Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall 671 Taylor Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 Lehigh Mountain Hawks website Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall website Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 1,788 Volleyball Stars in Bethlehem Nestled in the town of Bethlehem in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall is home to the volleyball program of the Lehigh University Mountain Hawks. The arena previously served as the home of Lehigh's basketball program. The men moved into the newly built Stabler Arena in 1979, while the women followed a decade later. Grace Hall was renovated extensively in 2003, and in addition to hosting volleyball, it also hosts Lehigh's wrestling team. It is also used for intramural and club sports, among other events. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Lehigh volleyball games, although fans are free to bring their own. There is a water fountain on the upper-level concourse if you urgently need something to drink but don't have anything. Atmosphere 4 Walking through the doors of the unassuming stone building that houses Leeman-Turner Arena will put you in a small lobby extensively featuring the school's color scheme - a mix of light and dark brown, with some gold thrown in as well. Glass doors up a few stairs straight ahead will take you to the arena itself. All seats in the arena are plastic bleachers. An additional concourse is located above the bleachers but doesn't have much of anything to do there other than an additional set of restrooms. Since this is such a small arena, you will have an up-close view of the action no matter where you sit. A pair of scoreboards are located behind the end line on the entrance side. The one on the left (as you face the exit) shows the score of the current set, while the one on the right shows the number of sets each team has won. However, you just have to figure out the function of each scoreboard on your own, as both are labeled "score." During timeouts, one scoreboard also shows the time remaining until play resumes. The other scoreboard has something labeled "Advantage Time," which is only used for wrestling, so you can ignore this during a volleyball match. Lehigh does put some effort into the matchday experience at a volleyball game. Small promotional giveaways will often be available in the lobby, and the Lehigh pep band will sometimes show up and play during breaks in the action, occasionally between points but mostly during timeouts or between sets. However, they may not be there every game. Neighborhood 3 Bethlehem is not the largest town, but there is still plenty to do here. If you head north from campus, you will find many restaurants and other attractions along both sides of the Lehigh River. Seven Sirens and Bonn Place are two popular breweries on the south side of the river, and there are other options to choose from as well, ranging from Peruvian to Italian to typical American food. Bethlehem has the feel of a small college town, so while there is plenty to do here, it's far from the excitement of a major city. Fans 3 The typical crowd at a Lehigh volleyball match will be between 100 and 200 fans, which is about typical for the Patriot League but far less than at many larger programs in Division I. Additionally, since the Patriot League has such a small geographic footprint, many of those in attendance will be cheering for the visiting team. This is especially true for the game against archrival Lafayette, which is located only a few miles away, but will also be true against the other schools, such as in-state rival Bucknell. Early season non-conference games against teams outside the northeast may have fewer away fans. While those in attendance can get loud at times, such as if Lehigh wins a big point or an extended rally, at other points, it can be quite quiet in here. The low ceilings do keep the sound in when the crowd cheers, and that helps. Access 3 Getting to the Lehigh campus will require some driving on back roads, no matter where you are coming from, but at least you can enjoy the scenery as you drive through the country. Lehigh University has several nearby "campuses," and Grace Hall is located on the Asa Packer campus. Your best bet is to park in the Zoeller Arts Center Garage. Parking is available there for $1 per hour, payable at either a pay station or via the Passport mobile app on your phone. The upper levels are reserved for events at the art center, although you should find sufficient parking on the first floor, so it's not an issue. It is about a five to ten-minute walk from the garage to the arena, although you will need to walk up a steep hill to get there. The exterior of the arena is an unassuming stone building, so you will need to pay attention to find it. Restrooms are available in the lobby on the lower level as well as on the concourse above the bleachers. They are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds Lehigh draws for a volleyball match. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission to Lehigh volleyball games, and as mentioned above, parking isn't particularly expensive either. Still, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 2 One star for the unique layout and color scheme of the arena, featuring light and dark brown with splashes of gold. A second star for the poster honoring Lehigh's Patriot League volleyball titles. Final Thoughts Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall is not the fanciest volleyball venue - while it has an unusual layout, it is at its core, quite basic. That being said, Lehigh puts a good effort into the matchday atmosphere here, and it is a shame that more fans do not show up.

For over three decades, Populous has developed an extensive and impressive portfolio of stadiums, arenas, and event venues from around the world. According to the firm’s website, “Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus - to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments” (https://populous.com/). In the NFL alone, Populous has had their hand on over a dozen NFL venues, whether they designed them from scratch like the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, or renovations like the current Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York. Stadium Journey had the honor and pleasure of interviewing Scott Radecic, the founder and senior principal planner of Populous. We discussed how the NFL fan experience is evolving through design, whether it’s through the latest in technology, or the broader trends shaping the future of sports venues. Scott has an unique perspective on stadium design. Prior to founding Populous, Scott had an impressive collegiate football career that included a national championship at Penn State University. He went on to play twelve seasons as a linebacker in the NFL. Since he hung up his cleats, Scott has worked with 13 NFL teams, and over 50 colleges and universities to design new, or improve existing sporting venues. Stadium Journey (SJ): From your biography, it’s evident you’ve spent a lot of time in football stadiums. When did your passion for stadium design begin, and what are some of your biggest inspirations or influences in the field of sports architecture? Scott Radecic (SR): My passion for stadium design began while I was still playing in the NFL. At that time, my focus centered around playing and potentially coaching. Yet, by having a degree in architectural engineering, the idea of a second career designing and constructing stadiums clearly developed during my five off-seasons, while playing with the Indianapolis Colts. When I began interning at Populous, my desire to be on the design side of the game was quickly realized. Once I had been introduced to that world, it became a significant goal of mine to join the industry once I retired from the NFL. As for influences, I’ve been inspired by pioneers like Ron Labinski, who laid the foundation for sports as a specialty in architecture. Additionally, my work with Populous’ global design teams over the past three decades — from the U.S. to APAC and EMEA regions — has further enriched my perspective and appreciation of the industry. SJ: As a sports enthusiast myself, I’m constantly in awe of the new and innovative designs NFL stadiums have introduced to enhance the fan experience. For instance, the unique vantage point rise of bar seating and standing room only sections to view game action, instead of merely from your ticketed seat. What are some of the most innovative features you've incorporated into recent stadium designs? SR: While working closely with the NFL, I’ve had the great pleasure to implement some groundbreaking features into the league. For example, we introduced the first pool in an NFL stadium in Jacksonville, offering a unique and fun game day experience for fans. Also, integrating on-field experiences like tunnel clubs, where fans have exclusive access to players, equivalent to a backstage area in a concert venue. Specifically, the new Buffalo Bills NFL Stadium (Highmark Stadium, coming in 2026) will take innovation even further. It will be the first NFL stadium that will provide all food & beverages to their attendees via market places. There will not be any belly-up concessions, so fans will enter each market place to select their favorite foods — which are all freshly prepared and ready for purchase — providing a seamless fan experience. We will also be the first to offer general admission standing room-only on the field, bringing fans closer than ever to the action. Additionally, we’re also designing the closest concourse to an NFL field, located only 12 feet above the field. SJ: How do you ensure that the design maximizes the fan experience, both in terms of sightlines, acoustics and amenities? SR: Each design we create at Populous is tailored to the unique culture of the organization, city and fan base. Our team conducts in-depth fan research to truly understand what they want in a stadium experience. Populous is constantly refining our industry-best sightline criteria, balancing science, architecture and design to curate intimate yet exciting atmospheres. We also focus heavily on acoustics, ultimately enhancing the sense of connection, noise and energy within the space which greatly supports the product on the field. By offering a range of diverse amenities — from intimate connection points to the field and new hospitality offerings — we ensure that fans have more ways to experience the game than just from their ticketed seats. SJ: What role do you think stadiums play in their communities beyond just hosting events? Can you give an example of how one of your designs has positively impacted its local community economically and socially? SR: Stadiums are often the catalysts for broader economic and social development, which offers visibility to cities and supports tourism efforts as well. A great example of Populous’ work in this area is Coors Field in Denver, which revitalized the area and attracted businesses, restaurants and a vibrant community to its surrounding area. Similarly, the Populous-designed Petco Park in San Diego was a project that successfully transformed its surrounding area, spurring economic growth and creating a lively hub that is continuing to thrive. Today, stadiums continue to provide their cities with more multi-functional spaces. When designed thoughtfully, they truly become new assets to the community beyond game day. SJ: Accessibility has become a major source of attention when building codes in new and renovated structures. Most of the requirements are focused on the physically disabled. ESPN recently wrote an article about the difficulty millions of sports fans have attending games who have non-apparent, or invisible disabilities. The article interviewed a woman with Lupus, two brothers with autism, a legally deaf woman and a man with low vision. How have your designs incorporated the variety of needs fans could use for an enhanced experience at a game? SR: At Populous, we put great emphasis on prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity from the earliest stages of planning. We design for a range of needs, from physical disabilities to invisible ones, like emotional or behavioral conditions. For physical access, we ensure the proper accommodations are available in seating, building navigation and parking. For fans with sensory needs, we provide parent lounges, sensory rooms and wayfinding systems to aid those who may have visual impairments. For fans who are hard of hearing, we have included closed captioning for game and PA announcements in the bowl. Our goal is to create as inclusive of an environment as possible, where every fan feels welcome and can enjoy the event. SJ: How do you envision the future of sports architecture evolving over the next decade? SR: I envision growth in the areas of adaptable seating, advanced food and beverage technology and more diverse hospitality options. New audio-visual and security technologies will also play a big role in shaping the stadiums of the future. As we respond to changing demographics and emerging needs, our designs will continue to prioritize immersive, engaging and safe experiences. The future of sports architecture is very dynamic. Populous is constantly researching what could be next in stadiums, arenas and thoughtful design. As sports evolve, so do fan expectations — especially with technology and social experiences taking on greater importance in the fan experience. SJ: How do you hope your work will be remembered or impact the field of architecture? SR: My goal is to leave a legacy of stadiums that not only serve their immediate purpose but also contribute positively to the communities and fans they serve. I hope that my work will be remembered for its ability to translate experiences that fans are looking for into reality. Listening closely to the needs of fans, strategic thinking, problem-solving and commitment to innovation, communities and teams – I strive to push boundaries and create experiences that inspire and connect people.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Winthrop Coliseum 1162 Eden Terrace Dr Rock Hill, SC 29730 Winthrop Eagles website Winthrop Coliseum website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 6,100 Rock the Hill Winthrop began their basketball program in 1978 as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). As NAIA members, the Eagles would enjoy immediate success under the program’s first coach, Neild Gordon, who would guide the Eagles to a 140-100 NAIA record, before making the jump to the NCAA’s Division I as members of the Big South Conference. Since joining the Big South, the Eagles have established themselves as the dominant basketball program in the conference – Winthrop has more than twice as many tournament titles (13) than its next closest Big South rival, Asheville  (6). The Eagles garnered national attention in the late 1990s into the early 2000s under coach Gregg Marshall, winning seven Big South Conference titles in Marshall’s nine years in Rock Hill. The 2006 NCAA Tournament would see the 15th seeded Eagles give the # 2 Tennessee Volunteers all they could handle in a 63-61 last second comeback victory by the Vols. The Eagles breakthrough would come the following season, however, as 11th seeded Winthrop upset the # 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish , before falling to the 3rd seeded Oregon Ducks .   Food & Beverage   3 Concession stands at Winthrop Coliseum have a limited menu, serving nachos with cheese dip, hot dogs, and popcorn. Candy, crackers, chips, along with Coca-Cola soft drinks and Powerade are also available. Stands around the concourse also serve walking tacos, burgers, and fried chicken sandwiches from Freddy’s, as well as sweets from local confectioners; ice cream shops are also available. Beers from the Budweiser family, as well as various Bud Light Seltzers, are also available at carts and stands around the concourse. Alternatively, those looking for a taste of the area’s craft beers will want to head to The Eagle’s Nest beer garden, which highlights beers from around York County, South Carolina.   Atmosphere   3 Winthrop Coliseum was completed in the early 1980s, and while it does have a bit of that feel to it, the arena certainly is still a viable college basketball facility. The arena has a center hung scoreboard, but it does seem to be a bit underutilized – it primarily displays graphics, runs ads, and implores the crowd to get loud. It does not provide game information, such as score, game time, or individual player statistics (that game information can instead be found on the more traditional gym scoreboards affixed to the walls at each end of the arena). Timeouts are typically filled with pieces from the pep band, which goes a long way in creating a traditional college basketball ambiance within the arena. The second half interlude seems to be a fan favorite, however – a video of the cheerleaders at various locations around campus plays on the center hung videoboard, and they lead the crowd through a series of dance moves set to techno beats. Winthrop Coliseum also does a good job making use of its space. A children’s play area, donors lounge, and beer garden have been fit into what typically would be underutilized spaces around the exterior concourse, which has been re-purposed to give fans extra amenities the coliseum otherwise does not have room for.   Neighborhood   3 Most of Winthrop’s athletic facilities are located just over a mile from campus, separated by a well-maintained, residential neighborhood. Rock Hill has a concentration of craft breweries just over 2 miles from Winthrop Coliseum in downtown Rock Hill. The area also has several restaurants, as well as the Main Street Children’s Museum. A bit further away is The Pump House restaurant, which has a rooftop patio, overlooking the Catawba River. For those so inclined, the Carolina Thread Trail also runs along the river’s banks. Expanding the area a bit more, Rock Hill is roughly 30 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina and all that city has to offer.   Fans   3 The Eagles have averaged just under 1,500 fans per game over the last three seasons, putting them in the top quarter of the Big South in attendance. Winthrop has a decent student turnout, filling a good portion of the student section at the visitors end of the floor, but other than a handful of students seated next to the band, many seem to be passively engaged with the game. A lot of credit needs to go to the pep band, who in addition to their responsibilities setting the atmosphere, do a great job simply being involved in the highs and the lows of the game as well.   Access   3 Winthrop Coliseum is just over three miles to the east of Interstate-77, which runs locally between Columbia, South Carolina and nearby Charlotte. The trip is a bit more challenging if coming via I-85 to the west from Atlanta, Greenville, or Spartanburg, with close to a 45-minute drive on State Road 5. The Coliseum is part of Winthrop’s off campus athletic complex, which is easy enough to access upon arrival. The arena has both an interior and exterior concourse. The exterior concourse, which is out of sight of the court, is a serviceable way to navigate the arena, though a handful of features set up on it make it not completely navigable. The interior concourse runs completely around the top of the seating area, and is probably the best option to use to get to your seats, but that concourse is rather narrow to the point that traffic heading in the opposite directions probably needs to go single file.   Return on Investment   4 With the exception of Homecoming Weekend, typically the first weekend home basketball game, parking in the lots around Winthrop Coliseum is free. Ticket prices usually start at $15 for adults and $10 for kids 10+. Games hosted over holiday breaks can be purchased for a buy one-get one offer of $15, before a nominal convince charge of less than $2 is added per ticket. Concession rates at Winthrop Coliseum are consistent with what would be expected at most similar-sized arena concession stands.   Extras   4 The back, exterior concourse houses a kids play area that includes a large inflatable Winthrop chair, cornhole, and other kid-centered activities. Winthrop’s mascot, Big Stuff, makes his way around the stands, greeting visitors and taking photos with what must seem like an endless number of fans; Big Stuff definitely adds to the enjoyment of the experience. The locker of Deandre Adams has been preserved, and is displayed on the main concourse, near the main entry point into Winthrop Coliseum. Adams was the point guard of the 2007 NCAA tournament team which advanced to the Round of 32 – Adams unfortunately passed away in an automobile accident the summer following the Eagles’ tournament run. Post game, players, coaches, staff, and the spirit squad gather in front of the band to sing the Winthrop alma mater; It is always nice to see programs still show their pride in the name across the front of the jersey they put on and represent.   Final Thoughts Winthrop Coliseum itself might not have all the modern amenities found at other venues around the conference, but what it does have is a fun college basketball atmosphere that highlights what makes college basketball such a special event, from the spirited pep band and the adjacent student section, to the thought and creativity to provide fans more than just a basic college basketball experience.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey At a press conference on Monday, November 18th, the Houston Astros announced a new naming rights partner for their home ballpark that will go into effect in January 2025. The ballclub announced a 15-year rights partnership with Daikin Comfort Technologies, a company that labels itself as a “leading global indoor comfort solutions provider”. The stadium will be known going forward as Daikin Park . When the Astros new park opened in 2000, it was known as Enron Field until 2002. The Coca-Cola Company took over branding rights in 2002, with the park rechristened as Minute Maid Park . “We want to thank Minute Maid and The Coca-Cola Company for their longstanding commitment to our ballpark,” Astros owner Jim Crane said in a statement. "Minute Maid came on board at a very critical time in our history and we are thrilled they will continue to remain a partner of the Astros for many years to come”. The energy company known as Enron originally had a 30-year naming rights agreement before its shocking bankruptcy and dissolution in 2001. The new agreement with Daikin runs through the 2039 season. “We hope to make that name present and popular around town,” Crane said at the press conference. “We’ve had the honor and the privilege to spend a lot of time with the Daikin team at all levels and get more excited about the partnership in each and every engagement we have with them. They’re truly a world-class organization”. According to a release from the Astros, Daikin develops, manufactures, sells, and supports heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. The company has more than 98,000 employees worldwide, including 10,000 in the Houston area. Daikin operates a 4.2 million square foot campus in Waller, Texas, which is about 45 minutes northwest of downtown. “We strongly believe that Daikin shares the values of business excellence, employee engagement and commitment to the community and are perfectly aligned with the Astros,” Crane said. “And this partnership brings two very great brands together”. Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Minute Maid Park played home to the greatest successes in Astros history – the team made five World Series appearances as tenants of the park, winning titles in 2017 and 2022. The ballpark was also home to the 2004 MLB All-Star Game. “Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” said Matt Brand, the Astros senior vice president of corporate partnerships and special events at the press conference. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come”. Minute Maid, which will continue to be a partner of the Houston Astros through 2029, has signage on the interior and exterior of the ballpark that will have to be replaced by January 1st. Houston opens the 2025 season on March 27 against the New York Mets  in what will be the first game at Daikin Park. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Cortellucci Rink at Innisfil Recreation Complex 7315 Yonge Street Innisfil, ON L9S 2M6 Innisfil Spartans website Innisfil Recreation Complex website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 1,000 This Is Sparta One of the newest teams in Ontario’s Junior C level Provincial Junior Hockey League is the Innisfil Spartans.  Innisfil is a town on the shores of Lake Simcoe, south of Barrie.  From 2007 to 2010, Innisfil was the home to the Junior A Innisfil Lakers, who played in the rogue GMHL. Their folding left a void in the hockey landscape in Innisfil for a decade until founder George Floros  became determined to bring hockey back to Innisfil.  The Spartans were founded in 2022 and at the time of writing were playing in their third season on the Junior C circuit. Home for the Spartans is the Cortellucci Rink @ Innisfil Recreational Complex.  Opened in 2008, the complex is owned by the Town of Innisfil and acts as a hub for the community with a pair of ice rinks, swimming pool, YMCA fitness facilities, a pair of gymnasiums and outdoor sports fields.  The Cortellucci Rink is the larger of the two with a fan capacity of 1,000.  Naming rights are held by the Cortellucci Family, who are local real estate developers. Food & Beverage 3 The Innisfil Recreational Complex has a surprisingly robust set of concession options.  The main concession stand is found in the lobby and serves the entire complex.  The menu includes hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, fries, poutine, chicken burgers, mozzarella sticks, popcorn, pogos, nachos, butter tarts, candy and Jamaican Patties.  Beverages include Pepsi products, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Gatorade, water and slushies.  Alcoholic beverages are not available at the complex. Atmosphere 3 The Innisfil Recreational Complex features a smart looking, modern exterior with light coloured, corrugated siding and large windows.  Fans will enter the complex to a large, bright, smart looking lobby.  The long lobby connects all aspects of the complex from the two rinks to the aquatics centre.  