Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bright-Landry Hockey Center 65 N Harvard St Allston, MA 02134 Harvard Crimson hockey website Bright-Landry Hockey Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 3,095 Bright-Landry, Big City   Hockey has been played at Harvard University since 1898. With Harvard’s long athletic history, it’s no surprise that the Crimson sponsor one of the oldest squads in college hockey. Harvard’s first ever hockey game was played on January 19, 1898 on a frozen pond in Franklin Field. The Crimson lost to Brown that day 6-0, but their rivalry continues today, making it the oldest continuing series in the country.   Harvard has played on the site of the Bright-Landry Hockey Center since 1956. The Donald C. Watson Rink was the original on-campus home of Harvard hockey. In 1978 the decision was made to renovate the facility, which offered little in the way of amenities for fans or players. The original roof was retained, and the arena was installed underneath. The “new” arena opened on November 19, 1979, with a game between the Crimson and the 1980 United States Olympic Team.   The rink was renamed the Bright-Landry Hockey Center in 2013 to honor Harvard hockey player Alec Bright, class of 1919, and alumnus C. Kevin Landry, class of 1966 and family, whose donations helped to fund the arena’s 2014 renovations.   Hockey has been played at Harvard since 1898. The Crimson have qualified for 27 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four 13 times. Harvard won the national title in 1989. Harvard has won the Beanpot Tournament, Boston’s unofficial college hockey championship, 11 times. 57 Harvard alumni have played in the National Hockey League. In addition, Harvard’s women’s team, which also plays at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center, has qualified for 12 NCAA tournaments, reached 6 Frozen Fours, won 15 Beanpot Tournaments, and won a national title in 1999. 24 Harvard alumni have gone on to play professional hockey.    Food & Beverage 2    The menu at Bright-Landry Hockey Center sticks to the basics. There is a concession stand near the entrance, along with a smaller stand on the south end of the arena that opens when there’s a big crowd present. This is just a place for snacking. Hot dogs and nachos anchor the menu, along with snack items.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Bright-Landry. Fans looking for an adult beverage should wander over to the adjoining Watson Track and Field Center, where the Crimson Pub sets up shop. Thirsty fans can purchase Sam Adams, Coors Light, Corona, White Claw and wine here. It’s not the same as in the old days, when fans would have to dash over to Dillon Hall next door to grab a beer during intermission, but it’s much more convenient.   Atmosphere 3   The game day experience at the Bright-Landry Center is typical of most college hockey rinks around the country. The first thing fans will notice are the large murals adorning the walls of the arena. These murals honor Harvard championships, titles, All-Americans and award winners. There’s a clear video board hanging at center ice that is put to good use, but which is partially obstructed from many points by the banners hanging throughout the arena. The promotions table near the main entrance hands out free roster sheets, posters, raffles and the nightly silent auction.   One notable aspect missing during Stadium Journey’s visit was the lack of a pep band. Stadium Journey visited during Harvard’s opening game of the 2024-25 season, so the lack of the band was surprising. Another disappointing aspect was the sub-par sound system. It can be hard to understand announcements made throughout the game. One more thing that was noticed by the author and confirmed by many students and frequent visitors to Bright-Landry: the WiFi in the building is terrible. Your Instagram posts may have to wait until after the game.   With New England being the home of a great number of Division One hockey teams (21, to be exact), and many of them within easy driving distance, it’s not unusual to see a great turnout by visiting fans here at Bright-Landry. Unless you’re wearing a Yale sweater, you’ve got nothing to worry about. This is a very family-friendly place to catch a game.   Neighborhood 4   The Bright-Landry Hockey Center is located in the school’s athletic complex alongside its other sporting facilities, including Harvard Stadium , Lavietes Pavilion , O’Donnell Field and Jordan Field . The complex is not located in Cambridge with the academic buildings, but on the other side of the Charles River in neighboring Allston.   While there is little in the way of attractions on the Allston side of the Charles, Harvard Yard is less than a mile away across the Anderson Memorial Bridge and up John F. Kennedy Street. Harvard Square, lined with shops and restaurants, is right here, too. This is hardly the bohemian center that it was in the days of yore, but there is no shortage of dining choices in the area. Stadium Journey recommends trying a burger and a shake at Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage.   The Harvard campus is one of Boston’s top attractions in its own right. Take a walking tour of the campus if you are so inclined, and take a picture in front of the statue of John Harvard, as thousands of others have done. Remember to rub his shiny shoe, it is rumored to bring good luck.   If you’re visiting Harvard from out of town and would rather explore the city of Boston, downtown is just a few miles away. Visitors looking to enjoy the working class charm of Allston and Brighton will find no shortage of bars and restaurants a short drive from the arena.   Fans 3   Harvard lags behind Boston’s other four Beanpot schools in terms of attendance. The Crimson draw around 2,400 fans per game, which puts them in the middle of the pack nationwide. Fans who come to the Bright-Landry Center are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team, even if they’re not the most vocal fans out there (would you expect any different at an Ivy League school?).   The dedicated student section, dubbed the “Crim-Zone,” is rarely filled with Harvard students, as most tend to spread out around the arena. A rowdy student section just wouldn’t feel right here, anyway. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, the Crim-Zone was filled with random fans rather than students, who do turn out in decent numbers.   Access 4   While Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA, the Bright-Landry Hockey Center is located across the Charles River, in the Allston section of Boston. Also located here are most of Harvard’s other athletic facilities.   Even on its best days, the city of Boston is a difficult city to drive in. The best way to get to the Bright-Landry Hockey Center is to take Storrow Drive to the Soldier’s Field Athletic Complex. If you must drive to a Harvard hockey game, bring along someone who knows the crooked streets of Boston well.   The recommended method of travel to Harvard is the subway, or “T”, as it is called locally. The Harvard Station MBTA stop is a 10-minute walk from the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Several bus routes also stop at Harvard Station. The 66 and 86 busses stop directly in front of the athletic complex. For more information, fares and schedules check out the MBTA website . Parking is available throughout the athletic complex, but with only one way in and one way out, be prepared to take some time to leave after the game.   The Bright Center features a concourse which completely circles the rink. Seating consists of individual plastic crimson seats throughout the seating bowl. The small size of the Bright Landry Hockey Center ensures great views throughout the facility. Standing room areas line most of the seating bowl, and are popular spots from which to catch the action. While lines can get long at the concession stands and rest rooms during intermission, they move quickly.   Return on Investment 3   All tickets to Harvard hockey are priced at $20. Parking in the athletic complex will cost an additional $10. Concessions are priced a bit on the high side, but not outrageously so. Harvard is a bit more expensive than other college hockey rinks in the area, but still offers an affordable entertainment option for local fans.   Extras 5                                                                                                 Harvard showcases its lengthy hockey history throughout the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Floor to ceiling murals line the arena walls as you enter the rink. Award winners, Olympians, past arenas, coaches and championship teams are all highlighted. On the far wall are photos of all men’s and women’s hockey teams to ever represent the school. Banners honoring the school’s conference championships, tournament appearances, and national titles hang from the rafters.   Notable among the banners is a crimson number 4, retired in honor of former Harvard player, hockey coach, and athletic director Bill Cleary. It is the only number that has been taken out of circulation in any of Harvard’s 42 varsity sports. No Division One school in the nation can boast more varsity sports than Harvard. Trivial Fact: Bill Cleary was Ryan O’Neil’s stand-in during filming of the 1970 movie Love Story.   The fact that the first game ever played at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center featured the 1980 United States Olympic team is worth a final extra point.   Final Thoughts   The Bright-Landry Hockey Center, while a fine facility in its own right, comes up short when compared to the other Beanpot arenas around Boston. It doesn’t have the history of Matthews Arena, the size of Conte Forum or the modern amenities of Agganis Arena. Still, the Bright-Landry Center is a nice place to catch a hockey game and a worthy Stadium Journey.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center 235 Hope St Providence, RI 02912 Brown Bears basketball website Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 2,800 Where the Shots are Ever True   The Pizzitola Sports Center is named for Paul Bailey Pizzitola, Brown University class of 1981. Mr. Pizzitola passed away at the age of 25 from Ewing’s Sarcoma after graduating from Brown and New York University. His family contributed $2 million towards the facility’s construction.   Part of the Erikson Sports Complex on the northeast corner of the Brown campus, the Pizzitola Sports Center contains practice and game space for the men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, squash and tennis teams. The lobby of the building is named for football legend John Heisman, Brown class of 1891. The main floor of the center is named the Williams Court for Howard Williams '17, former football player, track athlete and assistant football coach. The Bears have played basketball since 1901, but have experienced little success in their history. They have appeared in the NCAA Tournament twice (1939 & 1986), losing in the first round both times. Two Brown alumni (Woody Grimshaw and Mo Maloney) have played in the NBA. The Brown women’s team, which began competition in 1973, has qualified for one NCAA tournament, in 1994. They lost in the first round. Brown Cheerleaders Perform the Spinning Pinwheel. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a small concession stand in the lobby of the Pizzitola Center, with a second portable cart opened up on nights when a large crown is present. A basic menu is served here, featuring Saugy’s hot dogs, giant pretzels and other snacks.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the Pizzitola Center, with a decent selection of adult beverages also available. Front and center among these selections are a pair of Brown collaborations with Narragansett Brewery, Bruno Brew Blonde Ale and Hi Neigh-BEAR American Pale Ale.   Atmosphere 3   Any athletic experience at Brown University is a mix of contemporary entertainment and historic touches. As you enter the facility’s lobby, named for Brown alumnus John Heisman, you are greeted by a large trophy case containing hardware earned by various Bear teams from throughout the years. Adorning the lobby walls are oversized photos of Brown athletic highlights of more recent vintage. The Brown Athletics Hall of Fame has a display here, and fans can’t help but notice that everything in this building seems to be dedicated to some alumnus. Seriously. It feels like there are dedication plaques everywhere. It’s very Ivy League.   During the game, this cozy gym may not give off big-time basketball vibes, but there is a lot going on. Bruno the Bear roams the gym interacting with fans and engaging in low-key antics. The cheerleaders perform during play stoppages, and there are contests featuring students and younger fans for prizes. A video board on one end of the court is put to good use with hype videos, graphics, replays, stats and more. The Brown band fills the gym with noise, as does the PA announcer, who utilizes a very high-energy, high-pitch delivery. If you are attending a Bears game with younger fans, you may want to visit a secluded corner of the gym, where the Cub Club zone contains a pop-a-shot, a giant Connect Four, stickers, tattoos and more.   On this night, the student section was packed, but the students don’t add a lot of noise or energy to the proceedings. While this gym has the potential to get really loud if filled, it’s usually not an overly loud place to take in a game. Bruno Argues with a Referee. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 5   Meehan Auditorium is located on the residential East Side of Providence, adjacent to several other Brown University athletic venues, including Meehan Auditorium , Stevenson-Pincince Field , Brown Softball Field  and Murray Stadium . Brown Stadium is located about a mile away.   Thayer Street, which serves as Brown University’s main street, is just a couple of blocks from the gym. Thayer Street is filled with quaint shops, restaurants and bars. A short distance in the other direction is Hope Street, which continues the eclectic vibe of the East Side with more locally owned shops and places to eat. Nearby Wayland Square and Wickenden Street offer more fine restaurants, shopping and nightlife options.   Downtown Providence is only a mile and a half away at the bottom of College Hill. Providence enjoys a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest culinary destinations in the country, and visitors to the city will find many diverse and excellent dining and lodging choices here.   Fans 2   Attracting crowds and attention to Brown athletic events has been a focus of the new athletic department administration since they came aboard several years ago. Thus far, the Brown community has been slow to respond. Attendance to Bears men’s basketball games, for example, has remained fairly steady at or around 1,000 fans per game since the pandemic. When you look around the local college basketball landscape and see Providence College rack up crowds ten times the size of Brown while playing right up the street, URI drawing solid crowds in the southern part of the state while rebuilding their program, and upstart Bryant filling their cozy gym in the suburbs while not having the name recognition enjoyed by Brown, it’s easy to see there are issues here.   For the 2025-2026 season, Brown averaged a measly 524 fan per game at the Pizzitola Center. This figure represents a significant dropoff from previous years, and is 1/3 of the Ivy League average. Stadium Journey visited Providence for Brown’s 2026 season finale. A crowd of about 800 fans filled Pizzitola on this night to honor the senior class and to say farewell to the Bears season. This game featured one of the Bears’ biggest crowds of the season.   Basketball is not the marquee sport here at Brown University, but small crowds are a feature the university struggles with across many of their sports. One thing that will become immediately apparent when visiting Brown is that much of the crowd skews older. There was a good turnout by the student body on this night, but apparently student turnout can be hit or miss. The students, although strong in number, did not add a lot of noise or energy to the proceedings. Game Action at the Pizzitola Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   The Pizzitola Center is located adjacent to Meehan Auditorium  in the Erickson Athletic Complex. While Brown University is located near Interstates 95 and 195, one must navigate a maze of neighborhood streets on Providence’s East Side before arriving at the arena. If attending a game on a weekday, Providence can be a tough city to navigate, especially since the demolition of the Washington Bridge, which serves as the primary way to access the city from the East Bay. Several RIPTA busses  run regularly to nearby Thayer Street, just a couple of blocks from the gym.   Parking is available for Brown basketball at no charge in any of several small lots shared by the university’s athletic venues. Complete directions to these lots can be found here . Fans unable to find a spot in a lot can utilize free on-street parking in the area around the athletic complex. Finding a spot can be tricky at times, but patient visitors should be able to find something within easy walking distance of the facility.   Once inside the Pizzitola Center, fans will find the concession stand, rest rooms and much to look at in the small lobby. A short walk in either direction will bring you into the gym. Seats on either sideline are made up of individual folding stadium seats, while the end sections are molded plastic bleachers. There are additional balcony seats on one side of the court. No matter where you sit in this cozy gym, you’ll enjoy great views of the action.   Return on Investment 4   Brown charges separate pricing for conference and non-conference games. Seats in the end zone bleacher sections are priced at $15/$20, chairback seats along the sidelines are priced at $20/$25, and balcony seats cost $35/$40. Premium games (i.e. Rhode Island) are reserved for season ticket holders only.   With free parking and inexpensive concessions, an evening at Brown basketball is an affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island basketball fans.   Pizzitola Center Video Board. