Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Circuit of the Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, TX 78617 NASCAR website Circuit of the Americas website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 120,000 NASCAR’s COTA Revival Their first few visits to Circuit of the Americas proved to be filled with struggles for NASCAR – the long circuit layout was a challenge for fans to navigate, as well as for the drivers. However, a change in the track’s layout for 2025 meant that a new shortcut right after the esses removed a large section of track on the back side, meaning fans can see most of the track from the stadium section and get more action in shorter laps.   Food & Beverage   4 In the infield fans can expect a great little hole-in-the-wall (only in size) cafe in the paddock, featuring a beautiful patio outside surrounded by trees and bushes, giving a great view of the garages and pre-staging area for most of the cars. Here you can find (when it is open) food and beverages to suit your fancy; chicken tenders and fries are $11.79, as are hamburger baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken wrap baskets. On certain days there is also a chef’s featured item, such as homemade meatloaf, beef and broccoli, or chicken primavera for $12. That said, if you are exploring the far reaches of the facility, you may not have as many options available as you have in the main spectator areas, meaning you will have to walk a while or wait patiently for later, should the hunger bug strike. Thankfully this year, however, the track added food trucks in the fan area in the paddock to add some variety. Concession stands in the stadium section are also open during NASCAR weekend, giving fans the same infield options in another location.   Atmosphere   5 Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the crowds. During fan walks on the grid for races at Circuit of the Americas, it is wall-to-wall fans hobnobbing with drivers, teams, and the cars they pilot on track. The track itself is a beautiful facility that lends itself to the fan experience – the main grandstand is even shaded from the harsh Texas sun, thanks to a perfectly-placed roof over part of the seating. By far, the coolest thing here at Circuit of the Americas is the giant tower in the middle of the track. The observation platform in the tower is open to all fans for $20 a person, including an elevator you can ride to view the race from over 200 feet above the action. In addition, the floors in the tower are see-through, giving you the feeling of floating on air – no other track has anything as cool as this. Neighborhood   3 This is a hard topic, as the city of Austin itself (a good 15 to 20-minute drive from Circuit of the Americas itself), is a bustling city of music, incredible food, and youthful energy. It is no secret why F1 picked this city, and why the annual SXSW festival is held here every year. However, as the track is on the extreme outskirts of town, the racing can easily feel a bit detached from the city’s feel. There isn’t much right next to the track, despite the slowly creeping suburban sprawl – hotels are all about 10 minutes away at least, as are any shopping and dining options fans would flock to. Thankfully, the airport is right near the track, providing easy access for your flight in and out of Austin. For great food, one can’t skip Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas and Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake, and of course, a stop in Austin isn’t complete without visiting the bats under Congress Bridge. Finally, for hotels look to Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport, which are two of the better hotels that are close to Circuit of the Americas. Fans   3 The fans are fickle for NASCAR at COTA – unlike F1 where the circuit is jammed with fans on all three days, NASCAR only features a massive turnout for the Cup Series race on Sunday. The Friday and Saturday crowds are paltry in comparison, leading to a quieter setup and mostly empty grandstands. Nonetheless, the vibes on Sunday are unmatched thanks to the hardcore NASCAR faithful who do show up for the main event.   Access   3 Getting to Circuit of the Americas isn’t hard, in that it’s not hidden away. In actuality you can see it from pretty much everywhere, thanks to its giant light-up tower at night. However, the roads in and out of the track are only one or two lanes, making a big event hard to reach, thanks to the traffic. Thankfully, however, parking is plentiful on site and in various nearby lots, and there are also numerous fan shuttles to take you from the parking lots to the paddock, as well as to various viewing areas around the circuit. Once at the track getting around is easy, thanks to the various tunnels, pedestrian bridges, and signage pointing you on your way around the venue. Return on Investment   5 Tickets to NASCAR at COTA have become the most affordable on the circuit. To start, kids 12 and under are free Friday and Saturday, and start at just $10 for Sunday. Perhaps the most surprising, however, is the price for tickets in the Turn 12 grandstand – for just over $16 you can get a seat to watch NASCAR’s best battle it out right by the new shortcut section of the track. Front straight seats start at just over $70, while seats in the stadium section range around $50. Turn 1 seating costs $66 while suites are available from $500 to $1500. Parking on site is also plentiful, with some free lots around the track that offer shuttle service.   Extras   3 COTA features an upcoming theme park, complete with roller coasters being built for its opening in the next few years. Until then, you can ride the zip line by the main grandstand to get your thrills. In addition, you can also race on the go-kart track located just outside the main grandstands. The support series paddock for IMSA is also open to all fans all weekend, giving you an up-close view of the sports cars taking to the track during the weekend.   Final Thoughts The NASCAR weekend at COTA is unique. While not managed by COTA and instead led by SMI, you’ll see some noticeable changes from the fan side. Thankfully, the new track layout has been met with rave reviews, and the offerings for fans come in very affordably, making this a great budget option when looking to catch some NASCAR racing action.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gregory Gymnasium 2101 Speedway Austin, TX 78712 Texas Longhorns website Gregory Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 11,313 Texas Tennis Showcase The Texas Longhorns are one of the most venerated programs in college tennis. Steeped in rich history from the very start, the program has continued to be a stalwart in the college tennis world. Currently located in a stellar, comfortable, and modern facility, fans would be remiss to not attend a match at the Texas Tennis Center. Without a doubt, mirroring the rest of the school’s facilities, this is a must-see venue in Austin.   Food & Beverage   2 There is only one concession stand at Texas Tennis Center – this grab-and-go self-pay setup features a very limited menu. Hot dogs ($4), nachos ($5), chips ($3), takis ($4), peanuts ($4), candy ($3), pickles ($3), and pringles ($6) make up the entirety of the food options. For drinks, you can pick up a water ($3), soda ($5), Powerade ($5), wine ($6), beer ($5.00-$6.50), or seltzer ($6.50).   Atmosphere   4 The facility features a well-manicured exterior with two entrances to the viewing level on the second floor. Once inside, fans are treated to covered seating on both sides of the facility. During dual matches, both the men’s and women’s teams play on opposite sides of the facility simultaneously. The elevated seating features two rows of individual backed seats and a third row of standard stadium bleachers. The large scoreboard in the middle of the courts provides live scores for all the matches happening, helping fans keep up with the constant action.   Neighborhood   5 Texas Tennis Center is in the heart of downtown Austin – the city center is visible from the grandstand, so you are right there in the middle of one of the most vibrant and quickly growing cities in the nation. The airport is a bit of a drive, however, depending on traffic. For great food, you can’t skip The Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas’ main campus, as well as Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake. Finally, for a hotel, look for Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport as two options that are great, due to their proximity to the airport and to major highways that lead to downtown. For sports fans, the venue’s locat ion right near the other athletic facilities on campus is great for watching multiple games in a day, with the softball stadium  loca ted right across the street.   Fans   4 The fans show up for Texas Tennis matches, and given that they’re free of charge, families are frequent here. Without a doubt, this is a very family-friendly sports experience for all ages. Texas tennis fans are varied in age and background, a true melting pot of the sport’s and school’s fans, and even mid-week matches for just one of the two tennis teams see a solid turnout from the Longhorn faithful.   Access   5 Texas Tennis Center enjoys the luxury of being quite literally one block from the nearest interstate highway – located off exit 235 on I-35, the facility is refreshingly easy to access. Parking is located on site in the East Campus Garage, or in nearby lots with purchase via the Texas parking website. Various street parking is also available nearby, but that fills up rather fast.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to Texas tennis matches are free of charge; parking is also free at the East Campus Garage. This makes tennis matches the best value by far for anything on campus in terms of cost. Add to that the relatively low cost of concessions, and you have the perfect afternoon watching some of the best in college tennis, while comfortably enjoying the match from your covered seats.   Extras   4 The concessions area features not just tables to sit and eat, but also a wall of fame that also doubles as a team records showcase. Here, you can see some of the best that have come through the home of the Longhorns. Another neat feature are the two memorial busts, one of Dr. Daniel Allen Penick and the other of Wilmer Lawson Allison, Jr. – these two men helped shape the future of Texas tennis at its founding and went on to find great personal success in the sport, at both the collegiate coaching level as well as personally at the professional level. Visible from Texas Tennis Center are some of the school’s major sports facilities; across the street is the softball stadium , while next door is the baseball field . Also, from the seats you can easily see the homes of Texas football  and basketball .   Final Thoughts The hidden gem of Texas’ campus may very well be Texas Tennis Center. This stellar facility offers unrivaled elevated and covered views of the action down below, and on top of that, offers incredible affordability in the face of ever-growing prices for sports fans. There is no question that Texas fans, tennis fans, and sports fans from all over the region should flock to Texas Tennis Center to watch tennis from the comfort of your second level seating.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium 41220 Fieldhouse Dr College Park, MD 20740 Maryland Terrapins website Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 2,500 Baseball at the Bob Located on the campus of the University of Maryland, Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium has been home to the Terrapins’ baseball team since 1952. The stadium is adjacent to Maryland Stadium, home to the Terps’ football and lacrosse programs, and part of the upper deck is visible from the stands. Renovations to the stadium over the years include the installation of lights in the 1994 season and an all-turf field following the Terrapins’ run to the Super Regionals in 2015. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand on the concourse at the top of the stands which offers very basic options. The only thing that could be a meal are hot dogs. Pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, chips, and candy are available for sale, as are bottled water and soft drinks. Be warned the concession stand only accepts credit cards, not cash. Atmosphere 4 Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium is an intimate stadium, with none of the plastic bleacher seats more than ten or so rows away from the action. The entrance is cut into a hill and fans will walk down a ramp or small flight of steps to enter the stadium. From there, they will enter a concourse that surrounds the seating bowl and walk down to their seats. Many fans will choose to stand here and watch the action instead of sitting. The Terrapins do a lot to keep fans engaged, playing music between innings, and each batter and pitchers also have their own special music. Often the fans will clap along to the tune, generating some energy during breaks in the action. A digital scoreboard in left field provides the line score and other basic information. \\ Beyond the scoreboard, fans will see the towering upper deck of SECU Stadium. If there is a lacrosse game going on there at the same time, you may be able to hear the sounds, although the upper deck will likely be empty and you will not be able to see the field. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is really nothing special. There is a bowling alley a couple of miles away, and a bunch of chain restaurants within walking distance. If you’re looking for some local color, College Park Diner is a favorite with residents and students alike and serves up comfort food 24 hours a day. Looney’s Pub on Route 1 is a sports bar with dozens of big-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. A couple of hotels are located nearby, including a Marriott just off campus, and The Hotel on-campus. (Yes, the on-campus hotel is literally called The Hotel. Not a very creative name.) That being said, if you’re looking to do more than eat and sleep, your best bet is to head down to the Metro station and take the Green Line into D.C. It’s about a 30-minute ride downtown. Once you’re there, there’s so much to do and most of it is free. Whether it’s visiting one of the historic monuments and memorials, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply walking outside on the National Mall, there’s something for everyone. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to reserve that ahead of time. Fans 4 Maryland draws well for baseball games compared to other schools in the area, averaging about 1,000 fans a game. As is often the case, they draw more fans on weekends than weekdays, and the Bob can be quite packed on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, especially if the weather is nice. The fans who show up are loud and engaged and cheer on the Terps throughout the game. Many of the same fans go to games all season, so they know a great deal about the team, the players, the coaches, and even the umpires. Access 3 The University of Maryland campus is located just a few miles from I-495 (Capital Beltway) or Maryland Route 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). Once you get on the campus, the closest place to park is the Union Lane Garage, but this is a paid garage that could cost up to $15 depending on how early you arrive and how long you stay. We would recommend downloading the Parkmobile app to your smartphone so you can add more time to the meter without having to return to the garage if the game runs long. Alternatively, if you are going to a game on a weekend or arriving after 4 PM on a Friday, you can park in Lot 1 or Z by the soccer stadium for free. This is about a five-minute walk to the stadium. Be warned that there is a lot of construction going on in these lots right now. The concourse is narrow and can get crowded with large crowds, especially after the game when everyone's leaving at once, although the fact that it is open to the field makes it feel less claustrophobic. Restrooms are located near the entrance. They are small and there is frequently a line. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are $15 for conference games for adults, with discounts available for youth and seniors Non-conference games on weekdays have free admission. In the past, Maryland has charged for non-conference games on weekends, but at a lower price than conference games. However, the Terps have no home games on weekends against non-conference opponents in 2025, so it's a moot point for this season. This is about standard for Big 10 baseball. The opportunity to see a game for free on a weekday adds value, but is offset by the fact that you can't park for free on weekdays unless it's a night game and will need to use the paid garage. Overall, a Maryland baseball game is a good value for fans to attend. Extras 4 The concourse at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium has a unique structure, with pillars supporting the overhang separating it from the seating bowl. A second star for the view of Maryland Stadium beyond the left field fence. A third star for the signage on the outfield wall honoring the Terps' postseason achievements. The stadium opens 90 minutes before first pitch to give fans an opportunity to watch batting practice. Final Thoughts Maryland is that odd part of the country that is not quite northern and not quite southern and the Terrapins’ attitude towards college baseball reflects that. While you will not get the large, raucous crowds and stadiums that rival minor league ones that you would find further south, this also is a far cry from the barebones fields with sparse crowds that are so prevalent in the northeast. In the end, this is an average to above-average place to watch a college baseball game if we’re comparing it to national venues, but compared to other college baseball venues in the Baltimore-Washington area, Bob “Turtle” Smith may be the nicest.

If you opened up to page 10 of the sports section of The Kokomo Tribune on Wednesday, May 6, 1931, you would have read the following byline. “SUCKERS DEFEAT MICHIGAN, 10-6, TO GAIN TOP ROUND OF LADDER” The rest of the article describes the fifth straight victory of the University of Illinois baseball team, but why were they called the Suckers? Isn’t the university’s nickname the Fighting Illini? That is due to the state’s unofficial nickname at the time. Illinois was known as “The Sucker State”. A term that has its origins beginning sometime in the 1820s. Just like its neighbors to the east in Indiana, where the origin of the name Hoosiers is widely debate, why were people from Illinois once called Suckers? There are several origin stories , but the most popular theory was due to the influx of people traveling down the Mississippi River to work in the mines in Galena in the 1820s and then returning home in the fall. The Galena residents would refer to them as “Suckers” since they followed the same travel pattern as a species of the same name.  The Mississippi River is home to both the blue and white sucker, two fish that suck up organic matter from the bottom of rivers and streams. The sucker fish makes an annual migration upstream to its spawning grounds around the same time as the seasonal miners arriving in Galena. The locals did not desire the fish and did not care for the influx of around 7,000 people, most considered ruffians, to their town. A collection of headlines from various newspapers during from 1905-1927. The name was more commonly used for the southern part of the state but found its way to describe the whole state in the newspapers. The Sucker State never became the official nickname, but even Abraham Lincoln was called a sucker in newspaper print of the time. On May 17, 1955, the Illinois General Assembly approved “The Land of Lincoln” as the state’s official slogan. “Badger Hopes Smashed by Sucker Five” from  The Indianapolis Star  from March 1, 1927 In the meantime, many sports teams from Illinois were called “suckers”.  One of the earliest was the Davenport Daily   Times , which described the Peoria victory over the Davenport club in the Central Interstate League in 1888. Newspapers at the time also described teams from Indiana as the “Hoosiers” when Davenport lost to Crawfordsville later that season. The Freeport Pretzels were a minor league team from 1905-1915. As if their name was not great, they were sometimes called the Suckers. Freeport, Illinois, adopted the name “The Pretzel City” in 1885 due to its many German bakeries. Today, the high school adopted the name for its sports teams.  The Danville Roller Polo Club of the Central Polo League, which we talked about before on this site, was constantly referred to as the Suckers by sports reporters of Lafayette, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. However, Illinois newspapers called them the Pastimes.  “Suckers in great form as they trounce the Railroaders by the score of 7 to 3”  The state motto was found on the campus of the University of Illinois, known as the Fighting Illini since 1874. Everything from baseball, football, track and field, and debate teams were referred to as the Suckers.  “Buckeyes Play Flashy Football to Down Suckers and Win First Conference Game” from the Evansville Courier & Press  on November 26, 1922 The University of Illinois debate team defeated the Indiana University debate team 2-1. However, perhaps the best use of the term was when the debate team faced off in Champaign against their foes from Indiana University with a headline that read “SUCKERS DEFEAT HOOSIERS” and won 2 points to 1 point. The Illinois team won by stating that Congress should aid the shipping industry in building steamships in the country to be at the service in times of war. “SUCKERS GRAPPLERS WIN FROM CRIMSON MAT MEN”  from The Indianapolis Star  on February 18, 1922. Eventually, the term fell out of use by the 1930s, and the state of Illinois rid itself of the official motto, when shortened, could mean something else for its citizens and its sports teams. That didn’t stop The Terre Haute Tribune from referring to the Indiana Normal football team as the “Sucker State Eleven” in an October 31, 1949 article. By the mid-1950s Illinois was known as either “The Prairie State” or “The Land of Lincoln”, with its old motto tossed out and quickly forgotten within a few years. Many today would be surprised to know that “The Sucker State” was once the state’s unofficial motto but don’t expect to see it appear on any license plates or team uniforms any time soon. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

St. Francis College in Brooklyn, which boasts the oldest men’s college basketball programs in New York City, has announced the end of its entire Division One athletic program, effective at the end of the Spring 2023 semester. Denis Salamone, the chair of the St. Francis College Board of Trustees, announced Monday that due to increased operating expenses, flattening revenue streams, and plateauing enrollment, they were eliminating the school’s athletic program. Salamone issued a statement via the college’s website. "We want to acknowledge that SFC has a rich legacy in competitive athletics, and are proud of our Terriers today and in all years past. This difficult decision was guided by a commitment to preserving the College's 164-year Franciscan mission to provide a high quality and affordable education to working-class and first-generation students." St. Francis will honor all current academic and athletic scholarships, but employment for athletic staff and coaches will end at the conclusion of the spring semester. St. Francis has 19 teams that compete in the NCAA’s Northeast Conference. The Terriers men’s basketball team was founded in 1896 and boasts six regular season championships. The team plays at the Pope Physical Education Center .

