Photos Courtesy of Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Forest Glen Park 2303 College Ave. Huntington, IN 46750 Huntington University Foresters website Forest Glen Park website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 700 Indiana’s Baseball Best Kept Secret Forest Glen Park on the campus of Huntington University might be the best-kept secret in Indiana. It is a ballpark unlike any other in the state; small in size, it has an ambiance that is different than others in NAIA up to Division 1. The team's media guide mentions that “Forest Glen Park has developed into one of the finest and most unique baseball facilities, not only in the state but also in the midwest.” The ballpark is surrounded by three sides of the water, a scenic incline, lush forestry during the spring and summer, and the walkable trail leading down to the third-base side entrance. The Huntington Foresters are members of the Crossroads League, an athletic conference composed of NAIA private Christian colleges in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The university was founded in 1897 and has an enrollment of slightly over 1,000 students. The baseball team called the site home well before renovations began in 2007. In 2015, several major upgrades were made from dugout to dugout, including new stadium seating, a modern press box, a new concession stand, and restrooms. A new turf, laser-graded outfield, and bullpens were added in time for the 2022 season. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a small concession stand behind the main grandstand. The kitchen offers the basics one would expect at a baseball game, including hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, soda pop, and candy. It isn’t a wide variety of food, but enough to keep you from going hungry during a game. Atmosphere 4 The diamond is down a small hill surrounded by trees, trails, and a small creek behind the grandstand. Fans enter the ballpark on the third baseline, and a series of picnic tables dot the area towards the main grandstand. The stadium feels like it was built in the middle of the woods;  the sounds of the babbling brook add a soothing south near the concession stand. The grandstand has stadium-style seating along with bleacher seating and is decorated with past championships and retired numbers. The school’s name is bright and bold on top of the press box. Fans in their seats have a wonderful view of the field, despite being behind fencing. There is more bleacher seating behind the left-field corner wall. The area has a small hill that provides views behind the centerfield wall but also borders a private residence. A ten-inning scoreboard and a small wooden bridge used to retrieve foul balls across the creek complete the ballpark’s aesthetics that hold a capacity of 900 persons. The game-day atmosphere offers music between innings, a PA announcer, and plenty of fans making noise for the boys on the field. There isn’t a lot of advertising or above-the-average promotions blasting from the speakers. Everything about the ballpark is relaxed and pleasant, especially from behind the grandstand near the babbling brook. Neighborhood 3 Huntington, Indiana, has a population of 17,000 plus and a downtown that is slowly rebuilding with a series of independent shops and restaurants. It is recommended to visit either, or a few, of them after you visit a Foresters ball game to complement your trip. Antiqology has a collection of memorabilia from the past century but is known for its homemade ice cream, milkshakes, cola, and root beer. There is also a 100-bottle craft soda available at their shop. Ice cream flavors include cinnamon churro and Jacked Up Tennessee Toffee, but milkshakes include Nutella, Rice Crispy Treat, and peanut butter brownie. A few feet away is The Party Shop, a candy store rich with decadent confectionaries. Nick’s Kitchen is a small diner that is known for inexpensive dinners and giant tenderloin sandwiches. Brick House Grill offers pub-style food and signature steaks. Pizza Junction is located in the old train depot and has some of the best pizzas in the area. There is quite a bit to see in town including the Dan Quayle Vice-Presidential Learning Center, Two-EE’s Winery (their Plonqé is a delicious sweet red wine), historic settlements at the Forks of the Wabash, and scenic walking trails at the Sunken Gardens. Timber Lake offers camping grounds and zip-lining. Fans 3 The fans at the game support both clubs as you can see the colors of both schools in the grandstand. This is not shocking since most of the colleges are within reasonable driving distance for weekend games. Fans are focused on the game and many are friends and family, but there are also quite a bit of local fans and students who make their presence felt throughout the nine innings of play. Access 3 The ballpark is located down a hill and will be hard to access for fans with limited mobility. Although not seen, a golf cart brings fans to the entrance of the stadium, but there is still a walk to the main grandstand. However, once inside the stadium, bathrooms and concession stands are directly behind the grandstand. There is only one entrance in and out of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 A ticket costs $7 for adults, $3 for children, and free for students. Many NAIA baseball teams do not charge admission, but this one is nice enough that you might not mind paying a small fee. Parking is free and each ticket comes with a complimentary game day program/yearbook. Extras 4 Forest Glen Park earns several points including its beautiful setting at the bottom of a tree-covered hill featuring a creek and walking trails. The ballpark earns a second point for the small bridge over the creek to retrieve foul balls. The third and fourth points are for the outfield bleacher seating, a rarity in college ball in the state, and the free seating on the hill overlooking the playing field. The final point is for the free gameday program that’s included with the price of admission.  Final Thoughts Huntington University’s Glen Park in Huntington, Indiana might be the best ballpark you've ever heard of in the state. I say this because no other ballpark is quite of the Huntington University baseball program. Trust me, I've been to almost all of them in the Hoosier State. However, this one stands out among the list of other great baseball stadiums.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sun Life Financial Arena @ Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex 101 Father David Bauer Drive Waterloo, ON N2L 0B4 Waterloo Siskins website Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 3,400 Historic Siskins Editor's Note: On May 13, 2025, the Siskins franchise announced they were rebranding to their original name, the Waterloo Siskins. One of the longest running Junior hockey teams in Canada is the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins.  Founded in 1934 as the Waterloo Tiger Cubs, the Siskins have spent time as the Orphans and Kents until rebranding as the Waterloo Siskins in 1947.  They have played at the Junior B level in Ontario for the duration of their history and currently reside in the Western Conference of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL).  When the Kitchener Dutchmen franchise was sold and moved to Ayr to become the Ayr Centennials  in 2020, the Siskins rebranded as the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins or KW Siskins for short.  The Siskins have been tremendously successful accumulating twelve Sutherland Cup Championships as Junior B Champions in the Ontario Hockey Association. Home for the Siskins since 1993 has been the Sun Life Financial Arena @ Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.  A living memorial to residents of Waterloo Region who gave their lives in World War I and II, the Rec Complex is a community hub with a swimming pool with diving facilities, two running/walking tracks, meeting rooms and gymnasiums to go along with the arena.  The naming rights of the arena are held by Sun Life Financial, who have a large office in Kitchener-Waterloo, once the head office. Food & Beverage 3 Sun Life Financial Arena has one main concession stand open for Siskins games.  There is also a small cafe in the lobby with limited hours.  The main concession has a decent variety of food items including hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, muffins, cookies, popcorn, nachos, ice cream and chocolate.  The fries are excellent and highly recommended.  Beverages include bottled soda, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and Gatorade.  There is also a separate beer cart which sells a limited selection of macro brands. Atmosphere 3 The Waterloo Memorial Recreation has an attractive, modern exterior featuring light siding and brick with grey trim and plenty of glass at the entry.  Fans entering from the main entry at the east side will enter into a large lobby with easy access to the arena and swimming pool and gymnasiums.  At the west end of the lobby is the Waterloo Memorial Wall which displays military flags, paintings, lists of residents who served and perished and the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by John McRae who was from nearby Guelph.  There are plenty of facilities out there that have the term “Memorial” in their title, but few that put together the effort that is found here to make the facility a true memorial.  At the east side of the lobby is the entry to Sun Life Financial Arena.  Between the stairs to the arena and the box office is the provocative “Etched Into Memory” sculpture.  Before entering the arena, fans should either have tickets in hand or first visit the box office for purchase.  Upon entering the arena, fans will find themselves on the running track, at the top of the seating bowl.  The ice is north-south oriented and the north end is definitely a spot of interest.  On the north wall is the original sign from the old Waterloo Memorial Arena, which was the previous home of the Siskins before it was condemned and necessitated the building of the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.  A plaque narrates the history of the old arena.  Below the old sign is the Waterloo Hockey Wall of Fame.  Some significant members found on the wall include Jamie Allison, Don Beaupre, Ron Smith, Bill Goldsworthy and Father David Bauer.  Below the Wall of Fame plaques are screened team photos from the various Sutherland Cup Champion Siskins teams.  Above the ice surface hang the 12 Championship banners for the Siskins and the retired number 66 for Tyson Downs, a Siskin who died suddenly in 2023 of a heart condition. The seating bowl has eleven rows of grey, blue and navy arena seats.  With a capacity of 4,400, over 3,000 seated, and the Siskins attracting around 200 fans per game, there are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect seat for the best sightlines.  Upgrades to the arena were completed in 2024 and include a new LED scoreclock above centre ice, LED lighting throughout  the arena and a repaired PA system. The gameday production at a Siskins game is fairly simple with typical music and announcements found at most hockey games.  Promotions include a program draw, Chuck-a-puck and 50/50 draw. Neighbourhood 4 The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is located in the University neighbourhood of Waterloo, on Father David Bauer Drive.  It is close to Wilfrid Laurier University and across the road from Waterloo Park.  There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink within walking distance including Sole and Proof Kitchen & Lounge.  A bit of a further walk is Uptown Waterloo which has a bunch of other options including Beertown, Piper’s Arms, Famoso and the Heuther.  Taking a short drive down King Street to Morty’s Pub or Ethel’s Lounge may be the best choices. There are a few other sporting options in Waterloo.  Sun Life Financial Arena is shared with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks  hockey team.  Laurier also fields football  and basketball  teams.  The Waterloo Warriors hockey, basketball and football teams are nearby also.  The area is best known for the iconic Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which is home of the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers .  The KW Titans, Kitchener Panthers  and Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club  also play at the Aud Complex.  Other tourist type options for KW include Oktoberfest, the Clay and Glass Museum, Waterloo Park and the Jazz Room.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Delta is close by. Fans 2 The Siskins average around 250 fans per game.  The 2024-25 season has the Siskins averaging 252 fans per game at the time of writing and 245 fans in the previous season.  This ranks the Siskins at 18 of the GOJHL’s 23 teams.  The area has a competitive sports landscape, but there is plenty of room to improve.  The attendance is even more noticeable as the Siskins play in the biggest building in the league.   Access 5 The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is located in the University neighbourhood of Waterloo on Father David Bauer Drive.  It is 3 km from highway 85 and some driving through town will be necessary to get to the arena, however, traffic should not be an issue when the Siskins are playing.  There is plenty of parking at the facility.  For fans wishing to take public transit, the Laurier-Waterloo LRT stop is about a 1 km walk from the Rec Complex.  There are also GRT buses that run south of the Rec Complex on Erb Street.  Fans should consult the Grand River Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not difficult at all and there will be plenty of space to stretch out.  The washroom facilities are also more than adequate for the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 4 GOJHL hockey is definitely a bargain and the KW Siskins are no exception.  Tickets for the Siskins are General Admission and go for $10 for adults, $8 for students/seniors, and $6 for children.  Children three years old and under are free.  Parking at the Rec Complex is free and the concession prices are decent.  The level of hockey is solid and the Siskins put a good product on the ice.  The biggest detractor from a Siskins game is the huge gap in the capacity of the arena and number of fans in attendance. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex as a living memorial for residents who gave their lives in combat. An extra mark for the display of history from the old Waterloo Memorial Arena. An extra mark for the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex as a community hub. Final Thoughts The Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins are one of the most historic teams in the GOJHL and at the Junior B level.  They play in a solid facility in the Sun Life Financial Arena @ Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex that is modern yet full of history.  Taking in a Siskins game is a good way to get the hockey fix in! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium 700 Pelham Road Jacksonville, AL 36265 Jacksonville State Gamecocks website Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 2,020 Fear the Beak Baseball has been played at Jacksonville State University since the program’s founding in 1948 as members of the NCAA’s Division II, playing out of the Gulf South Conference. During their stint in Division II, the Gamecocks would claim back-to-back National Championships in the 1990 and 1991 seasons. Jacksonville State would jump to Division I in the 1995-96 academic year, where they would play as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Their first stay in the A-Sun would be short-lived, as the Gamecocks moved to the Ohio Valley Conference in 2003, only to return to the A-Sun from 2021 to 2023. The Gamecocks would leave the A-Sun for good after just two years, joining Conference USA to start the 2023-24 athletic season, when their football program transitioned from FCS to FBS.  The Gamecocks would move from their original baseball field on the east side of campus, to their new baseball facility across campus, just in time for their move to Division I. The facility initially consisted of just three sections of bleachers and a press box tower, but a practically complete rebuild in 2019 transformed the field into a true baseball stadium.   Food & Beverage   4 A lone concession stand is located on the concourse, directly behind home plate. The menu gives fans a wide number of options, from the classic ballpark hot dog (with the option to add chili) to cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, BBQ sandwiches, and stadium nachos round out the entrées. Combo meals of an entrée, fries, and a drink are offered, but cost the same amount as it would if all three were to be purchased separately; there is no discounted rate for purchasing a combo meal. Sides and snacks include fries, chips, and candy, along with the stadium favorites peanuts and popcorn. Frozen sweet treats include frozen lemonade, but it is the Kona Ice truck that draws much of the attention. Beverages include Coca-Cola products, Powerade, sweet tea, and Dasani bottled water. In addition, a full-service bar on the third base side of the concourse serves hand-mixed cocktails, several domestic beers, hard seltzer, and a selection of craft beers from Back Forty Beer Co.   Atmosphere   4 At first glance, the exterior of Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium does not appear to be overly inviting. Situated on the corner of passing streets, what would seem to be the front entrance does not appear to be an accessible entry point. The large brick exterior with windows running along the top also seems a bit drab – if the exterior was more functional and part of a grand entry into the stadium, it would certainly add a lot to the initial impression. What the grandstand's exterior seems to lack is made up for by the interior – the interior of the stadium is a nice mix of classic stadium design, with a touch of modern luxurious accommodations. A shingled roof runs along the home plate edge of the visiting team’s dugout on the third base side of the stadium, around to the Gamecocks indoor hitting facility down the right field line. The press box is built directly into the roof behind home plate, giving the stadium a bit of a historic feel; a chain link fence backed with tall evergreens makes up the outfield wall. This setup allows fans to watch the game from behind the outfield fence, while those looking for a more traditional outfield seating option might head for Cocky’s Korner in right field. The stadium scoreboard just beyond right-center field consists of a standard, inning-by-inning scoreboard topped with an LED video board, which gives fans real-time statistical information, pitch count, and team lineups. The inclusion of pitch speed and exit velocities is a nice extra not found at many stadiums. As is the trend with many collegiate fields, the playing surface is comprised of field turf in a striped pattern, in addition to the university’s “JSU” emblem filling the area around center field. The sun sets just to the first base side of home plate, so day games can create a bit of an issue for fans seated on the third base side of the field, as they are contending with the sun for a good portion of the game – if available, purchase seats as far down the line toward home plate as possible to avoid having to contend with its rays. A good option might be trying to sit at one of the few high-top tables on the concourse, or standing at one of the drink rails under the covered portion of the concourse. The game presentation is rather straightforward, mostly with ad reads between innings and some occasional contests. There does seem to be some overuse of the in-game sound effects, which are not all that original, most notably the sound of breaking glass when foul balls are hit out of the stadium; these sound effects do seem to fade away in frequency as the game progresses, however.   Neighborhood   3 Backdropped by Choccolocco Mountain, Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium  sits on the westernmost reaches of Jacksonville State’s campus, neighbored by the JSU soccer facility and Pete Mathews Coliseum .   About a mile south of campus is Jacksonville’s town center; this has a handful of restaurants and the Apothecary Draft House, which fans can visit. The most convenient stop for a bite to eat before the game though would be Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack, less than a half mile west on SR-204 (Nesbit Road).   Jacksonville’s rural setting does provide fans making a multi-day visit to Jacksonville with miles of hiking trails to explore the northern reaches of the Talladega National Forest, which runs just east of Jacksonville.   Fans   4 Jacksonville State baseball has a rather supportive fan base – the Gamecocks are in a group of schools averaging 800 to 900 fans per game. On top of the support fans show, they show a knowledge of the finer points of the game, applauding good baseball plays that might be lost on the casual fan; a hit to the right side with a runner on second, or a strong throw from an outfielder to hold a tagging runner, are applauded just as much as a single.   Access   3 Jacksonville, Alabama is a bit off the beaten path. Fans coming from the west through Birmingham or from Atlanta to the east most likely will use I-20. This will leave just under a thirty-minute drive through Oxford and Anniston, Alabama. State Road 21 leads from I-20 right to the JSU campus, while the northern and southern approaches come mostly via state roads and highways. In a break from typical stadium designs, fans enter through the left field side and are led to the sloping concourse of seating that runs from the visitor dugout to the Gamecocks dugout. This open concourse gives fans the ability to leave their seats to run to the restroom or concession stand while keeping an eye on the game the entire way there. Suites, a lounge area, and a party deck make up additional seating down the first baseline toward the Gamecocks indoor hitting facility, so there isn’t much fans can access past the Gamecocks dugout.   Return on Investment   5 Pre-purchased ticket prices run $6 for general admission seating on the grassy berm to $8 for reserved seating; a $1 fee is added to online purchases. While ticket fees can put a damper on well-priced tickets, a dollar is a welcome relief compared to what other venues charge. Ticket prices when buying at the gate run a bit higher, with general admission going for $8 and reserved seats for $10. Even the game day rates are more than reasonable, however, especially considering the free parking. Concession prices are as would be expected, but the combo meals not offering any discount is a bit of a letdown.   Extras   3 Banners showing the namesakes of the stadium, Rudy Abbott (18) and Jim Case (26), hang from the left-center field fence. A display within the concourse also tells the story of Rudy Abbott’s 31-year tenure as Gamecocks head coach – Abbott and Case led Jacksonville State baseball for a combined 53 years, and only one win shy of 1,650. Another display recognizes Jacksonville State’s all-Americans and players who have gone on to play professional baseball. The most notable Gamecock to grace the field in Jacksonville quite possibly has been Todd Jones; Jones would have a 16-year MLB career where he would tally over 300 saves, and is still the Detroit Tigers all-time saves leader with 235. Sunday afternoon games are followed by “Kids Run the Bases”, along with the opportunity to get autographs from their favorite Gamecock players.   Final Thoughts Regardless of the home field they were playing on, Jacksonville State baseball has long established itself as a highly competitive, championship-level college baseball program. It wasn’t until recently, however, that the university was able to invest in upgrading the facilities to give the players and fans the baseball stadium they deserve.

Photos by Richard Smith and Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Prince George’s Stadium 4101 Crain Highway Bowie, MD 20716 Chesapeake Baysox website Prince George’s Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 10,000 Bowie Baseball Double-A baseball is where the future stars play. Really. Often, Triple-A baseball rosters are filled with minor league veterans who will seldom see the major league team. But the double-A affiliate of the major league team can be the jumping-off point for the stars of tomorrow. Since 1993, the Bowie Baysox have been in operation, with all years being part of the Baltimore Orioles organization. The first year, they played in Baltimore’s legendary Memorial Stadium while their stadium was being built. In 1994, they moved into their Bowie home after some construction delays. This meant they played at a few temporary spots along the way, including at the University of Maryland and the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Before Bowie, the double-A affiliate of the Orioles was the Hagerstown Suns, now a single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. In 2025, the Bowie Baysox rebranded to the Chesapeake Baysox. The team also broke ground on its biggest refurbishment since it opened. New clubhouses, indoor batting cages, and an indoor sports facility will be for player development, while a new scoreboard will be for the fans. Food & Beverage 3 Prince George's Stadium has some good food offerings. On weeknight games, they often close some of the stands, making the remaining open ones very crowded. The basic stands have many options for all price ranges. The cheeseburger basket is a value, but the helmet-filled cheese fries are even a greater value Some of the other offerings are pizza by the slice, fish and chips, gyro basket, pretzel, corn dog basket, loaded hot dogs, and a stuffed pretzel. A kids-only meal is available at a stand-alone stand for a reasonable price. This includes a hot dog, drink, chips, and a toy. Local legend and motorsport competitor Travis Pastrana has a stand called Pastrana’s Pit Stop that features multiple pit beef sandwiches, including a classic pit beef sandwich, a beef and cheese pit beef sandwich, and a Chesapeake pit beef sandwich with crab. Atmosphere 4 Prince George's Stadium prides itself on offering a family atmosphere and a place where the entire family can enjoy baseball. The true fan can enjoy the quality play, while the kids can enjoy the carousel, bounce houses, and face painting offered. In-game promotions are also offered to keep the atmosphere fresh and fun. The team tries to keep it happening in between innings, not to distract from the game. There are orange bleachers for general admission sections and green seats for assigned seating. The cheap seats get great views, as well as the fans paying for the more expensive ones. Bowie came along just a couple of years after the local Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick set a high standard for local minor league baseball. It is like a larger Frederick and an older version of Ripken Stadium (Aberdeen Ironbirds). The scoreboard and videoboard are both showing their age and need more modern replacements. A well-stocked team store is located on the concourse, offering a variety of Bowie and Orioles merchandise. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing too exciting about the Bowie neighborhood near the stadium. The stadium sits off of a major highway (US Route 301) and is near many shopping centers and fast-food restaurants. A Home Depot and BJ’s Warehouse are even within walking distance of the stadium. Rip's Country Inn (3809 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD) is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality, good food, this is a great option. Baltimore is 30 miles away, DC is 18 miles away, and Annapolis is 15 miles away, so you should not be limited by the uninspiring suburban choices right near the stadium. Fans 3 The fans are pretty traditional minor league fans for this area. Some are very knowledgeable about the game, while others are there as part of a family or a group and may be less interested in the actual game. This is a Baltimore Orioles fan base, so expect to hear the loud "Ohhhhhhh" chant during the appropriate place in the National Anthem. Locals feel that the song is to do with as they please while showing support to the home team. It is good-natured, so who could disagree? With the Nationals located close by, you should expect to see many of their fans as well, especially when their Eastern League affiliate, the Harrisburg Senators, is in town. Access 4 Access is the strong suit of Prince George's Stadium. Sitting at the intersection of US Route 301, US Route 50, and State Route 3, one should have no problem getting to the game. Traffic can be a bear at times, as this intersection is right between the triangle of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC. Plan a little leeway in timing for early evening games. There is plenty of free parking in the regular lot, as well as the one located on Governors Bridge Road. Return on Investment 4 There are cheaper minor league games to attend. Bowie reflects the busy metropolitan area and has some tickets that are nearly as expensive as the ones down the road at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The best values are the general admission tickets that start at $11, depending on the game. These seats are close to the action, and give you flexibility to move around and/or get more food. Be on the lookout for ticket promotions and other events that can make your game experience better. The team is active in the community, and there are many ways to attend the game. Extras 4 Free programs are available as you come in and are quite detailed. The Baysox is often one of the first places that the major league club sends rehabbing players since it is close to their home. That is a potential added benefit of attending a game in Bowie. Look for the lighthouse down the right field line, reflecting Bowie’s location near the Chesapeake Bay. There is also a kids’ play area down the right field line near the lighthouse, which includes a carousel among other activities. The large sign on US Route 301 serves to not only notify fans of where the stadium is located but also as a place to learn about stadium activities. Final Thoughts Prince George's Stadium is showing some age in its 30-year frame, but it is still a quality minor league stadium that is presenting a nice level of baseball talent. Hopefully, the planned updates will make quite a difference.