The Cortellucci Rink is the furthest south and features a light exterior with lights strung across the hall. Inside the Cortellucci Rink, also known as the Red Rink, fans will find a bright, modern rink which provides a comfortable setting and comfortable temperature, not normal for rinks at this level.  The ice surface runs from east to west with the centre logo best seen from the north side.  The south side of the rink has four rows of red and grey, plastic, arena seats, while the north side features eight rows.  The lowest row is slightly elevated above the ice level.  With the short history of the Spartans and Innisfil Lakers banners are limited to a few youth hockey championships hung on the west wall.  A simple scoreboard hangs on the east wall.  Fans should choose their seat wisely as there are some obstructed views on the north side due to the tunnels from the dressing rooms and the netting that surrounds the ice surface.  This will not be an issue as there is plenty of selection and tickets are General Admission. The gameday production at a Spartans game is very simple, however the team does lean into the Spartan theme.  Around the logo at centre ice is the Greek quote “ H Tam H Eni Tas ” which translates to “Either with it or on it” meaning that soldiers will either win the battle or die in battle and return home carried on their shield.  The “This Is Sparta” quote from the movie “300” signals the beginning of warmups and the PA announcer ends each announcement with a distinct and enthusiastic “Arrumpf!”  The PA system is clear and it is not difficult for fans to understand the announcements being made. Neighbourhood 3 Innisfil is a community south of Barrie and on the shores of Lake Simcoe.  However, the Innisfil Recreational Complex is west of the town proper, in a fairly rural area, in the community of Barclay.  There are some spots for pre or post game meals in Innisfil, but they will definitely require hopping in the car to get there. A number of national chain restaurants can be found in Innisfil and the surrounding area as well as a few Loyola options.  Some of those include Nonna’s Cucina, Fork and Plate, and Taste of the Grille.  There aren’t really any other sporting options in Innisfil itself other than Georgian Downs Raceway and Sunset Speedway.  The City of Barrie is very close and the Barrie Colts  of the OHL are definitely another option.  The Barrie Baycats  play baseball north of Barrie in Minesing, but their schedule will not coincide with that of the Spartans.  Other tourist options include Gateway Casino, numerous parks and walking trails as well Innisfil Beach on Lake Simcoe.  Tanger Outlets is also in Innisfil and is a good shopping destination.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, heading north to Barrie is the best option. Fans 2 Assessing fan support in the PJHL is difficult as some teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not congregate and publish attendance data.  That being said the Innisfil Spartans averaged over 190 fans for their inaugural season and over 170 fans the following season in 2023-24.  At the time of writing the Spartans had not reported any attendance figures that season.  The crowd in attendance at the game reviewed was pretty much a friends and family crowd that was laid back and pretty quiet throughout the game.  There is definitely room for improvement here.    Access 4 The Innisfil Recreational Complex is located west of the Town of Innisfil, in a small community of Barclay.  Getting to the arena is not difficult at all. Just a 6 km drive east from Highway 400 will get fans there.  It is also 10 km north of Highway 89.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  Public transit options are a little difficult with a lone GO Transit bus stop just outside the complex.  It is doubtful that this would be an appropriate mode of transit to coincide with a Spartans game.  Interested fans should check the GO Transit website for schedules, maps and fares.  Inside the complex it is spacious and very easy to get around, as well as in Cortellucci Rink.  The raised floor offers plenty of space for those who have mobility challenges to see.  The washroom facilities are more than adequate for this facility. Return on Investment 4 PJHL hockey and the Innisfil Spartans offer a solid return on investment.  Tickets for the Spartans are just $10 with students and seniors going for $8 and children for $6.  Parking is free and the concession prices are what one would expect.  The product on the ice is decent and Cortellucci Rink is one of the most comfortable Junior C rinks out there. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Innisfil Recreational Complex acting as a hub for the community with the Cortellucci Rink along with other sporting and community facilities on site.  An extra mark for the team embracing the Spartan theme adding a few extra touches but not going over the top or too far. Final Thoughts Time will tell what the long term situation of the Innisfil Spartans will end up being.  Hopefully the community of Innisfil will embrace the team and attendance will grow.  They have a lot going for them in their facility, the Cortellucci Rink @ Innisfil Recreational Complex.  This is Sparta! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Richard M. Rockett Arena 225 Canal Street Salem, MA 01970 Salem State Vikings men's hockey website Rockett Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 2,200 Witch City Pucks   Salem State University was founded in 1854 as the Salem Normal School under the guidance of Horace Mann as part of his efforts to bring accessible teaching education to the masses. It is the oldest and largest college on the North Shore of Massachusetts. After decades of growth, the college was elevated to university status in 2010. The school’s 6,500 students hail from 37 states and 48 countries. Today the school offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in 40 programs.   Hockey was first played at Salem State University in 1958 as a club sport. The team was elevated to varsity status in 1961. After playing in various rinks around the area, they found a home when a rink was built on campus in 1976. In 1984 the rink was dedicated in honor of Richard Rockett, who was a law professor at Salem Teachers College.   Rockett Arena is located in the larger O’Keefe Athletic Complex. The O’Keefe Complex was built in 1973 to house the school’s hockey, tennis, basketball and swimming teams. Originally a windowless concrete and brick structure, the complex was renovated in 2013, adding the Gassett Fitness Center. The windowed façade of the Gansett Center gives the complex an attractive entrance while its photovolatic roof lowers the facility’s energy costs.   The Vikings have qualified for nine Division Three Hockey Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 1992 and 1994. Salem State added a women’s hockey team in 2015. The school’s most famous hockey alumnus is Dick Lamby, who played 22 games over three seasons for the St. Louis Blues from 1978-80.   Food & Beverage 1   A table is set up by the entrance to Rockett Arena, where fans can pick up assorted snacks and cold beverages. It’s not an extensive menu, but proceeds raised by the table during Stadium Journey’s visit benefitted the school’s softball team. If there are not any snacks available during your visit, there are vending machines in the lobby on the second floor.   Many fans were seen at the game with coffees from the local Dunkin’. These would certainly be a popular choice on a cold winter Massachusetts night.   Atmosphere 2   As a rule, Division Three hockey is played in small rinks without a lot of the bells and whistles you’ll find at larger college facilities. While having their own rink on campus gives Salem State a leg up on the schools that are forced to use local community rinks, the game day experience here is pretty similar to those schools.   There are scoreboards on either end of the rink that display basic game information, and music plays over a solid sound system during play stoppages. Most of the noise generated here comes from the fans in the stands, who are enthusiastic in their support of the Vikings. At Rockett Arena fans are able to hear the sounds of the game, including the slicing of skates through the ice, coaches shouting instructions to their teams and players chirping at each other. Unfortunately, Salem State’s awesome furry blob of a mascot, Superfan, was not in attendance on the afternoon of Stadium Journey’s visit. If you need a break from the cold of the rink, there’s a bubble hockey table in the lobby. Photo courtesy of Salem State Athletics   Neighborhood 4   Salem, Massachusetts is a small coastal city on Boston’s North Shore. Founded in 1626, this city of 44,000 residents is best known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem’s identity is closely tied with this notoriety, with the local high school teams nicknamed the Witches, and an elementary school christened Witchcraft Heights. Historic sites, including the House of the Seven Gables, the Witch House and the Salem Witch Museum are located downtown a couple of miles from the Salem State campus. There is a street in town named “Witch Way.”    Salem’s peak tourist season is the early fall, and Salem can be a really crowded place in October. Luckily, hockey season starts after Halloween, so crowds should be manageable when you come to see the Vikings.   The area right around the O’Keefe Complex is a mixed residential/business neighborhood. There’s not much in the immediate vicinity of the facility apart from a deli and a McDonald’s. If you’re visiting from out of town, you’ll certainly want to take the 10-minute drive downtown and soak up the local attractions. There are dozens of quality dining establishments here, and as you might imagine, the seafood served here is incredible. Among the great choices are The Babe, Dube’s and Ledger Restaurant and Bar. Fans of local breweries will find several quality options in town, including Notch Brewing, East Regiment Beer Company and Couch Dog Brewing.  Destination Salem  has more complete information on lodging and dining options and attractions.    Fans 2   The crowds at a Salem State hockey game certainly fall under the “friends and family” category. Reported attendance usually falls around 100 fans per game, and a quick scan of the stands during Stadium Journey’s visit confirms those figures are pretty accurate.   On the plus side, since most of the fans in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the ice, they are knowledgeable about the Vikings and enthusiastic in their support. If you enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, you’ll enjoy a visit to Rockett Arena.   Access 3   Even though the small city of Salem is just 15 miles northeast of Boston, there’s no easy way to get here. Make sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, because the tight roads and crowded streets of Boston’s North Shore are traffic nightmares, no matter what time of day you are arriving. Interstate 95 and Route 1 will get you close to Salem, but you’ll need local roads to get into town. Route 1A will provide your most direct, if busy, route to Salem. Fans taking public transportation to Salem can take the MBTA Newburyport/Rockland commuter rail line  into downtown Salem, then the 455 bus to the Loring Avenue stop near the O’Keefe Complex.   Salem State University is split into several campuses scattered throughout town. The O’Keefe Complex is located within walking distance of both the North and Harrington campuses in the southern part of Salem. The tourist destinations of the small city are located about two miles north of the school.   Upon entering the O’Keefe Athletic Complex, Rockett Arena will be on your right. All the seating will be to your left as you enter the rink. Seats consist of molded plastic bleachers in the lower rows, wooden bleachers in the middle rows, with a section of wooden bleachers on the upper level. There is standing room at the near end of the rink. With the small size of Rockett Arena, all seats have excellent views of the ice.   The O’Keefe Complex’s main lobby is located on the second floor, accessible from the entrances at the top of the grandstand. Located here are rest rooms and vending machines.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for admission to Vikings games at Rockett Arena. Parking is also free in the large lot next to the arena. With cheap concessions available, a Salem State hockey game is a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 2   Salem State displays its sporting history throughout the O’Keefe Complex. Pictures of every varsity team line the hallways of the facility, and the lobby is adorned with trophies and memorabilia belonging to the Salem State Athletic Hall of Fame. Inside the rink, banners honoring conference champions and tournament appearances line the far side of the rink.   Be sure to snap a photo on your way into the gymnasium with the Viking statue that guards the O’Keefe Complex. During intermissions feel free to play a game of bubble hockey. Final Thoughts   While most Division Three teams in the area play in shared community rinks, Salem State University enjoys their own rink on campus. Still, Rockett Arena doesn’t offer a whole lot in the way of amenities. Nonetheless, this is a solid place to catch some affordable college hockey.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium 9900 Hemphill St Fort Worth, TX 76134 Texas Wesleyan Rams website Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 8,000 Texas Wesleyan Rams – Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium Located in Cowtown, USA – aka Fort Worth – is Texas Wesleyan University. Founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1890, the university started fielding athletics teams beginning in 1908. The Texas Wesleyan Rams  football program found some success in the 1930s, winning several conference titles. With the advent for World War II, however, the school shuttered its football program in 1941, after which it lay dormant in the history books for 75 years. In 2016 the program was revived, and would become members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC). Legendary Texas high school football coach Joe Prud’homme  was the guiding force behind the program since its resurrection. Before stepping down before the start of the 2024 season, Prud’homme was responsible for producing four All-Americans, 76 All-Conference selections, 55 Academic All-Conference selections, and the Rams were back-to-back SAC co-champions in 2022 and 2023. Prud’homme was named the NAIA Region V Coach of the Year and SAC Co-Coach of the Year in 2022. This season, under first year head coach Brad Sherrod , the Rams qualified for the NAIA postseason for the first time. In time for the 2023 season, the Rams began competing at their new home, Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium. One of the mega-palaces of high school football in North Texas, the stadium offers up a unique home field for a school the size of Tex Wes.   Food & Beverage   2 It’s all about the basics at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium – which, for brevity’s sake going forward I am just going to call Crowley Stadium. There are two main concession stands here, both located near the north end zone on each side of the stadium (i.e. home and visitor side). The stands mirror each other in their offerings, which include hot dogs (or turkey dogs, if you want to go that route), hot links, Frito pie, and nachos for your main offerings. Popcorn, boxed candy, and bottled soda, bottled water, and soft drinks are also on the menu. That’s pretty much it. There are no frills, but it will get the job done while you’re watching Rams games.   Atmosphere   3 Two features dominate the architecture of Crowley Stadium, and both are very visible from the road leading up to the facility. The first is the massive press box that rises from the home team side of the stands. Looming large over the field, the press box with its large windows is quite impressive. The second feature is the even more massive fieldhouse that dominates the south end zone, which is home to the locker rooms and meeting rooms of both Texas Wesleyan, the visiting teams, and the stadium’s main high school tenants – Crowley and North Crowley High Schools, respectively. On game days, the fieldhouse plays host to the Tex Wes Champions Club . This group can be seen from the terrace/patio area above the end zone, and is one of the largest and most vocal contingents of fans during Rams games. They by and large are all armed with blue and yellow cowbells that they ring at key moments of the game in support of their Rams. Anything else atmospheric about Crowley Stadium is centered on the Crowley Eagles and North Crowley Panthers.   Neighborhood   3 Fort Worth is the second-largest city in the sprawling behemoth that is the DFW metroplex. Anything and everything are available for sports fans in the area – the Dallas Cowboys , Dallas Mavericks , Texas Rangers , Dallas Stars , and FC Dallas  are all located within 45 minutes of Crowley Stadium, and this doesn’t even take into account the big-time sports played by TCU and SMU , nor the myriad of minor league teams that reside in the area. While none are directly in the area near where Tex Wes plays, if you plan your visit right, you could still get in another game or two. There are also scores of other entertainment options as well in nearby Fort Worth proper; you’ll only be limited by your imagination and your budget. The same can be said for the dining and lodging options available to you. Crowley Stadium is not too far removed from Interstate 35W. As such, most of the options in the immediate area near the stadium are going to be fast food and chain restaurants, or hotels and motels with numerals or the word “Inn” in their names. Still, options in the area include Quick Wok Chinese Restaurant  – home of traditional Chinese comfort foods – and the Rodeo Goat  gourmet burger spot. Nearby places to rest your head include M&M Inn and Suites  and Motel 6 Fort Worth - Burleson . Both are within a 10-minute drive of the stadium. Again, options abound up and down the highway, so you’re sure to find something that suits you on your visit.   Fans   2 Attendance at Texas Wesleyan games seems to be a little spotty. This is understandable for a school that is still building its brand and reestablishing the legacy of its football program. From records this season, the Rams are only averaging somewhere between 400-600 fans per game. Unfortunately, this is very noticeable in a facility the size and design of Crowley Stadium. Even from my upper deck perch, I was able to clearly hear the voices of the players on the field and the coaches on each sideline; that’s not great. The score I’m giving is not an indictment of the fans who do attend – those I saw were well decked out in Rams blue and yellow and were supportive of the team. I would hope going forward that a team that has shown as much success as the Rams have in recent years can get even more support behind them, especially from the student body.   Access   4 Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium is about a 15-minue drive from downtown Forth Worth. It’s just under an hour from the heart of Dallas, and less than a 40-minute drive from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Located just off Interstate 35W, getting to the stadium is pretty much a straightforward drive. If you do venture up the highway, you will have the benefit of the stadium being sandwiched in between two Buc-ee’s , one in Fort Worth and one in nearby Hillsboro – enjoy! If you don’t want to drive and are in the metroplex area, Trinity Metro, the public transportation option serving Tarrant County, offers up buses and light rail trains that will get you close to your destination. If you are driving in, however, parking is free and abundant at Crowley Stadium.   Return on Investment   3 Single game tickets for Rams games at Crowley Stadium start at $15 per person – this is not too bad for a stadium as nice as this. It was, honestly, a little more than I thought would be charged, but it is still pretty affordable. As mentioned, parking is free and there is not a single concession item on the menu that costs more than $6. It’s a great bargain to catch a game at Crowley Stadium, especially if you’re bringing in the family.   Extras   3 The Rams bring a lot of the traditional stuff you may expect from college football to their games at Crowley Stadium – the Texas Wesleyan Ram Band  performs throughout the game from the stands, while the Texas Wesleyan Cheerleaders  perform on the sidelines and can be counted on to toss out t-shirts to the crowd after big scores. The Gold Line Dancers  also perform routines at halftime and during breaks in the on-field action. Lastly, the Rams dual mascots, Willie and Wilamae , are on the sidelines interacting with fans. It's all fine; I do wish there was some way to have the band marching on the field, but at a school this size, that’s just not feasible.   Final Thoughts I had a really fun time on my last visit – I wasn’t sure what to expect from a program of this size, but I enjoyed myself. For as bad a rap college football has gotten in recent years with all the seismic changes they’re going through, seeing a game at this level really served as a reminder of what I personally love about the sport; it was very pure. Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium is really gorgeous, and I would love to see what an atmosphere would be like when it is at capacity. It stands right up there with the other colossal high school stadiums in the state. All that said, I wouldn’t necessarily put Tex Wes on your bucket list – at least not until the day that their on-campus stadium is built . Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Thomas Assembly Center Stadium Blvd Ruston, LA 71272 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs website Thomas Assembly Center website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 8,000 Bulldogs On The AtTAC The small community of Ruston, Louisiana is home to Louisiana Tech University, an institution with over 12,000 students enrolled as of Fall 2024. Their athletic teams, known as the Bulldogs, compete in Conference USA (C-USA). The men’s basketball team has made five NCAA Tournament appearances but has not made the big dance since 1991. Food & Beverage 3 The concourse has three concession stands (only two were open during my visit). The stands offer hot dogs ($4), burgers ($7), popcorn ($4), smoked sausage ($4), peanuts ($3), nachos ($5), Cajun links ($4), chips ($2), pickles ($2), and candy ($3). Pepsi is the soft drink provider with regular cups ($4) or souvenir cups ($6) as drink options. Alcohol is also sold at the stands with domestic beers ($5) and imported beers ($7) for sale. Atmosphere 4 The main entrance of the Thomas Assembly Center has a statue of Leon Barmore, the head coach of the Lady Techsters, the women’s team from 1977-2022. He led the Lady Techsters to three national championships and the program is considered to be the original women’s basketball dynasty. Upon entering the concourse there are displays for the Lady Techsters’ dynasty as well as one for the men’s program. Karl Malone also has one of his given that he is arguably the most notable alumnus of the program. The ceiling of the concourse has banners honoring notable alumni of both basketball programs. After entering the seating bowl there are many banners commemorating the successes of both basketball programs as well as several retired jerseys. The seating bowl is all chairback seating with the seating bowl split into the lower bowl with red seats and the upper level seats being blue. The seats are arranged in a circle and the rows are steep enough that there are not many bad seats in the house (except for seats immediately behind the press area). During the starting lineups players come out from behind a curtain with a smoke machine going off. Cheerleaders perform various routines during breaks in game action with some breaks having a LED light show. Neighborhood 3 Lincoln Parish (where Ruston is located) is also home to Grambling State University and is, therefore, one of the smallest county-equivalents in the United States to have two Division One institutions. Grambling State is located five miles West of the Louisiana Tech campus. Dining options in Ruston include Griff’s Hamburgers, The Dawg House Sports Grill, and Bad Wolf BBQ. Hotel chains for lodging near Louisiana Tech include Super 8, Sleep Inn, and Hampton Inn. Fans 3 The town of Ruston rallies around its Louisiana Tech Bulldogs athletic teams and basketball is no exception. Games will have decent crowds even for midweek clashes with inferior non-conference opponents. Access 4 The campus of Louisiana Tech is near Exit 84 on Interstate 20, from there head South on Cooktown Road which becomes Tech Drive. Make a right on Stadium Boulevard and the free parking lot will be sandwiched between the North side of Joe Aillet Stadium and the softball field. A flight of stairs takes you to the main entrance of the Thomas Assembly Center and the walkways are plenty wide throughout the venue. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are $18 while accompanied children can attend for $8. With free parking an adult can have a great night of Tech basketball for less than $30, $60 for a date, and a family of four will likely spend less than $100. A night to see the Bulldogs will not break the bank and will be a good time.  Extras 2 As mentioned earlier in the article the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters are the original women’s basketball dynasty with three national championships in 1981, 1982, and 1988 as well as an additional eight final four appearances. The Lady Techsters dynasty happened under the helm of Leon Barmore and there is a statue of him outside the main entrance of the Thomas Assembly Center. Karl Malone played for Louisiana Tech from 1982-1985 and there is a display at the main entrance honoring his time at Louisiana Tech. The playing floor is also named in his honor and he owns a Toyota dealership in Ruston. Final Thoughts A stop in Ruston to see a basketball game at Louisiana Tech is a great experience and worth a visit. The men‘s program may not reach the heights that the women did in the 1980s but the ingredients exist for the men to end an over three-decade NCAA tournament drought. They certainly have the venue and fanbase to do so anyway.