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 2   Extra points are awarded to the sense of history that permeates every aspect of the experience of a visit to the Pizzitola Center. The giant trophy case that greets you upon entry, the photos of significant events in Brown athletic history, the Athletic Hall of Fame, the fact that the lobby is named for legendary figure John Heisman, all give Brown that Ivy League feel.   Of course, it seems as if everything in this building is dedicated to a Brown alumnus. The scoreboard, the videoboard, the gym, even the coaching position, all have formal titles linking them to someone from Brown’s long history. The banners honoring Bear championship and tournament teams say that sports are a big deal in the Ivy League, and its history surrounds you.   Final Thoughts   The Pizzitola Center is a small, plain facility which falls short of its historic and unique Ivy League peers in many ways. Still, this cozy gym is not without its own charms, and is frequented by dedicated fans and staff who work hard to put on a good show. In Rhode Island, where hockey and Providence College hoops rule the local scene, there’s a hidden gem on the East Side worth visiting. Go Bruno! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Harford Varsity Baseball Field 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Notre Dame Maryland Gators website Harford Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,000 Another Gator Home Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1873. It is right next door to the “Evergreen” campus of Loyola University Maryland (which it shares a library facility). It was formerly an all-women’s college, but that ended in 2023 as it is now co-ed. The university has over 3000 students. The original name of the school was the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute. It also spent many years with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland name. In 2011, the school attained university status with the addition of several graduate-level programs. Notre Dame’s athletic teams are members of Division III of the NCAA. All sports but swimming compete within the United East Conference. Although the swim team does not compete within a conference, it participates in the yearly Old Dominion Athletic Conference swim championships. The university’s sports teams are known as the Gators. The baseball team is very new to collegiate competition. Harford Community College is one of three home bases for the team at this time. They also play home games at Joe Cannon Stadium and the Ripken Experience in Aberdeen, Maryland. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Varsity Baseball Field, but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s own concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 The grandstand is a very nice set of stands with seat backs that wrap from dugout to dugout. Those seats will be behind a netting. There are also older seating sections further down each line that is away from the netting. If you hate to watch a game through nets you may want to move over there, although you will not have seat backs. The field is an artificial surface. This includes the infield, which is artificial turf painted brown. Some true baseball fans may hate that, but it is understandable that a community college may want to keep maintenance cost down by using such a surface. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The fans at the stadium are clearly family and friends only. The crowd is bigger than expected because it seems almost half of the roster is from Harford County. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend so the return on investment is pretty high. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa also make the cost to watch a good level of baseball game pretty high. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has two other softball fields, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. Harford Stadium, home to the school’s lacrosse and soccer teams is also located next door. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The Harford Baseball Field is an impressive facility that offers high-quality baseball for no cost to the fans. Nothing fancy, but it makes a good stop for baseball fans.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bowl Arena @ Cobourg Community Centre 750 D’Arcy Street Cobourg, ON K9A 0G1 Cobourg Cougars website Cobourg Community Center website Year Opened : 2011 Capacity: 2,000 Cougars East It is fair to say that the cougar is one of the most popular names for a sports team. In the world of junior hockey, where teams move up and down the ranks over the years, a number of towns will share the name of their local hockey team.  Sometimes it even ends up with more than one team ending up in the same league, with the same name.  That is the case in the OJHL where both Burlington  and Cobourg share the Cougar moniker.  The eastern Cougars have been one of the modern cornerstones of the OJHL. Junior hockey was brought to Cobourg, a city of over 20,000 between Oshawa and Belleville, in 1964 by Ken Medhurst, Dick Robinson, Clarke Sommerville and Jeff Rolph.  They began as a Junior B team, but dropped to Junior C in 1971 after little Junior B success.  At the Junior C level, the Cougars were dominant, even winning the Schmalz Cup as provincial champions in 1974.  After heading back to Junior B, the Cougars moved up to Junior A, with the entire Central Junior B Hockey League in 1993.  The Cougars saw success at the Junior A level as well, hosting the RBC Cup in 2017 and claiming victory as national Junior A champions.  Along the way, the Cougars have also absorbed the Bowmanville Eagles in 2010 and Streetsville Derbys in 2011. Home for the Cougars is the Cobourg Community Centre.  Built in 2011, the Cobourg Community Centre is a community hub with meeting rooms, community rooms and two ice pads.  Bowl Arena, which it seems is just waiting for a better name, is where Cougar home games are played.  The Cougars are currently owned by Max Wang, a transaction that, at the time of writing, has not been very popular. Food & Beverage 2 The game that was reviewed in Cobourg was a weekday afternoon game.  It was assumed to be a school day game where local school kids are invited to take in the game with their classmates.  However, it was just an afternoon game with no school groups.  As a result, none of the concession options were available.  There is a canteen in the atrium that it seems would normally be available during evening games or when both arenas are busy.  Also, there is a concession spot just off of the running track in Bowl Arena.  Both look like they have decent selections.  Vending machines with soft drinks and light snacks are also available in the atrium. Atmosphere 3 Cobourg Community Centre has an attractive exterior with textured concrete below grey-blue siding.  The main entry to the west is two stories of glass, which allows plenty of natural light into the beautiful, huge atrium.  The atrium warrants a little bit of exploring and is adorned with wood and stone highlights to give it a rural, lodge feel.  Inside the atrium fans will find the Cobourg Sports Hall of Fame.  Plenty of local sports artifacts can be found in the trophy cases as well as the plaques and displays for the most recent inductees.  The rest of the Sports Hall of Fame plaques are found inside Bowl Arena, at the back of the walking track.  Normally, the secondary ice pad is not worth noting, however, in Cobourg that is a bit of a different story.  The secondary rink is called the Grace Bowen Arena.  A biography of Grace Bowen is found beside the Cobourg Sports Hall of Fame display and tells the tale of young Grace, who lost her battle with bone cancer at a very young age, after befriending Canadian icons, Hayley Wickenheiser and Ryan Reynold, while at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.  On the east side of Cobourg Community Centre is Bowl Arena, which has a seating capacity of 2,000.  A temporary table for ticket sales and some merchandise awaits fans.  After purchasing or scanning a ticket, fans ascend the staircase to the seating area in Bowl Arena.  The ice rink is south-north oriented with the best spot for a centre ice logo picture, from the east.  The seating bowl consists of 9 rows of black, plastic arena seats, with a running track behind them.  As mentioned, the plaques of the Cobourg Sports Hall of Fame can be found on the east wall, at track level.  A four-sided, LED video board hangs above centre ice.  On the west side, fans will find banners honouring various minor hockey accomplishments as well as the Cougars.  The highlights include the RBC Cup Champions banner as Canadian National Champions from 2017 as well as a banner commemorating the honoured Cougars, including Mac Lowry, Theo Lewis, Connor Armour, George Krotiris, Trevor Hoskin and Andy Reist.  Unfortunately, there are no banners from the classic Cougar teams that ran roughshod over Junior C or the 1974 Schmalz Cup banner. The gameday production at a Cougars game is fairly simple.  It is assumed that due to the weekday, afternoon time slot for this game, that the gameday production was even more muted.  The sound system in Bowl Arena is excellent and the PA announcer has a great balance of being enthusiastic, without going over the top.  A unique selection of music was played during breaks in the action and between periods. Neighbourhood 3 Cobourg Community Centre is located in Central Cobourg.  A town of only 20,500, Cobourg has a unique charm to it, while enjoying a prime location on Lake Ontario.  There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink near the Cobourg Community Centre.  Some options include Country Heaven Pub, Jack’s Barrel House, Fork & Fable, Cucina Urbana, The Claymore Pub & Table and the Buttermilk Cafe.  There is not too much in the way of other sporting options in Cobourg.  Major Series Lacrosse’s Cobourg Kodiaks take up residence in Bowl Arena in the summer months.  Other than that, the Cougars are the only game in town.  Other tourist options fans could consider in the area include the Canadian Firefighters Museum, Cobourg East Pierhead Lighthouse and Cobourg Beach.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Comfort Inn and Best Western are good choices. Fans 3 Cobourg has traditionally enjoyed strong fan support.  For the 2024-25 season, the Cougars welcomed an average of 485 fans to each game, which ranked them 3rd in the OJHL.  At the time of writing, there has been a significant drop off in attendance with an average of 190 fans per game in the 2025-26 season.  This had dropped the Cougars down to 13th in the OJHL, no longer one of the elite teams at the turnstile.  A change in ownership along with a significant drop in the win column can partially explain this drop.  It will be interesting to see if the Cougars can rebound for the next season, or if this is a sign of things to come.   Access 4 Cobourg Community Centre is located in Central Cobourg on the east side of D’Arcy Street, surrounded by Alexandria Drive.  It is only 1 km from Highway 401 and is very easy to get to.  There is plenty of parking available on site for free.  With Cobourg being such a small town, there is no local public transit.  There are stops by Maple Bus, an intercity bus line, and a VIA Rail station.  Getting around the Cobourg Community Centre is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are more than adequate for the facility.  Of note, Bowl Arena is one of the more comfortable spots in Junior Hockey.  Extra winter layers and hot spots in the gloves are not necessary as the temperature in Bowl Arena is quite comfortable. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Cobourg Cougars are $20 with discounts for seniors and kids.  Tickets can be purchased at the door or online ahead of time.  It is difficult to assess the concession prices due to them being closed for the afternoon game, but it is assumed that they are not out of line.  Parking is also free at the community centre.  The product on the ice is solid and the Cobourg Community Centre is a comfortable arena with plenty to explore.  Overall, a Cougars experience is a good one with a limited investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for Cobourg Community Centre as a community hub. An extra mark for Cobourg locals Steve Smith and Justin Williams, members of the Cobourg Sports Hall of Fame and Stanley Cup Champions. Final Thoughts The Cobourg Cougars are the epitome of junior hockey.  The only game in town that the community rallies around.  The Cobourg Community Centre has lots going for it and is a comfortable spot to catch a hockey game.  It will be interesting to see how the team and community bounces back from the 2025-26 season challenges. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 English Field 200 Duck Pond Dr Blacksburg, VA 24060 Virginia Tech Hokies website English Field at Union Park website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 4,000 A Home For The Hokies English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park is the home of the Virginia Tech Hokies baseball team. Sitting in the heart of the campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, this ballpark opened in 1989 and seats approximately 4,000 fans between reserved chairback seats and some terraced seating in left field. The ballpark was heavily renovated in 2018, adding a new grandstand and suites as well as a picnic area down the right field line. Virginia Tech has not enjoyed as much success in baseball as some of their ACC rivals. They are one of only two schools in the conference never to make the College World Series, the other being Pittsburgh. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands at English Field, although for many games only one will be open. Meal options include smash burgers, impossible burgers, and chicken tenders, all of which come with fries, as well as chicken and waffles and hot dogs. A dessert waffle is also available with an assortment of toppings, as are french fries, fried pickles, salted pretzels, nachos, peanuts, and cracker jack. Soda and bottled water are available, and beer is available to fans of age. Prices for meals will run $10-$13, but since most of them come with fries, this is not a bad value. The multiple unique options also improve the concessions experience. Atmosphere 5 English Field consists of a mix of chairback seats behind home plate and terraced grass seating down the left field line. If sitting on the terrace, there is some concrete to sit on so you are not sitting directly on the grass. This is a relatively small ballpark, so you will have an excellent view of the action wherever you sit. A scoreboard in right-centerfield also shows other graphics like the lineups. All seats at English Field are general admission. If you want an actual chairback seat rather than a terrace seat, you may need to arrive early. For an early season or weekday game, you should have no problem, but later in the year, it may be more difficult, especially if you are a large group sitting together. Before the game, the Hokies take the field to "Enter Sandman" much like the football team does. Unlike with football, the crowd typically does not sing along, but it is still a fun tradition. The team mascot, the Hokie Bird, roams the stands and takes pictures with fans. However, he often leaves early in the game, so arrive on time if you want to interact with him. Neighborhood 4 English Field is in the middle of the Virginia Tech campus, and you will likely need to head off-campus if looking for a place to eat. Nearby Main Street offers many options, including the Hokie House restaurant and bar, P.K.'s Bar and Grill, and cuisines from Japanese to Mexican to Nepalese. Blacksburg may be in a remote location, but it is a fine college town. Most of the businesses cater to students or others associated with the university, given the population in this area. Fans 4 What kind of crowd Virginia Tech draws will depend on where you go. For an early season or weekday game, the Hokies may draw under a thousand fans. Later in the season, as the weather warms up and conference play begins, the crowds get larger. The crowd consists of fans of all ages, from small children to people who have been cheering on the Hokies for decades. Some of the kids will play catch on the concourse behind the terrace, but for the most part this is an engaged, loyal crowd. Access 4 Virginia Tech’s campus is easily accessible from I-81, about 10 miles away on US 460. Take the Southgate Dr. Exit off of US 460 and it will take you right to English Field at Union Park. Free parking is available in the Cage Lot, a short walk away down Duck Pond Drive. There are also golf carts driven by Tech employees that will take you the short distance if you want. That lot may get crowded for weekday afternoon games since it is also a commuter lot. If you are unable to park here, you can park in any other lot on campus but will need to pay through an app. Getting around the concourse is straightforward, and the restrooms are clean and of a sufficient size for the crowds the Hokies typically draw. Return on Investment 5 Admission to non-conference Hokies baseball games is free of charge, even weekend ones, an excellent value that is almost unheard of at this high a level. ACC games will typically cost between $12 and $16 depending on the opponent. Parking is free and concession prices are reasonable. Overall, a Virginia Tech baseball game is an excellent value. Extras 3 Look for the "retired" numbers display outside English Field, featuring the numbers 15 and 1 in honor of Johnny Oates and Chuck Hartman. Although Virginia Tech officially no longer retires numbers, they display them to say they would have retired them if they did such a thing. Look for the team store on the concourse selling Hokies merchandise. A third and final star for the unique berm terrace seating area. Final Thoughts English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park is a gorgeous stadium with a unique seating layout. While Virginia Tech is not an ACC powerhouse, a Hokies baseball game is still a great experience to check out. Whether you're sitting on the terrace or the chairbacks, make the trip down to Blacksburg, hang out with the Hokie Bird, and check out a Virginia Tech baseball game. The chance to see a game here completely free of charge just sweetens the experience even more..

