iced tea run $6.25, while bottled water ($4-$6), Powerade ($4), and Monster Energy ($5) are also available. Beer ($8-$9) and wine ($9.50) are also available, including a local brew themed after the Charlotte 49ers. In addition, various other food carts are located throughout the concourse offering similar options. Atmosphere   4 The stadium itself is simple enough; a single level to the bowl, fans enter the facility along what is currently the upper concourse, meaning you walk down to your seats. The architecture matches that of the buildings on campus nearby, a mix of classic colonial aesthetic and “Morrocroft Special” brickwork from Hanson Brick. The new LED scoreboard is visible from almost every seat in the stadium, and most seats are backed bleachers or individual chairback seats. The backdrop of the stadium features stunning campus buildings and trees – the campus itself is heavily wooded, making for a verdant college look. Neighborhood   4 UNC Charlotte is a beautiful campus, filled with lakes and forested areas over 1,000 acres. Immediately across the street from the stadium is a Marriott hotel. The immediate neighborhood of University City features plenty of shopping, dining, and lodging for visitors, and the campus itself is beautiful to walk around. In downtown Charlotte, you can visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, as well as various race shops in the cities to the north in Mooresville. Fans   3 The fan attendance at the Famous Toastery Bowl is smaller than some of those at bigger bowls, partially a result of the game’s tie-ins, which usually result in smaller schools from mid-level conferences being invited – Old Dominion and Western Kentucky highlighted the most recent match-up. Fans nonetheless can get a taste of the pageantry of bowl games. Also, the smaller stadium means the fans fill in a lot more than at larger facilities, putting them closer to the action. n. Everyone in attendance also made the most of their attendance, making for roars during scoring plays that could be heard far away from the stadium itself, despite its smaller size. Access   5 Getting to the Famous Toastery Bowl is incredibly easy; located equidistant from I-85 and I-485, the stadium lies right off the main roads of Highway 29 and Route 24. Parking is plentiful on-site, and signage on the nearby roads directs fans to the entrances. Additionally, pre-game info on stadium parking and entrances for various lots was readily available for fans and was well communicated. Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Famous Toastery Bowl are incredibly affordable, starting at just $25 for end zone seats and topping out at $60 for sideline seats at the 50-yard line. Parking is also available, with various lots and garages around the stadium open, as well as having fan shuttle service available. With this in mind, the Famous Toastery Bowl may be the best value for bowl season. Extras   4 The stadium features a large statue outside Gate 3 sculpted by artist Jon Hair – the “Go Long” statue honors the team’s ongoing history in college football, and serves as a great photo spot for fans. The game also features various giveaways, both for fans entering the game and for fans inside. You also can purchase Bowl Game merchandise at several sales stands around the facility, and finally, the stadium features plaques around the venue honoring university benefactors who helped fund its construction, as well as those whom the stadium was named after. Final Thoughts The Famous Toastery Bowl has the potential to be a great bowl game in the future. Should it become a new bowl and remain in Charlotte, there is little doubt it will become a great option for sports fans. Incredibly high affordability offers fans the option to take in a bowl game without breaking the bank, and the stadium itself is a wonderful site.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cramton Bowl 1022 Madison Ave Montgomery, AL 36107 Camellia Bowl website Cramton Bowl website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 25,000 Camellia Bowl At The Cramton Bowl When a stadium is over a century old it tends to have a lot of stories to tell and Montogomery, Alabama’s Cramton Bowl is no exception. Opening in 1922 its legacy includes hosting the Blue-Gray football classic, occasional Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers football games, Philadelphia Athletics spring training, and the deciding game of the 1943 Negro League World Series. In the last decade, the Cramton Bowl has added to its legacy by hosting ten editions of the Camellia Bowl. The Camellia Bowl tends to be a matchup between programs from the Sun Belt Conference and the Mid-American Conference. Of the ten editions played, nine have been decided by one possession or less so odds are it's going to be a very competitive matchup. Food & Beverage  3 Outside the stadium, there are several vendors selling foods such as boiled peanuts ($5), chicken, pulled pork, brisket sandwich plates($12-$16), and 16 oz. beers ($8). At the concession stands inside the stadium, the options include cheeseburgers ($8), hot dogs ($5), nachos ($7), pretzels ($6), water ($5), Powerade ($5), and Coke product sodas ($7). Cash and cards are accepted. Atmosphere  3 The Cramton Bowl is a glorified high school football stadium that is typically not close to one of the teams so the hope is that the fans of the teams playing bring a lot of atmosphere. This was the case in the 2023 edition