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Allen E. Paulson Stadium 207 Lanier Dr Statesboro, GA 30458 Georgia Southern Eagles website Allen E. Paulson Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 25,000 The Prettiest Little Stadium in America The history of Georgia Southern football is a bit of a tail of two programs. Initially named District One A&M, college football was first played on the Statesboro, Georgia campus in 1909, but it would not be until 1929 when a team would be fielded on a regular basis. Like a handful of other schools at the time, the University would suspend the football program during World War II, but like in-state counterpart Mercer , the program would remain dormant for decades after. Football would return to Statesboro in 1982, and it would not take long for the Eagles to make their return felt, winning the 1-AA National Championship in just their fourth season. Georgia Southern would win five more championships (1986, 1989, 1990,1999, and 2000) before making the jump to college football’s Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as members of the Sun Belt Conference.   Food and Beverage   4 Paulson Stadium does a good job incorporating many of the local tastes of Statesboro into its stadium concessions – local BBQ joint Dolan’s, burritos from Surcheros Fresh Mex, and Stoner’s Pizza Joint can be found on both sides of the stadium. A handful of food trucks are also available on the home side concourse, which includes local Saucy Shrimp, while a tent also serves the uniquely southern boiled peanuts in both traditional and Cajun styles. Additional traditional concession stands have somewhat limited menus of burgers and hot dogs, but given the numerous other options around the stadium, the limited choices at the main stands are not a massive disappointment. Those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth have plenty of ways to do so – Italian ice, flavored kettle corn, Dippin’ Dots, and ice cream, along with typical concession stand candy options, are widely available. Soft drinks here come from the Coca-Cola line, along with PowerAde, while alcoholic beverages are limited to beer, premixed cocktails, and seltzers – beers include those from the Budweiser family, as well as craft brews from Creature Comforts Tropicalia and the Georgia Southern-branded “Hail Southern” lite beer from Fire Maker Brewing Company. Cutwater, Nūtrl seltzers, and premixed Georgia Southern Eagle-themed cocktails are also available.   Atmosphere   4 Many of the best college football environments are rooted deep in the traditions that are unique to the individual campuses. The traditions that surround Georgia Southern football rival those at many of its larger counterparts. Since 1982 the team has boarded yellow school buses that the university purchased from the local school district for just $1, after which the players roll around campus singing “The Valley Song” as they make their way through the tailgating lot for the Eagle Walk, through well-wishing fans and into the stadium. There might not be a more dramatic pregame entrance than one involving the flying of a bald eagle – following the pregame performance of the Pride of the South Marching Band, and prior to the Eagles taking the field, Freedom, the school’s live bald eagle mascot, takes off from atop the press box and swoops to its target at midfield, to mass approval from the fans. Paulson Stadium started as a bit of a basic stadium, and though it has seen significant upgrades over the years, it still holds on to a bit of its simplicity. Georgia Southern does a good job making Paulson Stadium as intimate a venue as possible; stands run the length of the field but are just 20 rows deep on each side, with the far side stands capped with a similar number of seats. Several types of suites are built into the alumni side, at both the field level and the press box level of seating. In addition, social gathering seating is found at either end of the stadium as part of the Gene Bishop Field House and the Bud Lite Cabanas, which front the Ted Smith Family Football Center – the seating layout and smaller sections really concentrate the fan excitement around the field, adding to the overall atmosphere. Though the Pride of the South Marching Band does play a role in the entertainment during stoppages in play, it is mostly in-house music played over the stadium speakers that fills the time until the game restarts. The band does add short musical drops between plays, but it is mostly the prerecorded music that dominates the stadium experience throughout games here. Night games certainly add another dynamic to the game experience – the LED lighting at Paulson Stadium allows the facility lights to be turned off, as fans light up the seating bowl with the flashlights from their cell phones, while bobbing to the beat of the in-house music. In addition, blue lighting accenting each of the lighting stanchions adds another element of Eagles personalization to the stadium.   Neighborhood   3 Paulson Stadium is on Georgia Southern’s southernmost reaches of campus. This does remove it a bit from Statesboro’s “Blue Mile”, a recently redeveloped stretch of road that leads from the northwestern edge of campus to downtown Statesboro. The nearby Eagles Corner shopping development is full of eateries serving all meals of the day, and also has a grocery store for picking up last minute tailgating necessities. In proximity to the center of campus, Dingus McGee’s is just off the northeast edge of campus and is a popular spot during pregame. Also, for those needing to pick up Eagles gear prior to heading to the stadium, they can run next door to the Southern Exchange Company. While Paulson Stadium is a bit isolated when it comes to surrounding campus athletic facilities, in December of 2024 the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center will open nearly across the street to serve as the home of Georgia Southern men’s and women’s basketball. Though not in the immediate vicinity, Savannah, Georgia is close enough to be part of a weekend visit to Statesboro.   Fans   4 Much of what makes the college athletics special is the involvement of the student body, and Georgia Southern students deserve a lot of credit for the energy they bring to Paulson Stadium. Students fill nearly the entirety of the field level seating that runs from end zone to end zone behind the visitor side of the field. While the students deserve a lot of credit for the atmosphere they help create, the alumni and other fans also do their part in setting the tone of the excitement that surrounds the game. As a whole, the fan base is extremely responsive not just to the highs and lows of the game, but also to the call and response cheers that are typically led by the school’s mascot, Gus. Between alternating volleys of “Who’s House?!?...Our House!!!” and “Georgia…Southern!!!”, the fans do a great job playing off each other to create an extremely fun college football atmosphere.   Access   4 Statesboro certainly is not the easiest place to get to – approximately an hour west of the Georgia port city of Savannah and two hours from central Georgia’s Macon, Statesboro does break up the monotonous farmland between the two cities. At Paulson Stadium there is limited parking, but lots a bit further away from the stadium do provide shuttle service from the Russell Union, which does have free parking. This does make these parking lots a bit more attractive. The stadium itself has multiple entrances on each side, which helps in limiting backups at the gates. Fans tend to be slow making their way from the tailgating lots into the stadium, but this does seem to alleviate long lines getting into the facility. Once in Paulson Stadium, the concourse runs completely around the seating areas, making navigation between the two sides rather simple. The walkway does pass behind buildings at either end of the stadium, however as well as behind the press box and suites structure and group seating areas, so the field is not always in sight while making the trek from one side to the other. There certainly are obstacles when it comes to accessing Paulson Stadium and being able to keep the game in sight, but Georgia Southern certainly takes these challenges into consideration, and takes steps to lessen their impact on the overall experience.   Return on Investment   5 Individual game tickets start at $20 for seating along any of the grassy hills in the corners of the stadium, with seats on the second level of the visiting side starting at $26. Parking can be purchased in advance for $20 for the tailgating lot, or for $25 on the day of. Free parking is available at the Russell Union, and free shuttles bring fans to the stadium. If having a designated tailgating spot at the stadium is not a high priority, the latter might be the way to go if you are looking to save a few dollars on the overall cost associated with attending an Eagles game.   Extras   5 The most successful coach in Georgia Southern history, Erskine “Erk” Russell, is widely acknowledged around the stadium, from his recognition in the stadium’s ring of honor on the façade of the press box to graphics of the championship victories he led. A bust of Russell sits at field level just outside the Eagles entrance to the field, and a statue welcomes fans just outside the western gates, depicting Russell in his trademark “One More Time” pregame t-shirt, with a gallon of water from the “Beautiful Eagle Creek” at his feet. The back side of the seating areas are used to tell the story of Georgia Southern football – from recognizing the Eagles six NCAA I-AA National Championships to commemorating their upset wins against Florida  and Nebraska . The home side stands also pay tribute to Eagles national and conference championships, along with recognizing the players and coaches who have written the history of the program. The flight of Freedom, the live eagle mascot, before the game has been dubbed “The Most Exciting 30 Seconds in College Football”, and is breathtaking – much like at Auburn  football games, it certainly is a dramatic way to get the game started. The Georgia Southern mascot Gus certainly makes his presence felt throughout the game; Gus regularly can be found doling out fist bumps and high fives to fans, or jumping in the student section to mix it up a bit. One of the draws of college athletics is that it is often a source of local and institutional pride that brings the team, students, alumni, and community together. As an illustration of this, at Paulson Stadium the team gathers after the game in front of the Pride of the South Marching band, win or lose, to pay tribute to the school and sing the school’s alma mater.   Final Thoughts Rooted in years of tradition and success at the then I-AA level, before the Eagles jump to the FBS, Georgia Southern football is widely recognized as one of the elite programs in smaller college football. Despite its secluded location in rural Georgia, a visit to Statesboro offers a truly special experience for fans seeking college football on a more intimate scale.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gregory Gymnasium 2101 Speedway Austin, TX 78712 Texas Longhorns website Gregory Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 11,313 Spiking Deep in the Heart of Texas There are sometimes sports venues that strike at the very soul of college athletics and everything you hope for your game day experience to be. Sure, basketball and football venues around the country are usually the first you think of when it comes to being that idyllic collegiate experience, but every once in a while a smaller sport takes your breath away, and reminds you that not everything memorable takes place in large arenas or stadiums. Texas volleyball, a multi-time national championship program, provides this exact spark. Playing in an old, weathered building located deep in the heart of campus, and featuring multi-level seating that seemingly spills over the top of the court itself, in a gymnasium constructed to amplify the cheers of the crowd, you’re hard pressed to find a more impressive venue for the sport.   Food & Beverage   3 There aren’t a lot of options for concessions at Texas volleyball games here, but what is available is incredibly affordable. The main concession stands near the main entrance offer hot dogs ($4), sausage wraps ($5), Bavarian pretzels ($5), popcorn or candy ($3), and jumbo pickles ($3). Drinks include bottled water ($3) or sodas ($5), while other smaller concessions vary, with ice cream available at some games as well.   Atmosphere   5 Gregory Gymnasium is one of those classic collegiate venues that oozes with history. Built in 1930, this 4,000-seat home to Texas Volleyball was originally constructed as the new home for the school’s men’s basketball team. After modernization in 1997 that included the addition of central air conditioning, the arena took its current form. The building is mostly still brick and mortar walls with large exposed beams in the ceiling, complete with windows that let in natural light during the day. Second floor halls are tight and narrow, echoing back to days gone past in stadium architecture. The entire facility features muted brown and orange hues, harkening to the team’s colors. A video scoreboard is located above the upper deck seating on one end, and championship banners line the rafters. This place is also incredibly loud, with fan chants echoing through the walls just like at a 100,000-seat football stadium.   Neighborhood   5 The campus for Texas is in the heart of downtown Austin, with the city center visible when you walk outside, so you are right there in the middle of one of the most vibrant and quickly growing cities in the nation. The airport is a bit of a drive, however, depending on traffic. For great food, you can’t skip The Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas’ main campus, as well as Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake. Finally, for a hotel, look for Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport as two options that are great, due to their proximity to the airport and to major highways that lead to downtown.   Fans   5 To paraphrase Cassian Andor in Rogue One, Gregory Gymnasium can make 4,000 fans feel like 40,000. This place is incredibly loud, and you’d be hard pressed to find an empty seat. Games are sold out weeks or even months in advance for Texas volleyball, and sellout crowds mean the noise is amplified that much more. Perhaps what makes the fans here so incredible is their energy and fervor. Every play has a chant, every situation has a cheer, and every fan knows them all. Truly immersing yourself in the atmosphere here includes appreciating the fan base that shows up, from the lower-level student section to the loudest fan in the top-most row of seats in the end zones. But most of all, this is a very family friendly atmosphere – everyone here is friendly and welcoming, and everyone is respectful of visiting fans and those around them.   Access   3 Parking is easily the most difficult aspect of going to Texas volleyball matches. Unless you have a campus parking pass for various areas near the gymnasium, parking for fans is located in the Speedway Garage ($8-$10) or the Brazos Garage ($15) via the Park Mobile app, or using an on-site credit card payment. Once parked, it is a nearly 10-15 minute walk through the heart of campus to get to Gregory Gymnasium.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly hard to come by for Texas volleyball games, with most matches selling out far ahead of the date. If you’re able to get your hands on a ticket, however, you’ll be pleased to learn that prices start at just $12. Couple that with affordable parking and incredibly cheap concessions, and you have the perfect recipe for affordable volleyball in one of the best venues around.   Extras   4 The entrance hall to Gregory Gymnasium features large posters of the players on the team, as well as trophy cases for the program. Once inside, fans walk past a giveaway table, complete with posters, as well as fan cheer and chant guides for you to be able to follow along with everything going on. There is a rather large and impressive team store set up down in the lower level behind the band seating, giving you access to the latest Texas Volleyball swag. Championship banners line the rafters inside Gregory Gymnasium, reminding fans of the deep history Texas volleyball has.   Final Thoughts There is little doubt of the magic Texas volleyball fans experience on a nightly basis inside Gregory Gymnasium – the walls have forgotten more about Texas athletic history than you or I will ever learn, and the fans here are among the best in all of college sports. Undoubtedly, the energy and palpable passion here harkens back to those halcyon days of iconic college athletics the most ardent sports fans yearn for day in and day out. Perhaps, to some, this may be the highlight of the Texas athletics offerings, rivaling the offerings elsewhere on campus.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 WCBA State Farm Showcase website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 A Celebration of Women’s College Basketball College basketball in-season tournaments are always a great ticket, featuring numerous teams from across the country in one place at one time. The ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is home to three such tournaments in late fall – the newest of these is the WBCA State Farm Showcase, a three-day event featuring 8 women’s college basketball teams from across the country. This event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop just before the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams.   Food & Beverage   2 There are usually a lot of options at Wide World of Sports, but the WBCA Showcase is limited to just two concession stands. Inside State Farm Field House itself, the concessions include burgers ($9.50), house salads ($10.50), hot dogs ($9.50), Mickey Ice Cream Bars ($6.50), and pretzels ($8.50). Drinks include beer and alcohol at a stand just across the hall from the food stand, as well as bottled water ($4) and fountain sodas ($6).   Atmosphere   3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily. ESPN logos are all over the facility, and past champion banners are hung above the VIP seating area. During the WBCA Showcase, seating is only open on one sideline and one baseline of the arena, limiting the fan noise due to the decreased number of fans in attendance. Neighborhood   5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi or a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans   3 The games are split into two games per day. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each layup and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have . Access   4 Getting to the Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right up close to the main entrance. Now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to State Farm Field House is simple; there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are very affordable, ranging from just $30 for the upper sidelines and lower baseline, up to $50 for the lower sideline. All seating is first-come, first-served general admission within each seating area. A two-day ticket is available for $70. With the addition of free parking, and respectable concession prices, this tournament is incredibly affordable compared taking in multiple games separately. Extras   4 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on inside, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout the Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Fans can also purchase shirts and other merchandise for the tournament at the event store behind the baseline seating in the main concourse, and finally, the Wade Trophy, presented annually to the best player in college women's basketball, is on display in the main concourse, giving fans a chance to see it up close and take pictures with it.   Final Thoughts The WBCA Showcase is a new and exciting addition to the college basketball invitational landscape. It also is a great addition to the ESPN Wide World of Sports facility’s calendar. Being located in such a family friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Carter-Finley Stadium 4600 Trinity Rd Raleigh, NC 27607 North Carolina State Wolfpack website Carter-Finley Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 56,919 The Strength of The Wolf Is the Pack Carter-Finley Stadium opened on October 8, 1966, as South Carolina beat NC State in front of 35,200 fans. For nearly three and a half decades little in terms of renovations were done at Carter-Finley. In 2001, the beloved grass hill at the stadium's south end was removed as seats were added and the 108,000 square foot Murphy Football Center was built above those seats. Vaughn Towers, now Towne Bank Center, was built in 2004 and houses 51 luxury suites and 1200 club seats. In 2006, the old field house in the north end zone was torn down and seating was added in that end zone as well. A new video board was added before the 2023 season that measures 43 feet tall and 166 feet wide and is one of the top 10 largest in college football. Carter-Finley now seats nearly 57,000 and is regarded as one of the toughest places to play in the ACC. Carter-Finley has hosted numerous concerts over its lifespan, as well as the NHL Stadium Series game in 2023 between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes. Food & Beverage 4 Carter-Finley Stadium offers a good variety of concessions, which include subs, BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, and pizza. Other options include the Loaded Mac, which is cheddar mac with shredded cheese and tortilla chips, as well as the Buffalo Mac which has buffalo pulled chicken. Popcorn, peanuts, and soft pretzels are also offered. Bottled Coke products are available as well as several alcoholic beverages. If you are looking for something beyond standard concession food, visit Raleighwood in the northeast corner of the stadium near the video board. This area has food trucks, beverage stations, and tents with picnic and cocktail tables. Some of the offerings are The Pit BBQ and the Lowes Food Beer Den. Atmosphere 5 Carter-Finley Stadium is an enclosed stadium with the lower level completely enclosing the playing surface. The stadium is flanked by two matching upper decks on the east and west sidelines. Sitting atop the west side upper deck is the Towne Bank Tower. From the exterior, Carter-Finley does not seem imposing as the lower level is completely dug into the ground; therefore, the stadium concourse is ground level when you enter. There is little room on the sidelines and the stands are very close to the field., which creates an intimidating on-field atmosphere. The majority of the seating at Carter-Finley is bench seating except for parts of the end zone and the club areas. Chairbacks are available to rent and to be installed on your seat for either a season or a single game. If you are attending an early season game, you will want to sit on the west side as the sun on the east side will make you hot! NC State’s marching band “The Power Sound of the South” starts out playing pregame around the parking lots, which continues to the on-field pregame festivities and throughout the game. Also, during pregame, the “Alpha Wolf” leads the “WOLF” –“PACK” cheer. This is normally NC State alumni or football legends. These have included included Bill Cowher, Scotty McCreery, and Peyton Wilson. Neighborhood 2 Carter-Finley Stadium is located adjacent to PNC Arena in West Raleigh near the NC State Fairgrounds. While there is plenty of parking and great tailgating, there is little to do within walking distance before or after the game. The only restaurants within walking distance are Backyard Bistro, Wendy’s, and Bojangles. Backyard Bistro is a great place to hang out and get food and drinks before a game. Likewise, the only hotel in walking distance is the Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh, which is behind the Backyard Bistro. However, the charm of college football is tailgating, so the lack of nearby restaurants is not a big deal to NC State fans. Since you will most likely be driving to the stadium, be sure to check out Amedeos Italian Restaurant near campus which is full of NC State memorabilia. Area activities to consider are the NC Museum of Art and Park, which is about 1 mile from the stadium, and the NC state capitol and museums in downtown Raleigh. Fans 5 NC State has some of the most passionate fans in the ACC. Most games are either a sellout or if not have over 55,000 in attendance. For the 2024 season, NC State sold out every game before the season started. Fans are loud and into the game. Expect to hear chants of “WOLF” - “PACK” echoing during the game. If there is a knock on NC State fans it is because Carter-Finley Stadium allows pass-outs (fans can go to their car and tailgate at halftime). Therefore, the stadium is not always full when the third quarter starts. However, if itis a close game, expect the stadium to be packed again midway through the third quarter and loud as ever in the fourth! Access 4 Carter-Finley Stadium is easily accessible by car as it sits near the intersection of I-40 and I-440 in West Raleigh. If you are flying into the area, the Raleigh-Durham airport is only 10 miles away and provides all the major airlines. Nearly all of the parking around the stadium is available only through donor parking passes, so unless you can snag one of those online, your best bet is to try some of the general parking areas nearby. The Cardinal Lot (5766 Chapel Hill Road) is available for $20-$30 per game depending on the opponent. There is also paid parking at the Bojangles just down the street from the stadium. Carter-Finley does have a clear bag policy, but entry is fairly easy as long as you arrive 30-60 minutes before game time. As you approach kickoff, the lines will back up. Once inside, there is a large 360-degree concourse around the stadium between the two levels, which allows you to easily access anywhere in the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for NC State football games range from $35-$100 depending on opponent. Throw in the cost of parking and concessions and it can become expensive. However, this is on par with most of power five football. If you are looking to save, plan on attending a non-conference game against an FCS or group of five opponents. Extras 3 Extra points for: - NC State’s two mascots: Mr. and Mrs. Wuf - The Bandit flight teams which fly over before every game - Raleighwood food truck area Final Thoughts While not the largest venue in the ACC, it is one of the loudest and toughest to play. If you can attend a night game against a good opponent, the atmosphere will not disappoint.