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Rowan Softball Field North Campus Drive Glassboro, NJ 08028 Rowan Softball Field website Rowan Profs website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 250 Glassboro Profs Rowan University is a public university in Glassboro, New Jersey. Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School, it was known as Glassboro State College from 1958 to 1992 and as Rowan College of New Jersey from 1992 to 1997. The university has an enrollment of just less than 20,000. Rowan University has 18 sports teams. They are members of the NCAA Division III, competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The teams are called the Profs (short for Professors, a nod to the university's 1923 founding as a school to train educators), and the mascot is Whoo RU. The most successful team at the school is the Profs football team, which is regularly a contender for the national title, having gone to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl five times (1999, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993) and the national semifinals in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2004, and 2005. The Rowan Softball Field is located beside the Soccer Complex and James Hall. The facility has hosted NJAC, NCAA Regional and Super Regional tournaments, with the most recent being the 2018 Super Regional against Moravian. The Profs sweep the Greyhounds, 2-0, advancing to the NCAA Championship Series. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent concession stand. Atmosphere 2 The softball field is a simple affair as it features bleachers along each baseline and behind the backstop. The scoreboard is located in left field. Neighborhood 4 Glassboro is a borough within Gloucester County, New Jersey. It is considered part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Several major roads crisscross Glassboro. These include County Route 553, Route 47, and Route 55, while U.S. Route 322 (much of which is also Mullica Hill Road) passes from east to west. There is no current passenger train service to Glassboro, but the proposed Glassboro–Camden Line, an 18-mile (28.97 km) diesel multiple unit (DMU) light rail system, is planned to stop nearby. Fans 2 The fan atmosphere will depend on the game but unfortunately there will mainly be family and friends at the games. Access 3 Rowan is easy to get to, but since it is a major university, you should research ahead of time your best entrance to the campus. If attending a weeknight game during the semester, give yourself a bit of time. We like to use the entrance near 500 Joseph L Bowe Blvd. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend and parking is free as well, although you should check on parking regulations for weeknight games. Extras 2 Rowan has a nice pleasant campus which is walkable close to the stadium. The Rowan Owl statue and the Edelman Planetarium are two interesting places close to the field to visit before or after the game. Final Thoughts Rowan University plays a high level of softball, and the NJAC opponents are skilled, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Courtesy of LHM Company Utah is on the brink of a significant transformation in its sports landscape, marked by numerous prestigious events and franchises that signal the state’s evolution into a major sports hub. The 2034 Winter Olympics  and the 2027 NHL Winter Classic  have already been secured, establishing a framework for a burgeoning sports culture. As these ambitious plans unfold, Utah is now eyeing a MLB expansion franchise and a new NHL Mammoths  team to go along with the NBA Utah Jazz  and MLS Real Salt Lake , creating an exciting synergy between various sports that could reshape the region's identity. A Historic Sports Renaissance The arrival of an NHL team and the potential for MLB expansion come at a time when the once NBA-centric market, dominated by the Utah Jazz, has widened its sporting horizons. This pivot marks the beginning of what many are calling America's next sports boomtown. Salt Lake City's transformation into a comprehensive Mountain West sports hub has not occurred by chance; it is the result of deliberate and sustained efforts dating back to the 2002 Winter Olympics. The Role of Government Initiatives The government has played a pivotal role in this evolution, investing in infrastructure and promoting sports as an economic engine for the state. This proactive approach has fueled a crescendo of planning, paving the way for major sporting events and franchises. Local authorities understand that bringing in high-profile events like the Winter Olympics not only showcases the state's winter sports capabilities but also boosts tourism, enhances the local economy, and revitalizes community spirit. A Balanced Sports Ecosystem As discussions about the NHL and MLB gain momentum, the return of the Winter Olympics stands as a testament to Utah's capacity for hosting large-scale events. Plans for new sports venues, upgrades to existing facilities, and the development of related infrastructure underscore the government's commitment to support this evolving sports landscape. With the arrival of an NHL franchise, Salt Lake City is not only enhancing its own sports portfolio but also drawing attention from major athletic organizations across the country. The potential MLB expansion project adds another layer of excitement, positioning the city as a viable contender for America's baseball enthusiasts. Courtesy of the LHM Company The Salt Lake Valley Transformation A cacophony of construction sounds resonates throughout the Salt Lake Valley, signaling ongoing developments that will facilitate this sports revolution. From upgraded arenas to new hotels and transport links, the investment in infrastructure reflects a holistic approach to making Salt Lake City a year-round sporting destination. Major League Baseball Prospects Proposed Stadium Development: Utah legislators have authorized up to $900 million for the construction of a stadium that would potentially host a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. This stadium is part of the Larry H. Miller Company's broader $3.5 billion mixed-use development known as the Power District. Strategic Positioning: The proposed site is strategically located between Salt Lake City International Airport and downtown, bordered by key highways and light rail, making it accessible for fans. Community Impact: The plan envisions not just a baseball stadium but also a mixed-use development that includes residential options, commercial space, and entertainment venues along the Jordan River, enhancing the community's recreational opportunities. Sports and Entertainment District Revamping Delta Center: The Salt Lake City Council recently approved a project that involves improvements to the Delta Center—home to the NBA’s Utah Jazz. This includes renovations aimed at maintaining NHL standards, as well as enhancements to the surrounding urban area. Funding Structure: The project will be funded through a 0.5% sales tax increase, expected to generate about $1.2 billion over 30 years, with up to $900 million earmarked specifically for renovations and developments associated with the Delta Center and its nearby areas. Broader Goals: Beyond modernizing the arena, the initiative aims to revitalize the community by improving public spaces and promoting local art and culture, while ensuring both the Jazz and a newly acquired NHL team remain in downtown Salt Lake City for the next 30 years. Courtesy of the LHM Company Salt Lake City's plans for a $900 million sports district reflect a significant commitment to enhance its sports and entertainment landscape, positioning itself as a competitive candidate for a Major League Baseball team while also investing in community development and urban renewal. The successful execution of these projects is expected to boost the local economy and community engagement comprehensively. The Future of Sports in Utah As the government continues to support and promote this ambitious vision, the groundwork laid over the past two decades is finally bearing fruit. Utah's aspirations to become a sports powerhouse are within reach, with the potential to host not only the 2027 Winter Classic and 2034 Winter Olympics but also to welcome new franchises in both the NHL and MLB. Will the NFL be next? The careful strategizing, community engagement, and investment in infrastructure all point to a promising future for Utah—a state eager to embrace its identity as a dynamic hub of sports and recreation.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Washington Wizards website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20,282 G-Wiz, It’s Basketball in DC Capital One Arena opened in 1997 as the home of the Washington Wizards, replacing the aging Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. However, the Wizards have thus far been unable to match the rise in popularity experienced by their co-tenant, the Washington Capitals . In addition to hosting these two teams, Capital One Arena plays host to Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball. Capital One Arena is currently undergoing a massive $800 million renovation that is set to be completed in 2027. This will include major upgrades to both the interior and exterior of the arena. Food & Beverage 4 Capital One Arena has plenty of food and beverage offerings that are sure to satisfy any fan, and recently they have added some unique options as well. Main course options include Papa John’s pizza, cheeseburgers, and chicken tenders, and the last two come with fries. Other options include Italian sausage, hot dogs, and Chick-fil-A. In the past few years, arena ownership has added even more options beyond the standard ones, including tacos and donuts. Rita's Italian ice and frozen custard are available for fans with a sweet tooth. Snacks include popcorn and hot pretzels. Thirsty fans can buy bottled water or soda, all Pepsi products. Beer and other alcohol are also available to fans of age. The one bad part is that prices are expensive, as a meal and non-alcoholic beverage will easily cost over $20 and possibly over $30, and alcohol is extremely pricey as well. Atmosphere 3 Capital One Arena’s main entrance is located on F Street NW in DC between 6th and 7th Streets, although there are several other entrances around the arena. Regardless of where you enter, you will be on the lower level, so fans sitting elsewhere will need to use stairs, an escalator, or an elevator. The 100 and 400 levels are traditional seats for the most part, while the 200 level is the club level and the 300 level is all luxury suites. All seats have a good view of the court, but the legroom and seat width get smaller and smaller the further up you go. There is a scoreboard above center court which also shows video and player stats, as well as smaller boards in the corners. The Wizards do a decent job of keeping the fans engaged, with contests, cheerleaders, and a dance team, but oftentimes it seems like this distracts from the game itself. When the opposing team gets an easy rebound and uncontested layup off a missed free throw, and the crowd is going wild because they just won free chicken sandwiches, that’s not a good look. There is a mascot named G-Wiz who is a blue creature of some sort, but he mostly stays in the corner and only comes out occasionally. One unique tradition is what happens after Wizards three pointers. The PA announcer will announce a "DC THREE" by whoever made the basket. Some fans find this enjoyable while others find it quite annoying by the end of the game. Neighborhood 4 Capital One Arena is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of DC, though the area has gentrified significantly since the arena was built. The Greene Turtle is a popular sports bar located right around the corner. while the Gallery Place shopping mall is also right around the corner and includes numerous stores and a movie theater. Unfortunately, a lot of other businesses in the area have closed in recent years, between COVID and rising crime in the area. The neighborhood is still pretty safe despite public perception to the contrary, but you are in a major city so be aware of your surroundings. Your best entertainment options will involve traveling a bit away from the arena, but not far. That’s because you’re in DC, the nation’s capital, and there’s a lot to do. The best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s checking out the many memorials and monuments on and around the National Mall, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply taking in the historic sights, there’s something for everyone here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some private ones are not. Keep in mind, however, that if you wish to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 2 At any given Wizards game, there will be thousands of empty seats, in stark contrast to what you’d get at a Capitals game at the same arena. Attendance has been on the decline for several years, in large part because the Wizards aren’t that good. Although officially the Wizards average between 16,000 and 17,000 fans per game, in terms of actual attendance it’s significantly less. A lot of tickets get put on the secondary market and not sold, or the ticket holders choose not to show up for other reasons. Those who do show up frequently arrive late or leave early, and most of them don’t get too involved in the game. There are moments where they can get loud, but it’s mostly when they have a chance to win free Chick-fil-A if the opposing player misses two “Fowl Shots” or for other similar promotions. The Wizards have a nice arena, and it’s disappointing that the fans don’t turn out in larger numbers. Access 4 Capital One Arena is located just steps from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. While this may seem like an amazing thing, the unfortunate reality is that Metro is difficult at the best of times and unusable at the worst. The last few years have seen numerous construction projects shut down several stations for weeks or even months at a time. Even if one of these isn’t ongoing, there is track work almost every weekend that increases headways on many lines and often closes several additional stations. The result is that there could be 24 minutes or more between trains, and that’s assuming everything functions properly, which it frequently doesn’t. The good news is that even people coming from outside the immediate DC area can take the Metro by parking at one of the suburban stations. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for parking with the same SmarTrip card you paid your fare with or you will be subject to a much higher rate at certain stations. If you don’t want to chance it with Metro, you can drive to the game. Ample garage parking is available but is costly. The exact cost varies by the day and based on availability, but expect to pay at least $20 and probably much more. You can also take a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. Once you’re in the arena, the concourses are wide enough to allow for easy navigation. There can be long lines at concessions or restrooms during halftime, but if you leave as soon as the half ends, you should be back in your seat by the time the game resumes. Due to the construction and renovations to the arena, there are posted detours for both pedestrians and vehicles nearby. This should not impact you too much at the moment, but be sure to allot extra time to get to the game and follow all posted signs and directions. Return on Investment 3 The Wizards use a variable pricing format where the exact price you pay will depend on the opponent. Prices will generally start at between $20 and $25 depending on the opponent and go up to around $200 or more for lower level seats. However, you can often buy resale tickets for much less, especially for weeknight games and games against lesser opponents. Unfortunately, tickets are sold through Ticketmaster so you can expect massive fees tacked on. When you throw in the expensive concessions, attending a Wizards game can be deceptively expensive. Extras 2 Be sure to check out the rafters as well, for retired numbers and the 1978 championship banner. One final star for the player introductions, an impressive display with spotlights in team colors and projected writing on the court. Final Thoughts Although the Wizards had high hopes when they moved downtown in 1997 into a shiny new arena, the experience has proven to be less than promised. Although a Wizards game is more affordable than it would be to see the Capitals at the same arena, you ultimately get what you pay for. The atmosphere in the arena is pretty dead and it is an average NBA arena at best.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 A.C. Jordan Arena 14000 Jericho Park Rd Bowie, MD 20715 Bowie State Bulldogs website A.C. Jordan Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,200 Bulldogs In Bowie Bowie State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bowie State is Maryland’s oldest historically black university and one of the ten oldest in the country, opening in 1865. In 1963, Bowie State College was officially named and in 1988 became a university. It is now a member of the University System of Maryland. The school has 22 undergraduate majors, 19 master’s programs, and two doctoral programs. A few members of the singing family, the Braxtons, have attended Bowie State. Christa McAuliffe, one of the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, got a Master’s degree at Bowie. The sports team at Bowie is called the Bulldogs. They compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, at the NCAA Division II level. The A.C. Jordan Arena is a part of the larger Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex and has a stated capacity of 2,200 although not all the seats seem to ever be in use. Food & Beverage 2 There is a simple food stand but I was fairly impressed. One would have had no problem grabbing a hot dog, nachos, or another snack at this well-stocked stand. Atmosphere 3 The arena seems like a small version of the Towson Center, the former home of the Towson University athletics program. There are many architectural similarities, with the exterior entrance and other interior features being identical. With both being opened in the 1970s, there must have been some state contracts in play here. There is an external box office in front of the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex to buy tickets. The venue holds 2,200 but it looks like only one side of seating is being used. Not sure if this has always been the case, or if it is a holdover from Covid. You will enter the arena at court level and proceed to your seats by way of the endlines. On both sides, there are lower and upper sections of seats, with the upper deck having a slightly obstructed view of the sidelines of the basketball court. The PA announcer was very hard to make out and the sound could often be distorted. There was a cheer/dance squad to enhance the atmosphere. There is no overhanging scoreboard, but there are video boards on both ends of the arena. They do not display much in terms of info, with both showing the video of active game action rather than stats. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing too exciting about the residential Bowie neighborhood near the university. Not too far away is a major highway (US Route 301) and is near many shopping centers and fast-food restaurants. Baltimore is 30 miles away, DC 18 miles away, and Annapolis 15 miles away, so you should not be limited by the uninspiring suburban choices right near the school. Poncho n’ Pepe’s Cantina in Crofton doesn’t have the most exciting food selection, but is a colorful restaurant with many foods and drink specials for pre and post-game gatherings. Rip’s Country Inn is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality good food, this is a great option. Comfort Inn on Crain Highway is a decent hotel option. Fans 3 Bowie has a decent number of resident students, but there is also a good commuter student base, so the attendance from students may differ from game to game. The fans who attend seem to do a good job of providing a good atmosphere for the teams. Access 3 Access is good at Bowie State. Sitting near 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. Parking is close to the complex, although if classes are in session you may have to walk further away. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are not too bad starting at around $20. The Division II caliber of play makes this an okay value. . Extras 2 There are a couple of nice display cases in the lobby displaying past successes of various Bowie State athletic programs. Many banners are hanging from the roof of the A.C. Jordan Arena that continues the display of athletic success. It is nice to see the many bowing banners, as that is one of Bowie State’s most successful teams. Final Thoughts The arena here at Bowie State University is not fancy, but the good level of Division II basketball put on display here at this nice venue is worth the small price of admission.

