Photos by Meg Minard Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Idaho Central Arena 233 South Capitol Blvd Boise, ID 83702 Idaho Steelheads website Idaho Central Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 5,002 Noisy in Boise The Idaho Steelheads play in the ECHL (formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League) at the CenturyLink Arena in beautiful downtown Boise, ID. The team name comes from the rainbow trout that provides fisher-people in Idaho ample angling activity late summer or fall in Idaho, if not most of the entire year. Note: The CenturyLink Arena was renamed Idaho Central Arena in Sept, 2020. The hockey Steelheads are an affiliate of the Dallas Stars NHL team. They began their history as part of the West Coast Hockey League in 1996 and transferred to the ECHL beginning the 2003-2004 season. They have been quite successful on the ice winning the Kelly Cup their first ECHL season and again in 2007 with additional division and conference championships in other years for both leagues. The CenturyLink Arena also hosts the Idaho Stampede (NBA Development League), as well as other entertainment events such as the Harlem Globetrotters, Front Street Fights, and concerts by Judas Priest, Godsmack, Luke Bryan, and more. It is part of a thriving downtown environment in Boise, ID and even the city itself is worth a visit if in or near the area. A hockey game just adds something extra. Food & Beverage 4 There’s a wide assortment of food and drink available at a Steelhead’s game. Papa Murphy’s pizza is open with slices going for $4.50 – $5 or you can get a two slice special for $8 or $9. Beer includes Bud Light and Coors Light $4 – $6 and wine is available $6.50 – $7.50 at the Papa Murphy’s stand. There’s a Double R Ranch concession stand open that provides burgers, fries, popcorn chicken with fries, chicken Caesar wraps, hot dogs, nachos (they call it chips and cheese), pretzels, and candy at prices from $3.50 – $8. There’s also a Mexican food stand that offers tacos, super nachos, burritos, fajita wrap, and churros ranging from $2 – $9. Another stand offers the basics: hot dogs – grilled ($4), nachos (chips and cheese) ($4.), pretzels ($3.), candy ($3.50), and popcorn ($2/$4). Beers on offer are Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, 90 Shilling, and an exceptional IPA called City of Trees IPA from local Boise brewery Woodland Empire. Beers price from $4 – $8 depending on size and offering. There’re also subs and salads available at another concession. CenturyLink Arena is a Pepsi venue and offers soda for around $3. For dessert, there’s a stand that has Dreyers ice cream selections with snacks, helmets, cones, and fizzes on offer from $4.50 – $6. Three cocktail stands are along the concourse serving beer, wine, and mixed drinks. My recommendation is to walk around the concourse first to see what’s available and then make your selection. Another recommendation – eat at any one of the fine pubs or restaurants within a couple blocks walk of CenturyLink Arena prior to attending a game. Atmosphere 3 There are two levels of seating at CenturyLink Arena with suites above the second level. There are no cup holders provided on the first level (those seats do not appear to be permanent as it is a multi-use arena). There is no concourse or restrooms on the second level, though cup holders are available in most of this area. There is low to average legroom in the seating areas. A new center hung video board was installed prior to the 2014-2015 season at CenturyLink Arena. It shows the play in action, replays, scoring. During breaks in action, tweets from fans are displayed. It is placed very high on the ceiling so it isn’t a distraction when watching the game. Those seated on the lower level may have to look up a bit to see what is being shown. The time, shots on goal and penalties are not displayed on the center hung board. Other scoring displays include a corner video board which is not very clear and two dot matrix boards on the upper level that show period, time, shots on goal, scoring, and penalty infractions (the # of the player and time left). One downside when the game is over, is they immediately shut down the scoreboards and matrix boards so you’re not able to get the final shots on goal and score, take a photo, etc. It’d be nice if they left those displayed for at least 5 – 10 minutes after the game. To sit center ice, above the glass, facing the players’ benches choose section 212 in the upper level. On the lower level shoot for section 113 for center ice and choose a higher row (above G or H) to be above the glass. On the concourse behind one of the goals near section 108 is a small souvenir area that offers jerseys, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and caps. No hat pins or pennants are for sale. There was a flurry of activity going on at the stand the game I attended. It did stifle some pedestrian traffic on the concourse. The souvenir area is gone at the end of the game so get your merchandise before or during the game. There is a wide array of banners for the Steelheads placed on one wall of the rink from both their days in the WCHL and now the ECHL. Two autographed retired numbers are displayed as well; # 22 Cal Ingraham (a leading scorer for the Steelheads and now the coach for the hockey club at Boise State) and # 4 Jeremy Mylymok (a three-time captain and defenseman of the Steelheads). The PA announcer’s voice is muffled and a fan who is not familiar with the players cannot understand who scored a goal or an assist. The music level is fine in this arena. They do turn the lights off pregame and between periods which is quite annoying, but not uncommon. The temperature in the venue is comfortably warm; not too cold. A heavy sweater, jersey, or sweatshirt should do the trick. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Boise is great! There are lots of restaurants, bars, coffee and tea shops, and the Capitol Building. There’s a Basque Museum, a couple breweries, a Trader Joe’s, and several hotels within walking distance. In the winter, it’s cold but if the sun is out, you’ll have a perfect afternoon to explore this delightful downtown. The sidewalks and roads can get icy so be careful where you step. The Grove Hotel (an upscale lodging) is attached to CenturyLink Arena. In fact, there’s an entranceway from the hotel into the arena. New glass doors were installed in 2014 so that one can see the hockey rink from the hotel lobby which is a nice treat. They do close those doors prior to the game. Two blocks from the arena is a Hampton Inn & Suites and four or so blocks away is a Safari Inn. Local breweries downtown Boise include: 10 Barrell Brewing (Good beer – try the Rye IPA – food is served at this location), Boise Brewing, and Woodland Empire Brewery (they specialize in IPA’s). A recommended place for a hearty breakfast is Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro (a few steps from the arena). For a pint and a bite before (or after) the game, check out Bittercreek Alehouse which offers local brews and delicious pub food, is just two blocks away, and service is excellent. The Piper Pub & Grill (a traditional pub atmosphere) may also suit your fancy and is .1 mile away from CenturyLink Arena. There are a wide variety of tea and coffee shops located in the downtown area. I tried the Dawson’s Downtown Coffee House and it offers a nice hot, bold cup of joe for a chilly morning stroll. For places to tour, there’s nothing better than visiting a state’s capitol building and Idaho’s is an impressive one. There are self guided tours as well as guided tours. Check out the Basque Museum located one block from the arena for some enriching history lessons of this culture. Around the winter solstice, the sun doesn’t begin rising in Boise until about 8am so if you’re an early bird, you’ll be taking your steps in the dark. Fans 4 The team has consistently averaged at least 4,000 fans per game and average 80% of capacity. All fans (except the lady in front of me at the game I attended) demonstrate hockey etiquette by remaining in their seats while the puck is in play. It’s mostly adults and couples; not a whole lot of kids, though the environment is quite family friendly. And, the fans stay till the end of the game. They are dedicated, vibrant, and very conversant with their players and the game of hockey. Access 4 Because the arena is located in the downtown area, there is plenty of parking available very close to the arena. Free parking, however, is pretty much non-existent. According to the City of Boise’s website, there are 3,500 parking spaces in the city-operated downtown parking garages. Visitors receive the first hour free in all garages except the Grove Street Garage, and each additional hour is $2.50. In addition, there are several privately owned surface parking lots available. Most of these lots charge a $5 flat fee for event parking. There is construction going on in front of the CenturyLink Arena and this will be a new public transportation/bus transit depot and is expected to be completed in 2016. Currently, there are a few bus stops close to CenturyLink Arena. Check the Valleyride site for current bus transportation information. The concourses can get a bit congested especially between periods. One point of note is the stadium doors only open 40 minutes prior to the first puck drop. Though it’s not a big arena, it doesn’t give stadium journeyers a whole lot of time to check out the arena and offerings. If flying in for a game, the closest airport is Boise Airport – BOI (it’s a nice airport) and is a 10 – 15 minute vehicle ride to the CenturyLink Arena. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $17 to $50 and they do tack on an additional convenience charge regardless of how/when they are purchased. The Steelheads do offer ticket promotions such as four tickets for $44 or a flex any day ticket plan. Concession prices are a bit less than other ECHL venues. They provide a roster sheet (though it’s really too small to read especially when the lights are turned off/down which is much of the time) and a ‘Hockey makes downtown come alive’ magazine both free of charge. For a day and evening of entertainment, a Steelhead game is worth the price especially being in downtown Boise. Extras 3 Having an arena right in a hotel is worth a visit. Having a winning team year in and year out makes being a Steelhead fan enjoyable and satisfying. I can’t say enough about downtown Boise and what a fantastic area it is to visit. Final Thoughts Do check out the delightful downtown Boise area for a fun filled day. The Steelheads put on a good show, provide valuable sports entertainment, and it’s a rewarding place to watch and enjoy an ice hockey game.

Let me start by being abundantly clear; the Providence Steam Roller (“Steam Roller” is two words, not pluralized) may be the coolest nickname in the history of sports. Co-founder, co-owner and former Providence Journal sports editor Charles B. Coppen hated when people called them the Steam Rollers. In his mind they were “one singular unstoppable force of athletic prowess, mowing over opponents like, well, a steamroller.” Coppen overheard an impressed spectator state that the opposition was “getting steam-rolled” during an early game in the team’s history and promptly changed the team’s name. The Steam Roller was only around for a few short years but hold some pretty impressive distinctions in the world of professional football. In 1928, decades before Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady came along to make football in New England a thing, The Steam Roller brought the first NFL championship to New England. Back then there was no such thing as playoffs and the league champion was decided by winning percentage, as there were many inconsistencies in scheduling. So, while the Frankford Yellow Jackets boasted an 11-3-2 record as opposed to Providence’s 8-1-2 mark, the Steam Roller were declared champions based on their .889 winning percentage (ties were not counted in the standings at this time). While the Steam Roller never reached these heights again, they did achieve some additional notoriety, one because of a truly noteworthy event, one because of a scheduling quirk never to be seen again. Between November 5 and November 10, 1929, the Steam Roller played an unbelievable four games in a six-day stretch. They started in Staten Island, came back to Providence, then took a road trip to Frankford, PA, then came back home to Providence. Could you imagine a team today undergoing such a stretch of games? This quartet of games could hardly be considered a success, as the Steam Roller finished with an 0-3-1 record. In what turned out to be a more conventional innovation, the Steam Roller hosted the first ever NFL game played under the lights. A game against the Chicago Cardinals was originally scheduled to be played on November 3. A storm left their home field, the Cycledrome, unplayable. Not wanting to lose a lucrative home date or game pay, the game was rescheduled for the night of November 6 at nearby Kinsley Park. The game, played under newly-installed flood lights, drew a crowd of 6,000 fans. To aid players and spectators, the ball was painted white. The Providence Journal reported the ball “had the appearance of a large egg.” Chicago won the game 16-0. The Steam Roller’s home stadium was as unique as the team’s nickname. The Cycledrome, located just off North Main Street on the Providence/Pawtucket city line, was built as a velodrome to host bicycle races. With a capacity of 10,000, it was the largest bicycle track in the United States at the time. A five-lap wooden track encircled the playing field. The track featured sharply banked ends, which severely cut into the end zones. One end zone was reduced to five yards deep due to the track. Lights were installed for the 1930 season, allowing for night games to be played. The Cycledrome was the first facility to install permanent lighting. The Cycledrome, while a fantastic facility for its day, was far from perfect. There was only one locker room, which was used by the home team. This locker room was for the cyclists, and about the size of a pair of phone booths. The Steam Roller players had to use it one at a time. Jim Conzelman, the team’s coach, joked that the team sustained more injuries in the locker room than they did on the field. Still, the Steam Roller made out better than their opponents, who were forced to change at their hotels. Temporary bleachers were placed on the track straightaways, putting fans right on top of the action. It was said that the stands were so close to the field that players would often end up in the stands at the end of plays. Still, the Cycledrome was known as a great place for fans, with great views of the action close to the field and top local entertainment of the day featured during halftime. The location on the Providence/Pawtucket city line meant that fans from both cities could use their local public transportation to get to the game. The Steam Roller even had their own fight song. (Slowly) Steam Roller… Roll, Roll, Roll (Faster) Across their… Goal, Goal, Goal For while the band is playin’, stands are swayin’ Fans are sayin’ ‘ROLL, Steam Roller’ Through their line Around to the end! That’s fine And, now to swell the score, one TD more So… Roll! Roll! Roll! Unfortunately, the Great Depression had a detrimental effect on the Steam Roller, who folded in 1931. The Cycledrome was closed in 1937 and demolished in 1938. On its site was built one of the first drive-in movie theaters in the country. Now hidden just off Interstate 95, a shopping center stands where the first NFL championship in New England was won. Don’t bother looking for any remnants or reminders of professional football or the Steam Roller here. There are none.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Flagler Credit Union Stadium 777 Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL 33431 Florida Atlantic Owls website Flagler Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 29,419 Flying High in Boca Raton While Florida Atlantic University may be overlooked among FBS football schools, the stadium in which they play certainly doesn’t mirror the program’s easy to miss appearance. While most people pass FAU football off as an also-played program, the team has three conference titles and two bowl wins over the past five seasons. Do not let the second-tier status deter you from venturing to Palm Beach County for a quality afternoon of college football. Flagler Credit Union Stadium (formerly FAU Stadium) is beautiful, clean, impressive, comfortable, and family friendly in all respects, while remaining easy to access from major highways. Food & Beverage 4 The food options at Flagler Credit Union Stadium are actually quite impressive, and the prices are not that high compared to most major sporting events. A burger, soda, and fries will cost less than $15, which in stadium terms is a steal, especially at a televised bowl game. What sets Flagler Credit Union Stadium apart is the wonderful bar that is on the main concourse that 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, an arepa, and some fries, all in one area. Another plus is the convenience of the concessions 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 locations. The other side of Flagler Credit Union Stadium, opposite the party deck, features a full-service Subway location, complete with restaurant-style seating inside an air-conditioned storefront. In addition, last year saw the addition of a Chick-fil-A stand on the main concourse of the sun deck, as well as another Subway stand. Atmosphere 4 This stadium is one that many college programs wish they had on their own campus – it boasts a solid seating capacity, good sightlines from various seats, a multi-level tower for suites and VIP boxes, and a great on-campus location. The games, while popular of late, aren’t always 100% full on game day, however. That doesn’t take away from the beauty of the stadium though. 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 swaying palm trees make for one great backdrop in 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 overall visually appealing. Not far from campus is a beautiful strip mall that plays host to a PF Chang’s, J. Alexander’s, Shake Shack, Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, and more. Equidistant to the east of campus is the Atlantic Ocean. There, you can find a beautiful beach, 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 the 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 have begun to show up in numbers to FAU games in the last few years. Success brings attendance in South Florida, and the Owls are enjoying a run of bowl-eligible seasons with bright local talent on the field. Among the most family-friendly college fans in Florida, FAU features probably what is quietly becoming a great fan base in Florida. While some may still show up late to the game itself, the students nonetheless show up to support their Owls. Tailgating is also growing in the various parking lots around the stadium, making for a better college game day experience. 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, Flagler Credit Union Stadium 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. Return on Investment 4 FAU tickets aren’t generally massively expensive, ranging from $15 to $100. Food prices won’t burn your wallet into ash either. With that said, a trip to an FAU game provides a great return on investment, especially when considering you are getting to see Conference USA college football at a fraction of the price of other teams in the country. With the increased fan presence and the pre-game tailgating that has grown, you really do get the full college experience at Flagler Credit Union Stadium when you purchase a ticket for the Owls. Extras 5 FAU football features plenty of in-game entertainment such as t-shirt tosses and game hosts playing trivia with fans. Another neat aspect is the fan experience outside – multiple booths are set up on the outside concourse, as well as the concert stage that gets set up on the field between the stadium and the parking garage, making for a wonderful family-oriented fan experience before the game. 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 to recharge your phone or tablet at the game, making it very convenient to get a power boost for your device. Fans can also relax under the shade of the palm trees on beach lounge chairs before, during, or after the games. Finally, the fans can get a chance to meet one of the most distinct mascots in college football, Owlsley the Owl. A giant owl that roams the sidelines, fans always look to get a photo with FAU’s signature mascot. Final Thoughts FAU football delivers a quality stadium experience for FBS college football at an affordable price in one of the nicest neighborhoods South Florida has to offer. The view is second to none, the fans are kind, and the pre-game atmosphere is surprisingly pleasant. For sure, FAU is as good of an experience as its bigger neighbors to the south, and it can only continue to go up from here.