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Shelton Stadium at Parramore Field 2200 Hickory Abilene, TX 79698 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys website Shelton Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 4,000 Back to Abilene Hardin-Simmons University is located on the north side of Abilene, Texas. It is one of three private universities located in this city of approximately 125,000 people. Opened as Abilene Baptist College in 1891 by the Sweetwater Baptist Association and a group of ranchers, the goal was to bring higher education to the Big Country region. Built on land donated by local rancher C. W. Merchant, and following contributions from James B. Simmons and later Mary and John G. Hardin, the school's name was eventually changed to Hardin-Simmons University in 1934. HSU currently offers over 50 undergraduate degrees, nine masters, and two doctoral programs. They have most recently added engineering and nursing (nursing was previously available through a cooperative program with other institutions) to their academic offerings. At first glance, Hardin-Simmons Football is a relatively young program, having begun NCAA Division III competition in 1990. But a deeper dive shows that the Cowboy program was one of the first in the state of Texas, playing two games in 1897. Between the years of 1897 and 1963, much of which was spent as a member of the Border Conference, they had victories over schools such as Texas Tech , Arizona State , Arizona , and Tulsa . They also played in the Sun Bowl, Shrine Bowl, and Alamo Bowl during this tenure. The school dropped its football program in 1963, citing financial losses and poor performance. In 1989, however, HSU officials voted to reinstate the football team and play at the non-scholarship NCAA Division III level beginning in the 1990 season. Since reinstating football, Hardin-Simmons has won or shared 17 conference championships and made 18 appearances in the NCAA playoffs. Their best playoff run was in 2000, when they made it to the semifinals. The Cowboys currently compete as a charter member of the American Southwest Conference, along with Howard Payne University, Mary Hardin-Baylor University , and East Texas Baptist University. Since its inception in 1996, there have been many other schools who have filtered through the conference, with the most recent shake-up being the loss of several institutions to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. What has developed since 1990 on “the forty acres” is a passionate fan base and nationally competitive football program. Saturdays at Hardin-Simmons University provide quality entertainment for many sports fans. The first three years of the modern football era were played at Parramore Stadium, named for Col. James H. Parramore (1840-1917), board member and donor to the university. By 1993 a new press box, concessions area, and expanded metal bleachers were added, so Shelton Stadium, honoring A.B. “Stormy” and Ruby Shelton, was dedicated, but the name Parramore Field remained – the Cowboys have continued to play home games in Shelton Stadium at Parramore Field since then.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions at HSU games are what you would expect at a small college setting. There are no specialty food items, but most of the normal fare is available. Hot dogs, nachos, and Frito pie are all available for those wanting entrees. With the option of adding chili and/or cheese to any of these, you can find something to appease your taste buds. Snack items include chips, candy, popcorn, and pickles. Pepsi is the soft drink company of the Cowboys, so those flavors are available in two sizes of fountain drinks along with bottled water and Gatorade. For the rare cold weather game, there will be hot chocolate and coffee available. There is one concession stand located below the home stands. There are multiple windows, some marked as cash only and others allowing both cash and card purchases. At the most recent game I attended, the cash line was noticeably shorter, so taking a little extra money might help move you through the concession area quicker.   Atmosphere   5 The game day atmosphere is fun and family friendly. HSU hosts a pregame pep rally and tailgate event approximately three hours before the game, and the public is invited. Tailgating is also allowed in and around the stadium. With a long-running history of successful football seasons, Hardin-Simmons has a loyal fan base. HSU has events unrelated to football that tie their alumni back into the culture and daily life of the campus, so there are many former students who attend most every Cowboy game. Factor in a football program with nearly 100 developmental team participants, and there is a built-in, large home crowd present and active at every game. The PA announcer is animated with vocal inflections, stressing first downs and touchdowns – for example when HSU scores he proclaims “annnnd the thunnnnnnderrrrrr roooollls in the STORM SHELTER” as the crowd stomps their feet. Enhancing the experience is a large videoboard and a loud, clear speaker system. Adding to the atmosphere is The World Famous Cowboy Band , which was formed in 1923. Dressed in full western attire including leather chaps and cowboy hats, the band has performed for six presidential inaugurations and eleven governors through the years, as well as at numerous rodeos and parades annually. The band is well known for its rowdy performance, quick marching cadence, and choreographed “cow step” while whooping and waving their hats. They perform on the field during halftime. In addition to the band, HSU fields a nationally ranked dance team known as The Spurs. The Spurs perform at halftime with the Cowboy band playing the dance team’s backup music. The crowd at the game I last attended was packed and raucous. In addition to being senior day, the game was for the conference lead and guaranteed play-off berth with rival Mary Hardin-Baylor . The home stands were full and both end zones were filled with standing room only fans, who were cheering and chanting as the game went on. The student sections at HSU has specific, choreographed cheers for the Crusaders when plays go favorably for the Cowboys.   Neighborhood   4 The neighborhood around HSU’s campus is an older, lower-middle class neighborhood – most of the houses near campus have been occupied by families for many years or are rental property. As houses and lots come up for sale, the university is purchasing them in an effort to expand the school’s footprint. Just to the south of campus is Hendrick Hospital - North Campus, along with multiple doctor’s offices and support services. There are no hotels within walking distance of campus, but several options are less than three miles north, along Interstate 20. Just a couple of suggestions are Holiday Inn North College Area  and Hampton Inn and Suites I-20 , but many of the hotels within a few miles of campus are very nice for the price. Pre or post-game meal choices are limited within blocks of the stadium, but there are a few options. Blue Agave Mexican Kitchen , Texas Flaming Grill , Los Arcos , and Armando’s  all provide good food within a mile of campus. One must eat location is Jay’s BBQ , which is just 3 miles from campus; Jay’s is open from 11am to 2 pm with excellent BBQ and different daily specials. There are also several excellent restaurants downtown, just over two miles south of campus. If fast food is desired, Taco Bell , Subway , and Church’s Chicken are all within a mile of the school in different directions. A new Braum’s, located at the corner of Ambler and Simmons, is expected to open in early 2025. There are many more fast food and restaurant options approximately three miles east on Ambler Avenue along Judge Ely Boulevard, as well as further out around the Interstate 20/Ambler (HWY 351) intersection. For nightlife there are a few bars downtown, some of which play live music on weekends. These include KAO Lounge , The Ice House , Grain Theory , and Fat Boss’s Pub . Other options for adult beverages and entertainment include   Mulligans Sports Bar Grill and Golf , Lucky Shot Bar and Arcade , Buffalo Wild Wings , and Hooters . When visiting Abilene, family entertainment options to consider include Abilene Zoo , Frontier Texas , National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature , Grace Museum , and Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame .   Fans   5 HSU fans are a supportive group – they arrive early, fill the stands, and are active during games. The chairback section of the home stands is filled with season ticket holders, some of whom have been attending Cowboy games since 1993. The students attending games are vocal as well; whether in the student section of the stands or in the end zone, they cheer loudly. Fans at the game I most recently attended had painted faces, wore homemade thematic t-shirts, and carried signs and banners showing their support. There were also a couple of “super fans” in attendance, such as a gentleman and his elementary-aged protege dressed in full western attire, including cowboy hat and leather chaps, who ran the length of the home stands carrying an HSU flag and encouraging the crowd to raise their voices in support.   Access   4 Shelton Stadium is located at the corner of Simmons Avenue and Vogel Avenue, behind the Mabee Athletic Complex on campus. Getting into Shelton Stadium is not difficult, however there is no direct access off Ambler Avenue due to recent construction. Therefore, access to parking is either through campus using the main entrance, turning east on Vogel Avenue off Grape Street, or heading west on either Vogel Avenue or Lowden Street off Pine Street. Any of those choices will direct fans into ample free parking within a short walk of the gate. There are entry gates on both sides of the facility – visitor tickets are available at the southeast gate, while home side tickets can be purchased at the southwest ticket booth. Once inside there is access between the home and visitor sides via the south end zone.   Return on Investment   4 With chairback reserved seats costing $10 and general admission only $5, the price is a bargain. The quality of football that will be on display will more than likely include at least one top 25 ranked team, and many times both teams are well coached, high caliber teams. Concessions, while not fancy, are sufficient and well-priced. Entree items cost $6 or less, while fountain soft drinks are $4 or $5, Gatorade and water are $2, and the snacks are all $4 or less; these prices are well within the range you would expect to pay at a football game at the college level. Figuring the affordability of tickets and concessions, free parking, plus the high level football and entertainment, as well as the excitement of the band and student section, the ROI is high for HSU Cowboy football.   Extras   4 The concession stand has cash only lines in addition to cash/card lines; the ability to move more quickly if you are using cash is worth special recognition. The Cowboy band is also worth an extra point – they are highly entertaining and bring a historic bridge between the past and today. Their musicianship is also high level, but the spectacle they provide is what carries the show. The PA Announcer adds an extra plus to your visit. Whether it’s encouraging the crowd to celebrate another Cowboy first down, or the previously mentioned touchdown chant, the game is enhanced by the announcer’s input. Student engagement and crowd involvement illicit more additional points – I’ve visited several stadiums, at many different levels, and Hardin-Simmons crowd involvement is better than any I‘ve visited thus far.   Final Thoughts Football fans in Texas have plenty of choices when it comes to quality football venues. On fall Saturdays within a few hundred miles of Abilene, there are no less than 15 colleges and universities playing a football game. In addition, just within the city limits of Abilene itself there are two NCAA D-III programs and one NCAA FCS football team. Choosing which games to attend can be difficult at times, but Hardin-Simmons has done nearly everything possible to make their home games the no-brainer choice. With the affordability and return on investment, the quality of play and the level of entertainment, HSU football games are well worth the few hour time investment required. The experience at HSU Cowboy football is well worth the cost, and you are sure to be entertained. Bring cash and your trip through the concession line will most definitely go quicker. I would highly encourage placing the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys on your bucket list of football games to attend.

He is up to 115 out of 136. Andrew joins us to discuss the updated favorites and what comes next. Follow Andrew's Stadium Journeys at www.collegefootballtour.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 NIT Tip-Off website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 Disney’s Newest College Basketball Tradition College basketball in-season tournaments are all the rage lately, and another traditional tournament has found a new home at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Previously held in New York City, the NIT Tip-Off has moved to Orlando, featuring four teams from around the country. This event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop around the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams. Held at the same time as the ESPN Events Invitational, the NIT Tip-Off takes the evening slate of games each day, while the Invitational takes the afternoon time slots.   Food & Beverage   4 There are usually a lot of options at Wide World of Sports – inside State Farm Field House itself, concessions include burgers ($9.50), house salads ($10.50), hot dogs ($9.50), Mickey Ice Cream Bars ($6.50), and Mickey Pretzels with cheese ($8.50). Drinks include beer and alcohol at a stand just across the hall from the food stand, as well as bottled water ($4), coffee ($4.50), and fountain soda ($6) at the main stand in the corners. The beer garden concession stand also features burgers and pretzels with beer ($13-$15.75) that includes optional refills ($8-$9) and Powerade ($5.50). Deserts include Mickey Ice Cream Bars or frozen lemonade cups ($6.50). The arena also includes a Wetzel’s Pretzels location, selling their famous hot pretzels in various options, as well as soda.   Atmosphere   3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise and lighting inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily. ESPN logos are all over the facility, including NIT Tip-Off logos. Neighborhood   5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios; because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans   4 The games are played among four teams, meaning you get two games per day/per ticket. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each dunk and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family-friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have. Access   4 Getting to Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right close to the main entrance. Now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to the facility is easy when getting onto the property; there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are very affordable, ranging from just $30 for the upper sidelines and $25 for the baseline, up to $40 for the lower sidelines and $60 for lower center court; all seating is first-come, first-served general admission within each seating area. Additional hospitality can also be purchased, for example tickets all-you-can-eat food with drinks costs $110, with your choice of high top or couch seating areas at floor level behind the basket. This VIP area behind the baseline gives you what amounts to courtside seating and viewing in your own section, complete with tables, chairs, couches, and several TVs that show not only the game you are watching live, but other games on TV as well. Extras   3 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Finally, during the championship game Mickey Mouse makes an appearance in special basketball-themed attire, and the tournament MVP is presented with a framed Disney World basketball jersey as their trophy.   Final Thoughts The NIT Tip-Off is a welcome addition to ESPN Wide World of Sports – having it scheduled at the same time as the ESPN Events Invitational gives fans the option to catch even more basketball than previous years of the tournament. Additionally, being located in such a family friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in late November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Esbjornson Gymnasium North Campus Drive Glassboro, NJ 08028 Esbjornson Gymnasium website Rowan Profs website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 1,150 Glassboro Profs Rowan University is a public university in Glassboro, New Jersey. Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School, it was formerly known as Glassboro State College from 1958 until 1992 and Rowan College of New Jersey from 1992 to 1997. The university has an enrollment of just less than 20,000. Rowan University has 18 sports teams. They are a member of the NCAA in Division III, competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The teams are named the Profs (short for Professors, a nod to the university's 1923 opening as a school to train educators), and the mascot is named Whoo RU. The most successful team at the school is the Profs football team, which is regularly a contender for the national title, having gone to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl five times (1999, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993) and the national semifinals in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2004, and 2005. Esbjornson Gymnasium, also known as "Esby Gym", is home to Profs' basketball, swimming and diving, and volleyball. The venue was named after Roland A. Esbjornson, a physical education professor, athletic director, and head coach of basketball and baseball at Glassboro State College. Opened in 1963, Esby Gym was updated with new bleachers in 2008. Food & Beverage 2 There is a nice concession stand in the gymnasium's lobby. Prices are incredibly cheap. You won’t want to make the limited options your main meal, but at the same time, your wallet will be happy. Atmosphere 3 The venue is a pretty basic small college gym with seats on both sides of the court. Many of the games, such as the one we attended, are doubleheaders with the women's teams so you may see many fans come and go. When students are in session, especially during weekday games, there will be much more of a student presence which will make for a better atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Glassboro is a borough within Gloucester County, New Jersey. It is considered to be within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Glassboro is crisscrossed by several major roads. These include County Route 553, Route 47. and Route 55, while U.S. Route 322 (much of which is also Mullica Hill Road) passes from east to west. There is no current passenger train service to Glassboro but the proposed Glassboro–Camden Line, an 18-mile (28.97 km) diesel multiple unit (DMU) light rail system is planned to stop nearby. Fans 3 The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend. Rowan is a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference which has all of its current full members are public universities in New Jersey (SUNY New Paltz will join the NJAC as a full member, becoming the NJAC's first-ever full member located outside of the state of New Jersey). This means that fans from other schools, and especially parents of the athletes, are very likely to be in attendance. Access 3 Rowan is easy to get to, but since it is a major university you should research ahead of time your best entrance to the campus. If attending a weeknight game during the semester give yourself a bit of time. We like to use the entrance near 500 Joseph L Bowe Blvd. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Rowan game is about on the same price level as high school athletics. Tickets can be had for $5 at the door. Parking is free but check on parking regulations, especially for weeknight, in-semester games. Extras 3 The lobby is filled with cases of all the awards for the various Profs teams. Rowan/s various sports fields are located right by the gymnasium and worth a visit to check out. There are cool owl-branded tables in the lobby next to the concession stand. Final Thoughts Rowan University plays a good level of basketball and the opponents of the NJAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

The Trans Am Series Presented by Pirelli weaves its way across North America each year, showcasing some of the best racing in all of motorsports. A mix of seasoned pros and young guns take to the track in fire-breathing racecars that thrill fans all over. This season saw a unique mix of circuits on the schedule, hitting some of the best tracks that fans have been flocking to for years. Tracks are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, race day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the track), return on investment, and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more tracks receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review for each track, just click on the link below the photos of each event. Let the thunder roll on the 2024 Trans Am Series rankings… (All reviews by Chris Green) 1. Road America 4.14 The summer of racing at Road America includes numerous events for the race fans to attend; a popular one for fans to attend is Trans Am weekend. Held over the past few years as a standalone event, this weekend features the likes of International GT, FRP, and PSSA. While not as popular as other track events at Road America, this one is no less worth a visit. 2. CTMP 3.71 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (also known as Mosport) is one of the best-known race courses in Canada, and indeed around the world. The return of the Trans Am series highlights the annual Labour Day Sprints weekend, which also features the NASCAR Pinty’s Series, FR and F4 Americas, Radical Cup Canada, and others. 3. Lime Rock 3.71 Despite the best efforts of the track’s neighbors, Lime Rock Park is a historic and popular racing facility hidden away in northwestern Connecticut. Nestled in a small valley and surrounded by stunning forests, this New England center of speed is small yet fierce, attracting race fans from around the globe to its secluded curves. After hosting the likes of IMSA and SRO World Challenge over the past few years, the classic Memorial Day race weekend now features SVRA vintage racing and Trans Am action. 4. Road Atlanta 3.71 Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. This track offers plenty of great viewing areas and camping, helping the Atlanta SpeedTour rise quickly as one of the best events of the year for fans in Trans Am and SVRA. 5. COTA 3.57 As if to cement the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas, Circuit of the Americas (often called COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. Indeed, the site of the annual US Grand Prix for Formula One is also host to myriad other races throughout the year, including the Vintage Racing World Finals during the Trans-Am and SVRA SpeedTour race weekend. 6. Sebring 3.57 The start of the race season shows up early in Florida, and Sebring is a perfect place to celebrate that. The annual SpeedTour weekend, featuring SVRA, TransAm, and International GT, showcases sportscar racing’s past and future. Held each year in late February, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action. 7. Watkins Glen 3.43 Since they first began racing here in 1948, the speedway has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now, this history is celebrated yearly when SVRA, Trans-Am, and IGT take to the track. Sadly, 2024’s event saw increased ticket prices, an earlier date thanks to NASCAR’s shifting schedule taking over the September weekend previously used, and the annual vintage festival no longer happening on the same weekend. 8. VIR 3.00 The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. The annual SpeedTour weekend at the track features Trans-Am, SVRA’s vintage racing, and the FR and F4 series, showcasing open-wheel racing’s future talent. 9. NOLA 3.0 Touted as an un-tapped motorsports market for years, NOLA Motorsports Park is located outside of New Orleans near TPC Louisiana in Avondale. The one-time host of IndyCar racing has seen the likes of SRO America and others come and go over the years. However, the SVRA and Trans Am SpeedTour weekend has quietly become a staple on the schedule, giving fans something to help their racecar cravings. 10. Gateway 3.00 The sound of race cars is not an uncommon sound around World Wide Technology Raceway; the track hosts the likes of IndyCar, NHRA, and NASCAR every year. However, the Trans Am and SVRA SpeedTour weekend at the track is a new kind of race for the facility since its debut in 2023, as it features pro racing and sportscars on the track’s infield road course layout. This means a new kind of racing is available to fans in St. Louis that hasn’t been around for many years. 11. Pitt Race 2.86 Taking over and renovating an old racetrack into a modern facility is no easy task, yet the folks at Pitt Race have done exactly that. Formerly known as Beaver Run, Pittsburgh International Race Complex is a well-manicured racetrack just under 45 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh proper. The layout is challenging, featuring lots of elevation changes and technical corners. 12. Mid-Ohio 2.86 Mid-Ohio was known for being a top-level destination for car racing, but the quality at the facility has fallen off in recent years. The facility provides exciting racing and has loyal fans, but unfortunately that is where the positives end; the traffic issues getting in and out aren’t much help either. However, in 2024 ARCA joined Trans Am, SVRA, and F4/FR’s SpeedTour weekend for a Friday show, adding stock cars to the weekend slate.