Courtesy of NYCFC New York City FC  (NYCFC) is entering a transformative phase as it prepares for its new home, Etihad Park, set to enhance both the club and the Major League Soccer  (MLS) landscape starting in the summer of 2027. This stadium, which will seat approximately 25,000 fans, is strategically located adjacent to Citi Field  in Queens and represents a new era for the club, aligning its operations with upcoming major events like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics . Key Changes to the MLS Schedule and NYCFC's Transition The 2027-2028 MLS season marks a significant shift in the league's calendar. Starting in 2027, MLS will transition to a summer-to-spring schedule to sync with international leagues. This means the upcoming season will feature a 14-game transition period from February to May 2027, before the full new schedule begins. During this short transition season, NYCFC will continue to host their home games at Yankee Stadium  and Citi Field, following years of doubleheaders in these venues since the club's inception in 2015. CEO Brad Sims expressed anticipation for the new chapter, emphasizing the importance of allowing fans a full season to experience Etihad Park. The aim is to open the stadium at the start of the regular season in summer 2027, allowing for full fan engagement and celebration of the move. Olympic and World Cup Implications Notably, Etihad Park has earned recognition as a host venue for the 2028 Olympic soccer tournaments . This will mark the first Olympic events held in New York City, and Sims stated that it would not be appropriate to host Olympic soccer anywhere else in the city without it being in their new facility. Additionally, the stadium has been included in the bid package for the 2031 Women’s World Cup , further establishing NYCFC as a prominent player in the international soccer landscape. The club aims to host high-profile soccer events long after the Olympics conclude, solidifying its status within the global soccer community. Shortened Season and Final Matches Ahead of New Stadium Opening NYCFC has been designated to play its shortest season yet, featuring home matches solely split between Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, leading into the 2027-28 MLS season . This strategic decision is made to celebrate the final matches at these iconic venues while constructing the atmosphere needed for the inaugural matches at Etihad Park. As the club prepares for this transition, it will host test events to ensure everything is ready for the stadium's grand opening. This careful planning will culminate in an opening that reflects the significance of the occasion for both the club and its supporters. Courtesy of NYCFC As NYCFC gears up for the future, the anticipated opening of Etihad Park heralds a new era alongside major events like the Olympic soccer tournament and potential Women’s World Cup 2031 matches. The club's efforts to provide its fans with a dedicated soccer-specific venue exemplify a significant evolution for Major League Soccer as it transitions into a globally recognized league. With these developments, both NYCFC and MLS are positioned to elevate their status in the world of soccer substantially.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Joe Cannon Stadium 7611 Ridge Chapel Rd Hanover, MD 21076 Notre Dame Maryland Gators website Joe Cannon Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 1,500 One Of The Gators Homes Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1873. It is right next door to the “Evergreen” campus of Loyola University Maryland (which shares a library facility). It was formerly an all-women’s college, but that ended in 2023 as it is now co-ed. The university has over 3000 students. The original name of the school was the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute. It also spent many years with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland name. In 2011, the school attained university status with the addition of several graduate-level programs. Notre Dame’s athletic teams are members of Division III of the NCAA. All sports but swimming compete within the United East Conference. Although the swim team does not compete within a conference, it participates in the yearly Old Dominion Athletic Conference swim championships. The university’s sports teams are known as the Gators. The baseball team is very new to collegiate competition. Joe Cannon Stadium is one of three home bases for the team at this time. They also play home games at Harford Community College and the Ripken Experience in Aberdeen, both in Harford County, Maryland. When Joe Cannon Stadium was opened in 1990, the area was not very developed. Since then, this area has been the center of rapid growth and development. The large Arundel Mills Mall and Maryland Live Casino are nearly across the street from the stadium. BWI Airport is also located nearby, and the sight of airplanes taking off is not uncommon. Joe Cannon Stadium is also home to the Coppin State baseball program. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options available for a Gators baseball game. A concession stand exists at Joe Cannon Stadium but is not used during Notre Dame Maryland games.  No soda nor snack machines are located here either. Atmosphere 2 The seating section sits pretty high off of the field, which limits fan participation. And that is if there are fans at the game. The atmosphere is almost non-existent, although a PA announcer does keep you into the game with announcements and music played between players. The seats are metal bleachers with no backing. It may be worth it to go all the way to the top of the stands so that you will have a better view of your seat, but you will be a bit further from the action. Many of the fans do not even sit in the stands, but bring their own chair to sit along the chain link fence along the foul lines. This may offer a bit more interesting view than in the main grandstand. The stadium did have a recent renovation that added an artificial turf field and other player amenities. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located back in the woods, but is across from a thriving development. Arundel Mills Mall is very popular, so much so that parking can be difficult at times. The addition of the Maryland Live Casino adds to the popularity of the area. Luckily, the casino has added a large parking garage to alleviate some parking problems. Food options are varied. The closest options are within walking distance across parking lots. Subway and The Greene Turtle are close and offer options for both carry-out and eat-in. The Greene Turtle has a diverse menu, offering more intriguing options, including everything from Raspberry Turkey Flatbread to a more usual bar food menu. They also offer many happy hour foods and drink specials at the bar. There are so many other food options in the area, from standard fast food fare to upscale restaurants at the casino. There are a few hotels also in the area, with ALoft and Element located within walking distance of Joe Cannon Stadium. Fans 2 The fans at the stadium are clearly family and friends only. I would doubt there are ever many student fans in attendance unless they know someone playing. The stadium is too far removed from their campus. Access 3 Joe Cannon Stadium is near most of the large highways in the area, such as I-295, I-95, and Maryland Route 100. So access is technically very good. The abundance of highways does not tell the whole story. The traffic around Arundel Mills Mall can be stifling. You can expect to sit through many lights just to make simple and small turns. Weekend games will be worse than weekday games. Plan your trips accordingly, as you may need to be patient for the simplest of rides. Parking at the stadium is plentiful and free. Return on Investment 4 Games are free to attend, and there are no other costs associated with the stadium, so the value for the fans is very good. If a good local team is in town, or one of the powerhouse programs is playing, fans will be rewarded with some good baseball skills with very little investment. Extras 1 The large water tower located beyond the left field wall is an interesting sight to see at a baseball game. It may not be the Green Monster or the Camden Yards Warehouse, but it gives fans at Joe Cannon Stadium an interesting view. Final Thoughts The stadium is an enjoyable place to watch a game, especially for being free. You will not be wowed by the field, nor probably the talent level, but it can offer a good option away from the crowded shopping environment located nearby. A good option for many fans is to drop those of their party who wish to shop at the mall while others take in a game.

Photo Courtesy of Gophersports.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Siebert Field 516 15th Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 Minnesota Golden Gophers website Siebert Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,420 Golden Gopher Baseball at Siebert Field Tucked behind the football team's practice facility, with a view of TCF Bank Stadium off in the distance from right field, sits Siebert Field. The home of the Golden Gopher baseball team isn't the most salient athletic facility at the University of Minnesota, but it is definitely worth a visit. Reconstructed in 2012, Siebert features an artificial turf field, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, and plenty of seating, including grassy hills to watch the game. It is a wonderful experience for baseball fans, perfect for an afternoon out with family or friends without the hectic crowds of a big-time football game. In short, Minnesota Gopher baseball may be the most overlooked sporting event in the Twin Cities. Food & Beverage 3 There is nothing too special about the food offered at Siebert Field. Soda, hot dogs, and hamburgers are offered for economical prices. There is only a single stand, but there is never a line, so you can feel free to meander over there and grab some food whenever you feel hungry. The lack of offerings is hardly a problem, however, as most games are played at 3:00 pm, in between meals. There are also plenty of other places to grab lunch or dinner in nearby Dinkytown or downtown Minneapolis. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot of off-campus housing behind the field, which gives students the ability to get home in time to finish studying or socialize immediately after the game. And because the other athletic facilities are nearby, athletes from various sports will drop by before or after practice to support their fellow Gophers. With the mix of students and families, there is a great age range in the fan base, making it comfortable for just about anyone to fit in among the crowd. The scoreboard at Siebert Field offers a couple of clean, interesting graphics in right field as well as videos of staff members interviewing players on the team. It is a clear scoreboard that can easily be seen anywhere in the park. All the action is up close and personal. It is a great way to introduce someone to the game because they are not forced to squint to differentiate between a slider and a curveball, and you can catch the interactions between the players and coaches. Neighborhood 3 For college students, the neighborhood is great. Dinkytown has plenty of places that college students love to eat at: McDonald's, Jimmy John's, Cane's Chicken, as well as bars and house parties to attend after the game. Unfortunately, for people who have already graduated, you have to get back on the freeway again and head downtown to get away from the college scene. College students almost exclusively occupy the two closest bars, The Library and Blarney's, as well as many of the nearby restaurants. Although it is not located in a "college town" like Madison or Columbus, the U of M does a good job of giving Dinkytown a "college feel." While it may be charming to some people, others may be turned off because you have to drive a way to find somewhere to eat or drink after the game. If you want a more formal meal in Minneapolis, the Keys Cafe in the Foshay Tower is centrally located and offers a good meal. For Italian, go to Pizza Luce, which is universally known as the best pizza in town. It's also worth checking out plays at the Guthrie or Orpheum Theatres, a standup routine at the Acme Comedy Club, or listening to some live music at the First Avenue Club. For a more lively bar scene, Sneaky Pete's is a must-see. Brothers or Bar 508, located right next door, will be more appealing if you want to sit down and relax. There is plenty of lodging off the 11th Street exit from Highway 94, with the Hilton being an economic option and the Marquette as probably the best value. Fans 4 There is nowhere to watch the game in the outfield, but fans pack the hills on either side of the diamond and the seats behind home plate. For the most part, people talk among themselves for most of the game, occasionally stopping to cheer on a specific player. This is not to say that they are not engaged. During pivotal plays in the game, people get loud or express disappointment depending on what happens, but it is certainly more subdued throughout the game than it is at a professional contest. Depending on what you are looking for, this can be positive or negative. A professional contest has more displays to keep fans vocal through all nine innings, but the collegiate game is a relaxing way to spend a lazy afternoon. Access 3 Getting to the athletic facilities, which are all pretty much located in the same area, is not difficult. The University of Minnesota is located right off of 35W, the main freeway that runs north to south, and the entire campus is well marked. Unfortunately, actually finding Siebert Field can be difficult. It is not recognized on Google Maps and has two addresses on many places online. The address I used was 516 15th Ave. SE and it brought me to the right location, but the field is tucked behind the practice facility. The best way to find it is to look for the foul pole, which isn't that hard to see, but can be passed over if you're not looking for it. The streets in Dinkytown occasionally run one way, so you'll have to take one route in and another one out, but the main streets run parallel to each other, and it's not hard to find the freeway on your way out. You do have to park along a dirt road on the side of the stadium, however, and may want to park a ways away to avoid having your sunroof shattered by a foul ball. The walk isn't that difficult, and parking is free, but it can be difficult to find the first time around. Also of note: Do not park by the apartment buildings. This can be tempting, because there are often open spots on the weekends, but you will get towed. Return on Investment 5 As long as you don't eat at the game, it's a pretty cheap ordeal all around. Tickets are about $5, parking is free, and games usually do not interfere with mealtime. (There is a Dugout Club for people who want to support the university; the largest package goes for $1000, the smallest is $8.00, and you get your own seating area and barbecue.) In general, because prices are so low and the quality of baseball, along with the experience, is pretty good, going to a Gopher baseball game is quite a bargain. Extras 3 There are not a lot of bells and whistles to be found at Siebert Field, but three things stand out to me that make the experience unique. For starters, the scoreboard display is well done. The graphics are fun and unique, it provides vital stats on players and can be easily seen from all over the field. Some cameramen film various members of the crowd, which creates an interesting dynamic in such an intimate atmosphere. Secondly, Goldie the Gopher runs around, interacting with children. And the kids absolutely go nuts. In fact, I overheard one profess his love for the furry forest critter. That, in and of itself, was worth going to the game for. Finally, there are places to view the game from the roof of the nearby apartments. No, it's not Wrigley, but it is still fun to see that people in the surrounding area are so engaged by the action on the field that they're willing to scramble up a set of stairs to see the game from a long distance. Final Thoughts It's a little out of the way, a little quiet at times, and a little less crowded than the average sporting event, but that's the joy of Gopher baseball. You can go and just watch the game. There are a few distractions, the cost is pretty cheap, and the quality of the players is pretty high. It's a nice little getaway right in the middle of everything, which is probably what makes it so special.

Photo By Steven Kee There was once a distinct weight to anticipation. It lived in your wallet for weeks, a stiff piece of cardstock with a glossy finish, perhaps a holographic strip, and the date of a game printed in bold, industrial ink. Today, that weight has vanished. The ritual of "holding your tickets" has been replaced by a frantic thumb-swipe to refresh a QR code in a stadium parking lot. While digital ticketing offers undeniable convenience, we’ve traded a tangible piece of history for a temporary pixel on a screen. The Ticket Stub as a Time Machine For decades, ticket stubs were the physical receipts of our lives. They weren’t just entry passes; they were artifacts. The Sensory Experience:  The "snap" of the cardstock, the perforated edge being torn by a ticket taker, and the act of tucking it safely away. The Memory Anchor:  Years later, finding a 1998 playoff stub in a shoebox doesn’t just remind you of the score; it brings back the smell of the stadium popcorn and the person you sat next to. The Aesthetic:  Every team had a brand. The fonts, the colors, and the player photography on the ticket were part of the event's visual identity. The Collection:  Stubs displayed in a scrapbook, in a shoebox, or even in a frame. From Pocket Schedules to Search Bars It wasn't just the tickets. The magnetic fridge schedule and the foldable pocket calendar were staples of fandom. The Fridge Shrine:  The magnetic schedule was a seasonal centerpiece in homes, a constant visual reminder of "who we play next." With past years and teams still hanging on to the fridge to remind us of good times. The Utility:  You didn't "look up" the game time; you knew it because the schedule was a physical fixture in your environment. However, if you couldn’t remember, you had a pocket schedule that usually wound up in your wallet. “A wallet in your pocket? What’s that?” In the digital age, information is "pull" rather than "push." We have to go looking for it. While we have more data at our fingertips than ever, we’ve lost the passive, constant connection that a physical schedule provides to the rhythm of a season. The Rise of the "NFT" and "Souvenir Print" Recognizing this loss, some teams have begun offering "Commemorative Tickets" for an extra fee—a tacit admission that a QR code is a poor substitute for a memory. Others are turning to NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) to create "digital stubs," but for many fans, a blockchain entry doesn't carry the same soul as a piece of paper with a crease down the middle. Memories on a Shelf Gone to the Cloud The era of hefty, ink-scented sports media guides and yearbooks is rapidly fading as organizations pivot toward a fully digital landscape. Once indispensable staples for journalists and fans, these printed volumes are being replaced by dynamic, real-time platforms that offer immediate updates on roster changes and statistics, data that previously became obsolete the moment a player was injured or traded.  Beyond the sheer speed of information, the transition is driven by significant cost savings on printing and distribution, as well as the ability to embed interactive multimedia as highlight reels and social media feeds directly into the content. While some collectors still value the tactile nostalgia of a physical book, most college and professional programs have embraced digital-first strategies to meet the demands of a smartphone-reliant audience and reduce their environmental footprint by allowing it all to be stored in the cloud. Leagues & Teams are Getting Rid of it All The shift toward a paperless fan experience is nearly universal across major leagues, with the NFL leading the way by mandating fully digital ticketing for all 32 teams to enhance security and fan communication.  In college athletics, major programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin have eliminated printed media guides and yearbooks, a move that saves tens of thousands of dollars annually while transitioning to interactive digital publications.  Similarly, the MLB replaced its long-standing "Green" and "Red" books with digital alternatives, and teams like the Miami Heat and San Francisco Giants have largely phased out physical stubs and schedules in favor of mobile-app integration.  Even iconic sports magazines have followed suit; for instance, The Sporting News ended its century-long print run to become a digital-only entity. While some teams, like the Buffalo Bills, still offer souvenir tickets for collectors, the functional "pocket" version of schedules and guides has effectively been consigned to history. Why It Matters The move to digital is driven by efficiency, data collection, and the elimination of fraud. These are logical, corporate wins. However, sports are fundamentally illogical and emotional. We care about the "stuff" because we care about the moments. When we lose the ticket stub, we lose the "I was there" evidence that we can hold in our hands. We are moving toward a world where our greatest memories live exclusively in the cloud—convenient to access, but impossible to touch.