Photos by Brandon Gee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Nippert Stadium 2700 Bearcats Way Cincinnati, OH 45221 Cincinnati Bearcats website Nippert Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 40,000 You Can Go Home Again After construction forced Bearcats football to spend a year away from the Cincinnati campus at Paul Brown Stadium, the 2015 season saw the program return to a new and improved version of its 91 year-old stadium. The fifth-oldest venue in college football, Nippert Stadium’s major addition is the field-long premium seating structure, which adds revenue opportunities for the school, but also adds an imposing physical structure to a small stadium already considered a tough venue to play in for visiting squads. Food & Beverage 4 Beer is sold at this on-campus venue with prices topping out at $7.50 for 20oz domestic drafts or 16oz cans of craft beers. The school has been good about featuring local or regional brews and do not disappoint with offerings from Cincinnati’s Rhinegeist and Cleveland’s Great Lakes. Part of the renovation saw an expansion of the concession stands and there are now new spaces on both the east and west sides to handle the flow of customers. There are the requisite stadium options but some stands offer barbecue and the Stadium View Cafe in the open end offers some more interesting options like the Sante Fe Chicken Egg Rolls and the Pretzel Bun burger. Atmosphere 5 Despite its modest size, Nippert has been hailed as one of the louder venues of its size. With the sunken bowl design and the surrounding buildings being so close the stadium, dealing with the noise has long been an issue for opposing teams. Now that the addition extends the entire length of the field, it should only heighten the atmosphere. Day games can feel a bit more relaxed. The crowds are active, but it’s a different feel. As the schedule is usually dependent on tv windows, and the Power 5 teams dominate afternoons, Nippert usually sees a good number of night games. In my opinion, this is when the place comes alive. As was the case when Miami (FL) came to town in October of 2015, in front of a record-setting crowd, this place feels electric under the lights. Under Tommy Tuberville, the energetic passing offense is still in place, but the Bearcats defense will definitely give up points. Depending on who you’re cheering for, this can be entertaining or absolutely maddening. The 2016 season schedule will feature home games against BYU as well as strong conference foes like East Carolina, Memphis, and 2015’s AAC Champion Houston. Now if I can add a critique, it’s that as the stadium now feels more modern, it would be nice to see more history of the venue put on display. Maybe there’s not much real estate to work with, but it would be nice to see more reminders of how long this ground has hosted football. Neighborhood 5 Give yourself time to stroll around the area and campus. It offers a unique mix of architecture from some of the biggest names in the profession. This means that while the school lacks some of the charming, unifying themes of some traditional universities, the school offers an interesting clash in building styles, with dissimilar structures tucked side-by-side into the urban space just north of downtown Cincinnati. The area surrounding the UC campus continues to evolve, but the pre and postgame options are still plentiful. What was once a mix of rundown campus housing, independent shops, and fast food joints has slowly been overtaken by a partnership between developers and the university. Calhoun Street, the east-west street that forms the school’s southern boundary would be unrecognizable to someone who left the area 10 years ago. Now, this area features a number of mid-rise condo buildings with street level retail and restaurant spaces. There are some good beer selections over at Keystone (also features a dedicated menu of mac & cheese dishes), and The Brass Tap. Also, there’s a Waffle House. You can read more about the area here. That same plan has transformed the eastern edge of the university on what is referred to as “Short Vine.” Bogart’s Music Hall is basically the last vestige of the street’s grittier days. Now the area has filled up with condos and casual food options like local favorite Taste of Belgium (waffles, crepes, etc.) and Hang Over Easy (breakfast foods served all day). For a more “authentic” neighborhood, venture a couple blocks north up Clifton Avenue to Ludlow Avenue. You can find some low-key bars and interesting shops along with two of the major outposts for Cincinnati’s gifts to the culinary world, Graeter’s Ice Cream and Skyline Chili. Fans 4 The school has continued its effort to foster tradition amongst the student population. Efforts paid off with the student section selling out for the 2015 season. The increased capacity meant new attendance marks to hit and the fans delivered. Five of the six home games in 2015 brought crowds topping Nippert’s old attendance mark and had two games with over 40,000. The team further ingrains its way into the city’s sports consciousness each season, and being away from Nippert for a year before this return perhaps served to remind locals of what a great experience Bearcats football can be. Access 4 There is only so much that could be done to expand the concourses. Nippert sits in the middle of the UC campus and is surrounded on all sides by other buildings. One of the best additions is the walkway for the eastern upper deck. Previously, all fans on that side of the stadium were forced to the same concourse at ground level. This, of course, led to logjams for restrooms and concessions. Now, all fans in the upper deck are first led onto an elevated pathway and can walk above the lower bowl traffic straight to the new permanent facilities on an elevated plaza near Sheakley Lawn. The east’s lower bowl traffic now has access to a wider concourse with new concessions and actual restroom facilities (as in the past the concourse would be dotted with port-a-potties). The west concourse got some breathing room, as well, as previously lines for the concession stand would back up and block the flow of traffic. Now, this side has received new concession stands on the edge facing the student section and the far side of the premium seating buildings floor level. Additionally, new restrooms and an additional concession stand was built into the area near the steps on Bearcat Plaza in the stadium’s northeast corner. As for getting to the stadium, UC’s location north of downtown and between the city’s two interstates makes getting to the campus convenient. There are numerous garages scattered around the area (check this map of the campus). There are lots and garages off-campus, but if you’re early you may be able to snag on-street parking east of the campus. If you want to avoid driving altogether, Metro buses are easy to catch from downtown to the campus and both Lyft and Uber are in the area. Return on Investment 3 The 2015 season was a bit of disappointment on the field as the Bearcats were picked to contend for the AAC title. Instead, they finished 7-5 (4-4; 3rd in the AAC East). A bright spot is the squad still posted a 5-1 record at Nippert Stadium. Ticket prices are decent with many price points starting at $20 for the east end of lower bowl. Food and drink costs are less than the pro teams and parking is affordable. Extras 3 An extra point for the urban nature of the stadium. The setting makes for one of the more unique experiences in college football. It’s certainly not the biggest stadium, and by virtue of its location it can’t be, but the new version of Nippert feels like it fits very well with the university’s collection of architecture and offers an environment somewhat uncommon in college football. A point has to go to the UC students. Student season tickets sold out for the year in 2015 and broke the previous sales record by more than a 1,000. Along with the new C-Paw laid out on the students seats, their section in the horseshoe end has a name, The Ruckus. Never hurts to have 4,000 rowdy fans to take the lead on creating that noise and hostile atmosphere. Final Thoughts With UC still (unofficially) prepping for a possible invitation to a Power 5 conference, the experience at Nippert should see continued improvements. Even as Cincinnati now shifts its focus towards the reported $85 million renovation of Fifth Third Arena next door, the football stadium may enter another phase of changes soon. UC’s Athletic Director has mentioned some of those changes already planned, including a new scoreboard and sound system as well as shifting a women’s restroom on the east concourse into a men’s restroom in order to better manage traffic there. Future improvements may include public wi-fi and possibly extending the LED ribbon boards the length of the upper deck. Then there’s also the looming arrival of the professional FC Cincinnati soccer team who are set to use the stadium indefinitely. That club serving as the stadium’s main tenant through the spring and summer may bring its own changes to the environment. Regardless, Nippert Stadium is one of the more unique settings in college football. You’d be well served to catch a game here. For those traveling to town to see the Bengals, if you can line up the schedule between the two teams, it can make for a great weekend of football.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 CAA Arena 265 Cannifton Rd Belleville, ON K8N 4V8 Belleville Senators website CAA Arena website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 4,400 From Bulls to Sens The best word to describe the city of Belleville, Ontario in 2015 was shocked. From 1981 to 2015 the residents supported the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League. Always a bit of an underdog situation with a modest population of just over 50,000, it never seemed that the Bulls were in too much danger. However, it was the changing landscape of the American Hockey League that would really make huge changes in Belleville. The affiliate for the Montreal Canadiens had been in Hamilton, Ontario for a number of years. However, the Canadiens had intentions of bringing their affiliate back to Quebec, in a brand new building to be built in Laval. The long-term survival of the Hamilton franchise was in doubt without the draw of the Canadiens affiliation. It was at that point that Hamilton Bulldogs owner Michael Andlauer made a quick move to simultaneously sell the Bulldogs and purchase the Belleville Bulls and move them to Hamilton to become the Bulldogs of the OHL. Belleville was left without hockey. After two years, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk would purchase the Binghamton Senators and move them to Belleville. Hockey would return in 2017. The franchise was originally christened in New Haven as the Nighthawks. In 1992 they would become the Senators, move to Prince Edward Island in 1993 and then Binghamton in 2002. Home for the Senators is the CAA Arena. Formerly known as the Yardmen Arena, it was originally built in 1978 by the Belleville Yardmen, a group of railroaders who would raise more than $3 million. It is part of the larger Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. With the arrival of the American Hockey League, Yardmen would undergo significant renovations to the tune of over $20 million. The most significant renovations would be to increase the arena capacity and change the size of the ice rink from international dimensions to NHL dimensions. To help placate the costs of the renovations, the city owned arena would sell the naming rights to the arena in 2018 to the Canadian Automobile Association in a seven year deal. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions selection at CAA Arena is strong. Three main concession stands offer different features at each. The Sidney Slice offers pepperoni and cheese pizza slices as well as deluxe nachos, which include beef brisket. The Front Street Grill offers hot dogs, sausage, burgers, chicken burgers, chicken tenders, fries and poutine. The Cannifton Carvery offers beef brisket sandwiches, chili cheese dogs and chili served in a bread bowl. Most stands also offer arena staples like popcorn and candy. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at the CAA Arena. Coffee, water and iced tea are also available. Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Strongbow Cider and Bacardi Breezer are available for fans who wish an alcoholic alternative. Prices are about what one would expect for concessions at minor league hockey. Atmosphere 3 CAA Arena is part of the larger Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. The exterior of the arena itself is not overly spectacular; a dark upper portion with non-descript entrances. The better view of the building is probably from the back side, where fans must enter through Quinte. CAA Arena is not huge or intimidating from the exterior and could probably pass for an industrial building on the exterior. On the inside, the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre brings all of the pieces together. The CAA Arena as well as swimming facilities and other hockey arenas are all joined together with a bright and vibrant concourse. The upper level of the back side of the building will give fans the opportunity to meander through the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. The local sports halls of fame are always fun to explore just to see who can be found. The highlights in Belleville are new inductee Andrew Raycroft and Bobby and Dennis Hull. The arrival of the AHL and Senators in Belleville has brought an updated colour scheme to the CAA Arena. Bright red, white and black entrances into the arena are new and welcoming, even proclaiming to welcome fans home. Inside, the concourses are fairly open giving a consistent view of the ice. The numerous levels featured at CAA Arena offer plenty of little corners and odd spots to view the game which are perfect for the standing room only fan. The south end of the arena offers bar seating and a social area as well as club seating. Upgrades to the arena are noticeable when entering the seating bowl. Lower and upper levels still remain, but the north end of the building has been opened up and numerous seats have been added to increase capacity. Also, fans can see how the ice surface has shrunk down to an NHL size rink. Ice level is fairly wide open now and moving around at the bottom is easy. Older seating is immediately identifiable as the lighter green seats are older than the darker ones. There is nothing wrong with the older seats, but it does give fans a unique perspective on the different iterations of the arena. The brand new video board is above centre ice and at the south end of the arena hangs a simple score clock. The sound system is also new and crystal clear. Unfortunately, remnants of the old Belleville Bulls days are gone. There are no banners hanging to commemorate the old days. The only banner hanging is in the north end and signifies the inaugural 2017-2018 season in the AHL. The game day experience in Belleville is not atypical. A fairly decent selection of music is played during down moments in the game. The Senators employ an in-game host who leads the promotions. Theme nights are also part of the experience. The game that was reviewed featured Super Hero Night and Spider-Man, Iron Man and Deadpool were in attendance and ready for photo ops. Neighbourhood 3 Belleville is not a huge city, but there are a few options for pre and post game fare. CAA Arena is located in a fairly residential area, immediately east of the Moira River. There is not much within walking distance of the arena, so hopping in the car is the best idea. Some of the restaurants fans should consider include the Slapshot Bar & Grill, Quinte Restaurante, Linguine’s, Burger Revolution, Northway Family Restaurant and the Boathouse. In Belleville, the Senators are basically the only game in town. There is not much in the way of other sports in Belleville. As for other activities, heading south toward the lake early in the season will bring fans to a number of different parks. Also, fans may consider the Glanmore National Historic Site. For fans wishing to stay in the Belleville area, there are a number of options. Comfort Inn Belleville and Best Western Belleville are both options to consider. Fans 2 It’s hard to fully get a grasp on the situation in Belleville. All were shocked when the Bulls were sold and moved to Hamilton, but closer analysis sees that the Bulls were consistently near the bottom of the OHL in attendance. The upgrades to the arena have surely helped, but it is hard to say that the situation in Belleville has changed much. Truth be told, AHL hockey is much different than OHL hockey and only time will tell if Belleville truly embraces the AHL experience. In their inaugural season, the Senators averaged just over 3,600 fans per game which ranked them last in the AHL in attendance. In their second season, attendance has fallen off a bit. Although it would seem that the Senators affiliation with Belleville would be a positive, the Senators have been pretty bad in Ottawa in recent years and the fans have been not-so-subtly revolting against owner Eugene Melnyk. It is too early to say that the Senators in Belleville are a failure, but they still have a ways to go to be proven a success. Fans in the stands are pretty reserved and quiet, but do get loud for the big play or goal. Access 4 Getting to the CAA Arena is not difficult at all. For those coming from out of town, CAA Arena is located immediately south of the Macdonald-Cartier Expressway or Highway 401. Fans will not have to travel too much through the city to get there. There is plenty of free parking at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. For those looking for the public transit option, there is a bus stop right in front of the arena. There is also a shuttle bus which runs from the Quinte Mall. Fans are encouraged to check out the Belleville Conventional Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the CAA Arena is not terrible, but the concourses can be on the narrow side and there are plenty of stairs to get around to the different levels of the arena. The washroom facilities are also more than adequate. Return on Investment 4 Going to a Belleville Senators game will not break the bank. Tickets for the Sens will run between $23 and $27. There is a surcharge of $2 for premium games. Parking is free and concession prices are what one would expect. The product on the ice is decent and the game day production is good as well. Extras 3 Two extra marks for the City of Belleville not giving up on hockey after the shock of losing the OHL’s Belleville Bulls. An extra mark for Belleville’s own superfan who dresses up and celebrates each goal with cymbals. He also travels the arena to different sections to share the joy. Final Thoughts The return of hockey to Belleville was absolutely necessary. What the future holds for the Senators will be interesting. The residents of Belleville need to fully embrace the Senators and AHL and get out to the arena to make the Senators at CAA Arena an even better experience. When near Belleville, it is a great plan to check out the CAA Arena and the Belleville Senators. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 AAMI Park Olympic Blvd Melbourne VIC 3001 Australia Melbourne Storm website AAMI Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 30,050 Storm Front in Melbourne AAMI Park is located within the same Melbourne sports precinct as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Melbourne Park (including Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena). The stadium opened in 2010 with a capacity of 30,050 and largely serves the Melbourne Storm (NRL), Melbourne Rebels (Super Rugby), and Melbourne City (A-League). Historically Melbourne’s winter sporting landscape was dominated by AFL, which of course is played on an oval-shaped playing service. However, as rugby league and rugby union began to expand their competitions, along with the explosion of the A-League, it became clear that Melbourne required a purpose-built rectangular stadium. Indeed, AAMI Park was a key selling point of the Melbourne Rebel’s bid to join Super Rugby. Since opening, the stadium has hosted international rugby league, rugby union, and soccer. The distinctive bio-frame domed roof is a unique architectural feature and provides cover for most of the seats, while still allowing natural light through to the field. The Melbourne Storm represented new territory for the National Rugby League (NRL) as the first-ever Victorian-based team when they joined the competition in 1998. At the time a flurry of new teams was formed as the game rushed to nationalize, particularly as News Ltd and the Australian Rugby League fought for control of the administration of the sport. In the end, the Storm has been the only non-traditional market team to survive. While they may have struggled for traction in a market saturated by AFL, the Storm have quickly established themselves as a powerhouse on the field. They have won four grand finals in their short history, however, only two of their premierships are officially recognised. A systematic and secret rorting of the salary cap saw the NRL strip the club of the 2007 and 2009 premierships; an unprecedented severity of punishment in Australian sport. Despite this, the club has rebounded and is led by several of the top players in the league. After moving between the old Olympic Park and Etihad Stadium, the club has found a permanent home at AAMI Park. Food & Beverage 3 There are no real surprises when visiting the concession stands at AAMI Park. The majority of food is confined to mass-prepared hot items such as hot dogs ($6.50), hot chips ($5.80), meat pie ($4.10), large sausage rolls ($5.00), fish and chips ($11.00), chicken and chips ($10.00), beef burgers ($10.50), chicken burgers ($10.50), and dim sims ($5.80). There is also a stand-alone German sausage tent which is the only specialty item available. The cheapest alcoholic beverage available at AAMI Park is a light beer for $7.40 (light in alcohol content), with mid-strength at $7.60 and premium mid at $8.40. Wine ($9.50), cider ($10.50), and pre-mixed spirits ($10.80) are also available. Soft drinks cost $5.40, while carry trays are the usual $1.00, so be sure to reuse them. In general, the service, quality, and variety all rate as average, and the prices are certainly no reason to increase the rating in this section. Atmosphere 4 This modern stadium has a design that offers great views, no matter where you sit – the stadium operators boast of the fact that there are no pillars or supporting concrete beams, resulting in obstruction-free viewing throughout the venue. Likewise, the steep stands keep spectators feeling close to the action, even in the upper deck areas. There are video screens in two corners of the stadium which are adequate, however, I found the score display to be a little small. There is a good feel outside the stadium, with an additional fan zone experience to be found in neighbouring Gosch’s Paddock. The pillars on the lower level concourse feature large pictures of past and present Storm greats. The enclosed stadium roof helps generate an intimate experience that maximizes crowd noise, and AAMI Park also features several environmentally-friendly design features to minimize energy consumption. Neighbourhood 5 One of the strengths of stadium policies in Victoria is accessibility and a centralised location. AAMI Stadium is well within walking distance of the CBD, with a pathway leading directly to the sports precinct at East Melbourne. Given its proximity to the centre of a global city like Melbourne, there are countless options for pre or post-match entertainment. The southern capital is known for being trendy and well-presented; the coffee is great and there is a thriving laneway culture of bars and restaurants. The Southbank area is also a good place to head, with the Crown Casino nearby. In addition, in the opposite direction from AAMI Park in Richmond, which also boasts a bustling nightlife scene. Melbourne also has a wide selection of craft beer bars and craft beer on tap at pretty much every bar, so if good beer is your thing then you will not be disappointed. A must would be Slowbeer in Richmond, as well as Holliava which is quite close to AAMI Park. In terms of attractions and entertainment, there are a variety of nightclubs and bars in the area which are worth investigating. From the rock and roll music venue The Corner Hotel to the rollicking 9T4 bar, there is a bar for any fan. Melbourne Airport is around a 40-minute taxi ride from AAMI Park, and while there are numerous suitable accommodation options within the CBD, the Pullman on the Park is across the road from the sports precinct, offering views of the MCG. Fans 4 In choosing their colours, the Melbourne Storm always intended to choose the traditional navy and white of the state of Victoria. However during the inception phase, it was recommended that several other colours are included to broaden the appeal to the community, and hence purple has since become the defining colour of the club – a unique colour scheme for the NRL. While most native Melbournians have not been raised in rugby league, the passion of the Storm fan base is the equal of most other clubs in the competition. Their average crowds hover around 14,000 to 15,000, which is quite good for the NRL, and especially so for Melbourne. And while the fans may not be as educated on the intricacies of the game, they are loud and supportive of their team. Access 5 The best way to get to AAMI Park from the CBD is by foot, being roughly a pleasant 15-minute stroll. Train stations at both Jolimont and Richmond are good options should you be coming from further afield, and Melbourne also boasts an extensive tram network. Parking close to the stadium is limited, although if you’re willing to walk it is possible to find either street or paid parking in nearby suburbs such as Richmond or even up in Collingwood. If you are catching mass transit be aware that the system operates on a cashless MYKI card that must be bought and pre-loaded with credit. AAMI Park itself is easy to enter, although the steepness of the stands means quite a few stairs. The concourses are a little narrow when congested, but largely it’s easy to move around the exterior and interior of the stadium. The bathrooms are nice and clean, and plentiful. Upon entry expect a brief bag search as is the norm these days. Return on Investment 4 With Category 1 tickets priced over $50 for Adults, this won’t be a cheap day out. However, unreserved General Admission tickets are only $25, which is comparable to other NRL venues. Despite the cost, AAMI Park is well-designed, clean, and modern, and offers a great viewing experience. Extras 3 Additional points for the fan experience and engagement, team store, mascot, cheerleaders, and the multi-faith prayer room – a nice inclusive touch. Final Thoughts Most visitors to Melbourne will be keen to catch an AFL game while in town. By all means, do so, but also make time to see the hometown Melbourne Storm at beautiful AAMI Park.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Blaik Field at Michie Stadium 700 Mills Rd West Point, NY 10996 Army Black Knights website Blaik Field at Michie Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 38,000 The Greatest Gameday in America Virtually every sports fan has a bucket list of venues they would like to visit. Chances are there are some legendary names on these lists, such as Fenway Park, Lambeau Field, St. Andrews or Wimbledon. Some venues that should be on any sports fan’s bucket list lie further off the beaten path. In quaint West Point, New York, a town of only 6,763 people, is a venue that should be on any sports fan’s short list of places to go as you explore the planet. The people who work at Sports Illustrated agree, and they have been to a few places. In 1999 the magazine published a list of their top twenty sports venues of the 20th Century. In third place, behind only the old Yankee Stadium and Augusta National Golf Course, is Blaik Field at Michie Stadium, a small football stadium that seats only 38,000 people, and lacks many modern amenities present in other stadia around the world. In 2007 Sports Illustrated ranked their top college venues for all sports, and again Michie Stadium made the cut, coming in seventh place on this list. How does Michie Stadium find itself in such heady company? Simply put, this is the greatest game day experience in America. Watching an Army football game at Michie Stadium is more than just a game. It is part history lesson, part sporting event, part Fourth of July. Michie Stadium was named after Dennis Michie, class of 1892, who organized, coached, and managed the first football team at West Point in 1890. He was killed in action in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Yes, that is how far back Army football goes, it predates the Spanish-American War. The 2015 season will mark the 125th year that football has been played at West Point. In 1999 the field was named after Earl “Red” Blaik, who coached Army to 3 consecutive national titles from 1944-46. Blaik Field at Michie Stadium celebrated its 100th season in 2014. Only 15 FBS stadiums in the nation, and only six east of the Mississippi, are older than Michie Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Michie Stadium do not stray very far from the basics. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the concessions is that every stand in the stadium is staffed by cadets, who work the stands to raise money for their various extracurricular groups Virtually every concession stand at Michie Stadium has the same menu, featuring hot dogs, nachos, and various snacks such as pretzels, popcorn, cotton candy, and cracker jacks. Coca-Cola products are featured at Michie Stadium, and can be purchased in popular souvenir mugs which feature free refills throughout the game. Fans looking for a little variety can find unique items at temporary stands located in the southeast entry plaza, where cheesesteaks, pizza, and sausage sandwiches can be purchased. Concessions stands tucked in behind the north end zone feature chicken nuggets, pulled pork sandwiches, French fries, and onion rings. Overall, the quality of the food at Michie Stadium is good, and the prices are comparable to other venues in the area. Atmosphere 5 The gameday atmosphere here at the Army academy takes a back seat to no other venue in the nation. It all starts six hours before kickoff, when the parking lots open for fans. Many fans do indeed arrive as early as six a.m. to set up their tailgates and begin the day’s festivities. While the tailgating scene at West Point is an active one, the experience is not the party atmosphere that you may experience at other schools in the country. This is a military base, after all. Many fans arrive early to watch the Cadet Review on “The Plain.” A full-dress cadet parade takes place three hours before every home game, weather permitting. Other fans opt to explore areas of the campus such as Fort Putnam, one of a series of forts and redoubts which date all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Another pregame option for Army football fans is Black Knights Alley, a fan fest which runs along Mills Road between Michie Stadium and Lusk Reservoir. Black Knights Alley features live music, an inflatable park, food and beer tents, the Army Football Tailgate Show, and other vendors. It’s a popular gathering spot for fans before the game, and watching the Army band and football team enter the stadium through a gauntlet of cadets is a highlight of the festivities. Things really get going about a half hour before kickoff. If visiting Michie Stadium for the first time, you will definitely want to be in your seat to witness the pregame show the Army puts on. To begin, the Cadet Regiment marches onto the field. Over 1,000 cadets take the field in formation to accompany the Cadet Glee Club and Army Band in the playing of the national anthem. The highlight for many fans comes next, as several Cadet Paratroopers jump from a helicopter, delivering the game ball and flags to Michie Stadium. Once the parachuters arrive, the Army football team takes the field, accompanied by the Army Rabble Rousers, mascots, American flag, and the week’s unit flag. Every week the team honors a different unit by wearing their patch on the game jerseys. As the team takes the field, they head over to the cadet seating section, where the team and fans salute each other before the game begins. The energy level does not wane throughout the game, thanks in large part to the efforts of the cadets who pack the east stands dressed in fatigues. The sight of 4,000 cadets standing throughout the game is a sight to behold. Every score by the Army team sets off a celebration, which includes the firing of the cannon located on the far shore of Lusk Reservoir, and the cheerleading squad taking the field to do push-ups. The greater the score of the game, the more push-ups the squad must perform. Neighborhood 4 The town of West Point is a small, quaint town of under 7,000 residents. Located about an hour’s drive north of New York City, the town of West Point is dominated by the Military Academy. Fans traveling from out of town will find no shortage of places to stay in the towns surrounding the Academy. Beyond the Military Academy, the Hudson Valley area surrounding West Point is a favorite spot in the fall to take in some incredible foliage. Bear Mountain State Park is a destination for hiking and other outdoor activities, and tours of the West Point campus are popular with sports fans and history buffs alike. Fans 5 Fans at Army football games are a mix of cadets, families, veterans, and football fans. Visiting fans travel from across the country to take in an Army football game, and it’s not unusual to find yourself sitting among families of cadets featuring generations of army vets from all over the country. Even if there was not a single civilian football fan in attendance, Michie Stadium would still rate well in this category due solely to the outstanding presence of the student body. The cadets, over 4,000 strong, pack the east stands and bring constant noise and energy to the stadium. The cadets stand throughout the game, taking a break only at halftime. The cadet section is so entertaining that at times it is easy to be so distracted as to forget all about the action taking place on the field. Access 4 With West Point’s rural location and necessary security measures, expect entering the Academy to take a little extra time. All things considered, the security measures in place can hardly be considered intrusive. Parking lots are scattered throughout the campus, some of which are located some distance from Michie Stadium. Lots are color coded, with different roads providing access to the different colored lots. Detailed directions can be found here . Numerous shuttles roam the campus taking fans from their respective lots to Michie Stadium. With the West Point campus located only 50 miles from New York City, there are no shortage of methods to arrive at the Army Academy. If driving, the campus is near I-87 and the Palisades Parkway. Bus service is available from the New York City Port Authority to the West Point Visitors Center, and rail service is available from Grand Central Station to Garrison, NY, right across the Hudson River from the campus. For fans looking for a unique method of transportation to an Army football game, ferries depart from greater New York to the West Point campus every game day. The seating area at Michie Stadium consists entirely of bleacher seating without backs. Seat cushions and chairbacks are available for rental. While walking around the stadium it is clear to see that it was expanded in a piecemeal fashion, as the different sections do not flow seamlessly. There are concourses underneath the stands in parts of the stadium, but to get around one must navigate a walkway located at the front of the seating bowl. If sitting in the first few rows, expect your view to be blocked by a steady stream of pedestrians. Opt for seats a little higher up for a better view. There are many concession stands and restrooms located throughout the stadium, and dare I say that lines move with military precision throughout the game, even at halftime. Still, many fans try and avoid these areas during these peak times. Unfortunately, getting back to your vehicle after the game can be most problematic. There are marked areas around the stadium at which fans can take shuttle buses back to their respective parking lots. With the limited roads around the stadium and the crush of fans all trying to get out simultaneously, the system bogs down easily. With the age of Michie Stadium and the organized nature of the Army, one might think the system would work more smoothly. With only a few ways off the base, departing your parking lot may also take a little while. Be sure to give yourself enough time to leave West Point after the game. Return on Investment 4 Army football utilizes variable pricing for their home games, with prices ranging from $35 to $50 for upper level or corner seats. Lower level seats range in price from $45 to $55. Parking in the various lots around campus costs $15 when purchased in advance, and $20 on game day. Purchasing in advance increases your odds of parking in a lot closer to Michie Stadium. Extras 5 Few, if any, sports venues in the country can match the history and pageantry that go along with a football game at West Point. First time visitors to Michie Stadium should be sure to set aside enough time to tour some of the campus, and to be sure to be inside the stadium in time to catch the pregame festivities. Visiting this area during the fall when the leaves are changing color makes for a most breathtaking view, and it’s no wonder that the area is a popular destination this time of year. From the pregame paratroopers dropping from the sky to deliver the game ball to the finale, where both teams gather in front of their respective fan bases to sing their fight songs, an Army football game is full of traditions that just cannot be found elsewhere. It is truly a special place in the world of college football. Final Thoughts “There is nothing like being at Michie Stadium on the banks of the Hudson River with the leaves changing during the third weekend in October. The scenery is incredible. And how about the inspiration drawn from being at such a historic landmark? You see the statues of MacArthur, Patton and Eisenhower. Then on game day morning, you have the pleasure of witnessing the Cadet Parade. And how about when the cadets sing ‘On Brave Old Army Team’? That is an unbelievable moment.” –Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com “West Point is all about chills, goosebumps and sentimentality. When you enter one of the Academy’s four gates, be prepared for a battle of the senses that is sure to be fought on several emotional levels. Army is power and strength, patriotism and pride, sad memories and hope-presented in a pastoral masterpiece.” –The Sporting News It’s almost surreal how the two disparate worlds of the military and typical college life intersect here at Michie Stadium. Take away the military fatigues and the historic surroundings, and those cadets dancing in the Black Knights Alley could be just another group of 18-22 year old students at State U. That group of cadets cheering on a young boy trying to reach the summit of the inflatable rock wall are just trying to enjoy a day of harmless distractions away from the responsibilities of the classroom. The difference here is that these young men and women have signed up to defend our nation and are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. Win or lose, one is sure to leave Michie Stadium with a renewed sense of pride and confidence in the future of America. “I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.” –Gen. George C. Marshall Follow Paul Baker’s Stadium Journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 William B. Greene Jr. Stadium 1244 Jack Vest Dr Johnson City, TN 37614 East Tennessee State Buccaneers website William B. Greene Jr. Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 7,694 The Bucs Fans Stop Here East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911. It is the 4th largest university in Tennessee with a student body of over 14,000 students. It primarily offers a liberal arts curriculum, although it does have a separate medical school and school for allied health (public health, nursing, pharmacy, and physiology). The school’s football team is known as the Buccaneers, and they are members of the Southern Conference. The football program at the school first started in 1920, but there have been several interruptions in the program over the years. The school did not field a team during the years of World War II, and from 2003-2015 due to financial limitations. The team had to play the 2015-2016 while the new on campus stadium was being built. Over the years, the Bucs have won four conference championships (two in the Ohio Valley Conference and two in the Southern Conference). The team finally moved into the William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium in time for the 2017 season. The stadium is horseshoe shaped with one end of the stadium built into a hillside. The north end of the stadium features a grass berm, where fans can bring a blanket or beach towel to sit on. The seating capacity for the stadium is 7,649 including 9 skyboxes. The field has artificial turf, as the area is subject to heavy winter storms late in the season. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stands at Greene Stadium are found at the plaza level on both side of the stadium. They offer the typical stadium foods including pizza ($4) popcorn ($4), nachos with chili cheese and jalapenos ($6), pretzels ($4), hot dogs ($4), candy ($3), chips ($3), and peanuts ($3). Drink selections include bottled water ($4), Pepsi brand fountain drinks ($4) and coffee/hot chocolate ($3). Beer is not sold at Greene Stadium. Atmosphere 4 Even though the hiatus period from 2003-2015 was tragic for ETSU football, it allowed the school some time to plan and construct a very well-designed stadium. The location of the stadium is very dramatic, as Buffalo Mountain is stunning, especially when it is in full fall color. The designers also took advantage of the natural terrain, building the stadium into the side of a hill, allowing one end of the stadium to include a very popular berm seating area. They also could include two very important traditions in the stadium design, as the Bank of Tennessee Arch is a salute to the program’s past, while the Foundation Rocks are symbolic of the program’s future. Bank of Tennessee Arch, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The use of the terrain in the design is also important, as it brings the stands very close to the action on the field. All the auxiliary elements such as bathrooms, merchandise tables and restrooms can be located on the broad entry plazas. It is very apparent to visiting fans that the William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium is a very well-designed venue. Neighborhood 4 William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium is tucked into the southwestern corner of the ETSU campus at the base of Buffalo Mountain. The campus is adjacent to downtown Johnson City. The northern border of the ETSU campus is located along State of Franklin Street, one of the main thoroughfares in the city. The street features many restaurants, including Cootie Brown’s Campus, as well as hotels like the Carnegie Hotel. Johnson City is the 8th largest city in Tennessee, and it features many attractions for visitors. These include the on-campus Carter Railroad Museum and the Museum of Ancient Brick, as well as off campus sites such as the Tipton-Haynes State Historical Site and the Bristol Motor Speedway in nearby Bristol, TN. Fans 4 The fans at ETSU games play a huge difference in firing the team up. The stadium is nearly full for every event, as the student body and the alums at the game are also supplemented by the many Johnson City residents who either work for the school or have a family relationship with the program. The fans also want to make sure the program never goes on hiatus again. Fans arrive early for games, as tailgating is very popular at ETSU. Many families head to the Food City Fan Fest, as there are games to play, inflatables, and face painting for the little ones. It also is along the route for the Buc Walk. The athletic department and the spirit groups at the university have built some great traditions into the gameday activities. The first of these is the Buc Walk. It takes place two hours prior to kickoff, as the team makes its way from the athletics building to the stadium. They are accompanied by Bucky, the team’s pirate mascot, the ETSU cheerleaders and the Marching Bucs Band. Their route takes them through the campus via the alumni gathering tents and the Food City Fan Fest. It is a great way to fire up the fans and the team. Buc Walk, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The second tradition takes place when the team arrives at the stadium. The Bank of Tennessee Arch sits atop the seating bowl and looks out over the field. The Arch is a nod to the arches at Memorial Stadium, football’s home long ago. The team understands that it is critical to walk through the arch on the way to the locker room. Even the fans practice this tradition. The third tradition features a pair of boulders that were unearthed during stadium construction. They are known as the Foundation Rocks and represent the strong foundation the football program is now built on. The players rub the rock in the end zone on the playing field just before the game kicks off, Fans can rub a companion rock up near the entry plaza to ensure good luck in the game. The color gold is very important to ETSU fans and faithful. The team has always had the color somehow incorporated into their uniforms. Special games (homecoming/ championship games/rivalry games) always bring the “Gold Out” uniforms. The school has also planted gingko trees around the perimeter of the stadium, as they turn a brilliant gold color in the fall… just in time for football season. Access 5 Getting to a Bucs game is easy, and William B Greene, Jr Stadium is also very easy to navigate. Directions to parking for ETSU home games: FROM I-26: Exit at Exit 23 (East Market Street) Head West on East Market Street (Hwy 91). Turn left onto Colonial Way. Turn right onto East State of Franklin Street and go 1.7 miles. Street will become West State of Franklin Road. East Tennessee State University will be on your left. Turn into campus at John Robert Bell Drive. Turn right into Parking Garage. Directional signs will guide you to pregame activities and William B Greene, Jr Stadium. Once you have parked and spent some time at the Food City Fans Funfest, it is a short walk over to the stadium. The stadium opens two hours prior to kickoff, so you have plenty of time to settle in. You will enter through a plaza which sits atop the seating bowl. Make sure you pass through the Bank of Tennessee Arch and rub the Foundation Rock before you go in, as these are considered good luck actions for the Buccaneers football team. Along the plaza you will find the concession stands, a very well stocked team store and the restrooms. After you’ve loaded up and made a pit stop it’s time to settle into your seat. For the most part, the stadium seating is aluminum bench seating. It is a good idea to bring a seat cushion. If you are interested in visiting the other side of the stadium, that is not a problem, as there is a paved walkway at the plaza level that takes you around the top of the seating bowl to the other side. Return on Investment 5 Going to a Bucs game will not break the bank, as the cost of tickets, concession prices and parking are very reasonable. Tickets run from $10 General Admission tickets (berm seating in the end zone) up to $50 (individual stadium seats at the 50-yard line) All other seats are $30 -$40 for bleacher seating with tickets closer to the 50-yard line costing more than ticket closer to the goal line to the 20-yard line. The prices at the concession stands are very reasonable. Parking is available in the parking deck just off State of Franklin Road for $10. Hotels can be pricier on gameday weekends due the limited supply of rooms in Johnson City. You can expect to find hotel/motel rooms for $130 on game weekends. Extras 5 The Bucs played in the on campus Memorial Stadium from 1977 – 2003. It was a domed structure with an artificial turf field. The students jokingly called the building the “mini dome” It was not considered for a return to use by the football team when the program restarted due to its small size. The building has been retrofitted and is used by the sports medicine department, a few of the indoor sports, and some departments within the athletic administration. While the new stadium was being built, the Bucs played one of their games at the nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. It attracted the largest crowd in ETSU history. Unfortunately, it has an * in the record books, as the game was played at an off-campus venue. Mountain Dew was invented in Johnson City and is available at all Buccaneer athletic events. East Tennessee State’s rivalry game each year is against the Western Carolina University Catamounts. It is known as the Blue Ridge Border War due to each school’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The ETSU Marching Bucs, the ETSU Dance Squad and Flag Squad and the ETSU Cheerleading Squads deserve their own Extra for working seamlessly together to keep the energy level high throughout the Bucs football games. Final Thoughts William B Greene, Jr Stadium is a terrific venue in which to enjoy a Bucs football game. The natural beauty of the setting, the great traditions ETSU has built into the program, the berm seating behind the end zone and ETSU Marching Band’s non-stop involvement in the game all add up to a very enjoyable day for the fans.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stadio Artemio Franchi Viale Manfredo Fanti, 4 Florence, Tuscany 50137 Italy ACF Fiorentina website Stadio Artemio Franchi website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 47,282 For Fiorentina The Artemio Franchi Stadium is the largest sports center in Florence and the scene of the home matches of Fiorentina. Wanted by the Marquis Luigi Ridolfi da Verrazzano and designed by the architect Pier Luigi Nervi, it was built in two steps between 1930 and 1932. Officially opened on September 13, 1931, during the match Fiorentina vs Admira Vienna, it was initially dedicated to Giovanni Francesco Berta and then it was called with the generic name of “Stadio Comunale” after World War II and, from November 1991, it was named Artemio Franchi. Since its inception it has invoked the attention of athletes and designers due to some architectural solutions considered innovative at the time; the spiral ramps to access some areas, the coverage of the main grandstand without intermediate supports, the 55 meter tower that stands in the middle of the “Tribuna Maratona”. The venue has hosted some matches of the World Cup in 1934, Olympic Games in 1960, and European Football Championships in 1968. After restructuring to eliminate the athletics track where Sebastian Coe on June 10th 1981 had marked the world record in the 800-meters, the venue also hosted the World Cup in 1990. The stadium has also been host to some Italian rugby matches of Six Nations. In particular Italia vs Australia played on November 24th 2012. Throughout its history it has been the site of major concerts: Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Vasco Rossi, etc. Food & Beverage 3 The prices of food and drink are in accordance with other Italian stadiums. For coffee we spent €1, and for a sandwich €3.50. Fans can buy popcorn, chips, ice cream, cakes, and various drinks (that are served in paper cups, because inside the stadium bottles and cans are prohibited). During the game some sellers pass through the spectators. Outside the stadium, but only during competitions, there are peddlers of typical sandwiches; sandwiches with “porchetta”, “trippa” and “lampredotto”. Atmosphere 4 Before each competition the speakers spread the anthem of the home team, “Ale Ale Fiorentina”. The audience participates by clapping to the rhythm of the song. The covered areas are those with access from viale Manfredo Fanti. Both curves and the “Tribuna Maratona” are uncovered. The minimum distance between the playing field and the areas of “Parterre Tribuna” and “Parterre Maratona” is only about 2 or 3 meters. The area reserved for fans of the visiting team is located between “Tribuna Maratona” and “Curva Ferrovia”. A lighted board is behind “Curva Ferrovia”. The most awaited matches are those versus Juventus, Milan, Inter, Roma and Lazio. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located in the neighborhood “Campo di Marte”, at the eastern outskirts of Florence. In addition to Artemio Franchi, in this part of the town there are the sports hall (basketball, volleyball, etc.), the stadium for athletics, swimming pools and other sports facilities. Furthermore, there are restaurants and pizzerias, pubs and cafes, as well as guest accommodations. In conclusion, it’s a great place to wait for the start of the match or spend time out of the stadium. Fans 4 Fans that are the most passionate about the team are in “Curva Fiesole”. During some special occasions they are the authors of suggestive choreographies by using colorful flags and banners. The Fiorentina’s fans – these are the warmest of Italy – stand out because they wear t-shirts, caps and scarves colored in purple (gadgets that fans can buy in the benches outside the stadium). Access 3 Reaching the stadium is very simple. The railway station “Firenze Campo di Marte” is about 500 meters away. Local public transport, called “Ataf”, links from the city center to this neighborhood. For those who come from out of town and travel by car, my advice is to leave the A1 highway at “Firenze Sud” (coming both from Naples and Milan) and follow the signs for “Stadio”. It’s more difficult to find parking especially when big matches are planned, so take the train if you can. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from a minimum of €17 for curves and the area of visiting supporters, to a maximum of €140 for “Tribuna d’Onore”. In general, both in “Tribuna Centrale” and “Tribuna Maratona”, ticket prices are much cheaper as we move in the direction of the two curves. In the case of friendly matches, prices can drop to €5 or €10. Extras 3 In Florence there is the Federal Technical Center of Coverciano, the venue of the Italian National football team as well as the Football Museum. The latter is open from Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday only by appointment. There are plenty of other great choices for visitors including the “Ponte Vecchio” and “Campanile di Giotto”, “Duomo” and “Palazzo Vecchio”. Florence is truly one of the great tourist destinations. It’s raining and have you forgotten the raincoat? No problem, fans can buy one for €5 at the bar inside the stadium.

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

Photos by Paul Baker Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tate Rink Lonesome Rd. West Point, NY 10996 Army West Point Golden Knights website Tate Rink website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 2,648 Hockey Knight in West Point “West Point is all about chills, goosebumps, and sentimentality. When you enter one of the Academy’s four gates, be prepared for a battle of the senses that is sure to be fought on several emotional levels. Army is power and strength, patriotism and pride, sad memories and hope-presented in a pastoral masterpiece.”–The Sporting News Located in the shadows of renowned Michie Stadium , Tate Rink was built to replace the gigantic ice surface at Smith Rink, which had been home to Army hockey since 1930. Tate Rink is named for Joseph S. Tate ’41 and Frederic H. S. Tate ’42, brothers and pilots who were both killed during combat in World War II. Tate Rink is part of the Holleder Center, which also houses Christl Arena and the Black Knights’ basketball team. The Holleder Center is named in honor of Major Donald W. Holleder ’56, an All-American football and basketball player who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1967. Hockey has been played at West Point since 1903. The Black Knights currently compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association. The team won one conference championship, in 2008. Army hockey has yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stands at Tate Rink are tucked away behind the stairs that bring fans up into the Holleder Center lobby. The menu is limited to your basic arena fare, including hot dogs and nachos. In addition, hungry Black Knight fans will find cotton candy, popcorn, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and assorted candy here. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Holleder Center. Many fans will choose the attractive souvenir mug for six dollars. Also located in this area are a Dippin’ Dots cart and a pretzel cart. Fans looking for something a little more substantial will head over to the secondary lobby, located past the Hall of Captains, where The Grill serves up additional items. Chicken tenders, french fries, sausage, pepper sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and burgers can be found here. Atmosphere 3 Fans who have been to Michie Stadium for an Army football game will be disappointed at the relative lack of pageantry and ceremony here. Still, there is something special about attending a game at one of the service academies. At Tate Rink, the game is the main focus. There aren’t a whole lot of extraneous features here at West Point. Unlike many other college hockey venues, there is no pep band or cheerleading squad to distract fans. Disappointingly, there is no student section filled with Cadets. The simple gameday presentation will undoubtedly please hockey purists. There is only a simple dot matrix scoreboard hanging at center ice, which displays basic game information. A large video board at the far end of the rink shows game highlights, advertisements, and graphics. If you come to a game against one of the Army’s big rivals or another service academy, expect a much livelier atmosphere at Tate Rink. Neighborhood 3 The town of West Point is a small, quaint town of under 7,000 residents. Located about an hour’s drive north of New York City, the town of West Point is dominated by the Military Academy. Fans traveling from out of town will find no shortage of places to stay in the towns surrounding the Academy. Beyond the Military Academy, the Hudson Valley area surrounding West Point is a favorite spot in the fall to take in some incredible foliage. Bear Mountain State Park is a destination for hiking and other outdoor activities, and tours of the West Point campus are popular with sports fans and history buffs alike. During the winter months of the hockey season, the ski lodges of the Adirondack Mountains are only a couple of hours away. With Tate Rink’s location on a military base, visitors will have to travel a short distance off-base before encountering any locations for lodging or dining. Fans 3 Army averages between 1,700-1,800 fans per game at Tate Rink, which places them in the bottom quarter of all the Division One teams nationwide. The Black Knights enjoy strong support from residents, who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support of the team. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be much support from the student body here. The support and antics of the Cadet section, which adds so much to the Army football experience, are sorely missed here. Access 3 When planning a trip to Tate Rink, keep in mind that this is an active military base, so give yourself a little extra time to arrive, as there is added security at the entrance to West Point. Located in the shadow of Michie Stadium, the Holleder Center is home to the Army hockey and basketball teams. With its gray concrete shell, it looks very much like a product of the 1980s. What Tate Rink lacks in warmth and creature comforts, it makes up for in tradition. Parking lots are located a short walk from the entrance to the Holleder Center. Fans must navigate several flights of stairs from the lot to the arena. Be warned, it’s a long walk back uphill to get to your car after the game, and the area is not well-lit. Watching the children in attendance try and scale the steep hillside is almost worth the cost of admission in itself. Fans will enter the Holleder Center into a small lobby, where the ticket offices are located. A pair of staircases take fans up to the main lobby, located between Tate Rink and the Cristal Center. A pair of hallways off this main lobby leads to the seating area. Seats at Tate Rink consist of a pair of grandstands that run the length of the rink. The seating area is a bit unusual in that the first row of seats is located eight feet above ice level. This elevated perch, along with the steep pitch of the grandstand, ensure that all seats have a great view of the ice. The first few rows of seats consist of black plastic folding stadium seats, with the upper-level seating consisting of metal bleachers. There is no seating at the ends of the rink. Return on Investment 4 The army utilizes flexible pricing for their games at Tate Rink. Depending on the game you attend, expect to pay between $10 and $20 for chairback seats and between $9 and $15 for bleacher seats. Detailed pricing information can be found on the Army hockey website . Parking is free in the lots next to the Holleder Center. Concession prices are in line with other arenas in the area. Extras 5 It is doubtful that there is a campus anywhere in the United States that can match the history that surrounds when you step foot on the West Point campus. Campus tours operate seven days a week, highlighting many of the campus’ prominent and noteworthy features. It is recommended that if visiting Tate Rink, you carve out some extra time to explore the campus. In the early fall months of the hockey season, the scenery around campus is breathtaking. The West Point Museum contains comprehensive displays on the history of the United States Military, the Academy, and a most impressive collection of old weaponry. Be sure to make time to take in as much of the history available here as you can. Once inside the Holleder Center, be sure to check out the Hall of Captains, where plaques commemorating every captain for every varsity sport in the history of West Point line the hallway. In addition, photos of every hockey team to represent West Point line the hallways at Tate Rink. Banners honoring legendary coach Jack Riley and his successor, his son Brian, hang from the rafters. Final Thoughts While Tate Rink lacks many of the creature comforts that dominate newer hockey rinks, there is an old-school sensibility here that makes taking in a game at West Point an enjoyable experience. Excellent sightlines and an intimate seating area only add to the enjoyment. Tate Rink’s location on one of the most historic campuses in the country only adds to its allure. It’s an arena that should be included on any hockey fan’s wish list. “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory” –General Douglas MacArthur Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Moretz Stadium 1811 N Center St Hickory, NC 28601 Lenoir-Rhyne Bears website Moretz Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 7,500 Between the Bricks at Moretz Fresh off an $18 million stadium renovation that included new stands on the west side, an updated press box, a new videoboard and VIP suites, plus new concessions and restrooms, Lenoir-Rhyne football enters its 116th season poised for success. Known as football “Between the Bricks”, due to the brick construction of their stadium’s stands, the Bears football program began in 1907 and boasts four Championship appearances and five bowl appearances. Currently competing in the South Atlantic Conference of the NCAA’s Division II, the Bears have gone 28-4 over the past three seasons, so the future is definitely looking bright. Lenoir-Rhyne’s home field, Moretz Stadium in Hickory, NC, opened in 1924 and currently has a capacity of 7,500. Food & Beverage 3 Moretz Stadium doesn’t offer a huge selection of food and beverage items at its concessions stands, but there is plenty to get you by, and there are multiple stands on each side so lines don’t get too long. On offer there are Chick-fil-A sandwiches ($6), Domino’s pizza ($8), and hot dogs ($4), plus nachos with cheese ($5), pretzels ($4), peanuts, candy, chips, or popcorn ($3 each for the latter four). Drinks include bottled water, bottled Pepsi products, and Gatorade, also for $3 each. Atmosphere 4 Moretz Stadium has a great tailgating atmosphere both in the main parking lot and behind the stadium on the practice field – plenty of fans are out in force long before kickoff, grilling out, playing cornhole, and tossing footballs around, and generally just soaking up the great atmosphere. The facility also feels new and shiny clean, pleasant to walk around and with lots of different vantage points to watch the game from, from the broad concourse above the stands on the east side, to the rowdy Bears student section behind the end zone, to the shady west side with it black chairback seats in some sections. Bears Student Section, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey The band and mascot also do a great job entertaining fans – the band plays great music and does their signature L-R spellout, while the mascot, Joe Bear, can be seen parading along the west side and revving up the students in end zone. There are also fireworks which go off after every L-R score, and on special occasions they even have a flyover before the game and fireworks after. Neighborhood 5 Hickory, NC is probably the perfect size city – big enough that there are plenty of restaurant and shopping options, including a mall, but small enough that you don’t have to fight too much traffic. About an hour west of Winston-Salem and an hour northwest of Charlotte, Hickory provides a rural feel with lots of greenery and hills, and plenty to offer the outdoor enthusiast, including activities on the nearby Rhodhiss Lake (which is shaped much more like a river). The most popular restaurant option for Bears’ fans in town is Kickback Jack’s , which claims to be the only eatery in town with L-R sports “always on”, showing Bears contests on multiple TVs inside, making it a great place to hang out before or after the game. Kickback Jack’s is a sports bar that offers steak, seafood, burgers, and other pub fare, and boasts a great atmosphere inside. It is also a local chain restaurant (with locations in NC and VA only), making it a great option if you are visiting the area from further away. Fans 3 The fans are great at Moretz Stadium, especially in the student section where the most diehard can be seen sitting on the wall behind the end zone with their legs hanging over. There are also a good number of opposing fans in attendance on the east side, which is more common at this level of football given how close the schools tend to be to each other. Access 5 Moretz Stadium is easy to get to and even easier to move around – located on Lenoir-Rhyne’s campus in a quieter part of town (read less traffic), there are multiple roads that come right up to the stadium. If you have a parking pass you can park in the lot right in front of the stadium, which is open for tailgating, or you can park on one of the streets near the stadium and walk up. There is a ticket window on the left side of the main entrance, with will call in a tent set up on the right side; there is also an entrance on the back side of the stadium if you come in that way. Once you get into the stadium there is plenty of room to move around – the concourses are wide and there is plenty of standing room. The new restrooms are also plentiful and easy to access, and there are new VIP suites in each corner of the south end zone, if you want to get away from the elements. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Lenoir-Rhyne football start at just $20, which is a great deal for the beautiful facility you get to enjoy. Plus, with the Bears playing so well of late, you will have the chance to see some great action on the field. Extras 3 Moretz Stadium offers the typical amenities on average days, such as the band and the mascot, and things like t-shirt tosses during breaks in the action. However, be on the lookout for the special occasion games that include bonuses such as fireworks and the plane flyover (which will be advertised by the school well in advance). But even without those special items, a trip to watch L-R football is more than worthwhile – go Between the Bricks when you can!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 John A. Ryan Arena 1 Paramount Place Watertown, MA 02742 Bentley Falcons hockey website John A. Ryan Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 1,250 Hockey in the JAR-o The John A. Ryan Arena, or JAR as it is known locally, is a public skating arena located in the Boston suburb of Watertown, MA. In addition to serving as the home of the Bentley University Falcons, the JAR is home for several local high school teams and local youth hockey teams. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small snack bar located near the entrance to the Ryan Arena. Only your basic items are available here, with the menu consisting of pizza slices ($2.50), nachos ($4.00), and hot dogs ($2.75). Fans looking for snacks will be happy to find pretzels ($3.50), cotton candy ($3.00), candy bars ($1.50), and fried dough ($4.00) available. Cans of Coca-Cola products ($1.50) are available for purchase, but most fans choose coffee or hot chocolate ($2.00) to help deal with the very cold temperatures inside the JAR. Many fans in attendance opted to bring in their own hot drinks from the local Dunkin’ Donuts. As you might expect from a small snack bar, the food offerings are chosen for their value, not their quality. Atmosphere 1 The atmosphere inside the JAR is about what you would expect when you attend a game at a local rink. Standard arena rock plays over a tinny PA system during play stoppages, not one, but two mascots roam around, and there is a decent turnout from the student body. Unfortunately, for the most part, students do not sit in an organized section, gathering in small groups to watch the game. As a result, their cheers and taunts tend to be disorganized, and fall flat. For most of the game, the crowd is rather quiet, making for a lifeless experience. In fact, despite the fact that I was seated three sections away, I could clearly hear Bentley’s play-by-play commentator describing the action on the ice. Neighborhood 3 The town of Watertown may be best known today as the site of the gunfight and apprehension of the Boston Marathon bombers that effectively shut down greater Boston for the better part of 24 hours in April 2013. When not in the news, Watertown is a working class suburb known for its quiet neighborhoods, diverse population, and good public schools. The JAR is located in a commercial area in downtown Watertown. Within a short distance are several grocery stores, shops, and places to stop and grab a bite to eat. While Watertown is hardly considered a destination city, there is more than enough to keep local fans happy and occupied. Given Watertown’s proximity to Boston, most fans from out of town should choose to explore the nearby city rather than remain in Watertown. Fans 2 Crowds for Bentley hockey games average somewhere in the range of 400-600 per game. Shuttle busses are available to bring students to the JAR from the nearby campus, and there is usually a decent turnout from the student body. The student section at the JAR is known as the “Falcons’ Nest”, but unfortunately most students seat themselves in small groups throughout the seating area. As a result, there is no cohesive voice coming from the stands. What chants and taunts that students do try and muster up end up disorganized and flat. There does not seem to be a lot of representation from the greater Boston hockey community at Bentley games, as crowds lag greatly behind other area programs. For the most part, Falcon crowds appear to be of the “friends and family”variety. Access 3 While the Bentley University campus is located in Waltham, MA, the Ryan Skating Arena is located in the neighboring town of Watertown, MA, a short ten minute drive from the Bentley campus. The town of Watertown is located six miles outside of Boston on the northern bank of the Charles River. Being this close to Boston, Watertown has several public transportation options. While the Boston subway system, known locally as the “T”, does not serve Watertown directly, Falcon fans looking to use public transportation to get to Ryan Arena will find several MBTA bus lines serving the area around the arena. In fact, Bus 558 has a stop at the corner of Paramount Place, just a short block away from the Ryan Arena. Other busses are available to transport people to and from downtown Boston. Fans driving to the arena (which is not recommended in the narrow, congested streets of most Boston suburbs) will take Interstate 90, also known as the Mass Pike. Exit 17 will deposit you about a mile from the arena. Return on Investment 3 A trip to the Ryan Arena will certainly not break the bank. Free parking is available in the small lot adjacent to the rink. Be sure that you actually park in the Ryan Arena lot, as several other lots near the rink belong to local businesses, and they advertise an aggressive towing policy. Tickets to Bentley games are affordably priced at $7 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Concessions are reasonably priced, and fans have the option to bring in their own beverages if they choose. Extras 0 The hockey experience at the JAR is as bare bones as you will find anywhere in Division One. Final Thoughts Given the amount of top-notch college and professional hockey available in the greater Boston area, Bentley has a hard time attracting a whole lot of attention for their program. Fans who travel to the Boston area with limited time and resources would be well advised to concentrate their efforts at the other wonderful arenas in the area. Those fans who enjoy traveling to many different arenas will find the Ryan Arena a serviceable, no-frills facility. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Columbus Civic Center 400 4th St. Columbus, GA 31901 Columbus Lions website Columbus Civic Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 7,573 It's Football Time in the Civic Center The state of Georgia is well known for its love of football – from Friday nights under the lights at high school fields around the state to Saturdays on college campuses or Sundays at Mercedes Benz Stadium , there is no denying Georgia’s love of football. While Georgians have a deep love affair with the game in its traditional form, the alternative forms of the game have found a niche audience in the west central Georgia city of Columbus. Columbus, Georgia has been a fixture on the arena football landscape since 2007, when the initial incarnation of the Lions would play in the World Indoor Football League. Since that time, the Lions have played in seven different indoor football leagues, finding their most recent home as members of American Indoor Football (AIF). Over the years Columbus has shown itself to be one of the more formidable teams regardless of the league they played in – the Lions have made the playoffs in all but one of their seasons, and have won four league championships. Arena football’s core rules are similar to typical football, but the limited size of the playing surface (50 yards long and just over 28 yards wide) calls for specialized rules to compensate for the restricted space the game is played. Some rule differences are evident right away, such as 8 players per side and different pre-snap motion rules. Other rule changes regarding defensive stunts and blitzing might not be as obvious right away, but overall the rules here are designed to emphasize scoring, to create an exciting game experience.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Columbus Civic Center are a mix of traditional stadium fare and a touch of local options. The basic concession stands have a limited menu that includes nacho chips with cheese sauce, popcorn, bottled Pepsi products, and Gatorade. Pepsi vending machines are also widely available around the concourse. The line at Chester’s BBQ & Grille should be a good sign that it is probably the best bet when it comes to concessions here; Chester’s has a wide selection of chicken tenders, wings, BBQ sandwiches, and just good old scoops of meat (yes, this is an actual menu option). Chester’s is the best bet to get a decent arena meal at a fair price, including several combo meals that offer a well-discounted price. Besides Chester’s, a combo concession stand serves a limited menu from Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, while the other side serves cones from ice cream chain Bruster’s.  Pizza is also served at The Pizza Place, but $7 for a slice does seem a bit steep. Full-service bar stations are set up on the exterior concourse on each side of the arena and offer fans domestic beers, mixed cocktails, wine, Nutrl vodka seltzers, and cans of Cutwater premixed cocktails.   Atmosphere   3 The exterior of Columbus Civic Center has a rather modern feel to it, utilizing a great deal of windows to the curved entry point of the arena. Once inside the entry foyer is reminiscent of a smaller version of Gas South Arena , with bookending stairways that curve up to a second level. The arena itself has the feel of Macon’s Centreplex , where the seating bowl horseshoes into a wall of what appears to be either offices or suites. A small, four-sided scoreboard hangs over midfield, but the center sideboards either do not work or are just not used for whatever reason. While the enjoyment of the game is not impacted by the lack of a video board, there is nowhere for fans to get down-and-distance information. Stoppages in play are typically accompanied by music rather than ad reads, which fans appear to enjoy, as they are quick to their feet to dance along with the music. Players also frequently take notice of the music being played and are excited to join the fans in dancing. Throughout the game the team mascot, Leo, makes his way around the arena, taking pictures and interacting with fans. There is a lot to make the Columbus Lions experience an exciting one for both those who are there simply to be entertained, and those who are there more for the competition on the field.   Neighborhood   3 Columbus Civic Center is part of the larger complex that sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, just across the state line from Alabama. The complex is home to several of Columbus’ athletic facilities, including R.G. Jones Field and the accompanying softball complex, which hosted softball during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, as well as A. J. McClung Memorial Stadium, which once hosted the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry” between Georgia  and Auburn  – today McClung Stadium hosts the “Fountain City Classic” between Albany State and Fort Valley State. On the western edge of the complex is Golden Park, the one-time home of the Columbus RedStixx, and following major renovations, this venue will become the new home of the Atlanta Braves AA affiliate in the Southern League when the Mississippi Braves relocate following the 2024 season. Though not directly on site, the Civil War Naval Museum neighbors the athletic complex. Just a short drive from Columbus Civic Center, downtown Columbus has a concentration of restaurants, brewpubs, and lodging. The Columbus Riverwalk along the Chattahoochee River also provides access to the Civic Center from downtown, while just across Chattahoochee is Phenix City, Alabama, with more eateries and hotels.   Fans   4 The Lions give their fans a lot to get excited about through their performance on the field, and their fans reciprocate with a great deal of support. Columbus Civic Center typically sees a few thousand fans fill the seats of the arena, and they play a big part in setting the tone for a fun indoor football experience. Columbus players are very interactive with their fans – it is commonplace for players to celebrate by giving fans high-fives as they return to the bench area, or for a fan to help a player tuck his shoulder pad back into his jersey. The Lions have a long history in Columbus, and it has paid off in a symbiotic relationship, where the team is part of the Columbus community and a source of local pride.   Access   3 Columbus is located in west central Georgia, approximately an hour-and-a-half from Atlanta’s southside. Visitors from Georgia’s largest city can access the area via I-85 to I-185. If coming to Columbus from any other direction, be prepared to use US or state highways. Columbus Civic Center is surrounded by a great deal of parking, close to the front entrance to the arena. The layout of the entrance is a bit strange in that the box office is not accessible from the outside, so visitors will have to enter the arena to purchase tickets. This line might be a bit delayed once security checks are set up. Once in Columbus Civic Center, curved staircases lead to a concourse that horseshoes around the back of the arena. There is not an inner walkway that passes fully around the seating bowl, but several entry portals allow visitors to easily access their seats. While the concourse continues completely around the arena, security does not allow access to the back hallway, so fans can’t walk fully around.   Return on Investment   3 General admission tickets start at $15, which might seem a touch high, but when considering there are no parking fees, it does make the general admission ticket price a bit more reasonable. Concessions are a bit hit or miss. Pizza prices do seem to be rather expensive with a slice going for $7. On the other hand, Chester’s prices are very reasonable, and they do not shy away from serving good-sized portions.   Extras   4 Columbus Civic Center is also home to the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame – th ree of the most notable enshrined athletes come from the world of baseball: Walter Alston, Enos Slaughter, and Frank Thomas (all three are members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame). If you look close enough at the end zones, through the black paint, you will notice the logo of the LA KISS of the Arena Football League; the KISS was owned by band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Like other indoor football leagues, fans are free to keep game balls that enter the stands. Players are also rather generous in tossing touchdown or turnover balls to kids, or to some of the more passionate adult fans. Following the game, fans are invited onto the field for 30 minutes for a player meet-and-greet to get autographs, take pictures, or just interact with players.   Final Thoughts The Lions play a fun, high-speed, high-scoring style of football – the problem is they might be too good, making many of their games not very competitive. It’s a good problem to have, though; no one wants to be on the other end of that equation. American Indoor Football seems to be struggling to establish a competitive balance and sustainability for its league. The 2024 season started with plans for seven teams, but one folded midseason, another moved to a non-league schedule, and a third never got operations off the ground. Games have been so lopsided this year that the playoff format was even changed midseason. The instability of the league does not seem to hurt the Lions as an organization, however, as they appear to be head and shoulders better than the rest of their competition in the league. Regardless of what the future holds for AIF, Columbus appears to be on solid footing when it comes to the stability of their franchise and should continue to prosper regardless of what the 2025 arena football season might bring.

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Roy Stewart Stadium 1401 North State Route 121 Murray, KY 42071 Murray State Racers website Roy Stewart Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 16,800 The Track Roy Stewart Stadium, built in 1973 and named for the former long-time football coach and athletics director, is affectionately known as “The Track” to long-time fans and alumni. The Track holds a respectable 16,800 people. The largest crowd to see a game since 2000 is 11,276 on October 28, 2000 versus Tennessee Tech. The largest crowd to see a game at The Track is 16,600 on Halloween versus Eastern Kentucky in 1981 (Frank Beamer was Murray’s head coach). A couple of high-profile coaches have paced the sidelines of Roy Stewart Stadium before becoming the household names we know today. Houston Nutt was head coach at Murray State from 1993 through the 1996 season before leaving for Boise State for one year and heading to Arkansas in 1998. Frank Beamer began coaching the Racers in 1981 and left Murray State after the 1986 season to take over at his alma mater, Virginia Tech. In other words, Frank Beamer’s last job before taking over at Tech was Murray State. Sure, that was 26 years ago, but you see me working over here. The playing surface was AstroTurf from 1996 through the 2006 season. FieldTurf was installed in 2007, and continues to be the artificial grass of choice for the Racers. 2007 also brought a new surface for the track that surrounds the field, new play clocks, and new goal posts. The first year of football at Murray State was 1924 and the first game was played on September 15th of that year, with the Races eking out a 27-25 win over Western Carolina. The Racers have won eight OVC titles to go along with five NCAA playoff appearances. Food & Beverage 3 Concession prices are very affordable. Don’t expect to pay any less for concessions at The Track than you would at your local high school game. On the other hand, don’t expect to find a selection any greater than a high school game. I still say the low cost outweighs the lack of snacking options: Soda: $2.50 (Regular), $3 (Large) Hot Cocoa/Coffee: $2 Water/Gatorade: $2 Chips: $1 Candy: $1.50 Popcorn: $2 Nachos: $3 Racer Dog: $3 Hamburger: $4 Atmosphere 4 Considering the skyline from your seats consists of breathtaking views of Cracker Barrel, Goody’s, Home Depot, Qdoba, Subway, Radio Shack, Big Lots, among other great American franchises, the atmosphere still has the charm of a small college football town. Racer One, the official horse of Murray State football, running around the track after each Racers touchdown is unique and adds a great amount of pageantry to the afternoon. Another plus — some may call it a minus — is there is no replay board and/or Jumbotron anywhere in sight. Some may say it would resemble a high school atmosphere. In my opinion, it resembles what college football was 15 years ago, at even the highest level. There was no need for huge high-tech ribbon boards, high-def screens the size of a city block. The only thing needed for a great college atmosphere was a cloudless blue sky, colorful leaves falling on crunchy grass, and an air temperature that is neither too cold nor too hot. Speaking of beautiful leaves, I give yet another nod to Murray State for the path of trees along the back of one end zone that provides an autumn backdrop that assures you that the pageantry of college football is served well in Murray, Kentucky. Neighborhood 3 You won’t be deciding on where to eat with much excitement, but you won’t be relegated to just fast food, either. The Cracker Barrel across the street is probably not the worst place in the world to eat, but if you’re in the mood for something unique, you will have to drive about 40 miles to Paducah. If you are looking for the standard fare of chain restaurants, you are within walking distance to most. Qdoba, Captain D’s, Subway and Burger King are also available for a quick bite before or after the game. Murray State’s campus is safe, welcoming, and a nice place to take in a college football game. Again, you won’t be blown away by any hipster coffee shops or a strip brimming with nightlife, but you will find a college campus full of proud students and alumni who are ready to welcome you to a college football Saturday at The Track. Fans 3 The Track is far from a sold-out house, but the fans that come out to watch a game are there to actually watch the game, not to be seen. Nothing stands out as far as gameday traditions — not counting the horse, but this is about the fans and I don’t believe I’m allowed to count the horse — or mass amounts of tailgating, but the fans in attendance don’t let the surrounding empty seats keep them from cheering for their Racers. Access 5 The Track is right in the heart of Murray, Kentucky. Driving in the from the east, the stadium comes into view to the right at about the exact same time Kroger and Burger King become visible on your left. There’s a good chance you could watch the Racers in action on the field from one of the Hinkle Chair rocking chairs on the front porch of Cracker Barrel, as the only set of seats stands behind the north sideline. Return on Investment 4 If buying from Ticketmaster, the most expensive ticket is $25.50, with the cheapest ticket being $12.50. If you are traveling to see your team play at Murray, or if you are in the area and looking for a game to attend on a fall Saturday, you can do so without spending an arm and a leg. This isn’t an SEC Saturday atmosphere, but it does football Saturdays justice. Extras 4 I think the lack of extras give Murray State a few bonus points. Some people want the creature comforts of a modern stadium like the Jerry Dome in Dallas, while some people are Wrigley Field/Fenway Park types. Both types of stadiums are great in their own way, so long as you know what you’re getting into before you arrive at your venue of choice. It’s no different if you are visiting The Track on a given autumn Saturday. Final Thoughts If you are looking for the theme park shopping mall feel of a Cowboys Stadium, a Murray State game will leave you very disappointed at the end of the day. On the other hand, if you go to Murray, Kentucky expecting a campus and stadium overflowing with a throwback charm that has recently faded from the college game, you will be very pleased with your visit.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bradner Stadium 550 East State St Olean, NY 14760 Olean Oilers website Bradner Stadium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 2,400 Olean's Bradner Stadium is Quite the Ballpark The Olean Oilers are members of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. They began to play in 2013 and have called Bradner Stadium home since 2015. The summer-collegiate club returned organized baseball to the historic stadium that served as home to the original Oilers from 1939 to 1962. The new Oilers hit the ground running, capturing the league championship in 2015 and then a record 24 games in a row the following year, en route to another title. The Oilers made it back to the championship series in 2018 but fell to Onondaga. The club would go on hiatus for two seasons but are back in 2022. The original Oilers were members of the New York-Penn League, and Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York League from 1939 to 1962; and affiliated with numerous major league teams, most notably the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1939 to 1948. Oiler clubs captured four championships (1939, 1940, 1951, and 1961). Food & Beverage 3 The traditional items of hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and nachos are served at the stadium. They are enough to keep fans satisfied for the duration of the game, and there are also plenty of cold drinks to wash it all down with during the hot summers in upstate New York. Atmosphere 3 Bradner is on the list of the country’s quirkiest venues for baseball. The venue is historic and has been the home to baseball for over 90 years, but it looks more like a football venue than one for baseball. However, that has not changed the fact that folks enjoy an Oilers game. Let’s look at some of its features. The grandstand is no more than 10 feet deep, and the last rows of seats on the first base side are even with the main street. You will also find a tunnel underneath the street that provides safe access from the parking lot to the ballpark. There is a raised press box is also in this area, instead of being behind home plate. There is also netting behind the seating bowl to protect motorists from a foul ball crashing into their car window while passing through. The third baseline has a field goal post even with third base and field-level dugouts with bus-stop-like coverings for the visiting players. The seating curves away at an angle in this area and is separated by a large concrete area. The distance to left field is not shortened as with other football stadiums that have served as baseball venues , since Bradner was built with extra room to accommodate baseball. Needless to say, the best seats are down the first side, and there are a lot of them to find throughout the 4,000-seat stadium, but listed as 2,400 for baseball games. The concourse is directly behind the last rows of seats and features a hub of activity from concession stands, merchandise tables, restrooms, and the main entrance to the stadium. Neighborhood 3 The small town of 13,437 is worth a visit before or after an Oilers game. There are a few local restaurants that are of interest to any visitor. Angee’s Restaurant serves Italian dishes, sandwiches, burgers, and beer. The Old Library Inn is in a class by itself that offers chops, seafood, and homemade pasta. The Prohibition Bar is worth a visit for its specialty cocktails. Mickey’s and Century Manor Grillhouse are ideal for steak, while the Spot 2 Be Restaurant and 3rd Base Bar & Grill are perfect for traditional pub food. Outside of the restaurants, visitors can visit Rock City Park for hiking the trails through the beautiful rock formations. The Cutco-Ka-Bar Visitors Center makes for a great visit to one of the most durable collections of knives in the business. Learn about the company and its tools that are also available for purchase. Four Mile Brewing is the town’s microbrewery with sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and flatbreads. Fans 3 During the week, crowds can be light at the game and total around 300-500; however, weekend games can attract crowds between 1,000 to 2,000 spectators. You will find the usual mix of supporters from ardent fans, casual onlookers, and host families. It’s a nice mix that also results in conversation throughout the 9-innings of play. Access 4 The ballpark is easy to spot from East State Street. A large parking lot at War Veterans Park provides ample space, while a tunnel leads fans directly into the stadium on the third-base side. There is plenty of room to move around, but when fireworks take place, it could get a lot more cumbersome. The large concourse on top of the stadium provides all the essentials from bathrooms, guest services, concessions, and merchandise sales. Return on Investment 4 The price of admission is dirt-cheap, with anyone under the age of 18 allowed free of charge. A season ticket package is only $35, but if anyone older than 18 wants to see a game, the cost is $5. Concession items are inexpensive, and parking is free. This might help when deciding to purchase a cap or t-shirt at the concession table. . Extras 3 Bradner Stadium earns a few points for its quirkiness, including the tunnel that leads into the seating bowl, the goal post behind the third-base bag, and its netting up above the grandstand. Another point is awarded for free admission to anyone 18 and under. Final Thoughts Bradner has a lot of quirks, and sometimes the focus is on the design and aesthetics of the structure. However, it is another spot for small-town baseball in New York state; the town of Olean is better for having the Oilers playing during the summer months. The town is not too far away from other ballpark destinations, and if you can fit it in during your traveling plans, you’ll enjoy some of those quirks as well. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and on Instagram .

