Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Vitality Stadium King’s Park Dr Bournemouth BH7 7AF, UK AFC Bournemouth website Vitality Stadium website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 11,700 Cherry Picking at Dean Court Originally featured 1/20/2018 Dean Court, or for sponsorship purposes, Vitality Stadium is the home of AFC Bournemouth of the Premier League. It has been home to the club since 1910 when the land was given to Boscombe FC by the Copper-Dean family in which the grounds bears its name. The ground was the first home to 300 seats but has grown steadily in its century of use. The stands were demolished and the ground was completely rebuilt in 2001, with the pitch rotated ninety degrees from its original position and moved away from adjacent housing that bordered the facility. It reopened as a 9,600 seat ground. Further development continued at the stadium that saw temporary stands and sections of the grounds renamed. It has gone through a plethora of sponsorship names from the Fitness First Stadium, The Seawards Stadium, The Goldsands Stadium In 2015 the stadium was renamed Vitality Stadium but with a capacity of only 11,464–smallest in the Premier League– there has been a discussion on moving the club to a new stadium somewhere in the area. There is also the demand for tickets that outweighs the current seating capacity and improving the size is needed for its viability towards its next 100 years. Food & Beverage 3 Pre-match food kiosks or available midway on the outside of the Steven Fletcher North Stan and opens 3 hours before kick-off offering homemade pies, original-recipe hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. The homemade pies consist of beef & ale, chicken and mushrooms, and three-bean curry. You can buy soft drinks for £2 and beers are also on sale in the concourses under the stands. There are Junior Cherry lunch boxes that are also well priced with chocolate, crisps etc available as well. Atmosphere 4 With under 12,000 seats at the stadium, the atmosphere is quite different in comparison with other grounds in the league. However, the facility does have its own ambiance anesthetics that makes it a curiosity for visitors and fans alike. The Main stand (West stand) houses the hospitality suites and has sections of family seating areas on both flanks. The bulk of the home supporters are located in the Steve Fletcher stand, which is at the north end of the ground and holds some 3000 supporters. The East stand is mainly for home fans but it also houses up to 1,600 visiting fans. It’s a tight space for the away fans and is always heavily stewarded. It is open to the sun and on hot summer afternoons, fans should bring with them sunglass, suntan lotion, or a cap for added protection. The Ted MacDougall Stand is a temporary structure that was erected when the team were promoted to the Championship in 2013 and holds 2,200 fans. his stand is usually only for home supporters, but there have been a few FA Cup and League Cup games when visiting fans of large clubs have been seated there. It is not that often that you’ll find Champagne bars at a football ground, but the Bubbles Bar in the Main stand is exactly that and is used for corporate functions. Most fans are more likely to end up having a drink in the 1910 Club which is also situated at one end of the Main stand building on the first floor. At the opposite left end of the Main stand you’ll also find the Club Shop which is a one-story facility that includes some novel features like a working electronic manikin of Steve Fletcher, complete with goal posts. You’ll also get a good feel for the club and its history by making your way round behind the North stand to the East stand, where the Wall of Fame charts the story of iconic AFC Bournemouth players and teams over the club’s existence. The stadium is well equipped for disabled supporters and has a dedicated Junior fan zone for fun before games. The stadium has seen many upgrades with Promotion to the Premier league. There is now a Pavilion building that houses the media centre and press conference facility and new floodlighting and underground heating has been added to the ground as well as 100 press seats. Even though the corners of the ground are not filled in, fans feel very close to the players and the sound remains inside the ground so you can make your voice heard. It is a much improved atmosphere since the Temporary Ted MacDougall stand has been built. On windy days you will feel the breeze blowing through the corners of the ground though. The Superstore is located on the northwest corner of the main stand and is open until kickoff and then for 20 minutes after the match. This is where you’ll also find the team’s trophy cabinet. match day programs are also sold here for £3.50. The Cherries Community Draw tickets aid the Cherries Community Fund and provide supporters a chance to win great cash prices along with supporting local projects. All the tickets are just £1 each. The Junior Fan Zone is located underneath the family stand in opens two and a half hours before the game. Supporters up to the age of 16 can meet and greet team mascot Cherry Bear and enjoy face painting, games activities, and competition such as FIFIA tournament on Xbox1, table tennis, and penalty kicks. Neighborhood 4 Situated in Kings Park, there are avenues of trees and clear pathways to the ground. Next to the stadium are the training pitches and tarmac car park, which is only a couple of quid on match days. Getting out of the car park can take some time though. The local sub-centre of Boscombe is only a 10 minute walk away and it is well supplied with shops, pubs, and cafes for visiting fans. It is not as attractive as the town centre or the beach, but it’s still a busy area. Bournemouth Square is where you can find a variety of shops and places to eat and drink before or after the game and busses provide transportation at £4.10. Bournemouth Pier is home to Rock Reef, an award-winning attraction offering thrilling family activities including the pier pier racing zipline that hovers over the waves below the pier. The Sovereign Shopping Center offers High Street names, various eateries and retail outlets as well as hosting a wide range of community events. Fans 3 Bournemouth fans have a reasonable selection of chants. They get behind the manager most of all though and love singing his name to Barmy Army. The home fans always do a ‘make some noise for the boys’ appeal going round each of the stands moments before the teams come out. The North stand makes the most noise and singing is fairly good throughout the match, but the fans sing much louder when they are at away grounds. There is perhaps rather a lot of clapping from the Main stand, but some songs will get them going. Access 3 The ground is situated just off the Wessex Way which is a dual carriage way. Visiting fans will find it easy to locate and there is a car park right by the ground for £1 and extra parking facilities at the Sovereign shopping centre in Boscombe and at Harewood College. The train station is a bus ride away if you go to the main Bournemouth station. After the games the roads are busy and it does take 20 minutes to drive out of the area. There are a variety of trains that arrived at the Bournemouth Central train station along with P2 and P3 yellow bus service that is easily accessible from the train station and runs up to every 20 minutes. The X3 service from Salisbury or Bournemouth runs every 30 minutes and M2 buses run every 7 to 10 minutes on matchdays. If driving to the game it is advised to arrive early in order to find a free matchday parking that’s available at Harewood College, a ten-minute walk away from the stadium. There is also parking available to the south of the ground for just £1. However, it is advised to arrive about 75-90 minutes before kickoff to secure a spot for this low price. Sovereign Shopping Center on Christchurch Road, a 15-minute walk, from the grounds, provides parking at a cost of £2 for 4 hours. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are by no means the most expensive in the Premier League. Family stand adult price is £29 and adult prices in the North and South stand are £32 and from £33 in the East stand rising up to £45 in the Main stand. Executive prices are £55. There are concessions and low Junior Cherry and disabled prices. For the style of play that we have seen Eddie Howe’s teams play over the last seven years it has been worth every penny. Extras 4 When you go to a match at Dean Court you can also buy one of the best match programmes in the country, it really is packed with information and has won many awards over the last few seasons. It is also good to get there early as you can really get close to the players who will sign autographs. Final Thoughts With under 12,000 seats, Vitality Stadium offers an atmosphere that is quite different in comparison with other grounds in the league. It is the smallest grounds in English Football. However, the facility does have its own ambiance anesthetics that makes it a curiosity for visitors and fans alike. The concourses and stands are tight and crowds can become dense when moving around the stadium. However, just because you are small in size that you don’t pack a punch.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches 5444 Haverhill Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Washington Nationals Spring Training website The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 7,858 Washington Moves to Stadium of the Palm Beaches The Washington Nationals moved into the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in 2017. They formerly played in the Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Florida, a stadium they had inherited from their former time as the Montreal Expos. The Nationals were seeking a new home as the Space Coast Stadium had become dated and they were drawing very sparse crowds. Viera had also become geographically isolated from where the other Grapefruit League teams played, necessitating long bus trips to away games. They share the stadium and the training complex in West Palm Beach with the Houston Astros. The ballpark was built by the city of West Palm Beach to attract a major league team (or two) back for the first time since the Atlanta Braves left for a new stadium in the Disney complex. Moving to the West Palm Beach area meant the Astros and Nationals could play each other at home, while also playing the Cardinals and the Marlins, who are a short distance away in Jupiter. The location of the stadium is between I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, making it very easy to reach via these main thoroughfares. The design of the stadium is very similar to many others in Florida in that it must be elevated as digging down into the ground would result in hitting the high-water table. The stadium is in the center of the complex, with the Astros and Nationals training facilities surrounding it. Food & Beverage 3 For the most part, the concession offerings at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches are your typical baseball fare. Items include hamburgers w/fries ($11), grilled chicken w/fries ($10), BBQ sandwiches w/fries ($10), and chicken tenders w/fries ($10.50). Other items include ¼ lb. brats ($7.50), hot dogs ($5.50), nachos ($5.50), pretzels ($6), candy ($4.50), and chips ($2.50) Pepsi brand products are sold for $5-$7 depending on the size. For adult beverages, domestic drafts are $10, premium drafts are $12. Canned domestic beers go for $9, while canned premium beers are $10. Cocktails and wine are $9. There is one concession stand named the Capitol Hill Grille, but it does not sell any food that would be unique to Washington DC. Fans with a sweet tooth may want to visit the Beaches Ice Cream stand. They offer an ice cream helmet for $7.50, a soft serve in a cup or a waffle cone for $6, and root beer floats for $7. Atmosphere 3 Nationals fans were very happy when the team relocated to The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches from Viera, as there are frequent flights into the West Palm Beach airport from Washington, DC. Attendance at Nationals home games has picked up dramatically since the move from Viera. The stadium entry is via a set of steps on the west side of the stadium. The exterior of the stadium is virtually hidden, as there is greenery growing all around the stadium. Once you reach the top of the stairs you will be at the concourse level of the stadium. The concourse travels 360 degrees around the field. The seating bowl is located below the concourse level, with only the suites and press box on the second level. The Nationals dugout is on the first base side of the field. Seating capacity at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches consists of 6,200 seats, and room for 1,400 more fans on the outfield grass berms. One drawback to playing at the Palm Beach stadium is that it does not do much branding of either team in the stadium, apart from the two team’s logos in a sculpture form outside of the stadium. This gives the stadium a very generic feel from other Grapefruit League ballparks that actively promote their tenants through stadium colors, concessions, and imagery. Neighborhood 3 The area around the stadium itself is surrounded by the two teams’ practice fields and training facilities. The complex is so large that shuttle vans take you back to the distant parking lots. Once you exit onto Haverhill Road you will need a car as there are no hotels or nice restaurants within walking distance of the park. Most of the hotels are located along the I-95 corridor and the only restaurants nearby are of the fast-food variety. Since you will have a car, it is well worth your time to head across the causeway from West Palm Beach to Palm Beach. Once in Palm Beach, you will feel like you are in an episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” First check out the boutiques along Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s shopping district, then visit the Flagler Museum next to The Breakers to learn about this enclave. Before you leave take a short driving tour of homes owned by the Kennedys, the Pulitzers, and many other celebrities. Fans 3 Nationals fans have been thrilled with the move to the Palm Beaches venue. Their attendance numbers are much higher than the Astros and many locals have also adopted the team. The team has created a great rivalry with their training complex neighbors, the Astros, as both teams have won a World Series in recent years. The teams play each other frequently, as the MLB is trying to keep travel to a minimum due to COVID protocols. Fans from both teams can stock up on team memorabilia at the Team Store located by the main gate. Access 3 Getting around at a game at the ballpark is going to require a car. Parking is just after you enter the complex from Haverhill, and the lots are a great distance from the stadium itself. Make sure you take one of the free trams that will drop you off at the park. Once at the stadium, you will have a series of steps to navigate up to the concourse level. All fans must enter through the West Gate, and during the security check, this area can become quite congested. Once inside, the stadium is very well laid out. It has a wide concourse and great signage, making it very easy to locate your seat. BTW, the seats are a generous 20 inches wide, enhancing your comfort level as you enjoy the game. Return on Investment 3 The FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches uses a variable pricing system depending on the popularity of the visiting teams. Prices for the different sections can be compared with the slide with the stadium schematic. Field Box seats ($37-$56), Dugout Boxes ($31-$47), Infield seats ($28-$42), Outfield Reserve ($23-$32), and the Banana Boat Berm ($15-$25). Pre-purchasing your ticket before game day brings the price down by $5. Parking is $10 and payment must be made by credit card. Extras 5 The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches has canopies atop the stadium to provide as much shade and sun protection as possible. There are parts of the concourse that allow you to see directly down into the bullpens. Beach chairs atop the berm are available on a first-come/first-serve basis and provide a great view of the field while providing you with a wonderfully comfortable chair. A craft beer corner is in the left-field corner of the concourse. It has more than 32 tap handles to choose from. The popular President’s Race is a part of every game. However, it is in a video format rather than through live appearances by the past Commanders-in-Chief. Final Thoughts While the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is a very functional facility, it lacks many of the bells and whistles found in other spring training facilities. The video board does not show any replays and there are no scoreboards on the facing of the main seating bowl. The ballpark also lacks drinking and eating rails along the front of the concourse, a standard element in most parks. We found the concessions to be reasonable, and our view of the field was excellent. The lack of branding for the two resident teams was disappointing. Hopefully, some of these features can be added to the stadium for future seasons.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Lumen Field 800 Occidental Ave S Seattle, WA 98134 Seattle Sounders FC website Lumen Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 67,000 Names Change… The Fan Experience Remains The Same The Seattle Sounders FC has been one of the premier clubs in the MLS over the last two decades. They have won two MLS Cups (2016 and 2019), and the Supporters Shield for the best regular season record in 2014. Seattle has two major rivalries with their Pacific Northwest neighbors in the form of the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC . The Sounders have played at their current home since 2009. CenturyLink Field changed its name to Lumen Field in November 2020. This was not the result of a new stadium sponsorship agreement. CenturyLink has rebranded itself as Lumen Technologies. Most stadium signage has been changed to reflect this, but due to the immense cost of changing the name on the roof of the stadium, the CenturyLink name remains in place. Lumen Field has a capacity of 67,000, but for Sounders matches the capacity typically is limited to the lower bowl and can hold 37,722. Capacity is typically expanded for the rivalry games against the Timbers or Whitecaps or playoff games. The stadium has 111 suites and 7,000 club seats. Food & Beverage 5 If you cannot find something you like to eat at Lumen Field, you are not likely to find a place you like anywhere. The stadium has 48 different food vendors, covering everything from Pacific Northwest cuisine, hometown favorites, and foods from the International District to stadium standards, pub foods, a value menu…oh, and of course, Starbucks. Seattle is a foodie haven, and local restaurants are represented at stands including Night Market, Hempler’s Hot Dogs, Pacific NW Marketplace, Ivar’s, Beecher’s Mac and Cheese, and ULI’s Sausage House. International flavors are available at Din Tai Fung, Premiere Meat Pies, and Cantina. The Pacific Northwest is also known for its culture of craft brewing. Pub food and craft beer selections are offered at the Beardslee Public House, the Brougham Beer Hall, the Craft House, and the Elysian Brewing Company stand. Lumen Field also offers a shortlist of value menu items for those on a budget. Items include popcorn ($2), hot dogs ($3), Coca-Cola brand sodas in 12-ounce cans ($4), 12-ounce Budweiser brand beers in a can ($5), and for $7 you can choose from a 12-ounce Elysian Craft Beer, a nine-ounce BABE wine or a 12-ounce Virtue Cider. Lumen Field does allow single-serving foods to be brought into the venue. They must be in a clear plastic bag. Atmosphere 4 The design of the stadium, the pageantry and traditions of the supporter’s groups, and the level of talent on the pitch all add up to a very enjoyable experience at Sounders games. The stadium was built on a very small footprint, so designers pioneered the use of cantilevered seating. This brings the fans closer to the action than at most stadiums. They also considered the somewhat soggy climate of Seattle and included a shell-like roof structure that protects 70% of the seats from the elements. The ends of the field are left uncovered, as the design team wanted to provide memorable views of the Seattle skyline at the north end, and views of T-Mobile Park and Mount Rainier at the south end. (A major complaint about the stadium’s predecessor, the Kingdome, was that it prevented fans from enjoying the beauty of the region due to its tomb-like design.) The pageantry of attending a Sounders game begins 90 minutes before the game. Fans and supporter groups participate in the March to the Match. This March begins in Pioneer Square and goes south until it reaches the plaza at the north end of Lumen Field. It is a very colorful event as the various supporter groups wave their flags, sing their fight songs, and participate in a good-natured rivalry of seeing if they can be louder in doing their chants than the other groups. The March is led by the Sounders own band, The Sound Force. Fans also can visit The Ninety, which serves as the team’s clubhouse. It is only open on match days. The Ninety features a look at the history of the team, trophies won in various soccer competitions and of course, offers a place to enjoy a few beers. Neighborhood 4 Lumen Field is in the SoDo (south of downtown) District. This is an area where much of Seattle’s history converges. Just north of the stadium is Pioneer Square. This area served as the city center during Seattle’s early days as a logging town. There are a wide variety of restaurants and shops available in this area. To the east of the stadium is the International District, home to much of Seattle’s large Asian population. This area is known for its excellent dining offerings Just a 15-minute walk to the northwest of the stadium is the Puget Sound waterfront. The waterfront offers a wide variety of clubs, restaurants, and historical sites for visitors to enjoy. This is also where the ferry boats launch for trips to sites on the Olympic Peninsula. It is well worth the time for a round trip on the ferry to get great views from the water of the Seattle skyline to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west. Fans 5 The Seattle Sounders and the Emerald City Supporters adopted the supporter group concept that long has been placed in Europe many years ago. As a result, the Sounders have one of the strongest (and loudest) fan bases in the MLS. Supporter groups are set up by geographic, ethnic, and all persuasions. These groups go much deeper than just attending a game as they become a social network for the members. Most of the supporter groups affiliate with a pub in their area or maintain a clubhouse for watch parties when the Sounders are playing an away match. They are also active on a year-round basis, participating in holiday celebrations as well as community improvement projects. The supporter groups fall under the umbrella organization known as the Emerald City Supporters. However, each group is free to develop its own identity, which includes its crest, its flag, and its songs and cheers. Many of these groups are based on a specific region of the state. However, the Sounders have supporter groups from as far away as the Midwest or Southern California. On matchday, the supporter groups form up at Pioneer Park and March to the Match. Once inside the stadium, they do their best to maintain the venue’s reputation as one of the loudest in US sports. Typically, these fans will stand for the entire game, creating an energy level that must inspire the home team and intimidate the visitors. They create large tifos, or banners, for each game, which also add to the pageantry of the event. Not every fan who attends a Sounders game is involved in a supporter group. However, they likely have a friend or relative who is. Access 4 The Seattle area offers a wide variety of methods to get to a Sounders match. Lumen Field is near the I-5 / I-90 interchange just south of the downtown area. Parking decks offer around 8,000 parking spaces relatively close to the stadium. However, the Pacific Northwest is known as being a very “green” area of the country, and its citizens are very concerned about climate change. The public transportation options for getting to a game are excellent and it takes a lot of cars off the road. Many fans who live in the downtown area bike to the stadium, where bike racks are provided. The Link light rail system runs from SeaTac Airport up to the University of Washington campus. It has a Stadium Station stop that services both Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. Commuter rail connects outlying cities to Seattle through the King Street Station which is just three blocks from the venue. A Sounders Game Train offers express rail trips on match days. King County Motor busses will also drop you off at King Street. Persons traveling from the Bremerton area and the Olympic Peninsula can take the Washington State ferry boat system to Pier 52, then walk the 15 minutes south to Lumen Field. Finally, Uber serves as the official rideshare service of the Sounders and offers discounted rides. Return on Investment 3 One thing to know before you go is that all activities related to a Sounders game are on a cashless basis. The face value of tickets to a Sounders match runs from $30 to $90. However, when the stadium is at its typical soccer capacity of just over 37,000, the games are sold out. Tickets on the secondary market can easily run into three figures. There are about 8,000 parking spaces spread out around the SoDo District. On game days these lots will charge $30 or more. The public transit options for a Sounders game can save you a great deal of money. The light rail and bus systems drop you off just a block from the stadium and typically cost no more than $5 a trip depending on the distance traveled. Commuter rail to outlying areas make it possible to get home after a game, rather than spending a night in Seattle, which has very high hotel rates. The ferry boats can also save time and money for fans coming over from the Olympic Peninsula. Extras 4 The Sounders home pitch has been the site of a wide variety of soccer tournaments. These include two MLS Cup games, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and several USL games and college competitions. The City of Seattle is bidding to serve as one of the US host cities for the FIFA World Cup competition in 2026. If it is selected, it will have to replace its FieldTurf playing surface with a natural grass playing pitch. The stadium has long been known as one of the loudest stadiums in the world. Many think the shell-like roof helps to amplify the sound. It has been in a back-and-forth competition with Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium for the title of loudest venue. The all-time attendance record for the stadium as far as soccer is 69,274 in 2019. This game featured the hometown Sounders in the MLS Cup game against Toronto FC. The Sounders were victorious, bringing home the Cup for the second time in the team’s existence. Final Thoughts There are very few sports venues that can match the pageantry and energy level created at Seattle Sounders FC games. The name of the stadium may change, but the great fan experience remains the same. You might say it is il-lumen-rating!