Courtesy of the NLBM.com The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum  (NLBM), located in Kansas City , Missouri, is a vital institution dedicated to preserving the rich history of African American baseball. Recently, the museum has announced an extensive $53 million expansion, marking a significant milestone in honoring this incredible legacy. Historical Significance and Neighborhood Revival Established in 1990, the NLBM has played a crucial role not just in educating the public about the Negro Leagues but also in revitalizing the historic 18th and Vine District, which has deep cultural roots tied to African American history. This area was the site where the Negro National League was founded in 1920, and the new expansion will connect the museum to the Paseo YMCA , the very birthplace of the league. Postcard Circa 1920, of the then-called “Colored Y.M.C.A” In February 1920, team owners led by Andrew “Rube” Foster met at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City to establish the Negro National League, the first successful professional league for Black baseball players, chosen for its vibrant Black community and the YMCA's role as a haven for leadership and empowerment. The Negro Leagues opened doors for Black athletes barred from Major League Baseball due to segregation, showcasing exceptional talent and innovative play while laying the groundwork for baseball's eventual integration. Among the league's legendary teams, the Kansas City Monarchs emerged as a powerhouse, producing some of the greatest players in baseball history. The expansion aims to create a new museum facility alongside a hotel, making it likely the first majority Black-owned hotel in Kansas City since the historic Street Hotel closed in 1960. This initiative is part of a larger effort to rejuvenate the neighborhood, including new housing developments and the renovation of historical sites like the Boone Theater. Features of the Expansion The planned expansion includes 30,000 square feet of new space, which will allow for additional exhibitions and educational programming. Notably, the museum's president, Bob Kendrick, emphasized the importance of this project in not only honoring the players who shaped baseball but also in strengthening the community economically. Specific features of the expansion include: Increased exhibition space for showcasing the achievements of Negro League players. The Buck O'Neil Education and Research Center is designed to enhance educational initiatives. A hotel named "The Pennant," in homage to the Kansas City Monarchs, highlights the connection between the past and the present. This development represents a profound community investment and aligns with efforts to re-establish the cultural identity of Kansas City. Kendrick remarked, “This museum is doing for this area what Negro League Baseball did for many urban communities across the country.” Community Involvement and Funding In conjunction with its expansion efforts, the NLBM has initiated a $35 million capital campaign to secure the necessary funds. Local leaders and residents are encouraged to participate, helping to foster a sense of communal ownership and responsibility for the project's success. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas reiterated the importance of these developments, linking them to a broader narrative of investment in Black communities across America. "We are the ship that is investing and truly rebuilding our Black communities in Kansas City and around the world," he stated during the announcement. Future Outlook The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum expansion not only aims to honor the significant contributions of African American athletes but also seeks to breathe new life into the 18th and Vine District. As the area evolves and revitalizes, the museum stands at the forefront, ensuring the legacy of the Negro Leagues remains alive for future generations. The project’s completion will enhance both educational opportunities and tourism, ultimately shaping a prosperous future for the community and its historical narrative. The NLBM’s expansion serves as a testament to the enduring impact of the Negro Leagues, celebrating a critical chapter in American history while paving the way for continued growth. This expansion is more than an architectural project; it is a movement to reclaim and celebrate the culture of African American baseball within the context of the broader narrative of racial equity and social justice in America. As the museum transitions into a new chapter, it invites both the community and visitors to partake in honoring a legacy that changed baseball and, by extension, American society.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 John B. Schuerholz Park 7500 Osler Dr Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website John B. Schuerholz Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 500 Towson Tigers at Schuerholz Park 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 students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. In 2014, the Towson football team played for the 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. 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. Baseball has had some success over the years. But recently it has come close to being axed by the university. Only some last-minute donations and an agreement with the state kept the program alive. John B. Schuerholz Park is named after the 1962 graduate of what was then Towson State College. You may know the Baltimore native more as the former General Manager and President of the Atlanta Braves. Food & Beverage 2 There is a simple concession stand located at the base of Schuerholz Park. The menu is not very deep, but the value is decent. Fans can always bring their outside food as no one will stop them. For many weekday games the stand will not be open. Atmosphere 3 Baseball was played on this site before 2001. But the creation of Schuerholz Park made it official. The simple bleacher-laden grandstand extends between the dugouts, and behind the home plate area. Many fans also like to sit on the hill next to nearby Burdick Hall. You have a great view of the field from there and will not be obstructed by netting. There is also another unique place to watch a game. Towson University has beefed up the walking path towards the West Village part of the campus. West Village is where many residence halls exist, so there has been a need to make this path safer, including a wide footbridge across busy Osler Drive. The eastern end of this bridge sits right next to Schuerholz Park and it offers a raised platform to watch baseball games. There is a PA system and announcements and music are played. Free roster sheets are given out at the stadium. Former Orioles player Billy Hunter was at one time the Tiger's head coach and brought many game-day traditions over from the Baltimore club, so expect to experience some recognizable themes and music at the game. The stadium also sits right at the corner of Towsontown Boulevard and Osler Drive. The main view past the outfield wall is the traffic at that intersection. Luckily the general view is not all that unattractive as there are plenty of green trees there as well. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing right by the stadium, except for the University Union. Towson is a semi-urban environment with a large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. 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. Fans 2 Fans at Schuerholz Park tend to primarily be family or friends of the players. What this means is that weekend and later afternoon games will be busier than early afternoon weekday games. In weekday games you will more likely get students stopping in and watching a game on their way to class or back to the dorm. It also means you will see an inconsistent level of fan interaction. The fans who do attend care about the game and are very knowledgeable. 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 Towsontown Boulevard location of the baseball field. There are a couple of large parking garages nearby, with the Union Garage right behind the stadium. Parking is plentiful, but expect an issue on weekday games. Return on Investment 4 The price, free, is certainly reasonable. And you will probably not have to pay for parking. So, the value is certainly good. The team plays Division I baseball in a very strong athletic conference (Coastal Athletic Association or CAA) so there is an opportunity to see some very strong baseball talent at a low cost. Extras 2 There are free programs at the stadium. There are no other extras at the stadium, but one should walk around the campus of Towson University and see the ever-growing campus. Just don’t forget the older parts of campus, especially the hidden outdoor gem called the Glen. Once hidden after many years of neglect, this wonderful outdoor area has picnic groves and interesting spaces for exploration. Final Thoughts John B. Schuerholz Park is a pretty simple baseball stadium. But the low cost of attendance at a game with a good level of talent means that this baseball stadium is a good value for the fan.

Courtesy of FIFA The world of sports mascots in 2026 has moved far beyond simple plush costumes, evolving into a sophisticated intersection of cultural representation, digital gaming, and high-tech biomimicry. From the global stage of the FIFA World Cup to the winter slopes of Milan-Cortina, mascots are now "Gen Z" icons and playable digital heroes. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Trio For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup features a trio of mascots to represent its three host nations. Unveiled in September 2025, these characters are designed with a vibrant 3D animation style: Clutch the Bald Eagle (USA):  A midfielder wearing the U.S. blue away kit, symbolized by the official national bird. The bald eagle has been at the center of the Great Seal since 1782. An act of Congress, signed by President Joe Biden in 2024, made the bald eagle the official national bird. Maple the Moose (Canada):  A goalkeeper in the red home kit, inspired by the national symbol and the country’s vast territories.   The mascot also draws inspiration from Canada’s maple leaf, which is the country’s national symbol. Zayu the Jaguar (Mexico):  A striker in the nation’s green home strip, drawing on ancient Mayan significance of strength and bravery.   Ancient civilizations of Mexico, such as the Maya, bestowed huge significance upon the jaguar, linking it to the underworld and symbolizing strength and bravery.  In a technological first, these mascots are central to a "licensed title video game" called FIFA Heroes , where they are playable characters alongside football legends. They also feature in FIFA Super League Soccer on Roblox to engage younger audiences. 2026 Winter Olympics: The "Gen Z" Mascots Courtesy of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) The 2026 Winter Games  in Milan-Cortina introduced Milo and Tina, a pair of sibling stoats (short-tailed weasels). Milo (Paralympic):  Represents the mountains and was born without a leg, using his tail for mobility. Tina (Olympic): Represents the big city and the Olympic spirit. The “FLO”:  All six of the Flo snowdrops are small in stature and inspired by Galanthus flowers. They’re all anthropomorphic and stylized as humanoid creatures. The mascots were professionally drawn based on an open contest that invited primary and secondary school students in Italy to submit ideas for the mascots. Organizers have dubbed them the "first openly Gen Z mascots," reflecting a shift toward more relatable, spirited personalities. Beyond their cuteness, they have inspired "biomimicry" research in soft robotics and adaptive materials, mimicking the stoat's ability to change its coat color from brown to white for winter. From Child Drawing to Digital Controversy: Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Mascot Courtesy of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Ayo, the official mascot of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, is a vibrant young lion whose design originated from the imagination of 16-year-old Ndeye Mariama Diop. Selected from nearly 500 entries in a nationwide Senegalese competition, Diop’s original hand-drawn concept blends cultural heritage with a modern, youthful spirit.  The digitized version of the mascot features Ayo wearing a traditional Tingandé hat, a symbol of wisdom from the Fulani people, and carrying a djembe drum. While the name "Ayo"—meaning "joy" in Yoruba—was proposed by 18-year-old Ndeye Khady Cristal Coumbassa, it is Diop’s artistic vision that serves as the visual face of the first Olympic event to be held on African soil.  Although the official digitization of the drawing faced some online scrutiny regarding the use of AI in its final promotional rendering, the character remains a celebrated symbol of the "joyful and courageous soul" of African youth.   Social Trends and Cultural Evolution of the Mascot The mascot landscape is also reflecting broader societal shifts: Retirement of Native Imagery:  Organizations such as the  National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)  continue to successfully advocate for the retirement of unsanctioned Native-themed mascots at both the professional and K-12 levels. Economic Impact:  Top-tier professional mascots are now high-earning professionals, with tenured performers earning upward of $100,000 per year plus appearance bonuses. Fan Engagement Power:  Mascots like the Rocket City Trash Pandas Sprocket have become local icons, driving massive merchandise sales and competing for national titles like "Best Minor League Mascot" as of March 2026. For Gen Z, sports fandom is less about team loyalty and more about authentic storytelling, connecting with athletes' individual personalities and personal liv es through social-first, bite-sized content. In response, sports mascots have evolved from goofy sideline performers into digital-first influencers like Benny the Bull, using TikTok memes and high-fashion "drip" to build relatable, autonomous brands that resonate with both kids and adults.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Vibrant Arena at The MARK 1201 River Dr. Moline, IL 61265 Quad City Storm website Vibrant Arena at The MARK website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 12,000 Still, the Mark in the Quad City Vibrant Arena at The MARK, known previously as TaxSlayer Center, iWireless Center, and The MARK of Quad Cities, opened in May 1993 under the name Mark of the Quad Cities. Its current name went into effect in September of 2017 for $3.3 million for over ten years. The 9,200-seat facility is located in Moline, Illinois, and was constructed at $33.4 million. Since 2018, the arena has been home to the Quad City Storm of the SPHL after local ownership consisting of Ryan Mosley and John Dawson purchased a team in the league to replace the recently departed Quad City Mallards of the ECHL. The Storm kept hockey alive on the banks of the Mississippi River and hopes to bring back the success of its days as the original Mallards franchise. The original Mallards hockey club operated from 1995 to 2007 in the Colonial and Central Hockey Leagues, ceasing operations to make room for the Quad City Flames of the American Hockey League, who operated for two seasons before being relocated by the parent club to Abbotsford, British Columbia. With the Quad City suddenly vacant, the Mallards were reborn in the CHL in 2009. The new Mallards were saved from folding again in 2011 and operated in the league until being absorbed into the ECHL for the 2014-2015 season after the CHL ceased operations. In 2017, the club signed a multi-year affiliation with the NHL Vegas Golden Knights and its AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves, for the 2017–18 season. However, after the ownership reported that it lost $4 million in five years, the club ceased operations. The arena offers the perfect size for a minor league hockey arena, and the surrounding neighborhood provides enough activities for both families and weekend getaways with friends for a night of fun and excitement. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has an abundance of menu options, from pizza, spicy chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, hot dogs, and hamburgers. The potato bar at the Brewhouse Lounge & Patio offers tailor-made potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, or barbecue brisket for $6. The lounge is a nice place to hang out with large windows overlooking downtown and pints of Green Tree Brewery for $7.25. If you like the usual, enjoy domestic for $6.75, imports for $6.50, mixed drinks for $6, and Woodbridge wines for $7. Pepsi products are available throughout the arena. Atmosphere 3 The seating area is broken into two sections in a horseshoe shape configuration. The views are unobstructed due to the absence of a middle scoreboard hovering above the ice, and there is not a bad seat in the arena. The team has banners of previous championships won by the Mallards, along with the retired numbers of four former players. There is one large video screen at the end of the arena that posts scores, information, and other activities for the audience, similar to the setup at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. The concourse offers a stand with team merchandise and a 50/50 raffle adjacent to the stand. A larger team store is located downstairs inside the main lobby of the arena. The colors of teal and purple give the main concourse a 1990’s feel, but it is spacious, clean, and wraps around the entire building. The nightly promotions offer $1 beers on Wednesdays, $2 beers and hot dogs on Fridays, and $1 sodas and post-game skating on Sundays. There are also 19 promotional nights throughout the season, including Teddy Bear Toss, Vegas Trip Giveaway, Post-Game Fireworks, and Pucks and Paws Night. The team also employs the Mallards Bud Ice Girls, who perform during the night at intermission. Neighborhood 4 The arena is located in Moline, Illinois, which makes up 25% of the Quad Cities, with neighboring Rock Island down the street and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, across the Mississippi River. The distances between these four cities are relatively close, and all offer a little bit of everything to enjoy before or after the game. The John Deere Pavilion is across the street from the arena, offering interactive exhibits from the company’s history. The Rock Island Arsenal Museum has been in operation since 1862 and features an impressive amount of weaponry. The Jumer’s Casino and Isle Casino are two great ways to spend the night without the kids. There are also a few great places to eat within a few blocks of the arena, including Nico’s Hispanic Fusion, offering cuisine from various Latin American countries like mofongo, mondongo, and fried plantain sandwiches. Bent River Brewery has a fine selection of beers on tap: Mississippi Blonde, Jalapeno Pepper Ale, and seasonal favorites Sweet Potato Ale and Jingle Java Holiday Stout. Quad City is known for its style of pizza that is found at various locations, including Uncle Harris, Harris Pizza, and Pizza Shack. The style differs from varieties in Chicago and New York in that the dough is somewhat maltier and nuttier, and the pizza sauce is spicier. The pies are cut by large scissors into strips instead of slices to further add to their uniqueness. Fans 3 The Mallard fans have strong, loyal fans who have been with the team since its initial inception in 1995. There are plenty of younger fans out at the arena for a good time and cheering on goals and hits on the ice. Average attendance hovers above the 3,000 mark, and most weekend night games pack in the highest attendance figures. Access 4 The MARK sits along the Mississippi River and is easily accessible from I-80 and I-74; there are numerous parking lots adjacent to the arena that will run you no more than $5 a car. Once inside, there is plenty of room to roam around with concessions, restrooms, and exits marked inside the building. Mallards games do not necessarily draw capacity crowds, but a parking map can be useful just in case. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Mallards games start at $10 for upper-level seating, with $16, $20, $24, and $30 tickets rounding out the price points for each game. The closer you are to the ice, the higher you will pay for a ticket, and I would suggest thinking about the price that works best for you. The cost of parking is $5; you can also park on the street for free when applicable, and concession prices are affordable–loaded potatoes for $6 and craft beer for $6.75. Extras 3 An extra for the loaded baked potato, which seems to be popular in this part of the country. You do not usually find this type of cuisine at most sporting events, but Abby good way to fill you up during those cold winter nights at the old hockey game. Secondly, the downtown location along the Mississippi River provides fans easy access on foot to bars, hotels, restaurants, and the John Deere Pavilion. Whether you’re with family or friends, you should be able to entertain yourself while in the Quad Cities. Lastly, for dollar beers on Wednesday night. I have heard of Thirsty Thursdays, where dollar beers are the norm, but never on Wednesday night. I really cannot complain, since the beers are $2 on Friday nights.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field. and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last ten years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium, including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. It has also been the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium, but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats, and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on, but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere, as it is a JUCO-level lacrosse match. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air, and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students, which is surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 3 The match we attended was $5 for the general public and free for students and staff. While parking is free, it seems that even the small amount of $5 is more than it needs to be. There is little reason to charge other than get some work experience for the students working the gate. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa does help in making it more reasonable. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena , it is worth a visit, as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