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Blundstone Arena 15 Derwent St Bellerive, TAS 7018 Australia Hobart Hurricanes website Blundstone Arena website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 20,000 This is the Story of the Hurricanes The major cricketing venue in Australia’s island state dates from 1914 and has a current capacity of 19,500. Located in the Hobart suburb of Bellerive on the banks of the Derwent River across from the CBD, the ground has undergone a series of upgrades over the past 15 years which has made it a regular stop during Australia’s summer of international cricket. Tasmania wasn’t integrated into regular domestic cricket until the late 1970s but has produced a number of great players and cult heroes such as David Boon and Colin Miller. As well as being the home of the Tasmanian Cricket Association, Blundstone Arena is also a football stadium. The ground is a long time host of the Clarence Football Club from the Tasmanian Football League while additionally acting as a home-away-from-home for the North Melbourne Kangaroos from the AFL. The ‘Roos are one of several clubs who have leveraged the Tasmanian market, with Hawthorn playing several games in Launceston. The Hobart Hurricanes, like all the other Big Bash League Twenty20 cricket franchises, was formed in 2011 as a new identity separate from existing state teams. While their on-field performance is best described as mediocre, their crowds have steadily increased over the years and now average over 16,000. Food & Beverage 3 The food options are mostly as expected at Blundstone, consisting of the usual items such as pies ($5), chips ($4) and burgers ($7) – albeit, slightly better priced than at most major venues around the country. The quality is reasonable so don’t feel too bad about grabbing something to munch on while you enjoy the game. The cheapest beer is $7.50 with wine $6.50 while soft drinks cost $4.50, Atmosphere 3 More than $35m has been spent on upgrading Blundstone Arena since 1999 including on new grandstands, practice facilities, and light towers to enable day-night fixtures. The exterior of the stadium is sleek and modern. The majority of seating can now be found in the southern and western stands, known as the David Boon and Ricky Ponting Stands respectively. For the uninitiated, Ponting is arguably the greatest ever cricketer to hail from the Apple Isle and the only Tasmanian to have captained Australia in test cricket. As well as being the mainstay of Australia’s batting order for much of the late 1980s and 1990s, Boon has become a cult hero; known for his impressive moustache, quiet persona and supposedly holding the beer drinking record for an airplane flight between Sydney and London having consumed 52 cans en route to the victorious Ashes Tour of England in 1989. Behind the stands there stands a statue of both Ponting and Boon, and the western gate is also the site of pre-game fan activation stalls. The remainder of the venue consists of the Members Pavilion at the northern end of the ground, while on the eastern side sits a smaller grandstand, grass hill, and video scoreboard. Tasmania, even in the summertime, can be cold and windy. “Tassie” is of course the southernmost state of the continent and lies in the path of the “Roaring Forties”. While the Ponting Stand now blocks some of the strong southerly winds it can still be cool. Neighborhood 3 Bellerive is predominately a residential area on the eastern shore of the Derwent River. The Hobart CBD lies on the other side of the river, accessed by the Tasman Bridge. Hobart is the capital city of the state of Tasmania. The state has a fascinating history having been founded as a harsh and brutal convict settlement. Tasmania also experienced the worst of the poor race relations between white settlers and the indigenous population, with most accepted accounts noting that a concerted and calculated campaign of extermination by the whites went close to wiping out the Tasmanian Aborigines altogether. The city retains much of its colonial architecture connecting visitors to the past. A must-visit is Hadley’s Orient Hotel (34 Murray St). Originally built by convict labour in 1834, Hadley’s is reportedly Australia’s oldest continually operating pub, and is a Hobart gem. Another good historic pub to visit is Customs House (1 Murray St), which is frequented by sailors after completing the famous Sydney-Hobart yacht race held each year after Christmas. Tasmania is also known for its fresh produce, particularly seafood sourced from the local surrounding waters. Many restaurants can be found in the waterside tourist precinct of Salamanca Place, best accessed by the sandstone built Kelly’s Steps. If you are interested in history then Port Arthur is definitely worth a visit too (90 min drive). Fans 3 Hurricanes fans are strong supporters of their team, but despite the ground announcer proclaiming them as the “best fans in the BBL” they’re a little more subdued than other fans around the country. This is not necessarily a criticism, as from a cricket perspective they are the most attentive fan base in the league. Access 4 There is some parking close by the oval, and many people drive to the game. Free parking can be found at South St Reserve, while there are free shuttle bus services from the city. Best tip is to check the website for the game you plan on attending to ascertain the most suitable option for you: http://blundstonearena.com.au/match-day-information/ Access within the stadium is relatively smooth, and navigation is easy. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices offer value for money with Adult General Admission from as low as $23. The usual discounts for children and families also apply, making entry for most very affordable. As always, all BBL teams tend to offer a good experience for families, and are a sensational way to take the youngsters to experience the fun of a night out at the cricket. With access and refreshments reasonably priced, the Hurricanes are definitely affordable and high quality entertainment. Extras 3 Blundstone Arena offers both tours and a library / museum, although both have limited hours so be sure to confirm on the venue website before you visit. As with most stadiums, tours are not available on game days. Also, be sure to check out the view from The Plumb Café at the top of the western stairs! Final Thoughts The Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena are the perfect excuse for a trip to beautiful Tasmania!

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 All Star Park 200 S Harlan St Lakewood, CO 80226 CCU Cougars website All Star Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 442 CCU Cougars – Keli McGregor Field at All Star Park The Colorado Christian University (CCU) Cougar’s baseball team plays their home games at the almost 20-year old Keli McGregor Field at All Star Park in Lakewood, CO. They play in the RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference), an NCAA Div II league. All Star Park is part of the Gold Crown Foundation, an organization offering youth sports in Colorado and neighboring states. It was built in 1998 and was named in honor of the Colorado’s all-star game that same year. All Star Park was renamed Keli McGregor Field at All Star Park in 2011, a year after Keli’s early passing. Keli was the president of the Colorado Rockies and was a multi-sport athlete at Lakewood High School. Gold Crown Foundation mission is “Educating youth and community through sports and enrichment programs” and its facilities are used by youth groups. The facilities not only include All Star Park, but also Field House (basketball, volleyball, etc.) and golf. The CCU Cougars baseball team began their play in 2006 as part of the RMAC. The team has not had a lot of success in its eleven year history. Food & Beverage 1 Minimal choices are available; just snacks and drinks and are purchased via cash only. The concession stand is located behind the press box and one of three bays is open for a Cougars game. Snacks include peanuts, sunflower seeds, candy, and chips ($2). Ice cream varieties are Snickers ice cream bar, Drumstick, and ice cream cup (vanilla) ($1 – $2.50). Drinks are Coke, Sprite, bottled water, Powerade, and coffee ($2 – $3 – it’s odd the coffee is the higher priced item). The only “food’ is a Hot Pocket ($2) or a Rip n Dip – a stuffed pizza ring ($4). On the day of this review, 11 items were scratched off the menu listing. Outside food and drink can be brought in for a Cougars ballgame and if desiring something of more substance this might be the best choice. Atmosphere 2 Keli McGregor Field at All Star Park has some decent features and there are others that are less desirable. First, it looks very similar to nearby Coors Field where the Colorado Rockies team resides: Intricate red brick exterior and columns, green fold-down stadium seats, a simulated out of town scoreboard in right field, the regular scoreboard has the Rockies logo and branding above the line score, and a similar clock tower architecture like the one at Coors Field’s entrance. The playing surface is real grass and real dirt (yeah!) and with many college ballparks, the home team players help groom the field prior to the first pitch. The seating area is comprised of three sections, six rows each of green fold-down stadium seats (without cup holders) totaling 194 chairs which are placed behind home plate and in front of the press box. Grass berms are down both baselines and fans bring blankets and their furry friends to watch the game. Six metal picnic tables (three on each side of the press box) provide a place to sit. Many fans bring lawn chairs and just watch from the concourse down both baselines. A huge downside to the field is a black chain link fence that surrounds the entire playing surface and it really messes with the eyes when trying to see the ball and the game action. Another downside (especially if sitting in the fold-down chairs) is the music volume is just way too loud as two speakers are placed right on each side of the press box deafening those in the stadium seating area. My recommendation is bring a lawn chair and place it where the concourse meets the grassy berm areas down either one of the baselines. This distances a fan from the extremely loud speakers and makes looking through a black chain link fence a little easier to see the game action. Christian, country, and popular songs are played between innings and as a part of Cougars’ walk up songs. Frequently, music is blared while a player announcement is being reported (boo!) so a fan cannot hear the name of the player. No lights are at All Star Park so only day games are played here. At the game of this review (Easter weekend), a prayer was delivered after the national anthem and before the start of the game. My perception is this is not done at every home game. Neighborhood 3 There’s not much to the area surrounding the ballpark, though it is only 6 – 7 miles to downtown Denver and all that city has to offer. The park is about two miles from the CCU campus. For places to eat, the Panaderia Rodriguez – Mexican Cuisine is a block away and is highly rated. Several other Mexican choices are nearby. Less than a mile away are common fast food joints as well as standard chain eateries like P.F. Chang’s, Ted’s Montana Grill, Olive Garden, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Craft brew lovers might enjoy the Great Frontier Brewing Company (five miles from the ballpark and offers gluten reduced beers) or CAUTION: Brewing Company (two miles from the park). Lakewood City Commons, a shopping center which has basic retail shops and eateries, is just down the road (less than a mile). For history buffs, Lakewood Heritage Center, less than two miles from All Star Park, is worth a visit. The closest hotel (about a mile from the ballpark) is the Hyatt House Denver/Lakewood at Belmar. Not necessarily a vacation destination but a typical suburban area of a major city with some unique attractions of its own, Lakewood has plenty to offer for those visiting and for those living near there who forget to check out their own backyard and neighborhood. Fans 2 Fans mainly consist of family, friends, and some students. Since most of the RMAC schools are within a couple hour’s drive, visiting fans often take up a good part of the fan base. Lots of cheers can be heard throughout the game at outstanding offense and defensive plays. Attendance is decent but the stands are certainly not full on game day; not uncommon in RMAC baseball. Parents of CCU athlete students sometimes greatly over react and get can get vocal at the visiting team. Hopefully, it was just at the game I attended; but I would have expected more civility from parents of a Christian college athlete towards a visiting team. Four-legged furry friends are allowed and are welcome. Access 3 Getting to the stadium via car is relatively easy and the concourse is flat, adequate for those in wheelchairs or parents using a stroller. The availability of handrails in the stadium seating area warrants extra recognition. Plenty of legroom is available in the green fold-down stadium seating areas in front of the press box. The wide concourse wraps the upper area of the ball field running between the foul poles and behind home plate. Restroom facilities are clean and suitable for the crowd at hand for a CCU Cougars baseball game. The closest airport is Denver International Airport, about 30 miles to All Star Park. For those local, the ball field is only a few miles off Interstate 25 (6th Ave exit) not far from downtown Denver. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $5 and include a roster sheet. Parking is free of charge. It’s a good deal for a sunny, spring afternoon. Extras 3 A memorial plaque and columbine art piece is located on the inner wall of the press box remembering those who got killed during the Columbine High School shooting in April 1999. It’s nice to see a Coors Field look alike and kudos to the Colorado Rockies for continuing to sponsor the field and the Gold Crown Foundation. Finally, for the Gold Crown Foundation and the growth and enrichment they offer children and youths in the area. Final Thoughts It is a decent looking ballpark. If it’s one of those warm spring days in CO, grab your lawn chair/blanket, a couple bottles of water and some snacks and head to Lakewood to watch some CCU Cougars’ plays on the diamond.

Photos by Arian Kelly, Special to Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Trask Coliseum 2900 N College Rd Wilmington, NC 28405 UNC Wilmington Seahawks website Trask Coliseum website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 5,200 The Locals Seem To Love It The 5,200-seat Trask Coliseum was built in 1977 and named for Raiford G. Trask a benefactor and former Trustee of Wilmington College. The Coliseum is used by both UNCW’s women's and men’s Seahawk basketball teams. The coliseum had its first major improvements in 2011 and later minor improvements in 2013. In 2011 the coliseum received chair back seats on the lower level, a high-definition video board, and permanent scoreboards, and the scoreboards were upgraded in 2013 with LED lights. In recent history, the UNCW male Seahawks have won multiple regular season championships in the Colonial Athletic Association. The UNCW male Seahawks have also made six appearances in the Division 1 NCAA tournament since 2000. The Seahawk's greatest success in the tournament happened in 2002 when they made it to a second-round loss in the Division 1 NCAA tournament. The Trask Coliseum has been used for other purposes besides UNCW basketball. Notably, in the past, the Trask Coliseum has been the site for the Federation Cup women’s tennis semifinal match between the United States and France in 1998 and during 2001-2003 the Trask Coliseum had the honor of being the pre-season training ground for a somewhat past his prime local native *Michael Jeffrey Jordan* and his fellow Washington Wizards NBA teammates. The Trask Coliseum is functional, well maintained, and does an outstanding job of providing the teams and spectators with the comfort and intimacy that is lost in newer and larger coliseums. Food & Beverage 3 The food at the Trask Coliseum is nothing to jump up and down about but at least the lines move quickly and the service comes with a smile. A few of the small stands only accept cash. There isn’t anything unique about the snacks offered in the Trask Coliseum. Papa John’s drops off pizza to the concession people just before the doors open. The pizza seems to be the most filling thing on the menu. All the usual snacks are there (dry popcorn, salty soft pretzels, nachos with orange cheese, candy, etc.) I had a super salty soft pretzel that was no better or worse than any I’ve had before. Pepsi products are available. Soft drinks are served in bottles but cups are available. The main concessions stand seems to be the best as it offers every available snack. Atmosphere 3 The Trask Coliseum is clean, functional, and a generally well-maintained small coliseum. The Trask Coliseum has an old-school vibe. Nothing in the coliseum is pretty or new age but everything is clean, sturdy, and well-maintained. People of varying sizes seem to fit comfortably into the roomy, hard green plastic seats with armrests. The forward legroom in the upper-level seating is much more than any other venue I’ve visited. Current hits are played on the sound system before the game. During the game, a brass band takes over and plays multiple times throughout the game. This coliseum does the job. The Seahawks mascot Sammy C. Hawk runs about taking selfies and keeping spirits high. The cheer squad does their thing during multiple timeouts and halftimes. T-shirts are tossed multiple times by hand and by air gun and there is a raffle giveaway from one of the team's marketing partners. The size and layout of the Trask coliseum are so cozy and well laid out that even the view from the furthest wall touching the seat would not be an issue. I do recommend sitting in the upper level in one of the midcourt sections to get what I would consider the best perspective view. Neighborhood 5 Although the neighborhood directly around the Trask Coliseum seems not very interesting, overall the city of Wilmington has many great options for food, drink, and sightseeing. There are 20+ chain restaurants and fast food places (such as McDonald’s and Applebee’s) all within one mile of the coliseum. You will need to drive a bit further for more exciting food and entertainment options. The coliseum is located on campus and across a very busy street from the closest food choices. You won’t be at a loss to find something to eat close to the Coliseum. If you don’t mind venturing out away from the coliseum Wilmington will open up to you. There are multiple local hot spots to fill your belly. Wilmington’s downtown area is within five miles of the coliseum and has a little something for everyone to enjoy. The downtown area boasts a comedy club (Dead Crow Comedy Room), live music bars, fine dining, cheap eats, shopping, multiple tours (history, site seeing, ghost walk, foodie explorations), and scenic walks on a dock. Try Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn before the game; it’s within two miles of the coliseum. After the game go five miles away from the coliseum and enjoy food & drinks from Fork n Cork or Copper Penny in Wilmington’s downtown area. Multiple lodging options are not within walking distance and are not high-end. I recommend Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Wilmington-University Ctr. It’s a mid-range chain hotel that’s clean, near food/shopping and within two miles of the coliseum. Fans 3 Multi-generational fans are in attendance. There are more grey-haired fans in attendance than students or young families. The general feel of the coliseum is loud but not overly loud and into it but not overly into it. I was told that most home games are near sold out. The Trask Coliseum seats just 5,200 fans. In a town with no pro sports teams, this is not a high achievement. I got the feeling that no matter who was wearing a Seahawks uniform and how they were playing they were going to get some love from the UNCW fans. The fans are not overly into making noise but they do show their love to the team on every play. The student section is the loudest and most active in showing team support. Access 5 In general, the Trask Coliseum is easy to navigate to, from, and around. I didn’t notice any mechanical means to get to the upper level so that might be an issue for handicapped fans. The Wilmington Wave Transit provides dedicated bus service via the UNCW Seahawk Shuttle for free to UNCW staff and students and $2 for all others. Go to the shuttle website to view routes and times. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is six miles from the Trask Coliseum. Free General Parking is located in the following areas: Greene Track Parking Lot, Alderman Hall Parking Lot, and the Kenan Auditorium Parking Lot. Once on campus, there are parking attendants that will help you get to where you need to be. Parking is free and very easily navigated. There are multiple entrances and ticket handlers. There is no real security to speak of other than taking your ticket and asking if you needed anything. There are no digital tickets but tickets purchased online can be picked up at Will Call at the marked Will Call / Player Pass entrance or purchased at any of the marked entrances. The areas in the Trask Coliseum are closed off via doors that can be closed or staged open. The transit areas are extremely large when compared to what I’m used to from venues that seat thousands more people. Everything about the Trask Coliseum is sturdy and functional. Return on Investment 4 The Trask Coliseum is an upbeat and happy place that will get you feeling like you’re part of the team. Ticket prices are $18/adults, $10/youth (15 and under), and complimentary for the first 1200 UNCW Students. All snacks are under $5 a piece, all 12 oz drinks are $3 and under and parking is free. You will get a lot in this coliseum when compared to other venues. The only discounts are free for the first 1200 students and group tickets are $10/each as opposed to $18/each. Extras 2 It seems that many other venues of this type make fans pay for parking. The Trask Coliseum provides close, free parking that makes the whole experience just that much better. I’ve paid many times to park at live entertainment venues and it felt great when the parking attendant directed me to the free general parking. Last but not least one of the constant issues I find at arenas/stadiums/coliseums is the lack of forward legroom in front of the seats. There is so much forward legroom that other fans were walking in front of me at times and I never had to stand up or pull my knees up not to be hit. I can’t say enough how comfortable extra legroom makes sitting for a few hours. If the Trask Coliseum wanted to I think they probably could fit a few hundred more seats in the building by cutting down on the forward legroom. Let’s hope they never adjust the seats. Final Thoughts This is a nice local venue. If faced with seeing the latest action movie at the theater or seeing a Seahawks game at the Trask Coliseum I would easily choose the movie, but if you are a true sports enthusiast who doesn’t need all the fanfare of big-time pro sports or big-time college sports then the Trask Coliseum fans and team won’t fail to entertain you. The locals seem to love it so you might as well.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Stadio Carlo Castellani Viale delle Olimpiadi Empoli, Tuscany 50053 Italy Empoli FC website Stadio Carlo Castellani website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 15,260 Stadio Castellani Stadio Carlo Castellani is the main sports facility on Empoli and the site of the home match of the Empoli Football Club. Officially opened on September 12, 1965, it is located in the sports area of the city. Over the years, the stadium has undergone many renovations and expansion. “Tribuna Maratona” was made in metal for the Serie B championship in 1983/1984. Then, at the beginning of the ’90s, it was replaced with a cement structure with two floors, which eventually was covered in 2008. The two curves have been added to the Serie A championship in 1986/1987 (although the Empoli F.C. played the first home games of the season in Florence and Pistoia, the Castellani debut in Serie A championship was at Empoli F.C. vs A.S. Roma , November 2, 1986) and modernized about twenty years later. The stadium is dedicated to Carlo Castellani, a player of Empoli F.C., and Livorno, who died in the concentration camp at Mauthausen in 1944. Stadio Castellani is also dedicated to Montelupo Fiorentino, a nearby town. Food & Beverage 2 Prices of the bar located in “Tribuna” are lower than those of many other Italian stadiums. We spent €3.50 on a bottle of water and a sandwich. During the halftime break, we got a coffee for €1. To avoid waiting about 10 minutes for a coffee, it’s better go to the bar before the break. Peddlers of typical sandwiches and drinks are around the stadium before, during, and after the match. Atmosphere 3 The two tribunes are the covered areas of the stadium. For the fans of the visiting team, there is a reserved area called “Curva Sud.” Between the playing field and the stands there is a tartan athletic track. The most awaited match is with Fiorentina , which is entitled “Derby dell’Arno”. Many fans fill the stadium during the matches versus Inter Milan , Juventus , and AC Milan . Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the northeast of the city, not far from the Park of Serravalle. It’s a quiet area of the city surrounded by greenery, and from here, it is easy to reach the center of Empoli. Near the stadium, there are the Palasport Aramini and the municipal swimming pool. Behind the “Curva Nord” there is another football field, the Sussidiario, where in the past the Empoli F.C. played some matches of Serie C (the third series of Italian football championship). Fans 3 The most passionate fans of the Empoli F.C. don’t follow the matches from one of the two curves (as in most of Italy), but from “Tribuna Maratona.” Since October 2008, the “Tribuna Maratona” has been dedicated to Emiliano Del Rosso, a young fan of the Empoli F.C. that was the victim of a road accident. Access 3 Stadio Carlo Castellani is about 1 km from the railway station. If arriving at Empoli by car, you will exit the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno Highway through either tollgate Empoli Est (coming from Florence or highway A1) or Empoli Ovest (coming from Pisa, Livorno or highway A12) and follow the signs for “stadio.” There is ample parking, with some areas reserved for visiting fans. Return on Investment 4 In the 2012/13 Serie B championship season, ticket prices range from a maximum of €40 for “Poltrone,” to a minimum of €7.50, with a reduced rate for the “Maratona Inferiore.” The price for access to the “Curva Sud,” which is reserved for visiting supporters, is €10. Extras 2 Empoli is near Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, and Vinci, the town where the world-renowned artist Leonardo was born.