Photos by St. Francis Athletic Dept, Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 DeGol Arena St Francis University Loretto, PA 15940 St. Francis (PA) Red Flash website DeGol Arena website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 3,500 Watch for the Red Flash DeGol Arena in the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center has been the home of St. Francis (PA) University Red Flash basketball program since its construction in 1971. The university calls the arena the Stokes Center. The building is named after Maurice Stokes who played at St Francis from 1951-1955 and led the team to NIT appearances in 1954 and 1955. Stokes was drafted by the NBA Rochester Royals where he became the NBA rookie of the year and a three-time All-Star. His career was cut short by health problems and he passed away in 1970. The Red Flash plays in the Division I NCAA Northeast Conference (NEC). Their best season was in 1991 when Coach Jim Baron led them to their only NCAA tournament appearance where they lost in the first round to Arizona 93-80. St. Francis University is rather isolated in the beautiful Allegheny mountains of central Pennsylvania where its most notable neighbors are Mount Assisi Monastery and a Federal Prison. Despite the beautiful setting, the remainder of the experience is rather average, due to the lack of amenities in the arena and the relatively small attendance. Food & Beverage 2 There is one small snack bar in the Stokes Center that serves a very limited menu. Options include what you would probably expect from a small college basketball arena including hot dogs ($2), nachos ($3.50), soft pretzels ($2.50), slices of cheese pizza ($2.50) popcorn ($2.50), and candy and bags of chips ($1). Pepsi products are available in 20-ounce bottles for $2. Overall, it is probably best that you eat before or after the game, but there is enough here for a snack if you get hungry. Atmosphere 3 The capacity for DeGol Arena is 3,500. The average attendance is just over 1,000 with up to about 2,000 coming out for games of more significance. The building is similar to a large high school gym, but they do have a nice video scoreboard. The cheerleaders, dance team, and pep band add some atmosphere to an otherwise small and quiet crowd. The St. Francis mascot “Frankie the Friar” is constantly in motion and does a really good job of interacting with fans and improving the atmosphere. Seating on one side of the court is wooden bleachers, but there are chair-back seats on the opposite side of the floor. Every seat provides a good view of the game because it is such a small arena. If the team was winning and the arena was sold-out, the atmosphere would be better. Neighborhood 3 St. Francis is located in the small town of Loretto, PA which is very a rural area. You need to drive four miles south to the town of Cresson or four miles west to the town of Ebensburg for restaurants, bars, and motels. Ebensburg is your best bet. The locals recommend a great restaurant and bar called Off the Rak at 3047 New Germany Road. It’s a great place to go pre-game to enjoy the food, beer, and sports bar atmosphere. There are 16 beers on tap and great wings. Next to St. Francis University is the Franciscan Friars Monastery which used to be the estate of Bethlehem Steel magnate Charles Schwab until he lost it during the 1929 Stock Market Crash. The 990-acre property has a unique and beautiful garden called the Alleghenies Mount Assisi Sunken Gardens, which is open to the public and worth visiting. Forty-three miles to the south in Shanksville, Pennsylvania is the Flight 93 Memorial and Museum at the site where United 93 crashed on Sept 11, 2001. Fans 2 The student section doesn’t show up in any kind of discernible numbers even though DeGol Arena is just a short walk from the dorms. The pep band, cheerleaders, and mascot do their best to stoke the crowd, but in general, it is pretty quiet. Access 4 If the weather is good, St. Francis University is easily accessible from Highway 22, which connects Pittsburgh with I-99 in central Pennsylvania. There is no public transit. The parking lot is free, but it fills to capacity even though the games are not sold out. Get to the game early to ensure yourself a spot. There is also a preferred parking area that is reserved for season ticket holders. There is one main gate to enter DeGol Arena, which is no problem for the small crowds that the venue attracts. There are no lines at the snack bar or restrooms. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12 for chair back seats close to the court, $10 for adult general admission, and $5 for students. Parking is free and food is very reasonable. Overall, even though the experience of attending a game here won’t make anyone’s bucket list, it still delivers a good return on your sports dollar. Extras 4 There are three retired jersey banners at DeGol Arena. Number 26 hangs for Maurice Stokes, while 12 hangs in honor of Norm Van Lier, and #10 for Kevin Porter. St. Francis provides free programs, which is a nice extra. The staff are very friendly and helpful to provide a welcoming atmosphere at DeGol Arena. If you like to listen along to games, then you can find the broadcast on local AM radio station 1400.

When something happens one time it’s considered an aberration. When it happens twice, it may be a coincidence. When the same thing happens a third time, it may be time to start considering it a trend. Little more than a week after making their first appearance in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in over 30 years, St. Francis University announced that they would be moving their entire athletic program from Division One to Division Three. The announcement was eerily reminiscent of the University of Hartford’s announcement to downgrade their athletic program after their tournament appearance in March 2022. Saint Francis, which is located in the town of Loretto, Pennsylvania in the Allegheny Mountains about 80 miles east of Pittsburgh, boasts an enrollment of about 3,000 students. Their teams, known as the Red Flash, compete in the Northeast Conference. Beginning with the 2026 fall seasons, they will begin play in the Presidents Athletic Conference. Saint Francis currently sponsors varsity teams in 22 sports. Saint Francis mascot Frankie the Friar. Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey. "This was not an easy nor a quick decision for the Board of Trustees," Rev. Joseph Lehman, the school's chairman, said in a statement. "The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game. For that reason, as a Board, we aim to best provide resources and support to our student-athletes in this changing environment that aligns with our mission, and our community's expectations." The Reverend Malachi Van Tassell, the school’s President, made a point to mention the increased demands of travel in Division One sports, even in a smaller conference such as the Northeast Conference. “ Our students travel either to Chicago or to Boston or to points in between. That's a lot of time not spent on campus, developing friendships or in the classroom. This change allows our students to be present on campus and lets their friends attend more of their home and away games." The self-relegation of the Red Flash follows on the heels of similar actions taken by the University of Hartford in 2022, Saint Francis College of New York, who eliminated their entire athletic program in 2023 . and Sonoma State, who eliminated their entire atheltic program earlier in 2025. With the changing landscape of college sports, expect more smaller schools to follow in their footsteps. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

You most likely never heard of the Paris Pirates, but they were a Class C minor-league baseball team that played for half a season in 1934. Their brief journey is a friendly reminder that if you build it, sometimes they don’t come. However, over 90 years later, small towns follow a similar formula to the small Texas town. Paris had been home to several professional clubs since 1896, and it featured interesting names, including the Red Snappers, Bearcats, North Stars, Rustlers, Survivors, and my favorite, Parasites. Membership was steady through the teens and twenties, but the town would go six seasons with professional baseball. It was primarily due to not having a proper ballpark. Talks of a new grandstand began the winter before for use for a semi-pro baseball team. At the time time, the amateur ball was deemed a better option than one in a professional circuit. However, once talk of a modern structure began circulating, the East Texas oil boom produced operating capital from newly wealthy baseball enthusiasts , and representatives from the West Dixie League and East Dixie League looked at placing a team in Paris. In January of 1934, a five-year ballpark lease was signed to build a 1,000-seat grandstand and fencing on the site of the old ballpark. The cost would be $2,500 and an additional $500 for field grading. An extra $500 was raised towards the construction of the stadium that would be used for all levels of baseball. The modern stadium held 20 boxes, bleacher sections down each foul line, showers and locker rooms, and restrooms for men and women. Every piece of timber for the grandstand was made out of oak except the foundations and posts made of bois d’arc. “These stands and fences will be here for a long time after we are gone, bearing fire or a tornado,” said J. King, a supervisor in charge of the construction. The stadium would become the property of the citizens of Paris with the town underwriting the project cost on the assumption that “you furnish the park and we’ll furnish you the team.”  In February, Paris was awarded a franchise in the West Dixie League. Work began on March 20, 1934. The name Pirates was chosen by a committee of fans the morning of the first game to be held that afternoon. Two winners picked the name from a name-the-team contest sponsored by the club and the Paris News . The winning contestants won season passes for the season. There is no mention of why the name was chosen or why it was selected by the winners. Opening day included city and county offices closed, local schools dismissed at 3 o’clock and Paris store owners allowing employees to leave work early to attend the game if they so wished. A parade with a live band, players, and firemen led a procession down North Main Street towards the entrance of the new ballpark. Around 800 fans packed the covered wooden grandstand for the opening afternoon game, and a near tragedy was narrowly missed. The game was delayed in the second inning when a section of the stands was vacated when foundation blocks, weakened by water, began to slip slightly. Fans were vacated from the upper portion of the grandstand without injuries. The stadium was named League Park and it was sandwiched between East Hickory and East Center Street. Attendance was lackluster from the start, and it appeared that more fans would watch a game from behind the outfield walls. The cost to enter was 40 cents for men and 25 cents for women, but reports told of folks paying 5 or 10 cents to stand on top of a truck and watch the game from outside the outfield fencing on East Center Street, leading to local sports editor Dub Furey, Paris  News  to quip. “The Paris fans will turn on in greater numbers to watch the proceedings from outside the park than inside is a distinct reflection on our citizenship as well as our baseball fans.” The distinctive dimensions led newspaper reporters in other cities to comment on the short left field porch that was only 251 feet from home plate, while the right field fence was 315. A 17-foot screen was erected behind left field after 25 home runs were hit during a four-game span and perhaps a majority were hit off the bat of Lou Frierson who on May 30 made history. The 27-year-old outfielder hit five consecutive home runs and added 8 RBIs in a 17-12 loss to the Jacksonville Jax. In the four-game stand, Frierson went 9-17 with 8 home runs and 13 runs batted in. Soon, the Bucs imposed a rule that counted home runs over the left field fence as a ground-rule double. The next day, another record was set when 16-year-old rookie Harold Wells connected for 7 consecutive hits in a 20-12 victory for the Bucs. Frierson went would have a ten-year career playing for a whopping 17 different clubs before hanging up his spikes after the 1942 season. His 40 home runs n 1934 were the most of his career in a single season. However, not much is known about the teenage Wells who seemed to disappear after the 1934 season. Despite these record-setting accomplishments, the team struggled to win on the field. This resulted in low turnouts at the gate and financial headaches for team owners Wayne Windle and Fred Nicholson, who decided to switch a June 21 home stand with the Tyler Governors to the East Texas Fair Association Fair Grounds in Tyler without public notice. When the Daily News contacted team owners, Windle and Nicholson sent a telegram to the newspaper with the following message. “Because of the constant loss of money in Paris we are forced to turn the situation over to the league at present. We don't know if or where they will place the club. We are indeed sorry you are not notified of the games (with Tyler) being transferred as the league office is now handling the situation.” The Bucs dropped their final game 19-3, sputtering to a 17-45 record. Windle and Nicholson could continue with a new club in town, transferring a new team from another city in the league or another classification. There was a possibility of beginning the second half with a new club, but nothing materialized. The Bucs relocated to Lufkin, Texas, where a crowd of 1,000 welcomed the new club dubbed the Lumbermen. Baseball was a tough sell in town and fans “talk a good support for the team” but won’t purchase a ticket to watch a game. It is unknown how much money was lost on the season, but many in the know said that the club was close to breaking even, especially since the city paid for the construction of the stadium. How Windle and Nicholson left town left a sour taste in the mouth of Furey who was more than happy to wax poetic about it the next day in his daily newspaper column. “The whole thing is regrettable. Two sides agree. One keeps its pact, and the other fails. For whatever reason and however well it may be justified the fact remains that the club owners agreed to do something they failed to live up to, and that, as we see it, has sounded the death knell of baseball in Paris.” League Park would never host a minor league team but house semi-pro, amateur, and high school baseball for the next few seasons. When professional baseball returned in 1946 after the war, a new stadium was constructed three-tenths of a mile west on East Hickory Street with standard dimensions. Baseball would fare better this time around, lasting until 1957.  Sadly, pro ball or summer collegiate baseball would not return. However, the site of League Park still exists with a ball field called McGill Field. The Boys and Girls Club sits to the left of the playing field. The Paris Pirates are a blip, like many other franchises, in the history of minor league baseball. Omitted from the mind of the collection conscious, the strategy of building a stadium to lure a franchise has not changed. Almost a century later, cities across the country hope to find civic pride with a baseball team. A few find it, while others strike out. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Golden 1 Center 500 David J. Stern Walk Sacramento, CA 95814 Map It Golden 1 Center website CIF website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 10,000 (lower level) CIF Basketball Tournament Ever since Art Webb’s Locke High School (Los Angeles) beat San Jose’s Lynbrook High School’s girls team and Bishop O’Dowd beat inter-city rival Castlemont’s boys team at the Oakland Coliseum Arena in March 1981, California’s high school basketball state championship game has been a major draw. Under the rule of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the state-wide tournament has expanded from just a single division to as many as six. While it originated and spent much of its first decade and a half in Oakland, by 1998, the CIF state championship for both boys and girls had moved permanently to the state capital, more often than not playing in Sleep Train Arena, where the NBA’s Sacramento Kings played. The CIF state championship moved to Golden 1 Arena in 2017, soon after it opened. Over the years, plenty of the NBA’s greatest stars got their first taste of the spotlight in the CIF state championship such as Jason Kidd, James Harden and Klay Thompson. While it may not put as much emphasis on the sport as states such as Indiana, California is a big state that is always bursting with talent. If you go to a CIF state championship game, the chances are good that you just may be watching the stars of tomorrow.  Food & Beverage 3 The food choices are exactly what you would expect of a high school basketball game. Hot dogs go for $7 and their footlong counterpart are $16. If you’re in the mood for a loaded dog with chili and cheese, the price is $12 and $18, respectively. Regular chicken tenders or hot chicken tenders and fries price at $15. Caesar or garden salads cost $10-$13. A bucket of popcorn is $10 as iss cotton candy. Hot pretzels are sold for $7 and nachos for $8.50. Fountain drinks cost $5, bottled soda is $5.50, bottomless Sacramento Kings souvenir cup runs $10 and coffee is $4. All in all, the arena is prepared to meet most of your basic culinary needs for a full day of basketball. Atmosphere 3 Your experience at the California basketball state championships really depends on the schools that are playing. The farther they are from Sacramento, the fewer fans will be in attendance. However, if one of Sacramento’s local high schools makes the title game (such as Jesuit on this particular visit), the lower bowl will most likely be packed with fans and bursting at the seams with energy, no matter the division.  But regardless of the classifications, the atmosphere is really good. The sections behind the end lines are a study of school spirit in and of themselves as they are reserved for the students. Some games, the stands have next to no one while others have a solid group of enthusiastic teenagers ready to root on their classmates. The bands also play there while the cheerleaders stand at the ready to wave their pom-poms. Again, all of this really depends on the school. Student Section at Golden 1 Center CIF Basketball Championship, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Fans chuckle when a big video board caught a coach nervously chewing on his towel. Even within the cavernous confines of the Golden 1 Center, there is an intimacy that can be felt throughout the games. Neighborhood 3 The area surrounding Golden 1 Center is bustling with activity and is generally safe for a nice stroll. If you are hungry afterwards, Insomnia Cookies, Yard House, and Thai Lotus Cuisine are right across 5th Street from the arena. However, if you really want a treat, probably the best place to get a bite to eat afterwards is Leatherby’s Family Creamery . The place was specifically designed to be the hub of Sacramento; it is a safe place to enjoy freshly grilled burgers and a wide selection of sundaes inspired by the staff.  If you are going to stay the night, Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, and AC Hotel Sacramento are all within a couple of blocks from the arena. If you are looking for a more affordable option, then Capital City Inn is a mile northwest of the arena.  If time and schedules allow, consider visiting a Sacramento State Hornets baseball game when in town. Fans 3 At times, during the 2025 tournament, the lower bowl was just under a quarter full, with next to no one in the student section. Other games, the lower bowl was more than half full with the student section bustling with energy and bursting at the seams. But no matter the size of the crowd, the fans in attendance are always very passionate about the game. Since the schools vary in attendance and enthusiasm, security is always prepared after a game, stringing along a long rope around the arena to hold off fans who are reveling in the spoils of victory. Access 3 Parking is surprisingly cheap. There is a parking garage  a little over a quarter mile from the arena that charges $11 all day. While it’s not the greatest area to get an Uber, there is a sliver of space alongside the arena where pickups and drop offs are more than possible. There are also numerous bus stops all around the arena. Once you get there, there is only one entrance into the arena and there is a bit of a line getting in. The upside of this is that there are many lines going through multiple metal detectors, so depending on the line that you are in, it may go quickly or slowly. It all depends on how quickly security can go through someone’s bag.  Inside, the arena is clean, despite the small bathrooms. Every seat is padded and the ventilation is good. There is a small shop for the CIF at the entrance that sells shirts, hats and beanies. The Kings store is closed during the tournament. Return on Investment 4 The state championship is often the peak of an adolescent’s youth. With so many games played in the same location in a single weekend, the  emotions ebb and flow with the crowd size. It’s a cultural study in and of itself. The $19 spent on the ticket is very much worth the all-day investment. Extras 2 The biggest draw of this event is the biggest extra. This is high school basketball in a current NBA arena. You can sit virtually anywhere in the lower bowl for a fraction of what it would normally cost for an NBA game.  One of the neatest features of Golden 1 Arena are the video boards. With two giant video boards on either side and two quarter-sized video-boards on either end constantly showing the action on the floor as well as the accompanying stats, it’s hard to miss a moment of the game. As an added bonus, they sometimes replay moments of the game. It’s a true rarity in high school sports that should never be taken for granted.  Golden 1 Center Video Board, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Unless you know that a school takes particular pride in its marching band, cheerleading squad, etc., don’t expect much of a halftime. Final Thoughts With so many championship games squished together, a day spent at the Golden 1 Center pulsates with so many emotions. Teenagers are known for their fragile emotional states, so it only makes sense that whether they win or lose, tears will be shed and embraces will be shared. For many of them, this is their last game ever played. For a very few others, their basketball journey has only just begun.  As an attendee, you will witness all of this and so much more as the crowds come and go, with expectations ringing anew with each tipoff. Experiencing so much emotion in a single day is good for the soul. So if you want to experience basketball in the Golden State at its pinnacle and give your emotions a good workout by witnessing the utter joy of victory and pain of defeat again and again, then go to the CIF basketball state championships at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 HSR Classic 12 Hours website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 SpeedTour’s Florida Season Kick-Off The start of the race season shows up early in Florida, and Sebring is a perfect place to celebrate that. The annual SpeedTour weekend, featuring SVRA, Trans Am, and International GT, showcases sportscar racing’s past and future. Held each year in late February, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action. Food & Beverage   4 There is no shortage of food vendors around the track at Sebring. From the main paddock and ever-popular Track Shack (get The Beast, it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and is 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 moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12 to $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   3 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. SpeedTour weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours , and everyone seems to be here to have a great time. The track lacks many conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level racetrack, but makes up for it with viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is also included all weekend, something not always open during smaller events. However, the facility itself has some massive upgrades needed. For example, almost all the roads through Green Park and trackside are dirt, meaning the dust gets really heavy at times. The restrooms around the facility are also beyond abysmal, featuring moldy troughs in the men’s rooms, as well as bugs galore with no AC to speak of. Grandstands have been added at various corners but are no less sparse, and views of the front stretch and finish line are extremely limited, with no good angles to be had for fans outside the paddock suites.   Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it’s located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half 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 for the whole weekend.   Fans   4 The fans at SpeedTour weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including IMSA , SCCA, and HSR 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. Without a doubt, Saturday is the best day to attend, with the most racing action on track happening that day, complete with car shows and fan access to several grid walks on pit road. 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. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars that are in attendance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SpeedTour weekend 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. A family 4-pack of weekend tickets is just $175 and includes parking. Weekend 2-packs are $125, while a single weekend pass is just $65. If you want to add on camping for the weekend, that is just $50. Single day tickets are also available for Friday ($20), Saturday ($30), and Sunday ($30). Parking passes for the VIP parking lot are $25 a day, or $35 for the weekend. Without a doubt, this is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access is much more up close here than at traditional races you may go to.   Extras   3 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the 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, where fans can come to see the cars and drivers up close, before the cars head out onto the track. While exploring the facility, there are also various info plaques to help tell the history of the track, including at the Flag Pole, the Officer’s Club, and Turn 7 at the Seven Hotel.   Final Thoughts The annual SpeedTour weekend is a great place to watch some racing action on one of America’s most historic race circuits. Filled with exciting action, this weekend is a must-go for all the fans who don’t want the craziness of the IMSA 12 Hour  weekend, but instead are looking for a family friendly race day.