when both sets of fans seemed to be excited about playing the Camellia Bowl. It also helped that the weather was great which is not normal for an Alabama December. I would have liked to have seen some entertainment during some of the breaks in game action. Perhaps have an emcee, have opposing fans participate in a trivia showdown, pit the fan bases against each other to see which one was louder. It should not be all on the fanbases to provide the atmosphere for a bowl game. The fireworks during each team’s intro and the confetti during the trophy presentation were a nice touch and are worth a point in my opinion. Neighborhood  4 Attached to the South end of the stadium is the Multiplex which hosts several volleyball and basketball events for high schools and smaller colleges and serves as a premium space during the Camellia Bowl. The Cramton Bowl is across the street from Patterson Field, the former home for minor league baseball in Montgomery. The Cramton Bowl is 5 blocks away from the Alabama State Capitol building and the Confederate White House. Go down Washington Avenue and you will pass the Civil Rights Memorial before hitting up the Freedom Rides and Rosa Parks museums. Keep going towards the Riverwalk and you will find the Hank Williams Museum before seeing Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, the home of the Biscuits minor league baseball team. If you are planning on spending a couple of days in Montgomery the Riverwalk area provides lodging options such as DoubleTree, SpringHill, and Embassy Suites. For a bite to eat, stop by Bibb Street for pizza, Jalapenos for Mexican, or Wintzell’s for seafood. There are several bars around this area to check out if you are looking for a drink. Fans  3 The stadium was only half full during my visit and it is not a large stadium but the fans that do show up get behind their teams. The fans dress in their team colors, each fanbase takes over one side of the stadium, and the fans cheer when their teams do a good thing during the game. Access  3 Parking across the street by Patterson Field requires purchasing a parking pass for $20 in advance online. Street and public garage parking is free on weekends. There is a public parking garage at 100 N Union Street four blocks away from the Cramton Bowl. Once inside the stadium, the walkways are plenty wide enough and there are a couple of bathrooms on each side of the stadium. Return on Investment  4 Tickets start at $33 ($30 for the ticket, $3 ticket fee) for seats between the end zone and the 30-yard line while midfield seats cost $43. You also have the option to pay $100 for a suite in the north end zone or $150 for access to the ESPN Lounge in the Multiplex with both providing parking and food. If you buy a $30 ticket, pay $20 for parking, and purchase a cheeseburger and a Coke you will spend about $70 solo, $120 for a hangout/date, or $220 for a family of four. This is for a competitive bowl game between MAC and Sun Belt programs. Extras  2 The night before the game each team had a pep rally at the Riverwalk. This is part of a fanfest with music, food, and drinks. The FCS kickoff game is played at the Cramton Bowl and helps kick off the College Football season during Week Zero in August. Final Thoughts The Camellia Bowl is what it is. It’s played at a stadium that is mostly used for high school games. However, it will likely be a great game between two teams looking to cap a season with a bowl victory and will be a great way to spend an afternoon, especially if the weather is nice.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Washington Wizards website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20,282 G-Wiz, It’s Basketball in DC Capital One Arena opened in 1997 as the home of the Washington Wizards, replacing the aging Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. However, the Wizards have thus far been unable to match the rise in popularity experienced by their co-tenant, the Washington Capitals. In addition to hosting these two teams, Capital One Arena plays host to Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball. Food & Beverage 4 Capital One Arena has plenty of food and beverage offerings that are sure to satisfy any fan, and recently they have added some unique options as well. Main course options include Papa John’s pizza, cheeseburgers, and chicken tenders, and the last two come with fries. Other options include Italian sausage, hot dogs, and Chick-fil-A. In the past few years, arena ownership has added even more options beyond the standard ones, including tacos and donuts. Rita's Italian ice and frozen custard are available for fans with a sweet tooth. Snacks include popcorn and hot pretzels. Thirsty fans can buy bottled water or soda, all Pepsi products. Beer and other alcohol are also available to fans of age. The one bad part is that prices are expensive, as a meal and non-alcoholic beverage will easily cost over $20, and alcohol is extremely pricey as well. Atmosphere 3 Capital One Arena’s main entrance is located on F Street NW in DC between 6th and 7th Streets, although there are several other entrances around the arena. Regardless of where you enter, you will be on the lower level, so fans sitting elsewhere will need to use stairs, an escalator, or an elevator. The 100 and 400 levels are traditional seats for the most part, while the 200 level is the club level and the 300 level is all luxury suites. All seats have a good view of the court, but the