For their latest 30 for 30 documentary, "The New York Sack Exchange," ESPN tackles the often contentious chemistry of the one the greatest defensive fronts in NFL history. Daniel O'Connor, who was interviewed for the doc, came up with the fun moniker. O'Connor, a retired police officer and a multi-award winning author of crime and horror fiction, took a few moments to discuss the doc, the Sack Exchange - Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam - and his experiences as a New York Jets fan. You can find his work on his Amazon page. Still Photo from ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary, "The New York Sack Exhange" STADIUM JOURNEY:  So when did ESPN interview you for the doc? How long did they speak to you for? What was the process like? DAN O'CONNOR:  They interviewed me last February at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The NFL was in town for the Super Bowl. I was actually a bit surprised that they found me and reached out. A nice surprise. They were great and I was interviewed for about an hour. I knew that my screen time would be probably less than a minute because in the grand scheme of the New York Sack Exchange, I'm a miniscule part, but I was so honored to be included. The process was basically a two camera shoot with a crew of maybe 5 people. Very professional crew. Likeable people. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Were you pleased with the finished product? Was it what you expected? DAN O'CONNOR:  Very pleased. I love how maybe the world will get to see what a phenomenon those four guys were. I've met them a few times, including in 1981, a few days before that final regular season game when they mauled Lynn Dickey and the Green Bay Packers in a game to clinch a playoff spot. My family was also invited by the team to the game - and pregame festivities - in 2003 when they honored the Sack Exchange at halftime. That was special because there is a photo of our two young daughters with the players. STADIUM JOURNEY: What was it like to follow the Jets in 1980? Fondest memories? Worst?  DAN O'CONNOR :  You know, it was never easy being a Jets fan - which has somehow continued through today, despite the roster the current team has. The first year I ever watched sports - I was 8 or 9 years old - the Jets, Mets, and Knicks all won championships. I thought that might become a semi-regular occurrence. You live and learn. 1980 was the end of a dark spell for the team. They quickly improved to playoff level. By the way, yes it's a coincidence, but the 1981 Jets were 0-3 when the New York Sack Exchange nickname was officially announced in Jets Report magazine. They went 10-2-1 the rest of the way and made the playoffs. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Describe attending a football game at Shea Stadium. Best seats?  DAN O'CONNOR:  I never had great seats at a Shea Stadium football game. Back then I was lucky to just be able to afford any tickets. But it was fun wherever I sat. The first game I attended was in 1970. The mostly Joe Namath-less Jets weren't any good, but I lucked into seeing them defeat the playoff-bound Purple People Eater Minnesota Vikings, 20-10. That was the conclusion of a 3 game winning streak during which they also upset the Fearsome Foursome LA Rams on the road. The Jets won only four games that year, but three of them were consecutive. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Compared to what they offer at Citi Field, they didn't offer much as far as concessions at Shea. How'd you feel about the cuisine and beverages at Shea? DAN O'CONNOR:  I was thrilled to get a hot dog. I do know that later on, when I became a dad, my girls would love an ice cream sundae in a plastic Mets mini-helmet. So would I. O'Connor with Fireman Ed. Photo courtesy of Dan O'Connor STADIUM JOURNEY: Where did you do your Shea pre-game and post game, if at all? DAN O'CONNOR:  For me and my friends, it was all about a pregame barbeque in the parking lot. Sometimes postgame as well. STADIUM JOURNEY: Did any of the Sack Exchangers ever personally acknowledge you for coming with the moniker? DAN O"CONNOR:  All four members of the Sack Exchange have thanked me in person for the name, and also with autograph inscriptions. It's funny. They seem to sometimes remember that I gave them that name, and yet at other times, they get fuzzy about its origin. Here is the timeline of that name: August, 1981: The Jets Report announces the "Name The Front Four" contest. September 1981: I'm announced as the winner. A week or two after that announcement, fans hold up a "NY Sack Exchange" bedsheet banner at Shea Stadium. The TV broadcast picked up on it. Shortly after that, Jets trainer Pepper Burruss begins printing out a locker room spreadsheet, making the sacks appear to be Wall Street trades. The media picks up on that and begins to attribute the nickname to Burruss. He has since said to me, and to the media, that he did not create the nickname. He merely picked up on it and created the spreadsheet. There is still confusion about all of that, despite me having physical proof of all of it. There was never any mention of the term "New York Sack Exchange" before the Jets Report September issue announcing it, and me. I'm happy that NFL Films and ESPN took the time to get it right. Several books have also reported it correctly, including " Sack Exchange: The Definitive Oral History of the 1980s New York Jets " by Greg Prato. STADIUM JOURNEY: If you were there, what do you remember about the last Jets game at Shea? DAN O'CONNOR:  Wasn't there, but it was sad nonetheless.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How'd you feel about the move to the Meadowlands? Did you follow the team there? DAN O'CONNOR:  I want the Jets in New York, but I have attended games in New Jersey. The feel of Shea Stadium was much different and better. I remember reading that it had become a dump, but I didn't know any better and I loved it. STADIUM JOURNEY: There are rumours that Jets are returning to Queens. Is there any truth to this?  DAN O'CONNOR:  There have been rumors for so long. I'll believe it when I see it. Jon Hart is  @Manversusball

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Flagler Credit Union Stadium 777 Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL 33431 Boca Raton Bowl website Flagler Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 29,419 Your Florida Bowl Alternative In a state where numerous bowl games take center stage, one could be forgiven for overlooking the Boca Raton Bowl – it isn’t held in a giant NFL stadium, but instead in a small market on-campus facility. One of many games played in Florida’s temperate winter climate every year, this game continues to move on with better and better matchups. For the teams who get this bowl berth, the warmth and proximity to the beaches is a welcome sight. For fans traveling to this game, its affordability is nearly unmatched, and with a newer stadium and solid choices for fans for food and beverage, you get a great option to catch some bowl season action.   Food & Beverage   4 The food options at the Boca Raton Bowl are actually quite impressive, and the prices are not that high compared to most major sporting events. Burgers ($8-$9), soda ($5), and fries ($8-$10) will cost less than at most stadiums you go to. What sets the Boca Raton Bowl apart is the wonderful bar on the main concourse, which makes up the Delray Hyundai Deck. This full-service bar features TV screens, a nice aesthetic, and other smaller food vendors next to it that make it easy to grab a beer ($7-$8), an arepa ($10-$12), and some fries, all in one area. Another plus is the convenience of the concession locations on the lower levels – you never have to walk too far to find somewhere to grab food, which can be an issue at other stadiums. The other side of Flagler Credit Union Stadium (formerly FAU Stadium), opposite the party deck, features a full-service Subway location, complete with restaurant-style seating inside an air-conditioned storefront ($8-$13 for subs). There is also the Chick-fil-A stand on the main concourse of the sun deck, featuring chicken sandwiches ($9), chocolate chip cookies ($4), and waffle chips ($4). If you want something for your sweet tooth, a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice booth is also open ($8).   Atmosphere   4 Yes, a college bowl game already comes with a base level of excitement – it is a bowl game, after all. However, when the two teams playing are from non-Power 4 conferences, it’s a little hard to get the energy rolling; most of the teams in these conferences are smaller programs in smaller cities, and therefore have smaller fan bases that are less willing to travel. In fact, in the Boca Raton Bowl’s first few years of existence, despite having a sellout the first year and a near-sellout the second, the actual butts-in-seats count is below that, leaving large open areas in Flagler Credit Union Stadium that look bad on television; this lack of fans means a much lower noise level. That doesn’t take away from the beauty of the stadium, however – the Atlantic Ocean is visible from the upper levels and suite boxes on the west side of the stadium. The warm ocean breeze is also there to greet fans all game long, and the swaying palm trees make for one great backdrop behind the southern end zone.   Neighborhood   4 Boca Raton is a beautiful part of Palm Beach County. In addition, FAU’s campus is clean, South Florida-esque in appearance, and visually appealing overall. Also, not far from the campus is a beautiful strip mall that plays host to PF Chang’s, J. Alexander’s, Shake Shack, Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, and more. Equidistant from the east of campus is the Atlantic Ocean, where you can find beautiful beaches, as well as the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where visitors can get a look at some of coastal Florida’s natural habitats and inhabitants, thanks to boardwalks through the mangroves and natural butterfly gardens. Near the beach hotels are easy to find – the official hotel of the most recent game was Wyndham Boca Raton, just on the other side of I-95 from Florida Atlantic University’s campus. Another close place to stay is Renaissance Boca Raton right next door. What Boca Raton lacks in nightlife more commonly found in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the area more than makes up for in relaxation. In addition, Palm Beach International Airport isn’t far from Boca Raton, with airports in Fort Lauderdale and Miami less than an hour away as well.   Fans   3 The fans of the teams who play in the Boca Raton Bowl are usually sparse, leaving open areas in the seating areas. However, this is college football, and the passion of the fans is palpable. The Boca Raton Bowl has previously featured non-Power 4 teams, but that is starting to change. Regardless of what teams are playing, however, the fans who come to the game are very loyal and leave nothing to chance as to who they are there supporting. Access   5 Getting to Flagler Credit Union Stadium is easy to do – unlike several sports teams and colleges where the campus stadiums are miles away from the highway exits, the home of the Boca Raton Bowl is quite literally bordered by I-95 in Boca Raton. Also, just a few miles west is the Florida Turnpike. Once off the exit from I-95, the FAU campus is immediately visible. Parking is quite plentiful, and even if you get stuck in a lot or garage that is a little further from Flagler Credit Union Stadium, the walk is not very far and is through a beautiful campus. Parking on site is $20 per car. When you arrive at the stadium the entry is simple, as each ticket has a dedicated entry gate. Also, once inside the signage is well placed, showing fans where to go for seats. Return on Investment   4 As the game is one of the early bowl games and not as big of a spectacle, tickets are less expensive than usual, so it won’t break the bank to go see a college bowl game. End zone tickets cost $32, while sideline seats go for $57; suite and club seats go from $450 to $600. If you are a fan or alumni of one of the participating schools, there are various fan zones and alumni parties that take place on game day, giving you multiple options for celebrating with fellow die-hards, thanks to special ticket packages. In addition, if you want a family fun atmosphere the Boca Raton Bowl is perfect – not too long a drive to be within manageable driving distance of both South Florida and the Treasure Coast, the easy-going vibe at the game makes it perfect to bring the little ones to. Extras   4 The fan zones outside are chock-full of freebies – from giveaways to concerts, fans can get tons of swag from the various booths outside Flagler Credit Union Stadium. Another bonus is the addition of charging stations; Flagler Credit Union Stadium recently added mobile charging stations so you can recharge your phone or tablet at the game, making it very convenient to get a power boost for your device. And after you get that boost, take a photo and post it to Instagram, and it may show up on the big screen – the Boca Raton Bowl showcases fan photos throughout the game on Flagler Credit Union Stadium’s Jumbotron, giving you the chance to be famous for about 10 seconds. Fans can also grab a photo next to the statue of Howard Schnellenberger just inside one of the main entrances; this is a popular photo spot for fans of the famous coach, or just sports fans in general.   Final Thoughts If you are willing to drive the distance to Boca Raton, then you are in for an easy-going treat. No, the crowd may not have Flagler Credit Union Stadium bursting at the seams, and no, it may not be the biggest roar you’ve ever heard when one of the teams scores, as you sit in an open section of the stadium. But you will not often find a college bowl game with affordable food, tickets, and easy access that won’t stress you out.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey This yea r’s Pop-Tarts Bowl and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl will stand out from the rest when it comes to the game day experience. Showcased during a special tasting event, these two games will feature specialty concession items available only during the games at Camping World Stadium, each featuring either Pop-Tarts or Cheez-It as part of the ingredients. Already two of the top-draw bowls on the annual Bowl Season slate, fans at this year’s games can look forward to several unique creations. Chad-Jan Neuman, Senior Executive Chef at Camping World Stadium and Levy Restaurants says the menu is the result of long hours of hard work from all parties involved. “It’s been six hard months of work between Kellanova and Levy Restaurants, sharing information, sharing recipes, sharing ideas,” said Neuman. “We enjoyed it because [you] can see how everything was taking form.” During the tasting event we were able to sample several of these offerings – let’s take a dive into them and how they stack up: Pop Tarts Bowl PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel - described as “a warm freshly baked pretzel topped with creamy peanut butter, strawberry jam sauce and Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts toaster pastry pieces,” this is by far one of the more unique items on the menu. Chef Neuman says perfecting this item took a lot of work to balance the flavors involved. “We had to make sure we had balance between the sweet and the sour,” said Neuman. “The pretzel is very salty, and we had to make sure we had the right amount of peanut butter and jelly, and the right amount of pop tarts, to make sure we do not overwhelm the product.” PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle - listed as “a decadent mix of new Frosted Brownie Crunch Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers, Chantilly cream, vanilla pudding, and chocolate sauce,” this desert item adds a touch of Pop-Tarts flavor to a classic desert that is sure to be a favorite among fans. “We had to make sure it was approachable, it was cool, and it was unique,” said Neuman of the desert menu items. "You want to make sure its approachable to everybody, not just to kids but also to adults.” Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle Game Time Snack Mix - this “sweet and salty snack mix featuring Cheez-It Original, Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers and Fudge Brownie Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers” offers the perfect game-day version for everyone’s favorite snack mix. The Pop-Tarts pieces add a sweet side to the salty mix, while the Cheez-It Original pieces round out the mix perfectly. Game Time Snack Mix Other items on the menu for fans to experience at this year’ s Pop Tarts Bowl in clude: Strawberry Pop-Tarts Trifle - a decadent mix of new Frosted Strawberry Crunch Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers, Chantilly cream, vanilla pudding, and strawberry sauce. Hot Fudge Pop-Tarts Waffle Cone Bowl Sundae - frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts with vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge sauce, whipped cream and sprinkles served in a waffle cone bowl.- End Zone Celebration Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts Cheesecake; New York-style cheesecake topped with Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts tidbits and dulce de leche. End Zone Celebration Strawberry Pop-Tarts Cheesecake - New York-style cheesecake topped with Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts tidbits and strawberry sauce. Cheez-It Citrus Bowl The items for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl featur e the ever popular Cheez-It snacks. Here, sweet and savory mix together for more unique flavors. Let’s take a look at some of the items we were able to sample: Cheez-It Tender Dog - this star item featuring “[a] chicken tender, beer cheese sauce, Cheez-It Crunched Foot Long Roll, [and] crispy fries” is topped with jalapeño slices and strawberry sauce drizzle. For Chef Neuman, this item instills the most pride. "The tender dog was the final one we finished,” said Neuman. "We didn’t want to just make a hot dog. We wanted to make something between a tender and a hot dog that was also loaded. You can really feel the flavor.” Cheez-It Tender Dog Walking Cheez-It Nachos - this “bed of Extra Crunchy Snap’d Cheez-It crackers, nacho cheese sauce, chuck wagon chili dip, [and] green onions” is a new take on a recent classic. Showcasing the flavor of Cheez-It crackers in a nacho form, this item will be sure to delight fans. Walking Cheez-It Nachos Mac and Cheez-It Nachos - this “Macaroni in a creamy extra sharp cheddar sauce with Extra Big Cheez-It crackers, queso, bacon and green onions” is another take on the above classic. Full of cheesy flavor, this one mixes the salty of the crackers perfectly with the savory of the pasta. Pimento Cheez-It Board - featuring “local cured meats, cheese, fruit, [and] vegetables,” this premium board features an excellent pimento cheese dip that compliments the Cheez-It crackers perfectly. Pimento Cheez-It Board Other items on the menu for fans to experience at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl incl ude: Swicy Cheez-It Bird Dog - this southern favorite consists of crispy chicken tenders topped with beer cheese sauce, jalapeños, Hot & Spicy Cheez-It crackers and roasted raspberry chipotle sauce served in a steak roll. Loaded Cheez-It Brisket Potato Skins - baked potato skins topped with overnight-braised tender beef, creamy extra sharp white cheddar cheese sauce and Cheez-It White Cheddar cracker crumb topping. Hot Honey & Cheez-It Pepperoni Pizza (“Kordeezy Cheezy Pizza”) - charred pepperoni with Mike’s Hot Honey, tomato sauce, mozzarella and a White Cheddar Cheez-It cracker garnish. Loaded Chili Cheez-It Crunch Dog - a foot-long all-beef frank topped with chunky chili, jalapeño cheese sauce, white onions and hand crushed Cheez-It Original crackers. Cheez-It Pimento Cheez & Bacon Burger - a char-grilled double patty, Cheez-It pimento cheese, Crunchy Original Cheddar Cheez-It Topping and smoked applewood bacon. For Chef Neuman, creating the above items meant collaborating with numerous people from both Levy Restaurants as well as Kellanova, and he looks forward to seeing the fan reactions at the game. “You can see it in their faces,” said Neuman. "You can see how they enjoy it when they take that first bite and then come back for the same product and certain items, and you can see it in their eyes. When they taste it, that’s the most exciting thing.”