Lilly Barnett, a Texas native, is one of the hardest and most passionate workers in the UMASS athletic department. Not only does Lilly serve as the school's band's manager, but she also twirls batons in the band, both of which are challenging in different ways. Lilly took a few moments to discuss the band and twirling.  STADIUM JOURNEY: So, first things first, what was it like to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City this past year? As I recall, it was a very wet one. Describe the experience. LILLY BARNETT: My experience in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was different than most. Yes, I am one of the baton twirlers for the University of Massachusetts' Minuteman Marching Band, but I was also the travel manager for the UMMB. As a member of the executive staff helping our travel company coordinate food, housing, and transportation for nearly 450 people, it was such an overwhelmingly rewarding experience. When we got to the parade, I didn't even care that it was raining. I was honestly glad it was. If it hadn't rained, those precious hours spent counting hundreds of ponchos with our personnel manager until 2 am would have been for nothing.  As I walked through the rain-soaked streets of New York, all the worries disappeared. The group was running late that morning; someone lost a piece of their uniform, but it didn’t matter because all my stress was gone. I was just doing what I've always loved: twirling batons. The harsh rain and cool wind, the energy of the crowds, the sound of our band, it felt like everything I'd worked for had led to that perfect moment. This role has taught me valuable organizational skills that have helped me secure jobs and internships, but marching through those streets with some of my best friends by my side, rain and all, was by far the most treasured part of the trip and a memory I will never forget. STADIUM JOURNEY: Let's start from the beginning. How did you get into twirling? What's so special about it? Was it something that hooked you immediately? LILLY BARNETT: I began twirling around age 5 or 6 at a local dance studio in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. My passion started small, but when my sister, Maggie Barnett, wanted lessons, I naturally followed. I took private lessons with Karen Hightshoe, and watching her student Mariah Reed practice made me want to be just like her. Their encouragement to try new things is why I stuck with twirling, they instilled confidence in me at such a young age.  I wasn't hooked immediately though. I actually preferred dancing and only twirled because my sister did. I even quit for about a year, thinking it was too hard. But attending competitions with my mom and sister made me realize how much I missed it. Returning taught me valuable lessons: success takes time and hard work, and it's okay to take breaks and come back stronger. As I grew older, I came to appreciate the sport as a form of stress release. In middle school, if someone didn't want to sit with me at lunch, I knew I could go twirl after school and feel better. Even now in college, when I'm overwhelmed with life, jobs, or friendships, I can twirl for a few hours and my problems fade away, at least for a little while. That's what makes it special to me, it's both an artistic outlet and a mental sanctuary. STADIUM JOURNEY: How difficult was it to pick up? LILLY BARNETT: When I started, I had a very hard time. I wasn't born with any natural flexibility or hand-eye coordination whatsoever. Adding to the challenge, I have vertical heterophoria, an eye disorder where one eye's vision is slightly higher than the other. My eyes try to overcorrect and merge two imbalanced images into one, which means when looking at a baton, it isn't always truly where I think it is. Sometimes when I look up, I see two batons instead of one. You can imagine how challenging this becomes when I'm twirling two, three, and even four batons at once.  Ironically, twirling multiple batons eventually became one of my favorite aspects, and where I'm most advanced technically. It was incredibly difficult at first, which is partly why I quit when I was younger. I didn't understand that my eye disorder was making it harder than it might be for others. Success ultimately came through countless hours of practice and developing patience with myself. I had to learn different techniques to compensate for my visual perception challenges, which ultimately made me a more adaptable performer. STADIUM JOURNEY: You're a Texas native. Is Texas a twirling hotbed? Where are the hotbeds? What's the twirling scene like in New England? LILLY BARNETT: Yes, I am from Fort Worth, Texas, and when they say everything is bigger in Texas, they mean it, especially in the twirling world. The differences between competitions in Texas versus New England are striking; there just aren't as many people to compete against up here. For perspective, New England could fit into Texas around 21 times with about half the population.  The south in general I think is a hotbed for twirling. I think it's because The south is a breeding ground for football and marching bands, and with that naturally comes baton twirlers. When I talk to people in New England, many share that their high school didn't even have a football team, let alone marching bands or music programs. The sport is very niche in the northeast, making it harder for younger generations to discover it. That's why I love when the UMass Minuteman Marching Band performs at MICCA Finals in Lawrence, MA.. We interact with so many students and families who've never seen twirling before. You never know, someone in that audience could become inspired and eventually become a UMass Twirler one day. Building that visibility is how we grow the sport in regions where it's less common. STADIUM JOURNEY: At what point, do you start attending twirling camps and competitions? How competitive is the twirling community? LILLY BARNETT:  I started competing almost as soon as I began twirling, but middle school marked a significant turning point when I attended my first camp hosted by Janice Jackson Semmands. After connecting with her, she began giving us private lessons. My mom would drive us six hours to Arkansas specifically to train with her. Janice just connected with us and our style immediately, she knew exactly what to say to help us improve and constantly encouraged us to push our boundaries.  Janice had such an incredible eye and created the best routines. At competitions, judges would recognize her influence, often saying, "I know a Janice routine when I see one." My scoresheets frequently noted the complexity and entertainment value of my routines. Her knowledge and empowerment made her one of the strongest female role models in my life. I grew up competing within NBTA (National Baton Twirling Association), one of the main twirling organizations. The community is definitely competitive, some regions more than others. As I grew older, I discovered in college that what I truly loved was performing at school events rather than competing. That said, the competitive circuit created some of my most enduring friendships. There's something special about bonding with people who understand the unique challenges of the sport. It's been amazing to keep up with all of my twirling friends as I entered college, and it’s awesome to see where they've ended up, whether continuing in the sport as coaches or judges, or applying that discipline to completely different careers. STADIUM JOURNEY: Do colleges recruit for twirling? Discuss your journey to UMASS. LILLY BARNETT: Unlike some other college activities, I don’t think there is a formal recruitment process for twirling. It works more through auditions. Every school handles it differently, but at UMass, you submit an audition video to be reviewed by the marching band's professional staff. Some universities require both a video and an in-person tryout or interview. Generally, it's up to the twirler to seek out opportunities. Growing up, I looked up to collegiate twirlers like Trenton Haltom and Shelby Elder. I dreamed of representing esteemed universities with reputable bands just as they did, but I always appreciated how they emphasized the importance of education coming first. That mindset shaped my college search. I'm a student first, and my education had to be highest on my list of priorities. During my sophomore year of high school, my sister's college search opened my eyes to opportunities beyond Texas. She showed me I could go far from home, get a great education, and still pursue collegiate twirling. When evaluating schools, I prioritized strong journalism and political science programs plus a big school with a large, established marching band program. After meeting with advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Kristi Ochs, the twirler coach at UMass, as well as visiting campus, I knew UMass was my school. I loved the northeast and was excited to explore another part of the country. My family supported me completely in my decision to move over 1,700 miles from home, and that's how I ended up at UMass, balancing my academic goals with the opportunity to continue twirling at a high level. STADIUM JOURNEY: How much time does the band take up? LILLY BARNETT: The marching band commitment is substantial, especially during fall semester. The twirlers rehearse with the band every weekday, Monday through Friday, from 4:40 PM to 6:10 PM, or as Dr. Timothy Anderson, our marching band director, calls it, "band time best time." That's 7.5 hours of structured rehearsal weekly, plus additional time for football games, parades, exhibitions, and special events the UMMB performs at. On game days, we're typically committed for 8-12 hours between preparation, warm-ups, pre-game, the actual game performance, and post-game. Outside of these scheduled rehearsals, I still do my best to practice baton independently for at least an hour every day to maintain and improve my skills. As I'm approaching graduation, I've reduced my competing to focus on job and internship opportunities, but I still prioritize practice time to keep my performance when representing UMass.  My experience is somewhat unique because I'm also on the UMMB Executive Staff as the Band Manager for 2025. This administrative role adds another 200-300 hours of work each semester handling logistics and behind-the-scenes operations. I coordinate various behind the scenes logistical concerns to ensure the band runs at the best of its abilities. So for me, band takes up significantly more time than it does for most twirlers, but the organizational experience is incredibly rewarding and has helped prepare me for my future, which is why I've chosen to be so deeply involved. STADIUM JOURNEY: Do you twirl at all the major UMASS sporting events? It must be very difficult to twirl on the ice, correct? LILLY BARNETT: I primarily twirl at football and basketball games when it comes to UMass sporting events. Football season is our main focus with the full Minuteman Marching Band, where we perform pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows. For basketball, we have a smaller pep band configuration, and the twirlers perform during timeouts and quarter breaks.  You definitely won't be seeing me twirling on ice anytime soon, that's for sure. We occasionally make appearances at other campus events like pep rallies and special university functions, but football and basketball remain where we primarily perform. STADIUM JOURNEY: What are some of your favorite stadiums to perform in? Why? LILLY BARNETT: One of my favorite stadiums was AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where I performed during my high school's football playoff games. The sheer scale of the venue was awe-inspiring, there's nothing quite like twirling in a professional NFL stadium as a high schooler. The Byron Nelson High School marching band was exceptional to be part of, but isn't any 6A high school marching band in Texas? Looking back, I owe so much to directors Jed Weeks, Brad Toth, and Michael Moore for supporting me and allowing me to twirl for their marching band. Without their belief in me, I wouldn't be the baton twirler I am today. That final performance at AT&T Stadium left me with overwhelming gratitude for being part of such a supportive program, and I'll never forget the feeling of walking off that field.  Another memorable venue was Rentschler Field, UConn football's home stadium, where my sister Maggie was the feature twirler for the UConn Marching Band. When the UMMB traveled there for the UConn-UMass game, we performed a combined halftime show with their band. Being able to twirl on the same field with my sister was truly the experience of a lifetime. We had both achieved our dream of becoming college twirlers, which for us represented the peak of our twirling careers. Unlike other sports, there isn't a professional baton twirling league waiting after graduation. When she finished at UConn, that essentially marked the end of her competitive twirling career, as it will for me when I graduate from UMass. So sharing that field at the pinnacle of our twirling journeys was incredibly meaningful. We went from timing each other's routines as kids to performing together at the collegiate level while pursuing the education we'd dreamed about. Our parents flew up to witness it all, which made the moment even more special. My all-time favorite stadium, though, has to be McGuirk Alumni Stadium at UMass. Nothing beats twirling at your home base with the UMass fans. The post-game performances are particularly special, with all the dedicated Marching Band supporters in the audience cheering us on. Some of my most cherished twirling memories have been created in this stadium—Band Day, Homecoming, Senior Day—you name it. There's something magical about performing in a place that feels like home, surrounded by a community that genuinely appreciates what we do.   STADIUM JOURNEY: So someone's hitting Amherst, what are some places to hit? LILLY BARNETT: If you're visiting Amherst, there are so many great spots to check out! As a huge Mexican food fan, I have a regular rotation: Garcia's, Mission Cantina, Bueno y Sano, and La Veracruzana.. These four definitely get me through each semester.  Beyond food, Amherst has a wonderful small-town charm with lots to explore. The Amherst Farmers' Markets when in season are a must-visit too.  The natural beauty around Amherst is truly spectacular. The various hiking trails are also a good way to get out and explore the nature around Amherst. If you're here during the academic year, catching a UMass sporting event or a performance at the Fine Arts Center adds to the authentic Pioneer Valley experience. Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Conaty Park 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 Bryant Bulldogs baseball website Conaty Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 500 Bulldog Baseball   Bryant University is a private university located in the Providence suburb of Smithfield, RI. Founded in 1863 as Bryant College, the school was traditionally known for its business programs. The school now boasts an enrollment of over 3,700 students in 27 majors.   Conaty Park is named for Bill (class of 1967) and Sue Conaty, benefactors of the university’s baseball and softball programs. The part of campus where Conaty Park and many of Bryant’s athletic facilities are now located was the site of the New England Patriots’ training camp from 1976-2002.   Baseball has been played at Bryant since 1969, before the school was even located at its present location in Smithfield. For several decades the team played in Division Two, qualifying for five NCAA tournaments and reaching the College World Series in 2004.   Bryant elevated their entire athletic program to Division One in 2009. After initially competing in the Northeast Conference, the Bulldogs moved to the America East Conference in 2023. Since changing divisions, the baseball team has qualified for the NCAA Tournament four times (2013, 2014, 2016 and 2024) Three Bryant alumni, Keith MacWorther, James Karinchak and Mickey Gaspar have played in the Major Leagues.   Food and Beverage 0   There are no food or beverage options at Conaty Park. Fans are welcome to bring their own items to enjoy during the game. This being New England, you can expect to see lots of Dunkin’ coffees on those cold spring afternoons.   Atmosphere 2   As you might expect at a small ballpark like Conaty Park, there is not an elaborate gameday presentation here at a Bulldogs game. If you are a fan who enjoys being able to hear managers barking instructions to their players, the chatter going on down on the field and being able to talk to your neighbors in the stands, you’ll enjoy your time here.   There’s not much going on at Conaty Park to distract one’s attention from the game. Music plays on an excellent sound system, but it’s not turned up too loud. There’s a surprising abundance of country music played for this part of the country. A scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. The PA announcer does his job unobtrusively. Neighborhood 2     Bryant University is located in Smithfield, RI, about a twenty-minute drive from Providence. Although Smithfield is a very nice place to live, it’s certainly not a destination location. The area near campus has built up a bit over the years, and there are now a few solid dining and lodging choices in the immediate area for visiting fans who prefer to stay local.   Parente’s Restaurant, Blackies, and Laura’s Bar and Grill are popular dining spots near campus. Stadium Journey recommends J’s Deli for their impressive variety of grinders (that’s what we call sub sandwiches here in Rhode Island). Several national chain restaurants and shopping options are located about a 10-minute drive away on Route 44. Fans visiting from out of town may opt to take the 20-minute drive to Providence, which has no shortage of top-notch restaurants and lodging options.   Speaking of lodging options, the story here is similar if visiting Bryant. There is a Holiday Inn Express, a Hampton Inn and Suites and a SureStay Plus right near campus, but visitors may opt to stay in nearby Providence or even Boston, only an hour’s drive to the north. Twin Rivers Casino is in nearby Lincoln just a few minutes from Bryant. If spending time in a casino is on your agenda, the twin resorts of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located an hour away just over the Connecticut state line.   Fans 2   As you would expect at a college ballpark in New England, the size of the crowd at a Bulldogs game can vary greatly depending on the time of year, day of week, or opponent playing on any given day. A perusal of box scores on the Bryant baseball webpage shows attendance ranging from 100 fans in March/April to around 750 fans in May. Stadium Journey’s most recent visit occurred on a gray, overcast Saturday afternoon. While the announced attendance was 740, the eyeball test showed an actual crowd of 250-300 fans. While not an overwhelming number, this is a larger crowd than most teams in the area enjoy.   At Stadium Journey, we often refer to smaller crowds such as this as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the field, and as a result are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support. With many of Bryant’s opponents located near Bryant, it’s not unusual to see many visiting fans taking in the action. There’s usually only a modest turnout from the student body. The Bulldogs will often invite local Little League teams to participate in pregame activities. Access 4     Bryant University is located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, 13 miles from downtown Providence. The campus is most easily accessed by car. Visitors to Bryant will simply take exit 15B off Interstate 295. The campus is just over a mile away from the interstate on Route 7. Fans using public transportation to arrive at Bryant will find a Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA)  bus stop on the Bryant campus, offering service every 40 minutes to downtown Providence.   Conaty Park is located on the northern edge of the Bryant campus adjacent to many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Bierne Stadium , Cowen Stadium and Conaty Softball Field. Parking is available in large lots a short walk from the ball field. Bryant was once primarily a commuter school, so there is a lot of room for parking here. With all the construction going on around the ballpark right now, fans have to walk through Bierne Stadium to get to Conaty Park.   Seating at Conaty Park is contained in an attractive brick grandstand that seats 500. Center sections consist of molded plastic seats, with metal bleachers in the outer sections. All seats are behind netting, but still have excellent views of the action. There is a terraced area down the right field line where fans can set up lawn chairs and take in the action. Some fans opt to hang out on the hill beyond the outfield fence in left field. Rest rooms are located in the Conaty Field House and in Bierne Stadium, both a short walk from the field. The grounds are very nicely maintained and easy to traverse.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Bulldog baseball game. Parking is also free in the large lots near Conaty Park. With no concessions at the ballpark, you won’t spend a single cent during your visit to Bryant. Extras 2     Bryant’s conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances are commemorated on the outfield walls at Conaty Park. The team’s Division One and Two titles are posted.   A second extra point is awarded for the expansion and modernization of the athletic facilities all around Conaty Park. Since our last visit to Bryant just a year and and a half ago, there were a pair of new facilities plus a major construction project going on at Bierne Stadium.   Final Thoughts   Bryant's athletic program is growing by leaps and bounds. While Conaty Park is one of the older facilities in the Bryant complex, it remains one of the nicer college baseball parks in the northeast.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bart Kaufman Field 1873 N Fee Ln Bloomington, IN 47408 Indiana Hoosiers website Bart Kaufman Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 2,500 Indiana's Baseball Field is a Hit for Hoosiers Bart Kaufman Field is the home of the Indiana University baseball program; an impressive ballpark in the Big Ten and a vast improvement over the Hoosiers old home Sembower Field that was built in 1951. The $19.8 million facility was dedicated in 2013 and is a welcome addition to the sporting facilities on campus. The 2,500 seat venue features a limestone backstop, synthetic turf, lights, home and away locker rooms, and expanded media facilities. An open concourse wraps around to the back of the right field picnic area. In 2018, an LED scoreboard was installed in left field measuring 26.8 feet high and 48.7 feet wide. The stadium was named after former IU ballplayer Bart Kaufman who played from 1960-1962. He finished second in the Big Ten with a .452 batting average to future Detroit Tiger Bill Freehan who batted .585. Kaufman would pledge $2.5 million of his own money towards completion of the Hoosiers new ballpark. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand inside the stadium near the entrance on the first baseline featuring a menu that is very much the standard at most major collegiate ballparks in the Big Ten. The items are affordable and feature all your baseball f avorites. Fans can enjoy hot dogs, nachos, pretzels french fries, boneless wings, and burgers. A separate beer line is next to the condession stand that offers domestic and premium beer in cans. During our visit, there was an additional concession stand on the third base side due to the attendance figure. Atmosphere 3 Bart Kaufman is a good looking and impressive ballpark with crowds usually hovering near the 2,000 mark, which on a warm evening sets the tone for a perfect night. Its design mimics the limestone look that is also featured at the softball complex located next door behind the right field fence and blends in well with Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium across the parking lot. The stadium offers red plastic seats behind the backstop and aluminum bleacher seating down each baseline. A picnic area is located behind the right field corner and beyond the stadium's wall is grass seating offering fans a free look at the game. The LED scoreboard creates a focal point for the stadium offering crystal clear pictures of players and stats and the opportunity for advertising, social interaction, and in-between inning gimmicks. The visiting bullpen features the script Indiana logo in a distress-style that provides another focal point inside the stadium. Behind the right field wall is a massive lawn area that also houses a picnic area and VIP section. The picnic area features Astroturf and on-field views behind the fence. It was originally part of the outfield before the fences were moved in, but the area feels a bit unutilized. The picnic area is for groups and features a separate bar and all-you-can-eat options. There was a bigger than normal crowd due to a few factors. The arch-rival Purdue Boilmakers were in town, it was Senior Week, graduation ceremonies were taken place later that day, and it was one of better days for baseball with 75 degree weather. Neighborhood 4 There are numerous choices for eating, drinking, and shopping nearby that are within a couple of miles. Mother Bear's is probably the number one place for pizza in town. The pies are baked in a deep dish allowing the cheese to caramelize around the edges. The place always seems to be packed and parking is limited near the restaurant. Lennie's is another fine choice, with a lot more parking, that features sandwiches, pizza, stromboli, and beer brewed by the Bloomington Brewing Company. Kirkwood Ave. is the heart of downtown Bloomington featuring shops, bars, and restaurants bordering the entrance of many of the picturesque grounds of the Indiana campus. A little north of town is Oliver Winery; the beautiful gardens, water fountains and picnic areas around the lake offer a romantic spot for couples or a great place to enjoy wine with friends. Another colorful and touristy area is Nashville, Indiana, located in nearby Brown County offering some of the best biking/hiking trails in the country and an eclectic downtown jam-packed with shops, restaurants, and Quaff On! Brewing Company. Fans 3 Hoosier fans are a dedicated bunch who support their sports teams with a great passion. That can be the case for the baseball team that has averaged crowds around the 2,000 mark since the stadium debuted in 2013. Access 4 Bart Kaufman Field is located in the same parking lot and complex of Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium and is located off of SR 46 that intersects both I-69 and SR-37. The parking lot is vast providing more than enough spaces to park and once inside there is plenty of room to navigate. The only gripe might be the tall staircase that leads visitors to the main entrance. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices for adults are $14 for reserve seating behind home plate and $10 for general admission. Ticket prices for youth (ages 3-18) are $7 for reserve seatings and $5 for general admission. Students, staff, and faculty with a valid ID are admitted for free. The prices of a hot dog is $5.99 and a cold domestic beer is $9.99. A merchandise cart offers shirts, caps, and jerseys. A cap costs either $30 or $40, while jerseys will cost $115. Parking is free for all games and the higher crowds would be for games against rival Purdue. Extras 4 One point for the LED scoreboard that provides a very nice touch and focal point at the ballpark. A second point for the script Indiana mural that is another focal point in the visitor’s bullpen down the right field line. The third point is for allowing fans to bring their dogs for Saturday games for free and a final point is for the grass lawn and picnic areas. Final Thoughts Bart Kaufman Field is an impressive addition to the campus of Indiana University. The limestone design, modern comforts, and spacious amenities create a beautiful canvas to enjoy baseball for the foreseeable future in Bloomington. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 SECU Arena Auburn Drive Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website SECU Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,200 Tiger's Den Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. Their football team played for the 2013 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, falling short to North Dakota State and their basketball team has also had scattered success over the years, most notably in the early 1990s under coach Terry Truax. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. The Tigers play in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The volleyball team has been one of the dominant programs in the CAA recently. Towson has really stepped up recently in all sports with their athletic program. A major step forward was moving out of the depressing Towson Center and into the shiny new SECU Arena in 2013. I personally have many great memories of the Towson Center, as I worked there for a few years during college. It certainly had personality, but frankly, it was not a well-designed facility and was showing its age dramatically. During the last year of operation, one of the bleacher sections would not even fully expand. Towson Center is still technically around, as the new arena and the old building are merged together, with locker rooms inside the old building. Food & Beverage 1 The SECU Arena really has subpar food offerings. There is a single concession stand open for volleyball matches offering no real variety and sometimes with a large line. Prices are not great, with $6.25 for a hot dog and $5.25 for a Pepsi. Pretzels are $4.50, and popcorn is $4.50. Please eat before coming to SECU Arena. Atmosphere 3 The lowered seating bowl of SECU Arena makes the sound seem to pop here. It can be pretty loud. It may take time, but this place can be a loud arena. The stands surround the court. The upper seating areas of SECU Arena are not open for volleyball matches. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the arena. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Zia’s. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 3 Volleyball matches tend to get a small crowd made up of mostly friends and family. The match we attended was part of a tournament and featured the Tigers playing a team from the Big Ten Conference so the crowd was much larger and louder than usual. It was also apparently the largest volleyball crowd attendance in school history. Stadium Journey does make history! Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, although the closest lots are reserved for those buying season passes for access to them. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $5 for special matches, but even the normal price makes for a good investment. Extras 2 Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. Stop at the Tiger statue outside of the arena during pregame, as it is a great meeting spot. If you get a chance, you should stop into the old Towson Center to see how much better the new facility is than the one they left. Final Thoughts SECU Arena is a very nicely designed arena for a mid-major volleyball program. If the crowd were to come to support the team a bit more the building could be an intimidating place for opponents to play.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 SECU Arena Auburn Drive Towson, MD 21252 Baltimore Blast website SECU Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 4,000 Having A Blast In Towson Editors Note: In May, 2025, Towson University and SECU renew the arena naming rights partnership with a new, seven-year agreement. Most cities idolize their biggest sports stars. Baltimore has been fortunate that their biggest sports stars are also some of the biggest stars in their respective sports. The old Baltimore Colts had arguably the best quarterback in the history of the NFL in Johnny Unitas. The Baltimore Orioles have been blessed by being associated with Frank and Brooks Robinson. And they could shockingly almost pale in comparison to the iron man of baseball, local legend Cal Ripken Jr. The Baltimore Ravens counter by being the longtime home to a defense captained by middle linebacker and hall of famer Ray Lewis. The Baltimore Blast is not as well known nationally as those other Baltimore teams. Indoor soccer is much more of a niche sport. But they still have their own sports legend in Stan Stamenkovic. Stan, whose real first name was Srboljub, was known in indoor soccer circles as “The Magician.” The Serbian star played for the Baltimore Blast from 1983 until 1988, at a time when indoor soccer players made big money and were true star athletes. You will still find people around the Baltimore area who talk about Stan’s amazing ability. Besides his talent and creativity (check out this clip from the 1983 MISL all-star game below) Stamenkovic resonated with fans because he was the true “everyman.” His love of pizza, beer, and cigarettes often showed in his non-athletic-looking body, but it was the fact that he put on a show every night that he gained the fan's love. Unfortunately, Stan died at the very young 39 in 1996 from a fall in his home country. His Number 10 is retired by the Blast and a banner flies in TU Arena. The Baltimore Blast was a mainstay of the original Major Indoor Soccer League during the 1980s up until that league’s demise in 1992. Immediately a new team began in Baltimore, under the auspices of a new league, known as the Baltimore Spirit, which eventually changed its name to the Blast in 1998. Most people consider the two separate operations as one team. Leagues come and go but the Baltimore Blast stays. Currently, they play in the brand new Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). Food & Beverage 2 The TU Arena really has subpar food offerings. There are a few concession stands offering a limited, basic variety. The concourse is open and has plenty of space for additional offerings if they so wished. Some non-food vendors were there at the game I attended, giving out pens and other tchotchkes. Prices are okay, but not great, with $4 for a hot dog and $3 for a Pepsi. Pretzels are $4.25, nachos $4.25, and popcorn $3.25. Gatorade is $3.50. Alcohol is sold for Blast games. Atmosphere 5 The lowered seating bowl of TU Arena makes the sound seem to pop here. It can be pretty loud. This place can be a loud arena. The stands surround the field with an upper concourse along three of the four sides. Part of the basketball stands is pulled in to make way for the soccer field. The field is much smaller than at the Blast’s former home at the Royal Farms Arena. The Blast are still doing many of the same types of activities, as well as things such as player introductions, in the same general manner as they did 20 to 30 years ago. And that is not a bad thing. The crowd is fired up and ready for the explosive action of indoor soccer to begin. Change is not always good. The Blast really does it all right. The Blast seems to work well with local recreation soccer systems, as many of the fans come in groups, all the while supporting their own team, as well as the Blast. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the arena. You can walk to Bill Bateman’s Bistro at the corner of York and Cross Campus Boulevard. Even though you may have to drive to other places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Zia’s. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 4 Blast fans are truly knowledgeable about the game of indoor soccer. This sport takes the beauty and skill of soccer and marries it with the aggressiveness of hockey and basketball in an extremely fast-paced manner. The ricochets and quick bounces off of walls make me never want to be a goalie. The Blast’s current league, the MASL, is made up of many teams from New York State and Pennsylvania all the way to Mexico. Expect to see mainly teams from the Eastern Division because travel in such a spread-out league can be expensive. The Blast also brings many local rec teams in for each game so expect to see the stands filled with young ones in soccer gear. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn locations of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, although the closest lots may be reserved. Follow the signs along Osler Drive to the proper parking spot. Return on Investment 3 General ticket prices begin at around $20. The most expensive tickets are nearly $50. Be on the lookout for bargains through sites such as Groupon where you may get in for cheaper. Groups are also a big deal for the community-focused Blast so you may want to see if a group you are associated with has any plans on attending. It may be a good idea to tag along with one of those groups. Extras 4 The Blast work with local soccer clubs, church groups, and other organizations to keep the community involved. The array of summer soccer camps throughout the city and region is quite extraordinary. It makes the players part of the community and engages the fans. This engagement is paid back on game days by getting players on the field for pregame introductions and halftime events. The old-style entertainment of the Blast games is refreshing. The unique seating system and the small field of play are a feature in themselves. Check out the many banners for Blast teams of the past, as well as many retired and honored players. Final Thoughts TU Arena is a very nicely designed arena but it is strange to see the shortened indoor soccer field placed inside it. The Blast still does a nice job of making the atmosphere theirs and you WILL have a good time here.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 SECU Arena Auburn Drive Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website SECU Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,200 Tiger’s Den Towson has really stepped up recently in all sports with their athletic program. A major step forward was moving out of the depressing Towson Center and into the shiny new TU Arena in 2013. I personally have many great memories of the Towson Center, as I worked there for a few years during college. It certainly had personality, but frankly, it was not a well-designed facility and was showing its age dramatically. During the last year of operation, one of the bleacher sections would not even fully expand. Towson Center is still technically around, as the new arena and the old building are merged together, with locker rooms inside the old building. There is still much speculation about what the university will do with the old arena section of the Towson Center. It seems to be used mainly as a practice gym currently. Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. The Tigers play in many sports as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) but for gymnastics, they participate in the East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL). The team has been one of the most successful teams at Towson. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions Food & Beverage 2 The TU Arena really has subpar food offerings. There is a single concession stand open for volleyball matches offering no real variety and sometimes with a large line. Prices are not great, with $6.25 for a hot dog and $5.25 for a Pepsi. Pretzels are $4.50, and popcorn is $4.50. Please eat before coming to TU Arena. Atmosphere 3 Much of the lower bowl at TU Arena is retracted to make way for the large floor needs of gymnastics. It does reduce the size of the arena to an lowered capacity. The arena is a good one for gymnastics and the history of the program practically assures a good fanbase. There will often be a few things going on at the same time but it is still fairly easy to keep track of the action. Much of that will depend on if it is a multi-team event. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the arena. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Underground Pizza. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 3 The team has been successful for many decades and the fans know this and support the program enthusiastically. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, although if classes are in attendance they could get harder to find. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $8 so the return on investment is good. . Extras 3 Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. Stop at the Tiger statue outside of the arena during pregame, as it is a great meeting spot. If you get a chance, you should stop into the old Towson Center to see how much better the new facility is than the one they left. Final Thoughts TU Arena is a very nicely designed arena for a well-performing gymnastics program.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 SECU Arena Auburn Drive Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website SECU Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,200 Tiger’s Den Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. Their football team played for the 2013 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, falling short to North Dakota State. The basketball team has also had scattered success over the years, most notably in the early 1990s under coach Terry Truax, with guards Kurk Lee and Devin Boyd in the old East Coast Conference. The Truax-led teams made it to two straight NCAA tournaments in 1990 and 1991. The Tigers play in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). In 2022, they played in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) having been the CAA regular season champions. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. Towson has stepped up recently in all sports with their athletic program. A major step forward was moving out of the depressing Towson Center and into the shiny new SECU Arena in 2013. I have many great memories of the Towson Center, as I worked there for a few years during college. It certainly had personality, but frankly, it was not a well-designed facility and was showing its age dramatically. During the last year of operation, one of the bleacher sections would not even fully expand. Towson Center is still technically around, as the new arena and the old building are merged, with locker rooms inside the old building. There is still much speculation about what the university will do with the old arena section of the Towson Center. It seems to be used mainly as a practice gym currently. SECU Arena reverted to the TU Arena name in 2023, although two years later the signage still indicates the previous name. Editors Note: In May, 2025, Towson University and SECU renew the arena naming rights partnership with a new, seven-year agreement. Food & Beverage 2 The TU Arena has subpar food offerings. There are a couple of concession stands offering no real variety. The concourse is open and has plenty of space for additional offerings if they wish. Prices are okay, but not great. The separate Ledo Pizza stand might offer the best value. There is a small area along the main concourse offering alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 3 The lowered seating bowl of TU Arena makes the sound seem to pop here. It can be pretty loud. It may take time, but this place can be a loud arena. The stands surround the court with an upper concourse along with three of the four sides. The Towson pep band also provides some of its atmosphere and adds to the loudness of the facility. The design is a classic basketball pit, so even the lightest crowd noise echoes and rumbles. The upper concourse section seems underused for many games. It would make you wonder if these fully utilized seats would make this place even louder and provide a better atmosphere. For this season one of the lower stands has been retracted and the area is used as a party zone for those giving money to the athletic program. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing right by the arena besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and the old Towson Center Arena. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Underground Pizza. Baltimore is also a quick drive away and there are many options around that area. Fans 3 For many years, Towson was known as a commuter school. But in the last couple of decades, there has been an increase in residence students. Students are starting to come to games in larger numbers helped by a free convenient shuttle to games. The consistent quality of play is also helping attendance. TU Arena, as well as neighboring Johnny Unitas Stadium, is located at the far south end of the campus, not near any of the residence halls, so it will take more years and increased awareness to get student attendance to a larger number. Luckily, TU Arena is a much more inviting place to go to a game than the older facility was. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn locations of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, although the closest lots are reserved for those buying season passes to access them. There can be jam-ups at the main entrance as security lines, will-call lines, and ticket purchase lines tend to blend. Return on Investment 3 Tickets start at a decent $12-$20, depending on the opponent, for the upper concourse, but it may be worth the extra couple of bucks for end-line tickets in the lower concourse section. . Extras 3 The Towson Dance Team is nationally recognized and provides great entertainment during games. The cheerleaders and pom squad will likely add to the entertainment. In addition, Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. Stop at the Tiger statue outside of the arena during pregame, as it is a great meeting spot. If you get a chance, you should stop into the old Towson Center to see how much better the new facility is than the one they left. Final Thoughts TU Arena is a very nicely designed arena for a mid-major basketball program. If the crowd were to come to support the team a bit more the building could be an intimidating place for opponents to play,

Some things are incredibly special. Like an Eddie Van Halen solo or Gandolfini playing Tony, Greg "Beast" Gurenlian ( @GregBeast32 )  had that "it" quality on the lacrosse field. He's undeniably one of the greatest faceoff specialists the sport has ever seen. Now, "Beast", a proud Penn State alum, is grooming the next generation of faceoff men at his Faceoff Academy  TheFaceOffAcademy.com . Greg took a few minutes to answer a few questions. STADIUM JOURNEY: This is arguably the most important question. Give us the story behind the nickname. Who's responsible? How did Beast come about?  GREG GURENLIAN: I picked up a stick for the first time just before freshman year of high school. In Springfield, (Pennsylvania), most kids start when they’re six years old, so I was way behind the 8 ball. I really sucked, but I was so fired up to play a team contact sport. I just ran around all the time trying to hit everyone. I was strong but skinny, and I didn’t really shoot up height wise until late sophomore year. So, the older players would yell “Beast” as a joke because I was a crappy, skinny player who tried to hit everyone. My own best friends started calling me Greg Beast, putting an endearing spin on what was otherwise a mocking nickname. STADIUM JOURNEY: What were you like as a kid? Was it bis and tris every other day from the very beginning?  Were you an introvert? Extrovert? In between? Were you part of a clique? GREG GURENLIAN: Honestly, most of my life I was just a kid who really wanted to fit in. My parents were pretty strict, which kept me out of a lot of trouble, and I’m grateful for it, but it also turned me into a bit of a socially-awkward, anxiety-filled introvert. I started playing lacrosse because I wanted to be in with the cool kids, which as a 41-year-old man now seems ridiculous. But looking back on life, I’ve always felt a little on the outside looking in. And not many people know this, but I had debilitating social anxiety and it’s taken a lot to overcome that. Coaching has helped tremendously. I still have the same five best friends since I was in grade school, and that’s been a rock for me over the years. As for training, I started lifting in 1998 and the connection of strength training became a real outlet for me. STADIUM JOURNEY: You've accomplished so much, but you've always been impressed by your humility. Who do you attribute this to? GREG GURENLIAN: That’s kind of you to say. That’s all my parents. My house was not competitive at all. We cheered for each other and looked out for one another. Anything I have accomplished in my life of course came from hard work, but I know that I’m where I’m at now because incredibly good people helped me along the way. My parents, coaches, teammates, friends, my wife, etc.. To have the success I’ve had, it really takes a ton of good luck and amazing people at the right time. I’m not better than anyone. I just had tremendous luck and decided to make the most of it. STADIUM JOURNEY: You've probably been asked this question a million times, so what's a million and one. Did you choose the faceoff position or did the faceoff position choose you? GREG GURENLIAN: The FO position one hundred percent chose me, but I readily accepted it. I was so lucky that my first year in high school, my JV coach was a Springfield faceoff legend, Chris Britton. I was not a good player, but he saw potential in me, and I immediately soaked up whatever faceoff knowledge he gave me. I was a natural, fast-twitch athlete, and it just made so much sense to me the first time doing it. It was like a kid picking up a guitar for the first time and feeling at ease because he could naturally play it. My wrestling background certainly helped, and the one versus one-nowhere- to-hide part of it gave me some life. It was a way for me to get on the field and gave me time to develop my catching and throwing skills. STADIUM JOURNEY: Were you considering other colleges besides Penn State, or was it always Nittany Lions or bust? GREG GURENLIAN: My career is a unique one. I’ve been a Penn State fan since I was born. Many aunts, uncles and cousins went there. When I started getting recruiting letters after my junior year, I remember getting one from Penn State, and all I could think of was wow this is my ticket to my dream school. I took other schools like Loyola, Towson and Maryland into strong consideration. But Penn State was what I grew up on, and they have an incredible kinesiology department, which is what I wanted to study. I honestly knew very little about the program. I had only been playing lacrosse for like three years at that point. So, I chose Penn State the university not just the lacrosse program. Best decision of my life. STADIUM JOURNEY: What was the state of the lacrosse program during your time at Penn State? I know it hasn't been that long ago, but the sport has grown exponentially since your time in State College. GREG GURENLIAN: Haha well to be fair it was around 20 years ago at this point. It’s all way different now. Back then PSU recruits were mostly big, strong athletes who might not have been extremely highly recruited. Because of that we had a chip on our shoulder. We were aggressive, and we had a lot of room to improve once we got on campus. That was the Glenn Theil era of Penn State. We were generally in the 12-15 ranking range nationally. But my freshman and junior years we made the tournament for the first time(s), and we won two conference titles in my time there. It’s incredible to see where coach Tambroni and the Athletic Department have taken it now. I’m very proud. STADIUM JOURNEY: So when people think of college lacrosse venues, Klockner Stadium and The Dome immediately come to mind, but Penn State has a great, relatively new venue. What can fans expect at Panzer Stadium? GREG GURENLIAN: A game at Panzer stadium is absolutely electric. Happy Valley is the home of the football white out, packed rec hall matches for the powerhouse wrestling and volleyball programs, one of the world’s most state-of-the-art hockey arenas, and now Panzer stadium is quickly becoming a can’t miss destination to watch college lacrosse. The fan base has fully embraced the program. and even though I’m an extremely proud alumni, man am I jealous that those guys get to play in that environment every home game. STADIUM JOURNEY: What can kids and their parents expect at Faceoff Academy ( TheFaceOffAcademy.com ) ? GREG GURENLIAN: A few things. One, a guarantee that no matter what level your son is at when they come to train with us, we will absolutely make them better. Whether it’s a small technical tweak, advice from our experience or showing them how to break down their opponent. Two, professionalism. We are unique. We don’t teach cheating; we respect the athletes too much for that. Our coaches go through training on how to deliver the system we teach in the best way possible to the athletes, and we are hyper aware that parents trust us with their sons and their future. We take that seriously. We want them to improve on the field while being around good men who their kids can look up to. STADIUM JOURNEY: How much has NIL become part of the college lacrosse equation? GREG GURENLIAN: It will take time for NIL to really push kids to one place or another in this sport. Lacrosse is different than some other sports. The best programs are generally also the best educational schools, and that is one of the main drivers for a lot of recruits. We’re not talking millions of dollars being thrown at kids like in football. Is a 10k check worth a kid choosing one school over another? Probably not. But if lacrosse becomes a revenue generating sport then sure, we could see that down the line. STADIUM JOURNEY:  A lot of lacrosse guys let their hair grow out like they're in a band. As far as I know, you've always said no to flow. Discuss this choice. GREG GURENLIAN: I think it’s pretty obvious that hair is not the only thing that makes me a black sheep in this sport. I shaved my head in-season. I’m a public-school kid who chose his college based on major and family. I didn’t become a faceoff specialist until I became a pro. I was professional strength and conditioning coach back when lifting wasn’t really that big in this sport. I started a camp and clinic business as a faceoff man while I was still playing, which was also an oddity at the time. I didn’t come from an affluent background, or go to prep school, or get highly touted at any level. My parents didn’t fight my battles for me. I fought and clawed my way all the way through my career. So, the hair was probably the last thing I’d think about when it comes to being an odd ball in lacrosse. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Another very important question. You're a well-known pizza connoisseur. Could you give us some destination spots?  GREG GURENLIAN: Haha. I knew things were getting out of hand when NCAA coaches texted me photos of their pizza on Fridays during the pandemic. If you ever stop in Westchester, New York though, there are three spots that I love: Sal’s, Village Pizza, and Villa Maria. Bacon and Pineapple Pizza, lightly cooked. Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Inter&Co Stadium 655 W Church St Orlando, FL 32805 Orlando Pride website Inter&Co Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 25,500 The Pride Take the Stage Editor's Note: On June 4, 2019, it was announced that Exploria Resorts (a timeshare entity based in nearby Clermont) had acquired naming rights to the stadium. On January 18, 2024, Brazilian digital bank Inter&Co secured the naming rights to the stadium. When professional soccer came to Orlando in the form of MLS Orlando City SC, many were surprised at the level of support the team received in their new stadium right off the bat. The women’s soccer team, the Orlando Pride, was introduced to the city’s sports scene soon afterward and quickly became equally as popular as the men’s team among the city’s sports enthusiasts. The addition of world-class talent from America and abroad made the team an instant favorite and a perennial title contender. Exploria Stadium, their home, is also arguably the best in women’s professional soccer in the US, having hosted the NWSL Championship in 2017. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverages at Exploria Stadium for MLS games echo what you will find at Orlando City matches. The standards are all there, from pizza ($12) and burgers to hot dogs ($5-$9.50) and nachos ($7.25), and fans can choose from this traditional stadium fare. However, thanks to fan feedback the team has also added concessions from local restaurants in Orlando, such as 4 Rivers, The Coop, and Cholo Dogs. Exploria Stadium has concession stands throughout the entirety of the main concourse on all sides during games, meaning you usually won’t have to wait too long or go too far to get something to eat or drink. Beer and cocktails range from $10.50 to $19.50, while water ($5), soda ($6.25), and Gatorade ($6.25) are all available. Tacos from Black Rooster Taqueria are $14, with loaded nachos ($15), chips and salsa ($7.25), and chips and guac ($7.25) on offer as well. BBQ from 4 Rivers is the big hit, with pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches and nachos all running for $15. Atmosphere 4 The feeling at Exploria Stadium during Orlando Pride games is immediately and wholly impressive from the moment fans walk in. This modern gem of a soccer-specific stadium harkens to proper football establishments throughout England. The north end zone, aka The Wall, is a standing-only supporters section where fans cheer, sing, fly their flags, raise tifos, and erupt with smoke bombs every time the Pride scores throughout the entirety of the game, and the energy never stops regardless of the score on the field. While the lower bowl is the only seating available for Orlando Pride games, leaving the upper levels empty, the seating on the upper east sideline spells out O-R-L-A-N-D-O in yellow seats against their purple counterparts, helping make the emptiness seem like a non-issue. However, while the home fans are loud, it is hard not to notice that filling the upper levels could add that missing factor on game day. Neighborhood 5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? Exploria Stadium is a few blocks from the popular Church Street district, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride, and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears , the City Beautiful loves sports. The immediate area around Exploria Stadium includes suburbs to the west and the downtown city center to the east. There are tons of hotels nearby, and since the stadium sits only two blocks from I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. Fans can easily stay at the Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, or the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown, and still walk to the arena with ease. Aside from those lodging options, there are numerous hotels and resorts in the Orlando area, both downtown and to the south towards the theme parks – Disney’s resorts, arguably the farthest from Exploria Stadium, are just 30 minutes away without traffic. If you want to see the sights, Lake Eola Park is just a few blocks away; this park is an Orlando landmark that is also home to a weekly farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, and you can also find another quality farmer’s market on weekends outside of Exploria Stadium. Also, being in Orlando you are just a short drive from Walt Disney World, Sea World, and the Universal Studios theme parks. Fans 4 The Orlando Pride faithful are among the best in sports. For each game, the lower bowl fills with soccer fans from across central Florida who want to get a glimpse of the country’s best stars from international competitions. The Wall becomes the center of the singing and chanting throughout the game, and the whole stadium erupts whenever goals are scored by the Pride players. Orlando Pride fans are also among the most inclusive and family-friendly in professional sports – while other cities have their fans, few fill out the seats like those in Orlando. Access 5 Exploria Stadium, and all of Orlando’s professional sports stadiums downtown, are refreshingly easy to get to. Driving on I-4 you pass within a few yards of Amway Center , and can easily see Exploria Stadium just two blocks beyond, so not finding the facility is almost impossible. But if you do somehow get lost, signs all around downtown point the way to the facility. There is no parking garage nor any parking lots at Exploria Stadium itself. The team owns and/or rents several lots in the area, however, and parking passes can be purchased (usually through third-party sellers) to park there. The Amway Center ’s Geico Garage is also open for parking on Pride game days. That said, there are also countless parking options in the lots and fields around Exploria Stadium on game day in every direction. The City of Orlando also sells parking passes at a special rate for games in various lots in and around downtown Orlando. In addition to the parking, several bus lines pass by Exploria Stadium, and the hub for Orlando’s Lynx bus system is right downtown, a mere 10-minute walk from the stadium’s gates. Fans also can take the SunRail train from the north and south, usually for free, on game days. Some stations drop you off right near the Amway Center , so a walk from the station to Exploria Stadium is short. All of that said, if you get to Exploria Stadium and can’t find somewhere to park or an easy way to get there, you simply aren’t looking. Once inside, fans should note that the team uses a clear-bag policy, so bringing items into the game is going to be extremely limited. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Orlando Pride matches are lower than those for Orlando City SC , so you are saving right off the bat when it comes to face value for admission. Concessions prices are also relatively affordable, with the average person looking to spend about $10 to $15 for food and a drink. When also considering the incredible atmosphere in the stadium and the ease of finding the facility, you get a great option for a family that wants to see professional soccer with some of the best stars from around the world, without paying MLS prices. Extras 4 The stadium features 49 rainbow-colored seats in the lower bowl, as a tribute to the 49 lives lost in the Pulse Night Club shooting. Pride games also feature The Wall for supporters of the Pride, where a tifo is raised before games, and smoke and music fill the air throughout the event. While walking the main concourse, various local artists have contributed to the decor around the facility as well, and finally, Exploria Stadium features various additional seating and vantage points throughout the stadium for fans to consider, including Disney World’s Lion’s Den and the Sun Pass seating. Final Thoughts While many would discount women’s professional soccer as sub-par to its male counterparts, one could easily argue the opposite. Orlando has become a beacon of what to do right with professional soccer in America, and that success translates to Orlando Pride games at Exploria Stadium. With a talented team, a great facility, and easy access, this is one of the true hidden gems in all of Florida, and perhaps the country.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Inter&Co Stadium 655 W Church St Orlando, FL 32805 Orlando City SC website Inter&Co Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 25,500 Vamos Orlando! Editor's Note: On June 4, 2019, it was announced that Exploria Resorts (a timeshare entity based in nearby Clermont) had acquired naming rights to the stadium. On January 18, 2024, Brazilian digital bank Inter&Co secured the naming rights to the stadium. Orlando City SC is everything the MLS wants its teams to be: a team with a beautiful stadium in the middle of a downtown district with nearby restaurants, shopping, and public transportation; an incredibly passionate fan base that shows up and sells out games regardless of the team’s record; and a vibrant city that has embraced its growing sports culture – this is the blueprint the league has asked teams to follow from here on out. Orlando has produced one of the most impressive game day experiences anywhere and continues to do so every game. From the never-ending songs at the wall to the march into the stadium, Exploria Stadium has everything you could imagine wanting in a soccer stadium. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverages at Exploria Stadium for MLS games echo what you will find at Orlando Pride matches. The standards are all there, from pizza ($12) to burgers to hot dogs ($5-$9.50) and nachos ($7.25), and fans can choose from this traditional stadium fare. However, thanks to fan feedback the team has added concessions from local restaurants in Orlando, such as 4 Rivers, The Coop, and Cholo Dogs. Additionally, the price of each item goes down by a few dollars if you are a member of the Orlando City fan club rewards program, or are a season ticket holder. Exploria Stadium has concession stands throughout the entirety of the main concourse on all sides during games, meaning you won’t usually have to wait too long or go too far to get something to eat or drink. Beer and cocktails range from $10.50 to $19.50, while water ($5), soda ($6.25), and Gatorade ($6.25) are all available. Tacos from Black Rooster Taqueria are $14, with loaded nachos ($15), chips and salsa ($7.25), and chips and guac ($7.25) on offer as well. BBQ from 4 Rivers is the big hit, with pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches and nachos all running for $15. Atmosphere 5 There is nothing like Orlando City soccer in the whole state of Florida – from several hours before the gates even open the party begins. Supporters groups march en masse down the streets of Orlando, singing, banging drums, and popping purple smoke bombs as they make their way to the main gates. Once inside, the north end zone transforms into The Wall, the standing-room-only supporters section that is reminiscent of English football pitches. What is nice about this area for regular fans who aren’t members of the fan groups is that each standing-room-only space includes a cup holder, plus marked lines for each person to stand in. The entire stadium’s seats are individual chairs with backs, making every seat from the first row downstairs to the upper-level corners a comfortable one. Exploria Stadium itself is beautiful and easy to navigate. All around the concourse, you can find people holding signs that say they can answer any questions you have. This means no matter how lost you get you can always find your way back. The stadium also utilizes a non-paper ticket method, meaning every ticket is digital – fans simply download the Orlando City or Ticketmaster app and access their tickets that way to get into the stadium. The entire game sees the supporters groups sing in unison from The Wall, keeping the energy up the whole game regardless of the score on the field. Whenever goals are scored by Orlando, the whole stadium erupts, and The Wall fills with purple smoke and waving flags as “Purple Haze” plays throughout the stadium. After each game, the team locks arms and walks to The Wall to salute their fans. Neighborhood 5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? Exploria Stadium is a few blocks from the popular Church Street district, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City SC and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears , the City Beautiful loves sports. The immediate area around Exploria Stadium includes suburbs to the west and the downtown city center to the east. There are tons of hotels nearby, and since the stadium sits two blocks away from I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. Fans can easily stay at the Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, or the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown, and still walk to the arena with ease. Aside from those, there are numerous hotels and resorts in the Orlando area, both downtown and to the south towards the theme parks – Disney’s resorts, arguably the farthest from Exploria Stadium, are just 30 minutes away without traffic. If you want to see the sights, Lake Eola Park is just a few blocks away – this park is an Orlando landmark that is also home to a weekly farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, and you can also find another quality farmer’s market on weekends outside of Exploria Stadium. Also, being in Orlando you are just a short drive from either Walt Disney World, Sea World, or the Universal Studios theme parks. Fans 5 The fans are beyond passionate in Orlando – not enough can be said about their love for their team. From the first kickoff to the final whistle the fans can be heard singing supporters group songs. Whenever a bad call is made, fans erupt with chants of “Ref You Suck!” or “The ref belongs on OBT” (a local reference anyone in Orlando can help fill you in on when you arrive). That said, there is rarely a curse word uttered in the song lyrics, and the fans are all polite to visitors – even fans from the other team are treated with respect and courtesy by all in attendance. But the best thing is that nearly every game is either sold out or near capacity, regardless of the team’s record, which means the experience and enthusiasm will not be any different throughout the season. Access 5 Exploria Stadium, and all of Orlando’s professional sports stadiums downtown, are refreshingly easy to get to. Driving on I-4 you pass within a few yards of Amway Center , and can easily see Exploria Stadium just two blocks beyond, so not finding the facility is almost impossible. But if you do somehow get lost, signs all around downtown point the way to Exploria Stadium. There is no parking garage nor any parking lots at Exploria Stadium itself. The team owns and/or rents several lots in the area, however, and parking passes can be purchased (usually through third-party sellers) to park there. The Amway Center ’s Geico Garage is also open for parking on game days. That said, there are also countless parking options in the lots and fields around Exploria Stadium on game day in every direction. The City of Orlando also sells parking passes at a special rate for games to various lots in and around downtown Orlando. In addition to the parking, several bus lines pass by Exploria Stadium, and the hub for Orlando’s Lynx bus system is right downtown, a mere 10-minute walk from the stadium’s gates. Fans also can take the Sunrail train from the north and south, usually for free, on game days. Some stations drop you off right near the Amway Center , so a walk from the station to Exploria Stadium is short. All of that said, if you get to Exploria Stadium and can’t find somewhere to park or an easy way to get there, you simply aren’t looking. Once inside, fans should note that the team uses a clear-bag policy, so bringing items into the game is going to be extremely limited. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Orlando City SC games start at $23 for the standing-room-only supporter's section; upper-level end zone tickets start at $23, while sideline seats can range from $36 to $65 and upwards. This means that the investment for a family of four will be upwards of $100 for tickets alone, and one must also add the price of parking and concessions as well. That said, the experience at an Orlando City SC game is incredible, and arguably a must-see whenever visiting the City Beautiful – everything here is well worth the price of admission. Extras 4 Exploria Stadium features 49 rainbow-colored seats in the lower bowl, as a tribute to the 49 lives lost in the Pulse Night Club shooting, and the team also has a mascot that roams the stadium and concourse, greeting fans and young kids in attendance. The Supporters March is also something worth seeing whenever the home team is in town, as a massive crowd takes over the roads in Orlando with smoke and songs en route to their home stadium. In addition, Exploria Stadium features various seating options and vantage points throughout the stadium for fans to watch, including the Disney World Lion’s Den and the Sun Pass seating. Final Thoughts Orlando City SC is what soccer in America is trying to become, and it is a great sight to see. This team has found the perfect formula for fan involvement, stadium location, and overall atmosphere to capitalize on the moment – going to a game at Exploria Stadium is less of an afternoon at a sporting event and more of a life experience. For the truly soccer faithful in America who yearn for the passion and electricity of European fans, this is your next best thing. Few stadiums combine everything needed to make a world-class experience as Exploria Stadium does – it is easy to see why the US Men’s National Team had such high praise for the facility after their World Cup Qualifying game there last year.

Photos Courtesy of Inter Miami CF Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Chase Stadium 1350 NW 55th St Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 Inter Miami CF website Chase Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 18,000 Miami CF’s Soccer Stadium is in the Pink Editor's Note: Inter Miami CF's home stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was renamed from DRV PNK Stadium to Chase Stadium in a naming rights partnership with JPMorgan Chase. This change was announced on February 20, 2024 .  One of the newest teams in the MLS has a home venue that is hard to forget. Inter Miami CF joined the MLS and began to play in the DRV PNK Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 2020. The stadium features a pink and gray color scheme in partnership with Auto Nation’s DRV PNK campaign. This program raises funds for research and patient programs in the fight against breast cancer. The team fully supports this program, as their kits and crest feature pink as well. The color pink was also chosen by the team as it is a color that is often seen in the art deco architecture in the Miami area. The 18,000-seat venue is designed to serve as an interim home for the team while their permanent home is under design in the Freedom Park development located near Miami International Airport. Soccer icon David Beckham is part of the ownership group and serves as the team’s President of Soccer Operations. He is also the driving force behind the Freedom Park development. The team reflects Miami’s unique cultural makeup. The official name of the team is Club Internacional de Futbol Miami, as the vast majority of the team’s supporters come from the many Latin communities found in the Miami area. First time attendees to a Miami game could easily feel they are in a stadium in South America. Food & Beverage 3 At the time of our visit, there were stringent COVID protocols in place. The concession stands were offering only prepackaged items, such as candy and bottled drinks. We do not feel that we got a true feel for their regular food and beverage offerings. For this reason, we are scoring this segment as a “3” or average. The price boards did not list the usual offering or prices. Atmosphere 5 The energy level coming from the stands at DRV PNK Stadium is much more passionate than you typically find at an MLS game in other cities. The fans feel the team represents them at a personal level. The game day managers keep this energy level high with Latin music being played during a break in the action and frequent promotion of events that affect the community. A game at DRV PNK Stadium is a community celebration in addition to a sporting event. Neighborhood 2 DRV PNK Stadium’s biggest drawback is the neighborhood surrounding it. It has a private plane airport on the west side of the property, and an industrial area located to the east side of the stadium. The nearest places to eat include Chili’s Grill and Bar and the Moonlite Diner, which are both just off the I-95 exit. Two hotels located near the stadium are the Holiday Inn Express and Suites off of West Commercial Boulevard and the LaQuinta Inn and Suites off of West Cypress Creek Road. There are no attractions near DRV PNK Stadium. Fans 4 There are three main supporter groups for the team. The Siege is very passionate, both in cheering for the team and in taking part in programs that support the community. Vice City is made up of the hard-core supporters who have relocated to the Miami area from locations throughout South America. The third group is the Southern Legion and is probably the most family-friendly of the three groups. This section is made up of parents with kids who proudly wear the jerseys of their youth soccer program. Attendance at Inter Miami games was hurt early in the season, with season ticket holders only and social distancing in place. However, in mid-June 2021 these restrictions were removed, and the team has had capacity crowds. Access 3 The Inter Miami CF staff does an excellent job of creating a smooth flow throughout your visit to the stadium. All parking is by prepaid passes, with your parking lot assignment correlating with where you are sitting in the stadium. This is very important, as there are only four main entrances into the stadium, and the parking assignments keep the flow of fans into the stadium at an even pace, so you should not experience any long lines. Gates open one hour before the kickoff. The concourse beneath the stands is wide enough to allow easy passage going in both directions. Concessions locations are frequent enough that you should not encounter any lines there either. All transactions at DRV PNK Stadium are done digitally, which really speeds up the process. Return on Investment 3 A day or a night out at an Inter Miami game can prove rather costly. This begins in the parking area, where the parking passes run for $25 – $30. There are no neighboring parking lots in the area, so the stadium lots have a captive audience. Ticket prices reflect where you are sitting in the stadium. Seats on the VIP side of the field feature more suite-like accommodations, including suites at field level. Seats on the VIP side of the field start at $70 and can run into the hundreds depending on what type of accommodations you want. The grandstand seats across the field run from $60 – $115, with the prices going up the closer you are to midfield. The North stands at the end of the pitch are reserved for the supporter groups and general admission seats, which cost $35. Tickets in the South end of the pitch cost $40. The one thing that is priceless at the stadium is that fans on the sides of the pitch are covered by a cantilevered roof. Fans at the ends of the pitch are advised to bring a hat and lots of sunscreen, as South Florida experiences hot weather throughout the MLS season. Extras 4 The Freedom Park development will include a 25,000-seat stadium, hotels, several public soccer fields for area youth teams to use, and a park. The completion date for the development has not yet been released. The crest on the team’s kit uses the styles and colors that recall Miami’s architectural tradition. The logo features two great white herons, which are native to this part of Florida, their interlocking legs form an “M.” Once the Freedom Park stadium opens, the Ft. Lauderdale CF team, which plays at the USL One level, will become the primary tenant at DRV PNK stadium. CF Montreal is playing its home games at DRV PNK Stadium until the Canadian border reopens in conjunction with the COVID pandemic. Final Thoughts Even though DRV PNK Stadium is an “interim” stadium as far as the MLS team, we felt that it surpassed many of the permanent stadium experiences we have had in the league. Once we learned the reasoning behind the shocking pink color scheme, we salute the team and Auto Nation for promoting a noble cause in this fashion. Auto Nation contributes to breast cancer organizations every time there is a home shutout by the Inter Miami CF.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 PHX Arena 201 E Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85004 Map It Phoenix Mercury website PHX Arena website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 18,422 Valley Together Editor's Note: The Phoenix Suns' arena is currently being referred to as PHX Arena. This is a temporary name while the team seeks a new naming rights partner, replacing the previous name, Footprint Center. Footprint will remain the official sustainability partner, but the arena name will change once a new naming rights deal is reached.    