legroom and seat width get smaller and smaller the further up you go. There is a scoreboard above center court which also shows video and player stats, as well as smaller boards in the corners. The Wizards do a decent job of keeping the fans engaged, with contests, cheerleaders, and a dance team, but oftentimes it seems like this distracts from the game itself. When the opposing team gets an easy rebound and uncontested layup off a missed free throw, and the crowd is going wild because they just won free chicken sandwiches, that’s not a good look. There is a mascot named G-Wiz who is a blue creature of some sort, but he mostly stays in the corner and only comes out occasionally. One unique tradition is what happens after Wizards three pointers. The PA announcer will announce a "DC THREE" by whoever made the basket. Some fans find this enjoyable while others find it quite annoying by the end of the game. Neighborhood 4 Capital One Arena is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of DC, though the area has gentrified significantly since the arena was built. The Greene Turtle is a popular sports bar located right around the corner. while the Gallery Place shopping mall is also right around the corner and includes numerous stores and a movie theater. Unfortunately, a lot of other businesses in the area have closed in recent years, between COVID and rising crime in the area. The neighborhood is still pretty safe despite public perception to the contrary, but you are in a major city so be aware of your surroundings. Your best entertainment options will involve traveling a bit away from the arena, but not far. That’s because you’re in DC, the nation’s capital, and there’s a lot to do. The best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s checking out the many memorials and monuments on and around the National Mall, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply taking in the historic sights, there’s something for everyone here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some private ones are not. Keep in mind, however, that if you wish to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 2 At any given Wizards game, there will be thousands of empty seats, in stark contrast to what you’d get at a Capitals game at the same arena. Attendance has been on the decline for several years, in large part because the Wizards aren’t that good. Although officially the Wizards average between 16,000 and 17,000 fans per game, in terms of actual attendance it’s significantly less. A lot of tickets get put on the secondary market and not sold, or the ticket holders choose not to show up for other reasons. Those who do show up frequently arrive late or leave early, and most of them don’t get too involved in the game. There are moments where they can get loud, but it’s mostly when they have a chance to win free Chick-fil-A if the opposing player misses two “Fowl Shots” or for other similar promotions. The Wizards have a nice arena, and it’s disappointing that the fans don’t turn out in larger numbers. Access 4 Capital One Arena is located just steps from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. While this may seem like an amazing thing, the unfortunate reality is that Metro is difficult at the best of times and unusable at the worst. The last few years have seen numerous construction projects shut down several stations for weeks or even months at a time. Even if one of these isn’t ongoing, there is track work almost every weekend that increases headways on many lines and often closes several additional stations. The result is that there could be 24 minutes or more between trains, and that’s assuming everything functions properly, which it frequently doesn’t. The good news is that even people coming from outside the immediate DC area can take the Metro by parking at one of the suburban stations. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for parking with the same SmarTrip card you paid your fare with or you will be subject to a much higher rate at certain stations. If you don’t want to chance it with Metro, you can drive to the game. Ample garage parking is available but is costly. The exact cost varies by the day and based on availability, but expect to pay at least $20 and probably much more. You can also take a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. Once you’re in the arena, the concourses are wide enough to allow for easy navigation. There can be long lines at concessions or restrooms during halftime, but if you leave as soon as the half ends, you should be back in your seat by the time the game resumes. Return on Investment 3 The Wizards use a variable pricing format where the exact price you pay will depend on the opponent. Prices will generally start at between $20 and $25 depending on the opponent and go up to around $200 or more for lower level seats. However, you can often buy resale tickets for much less, especially for weeknight games and games against lesser opponents. Unfortunately, tickets are sold through Ticketmaster so you can expect massive fees tacked on. When you throw in the expensive concessions, attending a Wizards game can be deceptively expensive. Extras 2 Be sure to check out the rafters as well, for retired numbers and the 1978 championship banner. One final star for the player introductions, an impressive display with spotlights in team colors and projected writing on the court. Final Thoughts Although the Wizards had high hopes when they moved downtown in 1997 into a shiny new arena, the experience has proven to be less than promised. Although a Wizards game is more affordable than it would be to see the Capitals at the same arena, you ultimately get what you pay for. The atmosphere in the arena is pretty dead and it is an average NBA arena at best.