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ashton Gate Ashton Rd. Bristol, England BS3 2EJ United Kingdom Bristol City FC website Ashton Gate website Year Opened: 1887 Capacity: 27,000 Home of the Robins After investing £47.2 million into the club in 2009, Bristol City chairman Stephen Lansdown has transformed the sporting landscape in Bristol. The city’s largest stadium ‘Ashton Gate’ has reaped the benefits. Lansdown first joined the board in 1996 and by creating ‘Bristol Sport’ he has brought together Bristol City men’s and ladies' Football clubs, the Bristol Bears men’s and ladies' rugby club, and the Bristol Flyers (the city’s basketball side) under one umbrella. Football at Ashton Gate has been in evidence since the turn of the 19th Century and after redevelopments in 1928, 1970, and 1994, the stadium clubs fresh investment. Under the new chairman, these refurbishments have now come to fruition and Ashton Gate is now a modern, stadium helping put the city of Bristol on the sporting map. Bristol City nicknamed ‘The Robins’ have played at Ashton Gate since 1904 and currently play their matches in the Championship in the English Football League (EFL). City, needed had two main periods in the top level of English football, in the late 1900s and the late,27,000-capacity. They are certainly due a return to the top-flight, and they now have the home facility to underpin their promotion dreams. Bristol is located in the southwest of England, approximately 120 miles west of London and 43 miles from the Welsh capital of Cardiff. The urban population of Bristol is over 650,000 making it one of the largest in the UK (11th). Food & Beverage 4 The main food outlets outside the stadium can be found near the corner of the South and Lansdown stands. This is the location of the main Sports Bar & Pizzeria which is built into the side of the ground. Burger grill and fish and chips concession stalls are also located here with a KFC just across the road in the South Bristol Retail Park. Burgers and hot dogs at the grill start at £6. Cod and chips are £8. Inside the stadium, the food offerings are much improved. Gone are the days of football grounds in England selling pie and Bovril only. Here you can satiate your hunger with pizza, chicken strips, and locally-made pastries at reasonable prices. Hot drinks are a little on the expensive side at £2.50, and soft drinks such as Coke, Fanta, and Sprite are the same price. Alcohol, which in England is only allowed to be consumed in the concourse areas, is also available, Thatchers Cider costs £4.80, Guinness, Heineken, Amstelhas1900s, and IPA cost £5. Cash and card are both accepted for payment and each concession stall looks clean, smart, and well-staffed. Atmosphere 4 The latest developments to the stadium have had a huge impact on the aesthetics of Ashton Gate. Before the 2016/17 season 1970s Southwest, the Williams, and Wedlock stands were demolished, the Dolman stand was extended, and the pitch relayed. The result is a locally-made, before, and smart stadium fit for the modern-looking first-class sport. No more large posts obscuring your views from the away end. The Atyeo stand, named after club legend John Atyeo (who also has a statue outside) has just over 4,000 seats and is usually given to away fans. This is the only stand that isn’t structurally joined to the others. The rest of the ground is a bowl/horseshoe shape with no breaks between the stands. The Dolman stand runs along one touchline and is a single-tier structure housing around 6,500 supporters. Behind the goal opposite the Atyeo stand is the South Stand with over 6,000 seats, finally, the jewel in the crown is the extensive and expensive Lansdown Stand. This two-tiered structure holds nearly 11,000 fans and affords views back across the city and even a snapshot of the famous Clifton Suspension bridge to your left. For the match Stadium Journey attended only 6,000 were in attendance spread across three of the stands, due to government Covid restrictions. The atmosphere made by fans though was excellent and shows that a full Ashton Gate could generate some serious noise. Two large scoreboards in opposite corners of the ground are well placed and provide all the usual information you need including action replays where appropriate. The PA system is loud, very loud. Neighborhood 4 Back in 2015, Bristol was named the UK’s first ever European green capital; it has also been named the best place for under 25s to live outside of London Bristol is a large and bustling city with a long maritime history despite the main docks moving out west to Portbury. The river Avon flowing through the city is still a key feature with old wharfs, bars, and restaurants providing a new economy for this enigmatic metropolis. The juxtaposition between the affluent parts of the city and the less salubrious areas gives the city an edgy vibe and the university ensures you will see younger people dominate in the city centre and drinking hot spots. The stadium is found in the wharves, center southwest of the city, a couple of miles from the city center. The main landmark on that side of the city is the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, built in 1864, which can be seen high up in the gorge that cuts through the western side of the city. Other attractions include a fantastic street art scene, the zoo, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, and Cabot Tower erected to mark the 400th anniversary of explorer John Cabot. City centre shopping can be supplemented with a visit to the Cribbs Causeway mall just over 10 miles north of the center. The city is littered with places to get a drink; lots of real ale establishments and quirky venues like the Bristol and Bath Rum Distillery located at 87-89 Park Street. For away fans visiting the stadium, the Nova Scotia which looks out over Bristol harbour is worth a visit. Opposite on the north bank of the river is another pub, the ‘Rose of Denmark’. Both are around a 20-minute walk from the ground. Bedminster Cricket club offers a bar and car parking and is just a 15-minute walk to the stadium. Fans 3 Pre-covid, in the 18/19 season, Bristol City FC's average attendance was a healthy 21,080. There is no doubt that if Bristol City made it into the Premier League, they would fill the stadium each week. The highest attendance for a City match is 43,335 who packed into Ashton Gate in 1935 for a fixture v Preston North End. Since the redevelopment, 26,088 is the largest attendance for City v Manchester United in the League Cup in Dec 2017. City’s main rivals are Bristol Rovers who currently play in the fourth tier of English football and there is no love lost between the red of the city and the blue of Rovers. As well as ‘anti-Rovers’ songs, all the usual chants will be heard at Ashton Gate, and of course expect songs referencing cider, the local drink of choice! Bristol Bears also based at Ashton Gate had an excellent recent average attendance of 17,924, one of the highest in the Guinness Premiership. Access 3 The city is very accessible from London and Cardiff. Bristol Airport serves visitors from further afield. By car, you should follow signs from the M4 or M5 and if you are traveling by train, the main station is Bristol Temple Meads, and center the closest is Parsons Street. Making your way from the city centre across to Ashton Gate in the southwest corner of the city takes a little more thought. You can walk to the ground from the centre but a bus/taxi would probably be better, match day bus services are normally in operation from Bristol Temple Meads to the stadium and back. For full details for traveling to the stadium including parking, click here. Return on Investment 3 With the 20/21 season played largely behind closed doors, ticket prices quoted are from the previous season. BCFC members attracted significant discounts on tickets but for a ‘one-time’ visitor expect to pay £27 for an adult in the south stand up to £37 in the upper Lansdown stand. Concession prices are available for U25, U22, U19 and Under 12s plus over 65s. In the club shop, also available online, you can get a scarf for £15 or a beanie hat for £20. The away jersey for 21/22 costs a cool £50. Adding travel, food, and drink, a visit to Bristol is worthwhile but not cheap. Extras 4 The Robins Foundation has recently been tackling loneliness in the city whilst the club has used its premises as an emergency food storage warehouse and a vaccination center during the pandemic The Euro 2020 tournament (played in the summer of 2021) was shown on large outdoor screens for fans to watch together. Elton John and Russel Howard are just two stars performing at Ashton Gate during 2021 and 2022 as well as numerous business events. Plans have recently been revealed to develop a world-class‘ Sporting Quarter’ for the city including a new hotel, arena, gym, and car parking. The two-site development will provide a 4,000-seater home for the Bristol Flyers basketball team and a new urban village development close to the stadium. Final Thoughts It is certainly exciting times for Bristol City fans off the pitch as the club continues to invest and grow its profile and infrastructure. The stadium is now fit for big matches, the most recent being the Vanarama Promotion Cup Final between Torquay United and Hartlepool United which was switched from Wembley due to its Euro 2020 commitments. This demonstrates that this venue is on its way to becoming the first-class facility that chairman Stephen Lansdown has always dreamed of.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha 1200 Mike Fahey St Omaha, NE 68102 College World Series of Omaha website TD Ameritrade Park Omaha website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 24,505 Omaha Shines in College World Series Return Very few cities host sporting events with such aplomb and enthusiasm that the sporting event becomes part of civic DNA. Omaha is one such city and the College World Series is one such event. The CWS has been held in Omaha almost annually since 1950, and all but the first three have been played in Omaha (1947-48: Kalamazoo, MI; 1949: Wichita, KS.). It was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. CWS games are played in TD Ameritrade Park, the CWS’s home in downtown Omaha since 2011. Although Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, which hosted the CWS from 1950-2010, no longer exists, the local organizing committee, College World Series of Omaha, Inc., has masterfully transported Rosenblatt’s spirit and feel to TD Ameritrade, approximately three miles north of where Rosenblatt stood. This year, the CWS returned with some changes that affected the fan experience. COVID-19 protocols eliminated general admission seating in 2021, so all 24,000 of TD Ameritrade Park’s seats were reserved. All tickets were paperless for the first time in 2021, as well. Fans and stadium staff adapted well, deftly managing crowds entering the ballpark. CWS organizers and volunteers have successfully maintained the event’s feel and traditions, even during the waning days of a global pandemic. Food & Beverage 5 Fans will easily find their favorite ballpark foods at TD Ameritrade. All beef hot dogs ($5 for large / $3.75 for small), cheeseburgers ($7.50), chicken tenders and tater tots ($11), french fries ($4.50), pretzels ($6.50), and pizza by the slice ($7) can be found at permanent concessions stands throughout the stadium. A kids meal, which includes a hot dog, string cheese, goldfish crackers, and a juice box is offered for $6. For those looking for something beyond standard stadium fare, TD Ameritrade has plenty of options. The Nachomahas, nachos with grilled steak, queso, sour cream, black beans, and salsa ($18) can feed multiple people (or one hungry teenager). Oklahoma Joe’s serves its famous BBQ at a stand underneath TD Ameritrade’s primary scoreboard in right field. Pulled pork ($11), pulled chicken ($11), and chopped brisket ($12) sandwiches are served with chips, while loaded nachos ($12) come with a choice of those meats. Beer drinkers will not be disappointed in TD Ameritrade’s selection. Domestic canned beer sells for $8 and local craft beer sells for $9. Keg Creek Brewing’s Red Brick Ale, the Kinkaider Brewing Company’s Grapefruit Radler, and Kros Strain Brewing’s Fairy Nectar IPA are offered throughout the ballpark. Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Bud Light are also sold. TD Ameritrade sells Pepsi products, charging $6 for a stadium cup and $4.50 for a regular size. All transactions at TD Ameritrade’s concession stands are now cashless, so fans should be prepared to pay with credit/debit card, or with a cash transfer app. Atmosphere 5 Fans from the eight participating schools bring energy to this NCAA Championship event, as do local attendees and throngs of youth baseball players in Omaha for their own tournaments. The fans are knowledgeable about college baseball and are passionate about their teams. As the CWS progresses toward its denouement, intensity builds and fans grow louder. The games themselves are typically competitive, with fans reacting appropriately to action that could advance a team deeper into the CWS or end a team’s season. Beach balls are prohibited in TD Ameritrade Park. Enterprising fans nevertheless smuggle them uninflated into the stadium. A few puffs of air later and only between innings (per custom), beach balls are volleyed through the stands to the raucous delight of everyone – except for the polite and patient ushers and grounds crew members who confiscate and destroy them. Neighborhood 5 The “neighborhood” that forms around TD Ameritrade Park during the CWS is a baseball enthusiast’s dream. The Omaha Baseball Village , Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill, and Blatt Beer and Table sit across the street from TD Ameritrade’s right field wall. The Baseball Village is a temporary hamlet of vendors and food, adjacent to a beer garden. Baseball equipment manufacturers such as Oakley, Wilson, and Under Armor peddle their wares here, as do throngs of merchandisers selling hats and t-shirts commemorating the CWS. The Old Mattress Factory, also known as “the Matt,” hosts a large beer garden in its parking lot to the south of the Baseball Village. And Blatt Beer and Table frequently sees long lines form, as fans wait for tables at the closest pub to the stadium. Blatt has a rooftop patio from which patrons can almost see directly into TD Ameritrade, along with a Zesto ice cream shop. Beyond the stadium, Downtown Omaha has its own draws. For instance, the 3,000-foot Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge spans the Missouri River just to TD Ameritrade’s east; the Iowa-Nebraska state line is marked midway across and the span offers great views of the ballpark and the Omaha skyline. It is also a must-visit for runners seeking an interesting route. The historic Old Market neighborhood is a five-minute drive from TD Ameritrade. There, fans will find more than 45 bars and restaurants in historic buildings that stand along brick streets. One highlight in the Old Market is Hollywood Candy, where classic candy and soda, vintage records, and pop culture antiques are all sold. Fans 4 Attendance at the 2021 CWS shattered several records, including highest total cumulative attendance (361,711), highest attendance for the three-game final series (72,226), and the highest attendance for game 3 of the final series (24,052). Mississippi State’s rabid fan base traveled well from Starkville, many driving more than 800 miles to see the Tigers win the school’s first national title in any sport. The CWS remains a very popular draw. Fans from all participant schools, and even some schools that do not qualify for the CWS, bring significantly more enthusiasm than is typically seen at a baseball game. This enhances the experience of watching players vie for a national championship. Access 4 TD Ameritrade Park sits on the north end of downtown Omaha, enabling fans to come to the stadium in several ways. Downtown Omaha has a large number of hotels from which fans can walk to the ballpark. Driving is also relatively easy, with numerous parking options near TD Ameritrade. The City of Omaha has an easy-to-use app (available at www.ParkOmaha.com ) that can be used to find and pay for parking near TD Ameritrade and throughout the city. Fans in 2021 found parking at meters for $1.25 within a half-mile of the stadium. The stadium complex has 4,000 parking places, many of which are available for $15 per car on a first-come, first-served basis. Tailgating is permitted but fans cannot extend their tailgates into adjacent parking spaces and cannot drive tents into the ground. All stadium lots open at 8:00 a.m. on game days and close 90 minutes after the day’s final game. There are plenty of other parking lots within walking distance of the stadium. For instance, Creighton University is located approximately a mile west of TD Ameritrade Park along Cuming Street. Creighton permits tailgating and fans can walk across campus en route to TD Ameritrade. Many parking facilities, including Creighton’s, cannot accommodate RVs and motor homes because of size limitations. There is RV and motor home parking in Omaha; more information can be found at CWS parking information. Fans not wanting to drive to TD Ameritrade Park have several options. Metro Transit Omaha operates the “Stadium Circular,” a bus route with stops between TD Ameritrade Park and other locations downtown, including the Heartland of America Park, Capitol District, and Old Market. A range of options exist for fans wanting to bus to the games, with more information available on Metro Transit’s website. Omaha also has a bikeshare program, with a kiosk at TD Ameritrade park and others within walking distance. More information is available at Heartland B-cycle . Return on Investment 4 The College World Series can be a reasonably priced experience. Single-game tickets in 2021 ranged in price from $20 to $60, depending on the seat location and game time. Normally, a book of 10 general admission tickets sells for $90. Although COVID-19 nixed general admission seating in 2021, organizers expect its return in 2022 to offer fans an even more affordable ticketing option. Concession stand pricing aligns with other, similar events. Fans cannot bring coolers, or outside food and drink into TD Ameritrade. Enterprising fans can pay very little for parking at meters near the stadium. Even parking in a nearby lot or garage will cost no more than $15 – $20 – a bargain relative to other NCAA championship events. Extras 5 The CWS at TD Ameritrade earns a point for the legions of volunteers and workers who fuel the event’s success. From ticket takers to security to ushers to concession stand staff, the people working at TD Ameritrade have helped sustain the CWS’s popularity for decades. Another point is awarded for the CWS’s embrace of history. While Rosenblatt Stadium was torn down in 2012-2013, its memory and location have been preserved in the parking lot of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo, which neighbored Rosenblatt, needed to expand and acquired the land on which Rosenblatt once sat. The expansion happened but zoo administrators ensured that Rosenblatt’s legacy continued by creating “Infield at the Zoo,” a shrine to the CWS’s first Omaha home. There, the old stadium’s “Rosenblatt” sign that arched above the main scoreboard now presides over a miniature turf-and-grass field surrounded by some of Rosenblatt’s actual seats and bricks reclaimed from Rosenblatt. Rosenblatt’s foul poles remain in the parking lot and home plate sits in the location where it sat until 2010. Plaques honor the CWS’s great teams, players, and administrators who helped the CWS become what it is today. The Infield at the Zoo is free of charge and a 10-minute drive from TD Ameritrade. A third point goes to what is perhaps TD Ameritrade’s most photographed location, the “Road to Omaha” sculpture in front of the stadium’s home plate entrance. This statue welcomed fans to Rosenblatt from 1999 – 2010 before moving to its present home. The 1,500-pound bronze statue was designed by noted sports sculptor and Omaha native John Lajba. The CWS awards a miniature replica of this trophy to each year’s most outstanding player. Celebrities coming to cheer on their alma maters or favorite teams earn a fourth point. Fans in 2021 mingled alongside such notables as Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Mississippi State alum Dak Prescott, former Denver Broncos quarterback and Tennessee Volunteer Peyton Manning, and former Vanderbilt and Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Past years have seen other notable supporters of participating teams. A fifth and final point is awarded for live music. TD Ameritrade features music piping from the organ that originally provided the soundtrack for the CWS at Rosenblatt. Final Thoughts Even a casual baseball fan will enjoy the CWS at TD Ameritrade Park. The atmosphere, access, and reasonable costs are reasons to catch a game. The quality of play, beauty of the stadium, and friendliness of the volunteers and workers are what make the CWS special. Omaha has made the CWS unlike any other sporting event and deserves its role as permanent host. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bill Taunton Stadium 1401 SW 22nd Street Willmar, MN 56201 Willmar Stingers website Bill Taunton Stadium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,000 Welcome to the Beehive In 2010, the summer collegiate Northwoods League expanded into the small town of Willmar, Minnesota (pronounced Will-me, not Will-marr). The Stingers were born and they moved into Bill Taunton Stadium, a park that also houses Willmar high school ball, Ridgewater College, two VFW teams, and an American Legion team. The “Beehive” is a popular destination in a town that I’ll admit I had never heard of before I started watching the Northwoods League. Part of the beauty of minor league and summer college ball is discovering places you’d otherwise never know about. Food & Beverage 4 The main concession area at the Hive is down the third baseline. There are two food stands that have similar offerings. For a fuller menu, choose the “Ruff’s Rally Stand.” While they have standard items like Little Caesar’s pizza slices, $3 hot dogs, $4 brats and nachos, and $5 chicken sandwiches and burgers, they also get a bit more creative with their menu. Sriracha Brats with Pineapple Mango Salsa, Chili Cheese Dogs, Stinger Bites (chicken nuggets in BBQ sauce), Chicken & Waffles, and Beehive Burgers/Chicken sandwiches are all $6-$7. Snack and dessert items such as peanuts, popcorn, and Dilly ice cream bars are all $3. They also have fresh kettle corn. The beer selection is a bit limited. For $6, you can get a 16oz can of Miller Lite, Corona Premier, or Minnesota Gold Lager. There are also 12oz cans of Angry Orchard Cider, Hop Valley IPA, and a few flavors of Truly Hard Seltzer. Gatorade and Pepsi products are sold in bottles for $3. They’re definitely worth the price if you want to try something a little more unique than your standard ballpark fare. I enjoyed the Beehive Burger, which is a hamburger topped with pulled pork and fried cheese curds. Don’t forget the extra napkins. Atmosphere 4 The main grandstand is covered behind home plate and runs dugout to dugout. There are two main sections of seating. Gurley’s Box Seats are standard ballpark seats and sit in front of the main concourse, right behind home plate. Great views and no fans walking in front of you. Box seats are $13. The other main seating section is comprised of metal bleachers right behind the box seats. These run $10. Both ticket prices are a dollar more on the day of the game. There are also several group areas available, two down the left field line, and one down the right field line. All three were sold out the night I was there. A couple premium sections are available such as the Concession Club and Beach Bungalows that come with all-you-can-eat food, but they have to be ordered through the ticket office or online. The playing surface is all grass and is in decent shape. An electronic scoreboard is above the right-center field wall. Basic information is provided: runs, hits, errors, score, pitch speed, but does not include a video board. The crowd was close to a thousand people on the night I attended, which is really good for a Tuesday night. Neighborhood 3 There really isn’t much in the immediate area of Taunton Stadium. Downtown is a few miles away and the only thing within walking distance is a nice water park next door (great for hot days, open to the public, and less than $5). 1st Street, a couple miles away, can provide you with any style fast food that you want. Also within a couple miles of the park is Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill, a casual American restaurant known for its wood-fired chicken and steak. For breakfast, I’d recommend Frieda’s Café. Tiny little hole in the wall with great breakfast food. The Foxhole Brewhouse is a local brewpub that makes their own beer. While there are a few hotels in town, they tend to be a bit a bit pricy because there aren’t a lot of them. I actually stayed about an hour south in Redwood Falls to save some money. Fans 4 While a lot of the people at the game were part of large groups, people seemed to really be into the game. The promo team and the two mascots did a great job keeping the energy up right until the end. For the last inning of the game, one little kid behind home plate would yell out “Let’s go Stingers, let’s go” and the ENTIRE grandstand would stomp their feet twice on the metal floor. It got pretty loud, but I loved the spontaneity. A very large percentage of the fans stayed right until the last pitch. Access 2 Willmar is a small town in the middle of nowhere. The nearest interstate is I-94, about 65 miles away. Minneapolis is two hours to the east. US Highways 12 and 71 run through the town. Physical address of the stadium is 1401 22nd St SW. There is a free parking lot next to the stadium. On busy nights, it can fill up. I didn’t see where the overflow parking is located. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $11 and that will include a nice experience, a good crowd, and a great game. The Gurley’s Foods Box Seat Tickets are located in the lower level of the stadium and cost $13. The food selections are also creative, and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. Extras 4 The enthusiastic crowd gets an extra point. They show up and they stay into the game until the very end. An extra point goes to the two mascots, Barry and Blue. In the world of mascots, some have “it” and some don’t. Barry and Blue play off the crowd and each other very well. An extra point goes to the staff. Everyone is very friendly. Several workers noticed my Traverse City Pit Spitters shirt and talked to me about my team. The promotions team also does a very good job keeping the crowd enthused. And one extra point goes to the Beehive Burger. I’m a strong believer that when you’re in Wisconsin and Minnesota, you should eat cheese curds. The Stingers fry them up and put them on a burger with pulled pork. Excellent. Final Thoughts I am pleasantly surprised with my visit to The Beehive. Minnesota has a great reputation for small-town baseball, mostly due to their many Town Ball teams. The experience in Willmar definitely stands out in the Northwoods League.