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Pl Orlando, FL 32805 Pop-Tarts Bowl website Camping World Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 65,000 A Master Class in Bowl Sponsorship Marketing Previously known as the Camping World Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl features matchups between teams from the ACC and Big 12 – this usually provides for some solid games between fan bases that are loyal and passionate. Add this to the weather in Florida in December, and you have a great recipe for a perfect evening watching college football. While this would make a bowl game notable in its own right, the Pop-Tarts Bowl has taken things to another level; a masterful use of marketing genius, this bowl game has gone all-in with its Pop-Tarts sponsorship, ushering in a golden age of viral marketing that fans can experience in and around game day.   Food & Beverage   5 Finding food at Camping World Stadium is easy. For those in the suite levels, the food options are incredibly plentiful; the main suite on the recently renovated west side of the stadium features a full-service bar and buffet. From the majority of food vendors a quality hot dog will cost you $7; nachos are $7.50, popcorn is $5.50, and fries are $7. The best food option remains anything from the 4 Rivers BBQ booths, a local barbecue chain that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its quality meats and sauces. Offering both BBQ nachos and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for $16 each, this is a can’t miss option. Pizza from Little Caesar’s runs $12 for cheese or pepperoni, while for beverages, a domestic beer runs $11 and premium beer is $13. Bottled water runs $5.50, while a bottled soda will cost you $6.50. Premium seltzer runs $15, with cocktails ranging from $15 to $23. The Pop-Tarts Bowl even features two specialty cocktails, one for each team ($15 for a single, $23 for a double). However, the big star here is without a dou bt the Pop-Tarts and Cheez-It concessions that incorporate those items into various recipes – these unique creations are available during both the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, thanks to the partnership between Levy Restaurants and Kellanova. Featured Pop-Tarts items include the Hot Fudge Pop-Tarts Waffle Bowl Sundae ($10), Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle ($10), Strawberry Pop-Tarts Trifle ($10), and even a PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel. Cheez-It items include the Walking Cheez-It Nachos ($13), Mac and Cheez-It Nachos ($13), Loaded Chili Cheez-It Crunch Dog ($13), and the fan favorite Cheez-It Tender Dog. These items, along with several others, make up arguably one of the best and most unique concession menus in college sports.   Atmosphere   5 The game itself is almost assured to be a great matchup – pitting top-level teams from the ACC and Big 12, exciting matchups are part of the expectation at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. On top of that, the stadium itself is a great venue; the venue has seen continued improvements over the years, with the north end zone being filled in on the second level for stadium seating. While the beautiful view of the lake just beyond the stadium’s gates has now been blocked, the filled in bowl looks and feels more like a traditional stadium. Football in Florida in December means stellar weather, and Florida’s perfect winter climate is on full display here, with temperatures rarely lower than the 50s. The pre-game pageantry of the band performances, the exciting game action, and the feel of a bowl-game matchup all make the Pop-Tarts Bowl an exciting game to be a part of. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery, with downtown Orlando just to the east and lakes to the north and south of the stadium. The Pop-Tarts Bowl also features plenty of traditional college football experiences; the pre-game and halftime performances traditionally feature both of the schools’ bands, and there is also a pre-game fan fest that includes live music, photo opportunities with mascots, band performances, VIP tents, and interactive displays. Camping World Stadium is excellently decorated too, with bowl-game logos and sponsorship activations all over the stadium. The Fan Fest also features photo ops with the previous year’s edible mascot in shrine form, as well as the game’s trophy. Pop-Tarts giveaways are plentiful, and merchandise is sold at numerous tents all over the stadium’s concourses.   Neighborhood   5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? With Camping World Stadium within walking distance of downtown, fans can park in any of the various lots and garages downtown, then walk to and from the stadium along Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City  and the Orlando Pride , and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic , the City Beautiful loves sports. There are suburbs to the west of Camping World Stadium, with the downtown city center to the east. There are also tons of hotels nearby, and since the venue sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Aloft Downtown Orlando and the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando are right in the middle of downtown. For food, the Orlando sports faithful flock to the numerous bars and eateries on South Street and Church Street in downtown. For attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are both mere minutes south of the downtown area.   Fans   4 The fans at the Pop-Tarts Bowl are loyal and usually travel well. The lower bowl usually fills up for this game, meaning the sound level will get pretty high when the crowd gets into the game. For bigger matchups, upper level seating has also been opened up to accommodate fans. That said, while 2022’s FSU  vs. Oklahoma  matchup saw 61,000 fans pack into all levels of the stadium, the last two editions of the game only saw the lower two levels opened, with the entire upper deck empty. Access   5 Camping World Stadium sits just a stone’s throw from I-4, literally just off the 408 highway. Getting there is not difficult from the local roads either, as most are multi-lane, and signage is well placed for the parking areas. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find. For those without a parking pass, you can find parking in various nearby parking lots and from those selling parking in their front yards. Public transport is also available in the area, making getting to Camping World Stadium an easy process.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to the Pop-Tarts Bowl start at just $38 for middle-deck end zone seating, going all the way up to $48 for lower level end zone, $72 for corner seating, $109 for sideline seats, and $175 to $217 for club level seats. Parking is plentiful in numerous lots, both at the stadium and in private lots nearby. The thing that sets this game apart from the rest is the incredible marketing and sponsorship activations.   Extras   3 Fans can take photos next to numerous bronze statues around the property, which were donated by artists of note. Fans can also pick up numerous giveaways at the pre-game Fan Fest next to Camping World Stadium. During the game, Pop-Tarts merchandise and logos is visible all over the stadium, from the unique concessions to the branded on-field performances.   Final Thoughts This game is without a doubt one of the best examples of incorporating a sponsor into the bowl game’s identity. After years of rotating sponsors, the Pop-Tarts Bowl seems to have found a fantastic partner that has created a cult following around the game. From a trophy that features a working toaster to an edible mascot, it is hard to argue with the marketing genius of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. And if fan response is any indication, it is going to be hard to top it anywhere else.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 MassMutual Center 1277 Main St. Springfield, MA 01103 American International College hockey website MassMutual Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 6,800 Done With D-One   American International College was founded in 1885 by Calvin E. Amaron to provide a place for local French-Canadian residents to pursue higher education. Today, AIC boasts an enrollment of around 2,200 students in 37 undergraduate and postgraduate programs.   AIC’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Yellow Jackets and compete in Division Two’s Northeast-10 Conference alongside other small colleges in New England. AIC’s hockey team has competed in Division One since 1998. One AIC alumnus, Dave Forbes, has played in the National Hockey League.   The first hockey team to represent AIC played in 1948. For many years, the school competed in ECAC Division Two, moving down to Division Three when D-2 hockey dissolved in 1984. In 1998 the MAAC started sponsoring hockey, and AIC joined as an associate member, elevating their program to Division One. The Yellow Jackets were a fixture at the bottom of the conference, losing 20 games or more in 18 out of 19 seasons beginning in 1999.   A new era for AIC hockey began in 2016 with the hiring of Eric Lang as head coach. The Yellow Jackets won their first conference championship and qualified for their first NCAA tournament in 2019. They upset top-seeded St. Cloud in the opening round, considered one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. AIC won their conference title for four consecutive seasons from 2019-2022, qualifying for three NCAA tournaments during this time (the 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic).   In November 2024 American International announced that they would be moving the hockey program back to Division Two for the 2025-26 season as part of their “Pathways to Progress” plan, which addresses budgetary and enrollment concerns at the school. The hockey team will join the Northeast-10 Conference alongside the other Yellow Jacket squads.   The MassMutual Center has served as the home of AIC hockey since 2016. The arena, built in 1972, was originally named the Springfield Civic Center. It served as home to the NHL’s Hartford Whalers in 1978 when the Hartford Civic Center’s roof collapsed. As part of 2005 renovations to the facility, the largest convention center in western Massachusetts was built adjacent to the arena. Located just a mile away from the AIC campus, the facility also serves as home to the Springfield Thunderbirds  of the American Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 2   Only one concession stand is open for AIC hockey games at the MassMutual Center. The Hot Dog Nation stand sells Nathan’s hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and assorted snacks. Pepsi products are featured at the MassMutual Center.   Fans looking for an adult beverage can step next door to the Sam Adams stand, where a selection of brews from the local craft beer giant are available, as well as Coors Light drafts. An assortment of canned mixed drinks and wine can also be purchased here.    Atmosphere 2   No matter how hard you try, a crowd of 200 or so in a 7,000-seat arena is not going to make a ton of noise. The giant video board hanging at center ice is put to good use with replays, crowd shots and sponsor ads. Music plays over the arena’s solid sound system and the PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings. Unfortunately, there’s little else going on to add to the game day experience at the MassMutual Center. Neighborhood 4   While downtown Springfield has long had a reputation as a less than desirable place to be, that has begun to change in recent years. With the construction of the MGM Springfield Casino across the street from the arena and convention center, the number of options for visitors to downtown Springfield is constantly increasing.   Fans looking for places to eat will now find several choices near the MassMutual Center. Locals flock to the nearby Red Rose Pizzeria, a Springfield institution that has been in business since 1963. The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant offers traditional German fare, and Theodore’s Blues, Booze and BBQ offers great examples of what they advertise in their name. There are additional options in the casino, including the Chandler Steakhouse, TAP Sports Bar and Cal Mare.   Likewise, there is no lack of places to stay downtown. The Springfield Marriott, Holiday Inn Express and Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place are within walking distance of the arena. Of course, the casino has plenty of rooms from which visiting fans can choose.   Springfield’s biggest attraction is located just a mile away from the MassMutual Center across Route 91. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is open year-round and has more than enough basketball memorabilia on site to satisfy even the most rabid hoop fan.   The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is located a short walk from the MassMutual Center. While there you can see bronze statues of the Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, and many other favorites. Also located in this complex are the Dr. Suess Museum, the Springfield Science Museum and the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts.   Fans 1   As you might expect, attendance has really bottomed out at AIC hockey games since the announcement that the team was leaving D-1. While attendance numbers were never exactly strong at AIC to begin with, average has dropped to around 250 fans per game at the end of 2024, ranking them next-to-last in all of Division One. Only Stonehill draws fewer fans. A Yellow Jacket crowd is what we at Stadium Journey call a “friends and family” crowd, which is very unusual to see at this level of the sport.   Stadium Journey visited Springfield on a Saturday afternoon during the semester break, so there were no students in attendance for this game. There were under 200 fans in the building. Even though the MassMutual Center is only a mile from campus, there has never been a strong turnout from the student body. The Yellow Jackets’ quirky schedule, with many afternoon and weekday games, has never done the team any favors. Access 3 The MassMutual Center is located in downtown Springfield, MA, a city of over 155,000 residents. Springfield is the third largest city in Massachusetts and the fourth largest city in all of New England. The MassMutual Center is easy to get to, as it is just a few blocks from Interstate 91. Interstates 291 and 90 (the Mass Pike) run just a few miles away. Springfield refers to itself as “The Crossroads of New England.”   Springfield’s Union Station , with hubs for Greyhound, Peter Pan and Pioneer Valley Transit bus lines as well as Amtrak and CT Rail trains, is located only a half mile from the arena. Several Pioneer Valley Transit bus routes stop at Court Square, right across the street from MassMutual Center. Plentiful parking can be found at the MGM Casino garage, in surface lots in the area, or on-street for fans who want to search for it.   So, why only an average access score? The Civic Center parking garage across the street from the arena’s front entrance is being totally rebuilt. The $35 million project, which began in 2022, is expected to be completed sometime during the 2024-25 season. The new garage will feature retail and restaurant space at ground level, an outdoor plaza, and parking for 800-900 cars. But for now, construction has shut down Bruce Landon Way, altering traffic and entry patterns for visitors. If you don’t know the area well, your easiest option is to park at the MGM Casino and walk to the arena.   With the tiny crowds at AIC games, getting around the facility is not an issue. All fans are seated on the south side of the rink. You’ll have plenty of room to spread out, and lines won’t be an issue at concession stands or in the restrooms.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Yellow Jackets games are sold as General Admission for twelve dollars. There is ample on-street parking in the vicinity of the arena, which is free on nights and weekends, just pay attention to the hours that meters are in operation. Free parking is also available at the MGM Springfield Casino garage a short walk from the arena. Extras 2   American International has recognized their recent success by hanging banners honoring the team’s Atlantic Conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.   While the move to the south side grandstand has eliminated access to the Springfield Hockey Hall of Fame plaques, the banners honoring Indians, Kings, Falcons and Thunderbirds champions are still visible to fans, and the banners honoring luminaries including Willie O’Ree, Eddie Shore, Bruce Landon and more are visible during AIC games.   Final Thoughts   American International College was the feel-good story of college hockey just a few years ago. But the changing economics of the sport has claimed its first victim in this tiny western Massachusetts school. AIC will not return to the MassMutual Center for the 2025-2026 season, but they have not announced where they will play. A return to the Olympia Ice Arena  in West Springfield, their home from 1998-2016, is likely.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.84 Amon G. Carter Stadium 2850 Stadium Dr Fort Worth, TX 76129 Armed Forces Bowl website Amon G. Carter Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 45,000 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl They have been playing the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl  in Fort Worth, Texas, at historic Amon G. Carter Stadium on the campus of Texas Christian University (TCU)  since 2003. Formerly the Fort Worth Bowl, the game has featured numerous title sponsors and conference affiliations through the years, before settling on the current iteration. Since 2020, the game is now a contest between teams from the SEC and American Athletic Conference, and is sponsored by defense and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The 2024 rendition of the game pitted the Oklahoma Sooners , who were making their debut in the game, against the Navy Midshipmen  in their third appearance in Fort Worth. The game, held at one of the most historic stadiums in Texas, if not the country, has been a great boon to the city of Fort Worth, and has annually become one of the better bowl games on the calendar, both because of its matchups and also its cause. Celebrating the entirety of the nation’s military forces, spirits are always high at the contest no matter who wins.   Food & Beverage   4 The concession stands and kiosks at Amon G. Carter Stadium have pretty much everything you could want to consume at a football game – there are burgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn (both the regular and kettle varieties), pretzels, etc. If you are looking for something beyond the norm, you can find chopped barbecue sandwiches, funnel cake, pizza by the slice, beef and chicken fajita tacos, and chicken tenders courtesy of local favorite Chicken Express . There are also  specialty flavored popsicles, thanks to Frios Gourmet Pops , and ice cream by Dippin’ Dots . For drinks you can purchase fountain soda (regular, or large in a souvenir TCU cup), bottled water, and sports drinks, and beer at almost every stand. Specialty beer kiosks are also sprinkled throughout the main concourse.   Atmosphere   4 Bowl games bring their own unique atmosphere to the contests; they often pit foes with no real history against one another, so there is no real sense of rivalry between the two. This animosity is often the driving force of the atmosphere in college games. However, the Armed Forces Bowl, as mentioned, honors America’s armed forces (as implied by the name) and that elicits a whole host of emotions. Patriotism is front and center from the outset, with a flyover and giant flag spanning the field while the National Anthem is played. Halftime sees a new crop of recruits taking their oath of enlistment at the 50-yard line, while service members can be found all through the stands, dressed in their finest. It’s not the Army-Navy Game, but it does make you proud to be an American, especially when one of the service academies is one of the participants. The bowl also has two merchandise tents available for fans to get gear from the game and/or branded swag from each participating team. There is also a memorabilia auction table where you can bid on signed jerseys from some of each program’s all-time great players – little things like this make the game feel even bigger.   Neighborhood   4 Fort Worth is almost an anti-Dallas – though Fort Worth is in close proximity to Big D, Forth Worth doesn’t carry with it much of the flash and flair associated with Dallas. Fort Worth still maintains the big city size and amenities of its sister city, though. If you’re coming in for the game, the main point of interest in Fort Worth proper is the Fort Worth Stockyards . An experience in and of itself, the Stockyards have attractions like museums and honky tonks, as well as rodeos and restaurants – it is a living time capsule to Cow Town’s wild and wooly days. If you go, you have to stay for the cattle drive that happens twice a day. The stockyards are less than a 20-minute drive from Amon G. Carter Stadium. Quite honestly, this is going to be your best bet for attractions, eating, and lodging if you’re attending the Armed Forces Bowl. Amon G. Carter Stadium, and TCU  by extension, are in an interesting part of the city. The school and its athletics facilities are smack-dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood, and the streets that lead into and out of the area – complete with TCU purple signage – are all lined with homes. So with that in mind, you’re going to have to do a little driving to get to anywhere to eat or stay when attending this bowl. The nearest dining option is Enchiladas Ole’ , a Tex-Mex spot that has been a local favorite for years. As its name implies, enchiladas are on the menu, along with fajitas, tacos, margaritas, and more. In addition, just across the Trinity River is Woodshed Smokehouse , a legit barbecue spot where you can sample classic Texas brisket, ribs, and sausage. For lodging, unless you’re investing in a vacation rental, you’re not going to find anything within walking distance of Amon G. Carter Stadium. However, there are quite a few options that aren’t too long of a car ride away, including Hyatt Place Fort Worth/TCU  and The Rosen House Inn . As always, your budget is your only limit.   Fans   4 The 2024 rendition of the Armed Forces Bowl pitted the Oklahoma Sooners against the Navy Midshipmen . With Fort Worth being just under a three-hour drive from the Sooner State, it was anticipated to have a pretty good crowd; it turned out to be a sellout game with the stands awash in crimson and cream. This gave what could have been a fairly benign game against two teams that had only played each other once way back in 1965 some much-needed energy. The (decidedly pro- OU ) crowd was into the game the entire time, even when the outcome became well in-hand for the Mids . The 2024 game was one of the few recorded sellouts – and it ended up having the largest attendance in the game’s history – that have happened, but it always helps to have a) someone in close proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and b) a service academy.   Access   3 Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth is about a half hour drive from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. If you’re coming in from out of town, this is going to be your best bet to fly in. Driving to the stadium, the exit for TCU  is clearly marked off Interstate 20, but you will be driving through a neighborhood to get there, as mentioned earlier. Once on site, there are no fewer than 15 official parking lots for the stadium, which should offer you a good variety of options to choose from. I would recommend purchasing parking ahead of time, as lots do tend to fill up. During the Horned Frogs  season, some homes in the neighborhood do rent out their driveways and parking areas for games, but I did not see much of any of that for the bowl game. My one caveat is that these neighborhood streets were not designed to accommodate traffic and they do bottleneck pretty badly the closer you get to the stadium. I would use caution and give yourself plenty of time to get to the game during your visit.   Return on Investment   4 Prior to the game, I found tickets for the Armed Forces Bowl on several after-market sites for around $50 each. This seems like a pretty good bargain for the caliber of teams that you’re going to get in this game each year. The SEC is a conference full of big brand college football teams, and there are several teams on the rise in the AAC. Parking varies wildly, but the most affordable I was able to find was $25 at a satellite lot near the campus. Concessions were still at their TCU  pricing, so that’s not too bad. You can get a nice Chicken Express combo meal for around $10. I’ve seen costs way higher at other bowls, so this is not too bad of a bargain for fans.   