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stade Canac 100 Cardinal Maurice-Roy Street Quebec, QC G1K 8Z1 Quebec les Capitales website Stade Canac website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 4,300 La Maison des Capitales Stade Canac, located in Quebec’s Parc Victoria, was built in 1939 as a public project meant to create jobs and municipal facilities during an economic downturn in the province. Over the years, several professional teams have called the stadium home, including teams affiliated with the Dodgers, Cubs, Braves, and Expos. Notable players to play at Stade Canac include Warren Spahn, Hank Aaron, Gary Carter, and Andre Dawson. Since 1999 les Capitales de Quebec have called Stade Canac home, first as members of the Northern League, then the Northeast League and Can-Am League. Since 2020 les Capitales have been members of the Frontier League. The team has been very successful, winning 8 league championships over its history, including the 2022 Frontier League title. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Stade Canac are surprisingly strong for a ballpark of this size. The main concession stand in the lobby serves up standard ballpark fare (well, standard Quebec ballpark fare). In addition to burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and french fries, fans can select poutine and smoked meat. The poutine appears to be the most popular menu item here and is not a scaled-down version of the Canadian standard. You can order your poutine topped with popcorn chicken or sliced hot dogs. A good variety of snack food is available, including corn dogs, popcorn, nachos, peanuts, and chips. Pepsi products are featured at Stade Canac. If you are looking for something a bit colder on a hot summer night, slush puppies are also sold in a variety of colors (flavors?). Sleeman beers are featured at Stade Canac, both at the main stand and in the Sleeman Lounge underneath the third base stands. Fans looking to avoid the lines of the main stand can visit the self-serve station or the bar located in the lobby. Outside the entrance of the ballpark is a food truck offering steak and cheese subs and grilled hot dogs along with a variety of beverages. Ice cream and other snacks are sold at the Zone Famille, located in the first base party zone. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere here in Quebec is fairly typical of other minor league ballparks across the continent. The fun begins before the game, as music is played in the right field party zone. Stadium Journey attended a pair of weekend games, so this may not be an every game occurrence, but the party zone was certainly the place to be before the first pitch. The fans in attendance, especially the younger ones, have learned that the old metal seats in Stade Canac make a lot of noise and create a solid home-field advantage. The team employs a mascot who spends his day roaming the ballpark interacting with fans and participating in between-inning shenanigans. An on-field emcee makes sure the promotions keep moving and the crowd stays hyped. Members of the promotions team dance on top of the dugout when not coordinating on-field contests, joined in by the majority of the crowd. There is a video board in right field in addition to a manually operated scoreboard. The public address announcer and on-field emcee do their thing in French, but visitors need not worry about not being understood. In a city the size of Quebec, the majority of the population speaks both French and English. You should have no problem communicating, even with the fans around you. Neighborhood 3 Stade Canac is located in Parc Victoria in the Saint-Roch neighborhood. Visiting fans will not find much in the way of eateries or lodging near the ballpark. However, there is a great deal to see and do here in the capital of the province. Old Quebec, the most popular tourist attraction in the city, is a short ten-minute drive away. If visiting from out of town be sure to wander the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec and Petit Champlain before heading to the ballpark. Montmorency Falls, Dufferin Terrace, and the Plains of Abraham are other popular destinations not far from Stade Canac. Fans 4 Quebec annually ranks among the leaders in the Frontier League attendance rankings. For the 2023 season, they are third in the circuit, drawing over 2,800 fans per game. Visitors would be well advised to check for ticket availability ahead of time, especially if you are planning to visit on a Saturday night. Quebec may be first and foremost a hockey town, but a city this size is sure to have its share of baseball fans. Of course, you’re going to find your share of younger fans mixed in with the die-hards since les Capitales are marketed as family-friendly entertainment. The fans here know their stuff and are into the game. It’s a fun atmosphere here at Stade Canac. Access 3 Stade Canac is located in Parc Victoria, a large municipal park on the shores of the Saint-Charles River. Also located on these grounds are facilities for soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, hockey, and skateboarding. The old