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S Ballpark Way Goodyear, AZ 85338 Map It Cincinnati Reds Spring Training website Goodyear Ballpark website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 10,311 Reds in Goodyear Goodyear Ballpark, opened in 2009, is the spring training home for Ohio’s two major league baseball teams : the Cincinnati Reds  and the Cleveland Guardians .  It is also home to the Guardians and Reds Arizona Rookie Complex League ball teams.   The attractive venue is celebrating its 15th anniversary this 2024 season.   It is an extremely enjoyable, good-looking ballpark. The main home plate entrance is beautiful, with plenty of shaded places to sit and wait for the gates to open.   It has several sculptures, palm trees, and other Arizona landscaping to admire.   The facility also hosts instructional league games in the fall as well as other events like car shows, July 4th celebrations, local and national baseball tournaments, graduation ceremonies, and more throughout the year.   Since 1891, the Cincinnati Reds have had spring training in 24 different cities.   The team moved their spring training site from Florida to Goodyear, AZ, in 2010.  Arizona is delighted to have them as part of the Cactus League. Food & Beverage 4 Baseball fans won’t go hungry at Goodyear Ballpark as there’s a wide choice of refreshments, entrees, and drinks for sale.  The permanent stands (Queen City Grill, Hanger 46, and 1901 Charter Grill) more or less offer the same choices:  chicken tenders, hot dogs, Cincinnati cheese coney, Cleveland Polish boys, cheeseburgers, pizza, and traditional snacks, soda, and beer ($5.99 - $12.99). I find the portable carts along the concourse have a better variety:  Salsa (nachos), Steakadelphia ( Philly  cheesesteak sandwiches), and Burgertopia (hamburgers).  The first baseline has several kiosks (similar to those found in a carnival) selling tacos, kettle corn, ice cream, flavored ice, and more.  The tacos look delicious , and fans can’t go wrong with a Handles (from Ohio) ice cream cone or cup. Good Hops sells adult beverages ( including mason jar cocktails ) , soda (Coca-Cola), water, and snacks.  Other choices for the hophead are the AZ Craft Beer Corner (local AZ brewery beer pints and flights) and Goodyear’s Saddle Mountain Brewing, selling a few choices of their own brewed beers. Fans can bring in a bottle of factory-sealed water and their own food if it fits into a quart-sized clear bag. Atmosphere 5 The staff and game day operations do a fabulous job at making a Reds spring training game leisurely and enjoyable.  And the Cincinnati fans revel in watching their Reds play ball. A single seating bowl descends from a main concourse, which encircles t he entire park.  The seats are standard stadium fold-down seats, are comfortably wide, have cup holders, and the rows have average legroom.  Plenty of wheelchair seats line the top of the concourse. Grass berms stretch beyond the outfield walls.  The bullpens are adjacent to each other in left field in front of the berm area.   The stadium has a Right Field Pavilion and a Party Patio (under the scoreboard in left field); both offer tables for  four on a single-game basis.   Goodyear Ballpark Right Field Pavilion, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The seating areas get plenty of sun, with shade available in the top rows on the third base side and behind home plate .  The third base side has three sections of shaded, cushioned club seating.   Bring sunscreen, though the ladies’ room offers sunscreen for those who forget.      Medium-thick nets extend to the end of dugouts (sections 107 – 117). Sit further  down the baselines to watch the game net-free.  Fans can view the gorgeous  Estrella Mountain Range beyond the first base side. Goodyear Ballpark Mountain View, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The scoreboard sits in left field and shows the starting lineup, photo of the player at bat (Reds players), line score, pitch speed, the current time, and a McDonald’s logo.  Murals and posters of former players and team logos line the outer concourse walls and just inside the home base entrance, boasting the history of the teams who play at the park.   The announcer (female) calls the starting lineups nice and slowly, giving you enough time to complete your scorecard.  Music is never played over any PA announcement.  When played, the music volume is loud enough to enjoy, and still have a conversation with your neighbor without yelling to be heard.  More baseball sports venues should emulate this. S taff throw o ut t-shirts, and a few sponsors have contests.  Kids can run the bases on Saturday games in March.  Check their website for additional promotions.  Game  day is more about the delight of the game, time with family and friends, and the lovely AZ spring weather. Neighborhood 3 Goodyear Ballpark sits across the street from Phoenix Goodyear Airport, whic h handles m ainly general aviation (non-commercial) operations. The city of Goodyear is about 17 miles west of Phoenix, AZ, and like several other suburban areas, is expanding, building, and growing.   Besides the ballpark (which is a major attraction in Goodyear), the city is home to Luke Air Force Base, a slew of shopping centers, eight golf courses, Estrella Mountain Regional Park (hiking, trails, picnicking, camping, and fishing), and more.   The usual chain restaurants are also a few miles from the park , like Oregano’s, Rubio’s, P.F. Chang’s , etc. For someplace local try Haymakers (breakfast, burgers, beer, bourbon) or Pho House Restaurant (Vietnamese).  Goodyear has over 100 restaurants, so check Visit Goodyear for an up-to-date list of places to eat or drink.   Saddle Mountain Brewing Company, Transplant City Beer Co, and 8-Bit Aleworks provide the local hops in Goodyear. Be sure to check their websites for hours of operation.   Most of the hotels straddle the I-10 interchanges and are three to five miles from the ballpark. The closest is a Comfort Inn.   The Best Western Phoenix Goodyear Inn and Townplace Suites by Marriott Phoenix Goodyear are other choices not too far from the park.  Be aware that hotel prices are exorbitant  during spring training.     For other sporting events, visit the same park and watch the Cleveland Guardians play their spring training games. Camelback Ranch (home of the LA Dodgers  and Chicago White Sox ) is another nearby  spring training facility. Phoenix Raceway is a little over eight miles from the park.  Check their schedule to see if a race or event is being held. Fans 3 Reds fans do a good job at rooting on and cheering their team at spring training.  There are p lenty of Reds’ caps, jerseys, and shirts in the crowds.  While they don’t sell out, a decent number still come out and root for their team.  Crowds are higher on weekends and when the Reds play the Dodgers or Cubs. Access 3 Goodyear Ballpark is located 17 miles west of downtown Phoenix and 22 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. It is about two miles south of Interstate 10.  Public transportation is not an option to get to this ball field.   Parking (free) is mostly on  grass lots.  Common at Cactus League spring training facilities, golf cart-type shuttles are on  hand to bring fans from the parking lots to the home plate entrance, if desired.   The ballpark has four entrances: first base, home plate, third base, and center field, with the home plate entrance being the busiest and most scenic (it’s next to the ticket booth). It can get crowded on the concourse behind home plate. Once inside, except for behind home, the concourse is wide open and is easy to traverse.   Fans walk through a scanner and may or may not get their bags checked.   Guests are welcome to bring small bags and purses into the ballpark, as long as their dimensions are less than 16″ x 16″ x 8″ .     Plenty of serviceable restrooms are spread along the concourse and along the concourse path in the outfield.   Guest services (to the right after entering the home base entrance) offer assisted listening devices for those who are hard of hearing. Return on Investment 4 The Reds spring training home is less expensive to attend than other Cactus League venues. Ticket prices range from $12 (berm) to $35 (club or premium field box).  Tickets are $2 more when purchased on game day.  The ballpark offers a variety of other discounts.  Active military receive a free ticket.  Veterans can purchase outfield tickets at a child’s price.  Seniors received $5 off an infield seat for mid-week games during the early part of spring training.   We recommend checking third-party sites for even better deals. Parking is free, and food and drink prices aren’t as expensive as other Cactus League ballparks.  Plus, fans can bring in their own snacks and water in limited quantities.  Extras 5 A few additional things are worth noting. Goodyear Ballpark does a tremendous job of honoring our military and veterans. Statues, a POW chair, ticket discounts, and more demonstrate the respect and appreciation the city has for those men and women. Goodyear Ballpark POW-MIA Chair, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A merchandise shop sells a nice selection of clothes, caps, and trinkets.  Check the clearance racks for discounted items.  Giveaways are provided throughout the season, though this might be specifically for the facility’s 15th anniversary. Fans can still watch net-free baseball! The team and ballpark have extremely friendly staff, including parking attendants, ticket booth personnel, ushers, security, and concessions personnel.   They are not pretentious and are genuinely nice people, easy to chat with. Final Thoughts Attending a Reds spring training game at Goodyear Park is a pleasurable afternoon or evening out.   We recommend visiting this d iamond if in town for the spring.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Campus Field 5151 Park Ave Fairfield, CT 06825 Sacred Heart Pioneers website Campus Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 3,334 The Independent Pioneers   Sacred Heart University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was founded in 1963 and was the first Catholic school in the United States to be staffed by laypersons. Today, Sacred Heart is the second largest Catholic university in New England, offering 80 degree programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate level to its 10,500 students.   Sacred Heart University has hosted football teams since 1991. The Pioneers originally played in Division III, moving up to Division II in 1993 and then up to the FCS subdivision of Division I in 1999. In 2024 the Pioneers dissolved their longtime membership in the Northeast Conference, joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Unfortunately, the MAAC does not sponsor football, which has forced the Pioneers to compete as one of two independent teams in the FCS. No plans have been announced regarding future affiliation.   Campus Field, which opened in 1997, is located adjacent to the William H. Pitt Center . In addition to hosting the school’s football team, both of the Pioneer lacrosse and track squads call the facility home.   Sacred Heart won or shared six conference championships during their time in the Northeast Conference. They have appeared in the FCS playoffs four times, most recently in 2021, losing in the first round every time. Two Sacred Heart alumni, Jon Corto and Julius Chestnut, have played in the National Football League.   Food & Beverage 3    There is a pop-up tent in the entrance lot run by SHU Dining that handles concessions at Campus Field. The menu offered here is pretty basic, with burgers, dogs, chicken fingers and sausage sandwiches available. Snacks, including fries, nachos, pretzels and assorted candy can also be found here. Cans of Pepsi products are sold. Fans looking for an adult beverage will have to proceed to the Outpost.   The outpost is Campus Field’s beer garden. Located in the southwest end zone, all fans can access this area for an additional ten-dollar charge. A variety of beer and wine is sold here, as well as special menu items. During Stadium Journey’s recent visit, for example, the special item was a loaded baked potato.   Without a doubt, the most popular concession items at Campus Field were the gigantic specialty cookies from Crumbl. Their signature pink boxes could be seen all over the facility.   Atmosphere 3   The game day atmosphere at a Sacred Heart football game is a fun one, but not one that is over the top or overly loud. Fans are into the game and the social activities on tap, but this is not a place where visitors would feel intimidated. The feel at Campus Field is more like a backyard barbeque than a big-time college football game.   The Sacred Heart Marching Band, cheerleaders and dance squad are on hand to perform throughout the game. Party areas at either end of the field add to the atmosphere, and the PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings without being too over the top. The video board in the southwest end zone provides graphics and basic game information, but unfortunately is not utilized for replays.   Neighborhood 3   While Fairfield is a really nice place to live (in fact, towns in Fairfield County are regulars on any “Best Places to Live in the United States” list), it’s not exactly what you would consider a destination location. The Sacred Heart campus is located in a residential area, with few lodging or dining options in the immediate vicinity. The Trumbull Mall is located a mile from campus, complete with the usual chain offerings, such as the Cheesecake Factory.   Adjacent to the Sacred Heart campus is the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. This attraction features rotating exhibits and interactive educational displays. Right next door to Campus Field is JP’s Diner, a 50s style full-service restaurant which is open on game days.   The Sitting Duck Tavern is a popular local watering hole, and there are numerous options in downtown Bridgeport, located just a few miles away. Visiting fans will find no shortage of lodging or dining options along Route One, the main business thoroughfare in the area, and Interstate 95.   Fans looking for sporting options in the area will find plenty of options nearby. Sacred Heart teams play basketball at the Pitt Center , baseball at Veterans’ Memorial Park  and hockey at the beautiful Martire Family Arena . In addition, Fairfield University is just five miles away, with the Leo Mahoney Arena  hosting the Stags basketball team. The Bridgeport Islanders, the top farm team of the New York Islanders, play downtown at Total Mortgage Arena .   Fans 3   Campus Field’s posted capacity is a meager 3,334. Their listed average attendance for the 2023 season was 6,346. Even with these inflated numbers, the Pioneers still rank smack dab in the middle of the nationwide FCS attendance rankings, landing at number 59. Stadium Journey visited Sacred Heart on the school’s homecoming day on a beautiful September Saturday afternoon, with an announced attendance of 4,869. Through three games in 2024, average attendance is 4,025. I’m not saying these numbers are inflated, but there are plenty of empty seats to be found around Campus Field. Something here just doesn’t feel right.   The fans who pack Campus Field week after week are here to enjoy the community feeling cultivated at Sacred Heart. This is a low-key party atmosphere. Fans aren’t going to be overly rowdy, but they will support their Pioneers passionately. The crowd here is small-school football at its best. Party areas such as the Outpost in the southwest end zone and the fancier President’s Tent in the northeast end zone add to the party atmosphere and certainly boost attendance. There’s a good turnout from the student body here, but no organized student section to be found.   Access 3   Sacred Heart University is located in suburban Fairfield, Connecticut, a town of about 60,000 residents in the southwest corner of the Nutmeg State. The campus is situated in the northeast corner of the city, directly across the street from neighboring Bridgeport. Sacred Heart is easily accessed by either the Merritt Parkway or Interstate 95. Traffic in this part of the state is usually quite heavy, so you may have to allot extra time to arrive at Campus Field. Fans using public transportation will be glad to know that the Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT)  number 4 bus routes from Bridgeport’s busy Amtrak station to a stop right at Sacred Heart’s front entrance on Park Avenue.   Parking for Pioneer football games can be a challenge, particularly when a large crowd is present. Most of the spaces near Campus Field are reserved for VIPs and those who pay for the privilege. Free parking is available in the South Garage, about a quarter of a mile from the field, and the North Lot, about a half mile from the field. At least the scenery on this attractive suburban campus is worth the walk. Unfortunately, signage isn’t clear on campus and many of the roads are blocked off. If parking in the South garage be aware that you must enter the garage on the second level on the side of the garage, not the street-level entrance, which is reserved for President Tent ticket holders.   Fans enter Campus Field at the northeast corner of the facility. The concession stand, ticket office and team store are all set up in the parking lot here. Seating at Campus Field consists of metal bleachers on either side of the field. The home (east) grandstand is raised several feet off the ground, allowing fans to look over the mass of people on the sideline. The presence of the track around the field pushes spectators back a bit further from the action. Rest rooms are located in the adjacent Pitt Center and the Bobby Valentine Health and Recreation Center.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Pioneer football games are affordable, priced at $20 for reserved seats and $15 for general admission seating. Fans wishing to access the Outpost beer garden can do so for an additional $10 fee.   Parking is free in the South Garage or North Lot. Concessions are reasonably priced, with most items costing six dollars or less. Overall, a visit to Sacred Heart football is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 1                                                                                                 Banners hang on the exterior wall of the adjoining Pitt Center honoring all the championship teams that call Campus Field home, including the 6-time NEC conference champion football Pioneers.   Final Thoughts   The affiliation shuffle that took place in college football this past offseason also affected teams at the lower levels of the sport. Playing as an independent hasn’t seemed to affect the game day experience at Campus Field. This is a fun place to catch a game that would be a nice addition to any local FCS conference looking to add a team.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Our Lady of the Meadows Field 15926 Kelbaugh Rd Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers website Our Lady of the Meadows Field website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 250 Meadows Field Softball Located in the Catoctin Mountain area of Frederick County, Maryland, in the town of Emmitsburg, Mount St. Mary’s University is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United States. The Mount’s athletic teams are known as the Mountaineers and compete in the Northeast Conference. Most of these teams play at the PNC Sports Complex, which contains several venues – Knott Arena , home of Mountaineers basketball, E.T. Straw Family Stadium , home of the baseball program, Waldron Family Stadium , home of the lacrosse and soccer teams, and Our Lady of the Meadows Field, which Mountaineers softball calls home. Although softball has been played on this site for some time, the stadium has undergone several renovations since 2014 to make it more of a stadium and less of a field in the middle of nowhere, adding a batting cage, bleachers, and a scoreboard. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at Our Lady of the Meadows Field. However, if you go next door to Knott Arena, you can find some vending machines which sell vending machine things at vending machine prices, including bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks. They accept credit cards, $1 bills, and coins. Use the lower entrance next to the field, not the upper entrance on the other side of the building like you would for basketball. Fans are free to bring in their own food and drink as well. Atmosphere 3 Our Lady of the Meadows Field is built into a hill, and you will walk into the stadium at the top. You can then walk down the bleachers to your seat or bring a lawn chair and sit on the grassy part of the hill itself. There are also additional bleachers further up the right field line. These are in the sun, while the other seats are in the shade of the press box, unless you bring your own chair. Which one is better depends on how hot it is that day. The top two rows of seats in the section under the press box are chairbacks, while all other seats are regular metal bleachers without backs. It is general admission, so arrive early if you want a chairback. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the line score, count, and runs, but not hits or errors. As with most college softball programs in the northeast, a trip to Our Lady of the Meadows Field is a very basic experience, with music between innings but not much else. You will hear a lot of the communication that goes on down on the field, which some fans will enjoy, but other fans will be bored by the whole thing. However, one thing that brings this rating up a bit is the energy brought by the players themselves from the dugout. They can get quite loud, louder than the fans at times. Neighborhood 2 Emmitsburg is a small town in Maryland just south of the Pennsylvania border, and there is really nothing within walking distance of campus. If you make the short drive into town, you will find a few places to eat and stay, as well as some interesting sites such as the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and various Catholic shrines. Thurmont is a short drive away, about 10 minutes south on Route 15, and offers more options than Emmitsburg itself. However, this is a very rural area, and while it’s scenic, there isn’t a whole lot to do here. Fans 2 The Mountaineers typically draw 50-100 fans per game, mostly friends and family of the players but some locals as well. Those who do show up are extremely knowledgeable about every player on the team, able to recite their strengths, weaknesses, statistics, and past performances. It is clear that there is a group of regulars who goes to just about every game, though others are made to feel welcome as well. Access 3 The PNC Sports Complex, of which Our Lady of the Meadows Field is a part, is right off US Route 15. The Complex is clearly signed and contains numerous lots which serve the various fields. You will probably have to park on the side of Knott Arena and walk a short distance, but there are a few spots right next to the stadium. These are reserved for rec center staff on weekdays and you will not be able to park there, but on weekends, they are open to anyone. There are no bathrooms at the stadium itself, but if you head into Knott Arena, you can find some in the lobby. As with the vending machines, use the entrance by the field, not the one you would for basketball. Assuming there’s not another event going on in Knott that day, they will be of a more than sufficient size and even though it’s in a different building, the walk takes less time than it would in many large stadiums. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free and parking is free. If you want to buy a drink from the vending machine, you won’t end up spending more than a dollar or two on that. However, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 Free programs are available in a mailbox at the top of the stands by the press box. Final Thoughts In most of the northeast, college softball isn’t a huge deal, and Mount St. Mary’s is no exception. Given the rural setting of the Mount St. Mary’s campus, many fans won’t find this work the trek, but if you’re a fan of college softball who just likes taking in a game no matter where it is, or if you have some connection to The Mount or their opponent, a trip to a game here is affordable and a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Findlay Toyota Center 320a N Main St Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Findlay Toyota Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,100 NAZ Suns Editors Note: The Northern Arizona Suns played four seasons in the G League at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. The Northern Arizona Suns (NAZ Suns) play their home basketball games at the comfortable Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ. They are the minor league affiliate of the Phoenix Suns which makes sense as the two teams are only 90 miles apart. They play in the G-League (Gatorade League) formerly known as the NBDL (National Basketball Developmental League or D-League). The team was previously known as the Long Beach Jam and the Bakersfield Jam; their name changed in 2016 when the Phoenix Suns purchased the team and moved them from California to Prescott Valley. The Findlay Toyota Center hosted the Arizona Sun Dogs from the now defunct Central Hockey League and the Arizona Outlaws from the American Indoor Football League (also defunct). It hosts Monster Trucks, concerts, Cirque Du Soleil, rodeos, ice shows, and more. It is a nice, intimate facility in which to watch an event and basketball. Food & Beverage 3 Depending on attendance, not all concessions are open for Suns’ games. Cinnamon roasted nuts and other nut treats, Dippin’ Dots, shaved ice, kettle corn, corn dog snack bars, etc. dot the concourse. A small bar kiosk is located on the concourse near section 203 selling cocktails, wine, and beer. Beer is $7. Burgers and Brews provides the main nourishment during a Suns’ game offering hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with fries for $8. Snacks such as hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, pretzels, popcorn, nachos, candy, chips can be purchased a la carte ranging from $1.50 – $6.50. Papa John’s pizza has a stand with 8” pizzas running $8. This seems to be the more popular choice for fans. A 32-oz fountain Pepsi is $4 with Arizona tea, coffee, water, Gatorade offered for $2.75 – $4. Small tables with chairs are set up along the concourse to enjoy your refreshments without having to carry it them your seats; a nice feature. Atmosphere 3 Findlay Toyota Center is a comfortable facility in which to watch some hoops. Two entrances are available, one that is wheelchair accessible. The concourse, which houses a respectable merchandise shop, concessions, and restrooms, forms a U around the entertainment floor with no ability to see the court. Only those with access to the premium floor seats and subsequent buffet can enter at the top of the U. After ascending seven or eight steps, fans enter the seating area on row E and rows go up to Q or so and down to A. Plastic maroon fold down seats (no cup holders) are provided and the first four rows (A – D) are cushioned. One level of seating is available with suites on top. The steps have hand rails for those needing a little balance. Half-moon floor tables line parts of the court for fans to get an up-close view of the action while enjoying a bite to eat and drink. The music selection is decent and the level is not too loud and fans can have conversations without having to yell. It is played throughout the game. No center hung scoreboard is in the arena, instead, two video scoreboards are placed on each side of the seating area which show the basic info like score, quarter and time. Dot matrix scoreboards mounted on the stands behind the baskets are actually designed more for hockey than for basketball as they show labels for shots on goal, player penalty, and period but plug in the basketball info where needed. The court is placed on a larger entertainment floor so lots of empty space is behind the baskets. Promotions include the typical fan participation activities at the quarters and breaks like kiss cam, run the court and shoot for a basket. A mascot called Bucket roams around high-fiving fans in attendance. At the game of this review, the Movement Studio dance team performed for the fans during halftime. The temperature is comfortable. Not too warm nor too cold, just right! Neighborhood 3 Prescott Valley has certainly developed since the opening of the event center and quite a few places to entertain oneself are within a mile. Two good places to eat are Susy B’s (a family breakfast/lunch/early dinner family-style restaurant) and Gabby’s Grill (steaks, burgers, sandwiches – an American grill). A Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s Bar and Grill as well as many fast food restaurants are within two blocks if chain restaurants are the preference. Lonesome Valley Brewing is less than a mile away and serves their own brewed craft beer and mead and they serve traditional bar food too. Try the Big Neib if IPAs are your beer of choice. Other things to do when in Prescott Valley might include a visit to the Plum Creek Alpacas farm, taking a hike on the Iron King Trail or seeing a movie at the Harkins Theatre. A little over five miles away is historic Prescott . The closest other sports would be an hour north to Flagstaff where fans can watch an NAU basketball or football game. The parent club, Phoenix Suns , is 90 miles south on I-17. Prescott Valley has several hotels now, including a GreenTree Inn, Super 8, and Hampton Inn & Suites all within a mile of Findlay Toyota Center. Fans 2 The NAZ Suns fans are quite supportive of the team. Lots of families and kids are in attendance as it is designed to be a family friendly entertainment choice. Attendance is generally around 1,000 fans which is on the low end of the G-League, which is kind of a shame as the minor league games are a most affordable exciting game day experience. Access 3 Findlay Toyota Center is 32 miles from I-17 if coming from Phoenix from the south or about 22 miles if coming from Flagstaff from the north. Free parking is on the north side of the arena off Main St. One must pass through a security check but no clear bag policy is in place. A Greyhound bus stop is located two blocks from the arena. Prescott Regional Airport – Ernest A Love Field – is 10 miles away with service via United Airlines to and from Los Angeles and Denver. Public transportation is not yet available in Prescott Valley. Fans must walk up seven or eight steps to get to seating area but I am told there is wheelchair accessible seating for the Suns games. The concourse doesn’t get too crowded at half time but I suspect if there is a full crowd, it could. Bathrooms are clean and sufficient. Return on Investment 4 Spending a few hours watching a NAZ Suns game is well worth your sports dollar entertainment. End zone tickets cost as little as $10 ($9 military) going up to $29 for center court ($22 military). Those with a college ID get in for $9. Floor seating goes from $75 – $124 and includes a buffet. Concession prices are on par with similar sports venues and relatively reasonable. Parking is free. Extras 3 The event center has benches to sit and wait outside for friends or for the gates to open. More arenas should do this. After the game, the NAZ Suns players walk the circumference of the floor and high-five fans providing quite a thrill for the kids. And, player autograph sessions are scheduled after most games. A stocked merchandise shop is just inside the one entrance with plenty of shirts, caps, and trinkets, including hat pins. Final Thoughts Watching an NAZ Suns game is a fun, entertaining few hours. The game day production is not over done, the games are played well, and it is affordable. I encourage Northern Arizona fans or Phoenix Suns fans to take in a few games each season in Prescott Valley.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Hornet Stadium 6000 J St Sacramento, CA 95819 Sacramento State Hornets website Hornet Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 21,195 Stingers Up! The University of California, Sacramento (i.e. Sacramento State) is a member of the California University System and is located in the eastern suburbs of Sacramento, California. It was founded in 1947 and presently has a student body of 29,046. The sports teams at Sacramento State are known as the Hornets. The football program at Sacramento State is relatively young, as it began in 1954. It began as a member of the California Athletic Conference, then moved on to the Western Football Conference and the America West Conference. In 1996 it became a member of the Big Sky Conference at the FCS level of NCAA competition. In recent years the program has been a powerhouse, with conference championships in 2019, 2021, and 2022. The 2022 squad finished at #5 in the end-of-year FCS polls. The team has also posted wins over PAC 12 members Oregon State and Colorado in past years. The rivalry game each season is played against the University of California at Davis. The game is known as the Causeway Classic and the winner takes home the Causeway Classic trophy and bragging rights to their campus for the next year. The on-campus Hornets Stadium serves as the home field for the football program. It opened in 1969 and has gone through numerous upgrades over the years. It has a capacity of 21,195 making it one of the larger stadiums at the FCS level. Food & Beverage 2 The WELL concessions area is located behind the north end zone and is the only place in the stadium that offers food and drinks. The food and beverage selections are sold via food trucks and tents that are set up in temporary tents. We’ve never seen a grandstand for a stadium this big without permanent concession facilities underneath the stands, or at least closer to where fans are sitting. The setup at Hornets Stadium is quite a distance away from the stands and results in the fans missing a great deal of the action while they are waiting in a long line. We do have to admit that the food trucks provide more variety in the items that they sell, but this does not overcome the inconvenience for the fans of missing time from the game. Atmosphere 2 Hornet Field has some oddities to its design that take away from the atmosphere of the game. The track is a necessity for the school’s excellent track and field program. However, anytime a track encircles a football field it places a great deal more space in between the fans in the stands and the action on the field. This makes it harder to hear the game itself and the connection between the team and their fans. The stadium has the Broad Fieldhouse at the south end of the stadium, while the north end of the field is bordered by the WELL Center (Sacramento State’s Wellness facility). Both buildings are a great distance from the stands, depriving fans of being able to see them very well. This breaks down the excitement of seeing the home team take the field as well. The distance between the stands and the WELL Center creates a problem for fans wishing to get a bite to eat and missing the action on the field. Also, the tickets in the west stands (the “home” side”) are all reserved seating, while the west side (the “visitor’s” side) are general admission seats. Why would the visitor’s tickets be cheaper than the home team’s tickets? Neighborhood 4 Hornet Stadium is located on the south end of the Sacramento State campus and is for the most part, surrounded by academic buildings. There are numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels surrounding this end of the campus. The closest hotels to the campus are Hampton Inn and Suites at CSUS and the Comfort Inn and Suites at Sacramento University Area. Giovanni’s Old World New York Pizzeria is a popular eatery on Folsom Street, while Stingers Sports Pub and Bar is a popular watering hole adjacent to the campus. Sacramento offers many things to see and do before or after a Hornets game. The American River forms the eastern border of the Sacramento State campus. It has an excellent hiking/biking trail paralleling the river or offers rafting in season. To the west of campus is downtown Sacramento. Places of interest here are the California State Capitol Building, the California State Railroad Museum, and Old Sacramento. Your game may overlap with a Sacramento Kings NBA game at the Golden One Center . Fans 3 The student section at Hornets games is known as the SWARM and they do a great job at keeping the stands buzzing throughout the contests. They work closely with Herky the Hornet, the school mascot, and with the Sacramento State Marching Band. Don’t be surprised when a cannon goes off after each Hornet touchdown or field goal. Access 4 Hornet Stadium is easily accessed via Highway 50 or Business 80 in the Sacramento area. From Highway 50: Take the exit for Howe/Power Inn Road. Veer right at the California State University, Sacramento entrance onto Hornet Drive. At the traffic light, take a left onto College Town Drive. Hornets Stadium will be on your right. From Business 80: Take for J Street. Make a left on J Street and go 4 miles. Enter the front entrance to the Sacramento State campus. Turn right on State University Drive North. Hornet Stadium will be on your left in ½ mile. Parking areas open four hours before kickoff, leaving you plenty of time to explore the Sacramento State campus or find your seats in Hornet Stadium. Return on Investment 3 Most seats at Hornet Stadium are considered general admission seats. They are priced at $18 for adult seats and $8 for youth (ages 3-12) seats. There is a $2 ticket fee added to that. Section 213 along the 50-yard line is considered premium seating and costs $43 plus a $2 ticket fee. Parking costs $10 on gameday. Extras 3 Hornets Stadium was the site of one of the wildest games in FCS history during the 2022 FCS playoffs. The Hornet's game against the University of the Incarnate Word was marked by countless changes in the score. The game ended in a 66-63 win for the visitors, ending Sacramento State’s dream season. The stadium is heavily used by the Sacramento State track and field program as well. It has hosted numerous major meets, including the US Track and Field Olympic Trials twice, and the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships on two occasions. Hornets Stadium has also served as the home field for two now extinct pro football teams. It hosted the Sacramento Surge of the World Football League (WFL), as well as the Sacramento Gold Miners of the Canadian Football League (CFL). This was the first time that a CFL team was based outside of Canada. Final Thoughts A visit to the Hornet’s Nest will provide an entertaining afternoon or evening for fans in California’s state capitol. After the game check out old Sacramento or the California State Railroad Museum.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stegeman Coliseum 100 Smith St Athens, GA 30605 Georgia Bulldogs website Stegeman Coliseum website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 10,523 Glory, Glory to Old Georgia Mention of the University of Georgia almost instantly conjures up images of barking fans celebrating the Bulldogs’ gridiron successes , most recently back-to-back football national championships claimed in 2021 and 2022. And while Georgia Football without a doubt is the flagship program on the Athens campus, the Georgia Athletic department boasts outstanding fan experiences across many of its athletic programs. First sponsored as a varsity sport in 1978, volleyball at Georgia was played at the Women’s Physical Education Building until 1994, when it moved to the Ramsey Center from1995 until 2017. The program would begin transitioning out of the Ramsey Center into Stegeman Coliseum for matches in 2018. As members of the Southeastern Conference, the Bulldogs experienced most of their success in the 1980s, claiming conference titles in 1985 and 1986.   Food & Beverage   3 Food at Stegeman Coliseum uses a self-serve, grab-and-go model. Items sit under heat lamps waiting to be picked up and taken to checkout stations. Options include hot dogs, burgers, and chicken or BBQ sandwiches. While most options are typical stadium quality, the burgers are from local boutique burger purveyor Grind House Burgers. Even though the food is fine for stadium fare, the fact that items are left out under heat lamps does seem to impact the quality. Besides the above main dishes, other concession items include peanuts, popcorn, candy, and various other snack foods. There is also the ever popular Dippin’ Dots cart in the main lobby area. Soft drinks include items from the Coca-Cola line of products. Though beer is sold at campus events, it does not appear to be available for volleyball matches – information on the volleyball website suggests it is available for select matches, however.   Atmosphere   3 Stegeman Coliseum is a great example of an arena from a previous generation that was given a highly modern feel, with a renovation of the east and west entry ways using large walls of glass. The interior of the arena complements the modernized feel of the exterior and fits right into the red and black color scheme of the Bulldogs. Also, in coming years the massive UGA mural at the south end of the arena will be replaced with the largest indoor collegiate video board in the country. There is not a lot of debate that Stegeman Coliseum is a very comfortable venue for all of Georgia’s programs that use it. The University of Georgia Athletics Department does a good job creating an atmosphere where its brand is consistent throughout all its programs and with the prideful spirit of all things Bulldogs. Throughout the match, cheerleaders, backed by a pared-down collection of the Red Coat Band, lead fans in familiar Georgia chants that have been engrained in Georgia fandom. Timeouts and changeovers are filled with singalongs, both of popular music and Georgia fight songs, as well as interactive scoreboard fan cams and games that entertain attendees, along with t-shirt tosses just prior to the ball being served back into play. Even when the in-game entertainment is focused more on popular music than on UGA favorites, fans are quick to their feet to sing and dance along. The most impressive part of the experience is the re-creation of the “Light Up Samford” with a down scaled “Light Up Stegeman”, where the lights are turned down as the Georgia band plays “Krypton Fanfare”, as the flashlights of cell phones begin to sparkle, then bob up-and-down throughout the stands. Even with the high level of support from those in attendance, one of the issues with using a facility such as Stegman Coliseum is that much of the excitement of the fans ends up dissipating into the emptiness of the second level seating. Regardless of the size of the crowd, the fun nature of the traditions of Georgia’s athletic programs are consistent and go a long way in establishing a fun college volleyball environment.   Neighborhood   5 Athens is everything that could be asked for in a college town – far enough from Atlanta to remove the breakneck pace of a major city, but brimming with enough of the hustle-and-bustle of a college town to create a perpetual buzz of excitement in the air. Georgia’s athletic facilities are spread out, with concentrations of both on and off campus facilities. Stegeman Coliseum is part of an on campus cluster which includes baseball’s Foley Field , the outdoor track, football’s practice and training facility, and the Butts-Mehre Building, the hub of University of Georgia Athletics. The epicenter of Athens and the University of Georgia culture can be found along Lumpkin Avenue and Broad Street – this area has nearly an endless number of shops, bars, restaurants, and music joints, providing seemingly endless options to fill time at any time of day. New in 2024 are the Athens Rock Lobsters, who will call the newly completed Akins Ford Arena in downtown Athens home; adding in one of their games could certainly help make for a full visit of sports during a weekend in Athens.   Fans   3 There are a handful of colleges and universities at which being a fan transcends just one program. While football  will always be the premier program at Georgia, the passion that is shown to the Dawgs on the gridiron bleeds over to other sports, and volleyball is no exception. Fans are extremely responsive to the chants and cheers that are consistent across all of Georgia’s athletic teams. Even though much smaller in size than their football and basketball counterparts, the UGA “Spike Squad”, a collection of fans clad in red shoulder pads with spikes protruding from them, is ever present. This season saw two of the volleyball Dawgs largest attendance figures, with more than 4,000 fans against rival Georgia Tech  and a Stegeman Coliseum volleyball record 8,376 for their match against the South Carolina Gamecocks, as part of their “10K Day” promotion – the promotion encouraged Dawgs fans in town for the weekend’s football  game to come out the night before to support the volleyball team. Typically, though, past history has shown attendance numbers here will fall within the mid-1,000 and creeping over 2,000 range against the rival Yellow Jackets  and Florida Gators.   Access   3 It is no secret that getting to Athens from the metro Atlanta area on a weekday can certainly test one’s patience. While Athens is just 70 miles from Atlanta, getting there for a weekday match typically takes in excess of two hours. The most direct route is via Interstate-85 to Georgia 316, which leads to Athens. Fans coming from the north on I-85 will have a bit less traffic coming through Jefferson, while from the east, accessing Athens is most convenient on I-20 to US-441N. Just south of Stegeman Coliseum, the Carlton Street Parking Deck is the most conveniently located parking location to the arena. This parking deck does charge a metered rate, payable at kiosks around the garage. Concrete information about parking, and whether or not there will be a cost during certain matches, seems to be difficult to come by, but all indications point to the East Deck providing free parking for volleyball. This lot is not as close to Stegeman Coliseum, however, so it leaves a bit of a walk. Once inside, Stegeman’s outer concourse makes navigating the coliseum relatively easy, but the concourse doesn’t wrap completely around the arena. A secondary, interior concourse does fully encircle the playing area, and for volleyball matches is easy enough to move around to access seating.   Return on Investment   5 Free admission and free parking in the East Campus Deck goes a long way in giving fans a reason to come to matches beyond simply supporting Georgia volleyball. Concession prices are slightly higher than anticipated, especially considering portion sizes are a touch on the smaller side.   Extras   4 Stegman Coliseum doesn’t have a lot in the way of recognition of Georgia’s volleyball history, but one display pays tribute to all the Dawgs SEC volleyball championship teams; included in this recognition are the 1985 and ‘86 conference champions. Georgia volleyball also does a good job at rewarding its most loyal of fans – the first 30 fans receive bracelets, allowing them access to floor seating. The scoreboard at the southern end of the floor displays detailed statistics of individual players, along with running team statistics. The Butts-Meher Building holds a place of high regard in the Georgia Bulldog community. Not only is it the center of Georgia Athletics, but also home to a museum of Bulldogs athletics history. The Butts-Meher Building is open for tours until 5pm Monday through Friday, making is a real option to visit prior to a volleyball match at Stegeman.   Final Thoughts The use of a venue such as Stegeman Coliseum makes a lot of sense from a logistical and operational standpoint, but it does significantly impact the game experience. When considering that Georgia’s largest volleyball crowds still leave over 8,000 empty seats, this really dissipates the volume and energy created by the fans, and all those who work so hard to create what actually is a decent college volleyball atmosphere.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Convocation Center 1 UTSA Cir San Antonio, TX 78249 UTSA Roadrunners website Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,650 UTSA Roadrunners – Convocation Center Founded in 1969, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is the largest in South Texas. Nearly from the outset, the university has fielded numerous athletics teams, including one of their most successful program: women’s volleyball. Since their inaugural season in 1983, the UTSA Roadrunners have been a consistent force on the court – they won conference titles in 1999, 2000, and 2010 as members of the Southland Conference and in 2013 and 2014 as part of Conference USA. From the outset, the volleyball team has called the historic Convocation Center, located on the UTSA campus, their home court. Affectionately known as the Bird Cage, the facility is known for its brutalist-style architecture and glorious rust-colored exterior. The venue is also home to UTSA’s basketball programs and some athletics offices and was the former home for decades worth of graduation ceremonies. Read on to learn more about the historic Convo.   Food & Beverage   3 The Convocation Center has, for the bulk of its lifetime, maintained and operated one concession stand. Located near the main entrance, this stand serves up basic stadium fare such as hot dogs (or chili dogs, if that’s your preference), nachos (which can also be topped with said chili), and Frito pie (my personal favorite), as well as bags of chips and popcorn, boxes of candy, bottled soda, bottled water, and sports drinks. Two factors keep this section’s score from being lower – first, fans can purchase beer and wine during Roadrunners volleyball games at the Bird Cage. Second, the costs for everything are very affordable. Aside from the alcohol, the cost for most of your food and drink options is less than $5 each; your wallet is safe when you watch the Roadrunners play volleyball.   Atmosphere   3 Inside the Convo, it still feels very much like a high school gym. Fans are just mere feet away from the court and all the action, especially on the student’s side of the court. This allows fans to really get a sense of the on-court action and to get a sense of the energy of the crowd. It had been quite a few years since I last attended a UTSA volleyball game, so I was pleasantly surprised at how engaged and excited fans were (more on them shortly), as well as how much this engagement enhanced the overall atmosphere. Other than the above, there is not much else at the Convo for fans to take in. There is a small merchandise area inside near the main entrance, and there are also trophy cases touting the success of Roadrunners teams of the past near the staircases inside. Championship banners for the men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams also hang from the rafters over the court – it’s pretty bare bones, which is to be expected for a utilitarian facility like the Convocation Center.   Neighborhood   4 The Convocation Center is located right in the middle of the UTSA campus, which is on the far northwest side of the Alamo City. As such, the facility is pretty removed from most of the attractions that visitors usually come to San Antonio to see. However, that doesn’t mean there is nothing for fans to do and see before and after UTSA volleyball games. Directly across from the campus, separated by Loop 1604, is Six Flags Fiesta Texas . The largest theme park in this part of Texas, it draws millions of visitors a year who come to catch the shows, ride rollercoasters, and visit the adjacent water park. It’s open year-round, and the bulk of the volleyball season offers up some of the coolest weather, so you won’t mind waiting in line to get on the rides here. Also across the highway from campus is La Cantera Resort & Spa  – this four-star resort features world-class golf courses (it was the longtime home of the PGA’s Valero Texas Open ), a truly upscale spa, and some of the finest restaurants in the city, as well as a host of high-end shopping options. It is arguably the nicest place to stay in the city and is probably the best place – if your budget allows – to stay near campus. Since this is a college campus, you can expect fast-food restaurants to make up the bulk of the dining options nearby. However, there are still a few spots worth noting, the first being Smokey Mo’s BBQ . If you’re in Texas, you’re going to need to get some barbecue at some point. Smokey Mo’s would be considered a fast-casual style of the joint, but what it does offer will satisfy you. I would personally recommend getting the turkey, along with one of the traditional Texas trinity options. Also, who doesn’t love a good burger? Bunz Handcrafted Burgers is very close to UTSA’s campus. The massive burgers you can get at Bunz can be topped with something as simple as bacon and pepper jack cheese or with something as outlandish as a crab cake and Korean-style barbecue or ribs. For lodging options, in addition to La Cantera Resort, there are also a couple of choices within five minutes of the Convo, including DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest  and Spark by Hilton San Antonio Northwest near Six Flags . San Antonio is abundant with dining and lodging options – it will all depend on your taste, your budget, and how far you’re willing to travel.   Fans   3 Last season was UTSA’s first as a member of the American Athletic Conference. Not so coincidentally, this year’s volleyball team set the all-time attendance record for the program, with over 11,000 fans attending home games at the Bird Cage – four games against a longtime rival, as well as newer conference foes, each saw over 1,000 fans attend. That is a far cry from what I have been accustomed to here; during the most recent game I attended, the Convo was virtually packed. Fans got here early, and they were decked out in Roadrunner orange and blue, and they were loud. The energy was palpable, which greatly added to the excitement and enjoyment of the experience. I think if UTSA volleyball can maintain this type of growth in the program, the attendance numbers will continue to rise.   