The Women’s Sports Network (WSN)  and the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN)  are two significant platforms dedicated to broadcasting women's sports, emerging in a landscape that has historically marginalized and seen minimal coverage of female athletic events. Each network was founded with a unique vision and operational strategy, addressing the growing demand for visibility in women’s sports. WSN launched in November 2022, pioneered by industry leaders, including Carol Stiff, a longtime advocate for women’s sports and former VP at ESPN. Conversely, AWSN was co-founded by Whoopi Goldberg and George Chung in November 2024, with an aim to globally elevate women’s sports visibility. Contracted Leagues Both networks have formed partnerships with notable women's sports leagues: WSN has contracts with 12 professional leagues, including: WNBA ( Women’s National Basketball Association ) LPGA ( Ladies Professional Golf Association ) NWSL ( National Women’s Soccer League ) and others. AWSN boasts an impressive roster as well, covering leagues such as: UEFA ( Union of European Football Associations ) FIBA ( International Basketball Federation ) WFA ( Women’s Football Alliance ) WER ( Women’s Elite Rugby ) Athletes Unlimited, among others. Both networks aim to utilize their partnerships to broadcast live events and highlight athlete narratives, emphasizing the need for increased representation across platforms. Broadcasting Approaches WSN's Approach WSN operates as a 24-hour streaming service that focuses on the U.S. market, offering original programming alongside live broadcasts of women’s sports. Shows like “Game On” help engage audiences directly, supporting a growing culture around women's athletics. AWSN's Approach AWSN, in contrast, utilizes a free, advertising-supported streaming model primarily through Pluto TV, making it accessible in multiple countries including the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Its programming emphasizes robust international content, showcasing a wider array of sports, including unique features like Women’s European Cricket Championship and FIBA 3×3 basketball. Similarities and Differences Similarities Mission: Both networks aim to increase the visibility and recognition of female athletes, addressing historical inequities in sports broadcasting. Free Access: They focus on making content widely available; WSN through streaming services and AWSN through TV platforms like Pluto. Inclusive Content: Each network covers a multiplicity of sports, championing diversity in female athletics. Differences Founding Philosophy: WSN is driven by longstanding sports industry figures, while AWSN melds entertainment and sports by leveraging Whoopi Goldberg’s cultural influence. Content Production: WSN emphasizes original programming, while AWSN has a stronger focus on showcasing live events and global broadcasting partnerships. Geographic Focus: WSN primarily targets the U.S. market, whereas AWSN has a global approach that spans multiple continents and sports cultures. The Need for Two Networks The emergence of both WSN and AWSN reflects a growing demand for women's sports programming. As viewership for women’s events continues to rise, the need for dedicated platforms to cater to this audience has become essential. Historical data suggests that events like the 2023 Women’s World Cup and NCAA tournaments have drawn unprecedented viewership, underscoring the viability and demand for female-driven sports content. Availability and Access WSN can be accessed via major streaming platforms like Roku and Amazon Prime Video, while AWSN is prominently available on Pluto TV and various international platforms. This availability ensures that audiences can easily engage with women's sports, regardless of their location. The Women’s Sports Network and All Women’s Sports Network serve as crucial platforms in the evolving dynamic of women’s athletics, each offering distinctive approaches to broadcasting and engagement. Their ongoing impact reflects a cultural shift towards greater representation and celebration of female athletes in sports.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Harford Varsity Baseball Field 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly in between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. Having played on the fairly worn Thomas Run Park baseball field, Harford wanted to update its facilities. So in 2014 the college began an extensive remodel of the facility. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last few years. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. The University of Delaware used the Harford Baseball Field for many home games while their home Bob Hannah Stadium was being remodeled in 2014. Delaware has also often played against the University of Maryland here at Harford Varsity Baseball Field, since it is located nearly halfway between the two schools. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Varsity Baseball Field, but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s own concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 The new grandstand is a very nice set of stands with seat backs that wrap from dugout to dugout. Those seats will be behind a netting. There are also older seating sections further down each line that is away from the netting. If you hate to watch a game through nets you may want to move over there, although you will not have seat backs. The field is an artificial surface. This includes the infield, which is artificial turf painted brown. Some true baseball fans may hate that, but it is understandable that a community college may want to keep maintenance cost down by using such a surface. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend so the return on investment is pretty high. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa also make the cost to watch a good level of baseball game pretty high. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has two other softball fields, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. Harford Stadium, home to the school’s lacrosse and soccer teams is also located next door. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The newly designed Harford Baseball Field is an impressive facility that offers high-quality baseball for no cost to the fans. Nothing fancy, but it makes a good stop for baseball fans.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Tiger Softball Stadium Auburn Dr Towson, MD 21204 Towson Tigers website Tiger Softball Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 500 Towson Softball 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. 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’ softball team plays their home games at Tiger Softball Stadium which opened in 2015. Food & Beverage 1 There is a simple concession stand located at Tiger Softball Stadium that sells basic options such as soda, water, chips, and candy. It is a simple affair and you will want to eat elsewhere for a real meal. The concession stand is not open for all games, especially weekday afternoon games. Atmosphere 2 This is a basic stadium with a small set of stands located behind home plate. There is a mix of chairback seats and bleachers. A standard, simple scoreboard is located beyond the outfield. They do have a PA system for music and simple game announcements. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and SECU Arena, nothing is right by the field. 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. Some great options are Paris Baguette, Raisin' Canes, and Sushi Hana. 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. Fans 4 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 more significant numbers. There are also many other fans who appear to be either locals or family of the players. Access 3 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. Tiger Softball Stadium is hidden behind SECU Arena and may not be easy to find. Parking is free and plentiful, but be careful to check regulations for weekday matches. Return on Investment 4 There is no admission charge and the simple food menu is reasonably priced so the return on investment is quite good. Extras 1 The only real extras are the unique location (hidden by an arena and the nearby loading dock) and the Towson Softball banner along the outside of the field. Final Thoughts Tiger Softball Stadium is not a place you will normally search for an amazing sports experience, but if you happen to be in the area it is a cheap way to enjoy a game of softball.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Moody Coliseum 1600 Campus Court Abilene, TX 79699 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Moody Coliseum website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 5,500 A-C-U Established as a hub of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881, Abilene, Texas, quickly became a regional economic center and centerpiece for the “Big Country”. Dubbed the “Key City”, Abilene has maintained its importance to the west-central area of Texas for the past 250 years. Allen Booker Barrett, educator and Church of Christ preacher from Tennessee, founded what would become Abilene Christian University in 1906 on five acres of land purchased from J. W. Childers. Originally named Childers Christian College in honor of J. W., the school was renamed Abilene Christian College in 1920. Though the school moved to a new, much larger location in 1929, its name remained the same until the school gained full university status in 1976. What began with 25 students on a 5-acre parcel of land near the railroad in west Abilene has grown into a mid-major university serving over 6,000 students, including 4,200 undergraduates representing all 50 states, two territories, and 56 foreign countries. The early days of the athletic program were spent as either independent teams or members of the Texas Conference or Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In 1952, ACU joined the NAIA and competed as a member school for 20 years. In 1973, the Wildcats joined the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference, where they remained until beginning the transition up to Division I in 2013. As of today, there are 17 varsity sports at ACU, which have produced 40 Olympians across all sports. Wildcat Basketball has qualified for postseason competition many times in its illustrious history, including five trips to the NAIA or NCAA Division II regional finals, as well as one Elite 8 appearance. Their greatest feat, however, came in the 2021 NCAA Tournament when Abilene Christian, under the direction of Coach Joe Golding and a relentless defense, knocked off # 3 Texas during March Madness, before succumbing to UCLA. The Wildcats currently compete in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), where they have resided since 2021.   Food & Beverage   3 Concession upgrades were a major feature of a renovation project completed in 2022. Moody Coliseum has 3 fully stocked concession areas, offering all the normal snack and nonalcoholic drink options one would expect at a basketball game, all served by friendly students. Located conveniently near stairwells and the floor entry portal, all 3 concession stations are easily accessible from the stands. The stands accept cash and multiple digital payment forms, including cards, Apple Pay, and ACU school bucks. Food options are limited to traditional snack fare, including popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, candy, and chips. There are no specialty or premium items included, but the food presented is prepared fresh before and during games. Coca-Cola products are offered in 20-ounce bottles, with no souvenir containers appearing to be available for any food items. There is a large selection of drink choices, including multiple flavors of Powerade and Body Armor, three different bottled waters, energy drinks, both sweet and unsweet tea, Coke Zero, Diet Coke, and Dr Pepper, as well as Coke and Sprite. Alcohol is not allowed on Abilene Christian’s campus, so no alcohol sales are offered through the concessions here. My suggestion is a hot dog, popcorn, and a bottled drink of your choice. If you are lucky, you will be present on $1 hotdog night, where all attendees are presented with a coupon for one $1 hot dog.   Atmosphere   4 The original domed structure at Moody Coliseum created a multi-purpose seating bowl that surrounds the floor in a circular style. This ensures that all the padded, folding seats face the court, creating quality sightlines for all fans. The playing surface is at ground level, meaning that some stair climbing is required for most seats. General admission seating is on the north end of the coliseum, most easily accessible using the ticket booths facing the football stadium, and well-marked with signage. Several stairways lead up into the higher seating areas, and once inside the venue, there is a walkway that allows for 360-degree access within the building. There are multiple accessible seating areas on the floor level for fans with disabilities, and a chair lift is also available at the northeast stairwell to take fans who need it up to the higher seating level. Abilene Christian averages between 1,000 and 1,100 fans per home game, with larger crowds for rivalries and on special theme nights. The crowd appears to be a mixture of alumni/season ticket supporters and students, along with a few visiting fans. Student groups are spread throughout the facility, instead of being seated solely in one area. Signage saves seating for students beyond the south baseline, but there are also student groups who spread throughout the venue as seating allows. The students are engaged with the game play, but at no time is it inappropriate; during the most recent game I attended, a male social club even asked if they were bothering me with their chants and cheers. The game announcer makes clear and concise calls without overshadowing the play on the court. Multiple gameday emcees rotate and introduce fan participation contests during timeouts on the floor. The energy brought by the various emcees is inconsistent, however, which makes a difference in the crowd interaction. Most games are designed for ACU students, with prizes that benefit Wildcat undergrads such as campus bucks and local gift cards – contests include half-court shots, long golf putts, and three-point shots, among others.   Neighborhood   4 Abilene Christian, located on the eastern edge of the University Hills neighborhood of Abilene, is surrounded by a mixture of mid-century single-family homes, duplexes, and condos that are popular with students, faculty, and as short-term vacation rentals. Traditionally a safe and quiet area of town, this Rockwellian setting is slowly showing signs of modernization through business development north and east of the university, as well as urban renewal, one home at a time. Paired with the school’s desire to compete academically and athletically with top-tier schools across the US, Abilene Christian’s campus has grown into a beautiful gem on “The Hill”. Within a short drive, visitors will find numerous dining and sleeping options. In addition to multiple Airbnb and Vrbo listings near campus, there are multiple hotels within a couple of miles of the arena,  including Courtyard by Marriott ,   Home2 Suites , Residence Inn , TownePlace Suites , Holiday Inn Express , and Comfort Suites , among others. Dining options within a short drive are varied, with choices ranging from drive-thru fast food to finer dining restaurants. Located catty-corner from campus to the northwest, you will find Allen Ridge, a retail and dining center featuring lakeside dining options, plus a playground and walking trail. Restaurants found in Allan Ridge include Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Twisted Root Burger Company, Cork and Pig Tavern, and Phoenix Pho. With ample parking across the street from these restaurants, dining and walking to the game is a viable option, although free parking is located even closer to the facility. Multiple fast food options can be quickly found by traveling south on Judge Ely Boulevard or east on Ambler Avenue. Among these quick options, you will find McDonald’s, KFC, Braum’s, Rosa’s, Schotzsky’s, Raising Cane’s, Taco Casa, Panda Express, and Jason’s Deli, to name a few. For casual sit-down experiences in the same two areas, you can find Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, Chipotle, Blu Barrel Bar and Grill, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Other local favorites within a reasonable drive include Galveston Seafood Company, Oscar’s Mexican Food, Rock and Rollerz Burgers, and Texas Flaming Grill. Another local favorite, a Texas top 50 barbecue joint, is Jay’s BBQ Shack on South 11th Street. For fine dining, a few suggestions that require a bit longer drive include The Beehive, Taylor County Taphouse, and Perini’s Steakhouse, among many more. Perini’s is located in Buffalo Gap, approximately 30 minutes south of Abilene, where the owner, Tom Perini, is famous for serving presidents, governors, and celebrities, with his meals providing some of the best bites of food you may ever eat.   Fans   4 Wildcat fans are known to be loyal. They are generally neither rude nor confrontational, but get loud, cheer success, and expect to be competitive in all their athletic endeavors. As the university has grown and its athletic programs have moved up in competition, the number of regional rivalries has diminished, leaving few that remain. Basketball crowds are influenced greatly by both game-day promotions and the success of the team. I most recently attended the annual student “social club night” during pledge week, so the student crowd was large and loud. The number of large student groups on hand that night led chants and competition amongst one another to be the loudest during the game. Since its 2022 renovation, Moody Coliseum has a seating capacity of 3,600 (approximately 500 fewer than the original setup); the new seating arrangement allows for additional leg room and larger seats. All seats in the arena bowl provide a quality viewing experience.   Access   5 Abilene Christian University is located mere blocks off Interstate 20 in Abilene, Texas, via exit 288 at the corner of Ambler Avenue and Judge Ely Boulevard. With Abilene Regional Airport a mere 12-minute drive away, the university is easily accessible whether flying or driving into town. If flying commercial, you will be forced to utilize American Eagle with connections in DFW airport; Abilene Regional allows private planes as well. There are also multiple car rental agencies at the airport to choose from, in addition to rideshare services. Public transportation is not a reasonable option in Abilene. Moody Coliseum is located near the center of campus, easily visible immediately to the south of the football practice field. The parking lot adjacent to the arena is reserved for disabled and permit parking, but free parking is located less than a half mile’s walk from the venue entrance. The free parking lots are located along Campus Court or off ACU Drive, between the baseball and football fields – both lots can be accessed from Ambler Boulevard.   Return On Investment   4 The cost of general admission tickets is $8, and a full meal can be purchased for less than $10, meaning that a $20 bill is sufficient to guarantee an evening of entertainment. With the amount of action NCAA DI Mid-Major basketball offers, infused with an active student body and in-game entertainment, one should feel comfortable knowing their time and money will be well worth the investment when you make the trip to ACU.   Extras   5 Painted on the wall across from the northeast staircase is a picture of the Wildcat’s tallest player beside a tape measure; this is a fun and unique selfie background that can be utilized by fans of all ages. Ample, free parking is available near Moody Coliseum from multiple directions in Abilene. This close access at no extra charge makes attending a game seem like a bargain, and deserves mentioning here. One goal of the recent renovation was fan comfort, which was accomplished through new, padded, folding seats with cupholders. The addition of more leg room, as well as an orientation of seats facing center court, has created an environment where no seats are ill-advised inside the arena. This added comfort and convenience is worth a few extra points for sure. Located just off the traffic circle on Teague Boulevard (accessible from Judge Ely Boulevard on the east side of campus) sits the Jacob’s Dream sculpture. This large stone and bronze display, along with the surrounding natural landscaping, provides one of the most desired backdrops for photographic events in the area. Snapping a few images, hopefully during the “golden hour” of daylight, is worthy of special recognition.   Final Thoughts Abilene Christian University, though one of the newer NCAA Division I athletic departments, has made a commitment to improve its facilities to better compete with its sister institutions. With fan-friendly facilities and an interactive game day presentation, ACU basketball is well worth the visit. When planning a visit to Abilene for Wildcat basketball, if time allows, visit one of many local restaurants and enjoy some time walking around the campus. Plan to document your visit with selfies or group pictures from Jacob’s Dream before watching your chosen game. General admission seats provide wonderful sightlines, but with a slight upcharge, seats just off the floor are available as well.