Quebec Arena, home of the NHL’s Quebec Bulldogs, was located here until it burned down in 1942. If driving, Stade Canac is very easy to get to, as it is located just off Autoroute 973. The tourist destination of Old Quebec is located just three kilometers away, an easy 10-minute drive. Parking is available at no charge in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. Should this lot fill up, additional parking is available throughout Parc Victoria. Fans who have visited Stade Quillorama in Trois Rivieres will find the layout of Stade Canac familiar, which makes sense considering they were designed by the same person and built at the same time. Loge and mezzanine seats are folding metal chairs that are very noisy and not so comfortable. The general admission seats look a lot like church pews. Those look equally uncomfortable. Getting around Stade Canac can be difficult. It’s cramped and crowded. Steep ramps lead from the floor level to the seating bowl. Depending on where your seats are, you may need to navigate a maze of stairs and walkways to get to your seats. Some of the seats higher up in the seating bowl feature obstructed views and nets run the length of the bowl, obstructing all views. Party zones on either end of the grandstand provide some room to spread out and some relief from the cramped quarters throughout the ballpark. Restrooms are dated, but adequate for the crowd on hand. It would be nice if the doors to the restrooms were closed, though. As you may imagine, since the crowds are large and there is only one way in and out of the ballpark, leaving the ballpark and the parking lots can be slow. Be patient as you leave Stade Canac. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Les Capitales games are separated into three tiers: Loge ($23), Mezzanine ($20), and General Admission ($12). Students and Seniors receive a one-dollar discount, while children under 12 receive a two-dollar discount. On Sundays, children are admitted for $5. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. Concessions are very affordable. Extras 4 Six retired numbers are displayed on the front of the press box. Among the honorees are Gary Carter, Jean-Phillipe Roy, Eddie Lantigua, and Jackie Robinson. On the outfield wall are championship banners honoring les Capitales’ eight titles. A pair of extra points are awarded for the historic displays located in the hallways underneath the grandstand. On the first base side is a display featuring Capitales history and on the third base side is a display featuring the teams that have called Stade Canac home throughout its history. There is incredible detail in both these displays and plenty for baseball fans to see. Warning – the displays are in French, but this shouldn’t make them any less enjoyable or informative. A final extra point is awarded for the manual scoreboard in the right field. The operator will place goose eggs in place of zeros for the visiting squad. One note to Capitales management – get this poor man a stool or a chair! He stands on the ledge of the scoreboard the entire game doing his job. He deserves a seat! Final Thoughts Quebec would never be considered a baseball city by most fans, but Les Capitales have been one of the more successful independent teams both on and off the field. A trip to historic Stade Canac is one worth taking for any ballpark chaser. Pair Stade Canac with a visit to its sister ballpark, Stade Quillorama in Trois Rivieres, and you have a terrific Stadium Journey. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 The Coliseum 325 W Georgia Drive Carrollton, GA 30117 West Georgia Wolves website The Coliseum website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 7,000 The Coliseum – University of West Georgia Wolves The University of West Georgia Wolves christened their new home, The Coliseum, in 2009, which serves as the home of the West Georgia basketball and volleyball teams. The 2023-24 season will mark the final season for the Wolves as a part of the Gulf South Conference and NCAA’s Division II, as they make the jump to Division I as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Food & Beverage   2 There are two concession stands built into the arena, but only one seems to be typically used. The stand is conveniently located in the northwest corner of the concourse, just around the corner from the main lobby. The menu does seem a bit limited with hot dogs and nachos being the main courses; candy, chips, and popcorn are also available.  When it comes to beverages, Coca-Cola products, Powerade, and bottled water are the go-to choices. Even though the options are not overly eye-opening, there are no menu items over $3 – these low prices make grabbing a bite to eat a bit more enticing. Atmosphere   3 The Coliseum is a rather modern-looking facility that incorporates a glassed entryway into a high-ceilinged, open lobby. As soon as they pass through the doors, fans are greeted with the unmistakable squeak of sneakers on hardwood, the repetitive thud of the ball on the floor, the blasts of referee whistles, and the arena horn. The entry point lobby is open to the playing area, so one of the first glimpses of the court fans have is of the large four-sided video board that hangs above the center court; the board gives fans a feed of the live broadcast. A second video board is suspended high above the eastern end of the court and shows live statistical totals, and in addition to these first two impressive video