Access   4 UTSA’s campus and the Convocation Center are housed between two major highways in San Antonio, the aforementioned Loop 1604 and Interstate 10. The campus is a 20-minute drive from downtown San Antonio and a 15-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. The Convo is visible from Loop 1604, and exit signs mark the way off I-10. This highway intersection has become one of the most congested in the city, however, so consider that if you’re driving to the game. Once onsite, parking is plentiful – just take care not to park in any restricted areas. The city’s mass transit option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , also has several bus routes to and from campus if that’s the direction you want to take.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for UTSA volleyball start at $10 for general admission seating. When you couple this with the low cost of concessions and the free parking, you’re getting a great bargain. The American Athletic Conference offers up quite a few quality volleyball programs, all of which will make an appearance or two at the Bird Cage throughout the season – it’s a fun experience and is easy on your bank account.   Extras   3 UTSA offers up a lot of the traditional pageantry that most schools have for their volleyball games – the UTSA Cheer Squad mans the area along the baselines and tosses t-shirts to the crowd after big set points, while beloved UTSA mascot Rowdy can be found interacting with fans and taking photos all throughout the game. The Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA) Marching Band  can also be found in the stands, performing the fight song and the alma mater. It’s not a lot, but it all adds to the atmosphere and energy of the crowd.   Final Thoughts Even though I’m an alum and a fan of all things UTSA, I haven’t been to many volleyball games over the years. My knowledge of the sport is admittedly limited. However, I had a fun time on my most recent visit, though I admit that a lot of my good feelings toward the historic Convo are tied to memories of the good old days. Pulling off my orange and blue tinted glasses, however, my opinion of the Convocation Center doesn’t change – it’s got charm, it’s got history, and when it’s got fans in the stands, it gives off great energy. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it needs to belong on anyone’s bucket list, you could do a lot worse than taking in a volleyball game at the Bird Cage. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stephen B. Dolny Stadium 419 Montague Avenue Greenwood, SC 29649 Lander Bearcats website Stephen B. Dolny Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 750 Lander Bearcats Established in 1872 as Williamston Female College and later renamed Landers College in 1907, athletics at what is now Lander University would not start up until 1968 with the men’s and women’s basketball programs. Initially a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Landers would become a charter member of the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference, formed in 1990. The Peach Belt Conference stretches along the southern coast with teams in North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Lander University is about 30 miles north of the South Carolina border with Georgia in the small town of Greenwood. While relatively small in population (approximately 22,000), the city of Greenwood has an impressive list of notable one-time residents including Benjamin Mays, former mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Hootie Johnson, past chairman of the Augusta National; former Wichita State men’s basketball coach Gregg Marshall; and a slew of NFL players, most notably Ben Coates, Super Bowl champion tight end with the New England Patriots.   Food & Beverage   4 The concession stand here is located outside of Dolny Stadium, centrally providing concessions for baseball along with the nearby venues. The lodge-style building stands separate from the baseball and softball stadiums; the building housing the concession stand features a deck that overlooks the softball stadium, offering fans the chance to check out the action before returning to the baseball game. The concessions offer many options from Chick-fil-A sandwiches and hot dogs to chili dogs and nachos with a choice of cheese, chili, or both. Candy, chips, and other snacks are also available. The beverage options at Dolny Stadium are extensive, including bottled and fountain Pepsi products and Aquafina water. For those looking for alcoholic beverages, the stand offers Michelob Ultra, White Claw, and bottle-poured wine. Also, Lander University has its own branded golden ale, Bearcat Brew, from the Greenwood craft brewery Good Times Brewing.   Atmosphere   3 Dolny Stadium has a rather open feel to it, with only a small brick press box around the top of the seating bowl – the field is pretty much visible from any vantage point around the concourse. Chairback seats run 5 to 7 rows deep from the cut of the outfield grass. For those who might prefer to spread out a bit, or for kids to run and release a bit of pent-up energy, a small grassy berm of seating runs down the first baseline. In addition, a handful of picnic tables dot the concourse that runs behind the seating bowl. Dolny Stadium uses brick support columns and a brick backstop, which seamlessly complement finished wooden support beams in the seating behind the home plate. The combination of wood, brick, and blue stadium seats makes for a nicely presented facade. A chain link fence, with fence supports framed with padding, creates the wall from left field around to center. The wall is a bit short of the standard dimensions with left field at 325’ and 365’ to the left-center power alley; the center field runs at 401’. The outfield wall from the center around to the right is more of a typical padded fence backed with a large retaining wall. With a road that runs atop the wall, the right field distances are a touch short at 355’ to the right center power alley, while the right field goes 320’. A typical inning-by-inning scoreboard sits atop the retaining wall beyond the right-centerfield fence. There are not a lot of distractions by way of sound effects, other than some quips interjected during mound visits from the press box. Inning changes are kept simple, typically filled with either rock or country music as the pitcher comes out to warmups to begin each half-inning. When it comes to the seating at Dolny Stadium, there isn't a bad seat in the house. The seating bowl is right on top of the action, allowing fans to almost feel as if they are part of the game. The seats behind the home plate provide the most shade and cover from any potential sun or rain in the forecast. Several fans also choose to bring their foldable chairs, to sit along the back of the last row of stadium seats.   Neighborhood   4 Dolny Stadium is part of Jeff Mays Sports Complex which also includes Doug Spears Softball Field and Van Taylor Soccer Stadium. The proximity of these facilities allows fans to check out other games that might be going on. The Mays Sports Complex is located just off the Lander campus, under a mile from the oak-lined Main Street that runs through downtown Greenwood. Visitors will find several shops and restaurants along Main Street – Mill House Pizza, Howard’s on Main, Kickers Takeout, Buenavista, Montague’s, and Southern Soul on Main all come highly recommended. Those looking for a taste of the local microbrew scene might find Sled Dawg Brewery or Good Times Brewing of interest, both just off Main Street. Closer to May Sports Complex, visit the Dixie Drive-In for a throwback burger dive experience.   Fans   3 Lander University ranks in the top half of the Peach Belt Conference in attendance, with just a tick under 200 fans per game .  Fans are vocally supportive of the Bearcats, but in all appear to be on the same side.  As expected, borderline calls can create a bit of a buzz in the stands, but it is nothing that would not be seen from any typical fanbase.   Access   3 Without direct interstate access to Greenwood, visitors heading to Lander’s Dolny Stadium face a bit of a drive. The most traveled roads in the area, I -26 to the east, I-85 on the west, or I-385 coming from the north, leave at least an hour’s drive on state or US highways. Once at Jeff May Complex, most parking is toward the back of the facility, which should suffice if there is just one event going on, but with multiple fields hosting events simultaneously, there might be some competition for prime parking spots. Lots are near Dolny Stadium, so other than navigating the stairs leading to the front entrance, accessing the stadium is straightforward – those needing the assistance of ramps will want to look to the sloped area along the first baseline for easier entry into the facility. The concourse of the stadium runs behind the seating bowl and is reasonably easy to get around, but does not continue around the whole field; rather it horseshoes around home plate and up to the cut of the outfield grass. Since the concession stand and restrooms are shared with the other facilities within the complex, fans do have to exit the stadium to reach them. The field is visible the whole time, however, so the amount of the game missed is minimal.   Return on Investment   5 Admission to Lander baseball games is $5 for fans 13 and up, with kids 12 and under free. Concession prices are very reasonable as well and will not break the bank; even alcohol prices are more in line with what would be paid at a pub, more so than an inflated stadium price. And with free parking, Bearcat baseball is an extremely affordable experience.   Extras   3 The outfield wall recognizes the Bearcat’s Peach Belt regular season championships and NCAA Division II tournament appearances in 2012, 2014, and 2016, as well as their 2014 and 2016 trips to the D2 College World Series. With Dolny Stadium’s proximity to the softball and lacrosse fields, it is easy to come for a baseball game and stay for a lacrosse or softball game. The Capsugel walking/jogging track runs 4/5ths of a mile through and around Jeff May Complex. Not only does this give fans a bit of an opportunity to get some exercise in, but fans can do so while keeping up with the scores of the various games around the facility – the track is open year-round for community members to take advantage of.   Final Thoughts Dolny Stadium gives fans a comfortable baseball experience in an intimate setting, at a wonderful complex that promotes the simultaneous support of multiple Lander University athletic programs. Baseball at Lander University can be much more than just a baseball experience. Jeff May Complex brings together an entire community and athletic department and gives fans an easy opportunity to check in on the status of other games going on, and possibly stick around a bit longer than planned for tight games that might be reaching their conclusion.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 HSR Classic 12 Hours website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 Pistons and Props in Sebring Far removed from the chaos of the annual IMSA race weekend in March , the HSR Classic 12 “Pistons and Props” event features a whole different atmosphere. Held each year in late fall, this race showcases Sebring’s history and mixes in a little bit of air show with race cars. Food & Beverage   4 There is no shortage of food vendors around the track at Sebring – from the main paddock and the ever-popular Track Shack (get The Beast for $15…it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and used to be only known on the secret menu at Sebring) to the various drink and snack stops around the track, you never have to go too far to get something to quench your thirst or ease the pain of hunger. The cost of everything is also what one may consider being moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. The event also invites several food trucks to the event as well, which are set up near the paddock area.   Atmosphere   4 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. The HSR weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours , and everyone here seems to be there to have a great time. The track lacks many conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level race facility, but makes up for it with viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is also included all weekend, something not always open to smaller events. Perhaps the highlight of the event is the historic warbird fly-in on Friday night – vintage warplanes arrive from Sebring Airport and taxi down the track’s backstretch before being staged for the weekend in the pre-grid area. After this, fans are allowed into the grid to check out the planes up close until they leave Sunday morning. Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying the whole weekend.   Fans   3 The fans at HSR weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including IMSA  and the SVRA & Trans-Am SpeedTour events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it.   Access   3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams help take you from parking lots farther away from the main grandstands and paddock to points of interest around the track. You never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to points of interest throughout the weekend. Also, any fan can come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars who are in attendance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to the HSR event here are much less expensive than IMSA’s 12 Hours in March   – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of the race cars of yesteryear without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, this is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access is much more up close than traditional races you may go to. Single day tickets (Saturday $30, Sunday $20), 2-day tickets ($45), 3-day tickets ($55), and 4-day tickets ($65) are all available for purchase. Unreserved RV parking is also available for $100 for the full event.   Extras   4 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the race weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for one of the year's biggest races. Also, before the main event on Saturday, all the teams bring their cars out to the false grid before the race starts, so fans can come and see the cars and drivers up close, next to the vintage planes, before the racers head out onto the track. Final Thoughts The Pistons and Props event is a highlight of the Sebring calendar, and many local race fans show up to watch vintage racing at its best; the bonus of vintage warbirds only amplifies the value of this event. Like the HSR Classic 24 at Daytona , racecar fans of all ages can no doubt find something to get excited about here.

Photos by Will Halern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Kenan Memorial Stadium 78 Stadium Dr Chapel Hill, NC 27514 North Carolina Tar Heels website Kenan Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 50,500 Carolina Blue Beacon on the Hill The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, founded in 1788, was the first public university in the United States to enroll students, doing so in 1795. Exactly a century after its founding, UNC launched its football program. The Tar Heels is a state nickname dating back to the Civil War. North Carolina is now known as the Tar Heel State, and with the Chapel Hill campus being the state’s flagship university it only made sense to adopt the nickname. From 1888 until 1921 the school competed independently, after which they spent the next three decades as part of the Southern Conference, before becoming a charter member of The Atlantic Coast Conference in 1953; the Tar Heels are ACC members to this day. The Tar Heels first played at Emerson Field, about a half-mile from Kenan Memorial Stadium, on the site of what is now Davis Library, which is UNC’s main library. The stadium only held 2,400 fans and it was clear the team needed a bigger place to play, so in 1927 Kenan Memorial Stadium opened. The stadium has been renovated and updated over the years, most notably in 2011 when the stadium was enclosed, and in 2018 when most of the bleacher seats were replaced with individual seats, dropping the capacity from 62,582 to 50,500. The stadium is now close to a hundred years old, but still looks modern, while at the same time keeping some of the original charm. Food & Beverage 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium offers a variety of food and beverage choices to keep everyone attending a Tar Heels Football game happy. The main concessions stands offer a Chick-fil-A sandwich and chips combo for seven dollars, a Hunt Brothers pepperoni or cheese pizza for six dollars, a Backyard Bistro Half Pound Angus Cheeseburger and Chips combo for seven dollars, or a Kayem Jumbo Hot Dog for five dollars Pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, and candy are also offered, and you can get a regular fountain Coca-Cola for five dollars, with a souvenir cup for just a dollar more. If the lines at the main concessions stands are moving slowly, then Hunt Brothers Pizza and Chick-fil-A also have their own stands offering the same items, with the addition of a full Hunt Brothers Pizza for twenty dollars if you are feeling especially hungry. There is also a Gourmet Pretzel stand, and if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, check out Trash Talk Food Truck, which offers Trash Plates for twelve dollars, where you can pick a cheeseburger, hot dog, or both on top of macaroni salad, home fries, and topped with mustard, onions, and Trash Meat Sauce. The truck also offers chicken sandwiches and burgers or hot dogs with various toppings. Frozen Minute Maid Lemonade, Dippin’ Dots, and Ben and Jerry’s with six different ice cream choices are offered for dessert. The trend in some college football stadiums recently has been the introduction of adult beverages, and Kenan Memorial Stadium now offers domestic beer including Bud Light and Coors for eight dollars, and premium beer including Corona and Blue Moon for ten dollars. Atmosphere 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium has always had great views of the field, as the front rows of the stadium are only a few feet from the field, and even in the nosebleeds you get a great view of the action. Beginning last season Kenan Memorial Stadium eliminated all bleacher seating except for the student section behind the West End Zone, and replaced them with individual chairback seating, making for a more comfortable game day experience. The North Carolina Cheerleaders, Rameses (the Tar Heels ram mascot), and the Marching Tar Heels band also add to the energy in Kenan Memorial Stadium. In addition, there are two decent-sized rectangular video boards, hanging behind each end zone, which is a nice touch to give fans on either side of the stadium a chance to view promotions, contests, or instant replays. There is a large amount of premium seating, with some behind the south stands (on the side with the UNC logo facing the correct way), but the majority are in the Blue Zone area behind the East End Zone. The only downside is getting up to the second levels, which requires a walk up a couple of flights of narrow stairs to a narrow concourse, which is divided into sections and does not go all the way around the stadium, so make sure to read the signage so as not to climb up and down the stairs multiple times to find your section. Neighborhood 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium is located right in the heart of UNC’s campus. Chapel Hill is a college town in the truest sense of the definition, as the town of Chapel Hill and UNC are interwoven. A few blocks from the stadium you will find Franklin Street, Chapel Hill’s main drag, filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. The first place to grab a bite would be Top of the Hill, a great combination of local southern cuisine with a twist – they offer Chicken and Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Edamame Burgers, and Cajun Pork Benedict, which you can top off with a Crème brûlée Cheesecake for dessert. Sutton’s Drug Store is another place to check out – opened nearly a century ago they offer breakfast, hot dogs, sandwiches, and milkshakes, all at a great price in an old-time friendly setting. Chapel Hill offers a number of bars as well, including He’s Not Here, Goodfellows, and Boxcar Barcade, so you’re never too far from a place to grab a drink or a fun spot to hang out before or after the game. Chapel Hill may be a college town, but there is more within the town limits than the university. For those who enjoy being outside on a late summer or crisp fall day, take a stroll around the Coker Arboretum or the North Carolina Botanical Gardens, or catch a show at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center – this is among the oldest and largest planetariums in the country, and has been a fixture on the UNC Campus for seventy years. The Tar Heels also have a rich basketball tradition, so check out the Carolina Basketball Museum next door to the Dean E. Smith Center , popularly known as the Dean Dome. Or, for those who enjoy shopping head east on Franklin Street to University Place, a small shopping mall with a movie theatre, or for a more hip feel, take Franklin Street going west to neighboring Carrboro, where you can get some breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Elmo’s Diner. You can then explore the rest of Carr Mill Mall, a shopping mall converted from an old cotton mill, or the adjacent Weaver Street Market, a fair trade and organic farmer’s market and Co-Op. Or, perhaps you can catch a show at the Carrboro Arts Center or at Cat’s Cradle, a haven for up-and-coming and/or indie national touring acts – you can do all of this within ten minutes of Kenan Memorial Stadium. There are a couple of chain hotels, the AC by Marriott and Aloft Chapel Hill, both less than two miles from Kenan Memorial Stadium, but if you are looking for something more luxurious, both the Franklin Hotel and the Historic Carolina Inn are located less than a mile from the stadium. These two are likely to fill up fast, however, so make sure to book ahead of time if you know you are going to be in town for a game; there are also a number of other hotels in nearby Durham if you don’t mind a short commute. Fans 4 There is no doubt that Tar Heel fans are among the most passionate in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but in the last few years the Heels have fallen on some tough times, Kenan Memorial Stadium averaged just over three-quarters full during the 2017 season, good for tenth in a fourteen-team conference. However, in 2018 attendance rose dramatically from 76.65% to 86.38%, which happened in part due to the stadium’s capacity going down nearly 13,000 in the off-season. However, with a new coach and a program on the rise, enthusiasm for Carolina Football is going up. The game I most recently attended was the battle for the Victory Bell against hated rival the Duke Blue Devils , and the fans were loud and passionate, and weren’t afraid to let it be known when they disagreed with an official’s or coach’s decision. With a stadium that seems to be at about the right size, and a more comfortable experience now, Kenan Memorial Stadium will continue to assert itself as one of the best atmospheres, and one of the toughest places to play, in the ACC. Access 4 Getting to and from Kenan Memorial Stadium can be a little tricky. There is some heavy traffic, as is only to be expected at a lot of college football stadiums. However, with its location close to the center of UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus, and the large amounts of public transportation, you can park anywhere you want. The closer lots to the stadium on East and West Rosemary Streets will cost you twenty dollars, but you can use the spots the entire day, so you can arrive early and stay late, and take in all that Chapel Hill has to offer. There are also a number of lots around UNC’s campus that will cost you no more than $12.20, and many of them you can pay for in advance, so you don’t have to worry about having the exact cash needed to park. Some of these lots include the Hibbard and South Chiller Lot, with the cheapest being the Cameron-Graham Lot that will only cost you $6.75; handicap parking is available at the Ambulatory Care lot on Mason Farm Road. There are also numerous buses that will take you to the stadium, including the J, A, U, and the Tar Heel Express, all free of charge, like all of Chapel Hill’s Transit buses. Chapel Hill does not have any official bus or train stations, so if you are coming from out of town, you’ll need to take a bus or train to either the Durham Amtrak or Greyhound Stations, or Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Luckily all of those options are within a half hour of the stadium, and you can take a number of Go Triangle Buses from any of those locations. The 400 bus will take you from downtown Durham (where the Amtrak and Greyhound stations are) to Chapel Hill, and if you’re coming from the airport, taking the 100 to the 700 will get you to Kenan Memorial Stadium for $2.25 each way. There are several gates all around the facility, and while lines can be a bit long, you won’t have to wait too long to get into the stadium. Walking around the concourse can be a little bit tight, but not terribly hard. Handicap seating is available in sections 100, 112-119, or 131. The restrooms are showing their age a bit, but are well kept and fairly clean. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for games start at $20-$25 and go up to $50-$55 depending on the game. Food prices and parking aren’t too bad, so depending on where you want to sit, park, and how much food you buy, it shouldn’t cost any more than fifty dollars to attend a UNC Football game, which given the level of competition of playing in the ACC, a Division 1 Power Five Conference, is a good value. Extras 5 The first point goes to the Belltower Tailgating Area, where you’ll find some great tailgaters decked out in Carolina Blue, convening, playing some corn hole, listening to some tunes, and cheering on the Carolina football team, all under the beautiful Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower. Speaking of which, a second point goes to the bell tower being lit up in Carolina Blue after a win. Another point goes to the Victory Walk, where fans can cheer on the team as they walk with the Marching Tar Heels band and the cheerleaders to Kenan Memorial Stadium – the walk starts at the bell tower two and a half hours prior to kickoff. A fourth point is for the playing of AC/DC’s Hell’s Bells and Eric Church’s Carolina before the start of the fourth quarter, bringing more energy to an already energetic Carolina fan base, and finally a point for the large Tar Heel Team Store located inside the stadium, where you can get all your Tar Heel apparel without having to leave Kenan. Final Thoughts Kenan Memorial Stadium has been home to North Carolina Football for the past ninety-two years, but it would be easy to forget its age due to the recent renovations, including its new chairback seats and its two new large video boards. Mack Brown’s return to the program has given new life to Tar Heel Football after a recent dry spell, and in playing in a division as wide open as the ACC’s Coastal, the hope of competing for the ACC Championship as they did in 2015 could soon be on the horizon. Chapel Hill may always be known for basketball, but Kenan Memorial Stadium should be the backdrop for many future Carolina football victories, and put the program back on the map.