Photo by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey The name "Seagulls" (or "Sea Gulls") has a storied history in New Jersey sports, most notably associated with professional basketball and hockey franchises in Atlantic City. Professional Basketball: Atlantic City Seagulls The most modern and successful iteration of the "Seagulls" name belongs to the professional basketball team that called Atlantic City home. ● USBL  Era (1996–2001): The Atlantic City Seagulls were a dominant force in the United States Basketball League (USBL). They are best remembered for winning three consecutive league championships from 1997 to 1999. ● ABA  Revival (2021): After a two-decade hiatus, the franchise was revived to play in the American Basketball Association (ABA) for the 2021–22 season. The team made headlines by scoring 251 points in its home debut but ultimately ceased operations after just six games. Basketball: The Championship Years (1997–1999) Photo Courtesy of Ben Fogletto The Atlantic City Seagulls of the United States Basketball League (USBL) were a powerhouse under coach Kevin Mackey. During their three-peat championship run, the team featured several elite players: ● Adrian Griffin: The team’s primary star and a future NBA player and coach. Griffin was named USBL Player of the Year in 1999 and was a two-time Postseason MVP (1998, 1999). ● Mark Baker & Brent Scott: Co-MVPs of the 1997 Postseason Festival, they anchored the team's first title run. ● Michael Lloyd: A scoring machine who led the league with 27.3 points per game in 1999 and was previously the 1996 Rookie of the Year. ● R. Kelly: (Yeah, that R. Kelly), an infamous music star, played parts of two seasons (1997–1998) as a professional guard for the team. Hockey: Atlantic City Seagulls (1933–1952) The "Seagulls" moniker was first popularized in Atlantic City by professional ice hockey teams playing at the historic Boardwalk Hal l  (then Atlantic City Auditorium). ● Original Franchise (1933–1942): This team competed in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) . Their tenure ended abruptly in 1942 when the U.S. Army took over Convention Hall for World War II training, forcing the team to relocate and become the Philadelphia Falcons. ● Post-War Revival (1947–1952): A new Seagulls franchise joined the Eastern Amateur Hockey League  in 1947. Led by Herb Foster, they won a league championship in 1951 and reached the national senior championship semifinals. The team dissolved in 1952 due to financial struggles following a decline in local tourism. Other Notable "Seagull" References in NJ Sports  Baseball: Asbury Park Sea Gulls (1914) There was a baseball team in Asbury Park that used the Sea Gulls nickname in 1914. The Atlantic League franchise played one season, but was referred to as the Sea Urchins in out-of-town newspapers. The Urchins name stuck and is used to describe the club in historical references. However, we uncovered that mystery in a previous Stadium Journey article. While not always based in New Jersey, the name frequently appears in regional competition: ● The Seagull Classic : A long-standing high school basketball tournament in Atlantic City (revived recently at Holy Spirit High School). Courtesy of: SUSeagulls.com ● Salisbury Sea Gulls : Even Salisbury University, MD (NJ’s Southern Neighbor) has adopted the name and frequently competes against New Jersey schools like The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and Rutgers in football and soccer. They even play at Sea Gull Stadium . Courtesy of: SUSeagulls.com The website TrueJersey.com   has come in on the fun by lampooning a fictitious sports team named the New Jersey Seagulls, with the Seagull being the “unofficial mascot” of the Jersey Shore. TrueNewJersey.com states, “The Only Team That Plays Dirty … Forget the Giants, the Jets, and the Eagles. The real home team of the Garden State doesn't play in a stadium—they play on the boardwalk…Whether they're diving for pizza crusts in Seaside or patrolling the trash cans in Wildwood, these birds are the true kings of the coast.” They have created several pieces of merch (hats, t-shirts, flags, etc.) to go along with their ruse..  In the future, will there be another team to don the Seagull name? It seems that the name will most likely be flying around again like the seagulls of the New Jersey Coast Line.

Photos by Jereny Pushkin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Maples Pavilion 655 Campus Drive Stanford, CA 94305 Stanford Cardinal website Maples Pavilion website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 7,233 A New Era on The Farm Maples Pavilion opened in 1969 and has served as the home of Stanford women's basketball for over five decades. The Cardinal program is one of the most decorated in the sport, with three national championships (1990, 1992, 2021) and 15 Final Four appearances, including nine since 2008. Under legendary head coach Tara VanDerveer, who retired in 2024 as the winningest coach in women's college basketball history, Stanford became a perennial powerhouse. Now under head coach Kate Paye, the program is navigating life in the ACC and looking to return to its championship standard. Food & Beverage 3 Maples Pavilion offers standard stadium fare at prices that run on the higher side for a college venue. The concession setup includes traditional stands as well as a grab-and-go section stocked with Modelo, Coors, Lagunitas IPA, and Topo Chico seltzers for fans looking to skip the line. The venue is cashless and serves Coca-Cola products. Premium beer and wine run $16, while domestic beers are $14. Since fans are permitted to bring in their own food and sealed non-alcoholic beverages, and with the variety of dining options in nearby Palo Alto, eating before arriving and grabbing a beer inside is the best approach. Atmosphere 3 Maples Pavilion is a nondescript building within Stanford's athletics complex. There is no dramatic architecture or imposing facade. Inside, the 7,233-seat arena puts fans close to the action. The lower bowl features padded chairback seating while the upper sections have backless bleachers with tight legroom, especially when your row fills in. When purchasing tickets, keep in mind that section numbers are shared between lower and upper levels, with Row F being the first row of the upper section. Sections 9–13 face the court logo right-side up and are where in-arena presentations are aimed, making them the prime seats for first-time visitors. For the best experience, sit in the lower level in an actual seat rather than the bleachers. The main scoreboard displays a live game feed while the four corner screens handle team stats and on-court player stats. The Stanford band was present and played intermittently throughout the game. The building runs warm. It was noticeably warmer inside the gym than on the concourse, so dress in layers. Neighborhood 4 Maples Pavilion sits on Stanford's campus, one of the most beautiful college settings in the country. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, palm-lined pathways, and open quads make for a pleasant pre-game stroll. The venue is within a 30-minute walk of downtown Palo Alto, offering plenty of options before and after the game. The closest off-campus shopping center is Town and Country Village, with several dining and shopping options. Gott's is a popular pregame spot with beer and wine available. For something different, Ramen Nagi is the local outpost of a Japanese ramen chain, though expect a line. If a sports bar is more your speed, the Patio is the best nearby option. Palo Alto has a wide array of hotel options, from the Best Western to five-star properties like Nobu and the Clement. Fans 3 The arena was roughly a third full for an 11 AM Sunday tip-off on a holiday weekend. The challenging time slot deserves a caveat, but the attendance also reflects a program in transition after missing the NCAA Tournament in 2025. The crowd skewed to extremes, with predominantly older fans, likely locals, and longtime supporters from the VanDerveer era, alongside families with young kids, which tracks with Stanford's heavy promotional push toward youth-oriented events and postgame activities. Despite the sparse turnout, the fans who showed up were engaged from start to finish. They were loud, cheering, and paying close attention to the action throughout the game. The crowd stayed just as full at the final buzzer as it was at tip-off, and the building got genuinely loud down the stretch; impressive considering the size of the crowd. For women's college basketball, the atmosphere was firmly above average. Access 4 Stanford's campus is located a few miles from both 101 and 280, making travel to Maples Pavilion easy. Free parking is available on campus within a five-minute walk on weekends, but be prepared to pay during the week. Note that while there is a Caltrain station called Stanford, it only operates on football game days. For basketball, the Palo Alto Caltrain station is the closest option, about a 30-minute walk or short rideshare from campus. Uber and Lyft are widely available. Security lines moved steadily. Stanford enforces a clear bag policy, though free bag check is available for those with noncompliant bags. Physical tickets are available at the box office for fans who prefer them over mobile entry. Halftime lines for both concessions and restrooms were manageable. Return on Investment 3 Tickets purchased directly through Stanford start at $10 for general admission and go up to $75 for courtside seating. Multi-game flex plans drop the range to $8–$45. On the secondary market, tickets run $14–$60, with limited availability. Stanford also offers group discounts for larger groups. At $10 for general admission to an ACC matchup, the ticket price is an excellent value. However, concession prices are on the higher side and can add up quickly if you are not taking advantage of the BYO food policy. Extras 4 Stanford runs an impressive slate of promotions for nearly every women's home game, ranging from jersey and rally towel giveaways to postgame selfies and layups on the court, themed Players Nights with player-inspired concessions, a Pink Game with a bucket hat giveaway, and community events like a holiday toy drive. This game featured a National Girls & Women in Sports Day celebration with athletes from other Stanford women's sports, including fencing, tennis, gymnastics, and rowing, running pregame activities for kids on the concourse. Stanford is investing in building the next generation of fans. The Stanford Tree, one of college sports' most distinctive and polarizing mascots, made its first appearance at the end of the first quarter, leading a conga line with kids before spending the majority of the rest of the game stationed with the band. The band also featured a “saxophone monster” - a band member with their hands stuffed inside saxophones, dancing around to distract opposing free-throw shooters. The band is a uniquely Stanford bit of entertainment worth keeping an eye on. In a world where digital tickets have replaced physical ones, it is great to see Stanford actually design their digital ticket, showing a high-quality graphic instead of the simple template tickets that have become ubiquitous. Roscoe's Corner, a small campus store outpost, offers a limited selection of Stanford merchandise inside the arena. Final Thoughts Maples Pavilion, under the new era of Stanford women's basketball, offers an affordable, intimate, and family-friendly college basketball experience. The program may be in transition, but the bones are strong - a decorated history, a beautiful campus setting, $10 general admission tickets to ACC competition, and an engaged fanbase that shows up and stays loud even when the arena is not full. Stanford's promotional calendar is very strong and is clearly aimed at cultivating the next generation of Cardinal fans. For basketball fans in the Bay Area looking for a low-cost outing, Stanford women's basketball at Maples Pavilion is well worth the trip to The Farm.