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.86 Nissan Stadium 1 Titans Way Nashville, TN 37213 Music City Grand Prix website Nissan Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 69,143 Music City Greatness The first annual Music City Grand Prix was one for the record books. Crowds filled the track for all three days of racing action, and the views proved to be incredible. Highlighted by an over-and-back trip across the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge that spans the Cumberland River, the track layout races past Nissan Stadium and through the downtown Nashville streets. And being held in Nashville, there are events all weekend long to keep you entertained beyond the track. Food & Beverage 4 To find something to eat at the Nashville GP, one only has to open their eyes. This race has everything you can think of when it comes to stadium fare. To start, the concession stands on the ground level concourse of Nissan Stadium are open all race weekend to fans in attendance. Meal deals are plentiful, with Nashville Hot chicken and waffles ($23 with a beer), bacon cheeseburgers ($25 with a beer), Nashville Hot chicken tenders ($19 with water), BBQ dogs ($19 with a beer), pulled pork sandwiches ($18 with a refillable souvenir soda), and many more options available. If these don’t satisfy your hunger, there are numerous street vendors and food truck options available around the fan zones as well. Atmosphere 5 To call the Nashville GP electric is an understatement. Enduring 90+ degree heat, fans packed the grandstands, even for the traditionally lesser-attended Friday practice days. Crowds were healthy all weekend long, and they cheered and roared with every on-track pass. Even for the GT America race that ran under the lights on Saturday night, not a single seat was open. Drivers and teams in the paddock saw visitors come in droves. Concerts during the weekend on various stages throughout the fan zone kept the fans entertained in between on-track sessions. To top it all off, the fireworks show on Saturday night on the Cumberland River provided the perfect ending to the day’s excitement. Neighborhood 5 The circuit takes place mostly in the Nissan Stadium vicinity, circling the streets and parking lot outside the home of the Tennessee Titans . However, a part of the track also visits the downtown Nashville streets across the river as well. Because of the track’s proximity to the city center itself, it provides the perfect opportunity to explore the town and to catch the race action. On the stadium side, A La Quinta and Quality Inn are located quite literally trackside, as part of the track passes right in front of the two hotels. For food, Nashville’s downtown provides a variety of fare, from locally famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge to Panera Bread. When looking to do something outside of the event, the County Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Ryman Auditorium provide music lovers a multitude of options for things to see and do. Fans 5 When comparing to other events on the schedule, few boasted the number of fans the Nashville GP hosted. With tickets sold out weeks before the event for most ticket options, it was obvious from the start the event would be a hit. And indeed, the fans followed up on the promise. From the diehard, sport-knowledgeable fans to the locals who were attending their first race event, everyone was buzzing with excitement from the first practice laps of the weekend. Access 5 Getting around the event was easy thanks to the plentiful signage and facility maps available to fans. Parking lots were clearly marked with buses and shuttles dropping fans off at their designated entry points. In addition, a large pedestrian bridge across the Cumberland River connects downtown Nashville with Nissan Stadium, giving everyone the ability to walk from one side of the track to the other. Grandstands were also plentiful, offering fans a wide option of views for their race day experience, from nearly every corner on the track. Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 5 Ticket packages for the race offered fans every possible option to experience as much of the race weekend as they could. Discounts for college students were also included, with VIP suites offered everywhere from the Nissan Stadium upper levels to the downtown section of the track. No matter what option best fits your needs, fans were unanimous about their praise of the event, leaving the track looking forward to next year’s race. Extras 5 The concourse for Nissan Stadium was open all weekend long, offering fans a place to rest in the shade during the heat of the day. Paddock access for Trans-Am, SRO GT America, and the Stadium Super Trucks was also free to all fans, giving you an up-close view of the teams as they prepared for the event. Victory lane took place on a music stage set up outside of Nissan Stadium, right in the middle of the fan zone, meaning everyone had the opportunity to celebrate with the race winner from that day. The track also features a section that crosses the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, the first such track on the schedule of any series in America that utilized such a feature. Finally, fans can enjoy a wide array of music during the event, with multiple concert stages set up in the fan areas that showcase top-level talents like Brooks & Dunn, Vince Neal, and others. Final Thoughts The Nashville Grand Prix was a new event on the schedule for IndyCar this season, and with it came many questions. Will the race be a success? Will fans show up in droves as event organizers hoped? Would everything run smoothly for the inaugural race? The answers to all these questions were overwhelmingly positive. No doubt that next year’s event will be a highlight once again. Drivers and teams are already talking about the potential of the Nashville Grand Prix to be a marquee event that rivals the likes of St. Petersburg and Long Beach in terms of longevity and prestige. If this year’s fan response is any indication, that very well could prove to be true.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Acrisure Stadium 100 Art Rooney Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Pittsburgh Panthers website Acrisure Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 65,050 Hail to Pitt In a football-crazy city like Pittsburgh, it stands to reason that its stadium would be top-notch. However, the University of Pittsburgh raised eyebrows in 1998 when it announced that instead of going to the expense to renovate the on-campus Pitt Stadium, the Panthers would align with the NFL’s Steelers and play their home games at the stadium under construction on the North Shore of the city, roughly four and a half miles from campus. Built in conjunction with PNC Park , home of the Pirates, and named for the Pittsburgh condiments giant, Heinz Field welcomed the Panthers in 2001. The Panthers are one of the oldest Division 1 football teams in the country, with nine national championships and illustrious alumni such as Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett, Mike Ditka, Larry Fitzgerald, and Aaron Donald. Under current head coach Pat Narduzzi, the Panthers have some top players in Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison and a devoted fanbase outside just students and alumni. Note: Heinz Field’s name changed to Acrisure Stadium in July 2022. Food & Beverage 4 Tailgating is a big thing at Heinz Field, and fans can bring in their food and drinks. But since it’s not a visit to Pittsburgh without a Primanti Brothers sandwich, if you can’t make it to a city location, you can get one here, as well as wings from the oddly-named Quaker Steak & Lube. French fry fans will want to try Chickie’s & Pete’s Old Bay seasoned spuds, a Pittsburgh sports venue staple. Beer lovers will enjoy a large number of brews available, from Bud and Bud Light to local favorites like Iron City. For the minimalists, you’ll find plenty of hot dogs, burgers, pizza, nachos, and Pepsi products. Heinz Field isn’t a foodie destination, but fans will find lots to suit their tastes. A hot dog and a beer will run you roughly $17. Note that due to the pandemic, all concession stands at Heinz Field are currently cashless. Atmosphere 4 No matter where you sit at Heinz Field, you’ll have a great view of the field. Seats are wide and comfortable, with handy drink holders. However, if you’re sun-sensitive and Pitt’s playing during the day, bring sun protection because there is next to no shade unless you’re sitting in the back of the lower bowl under the upper deck overhang. The scoreboard is giant, crystal-clear, and easily visible (unless you’re sitting below it). As is typical for Big-Time College Football, Pitt’s got a large marching band and lots of cheerleaders, and mascot Roc the Panther is the most enthusiastic cheerleader of all. When Pitt scores a touchdown, the Gateway Clipper ships passing on the Allegheny River just south of the stadium will blow their horns, loudly enough to startle. During game breaks, things like current Pitt players up on the scoreboard lip-syncing and dancing to The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” happen, which is funnier than you might expect. Neighborhood 4 Heinz Field is at the western end of the North Shore neighborhood, which means that it’s not immediate to restaurants and hotels and is essentially surrounded by parking lots. Nevertheless, an easy five-minute walk will get you to the (smallish) restaurant district and hotels like Springhill Suites, Hyatt Place, and Holiday Inn Express. Burger fans won’t want to miss Burgatory, which offers every kind of burger you can imagine and a couple you haven’t, and North Shore Tavern is famous for its “steak on a stone,” where you can cook your steak on a super-heated stone. The area has a lively bar scene at night and is clean and well-lit. The neighborhood connects to downtown via the Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street) Bridge, where you can find more restaurants. The famous Strip District is about a twenty-minute walk away from the stadium over the bridge, with an eclectic array of restaurants and shops. Fans 5 Pitt games are populated mainly by its students and alumni, but the crowd will vary depending on the Panthers’ opponent. The stands at Heinz Field are much fuller for games against rivals Virginia Tech, not so much for one-off teams like Western Michigan. You’ll find the students in the northern end zone, and the most popular side of the stadium for non-students is the western side behind Pitt’s sideline. Even when the crowd is small, though, they are loud and engaged all during the game, to the point that it can be surprising how loud a relatively small crowd can be. Expect lots of HAIL TO PITT and LET’S GO PITT chants, and it’s a good idea to learn the words to “Seven Nation Army” and “Lose Yourself,” because you’ll hear them sung a LOT. Even when Pitt is losing, the crowd is into it–no fair-weather fans here. Also, singing along to “Sweet Caroline” at the end of the third quarter is a thing, and no, you didn’t suddenly get transported to Fenway Park as a result. Access 5 No matter how you choose to get there, Heinz Field is exceptionally reachable. If you’re driving, the stadium has its exits from Interstates 376 and 279 and local routes 28 and 65. Parking passes for immediately adjacent lots can be bought when you purchase tickets, but they’re not cheap, starting at around $20 and going significantly up from there. If you don’t mind a little walk, you can find much cheaper parking via ParkingPanda.com and SpotHero.com around the neighborhood and across the river downtown. Port Authority buses have several routes to the stadium, and the Allegheny light rail (T) station is a half-block away, with fares starting at $2.50 one way. The T is free if you stay downtown, so keep that in mind when making lodging reservations. Inside the stadium, wide concourses and ramps abound, with plenty of escalators and elevators as well. Restrooms are clean and in good condition, with wheelchair-accessible stalls. Return on Investment 4 If you enjoy Division 1 college football or just football in general, going to a Pitt game at Heinz Field is a cheap good time. Even when a top school like Clemson is in town, you can get excellent seats in the lower bowl for less than $60. Unlike the Steelers, Pitt doesn’t have any ticket-related promotions for non-students, but it doesn’t matter with prices like these. Also, the team is pretty good, so that means a fun game. If you want the whole tailgate/good college game experience, a Pitt game at Heinz Field is very reasonable compared to other big football schools. Add in the ease of getting there and general good ticket availability, and if you’re around when Pitt’s at home, it’s well worth your time to attend a game. Extras 4 Heinz Field’s Great Hall, sponsored by FedEx, has a great display of Pitt memorabilia and is worth checking out. Those not familiar with Pitt football will marvel at the number of not only NFL players but Hall of Famers that came through Pitt, otherwise known as “I Didn’t Know (Name) Went Here!” If you want to pick up a souvenir, there’s a well-stocked team store on site for all your Panther needs. Heinz Field staff members are pleasant and helpful, and like its baseball brother PNC Park, fans get an excellent view of the Pittsburgh skyline from numerous vantage points throughout the stadium. On early game days, go check out the Carnegie Science Center directly across the street from Heinz Field after the game since there’s always something going on there. Final Thoughts Yes, Heinz Field is primarily associated with the Steelers, but it’s the royal blue-and-gold home of the Panthers on Pitt game days. With easy access, reasonable prices, and fun fans, those who want to experience a big-time Division 1 college football game with all it entails would do well to check out Pitt games at Heinz Field. Add in all the other Pittsburgh amenities, and this should be a legitimate road trip idea.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Turf Field 2021 Ivy Road Charlottesville, VA 22904 Virginia Cavaliers website Turf Field website Capacity: 1,500 Blue Hoos The University of Virginia Cavaliers field hockey program is among the most successful college field hockey teams in the country, making the NCAA tournament 24 times in their history, including five Final Four appearances. The Cavs have won the ACC Field Hockey Tournament once as well, in 2016. The Cavaliers play their home games at Turf Field, which despite the uninspired name is one of the nicest field hockey venues in the country. It has hosted the ACC Tournament six times, most recently in 2009. It also played host to an exhibition match between the Olympic teams of the United States and Argentina in June 2012, as both Turf Field and the Olympic field hockey venue in London have the same unusual blue-colored turf. Virginia’s field hockey team, like all its teams, is officially known as the Cavaliers but unofficially known as the Wahoos, or Hoos for short, in reference to an unofficial nickname for all University students and alumni. Food & Beverage 2 Turf Field sells concessions out of a trailer in between the entrance and bleachers. While there isn’t much here, consider that most college field hockey venues in the country don’t offer any concessions. Pretty much the only thing here that can be a meal is hot dogs for $4, while other options to eat include hot pretzels for $5 and candy and chips for $3. To drink, fans can find Pepsi soda products and Gatorade for $5 and bottled water for $3. Credit cards are accepted with the exception of Discover, although when we went they were having technical difficulties accepting American Express as well. Be prepared or bring cash. . Atmosphere 4 Once you walk into Turf Field, the first thing you will notice is the unique blue turf, similar to that at the Boise State football stadium. From the entrance, you will walk past the restrooms and concessions up to a large set of bleachers to watch the game. The seats in the middle sections are in the shade during day games thanks to the press box, while the seats further towards the sides are not. We recommend picking an appropriate section based on the weather for that day. Some fans seem to like to sit right on the edge of the sun and shade sections so they can move around when they get too hot or cold. On fall days when the weather in this part of the country can vary by the minute, this seems like a wise move. Turf Field also has a large scoreboard in the far left corner as seen from the bleachers, which also shows the shots, saves, and penalty corners for each team. Theoretically it also shows what half the game is in, but it remained stuck showing the first half for the entire game when we visited. Additionally, as college field hockey switched to quarters a few years ago, this is not the most helpful even when it works. Unfortunately, the way it is designed, there is no way to change it to account for quarters without completely replacing the scoreboard. Neighborhood 4 Turf Field is located on the campus of the University of Virginia, which is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Once you get off campus and into the city of Charlottesville, there is plenty else to do. Boylan Heights is a popular bar just off campus and serves up good food as well. It is just one of many places to eat, drink, or have fun along University Avenue ranging from bagel bakeries to bars to sushi restaurants. History buffs may also want to check out Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Fans 4 Although field hockey is and will always remain a minor sport on college campuses compared to things like basketball and football, the sport does draw a good crowd here compared to most places. While the 400-500 fans a game the Cavaliers draw may not seem like much, it consistently ranks them towards the top of the nation. Many fans are friends and family of the players, but you also get some UVA students and locals. Many of the children in attendance play youth field hockey themselves and dream of making the NCAA someday, but there are also longtime fans of the program and of UVA athletics in general. The fans are passionate and it can get quite loud in here after big plays by the Hoos. Access 3 If coming to Charlottesville from the east or west, you will likely take Interstate 64. If coming from the north or south, you will take U.S. Route 29. Although both are major roads, Route 29 has a few traffic lights along the way, so you won’t make as good time as you would on the highway. Still, you should be able to make reasonably good time if you head that way – the lights are for the most part few and far between. Once you get on campus, finding the stadium can be hard. There are no signs and it isn’t prominently visible from any street. Some GPS apps are better than others at getting you to the right place – Waze instructed us to drive onto a sidewalk to access the stadium and we had to switch to Google Maps, which took us to the appropriate lot, UHALL West. However, once you are in UHALL West, it is still not entirely clear where to go as there are no signs. If you arrive early, you may see the sprinklers watering the field (no, the turf doesn’t grow, but this is needed to make the ball roll properly) and you can also look for the stadium lights in the distance. There is a path from the back right corner of the lot near the athletics training trailers that will take you right up to the stadium and there will be many helpful staff on hand to direct you where to go if you still can’t find the right way. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all field hockey games at Turf Field is free, with the possible exception of ACC and NCAA Tournament games. Parking is free and concessions are affordable if limited. Considering this is one of the top field hockey stadiums and top field hockey teams in the country, this is a very good value. Extras 3 The unique blue color of the playing surface is an extra in its own right. Free game programs are available on a table at the front gate. A third and final star for all the extremely helpful and polite staff we encountered here. Final Thoughts When you think of athletics at the University of Virginia, the first team that comes to mind is the basketball program that won the national championship in 2019. The second program may be the football team which has had some recent success as well, or perhaps the baseball team, which has made the College World Series five times since 2009. However, there is another highly successful program at UVA who plays in an elite stadium, and that is the field hockey team. The Hoos have one of the nicest field hockey stadiums in the country, not to mention one of the best fan bases. Turf Field may have an extremely boring name, but let this be a lesson in why not to judge a book by its cover. This is one of the best field hockey experiences in the country and is anything but boring.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 JMU Field Hockey Complex 1251 Carrier Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22801 James Madison Dukes website JMU Field Hockey Complex website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 500 Dukes Field Hockey Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley town of Harrisonburg, Virginia is the campus of James Madison University. JMU’s athletic teams, known as the Dukes, compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Dukes’ field hockey program plays at the appropriately named JMU Field Hockey Complex, which opened in 2003 and seats 500 fans. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage for sale at the JMU Field Hockey Complex. Fans are free to bring their own, but cannot bring it onto the track if they choose to watch from there (more on that in a bit.) Atmosphere 3 Walking into the JMU Field Hockey Complex will put you on a small concourse above some metal bleachers. Fans can also walk down the bleachers to a track that surrounds the field and watch from there to get a closer look. All in all it is a very basic layout, with a scoreboard in the corner also showing the most basic information. The Dukes’ mascot, a dog named Duke Dog, sometimes will make appearances at the beginning of the game. He is always a fan favorite when he shows up. Neighborhood 4 Harrisonburg is a beautiful college town nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Although it is not large, there is a lot to do here. Macado’s is a regional restaurant chain with several locations in the Valley and surrounding area, including one right here in Harrisonburg. They are known for their burgers, wings, and delicious hot sandwiches, as well as their large collection of local sports memorabilia. The Magpie Diner on West Gay Street is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favorite. There are several hotels in the area long Route 33, including a Doubletree, a Clarion, and a Candlewood Suites. . Fans 3 The Dukes only draw a couple hundred fans a game, but for a stadium that only seats 500, that is about half full. Those who do show up are mainly friends and family of the players, JMU students, or those with some other connection to the university. They are passionate and cheer on the Dukes throughout the game. It can get quite loud here despite the crowd size, particularly after Dukes goals. The fact that most of the fans pack into a few sections rather than spread out adds to the atmosphere as well Access 3 The JMU Field Hockey Complex is located a short drive off Interstate 81 via exit 247A. Once you get off the highway, some GPS apps will attempt to take you to the wrong side of the stadium. If the GPS allows, we suggest navigating to Lot C-10 or C-12, which is where you will need to park anyway – the stadium is right in between the two lots. There are small restrooms in the stadium located in a trailer on the concourse. They are clean but smell about like you would expect restrooms in a trailer to smell. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, and you won’t spend any money on concessions because there aren’t any. But there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 2 Free programs are available at the fan marketing table as you come in. There is a giant inflatable Duke Dog that the players enter under during pregame introductions Final Thoughts College field hockey is just not a huge deal at James Madison. Their football program has won the FCS Championship recently and their basketball program just opened up a shiny new arena, but few seem to care about the field hockey team. This is unsurprising, and those who do follow the team are passionate about it, making a visit to the JMU Field Hockey Complex a better experience than one might expect at this level.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Patchin Field 309 Letcher Ave Lexington, VA 24550 VMI Keydets website Patchin Field website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 1,000 Key(det)s Soccer The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is located in Lexington, Virginia, and is one of six Senior Military Academies in the United States. The SMAs represent a sort of middle ground between the service academies and civilian universities. Of the six academies, VMI is the only one that does not also admit civilian students, but all of them share some common traits. All SMAs have a Corps of Cadets with military standards and training comparable to the service academies, but unlike service academies, students are not required to enlist in the military upon graduation. Nonetheless, many choose to do so and have served the United States in wars around the world. Unlike the service academies, senior military academies are not tied to any one branch, and VMI graduates have gone on to serve in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Many VMI cadets and graduates also fought in the Confederate military during the American Civil War, and it was referred to as the “West Point of the Confederacy” at the time. VMI’s athletic teams are known as the Keydets, and the soccer team plays at Patchin Field. Located right next to Gray-Minor Stadium , home of the Keydets baseball team, Patchin Field is named after longtime VMI athletic trainer Herb Patchin. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food and beverage for sale at Patchin Field. Fans are permitted to bring their own. In the event there is a game going on at Gray-Minor Stadium, fans may be able to buy something from the concession stand there, but as the seasons do not overlap except for a few offseason exhibitions in the spring for soccer and fall for baseball, this is unlikely to work out. Atmosphere 3 Patchin Field is a quaint soccer field nestled at the bottom of a hill. There are a few small sets of bleachers at field level, and many fans choose to bring their lawn chairs and put them down on the grass. Fans can also stand on the concourse of Gray-Minor Stadium or place their lawn chairs on the hill behind the goal in the shade. Wherever you sit, you will have a great view of the action. There is a scoreboard in one corner which shows only the most basic information, and many aspects of it, such as displaying the half, were not working when we went. College soccer is not very big at VMI, so the team seldom has any promotions going on. There wasn’t even a fan marketing table. However, for fans of soccer, this is a chance to watch the game in its purest form, two teams of amateurs going at it, most of whom will never play professionally and are playing for the love of the game. Neighborhood 1 Lexington, Virginia has been given the rather cynical and ironic nickname Lex Vegas. Unlike its Nevada counterpart, Lexington is a small, quaint, conservative college town in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. Even more unlike the real Vegas, the entertainment scene here is almost non-existent. There are many ways to take in the natural beauty of the Valley in and around Lexington, plus some historic sites on and around the Institute, but that’s about it. Fans 3 VMI averages between 50 and 100 fans a game, though sometimes they will get slightly more than that. However, the compact nature of the seating can make it seem fuller than it is. Most of the crowd is friends and family of the players or those with some connection to VMI. They cheer on the Keydets throughout the game, regardless of the score. Although there are fundraising efforts underway to expand Patchin Field, a crowd of about 100 people looks better in small compact bleachers and lawn seating than it would in a larger seating area. The bleachers can get pretty full here with the crowds, though not to the point of discomfort. Access 3 To get to VMI, you will need to take Interstate 64 to Exit 55. Fans coming from the north or south will need to first take Interstate 81 to Exit 191 for I-64 – Exit 55 is the next once you get on. From there, it is a short drive to the Institute. Once on campus, you will need to park in the lot outside Paulette Hall, then walk under the Gray-Minor Stadium bleachers to reach Patchin Field. The lot at Paulette is small, and if it is full then you have other options such as the Parade Grounds, but that is your best bet. Keep in mind that parking will be drastically more difficult if there is a home football game the same day, so check in advance to be sure. There are no restrooms at Patchin Field itself, but you can walk up a flight of steps to the concourse of Gray-Minor and use the ones there. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, and you won’t spend anything on concessions. However, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 One star for the immense military history at the Virginia Military Institute. While the treatment of such history has been controversial recently due to it being seen as celebrating the Confederacy, efforts are underway to present it in what is considered a more appropriate fashion. That debate is beyond the scope of this review, so we will just say that regardless of what you think of the history here, it is still history. Final Thoughts Patchin Field is a nice little soccer field in the shadow of a bigger baseball stadium. Although college soccer isn’t very big here, a trip to Patchin is a nice opportunity to watch the game for free in a historic military setting.