Extras   4 Both teams almost brought their full assortment of game day pageantry with them, including their mascots and cheer and dance squads. Oklahoma  brought the full compliment of The Pride of Oklahoma Band  with them to the game, and they performed the halftime show. Navy  brought the equivalent of their pep band, and they performed from the stands during the game. The Armed Forces Bowl brought their own mascot, Freedom , to the game. The staff also went out of their way to make sure the breaks in the action were filled with patriotic events, such as honoring the wives of service members, playing the song of each branch of the military, and recognizing veterans in the stadium. It truly felt like the bowl game was bigger than what it was, and that is a good thing.   Final Thoughts I personally love all bowl games, and I knew I was going to enjoy myself at my first visit to the Armed Forces Bowl, no matter what, but this exceeded even my expectations. Amon G. Carter Stadium is in my top five favorite college stadiums in the country. I love its architecture and its history, and I even love how it was plopped down in the middle of a neighborhood. The game was great, which on paper it should not have been, but that’s the quirk of bowl season. The bowl organizers did a great job of presenting themselves and what they stood for. The Armed Forces Bowl will more than likely never equal the importance of those selected by the College Football Playoffs, but I think fans will enjoy it nonetheless. Add this one to your bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Pl Orlando, FL 32805 Cure Bowl website Camping World Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 65,000 10 Years of Cure Bowl Greatness Having played several years at Exploria Stadium  and a year UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium after that, the Cure Bowl returns home to Camping World Stadium in 2024. Home to the Citrus Bowl  and the Pop-Tarts Bowl , this facility already features everything needed for bowl-level college football game day experiences. Aside from that, the Cure Bowl continues to be the only bowl game each year to raise money for charity, donating profits to cancer research. With an upgrade in venue and continued growth, this bowl continues to impress after 10 years of exceptional football matchups.   Food & Beverage   4 Finding food at Camping World Stadium is easy. For those in the suite levels, the food options are incredibly plentiful – the main suite on the recently renovated west side of the stadium features a full-service bar and buffet. For the majority of food vendors, a quality hot dog will cost you $7; nachos are $7.50, popcorn is $5.50, and fries are $7. The best food option remains anything from the 4 Rivers BBQ booths, a local barbecue chain that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its quality meats and sauces. Offering both BBQ nachos and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for $16 each, this is a can’t miss option. Pizza from Little Caesars runs $12 for cheese or pepperoni, while for beverages, a domestic beer runs $11 and premium beer is $13. Bottled water runs $5.50, while a bottled soda will cost you $6.50. Premium seltzer runs $15, while cocktails range from $15 to $23.   Atmosphere   3 Football in Florida in December means stellar weather – Florida’s perfect winter climate is on full display at the Cure Bowl, with temperatures rarely lower than the 50s. In addition, the pre-game pageantry of the band performances, the exciting game action, and the feel of a bowl-game matchup all make the Cure Bowl an exciting game to be a part of. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery, with downtown Orlando just to the east and lakes to the north and south of Camping World Stadium. The Cure Bowl features plenty of traditional college football experiences; the pre-game and halftime performances traditionally feature both school bands, and there is also a pre-game fan fest that includes live music, photo opportunities with mascots, band performances, VIP tents, and interactive displays. Camping World Stadium has seen continued improvements over the years, with the north end zone being filled in on the second level for stadium seating. While the beautiful view of the lake just beyond the venue’s gates has now been blocked, the filled in bowl looks and feels more like a traditional football facility. The biggest downside of the Cure Bowl is that only the lower concourse level is open to fans, meaning access to the main concourse that encircles the stadium is blocked off. That said, it does help to condense the fans who are in attendance, making it feel fuller than it actually is.   Neighborhood   5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? With Camping World Stadium in walking distance of downtown, fans can park in any of the various lots and garages downtown, then walk to and from Camping World Stadium along Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City  and the Orlando Pride , and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic , the City Beautiful loves sports. There are suburbs to the west of Camping World Stadium, with the downtown city center to the east. There are also tons of hotels nearby, and since the venue sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Aloft Downtown Orlando and Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando are right in the middle of downtown. For food, the Orlando sports faithful flock to Lion’s Pride, as well as Schumann’s Jager Haus. For attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are both mere minutes south of the downtown area.   Fans   3 The atmosphere at the Cure Bowl is different from most, as all those in attendance are helping to contribute to a worthy cause. The crowd is smaller than some of those at bigger bowls – this is partially a result of the Cure Bowl tie-ins, which usually result in smaller schools from mid-level conferences being invited, with Ohio and Jax State  highlighting the most recent match-up.   Fans nonetheless can get a taste of the pageantry of bowl games. As with all bowl games, the fans who do travel are the most diehard for their respective schools, so even lower attendance games in large stadiums feel like a massive crowd is cheering with each play on the field. Additionally, the Cure Bowl is very family friendly, thanks to its cancer research focus. The game also invites cancer survivors to the game, celebrating their spirit during the matchup with an on-field presentation. Finally, the Cure Bowl also features the post-game trophy presentation that championship events are known for, completing the championship feel of the event for fans in the stands.   Access   5 Camping World Stadium sits just a stone’s throw from I-4 and is literally just off the 408 highway. Getting there is not difficult from the local roads either, as most are multi-lane, and signage is well placed for the parking areas. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find. For those without a parking pass, you can find parking in various nearby parking lots and from those selling parking in their front yards. Public transport is also available in the area, making getting to Camping World Stadium an easy process.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Cure Bowl start at just $35, with most of the stadium available for $50-$65. Parking is plentiful in numerous lots around the stadium as well as in various private lots nearby, running in the $20-$50 range depending on how close you prefer to park. For bowl tickets, this is relatively affordable, and given that the profits from the game go directly to cancer research, it is hard to find a better value for your buck in the bowl game world. The Cure Bowl also offers an official pre-game tailgate for $85 – this exclusive tailgate area inside the fan fest section of the stadium parking lot includes free drinks and food, as well as band performances from both schools.   Extras   3 Unique to the Cure Bowl is the survivors march, with fans and cancer survivors marching to Camping World Stadium with the school bands, akin to what you’d find at major soccer games. In addition, as fans enter the facility they can pick up signs that say “I Fight For ____” – the blank space is used to write the name(s) of loved ones they may know who have had cancer. There is also a silent auction with plenty of items up for bid from past games, with proceeds going to cancer research.   Final Thoughts The Cure Bowl is a great game that continues to build on a history of tradition in Central Florida, offering fans the chance to make a difference while watching their favorite team on the field. With the return to Camping World Stadium, you can be assured that the game day experience feels more like that of a big-time matchup in a proper football stadium.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hagersville Memorial Arena 36 Sherring Street North Hagersville, ON N0A 1H0 Hagersville Hawks website Hagersville Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 500 __________________________________________________________________________________ Hagersville’s Gem Normally thought of as a hotbed for lacrosse, the community of Hagersville has a little hockey history as well. Hagersville is immediately south of the Mississaugas of the Credit Reservation and the famed Iroquois Lacrosse Arena has a Hagersville address, which explains the link to lacrosse. Hagersville is a community of around 3,100 in Haldimand County and is home to the Hagersville Hawks of the Junior C, PJHL Bloomfield Division. Hagersville is also known for being the birthplace of Jay Silverheels, Tonto from 1950s Lone Ranger TV show and Rush’s Neil Peart. Four-time Olympic Hockey Medalist Becky Kellar also calls Hagersville home and her accomplishments are celebrated outside the arena. The Hawks began in 1992 as a Junior D team where they were very successful. They moved to the Niagara Junior C Hockey League in 2013, which was eventually absorbed into the PJHL. The Hagersville Memorial Arena is a throwback arena, one of those arenas where patrons comment that they “don’t make them like this anymore.” The arena was built in 1956 and has a capacity of 500. It is a truly unique facility and a place that truly needs to be experienced. Food & Beverage 3 In the lobby of the Hagersville Arena there is Mel’s Snack Shop, a small concession. Hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, candy, chocolate, chips and cookies are on the menu. Coke and Pepsi products are available as well as coffee, tea, juice, energy drinks, Gatorade, water and slushies. Upstairs, beer and alcohol are available in the Blueline Club. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of Hagersville Arena features dark siding with a peaked roof and grey brick. It is clear that the lobby was an addition at one point. A sign displaying the accomplishments of Becky Kellar is right in front of the arena for all fans to see upon entry. Entering the arena, fans come to a small lobby and are met with temporary tables to facilitate ticket sales and the 50/50 draw. Trophy cases in the lobby have a number of interesting nuggets and artifacts. One case is specifically dedicated to the Hawks and houses all of the awards that the Hawks present annually. Past the lobby, into the arena fans are struck by the uniqueness of the facility. Wooden support beams meet at a high peak over the ice to support the roof with silver insulation. There is not a ton of space in this arena, but they definitely make the most of it in Hagersville. The ice surface is southeast to northwest oriented. To see the centre ice logo and get that perfect picture, fans will want to be on the short, northwest end, which is unique in and of itself. The Blueline Club is in a room above the lobby on the northwest end and has windows that look out to the ice. A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II hangs above the benches on the northeast side and further aids with that old school atmosphere. A small pressbox is found on the opposite side and welcomes everyone to the Hawks Nest. The walls are littered with minor hockey banners. Championship banners from the Junior D days hang on the southeast end along with a banner honouring the accomplishments of Becky Kellar. New scoreboards hang on each end below the wooden peaks and were funded by Hawks superfan Murray Johnson. The southeast scoreboard has his picture right beside it. The Blueline Club also has the Hagersville Wall of Fame and more artifacts from team's past. The seating in the arena consists of wooden bleachers with four rows in each section that are quite steep. The entirety of the bleacher sections are made of wood, not just the planks to sit on. The gameday production is pretty simple in Hagersville, but also a bit unique compared to other PJHL experiences. A 50/50 draw and program raffles are the promotions. The Hawks actually have two different announcers. A young girl announces the penalties and goals, while an older man does more of the hyping of the crowd. It provides an interesting dynamic that is unique. A red goal light and siren speakers sit atop the press box and signify a Hawks goal. Neighbourhood 2 Hagersville is located southeast of Brantford. It has the small town feel to it and there are a few options for pre or post game food or drink. Plank Road Taps & Grill, Rise n’ Shine Cafe, Rollins Smokehouse, Burger Barn and MJ’s Diner are all options. The Six Nations Arrows and Six Nations Chiefs, among other junior lacrosse teams, call the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena home, but play during the summer months. For other sporting options, heading to Paris or Brantford or taking in the rival Dundas Blues or Glanbrook Rangers would be the best idea. Chiefswood Historic Site and Bell Homestead are other tourist options. For fans wishing to stay in the area, Jays Motel and Restaurant is an option along with other B&B spots. Heading into Simcoe or Brantford would be the best idea for chain hotels. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess fans in the PJHL as many teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not compile the statistics for comparison. The Hagersville Hawks average around 200 fans per game. At the time of writing, in the 2024-25 season, the Hawks averaged 202 fans per game and 216 the previous season. The fans that are in attendance are generally loud and supportive of the team, a bit more than the average team. Access 4 Hagersville Memorial Arena is located in the community of Hagersville, part of Haldimand County. It is in the northeast corner of Sherring Street and Athens Street. Getting to the arena is not difficult. It is just east of Highway 6, which runs south from Hamilton. There is free parking on site. For fans wishing to take public transit, there is some limited transit that services Hagersville. Fans should consult the Southern Ontario Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. The age of Hagersville Memorial can make getting around a little bit of a challenge, but not too bad. Those with mobility issues may find the seating area a bit challenging. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Hagersville Hawks are $10 with students and seniors getting in for $8 and children only $3. Parking is free and concession prices are good. The product on the ice is decent in the PJHL, but experiencing a classic facility like Hagersville Arena puts the experience over the top and makes the return that much better. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Hagersville Memorial Arena as a classic, old-school hockey barn. An extra mark for the Hagersville Arena as a community hub and the Hawks as a team with a strong community feel to them. An extra mark for the rivalry Hagersville has with Glanbrook, Dundas and other members of the Bloomfield Division. Final Thoughts There is something to be said for getting to experience hockey in an old-school hockey barn like the Hagersville Memorial Arena while it is still possible. Taking in a Hagersville Hawks game offers a glimpse into the past when hockey was a simpler game. Fans will definitely love the arena and will make plans for a return! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium 1801 Fayetteville St. Durham, NC 27707 North Carolina Central Eagles website McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,116 Classic Gymnasium Basketball There is something to be said whenever college basketball is played in an old school gymnasium instead of a modern-day sports arena. Sure, you lose some of those creature comforts you have come to expect from newer facilities, but instead you gain a rich history and tradition that simply oozes from the very walls you walk past. This idyllic image is perpetuated through the game day experience at North Carolina Central University’s McDougald-McLendon Arena. For women’s basketball, a sport growing year after year, NCCU fans have come to appreciate the history mixed with athletic success. You get all of that here, thanks to an old college gymnasium that embraces that mantra and showcases its past for all to see.   Food & Beverage   2 The biggest downside to games at NC Central is the lack of concessions – only two concession stands exist inside the facility, with some games only having one open. On top of that, the menu is incredibly limited in scope. However, what may be lacking in variety certainly makes up for it in affordability. Chips or candy can be purchased for $3, while all drinks as well as fresh popcorn come in at $5.   Atmosphere   3 There is a lot of history to be respected in Durham when it comes to college basketball, and NC Central has played a big part in that. When wandering the halls of McDougald-McLendon Arena, nearly every inch of wall space is occupied by plaques and photographs honoring past school athletes from countless disciplines and decades. Several trophy cases show off the school’s haul of athletic hardware from nearly 100 years of college sports excellence, while large display cases in the hall corners show off historic photographs of everything from past presidents visiting the campus to sports highlights. In addition, a plethora of banners hang in the rafters above the court, honoring various national championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Retired numbers of both men’s and women’s basketball players are also visible. On top of all that, the arena itself is constructed with old materials that make 100 fans feel like 1,000 when it comes to noise levels. All the seats on the main and upper levels are painted wood, and the walls are old fashioned brick, while a vaulted ceiling gathers and returns the crowd’s cheers with great effect. The place has an aged look to it, from paint peeling in spots from the ceiling to the muted colors of the hardwood court – it’s everything true college basketball fans have come to love about the sport in its purest form. Perhaps the lone modern touch here is the live DJ that plays during game breaks and during pre-game warmups.   Neighborhood   4 The area around NC Central is mostly residential, but just beyond lies the greatness of the greater Raleigh-Durham area. Just a 20-minute drive from RDU airport, the campus lies within a short distance of countless dining and shopping areas. Hotels are also plentiful in the area, with downtown Durham just a few minutes away from NCCU’s campus.   Fans   3 Eagles fans are diehards; even on a weekday game during the depths of winter break, a solid contingent of loyal fans across all ages can be found at McDougald-McLendon Arena watching NC Central women’s basketball. Fellow student athletes are also frequently in attendance, and on top of that, the games always have a family friendly atmosphere. And thanks to the building itself, even a small crowd sounds loud and intimidating to visiting teams. While not every game is a sellout, every game has a segment of loyal fans, from current students to decade’s old graduates supporting their Alma Mater.   Access   5 For McDougald-McLendon Arena, exits on nearby Durham Highway 147, and the further away I-85 and I-885, can bring you straight to the campus gates. Once there, free parking for women’s basketball games is plentiful quite literally across the street in the Latham Parking Deck. Numerous other lots are available nearby as well. Once inside, ushers and security are available to help direct fans to their seats.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to NC Central women’s basketball games start at just $20 for general admission; those seats make up the majority of the seating at McDougald-McLendon Arena. Two sections in the upper level at mid-court are reserved seating, going for $30 a ticket, and that is it. In addition, with free parking and cheap snacks and drinks, a family can easily visit a game at McDougald-McLendon Arena without breaking the bank.   Extras   3 As before, countless memories flow through the halls at McDougald-McLendon Arena. For college sports fans both casual and diehard, a walk throughout the main concourse here is well worth the time, giving you an appreciation for the school’s long history of barrier-breaking achievements. During women’s basketball games, a fan is also selected to shoot a half-court shot to win a prize pack. Finally, the campus bookstore is located in the Latham Parking Deck across the street from the arena itself, giving fans the perfect chance to load up on Eagles gear before the game to show their support.   Final Thoughts If you’re looking for a unique and historic college basketball experience, look no further than McDougald-McLendon Arena. Located in the heart of college basketball territory, just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Durham, the NC Central women’s basketball team enjoys the gift of playing inside a historic site that showcases the school’s rich athletic history. What it lacks in creature comforts and modern touches, it makes up for in quality vibes.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you are making plans to visit Indiana this summer, cross Kokomo off your list. The Jackrabbits announced on social media that they will sit out the 2025 season. The Kokomo Jackrabbits are taking the 2025 season off. The Northwoods League club announced on social media that “due to various unforeseen circumstances” the team would be unable to compete this summer. The decision comes less than three months after a lawsuit between the city and club ownership. The city of Kokomo and Kokomo Baseball LLC, the limited liability company ROC Venture, claimed that it did not renew the lease of the stadium as recognized. According to an article in the Kokomo Tribune , The lease, according to the city’s complaint filed with Howard County Circuit Court, requires the owners of the Jackrabbits to give the city written notice no later than 90 days before the agreement ends if it wants to renew for another five years. The Jackrabbits claimed it had a verbal agreement for the next five years during a virtual meeting on May 17; however, the city argues that no written notice was given last season. Because of that, the team had to vacate Kokomo Municipal Stadium  by September 30, when the lease expired. Jackrabbits management added. “While this necessarily doesn’t mean the end of the Jackrabbits, however as it stands, the future holds more questions than answers right now.” The Jackrabbits were founded in 2014 as members of the Prospect League but moved to the Northwoods League in 2019.  It marked the first time an organized summer baseball team was in town in 53 years since the Midwest League’s Kokomo Dodgers. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo courtesy of Boston.com Recently, the University of Vermont (UVM) Catamounts surprised just about everyone but themselves by winning the NCAA men’s soccer national title, their first ever. While the Cats had never been to a Final Four before this season, they had made two Elite Eight appearances, most recently two years ago. For a majority of this season though, the Cats flew somewhat under the radar. However, they went on a magnificent post-season run, winning three road NCAA playoff games, including a cross country jaunt to U San Diego, before winning two games in Cary, North Carolina. Brian McLaughlin, the Catamounts play by play announcer, took a few minutes to discuss this historic season, as well as some other miscellaneous fun, including his experiences with Vermont Green FC. Here's Brian broadcasting the highlights of this year's America East championship game:    STADIUM JOURNEY:  How did the Cats pull this off? Not only did they win it all, but they did it, except for one game, on the road. Of course, they have great talent, but a lot of teams have great talent. BRIAN:  The core of players who had previous wins in the tournament were able to instill belief in the very talented newcomers. Leaders Zach Barrett and Adrian Schulze Solano were massive parts of that, but Mike Bleeker who transferred in from American, also became a big part of the leadership group. This was a team that felt they belonged on any field they showed up at. The tone setting center-back pairing of the hulking Max Murray and Barrett made sure that no opponent was ever comfortable with the ball. Then of course, they got such timely goal scoring. Yaniv Bazini was the star for much of the run, but when David Ismail, Marcell Papp and Max Kissell are chipping in with Barrett and Murray - both dangerous on set pieces – it’s a brutal attacking group to keep off the scoreboard for 90 minutes. And I haven’t even mentioned Sydney Wathuta who was maybe the best isolation winger in the country. Niklas Herceg was also fantastic during the tournament run and made countless important saves, which every championship soccer team needs.    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for the Catamounts? They have a lot of talent graduating. Do you have any idea who's returning?  BRIAN :  Of course there's a chance players who still have eligibility remaining do not return, and they lose such a massive group of long-time contributors, so it will be a daunting task. But if the young guys do stick around a core of Herceg, Kissell, Ryan Zellefrow, Andrew Millar, Jeremy Tsang and Nick Lockerman is not a bad starting point. And others as well will be back who contributed to this run. These coaches have proven to be outstanding recruiters and have developed loads of talent over the last few seasons. I would anticipate more key additions both from the States and international talent pools to fill some of those gaps vacated by the longtime Catamounts.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Perhaps your most memorable call was for the Catamount  women's  soccer team, which is featured here: How does a broadcaster prepare to make a call for the ages? How do you find those words at that precise moment? Is this something they cover at Penn State? (Brian is a Penn State grad.) BRIAN:  I try not to script anything before the game even if I know there's a chance the game has a memorable ending. Sometimes you can’t help it like Dalen Cuff for this UVM national title. “Don’t Call them Cinderella! You can call them national champions” is almost definitely pre-planned in some way, but he still delivered it with authenticity, and it felt natural. He absolutely nailed it. It is most important to feel natural and not forced. That Basa call was honestly me just letting it rip in the moment and people really enjoyed the result. In my mind, I just want to make sure I know why this game matters and why this moment matters and try to use my voice to match the emotion of the moment. Whatever comes out is hopefully concise and clean. If I had to redo the Basa call, I probably wouldn’t scream her name for so long, but I think people really related to the emotion in my voice and felt I matched the moment well even if what I said wasn’t perfect. As for what they taught at Penn State, I think we definitely were always discussing what makes a great highlight call. You want authority in your voice. Connect the moment to what makes it meaningful. Try to have punch in your voice without a straight scream or a growl sound. And you don’t want to be too wordy, especially on tv. My approach is a bit different for radio. Luckily, I went to school with some people who were also broadcast nerds, and we would constantly be evaluating each other and announcers on TV. I still take notes on the best broadcasters in the game to try to implement things they do into my own skill set. As for big moments nobody is better at the moment than Ian Eagle who uses wit and humor mixed with a great vocabulary or Kevin Harlan who has such an awesome voice and delivery and a mastery for the language.  Photo courtesy of Brian McLaughlin   STADIUM JOURNEY: Vermont Green FC, which has a rabid following, has a special place in your heart. What makes this USL League Two squad such a special experience? Explain the magic. BRIAN:  Rabid following may be putting it lightly. There has been a lot made of the incredible fan support for UVM in Cary for the College Cup, and I think Vermont Green deserves some credit for helping grow this soccer crazed community. They have built such a distinct culture in Burlington during the summer. It’s an environment that you just want to be around - so many smiling faces at games, passionate community members who have a love for soccer. Or maybe many who don’t, but they relate to the broader message of creating climate justice through sports. The branding is bold and colorful. The games are loud and rowdy. The social media is engaging and feels down to earth. It’s fun for the players who also happen to play such a delightful brand of attacking soccer. They have great coaches who develop the on-field talent and invested leaders who care about every single detail of their organization. And UVM has only helped assist Vermont Green as a partner. It’s become a really special bond between the two, and they share a fanbase in many ways. They have built such a wonderful culture in such a short time, and it has transformed many locals into soccer fanatics. I do not think it’s a surprise that their explosion has coincided with Vermont’s national title.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So a fan wants to hit a soccer or basketball game in Burlington. What are a few spots you'd recommend for before and after the game? Hidden gems? BRIAN:  Well, it depends what time of year. Burlington feels like two different towns from winter to summer. If you are in town for a Vermont Green game over the summer, I love to find places on the waterfront by Lake Champlain. Foam Brewers is a great spot by the water with outdoor seating. You can’t go wrong with most of the breweries regardless of the time of year with Zero Gravity as a standout in my mind. Vivid Coffee is a phenomenal coffee shop that I love and sometimes has watch parties for games. For breakfast or lunch, Handy’s Lunch is an old school diner and is a must stop. Postgame downtown classics like Halvorson’s or Ken’s Pizza are solid as ever.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You mention that your time behind the mic in the Northwoods League and the Cape Cod League were pivotal in your development. What's it like to cover summer league baseball? Is it as good as it sounds? BRIAN:  Those summers were some of the best of my life. Far from glamorous and I will say I was an unpaid intern on both occasions, and I would really recommend any college student try to find a paid internship first. But calling 70 plus games in about 75 days in the Northwoods is still the time of my life where I think I took the biggest step as a broadcaster. Reps are so important. While I didn’t have such a wild schedule on Cape Cod, I met some outstanding friends and had the chance to watch some incredible baseball talent. Current Yankees catcher Austin Wells was the star of my Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox team, and he was just one of many future big leaguers. That is a very competitive league for broadcasters, and I was fortunate to get to meet many future stars in the broadcast industry, and it honestly forced me to grow and improve just so I could keep up. I also think I played about 200 rounds of mini golf at Pirates Cove over a 3-month internship.    Photo courtesy of Vermont Public STADIUM JOURNEY: So you've worked games all over the northeast and elsewhere. What are some venues that are worth visiting? BRIAN:  Well if you haven’t been to Gutterson Field House for a UVM hockey game that place is pretty special. I would also say that Centennial Field, home of the Vermont Lake Monsters, is a pretty neat and classic small baseball stadium. I have been fortunate to see so many basketball arenas around New England and Yale’s John J. Lee Amphitheater stands out in my mind. I will always refer to Providence’s Gym as “The Dunk,” and that place and those students have a well-earned reputation. Again, I will say any of the Cape Cod Baseball League has to be a bucket list item for sports fans. It really feels like a trip back in time to when things were simpler. All the fields are unique and have different dynamics to them.    STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you get into broadcasting? Did you play a lot of sports growing up or were you always on the sideline doing play by play? BRIAN:  It was probably when I was about 14 that I started to realize playing shortstop for the Chicago Cubs wasn’t very likely. I played sports my entire life and knew that I wanted to work in sports in some manner. I always liked the idea of broadcasting and paid close attention to the broadcasters probably without knowing it but because I was such a massive sports fan. I had the opportunity to shadow Penn State’s legendary radio broadcaster Steve Jones when I was in middle school. I went to Penn State knowing that I wanted to study journalism but wasn’t sure if I wanted to end up writing or broadcasting. But the moment I had my first broadcast of a State College High School soccer game I knew that I was drawn to being behind the mic. Things only took off from there and by the end of my freshman year of college, I was a full-on sports broadcaster nerd. I was fortunate to go to school that put me on the air right away so I could learn on the fly and work through growing pains. Many of my best friends in college were also involved in the broadcasts in some way, and I have had countless mentors who gave me advice on how to achieve my goals.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  What were some of your favorite calls? BRIAN:  I’ll start with anything from Ian Eagle or Kevin Harlan. Harlan’s “Goooooooood” is one I think about a lot in basketball. He always has the perfect emphasis and knows when to bring it out. Eagle is more creative and relies on his humor. He has had some really memorable moments: “He is not human!” or just a simple “Oh Yeah!” which I really love on TV. Joe Davis had some monster moments recently in the World Series. Jim Nantz just makes every moment feel big, especially on golf broadcasts. I’m not a Celtics fan but love Drew Carter’s work for the Celtics on television and have laughed really hard at some of his recent calls for Payton Pritchard: “Pitch Please” and “Where’s my money?” These are great examples of how to have fun in the booth while still providing a highlight worthy call.  And I have to mention Hall of Famer Pat Hughes on the radio for my Cubs' classic home run call: “It’s got a chaaaaaaance. Gone!” I imitated that so much growing up playing wiffle ball in my front yard.  Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club 4040 Central Florida Pkwy Orlando, FL 32837 PNC Championship website The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club website Year Opened: 2003 A Family Golf Celebration The PNC Championship is a quietly growing tradition in the world of professional golf. Held each year since 1995, the tournament features Pro-Am pairings with some of the PGA Tours legends and their family, often their children, playing alongside. The four-day event is split into two components, with Thursday and Friday played as de-facto practice rounds, while Saturday and Sunday count as a 36-hole tournament for the yearly crown. Held in Orlando at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, this affordable event is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed pro golf atmosphere.   Food & Beverage   5 There are numerous food vendors at the PNC Championship, with the majority of them located around the fan zone adjacent to the 18th green. Here, you can find everything from local food trucks and vendors (BBQ from $12-$19 and street tacos from $9-$14) to established chains (Chicken Salad Chick for $14 and Flipper’s Pizza from $13-$14). Tournament booths also offer food and drinks, including breakfast sandwiches ($10), beer ($9), hard seltzers ($7-$9 for single cans and $40-$50 for six-packs that include a banded cooler bag), wine ($14), and cocktails ($7-$15). In addition, around the course smaller vendors with snacks and drinks are located between Holes 5 and 6, as well as between Holes 14 and 15.   Atmosphere   4 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is a stunning facility for professional golf. Located in Orlando just minutes from the theme parks, this luxury resort features Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott resorts on property. The towers of these two resorts dominate the landscape, while lush green palms and pines remind you that you’re still in Florida. Played in December, the weather for the PNC Championship is almost guaranteed to be perfect year after year, thanks to Central Florida’s ideal climate in the winter. The course is large and spread out, meaning you may have a lot of walking to do during the event if you want to see multiple holes, however. Unfortunately, unlike most pro tournaments there are only two small grandstands on the course, located at the first tee box and at the 18th green. The tournament does offer complimentary tickets to all active duty and retired military for the weekend, and also features the Pepsi Patriot’s Pavilion on the 17th green. Here, military and their families can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks with their own dedicated seating area overlooking the penultimate hole on the course.   Neighborhood   4 The area around the course is a mix of residential and tourist. Not far from the course is International Drive, home to numerous shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions like Sea World and ICON Park. Hotels are plentiful as well, the two luxury resorts on property notwithstanding.   Fans   4 The fans at the PNC Championship are diehard golf fans. Tickets to the tournament are limited by the organizer to specifically reduce crowd sizes on the course, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, so you won’t find those signature massive oceans of fans following Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh from hole to hole like you would at other tournaments. Additionally, the event is incredibly family friendly, meaning you will see many young golf fans in attendance from day to day, thanks in part to the event’s affordability. Another plus is that the event is a no-autograph event, meaning the resellers and autograph hounds found at other tournaments are not to be found here, a welcome change for the casual fan.   Access   5 Parking at the PNC Championship is plentiful – free parking is available nearby at Sea World Aquatica water park, with free fan shuttles available to drive you back and forth from the lot to the main entrance. Paid parking is also available on site, with several lots open at the course itself. Getting to the course is also easy, thanks to its location on John Young Parkway, just a few minutes from Highway 417. The parking lot at Aquatica is also easy to access, with exits from both Highway 408 and I-4 leading you right to the parking lot. Once at the course, signage is plentiful for access around the course.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for the PNC Championship. Thursday and Friday single day grounds access passes cost just $36, with upgraded tickets available for $75; these include parking on site at the course itself, as well as access to the covered VIP viewing area on the 18th green. Saturday and Sunday tickets start at $45, with the same VIP upgraded tickets going for over $400 per day, thanks to the inclusion of premium parking, free food and drinks, and private restrooms.   Extras   3 The course features a pro shop that sells both course specific merchandise as well as hats, shirts, and flags featuring the PNC Championship flag. The fan zone also features several sponsor activations, including golf swing analysis, free giveaways, and merchandise vendors. Finally, fans can watch the players warm up at the putting green as well as on the driving range, both located right in the heart of the fan zone.   Final Thoughts The PNC Championship is a great event for golf fans to watch some of the greatest players in the game compete in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. Often competing alongside their children, this tournament is both competitive and relaxed. With incredibly affordable ticket options, free parking, and countless concessions, this may be the best professional golf tournament in Florida when it comes to per-dollar value and pure enjoyment of the game.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way Frisco, TX 75034 Frisco Bowl Website Toyota Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 20,500 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is one of the earliest college football bowl games of the post-season. The game is played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, home of the Major League Soccer team, FC Dallas . The bowl game started in December 2017 and has been hosted by a few corporate sponsors; DXL was the original sponsor in 2017, followed by Tropical Smoothie Café, before moving to the current sponsor, Scooter’s Coffee. Toyota Stadium has a capacity of only 20,500, which is plenty, as the bowl attendance is well under the capacity. The highest attendance for the Frisco Bowl is 15,801, achieved in 2021 when the University of Texas-San Antonio  defeated San Diego State 38-24.   Food & Beverage   3 The concessions at the Frisco Bowl are decent – Toyota Stadium has a good variety of options at its concession stands, including alcohol selections, but at major sports-level prices. The main stands offer most of your typical stadium fare, such as hot dogs, nachos, burgers, brats, chicken tenders, pretzels, peanuts, packaged candy, and cinnamon-glazed nuts, but they also throw in a bunch of less commonly found items, such as chicken tinga nachos, buffalo cauliflower bowls, hot garlic sausage, and a brisket hot dog. The stadium’s drink selection provides Coke products throughout the Frisco Bowl. The alcohol selection is also abundant, due to the stadium being a major sports venue, with plenty of choices throughout the stadium at the concession stands or from the mobile carts – you can find alcohol ranging from both canned and draft beer to wine and high-end specialty cocktails. Just be prepared to pay high prices for alcoholic drinks.   Atmosphere   3 The atmospheres at smaller bowl games are usually similar to each other, as the teams are traveling to a venue outside their familiar pre-game set-ups. Therefore, the team’s traditional entrance into the stadium, as well as the tailgating on weekday evenings, is less common. At the most recent game, for example, West Virginia  just held a small pep rally with fans in the parking lot. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl has plenty of seating, as attendance is historically small with this bowl. Toyota Stadium only has seating along the two sidelines – the north end zone has a bare stage, while the team bands are seated behind the south end, where the National Soccer Hall of Fame is located. During the most recent version, both participating schools brought their bands, along with their mascots and spirit squads – for this Frisco Bowl a large shout-out goes to the University of Memphis band. Their high energy throughout the night kept the atmosphere going, as the play on the field was lackluster until late in the game.   Neighborhood   4 Toyota Stadium is located about 30 miles north of Dallas in Frisco, Texas. Outside the stadium is a small, quaint area of restaurants and shops, but the city of Frisco is much bigger with an approximate population of 165K. Some fans may recognize the Frisco name as having one of the nicest minor league baseball stadiums; nearby Riders Field  is home to the Frisco Roughriders. The restaurants outside Toyota Stadium are plentiful – a couple of great options close to the stadium include Green Gator and Blue Goose Cantina. Others are within a short drive; for BBQ you can’t go wrong with Hutchins, and there is also Babe’s Chicken for a unique family-style dining experience. There are a few things to do and see while you are in Frisco, helping to keep your trip local. Toyota Stadium is home to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which can be entered by using the Main Street side of the stadium. Frisco is also home to the National Videogame Museum, which features a huge collection of game consoles, all of which are playable, including a classic video game arcade. In addition, a few miles south on the tollway in Dallas is The Star, namely the headquarters, practice fields, and home of the Dallas Cowboys . This facility can be toured daily and has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. There are three hotels close to Toyota Stadium: Courtyard Dallas, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Suites, but other options are abundant within driving distance.   Fans   3 The fact that fans travel to watch their team play bowl games that don’t matter outside the college football playoff says a lot about them. The loyalty, dedication, and love of the fans are what truly make the bowl games special. The Frisco Bowl is usually played on a weeknight and is one of the first bowls of the bowl season. The fans in attendance at the most recent game were solid, which is expected when it comes to bowl games – very loud and engaged in the game.   Access   3 There are two airports, Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field, which are both about the same distance (25 miles) from Toyota Stadium in Frisco. The city is a city of about 225,000 in population, about 30 miles north of Dallas, and part of the DFW Metroplex. That said, there is no direct public transportation from either airport, so you will likely have to drive to get to Frisco and Toyota Stadium. The best plan is to stay up in the Frisco area, as the Frisco Bowl is played at 7 pm on a weeknight; coming from outside the Frisco area in the early evening can be time-consuming for travelers. Toyota Stadium is not far from the Dallas Tollway, and the stadium and parking have plenty of signage, so the ingress and egress are fast once you get there. Due to the small attendance, walking around the stadium to restrooms and concessions takes little time away from your seat. However, the stadium’s security does cut off the National Soccer Hall of Fame end zone from other ticketholders, so most fans don’t have full access to the stadium. Return on Investment   3 The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is at a perfect venue – if your team is one of the participants, then the investment may be worthwhile. Otherwise, it is a little high in cost for the casual local fan who doesn’t care about either school. Tickets range from $30 for the end zones to $65 for midfield and $55 for sideline seating (there is an ESPN Zone VIP ticket that starts at $149, but I don’t know what that entitles a fan to experience). The cost of VIP parking is $20; otherwise, parking is free. The cost of concessions is really where the ROI hits a negative. However, this is a bowl game and most people have spent a lot of money to travel here, so the Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is on par with other ESPN bowls in terms of return on investment.   Extras   2 The Frisco Bowl is played in a top sports venue and makes good use of the facility – holding the FCS National Championship here, as well as various high school football games, helps the operations team prepare to make this event almost perfect. The Frisco area also has a lot to offer, without fans feeling the need to spend time in the larger city of Dallas. Final Thoughts The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is part of ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, which owns and operates a portfolio of 34 collegiate sporting events nationwide, flooding the college football scene with college bowl games that the majority of football fans don’t care about, let alone would get excited by. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl may be wonderful for the teams/fans that participate, and a wonderful boost to Frisco’s economy, but a must-see bowl game it is not. Disclosure: Due to the renovations of Toyota Stadium for the MLS tenant, FC Dallas , the FCS National Championship will move away from Frisco in 2025; how this will affect the 2025 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl remains to be seen.