The Phoenix Mercury is a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, AZ, playing in the Western Conference of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team is one of the eight original franchises of the 28-year-old league. The Mercury is a successful team with three WNBA Championships (2007, 2009, 2014). Attending a Mercury game is a refreshing sports experience; it is still about the sport played on the court and not the other extraneous activities at many other major league sports events. The team’s name, Mercury, parallels its brethren NBA team, the Phoenix Suns. The NBA team gets its name from the hot Arizona sun, while the WNBA team gets it from the planet nearest the sun. The same businessperson owns both teams. The Mercury play their home games at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. The venue also hosts the NBA Suns  and other entertainment choices like concerts, WWE, boxing, the Commissioner’s Cup, and more. The arena opened in 1992 as America West Arena and previously hosted the NHL Phoenix Coyotes  and ECHL Phoenix RoadRunners hockey, indoor football IFL Arizona Rattlers , and professional indoor soccer. It has had several other names and underwent renovations in 2003 and, most recently, in 2020. In July 2021, the teams’ organization partnered with Footprint, a plant-based fiber technology company based in Gilbert, AZ, whose mission is creating a healthier planet by reducing dependency on single and short-term-use plastics. Food & Beverage 4 Footprint Center provides abundant food choices at higher-than-average prices; the selection is much better than standard stadium food. Some of the food choices include: larder + the delta  (yes – small letters – a local farm-to-table restaurant) offers mouth-watering entrees (various chicken offerings, po’boy sandwiches $13 - $15 and snacks such as cauliflower, low country hurricane popcorn or fries ($8 – $13). Benihana  sells yummy hibachi and poke bowls ($18.50) or sushi rolls ($13.50). 480 Grill,   623 Grill, and 602 Grill (traditional stadium food) are named after AZ’s area codes. They sell nachos, chicken tenders, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream, and the like ($8 – $14.50). Spinatos Pizzeria  offers pizza, garlic bread, Caesar salad, etc. $9 – $15. Wetzel’s Pretzels  is a favorite and often has a long line. Big Chicken  sells its original sandwich and an Uncle Jerome’s Nashville Hot sandwich ($13.50 - $14.50) The concourse has several Grab &Go  stations if you just want an overpriced can of beer or soda. The concessions sell Coca-Cola sodas ($7.50 - $10) and an uninspiring choice of beers at extremely high prices ($16 - $17.50).   A bottle of water costs an outrageous $7.50.  The main entrance lobby has a hydration station, so bring an empty bottle and fill up there. If you plan on eating your dinner at Footprint Center, we recommend getting a bowl from Benihana or a tasty bite from larder + the delta. Atmosphere 4 The Phoenix Mercury provides a fan-friendly environment with excellent sportsmanship on the court. Fans can view the seating bowl from the entry area behind a huge lobby bar. The open concourse has two corner bar areas with drink rails and stools overlooking the court. Unfortunately, black drapes close off one of the corner bars for members of the Founder’s Club. The arena has two levels of seating with suites and a club level in between.  Most lower-level sections go up to row 28, with visitors entering on about row 19 and going up or down to their seat row. All seats have decent views, with sections 114 and 115 at center court, facing the logo. All four ribbon board corners display two lines of closed captioning, but there is none on the side or center-hung video boards. Footprint Center Closed Captioning, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A high-quality video scoreboard is hung high above center court. Being so high is convenient for those on the first level as it allows the fans to watch the game, not the scoreboard. Other video scoreboards are above the baskets AND the sidelines, so there are plenty of places to look for the score, quarter, time, etc.  The team posts player stats on the side video boards throughout the game. The Mercury offers some in-game promotions. A pep squad / dance team, known as the Hip Hop Squad, cheers on the sidelines and performs on the court during some breaks.  The game day entertainment crew provides several t-shirt tosses, but mainly, the camera crew displays fans dancing and cheering on the video board.  The music volume is loud. The temperature is cool and comfortable (a good thing for hot Arizona summers). Bring a long-sleeved shirt or sweater if air conditioning generally gets too cold for you. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Phoenix has a plethora of places to eat, drink, visit, and sleep. Two relatively new dining restaurants nearby are Blanco Cocina + Cantina (Mexican) and The Ainsworth (upscale American restaurant and lounge). Old favorites like Majerle’s Sports Grill, The Arrogant Butcher, Crown Public House, and The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub are still excellent selections. If you just want a beer pre or post-game, visit the Whining Pig. Craft beers in cans, bottles, or on draft, mead, wine, and cider are much more affordable here than in the arena. Other things to visit near the arena are the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Police Museum, Heritage & Science Park/Historic Heritage Square.  The Phoenix Convention Center is just two blocks from the Footprint Center. The MLB Arizona D-backs is another sports team to visit in downtown Phoenix during the WNBA season. Occasionally, you can attend a D-backs and Mercury doubleheader. Recommended places to stay within walking distance of the stadium include the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, or Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown.  The Hampton Inn and Suites is about five blocks away and may be more affordable than the others. Fans 4 The Phoenix Mercury attendance generally ranks above the WNBA average with 8K – 10K fans per game this past decade. This number ranks them 1st – 5th in WNBA attendance over the last ten years. This 2024 season saw a surge in fan attendance and followers across all WNBA teams, with the Mercury reaching close to an 11K average per game.  Fans are approachable, friendly, and polite and cheer their team on well. Access 5 Getting to and in and around Footprint Center is relatively easy. The best way to arrive is to take the Valley Metro Light Rail (your Mercury ticket includes the light rail ride). Get off at Washington and 3rd if heading west; Jefferson and 3rd if heading east. The light rail also has a stop right at Sky Harbor Airport. If driving is more your preference, the venue is close to both I-10 and I-17 (less than two miles off either interstate). Plenty of parking garages are nearby; the closest to the Center charge $20. The Jefferson Street Garage is next door, at 3rd Street & Jefferson, and costs $15. Plenty of places are available to sit and wait for friends outside the arena's main entrance. More sports venues should do this. When entering the arena, expect x-ray machines like in the airport and metal detectors.  Security is pleasant but thorough.  The venue has the standard NBA bag size requirements of 14” x 14” x 6”. The concourse was wisely widened as part of the 2020 upgrade and is comfortable to stroll. The restrooms are ample and kept clean throughout the game. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets run from $23 and go up from there.  A $23 ticket will end up being over $40 with the Ticketmaster fees.  Use the Phoenix Mercury App to access mobile tickets; the team does not offer printed tickets. Included in the price is a ride on the light rail. The prices are a little higher than other WNBA teams, but you don’t have to pay for parking if you ride the light rail. Otherwise, parking runs from $15 – $20. The Mercury and sponsors offer ticket deals during the season, such as all-you-can-eat seats, student discounts, and military and first responder discounts. Fry’s (grocery store) usually offers free tickets for select games if you purchase over $50 in groceries on a specific day. Be sure to check the Mercury website for these deals. Concession prices are higher than other WNBA venues. Extras 3 Ease of access with light rail and partnering with Valley Metro deserves an extra mention. Three WNBA championship banners hang from the rafters (2007, 2009, 2014), always a sign of a prosperous team.  Four retired Mercury numbers hang from the rafters: 7 – Michele Timms, 13 – Penny Taylor, 22 – Jennifer Gillom, 32 – Bridge Pettis. Footprint Center - Mercury Banners from Rafters Final Thoughts Attending a Mercury basketball game is an enjoyable afternoon/evening out. If you haven’t been to the arena in a while, come check out some summer hoops at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 PHX Arena 201 E Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phoenix Suns website PHX Arena website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 18,422 House Of The Rising Suns   Editor's Note: The Phoenix Suns' arena is currently being referred to as PHX Arena. This is a temporary name while the team seeks a new naming rights partner, replacing the previous name, Footprint Center. Footprint will remain the official sustainability partner, but the arena name will change once a new naming rights deal is reached. The Phoenix Suns and the Footprint Center recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary as the outpost for NBA basketball in the Southwest. The facility opened in 1992 as the America West Arena and has gone through numerous name changes over the years. It became the Footprint Center in 2022. The arena holds 17,071 in its basketball setting. The Footprint Center hosts a wide variety of events in addition to the Sun's games. It serves as the host facility for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA and the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League (IFL). It has also hosted boxing matches, rodeo competitions, UFC events, WWE events, and music concerts, featuring such stars as Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, and Elton John. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage program at the Footprint Center also benefitted from the recent renovations. Many have relocated to the Eatery food court area of the arena. The Footprint Center also has diversified the food selection available at Suns games. Grab and Go – Standard stadium favorites including hamburgers, hot dogs ($7.99) chicken tenders ($13.49), a popcorn bucket ($15.99), and sodas ($9.99) Gorilla Grill – Gorilla Burger w/fries ($17.49), Footprint Burger w/fries ($12.49), Suns Hot Chicken ($14.99) and Chicken Tenders w fries ($13.49). The Gorilla Grill was by far the most popular concession stand during our visit. It is in The Eatery food court at the arena. Tostitos Cantina - Doritos Nachos walking taco ($15.99), Frito scoops Walking Taco ($15.99). Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers – Full Court Hot Dog ($13.49), All Beef Suns Dog ($7.99), Beer Brats ($10.49) and a Popcorn Bucket ($15.99). Dos Equis Beer Garden - Craft beers ($14.99), draft beers ($14.99). The Beer Garden is located on an outdoor patio that can only be accessed from inside the arena. Beverages sold at the Footprint Center include Coca-Cola brand sodas including souvenir cup sodas ($9.99), fountain sodas ($7.49), lemonade ($7.49), and bottled water ($7.49). Adult beverages include Souvenir Cup drafts ($17.49), Premium drafts ($14.99), Domestic cans ($14.49), Premium cans ($15.99), and seltzers ($15.49). Atmosphere 4 The Footprint Center underwent a $245 million renovation in 2019-2020, which has greatly enhanced the atmosphere at Suns games. These upgrades touched nearly aspect of the fan experience. The lobby added new space to allow fans a more roomy experience when they arrived at games, and concourses were widened and made open to the court so that fans did not encounter any bottlenecks or miss any of the game while standing in a line at the concession stand. An 8,500-square-foot LED board was added to the lobby, and it provides fans with game statistics and information on upcoming events. The concourse features wall displays outlining the career highlights of Suns elite players Kevin Johnson, Paul Westphal, and Dan Majerle. The electronics package inside the seating bowl was enhanced with new ribbon boards and a larger video board ( six times larger than its predecessor) over the court. Theater-style lighting is used once the game gets underway. All seats within the seating bowl were updated to enhance fan comfort. Neighborhood 5 The Footprint Center is in the Legends Entertainment District in downtown Phoenix. The district includes the major sports and entertainment venues for the city, including the Footprint Center (Suns, Mercury, Rattlers), Chase Field (Diamondbacks), Cityscape, the Collier Center, Symphony Hall, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and the Phoenix Convention Center. The District is also known for its great selection of restaurants, including Majerle’s, which is owned by a former Sun, Dan Majerle. The closest hotel to the Footprint Center is the Residence Inn Phoenix Downtown. Fans 4 In a city with multiple major league sports teams, the Suns have by far the most loyal and vocal fan base. The arena seating bowl is filled with fans wearing the purple and orange colors of the Suns. They arrive early and even cheer nice shots by the Suns during the warmups. Once the game starts, the fans act as the “sixth man”, creating as much noise as possible when the Suns are on defense or the visitors are at the foul line. They also coordinate their activity with the Sun's Gorilla, who has an array of signs that he displays, leading the fans in a variety of cheers. The Suns have been in the playoffs on a regular basis in recent seasons. Even though the Suns may not have the “star” power courtside of their neighbors in Los Angles, the locals provide the “Sun Power” to guide their team to victory. Access 4 The Footprint Center is easily reached by car or public transportation. It is located close to many of the main highways in the Phoenix area. It has a 700-car garage on South Fourth Street. There is also a garage on South Fourth Street. The rideshare area for pickup and delivery is located at the Footprint Center Plaza (corner of First Street and Jefferson Street.) Valley Metro , the Phoenix area transit provider, provides a very attractive and cost-efficient alternative for fans going to the Footprint Center. Your game ticket serves as your free ride passes on the light rail system (must be used on the day of the game). Take the train to either the Third Street/Washington or the Third Street/Jefferson Station. The Footprint Center doors open 90 minutes prior to tipoff, leaving you plenty of time to get to your seats. Both the lobby and the concourses are easy to navigate due to recent renovations. Return on Investment 3 Going to a Suns game can be a very expensive proposition for a family of four. Seats are available at several price points. The cheapest tickets are $27 (behind the basket in the upper level of the seating bowl). Tickets along the sides of the court are $32 on the upper level or $133 on the lower level. Center court seats on the upper level are $40, while lower-level midcourt seats are $299. These are standard ticket prices… not resale prices. The concession stand prices are also high, even by NBA standards. Parking is $25 prepaid at the garage on Fourth Street or $20 prepaid for the parking lot on Third Street. Extras 4 The Footprint Center hosted the NBA Finals in 1993, as well as the NBA All-Star game in 1995 and 2009. The Footprint Center and the resident teams are committed to making the facility as “green” as possible. Steps have included eliminating plastic wherever possible in its concession stands. This has been achieved through the use of paper where possible, and bamboo or fiber cutlery is now in use. The venue also encourages fans to use public transportation or bicycle to get to games. The Phoenix Suns Gorilla is a legend within the world of sports mascots. He was the first mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame, and he has entertained Suns fans since 1980. He is especially known for his dunking ability. The rafters are filled with banners denoting championship seasons for the Suns, as well as the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) and the Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football League). Final Thoughts A trip to the newly renovated Footprint Center provides a much-improved fan experience for the Suns faithful. They can relax in the new seats that have been installed while keeping up with the game stats via the new video board and end zone displays. The one thing that remains the same is the antics of the Sun's Gorilla, one of the NBA’s top mascots.

Cleveland has a tremendous hockey history, but the Cleveland Barons of the NHL almost blew the whole thing up. Now the Cleveland Monsters are a cornerstone of the AHL, but does an AHL team in an NBA arena work? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the latest episode of Stadium Journey Obstructed Views. 🏒🏒 You can find Stadium Journey's review of Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and the Cleveland Monsters game day experience here.

Photos by Meg Minard and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Rocket Arena 1 Center Court Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland Monsters website Rocket Arena website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 10,025 Lock Erie Monsters Editor's Note: On Feb 18,2025, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and AHL's Cleveland Monsters, rebranded to  Rocket Arena . The change aligned with the brand restage of naming rights partner Rocket, which has unified its mortgage, real estate and personal finance businesses under the "Rocket" name. Professional hockey has been played in Cleveland since 1929. The Cleveland Indians, later renamed the Falcons and then the Barons, were members of the International Hockey League and then original members of the American Hockey League. The Barons won nine Calder Cups as AHL champions before being forced to move with the emergence of the World Hockey Association’s Crusaders in 1972. In 1976 the California Golden Seals relocated to Cleveland, taking the Barons’ name. After just two seasons, the team merged with the Minnesota North Stars, leaving Cleveland without hockey until 1992, when the Lumberjacks joined the IHL. When the Lumberjacks folded in 2001, the Kentucky Thoroughblades relocated to downtown Cleveland, and took the name Barons once again. In 2006 these Barons relocated to Worcester, MA. Dan Gilbert, who owned the Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena, purchased the defunct Utah Grizzlies and brought the Lake Erie Monsters to town in 2007. The Monsters won the Calder Cup in 2016. Quicken Loans Arena, originally named Gund Arena, opened in 1994 as part of the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex along with adjacent Progressive Field . The building is also home to the National Basketball Association’s Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League. In December 2017 plans to renovate Quicken Loans Arena were announced. The overall square footage of the concourse will be increased, open spaces will be added to the facility, and other improvements throughout the facility will be made. The project will cost $193 million, with $100 million paid for by county taxes. Note: In April 2019, Quicken Loans Arena name was changed to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Food & Beverage 4 While not every concession stand at Quicken Loans Arena is open for Monsters games, there is still a great variety of options available for hungry Cleveland hockey fans. All the arena basics can be found here, with combo meals available for younger fans. Bottomless buckets of popcorn are available for $7.50, and are a popular item at Monsters games. Souvenir cups of Coca Cola products are sold at these stands, which feature a free refill. Quaker Steak and Lube sells their legendary chicken wings both at a stand on the concourse and at a full-service, sit down restaurant behind section 133. The Za! Stand sells slices of local favorite Georgio’s pizza. Fans looking for nachos should head to Nacho Loco for a wide variety of this stadium favorite. Fans looking for more nutritious options will certainly head towards the Healthy for Life stand, where gluten-free options anchor a healthy menu. Monster fans looking for an adult beverage will gravitate towards the Jack Daniels or Cheers and Beers stands, which offer a variety of draft beers and mixed drinks. The Soucy Brew Works stands features craft brews from local favorite Soucy brewery. A complete listing of all of Quicken Loans Arena’s concessions can be found here . Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Quicken Loans Arena is dominated by “The Humungotron,” Cleveland’s enormous video board. The board stretches beyond each blue line, and is put to great use throughout the game with replays, crowd shots, advertisements and game stats. Veteran minor league hockey fans will find much that is familiar here, from the mascot who roams the crowd interacting with fans to the Monster Hockey Girls, who perform throughout the game and lead some of the giveaways. Younger fans can get their faces painted and make signs at the Express Yourself tables on the concourse, and veteran fans will gravitate towards the booster club tables, where jersey raffles and 50/50 tickets can be purchased. Be sure to check out the arena’s pro shop. Despite sharing the arena with the NBA’s Cavaliers, a decent amount of Monsters gear can be found here. Neighborhood 5 In the late 1800s Cleveland’s Central Market area was the center of the city. Just a few blocks from the growing commercial district at the Public Square, Central Market was a bustling residential neighborhood with a busy bazaar. The entire neighborhood was destroyed in a fire in the 1940s. By 1990 the neighborhood consisted of mostly empty commercial buildings and surface lots. City leaders had long eyed this part of Cleveland for a new stadium project. In 1984 voters rejected a ballot issue to fund a 72,000 seat domed stadium for baseball and football. In 1990, the issue was again brought to the voters, and this time the measure passed, providing funding for Jacobs (now Progressive) Field and Quicken Loans Arena. The building of the stadia has spurred a complete revitalization of the Gateway district. There are close to 60 bars and restaurants within a short walk of Quicken Loans Arena, along with a number of major hotels. A few blocks from the arena is the JACK Casino. There are numerous historic structures in and around the area, including the Soldiers & Sailors Monument at Cleveland Public Square and The Arcade, which opened in 1890 as the nation’s first indoor shopping center. Check ClevelandGatewayDistrict.com for a full list of shops, restaurants and parking lots/garages in the area. The site also contains information on walking tours of the historic buildings located in the Gateway District. Fans 4 The Monsters are annually among the AHL’s leaders in attendance. However, sharing a home with a major league team in a large city means that the Monsters have more weekday games on their schedule than most teams in the circuit. Visiting fans will see a great disparity in the size of the crowd between weekday and weekend games. As is typical in minor league hockey, the games are marketed as family entertainment, and you will see many families mixed in the crowd with the diehard fans. Access 4 Located in downtown Cleveland at the intersection of Interstates 90 and 77, Quicken Loans Arena is easy to find. Parking in the area, designed to accommodate full-stadium Indians or Cavaliers games, is more than ample for any Monsters game. Getting in and out of the downtown area is fairly easy. Fans will enter Quicken Loans arena onto a wide concourse. Since the building is designed for much larger crowds than typically attend a Monsters game, getting around is not an issue, even during intermissions. The concourse empties about halfway up the seating bowl. All the seats in the arena are maroon folding stadium seats. Only the lower level is sold for Monster games, as the upper level is curtained off. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Monsters games range in price from $11-$42, with most tickets priced at $25 or less. A two dollar discount is given to AAA members at the ticket booth. Parking in the many garages and surface lots surrounding Quicken Loans Arena range in price from $10-$15. The Monsters offer many specials to reduce the cost of heading downtown, including 1-2-3 Fridays, featuring one dollar sodas, two dollar hot dogs and three dollar select beers. Kids Games, featuring free tickets for youths, and College nights, featuring discounts for students, also dot the schedule. Be warned that you will be paying major league prices for concessions at Quicken Loans Arena. Extras 4 An extra point is awarded for the banners honoring Cleveland hockey history, dating all the way back to the original Barons. A banner honoring Hockey Hall of Famer Johnny Bower is conspicuous among them. A free program is given to all fans who enter the game, which contains info on Cleveland’s hockey history, activities for the kids, quiet spaces and more. Interesting facts about Cleveland’s history are posted above every vomitory at Quicken Loans Arena. A final extra point is awarded for the Humungotron, the gigantic scoreboard which instantly makes every other scoreboard in the world obsolete. As large as it is, it doesn’t seem to interfere with enjoying the action on the ice. Final Thoughts You would think that sharing your home with a major league basketball team would be a less than ideal situation for a minor league hockey team. This hardly seems to be the case in Cleveland, where the Monsters are regularly among the American Hockey League’s leaders in attendance. While Quicken Loans Arena is clearly too big for the Monsters, the melding of major league amenities with minor league enthusiasm makes a trip to downtown Cleveland a trip worth taking. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Brampton Memorial Arena 69 Elliott Street Brampton, ON L6Y 1W2 Brampton Memorial Arena website Brampton Excelsiors website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 1,755 __________________________________________________________________________________ Excelsior! Comic book fans would recognize the term “Excelsior!” as one of the catchphrases oft attributed to comic icon, Stan Lee.  In the lacrosse world, however, Excelsior is the name of one of the oldest lacrosse clubs in Canada.  The Brampton Excelsiors Lacrosse Club was formalized and played their first organized games in 1883.  The name Excelsior came from the title of a poem by Henry W. Longfellow.  The current Excelsiors have numerous arms including the Minor Lacrosse organization, Major Series Lacrosse Excelsiors, which is the Senior A level, the Junior B Excelsiors, and the Junior A Excelsiors that play in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League.  The Excelsiors have enjoyed some success earning the Iroquois Trophy as league champions eight times, and the Minto Cup as the National Champions four times.  The Excelsiors played as the Brampton ABCs from 1962 to 1967, the Bramalea Excelsiors from 1968 to 1976, and returned to the Brampton Excelsiors from 1977 to the present. Home for the Excelsiors is the Brampton Memorial Arena.  