Photo By Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey The NHL’s Hartford Whalers packed up and moved to North Carolina in 1997. That was almost 30 years ago. But for many the memories are priceless and the enthusiasm lingers as their time in Hartford is not forgotten. Sports writer Pat Pickens released a book in 2021 - The Whalers: The Rise, Fall, and Enduring Mystique of New England's (Second) Greatest NHL Franchise. It was his book that led him to being approached by a documentary filmmaker named Tal Pinchevsky who previously worked as a national sportswriter with the New York Times, ESPN, the Wall Street Journal and NHL.com to make a film about the Whalers mystique. “We became close covering the Rangers. We would meet a couple of times a year in Bryant Park for lunch at this place for Cuban sandwiches and (Tal) said to me ‘you want to do a documentary?” I said ‘I don’t know. Sounds like fun. Maybe’. But I didn’t think it was something we could do. He wore me down. We got going in 2022 and did the production in 2023 and 2024 and a little in 2025.” Pickens thanked Sacred Heart for their support. Photo By Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey After three years of tireless work, the movie was released in time to coincide with a 50-year celebration of hockey in Connecticut’s capital city of Hartford. The movie was shown at Trinity College prior to a Hartford Wolfpack game on January 11 and more than 10,000 fans packed the XL Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hockey in Hartford. Players from the franchise were honored in a ceremony hosted by the Whalers’ radio voice, Chuck Kaiton. The Whalers, born in 1972, were originally based in Boston, they were charter members of the WHA (World Hockey Association) The team was known as the New England Whalers for all seven seasons. After their second season, the team moved one hundred miles southwest to Hartford in April 1974. Stadium Journey had the opportunity to screen the movie at a public event at Sacred Heart University Public Theater in Fairfield Connecticut last month. The evening featured the hockey band The Zambonis kicking the night off by playing a pre-concert (they only perform songs about hockey), then the 1:35 movie was shown and the evening concluded with a few remarks from Moderator was Geno Gonnello a Sacred Heart University graduate and a Q/A with Pickens and Pinchevsky. “The logo is everywhere,” said Pinchevsky, the director and producer of the movie. “It doesn’t compare to any professional sports team. Maybe it compares to teams in Europe, but the team was only around 18 years.” The movie chronicled the birth of the New England Whalers and their infancy seasons playing at both the Boston Garden and Boston Arena. “It was a huge undertaking,” said Pickens. “We had enough content to make a three-hour movie.” Photo By Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey A fan who attended the screening and the final game in Hartford recounted how after the game the players were going back into the locker room and coming out with souvenirs and throwing them up in the crowd. The fan was lucky enough to catch a puck tossed into the seats by defenseman Steve Chiasson and that moment was captured on the documentary. The movie was well researched with many interviews of everyone from former team executives, coaches and former players. ESPN legend Chris Berman makes frequent appearances. The original owner Harold Baldwin had a prominent role in the documentary. Baldwin became one of the youngest executives in professional sports when he became a founder and partner of the WHA's Boston-based New England Whalers in 1971 at the age of 28. Five years later he was president of the league. The Whalers first season in the WHA was a success both on and off the ice with coach Jack Kelley's team winning the 1973 AVCO World Cup Championship. In 1974, Baldwin determined that the team needed its own building and he moved the Whalers from Boston to Hartford's new Civic Center Coliseum, with the team playing their first game there in 1975. In 1979, Baldwin guided the WHA into a historic merger 1979 NHL Expansion with his New England Whalers making the transition to the more established league and their identity was changed to the Hartford Whalers. Baldwin served as the managing general partner of the Whalers until the team was sold to local ownership in 1988. In 1977, legendary superstar Gordie Howe came to Hartford came to Hartford to play with his sons Mark and Marty and finish out his career. He played two seasons for the New England Whalers and then played his final season in Hartford when the team joined the NHL. Howe recorded 15 goals and 26 assists in his final campaign (1979-80) with the Hartford Whalers at age 50. The Whalers have been a merchandising favorite for years as Peter Good designed the iconic logo with the H inside the blue whale tail and the green W. The logo lives on as one of the most popular in professional sports. Good, who passed in 2023, is interviewed for the movie. The Whalers benefitted from a number of factors. Hartford, the insurance capital of Connecticut, was thriving in the 80s and a number of the big companies (Aetna, Travelers and Hartford Fire) were a few of the sponsors. The team played in a mall which was quirky but different as fans packed the Civic Center pre and post game. The city was the smallest market in the NHL but benefitted from having a close community vibe as the players knew the fans and the fans knew them. The movie covers the closing of the building for two years from January 1978 until January 1980 due to a roof collapse Civic Center Roof Collapse . The Whalers had to play in Springfield, Massachusetts at the Springfield Civic Center. The collapse was sort of a blessing as the Civic Center was expanded from 10,507 to 15,635 which made it viable for an NHL franchise. Other than their first season, the Whalers averaged over 10,000 every season hitting an apex of 14,574 in 1987-88. In 1994, Peter Karmanos (CEO of Compuware), along with partners Thomas Thewes and Jim Rutherford, purchased the Hartford Whalers for $47.5 million and made a four-year commitment to keeping the team in Hartford. After negotiations between Karmanos and the state to keep the Whalers in Hartford broke down and the Whalers left for North Carolina in the spring of 1997. The Whalers played its first two seasons in Greensboro while its stadium in Raleigh was constructed. The fans turned out for the final season as the Civic Center averaged 13,680 a nice bump from 11,983 in 1995-96, but it was not enough to keep their beloved Whale in Hartford. The final game was a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 13, 1997. The fans rocked the building behind a raucous and emotional capacity crowd of 14,660. The game featured signs, chants, ovations and tears as the final second came off the clock with the crowd on its feet After a stick salute, the team circled the ice to the sounds of Brass Bonanza and said goodbye to the fans and captain Kevin Dineen took the microphone and addressed the vociferous crowd. The song (AKA The Hartford Whalers Victory March) became the unofficial song in 1975 and was played as the Whalers took the ice, following goals and wins. The coach for the final game was no other than Paul Maurice who guided the Whalers for its final two seasons. He coached Carolina for seven seasons, losing in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002. Maurice won the Cup in 2024 as coach of the Florida Panthers. The Whalers, who amazingly only won one playoff series in their existence, were gone, but never forgotten. Despite the NY Rangers AHL affiliate the Hartford Wolfpack occupying the CIvic Center since 1997, Connecticut made a couple of overtures to bring the NHL back. The latest effort in 2024 did not succeed as the Arizona Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. The Whale is gone but the memories cannot be erased. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Facebook .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 J. Ollie Edmunds Center 202 E Pennsylvania Ave DeLand, FL 32724 Stetson Hatters website J. Ollie Edmunds Center website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 5,000 Basketball Potential in DeLand The basketball program at Stetson University has seen a surge in success lately, making a Cinderella run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Putting themselves on the map has helped fan interest, but the game day experience on campus is both impressive and odd. Nonetheless, a game at Edmunds Center is a great option for college basketball fans in Central Florida who don’t want to break the bank.   Food & Beverage   3 There is only one concession stand at Edmunds Center. Located right inside the main entrance, it features a simple menu with great pricing. Hot dogs ($6), nachos ($4), pretzels ($4), popcorn ($3), and smaller snacks are available ($1-$5). Drinks are limited to sodas ($5) and water ($4). This means grabbing a bit to eat at the game won’t break the bank, but the lack of options is a distinct downside.   Atmosphere   3 The exterior of Edmunds Center is so generic and devoid of interest that one would be excused from driving right past it without realizing they had done so; simple type face lettering on the exterior of the gymnasium is all that indicates you have arrived at a D1 sports facility. Once inside, the main lobby is home to numerous trophy cases for Stetson athletics, as well as memorial busts of historic figures from the school’s past. The inside of the arena is impressive in its layout for a collegiate gymnasium. No baseline seating exists, but both sidelines have plenty of seating. The bench side seating section is general admission with bench-style seats, while the opposite side features individual backed seats with multiple levels. However, on most game days the majority of that side of the arena is incredibly dark, as the lighting is turned off – this creates an almost dark void for anyone sitting on the opposite side looking this way. The addition of a video replay board is a welcome touch, as is the lighting during player intros. But ultimately, this arena is still a gymnasium in disguise.   Neighborhood   4 Edmunds Center is located on the campus of Stetson University. The arena is located just a short distance from the heart of downtown DeLand, Florida. DeLand is known for being one of the quintessential small towns in Central Florida, featuring the quietness one would expect from such an atmosphere. In addition, the town is just a short drive up I-4 from Daytona Beach, only an hour from Orlando, and is surrounded by several state parks and great nature areas. For those wanting to travel and see the sights, Blue Springs State Park is home to thousands of manatees in the winter months. In addition, the NASCAR Racing Experience is not far away, located just north on I-4 in Daytona Beach. For hotels, Comfort Inn DeLand and Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand are the closest spots.   Fans   3 The fans in DeLand are loyal to their hometown collegiate teams – after their miracle run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, interest in the basketball program spiked. However, after a disappointing season last year, attendance is back down to dismal levels for some games. While weekend and theme night games can bring large crowds of locals, regular weekday matchups are quiet and sparsely attended. In addition, most of the fans at these games are either students who come and go throughout the game, or older locals who cannot match the enthusiasm of their younger compatriots, making for a quieter home court.   Access   3 Getting to Edmunds Center involves driving on some small-town roads through DeLand – you have to take either exit 116 or 118 from I-4 to get to DeLand. Once there, the arena is off Woodland Ave. Parking is plentiful on site and across the street, making finding a spot easy. Most lots are free on game nights, even for on-site parking. Getting around the facility is also easy, thanks to plenty of signage around to help you figure out where your seats are.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to Stetson basketball games are rather affordable; general admission is just $10, while a reserved chair back seat is just $12. Reserved grey seats are $15, while reserved padded seats range from $20 to $25. Premium riser seating is $30, with a courtside seat just $40. Coupled with cheap concessions and free parking, you have the holy grail of affordability for college basketball in Central Florida. The downside here is the lack of a hardcore home court advantage on a nightly basis.   Extras   3 Stetson’s band is present at home games, adding to the college atmosphere. Additionally, the Stetson mascot roams the seats during the game, entertaining fans and posing for photos throughout the night. In addition, you can see the team’s banners hanging in the rafters, showcasing previous successes for the Hatters basketball team.   Final Thoughts Though on and off when it comes to popularity in recent years, Stetson is an incredibly affordable option for basketball fans in Central Florida. Free parking and cheap tickets makes this a great option to take the whole family to watch some college sports.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Red and Charline McCombs Field 2001 Comal St Austin, TX 78705 Texas Longhorns softball website Red and Charline McCombs Field website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 1,254 Texas Softball Greatness The softball field at the University of Texas at Austin, despite being one of the oldest in the SEC, is a beautiful facility which features a team with some very passionate college sports fans. Taking in college softball can sometimes feature some run-down or featureless stadiums, but Red & Charline McCombs Field is quite the exception. With loyal fans and a sports facility that impresses from the start, this is a great facility in the Texas athletics catalog. Food & Beverage   3 For being a small college stadium, the food options are quite varied at Red & Charline McCombs Field. Regular nachos ($5) or a regular hot dog ($4) are popular picks, while sausage wraps ($5), popcorn ($3), jumbo pretzels ($5), peanuts ($4), and even pickles ($3) also populate this incredibly affordable concessions menu. Drinks include soda ($3-$5), water ($3-$5), beer ($5-$6.50), and even wine ($12). While there is only one main concession stand, some games also include various local vendors as well, selling anything from empanadas to ice cream. Atmosphere   4 Red & Charline McCombs Field is beautiful, matching stone accents with modern construction and featuring comfortable seating throughout the bowl. Seating options are varied, with two outfield grandstands for general admission tickets populating the outfield wall. Left field also features a standing-room only viewing platform for fans to watch from. There are fan giveaways, and the fans are always engaged in the action on the field – the hot sun of Texas can be a bit overwhelming, however, on those cloudless afternoons, as there is no roof or shade of any kind in the seating areas. Neighborhood   5 Red & Charline McCombs Field is in the heart of downtown Austin – the city center is visible from the softball field’s grandstand, so you are right there in the middle of one of the most vibrant and quickly growing cities in the nation. The airport is a bit of a drive, however, depending on traffic. For great food, you can’t skip The Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas’ main campus, as well as Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake. Finally, for a hotel, look for Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport as two options that are great, due to their proximity to the airport and to major highways that lead to downtown. For sports fans, the