American Indoor Football  (AIF), founded in 2005, has experienced a tumultuous yet fascinating journey over the past two decades. As the league commemorates its 20th anniversary in 2026, it reflects on its growth, struggles, and resilience throughout the years. Origins and Early Challenges In 2005, the Atlantic Indoor Football League (AIF) began with six teams, primarily on the East Coast, and underwent notable challenges during its early years despite ambitions for growth. After a shortened initial season, the league was renamed the American Indoor Football League and expanded by 10 teams in 2006, which led to instability as many franchises transitioned to other leagues, including the AIFA.  By 2010, the AIFA Eastern Division's remaining teams merged with the Southern Indoor Football League, while three teams in the West attempted to form the AIFA West; however, following the folding of one team and the failure of a planned expansion team, the remaining two played an independent schedule. Evolution and Rebranding After a period of contraction, the league rebranded to American Indoor Football in the 2012 season. This relaunched identity aimed to differentiate itself from other indoor football leagues and solidify its appeal. The league gradually expanded westward, reaching new markets and establishing a more stable presence in the indoor football landscape. However, the AIF faced operational difficulties, leading to the cessation of activities after the 2016 season. The following years were marked by uncertainty until a revival effort emerged in 2021, spearheaded by league owner John Morris, who sought to bring the AIF back to life. Resurgence and Current Developments The league officially relaunched in 2023 with four new teams: the Cedar Rapids River Kings, Corpus Christi Tritons, RiverCity Rage, and West Virginia Miners. The rejoining of the Columbus Lions, champions of the last pre-cessation AIF season, provided an experienced team to revitalize the competition. As of 2026, the AIF comprises six teams, including recent expansions such as the Wyoming Cavalry and Pennsylvania Union. Despite its challenges, the league’s commitment to indoor football and community engagement continues to thrive. Celebrating 20 Years In 2026, the AIF celebrates its 20th anniversary with a series of special events, including matches that highlight the league's journey and achievements. However, the celebration takes a bittersweet turn with the termination of the North Michigan Muskies franchise due to compliance irregularities in February 2026, showcasing the ongoing challenges that indoor football leagues face. The league remains focused on growth, community involvement, and introducing new teams. Notably, the appointment of former Super Bowl champion Patrick Johnson as a senior consultant in late 2025 signifies an exciting shift as the AIF looks to enhance its competitive stature. As the American Indoor Football League approaches its 20th anniversary, it reflects a complex yet inspiring history defined by resilience and adaptability. Whether facing the challenges of team turnover, league restructuring, or market fluctuations, the AIF continues to pursue a path forward, embodying the spirit of indoor football in America.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Harford Varsity Softball Field 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Softball Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 500 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. It plays in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for two-year colleges, and is part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Varsity Softball Field is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the baseball field and the Harford Stadium, home to soccer and lacrosse. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last few years. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at Thomas Run Park's baseball fields. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Varsity Baseball Field, but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to the Harford Varsity Softball Field. There are two extremely small stands on each side of the plate. Your best bet is to bring a lawn chair and watch the game further down one of the lines. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere, as it is a JUCO-level softball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre- and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel to Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend, so the return on investment is pretty high. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa also makes the cost to watch a good level of softball game pretty high. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has another softball field. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. Harford Stadium, home to the school’s lacrosse and soccer teams, is also located next door. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena, it is worth a visit, as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Varsity Softball Field does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action at no cost to the fans. Nothing fancy, but it makes a good stop for softball fans.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N Pima Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Map It Colorado Rockies Spring Training website Salt River Fields at Talking Stick website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 11,000 Rox in the Desert The Colorado Rockies hold their spring training at the beautiful Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, a state‑of‑the‑art complex they share with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The facility celebrates its 15th season in 2026. Before moving to the Valley, the Rockies spent their first spring training years at historic Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, where they trained from 1993 to 2011. Salt River Fields is notable as the first MLB spring training venue built on Native American land. Its architecture and landscaping draw heavily from Native American influences and the natural beauty of the surrounding desert. As fans explore the grounds, they’re treated to sweeping views of Camelback, the McDowell Mountains, the Superstitions, and other iconic ranges that frame the area. It’s an impressive complex - modern, scenic, and thoughtfully designed - and both the Rockies organization and their fans take pride in calling it their spring training home. Food & Beverage 4 Visitors to Salt River Fields will find no shortage of food and beverage options to enjoy. Permanent concession stands line the infield concourse, with additional offerings located beyond center field. Menus remain the same regardless of whether the Rockies or Diamondbacks are the home team. Home Plate Hot Dogs features six different hot dog varieties, while The Show serves smash burgers and chicken tender baskets. Venezia’s Pizza offers classic slices, and Cattle 101 dishes out four styles of smash burgers priced between $13 and $14.50. Most stands also carry ballpark staples like nachos, pretzels, fries, and other familiar favorites. The concourse is filled with the aromas of kettle corn, lemonade, sausages, brats, and traditional hot dogs from various kiosks. Island Noodles, Mustache Pretzels, Rusty Taco, and Chick-fil-A add even more variety to the mix. Fans with a sweet tooth can stop by the third‑base cookie stand, where chocolate‑chip cookies buckets and sleeves are perfect for sharing. Two party decks - Ultra Terrace and Someburros (a delicious local Arizona Mexican chain) - anchor the baselines and offer lively gathering spots. Someburros Patio Down First Baseline at Salt River Fields, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Adult beverages are easy to find, with beer carts and vendors selling canned domestic and craft beers, cocktails, and seltzers priced $13 - $17.25. The Home Plate Bar offers cocktails, while other stands serve frozen drinks and fruit‑flavored adult smoothies. In center field, the Casino Arizona Bar adds cocktails, TVs, indoor/outdoor seating, and air‑conditioning. Pepsi products, bottled water, and Gatorade are the available non‑alcoholic options. Atmosphere 5 Beautiful Southwestern landscaping surrounds Salt River Fields both inside and out. Cactus gardens, desert terrain, hardy shrubs, and natural rock features blend together to create an attractive, regionally authentic setting. The ballpark’s architecture fits seamlessly into its environment, incorporating a traditional Native American-style ramada to provide welcome shade from the Arizona sun. Beautiful Desert Landscaping at Salt River Fields, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The seating experience is excellent, with wide green fold‑down seats, cup holders, and great legroom. Sections 112 and 212 sit behind home plate, and thin netting runs to the foul poles, leaving only the berm net-free. Much of the infield - especially behind home plate and in the 200 level - stays shaded. Drink rails line the concourse and the tops of select sections. Fans enter from the upper concourse and walk down into the bowl, with handrails and a walkway separating the 100 and 200 levels. The grassy outfield berm remains a family favorite, offering a sunny, relaxed spot where vendors roam with drinks and snacks. The ballpark’s audio is generally pleasant, with reasonable music volume along the baselines.. Short sound bites between pitches may amuse some fans and annoy others. A wire‑mounted camera runs along the third‑base side, so those wanting to avoid it may prefer lower seats or the first‑base side. The scoreboard displays lineups, pitcher and batter info, a line score, video clips, and between‑inning entertainment, though some fans may still need binoculars to read player names depending on their eyesight. Neighborhood 5 If you do only one thing during your visit to Scottsdale, stop by the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens , across the home plate parking lot from Salt River Fields. This moving tribute honors the service members lost in the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, and at twilight its illuminated columns outline the USS Arizona in a striking display. Salt River Fields sits beside The Pavilions at Talking Stick, a large shopping and dining center with plenty of pre‑ or post‑game options. Popular chains include Buffalo Wild Wings, Angry Crab Shack, Blazin’ Mongolian BBQ, Red Robin, Filiberto’s, and fast‑food spots like McDonald’s, Chipotle, Blimpie, Arby’s, and several pizza places.  About a mile away, PHX Beer Co. serves house‑brewed craft beer and a solid food menu, while Grassroots Kitchen & Tap offers excellent local fare. The Pavilions also features an escape room, indoor skydiving, and a luxury movie theater. Nearby attractions include multiple golf courses, Butterfly Wonderland - the largest butterfly conservatory in the U.S. - and Talking Stick Resort and Casino, less than three miles away. For lodging, Great Wolf Lodge and its water park sit across the parking lot. Budget‑friendly options include Staybridge Suites , less than half a mile away, and a Hampton Inn & Suites across the Loop 101. Hotel prices typically double during spring training. Baseball fans can easily reach other Cactus League parks. The Diamondbacks share Salt River Fields, and several East Valley stadiums - Scottsdale Stadium (Giants), Sloan Park (Cubs), Tempe Diablo Stadium (Angels), and Hohokam Stadium (A’s)—are a short drive away. Arizona State University’s baseball , basketball , and hockey venues in Tempe are just over ten miles from the complex. Fans 4 Rockies fans show up proudly in purple, usually drawing 7,000 - 8,000 fans per game at Salt River Fields. Crowds grow on weekends and spike when popular teams like the Cubs or Dodgers visit, with attendance increasing as spring training progresses. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with fans easily chatting and plenty of purple is seen throughout the seating bowl. The venue also attracts many visiting‑team supporters, who often gather near the visitors’ bullpen and dugout to watch warmups and get close to their favorite players. As with most Cactus League games, fans easily strike up conversations with their neighbors. You’ll see plenty of fans wearing purple spread across the seating areas. And, since it’s such a nice ballpark, many visiting team fans congregate near the visitor’s bullpen and dugout. Access 4 Salt River Fields sits just west of the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) and is easily accessed from either the Indian Bend Road or Via de Ventura exits. Several parking lots surround the complex, with prices ranging from $11 to $33, and higher for valet service. Golf cart attendants shuttle fans between the lots and the stadium entrances if needed. Rideshare services such as Uber, Lyft, and Waymo operate throughout Scottsdale, and the venue provides clear directions for those drivers. If you’re attending a weekday evening game, plan for extra travel time due to heavier rush hour traffic. For those flying in, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the closest major airport, located about 18 miles southwest of the ballpark. Limited public transportation is available via Valley Metro - primarily bus route 81 - so checking Valley Metro’s website for fares, schedules, and maps is recommended.  Four stadium gates open 90-minutes before first pitch. Bags smaller than 16" x 16" x 8" are permitted. Fans pass through metal detectors, and security staff conduct quick bag checks only if needed, making the process smooth and efficient. The concourse is wide and open, allowing visitors to keep an eye on the action while walking around. Navigating the stadium is generally easy, though fans should watch for uneven step heights in the seating aisles. Ramps throughout the complex accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, and ADA seating lines the top of the grandstand along the concourse. Restrooms are plentiful, clean, and well maintained throughout the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 As with most spring training facilities, prices have climbed sharply compared to years past, and the Rockies’ complex is no exception. Tickets generally range from about $23 for berm seating to $74 for premium spots, with weekend games and marquee opponents - such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs - adding a few extra dollars.  And, while these prices seem high, other clubs ask even more for their spring‑training seats. Concession prices are steep. An $11 Chick-fil-A sandwich or a $16 - $17 beer costs noticeably more than you’d pay outside the ballpark, which has unfortunately become standard across many sports venues. Parking at around $11 is common at several Cactus League stadiums. On the positive side, staff hand out a complimentary spring training program, which is a nice touch. Fans can bring in two bottles of water and some snacks, or simply plan to eat before or after the game to keep costs down. Despite the rising prices, this is a remarkable facility - one well worth visiting if you’re traveling to Arizona for spring training. Extras 5 Several features make a Rockies game at Salt River Fields especially memorable. Each entrance has its own character, highlighted by fountains, sculptures, and team‑themed displays. The outfield entrances feature a Rockies “team concepts” walkway and a Diamondbacks “historic timeline.” Just outside the park, visitors can enjoy a nature walk around a small lake and visit the Veterans Circle honoring Native American veterans. The walk includes the Keli McGregor Reflection Trail, named for the former Rockies president who helped bring this state‑of‑the‑art complex to life. Inside the park, fans can look directly into the bullpens and watch pitchers warm up just a few feet away. First Baseline and View into Bullpen, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Complimentary SPF 30 sunscreen is available at two outfield stations—a thoughtful touch in the Arizona sun. For kids, a small ball field in the right‑field concourse offers whiffle‑ball batting practice, and a bounce house adds to the family‑friendly vibe. Final Thoughts At fifteen years old, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick still stands out as one of the most impressive spring training venues in Arizona. The ballpark experience is exceptional, with fan comfort clearly a priority -from the plentiful shade and wide concourses to the generous legroom and diverse food options. If you haven’t made the trip yet, it deserves a spot on your must‑visit list.

Courtesy of the University of Missouri and DLR Group The University of Missouri is set to make significant changes to Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium  as it approaches its 100th anniversary. As part of a broader revenue-generating strategy, Mizzou Athletics announced plans to secure corporate naming rights for the stadium, which is currently undergoing a major renovation. This initiative aims to enhance competitiveness within the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and contribute to financial stability in the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. Corporate Naming Rights and Revenue Needs On February 10, 2026, Mizzou Athletics formally announced it is exploring partnerships for the stadium’s naming rights. The process is being led by Eric Morrison, the Deputy Director of Athletics, in conjunction with Intersect Partners, a firm specializing in sports property sales. Given the changing dynamics in college sports, the decision to pursue naming rights is part of a strategy to address a reported $9.1 million budget deficit faced by the athletic department for fiscal year 2025. Morrison noted that the naming rights deal would allow the university to benefit from its "brand identity" as they seek a partner that aligns with Mizzou's values." Initial interest from various companies has already been noted, although specific names remain undisclosed. Courtesy of the University of Missouri and DLR Group The Historical Significance of Memorial Stadium Opened in 1926, Memorial Stadium has been a significant landmark for the University of Missouri, dedicated to honoring the over 100 students and alumni who lost their lives in World War I. The current plans to change the name have stirred concerns among students and alumni, with petitions circulating to maintain the "Memorial" designation. As part of the renaming process, Mizzou is committed to preserving the historical significance of the original name in collaboration with veteran organizations and stakeholders. This reflects a sensitivity toward the stadium's heritage while adapting to contemporary needs. You can check out the progress at The Memorial Stadium Centennial Project’s  Stadium Construction Live Cam . Renovations and Future of the Stadium In tandem with the naming rights initiative, The Memorial Stadium Centennial Project  at the University of Missouri marks the stadium’s entry into its second century, representing a significant transformation. Earmarked for completion in time for the 2026 college football season, coinciding with the stadium's 100th anniversary.  This $250 million renovation is designed to modernize the fan experience by enhancing amenities, including expanded premium seating, improved concessions, and updated restrooms. A key feature of this project is the complete enclosure of the north end zone, which will alter the stadium's configuration from a horseshoe shape to a more immersive, bowl-like design. Including 2,000 newly constructed premium seating above the freshly constructed north concourse. Additionally, the project maintains a commitment to tradition by ensuring elements like the Rock M will remain, signifying the university's rich football history while embracing a vibrant future. Courtesy of the University of Missouri and DLR Group As part of the ongoing discussion around naming rights, Mizzou is also exploring ways to honor military service and ensure that the contributions of alumni are not overlooked in this new arrangement.  The University of Missouri’s approach to renaming Memorial Stadium highlights the balance between financial sustainability and the preservation of heritage. As the athletic department looks outward for partnerships, the community's response will play a crucial role in shaping the future identity of this iconic venue.

Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly in between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. It has been announced that Harford will host the 2023 NJCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship, May 12-14 at Harford Stadium inside of Harford’s Sports Complex. The tournament has been held in Maryland 15 times since its inception in 1970, most recently in 2015 at Community College of Baltimore County Essex. The past two national championships have been held in Garden City, NY, home of the two-time reigning National Champions, Nassau Community College. The Harford Fighting Owls men’s lacrosse team has made the final four in the last three seasons, but have not won the championship. According to the NJCAA and Harford Community College Athletics: "The three-day event is expected to welcome over 1,200 visitors to the Harford Community College campus. The economic impact of the event is estimated at upwards of $125,000 with the potential for multiple teams traveling to Bel Air from outside the state. Harford has made several updates to its facilities in preparation for the championship, including a new stadium press box, scoreboard, and other renovations to the complex. Day one of the tournament, May 12, includes a banquet honoring the four teams participating, as well as the 2023 USA Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame Inductees. Day two will showcase the semi-final contests between the #2 and #3 seeds and the #1 and #4 seeds. Day three is reserved for the National Championship game and awards ceremony to be held immediately after." Tickets will be $10 per day and can be bought in advance and at the gate.

Everton are set to move into their new Bramley Moore Dock stadium for the 2024/25 season. It is an ambitious project that will leave the Toffees with one of the most impressive footballing homes in England. The Blues will be able to host up to 52,000 thousand fans. However, they could begin life in their new stadium as a Championship club depending on how their fortunes pan out. Everton's goalscoring struggles this season Everton are firmly involved in the Premier League relegation battle for the second year running. Last year Frank Lampard narrowly guided the Blues to safety. In this campaign, Sean Dyche is the man tasked with repeating the feat. The main reason for Everton's woes this season is their struggle to regularly score goals. The Blues are the league's lowest goalscorers and have averaged less than a goal per game. After 30 games this season, they had found the net just 23 times. A large part of their troubles can be owed to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's long-term injury issues. He has rarely been available for Everton this season. Neil Maupay was signed by Lampard in the summer window to provide an extra attacking option. However, he has struggled to perform at Goodison Park. The French striker has found the net on just a single occasion this term. Games involving Everton tend to not involve many goals for either side now that Sean Dyche's defensive tutorship is taking effect. Expert football tipsters at SBP offer advice on a range of football betting markets including goalline selections. A host of leading tipsters offer services including Peter who offers tips relating to Asian goal line bets. He averages a profitable return of 16 units per month. Statistics and strong research take precedence in relation to the tips that are offered. For example, in the Premier League teams like Everton will typically produce low-scoring contests, while leading teams like Manchester City score in abundance. Ultimately, Everton have become too predictable, they rarely look dangerous offensively and often rely on their defence to secure points. The issues will not end this summer If Everton are to survive a successive relegation dogfight this year then it certainly is a huge relief for the club. However, it will certainly not signal the end of their issues in regard to the insecurity of their Premier League status. The club still have financial issues looming over them which will make it difficult to invest in the transfer market. Several players could also leave if the Toffees do not find a way to become more ambitious and avoid a relegation battle next time around. Huge investment has gone into the new stadium project while ironically investment is hugely lacking on the pitch. Everton have for many years spent poorly on players who have not been a success at the club. Such players have left either for free or on measly fees. This has put the club in a position in which they cannot make significant expenditures in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Everton have a huge task ahead if they are to ensure their Premier League status ahead of their Bramley Moore Dock christening. It would certainly be disappointing if one of the country's most impressive stadiums played host to Championship football.