Built in 1950, the Memorial Arena has been retired as a hockey arena and serves the various levels of the Excelsiors as their home base.  It has been converted to a true lacrosse venue and is definitely from a time gone by.  It was named in honour of the soldiers of World War II who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Due to the age and importance of the arena, it is in the process of attaining a Heritage Designation. Food & Beverage 2 The main concession area at the Brampton Memorial Arena is found in the main lobby on the northwest side of the arena.  The concessions available are typical snack bar style including hot dogs, fries, popcorn, candy, and cookies.  Coffee, hot chocolate, tea, water, and sodas are the available beverages.  There are also a couple of vending machines around the lobby for patrons. Atmosphere 4 The Brampton Memorial Arena is a unique facility that has been converted into a dedicated lacrosse facility. Built in 1950, the Memorial Arena is a throwback, but has been kept in good condition and is a great place to watch some junior lacrosse.  The exterior of the arena is highlighted by a brown brick lobby, obvious from the outside, in front of a traditional arched, barn-like structure.  If the Memorial Arena was still put on ice each year, it would easily fall into the class of “old-school hockey barn.” The main entrance of the arena is at the northwest end of the building and brings fans right into the main lobby.   There is plenty of history to peruse in the lobby.  A couple of beautiful, wooden trophy cases house artifacts including team photos of the Excelsiors back to the thirties.  Windows that open up the lobby to the playing area, and above those windows all of the accomplishments of the Brampton Excelsiors Lacrosse Club are chronicled using small banners.  These not only include Junior A accomplishments like the Minto Cups, but Mann Cups won by the Senior A, or Major Excelsiors, Junior B team, and minor lacrosse teams.  The entirety of the success the organization has amassed is quite impressive.  Entering the main playing area takes fans back in time to a previous era.  That old barn feeling in Memorial Arena is prevalent and begins with the hardwood ceiling held by steel arches.  The floor runs from northwest to southeast.  There is no centre logo.  The playing surface is artificial turf, which is much more desirable than the polished concrete found in many other venues.  The old-time feel of the arena continues with the seating bowl which features four rows of wooden “love” seats.  The corners offer a different view as there are eight rows of seats, but it is impossible not to be close to the action.  The northwest wall, above the windows, features a plethora of traditional championship banners.  Of note for the Junior A Excelsiors are the 1952, 1957, 1958, and 1959 Minto Cup Championship banners as Junior National Champions.  A simple hockey-style scoreboard is found at the southeast end of the arena. The gameday production at an Excelisors game is very simple.  The typical promotions, including 50-50 draw is found.  The PA system is excellent and announcements are very clear.  The simplistic production creates an atmosphere that is pure and not over-produced. Neighbourhood 3 Brampton Memorial Arena is located in Downtown Brampton in Memorial Park. Several ball diamonds are found on the opposite side of the park and the parking lot is shared with the Brampton Curling Club.  Although technically part of Downtown Brampton, Memorial Park is in a prominently residential area.  For pre or post game food or drink, fans will have to hop in the car.  Some options that are not far away include Joe’s Pizzeria, Shy Lounge, Magnums, Vesuvio, Fanzorelli’s, Burger Bros, and Tracks Brew Pub.  For other sporting options in the area, the Major or Junior B Excelsiors are options.  The OHL will be returning to Brampton in 2024 with the Brampton Steelheads and the Brampton Honey Badgers of the CEBL are also an option.  The cities of Toronto and Mississauga are also not far away and expand the sporting options.  Other tourist options include the Peel Art Gallery and Downtown Brampton.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Quality Inn and Courtyard are good options. Fans 2 It is difficult to assess fan support in the OJLL as attendance figures are not published.  The game reviewed was attended by pretty much a “friends and family crowd.  The fans in attendance were fairly passive, which is not uncommon for Southern Ontario.  During intermissions, kids armed with lacrosse sticks and balls take the floor and play around until they are kicked off when the teams take the floor.   Access 3 Getting to Brampton Memorial Arena is not that challenging.  It is located in Downtown Brampton as part of Memorial Park.  It is wedged between Elliott St. and McMurchy Ave.  It is located 10 km north of Highway 401 and 5 km west of Highway 410, which are major arteries in Southern Ontario.  Patrons, therefore, will have to traverse through some of the city to get to the arena.  There is free parking on site that can more than accommodate the expected crowd.  For fans interested in taking public transit, some buses run along McMurchy Avenue.  Fans should consult the Brampton Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  The Memorial Arena was built in 1950 and as a result, it is not the easiest to get around.  Of note, there is a lack of legroom in the seating bowl, however, the small attendance will help with that.  People with mobility issues may find this arena challenging. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Brampton Excelsiors are $10 each with discounts for certain groups.  Parking is free and concessions are not very expensive.  The action on the floor is high calibre and exciting, exactly what a fan should expect from the fastest game on two feet.  Also, the opportunity to see lacrosse in an environment that is dedicated to the sport complete with turf, and all the history a fan can handle makes the Excelsiors a great experience. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Brampton Memorial Arena being dedicated to the Excelsiors and lacrosse and not having to double as a hockey rink. An extra mark for the over 100 years of history of the Brampton Excelsior Lacrosse Club. Final Thoughts The Ontario Junior Lacrosse League provides a place for young lacrosse players to hone their craft and prepare for the next level.  The Brampton Excelsiors are a cornerstone franchise in the league and have seen plenty of professional lacrosse players come through the Brampton Memorial Arena.  The Memorial Arena is one of the classic arenas around Ontario and brings fans back to a classic time when they made arenas in a different manner than they do today.  The opportunity to watch top-notch lacrosse in a classic arena is one to be taken.  Excelsior! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Elliot Ballpark Jim Calhoun Way Storrs, CT 06269 Connecticut Huskies website Elliot Ballpark website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 1,500 New Home for Husky Hardball Baseball has been played at the University of Connecticut since 1896. The school has been a major regional power in New England over the years, reaching the NCAA Tournament 21 times and the College World Series five times. Their most recent appearance in the CWS was in 1979. 22 UConn alumni have played in the Major Leagues. Elliot Ballpark is named for former UConn baseball player Doug Elliot and family, who provided a major gift towards the completion of the facility. Both Doug and Sheila Elliot graduated from UConn in 1982. Their son Doug also played for the Huskies. Both Doug and Doug Jr. were named team MVP during their senior seasons. Elliot Ballpark replaced the Huskies’ longtime home, J.O. Christian Field , which served as home to the Huskies from 1968-2019. The new ballpark stands across the street from the old park, which has been repurposed as a practice field for the soccer and lacrosse teams. Elliot Ballpark was scheduled to open for the 2020 season, but the COVID-19 shutdown ended the Huskies’ season before they were able to play any home games. Food & Beverage 2 This score is speculative, as there were no concessions available during Stadium Journey’s visit. UConn fans and staff both mentioned that there are plans for a concession stand next season (2022), but that there was no chance to have any concessions ready for this last-minute, full-capacity game. In exploring the grounds, it appears there is ample room for pop-up stands or food trucks on the left-field patio. Fans were welcome to bring in their own snacks and drinks during Stadium Journey’s visit. Atmosphere 3 The new ballpark contains many features missing at Christian Field, including artificial turf (a must for playing early-season games in fickle New England Aprils), lights, a video scoreboard, and suites. The large locker room contains a player’s lounge and showers, while the coaches have their own offices in the adjacent building. It is hoped that these amenities will help the Huskies in recruiting players from beyond Connecticut’s borders. Elliot Ballpark features a livelier atmosphere than what is common in other northeastern college ballparks. The scoreboard shows game stats and some graphics. Expect the gameday staff to get better at operating this board with practice. The new sound system is state of the art and is put to good use throughout the game. The fans that come to Elliot Ballpark are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about their Huskies. Neighborhood 3 It’s a short drive from Elliot Ballpark to downtown Storrs. Storrs is a village within the town of Mansfield, with a population of just over 15,000 residents, which pales in comparison to UConn’s total enrollment of almost 33,000 students. It’s no surprise that this 4,000-acre campus dominates this small town. Visitors to Storrs can still find some solid dining options in town. Geno’s Grille, owned by legendary coach Geno Auriemma, is an upscale Italian bistro with some nice options. Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza Shop, featured in an episode of Man vs. Food, is another popular gathering spot. A must-stop for visiting fans is the UConn Dairy Bar. The Dairy Bar, operated entirely by students, has been in operation since 1953. All products are made fresh on site. While enjoying your ice cream you can see the cows grazing in the adjacent fields. Since there aren’t a ton of options for lodging near UConn, many fans coming to the area will move on to Hartford, located about a 45-minute drive to the west, or the twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, located about 45 minutes to the southeast. Fans 4 When the state of Connecticut announced they would be lifting capacity limits late in May of 2021, UConn opened Elliot Ballpark to full capacity for the Huskies’ final series of the 2021 season. Fans responded by filling up the new ballpark. Attendance figures for the weekend series were not released, but Stadium Journey attended on a Saturday afternoon and the ballpark looked to be filled to about 2/3 capacity, with many additional fans seated on the large berm. The fans who come to Elliot ballpark are knowledgeable about the team and enthusiastic in rooting on the Huskies. This is a livelier atmosphere than you usually see at a college game in the northeast. Access 3 Elliot Ballpark is located on the southwest edge of campus alongside many of UConn’s other athletic facilities. Gampel Pavilion is about a half mile up Jim Calhoun Way. The ballpark is right across the street from J.O. Christian Field and next door to Frietas Ice Forum . It stands behind Morrone Stadium, home of the Husky soccer and lacrosse teams. Fans who haven’t visited the UConn campus in a while may be surprised by how the area looks now, as the baseball, softball and soccer teams have all gotten new homes, and ground was just broken on a new on-campus hockey arena. Parking is available in the lot next to the Freitas Ice Forum and at South Garage across the street from Gampel Pavilion. The seating bowl at Elliot Ballpark stretches from first base around to third base. Individual blue stadium seats make up the lower sections, while aluminum bleachers without backs make up the upper sections. A walkway separates the upper and lower seating sections. There are accessible seating areas for those fans who require such accommodations. A large berm down the right field line contains plenty of room for fans who wish to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs and set up shop apart from the seating area. Adirondack chairs line the top of the berm seating area. There is standing room available down both foul lines. Views from these areas right at field level feature views not obstructed by netting. Restrooms are located underneath the stands at Morrone Stadium next door. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission at UConn baseball games. Parking in the lot next to Freitas Ice Forum is free of charge. Parking in South Garage may require a nominal charge depending on the day of your visit. With no concessions on site yet, catching a Husky game means you will not have to reach for your wallet even once. . Extras 2 Retired numbers, Husky World Series appearances and NCAA Tournament appearances are memorialized on the façade of the Rizza Family Performance Center beyond the left field wall. Photos of all 22 Husky alumni to make it to the Major League are posted on the rear side of the seating bowl. Some recognizable names include Walt Dropo, Charles Nagy, Matt Barnes and George Springer. Final Thoughts To be able to compete for recruits on more than just a regional scale, it was clear that UConn needed an upgrade in their facilities. With Elliot Ballpark, this is a mission accomplished. The Huskies now have a home field packed with amenities as good as any ballpark in the northeast. From a fan perspective, the upgrade is just as impressive. Storrs may be off the beaten path, but it’s now a path worth traveling. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Delta Center 301 West South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Utah Mammoths website Delta Center website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 16,200 (12,000 unobstructed seats) Arriving At The Delta Center The 2024-2025 NHL season found a longtime NHL team now operating out of a new home. This is a result of the relocation of the former Arizona Coyotes franchise to Salt Lake City, Utah. The relocation agreement results in the Arizona Coyotes name being protected in case a future franchise comes to the Valley of the Sun. The new management of the team decided to keep the team’s new name simple during its first year of operations in Salt Lake City. This means the team will use the Utah Hockey Club name during the 2024-2025 season. The team will conduct a name-the-team contest during this season, to involve its fans in the naming process. This means the blue and white color scheme of the uniforms and the use of the generic team’s name will be changed at the end of the season. The new team in town will play in the Central Division of the Western Conference in the NHL. The Delta Center will serve as the new home ice for the Utah Hockey Club. It opened in 1991 and has gone through several renovations over the years. There was some suggestion of building a new arena to house the hockey team, but this was seen as impractical, as no building sites were available in the downtown area, and the city did not have the funds to buy and build such a new facility. Due to a short timeline, the Utah Hockey Club will undertake a remodeling process in the off-season to bring the facility up to a much larger and more functional level. This should be easy to accommodate, as the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club are owned by the same individual. Food & Beverage 4 The Delta Center offers a good mix of both local and national vendors in the concessions program. Pizza slices are available at both the Little Caesars and the Maxwell’s pizza stands. Ice cream and dairy products are offered at the Farr Better Ice Cream stand, Dippin Dots kiosks, and the Spilled Milk Ice Cream and Cereal Bar. Food with a 50’s fare is served at the Ice Berg Drive Inn stands. Alcoholic drinks are served at the Hop Shop and Craft Shop concession stands. The Salt City Smokehouse serves delicious BBQ. South of the border specialties are offered at the Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill and at Chile Verde. The J. Dawgs stand serves typical stadium/arena fare. This includes hot dogs ($9), fries ($6), Coca-Cola brand sodas ($8.50) and water ($5). The Delta Center recently announced a limited set of “fan favorite” menu items that will be available at reduced prices. Popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and Farr’s ice cream bowls will each be priced at $3, while Dasani bottled water is being marked down to $2. Most of the food and beverage items are available by using the mobile ordering function on the Delta Center app. You order from your seats and are notified when your order is ready. This minimizes any time lost from watching the game and shortens the lines experienced at the concession stands overall. Atmosphere 3 After a gypsy existence in the Phoenix area over the last few seasons, the former Arizona Coyotes have settled into their permanent home at the Delta Center. While the Mullett Arena had nice amenities, it was severely undersized for a major league sports franchise. The Delta Center has been around for nearly 35 years, but it has undergone several major renovations over the years to keep up with the changes in the sports facilities industry. It offers comfortable 20-inch-wide seats, a state-of-the-art scoreboard at center ice, and a video board in each of the four corners of the facility. The concourses are open towards the ice, so you do not miss much of the action when you visit one of the concession stands. The atrium at the front of the Delta Center is expansive enough to hold the large crowds upon arrival so that fans can get in from the wintry elements very quickly. We would give an even higher score to this element of the Delta Center, but there is one glaring negative, which will be addressed at the end of the 2024-2025 hockey season. The seating bowl has never been used in a hockey configuration before, resulting in some obstructed views for seats at the two ends of the ice. There was not sufficient time when the franchise was moved to address this issue. However, immediately after the inaugural hockey season ends, the Delta Center will make the needed adjustments in time for future seasons. Neighborhood 5 The Delta Center is located just west of downtown Salt Lake City. It is located at the corner of West Temple and John Stockton Drive. It is surrounded by several older buildings, some small shops, and some city services. The owner of the team is working closely with city officials to redevelop the district with more residential properties, as well as amenities like banks, shops, and schools. The area around the Delta Center offers many activities within walking distance of the venue. Lodging is available at the Radisson Hotel/Salt Lake City Downtown, the Hyatt House Salt Lake City Downtown, or the Courtyard Downtown Salt Lake City. Nearby attractions include the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, as well as Temple Square, the world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Utah Sports Hall of Fame is just a short walk from the Delta Center. The neighborhood around the arena also offers a wide variety of dining options before or after the game. Restaurants within walking distance of the arena include the Copper Canyon Grill House and Tavern and the Adelaide Urban Brasserie. Both the Squatter Pub Brewing Company and the Red Rock Brewery are located within a few blocks of the Delta Center. Fans 4 The fans in Salt Lake City have welcomed the former Coyotes with open arms. Typically, a new city comes into the NHL via the expansion route, which takes years to build a competitive program. Since the team arrived through relocation, the Utah Hockey Club bypassed the longer developmental route and has a team of veterans who have played together for years. The quick sellout of season ticket packages is indicative of the high level of interest in hockey in Salt Lake City. The team has also benefitted from the fact that it is only the second professional team in the city. It only faces the NBA Utah Jazz as competition for the major sports dollars in the area. Another positive aspect of the team’s fanbase is that a sizable portion of the local population has grown up playing the game and is knowledgeable about the sport. Salt Lake City is a winter sports city, as evidenced by hosting the Winter Olympic Games twice in the recent past. This means there is not a major learning curve for the fans with the arrival of an NHL franchise. The team’s decision to let the fans get involved with the naming of the team has been very well received. The team has “ballot boxes” and other voting options available to fans to voice their support for one of the many names proposed for the team. This has created a definite feeling of “buy-in” between the team and its fans. The Delta Center has a longtime reputation as one of the loudest venues in professional sports. Access 5 Utah uses the Seat Geek ticketing system for entry into the Delta Center. No matter what vendor you purchase your tickets from, the seats must be available on the Seat Geek app at the door. Doors at the arena open 90 minutes before the opening puck drop. The Trax light rail system has a station practically at the front door of the Delta Center. The station serves both the blue and green lines. It is the most cost-effective way to get to the arena, as the system is free within the downtown zone or only $2.50 per ride if coming in from the outside areas of the city. The Delta Center is just a couple of blocks from the intersections of I-15 and I-80 for fans coming from outside the Salt Lake City area. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Utah Hockey Club game during the 2024-2025 season is an expensive proposition. The team almost immediately sold out their season tickets package when they went on sale. More than 11,000 season ticket packages were sold in just four hours. This left just over 5,200 single-game tickets available per game. As a result, the tickets are extremely expensive due to the laws of demand. These premium-priced tickets result at the end of the ice seats going for $230, with seats in the lower-level corners being priced at $552. Center ice tickets are $210. You should avoid buying tickets in sections 107-137 and 117-127, if possible, as these sections will only have a partial view of the ice. This issue will be addressed after the 2024-2025 season through a restructuring of the seating bowl that will address the sight lines for people seating in the above sections. Another cost of attending a Utah Hockey Club game is getting to the venue. The Delta Center’s immediate parking area is reserved for season ticket holders. There are more than 10,000 parking spaces located within a few blocks of the Delta Center. These lots can be found at the City Creek Center, Park Place, and the Triad Center. These lots operate on a prepurchase basis, with reserved parking available through the Delta Center app. A much more convenient and cost-effective solution in getting to a game is to take the TRAX light rail system. There is a TRAX rail station located in front of the arena. The TRAX system operates within a free fare zone; this would allow you to ride free of charge if you did not leave the immediate area. Rides for fans that do go outside of these zones will only pay the $2.50 standard fare. Extras 4 The Delta Center hosted several events during the 2002 Olympics. Among the competitions held were the U.S. Figure Skating Championship and the short-track speed skating event. Salt Lake City has hosted two minor league hockey programs in the past. These include both the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and the Utah Grizzlies , who play in the Maverick Center in West Valley City. The Delta Center is energy efficient, as there are more than 2,500 solar panels on the roof of the arena. Salt Lake City will once again be hosting the Winter Olympic Games in the winter of 2034. It was chosen because it already has most of the facilities in place, offers excellent air connections from around the world, and has the support of more than 80% of Salt Lake City residents. Final Thoughts Salt Lake City has welcomed the former Coyotes with open arms and an arena that is much better suited to handle the large crowds the Utah Hockey Club is attracting in its new hometown.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Centrium 4847B 19 Street Red Deer, AB T4R 2N7 Red Deer Rebels website Centrium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 6,000 The Rebel Alliance Nestled almost exactly halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, the residents of Red Deer share a healthy split of allegiances between the two major Alberta cities’ NHL clubs. Both the Oilers and Flames are well represented in Red Deer, however, when it comes to Junior Hockey, there is no question as to who is king. The Red Deer Rebels have been members of the Western Hockey League since 1992. Founded by Terry and Wayne Simpson, the Rebels have seen quite a few future NHL players walk through the doors and also enjoyed some team successes. The ultimate team successes for the Rebels came in 2001 when the Rebels, led by future NHL players Jeff Woywitka and Colby Armstrong, saw Doug Lynch score the biggest goal in Rebels history, an overtime goal to defeat Val d’Or in the Memorial Cup Final. Red Deer is the third largest city in Alberta. At a population of 90,000 it is the perfect kind of city for junior hockey. Home for the Rebels is the ENMAX Centrium. Built in 1991, the Centrium looks like a rather large facility for the city, with a capacity of 6,000 for hockey. The naming rights for the Centrium were purchased by energy company Enmax Consolidated. The Simpsons would sell the Rebels to former NHL player Brent Sutter, who follows an increasingly common Canadian Hockey League formula, acting as majority owner and head coach. The Centrium is located on Westerner Park, Red Deer’s local fairgrounds, and owned and operated by the non-profit Westerner Exposition Association. The Rebels have done a great job in developing an identity for themselves in Central Alberta and developing NHL caliber talent. They also boast one of the best logos in all sport. If you are in Alberta, then the Rebel Alliance, then a trip to the Enmax Centrium to see the Red Deer Rebels will be a worthy experience. Food 4 Food options at the ENMAX Centrium are about what you would expect from a junior hockey facility. Options at the Centrium for food are what you would expect. Burgers ($4.75), hot dogs ($4), grilled chicken, chicken fingers, fries ($3.50), onion rings, poutine, chocolate bars, chips, licorice, candy, nachos and soft serve ice cream are all available at the various concession stands. Pizza is provided by local favorite Buster’s Pizza and a variety of concoctions are available. ($6) The quality of food items are decent and the prices are what you would expect for junior hockey. For something a little more unique, give the cheese smokies a shot. For beverages, a pretty good variety of Pepsi products are found throughout the Centrium ($2.50/$3.50/$4.50). Other soft drinks are also available, including coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, Gatorade, iced tea and bottled water. The Centrium offers a decent selection of beer also including Budweiser, Bud Light, Shock Top, Alexander Keith’s IPA, Corona, and Stella Artois ($6.75). Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Smirnoff coolers and Keith’s Cider are also available. Atmosphere 4 The ENMAX Centrium offers a great atmosphere to watch a Western Hockey League game. Approaching the Enmax Centrium immediately surprises patrons. The sheer size of the arena from the outside makes it feel as if you are heading to a major league event. As compared to many other Canadian Hockey League venues, the Centrium just looks like one of the biggest, outside of the NHL or former NHL venues. The exterior features brown brick and siding which is nice enough looking. The front of the Centrium offers a nice meeting area with ticket windows. The exterior has loose brick and the longhorn skull logo in a very smart looking exterior. There is not much in the way of glass for the arena itself but that is to be expected considering the age of the building. The entry is where you will find the honoured players who played for the Rebels. The entry has large banners hanging from the ceiling honouring Colin Fraser, Martin Erat, Boyd Gordon, Mathew Dumba, Martin Hanzal, Colby Armstrong, Brandon Sutter, Dion Phaneuf, Jim Vandermeer, Cam Ward, Darcy Kuemper, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, James Reimer, Kris Versteeg, Jeff Woywitka, Derek Meech, Alex Petrovic, and coach Brent Sutter. Upon entering the arena itself, patrons are immediately met with the 360 degree open concept concourse. The ice-surface is in an east-west configuration. Above centre ice hangs a nice, four-sided videoboard with a ribbon ring below it. On top of video board are four, red goal lights, which are used when the Rebels score. Above the ice on the west side of the arena hang 10 division, conference and league championship banners. The centrepiece is the 2001 Memorial Cup Championship banner. Above the ice on the east side are a variety of other banners with links to the ENMAX Centrium including banners for games played in Red Deer for the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2011 and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Canadian Womens National Curling tournament of 2012. The seating bowl features two levels. The lower level is a complete bowl with approximately 12 rows. The north and south sides of the rink also feature an upper bowl. The seats are all plastic green, which matches the iron work throughout the arena, specifically the ceiling. The green is almost a light mint green, which looks out of place compared to the team colours and the rest of the arena. There are a few luxury boxes between the upper and lower levels on the north and south sides. There are also luxury boxes on two levels above the concourse on the west side. The east side of the arena features an open bar with a curious large curtain behind it. If you are looking for the perfect picture with the centre ice logo, then the south side of the arena is where you want to be. A great spot to sit is in the first few rows of the upper deck. It offers a great view of the entire ice surface, and is not too far. The in-game promotions are what you would expect from a Canadian Hockey League game. The 50/50 draw is pretty significant here and the live 50/50 tracker definitely helps bring in more dollars. The Rebels do not overpower fans with promotions. A nice little preview of the game is offered before the game on the videoboard. The music that is played through the evening is the typical mix of pop and classic rock with a little more country music peppered in. The Rebels mascot is Wolly Bully and travels through the arena interacting with fans. Neighbourhood 4 The Centrium offers quite a few interesting options in the immediate neighbourhood. The Centrium is located on the grounds of Westerner Park, at the southern end of the city of Red Deer. Nearby Gaetz Avenue offers a huge variety of bars and restaurants for pre and post game meals. Numerous national chain restaurants are in the immediate area including Montana’s, East Side Mario’s and Five Guy’s Burger and Fries. Other options you may want to consider include Taphouse Bar and Grill, Fionn MacCool’s, Toad ‘n Turtle, Earl’s Kitchen and Bar and Rusty Pelican. There are a number of events that also take place at Westerner Park including camping and horse racing, which may be of interest. It may be out of the way a bit, but a trip to this area is not complete without heading to the Alberta Badlands and the town of Drumheller. The terrain is very interesting and a trip to the Royal Tyrell Museum is a must for anyone interested in dinosaurs. Other sporting options are pretty much relegated to a trip to either Calgary or Edmonton, which is not too much of a burden. A number of hotels are also in the immediate area. The Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer and the Howard Johnson Inn Red Deer are pretty good selections. Fans 4 The Red Deer Rebels have a pretty strong following in the WHL. Over the past three seasons the Rebels have seen a pretty decent increase in fan support. The 2013-2014 season saw the Rebels average just under 5,000 fans per game. This ranked 7th in the league. The Rebels have been trending in the right direction and by the time the 2015-2016 season rolled around the Rebels had bumped themselves up to 5th in the WHL, averaging over 5,600 fans. Considering the top three teams in the WHL, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, all play in much larger markets and NHL sized arenas, the Rebels are in a great spot. A deffinit factor in the increased attendance numbers has to be the hosting of the 2016 Memorial Cup, which also guarantees the Rebels a spot in the tournament. The fans in Red Deer are fairly typical of Canadian junior hockey. They are not over the top excited, but are well educated, sophisticated, and make noise at all the appropriate moments. Access 5 Getting to Red Deer and the Centrium are no problem at all. ENMAX Centrium is located on the grounds of Westerner Park, at the south end of the city of Red Deer. The park is just east of the Queen Elizabeth Highway, highway 2 and getting into the park is no problem at all. If you are interested in taking some public transit to the Centrium, there are buses that run on 49 Ave and 19 Street. check out the Red Deer Transit website for maps, fares, and schedules. For those entering Westerner Park by car, there is plenty of parking on the grounds. At $5 a visit, it is not the greatest deal in the Canadian Hockey League but is absolutely affordable and cheaper than their Calgary and Edmonton rivals. The main entry into the ENMAX Centrium is on the east side of the building. It is large and spacious and offers a great place to meet friends and family. Ticket windows are inside the main entrance. Inside the arena there is plenty of room to get around. Intermission are understandably mormore crowded but much better off than many other facilities. The washroom facilities at the Centrium are also adequate. Return on Investment 5 The Canadian Hockey League experience offers one of the best returns on Investment in all of sport and the Red Deer Rebels are no exception. Ticket prices for the Red Deer Rebels remain under $20 at $19.75 a piece. There are also discounts for seniors, students and children. Parking is $5 and concession prices are pretty good. Combine that with the high pace of play and the opportunity to see future Hockey Hall of Farmers, and you have the opportunity to bring out the entire family for some top notch entertainment. Extras 3 An extra mark for Red Deer hosting the 2016 Memorial Cup. An extra mark for the numerous kids in attendance who found corners of the concourse to play mini-sticks. An extra mark for the great location of Red Deer, smack dab between Edmonton and Calgary. Final Thoughts The Red Deer Rebels offer patrons a great product in a great facility. The Rebel Alliance will assuredly do a fantastic job hosting the 2016 Memorial Cup. Their stability in the Western Hockey League has been an attribute that other teams strive towards. If you are making an Alberta stop, the a trip to Red Deer for the Rebels is a natural and you won’t regret it. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Energizer Park 2100 Market St. St. Louis, MO 63103 St. Louis City SC website Energizer Park website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 22,432 St. Louis SC Soccer Editor's Note: On October 31, 2024, St. Louis City SC announced that CityPark will be renamed Energizer Park starting in 2025. Energizer, a St. Louis-based company that manufactures batteries, signed a naming rights agreement for an undisclosed fee and length of time . The city of St. Louis has a rich and storied soccer tradition spanning over a century, both at the amateur and professional levels. So it was a no-brainer that as the MLS was rapidly expanding and in search of new markets, it would be St. Louis that would be high on the priority list. In the early 2010s, plans were put in place for a stadium featuring a hybrid NFL field and soccer pitch, with the primary goal of keeping the NFL St. Louis Rams from relocating. That effort fizzled, and the Rams did indeed move back to their original home in Los Angeles. The focus then became a soccer-specific venue, and a long sought-after site on the western fringes of downtown, adjacent to historic Union Station, was presented to the MLS expansion committee. When the league expanded to 30 teams in 2019, St. Louis was awarded one of the new franchises, aided by a strong presentation with renderings of a gleaming new stadium, and a solid ownership group led by Carolyn Kindle Betz, making this team the first major franchise with a female controlling owner. CityPark opened its doors in the spring of 2023, ushering in a new and exciting era in St. Louis sports history. Food & Beverage 5 Oh, where to begin? The entire array of concessions presentation involves locally sourced products and eateries, not a single corporate chain here and the choices are endless. Union Loafers Café and Bread for the Bavarian pretzel. Nudo on the club level for crab Rangoon. Mayo Ketchup sells empanadas. Pie Guy and Dewey’s offers pizza by the slice. There are no fewer than three taco eateries here, Malinche, La Tiendita, and Padrino’s, even adding frozen margaritas. Amighetti’s, a well-known bistro located on The Hill in St. Louis, brings their classic sandwich loaded with ham, roast beef, salami, and Provel. Even the hot dogs and burgers here aren’t boring. Stands named Farmtruk and The Block add bacon jam and even a burger topped with brisket mac. But what caught our eye was the unveiling of technology we have not encountered on any previous stadium visit anywhere. Several concession stands employ overhead scanning technology. Swipe your credit card for entry to a secured browsing area, grab beverages, handhelds, or chips from serving areas or coolers, and simply walk out. Your purchase is tracked overhead and automatically billed. Atmosphere 5 The jolt of electricity that makes this place roar is a specially designed supporters section in the north end stands. This general admission section features a higher-pitched seating arrangement than the rest of the sections in the stadium, with standing rails in front of each row of seats, and fans practically cascading onto the pitch. The full-throated fans, the drums and instruments, the chants, and the flags, are all in full gear, and that energy spills into the rest of the stadium. It is a complete Euro soccer experience here which is fast being replicated in the newer peer MLS venues. Neighborhood 4 The Downtown West Neighborhood can best be described as a work in progress. The anchor for the district is the historic Union Station, no longer a functioning train station but has been restored and renovated into a mixed-use entertainment hub with a hotel and numerous restaurants and amusement destinations, including a giant Ferris wheel. It looks like this development has gone past its prime, with several storefront vacancies and a lack of substantial foot traffic. The stadium has also leveraged additional adjacent investments, with a good number of hotels, and mid-rise condominiums and housing. Mixed into this are several classic and historic brick structures, many already renovated. St. Louis SC also maintains an adjacent practice field and a team store called CITY Pavilion across Market Street. Local recommended pubs and eateries near CityPark include Maggie O’Briens on Market Street, Syberg’s On Market, which is a local chain, The Schlafly Tap Room on Locust Street, where pre and post-game tailgating outdoors is the norm, Hellcat Pub on Olive Street. Our favorite is the Pitch Athletic Club and Tavern which is part of Union Station, with an entry to the outside street curbside. This soccer-themed tavern is replete with MLS and other soccer memorabilia, lots of big screens, and comfy seating areas. A definite top-tier hangout for fans. Fans 5 It is easy to give the St. Louis City SC fan base top grades, as they have welcomed their new team to their city with open arms. They have sold out their allocation of season tickets for the 22,500-seat venue and have established a waitlist. Fans can purchase a membership for $55 on the team’s website which places them on the waitlist and provides presale access for single game tickets and other perks. In the inaugural 2023 season, this ticket is a hot one, with all games sold out and a robust resale market fetching premium prices. The team’s hot start and winning record in 2023 are further fueling team interest and box office sales. Access 3 We already referenced the neighborhood, but now add that surface parking and ramp parking are pretty ample throughout the district. Spot Hero is a good reference to find a lot in an appropriate price range with $13-$25 being pretty much the norm. There is public transportation access, via bus lines 4 and 94, which will drop fans right at the park. St. Louis has a light rail system called Metrolink, with the nearest stop to the stadium at the Union Station station, which means a roughly ten-minute walk to CityPark. Highly recommended for fans of trains and subways. Legal parking spots on the street are in abundance, with kiosks accepting card payments. On Sundays, street parking is free, so early arrivals can snag a spot and save. Return on Investment 2 St. Louis SC has one of the most expensive pricing structures in MLS, with window prices for most games running anywhere from $85-$175 per ticket. The league has partnered up with SeatGeek as an official ticket supplier, so that site is also the top destination for resale tickets. For the bargain-hunting fan, resellers offer little respite to the wallet. Be prepared to pay. Concessions, while offering a tempting array and selection, are also going at hefty prices. Some examples include domestic beer for $9.50, craft beer for $11, and water for $6.50. A bottomless soda that fans can refill at any self-serve station is $9. The food examples include steak or chicken tacos for $16, smoked sausage with peppers and onions for $16, pepperoni or sausage pizza for $10, and beef kebab for $18. A plain old all-beef hot dog will cost $10. Extras 5 Club seating… St. Louis SC offers three distinct club seat experiences, but the one that caught our attention is the Ultra Club, located in the south end zone. This area has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the pitch on one side and into the St. Louis West neighborhood on the other side. What is most distinctive is the array of LED light panels buttressing the ceiling, visible from the outside as well, and offering fans a superb sensory experience. Pillars of the Valley… St. Louis soccer fans still talk about how five of their local lads helped power the United States soccer team over England in that year’s World Cup, still regarded as a huge upset. But another story emerges from the 50s… when urban renewal projects came into that very same neighborhood, displacing tens of thousands of residents and destroying neighborhoods. This sad story from that era has been replicated in many American cities during that time. So outside the stadium, they built a pocket park and urban sculpture to commemorate the people who were affected during that time. As part of the “Brickline Greenway”, this park delineates property parcels by house number amongst the brick pavers, anchored by the Pillars of the Valley art installation and surrounded by plaques and displays which retell the story. It is poignant. It is moving. It is a must-see for the first-time visitor to this stadium. Final Thoughts What makes a game day here at CityPark is a perfect storm of several elements… a gleaming new stadium with excellent sightlines, comfortable seating, and stunning visuals. An adjoining neighborhood that offers ancillary food, entertainment, and lodging for the visitor. Proximity to the rest of downtown St. Louis, a very walkable and fun city, of course, the MLB St. Louis Cardinals and the adjoining Ballpark Village a must-stop for the sports traveler. Remember too that no trip to St. Louis is complete without a trip to the famed Gateway Arch, a true piece of Americana. Citypark joins some of its other peer newer MLS peer venues in offering a true Euro-style soccer experience in an intimate setting, and it is venues like this one which is helping to grow the sport.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Rocket Arena 1 Center Ct Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland Cavaliers website Rocket Arena website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 20,562 Cavaliers Home Rockets into a New Era Editor's Note: On Feb 18,2025, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and AHL's Cleveland Monsters, rebranded to  Rocket Arena . The change aligned with the brand restage of naming rights partner Rocket, which has unified its mortgage, real estate and personal finance businesses under the "Rocket" name. When the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their 2019-2020 season, they sported a new name for their home court as well as a massively renovated house. Rocket Mortgage Company took over the naming rights from Quicken Loans over the summer, and the arena completed a two-year, $185 million renovation designed to open the arena up more to the surrounding area, and to provide wider concourses and more concession offerings to its fans. The most readily apparent change is the adding a large glass enclosed atrium, which reflects the downtown skyline and brightens up the inside corridors of the facility. A large concession and social area with seats and tables has been added at the south end of the arena. In addition, the upper concourse is now opened up to allow fans to go 360 degrees around the arena for the first time ever. Previous renovations have included the installation of new seats throughout the seating bowl, the adding of a center-hung video board nicknamed “Humongotron” due to its immense size (31 feet high and 56 feet wide on the side panels) and new graphics and signage. This marks the third change in name for the arena, which opened in 1994 as the Gund Arena (1994-2005) and the Quicken Loans Arena (2005-2019). The 19,432-seat arena is one of the largest in the NBA based on seat capacity. This includes 88 luxury suites. Food & Beverage 4 The concession programs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse received a great deal of attention during the renovations. They were redeployed into 8 different “neighborhoods” throughout the arena. This was a major design element in creating better flow on the concourses. The individual food vendors are now located in recessed areas away from the concourse, so that lines do not cause gridlock during busy periods of the game. The concessions areas are mini food courts which feature tables and drinking rails so that fans are not forced to balance their food and drinks in their laps back at their seats. A second major change was to pick food vendors who were easily identified with the area. Among the new stands at the arena are local favorites Flour (wood-fired pizzas), Bandito’s (Mexican dishes), Rocco’s (tacos and nachos), Symon Burger Joint (gourmet burgers, kielbasa and milkshakes), Greenhouse Kitchen (salads, sandwiches, rolls, Market at the Fig (deli selections), Elmore Smith’s BBQ (a BBQ concept started by a former Cavaliers player), and the Launch Test Kitchen, a revolving set of local vendors who have competed in a local culinary competition. The more generic arena fare can be found at the Fan Fuel stands throughout the arena. Adult beverages can be found at the Budweiser Brewhouse located in the Loudville area of the arena. Craft brews from Bell’s Brewery, Fahrenheit, and Saucy Brew Works are also available. Atmosphere 5 When you enter Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, you will have no doubt in your mind that you are in Cleveland and are there for a basketball game. The Cavaliers and Cleveland taxpayers help foot the bill for the renovations, so the facility is filled with unique features that relate to both the city and the team. Upon entering the arena through the Sherwin Williams gate, you will continue through a short tunnel featuring ever-changing video displays on three sides showing Cavalier and Cleveland imagery. As you make the loop around the concourse you will see art and photos depicting life and landmarks around the Cleveland area. There is also a display of basketballs hung on the wall that feature the logo of each high school located in the metro area. The glass exterior of the building provides fans with great views of downtown Cleveland and the Cuyahoga River from the upper levels of the facility. The Cavaliers also add to the atmosphere of their remodeled home with a large exhibit covering their championship season. The display includes a large section of the arena floor where the deciding game was won, as well as the championship trophy. A separate point of interest for Cavalier fans is the team’s Wall of Honor with plaques featuring the star players who have worn the Cavaliers jersey over the past 50 years. The Cavaliers create a great atmosphere from the pregame activities to the end of the games… even without King James. They will first catch your attention during the pregame introductions, as the sabers attached to the gigantic video board spew fire out all sides above you. Once the game starts Kevin Love and company play an entertaining game of roundball. Over the years the Cavaliers have been very successful in this building, going to the playoffs ten out of their twenty-two seasons. This includes three NBA Finals Series, including the 2016 Series that brought Cleveland its first professional sports title since 1964. There is never a dull moment at a Cavaliers game. During timeouts and changes of period you will be entertained by a variety of performers unlike any other NBA arena. You’ll be thrilled by the Slam Squad and their dunking exploits, enjoy the moves of the Wine and Goldies Dance Squad or the Cavs Dancing Dads, enjoy the beats of the 216 STIX drumline or be laughing at the antics of the team’s two mascots, MoonDog and Sir C.C. Neighborhood 5 The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is in the Gateway District of downtown Cleveland. This area features Progressive Field , the home of the Cleveland Indians, as well as five hotels, sixty restaurants, movie theatres, the Fifth Street Arcade, Gateway Center and the JACK Casino. Among the restaurants in the area are The Corner Alley, Pickwick and Frolic, Boney Fingers BBQ, Butcher and Brewer and the House of Blues. Adult beverages are available at Flannery’s, City Tap, the Greenhouse Tavern and the Clevelander Bar and Grill. Two hotels, the Hotel Cleveland Gateway and the Holiday Inn Express Downtown Cleveland, are right across the street from the FieldHouse. Information on all the Gateway district has to offer is available at www.clevelandgatewaydistrict.com . Fans 4 Some of the most passionate fans the Cavaliers have can be found in the top tiers of the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. This area is designated with good reason as Loudville. The cheapest tickets in the arena can be found here, and folks sitting in the area are regulars. They routinely spontaneously start a cheer, which little by little filters down to the lower levels until the whole arena joins in. Even though the seats are as far as you will find from the court, the Loudville residents miss very little of the action thanks to the vast size of the video board at midcourt. Access 5 The arena is easily accessed via one of Cleveland’s many freeways or by public transit. From the east: Take I-90/Rte. 2 West. Remain on Rte.2 as I-90 curves left. Exit at Ninth Street and turn left on East Ninth. The parking garage will be on your left. From the south: Take I-77 North and exit at East Ninth Street. Take East Ninth Street north to parking garage. From the west: Take I-90 East to East Ninth Street exit and proceed north to parking garage. Public transit is available via the RTA light rail system. Take the Red Line train to the Tower City Station. Proceed to the arena via the enclosed RTA Skywalk. This will deliver you directly to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Once at the arena you will find the access and flow of the crowd to be excellent. The recent renovations were specifically targeted towards enlarging the concourses and adding the space in the glass atrium. This is a major improvement, as you no longer stand outside in the frigid Cleveland winters before the doors open. Food vendors now are in areas located back from the concourse, so the food and drink lines do not create gridlock. If you are seated in the upper level of the arena you will be able to encircle the entire arena on the concourse for the first time ever. The FieldHouse is also using technology to improve access within the arena. Tickets will now include a portal number to make it easier for fans to locate their seats. The portal number identifies your seat by location so that you will enter at the portal closest to your row seat. If you are in a seat at the left end of the row, that portal number identifies that end of the row. A separate portal would identify the seat at the right end of the row. This will cut down dramatically on people having to cross in front of their seatmates during a game. Another technological innovation is the addition of self-serve concession areas where you simply scan the item you are purchasing and pay for it with your credit/debit card. Return on Investment 3 The Cavaliers use the AXS/Flash Tickets ticketing system. The average cost for a ticket to a Cleveland game is $48. Parking is available in the Gateway East or the JACK Cleveland Casino Garages for $20-$30. You can save money by taking the RTA light rail system to the Tower City Transit Station. You would then take the RTA enclosed skywalk to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The cost for an all-day pass is $5.50. The concession prices at the Fan Fuel stands are very reasonable, while the more specialized product stands are more expensive. Extras 5 Anyone who has experienced a Cleveland winter will give an extra to the RTA Walkway for protecting you from the elements. In addition to pro basketball, the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse serves as the home to the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. Other sports events that have occurred in the arena are the MAC Basketball Tournament, several stages of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the 2007 Women’s Final Four Basketball Tournament, and the US Figure Skating Championship (2000, 2009) The in-game entertainment staff deserves an extra for its wide variety of performing groups, games and activities during lulls in the action. The Cavaliers are league leaders when it comes to taking care of their fans with special needs. Real-time captioning of all public address announcements is shown on each of the four corner video boards for persons with hearing impairments. Sign language interpreters may also be requested in advance. For persons with sensory impairments, the team provides earphones, sensory bags, weighted lap pads or access to sensory quiet rooms for guests who become overstimulated. The 2019-2020 season marks the 50th anniversary of the team’s arrival in Cleveland. Numerous special events and promotions are planned throughout the year. Final Thoughts The renovations at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse have all been directed towards improving the fan experience, as the seating bowl and playing court remained the same throughout the latest changes. If you have not been to a Cavaliers game or the former Quicken Loans Arena recently, you need to come and check out all the changes. It is a virtually new facility that is well designed to meet the needs that fans have come to expect in the 21st century.