stadium’s location right near the other athletic facilities on campus is great for watching multiple games in a day, with the Texas Tennis Center located right across the street. Fans   4 The fans at Red & Charline McCombs Field are loyal, as fans are with all Texas Longhorns athletics events. While the grandstands may not be packed during afternoon games, evening matchups feature a greater fan turnout, as you would expect at a non-major sport at any given college. Even multi-team tournaments feature a healthy crowd of fans watching the other teams play before or after the Texas games have been played. Access   5 Red & Charline McCombs Field enjoys the luxury of being quite literally one block from the nearest interstate highway – located off exit 235 on I-35, the facility is refreshingly easy to access. Parking is located on site in the East Campus Garage, as well as in nearby lots through the Texas parking website. Various street parking is also available nearby, but that fills up rather fast. Return on Investment   4 Tickets to Texas softball game start at just $6 for general admission outfield seating; reserved grandstand upper level seats are $8, while lower row seating next to the field costs just $10 each. This is an incredibly affordable option for sports fans in the Austin area looking to take in some stellar college sports. Extras   5 Red & Charline McCombs Field features game day giveaways throughout the year for fans in attendance. The facility also features a large campus map outside the stadium to help give you a lay of the land around you. There is also a team store located inside the main concourse, which makes picking up your fan gear an easy accomplishment for both new and long-time fans alike. The stadium concourse also features notable players in Texas history, including National Team players, All-conference and All-American players, and various teams and highlights from the program’s history. Fans can also get an up-close view of the bullpen in right field, thanks to the ramp to the upper level being located right next to it. Final Thoughts Texas is known for everything being bigger, and it is clear that UT softball is no exception. Yes, Red & Charline McCombs Field is quite grand when compared to the likes of your average mid-major D1 program softball field, but it doesn’t feel forced or overly large – on the contrary, the venue feels quite comfortably designed for fans to enjoy a nice day of softball. With a great food selection as well as affordable tickets and easy access, it is easy to see why locals flock to Red & Charline McCombs Field on weekend evenings.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 John Wooden Gymnasium 1360 E Gray St. Martinsville, IN 46151 Martinsville High School Artesians website John Wooden Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 5,200 A Name Befitting a Basketball Legend The John Wooden Gymnasium is home to the Martinsville High School Artesians basketball team and home to both sectionals and regionals in Indiana. The gym replaced the Glen Curtis Gymnasium, home to the Artisans since 1924, in 1977. It is also where the school’s most famous alumnus, John Wooden, was an All-State player, leading the club to the 1927 state championship. The gymnasium that reads his name holds 5,200 spectators, the same amount as the older facility. The town of Martinsville has a population of 12,000 and is located between Indianapolis (32 miles) and Bloomington (22 miles) on SR-37. The small town has been a fervent basketball supporter since the program began at the start of the last century. The Arties captured two more state titles in 1924 and 1933 and feature five players who would later be enshrined in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Basketball was such a phenomenon in Martinsville, that when the Curtis Gym opened in 1924, it seated more people (5,200) than the population of the entire county (4,800). It was also the largest high school basketball facility in the world (until the Muncie Fieldhouse opened in 1928) and larger than the arenas at both Purdue and Indiana University. Its size helped usher in the era of larger fieldhouses for the game of basketball in Indiana. Food & Beverage 3 The menu options have changed since our last visit, no longer are there Spam and cheese sandwiches, grilled bologna, or rib-eye steak sandwiches, but more normal options of hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and candy. The gym still offers coney and cheese dogs, brats, cheeseburgers, and sloppy joes at the game. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice and all proceeds go to the MHS sports program. Sadly, many of the unique food items were attributed to the late Greg Fitzpatrick, who was the concession manager. He was known as "Chef Greg" and vowed to make everything homemade and keep hot dogs under $3. He would be happy to see the price at $2.50 and a brat at $3. Another school district favorite is a bowl of chili and a cinnamon roll that was served in the hospitality room. The local favorite has been a staple of school cafeterias for decades and is as common as peanut butter and jelly in this part of the state. Atmosphere 4 The facility is one of the more modern fieldhouses in the state of its size and features charm and piquancy. The upper balcony offers light brown-colored removable bleacher seating that wraps around the gymnasium. Banners are hanging up of former championships won by the school, and John Wooden’s signature is neatly displayed on the court. The lobby celebrates the school and Wooden's legacy with murals, trophies, team photos, and wall designs. A large entrance design with Wooden's photo and signature is visible when walking through the doors and four inspirational quotes are painted above each entrance way into the gymnasium. Regionals games bring out small towns in droves that support their basketball team. Each side is decked out in school colors that consist of students, parents, locals, and alumni. Cheerleaders lead their supporters in carefully created cheers and chants. After the game, the winning team celebrates with the student section on the floor before cutting down the banners. It ends with fans spilling onto the floor for pictures and interviews from local TV crews. Neighborhood 3 The high school is on I-69 (formerly SR-37) and runs between Indianapolis and Bloomington. There is not an exact exit or entrance from this road. It is within minutes of a few great restaurants, including a few local establishments and national chain restaurants. Indy's Family Restaurant is one of the better places to enjoy a good home-cooked meal, Sgt. Pepper's has the best fried chicken in town, Bynum's Steakhouse has exquisite steaks, and Los Reyes has delicious Mexican cuisine. If you are looking for fast food chains, there are quite a few located right on SR-37. If you fancy a trip to downtown Indianapolis or Bloomington you are very close. Bloomington is about 20 minutes away, and downtown Indy is another 30 minutes north. Fans 3 The sectionals attract a lot of people from the area. Fans at the game are respectful of one another and are there to root for their team. The student sections are amazing to look at just for their sheer dedication and loyalty to the sport; the same can be said for the rest of the fans sitting in other parts of the arena. The focus is on the sport and nothing else. Access 3 The school and gym are located right off of I-69 and are highly visible from the highway. It is a little tricky to get on campus since there's no direct entrance from the main road. It is suggested to use GPS to make sure you arrive there without frustration. The gymnasium itself is well-marked with signs for concessions and bathrooms, and there are separate entrances to the first and second levels of seats. Return on Investment 4 You get a lot of bang for your buck attending one of the sectionals in Martinsville. Tickets cost between $7 and $10 depending on the package and you get a heck of a lot of great food at very low prices. The great food, fans, and atmosphere make this a fantastic destination for high school hoops. Extras 3 There is a sense of efficiency when attending the game here. A lot of the sectional sites can get jam-packed with fans and security and ushers are unable to keep up with the demand and people inside the arena. It was not a sold-out game, but the administration and student helpers assisted with any questions from fans entering the building. It was a well-oiled machine. John Wooden deserves extra points for not only being the legend from Martinsville but also having his name on the facility. Before he became The Wizard of Westwood, he was a pretty gritty basketball player for the Artisans here in town. His former gym is also still around with major changes. It might be worth checking out a historic Indiana high school venue. I enjoyed the stylized M monogram that was printed on every seat inside the building. A nice little-personalized touch inside the arena. Final Thoughts John Wooden Gymnasium is very impressive. It is an arena, providing spacious seating, delicious high-calorie food, and a little history from the school's past. The lobby decor and updated asthetics inside the gym make it worth a visit during sectionals or regional basketball games. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Baseball has been in Yuma, AZ since 1874. Contests included the Chicago White Sox exhibition games in the early 1900s, a not for real ‘Chinese University of Hawaii’ team, and other MLB exhibition games from 1934 – 1942. And more… Cactus League spring training was held in three different stadiums in Yuma: Municipal Stadium/Panther Field (Baltimore Orioles for just one year), Keegan Field (San Diego Padres for just one year), and Desert Sun Stadium. Desert Sun Stadium , the 1970-1993 training facility for the San Diego Padres , was the envy of visiting players at the time. It is the primary field at the Ray Kroc Baseball Complex. Over the years, as more elaborate facilities began popping up in the Phoenix area, Desert Sun Stadium began to lose its luster. Travel became cumbersome with teams moving to Tucson and Phoenix. Desert Sun Stadium 1970s Postcard Built at an approximate cost of $400K in 1969/1970, the structure included a primary grandstand field and three practice fields and a 12,000 sq ft clubhouse. The original seating capacity was 4,000; by the departure of the Padres in 1993 the seating capacity was 7,894. Other improvements during its baseball lifespan included a lighting system, weight room, and additional bleachers and box seats. Desert Sun Stadium Game Action 1970’s/1980’s, Photo Courtesy of Fantography Desert Sun Stadium 2004, Photo Courtesy of Charlie O’Reilly Spring training attendance grew throughout the years at Desert Sun Stadium and included local residents, snow birds, and fans from San Diego (only a 3-hour drive) to Yuma. Since it is so close to San Diego, players’ wives and families were able to visit frequently. Players gave mixed reviews of spring training in Yuma. From “there’s nothing to do” to “I was able to play ball and get ready for the season.” The final contract with Yuma was just for two years (1992 and 1993). The Padres moved their spring training to the Peoria Sports Complex beginning the 1994 season. Desert Sun Stadium hosted several split-squad spring training games annually from 1998 – 2007 but that stopped. The NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) Yakult Swallows held their spring training at Desert Sun Stadium from 1978 – 1999, usually a few weeks before the Padres arrived. It was also used by the Yuma Bullfrogs (Western Baseball League) from 2000 – 2002 and the Yuma Scorpions (Golden Baseball League) from 2005 – 2011 – both independent baseball leagues. In 2015, the City of Yuma converted the field from baseball to soccer. It was used by the UPSL (United Premier Soccer League) Frontera United for a few years. Soccer Makeover at Desert Sun – March 2015, Photo Courtesy of Jim Patrick The venue sits across the street from the Civic Center and next to a golf course. Today (non-COVID times), local soccer leagues and teams use the field. Yuma’s big event, Midnight at the Oasis (car show), is held at the Ray Kroc Complex. The field can also be converted to a football configuration which the high school sometimes holds competitions. During COVID-19, the city equipped it as a drive-in movie theater. When I visited nine months into the pandemic, it was quite obvious the grandstand hadn’t been used for a while. One sole soccer athlete was practicing, the seats were dusty and dirty. However, the grass was immaculate, green, and full; not an easy task in the desert. Kudos to the maintenance and grounds crew. Desert Sun Stadium Ticket Booth 2004, Photo Courtesy of Charlie O’Reilly Desert Sun Ticket Booth 2020, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Desert Sun Stadium Scoreboard 1970’s/1980’s, Photo Courtesy of Fantography Desert Sun Stadium Behind Home 2004, Photo Courtesy of Charlie O’Reilly Desert Sun Stadium Behind Home 2020, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Desert Sun Stadium Water Tower 2020, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Special thanks to Jim Patrick for the extensive Yuma baseball information and to Charlie O’Reilly and Fantography for several of the photos.

Keegan Field 1969, Photo Courtesy of Yuma County Library District Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Yuma, AZ enjoyed three spring training sites since the Cactus League started in 1947. The Baltimore Orioles used the first one, Municipal Stadium/Panther Field , for just one year (1954) before moving to Florida. The next one, was also used for just one year… Keegan Field, Yuma, AZ Keegan Field served the 1969 expansion team San Diego Padres for their first spring training season. The team used this field just the one season as Desert Sun Stadium, their permanent facility, was constructed. Prior to the Padres coming to town, Keegan Field was a no-nonsense amateur baseball facility. Once the Padres chose Yuma as their spring home, the community pulled together to renovate and improve Keegan Field for MLB habitation. As found in SABRs Spring Training in Yuma article by Jim Patrick, “Bleachers, fences, dugouts, locker rooms, showers, batting cages, sliding pits, a press box, and a PA system were all absent. The field needed to be leveled and the pitching mound had to be raised to professional standards. “ “Doc Mattei described the impressive community effort: “The Marines built the lockers. The electric company took light poles and made a batting cage. Tanner Construction leveled the field. We raised $3,000 from a raffle, $3,000 from a barbeque, and $3,000 selling bumper stickers. Some of the bleachers were purchased at ‘going out of business’ prices from a Las Vegas racetrack. “ Player facilities were not ideal. The Padres clubhouse stood behind the scoreboard with showers outside the nearby Kennedy Swimming Pool. The unfortunate visiting team provisions were at Municipal Stadium, a mile and a half northwest of Keegan Field. The Padres played 14 games at the venue in 1969. Keegan Field has returned to an amateur sports facility. As it stands today, it is quite difficult to imagine it served as a spring training site with up to 2,000 fans watching preseason baseball. Keegan Field Today, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey, Photo taken from third base side of the field. The structure beyond the scoreboard/outfield is the swimming pool area where the Padres clubhouse and showers were located. Keegan Field Dugout, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey. The field and park are totally enclosed and locked inside a chain link fence today. Keegan Field View From Outfield, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Special thanks to Jim Patrick for the historic photos and information.