boards, smaller scoreboards that provide time and score information are affixed to the inside walls of the sideline seating. The Coliseum is probably bigger than it needs to be for West Georgia basketball, but the facility is also used for many events throughout the year, including the high school state basketball playoffs, concerts, graduation ceremonies, and several other large community events. So, while the size of the arena does make for a bit of an empty feel during basketball games, the fans here do well in making the stands seem much fuller than they are. Most breaks in the action are accompanied by a performance from West Georgia’s large (more than 30 members) cheer squad, typically followed by a short musical interlude from the West Georgia pep band – the combination creates a classic basketball atmosphere. Neighborhood   4 The Coliseum is less than 2 miles from downtown Carrollton, which is sneaky exciting with several shops, restaurants, and a brew house. On weekends the area is frequently bustling with activity, from the local eateries to town events. Maple Street, which runs along the front of the West Georgia campus toward downtown, also has several restaurants along its length. The Coliseum is tucked into the back of West Georgia’s campus, neighbored by the school’s baseball stadium, Cole Field, and several of West Georgia’s administrative buildings; the location does help promote a “college campus” feel and fanfare that makes college basketball so special. Fans   3 An initial look at attendance numbers may make it seem like the Wolves struggle with fan support, but that is not necessarily the case. Attendance tends to be five to six hundred per game, which for the Gulf South Conference is just about in line with other programs. What boosts the Wolves’ basketball experience, though, is that despite what appears to be a lack of attendance, there is a very supportive fan base. The most ardent of fans tends to be a group of students near court level across from the visiting bench, who are ready to celebrate each 3-point basket and dunk from the Wolves. Students tend to populate the southern seating area, while fans from the community and alumni typically sit in the northern bleachers, which are across from the main entrance. Access   3 The West Georgia campus is in the Georgia town of Carrolton, in the outer reaches of metro Atlanta.  For those heading to West Georgia from outside of the immediate area, getting to Carrolton can be a bit of a challenge, as many fans would likely be using Interstate 20. For weekday games, this can take more than a handful of patience, as Atlanta traffic is notorious for its unpredictable and uncooperative nature. Once on the West Georgia campus, a large parking lot sits just across the street from The Coliseum, just a short walk away from the venue. Upon approaching the front doors, a sandwich board instructs fans to scan a QR code to purchase tickets, since there is not a staffed ticket office selling them. Just after passing through the main entry, a table is set up to scan the entry tickets – the process is not difficult, but it might be wise to try and purchase tickets ahead of time just to not have to deal with the hassle of setting up a Wolves purchasing account. Once in the arena, the main lobby is very spacious and easy for groups to navigate. Alums and fans from the community usually sit behind the team benches by proceeding to the concourse straight ahead, while students occupy much of the seating across from the team benches, accessible by taking a sharp left upon entering the facility. There are no designated seating areas for students and alums, but the seating seems to shake out that way anyway. The concourse is open to the court from the baseline around the top of both sides. Though the concourse does continue completely around the arena, it is a bit deserted around the walkway at the opposite end. Return on Investment   5 Seating is general admission and runs $10, which is extremely reasonable for college basketball tickets. If those rates are not good enough, West Georgia also offers ticket deals like ticket four packs for just $30. When factoring in free parking and the concession prices, it would be difficult to find a better deal in college basketball, short of free. Extras   3 Banners celebrating the successes of the University of West Georgia athletic programs line the rafters along both sides of the court; included are banners from the NAIA National Championship the basketball program won in 1974. A trophy case just to the right of the lobby area displays the hardware of much of the Wolves' successes as well. The Red Clay Rivalry is an all-sport competition between the Wolves and the Valdosta State Blazers – the basketball portion of the rivalry creates a fun atmosphere, as the passion of the fans is a bit more amped up during those contests than normal. The West Georgia mascot, Wolfie, is a frequent participant in welcoming fans to the arena and during pregame festivities. Wolfie also makes several appearances with the cheer squad for off-court activities on the concourse, as well as for some of the on-court routines. Final Thoughts The Coliseum is a beautiful facility and should fit in seamlessly as the Wolves move from Division II to Division I. As with several programs in similar situations, there are typically growing pains that go along with such a move, but the Wolves of West Georgia appear to have solid footing upon which to build.