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Billy Grant Field at Tommy Thomas Park 1500 N. Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31698 Valdosta State Blazers website Billy Grant Field at Tommy Thomas Park website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 800 Red & Black, All Hail Valdosta State’s baseball program began in 1955, playing as the Valdosta State College Rebels, competing in the Georgia Conference against teams like Piedmont College, Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern), Oglethorpe, and North Georgia. The program transitioned to the Georgia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference before joining the Southern Athletic Conference in the mid-1970s. In 1972, Valdosta State changed their name from the Rebels to the Blazers. Originally members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Valdosta State made the jump to NCAA Division II in 1979 and would promptly capture the national championship in their inaugural season in the NCAA. Since 1981, the Blazers have competed in the Gulf South Conference.   Food and Beverage   3 Concessions at Billy Grant Field are limited but standard for basic ballpark food, such as nachos with cheese sauce, hot dogs, sausages, popcorn, and various types of candy. Coca-Cola products are available, as are Powerade and Dasani bottled water. Beer is sold, but only on weekends, with options limited to common domestics and Georgia Beer Company’s Amber Ale.   Atmosphere   3 Billy Grant Field has an open design. Surrounded by brick pillars and iron fencing, fans enter through a brick archway into grounds decorated with flowers and shade trees. The main seating area includes three separate aluminum bleacher sections with backrests. The upper rows behind home plate offer some relief from the intense South Georgia sun, via the press box which runs the entirety of the center section of seating. In addition to the bleacher seating, fans also use tailgating chairs in the shade of live oaks along the third base line. The scoreboard beyond the left-center wall displays basic game information such as the game’s line score, outs, and ball-strike-out counts. There is a also center-mounted screen, but it doesn’t appear functional. Mid-inning breaks are refreshingly uneventful, primarily just filled with music until play resumes.   Neighborhood   3 Billy Grant Field is located among several of Valdosta State other athletic facilities, about a mile north of main campus. The surrounding area is a mix of residential neighborhoods, strip malls, and fast-food spots. Downtown Valdosta is a combination of locally owned shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels. Though the city may seem like a pass-through along the I-75 corridor, a short trip off the interstate shows it is much more than just the cluster of fast food and hotel chains that can be seen from the interstate. For added entertainment, the Lowndes County Historical Society Museum includes a display on the city’s professional baseball history, played at nearby Pendleton Park from 1939 – 1958. Wild Adventures Theme Park and the Grand Bay Wetland Education Center offer options for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, while the Georgia Beer Company near downtown is a great stop for craft beer fans.   Fans   2 Fan support is scattered throughout the stadium, with minimal student turnout. Most attendees are player families or local community members. While there is not a lack of enthusiasm from those there, as those in attendance are engaged, the overall atmosphere does not seem to have much of a home field advantage created by the fans here.   Access   3 Valdosta is most directly accessible from Interstate-75 that runs to the west of the city, roughly the halfway point between Macon and Gainesville, Florida. There are multiple Valdosta exits, all which leave roughly a 10-minute drive to the field. Once there, a parking lot runs the entirety of the third base side of the field, which can get a bit crowded if there is a softball game going on at the same time. The parking lot is just a short walk to Billy Grant Field’s gates. With the walkway directly in front of the first few rows of seating, fans passing by on their way to their seats can disrupt the view of the game. If possible, sitting higher up in the stands should help limit this distraction – the upper rows are also where most of the shade can be found.   Return on Investment   4 Admission runs $5, but the caveat is it is cash only. The price of admission is more than reasonable, but the lack of ability to pay with a card is a bit inconvenient. Nevertheless, concessions are fairly priced, so the all-in cost is very affordable.   Extras   2 Near the ramp to the bleachers is a plaque which recognizes the 1979 NCAA Division II Championship team. In addition, attached to the side of the concessions stand is a leaderboard of the pitching and hitting statistics, which is updated on a regular basis.   Final Thoughts Like many of the college baseball facilities that are scattered throughout the countryside of South Georgia, there is not a lot by way of amenities when it comes to baseball at Valdosta State. The overall experience is rather laid back and a bit of a relief, however, from the constant bombardment of ad reads and sounds effects that are commonplace at many other baseball experiences.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Riddle-Pace Field Luther Dr Troy, AL 36081 Troy Trojans website Riddle-Pace Field website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 2,000 One Troy Baseball has been played at Troy University since 1911, but the school would not have a dedicated baseball facility until 1931, when Pace Field was built. Originally members of the Alabama Intercollegiate Conference, which would later become the Southern States Conference, the Trojans joined the NCAA in 1970 as part of the College Division, which eventually evolved into Division II in 1973. Troy quickly emerged as a Division II powerhouse, making seven College World Series appearances and winning back-to-back national titles in 1986 and 1987. The Trojans transitioned to Division I in 1995, playing first in the Mid-Continent Conference, then the Atlantic Sun, before settling in their current home, the Sun Belt Conference. From the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s, the then-simply named Pace Field was home of minor league baseball, serving as the home to the Class D Troy Trojans, who were also known as the Troy Tigers and Troy Dodgers, of the Alabama-Florida League and Alabama League. The most notable player to play at Pace Field at this time was Joe Dobson, who enjoyed 14 major league seasons with the-now Cleveland Guardians , Boston Red Sox , and Chicago White Sox .   Food & Beverage   4 While the concessions options are not really eye-popping here, the burgers, hot dogs, sausages, and brats are all hand-grilled, providing a nice extra touch. Other staples like soft pretzels, popcorn, chips, candy, and the always-welcome stadium pickle round out the menu; off-menu items such as BBQ pork nachos also make an occasional appearance. Beverages include Coca-Cola products, Powerade, and Dasani bottled water. Beer offerings are limited to Bud Light on tap, as well as Michelob Ultra, Bud Light seltzers, and the Troy-branded Trojan Ale.   Atmosphere   4 Riddle-Pace Field’s brick exterior and glass rotunda complement nearby Trojan Arena  and the student recreation center perfectly, really giving the baseball stadium a classy appearance. The field’s layout is similar to that of Sun Belt rival Georgia Southern’s J.I. Clements Stadium – the 30-foot right field wall protects the short 310-foot line, before widening out to a standard 400’ to straightaway center. What right field gives up, left field then takes back with a monster 340-feet down the left field line. A large scoreboard which provides extensive game and player information is melded with the right field wall. When considering seating options, there is not a lot of relief from the hot Alabama sun, but the higher you sit in the grandstand, the better. Field level seats are cushioned and much more comfortable, but offer little relief from the sun. Mid-inning breaks are filled with music and an occasional contest played with a selected fan or Troy baseball trivia question. There are occasional ad reads, but they do seem to be kept to a minimum.   Neighborhood   3 Riddle-Pace Field is nestled in the athletics cluster of Troy’s campus on the northeastern edge, directly neighbored by football’s Veteran’s Memorial Stadium , which can be seen just beyond the third base side of the stadium. There is not a lot nearby in terms of entertainment, but Troy and surrounding Pike County have over thirty historical markers that recognize the birthplace of congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, as well as war memorials and the area’s historical story. The Troy town center has a small collection of shops and eateries. Even though the downtown area is not all that expansive, it does offer quite the collection of options; B Graves’ southern dishes, Burgers at The Corner, Franchesca’s Italian cuisine, Cajun food at Bayou la Roux, and popular southern college town chain Mama Goldberg’s deli can all be found. In addition, BBQ at Moe’s, plus casual American dishes at Flo’s Kitchen, are all within a block of Troy’s town square.   Fans   4 Attendance numbers might not completely tell the story of fan involvement at Troy baseball games, as the fence from center field to the left-field foul pole is chain-link, allowing fans to watch the game from outside of the stadium. This gathering is affectionately known as "Doubles Alley". Here, tailgaters in golf carts and UTVs gather to take in the game, heckle the outfielders, and honk in celebration of Trojan runs. This set up does encourage students to remain outside the stadium, taking a bit away from the in-stadium fan involvement. Inside the stadium, much like the “Yankees’ Roll Call”, Trojan fans have a unique call for each of the players, which they chant at the top of the 1st inning and again when the players come to the dish for their first plate appearance.   Access   3 Troy, Alabama is in a bit of an oasis when it comes to interstate access. US Highway 231 has the most direct access to town from I-85 east of Montgomery, or you can use US-29 if coming from the west on I-65. A decently sized parking lot sits outside the front gate of Riddle-Pace Field, while two smaller lots are just beyond the right field fence. Lines begin forming outside the lone stadium entrance an hour before first pitch, but after the initial push entry is quick and easy. The concourse under the grandstand is spacious and allows for easy movement of fans, as well as enough space for fans to navigate and others to wait in line for drinks or concessions. The seating area is easily navigable, but due to barriers for premium seating in the RBI Club, some rows do seem to be a bit more challenging to get in and out of than necessary.   Return on Investment   4 General admission seats run $10, with home plate tickets going for $15 and field level seats going for $25, before a $3 service charge per order. When factoring in the lack of parking fees, it does seem to balance the overall cost of attending a game at Riddle-Pace Field, though general admission ticket prices can fluctuate depending on the opponent – some non-conference games can have general admission tickets as low as $1, while games against SEC foes begin at $30. Concessions prices are very reasonable, possibly even a touch under what might be expected at most college ballparks.   Extras   3 A historical marker just outside the stadium’s main gate recognizes the history of Riddle-Pace Field. In addition, under the grandstand, banners and graphics recognize the team and individual accomplishments of past Trojan teams and players – banners pay tribute to the program’s conference championships, NCAA Regional and College World Series appearances, and many other honors, while support pillars display photos of Troy’s All-Americans. The left-center field gap, dubbed Doubles Alley, keeps a running total of the number of doubles the Trojans have hit throughout the season.   Final Thoughts When considering college baseball at what is typically considered the “mid-major” level, the Sun Belt likely is the most competitive conference, with its top teams able to compete with many teams from larger conferences. The atmosphere that fills the air at Riddle-Pace Field is without a doubt an extremely festive college baseball experience, that would be enjoyable for even the most casual baseball fan to experience.

The University of New Haven announced today that it has accepted an invitation to join the Northeast Conference. The school, which currently competes in Division Two, will begin their transition on July 1. Northeast Conference Commissioner Noreen Morris and University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen announced Tuesday that New Haven would become the conference's 10th full member. The Chargers will become full Division I members in 2028-29. "Making the move to Division I is a bold step, and we're honored that New Haven chose to take that step with us," Morris said. "From the start, it was clear that they share our values -- putting academics, competitive excellence and the student-athlete experience at the forefront." The University of New Haven, whose teams are known as the Chargers, sponsors 20 sports and will be integrated into NEC schedules beginning this year, with the exception of football. Football's addition to the conference schedule is still to be determined. UNH’s home field, Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium, is best known for its blue turf field. Photo courtesy of University of New Haven Athletics The University of New Haven, which is located in West Haven, Connecticut, has all of its athletic facilities in a compact complex across Boston Post Road (Route 1) from its main campus. Yale's athletic facilities, including the Yale Bowl , Yale Field and Reese Stadium , are about two miles away. During its transition, New Haven will immediately be able to participate in conference championships in sports that do not have automatic qualifiers for NCAA championships. The Chargers will become eligible for NCAA championship competition in 2028-29. The Northeast Conference now contains three teams who are in transition to Division One from lower levels. Stonehill College began their transition period in 2022 and Le Moyne College began theirs in 2023.

Photos by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey The NCAA Tournament returned to Providence for the first time since 2016. Amica Mutual Pavilion played host to first and second round games in the West and Midwest regions. The atmosphere was electric especially since local favorite St. John’s was one of the participants. The campus of St. John’s is less than 3 hours from Providence so it was just a short drive up I-95 or a trip on the Amtrak away. Providence is certainly an ideal host for the early rounds of the tournament. The city has a wide variety of great restaurants and bars to pre/post game and also has a great basketball history. Amica Mutual Pavilion is also very easy to get to and centrally located within Providence. The city is also located close to areas like Boston and Newport for fans who want to extend their trip and see some of the other sights of New England. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat I would recommend somewhere outside of the arena. One area where Amica Mutual Pavilion falls short is its concessions. They mostly carry the staples like popcorn, hot dogs, peanuts, pizza, sausages, and nachos along with candy and pretzels. There are a plethora of options around the arena and in the surrounding neighborhoods. The atmosphere at an NCAA tournament venue is very dependent on teams that get picked for that specific region. This year Providence got very lucky to have St Johns in the bracket which attracted many of their fans. However, Providence is also home to Providence College so there is certainly a built in knowledge and enthusiasm for college basketball in the area. The NCAA tournament is unlike any other event, especially in the first and second rounds because you have fans from several different schools in attendance at once. This provides a unique environment with fans who are dialed into the game and other fans who are waiting for the next session when their school plays. All in all, Amica Mutual Pavilion is a great site for the initial rounds of the NCAA Tournament and when it comes back in a few years it will certainly be worth attending. If you haven’t attended an NCAA tournament it should be on your sports bucket list.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Woodsboro Bank Arena at the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center 601 Blazer Trail Frederick, MD 21701 Frederick Flying Cows website Woodsboro Bank Arena at the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,600 Moo-rvelous Basketball at the Barn The Basketball League, known as TBL for short, is a low-level minor league basketball league, a step below the G-League, with 40 teams competing across the United States. One such team, the Frederick Flying Cows, was founded in 2023. began play in 2024, and plays their home games at Woodsboro Bank Arena on the campus of Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Although the quality of play on the court in the TBL isn't anywhere near the NBA, nor is it even on par with the G-League, the teams are independently owned (unlike the G-League clubs which are owned by their NBA affiliate) so the experience is often more similar to what you would see at the minor leagues in other sports. TBL teams often have zany uniforms, similar to what you saw in the NBA in the 90s, and family friendly entertainment. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concessions options at Flying Cows games, and while the selection isn't the widest, the food is quite food. A food truck from Glamourview Creamery is parked right outside the arena, and fans are allowed to leave and re-enter to get food from the truck and bring it in. Of course, being a creamery, it offers frozen custard and floats, with slushies and a blendi (a mix of slushie and custard) also available. It does offer meals as well. Walking tacos, a prime rib burger (two beef patties with cheese) and a frenchie burger (with swiss cheese and grilled French onions) as well as grilled hot dogs and chili dogs are available. Custard will cost $5-$8 depending on the size and comes in a cup or cone. The burgers will range from $10-$13 but are delicious, juicy, and worth the money. A selection of Glamourview Creamery products is also available at a stand inside the arena, including hard serve ice cream (different from the frozen custard they sell at the truck), and milkshakes, dubbed Milkshake's Milkshakes after the mascot. The milkshake is also fantastic and very rich, sweet, and creamy. We would recommend it to fans. The same stand also sells soft drinks, bottled water, and assorted candy and chips, including Milka, an imported Swiss chocolate bar. An adjacent stand sells ice cream cookie sandwiches made with Glamourview ice cream. The menu proclaims the ice cream and milkshakes to be "Udder-ly Sweet", one of many cow puns you will experience at a Flying Cows game. Alcoholic beverages are available in a bar upstairs on a balcony overlooking the court, but must be consumed while standing there. They cannot be brought back downstairs. Many of them have cow-related punny names such as the Mooscow Mule. Atmosphere 5 Woodsboro Bank Arena is a small gym on the campus of Hood College, a Division III school. However, the Flying Cows have managed to leave their own mark on the arena, something that does not always happen in these shared gyms. There are a handful of chairback courtside seats, with the remainder of the seating are being general admission plastic bleachers. You will have a great view of the action wherever you sit, as this is a small and intimate venue. The team does not let you forget that they are the Flying Cows, with a mooing sound being heard over the PA system at big moments and the PA announcer unleashing a hurricane of cow puns. From telling fans to "moo-zy on down to the concession stand" for food to reminding fans of how udderly fantastic a Flying Cows game is, this will be a recurring theme all night. During breaks in the action, the team holds fan contests on the court, including some quite unique ones such as seeing who can do the best Chewbacca impersonation and who can slide a mattress furthest down the court in a relay race by jumping on it and sliding down.. Kids really enjoy participating in these, and fans enjoy watching. Just as you would see in an NBA arena (but unlike in college) instrumental music is played during the game itself over the PA system. The Cows have a mascot named Milkshake, who is a cow in a cape, as well as a dance team called the Cow Belles (yet another cow pun.) Two scoreboards in the corners of the venue show player stats in addition to basic information such as the clock and score. Neighborhood 3 The Hood College campus is located adjacent to a residential neighborhood about a mile from Downtown Frederick. Downtown offers a range of different options, from Maxwell's Burgers and Shakes to the popular brewpub Brewer's Alley. Francis Scott Key's grave is also located in Frederick, and history buffs may want to check it out. Fans 4 Although the Flying Cows don't typically sell out the arena, they do draw good crowds,, particularly considering this is a low-level basketball league. The fans in attendance will come dressed in Flying Cows merchandise and bring their cowbells to ring during big moments in the game when they want to make some noise to urge the team to victory. The cowbells can get quite loud and contribute to the unique atmosphere at a Flying Cows game. Some fans here are season ticket holders who come to every home game. Others are checking out the Flying Cows for the first time. As they are still are still a relatively new team, they continue to grow their fan base, but they have already developed a large and passionate following. Access 3 Frederick is located just off of a major highway (I-70), and Hood College is located within a residential neighborhood. Parking is available in several lots on campus, with signage pointing you in the right direction to park for a Flying Cows game. You may have to walk a few minutes to get to the arena, but no more than that. Entering Woodsboro Bank Arena will put you in a lobby, with Flying Cows banners high above your head and a team store offering cow-themed and team merchandise on your left. You will walk down to the end of the hall and go through the doors on your right to enter the gym. Restrooms are available by the door you enter the gym through and are clean, spacious, and more than sufficient for the crowds. Keep in mind the arena is cashless so be prepared to pay by credit card. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children. Discounts are available on gameday only to military, seniors, and Hood College students and faculty with ID. Military and seniors get in for $12, Hood faculty for $10, and Hood students for $5. Concessions are typically priced and are of high quality so you get good value for your money. Parking is free as well. The team store features low prices and regularly offers discounts on top of that. Overall, a Flying Cows game offers an excellent value for a family-friendly basketball experience. Extras 3 One bonus star here for the giant inflatable cow outside the arena welcoming fans as they come in and providing a popular photo spot. A second star for the team store in the lobby, selling Flying Cows merchandise, including the ever popular cow onesie, a favorite of fans of all ages. A third and final star for all the cow puns you will experience here. From the PA announcer unleashing them constantly, to the concession items mentioned earlier, to promotion names such as "P.J. & Moo-vie Night" and the "Moo-au", the Flying Cows certainly have fun with the cow theme. Final Thoughts A Frederick Flying Cows basketball game can be great fun for the entire family at an affordable price. While the quality of play on the court is not the greatest, that is of little importance to those who attend. The whole crowd has fun ringing their cowbells, rooting for the Cows, and taking in a game here. Fans of basketball, those looking for a family friendly entertainment experience, and even those who just like cows will all want to moo-zy down to a Frederick Flying Cows game for a moo-velous, udderly fantastic experience.