Photos Courtesy of Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Abbotsford Centre 33800 King Rd. Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8 5 Abbotsford Canuck s website Abbotsford Centr e website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 7,000 AHL on Abby Road   In 2009, the AHL put a team in Abbotsford, BC, a town about an hour southeast of Vancouver, right on the US border. The Heat were the affiliate of the Calgary Flames and played at the Abbotsford Centre, which had opened two years prior. At that time, the AHL had no teams in the West (Oklahoma City was the closest at 1,583 miles away) and attendance averaged around 50% of the venue's 7,000 capacity.  It was an untenable situation and the team eventually moved to Adirondack for the 2014-15 season, before heading back west to Stockton as part of the minor hockey reorganization where the AHL put five teams in California. This new Pacific Division was just what was necessary to make hockey work in Abbotsford, though it took six more years before the Vancouver Canucks moved their AHL affiliate here in 2021.  Now in their fourth season, the Abbotsford Canucks are an important part of hockey in the Lower Mainland, providing a pipeline to the parent club while also producing some entertaining evenings. Stadium Journey made their first visit to Abbotsford Centre recently and this is what we found. Note that all prices are in Canadian dollars, with the exchange rate of approximately 1 USD = 1.4 CAD. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession stands all around the main concourse with an excellent selection. There is a Hot Menu at one stand that includes a variety of burgers and dogs that come with fries and range from $12 to $17. The most tempting option, however, is the loaded poutine, which is your normal poutine (available for $8) plus bacon, crispy onions, and sour cream, a good deal at $12. Another stand has Nathan's footlongs for $16, and you can add cheese for $2 or chili and cheese for $5. Snacks include popcorn, which was $4 as part of the Midweek Feature Menu (we attended a Tuesday night game, which is less popular than the weekend matches), while candy and ice cream range from $3.50-8. A pizza place sells five varieties of slices for $6.50 each and you can add a dip for $1.50. There is also a milk and cookies stand for the kids, where the $6.50 purchase price goes entirely towards Canuck Place Children's Hospice. The Midweek Feature Menu also includes $4 bottled water, $4 fountain pops, and $5 domestic beers (355 ml cans) through the first intermission. Other beers are $9, which suggests this is the normal price at all other times. The variety of beverages is quite impressive for such a small venue, with iced tea, Gatorade, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, French vanilla, and English toffee available for those who want to avoid the booze, while wine ($9), cider and coolers ($9.50) are other alcoholic options besides beer. Atmosphere 5 Most fans enter through Gate 1 on the east side of the building, which takes you to the main concourse. There is just a single level of seats here, with the concourse running midway along so that if you have lower seats, you walk down, but if you have upper seats, you walk up. The middle sections on both sides are clubs and the seats are more comfortable. Interestingly, there is no barrier between the club section and the ones next to it, so you get the two types of seats right next to each other, which might spark jealousy for the less fortunate fan. There is also an upper concourse that goes around three-quarters of the rink; along the sides, it is a narrow hallway that is decorated with photos of the Canucks in action as well as some concerts that have been held here. At the north end, there are a few loge boxes that are reserved, though it seems like anyone can walk around to take pictures. The reason the upper concourse does not encircle the entire rink is that there is a unique feature on the south side of the building known as the South Rise, where the concourse floor rises slightly above the spot where the Zambonis enter the rink. This is an open space and you there are a few standing spots with a couple of tables directly behind the net.  The scoreboard is typical for this size of rink, with squares on all four sides. There is blue and green lighting used in the few minutes before the players came out to warm up and it makes the rink very attractive.   Neighborhood 3 The venue is located on King Road, just south of the Trans-Canada Highway and a couple of miles north of the border. It is not an area where you would do much walking from what I could tell, but you don't have to as right across the street is Canuck Empire Brewing, which has a great selection of beer and food, as well as daily specials. It is closed Monday and Tuesday, so avoid games on those nights if possible; if not, try Field House Brewing just five minutes away for a pregame pizza and pint.  If you are in the mood for something less pubby, Sushi Box is just a block away, and if that fails to excite you, then you can find several eateries a couple of miles north of the highway. In terms of lodging, the Coast Hotel and Suites is on the east side of town; Sandman Inn on the north, and Best Western Plus Regency Inn near the airport. To be entirely honest though, with Vancouver just an hour away, most fans would be staying closer to there and simply make this an in-and-out visit. Fans 4 Attendance was just over half the average for the game we attended as it was a dreary weeknight and the parent team was hosting Montreal at the same time.  Overall, attendance this season has dropped about 16%, from 4,816 to 4,014, which is still quite good for the AHL. The fans that are there are quite serious and watch the game intently, as you would expect in Canada. They are also very respectful and cheer heartily and do not get up during the action. Access 4 Abbotsford is about an hour from Vancouver along the Trans-Canada Highway and just over two hours from Seattle, leaving I-5 at Bellingham and crossing at Sumas. There is an airport in Abbotsford as well, though flights are not particularly frequent.  Parking can be found in lots on either side of the building; you have to park in a numbered stall and pay for your parking by phone ($15); if you get there early enough, you might be able to find free parking on a street nearby, though be careful as some residential areas prohibit parking if you don't have a permit. Exiting the lot can take time as there is a traffic light that allows you onto King Road, which can be busy at times. Inside, the concourse is wide enough and the seating bowl has enough legroom. Concession lines were manageable and I did not notice any issues with restrooms, although as is usually the case at hockey games, you will have to wait a bit at intermission. Return on Investment 3 The box office is next to Gate 1 and tickets start at $35 including fees on TicketMaster, though sideline seats can run up to $77 and those on the glass $98. This is quite expensive for the AHL and when you add the parking charge, a family of four is paying over $150 before food and drinks, which are reasonably priced for the most part. With that said, the rink is quite nice and the quality of hockey is very good, so the ROI is typical for this level. Extras 3 The Vancouver Canucks have had uniform problems for decades but there is no such issue with their affiliate, whose Johnny Canuck logo is among the best in sport and merits a point. A giant goalie mask out front makes for a good photo op. There is also an educational display on how rainwater is used to make the ice as Abbotsford Centre is the first professional grade indoor rink to use rainwater in its ice. Final Thoughts Overall, Abbotsford Centre is an excellent AHL arena, though prices are a bit high. Overshadowed by the parent club just down the road, the baby Canucks are probably not high on too many Stadium Journeyers lists, but the visit is worthwhile, particularly if you can enjoy a pregame pint or two at the Canuck Empire across the street.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 12 Hours of Sebring website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 Racing Around the Clock The historic Sebring 12-Hour sportscar race began in 1950 and has grown into one of the world’s most revered motorsport events during its long history. The world’s best drivers and teams have competed and won here, and every year seems to up the quality of the product on the track. If you are even a modest race fan, Sebring is a must-see for you. However, unlike Florida’s other historic endurance event, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the 12-Hour has some notable differences that may determine if it’s for you.   Food & Beverage   5 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; it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and is 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 moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. For fans in the far reaches of the track (Ulman Straight and Green Park in particular), you have a bit of a hike to get to the fan zone or paddock for said food items. Atmosphere   5 Nothing compares to Sebring – words are barely able to even describe it either. This is one giant party for everyone who attends; some wild stories can be told of the goings-on at Green Park (the in-field area on the north side of the track), and perhaps it may be best to keep the young ones away from that part of the course at night. This track however has something for everyone – between the main show on Saturday with the 12-hour endurance spectacle, to the various support series races during the weekend, there is no shortage of things for you to see. The energy is always at a high level all day long, and the raceway makes sure to keep you updated via the PA system about what is coming up next on the track, which makes it nice for fans who may not have the schedule in their pocket. However, as much of a party and historic event the 12 Hours may be, the facility itself has some massive upgrades needed. For example, almost all the roads trackside and through Green Park are either dirt or heavily crumbling asphalt, meaning the dust gets really heavy at times. The restrooms around the facility are also beyond abysmal, featuring moldy troughs in the men’s rooms, as well as bugs galore with no AC to speak of when it gets hot outside. Grandstands have been added at various corners, but are no less sparse, and the views of the front stretch and finish line are extremely limited, with no good angles to be had for fans outside of the paddock suites. Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is quite literally located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half away 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 there the whole weekend. Fans   4 The fans at Sebring are impressive in several ways; not only are they very sport knowledgeable, but they also know how to decorate their campsites. Some have gone as far as erecting large scaffolding at their sites to get a better view of the action, while others prefer a ground-level chair next to a campfire. There are even make-shift bars that pop up around the facility, which are fully operational and open to anyone who wants to come visit. The majority of these fans have been coming to the race for years, introduced by their parents to the event, and are now passing it on to their kids. However, make no mistake – some aspects of this race-themed party are not family-friendly. If you bring anyone under 18, it is probably best to stay in the midway and paddock areas of the track, especially after dark. Green Park has long been home to numerous stories of unspeakable events, including what has become the traditional bonfire of burning couches on the inside of the hairpin after the races are over. Many drunk fans can be found all over the property, and are even known to take water guns to members of the media as the latter drive by on golf carts. Blow up dolls, offensively worded t-shirts, and beer trees are almost a requirement in Green Park as campsite decorations. Access   4 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 facility. Improvements to the inward flow of traffic have been made as well, using specific gates for specific access purposes, such as the media and crew using separate gates from fans. 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. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars of the IMSA series who are in attendance. Return on Investment   4 There is nothing like Sebring – a weekend ticket gets you into all the action Wednesday through Saturday, and you can come and go as you please. In addition, the action you are witnessing is of historic significance merely by the stature of the race, and you can feel that pressure in the air mounting as the weekend rolls along. Ticket prices can soar to over $100 a person, but what you are getting is one of the greatest races on the planet, with one of the best race day experiences in the business. The best deal lies in the Super VIP ticket at the Seven Hotel; for $395 fans get a 4-day ticket, parking pass at the hotel, food and drink buffets, access to the hotel viewing mound of Turn 7, and an air conditioned VIP room on Saturday with an open bar and TVs. 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 you an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for one of the biggest races of the year. Porsche, Lamborghini, and Corvette drivers can get special parking access in the Porsche and Corvette corrals, and can even do guided laps around the track. Also, before the main event on Saturday, all the teams bring their cars out to pit road before the race starts, and fans can come to see the cars and drivers up close before they head out onto the track. After each race, the victory celebration is held in the new victory lane complex at the track, giving fans access to an area of the track that was previously farther away on pit road. New since 2025, a small grandstand has been placed in front of victory lane to give fans an elevated view of the post-race celebrations. Final Thoughts Thinking about visiting a sports facility of great historic value with incredibly exciting action for you to see during the entire event? Look no further than the Sebring 12 Hours. This historic race has it all, and you get to experience one of the biggest parties of the year. It is hard to put into words what a weekend at Sebring feels like, but as the sun sets each day and the roar of engines fills the air, you can understand why this has become one of the biggest draws in all of sports, let alone racing.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Edward A. LeLacheur Park 450 Aiken St Lowell, MA 01852 UMass Lowell River Hawks website Edward A. LeLacheur Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 4,767 Empty Nest Syndrome   The University of Massachusetts Lowell is one of five schools in the UMass system, and is the second-largest public institution in Massachusetts, with 18,000 students. “UMass Lowell” offers 120 Bachelors, 43 Master’s and 25 Doctoral programs in its six schools and colleges. The school began as two separate schools – Lowell State College and Lowell Technological Institute, which merged in 1975 to become the University of Lowell. In 1991 the school joined the UMass system. Business Insider Magazine has twice listed the school at the top of its “Most Underrated Colleges in America” list.   Edward A. LeLacheur Park was built in 1998 as the result of a partnership between the city of Lowell, MA and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. The ballpark is named in honor of the state representative who spearheaded the construction of the ballpark. From its opening until 2020, it served as home to both the UMass Lowell baseball team and the minor league Lowell Spinners .   The Spinners were the Class A Short Season affiliate of the nearby Boston Red Sox from 1996 to 2020. When Minor League Baseball was reorganized before the 2021 season, the Spinners were one of the 40 teams dropped from MiLB.   Beginning play in 1976, UMass Lowell baseball began competing in Division One in 2014. Now members of the America East Conference, The River Hawks qualified for 17 Division Two Tournaments and made two D-II World Series before moving up a level. Five River Hawk alumni have played in the Major Leagues, most notably Gold Glove winning catcher Mike LaValliere.   Food & Beverage 2   There is one concession stand open for River Hawks games. A basic menu is served, with hot dogs and assorted snacks (pretzels, popcorn, chips and cotton candy) available.   Bottles of Pepsi products are sold here. Don’t be fooled by the beer sign on the wall of the concession stand. There is no alcohol sold at this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 2   I never thought I’d say this about a game at LeLacheur Park, but you’re only going to get a basic game day presentation here at a RiverHawks game. The limitations of the ballpark at the present time dictate what the UMass Lowell staff can do. I hate to keep making comparisons to the days of the Spinners, but it’s quite a shock to fans who’ve been coming since the early days of the ballpark.   The large scoreboard in left field is no longer operational and is covered by a large tarp with the UMass Lowell logo. Game information is displayed on a tiny scoreboard out in right field. The sound system is good, and music is played between innings and as batters stride to the plate. The PA announcer delivers lineup announcements and sponsor reads in a booming, professional delivery.   Most of the energy in this ballpark (and there’s not much when you have 200 people in a 5,000-seat facility) comes from the fans in the stands. If you enjoy being able to hear the crack of the bat (well, since this is college baseball, the “ping” of the bat) and the chatter going on down on the field, you’ll enjoy your time at LeLacheur Park.   Neighborhood 3     The University of Massachusetts-Lowell campus straddles the Merrimack River near downtown Lowell. Located on the south bank of the river, LeLacheur Park is a short distance from the Tsongas Center , home of the UMass Lowell hockey teams and the PWHL’s Boston Fleet . Other UMass Lowell athletic facilities, including Costello Athletic Center and Cushing Field, are located on the opposite side of the river.   The city of Lowell was a major center for manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. As a result of this rich history, Lowell contains many buildings of historical significance, several of which have been preserved by the National Park Service and have been preserved as the Lowell National Historical Park. Fans arriving early to LeLacheur Park can walk along the Riverwalk and observe some of the rapids that powered the old mills. Fans of American literature should be sure to check out the memorial for native son Jack Kerowac, located within the national park.   Fans looking for a place to gather before or after a game for a bite to eat or drink will have to travel into downtown Lowell or beyond. The area around Market Street, about a mile from the ballpark, has some good and varied options. Lowell suffers from a bad reputation that lingers from decades ago. As is the case with many cities, there are safe areas and areas to avoid. Statistically, Lowell is as safe or safer than most New England cities of similar size. You can feel safe visiting the area around the ballpark and the downtown area.   Fans 2   The crowd at LeLacheur Park can accurately be described as a “friends and family” crowd. Usually numbering between 100-200 fans, many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the field. It’s also not unusual to see fans of the visiting teams in attendance at River Hawk games.   There’s not a big turnout from the student body at River Hawk baseball games. The students who do show up generally do not make a lot of noise. Even with much of the ballpark blocked off, there’s lots of room to spread out at LeLacheur Park, and fans tend to scatter around the park.   Access 3   Lowell is a city with a population of about 115,000 citizens located about a half hour northwest of Boston near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border. Straddling the Merrimack River, Lowell came of age during the Industrial Revolution as a mill town. Many of those mills have been preserved as part of the Lowell National Historic Park.   LeLacheur Park is located on the southern bank of the Merrimack River a short distance from downtown. Interstate 495 runs just south of Lowell, and the Lowell Connector takes motorists from the interstate into downtown Lowell. The ballpark is about two miles from the end of the Lowell Connector. The Lowell Regional Transit Authority’s  number 9 bus has a stop on Pawtucket Street right near the ballpark for those fans using public transit.   Fans will enter the ballpark via an entry tower on the right field side of the stadium. While the concourse and seating bowl stretches from deep right field around to medium left field, access to much of the stadium has been blocked off to fans due to deterioration of concrete in several sections. Fans can sit in the sections that run along the first base line and behind home plate. Most seating consists of faded green stadium seats, with some metal bleachers farther down the right field line. Standing room and handicapped seats are located at the top of the seating bowl.   The single concession stand and restrooms are located on the concourse near the entrance to the ballpark. With the small crowds present for RiverHawk games, lines are not an issue.   Since the departure of the Spinners after the 2020 season, LeLacheur Park feels like it’s been in a steady decline due to a lack of upkeep. The outfield walls are faded, ads are gone, the scoreboard is not operational and is now covered by a tarp, portable carts sit unattended, the green seats throughout the park are faded and showing their age, painted surfaces around the park are peeling, and cement all along the concourse is cracked and patched. As mentioned before, about half of the seating bowl is blocked off to fan access. It makes for a surreal experience for fans who visited throughout the halcyon days of affiliated baseball. But at least the Spinners signage has finally been taken down.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to a RiverHawks baseball game is free of charge. Parking is available in the East Garage adjacent to the ballpark, also at no charge. There is on-street parking available in the area around LeLacheur Park, just be aware of the times meters are in effect.   If you need a snack, the prices at the concession stand are certainly affordable. No item costs more than five dollars.   Extras 1   There are a few small plaques scattered around LeLacheur Park which highlight Lowell baseball history. Lowell natives and Baseball Hall of Famers Hugh Duffy and Joe Kelley, longtime River Hawks coach Jim Stone, and ballpark namesake Edward LeLacheur are honored in bronze on the ballpark’s walls.   Final Thoughts   Ballpark travelers who last visited LeLacheur Park during the salad days of the Spinners will undoubtedly be saddened by the condition of the ballpark today. Barren, empty and in greatly in need of upkeep, the ballpark is a shell of what it used to be. Judging by the condition of LeLacheur, rumors that the city of Lowell was angling to return to affiliated baseball were just that; rumors.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 William D. Mullins Center 200 Commonwealth Ave Amherst, MA 01003 UMass Minutemen men’s basketball website William D. Mullins Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 9,493 Did It in a Minute, Man   The University of Massachusetts Amherst (more commonly known as UMass) was founded in 1863 as the Massachusetts Agricultural College. Today the school is known as the flagship of the University of Massachusetts system. It is the largest university in the state, with an enrollment of over 24,000 students studying in 109 undergraduate, 77 Master’s and 48 doctoral programs.   William D. Mullins was a member of the Massachusetts State Legislature from 1977 until his death in 1986. A former minor league pitcher, Mullins was a strong advocate for the smaller towns throughout the state, in particular those in western Massachusetts. Beginning in the mid-80s he supported the building of a multi-purpose facility at UMass, as the university lacked a place that could support the school’s 24,000 students.   Prior to the building of the Mullins Center, the basketball team played their games at the Curry Hicks Cage, a 4,000-seat venue that was built in the 1930s. While it was known as one of the loudest buildings in the northeast, it was sorely in need of replacement. The building of the $51 million Mullins Center also allowed the school’s hockey team to upgrade from club status to Division One.   In 1900 the first basketball game was played at the Massachusetts Agricultural College (renamed as the University of Massachusetts in 1948). Known throughout the years as the Statesmen, Aggies and Redmen, the school officially changed its nickname to the Minutemen in 1972. A longtime member of the Atlantic-10 Conference, the Minutemen will be moving to the Mid-American Conference for the 2025-26 season.   UMass has qualified for nine NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 1996. The NCAA later vacated this appearance due to rules violations. In addition, UMass has played in 13 NIT Tournaments. Nine Minutemen alumni have played in the National Basketball Association, most notably Hall of Famer Julius Erving. The women’s basketball team has played in three NCAA Tournaments.   Food & Beverage 4   Numerous concession stands line the inner edge of the concourse, each with a different theme, so you may have to search a little for your desired items. All your arena standards can be found at the Mullins Center. Among the more popular offerings are burgers from local favorite Baby Berk, chicken tenders and sandwiches from Chicken and Co., and specialty pizza slices (including the divisive pickle pizza). Fans with a sweet tooth should gravitate to the Massachusetts Creamery stand, where a selection of locally-made ice cream flavors are offered.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the Mullins Center. A selection of beer is available, featuring several national brands alongside brews from local favorites Sam Adams, Wormtown and Harpoon Breweries. Copa Wines and Spiked Seltzer are also sold. Fans looking for a local craft beer can sample brews from Amherst Brewing.   A complete listing of the Mullins Center concession options can be found here .   Atmosphere 3   At most college basketball games the student section and pep band are the engine that drives the gameday atmosphere. While the pep band at Mullins Center is solid, and the cheerleading and dance squad are excellent, support from the student section is negligible. One entire end of Mullins Center is set aside for the student body, but it sits mostly empty for basketball games.   It’s a shame, because the staff at UMass put on a good show. Sam the Minuteman roams the arena interacting with fans and contests are held for fans when play stops. A large video board hangs at center court, with smaller boards on either end of the gym. There is no shortage of things going on to keep the casual fan interested here. The Mullins Center would provide a significant home-court advantage if it were packed with fans. Unfortunately, with the facility often sitting mostly empty, the Mullins Center can be a rather quiet place despite everything going on here.   Neighborhood 4   Amherst is consistently rated as one of the best college towns in the country. Amherst Center is about a mile and a half from the Mullins Center and is chock full of restaurants, shops and museums. With five colleges located in and around Amherst, the options are many and varied. From quaint bookshops to museums celebrating the works of Emily Dickinson and Eric Carle to art galleries and libraries, the area around UMass has something for everyone. Visiting fans looking for something to eat before or after a game will find no shortage of options along Main and Pleasant Streets. UMass students swear by Antonio’s, home of some legendary greasy pizza slices. For a complete listing of things to do, places to eat and lodging options in Amherst visit AmherstDowntown.com . Just up the road from Mullins Center is the town of Hadley, where many more dining and shopping choices are located. Most of the eateries in this area consist of chain restaurants and fast food options. The Hangar Bar and Grill, a popular campus hangout featuring craft brews from Amherst Brewing, is located near McGuirk Stadium. There are lodging options near UMass in both Amherst and Hadley. With Springfield only a half hour away, you won't have to travel too far to find a place to stay after the game. For those wishing to eliminate the commute after the game entirely, the UMass Hotel and Conference Center is located at the center of campus and is run entirely by students in the hospitality and tourism management program.   Fans 2   UMass fans are a fickle bunch, tending to stay away from the Mullins Center unless the Minutemen are having a successful season. Small crowds seem to be the norm in recent seasons. In the 2023-24 season UMass is averaging about 3,500 fans per game, less than half the Mullins Center capacity. The small crowds make this mid-sized arena seem cavernous. Those fans who do show up are generally on the reserved side, making the Mullins Center a rather quiet place to catch a basketball game.   Conspicuous by their absence is the student section. The large seating sections reserved for the students sit mostly empty. There are a few die-hards who try to create some noise, but their efforts fall flat in this mostly empty venue. As is the case in many New England schools, the hockey team garners much of the attention from the student body.   Access 4     The University of Massachusetts is located in rural western Massachusetts, about a half hour north of Springfield. While there are no highways that directly serve the UMass campus, Interstate 91 is only six miles away. If traveling from the east, the Mass Turnpike (Interstate 90) will bring you about 20 miles from campus. No matter from which direction you are traveling, you’ll be traversing on some winding country roads to reach UMass. Although the drive from the Mass Pike to UMass takes about a half hour, the foliage during the early part of the basketball season is amazing and draws many tourists throughout the fall. It’s well worth it to take your time and enjoy the scenery.   Once you arrive at UMass, it’s not too difficult to get to Mullins Center. The arena is located on the western edge of campus near many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including McGuirk Stadium  and Earl Lorden Field . There is only one road that serves the arena, but traffic moves pretty well into the adjacent parking lots.   Most fans will enter Mullins Center on the north side of the facility and enter onto a concourse that completely encircles the court. Concession stands and rest rooms line the inner edge of the concourse. Lines are not usually a problem with the small crowds in attendance. All seats consist of maroon padded stadium seats which feature excellent views of the action from all sections.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to UMass basketball games are quite affordable, ranging in price from $15 to $26. Children under 12 receive a discount of $2-$10. Parking is free in the lots located a short walk from the facility. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for specialty and premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area. Fans looking to save a few dollars on food can purchase a combo meal.   Extras 3                                                                                                 UMass honors its history throughout the Mullins Center. Photos of notable Minutemen basketball and hockey alumni line the concourse. Photos from some of the Mullins Center’s more notable concerts, including Elton John and B.B. King, are also featured.   Inside the arena hang banners honoring Minutemen conference championship teams and tournament appearances. Additional banners honor the squad’s Elite Eight and Final Four appearances. Retired number banners also honor Minuteman legends.   Outside the Mullins Center stand four statues, honoring Jack Leaman, John Calipari, Julius Erving and Marcus Camby. Final Thoughts   The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that can be considered as one of the premiere arenas in New England. However, its rural location tends to hold down attendance, and the lack of support from the student body makes a Minuteman basketball experience more underwhelming than it could be.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Earl Lorden Field Mullins Way Amherst, MA 01003 UMass Minutemen website Earl Lorden Field website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,000 Flagship Baseball The University of Massachusetts Amherst (better known as UMass) is the flagship and largest campus in the Univeristy of Massachusetts system. Its enrollment of over 30,000 students participate in 109 undergraduate, 77 graduate and 49 doctoral programs taught by 1,300 faculty members. Baseball was first played at UMass in 1877. In 1971, their present home was named in honor of long-time coach Earl Lorden, who coached the Minutemen for 20 seasons beginning in 1947. The bleachers are dedicated to his successor, Dick Bergquist, who coached at UMass for 21 years. UMass competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The Minutemen have appeared in 11 NCAA tournaments, most recently in 1996. They have reached two College World Series, in 1954 and 1969. 18 UMass alumni have played in the Major Leagues, including Gary DiSarcina, Mike Flanagan and Jeff Reardon. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food available at Earl Lorden Field. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 2 As you may expect at a basic facility like Earl Lorden Field, the game day presentation is pretty basic as well. This is an old-school experience, where you can hear the chatter on the field, the calls of the umpires, and coaches barking instructions to the players. There is a simple scoreboard beyond the left field fence that displays basic game information. Music plays between innings and Minutemen players have their own walk-up songs. The public address announcer does his job without being intrusive. It all adds up to a pleasant, old-school atmosphere. Earl Lorden Field Scoreboard, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Amherst is consistently rated as one of the best college towns in the country. Amherst Center is about a mile and a half from Earl Lorden Field and is chock full of restaurants, shops and museums. With five colleges located in and around Amherst, the options are many and varied. From quaint book shops to museums celebrating the works of Emily Dickinson and Eric Carle to art galleries and libraries, the area around UMass has something for everyone. Visiting fans looking for something to eat before or after a game will find no shortage of options along Main and Pleasant Streets. UMass students swear by Antonio’s, home of some legendary gourmet pizza slices. For a complete listing of things to do, places to eat and lodging options in Amherst visit AmherstDowntown.com . Just up the road from Earl Lorden Field is the town of Hadley, where many more dining and shopping choices are located. Most of the eateries in this area consist of chain restaurants and fast food options. The Hangar Bar and Grill, a popular campus hangout with numerous craft brews on tap, is located near McGuirk Stadium. There are lodging options near UMass in both Amherst and Hadley. With Springfield only a half hour away, you won’t have to travel too far to find a place to stay after the game. For those wishing to eliminate the commute after the game entirely, the UMass Hotel and Conference Center is located at the center of campus and is run entirely by students in the hospitality and tourism management program. Fans 2 As is the case in most college baseball fields in the northeast, the crowd at a UMass game can accurately be described as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Typically numbering between 100-200 people, the fans add to the laid-back vibe of Earl Lorden Field. Most of the people who do attend a Minutemen baseball game have a personal connection with the players and are very invested in the action going on down on the field. There’s not a huge turnout by the student body for UMass baseball, but several students do stop by the field for a little while as they wander around campus, particularly on a nice spring day. The UMass campus is a bustling place on these weekends, with plenty to do that draw the students in several directions. Access 3 The University of Massachusetts is located in rural western Massachusetts, about a half hour north of Springfield. There are no highways that directly serve the UMass campus, but Interstate 91 is only six miles away if traveling from the north, south, or west. If traveling from the east, the Mass Turnpike (Interstate 90) will bring you about 20 miles from campus. From the Mass Pike you’ll follow some winding country roads to the college town of Amherst. The scenery in the spring months of the baseball season don’t compare to the colorful foliage of the fall, but it’s still a nice ride. Springfield is located 16 miles south of Amherst, served by both Amtrak and the Peter Pan Bus Lines. The larger cities of Boston, Albany, and Hartford are all less than a two-hour drive from campus. The closest airport is Bradley Airport, just over the Connecticut state line. The ski resorts of Vermont’s Green Mountains are only a couple of hours to the north. Earl Lorden Field is located in the shadows of the Mullins Center on the western edge of campus. Tucked in at the bottom of a hill behind the arena, there’s nothing around to point you in the direction of the ballpark. The two lots that flank the tennis courts across the street from Earl Lorden Field are more than large enough to handle a typical Minutemen baseball crowd. Ballparks don’t come more unassuming than Earl Lorden Field. Seating consists of three sets of bleachers behind home plate. There’s also room down the foul lines where fans can set up their own lawn chairs and take in the action with a little bit more room to spread out. The community rink on top of the hill has public rest rooms available. A row of port-a-johns provide facilities closer to the field. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a UMass baseball game is free of charge, as is parking in the adjacent lots. If you bring your own snacks, you won’t spend a single cent at a Minutemen baseball game. Extras 1 There are dedication plaques honoring Earl Lorden and Dick Bergquist, as well as a display commemorating all the UMass Tournament teams on the back of the press box. Hidden on a small corner of the UMass dugout on the third base side of the field are bronze plaques honoring Lorden and Bergquist. Bergquist’s number 26 is displayed on the left field wall. Final Thoughts It’s rather disappointing to see that a school with the stature of UMass plays in such a basic facility as Earl Lorden Field. When you consider the history of the baseball program here, and that it faced elimination not so long ago, the lack of facilities and resources makes more sense. As you gaze beyond the field to the beautiful Mullins Center overlooking the ball field, one can’t help but think the Minutemen baseball team deserves more. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Varsity Field University of Albany Albany, NY 12206 Albany Great Danes website Varsity Field website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 500 The Home of Great Dane Baseball The University of Albany fielded their first baseball team in 1958. It spent the first few decades of competition in Division III before transitioning to Division I along with the rest of UAlbany’s sports in the 1990s. The Great Danes played their first game in the sport’s top division in 2000. Currently, Albany plays in the America East Conference. The Great Danes have qualified for one NCAA Tournament, in 2007. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food available for purchase at Varsity Field. Fans are welcome to bring their own food in to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 2 At a simple facility like Varsity Field you wouldn’t expect an elaborate game day presentation and you won’t get one at a Great Dane baseball game. The UAlbany staff do their best with their limited resources. A simple scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. Music plays over the PA system between innings and batters. The PA announcer may be a bit over the top but provides all the necessary information for fans. Free roster sheets are available for all fans. The beauty of going to a game at a facility like Varsity Field is the ability to hear the chatter on the infield and coaches barking instructions to their players. It’s a baseball purist’s dream. Neighborhood 3 Varsity Field is located on the southern edge of the University of Albany campus near the school’s other athletic facilities, including Bob Ford Field at Casey Stadium and SEFCU Arena . The University of Albany is located in northwest Albany, out near the airport. Downtown Albany and the state capital are located about a 15-minute drive away. The area around campus, particularly along Route 20 (Western Ave.), features a great many dining options in the vicinity of the University. A complete listing of dining options can be found here . You’ll find many options for lodging on the north side of campus near Interstate 90 you can find a listing of all local hotels here . Fans 2 The crowd at a Great Danes baseball game can accurately be described as a “friends and family” type of gathering. Most of the fans in attendance have a personal connection to the players down on the field, and as a result are both knowledgeable about the team and enthusiastic in their support. You don’t see many casual fans in a place like Varsity Field. With the compact geographic footprint of the America East Conference, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout in support of the visiting team. Stadium Journey visited Varsity Field on a beautiful mid-April Saturday afternoon. The crowd in attendance numbered about 200 people. This seems to be a bit on the large side for a Danes game, but entirely representative. Remember that the college baseball season stretches from March-May, when the weather in the northeast can be inconsistent. Expect more people to be in attendance later in the season as the weather improves. Access 3 The University of Albany is located in northwestern Albany, right by the intersection of Interstates 90 and 87. The downtown area is about a 15-minute ride from campus. The Albany airport is just a 10-minute ride to the north. Varsity Field is situated on the southern edge of the sprawling campus, near the school’s other athletic facilities. Entering campus via Route 20 (Western Ave.) gives visitors the easiest access to Varsity Field. There is no parking immediately adjacent to Varsity Field. Visiting fans can park by Casey Stadium or across the street behind the Management Services Center building. Both areas are a bit of a walk to the ball field. Parking is free of charge for Great Dane baseball games. Seating at Varsity Field consists of four sets of metal bleachers, one large set behind home plate and several smaller ones scattered around the field. All bleacher seats feature obstructed views through chain-link fences. Even worse, metal bars that are part of the backstop further obstruct views from the main bleachers. For the best views here, fans take to the top of a large berm that runs along the third base side of the field. Fans bring their own lawn chairs and coolers and enjoy unobstructed views of the action. A walking path and Indian Pond pass directly behind this berm. There are no permanent restrooms at Varsity Field. There are a few port-a-johns available for use should the need arise. Be advised that there are no paved pathways in sections of the ball field. Fans with mobility issues should tread carefully around the facility. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Great Danes baseball game. Parking in the lot across the street from the field is also free. With no concessions on site, visitors to Varsity Field will not spend a single cent while here. Extras 1 There isn’t much going on at Varsity Field that can be considered extra. We’ll award an extra point for the field’s setting adjacent to Indian Pond with a nice walking path that runs behind the third base side of the field. It’s always fun to watch the occasional foul ball splash into the water. The ducks and geese that live here don’t seem to mind the intrusion. Final Thoughts Varsity Field is typical of many college ballparks in the northeast. It’s a simple facility with only the most basic of amenities. While this will only be a destination ballpark for the most ardent of ballpark chasers, it is not without its charms. If you enjoy a simple game day experience, parks like Varsity Field are for you. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Jordan Field 65 North Harvard St. Boston, MA 02134 Harvard Crimson men's lacrosse website Jordan Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 2,500 Lax in the Shadow of the Stadium   Jordan Field opened in 2010 as Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium. It was renamed for Gerald Jordan, class of 1961 alumnus and graduate of Harvard Business School in honor of a donation to renovate the field in 2015. Mr. Jordan, who played football at Harvard during his undergraduate days, founded the Gerald R. Jordan Jr. Foundation, which provides funding for Revere residents who attend Harvard. Today Jordan Field is home to Harvard’s men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse teams.   Harvard fielded its first lacrosse team in 1878, winning the first intercollegiate lacrosse title in 1881. The Crimson won 13 national championships in the pre-tournament era.   In the NCAA tournament era (since 1971), Havard has won four Ivy League championships, most recently in 2014. The Crimson have appeared in seven NCAA tournaments, most recently in 2022. They have reached the quarterfinals on three occasions.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a single food truck tucked in behind the bleachers to serve hungry Crimson fans looking for a bite to eat during the game. Chicken fingers and french fries are served here, along with a selection of snacks and drinks.     Coca-Cola products are featured at Jordan Field. A selection of adult beverages are sold at this stand as well, including Sam Adams, Corona and Coors Light.   Atmosphere 2   This may be due to the cold weather during Stadium Journey’s visit, but the game day atmosphere at Jordan Field was a bit less that what might be expected considering the big crowd present for this game and the close result on the field.   Much of the noise created on this day came from the stands, as lacrosse fans don’t usually need much encouragement to get into the action. The physical limitations of Jordan Field ensure that there’s not a whole lot going on to distract your attention from the field. There’s no room for a lot of extras here. A simple scoreboard in the south end zone provides score and time, music plays over a decent sound system, and the PA announcer provides game information and sponsor reads without being too over the top.   The game is the focus here at Harvard. That’s not a bad thing by any means, it’s just a little less than the norm these days. Neighborhood 4   Jordan Field is located on the school’s athletic complex alongside its other sporting facilities, including Harvard Stadium , Lavietes Pavilion , O’Donnell Field and Bright-Landry Hockey Center . The complex is not located in Cambridge on the Harvard campus proper, but on the other side of the Charles River in neighboring Allston, within the Boston city limits.   While there is little in the way of attractions on the Allston side of the Charles, Harvard Yard is less than a mile away across the Anderson Memorial Bridge and up John F. Kennedy Street. Harvard Square, lined with shops and restaurants, is right here, too. This is hardly the bohemian center that it was in the days of yore, but there is no shortage of dining choices in the area. Stadium Journey recommends trying a burger and a shake at Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage.   The Harvard campus is one of Boston’s top attractions in its own right. Take a walking tour of the campus if you are so inclined, and take a picture in front of the statue of John Harvard, as thousands of others have done. Remember to rub his shiny shoe, it is rumored to bring good luck.   If you’re visiting Harvard from out of town and would rather explore the city of Boston, downtown is just a few miles away. Visitors looking to enjoy the working class charm of Allston and Brighton will find no shortage of bars and restaurants a short drive from the arena.    Fans 4   Harvard draws good attendance numbers for lacrosse, especially when you consider that they play in the northeast, where the weather can be really bad during the first couple of months of the season. The Crimson annually rank in the top 20 nationally in terms of attendance. A look through recent box scores show crowds of over 3,000 to be a regular occurrence here at Harvard.   Stadium Journey visited Jordan Field on a cold and windy afternoon in early March with a wind chill of 25 degrees. Still, a crowd of close to 2,500 showed up to watch the Crimson host Michigan.   Lacrosse fans are a different breed, and those at Harvard fit the mold well. They are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and vocal. Some fans are not shy about tailgating before the game, nor are they adverse to continuing the party once the game starts. No need to worry, lax fans are also very friendly. You can feel safe at Jordan Field, even if you’re sporting the opposing colors.   Access 3   While Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA, Jordan Field is located across the Charles River, in the Allston section of Boston. Also located here are most of Harvard’s other athletic facilities.   Even on its best days, the city of Boston is a difficult city to drive in. The best way to get to the Jordan Field is to take Storrow Drive to the Soldier’s Field Athletic Complex. If you must drive to a Harvard lacrosse game, bring along someone who knows the crooked streets of Boston well. Parking is located throughout the athletic complex, with small lots tucked into every available space in between the numerous facilities here.   The recommended method of travel to Harvard is the subway, or “T”, as it is called locally. The Harvard Station MBTA stop is a 10-minute walk from Jordan Field. Several bus routes also stop at Harvard Station. The 66 and 86 busses stop directly in front of the athletic complex. For more information, fares and schedules check out the MBTA website .   Jordan Field runs from southwest to northeast. Fans enter Jordan Field via an entrance on the eastern side of the facility. A paved walkway leads to the metal bleachers that run along the opposite side of the field. The bleachers sit atop a large berm, which raises them a good sx feet above the field. There is a walkway along the front edge of the bleachers, so it is advised that you avoid the first couple of rows if possible. There are berms on three sides of the field for fans who wish to stand or sit and take in the action.   There are no permanent rest room facilities at Jordan Field. There is a row of port-a-johns behind the bleachers for fans to use during the game. With only one concession point of sale, time your trips for a snack wisely.   Return on Investment 2   Tickets to Crimson lacrosse games are sold as general admission seats for twenty dollars. Parking in the lots at the Soldiers Field Athletic Complex will cost you another ten dollars. Concession prices are also a bit higher than you might expect at this level. If comparing the cost of a Harvard lacrosse game to other Division One lacrosse facilities in New England, a Crimson game is much more expensive. Extras 1   The years the Crimson have won the Ivy League title and qualified for the NCAA tournament are listed on the wind screens behind the goals.   Final Thoughts   A Harvard lacrosse game at Jordan Field is just what you’d expect at a small Ivy League facility; a simple, no frills presentation where the game is the focus.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Equine Arena 23 North Cameron St Harrisburg, PA 17110 Harrisburg Heat website Equine Arena website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 1,660 Heating things up in Harrisburg The Harrisburg Heat is an American professional indoor soccer team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, that competes in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). The team plays its home games at Equine Arena at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center is a large exhibition center and indoor arena in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is primarily used for concerts, agricultural exhibitions, the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and indoor football. The complex also hosts more than 200 other exhibits and trade shows every year. The Farm Show Complex is 60 acres, houses 24 acres under roof, spread throughout 11 connected buildings including three arenas. The complex consists of the following components besides the Equine Arena: Main Hall, GIANT Exposition Hall, New Holland Arena, Small Arena, and then the North, Northeast, Northwest, and West Halls. The current version of the Heat began in 2012. The team claims the heritage of an original franchise that was a member of the National Professional Soccer League and the Major Indoor Soccer League II from 1991-2003. They played their home games at the larger Farm Show Arena. Food & Beverage 3 When it comes to concessions at the Harrisburg Heat games, simplicity is key. The venue features two main concession stands, offering the classic ballpark fare that attendees have come to expect. Expect to find staples like hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos, providing quick and easy options for those looking for a savory bite. Popcorn, pretzels, and various candies are also readily available, catering to those with a sweet tooth or seeking a lighter snack. To quench your thirst, the stands provide a selection of standard beverages. Soft drinks, bottled water, and a range of beers are on offer, ensuring there's something to satisfy most preferences. While the menu might not boast gourmet options, it efficiently delivers the familiar and satisfying concession stand experience, allowing fans to grab a quick bite and return to the game without missing a beat. Atmosphere 3 Escape the winter chill with a Harrisburg Heat game. The facility offers a comfortable experience, with a surprisingly well-maintained interior, a generous concourse for activities, and convenient access to both the building and seating areas. The merchandise tent offers t-shirts, hoodies, zip-ups, flags, replica jerseys, and other paraphernalia at reasonable prices. The Harrisburg Heat's arena features a unique dual-purpose floor. During the Farm Show, it's covered in dirt, which then serves as a base for the artificial turf during games. This dirt track, while unconventional, provides a softer playing surface. Sightlines are excellent throughout the arena, ensuring every seat offers a clear view. The dirt sub-surface does seem to make the whole venue feel dusty and a bit cloudy at all times. It is also very loud with a sound that doesn't resonate well. The scoreboard is very basic with no video boards. Neighborhood 4 Harrisburg's downtown, a short drive from the Farm Show Complex, boasts attractions like the National Civil War Museum, the State Capitol, Ft. Hunter Mansion and Park, and Riverfront Park, all situated along the scenic Susquehanna River. For nightlife, downtown offers many options, with Mr. G’s Sports Bar, the official after-game destination, might be a fun way to start or end your night after the game. Fans 2 If you're looking for a fun, fast-paced indoor sporting event, the Harrisburg Heat delivers. The games are easy to follow and highly entertaining. The fans, a mix of new and old, contribute to the atmosphere, with some even sporting original 90's jerseys. The fans are passionate and welcoming. Access 4 Accessing the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center is primarily achieved by car, given its location and the nature of the events it hosts. Situated in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the complex is readily accessible from major highways like I-81 and I-83, as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. When approaching, look for Exit 67A off I-81 for Cameron Street, which leads directly towards the facility. The Farm Show Complex also has ample parking available on-site, and during large events, they also utilize off-site parking with shuttle services. It is always wise to check the official Farm Show website for up-to-date information on parking, and possible road closures during large events. Return on Investment 4 Enjoying a Harrisburg Heat game is quite affordable with usually two levels of pricing around $20. Parking at the Farm Show Complex is a flat $10 per vehicle. Merchandise and food options are reasonably priced, allowing a family to comfortably experience a game without breaking the bank. Extras 2 The Harrisburg Heat go beyond the game, scoring points with diverse event nights like Boy Scout and Girls Got Game initiatives, as well as community-focused fundraisers. The unique venue is an extra on its own, but you may even want to see if there is another event going on at the complex and make it a twofer kind of day. Final Thoughts The Harrisburg Heat, in their present form, might not yet qualify as a must-see, "bucket list" destination for sports enthusiasts. However, you can see the seeds of something much larger being planted. Ownership and the team are dedicated to elevating the Heat experience. While the current offering is enjoyable, the potential for growth and improvement is undeniable, and that's precisely what makes it compelling.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Adventist Health Arena 248 W Fremont St Stockton, CA 95203 Stockton Kings website Adventist Health Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 12,000 Welcome to Adventist Health Arena On the edge of the San Joaquin River rests two sports facilities that are the crown jewels of Stockton, California: Banner Island Ballpark and Adventist Health Arena. Today, we will focus our attention on the vast arena.  Having broken ground in April 2004, Stockton Arena first opened its doors on December 2, 2005. It immediately began hosting events such as the 2009 Stockton Showcase which pitted the University of California-Berkeley Golden Bears basketball team against the hometown University of Pacific Tigers. In September 2014, Stockton Arena hosted the San Jose Sharks as they battled the Vancouver Canucks in a split-squad exhibition game. The Sharks won 5-3. While all of these events helped expose Stockton Arena to the public, its greatest claim to fame is its tenants. Since it first opened, Adventist Health Arena (renamed in 2023) has served as landlord of the California Cougars (MISL, 2005-2011), Stockton Thunder (ECHL, 2005-2015), Stockton Lightning (AF2, 2006-2009), Stockton Wolves (2011), California Eagles (AIF, 2012) and Stockton Heat (AHL, 2015-2022) before welcoming the NBA G-League’s newest team, the Stockton Kings, in 2018.  The Stockton Kings began as the Reno Bighorns in 2008 and have always been associated with the Sacramento Kings. The Bighorns won three Pacific Division championships in 2011, 2016 and 2018, but never the outright D-League title. Ever since moving to Stockton, the Kings have won three divisional titles of their own, the most recent being in 2024. However, their magical run ended in a crushing 114-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Blue in the Conference Finals.  Food & Beverage 3 There is one location of food for each level of the arena’s two levels. Each location brings all that you would expect of any arena. Chicken tenders basket ($13.50), hot dog ($10.20), pepperoni pizza ($8.25), cheese pizza ($7.75), pork sliders ($6), pretzel ($7.50), popcorn ($7.75), nachos ($7.50) and Dippin’ Dots ($6.20) make for a well-rounded menu. The food itself is well cared for and there are lots of cashiers to make the line move quicker. Atmosphere 3 Standing tall amidst the muck of a poorly kept neighborhood rises Adventist Health Arena. Once inside, you are greeted by friendly ushers and watch with wonder as one of the larger arenas in the NBA’s G-League envelops you. The end line bleachers are practically endless and the video board is a sleek wrap-around with a small camera stationed dead center on the bottom to provide both the referees and fans unique angles of replays. Stockton Kings Mascot, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 1 The surrounding neighborhood is one of the worst that I have ever seen. In fact, I probably shouldn’t have been so cheap and parked my car just blocks away. The area is unkept and looks like it could be a magnet for criminal activity.  Still, there are some perks. The arena lies alongside the San Joaquin River and next to the Stockton Ports’ Banner Island Ballpark. Just across the river stands the Weber Point Events Center. Despite the horrors of the surrounding neighborhood, Stockton is filled with wonderful restaurants. These include Saigon Bowl Noodle House , Nash + Tender Stockton , Cast Iron Trading Co , FED  and Dream Ice Cream Parlor . If you are looking for a place to sleep for the night, the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel  is right next to the arena. Fans 3 With a capacity of 12,000, Adventist Health Arena is a massive venue for an NBA G-League team. As a result, the fans feel sparse within its walls, but make no mistake, this is a passionate group. Throughout the game, you can hear cowbells clang just like you would at a Sacramento Kings game. The arena is at its loudest during the t-shirt toss. It feels like the crowd is twice as big. Access 3 Parking is just $15 at Adventist Health Arena but there is just one entrance. There are several bus stops all along W Fremont Street and an Uber driver should have no trouble dropping you off or picking you up. There is also a bag check and metal detector, but the line goes quickly. Return on Investment 5 With ticket prices ranging from $23 to $79, this is a relatively cheap place to watch a game. No need to worry for lumbar support in the cheap seats as every seat in the arena has a back and a thin layer of padding. With parking being just $15 and the food being at reasonable prices, it’s worth your time and money to go to a game at Adventist Health Arena. Extras 4 Easily the best extra of Adventist Health Arena is the “Stockton Hall of Fame” that adorns its expansive wall. While there are merchants selling products in front of that area, but you can still walk along while reading the biographies of so many that have brought pride to the city of Stockton.  A large expo section overlooks the arena from the end line opposite the one with the vast empty bleachers. That particular day, the Kings were prioritizing sneakers, but other local merchants were selling clothes and bags as well. One can walk around that area while watching the game without the need of a television screen.  Just below the expo section is a kids section where children can shoot balls at inflatable baskets and play around. At the end of the game, fans could get autographs from their favorite players at the team store. Its a neat way to keep fans engaged. Final Thoughts The NBA’s G-League is filled with uniquely intimate stadiums. While most have a capacity for less than 10,000, there are a few outliers that are worth seeing. Stockton’s Adventist Health Arena is one of them. The place is spacious enough that you won’t feel claustrophobic yet crowded enough for you to feel the roar of the crowd. With cowbells clanging and an energetic crowd, the place truly feels like a low-grade NBA experience. So brave the bad surrounding neighborhood and come on down to Stockton where the Kings are sure to put on a good show and you, the fan, will feel like a million bucks.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Amica Mutual Pavilion 1 LaSalle Sq Providence, RI 02903 Providence Friars website Amica Mutual Pavilion website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 12,400 Friared Up!   Providence College is a small liberal arts college located about two miles from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It is the only college in North America administered by the Dominican Friars. With a total enrollment of just over 4,800 students, Providence College is the smallest school in the Big East Conference.   Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s Providence College was an emerging national powerhouse on the collegiate basketball scene. During this time the team played their home games in the cozy on-campus Alumni Hall, which seated only 2,620. Demand for Friars tickets was so great that a new, downtown arena was built to house both the Friars’ men’s basketball team and the American Hockey League’s Providence Reds. The Providence Civic Center, now named the Amica Mutual Pavilion (The new nickname, the “AMP,” hasn’t really caught on yet), has been home to the Friars since its opening in 1972.   Ironically, the Amica Mutual Pavilion, which was built to house the growing Providence basketball program, replaced the venerable Rhode Island Auditorium, which served as home to the Providence hockey team. When the basketball team moved off campus the hockey team moved back on campus into the new Schneider Arena .   The Friars are a founding member of the Big East Conference, and Providence has been the home base of the circuit since its founding in 1980. The Friars have qualified for 22 NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 1973 and 1987. In addition, Providence has made the NIT Tournament 20 times, winning titles in 1961 and 1963. 32 Friar alumni have played in the National Basketball Association.   Food & Beverage 3   Traditionally the concessions experience has been the biggest shortcoming of the game day experience at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. However, the facility has started to introduce a bit of variety into the menu. Sal’s Pizza is the new pizza vendor at the AMP, serving up their oversized slices. A stand at the far end of the AMP now serves beef barbacoa and chicken tinga tacos. Other than that, you’ll find typical arena fare at the concession stands.   Fans looking for snack food will find plenty of options throughout the AMP. In addition, portable carts scattered around the concourse sell Del's Lemonade and the most popular item at the AMP, fried dough.   Coke products are featured at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Fans looking for adult beverages will be pleased by the wide selection, which features a variety of domestic and imported brands. Friartown IPA from nearby Union Station Brewing is a popular choice here. Bar menus are augmented with many mixed drinks and wine options.   Atmosphere 5   Providence College offers a slick, professional quality gameday presentation, utilizing The AMP’s oversized video board seamlessly with replays, graphics and game statistics.   Veteran college basketball fans will find much that is familiar here in Providence, with the school’s pep band, cheerleaders, dance squad, and mascots front and center to whip up the fan base. Friar Dom is one of the more memorable mascots you will find anywhere. Opinions on Dom range from creepy to adorable. Unfortunately, the inflatable Dom that stood at the far end of the arena is no longer there, a victim of new end zone seating sections installed in 2023.   The student body shows up in great numbers, filling up floor and seating sections on both ends of the arena. Their presence fills The AMP with noise and gives the team a solid home-court advantage. Contests for younger fans in attendance take place during play stoppages, with t-shirt tosses and other giveaways sprinkled in throughout the game. All the fans in the arena stand until the first Providence basket, and the place can get really loud, particularly for bigger games. For the ultimate Amica Mutual Pavilion experience, check out the annual PC-URI game, when The AMP fills with fans from both sides. It’s a great experience.   Neighborhood 5   The Amica Mutual Pavilion is located in downtown Providence, within walking distance of a great number and variety of restaurants and attractions. Providence has a reputation as one of the top destinations in the country for foodies, and the area within walking distance of The AMP reflects the diversity and quality of options in the city as a whole.   Right across the street from The AMP is Trinity Brewhouse, an award-winning brew pub and a popular gathering place for locals and visiting fans. Just a short walk away is Federal Hill, Providence’s Little Italy, with several nationally renowned Italian restaurants. If visiting from out of town, you should certainly head here.   Also within walking distance is the Providence Place Mall, an upscale shopping center with several national stores and several more choices for the hungry basketball fan. If visiting during the fall or spring, you may be able to check out Waterfires, an outdoor festival which has been held several weekends every year since 1994, during which eighty cauldrons lining the Providence, Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck Rivers are lit on fire. Many other cities have copied Waterfire, but the original started right here in Providence. The full schedule of Waterfire lightings can be found  here .   Entertainment options in downtown Providence vary from the nationally renowned Trinity Repertory Company and Providence Performing Arts Center to historic sites such as the Arcade, the nation’s first enclosed shopping center, and the Rhode Island State House.   Fans 5   Providence College annually attracts over 10,000 fans per game at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, putting them on the fringes of the top 50 schools nationwide. If you come to a game against one of the school’s traditional conference or local rivals, expect a packed house and lively crowd.   Anchoring the crowd at The AMP are the student sections, which fill up the floor seating and several sections on either end of the building. Despite the fact that The AMP is located two miles from campus and students must be bussed to the arena, they turn out in very impressive numbers.   As the most popular team in the state, Providence College attracts more than just alumni. Locals, some of whom have been attending games since the team’s glory days of the 1960s, turn out in force to root on the Friars. Providence College puts out a high energy gameday experience, which attracts families and younger fans as well. Access 4   The Amica Mutual Pavilion is located in downtown Providence, easily accessed via Interstate 95. Simply take exit 37B (Atwells Avenue) if traveling from the north or exit 37A (Broadway) if traveling from the south. Be warned that traffic in and around Providence can be quite heavy if visiting on a weekday, so prepare to take some extra time to arrive.   There is ample parking in the many surface lots and garages around the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Downtown Providence can be a busy place, particularly around the holidays. With holiday shopping at the nearby Providence Place Mall, shows at Trinity Repertory Company and Providence Performing Arts Center, it’s a very popular place to be.   Fans utilizing public transportation will be pleased to know that both Kennedy Plaza, the hub of the local   RIPTA bus service , and  Union Station, the local Amtrak stop , are located a short walk from the Amica Mutual Pavilion.   The Amica Mutual Pavilion features a large seating bowl with excellent views of the court. All seats at the arena are individual folding arena seats. The concourse and restrooms received a makeover in 2008, and the arena is fairly easy to get around. Expect lines to form in the food court and restrooms during halftime, so plan your trips accordingly.   Return on Investment 3   Providence College utilizes variable pricing for their home games, meaning that prices will vary wildly depending on game, day and opponent. Ticket prices range anywhere from $25-200. While the Friars attract solid crowds, there are usually some seats available at game time. More information can be found at the Providence College ticketing site .   Parking is available in lots and garages around The Dunk, ranging in price from $20-40. Locals will search the streets around downtown for on-street parking. Just be sure to pay attention to meter hours and other restrictions. Another option is to park at the nearby Providence Place Mall, which will validate your parking for five dollars. Enclosed walkways connect the mall with the arena, meaning you can avoid the cold Rhode Island winter. However, this option is not recommended around Christmas, as mall traffic increases exponentially.   Concession prices at The Dunk are expensive, but generally in line with other major venues in the area. With the quality and variety of dining options in the area, it is recommended that if visiting Providence, you eat somewhere in the neighborhood before or after the game.   Extras 3                                                                                                 An extra point is awarded for the sense of history and accomplishment at the AMP. Banners hang from the rafters commemorating Final Four appearances, conference championships and tournament appearances. In addition, several notable alumni are honored with banners.   Providence College is remarkable for the effect it had on college basketball today. As a founding member of the Big East, today’s superconferences can trace their roots directly to Providence College. In the front offices of the arena is the table where the Big East conference was formed. It is commemorated by a plaque. The great majority of the fans who visit here will never see this piece of history, but the AMP played a very important role in today’s college basketball landscape.   A final extra point for Friar Dom, one of the most unique mascots in the country. It’s not often you see a giant monk atop a twirling pyramid of cheerleaders, but here in Providence, you will be sure to see just that.   Final Thoughts   For the most part, the sports scene in tiny Rhode Island is ruled by the nearby Boston professional teams. Providence College basketball gives Ocean State residents something to call their own. The Friars rule the local sports scene. The Amica Mutual Pavilion is an outstanding mid-sized arena which fits the needs of Providence perfectly.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Kuzniewski Field 1 College St. Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross men's lacrosse website Kuzniewski Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 Holy La-Crosse   Kuzniewski Field opened in 2009 as the new, synthetic turf field to be used by the Holy Cross men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. It is also used by the Crusaders football team as their primary practice facility. The field was officially dedicated in 2016 in honor of Rev. Anthony Kuzniewski, S.J., who has served as the chaplain for the athletics department since the mid-1990s.   The first lacrosse team at Holy Cross competed in 1958. For much of the team’s history they have struggled, posting only 14 winning seasons over their 63 years of competition. Holy Cross has won less than a third of their games all-time. The Crusaders have been a member of the Patriot League since its inception in 1991 and have yet to win a conference title. The Crusaders have yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at Kuzniewski Field. Most fans bring their own drinks and snacks to Crusader lacrosse games. Veteran Crusader fans will come to games well-stocked with food and drink to enjoy in the parking lots before or after the game. You’re very likely to see lots of hot beverages at Kuzniewski Field, particularly during the frigid early months of the season.   There are vending machines in the Hart Center should you come unprepared and want to take the long walk to get a drink or snack.   Atmosphere 2   Stadium Journey visited Holy Cross on an absolutely frigid early March afternoon when the wind chill reached a chilly 15 degrees. Perhaps it was the weather, or a 17-4 drubbing by Army, that contributed to the game day atmosphere being less than it could have been, but overall, this is a fairly subdued atmosphere, particularly when compared to some of the other colleges in the area.   There’s a simple scoreboard in the southeast end zone that displays basic game information. The sound system is decent, but hardly overwhelming. The PA announcer doesn’t add a ton of energy to the proceedings. Again, that might be because he didn’t have a lot to cheer for on this particular afternoon, but it’s unlikely the acoustics of the system would allow for an over-the-top delivery anyway.   The fans are supportive and enthusiastic and make themselves heard throughout the game. There is plenty of room all around the facility for younger fans to run around and blow off some steam, and you will see lots of games of catch going on over on the adjacent field. This is a pleasant and comfortable place to take in some quality lacrosse.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain  is located just ten miles outside of city limits.   Fans 2   Holy Cross doesn’t draw as well as the bigger-name Division One programs across the country. This isn’t really surprising when you consider the lack of success that the Crusaders have had over the years, and the fact that much of the lacrosse season takes place when the weather in Worcester is less than ideal.   Crowds at Kuzniewski Field generally run between 250-500 fans. Crowd size depends on several factors, including the day of the week of the game, the opponent, and the weather. As you would expect, crowd size increases over the course of the season as the weather warms.   Lacrosse fans as a whole are loud and supportive of the home team, and the regulars here at Holy Cross are no different. With the bulk of the Crusaders’ schedule consisting of local teams, you’re likely to see a good turnout by visiting fans as well. Access 3   The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Kuzniewski Field is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, behind the Luth Complex (home of the Crusaders basketball and hockey venues) and adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. Complete driving directions to the Holy Cross campus can be found here .   Parking is available in the lots surrounding the Luth Complex and on the access road that circles the facility. Rest rooms are located inside the Hart Center as well. There are no concessions or restroom facilities outside at Kuzniewski Field.   Kuzniewski Field is somewhat isolated from the other athletic facilities at Holy Cross. To get to the field, fans will need to park near the Luth Center and walk through (or around) the Hart Center and the Hart Track and Field Center to get to the lacrosse venue. Once there, there’s a bluff overlooking the northwest end zone that provides excellent views of the field, and a set of bleachers along the southwest side of the field. There is plenty of standing room around the field, and the bleachers are fully accessible for those with mobility concerns.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for admission to Holy Cross lacrosse games. Parking is also free in the lots surrounding the Luth Center. With no concessions available, you won’t need to reach for your wallet even once when visiting Worcester. Extras 0   There’s not much going on at a Crusaders lacrosse game that can be considered extra. The experience here is a pretty bare bones one.   Final Thoughts   Kuzniewski Field is a basic facility where you can catch some quality lacrosse without spending a ton of money.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Premier America Credit Union Arena 18111 Nordhoff St Northridge, CA 91330 Map It Cal State Northridge Matadors website Premier America Credit Union Arena website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 2,000 Home of the Matadors Still referred to by locals and students as The Matadome, the longtime venue in the Northwest San Fernando Valley recently partnered with Premier America Credit Union on a 10-year agreement, officially renaming the venue as Premier America Credit Union Arena . With its flat roof and a capacity of over 2,000, The Matadome is one of the smaller college basketball venues for Division I play, guaranteeing that you will never be far from the action. Kinesiology classes are also housed inside The Matadome, which sits inside of Redwood Hall. A trivia note for you 80s movie buffs: The Matadome was where the all-valley karate tournament scenes from The Karate Kid  were filmed, so yeah, feel free to go back in time and envision Daniel San doing his famed crane kick. Food & Beverage 2 During this visit, aside from a vendor serving adult beverages from the  Anheuser Busch selection as well as red and white wine, a food truck was set up outside the main lobby serving up a variety of cheesesteaks, fries, various Coca-Cola products, lemonade and botted water Atmosphere 3 There is nothing overly outstanding that would make The Matadome stand out compared to other well known college basketball venues. The Matadome is your typical lower division NCAA facility with minimal capacity and not much else. Having said that, the basic layout of The Matadome ensures an intimate experience where the players can certainly feel every fans presence. Neighborhood 3 Known mostly as a commuter school, don’t expect a University Village type atmosphere that you would experience around most major universities.  Fast food options nearby include Micky D’s, Subway, Carl’s Jr., Panda Express, Chipotle, Wienerschnitzel, Farmer Boys and Dave’s Hot Chicken.  If you don’t mind driving 5 minutes west of campus, the Northridge Fashion Center  is nearby as well and offers these sit down options: Bonefish Grill, Claim Jumper, Yard House, as well as a Buffalo Wild Wings, to name a few. Fans 4 With a squad posting a successful season, the near capacity Matadome crowd does an outstanding job of displaying their support for their team.  Though the Matadome was nearly packed on the day of this visit, the fans were not overly raucous, as many of the supporters were made up of families and youth groups. Access 3 Access to CSUN is not far from three of L.A’s major freeways, the 405, 101 and 118. If you are coming from L.A., the drive time, pending traffic, can vary from 30 to 90 minutes. If traveling on a weeknight, it is highly recommended you allow yourself at least 2 hours travel time prior to tip off. Yes folks, L.A. traffic can be brutal. Return on Investment 3 Single game ticket prices range from $10-$14 general admission bench seating and $24 reserve seating. Because of the intimate size of this venue, regardless where your seat is, you will never be far from the action. Extras 3 As you enter the main lobby though the venue’s east end you will find some of the Matadors Big West trophies inside a glass case named Comprehensive Excellence. The Matador Hall of Fame is also here. Some of the more notable members of the Matador HOF are Jack Elway, father of NFL Hall of Fame QB John Elway. Jack coached football at CSUN from 1976-78. Another notable CSUN HOFer is former L.A. Angels/Dodgers player Adam Kennedy. Comprehensive Excellence, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey On the opposite side of the venue is the west lobby where Karate Kid cult followers can take a stroll through the hall in the scene where Mr. Miyagi is registering Daniel LaRusso for the All-Valley Karate Tournament.  The lobby where Mr. Miyagi register’s Daniel LaRusso for the All-Valley Tournament in Karate Kid   Final Thoughts CSUN Northridge Campus, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey It was a memorable 2024-2025 year for the CSUN Matadors as they would tie a school record of 22 wins, their most regular season victories since 2001. As the success of Matador Basketball grew throughout the season, the fan presence grew as well. In his second season as head coach, Andy Helm would guide the Matadors to an NIT appearance.  As the season grew the support for the Matadors was certainly present and with the team’s postseason appearance Coach Helm is hoping to build upon this season’s success.

Photo Courtesy of Denver NWSL Denver's National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise, which will begin play in 2026, announced that its home will be a new, 14,500-seat stadium on Denver's south side.  The stadium will be part of a complex called Santa Fe Yards, located on property at the intersection of Broadway and Interstate 25, approximately one mile south of the heart of Denver's downtown.  It will be the first stadium in Colorado built specifically for women's sports. According to the team's press release, the yet-to-be-named stadium for the yet-to-be-named team will be the showpiece of a 14-acre redevelopment of vacant property that was once part of a rubber plant.  The complex will also include a 3.5-acre recreational park and a future mixed-use development, with pedestrian and bike connections, and close proximity to public transportation. Photo Courtesy of Denver NWSL “This will be the largest overall investment in a women’s professional sports team in history. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to leverage this massive private investment to revitalize and transform Santa Fe Yards into a new hub of thriving community activity, a place for outdoor recreation, restaurants, retail, and for building connections with our community,” said Denver NWSL controlling owner Rob Cohen. “This project at Santa Fe Yards will transform an underutilized eyesore into a recreational and economic hub where memories are made, culture is built, and championships are won," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. CAA Icon is advising the franchise's ownership group and will serve as project manager for the stadium.  Global design firm Populous will design it. Photo Courtesy of Denver NWSL

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Rose Hill Gymnasium 441 E Fordham Road Bronx, NY 10458 Map It Fordham Rams website Rose Hill Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 2,850 Happy Centennial Birthday Rose Hill Gym The Rose Hill Gymnasium still shines for a building that just turned 100 years old in January 2025.  The facility underwent a makeover, first to the inside and then to the outside including a new entrance, lobby, bathrooms and a concession stand. The complete upgrade was unveiled in time for last season (2024).  A possible modern arena to replace Rose Hill Gym was studied and discussed for a number of years, but that does not seem to be in the plans for the immediate future. The historic gymnasium, opened on January 16, 1925, and is often compared to some of the meccas of college basketball including The Palestra in Philadelphia, Matthews Arena in Boston, Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and John J. Lee Amphitheater in New Haven. Rose Hill was the second oldest gym in Division I and now moves up to the number one position as Matthews Arena in Boston (home of Northeastern University) is being torn down this spring (2025) to make way for a new facility. The building becoming a centenarian did not get as much attention as it deserved as the Rams struggled on the court and finished in last place in the 15-team Atlantic 10 Conference at 3-15. Rose Hill Gym has been used continuously as an athletic facility since 1925, with the exception of the 1943–1944 academic year, when the building was used as a U.S. Army barracks. Rose Hill 100 Years, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Rose Hill, which hosts basketball and volleyball, has undergone a number of makeovers during the past decade.  New video boards were installed in 2013, all of the stands were replaced in 2017 and in 2019 the entire floor and subfloor were replaced. The new entrance and lobby creates an airy, sun-filled arcade with a sparkling glass entrance. The arcade brings together the new campus center with the Rose Hill Gym and the athletics facilities. Upon entering under a glass canopy, students and fans can now either proceed left into the renovated Joseph M. McShane, S.J. Campus Center and the original Student Center, right to enter the gym, or straight to head into the Vincent T. Lombardi Memorial Center, which is home to an indoor track, aquatics center, intramural and recreational basketball and volleyball courts. The building only seats 2,850 but can fit 3,200. There are chairbacks on both sidelines and bench seating behind the baskets. The name Rose Hill dates back to 1787 when Robert Watts, a wealthy New York merchant, acquired the property and named it after his family’s estate in Scotland. Food & Beverage 3 There is a new concession stand as fans enter the arena with standard, but limited, stadium fare and is equipped to take both cash and credit cards. Coke products are sold.  There are new bathrooms situated next to the concession stand.  The lines for both food and bathrooms back up at halftime. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere received a boost in 2022 and 2023 from what every school needs - wins. The Rams moved up to finish third in the Atlantic 10 in 2023 and reached the A10 Semifinals at Barclays before falling to eventual champion Dayton.  Fordham took a step back the last two seasons as the team unfortunately has returned to a familiar position in the bottom of the league standings under third-year coach Keith Urgo. Urgo dubbed the building “Rose Thrill” in 2023 due to the raucous atmosphere bolstered by the student section which had a group that removed their shirts, painted their chests and became The Shirtless Herd.  The fans have not brought the same energy this season as no games sold out.  The game-day experience at Rose Hill Gym has been average for many years.  The team relies on support from a loyal but small contingent of alumni as student support is lacking. It is unfortunate because the building can be a great home court advantage due to the noise generated by a large crowd. The atmosphere is enhanced by the band, cheerleaders and dance team who perform throughout the game. The two large digital scoreboards at each end of the court are clear but do not provide replays. A small auxiliary board or ribbon board with in game statistics would be a welcome addition. The sound system is excellent, but probably a touch too loud. The public address system is a bit garbled.  Fordham Dance Team, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 The campus, while set in the Bronx, feels like a suburban setting with plenty of trees and greenery. Visitors often forget they are in the middle of a city until hearing an occasional horn or siren from outside the gate. The University also boasts an impressive church built in 1845.  The church contains the old altar from the current St. Patrick's Cathedral as well as stained glass windows given to the university by King Louis Philippe I of France. The campus borders the New York Botanical Garden, with the Bronx Zoo located just a few blocks from campus. Visitors to the area looking for places to eat during their trip to Fordham should head over to Arthur Avenue where several fantastic Italian restaurants can be found in addition to some great bakeries and Italian delis. A few of my favorites restaurants include Enzo’s, Roberto’s, Antonio’s, Mario’s and Tra Di Noi. Fans 3 Fan support fell this past season (2024-25) as Fordham averaged 1,570, down from 1,840 last year.  All of the seats offer solid views close to the action even in the balcony which contains only two rows of seats. Fordham needs to get more students in the building as student tickets are free and the students generate much of the noise. Access 3 Fordham University is located right in the middle of the Bronx, only a few miles from Interstates 95 and 87, as well as the Bronx River Parkway. Public transportation is a good option. The Metro North Railroad out of Grand Central Station or coming down from Westchester and Connecticut has a Fordham stop next to the campus. Botanical Garden stop is another option and actually a shorter walk to the gym.  The D line of the NYC subway system is located about a 12-minute walk from campus. In addition, city buses stop regularly just outside the gate. If driving, there is a large parking garage ($10) on campus, located a short walk from Rose Hill Gym. The car line to pay for parking can back up especially on well attended games. Sometimes fans can get lucky and find a few free spots on Southern Boulevard. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Fordham Rams basketball games are affordable, Chairbacks are $35 ($30 for youth and seniors), baseline reserved is $25/20. With affordable concession prices, catching a Fordham basketball game is a less costly entertainment option for New York sports fans. . Extras 4 One point for the historic significance of the building. From the stone facade to the seats close enough to the action to hear the players and coaches, Rose Hill is a real treat and a true throwback arena. Rose Hill has hosted many huge concerts including Simon & Garfunkel, The Ramones, The Beach Boys, and Billy Idol.  The gym was just profiled this month in a digital piece and You Tube video: The new entrance includes a new box office, concession stand, bathrooms, which add aesthetic and functional improvements to the gameday experience. Hanging from the rafters are the Fordham conference and playoff appearance banners on one side and the flags of the Atlantic 10 and its 14 conference opponents on the other. Five retired numbers hang from the baseline - Charlie Yelverton (34), Ken Charles (44), Bob Mullens (7), Ed Conlin (11), and Anne Gregory (55).  The final point is for the proximity to Little Italy and the great stores, restaurants, delicatessens, and pastry shops of Arthur Avenue.  Fans should make an effort to get to the Bronx’s Little Italy either pre or postgame. Final Thoughts A Stadium Journey to this basketball mecca should be on every sports fans’ bucket list. There is also plenty to do in the area before or after to add to the experience.​​ The Little Italy section of the Bronx is a 10 minute walk offering some excellent Italian restaurants and pastry shops.  The campus, with its Gothic architecture, ivy-covered buildings and expansive lawns, makes Rose Hill one of New York City’s most attractive college campuses.  Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  @VenutoGreg and Facebook .