Stadium Info FANFARE SCORE: 3.29 Gila River Arena 9400 W Maryland Ave Glendale, AZ 85305 Map It Arizona Coyotes website Gila River Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 17,799 Los Yotes The Arizona Coyotes hockey team began as the Winnipeg Jets in 1972. Due to financial troubles, the Jets team moved to Phoenix in 1996 and became the Phoenix Coyotes. (Thankfully, Winnipeg now has a successful NHL team – one not to be missed when visiting NHL arenas). In 2014, the Coyotes changed their name from the Phoenix Coyotes to the Arizona Coyotes to be all-inclusive of Arizona and for marketing purposes. The Coyotes first played at the America West Arena, now named the Footprint Center, before relocating to the Glendale Arena (now known as Gila River Arena) midway during the 2003–04 NHL season. The lease with the city of Glendale expires at the end of the 2021-2022 season. The city is not offering to renew it. In September 2021, the team submitted a proposal to the city of Tempe for a $1.7 billion arena and entertainment complex. Many fans are excited about a new hockey arena on the east side of town. That motion is still in the works and plans for a temporary home while a new building is under construction have not been announced. Stadium Journey says one final goodbye to Gila River Arena. Food & Beverage 4 Gila River Arena has a wide variety of food selections; much more than your standard stadium fare. The arena is leaning towards using local restaurants for their concessions. The choices are much more preferable and varied on the first level than on the second level. Examples include: Blue Line Deli sells tasty chicken Caesar salad, meatball heroes, and soppressata Caprese sandwiches ($12 – $13). Brat Haus (home of the big weenie) provides brats, burgers, and beer. Gadzooks sells its signature tacos. Streets of New York Pizza sells chicken wings and personal size pizza (including gluten free) for $7 – $13. The Goal Line and the Center Ice stands provide the standard stadium fare of hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and candy, which run from $5 (candy) to $13 (souvenir popcorn). Various carts like Wetzel Pretzels and Maui Wowi line the concourses. Domestic and premium beers cost $13 – $14; Pepsi products are a pricey $8 with bottled water $6. Not quite sure why the city of Glendale didn’t put an Arizona Brewery stand on the concourse but instead one from San Diego – Saint Archer Brewing Company. It offers cocktails, hard seltzer, and draft beers. All concessions are cashless. Atmosphere 4 Gila River Arena and the Coyotes provide a noteworthy game day experience. The arena has three levels of seating with suites between the first and second levels. Drink rails are provided on the second level (quite nice); though there are none on the first level (too bad). Loge Boxes and Loge Tables are in place of where drink rails would be on the first level. Fans can walk the entire concourse on both the first and second levels. The steps are very steep on the second level; handrails are provided. Fans enter at the top of the concourses and then walk down to their seat rows with row A the closest row to the rink. The seats themselves are average width; there is almost no leg room between the rows. In 2018, the city of Glendale (owner of the arena) and ASM Global (the organization that operates the Coyotes) installed a respectable, larger center hung scoreboard; it is the perfect size for the arena and provides fans with nice clear, crisp images and video simulcasts and replays. Closed captioning was not offered at the game Stadium Journey visited, but we were told it is normally on the ribbon board in the four corners of the rink. The concourse columns have player images imprinted on them. Arizona high school, college, and club team jerseys are attractively hung in the main entrance area of the concourse. Seven former Coyotes players and Wayne Gretzky are recognized in Ring of Honor displayed on the facing above the top level of seats. Shane Doan #19 is the only Coyotes player’s number retired so far. The temperature is quite pleasant in the arena. More NHL hockey arenas should take note. It is not cold in the rink and only a sweatshirt or jacket is needed. The music volume level is acceptable. Fans can have conversations during stoppages of play without yelling at each other except, of course, after a Coyotes goal when there’s a loud cannon boom and a whole lot of noise and welcomed cheering. Neighborhood 5 The neighborhood is the Westgate Entertainment District, an outdoor mall and leisure activity zone which includes the rink, a movie theater, restaurants, live music, breweries, bars, shops, people watching, hotels, and more. These are all situated across the plaza of Gila River Arena. Places in the district for a pre-game meal or drink include Yard House, State 48 Funk House Brewery, Fat Tuesdays, and McFaddens. Be sure to check their website for happy hour specials; some of them do not include event days or weekends. First Watch (breakfast/lunch), Manna Korean BBQ, Opa Life (Greek), Salt Tacos y Tequila, Whiskey Rose, Hot N Juicy Crawfish are all just steps away from the arena. Plenty of fast food establishments like Chipotle, Crumbl (cookies), Cold Stone Creamery, Dutch Bros Cofee, Five Guys, etc. are also in the mall area. For other things to do, a Dave and Buster’s and an AMC movie theater are in the mall area. The Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley is less than a mile from the arena. Historic Downtown Glendale is just about five miles from Gila River. It has a few blocks of shops, antiques, crafts, a civic center, places to eat, and more. During hockey season, the weather is almost always pleasant, so visiting downtown is a way to pass an hour or two. Hotels within walking distance of the arena include Hampton Inn and Suites, Home2Suites, Renaissance, and Aloft. More affordable hotels are just across Glendale Ave (still less than a mile distance) and include Residence Inn, Staybridge, Townplace, and Holiday Inn Express. Other sports nearby during hockey season include the Arizona Cardinals football (across the parking lot from Gila River Arena). Grand Canyon University is a little over eight miles where sports fans can watch their baseball and very successful basketball teams. Peoria Sports Complex is eight miles north on Loop 101 where the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres hold their spring training. The LA Dodgers and Chicago White Sox play their spring training games at nearby Camelback Ranch . Both of those stadiums also host Arizona Fall League games. Fans 3 Arizona Coyotes fans are a faithful bunch. You’ll see all kinds of the various Coyotes team jerseys worn as well as many other NHL team jerseys. The fans are polite and enjoy their team. No worries about getting hassled if wearing an opposing team’s jersey. Attendance dropped down to about 75% capacity in the late 2010s, but when Alex Meruelo took over the ownership in 2019, and with a winning season, attendance grew to 85% capacity (until COVID hit). Arizona Coyotes fans are excited about the new ownership as they had experienced instability and even bankruptcy in previous ownerships. Access 2 Gila River Arena isn’t in downtown Phoenix but 13 miles in the northwest suburb of Glendale, right off Loop 101 and right next door to State Farm Stadium (home of the NFL Arizona Cardinals). The closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about 20 miles. Parking is abundant at $15 to $75 a spot surrounding the venue and the adjacent mall. Park at the mall and spend the $15 mall parking fee on food or drinks at participating venues, and those venues will take the parking fee off the receipt. The mall parking lot closes off many of their aisleways so it is a nuisance to find the best way to enter. If you don’t mind walking ¼ mile, park at the Tanger Outlets on 95th St for free and walk over. Traffic getting out of the parking lot after games is a mess. Hang out 15 – 30 min after the game for all that to settle. Six gates are available for entry, with Gate 4 the most popular and directly in front of the Westgate Entertainment District and plaza area. Public transportation is not available at all to the arena; driving is the only method. Gila River Arena has a mystifying, absurd no bag policy where fans are not even permitted to bring a clear 12“ x 6” x 12” bag into the building. Stadium administration told me fans in wheelchairs (who carry a bag larger than 4” x 6”) or fans with other medical items that don’t fit in 4” x 6” purse have to travel all the way to Gate 1 to enter the arena. It’s almost like the city of Glendale doesn’t want visitors at their venue, especially those with medical conditions. Here’s hoping the new arena does a better job. Return on Investment 2 Food and drink costs are the standard higher amount stadium prices and no ‘value item menus’ are offered at Gila River Arena. Coyotes tickets range from $23 to $549+ (depending on the day and visiting team). Depending on visiting team, these are more affordable than other NHL teams. With the no bag policy, no public transportation, and the distance from downtown Phoenix, it’s not quite worth the sports dollar investment. Extras 3 The team has varied its logo over the years, beginning with a kachina-style coyote, then a howling coyote, and a crescent moon. The Coyotes have returned to the slick-looking kachina-style coyote for their last season in Glendale. The Coyotes Den merchandise shop is large, bright, with plenty of room to walk around. It sells an abundance of clothing choices (all logos), and other items, including the prohibited clear stadium bags. You can buy them, but you just can’t use them here. Located in the Westgate Entertainment District deserves an extra mention. Enjoy the water fountain displays in front of the arena. Final Thoughts With a new owner and a winning record, the Coyotes are drawing more crowds. The baffling and unfriendly arena entry rules and lack of public transportation make getting to Gila River Arena a difficult trip for some. If you’re a hockey fan and want to make one last trip to Gila River Arena, do it this 2021-2022 season.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Erie Insurance Arena 809 French St Erie, PA 16501 Erie Otters website Erie Insurance Arena website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 6,833 Erie’s Home for Hockey Since it was completed in 1983, the venue once known as the Erie Civic Center has continually hosted hockey, starting with the ACHL’s Golden Blades. Today, the arena is home to the Erie Otters, one of only three American teams in the Ontario Hockey League. The major junior league is part of the Canadian Hockey League, the highest level of North American amateur hockey for players aged 16 to 21. The Otters were created in 1996 and have had great success in their 25 years of existence, winning two OHL championships and numerous division championships. Current NHL superstar Connor McDavid played his junior hockey for the Otters. Erie loves its hockey team, but like the city itself, Erie Insurance Arena is dated and a little shabby. It doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun here, though. Food and Beverage 4 You’ll find the usual sports venue food suspects are well represented at Erie Insurance Arena–hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders and the like. However, since the Otters are part of a Canadian league, you can also cover the three major Canadian food groups, namely Tim Horton’s donuts, poutine, and beer. French fries covered in cheese curds and gravy accompanied by a cold Labatt’s (or a Coke) and a Timmy Ho’s cruller will take you over the border faster than you can say “how’s it going, eh?” The beer selection is quite good here, with plenty of local breweries like Erie Ale Works and Luminary Distillers represented. Best of all, the service is quick and friendly and the prices fairly reasonable. Atmosphere 4 Erie Insurance Arena’s seating is shaped like a horseshoe (media facilities take up one end). It holds roughly 6200 people for hockey, with two levels of seating and small club suites on the third and highest level. The seats are comfortable and roomy, and as far as sightlines go, there’s not a bad one in the house. There’s also a standing-room-only platform behind the goal on the first level, which serves as a natural gathering spot for fans. Scoreboards on either end are clear, if not particularly big, as is the center-hung display. Otter fans love anthem singer Roy Hollis Jr. After performing the Canadian national anthem, he will take off his jacket to reveal an American flag shirt and positively wail the Star-Spangled Banner. Otto the Otter is on hand for the kids and to lead team cheers, and promotions include Chuck-a-Puck, where fans fling pucks onto the ice and try to hit targets for prizes. Be warned, though, that the Otters’ Kiss Cam can get a little out of hand, so try to distract the little ones. There are currently no restrictions due to the COVID pandemic at the arena. Neighborhood 2 There are plenty of restaurants and bars near Erie Insurance Arena, which is in the heart of downtown Erie. Unfortunately, the neighborhood is on the run-down side. On a recent Saturday night, establishments seemed sparsely populated; the biggest gathering was in front of the arena waiting to get in. Although there’s ample parking, Otters fans say that they just come for the game for the most part because they “don’t feel comfortable hanging out” in the neighborhood. When asked outside if there was a place they’d recommend for a drink or a pre- or post-game bite, fans shook their heads or shrugged. “You can get the same beer in here cheaper” was a surprisingly common refrain. I was told that the neighborhood is livelier when the Double-A SeaWolves baseball team is playing at UPMC Park, next door to the arena. So there’s no lack of places to go, it’s just that Otters fans don’t want to go to them, apparently. As for hotels, the Bayfront area, roughly a mile from the arena, has a Courtyard by Marriott and a Sheraton. The hotel nearest the arena, the Avalon, is only about two blocks away, but it’s not in the best shape. Fans 5 Erie loves the Otters, and going to a game is less like attending a sporting event and more like going to a party with extraordinarily friendly people who love to talk about hockey. Blue and gold jerseys are everywhere, although there are also red and green alternate jerseys to be seen, usually with Connor McDavid’s name on the back. Many season ticket holders have been here for the duration of the team’s existence, and many of them have been billet families for players over the years. They speak with pride about their team and players both past and present and are always happy to school visitors on the Otters’ illustrious history. Then, if you’re lucky, they’ll buy you a beer and exchange quotes from Slap Shot with you. Access 4 Thanks to its location in central downtown Erie on French Street between 8th and 10th Avenues, Erie Insurance Arena is easily accessible by car and public transit. There’s a parking garage located directly across the street from the arena with a cost of $5. In addition, two parking garages flank the arena, which cost $4. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, known locally as the E, has three routes that stop at the arena; its schedule can be found at https://ride-the-e.com . The arena itself has comfortably wide concourses and multiple points of entry. Paper and mobile tickets are both accepted. There are several wheelchair-accessible seating areas throughout the arena. Restrooms are clean and have been updated with automatic toilets and hand dryers. Return on Investment 4 One of the biggest draws of minor-league hockey is inexpensive tickets, and Erie Otters tickets are no exception. The most you’ll pay for a ticket here is $18, and the team frequently offers deals like “4 for $44”. Interestingly, the team isn’t offering any giveaways, although it does offer some discounts on team merchandise at particular games. Combined with decent concession and merchandise prices, it won’t break the bank to take the family to an Otters game, and a game is also a popular Erie date night activity. Extras 3 The arena’s merchandise store, the Otters Den, is very well laid out and stocked. As mentioned in the previous section, discounts on particular merchandise happen at every game, so there are some good deals to be had. In addition, kids’ activities such as games and face painting are available, and a walk around the main concourse takes you past banners of former Erie players, Otters or otherwise. It’s a minor-league arena, though, so there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles like you might find at NHL arenas. The staff, many of whom have been here since the arena opened, are knowledgeable and friendly, to the point where fans ask after particular people if they don’t immediately see them. Final Thoughts If you’re a hockey fan, an Erie Otters game is fun and relatively inexpensive, even if you throw in a hot dog, a beer, and a t-shirt. It’s kind of sad, though, that more fans don’t seem to take advantage of the surrounding neighborhood, preferring to get their food and drinks inside the arena and not wanting to hang around before or after games. Maybe it’s not a destination arena, but if you’re in the area and want to see future NHL stars up close and hang out with some loyal hockey fans, you can do worse than Erie Insurance Arena.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Folsom Field Colorado Ave Boulder, CO 80302 Colorado Buffaloes website Folsom Field website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 50,183 The Buffalo Roam Under Boulder's Flatirons Folsom Field, home to the Pac-12 Conference’s University of Colorado Buffaloes, is not the largest college football stadium in the country. Folsom seats 50,183, less than half of the capacities of the football stadiums at places such as the University Michigan (107,601); Penn State University (106,572); and Ohio State University (102,780). Nor is Folsom the newest football stadium in the country, as it will celebrate its centennial in 2024. But set against the dramatic Flatirons to the stadium’s west, Folsom has beauty and spectator proximity to the playing field that schools with larger and newer stadiums envy. Folsom is also home to one of college football’s greatest traditions: Ralphie’s run just before the first- and second-half kickoffs. Since 1967, a live buffalo has charged ahead of the CU team as it takes the field. Five “handlers,” all current CU students, run Ralphie south along Folsom Field’s east sideline, across the field, north along the west sideline, and into a trailer sitting behind the north end zone (frequently as surprised opponents are taking the field). Ralphie’s handlers must try out, complete physical exams, driving tests, and background checks before being selected; if selected, each handler must dedicate approximately 30 hours per week to Ralphie’s care and to the school’s live mascot program. “Ralphie” is a female buffalo because males are much bigger and are more easily excitable. Between stunning views around the stadium, high-level competition, and the chance to watch an American bison charge the field, even casual college football fans will enjoy a game at Folsom. Food & Beverage 3 There are plenty of places to buy food and beverages at Folsom Field but long, slow-moving lines routinely form. CU has created several “grab and go” concession stands, where customers pick up food (hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, etc.) and bottled drinks from heated racks and large refrigerators, respectively. Fans will find these concession stands in Balch Fieldhouse, behind the west grandstand, and behind the grandstand on Folsom’s east side. Although this arrangement can alleviate long lines, the food quality seems to suffer. Nacho cheese congeals while waiting to be purchased alongside stale chips. The frequent opening and closing of refrigerators prevents the bottled soft drinks inside from staying cold. The grab-and-go concept can work at a sporting event but the execution at Folsom Field needs improvement. The courtyard outside Balch Fieldhouse’s south entrance, just outside Folsom Field’s Gate 1, provides the best concessions. There, fans can enjoy the weather, snap a photo with the “Monarch of the Plains” buffalo statue, and find several interesting dining options. Steuben’s restaurant, a Denver comfort food tradition, serves a delicious Nashville chicken sandwich ($14) and a green chile cheeseburger ($13) that are quite good. Jake’s Mini Donut Diner offers donuts with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, chocolate dip, and sprinkles for $6 per bag. Pepsi products are the exclusive soft drinks at Folsom Field, selling for $4 per can. Bottled still (Aquafina) and sparkling water (Bubly) also sell for $4. Those seeking a more adult beverage will not be disappointed. Boulder’s Avery Brewing Company and CU developed a lager, Stampede, that is the official beer of the CU Athletic Department and bears Ralphie’s visage on each can. It’s available, along with other craft beers, for $12 for 16 ounces and $10 for 12 ounces. Twenty-four ounce domestic beers (Coors products) sell for $13.50. Fans will also find Vizzy and Topo Chico hard seltzers for $14 per can. Atmosphere 4 When filled, Folsom Field presents opponents with a loud and intimidating atmosphere. Configured as a horseshoe, with the “open” end behind the stadium’s north end zone, Folsom has large scoreboards with video screens at either end. Folsom’s grandstands have only metal bleachers. Fans can rent cushioned seatbacks for $8 outside the stadium’s southeast entrances. This can be a worthwhile purchase for fans with sore backs or who do not wish to sit on cold metal later in the season. More comfortable seats are available in luxury suites and premium seating areas. Folsom Field’s 1924 design did not leave much room between the sidelines and the stands, so the crowd is very close to the action. The stadium’s scoreboard video screens receive good use. Historical footage of Ralphie is shown as part of a pre-game countdown. The Golden Buffalo Marching Band performs before each game and at halftime. The Buffs’ human mascot, “Chip,” is one of the nation’s best. During late-season games, Chip has been known to create his own small berm from which he can jump on a snowboard. There is much to like about the atmosphere, but Folsom Field needs to upgrade its sound system, which fans cannot hear in certain sections (Section 204, as an example). There are several seating options. For those wanting a great view of Ralphie as she leads the team onto the field, Sections 119, 120, and 121 are your best bets. The seats on Folsom Field’s east side face the mountains to the west, providing a dramatic backdrop to the action on the field. Seating on the west side of the stadium is good for those who might want to take cover in the adjacent Balch Fieldhouse, where concession stands, big-screen televisions, and warmth are all contained under one roof. The visiting team’s fans and band typically sit in Sections 101, 102, and 103. Neighborhood 5 Folsom Field is situated on CU’s Boulder campus within easy walking distance of all buildings and parking facilities. Just to the west of campus, University Hill provides several locations for food and drink also within walking distance of Folsom Field. The campus teems with beauty and is worth exploring. Old Main, the first building constructed on CU’s campus, opened a few months before Colorado became a state in 1876 and houses the CU Heritage Center. For those wanting to learn more about Ralphie or the rest of the university, the Heritage Center warrants a visit. The Heritage Center also has a LEGO model of the CU campus comprised of approximately 1 million bricks, as well as artifacts belonging to CU alumnus and astronaut Ellison Onizuka that were recovered from the Space Shuttle Challenger ’s wreckage in 1986. Boulder’s University Hill sits just west of the CU campus, across Broadway. Bars, shops, and restaurants line 13th Street. The Sink, at the corner of 13th and Pennsylvania Avenue, opened in 1923, one year before Folsom Field’s debut. The Sink is within an easy walk of the stadium and its burgers warrant inclusion in any discussion of the nation’s best. Actor Robert Redford worked as a janitor at the Sink in 1955 while he was a student on a baseball scholarship at CU. Beyond campus, Boulder has dining, drinking, and entertainment options for just about everyone. The Pearl Street Mall, a three-block long pedestrian mall with shops and restaurants, sits less than two miles from Folsom Field. Closer to campus, the Twenty-Ninth Street Mall is an open-air shopping center with restaurants to suit any taste or budget. There are plenty of nearby options for fans looking for something other than a bar or restaurant. Boulder’s Chautauqua Park, at Baseline Road and 9th Street in Boulder, has some of the town’s best hiking and rock climbing. It also has a full dining hall and close-up views of the Flatirons, for those looking for a tamer kind of adventure. The paved Boulder Creek path begins west of campus in Boulder Canyon and parallels the creek through downtown Boulder, across CU’s campus just north of and down the hill from Folsom Field, and travels five miles to east Boulder. Fans can easily walk or bicycle to games along the creek path. Fans 3 One of the best aspects of a Buffs game is the enthusiasm of the students. Seated on Folsom Field’s east side, the student section, the “CUnit,” generates most of the crowd’s energy. The students are loud, engaged, and thrilled when good fortune finds the CU gridders. The students also sing along with the Golden Buffalo Marching Band. Other fans are engaged as well, but the students and the band seemingly fuel the team’s play. The Buffs drew home crowds that filled Folsom at an average of 91 percent between 2015-2019, according to College Football News . Only Oregon (102.8%), Utah (101.2%), Washington (94.9%), and Washington State (92.7%) filled their stadiums to higher percentages in the Pac-12 during that time. Folsom does not sell out regularly but that may change as the program improves. Access 3 Getting to Folsom Field is much easier than getting around Folsom Field once there. The Regional Transportation District ( RTD ) operates several bus lines from Denver to Boulder, with several bus stops at or near Folsom Field. The closest stop is at Folsom Street and Colorado Avenue. Fans can also reach Folsom Field by bike or by foot from just about anywhere in Boulder. The City of Boulder has an excellent bike-sharing program that recently added 100 electric bikes to its existing, 300-bike fleet. Parking at the CU Events Center garage is $30 per car and likely the closest public parking available. Alternatively, fans can park for $15 per car at CU’s East Campus east of the stadium on Colorado Avenue. The walk is long but shuttle buses run frequently between the parking lot and the stadium. Because Folsom Field is nearing its 100th birthday, however, negotiating its walkways and concourses can take time. The concourses in and outside the stadium can be narrow – as is to be expected at an older facility. But lines at concession stands are long and slow, winnowing the space in nearby concourses such that fans must slide around one another. Balch Fieldhouse tends to fill during pre-game and halftime; otherwise, it is a nice place to find shelter and food. Return on Investment 3 The cost to attend a game at Folsom Field compares favorably to the cost of attending a game at other Power Five conference schools. Single-game tickets begin at $40 for seats in the upper level of Folsom Field’s south end. A 50 yard-line seat, 20 rows from the field sells for $130. CU does offer multiple-game and season ticket packages, both of which enable fans to buy game tickets at lower prices. Concession prices are consistent with pricing at most large sporting events, perhaps slightly higher. A cheeseburger sells for $12.50, while personal pizzas are available for $12; hot dogs are $6 apiece. Fans can also snack on traditional stadium fare: popcorn ($6), pretzels ($5), and candy ($5). Although CU does not permit fans to bring coolers into Folsom Field, empty thermoses are allowed and water stations can be found around the stadium’s perimeter. Fans can thus hydrate without having to spend money or wait in lines at concession stands. Extras 3 A point is awarded in recognition of the grass-roots funding for Ralphie’s feeding, maintenance, and care. CU’s live mascot program – arguably college football’s best – is funded entirely through donations from fans. The Buffs earn another point for recycling. CU has introduced zero-waste and carbon-reduction programs at all home sporting events that include a cool promotion. The Buffs convert recycled plastic bottles, collected after games at Folsom Field, into the t-shirts that CU’s spirit squad throws into the stands to celebrate every CU touchdown. Also, a point goes to CU’s Pearl Street Stampede. The night before each home game, CU holds a pep rally along the Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder. The team throws miniature footballs into the crowd and the CU spirit squads participate, while the Golden Buffalo Marching Band plays to the delight of those gathered along the mall. Final Thoughts Folsom Field may not have the size or new-stadium smell of other college football venues, but it has plenty of other assets. Simply put, Boulder is one of college football’s most stunning settings. The Flatirons loom beyond the stadium’s southwestern corner and CU’s campus has postcard-quality beauty. Seeing Ralphie lead the team onto the field just enhances the allure of a game at Folsom Field. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bulldog Stadium Loop Road Bowie, MD 20715 Bowie State Bulldogs website Bulldog Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 2,964 Home Of The Bulldogs 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, 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. Sports teams at Bowie are called the Bulldogs. They compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, at the NCAA Division II level. Bulldog Stadium has a seating capacity of 2,964. A new field house was opened in 2015 within the stadium. Food & Beverage 3 The new field house in the end zone has a pretty nice concession stand located next to it. It is strangely hidden, but the food options and prices are all quite good. There are simple food options for a stadium but I was fairly impressed. I had eaten before the game, but I would have had no problem grabbing a hot dog, nachos, or another snack at this well-stocked stand. There is a lot of space around the stadium interior for other food options that seem to happen depending on the game and the expected crowd. I got the feeling that at the annual homecoming game there are plenty of additional food options. Atmosphere 3 As with every HBCU football game I have ever experienced, the atmosphere is always quite special. From the entrance of the small but loud band to the cheerleaders and majorettes, the crowd should be fired up from the experience. Even so, Bulldog Stadium does suffer from feeling a bit like a high school-type atmosphere. The stadium is not very big and it feels like that kind of stadium experience. This is not necessarily negative, but you can tell that it is not a Division I football game. There is one main grandstand on the home side and a small visitors’ grandstand on the other side. The visitors’ stand is tall but not very wide and looks kind of funny. Overall the seating seems far from the field and that is even with no track as part of the stadium. That is a bit of a negative. 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 at 1651 Maryland Route 3 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 (3809 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD) is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality good food, this is a great option. Comfort Inn is at 4500 Crain Highway across US Route 301 from the stadium and offers some game package deals. Fans 3 Bowie State has pretty decent fan support. Unfortunately, it does have quite a few commuters and professional-level students who likely do not make it to that many games. Quite a decent number of alumni attend the games. There did not appear to be as many students attending the games as I expected. 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 all around campus and there is a charge when you get to the campus entrance. You will have to walk a bit to get to the stadium if you park in one of the main university lots. There are some lots nearer to the stadium. Ask at the gate when paying the parking cost for the best lot. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are not too bad starting at around $20. The parking seems a bit more expensive at $10. Parking and ticket prices will go up at Homecoming so be prepared. You can also pay $100 for tailgating for that game only. The tailgating prices will also include 2 tickets to the game. Extras 2 The Symphony Of Soul Marching Band, majorettes, and cheerleaders are pretty awesome to watch. The band puts on a great show and you should make sure you are at the game early enough to watch their entrance. The stadium has a tree-lined setting that is a nice little extra when watching a game in the busy Baltimore-Washington corridor. Final Thoughts Bulldogs Stadium is not fancy. But the good level of Division II football put on display here at this nice stadium is worth the small price of admission.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bazemore-Hyder Stadium 1204 Williams St Valdosta, GA 31601 Valdosta State Blazers website Bazemore-Hyder Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 11,249 The Blazin’ Brigade Bazemore-Hyder Stadium at Cleveland Field is the home field of the Valdosta High School Wildcats, but is also used by the NCAA Division II’s Valdosta State Blazers. The overall facility was named after two prominent Wildcats coaches, while the field itself was named after a former school superintendent. Though football was first played here in 1923, the old stadium was demolished and a new venue built on the same site in 2004. The new venue includes a Wildcat Museum to celebrate the many accomplishments of the high school club. The Valdosta Blazers have played football here since 1982, and in four decades and earned 4 national championships (#Titletown, USA). The Blazers currently compete in the Gulf South Conference. Food & Beverage 4 Bazemore-Hyder Stadium has concessions stands on both sides of the field, and offers a strong selection of menu items including pulled pork, BBQ chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, Italian sausage, nachos (with or without barbecue), popcorn, and packaged candy for $2 to $5 (except for the BBQ nachos which are $8). The home side also offers a few additional items such as shaved ice, kettle corn, and caramel corn. You can also buy bottled Coke Products or bottled water for $3. Atmosphere 4 Bazemore-Hyder Stadium is a great little facility – while not large compared to FBS or FCS facilities (which require more seating by rule), the Blazers’ 11,249 capacity is on the higher side for D2. The trees surrounding the stadium on three sides provide a pleasant setting, and there is plenty of Blazer signage all around the facility, making it hard to tell this is really a high school football stadium (a lot of shared stadiums don’t do as good a job hiding the other team’s décor, so seeing that here is a great touch). Bazemore-Hyder Stadium has grandstands along both sidelines, on the north and south sides of the field – the larger home stands have chairback seats and chairback rails all the way across, making for more comfortable seating for fans. The visitor side, however, has regular bleachers in all areas, and the two grandstands are not connected, so you will have to enter on the side where you have your tickets. The east side of the stadium is taken up by the field house with locker rooms, while the west side has a large scoreboard, including a videoboard for instant replays, which is big enough that it can easily be seen from anywhere in the venue, no matter where you are sitting. The Valdosta State marching band is known as the Blazin’ Brigade, and along with the cheer squad they put on a great show before the game, when the team comes onto the field, and during halftime, with lots of red-and-black banners waving in the breeze. The band is also very large and does a lot of great formations, including playing popular songs from both today and yesterday. Blazin' Brigade, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Valdosta, GA has a population of around fifty-six thousand, and is located next to I-75 not far from the Florida-Georgia line; the stadium is nestled between Highway 221 on the south and Highway 41 on the east and north. There are several Mexican restaurants near the venue (El Cazador is the closest), but Soultry’s Southern Cuisine is only a couple of miles away (next to I-75), as is Texas Roadhouse, if you are looking to take in some other games before or after the Blazers contest. There are plenty of hotels in Valdosta, with enough options to fit any budget – all of these are located in the corridor next to I-75, about 3 miles west of Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. There are also a couple of parks within a few miles of the facility, as well as the South Georgia Selfie Museum if you are looking for a more modern and unique type of tourist attraction to visit. Fans 3 Even for a D2 playoff game the Valdosta State Blazers do not draw a huge crowd to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, but the fans who are there are plenty loud, and they definitely outnumber the visiting fans, which is always a refreshing thing to see from the fans at a smaller school. The facility also sells Blazer team gear underneath the home side (not a huge selection but a few items), so be sure to pick up your VSU swag while at the game. Access 3 On the plus side, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium is easy to get to since it is located near several different highways, and you can park right across the street at the VFW for $10, which is a great deal and makes for a short walk to the venue. The concourse is also very easy to move around, and there are plenty of bathrooms and concessions stands to accommodate everyone. The downside is that the two different grandstands are separated, so you cannot move freely from one area to the other, and you have to enter on the side where you have your ticket. Things are particularly congested on the visitor side, with long lines to buy tickets (and for concessions), so be sure to buy your tickets online before the game so you can avoid some of the wait. Ticket lines were almost non-existent on the home side, however, and the concessions lines are shorter on the home side as well. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Valdosta State games at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium start at $12, but it is worth it to pay a little more to get the chairback seats on the home side, as well as the better concessions and shorter lines on that side. Concessions are also a great deal with most items running under $5, which is much less expensive than a lot of other venues – for the experience you get, seeing a Blazers game is definitely a great return on investment for your sports dollar. Extras 3 Valdosta State has an awesome mascot (a person in a matchstick costume with a flame for a head, amazing costume!), and they play several videos on the big screen during halftime to keep fans entertained after the marching band finishes their show. They also have a solid football program with no fewer than four national championships in less than twenty years, so you are sure to see some great talent on the field. Valdosta State Banners, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Bazemore-Hyder Stadium is definitely worth a look – you may not have heard of the small school known as Valdosta State University, but if you are a football fan you should have heard of the Blazers and their recent string of successes. If you are in the south Georgia area, make time to take this great little stadium in rural GA.

To see part one of this interview, click here Long before Paddy Boom ( @ PaddyBoom nyc ) drummed for the Scissor Sisters, he was a diehard Red Sox fan. Paddy took a few minutes away from his record emporium in the Catskills ( @boomandbloomrecords ) to talk about his fave baseball team.   STADIUM JOURNEY: You were one of the most colorful players in the history of Horace Greeley High School lacrosse. What are your fondest memories of suiting up for Greeley lax? PADDY BOOM: To be honest, I was never a great athlete and I’m a hundred percent OK with that. The traditional sports weren’t where I found passion. I’m a certified Mistral boardsailing instructor. My passion has always been music. However, I had a great time playing lacrosse, mainly for the camaraderie and Hijinx. When I say I played lacrosse, I mean, playing around on the sidelines, due to my small size and my meh stick skill, I would be put in once in a blue moon. I was let on the field to participate when we were either winning by a lot or losing by a lot. As in, “this game is toast. Where’s Seacor?’ I wasn’t star material, but I had a hell of a good time on the bench doing all sorts of mischievous activities; tying teammates’ laces to the bench while they were sitting, breaking into opposing teams' locker rooms, burying a teammates stick, etc. I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the bus rides to away games, that’s really where I shined on the team. I always had a boombox - powered by 10 D batteries - for the away games and became the DJ. I cranked out cassettes of Zeppelin, the Clash, The Who and Creedence jams. Things got pretty wild at times. Notably, after one game, things were getting rowdy in the back of the bus and one teammate started smashing the lights inside our bus with a bat while the driver just barreled down the road. We played Byram Hills once and it got a bit hairy with the opposing team surrounding our bus as we tried to leave the parking lot. Their team started yelling and banging on the bus with their sticks, rocking the bus back and forth which was exciting.   STADIUM JOURNEY: I don’t know if you ever played golf, but you had a fun job collecting balls. What was that like? PADDY BOOM: My first paying job was at the local Mt. Kisco Country Club golf course that I could walk to from my house. There was a legit caddy shack, just like in the classic movie. There was a hierarchy to getting loops for the good paying golfers. $15 a bag was good pay in 1982. When I showed up at the caddy shack, I was given the name “rabbit” by the head caddy master Joe Cerrantes. A rabbit was a newbie to the art of caddying. The grunt job for budding caddies was shagging balls for $3 a round. Shagging meant standing out on the practice fairway and picking up fifty or so practice balls as they were launched from a fixed spot about half a football field away. I’d be staring blindly into the sun as golfers blasted balls towards me to work on their game. It was scary because you couldn’t see the ball half the  time. I prayed it didn’t hit me, which it did on occasion. It stung hard. Occasionally, I did play golf on Caddy Day, which was on Mondays. I wasn’t very good at golf but it was always a good excuse to hang out. At the time I started actually caddying, Caddyshack, the movie, was out, and a lot of that stuff was so true. Getting in good with the caddy master was key as he set you up with jobs. Our caddie Master, Joe Cerrantes, was a heavy set guy with bluish cataract eyes, who chain smoked Parliaments and had a constant smokers cough. If you got in with his graces, you got the good loops with generous rich guys who might buy you lunch at the snack bar as an added bonus. However, if you were new or he didn’t like you, you got all the “slashers,” the guys who routinely hit balls into the woods, which you had forcing you to go to get. Undoubtedly that meant getting scratches and bug bites. Alternately, a rookie gig was any all-ladies afternoon “shotgun” type game.   STADIUM JOURNEY: So you sell vinyl records, among other things. What’s so special about vinyl? Discuss the magic. PADDY BOOM: I sell mainly used vinyl at my shop Boom & Bloom in the Catskills, I’ve been collecting records since I was ten years old, and the magic of collecting, thankfully, has not worn off. Now, as a vinyl merchant, I enjoy the process of helping people find what they’re looking for. There are deep memories and associations with albums, and I enjoy hearing the excitement surrounding a “lost gem” that someone might find in my store. It’s corny to say, but, I’m in the business of happiness, and I found a use for all my random music knowledge too. People leave my store happier than when they walk in and you can’t say that about most stores. I’m sort of like a sonic drug dealer. People come in looking for something to change their mood, and they get it.   STADIUM JOURNEY: What’s the Ted Willams of vinyl, the holy grail? PADDY BOOM: It depends who you ask and what they are into. “Value” is completely subjective. There’s market value and sentimental value. I recently found an original Velvet Underground with Andy Warhol with a bunch of $2 records. That’s money right there. Last time I checked it was valued over 2k. __________________________________________________________________________________ Paddy Boom spins a live show, Vinyl Freedom, twice a month. Catch it here: https://wavefarm.org/listen . Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Independence Stadium 3900-3934 Fisk St Shreveport, LA 71109 Independence Bowl website Independence Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 65,000 Bowling in Shreveport Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, opened in 1924 and has a capacity of 65,000. The facility is owned by the City of Shreveport, and is most well-known for hosting the annual FBS Independence Bowl – this is the only college football game you will probably see in the venue, in fact, as there are no college teams who use it regularly, though the facility does host some high school football games. The stadium was also used a long-time ago as the home stadium for the Shreveport Steamers of the short-lied and now defunct World Football League. The Independence Bowl itself is sort of a mixed bag in terms of its participants and conference tie-ins; while most bowl games have deals with certain conferences, the Independence Bowl has gone a step further and made deals with specific teams – for 2021 thru 2025 for example, the game has contracted to alternate between BYU and Army as one of its participants, while the other will come from either the American conference, the PAC-12, or Conference USA depending on the year. It remains to be seen how the deal with BYU will go given the Cougars pending move to the Big 12. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage options at Independence Stadium start long before you enter the stadium gates – given that this bowl game is the biggest sporting event in northern Louisiana every year, it shouldn’t surprise you that there are plenty of options surrounding the stadium. Ranging from the fan fests sponsored by each participating team and by the various bowl sponsors, to the restaurants and bars only a block or two from the venue, to the food trucks brought in for the day, you will have no problem finding a bite to eat, and some it will even be free – at the most recent Independence Bowl, for example, the BYU fan fest offered free Brunswick Stew to all fans (although they did run out quickly), and one of the event sponsors had a tent with free barbecue, sides, and bowl-branded souvenirs such as mugs, mini footballs, and lanyards. The food trucks on-site offered items such as corn dogs and hot dogs, and the on-site bars offered a slew of alcohol selections. And if you don’t get your fill outside, you can of course eat once you enter the stadium as well – Independence Stadium has concession stands both on the main level and at the top of the grandstand (the ones on top have shorter lines but may require a longer walk up the stairs, depending on how far up you are sitting). Some of the stands offer pretty basic fare like hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, and nachos, but there are also some more interesting options such as pizza from Johnny’s, ice cream from Counter Culture, barbecue from Real, and of course, Cajun cuisine from Marilyn’s Place, which is a must given that the stadium is located in Louisiana. The specialty items will of course cost more, but there are plenty of lower cost options for fans on a tighter budget. Atmosphere 3 It is best to get to the game early if you want to take in the full experience, including the aforementioned fan fests and seeing the participating schools’ bands march in. There is also a flyover before kickoff (assuming the weather isn’t bad, which unfortunately happens from time to time), and you can buy game swag either outside the stadium, or inside after you enter. Independence Stadium is laid out in a bowl design with grandstands along the sidelines and in the south end zone, and some tents set up at field level on the west side. The best seats in the house are actually in the suite area at the top of the south side, which has covered seating, so if you are worried about inclement weather or too much sun that is your best bet, although these cost a little more. The press box and box seats are on the west side, while the main scoreboard is located above the north end zone, although there is another smaller one on the south side. While most of the seats are regular metal bleachers, there are some chairbacks seats in some areas if you prefer those. Neighborhood 3 Cajun cuisine, seafood, and gambling are the order of the day when you visit Shreveport; there are a couple of great restaurants about 5 or 6 blocks from the stadium, with a few more closer to the airport, plus several casinos across the Red River in Bossier City. John’s Seafood is within walking distance of the stadium and serves calabash-style fresh seafood. However, if you are looking for something more in the Cajun line, try Monkhouse Seafood Diner near the airport (about 2 miles west of the stadium) – Monkhouse is best known for its catfish and stuffed shrimp. If you are going to be in town overnight, most of the hotels are near the airport, but there are additional options in Bossier City. If you want something near the airport, Residence Inn on Monkhouse Drive a is a great choice, with well-appointed rooms and rates starting at under $100. Some of the options in Bossier City have even cheaper rates, however, since they are subsidized by the casinos, and offer more of a resort-type feel, such as the Horseshoe Casino Hotel. In addition, Bossier City is not that much further away from Independence Stadium than the airport. Fans 3 Like many bowl games, the stands can seem pretty empty at Independence Stadium during the Independence Bowl, given how far away the participating teams usually come from, and the fact that the game usually happens during the holiday season when many fans are spending time with family. That said, however, at this game you will get some of the most diehard fans of the two schools that exist anywhere, namely those willing to make the long trek to this faraway game, so you will get some great energy and some pretty decent crowd noise, including the ubiquitous fans with no shirts and chests painted in their team’s colors. Access 4 Independence Stadium is probably one of the easiest stadiums in the country to get in and out of for a bowl game. Located just 2 miles from the Shreveport Regional Airport, which being a small airport has light traffic, short lines, and rental cars right outside the terminal, the stadium is easy to get to even if you live several states away. You can also park right outside the stadium for $20, and there are more than enough concessions stands and bathrooms to accommodate the crowd size. The only potential downside is that the traffic is all routed one way after the game, in an attempt to empty the stadium as quickly as possible, so you may end up having to circle back once you get a few miles from the venue – however, this is a small price to pay in order to get out quickly. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Independence Bowl run about $40 for lower-level seats, but you can usually get them cheaper from 3rd party re-sellers. The parking and food and drink prices are also reasonable, especially when you consider the specialty options available from the food trucks and some of the vendors inside the facility. The festivities outside the stadium before the game also help make the visit worthwhile. Extras 3 Although it didn’t happen during my most recent visit due to poor weather, the jet flyover was very impressive when I was able to see it, and goes well with the patriotic bent of this particular bowl game. This is also the only college football game you will probably see in this particular stadium, so if you are interested in visiting different stadiums like I am, you should see a game here at least once. Final Thoughts Independence Stadium itself is a little dated, though it has had some recent upgrades, and of course the Independence Bowl is not the highest profile bowl matchup you can find in the area. However, Shreveport is a great town to visit, and the Independence Bowl staff does a wonderful job setting up a great event with fans fests before the game, free souvenirs from the vendors, a jet flyover to boot, and a stadium that is easy to get to and move around. All in all, you can’t go wrong taking in the bowl game here at Independence Stadium, especially if you are lucky enough to have your team here for the game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Staake Gymnasium 3 Babson College Drive Wellesley, MA 02481 Babson Beavers basketball website Staake Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 650 Defend the Dam Babson College is a private business school in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Founded in 1919, its focus is on entrepreneurship education. The school has an enrollment of over 3,600 students in its graduate and undergraduate programs. Babson College was recently ranked by CollegeFactual as the top college in Division III for combining academic and athletic success for student-athletes in basketball. Babson’s 22 varsity teams are known as the Beavers and compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) of Division III. For a small school, Babson College has enjoyed a great amount of athletic success. In addition to three national titles in soccer, one in hockey and one in tennis, the Beavers captured the National Championship in basketball in 2017. The Webster Center houses the indoor athletic facilities at Babson. It was named after former Toronto Blue Jays owner R. Howard Webster, class of 1932. In addition to the 650-seat Staake Gymnasium, other facilities here include the Morse Swimming Center, PepsiCo Pavilion, Lunder Fitness Center, Chandor Dance Studio, an indoor track, four squash courts, a racquetball court, varsity weight room, and athletic administration offices. The Staake Gymnasium is named in honor of Paul and Margaret Staake. Mr. Staake served as Babson Athletics Hall of Fame member and former Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs. Food & Beverage 1 There are no concessions available at Staake Gymnasium. It is unclear if this is due to Covid restrictions in place during Stadium Journey’s visit in January 2022 or if this is standard operation. Fans are able to bring in snacks to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 3 The gameday presentation is pretty standard for a small school in a small gym with a small crowd. With crowds measuring in the hundreds, not thousands, you wouldn’t expect a rowdy atmosphere, and you won’t get one. Hoop heads won’t mind the low-key, comfortable vibe of Staake Gymnasium, where the game is the focus. Watching some of the younger fans in attendance take over the court at halftime to shoot around was a touch you would never find at a larger facility. Scoreboards are located on either end of the gym, providing basic game stats. Music plays over the arena speakers during play stoppages, with a PA announcer helping to keep things lively throughout the game. Check out the halls around the gym, where murals hang commemorating the Beavers’ 2017 National championship as well as all the other teams Babson College sponsors. Neighborhood 3 Babson College is located in Wellesley, MA, a town with a population of about 30,000 residents located 14 miles west of Boston. Along with Babson, Wellesley College and Massachusetts Bay Community College call Wellesley home. Given Babson’s suburban location, there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of campus to attract visiting fans. Wellesley Center, a few miles from campus, contains a number of restaurants and shops, but most out of town visitors will want to head into Boston to spend their time. Fans 2 Babson annually averages about 300 fans per game, which is a fairly typical number for most smaller schools in the Boston area. While a crowd at a Beavers game could be considered a “friends and family” crowd, the personal connection the fans have with the players on the court ensure that the fans in attendance are really into the game. There is a good turnout by Babson students and the compact geography of the NEWMAC Conference ensures that fans of visiting schools are often well represented as well. Access 4 Stadium Journey visited Staake Gymnasium in January of 2022, with Covid precautions in place. All spectators are required to present proof of immunization upon entry and to wear masks throughout the game. Babson College is located in the Boston suburb of Wellesley, fourteen miles west of downtown Boston. Situated near the intersection of Interstates 95 and 90, the suburban campus is most easily accessed via Route 9. Driving is the primary method to arrive at the Babson campus. Boston’s public transportation system (the “T”) does not serve Babson directly, but the Wellesley Hills commuter rail station is located a couple of miles from Babson, as is the Green Line’s Woodland station. Driving directions to campus, along with information on local hotels, can be found here . Staake Gymnasium is located on the ground floor of the Webster Center on the western edge of the Babson College campus. Several parking lots are adjacent to the facility. Fans will enter on the second level of the Webster Center, where the mezzanine track and balconies overlooking the court are located. The main entrance to Staake Gymnasium is located on the ground floor. Seats consist of molded bleachers without backs and are located on either side of the court. There are no seats on either end of the court. Rest rooms are clean and large enough to handle a typical Beaver crowd. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Beaver basketball games is free of charge. With free parking and no concessions on site, you will not spend a single cent at a Babson College basketball game. You will even be given a roster at no charge when you enter. Extras 2 Banners hang along the far side of the court commemorating conference championships in many sports, 1,000-point scorers for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, statistical leaders in several volleyball categories, along with Final Four appearances and a banner dedicated to the men’s basketball 2017 National Championship. The Babson College Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Webster Center. Plaques honoring the enshrined athletes line a wall outside of Staake Gymnasium. Final Thoughts The Babson Beavers are a regional athletic power, and the Staake Gymnasium provides a relaxed, low-key place to catch some affordable, quality hoops. This is another hidden gem to be found when you take a Stadium Journey off the beaten path. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 UPMC Events Center 6001 University Blvd Moon Twp, PA 15108 Robert Morris Colonials basketball website UPMC Events Center website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 4,000 The Little Division One School That Could A half-hour west of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University may have a bit of an identity crisis. With the University of Pittsburgh hogging most of the city’s college athletics spotlight and Duquesne University taking advantage of its downtown location, RMU struggles to gain attention. It’s a shame because for such a small school (it plays in the Horizon League), it has a very sleek arena, with the Colonials playing their first game there in 2019. So maybe it doesn’t have the allure of the more prominent schools, but if you don’t feel like driving into the city but do feel like watching a live basketball game, this is a nice place in which to do it. Food & Beverage 3 UPMC Event Center’s concessions are about as basic as it gets–the usual suspects of hot dogs, popcorn, soft pretzels, chips, beer, and Pepsi fountain drinks are represented. Those seeking alcohol have three choices: Coors Light, Blue Moon, and Truly hard seltzer. However, a pleasant surprise is that the concessions stand is sponsored by the local Chick-fil-A outpost and offers a basic CfA sandwich with a fountain drink for $9. A hot dog and a brew will run you $15 max. The selections may be limited, but the pricing is relatively decent. Atmosphere 4 UPMC Event Center has a 4,000-seat capacity, arranged on two levels around the court with a small club level above that. Student bleachers are behind the west basket. The seats are roomy, with cupholders attached to first-level seats. Views are excellent no matter where you sit, and things are intimate enough so you can eavesdrop on RMU head coach Andrew Toole’s pep sessions. There’s a super-clear center-court surround screen, with crawl LED displays on all sides and two screens showing each team’s in-game stats. The PA announcer is having fun, as are the cheerleaders, and there are some fan games and contests. RMU’s Continental soldier-clad mascot, RoMo, mills around the seating area and grabs some pom-poms from time to time. The sound system is quiet when the teams are on the court and plays generic rap and other arena standards otherwise. Neighborhood 2 Since UPMC Events Center is located on RMU’s small campus, which in turn is situated very close to Pittsburgh International Airport, non-students who come to games aren’t going to hit a lively game-day scene. Nearby University Drive has a few chain restaurants, including Pittsburgh institutions Primanti Brothers and Eat ‘n Park, and a shopping center across from campus has stuff like pizza and Starbucks. While technically within walking distance, it’s challenging to get to them on foot due to the lack of sidewalks, so if you’re planning on having a couple of adult beverages, make sure somebody sober is driving. Fans 2 It could be because the game Stadium Journey attended was at the same time as the last Steelers game of the season. It could be because the Colonials aren’t that good right now. It could be … well, because RMU is a small commuter school tucked away in the western Pittsburgh suburbs, which doesn’t precisely scream “Big-Time College Sports Destination.” The crowd at this game was depressingly small, with literally no one sitting in the student section. Most of the crowd seemed to consist of basketball players from a nearby suburb’s middle school and their parents, but they were louder than their small number would warrant. Hopefully, more people show up once football season is over. RMU probably would not have sunk so much money into this place if they didn’t. Access 3 Interstate 376, aka the Parkway, is the easiest way to get to UPMC Events Center, located about 3.5 miles from Exit 57. Parking is limited around the arena, but it’s free. The only mass transit comes from downtown Pittsburgh on the 21 bus, about a 50-minute ride. Once you’re here, you’ll have no trouble negotiating the arena, with wide walkways and a broad concourse. Restrooms are plentiful, clean, and well-maintained, with family rooms available for those with young children and wheelchair-accessible stalls. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for RMU men’s basketball games run from $25 for center-court seats to $10 for the upper level. Combined with reasonable concession prices, it’s not bad for an area family to come out for an afternoon and take in some basketball without having to go into the city, which seems to be where most of the non-student and alumni crowds (such as they are) come from. There’s something to be said for Division I sports in your backyard, even minor ones. Extras 2 A small children’s play area with an inflatable slide and basketball hoop is available next to the (even smaller) merchandise kiosk on the main concourse. That’s about it for non-event attractions. Interestingly, tidbits about the school’s athletics history are hidden away in non-public areas. RMU might want to rethink that. Final Thoughts Robert Morris University’s UPMC Events Center is pretty state-of-the-art for a small commuter school. However, its suburban location puts it off the radar for Pittsburgh visitors, attracting mainly students, alumni, and nearby families. If you enjoy college basketball, though, there are worse places to watch it than here, with inexpensive tickets and concessions along with comfortable seats.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Tudor Fieldhouse 6100 S Main Houston, TX 77005 Rice Owls website Tudor Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 5,208 Rice Owls – Tudor Fieldhouse Established in Houston, Texas, in 1912, Rice University is one of the premier academic institutions in the state. Their athletics programs, the Owls , including their basketball team, began playing shortly after the school’s founding. The team began playing in their current home in 1950. Over the years the Owls have seen some success on the court, winning nine conference championships and making the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on four separate occasions (1940, 1942, 1954, and 1970). They have also made appearances in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in 1943, 1991, 1993, 2004, and 2005, the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) in 2012 and the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) tournament in 2017. Set within eyesight of Rice Stadium, Tudor Fieldhouse has seen two significant renovations since its opening, the first in 2008 (Rice alum Bobby Tudor headed up the 2008 renovation and the arena currently bears his name) and the second in 2014. These upgrades helped to modernize the venerable arena and have proven popular with the Rice faithful. Read on to learn what makes Tudor Fieldhouse the Owls home to roost. Food & Beverage 2 One place where Tudor Fieldhouse truly could stand with some improvements is in the area of food and beverages. This is not to say that what they serve is bad by any means, but currently there is only one concessions stand for Owls games, which is located behind the section of the arena where the player benches are. For large crowds, this could pose a problem with bottlenecking at inopportune times. If you are in need of getting your grub or drinks on during an Owls game, you will need to plan carefully so as not to miss any action. In terms of what is offered, Tudor Fieldhouse serves up pretty much what you’d expect to find at a small-sized concessions stand, including hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, bottled sodas, water, sports drinks, pickles, and candy. What does set it apart from having a lower score here is that the stand does offer alcoholic drinks for sale, specifically canned beer. In addition though, within reason you can bring in outside items, so take that into consideration as well. Atmosphere 3 Once you get inside the relatively new Tudor Fieldhouse, you can see that the dollars were well spent. Everything looks great, the sightlines are well done, the seats are comfortable, and the acoustics are top-notch. The Owls have done a great job honoring their historic past – on the arena’s walls hang banners depicting the conference championships of its men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as its volleyball teams, all of whom play at Tudor Fieldhouse. The basketball team also celebrates its history of great players that have donned the purple and white, as they have seven retired player numbers hanging from the walls of Tudor Fieldhouse, including former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Ricky Pierce . The arena also boasts a team store near the main entrance for fans to purchase all their Owls merchandise. Neighborhood 3 Tudor Fieldhouse is located right in the middle of Rice’s picturesque campus; with its red brick facades and scenic walkways, it often feels as if you’re stepping back in time when you set foot on the campus of Rice. As mentioned, Tudor Fieldhouse is within walking distance of Rice’s football stadium as well as Reckling Park, the Owls baseball stadium. As Houston is the fourth-largest city in the country, it has everything you could ever want in terms of dining, entertainment, and lodging. Even in the area around Rice University you can find plenty to do – your best place to start is Rice Village . Since 1938 Rice Village has been the go-to place for students and neighborhood residents who want shopping and dining. There are over a dozen restaurants to choose from for diners, but one perennial favorite to be on the lookout for is Mendocino Farms , which offers up a variety of specialty sandwiches and salads like their chimichurri steak & bacon, prosciutto & chicken, and pink lady beets and goat cheese salad. Another to be on the lookout for is D’Amico’s Italian Market & Cafe ; specializing in classic Italian pasta dishes, this is the perfect place to grab a bite before or after Owls games. For attractions, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the best such facilities in the region. Home to large collections of artifacts and the Burke Baker Planetarium, it regularly features rotating traveling exhibitions. Also close by is the Museum of Fine Arts Houston , which houses a large collection of classical and modern art. For lodging there are numerous hotels in the area, although none are within walking distance of Tudor Fieldhouse. However, you will have a wide selection of choices that are within a short drive – these include Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District and Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center , which are both relatively affordable. However, Houston being Houston, you’ll have a multitude of other selections to choose from as well. Fans 2 I think it would be fair to say that academics take a priority at Rice. For example, in addition to the retired jerseys hanging from the walls of Tudor Fieldhouse, the school also hangs the names of its numerous Rhodes Scholars. With that in mind, the Owls attendance tends to be on the lower end of the spectrum in the conference. Tossing out the 2019 and 2020 seasons due to the pandemic, Rice only averages around 2,300 fans per game, which is in the bottom five for Conference USA and is not quite half capacity for the arena. While it will never be confused with Cameron Indoor Stadium or Rupp Arena , the fans that do show up are passionate about their team – they’re loud and bring the energy that is crucial to a basketball game. Access 3 Tudor Fieldhouse is smack-dab in the center of the Rice University campus, which sits in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood, far from the hustle and bustle of Space City life. However, the campus is still right between two busy Houston highways (Loop 610 and State Highway 288), which makes getting to Owls games relatively easy. The arena is also less than a 30-minute drive (taking this with a grain of salt as Houston traffic is fickle) from both George W. Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport. If you choose not to drive to games, the Houston METRO public transportation system does run to and from the Rice campus. However, if you choose to drive, parking is free and ample on campus. Again, as with any sporting event in H-Town, be wary of the traffic situation if you choose to drive; you will hit spots of it guaranteed. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for Rice Owls men’s basketball games start at $15 and go as high as $35. This is a really great bargain as the team does tend to bring some quality non-conference opponents into Tudor Fieldhouse. It’s also not a bad way to spend an affordable Saturday afternoon if you’re looking to get your basketball fix in. Couple that with the free parking and affordable concessions costs, and you’ve got yourself a great deal for some pretty good college hoops, especially if you’re bringing the family. Extras 2 When it comes to basketball, Rice doesn’t offer up the pageantry that many other college programs do – there is no mascot, no dance team, and no cheerleaders at its basketball games. Again, this is in large part due to the school’s standing as a leading a preeminent academic institution. However, what they do have – and what saves the score from being lower here – is the Rice Marching Owl Band , aka the MOB. Known for their irreverent song selection (what other band would play the theme song from The Muppet Show during a break in the action?) and attire, the Rice MOB is long known for its antics, as well as for riling up the crowd and the opposing players. Final Thoughts As mentioned, Tudor Fieldhouse will never be confused with any of the grand palaces of college basketball; but that’s okay, it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking to introduce a young one to the sport of college basketball, or if you’re just looking to catch a game on your own, you’d be hard pressed to find a better way to spend your time or your money. I wouldn’t call it a bucket list spot, but I think you’ll have a good time if you stop in at Tudor Fieldhouse. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Millett Hall 500 E Sycamore St Oxford, OH 45056 Miami (OH) RedHawks website Millett Hall website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 6,400 Millett Hall is the Home of the Redhawks Millett Hall is home to the Miami Redhawks basketball and volleyball programs. The 9,200-seat multi-purpose venue hosted its first basketball game on December 2, 1968, with an 86-77 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. The $7.5 million arena was named for John Millett, the university’s president from 1953-1964. The Redhawks have home-court advantage, posting a 147-37 record since the start of the 1993-1994 season. The close to .800 winning percentage is somewhat of an anomaly since the building is not considered one of the more intimidating places for opposing teams in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. The building was designed to host a myriad of events: from concerts to commencement ceremonies and is home to the ROTC program. Fans are somewhat at a distance from the court and many of the upper bowl seating is far away from the action. The Redhawks men’s basketball program has captured 20 MAC championships and has made 17 NCAA tournament appearances. A bronze statue of Wayne Embry stands outside the main entrance. Embry led the school to the 1957 and 1958 tournaments before an 11-year career in the NBA. He is currently a senior basketball advisor for the Toronto Raptors . Food & Beverage 3 There is not a large amount of variety in the game, but enough to satisfy you while watching the game. The concession stands are located near the entrance to the seating bowl and offer hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and soda. Alcoholic beverages are not sold during the game. Atmosphere 3 It appears that Millett Hall has not changed drastically since its opening in 1968. The building is somewhat of a time warp that offers new visitors a look back at arena construction from another era. It might not be as romantic as the likes of The Palestra or Hinkle Fieldhouse , but there is a sense of style throughout the building. The outer concourse is wide and features speckled floor tiles, natural lighting, and a slant roof that supports the upper-level seating. Fans enter the seating bowl up to levels of staircases that seem out of place at an arena. Brick interior, glass paneling, and open areas repeat a pattern in this area. A kid’s zone with multiple blow-up rides makes good use of the open space. There is plenty of activity for kids to take advantage of from slides, bouncy houses, and games. There is another area dedicated to the school’s Hall of Fame members that features framed photos from their playing days at Miami. Millett Hall Play Area, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The inner bowl offers two sections of seating that include red and mustard yellow cushioned seating. The aisles are carpeted and there are multiple areas where fans can enjoy a different vantage point of the game. The ceiling is low and features multiple lighting that provides a bit of darkness to the game in certain areas. There are plenty of open spaces at each end of the court, and one knock against the venue is that fans are not on top of the action. It is not necessarily the case with the first few rows of seating, and additional court-side seats are set up for fans to enjoy an up-close and personal view of the action. Additional highlights inside include a cube-video board that keeps up to the date record of players’ stats, retired jerseys, and multiple banners of the programs that play inside the arena. The band section is situated at one end of the court, and the cheerleaders and dance team are at the opposite end. Neighborhood 4 Oxford, Ohio has a population of 22,700, and the university has slightly fewer with an enrollment of 17,327. The small town is quite attractive and provides a scenic college atmosphere for its students while keeping visitors entertained during a visit to a basketball game. The campus has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost; its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture with all of them no more than three stories tall. The main college drag is High Street, a few blocks away from the campus and ballpark, where you can find a bevy of commerce at its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The action starts early on the weekends with local watering holes packed with students. CJ’s, Varsity, Brick Street, and Steinkeller are a few of the hot spots if you choose to mingle with the young crowd. The area offers a few restaurants: High Street Grill, Paesano’s Pasta House, and local favorites Mac & Joe’s, Spring Hill Tavern, and Hitching Post Saloon. Skippers and Bagel & Deli Shop are next to one another and offer patio seating, half-yard pints of beer, and amazing sandwiches. It is a great way to fraternize with the local population on a warm fall afternoon. Fans 3 The Miami faithful is a knowledgeable group of supporters who cheer for every bucket or three-point made. The student section seating was not set up for the game we attended, and the lack of them could have added a bit more ambiance to the proceedings. However, the crowd gave the Redhawks an encouraging backdrop of claps, cheers, and a few boos when appropriate. Access 3 Miami University is tucked away in its little oasis and the town feels miles away from the metropolitan areas of Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis. The small two-lane roads take you past farms, cornfields, and gravel roads; once on campus, it is easy to get around to and from the building. Millett Hall is on top of Weeb Ewbank Hill from the football stadium Yager Field. It is easily recognizable and offers plenty of free parking for motorists. Once inside the arena, the concourses are wide, and signage is plentiful for bathrooms, exits, concessions, and seating. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to the game is $15 and $8 (12 and under) in advance. There is no longer a fee to park your vehicle, and concession items are fairly priced. A Redhawks basketball game should also include a visit to High Street or a hockey game at the Steve Cady Arena . Extras 2 Millett Hall earns a point for the statue of Wayne Embry on the outside of the building. The building receives a second point for free parking and easy access to the campus. Final Thoughts There is something different about attending a basketball game at Millett Hall. It’s not a basketball arena but a multi-purpose venue that serves many purposes, from sports to concerts. The building’s size hinders the experience slightly for fans who enjoy being close to the action of the court. The interior design could be updated and include touches that 21st-century fans marvel at. The place has good bones for such a transformation; perhaps that day will be here sooner than later. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cotterell Court 201 Broad St. Hamilton, NY 13346 Colgate Raiders website Cotterell Court website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 1,750 Guardians of the Gate Cotterell Court is home to the Colgate University men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. It is part of the larger Reid Athletic Center, which contains both the basketball gym and the former J. Howard Starr Rink, which housed the Raiders hockey teams until 2016. The two facilities, built as twin Quonset Huts, are joined by a common lobby. Cotterell Court was dedicated in 1966 in honor of Wesley M. Cotterell, class of 1919, who was a two-time letterman and university trustee. Colgate competes in the Patriot League alongside nine other northeastern schools with high academic standards. The Raiders have qualified for four NCAA tournaments, losing in the first round each time. Four Colgate alumni have played in the NBA, including Ernie Vandeweghe and Adonal Foyle. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand in the main lobby which serves a limited menu. Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, cookie dough, and assorted candy comprise the entire menu. Prices are what you would expect to see in a venue of this size, and the quality is decent enough. Coca-Cola products are featured at Cotterell Court, served in both cans and fountain versions. Alcohol is not served in this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 3 When you step into this small, cozy gym without a ton of modern amenities, you shouldn’t expect an over-the-top game day experience. What you are going to get is an old-school presentation that gets energy from the fans and the action on the court. Anything else just wouldn’t feel right here. When Cotterell Court is filled, it’s a rowdy, electric place to be. Unfortunately, since the place is generally less than half-full, there’s usually a laid-back vibe here. There’s no video board to distract, so all the focus is on the court. Colgate’s cheerleading squad performs throughout the game, throwing t-shirts into the stands after every Colgate three-pointer. The student section is located under the west basket and can get pretty rowdy when it’s filled with undergrads. For the most part, the students are scattered throughout the facility. Cotterell Court isn’t the loudest gym you’ll ever visit, and the lousy PA system doesn’t help matters. Neighborhood 3 Hamilton is a small town (well, technically a village) of only 4,000, so don’t expect a bustling downtown area, even on game night. What the area lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quaintness and small-town feel. There is a small downtown about a mile from the gym with a historic feel that’s a great place to stroll on a nice fall day. If looking for dining options, the Colgate Inn is located in a 200-year-old building and has been serving up great food for almost 90 years. You can also stay there. It is an inn, after all. Sports fans will want to visit Rusch’s Bar and Grill, where 20 beers on tap highlight a menu full of burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare. Do yourself a favor while visiting Colgate and tour the incredible campus. It’s consistently rated as one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation with a picturesque hillside location and singular architectural language. Fans 2 Colgate averages about 700 fans per game, less than half the capacity of Cotterell Court. This figure is also less than half the Patriot League average. While the fans do turn up for the big games, there’s usually plenty of room to spread out here at Colgate. The fans who visit Cotterell Court are made up of locals and alumni with a decent turnout by the student body. It is said that the majority of the faculty of Colgate University lives within ten miles of campus, and it feels that the same can be said about the crowd at a basketball game. Since the Raiders are the only game in town, the fans who show up are dedicated and knowledgeable about the team down on the court. The student section is located on the north end of the gym, where a few rows of bleachers are located right under the basket. Stadium Journey visited Colgate for the semifinals of the Patriot League tournament, so the section was packed with rowdy students. Much of the student body chose to spread out throughout the gym, creating a festive environment. The crowd is much sparser throughout the regular season. Access 4 Colgate University is located in rural Hamilton, New York, a village of just over 4,000 residents located in the Leatherstocking region of New York state. It is almost equidistant to the cities of Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton. Hamilton is not a place you will stumble across accidentally. No highways serve the area directly, with Interstate 90 passing by about 30 minutes to the north and Interstate 88 about 40 minutes to the south. Cotterell Court is part of the Reid Athletic Center, a pair of Quonset Huts connected by a shared lobby. The Reid Center is located on the western edge of campus, adjacent to the school’s other athletic facilities, including the Class of 1965 Arena and Andy Kerr Stadium . Fans will enter the facility on the east (Broad Street) side into the main lobby. This small lobby is full of activity, with the concession stand, ticket booths, souvenir stand, and restrooms all scattered around. A giant Colgate “C” will be located directly in front of you, filled with Raider memorabilia. You will also see photos of all Colgate seniors posted around the lobby. There is plenty to see here before entering the gym, which is located to the right as you enter. Fans will enter Cotterell Court on the south side of the gym. You will enter just a few feet from the court, so you may have to dodge errant basketballs or players upon entry. Reserved seating will be located on your right and general admission on your left. All seats have excellent views of the court, if not a whole lot of legroom. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Colgate basketball games are very affordable, with reserved seating priced at $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. A General Admission ticket will cost $10, with seniors and children admitted for only $5. Group pricing starts at only $4 per ticket. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the Reid Athletic Center. With inexpensive concessions, a trip to a Colgate basketball game is a very affordable entertainment option for central New York sports fans. Extras 3 Extra points are awarded for the sense of history at Cotterell Court and the Reid Athletic Center. From the time you step foot inside the facility, you are bombarded with Colgate athletic history. You could get lost checking out all the displays in the lobby, from the giant C-shaped trophy case located front and center to the smaller cases scattered throughout the lobby. Don’t get so distracted you forget to watch the game. Inside Cotterell Court, banners hang honoring the many championship teams to call the gym home. A final extra point is awarded for the beautiful Colgate campus. Do yourself a favor and get to Hamilton early and check out the campus’ architecture in this incredible setting. Final Thoughts A visit to the village of Hamilton may feel like a trip back in time, and that’s precisely part of the appeal of a visit to central New York. Classic architecture, an old-school barn, and a laid-back gameday presentation combine to make Colgate one of those Stadium Journeys that make traveling the D-1 landscape so worthwhile. ------ Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McKethan Field 2800 Citrus Road Gainesville, FL 32611 Florida Gators website McKethan Field website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 7,000 Gators Aided by Their New Stadium The Florida Gators baseball team moved into their brand new $65 million ballpark in time for the 2021 season. The Gators have a long tradition in the sport, as they have fielded a baseball program since 1912. The team has won 15 SEC Championships, 7 SEC Tournament Championships, and made 12 College World Series Appearances. They won the NCAA National Championship in 2017. Florida Ballpark was built to help the Gators compete in the very competitive SEC baseball wars. In recent years, the University of Alabama, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State University have either built new ballparks or undertaken major renovations to improve their baseball venues. The new home of the Gators seats 7,000 which includes 4,000 chairback seats, 700 club seats in its second level, and seating for 2,000 on the berms in the outfield. Florida Ballpark also offers a 360-degree open concourse to allow for easy navigation around the field. The stadium now has a permanent Sports Shop, replacing a pop-up version that was used at the former site. The stadium also has a state-of-the-art sound system and a giant LED scoreboard/videoboard in right field. The facility has a grass field. The dimensions of the field are 330’ to left field, 400’ to center, and 330’ to right field. Food & Beverage 5 One of the major improvements of Florida Ballpark over the former home of the Gators is the food and beverage selection for the fans. Each stand in the park offers a different set of food options. The 1st Base Line Grill offers brisket nachos ($16), smoked BBQ pork melts ($15), chicken tenders ($12), cheeseburgers ($12), chicken Caesar wraps ($12), and hot dogs ($5). Snacks include popcorn ($4), pretzels ($5), peanuts ($4), and candy ($4). This location includes a Watermelon Refresher ($9), which includes watermelon cubes, lime juice, and chili seasoning as a great way to cool off. Beverages include Pepsi brand sodas ($6), water ($4), coffee ($4), and of course, Gatorade ($4). The 3rd Base Line Grill offers shrimp po’boys ($12), a classic Cuban sandwich ($15), chicken tenders ($12), several choices of pizza ($7), and a Fried Key Lime pie ($11). The same beverages are sold at this location as the 1st Base Line Grill. The outfield berms and Dizney Grove are serviced by a rotating set of food trucks. These include B’z Gelati, The Chili Wagon, Kona Ice, Big Lee’s BBQ, Mayflower Cellars, and Hick’s Grill Shack. Food can be ordered via the Florida Gators app and picked up at the Express Line, saving fans from having to get in a long line between innings. Atmosphere 4 The athletic department wanted to ensure the comfort of fans attending the games in the hot and humid weather that Gainesville can experience in the late spring. They included ceiling fans along the concourses and included a canopy to cover all the fans in the club level and other shade-providing structures in other portions of the park. These were major improvements over the former home of the Gators. Sun Shade Structure at Florida Ballpark, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The addition of the Dizney Grove and berm seating areas have created some non-traditional seating areas and have been very popular with the Gator fans. Neighborhood 3 The new home of Florida Gators baseball has been relocated across the university campus from its former home next to the McConnell Center. It now is located on the southwest corner of the campus. This was not the original plan, but designers felt the footprint of the old stadium location was not large enough to include all the features that the athletic department wanted as a part of the new facility. The new site enabled the facility to include several hundred parking spaces adjacent to the stadium, doing away with the shuttle bus system that was required in the congested area of the former ballpark. Another reason for choosing the new site was that the playing field could be reconfigured to have home plate relocated to face northeast so the sun would not be in the fan’s and players’ eyes. Fans 4 You can usually expect a full house at Gator baseball games. The fan base has lofty expectations every season, as the baseball program has been a regular in the NCAA baseball playoffs and the College World Series. The 200 level at Florida Ballpark is filled with the boosters and monied alumni of the school. They typically are decked out in the blue and orange colors of the team. The main seating bowl is a mix of the old guard and younger alumni with their families. They enjoy the games but can be pried away by visits with the Gators mascot Albert. This lower level gets excited when someone starts the Gator Chomp cheer, and it winds up going around the stadium like a wave. The berms and Dizney Grove areas behind the outfield fences are mostly populated by University of Florida students. These areas are great for spring sunbathing and other social activities. To serve these students’ dining needs, the stadium has lined up a rotating set of food trucks to be present at each game. Access 4 Florida Ballpark has greatly improved the accessibility compared to the former stadium site. McKethan Stadium was in a very congested area which included the McConnell Center and many other athletic structures with little or no parking adjacent to the park. The new site has parking for more than 400 vehicles. It is also located closer to another entrance to the University of Florida campus that is far less congested than when it was alone. The stadium has 4 major entrances, with one each along the third base, first base, and first baselines and one leading into the berm seating area in Dizney Grove. The concourses are much wider than before, and ticket entry is much faster as the site uses a touchless ticketing system. Return on Investment 4 An afternoon or an evening out at a Gators baseball game will not cost you a lot. Tickets start at $5 for berm seating in the outfield with other price points of $10 down the first and third baselines, $20 for seats behind home plate, and $30 for club seats on the second level of the stadium. Parking is free at Florida Ballpark. The food and beverage cost inside the stadium is average for any ballpark. If you are traveling to Gainesville from out of town, there is a wide range of accommodations near the ballpark that can meet any price point. Lodging is much cheaper in the spring than it is during the football season. Gainesville is serviced by its own airport, but it can be very pricey. It is much cheaper to fly into Jacksonville and then drive the 90 minutes to Gainesville. Extras 4 Florida Ballpark has several areas around the stadium that feature highlights of the Gators baseball programs, past championships earned by the programs, and Gator players who have gone on to major league baseball. Kudos go to the designers for including several features in the park that provide protection from the sun and hot and muggy weather. The food offerings at Florida Ballpark are much more diverse than most college baseball stadiums. Final Thoughts The University of Florida has made a major step forward in SEC baseball with the opening of McKethan Field at Florida Ballpark. It offers several amenities that improve the fan experience, including sunscreens to provide shade from the hot Florida sun, a diverse menu of concession items, and unique seating options in the Dizney Grove and berm areas. The new stadium will also serve as a major recruiting tool for future Gator ballplayers.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Malcolm U. Pitt Field Lakeview Ln Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website Malcolm U. Pitt Field website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 600 The Spiders Web Located on the scenic University of Richmond campus on the edge of the city of Richmond, Malcolm U. Pitt Field is home to the Spiders’ baseball team. The stadium sits in between the Robins Center and Westhampton Lake and has seating for 600 fans. Pitt Field opened in 1975 and has undergone several renovations over the years. A new sound system and scoreboard were added in 2008 and artificial turf was added in 2015. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand at Pitt Field located at a window on the first base side of the press box. The only things you can really make a meal out of are nachos ($5) and hot dogs ($3) but there are plenty of snacks available including typical items like peanuts and caramel corn and more unusual items such as trail mix. Soda and bottled water are available as well, with nothing other than the nachos costing more than $4 and most items being $3 or less. Credit cards are accepted, as is cash. Atmosphere 2 Pitt Field has a rather basic layout of two sets of bleachers, one on each side of the press box/concession stand. You will access the bleachers from a stairway on the side furthest down the lines, while another stairwell on the other side will take you to an area where the press box and concession stand are. None of the bleachers have backs, but people in the top row can lean against the back fence. There is a scoreboard in the outfield which shows a linescore and other basic information. Most prominently, there is a giant Spider logo across the outfield. The experience at a Spiders game is rather basic – there is the usual music between innings and as baters walk up, and the sound system is decent enough, but beyond that there is not much going on other than the game itself. This can be fun for some fans, but those looking for a bit more excitement like you’d get at a minor league game will be disappointed. Neighborhood 3 Richmond’s campus is about 20-30 minutes from downtown Richmond, right on the edge of the city limits. In fact, as fans of rival school VCU will love to point out, only about half of the University of Richmond campus is actually in the City of Richmond. The other half is in neighboring Henrico County. If you head down Three Chopt Road, there are a few restaurants and other places available, but your best bet is to head about three miles east on Route 147 to the Carytown neighborhood which has far more options available. We recommend the Galaxy Diner and Carytown Burgers and Fries as your best bets. Fans 4 Although Pitt Field only seats about 600, the bleachers can get pretty full during the game, particularly the ones on the third base side behind the Spiders dugout. Fans range from those who have been following the Spiders for years to little kids clearly attending their first baseball game whose parents patiently explain the basic rules to them as they watch. Fans can get quite into it, especially after big hits and defensive plays by the Spiders, and most of them stay for the entire game even if it becomes a massive blowout as it did during Stadium Journey’s visit. Access 3 The Richmond campus is located a couple miles off I-64, the Downtown Expressway, or the Powhite Parkway, depending on where you are coming from. The first route is toll-free but the second two have small tolls. Once you arrive on campus, there is ample parking available in a large lot between the stadium and the Robins Center. Just keep in mind those spaces marked in yellow are within range of home run balls – park there at your own risk or park in the white spaces further away. Note that for early season games on the same day as a Spiders basketball game, the parking situation can be completely different so check the Richmond athletics website to confirm. Once you’ve parked, however, getting to and around the stadium can be surprisingly complicated. You will need to walk down a small staircase at the back of the lot, down a path, and then up another small incline and staircase to get to the bleachers. To access the concession stand, you will need to walk down yet another staircase at the other end of the bleachers. Restrooms are located in a trailer behind the ballpark. To get there, you will need to walk out of, around, and behind the bleachers to the bottom of the hill, where you will find the trailer in between the back of the press box and the lake. The restrooms are single-occupant so you may have to wait for the previous user, but they are real restrooms, not Port-a-Potties. There is men’s restroom, a women’s restroom, and a unisex one if needed or preferred. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Spiders baseball is free, parking is free, and concessions are affordable. Depending on where you are coming from, you may have to pay a small toll to get there, but this should not be more than a dollar or two. For a chance to see a live baseball game on a scenic campus with great fans, this is well worth it. Extras 2 There are free programs in a box to the right of the concession stand. A second and final star for the giant Spider logo in the outfield, one of the more unique nicknames in sports. Final Thoughts Although it only seats 600 fans, Pitt Field is just the right size for the crowd it draws. Although the experience the team puts forth is rather basic, that is made up for by the great fans who come to cheer on their beloved Spiders. From the youngest children to those who have been going to games here since the stadium was built almost 50 years ago, everyone can have a good time at Pitt Field.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Tribute Communities Centre 99 Athol St E Oshawa, ON L1H 1J8 Oshawa Generals website Tribute Communities Centre website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,180 Generally Speaking … One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League is the Oshawa Generals. For many years, Oshawa, Ontario was the Canadian incarnation of the Motor City, with General Motors having a massive presence in the city, including the Canadian headquarters. The Generals moniker, therefore, has no link to the military, but to the car manufacturer. The current home of the Generals was also originally named the General Motors Centre. With a lineage that goes back to Oshawa’s favourite adopted son, Bobby Orr, the Generals are one of the most successful teams to ever take the ice in Ontario. The Generals hold the record for most J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions, with 13. The Generals also boast an impressive five Memorial Cups, which is also more than any other current Canadian Hockey League franchise. The Generals were founded in 1937 and were forced to take a hiatus in the fifties when their home arena burned down. The Gens resurfaced in 1962 and are currently owned by Rocco Tullio. In 2006, the Oshawa Generals moved to the brand new, City of Oshawa-owned General Motors Centre. Moving out of the old Oshawa Civic Auditorium was a boost for the team and has allowed Oshawa to be the host city for Memorial Cup. In 2016, the naming rights were purchased by Tribute Communities, a property development company, and the arena was renamed the Tribute Communities Centre. Food & Beverage 3 With pandemic restrictions being in transition at the time of this review, it appears that concessions are back open at Tribute Communities Centre, in full force. Concession options are what one would expect. All of the expected options are present with burgers, sausage, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and Pizza Pizza slices available at multiple purchase points. Coca-Cola provides soft drink options and there are also a few beer options available including Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. There are also some cider and cooler options available. The concession lineup is decent, but there is nothing that will blow fans away. Atmosphere 4 The Tribute Communities Centre is designed like many other arenas in the Ontario Hockey League. The exterior is attractive with the main entrance along Athlol Street. The main square features a unique mirrored sculpture that defies description, yet provides a terrific meeting place and item for exploration. Fans can take Red Tilson Lane, named after the Gens war veteran, past the sculpture from Athol Street to Bruce Street on the other side of the building. Upon entering the main doors, fans are immediately met with a large staircase leading to the main concourse. Ground-level also sends fans to a modest team store. The main concourse gives fans the impression that the Tribute Communities Centre is like so many other OHL facilities. The concourse is behind the top row of seats in the seating bowl and is open so fans can see the action on the ice while traversing the concourse. The entry points to the seating bowl have signage sharing the Generals Ring of Excellence. Members include John Humphreys, John Stevens, Terry O’Reilly, Alex Delvecchio, Rick Middleton, Joe Cirella, Roy Sawyer, John MacLean, Jason Arnott, Billy Taylor, Darryl Lafrance, Ian Young, Scott McCrory, Paul Theriault, Dean Morton, Iain Fraser, Nathan Horton, Wayne Cashman, Bryan Allen, Bob Attersley, Floyd Curry, Matt Leyden, Jeff Daniels, and Dave Andreychuck. The six of the most prominent Generals do not have Ring of Excellence signage as they have their numbers retired, hanging from banners on the east side of the arena. John Tavares, Eric Lindros, Marc Savard, Tony Tanti, Red Tilson (who gave his life in World War II), and Bobby Orr each hold the most honoured place among Generals Alumni. On the south side of the building, fans have the opportunity to pursue the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and Museum which is a treasure trove of memorabilia and artifacts not only about the Generals but for the entire region across sports. Enshrined members of the Hall of Fame can be found in frames around the arena The seating bowl is pretty much a single-tier bowl with standing room behind the seating bowl. The concourses are open to the seating bowl and the opportunity to see the game while at the concession stand is there. Above the seating bowl on the south side are several luxury boxes and the Prospects Grill offers some alternative seating, with a full-service restaurant, on the north side. The video board at centre ice is not overpowering, but clear and used effectively. The pride of the Generals can be found on both the east and west sides of the scoreboard. On the west side, the banners for the thirteen J.Ross Robertson Cups hang. The Gens took home the Ontario or OHL championship in 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1966, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1997 and 2015. On the east side banners for the Memorial Cup victories of 1939, 1940, 1944, 1990, and 2015 hang. It is hard to find a junior hockey team more decorated than the Generals. The game day experience is about what can be expected for an OHL team. The music is what you would expect with a variety of contemporary and classic rock. The Gens mascot, Deke, can be found around the arena interacting with the fans and the opportunity to win some money is available with the 50/50 draw. Neighbourhood 4 The Tribute Communities Centre is located in the Central Oshawa neighbourhood of the city. Oshawa has a population of 166,000, so it is not a huge city. However, Central Oshawa does have a few spots of interest for fans who are looking for pre or post-game food and drink. Right inside the Tribute Communities Centre, fans may wish to try out the Prospects Bar & Grill. Other options within walking distance include Smoke’s Poutinerie, Wing Addicts, Kings Corner, Brew Wizards Board Game Cafe, Riley’s Pub, and Top Corner Grill & BBQ. There are also a few fast food and chain restaurants around. Wendel Clark’s is heavily advertised and is a few blocks from the arena and may be the spot to try, especially for Toronto Maple Leaf fans. Fans looking for some other sporting options will want to head over to Ontario Tech University, where the Ridgebacks play hockey at Campus Ice Centre and basketball at Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre . If that is not quite enough, heading to Toronto for all that there is to offer there is an option. A few steps from the TCC is the Canadian Automotive Museum, which may be of interest also. For fans wishing to stay in Central Oshawa, La Quinta Inn & Suites Oshawa is a block away from the arena. Holiday Inn Express Oshawa is also a couple of blocks away. Fans 4 Although it is difficult to assess fans during the pandemic years, Oshawa has consistently been in the top 4 in OHL attendance. In normal years, the Generals average over 5,000 fans per game, which is very strong for the OHL. Even in the pandemic challenged the year 2021-2022, the Generals have averaged over 3,100 fans and are fifth in the OHL. Generals fans are knowledgeable about the game and their team. They are also pretty typical of the Ontario sports fan, which is not over-the-top and fairly reserved, who knows when to cheer and when to jeer. Access 4 Getting to the Tribute Communities Centre is not too difficult. The arena is less than 3 km from Highway 401, the main east-west artery in Ontario. There are a few parking options near the arena and the traffic is not terrible in Central Oshawa. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are some bus stops on King Street East, a block north of the arena. Fans should check out the Durham Region Transit website for maps, fares, and schedules. Getting around in the TCC can be a little challenging, as it can be in many venues. The concourses are not huge and can get congested during intermissions when there is a big crowd. The washroom facilities are decent in the TCC. Security and Covid restrictions are consistently in flux in Ontario. Stadium Journey encourages fans to check out the Oshawa Generals website before heading to the game to be fully informed. Return on Investment 5 Oshawa Generals hockey provides tremendous value for the sporting dollar. Seats range from $22 to $38 with the majority of seats at the $22 price point. Tickets will cost a couple of dollars more when purchased on game day. Parking can be found around the arena for around $5 and concession prices are average for this league. The product on the ice is fantastic and exciting. When compared with NHL hockey, the OHL experience gives far better bang for the fan’s buck. Extras 3 An extra mark for the tremendous history enjoyed by the Oshawa Generals and the fantastic job that they do putting it on display at the Tribute. An extra mark for the unique two-tone helmets that have been an Oshawa staple for years. An extra mark for the lengthy rivalry that the Generals have fostered with the nearby Peterborough Petes . Final Thoughts Being one of the cornerstones of the OHL comes with some expectations. The Oshawa Generals meet those expectations and then some. Catching some Oshawa Generals hockey is a tremendous hockey experience and a spot where hockey fans will be glad that they came. It is a little strange sounding that the Generals no longer play in the General Motors Centre, but Generally Speaking, Oshawa knows its hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Zions Bank Stadium 14788 South Academy Parkway Herriman, UT 84096 Utah Warriors website Zions Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,000 Rugby In Utah Zions Bank Stadium is located in Herriman, Utah. The stadium is home to Real Monarchs, an MLS Next Pro team affiliated with Real Salt Lake of the MLS, and the Utah Warriors. The stadium is located in the same facility (Zions Bank Real Academy) as the Real Salt Lake training center which includes indoor and outdoor soccer pitches. There is also a STEM charter school for both developing players and residents of the nearby areas. The location of the school did mean that the stadium had to change the location of its main entrance to the northwest corner to skirt local liquor regulations. The Utah Warriors compete in Major League Rugby. The team started in 2017 as a successor to a previous Warriors team. Food & Beverage 3 The food is reasonably priced at the stadium. The two main concession stands have good food at decent prices. There is usually at least one food truck at matches. The game we attended had a truck offering New Zealand meat pies, which is perfect for the rugby crowd. Atmosphere 5 The stadium is a nicely designed facility that offers a great atmosphere, as well as spectacular mountain views. There is an intimate viewing experience here as the two grandstands are close to the field. The main set of stands has seatbacks and the other only bench-style seating. The scoreboard is well-designed and the Warriors have a fun “cat” mascot to entertain the crowd. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is about a 30-minute drive south of downtown Salt Lake City and is in a rapidly growing suburb. Right now the area around the stadium is a fast-developing residential neighborhood. You will need to drive a small distance towards I-15 for many food offerings. Fans 5 The Warriors fanbase is very rabid and makes attending a game here quite fun. Rugby suits the stadium well. Access 4 Getting to Herriman is easy, as it is located not far away from I-15. Parking is $10. Expect a bit of traffic getting out of the event as the exit roads are monitored by traffic cops who keep it very controlled. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from the low teens to nearly $50. This could vary by game. Parking is $10 per car. The prices are fair and offer a good value. Extras 4 The team mascot seems to engage with the crowds well and there are giveaways at the entrance to the stadium. The fact that there is a high school located in the stadium is unique. You can even see signage for the school right from the stadium stands. You may not be able to take a look around the whole facility, but if you get a chance try and see what you can as the whole thing is pretty amazing. The views! Seeing the spectacular mountains in the distance makes a game here special. Having that backdrop to the stadium is an extra all of its own. Final Thoughts Zions Bank Stadium is a nice and intimate stadium with amazing mountain views, that is a great place to watch rugby.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 MU Ballpark 3200 Cold Spring Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46250 Marian University website MU Ballpark website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 500 Small Town College Baseball in Indianapolis Marian University was founded as a teacher training school in 1851 by the Sisters of St. Francis. It would become a four-year university after it merged with Immaculate Conception Junior College to form Marian College. On July 1, 2009, Marian College became Marian University. The baseball program began in 1955 and joined the Mid-Central Conference of the Crossroads League for the 1987-88 academic year. The ball club captured 8 regular-season titles, 2 tournament titles and has made 10 NAIA regional appearances and 3 National Tournament appearances. Marian University Ballpark has seen improvements in the past decade with a new scoreboard in 2008, safety nets and additional fencing in 2014, and most new windscreens showing the latest information on university athletics. It has been described as one of the more traditional ballparks in all of collegiate baseball. Let’s find out more about the home of the Marian Knights. Food & Beverage 0 There appears to be a concession stand at the bottom of the press box, but it was closed during our visit, despite the temperature being 70 degrees on a Saturday afternoon. It is unknown if this is closed permanently, especially considering the country is still coming off a worldwide pandemic. Most of the fans in attendance brought their food from home or a nearby fast-food restaurant-a common sight for ballparks of this size and caliber. Atmosphere 3 It was a beautiful 70-degree day in early March and the first ideal day for baseball in Indiana since September. There was a nice crowd was on hand for the doubleheader that included: fans in the grandstand, folks down both foul lines, and a few students behind the left-field fence. The grandstands were notable as being constructed out of wood instead of the usual aluminum style. The home side is more extensive than the visiting side on the first baseline. The ballpark features lighting, a Daktronics scoreboard behind left field, a two-story press area, and batting cages that feature end zone turf from the football field. The view behind the outfield walls is of the multiple buildings on campus that give it a cozy, little field to the venue. A PA announcer does a great job of player announcements throughout the 9-innings. As with many ballparks of this caliber, the players in the dugout provided a steady flow of ambiance from chatter, clapping, and good old-fashion ribbing. The two dugouts are lined up against the fence, hoping for either a big hit or an out-depending on the inning. There are also plenty of fans in the stands that provide a lot of chatter, usually from a family member showing support. Neighborhood 3 Marian University is 6 miles north of downtown along the White River. The area near the school features a collection of retail chains and local establishments, but your best bet would be to head downtown or Speedway, a 4-mile drive. Speedway is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway , and the downtown area has improved over the past few years. Besides being home to the Indy 500, fans can enjoy the IMS Hall of Fame and Museum throughout the year. A few spots of interest include the 1911 Grill that overlooks two indoor kart tracks offering American pub food. Bourbon and Barbecue serve smoked Memphis-style brisket and pork and features an impressive array of bourbon. Big Woods and Daredevil Brewing are great spots for local-craft beer and cuisine. Downtown Indy offers many spots, but I would recommend Mass Ave. or Fountain Square for a collection of local restaurants, bars, breweries, and the Bottleworks District that offers The Garage, an upscale and adult-friendly food court with regional and world cuisine and drinks. The former Coca-Cola bottling plant also houses a bowling alley, hotel, and movie theater. Fans 3 The majority of fans at the game were friends and family from both clubs. It was a beautiful day to be outside, and many took advantage of the record-setting temperature for early March. However, when the temperature dropped a few days later, the number of fans presumably diminished. Access 2 The ballpark is on campus but has a very unorthodox setup. The parking lot is located on the right side of the field, separated by a small road that is filled with fans before the game and after. This area leads to the grandstands, but parts of the road are uneven, providing for some difficulties for people with walking disabilities. Return on Investment 3 All games are free of charge, and one cannot complain about that. The wooden bleachers provide a nice spot to watch the game, or one can set up a seat and enjoy the view from the perimeter of the diamond. It would be wise to bring food to the game and pick a date against a local university: Huntington University, Taylor University, or Indiana Wesleyan. Fans travel well in this league and provide the best experience to the game. Extras 2 The wooden bleachers were different and added, as one fan described as, a little character to the venue. The campus is pretty and worth a walk around if you have the time - it also adds a nice backdrop. Final Thoughts MU Ballpark proves that there is always a ballpark nearby. When the weather is ideal, there is no reason why someone would not want to enjoy nine-inning baseball. The tickets are free, the baseball is fine, and you will probably enjoy yourself having a good talk with your fellow fans. However, don’t come to the game hungry – bring some food. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and on Instagram .

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 PVCC Baseball Field 18401 N 32nd St Phoenix, AZ 85032 Paradise Valley Pumas website PVCC Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 250+ Take a PAWS Opened in 1985, Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC)’s main campus sits in northeast Phoenix and northern Maricopa County, including Cave Creek, Carefree, and North Scottsdale. The athletic teams, known as the Pumas, are part of the NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC). The baseball team joined the ACCAC in 2009 and is one of the newest members of the conference. The team qualified for the NJCAA D2 World Series in just their second season (2010) and were the ACCAC Co-Champions in 2015. They play their home games on campus at the pleasant-looking, comfortable baseball field, built in 2008. The first official baseball season began in the spring of 2009. Food & Beverage 0 As expected for a community college, neither food nor beverages are offered at the venue. That does not stop the fans in attendance as many bring in their own snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and coolers. Some even bring umbrellas and portable canopy tents and make an afternoon out of it! Atmosphere 3 The ballpark provides the typical, pleasurable ACCAC game day experience. The main seating area, the grandstand per se, is ten rows of bleachers with no backs directly behind home plate. A thick chain link fence with thicker poles guards the seating area from the sharply hit foul balls. The best place to sit is on the top row; fans can lean their backs against a backing for support and that area is above the backstop’s horizontal poles. Picnic tables and a four-row bleacher set are on each side of the grandstand. Many fans bring their lawn chairs and park in those areas as they are in the shade. Third base side picnic seating, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The grandstand was not an original part of the baseball field construction. It was added a few years after the opening and is a shiny set of refurbished stands. The stadium does not have lights; the team only plays day games, common amongst ACCAC baseball stadiums. The home dugout is on the third base side and is larger than the visitor’s dugout. The stadium has a small Daktronics scoreboard in right-center field providing the basic line score. It can be a little difficult to read in the bright sunlight. The diamond is of remarkably green natural grass for the desert so kudos to those that maintain the field. The seating area and walkways are free of debris and garbage making it a nice, pleasant venue to visit. Music is only played pregame; none during the nine innings which helps make watching the game more relaxing. If a softball game is played at the same time, plenty of that game’s music is heard. A PA announcer is not present to call the game or players. Print your own rosters at home if you’re looking to keep score and identify the players by something other than their number. Neighborhood 3 Paradise Valley Community College is in the northern part of Phoenix in a mostly residential area with some commercial businesses within walking distance. A great place to eat for breakfast or brunch is Sunshine Breakfast Bar (three miles from PVCC Baseball Field). Another place to eat nearby is NoRa Asian Fresh , a fast-casual AZ chain restaurant serving Asian Fusion meals. Across from the campus are The Buffalo Spot (fast food chicken) and Biryani and Bites (Indian). The closest brewery is Fire and Fury , three miles from the park south on 32nd St. If traveling in from out of town, the closest hotels are the Cambria Hotel Phoenix or the Holiday Inn Express Phoenix North (both four miles from the baseball field). Be warned: hotel rates in the Phoenix area increase dramatically during spring training in March. The best museum in all of Arizona, the Musical Instrument Museum , is only three miles from campus. It may not sound interesting but it is a fantastic place to explore for a few hours. The campus is adjacent to the Paradise Valley Golf Course. For other sports to see, Salt River Fields at Talking Sticking (spring training home for the Rockies and Diamondbacks ) is probably the closest at about 16 miles southeast. Peoria Sports Complex (spring training home for the Mariners and the Padres ) is about the same distance in the opposite direction. Downtown Phoenix is 18 miles south and sports fans can visit the Diamondbacks or Suns when in town. Fans 3 Fans are mostly friends and family of the players: parents, grandparents. A few students show up. Many of the fans in attendance know one another. And, since several of the opposing teams are also in the Phoenix area, expect to see some visiting teams’ fans. Everyone is respectful of each other, as it often is at NJCAA games. Access 3 The ballpark is on the Paradise Valley Community College campus off 32nd Ave, a little over a mile off the101 Loop/State Route 51. The closest parking is in the Q Building lot off 32nd Ave. If the Puma’s schedule softball and baseball games for the same time frame, get there early for a spot. Additional parking is beyond the outfield off E Michigan Ave, a few hundred feet in the opposite direction of the grandstand. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is 18 miles due south. Metro Valley Transit Bus Route 16 (no stop at the airport) provides local service to the college (get off 32nd St and Grovers Ave). The baseball field is adjacent to the softball field. On occasion, both games are played at or near the same time. Fans can walk between the two ballparks and see two games if desired. The campus provides ramps and walkways from the parking lot to the grandstand. For those unsteady on their feet, the grandstand has handrails up the middle of the seating area for ease of climbing. Modern, clean restrooms are in the Q Building just a few hundred feet away. Return on Investment 5 The Pumas offer the best-priced tickets: free. If you want to be outside on a lovely Arizona spring day, pack some snacks and drinks and head to North Phoenix for a relaxing few hours of baseball. It’s a no-frills experience but one fans of the game of baseball will enjoy. Extras 2 ACCAC baseball switched to using wooden bats twenty years ago. It’s pleasing to watch college ball and hear the crack of a bat vs the ping of one. Another piece of information worth an extra mention is the current baseball coach, Victor Solis, who founded the baseball program along with the retired Athletic Director Greg Silcox. It’s nice to see continuity in the program’s history and management. Final Thoughts Take a pause from the daily hustle and bustle in life and visit a Puma baseball game one spring afternoon.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Daniel J. Sullivan IV Baseball Field 4301 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 Incarnate Word Cardinals website Daniel J. Sullivan IV Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 1,000 University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals – Sullivan Field The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is the fourth-largest private university in the state of Texas. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, nearly 100 years later the then Incarnate Word Crusaders fielded their first baseball team. Two years later, they moved into their home at Sullivan Field. Named for a UIW alum and athletics benefactor, the field would see a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by baseball Hall of Famer – and former San Antonio minor leaguer – Billy Williams . In 2004, the now Cardinals saw the biggest upgrade done to their home park with the installation of stadium lights, making night games a reality for the first-time ever in program history. Over the years, the Cardinals have seen a fair amount of success as they have marched up the rungs of the competition ladder. They have won six regular season conference championships – three in the Heart of Texas (1990, 1993, 1997), two in the Heartland (2005, 2006), and one in the Lone Star conference (2011) – and three conference tournament championships – the Heart of Texas (1997) and Heartland (2005, 2006). The Cardinals have also made five NCAA postseason regional tournaments. They have yet to match this success since moving to the Southland Conference and are on the verge of moving to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). However, they’ve done it all from the scenic confines of Sullivan Field, a truly unique venue in college baseball. Food & Beverage 3 There is currently just one food stand located on the grounds behind the first baseline. It offers basically all your standard ballpark fare, including hot dogs ($6), sausages ($9), nachos ($8), Hot Cheetos with cheese ($8), and of course the essential peanuts ($4). They also offer various flavors of fresh-squeezed lemonades ($7), bottled sodas ($5), bottled water ($4), and beer ($8 for bottled domestic). While there is only one stand and lines do tend to form, they seem to move along pretty quickly so you shouldn’t miss too much of the action on the field. However, I do think the concessions costs (with the exception of the beer) are a little on the high side. Sullivan Field Concessions, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 Sullivan Field is in the middle of UIW’s athletics complex – home of Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, McDermott Convocation Center , H-E-B Field , and UIW Natatorium – which itself is in the middle of what truly is a beautiful campus. The tree-lined campus, which is known for its ornate, red-brick buildings and numerous art installations, is the embodiment of what people imagine an institution of higher learning looks like. The stadium itself, and its playing surface, is state-of-the-art and has been upgraded a few times over the years. The area beyond the outfield walls is completely wooded, not only making for a perfect batter’s eye, but also enhances the overall atmosphere and adds to the charm of the facility. In addition to the general admission bleacher seating behind home plate, there are two covered seating areas on each baseline for season ticket holders. Arguably the biggest draw in terms of atmosphere, though, is the aforementioned UIW campus that encompasses Sullivan Field. For first-time visitors, I recommend taking extra time to come to a Cardinals game early, and taking a stroll through the campus before the game. Neighborhood 4 San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the country, and one of its top tourist destinations as well. The main draw for the Alamo City is its vibrant downtown area, as this is where most of the iconic points of interest are. These include the Alamo , the River Walk , the Tower of the Americas , and the Historic Pearl . Sullivan Field and the UIW campus are a short 11-minute drive from pretty much all these attractions, down San Antonio’s famed and historic Broadway Street. However, these are just some of the attractions that the city has to offer, and just but a handful that you can find downtown. On Broadway you can also find access to two of the city’s oldest museums, the Witte Museum and McNay Art Museum , as well as the San Antonio Zoo and the San Antonio Botanical Garden . In terms of dining options, this is also a prime area of the city that you want to be in. Downtown has an incredible wealth of options for you to choose from. No matter what your tastebuds are craving and what your wallet has you budgeted for, you’re going to find it in this area. However, if you’re looking for something closer to campus, two great options to look out for are Smoke Shack BBQ + Southern Kitchen and Broadway 5050 . Smoke Shack is one of the top barbecue spots in the city, and has piled up a host of awards since its opening and has bowled visitors over with its selection of smoked meats, unique sides (brisket mac and cheese, y’all!), and signature sandwiches. In addition, Broadway 5050 has been an SA institution for decades and is a classic neighborhood hangout spot, specializing in signature burgers with beer on tap. For hotels, you could not be in a better spot if you’re heading to a game at Sullivan Field. Downtown San Antonio is – naturally – chock full of options for all budgets. With UIW being located where it is, you’re also in a prime spot if you want to escape some of the hustle and bustle of the area, but still be close enough to get to some of its attractions. One of the best bets for you just happens to be one of the highest-rated hotels in the country, Hotel Emma ; this five-star boutique hotel is less than a 10-minute drive from the baseball field. However, if you want something a little less ostentatious, Best Western Plus Downtown North is also close by. Fans 3 On my most recent visit, I went to catch a game on a weeknight. So, I came in with tempered expectations for what the crowd was going to be like. I was pleasantly surprised to see a virtually packed house at Sullivan Field to watch the game. There was – and this is just from my anecdotal evidence – a fairly large-sized group rooting on the visiting team. This only enhanced the atmosphere and energy of the crowd though. From what I can see, it looks like the Cardinals are able to significantly draw upon their alumni base for their home games, as well as tap into the current student body. This makes for a pretty good overall crowd. This is essential for baseball games, as it keeps the energy levels up during the lulls in the on-field action. Access 4 Sullivan Field and UIW are centrally located in the city, as mentioned. They’re both a 10-minute drive from the heart of the city’s vibrant downtown and a 12-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport . This makes it pretty easy to get to when you want to catch a Cardinals game – it’s also easily accessible via Interstate 37/State Highway 281. Once you get to the campus, signage directs you toward the athletics compound. From there parking is ample and – best of all – free. You’ll find plenty of parking near the football stadium, softball field, and natatorium . Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets for Cardinals games at Sullivan Field start at $10 per person. The Cardinals play a pretty interesting non-conference schedule, so you’re sure to get some good matchups even if you go before conference play starts. This more than makes up for the ticket cost, especially if you couple that with the free parking. As mentioned, the concession prices are a little on the high side for college baseball, but are nowhere near anything like what you pay for MLB, so you’re still coming out ahead. Extras 1 There isn’t much in the way to speak of in terms of Extras at Sullivan Field. The Cardinals do have the prerequisite games in between innings (you have your trivia contests, your dizzy bat races, etc.) and things like that, but that is it. The main draws, as mentioned in the Atmosphere and Neighborhood sections, are the setting, the beauty of the UIW campus, and the attractions of the Alamo City. Wooded Landscape Beyond the Outfield Fences, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts I’d been to the UIW campus many times over the years, but had for some reason never taken in a baseball game at Sullivan Field. Like all their facilities, the Cardinals do a first-rate job with the fan experience. Being a small, private institution, they obviously don’t have the budget of a lot of larger schools for their athletics programs, but they don’t cut corners. I think if you’re a baseball fan and you find yourself with some time in S.A., you should do yourself a favor and make your way to the UIW campus and catch a game. I think you’ll like what you see. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .