Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Harry A. Gampel Pavilion FANFARE Score: 3.86 Harry A. Gampel Pavilion 2095 Hillside Rd Storrs, CT 06269 Connecticut Huskies website Harry A. Gampel Pavilion website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 10,299 The Basketball Capital of the World   The University of Connecticut bills itself as “The Basketball Capital of the World.” While fans from certain corners of the country may take issue with this self-designation, a solid argument can be made for its veracity. Not only was the game of basketball invented just a few miles up the road in Springfield, MA, but since 1995 UConn has brought home a combined 17 national titles. The men’s team is reigning back-to-back champions and has won six titles. Their success pales compared to the uber-successful UConn women’s team, which has brought an incredible 11 trophies home to Storrs.   Home for Huskies basketball is the on-campus Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Built-in 1990, the venue is named after the UConn class of 1943 alumnus who donated one million dollars towards the arena’s completion. The facility serves as home to the men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams. The Huskies play a portion of their schedule every season in downtown Hartford at the XL Center,  which has a larger capacity.   Both Husky basketball teams boast impressive resumes. In addition to their six national titles, the UConn men’s team has qualified for 37 NCAA Tournaments and has reached 7 Final Fours. 41 Husky alumni have played in the NBA, including Naismith Hall of Famer Ray Allen.   The women’s team has won 11 national titles, qualified for 35 NCAA Tournaments, and has reached 23 Final Fours. 20 UConn players have been selected in the first round of the WNBA draft, with five of them being the first pick overall. 49 Husky alumni have played in the WNBA, including Naismith Hall of Famers Rebecca Lobo and Swin Cash. Food & Beverage 4   There’s not a whole lot of room at Gampel Pavilion for concession stands. There are cramped concession areas tucked into the four corners of the gym. Stands run by UConn dining offer stadium basics, such as Husky Dogs, burgers, calzones, and mini chicken tacos. Fans looking to save a few dollars can grab a combo meal. There’s a decent variety of snack foods here, too, so hungry Husky fans can pick up some pretzels, nachos, fried dough, popcorn, or even mozzarella sticks.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Gampel Pavilion. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a selection of beer, wine, and mixed drinks at the main stands as well as stands set up specifically for alcohol sales. UConn has partnered with local breweries to make some specialty beers for UConn fans, including Husky Hops by Kinsman Brewing, TwoConn Easy Ale by Two Roads, and UConn Territory by Urban Lodge.   Fans looking for some more unique menu items will find what they’re looking for at stands operated by local favorites Bear BBQ and The Family Brick Oven Pizza. Stadium Journey recommends the Bear Attack, a tray of mac and cheese and cornbread crumbles topped with your choice of brisket or pulled pork.   Atmosphere 5   When you visit Storrs, be ready for a professional show and a raucous atmosphere. Recent renovations have modernized the look and feel of the gym, and the staff here have kept pace. The sound system is top-notch, and the proceedings are moved along with an emcee who keeps the volume and energy level up throughout the game. His counterpoint is the professional PA announcer, who will add the appropriate energy level to the proceedings while keeping the fans informed of the goings on.   The new video boards on either end of the gym are put to good use throughout the game with hype videos, replays, crowd cams, and more. There are giveaways, t-shirt tosses, and other contests to keep the casual fan involved. A student hit a half-court shot during Stadium Journey’s visit to win a $2,000 scholarship.   The student section is packed with rowdy students who come complete with their chants, songs, and routines designed to distract the opponent and entertain themselves. The pep band plays during stoppages and the cheerleaders perform and participate in the promotions. Johnathan the Husky roams the arena interacting with fans. Not content to let the students have all the fun, some UConn superfans get involved in the fun, leading cheers at designated times during the game. Neighborhood 3   The University of Connecticut is located in the village of Storrs, part of the town of Mansfield. Downtown Storrs is located just outside the entrance to campus. Storrs has a population of just over 15,000 residents, which pales in comparison to UConn’s enrollment of 32,000. It’s no surprise that the 4,000-acre UConn campus dominates this small town.   Visitors to Storrs can still find some solid dining options in town. After the game, head to the Mansfield Town Square, where Blaze Pizza, Dog Lane Café, and MOOYAH Burgers are located. Visitors looking for lodging options in town may want to look at the Graduate by Hilton or Spring Hill Inn. If you want more information about things to do in Storrs, check out DowntownStorrs.com .    Since there aren’t a ton of options near UConn, many fans coming to the area will move on to Hartford, located about a 30-minute drive to the west, or the twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, located about 45 minutes to the southeast.    Fans 5   As you might imagine, demand for tickets for the two-time defending champions is high. For the 2023-24 season, the Huskies sold out 13 home games and boasted their highest average attendance since the 2005-06 season. Stadium Journey visited Storrs on a Saturday afternoon near the end of semester break and Gampel was filled to the rafters with crazed Husky fans. Even the student sections were packed, even though school was not yet back in session.   UConn basketball is the hottest ticket in the state, and fans are proud to call the Husky hoops teams their own. Fans are into the action in a big way, and Gampel can get loud when the Huskies are on a roll. You’ll be sure to find a mix of students, diehard UConn fans, alumni, and locals when you visit Storrs. Despite how hardcore the fanbase is here, this is a place where you can feel comfortable sporting the opposition colors.   Reported attendance for every game thus far in the 2024-25 season has been a sellout of 10,299, even for the so-called “lesser” games that generally drew smaller crowds in the past. Access 3   The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, a small village located about a half-hour drive east of Hartford. Storrs is not directly served by any highways, so fans visiting Gampel Pavilion will have to navigate some country roads to reach campus. Interstate 84 runs about seven miles north of UConn. Complete driving directions to Gampel Pavilion can be found here .   Gampel Pavilion is located on the southwest edge of campus alongside UConn’s other athletic venues, including Tuscano Family Ice Forum , Elliot Ballpark ,  Marrone Stadium, and Burrell Field. Fans who have not been on campus in a while may be surprised by the changes in the area, as the baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and hockey teams all have received new venues in recent years.    There is plenty of parking within a short distance of Gampel Pavilion for fans arriving by car. The South Garage is located right across the street from the arena, with several surface lots, and the larger North Garage is located about a five-minute walk down the street. Just be ready for a slow egress after the game.   Fans enter Gampel Pavilion through one of four entrances at each corner of the facility. Located near these entrances are concession stands and restrooms. There is a single small walkway located halfway up the seating bowl that circles the court. Fans can watch the action while moving around Gampel, but there is no room to stop and loiter here.   Lower-level seats at Gampel are individual blue folding stadium seats. One side of the upper-level seating consists of these same stadium seats, while the rest is made up of molded bleachers without backs. With Gampel’s small size, all seats are right on top of the action and offer excellent views of the court.   Getting around Gampel Pavilion can be difficult, particularly at halftime. Plan your trips around the arena carefully.   Return on Investment 2   With the high demand for UConn tickets and the smallish capacity at Gampel Pavilion, tickets can be difficult to come by. A quick scan of the UConn website shows ticket prices starting at $69 but with only single tickets available as of this writing in mid-January. A look at secondary ticket sites shows even the cheapest tickets starting at $90 and above. It looks like your best bet is to get tickets early on in the season.   Parking in the South Garage right across the street from Gampel Pavilion costs $20. We’ll assume the North Garage is priced similarly. Concessions prices at Husky hoops games are also a bit on the high side, especially when compared to other venues in the area. Extras 5                                                                                                 Gampel Pavilion is split evenly in half, with each side of the facility dedicated to one team. It’s refreshing (and only fair) to see the tremendous women’s program receiving its due here.   Recent renovations to the Gampel Pavilion have removed some of the clutter in the place and have modernized the displays of Husky hoop success. Check out the banners honoring national titles, Hall of Famers, UConn Ring of Honor members, and more.   J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum is located just a few minutes from Gampel Pavilion. It is billed as the ultimate destination for Husky fans. Click here  for more information.   UConn Bookstore – While there are no souvenir stands inside Gampel Pavilion (where would you put them?), the UConn Bookstore is right across the street. They have an extensive selection of Husky merchandise, with specials available every game day.   Stadium Journey’s top recommendation for any trip to Storrs is a visit to the UConn Dairy Bar. The Dairy Bar, operated entirely by students, has been in operation since 1953. All products are made fresh on-site. While enjoying your ice cream you can see the cows grazing in the adjacent fields.    Final Thoughts   For some reason, it feels like UConn and Gampel Pavilion get overlooked when people talk about the best college programs and venues in the country. Maybe it’s because no one thinks about New England as a college hoops hotbed. But if you’re planning a basketball Stadium Journey, Gampel should be on your shortlist. Gampel Pavilion combines the best of big-time college basketball with the best of small-town college life. ____   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Field House 2600 S. Neal Street Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website The Field House website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,055 East Texas A&M University Men’s Basketball East Texas A&M University, formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the fifth-oldest state college or university in Texas, having been founded in 1889. The school opened under the name East Texas Normal College as a training school for teachers in Cooper, Texas. After a fire destroyed the original campus, the school was relocated to its present-day location; the name was changed to East Texas State Normal College when it received full state funding in 1917. In 1923, the school again changed its name, this time to East Texas State Teachers College.   The school voted to remove the word Teachers from its name in 1957, then added university instead of college in 1965, becoming East Texas State University. In 1996, the school was voted into the Texas A&M system, thus becoming Texas A&M-Commerce – this name was used until November 2024, when the school became East Texas A&M to better connect with the region where most of its traditional students reside.   With an enrollment of 11,500 in 2023, this is the third-largest university in the Texas A&M University System. Located in Commerce, which is on the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and only 60 miles from downtown Dallas, most of the current student body hails from either the metroplex or one of many small towns in northeast Texas.   ETAMU’s mascot is the Lions, and the school sponsors twelve varsity sports, which have competed since 2022-23 at the NCAA Division I level in the Southland Conference; previously the sports teams had been members of the Lone Star Conference for most of their history. The men’s basketball team was formed in 1916 and won the first of over 20 conference championships in 1931 – they won the NAIA National title in the 1954-55 season and have made the national tournament 19 times.   The home of Lion basketball is The Field House. Built in 1950, The Field House is designed in the shape of an airplane hangar and covers over 69,000 square feet, most of which is continuous hardwood flooring set up to accommodate multiple basketball and volleyball courts. The Quonset-shaped building is quite a contrast to the rest of campus, which is mostly an expanse of new, modern buildings made of brick, lots of glass, and state-of-the-art architecture. With moveable stands, the massive open space and 58’ 58-foot ceilings in The Field House can host five full-court basketball games at the same time. Rumor has it this is the largest non-stop hardwood floor west of the Mississippi River; it is unique and a peek back into a time long past.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions in The Field House are unspectacular but do offer many of the basic items you have come to expect – food choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, assorted chips, and candy, while drinks include Powerade, water, Coca-Cola products, and Dr Pepper. Alcoholic beverages available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, White Claw, Beatbox Wine, Dallas Blonde, and local lager Tupp’s Bold Gold.   There is only one concession window with one or two workers, but that is sufficient. The only time there may be a wait longer than one or two people in line is during half-time. Prices are a little higher than what is expected for this level of play, with drinks costing between $4.75 and $7 and snacks costing between $3 and $6, except for nachos which are $7.50, and Beatbox Wine which is $8.   Atmosphere   4 Basketball games inside The Field House are entertaining for all ages. Because the school is located in a smaller community, the NCAA D-I athletics contests are consistently the top entertainment option around here. The Lions are supported by a cheer squad, a dance team, a pep band, and fans of all ages from Commerce and the surrounding towns.   On one end of the gymnasium, there are two large inflatables for children to play on before and during games – the inflatables are within eyesight of the visitor stands and one end of the home stands. When I asked if these were set up at all home games, the gentleman from the inflatables company stated that they were, and said this allows their kids to play so the adults can enjoy the game.   There are crowd participation games that take place during long stoppages of play, and there is also half-time entertainment – at the game I most recently attended there was a game of “basketball” musical chairs involving several children, followed by a scrimmage involving a couple youth basketball teams. All the activities planned created an environment where there was very little downtime when there was no action on the court.   Neighborhood   3 East Texas A&M is located in the northeast Texas community of Commerce. Commerce has a population of approximately 10,000, one of the smallest university towns in the state of Texas. Being in such a small town the college is the center of activity, as well as the largest employer and biggest attraction in the region.   If driving into town from the Dallas area via Highway 24, the main entrance to campus greets you as you enter town. Most of the buildings seen from the road are new and built using sustainable techniques that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.   The area across Highway 24 from the university consists of convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and major chain stores that reside in Commerce. The neighborhoods that surround ETAMU include a mixture of apartment complexes and modest single-family homes, as well as small duplexes and other rental properties. Within a half mile of campus sit historic, century-old houses that were original to the city. At games during Christmas break, before the start of the spring semester, there is not much life on or around the campus.   If looking for a meal before or after the game, there are a few restaurant choices in town – Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar are both across the street from campus, while Lulu’s Burgers  and Mariscos del Golfo  are both just a few minutes’ drive away. Fast food establishments across the street from ETAMU include Braum’s, Chicken Express, Sonic, McDonald’s, and Domino's.   For a small town, Commerce has just a few viable hotel options, which include Magnuson Hotel , Lion’s Den Extended Stay , and The Yellow Rose of Texas . Hotels in Greenville, a short 20-minute drive away along Interstate 30, include Hampton Inn & Suites , Best Western Plus Monica Royale , and Comfort Inn & Suites , among others. Sulphur Springs is 30 minutes away along I-30 as well and also has multiple hotel options. In addition, if you are coming from the north Paris and Sherman are both within an hour’s drive, and both have plenty of accommodations to choose from.   Fans   4 Lions fans are a loyal and supportive group; this loyalty is displayed by cheering during the game, led mainly by the pep band, cheerleaders, and the student section. The support led by these three groups goes deeper than just simple cheering, however, as there are also organized chants for specific actions by the opponents. For example, after an opponent substitution, the crowd will count the steps of the player heading to the bench until he is seated, at which time they all yell at top volume, “SIT DOWN!”. Also among the fans are groups of youth basketball teams from surrounding areas, as well as older adults – at a recent game I attended there were three different youth basketball teams in attendance.   Access   3 The Field House at East Texas A&M is easily accessible, sitting on the north end of campus just one block east of TX-24. It sits behind Memorial Stadium, easily visible – just look for the enormous maroon Quonset hut-style building that looks like an airplane hangar. Parking is plentiful, with a large lot extending from the football stadium past the gym, allowing fans to park within a short walk of the entrance. There is no charge for parking, which is an added benefit.   Return On Investment   3 All tickets inside The Field House are general admission, costing $10 or $15 depending on how high in the stands you prefer to sit. A limited number of courtside seats are also available for $30. In addition, once conference games begin in late December, there is at least one men’s and women’s doubleheader against the same opponent for one ticket price.   Concession prices are slightly more here than at most comparable-sized schools, but this is offset by free parking and the no-cost children’s play area.   Extras   3 Free parking within steps of The Field House is worth extra recognition; most schools have prioritized and monetized prime parking spots, so the sacrifice of this income for general public parking is well appreciated.   The unique, historic building that is The Field House provides a memorable game experience – while void of many modern amenities, the gym is a step back in time and a reminder that this is not professional basketball, but a game being played by college students.   What the pep band adds to the atmosphere during the game is worth an extra shout-out; the choreographed chants directed at the opposing team are entertaining, and also help to give some home-court advantage to the Lions.   Final Thoughts East Texas A&M Lion basketball, as a member of the Southland Conference, provides a quality game experience. The game day activities are sure to entertain fans of all ages. Considering The Field House is a venerable edifice, an afternoon or evening spent on the campus of ETAMU is well worth the time invested.   Though there are no current plans in place that I am aware of, I would suggest putting a trip to the northeast Texas campus near the top of my basketball bucket list, to avoid missing a game in the historic Field House.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 EverBank Stadium 1 Everbank Stadium Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32202 Taxslayer Gator Bowl website TIAA Bank Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 67,814 80 Years of Gator Bowl Of the plethora of end-of-the-season NCAA College Football Bowl Games, the Gator Bowl stands out as one of the longest-tenured.  Established in 1946, the Gator Bowl enjoyed its 80th edition in 2025.  Normally played after the hustle and bustle of the New Year's Day games, the Gator Bowl has been a staple in Jacksonville, Florida, and is among the most prestigious of the second-tier Bowl games. Since 2012 the title sponsor for the game has been TaxSlayer.com and there was even a short tenure when the bowl was titled the TaxSlayer Bowl.  The game currently features teams from the SEC, Big Ten, and/or ACC.  The 2025 edition pitted the Duke Blue Devils against the Ole Miss Rebels. Home for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.  Built in 1995, EverBank Stadium replaced Gator Bowl Stadium and was built for the NFL.  EverBank Stadium is due for a $1.4 billion renovation and should be ready for the 2028 NFL season.  For the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the field is renamed the Bill Gay Grounds, making the official home of the Gator Bowl, Bill Gay Grounds @ EverBank Stadium.  Bill Gay was the founder of W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractors Inc. and the former chair of the Gator Bowl Association. Food & Beverage 3 The concession selections at EverBank Stadium are okay, but not over the top for an NFL facility.  The majority of items fans will find on the menus are typical stadium fare including burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, chicken tenders, pizza, and fries.  There are several stands in the main concourse that serve alcoholic beverages and the beer selection is focused on major domestic brands.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice here and there are a few spots with self-serve options. Atmosphere 3 The main entrances for EverBank Stadium are from the east and west.  The west entrance is the most significant as it has the largest gathering area in front and the statue of the Jaguar for the NFL team.  The exterior gives off 1990s-era vibes with huge ramps visible from the outside.  It is not unattractive and there is some glass at the main west entrance.  Before heading to the stadium, checking out the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall on the west side is a good plan.  The Gator Bowl makes good use of the facilities in the area.  Flex Field is the practice facility for the Jags and hosts the pregame tailgate, which is free for fans to enter.  Once inside, fans can head to Daisy’s Place, the covered pavilion that is home to the pre-game pep rallies for each team.  There is little in the way of markings for the Gator Bowl inside the stadium, and it is clear to fans that this is the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Inside the seating bowl, fans will find two tiers of seating, with a massive lower level.  For the 2025 edition of the Gator Bowl, the upper deck was closed off.  The field runs from south to north, and the best spot for the 50-yard line logo photo is from the west.  However, when choosing seats, fans will want to do some research and ensure that they are on the side of the team that they are supporting.  It is not critical but will aid in the enjoyment of the game for fans who have a horse in the race.  At the north and south ends, there are massive video boards, which are used well throughout the game and are crystal clear.  There is a small pool that is glassed in at the upper level of the north end, but it was not in use for the 2025 game.  The seats are ready for replacement as they are faded and from a vintage where making seats smaller and cramming more in was the order of the day. The gameday atmosphere at the Gator Bowl is solid.  The pregame tailgate is in the Flex Field practice facility across the parking lot.  Fans who enjoy the school bands will love this game as the bands perform three times, once each at the pep rally in Daisy’s Place, pre-game, and halftime.  Other events take place during the week that are part of the Gator Bowl festivities.  A 5K race and pep rallies at Jacksonville Beach are highlights of the week’s events. Neighborhood 4 EverBank Stadium is located in Downtown Jacksonville.  There are a number of spots for fans who want some pre or post game food or drink.  Intuition Ale Works, Tailgate Bar & Grill, Flavorikan, All American JAX, Chart House, Southern Grill and Avenue Gril are all options.  There are other sporting options in Jacksonville and some may even coincide with the Gator Bowl.  EverBank Stadium is also the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars .  Just west on Adams Street are VyStar Ballpark and VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, homes of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp  and Jacksonville Icemen  respectively.  UNF Ospreys  basketball or JU Dolphins  basketball may also be of interest for fans.  Other tourist attractions in Jacksonville include the Fairgrounds, USS Orleck Naval Museum, MOSH museum and Southbank Riverwalk.  Jacksonville Beach is also a good option.  For fans wishing to stay near the stadium, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville is a good option. Fans 3 Second tier bowl games are often dependent on the matchup that they can secure.  The Gator Bowl is no different.  The 2025 version of the game featured the Duke Blue Devils and the Ole Miss Rebels.  The attendance for the game was just over 31,000.  This was well below what would be considered a normal Gator Bowl crowd.  This lead to the upper deck being completely empty.   Access 4 EverBank Stadium is located in Downtown Jacksonville, just north of St. John’s River and encircled by Gator Bowl Blvd. The junction of Highway 115 and Highway 1 is just north of the area and I-95 is about 3.5 km to the west.  Getting to the area, therefore, is not that difficult.  There are a number of surface parking lots in the area.  Pre-Purchasing parking using a parking app is a good idea, especially for fans from out of town.   For fans who wish to take public transit, there are buses on AP Randolph Blvd.  Fans should consult the Jacksonville Transit Authority  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the stadium is not terribly difficult, although the concourses are a bit on the narrow side.  The washroom facilities are adequate at the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl start at $50 and go up to $165.  When purchasing bowl game tickets, patience is a virtue and the secondary market can offer good deals closer to the game, especially if the matchup is not involving high demand teams.  Concession prices are what one would expect and parking will cost some money.  The gameday atmosphere at the Gator Bowl is great and fans will definitely enjoy the experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for the longevity of the Gator Bowl, with the 2025 edition marking the 80th Anniversary of the game. An extra mark for the charities that the Gator Bowl foundation has donated money to. An extra mark for the 2010 edition of the Gator Bowl, which marked the final game in iconic Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden’s career. Final Thoughts The longevity of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl shows that the organizers must be doing something right.  Although a second tier bowl game, fans will still enjoy the atmosphere at Bill Gay Grounds @ EverBank Stadium.  It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Gator Bowl once the renovation of EverBank Stadium commences.  The game will temporarily be bumped to a different site and will definitely offer a different atmosphere upon its return to Jacksonville. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Facing a $24 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, Sonoma State University, a public university that is part of the California State University System, announced a slew of budget cuts last week, including the cessation of all eleven of its sports programs at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. The cuts were announced via email by University administrators with virtually no notice to the student body or staff. In the email, administrators stated the cuts were being made to “best serve its current and future students and adapt to a changing higher education landscape.” In addition to the entire athletic department, more than 60 other employees will be losing their jobs. The art history, dance, earth and environmental sciences, economics, French, gender studies, philosophy, theater and women’s studies programs are all being eliminated. Administration pointed to a decade-long decline in enrollment and a resulting loss of tuition, scholarships and grants as a main reason for the budget deficit and need for cuts. The school’s current enrollment stands at under 8,000 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. Sonoma State athletics has enjoyed some success over the years, winning national titles in women’s soccer in 1990, men’s soccer in 2002 and men’s golf in 2009. Five Sonoma State alumni have reached Major League Baseball (Marshall Brant, Daniel Barone, Tommy Everidge, O’Koyea Dickson and Scott Alexander). Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen attended Sonoma State. Seawolves teams have competed in 105 NCAA Division II Tournaments across 13 sports in their history. In the week since the announcement, there have been actions taken by people trying to save jobs and programs at the school. A complaint has been filed with the Office of Civil Rights, claiming that the school’s decision targets minority students unfairly. The Athletic Department at Sonoma State is more diverse than the student body at large. Meanwhile, affected students try to figure out what happens next, while trying to hold on to what they’ve built at Sonoma State. "On one hand, we're trying to get them somewhere else, but on the other hand we're asking them to fight and that's a lot to put on them," said assistant soccer coach Benjamin Ziemer. "It takes commitment from our family and our friends to get us the opportunity to go to college, and to have that take from athletes and non-athletes alike, it just breaks my heart because I know probably a good amount of those students are not going to be able to go to college again somewhere else," said Joseph Sotelo, a golfer and third-year student.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ramsey Center 92 Catamount Road Cullowhee, NC 28723 Western Carolina Catamounts website Ramsey Center website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 7,826 Catamount Country Basketball has been played at Western Carolina University since 1928 when it was a junior college. Just a year later, the school would be chartered as a four-year teacher’s college named Western Carolina Teacher’s College. Originally playing as members of what is now the Conference Carolinas starting in 1930, Western Carolina would continue this partnership until 1969 when they left the NAIA ranks to join NCAA’s Division I. After starting their transition as an independent program for the 1969-70 season, the Catamounts have played as members of the Southern Conference since 1977. The highlight of Western Carolina basketball likely came in 1963 when the Catamounts advanced to the NAIA national championship game before losing to Texas Pan-American. 1996 would see another major high-water mark in Catamount basketball history, as the team won the Southern Conference tournament and advanced to their only NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. The 16 seeded Catamounts would give the number 1 seeded Purdue Boilermakers all they could handle, before falling in the final minutes by a score of 73-71. Western Carolina basketball has had three on-campus homes, first playing at Breese Gym which was a product of the Works Progress Act of the New Deal in 1939, until that venue was replaced by Reid Gym in 1956. Reid Gym would be home to Western Carolina basketball for 30 years until it was replaced with today’s home, Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. All three of these facilities are still in use on campus.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions are available both on the concourse and on the court level. Options are a bit on the limited side, but the staples are taken care of – hot dogs, personal sized pizzas, jumbo pretzels, and nachos with cheese sauce are available, along with the familiar candy, popcorn, and chips. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are offered. Soft drinks are from the Pepsi family, as is bottled water and Gatorade. A handful of hard seltzers and teas, as well as wine, are also available. Typical nationally recognized beers are offered, as are Sierra Nevada's’ Hazy Little Thing and the Western Carolina Catamount-branded Paws Pilsner.   Atmosphere   3 Ramsey Center is a multi-use facility that hosts concerts, graduations, and other large events, so it is considerably larger than the typical crowd basketball might draw. The upper levels of seating are tarped off, which helps to concentrate more fans around the court itself, while student seating runs the entirety of the seating bowl behind the team benches; both of these go a long way in creating as much of a home court advantage as possible. The seats here are colored with a gradient pattern that emulates the setting mountain sun, which does a good job bringing the personality of the western Carolina mountains into the Ramsey Center. In a bit of subtlety, the interior lighting also creates a purple hue as the backdrop for the arena. A four-sided overhead scoreboard shows a video feed of the game; despite the screens being a bit on the smaller size, they fit the size of the Ramsey Center perfectly. A secondary screen at one end of the court provides individual player statistics, but it uses a screencast computer display which can be a bit busy to sort through. Alternatively, the opposite walls of the seating area have more traditional, time-score-foul scoreboards. In a bit of a throwback to a past era of college basketball, the Cathouse pep band is a featured part of breaks in the action at Ramsey Center, and while popular music still has its place as part of the game experience, the Cathouse band really dominates the time during stoppages in play. Many breaks in the action are filled with on-court games involving both students and members of the general fan base. Though some of the games are what might be found at many other sporting events, a handful are unique twists on old favorites. In all, the game is a fun experience that just seems to be missing the air of excitement that consistency in the win column would bring. Over the past two decades, the Catamounts have struggled to string together consecutive winning seasons, with just two during that period – the atmosphere is right for a truly electric experience that comes with consistent winning. With four coaches since 2017, though, being able to build a stable program appears to have been a challenge; such is life for small school programs, whose coaches who are often poached by schools in larger conferences following a successful run.   Neighborhood   3 On campus, Ramsey Center is in the Western Carolina University concentration of athletic facilities. The eastern concourse of the arena overlooks the adjacent Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmore Stadium , home of Catamounts’ football. The town of Cullowhee is nearly exclusively made up of Western Carolina University, so there are a limited number of places to grab a bite to eat near campus. One stop might be Rogers Bros., whose menu is typical pub grub, while Nobel Residence Hall on Centennial Drive houses a selection of options, such as Chili’s and Subway, along with a taproom for local Innovation Brewing. The neighboring town of Sylva has a larger selection of restaurants, both chain and locally owned, as well as the main brewing operations for Innovation Brewing. Throughout the winter months, the Tuckaseegee River is a popular spot for fly fishing. The area is also known for its numerous waterfalls through nearby Cashiers, Franklin, and Highlands. In addition, the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs just west of Cullowhee is known for its picturesque drives. Though Cullowhee itself might not have an abundance of stops to fill the time before or after a game, the area has plenty of options to make a full day of a trip to Catamounts basketball.   Fans   3 Crowds at Ramsey Center do tend to be a bit on the smaller size, averaging roughly 1,800 fans per game; this puts the Catamounts in the lower half of the Southern Conference in terms of attendance overall. Students do their part showing up to support Catamounts basketball – a line for students starts forming more than an hour before the doors open. While students fill much of the seating behind the benches, however, they tend to be a bit more reserved in their enthusiasm, other than a cluster of them at center court. Credit should be given, though, to the Catamounts pep band and their efforts to create a home court atmosphere. Support for the basketball program seems to be split evenly between students and alumni/community members.   Access   3 With no direct interstate access in the immediate vicinity, Cullowhee, North Carolina is not a town that one would just happen upon while passing through the area. The town is most readily accessible from the south via US Highway 23, or from northern points by way of US-74. The mountainous nature of its surroundings also limits the number of roads leading to Cullowhee. Parking is available in close proximity to Ramsey Center, with surface lots concentrated on the west and northwestern sides of the arena – both of these lots are just a short walk across the street. A large parking garage is also found to the south. Inside the facility, an exterior concourse runs around the entirety of the arena and is wide enough to make navigation pretty easy. The top of the seating area is also wide enough to allow fans to move to almost any other part of the arena without losing their view of the court – this set up is a small, but nice feature that helps simplify getting around the arena.   Return on Investment   4 Online tickets for Catamounts basketball games start at $11 for adults and $6 for children. A $3 fee is added to online ticket purchases, so you should factor in roughly $15 per ticket when you attend. Concessions prices at Ramsey Center are as forgiving as you will probably find at any other college basketball arena; given these low costs, the primary factor in terms of return on investment may simply be the time associated with traveling to Cullowhee.   Extras   4 Catamount mascot Paws is an active part of the game experience – the purple accented mountainous feline makes its way around the stands, helping lead the rounds of the Western Carolina fight song, stopping for photos, and assisting with on-court contests. The wall of the southwest entry point displays the story of Henry Logan, who became the first Black intercollegiate athlete in the state of North Carolina in 1968. Logan was a four-time NAIA All-American and still holds the school record for points in a game (60), points in a season (1,049), and career scoring average (30.7). Logan also led the nation in scoring as a senior, averaging 36.2 ppg. The rafters of Ramsey Center recognize the retired numbers of Catamount legends, as well as the accomplishments of the teams that call the venue home, namely men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball. One banner of note that hangs amongst the Catamounts retired numbers is one recognizing Ronnie Carr, who made the first three-point basket in college basketball history. Western Carolina also might display the largest American flag in all of college basketball during the singing of the National Anthem ; just prior to the start of the song, a massive flag unfurls at the visiting end of the floor, an impressive display of patriotism.   Final Thoughts Western Carolina does a good job at taking what could easily feel like a dated facility and bringing a modern feel to it, helping to create a comfortable college basketball atmosphere that nicely complements the game on the court. But the experience goes beyond just the comfort of the arena – there also seems to be a special connection between the athletic program here and the surrounding community. Unlike larger schools with massive followings, Western Carolina appears to have a deep emotional bond with its students, alumni, and community members; this close-knit relationship helps makes the game experience truly special, going beyond just the action on the court.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ocean Bank Convocation Center 11200 Southwest 8th Street Miami, FL 33199 Florida International Golden Panthers website Ocean Bank Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 5,000 College Basketball in Miami’s ‘Burbs FIU basketball isn’t exactly steeped in historic excellence – known more for their hiring and firing of Isiah Thomas as their head coach a decade ago than for consistent winning, the FIU program has had a rough go of it the last few years. Ironically, the team’s facility seems to show the same dreary emotion; in an arena that looks state-of-the-art from the outside and in the lobby, the reality of what awaits inside is rather disappointing. The exterior and lobby are a result of a facelift that makes the venue initially welcoming, akin to that of the Tampa Bay Rays. While the program is doing the best with what they have, however, it clearly shows its age and deficiencies.   Food & Beverage   3 There isn’t anything spectacular about the Ocean Bank Convocation Center concession stands, nor is there anything inherently bad. Food is not very expensive either; cheeseburgers cost $9, hot dogs are $8, and salted pretzels are $7, while treats like candy ($3), and chips ($3), cotton candy ($6), and ice cream ($8) are also available. Drinks are $4 for water, soda, or Gatorade, but you can also find lemonade ($3) and Celsius ($8). Beer ranges from $8 to $9.   Atmosphere   2 The best thing here is the unique floor design that FIU’s court features – with waves crashing onto a beach on one side and tropical palm trees on the other, the floor definitely stands out. That, however, is where the uniqueness ends. The arena echoes a lot with poor acoustics, so the little noise that is made by the few fans in attendance is amplified, oddly making it seem even more empty. Also, the extremely old lighting in the rafters hums loudly whenever it is turned on, making the arena feel every bit of its nearly 40 years of age. The upper stands were rarely ever opened all the way for fans, and in recent years have been completely folded back into themselves, creating seating only in the bottom-most sections. The blue folding seats have seen an upgrade in recent years, but still remind you more of old high school gymnasium seating than Conference USA college basketball, and the entire inside of the arena seems old, stuck in the midst of the 1980s. In fact, it’s hard to tell any difference between now and when the arena was used for the filming of an episode of Miami Vice, thanks to the wood paneling used for the end zone and upper-level seating sections. The upper concourse is no longer open to the public due to the small size of the crowds, so fans enter at the ground floor and continue into the arena through the ground floor instead of walking up to their seats. The nicest part of the arena is the exterior of the main entrance, which is complete with new entry doors, ticket booths, landscaping, and a statue of a Florida Panther, while the second floor features suites that are available but rarely used.   Neighborhood   3 FIU’s arena is located on campus, which makes it convenient to attend for students. Unlike stadiums in the middle of a city, though, there is a sense of security on campus, as you are seemingly separated from the rest of the neighborhood around it. However, there still remains the issue of how that surrounding neighborhood looks, and it isn’t exactly the best in Miami. However, upgrades have come to the Sweetwater area in recent years, thankfully, making it better. While Sweetwater is a town known locally for its political corruption and severe street flooding during hurricanes, a recent increase in restaurants and high-rise apartments across from campus has meant that the immediate area looks better than before. Put a college campus in the middle of it, and you have FIU. The campus itself is growing by the day, with new construction all over the place and new buildings popping up. Ocean Bank Convocation Center is on the far west end of campus, situated in a corner near FIU’s tennis courts and a parking garage. Very few hotels are nearby, making the idea of an overnight trip hard if you want to stay close to the action.   Fans   2 It is hard to get really excited about college basketball when few fans show up. Most students who do show up only stay for part of the game, often coming and going throughout the evening – few are actually passionate fans who follow the progress of the team on a game-by-game basis. Some student athletes do attend to support friends on the team, but that also is on an “as I was passing by” basis. One of the most disappointing things is the fact that the arena, as old as it is, looks even more so without fans, and the lack of excitement and electricity in the facility is hard to ignore during college basketball games.   Access   3 Getting to any stadium at FIU isn’t too hard, but traffic can sometimes be problematic. As is typical in Miami, traffic backs up right around the exits nearest FIU’s campus on a daily basis. If you find yourself hoping to get to a game and rush hour happens to have lasted a little longer that day, you may be in for a late arrival. That said, plan accordingly and give yourself more time than you think you’ll need – the campus is right off Florida’s Turnpike.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets for FIU basketball start at just $8 for general admission seating, and go up to $10 for assigned seats. Courtside seats are impressively priced at just $60, a steal for college basketball in a big market. Parking is plentiful nearby in school lots (Lot 10) and garages (Panther Garage 3), both of which offer parking which can be paid for using your phone. The investment in a ticket, travel, and concessions may be affordable in terms of what you get back, but there simply isn’t anything to get overly excited about here – for the same amount of money and investment of time and travel, one could travel to the eastern side of Miami for another NCAA basketball experience that far outperforms FIU in a better location, or you could go north to Boca Raton for an FAU basketball game .   Extras   3 There are often giveaways to students and fans at FIU basketball games, and that is never a bad thing.  FIU’s mascot Roary is also a frequent visitor to games, mingling with fans and trying to pump up the energy. Lastly, the FIU dance team, cheerleaders, and band are always on hand to liven up the experience, including the use of a spiral wheel and inflatable mascots to distract visiting free throw shooters.   Final Thoughts FIU basketball is doing the best they can with what they have been given. The face lift to the arena was much needed, and has improved the fan experience, but not by much. Unfortunately, a lack of success on the court, mixed with not having a rich history, means this program is often overlooked and skipped by fans in the over-saturated sports market that is Miami.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Goldfarb Gymnasium University Parkway Baltimore MD 21218 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays website Goldfarb Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 550 Gold for the Blue Jays Johns Hopkins University is often known for its successful lacrosse programs but it has many sports teams that are very successful. The university was named after its first benefactor, the American entrepreneur, abolitionist, and philanthropist Johns Hopkins. And yes, his name was “Johns”, not “John.” Don’t look like an outsider by pronouncing it wrong. The university is one of the most recognized colleges in America. Thirty-six Nobel Laureates have been affiliated with Johns Hopkins over the years. Famous departments in the university include the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the Peabody Institute, the Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. There are also, of course, world-famous affiliated medical hospital campuses as well. The Johns Hopkins University’s sports teams are called the Blue Jays. Most of their teams are Division III and are members of the Centennial Conference, while lacrosse is Division I and plays in the Big Ten. Fencing competes in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association and the Eastern Women’s Fencing Conference. Goldfarb Gymnasium opened in 1965 and is home to the Blue Jay men's and women's basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and men's and women's fencing teams. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food stands inside of Goldfarb Gymnasium. You should be able to find a vending machine for a quick drink or snack, but you should plan for anything more. Atmosphere 4 Goldfarb Gymnasium is part of the Newton H. White building. There is a nice videoboard, as well as a couple of other scoreboards. It is a bit hard to keep up with the action as so much is happening at the same time. The gym is very small, smaller than many high school gyms. Only half of the seating is used for fencing and may even be only half pushed out even then. You may have to stand to watch the action. Fencing will also likely use the auxiliary gym next door as well as the main Goldfarb Gym. The auxiliary gym has no fixed seating. Because of its small size, both gyms can get very loud. Neighborhood 4 The University is located in the Charles Village and Homewood neighborhoods of Baltimore. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the Charles Village area where Hopkins is located, such as THB Bagels, Gertrude’s at the BMA, and One World Café. The Baltimore Museum of Art, or BMA, is located right next door to campus. Try and stop by and see some of the great masters of the art. It is a real treasure of a museum. And it makes quite a unique pre-game ritual. Baltimore is a great metropolitan city, with many fun and exciting places to spend time both before and after a game. Relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. There is a Doubletree Hotel located across the street from the university. Right down the street is Miss Shirley’s Café on West Cold Spring Lane. Their fried green tomatoes are quite tasty. They are also quite well known for their breakfast offerings. Also close to Johns Hopkins is the Hampden neighborhood, with its variety of quirky shops and restaurants. Fans 4 The venue is small but you cannot underestimate the fans and the atmosphere they bring to the game. Access 3 The university is not far from the Jones Falls Expressway (I-83). Take the Coldspring Lane exit east and go south on Roland Avenue and it is a short drive to the university. There is paid parking around the campus. Parking may be free on weekends but that varies depending on other events happening on campus. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge to attend regular-season games at Goldfarb Gymnasium. The biggest cost of attendance will be parking, which will vary greatly depending on the day or time. Extras 3 The JHU Hall of Fame in the lobby will show the storied history of the lacrosse program, as well as other teams on campus. The Baltimore Museum of Art is a great place. The highlight of the museum is the Cone Collection. That collection includes works by artists including Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Check out the hallway behind the gym and you will see even more history and successes of past Blue Jay teams, not just the ones in the Hall of Fame section. Final Thoughts Goldfarb Gymnasium is a small venue, but watching a cool sport such as fencing, as well as the low cost, you might want to stop in while in the Baltimore area.

For writer Matt Caputo, hockey heaven isn't in Montreal, Edmonton or Boston. It's in Danbury, Connecticut, which is about ninety minutes north of NYC and an hour south of Hartford. Caputo, an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut, is the Damon Runyon of Danbury hockey. Most recently, for the New York Post , Caputo wrote about the first Hawaiian male to play professional hockey . "The Flyin' Hawaiian" plays for the Danbury Hat Tricks, Danbury's current minor league team. You might be familiar with Danbury from the very entertaining Netflix documentary, Crimes and Penalties. A cross between  Slap Shot and The Sopranos, the doc chronicles the trials and tribulations of the Danbury Trashers, the now defunct ultra-popular minor league team. Matt took a few moments to discuss his passion for Danbury hockey and a few other fun things. STADIUM JOURNEY: So, what made you go all in on Danbury hockey? Describe the magic. MATT CAPUTO: Before I get into that, I want to thank you for the invitation to chat with Stadium Journey. I’m in awe of everything the site does to support true sports fans. Being a frequent reader, this is so humbling. To answer your question, I was 25 years old and working at the New York Daily News and a former editor there, Bruce Diamond, tapped me on the shoulder - very much like a hockey coach might - and asked me if I’d be interested in trying out for a new Brooklyn-based pro hockey team playing at the Aviator Sports Center at Floyd Bennett Field. The thing was, I hadn’t played hockey in over a decade and even though I had absolutely no equipment, I told Bruce I’d go try out for the team that Sunday. The next day, a buddy drove me all over Brooklyn to find new equipment and my first pair of hockey skates in ages. I skated around a bit, tried some drills, but the whole thing was crazy. The league, the Northeast Professional Hockey League (NEPHL), was a mess from the start. The season started with three teams, and it was a disaster. Danbury wasn’t in the league, but during the tryout, I learned that the city had evolved into this low-level minor league hockey hot bed in the wake of the Trashers. After the Trashers, people kept trying to start low-level leagues with Danbury as the anchor location of the circuit. When the NEPHL folded, Brooklyn joined the newly forming Federal Hockey League where the Danbury Whalers would take the ice. I knew Danbury from having gone to college there for one year back in 2002-2003, and as I started driving up there to check out games, I realized the community had been deeply impacted by the independent pro hockey culture. Eventually, I convinced a great editor I worked with at Penthouse , John Bolster, to let me write a story that focused on the Danbury Whalers and the lives of the players, staff and fans. I spent a long weekend wandering around the city and hanging out in the rink. I found the people there to have been deeply impacted by the pro hockey tradition that started with the Trashers. I wanted to write about how something so far from the spectacle of big-league sports could fill hearts and win minds. Danbury hockey might not be the stuff of the New York Rangers, but there’s no convincing the local fans that the NHL is more important. So, Penthouse  was sold in a sealed plastic bag at newsstands and bookstores so that you couldn’t just look through the mag and check out the article. It was a shame because people knew about it but could not find it in most cases. The story never appeared online. Late last year, I worked with Dominick Alessandro – a graphic designer and artist who created the Trashers logo and has worked with corporate clients like Pepsi, Colgate and Goya – to re-release the article as a limited edition zine. The first 50 sold raised $1,000 for the Danbury Hat Tricks Booster Club. We brought the story out for its 10-year anniversary. It’s available on Etsy. In 2021, the Trashers documentary, Untold: Crimes and Penalties , came out on Netflix, and I wrote a story for Connecticut   Magazine that aimed at bringing people up to date with the story of Danbury hockey. It was like the Penthouse story but set in the 2021-2022 season. I have also written stories about or related to Danbury hockey for the New York Post and The Hockey News . Right then, I decided I was going to write a book about the Hat Tricks. I went on a few road trips at the end of that season, but ultimately set the book during the next season, wherein Danbury won it all. I pretended to be the equipment manager for the Hat Tricks and rode along for most of the road games the second half the year and mingled with the fans at home games all season. We’re looking for a publisher. STADIUM JOURNEY: Why should someone put the Danbury Ice Arena on their stadium bucket list? What's so special? MATT CAPUTO:  The first thing that comes to mind is the intimacy of the venue itself. There are a lot of great views of the ice. When the Federal League started, Danbury Arena was probably the biggest venue in the league and today it’s one of the smallest. Still, I think every team in the league would rather own a building with a capacity for 2,500 people than rent a much larger venue like other teams do. In Danbury, we’re right on top of the action. The fans sitting in Section 102 have full-on conversations and arguments with players from the other team. This season, an opposing coach threw a water bottle at those fans. During the championship season, I often sat in Section 200 – across from the bleachers – where we the fans are merciless in their pursuit of chirping the opposition. One night, Donnie Olivieri of the Binghamton Black Bears was waiting for the puck to drop. I decided that uttering the “You’re out of your element, Donnie” line from The Big Lebowski would be appropriate, but it backfired. Olivieri scored right off the faceoff and pointed right up at me, placing his index finger over his lips to symbolize that he’d silenced the crowd. STADIUM JOURNEY: What are some must-try spots to pre-game in Danbury? MATT CAPUTO:  If I’m looking for pizza, I go to Stanziato’s Wood Fired Pizza where they have a fantastic menu, super-friendly staff and a pizza named after me. The “Prof. Caputo” combines red, vodka and pesto sauces on one tasty pie. There’s TK’s American Café, which is one of Connecticut’s all-time great sports bars. There are like two dozen TVs, 76 flavors of chicken wings and sports stuff everywhere. Lastly, a lot of the diehards go to the Polish American Citizens Club on Ives Street, where, if you’re in the loop, you can enjoy cheap beers and eats in a really cool clubhouse setting. STADIUM JOURNEY: Where do you go if you want to hang with players after the game? And will the players give regular Joes the time of day? MATT CAPUTO:  Danbury Arena opened a great axe throwing lounge in a space that was once used for storage on the second floor of the arena. It’s called the Axe Tricks Lounge, and the fans who are truly invested in the team mingle there with the players after every game. The Hat Tricks do a great job visiting schools and connecting with kids after the game, but the players in Danbury have always been great about mingling with fans. There are some tight friendships between current and former players and fans of the team. STADIUM JOURNEY: As far as the morning after the game, is there a go-to spot to refuel? MATT CAPUTO:  Holiday Diner is one place you wouldn’t leave hungry; they have classic diner food and milkshakes the kids love. STADIUM JOURNEY: How similar is the Hat Tricks' Federal Prospects Hockey League to the one portrayed in Slap Shot ? MATT CAPUTO:  The Fed is an independent professional sports league. It governs itself. Just like in Slap Shot , we see player-coaches and all the crazy travel that goes into a league that now stretches from Michigan to Mississippi. That said, there’s freedom and creativity in the Fed, it’s not ruled by commercial and corporate interests like the big leagues are. That liberty translates into a lot of fun for fans. It might not be the highest level of player, but it helps players, coaches, broadcasters, sales people and others advance to better jobs. STADIUM JOURNEY: Connecticut has become a hub for elite college hockey. Quinnipiac, UConn and Sacred Heart look like sure things to make the NCAA tournament this year. Yale won the national title in 2013.  What's unique about each of these institution's hockey facilities? MATT CAPUTO:  I had the chance to write about the Quinnipiac, UCONN and Sacred Heart arenas for Connecticut Magazine a couple of years ago. They are all great places to see games, though I don’t get into college hockey as much. I think what makes them unique is that they are part of a new era of college sports. College hockey, and college soccer, to a degree, have always been a little under-utilized by the NCAA. There’s a lot more buzz around college hockey now that all those Connecticut schools have their own on-campus rinks. STADIUM JOURNEY: And your school, Western Connecticut AKA WestConn, is starting a hockey team this year. What can fans expect? MATT CAPUTO:  WestConn has a long tradition of doing college athletics the right way and I expect nothing less. I’m not aware of all the details yet, but I know they plan to play at Danbury Ice Arena. WestConn football and basketball have always enjoyed local support, and I feel strongly that people will support an NCAA DIII hockey team. I’m looking forward to checking it out. (Editor's Note: Western Connecticut will be joining the newly-formed Little East Hockey Conference for the 2025-2026 season along with several other D-III colleges from throughout New England, including UMass Dartmouth, where Stadium Journey President Paul Baker works as an announcer. Instant rivalry.) STADIUM JOURNEY: You're a Queens, New York native, and you've also written about Mets fandom. What do you most remember about Shea Stadium - good, bad, ugly? MATT CAPUTO:  The good has always been that I can get there quickly: Q47 bus right outside my front door went to the 7 Train and I could be at Shea inside a half hour. I always felt like the dimensions were bad; it had a deep outfield that seemed a little unorthodox, but it was a great place to watch a game, and the energy could reach a frenzy if the team was  winning. I remember once giving an usher $5 to let us sit in box seats right before a terrible downpour and rain delay. We were soaking wet just waiting for the Mets and Expos to start playing again. When they did, it felt like there were only 500 people there. The ugliest nights I can remember at Shea Stadium were on the Irish-themed nights when the legendary Irish rock band Black 47 played. Nico Wormworth was their manager; his father was the great jazz drummer Jimmy Wormworth, I remember grabbing his attention during Black 47’s set and chatting with him. The crowd there was crazy and relentless during the entire night, people were urinating everywhere instead of using the restrooms. STADIUM JOURNEY: You wrote a well-known piece for The New York Times on emergency goalies . Has an emergency goalie ever been upgraded to a team regular? What's the greatest emergency goalie success story? MATT CAPUTO:  Sure, in some cases, emergency goalies are often younger players or less experienced guys who are trying to get their chance. Obviously, that’s mostly in the minor leagues. In the NHL, I don’t think any emergency goalie has been invited to training camp or back to the show in any way. Dave Ayers, who drove the ice-resurface machine for the Maple Leafs, got into the game for the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2019-20 season and helped them defeat the team he worked for. Mostly, that story is about how people live their life and how they spend their time. It’s what I like to write about. STADIUM JOURNEY: Of course we had to ask. With hockey booming in Connecticut, is there any chance that the Whalers make a return to the nutmeg state? MATT CAPUTO:  There’s no doubt that people love hockey here, but there are a few things working against it. First: Hartford has a great new AA baseball stadium, a fantastic set-up for USL soccer and there’s still a fanbase for the Wolf Pack. Obviously, you’ve also got UCONN men’s and women’s basketball, as well as football playing in the city. There are some, but not a ton, of corporate interests who could support an NHL team. I think when the NHL looks at expansion, they’re looking at places where the population is growing. People forget that Phoenix was one of the fastest growing cities in Americaat one point. What Hartford does have working for it is that the love of hockey that is so strong in the area. If Springfield Mass and New Haven are counted in the metroplex, then you’ve got a region where there's a strong base of genuine hockey devotion. The Boston Bruins will probably never let it happen, but it never made sense to me that the New York City metropolitan area has three teams, and New England has but one. I’ve heard the Governor has had serious talks with the NHL about what it would take, but that’s the last I’ve heard of anything solid. Matt Caputo can be found on Instagram @MattCaputo Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena University Ave. Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Messiah Falcons website Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,000 The Falcons Nest Messiah University is a private interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Grantham, Pennsylvania, although the mailing address is in nearby Mechanicsburg. The university began as Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home and was part of the Brethren in Christ Church. The name changed over the years going from Messiah Bible School to Messiah College, and in 2020 Messiah University. The university is now interdenominational and not part of the Brethren in Christ Church but still is evangelical with an influence in the Anabaptist, the Radical Pietist, and the Wesleyan holiness movements. The Falcons mascot is named Flex, although he was previously known as Fandango. The Falcons compete in Division III of the NCAA and are a member of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. The Falcons receive some of the biggest support in Division III and boast some of the best attendance of all schools at that level. The Falcons have been very successful in athletics. The men's and women's soccer teams won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012. The Falcons men's soccer team are eleven-time national champions. Messiah University is the only NCAA college to win the men's and women's soccer national championships in the same year, and they have achieved that distinction four times. There also have been national championships in women's softball, and women's field hockey, and numerous individual championships in wrestling and wrestling. The Falcons baseball time are five-time conference champions in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2012. Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena opened at the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year after being renovated. Jordan Court is home to Messiah men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and wrestling. Food & Beverage 3 There are no permanent food stands open for basketball games. The arena is attached to the student center which has a cafe, and there are vending machines all around. There is a sign saying no food or drink in the arena itself. Atmosphere 4 Hitchcock Arena has a true arena-like feel, more than a normal small college gym. This does make it have a pretty good college basketball experience. Messiah does have a very engaged sports fan base, so expect it to get loud at times. The PA system is also very loud, louder than we usually experience at college events. You can also expect music to have contemporary religious music mixed in with secular music. Neighborhood 3 There is not much of a neighborhood in Grantham but one can venture into Mechanicsburg and/or Harrisburg for more things to do before or after a game. There is a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Camp Hill if you are feeling like eating a large meal. Vitality Bowls in Mechanicsburg could be a healthier option. Fans 4 Messiah has one of the best fan bases around . They support Falcon sports, no matter which one. If visiting on any given weekend, you are likely to find multiple games going on around campus, with each a healthy attendance . Access 3 Messiah University, itself, is not that hard to access as it is located nearby the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-83, I-81, and U.S. Route 15. There should be plenty of parking available on campus but check regulations for weeknight games. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for attending a game at Hitchcock Arena. Parking is also free around campus. Extras 4 The attached student center has a nice cafe and college bookstore which is worth checking out. Go to the nearby Criste Tennis Courts to find a delightful swinging bridge that crosses Yellow Breeches Creek. There is a campus fitness trail that offers a great walking trail around a good part of the Messiah campus. The Climenhaga Homestead is a historic house on campus that was built by the first dean of the college (Asa Climenhaga) as a way to become better connected to the campus and its students. The homestead now houses guest rooms, meeting rooms, and conference facilities. Final Thoughts Messiah University is already a great spot to watch sports with some very engaged fans usually in attendence.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Daytona International Speedway 1801 W International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Rolex 24 at Daytona website Daytona International Speedway website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 167.785 America’s Crown Jewel Endurance Race The historic Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona is one of the most well-known sports car races in the world. An endurance battle that attracts the best manufacturers and drivers from around the world, this race is on any true race fan’s bucket list. Aside from that, it should be on the bucket list for any sports fan in general. Unlike other historic and thrilling endurance races that are better suited for a more mature audience (looking at you, Sebring 12 Hours ), the Rolex 24 is without a doubt one of the most family-friendly races around. Kids 12 and under are free, and there is plenty to see all race weekend long.   Food & Beverage   5 There is plenty to eat at Daytona in the paddock and beneath the grandstands in the main concourses. From drinks, coffee, and traditional stadium fare to more eclectic choices, the variety is impressive. The main stop is the paddock cafe, featuring chicken tenders and fries ($15), cheeseburgers and fries ($15), hot dogs ($6), corn dogs ($7), nachos ($7), beer ($9-$11), soda ($5.50), and various other snacks. During the 24 Hours there are also a variety of places to get food throughout the infield for fans. From the various bars that pop up near the main displays to simple hot dog and arepa stands around the main walkways, you will never have any issues finding something to eat. Moreover, several food trucks also set up shop in the infield midway area, meaning you can get some unique food options on the go.   Atmosphere   5 There’s nothing quite like being at a 24-hour endurance race; the feeling is electric as the race begins in the afternoon. Then as the sun sets, the lights come on and the look and feel of the race takes on another face – the smell of race fuel, the glow of the brakes in the cold night, the sound of engines roaring lap after lap. The infield campfires grow more numerous and the party picks up only as the night darkens. Later, as the morning creeps back, a sense of urgency comes in as the end nears. And when the checkered flag falls, the celebration begins. Mix into that a weekend full of pre-race support events, practice sessions, and qualifying laps, and you have no shortage of on-track action to see. The track itself is stunning as well – the updates to the main grandstand, thanks to the Daytona Rising project a few years ago, have made the seating outside the infield extremely comfortable for fans. Also, with main concourses that are easy to navigate and concession stands all over, it feels more like a visit to a professional sports stadium for the Super Bowl than it does a car race. On Wednesday night, various drivers, teams, and cars gather across the street at the Twenty-Four Premier at One Daytona fan fest. Racecars are towed from across the street and put on display, and fans can participate in both autograph and driver Q&A sessions.   Neighborhood   4 Daytona is a party town from days gone past when tourists flocked to the beaches during the summer months. However, the sun isn’t always so warm in North Florida in January. Nonetheless, the beaches are still just a few miles away from the track. In addition, right across the street from the track sit numerous stores, malls, and restaurants – from Chipotle and Panera to Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, there are plenty of places to shop and eat during your stay.   Fans   5 The fans at the 24 Hours are like no others in racing – they are diehards who know the sport inside and out and are not afraid to show their allegiance to their favorite driver, team, or car manufacturer. They also know how to party like few others, but are also among the most welcoming in the sport. Any one of the various campsites will have a campfire going with a TV playing a broadcast of the race – you’re always welcome to pull up a chair and take in the atmosphere. Access   4 Parking at the 24 is plentiful – not only are there on-site parking lots for those with various parking passes, but the track also hosts various off-site parking options for fans to use, as long as you’re willing to walk. That said, a big downside is the traffic leaving the race Sunday after the checkered flag, which can lead to major backups for fans who stay to see the finish. For those who would rather take a ride, trams are also available to shuttle you in and out of the track from numerous parking lots, as well as to take you from one point to another at the track itself. Lines for tram stops may fill up fast, however, due to the massive crowds, so make sure you bring some patience when it comes to using the tram system on race day. You also can wander the facility as you wish, with any ticket granting access to both the stadium grandstand seating and infield viewing areas. On top of that, Daytona International Airport is literally across the street from the track, and hotels in the area are numerous, including Daytona Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, and others.   Return on Investment   5 The Rolex 24 is a race to be added to any sports fan’s list of must-see events, let alone any race fan. Tickets for this race weekend can get up there in price for a full camping package, but when you consider the quality of the product on the track, the length of the actual race you’re seeing, and the history made every year at the event, it’s hard to argue value versus cost. Two-day weekend tickets for just the Rolex 24 race itself are $115, while a full weekend ticket is $155. Suites are available for $900 for the Harley J’s Suite and $4000 for a four-day lounge pass. Perhaps the most unique ticket option, however, is the Taste of the 24 ($130-$175) – this price includes your event ticket with infield access, while also offering a special catered food selection from local chefs and restaurants during the Rolex 24, starting Saturday.   Extras   4 The 24 Hours race is home to multiple days of racing action, including support races in addition to the main event. Also, most tickets get you into the garage and paddock area at Daytona, which features fantastic views of the track and paddock from the rooftop patio decks. Fans can also get a look into the team preparations, thanks to the viewing windows in each garage bay. Fans can also look forward to autograph sessions throughout the weekend; by far the biggest is on Friday, when all the drivers line up in the garage area to greet fans. But the biggest plus that few other races offer is the fan walk before the race starts on Saturday – fans can get up close to the cars on pit road, wander the front stretch banking, relax on the grass, and have an up-front seat for the driver introductions. Many of the displays in the infield midway also feature giveaways or unique viewing locations, such as the Lexus lounge on top of their trailer.   Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Daytona for the Rolex 24 Hours is a visit worth taking. Anyone who is a race fan should attend, and with Daytona’s recent seating upgrades, watching the race from either the infield or the main grandstands is more comfortable now than ever before.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Field House 2600 S. Neal Street Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website The Field House website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,055 East Texas A&M University Women’s Basketball East Texas A&M University, formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the fifth oldest state college/university in Texas, having been founded in 1889. The school opened under the name East Texas Normal College as a training school for teachers in Cooper, Texas. After fire destroyed the original campus, the school was relocated to its present day location in Commerce, Texas. The school received full state funding in 1917, and in 1923 changed its name to East Texas State Teachers College. The school voted to remove the word Teachers from its name in 1957, and changed to a university in 1965, becoming East Texas State University. In 1996 the school was voted into the Texas A&M system, thus becoming Texas A&M-Commerce – this name was used until November 2024 when the school became East Texas A&M in an effort to better connect with the region where most of the traditional students reside. With an enrollment of 11,500 in 2023, this is the third-largest university in the Texas A&M University System. Located in Commerce, in the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and a mere 60 miles from downtown Dallas, most of the current student body hails from either the Dallas metroplex or one of many small towns in northeast Texas. ETAMU’s mascot is the Lions; the school sponsors twelve varsity sports and have competed since 2022-23 at the NCAA Division 1 level in the Southland Conference; previously the teams were members of the Lone Star Conference for much of their history. The women’s basketball program began in 1971, making the Elite Eight in 2007 and having qualified for the national tournament five times since their founding. The home of Lady Lion basketball is The Field House. Built in 1950, The Field House is designed in the shape of an airplane hangar and covers over 69,000 square feet, most of which is continuous hardwood flooring lined for multiple basketball and volleyball courts. The Quonset-shaped building is quite in contrast with the rest of campus, which consists mainly of new, modern buildings made of brick, lots of glass, and state-of-the-art architecture. With moveable stands, the massive open space and 58’ ceilings can host five full-court basketball games simultaneously. It is believed to be the largest non-stop hardwood floor west of the Mississippi River; unique and a peek into a time long past.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions at The Field House are unspectacular but do offer many of the basic items you have come to expect. Food choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, assorted chips, and candy. Drinks include Powerade, water, Coca-Cola products, and Dr Pepper. Alcoholic beverages available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, White Claw, Beatbox wine, Dallas Blonde, and local lager Tupp’s Bold Gold. There is one concession window with one or two workers, which is sufficient. The only time there may be a wait longer than one or two people is during halftime. Prices are a little higher than what you might expect for this level of play, with drinks costing between $4.75 and $7 and snacks costing between $3 and $6. Nachos do cost $7.50 and Beatbox wine is $8.   Atmosphere   4 Basketball games inside The Field House are entertaining and fun for all ages. Due to the fact the school is located in a smaller community, NCAA D1 athletics are consistently the top entertainment option nearby. The Lady Lions are supported by a cheer squad, dance team, and pep band, as well as fans of all ages from Commerce and surrounding towns. On one end of the gymnasium, there are two large inflatables for children to play on before and during games. The inflatables are within eyesight of the visitor stands and one end of the home stands. When asked if the inflatables were featured at all home games, the gentleman from the inflatables company stated that they were, to allow kids to play so adults could enjoy the game. There are crowd participation games at Lions games that take place during long stoppages in play, as well as half time entertainment. At the most recent game I attended, there was a relay race between a group of young children followed by a scrimmage between two youth basketball teams – all these activities created an environment where there was very little down time when there was no action on the court.   Neighborhood   3 East Texas A&M is located in the northeast Texas community of Commerce. Commerce has a population of approximately 10,000, one of the smallest university towns in the state of Texas. Located in such a small town, the school is the center of activity, largest employer, and biggest attraction in the region. If driving into town from the Dallas area via Highway 24, the main entrance to campus greets you as you enter town. Most of the buildings seen from the road are new and built using sustainable techniques that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The area across Highway 24 from the school consists of the convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and major chain stores of Commerce. The neighborhoods that surround ETAMU include a mixture of apartment complexes, modest single-family homes, and small duplexes and other rental properties. Within a half mile of campus sit the historic, century-old houses that were original to the city. For games during Christmas break prior to the start of Spring semester, there is not much life in and around campus. If looking for a meal before or after the game, there are a few restaurant choices in town.  Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar are both across the street from campus, while Lulu’s Burgers  and Mariscos del Golfo  are both just a few minutes’ drive away. Fast food establishments across from ETAMUl include Braum’s, Chicken Express, Sonic, McDonald’s, and Dominos. For a small town there are just a few viable hotel options, including Magnuson Hotel , Lion’s Den Extended Stay , and The Yellow Rose of Texas . Hotels in Greenville, a short 20-minute drive away on Interstate 30, offers Hampton Inn & Suites , Best Western Plus Monica Royale , and Comfort Inn & Suites , among others. Sulphur Springs is 30 minutes away on I-30 as well, and also has multiple hotel options. Alternatively, if you will be coming from the north, Paris and Sherman are both within an hour’s drive and have plenty of accommodations to choose from.   Fans   4 Lady Lion fans are loyal – their support is displayed through cheering during the game, led mainly by the pep band, cheerleaders, and student section. The support of these groups goes deeper than simple cheering, as they have organized chants for specific actions by their opponents. For example, after an opponent substitution, the crowd will count the steps of the player heading to the bench until she takes her seat on the bench, at which time they all yell at top volume, “SIT DOWN!”. Also among the fans here are groups of youth basketball teams from surrounding communities, as well as many senior adults. At a game I recently attended, there were three different youth basketball teams in attendance.   Access   3 The Field House at East Texas A&M is easily accessible, sitting on the north end of campus just one block east of TX-24. It sits behind Memorial Stadium, easily visible – it will be the enormous maroon Quonset hut-style building that looks like an airplane hangar. Parking is plentiful with a large lot extending from the football stadium past the gym, allowing fans to park within a short walk of the entrance. There is no charge for parking, which is an added benefit.   Return On Investment   3 The experience overall provides about what you would expect for the cost involved. All tickets are general admission for $10 or $15, depending on how high in the stands you prefer to sit. A limited number of courtside seats are available for $30. Once conference games begin in late December, there is also a men’s and women’s double header against the same opponent for one ticket price during every home game. Concession prices are slightly more at The Field House than at most comparably sized schools. This is offset by free parking and the no cost children’s play area.   Extras   3 Free parking within steps of The Field House’s entrance is definitely worth extra recognition. Most schools have prioritized and monetized prime parking spots, so the sacrifice of this income for general public parking is well appreciated. The unique, historic building that is The Field House provides a memorable game experience. While void of many modern amenities, the gym is a step back in time and a reminder that this is not professional basketball, but a game being played by college students. What the pep band adds to the atmosphere during the game is worth an extra shout out; the choreographed chants directed at the opposing team are both entertaining, and also help give some home court advantage to the Lady Lions.   Final Thoughts East Texas A&M Lady Lion basketball, as members of the Southland Conference, provides a quality game experience – the activities are sure to entertain fans of all ages. Stepping into the confines of the venerable building is like taking a stroll into the past; an afternoon or evening spent on the campus of ETAMU is well worth the time invested. It was recently announced that a new multimillion dollar event center has been approved. There is no planned date or other details available at the time of this article, however. Nevertheless, I would suggest putting a trip to this northeast Texas campus near the top of your basketball bucket list, to avoid missing a game in The historic Field House.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 American Family Field One Brewers Way Milwaukee, WI 53214 Milwaukee Brewers website American Family Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 41,900 Baseball, Beer, & Brats at the Brewers Game American Family Field is the home field of the Milwaukee Brewers. Originally known as Miller Park when it opened in 2001, the ballpark is known for its tailgating before the game, its ballpark food of Wisconsin treats, and strong fan support. It houses a fan-shaped retractable roof that opens or closes in 10 minutes.  The ballpark received $500,000 worth of public funds to renovate the stadium. It resulted in a 12,077 square feet video board in center field, a 2,840 square foot board in right field, LED displays, and the creation of the 3rd Street Market Hall with 4 new restaurants in the right field loge level. Before moving into American Family Field, the Brew Crew called County Stadium home from 1970-2000. The ballpark is gone, but the field is now the site of a Little League baseball park, Helfaer Field. It is located near the AAF and it provides the opportunity for kids to run on the field before a Brewers game. The renovations will guarantee the Brewers will stay in town until 2050 (the club’s 80th anniversary since moving from Seattle) and enhance what many considered a ballpark to visit during the season.  Food & Beverage 5 American Family Field was named t he second-best MLB stadium for food by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. This year includes the addition of four new eateries that are located in the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex in the right field loge level and include the following establishments: Kompali Tacos:  Steak tacos, Chicken tacos, Vegetarian Tacos, and Chips and Guacamole. Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ: Texan Sandwich, Pork Shoulder Sandwich, The Smokey Bird Sandwich, and Smoked Meat Nachos. KAWA (Asian fusion) : Crab Rangoon (3 pieces), Spring Roll (4 pieces), Godzilla Roll, and Chicken Fried Rice. Anytime Arepa (Venezuelan):  Brisket and Cheddar Arepa, Chicken and Cheddar Arepa, Black Bean and Cheddar Arepa, Mini Empanadas (3-piece basket – Chicken, Ground Beef, and Cheese) and Tostones and Mild Salsa.  The J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard (Loge area in right field) is a restaurant and experience overlooking the field. It features a three-barrel brewing system and brewmaster. The restaurant is opened all-year-round and offers a full menu of steak dishes, chicken wings, Wisconsin cheese boards, cheese soup, and a Wurst platter. Fans enjoy a patio view of the game on the concourse with a wait staff. However, more options specialize in Wisconsin favorites of sausages, burgers, brats, hot dogs, and sausages. A few highlights include the peppered brandy burger with melted Swiss cheese, bacon, and caramelized brandy onions; the Tipsy Polish with caramelized brandy onions, fries, pickled peppers, and Bavarian sprinkles; and the Top of the North hot dog with kraut, jalapeno mayonnaise, bacon, brown mustard, and Super Secret Stadium sauce. The options do not end here; the concession stands serve pizza slices, chicken parmesan sandwiches, giant helmet nachos, Vienna beef hot dogs, chicken tender baskets with fries, and fried cheese curds. The highlight of the beer selection includes the Local Brews bar, located on the lower level near section 207. It serves 24 beers from numerous Wisconsin breweries, including Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewery, Ninja Dust from One Barrel Brewing Company, and GumbSkull Sea Salt & Lime Lager from PetSkull Brewing Company. Atmosphere 5 Everything begins about 3 hours before the game in the ballpark parking lots. The birth of tailgating was born here when the Braves came to town from Boston, and the tradition continues today with multiple tables, tents, and grills serving up some of the best foods in the major leagues. The stadium is separated into four different levels. Fans enter through the field level (100), and the wrap-around concourse houses an abundance of food and merchandise options. There are also island bars allowing fans to enjoy the game from all four sides of the structure. There are also open views from many parts of the concourse, allowing fans not to miss the action on the diamond. The Loge level (200) is where you will find a few interesting sections that enhance the game day experience. As mentioned earlier, the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex was recently added. The Miller Lite Landing offers sweeping views of the field from above the left-field wall. The area also has a wait staff, drink rails, charging stations, and TV sets. When the roof is open, the view is ideal for pictures from this vantage point. The 300 level is where you will find club-level suites with a wait staff. A few more suite and all-inclusive areas include the Vizzy Loft, Johnsonville Party Deck, and the Association Bank Power Alley. X-Golf is located on the Loge level and features seven state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator bays over two floors – with three bays that offer expansive views of the playing field. Reservations are required. The Terrace level (400) offers some of the better views of the entire stadium.  The ballpark is known for several unique features: Famous Racing Sausages, Bernie’s Chalet, and the Bob Uecker seats in the last row of the stadium in the 400 level. The sausages race between the 6 inning, and featured five different sausage and mini sausage mascots racing from the left field corner to the first baseline. The team’s mascot, Bernie Brewer, will slide down from his chalet after every Brewer home run. The Aurora Health Care® Kids Zone is a special kids' interactive playground located on the Terrace Level behind home plate. The area offers slides, areas to test kid’s speed, pitching, and face painting. Fans can also look around the walls of the ballpark to see team logos, sayings, and murals honoring the Brewers history in the town. Neighborhood 3 American Family Field is 4.3 miles from downtown Milwaukee. It should not be surprising since it was built next to the team’s former home County Stadium. When County Stadium opened in 1953, it was designed with the motorist in mind and was the first major league ballpark constructed outside the city limits. It is best to drive to the game and visit downtown Milwaukee afterward. The Milwaukee Riverwalk is worth a visit on a warm summer day and is accessible to the Milwaukee Public Market which is located in the Historic Third Ward where cobblestone streets line up next to restaurants, shops, and bars. The city is home to the Harley-Davidson Museum and a few brewery tours that include Miller, Lakefront, and Specher. If craving more baseball, the Milwaukee Milkmen  and Lake Country Dockhounds  of the American Association play 15 and 30 minutes respectively from the stadium. Still, the Lakeshore Chinooks of the Northwoods League play less than 20 minutes north along the shoreline at Kapco Park . Fans 5 The Brewers are known for having some of the best fans in the major leagues. The club averages well above 15 other major league teams, and fans are decked in team gear from the powder blue shirts of the 1980s to the current navy blue jerseys. They support their ball club regardless of record on the field. Access 4 Being set outside of downtown, the ballpark is easy to access with multiple lots to choose from before the game. There are 8 preferred parking lots and 3 larger general parking lots that are a little further walk. Once inside, the main concourse is the hub of activities with escalators and elevators available to take you to your proper section. The Molitor Lot is the furthest parking lot but provides the quickest access to I-94. Several restaurants offer shuttle service from downtown Milwaukee, including Brewski's Sports Club, Paulie's Pup & Eatery, Jack's American Pub, and Who's on Third. Return on Investment 4 Brewers tickets are among the cheapest tickets in the major leagues. Based on the   website TickPick , tickets are as low as $5 during the week and as high as $20 during the weekend or giveaway nights. If the Chicago Cubs are in town, the price will be higher, and it's advised to purchase parking passes in advance for a steep discount. General parking Monday through Friday is $13, compared to $15. A preferred parking ticket for a weekend game will cost $20, compared to $40. The Brewers concession prices are in line with many major league ballparks. They are a tad on the high side; however, “The 414 Menu” offers four items a la carte for just $4 each – a junior hot dog, junior nachos, Cracker Jack, and 16 oz. soda is ideal for folks with little kids or on a budget. Extras 4 First, tailgating is among the best in baseball and is a tradition. Take time to arrive early to check out the scene or bring something to eat or drink. The Famous Sausage Race is a must-see at the game and among the team’s favorite traditions, along with Bernie Brewer sliding down his chalet after every Brewers home run. Another extra is when the roof is open, the best part of the ballpark might be the Miller Lite Landing, offering sweeping views of the field from above the left-field wall. Final Thoughts American Family Field is one of those major league ballparks that might not stand out to most, but after a visit, you might want to reconsider. It is known for its tailgating, loyal fans, great food, and racing sausages. Also, ticket prices are among the least expensive in the league, making it affordable for anyone looking to enjoy a game at a major league ballpark during the season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The Cleveland Guardians are in the midst of a $200 million renovation project that will enhance the gameday experience for many in attendance. Debuting this year are the Terrace Hall and KeyBank North Coast and the completed Blue Moon Terrace Garden on the left field line of the ballpark. All of these areas were inspired by the architecture and imagery of downtown Cleveland, from the West Side Market to the Guardians of Traffic. The KeyBank North Coast is one of those spots that offers a blend of indoor and outdoor seating. The sleek retro vibe of the area features exposed steel and a wood baffle ceiling that adds a touch of nostalgia to anyone with a game ticket who fancies a local craft beer from the many taps at the bar.  The colors of steel, black and old gold, are remarkable in Cleveland, and several of the walls are decorated with colorful murals by local artists. Just upstairs is my favorite section of the ballpark and one that captures the new vision of the ball club. The Blue Moon Terrace Garden is fully completed with the addition of the Jack Daniel's Bar. Located along the left-field concourse, the terrace offers a stunning view of the field, fresh food and drink options, and a lush garden atmosphere that sets a new standard for modern stadium experiences. The social area offers stunning 360-degree views of the Cleveland skyline. Those views are gorgeous. Who knew that Cleveland looked so good? It is one way the team hopes to blend in with the rest of the city’s buildings. A summer heat wave was gripping the Midwest during the visit, but many would rather face these elements than a cold streak in late March.  In addition to drinks, the garden features a rotating menu of shareable plates, small bites, and vegetarian options—aimed at broadening the appeal beyond traditional ballpark fare. Seating is flexible, with high-top tables and lounge areas encouraging mingling and socializing during the game. As with the KeyBank North Coast, there is local artistry, including a giant 3-D mural near the section's entrance. For those not interested in the game of the field, this could be the hippest place in downtown during the afternoon or evening during the baseball season.  To make room for many of these changes, the old hunter green seats were torn out, but capacity has not been altered due to the changes. The additional social spaces have been in check with other ballparks: T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Coors Field in Denver, and Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City. Progressive Field is the 11th-oldest stadium in the major leagues, but it sure doesn’t want to feel that way heading into its fourth decade. “The Blue Moon Terrace Garden is part of our mission to modernize Progressive Field without losing its charm,” said Guardians President of Business Operations Brian Barren. “It’s a place where fans can connect, relax, and enjoy the ballgame in a whole new way.” The new terrace is open to all ticket holders and is already proving to be a hit among both casual attendees and season ticket members. With Progressive Field continuing renovations and fan-focused upgrades through 2026, the Blue Moon Terrace Garden signals a promising shift toward a more immersive and memorable ballpark experience. Ask ChatGPT There was plenty of commotion at the Blue Moon Terrace Garden. Fans were either sitting down or standing with friends having a drink, others watched fervently along the upper rails in hopes of a home run, which was soon granted off the bat to Steven Kwan in the third inning. He would repeat the feat two innings later. To those who prefer to keep score in their seat with a bag of peanuts or a hot dog in hand. There are plenty of areas for that at the stadium. The action on the field is to be taken seriously by the baseball purist, and not the who’s who in a social area.  Attending a major league game has changed since Progressive Field first opened its doors in 1994. A whole new generation of fans has been born, and they like their baseball with a touch of hobnobbing. The reveling with others over a craft beer or hard vodka is the norm, and the Cleveland Guardians hope to appeal to this type of fan.  So far, so good. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc .Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 UPMC Park 110 E 10th St Erie, PA 16501 Erie SeaWolves website UPMC Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 6,000 A Great Ballpark on the Shores of Lake Erie UPMC Park is the home of the Erie SeaWolves of the Eastern League. The home of the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers was built in 1995 to lure minor league baseball back to town after a one-year hiatus. The stadium seats 6,000 people, features a unique seating bowl configuration, and has a left wall that is connected to the city’s hockey venue , Erie Insurance Arena. The SeaWolves began as a Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate in the New York-Penn League and proved very popular, setting a league attendance record of 181,815 in their first season. They broke the record in 1997 with 196,212 fans through the turnstiles. The club's popularity was such that it advanced to Double-A ball in 1999, serving as GGthe farm team of the Anaheim Angels. That affiliation would last until 2001 when the Detroit Tigers became the parent club. Minor league baseball in Erie dates back to 1906, and for the majority of those years, the team's name was the Sailors. For much of that history,  games were played at Ainsworth Field. The site was first used in 1913, and in 1947, a new structure was erected. However, by 1993, the facility was outdated and not aligned with the modern standards for minor league stadiums. The team would relocate to Fishkill, New York, and be renamed the Hudson Valley Renegades.  The construction of UPMC Park, originally known as Jerry Uht Park,  provided a sense of pride to the community. The cozy ballpark produced sell-outs and put the city on the map in comparison to the nearby larger markets of Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark selection of food at the many concession stands and kiosks. Fans new to town may want to purchase a few local options that can only be found in Erie.  Smith’s natural casing hot dogs are locally made and offer a wonderful snap with every bite. They are the hot dogs of choice at the ballpark and are one-hundred-percent beef. Pepperoni balls might be the city’s official food, and they can be found at the stadium. The warm balls of dough are stuffed with pepperoni and cheese and then deep-fried. They are the perfect type of snack to enjoy at the ballpark. The third option is the roast ox sandwich, which is a roast beef sandwich served on a hamburger bun with its natural juices.  A few more local options include the Greek Dog, made famous by the local New York Lunch restaurant, and Slow Hat Ice Cream, featuring the following flavors: bourbon caramel pecan, grasshopper pie, graham canyon, and deep sea treasure - served by the scoop down the first base side of the stadium. The alcoholic drinks are varied and offer everything from beer, hard seltzers, lemonade, and canned cocktails. The brand names include Bud Light, Corona, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Yuengling Lager, and varieties from New Belgium and Southern Tier Breweries. You can even get a tall 24-ounce can of Labatt Blue and Busch Light at the game. A few items of note include deep-fried Oreos, a mac and cheese helmet, a chicken and bacon wrap, beer bats, and the South of the Border grill that includes a burrito bowl and super nachos. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice, and cash and credit are both accepted at most concession stands. Atmosphere 4 You can always tell what the atmosphere will be like an hour before the game. Fans line up outside the main entrance in the right field corner and watch the stadium crew prepare for the game. Giant inflatable rides are positioned in the Flagship Funland area, a small brass band prepares for tonight’s performance, programs are placed on racks, and a soundcheck tests out the PA system. All of this is well before the gates are open to the fans. When the gates open up, the ballpark comes alive. The right field entrance is the hub of activity, including the team gift shop, which is packed with SeaWolves merchandise, ranging from faux back caps, the alternative Moon Mammoths, and their normal on-field fashions. Customers come out of their store with handfuls of shirts, caps, and other items to take back home.  Outside the team store is Celebration Cove, offering numerous picnic tables and standing-room-only seats that line up the left field line. The Flagship Funland is a play area for kids, featuring putt-putt, a bouncy house, basketball nets, and other inflatable slides and rides.  The design is vastly different from the typical Double-A stadium. It offers lower box seating on both sides.  However, the left field seating bowl is a traditional design that incorporates a large area of seats and suites on top with concession areas below. The right field seating area is an upper deck design. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is downtown and next to the Erie Insurance Arena , where the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League operate from September to March. If in town during the summer months, there are many options a few blocks away, offering indoor and outdoor seating before and after the game. BIGBAR is known for deep-dish pizzas, cheesesteak sandwiches, calzones, and chicken wings, with 22 varieties of sauces and dry rubs. The corner restaurant is a popular destination, but the kitchen closes at 10 pm every day of the week. Further down from the stadium is Calamari’s Squid Row, which features flatbread pizzas, wraps, and chicken parmesan sandwiches, including an outdoor patio. A few spots for a drink or two exist at Cloud 9, Room 33 Speakeasy, and the Plymouth Tavern. There are also two microbreweries near UPMC Park: Voodoo Brewing Company and Lavery Brewing. Voodoo is off the busy State Street and offers a relaxed atmosphere. Lavery features a free parking lot, couches, board games, and a food menu of handheld sandwiches and small bites. The Lake Erie waterfront is worth a visit. There are pirate ship tours, stunning sunset views from The Shoreline Bar & Grill. The Erie Maritime Museum and Bicentennial Tower are two places to visit. Presque Isle State Park is a 3,112-acre state park located on a sandy, curved peninsula that extends into Lake Erie, just 4 miles west of the city. Visitors enjoy hiking trails, beaches, and sunset views. For the baseball traveler, Ainsworth Field is worth checking out. It is less than 3 miles from the SeaWolves home and is a 1947 structure that has seating for 3,000 people. There might be an event taking place during your visit, and adding another baseball game is always a plus in our book. Fans 3 SeaWolves games are well-attended on most weekend nights. The visitor should expect a large crowd ready to enjoy a night out at the ballpark. The fandom has supported the team with record crowds in its 30-plus-year history. Those numbers are not as big as they used to be, but various promotions and giveaways draw in the Erie faithful.  Access 3 UPMC Park is a downtown minor league ballpark and offers very little parking. The best options are to park on the street and pay the meter (25 cents every 20 minutes) until 6 PM. There are private lots near the ballpark that charge a small fee and a few free spots further down the road.  The stadium’s design is unusual, featuring a small concourse that leads fans to their seats. The third base side offers a majority of upper box seating, and the first base side features a majority of lower box seating. The main entrance of the stadium is in the left field corner. Return on Investment 4 There are two price points: $16 for upper box seating and $20 for lower box seating. However, if purchasing within a day of the game, the price is reduced by $3 and $4, respectively. The concession prices are in line with other Eastern League stadiums, and there is quite a variety of options, including 24-ounce cans of beer for $9. The gift shop is brimming with merchandise on the shelves, and a hat and t-shirt combo sells for $40, but expect to pay $28 and up for most team caps and special identities. Extras 4 UPMC Park earns a point for its pre-game celebration at the third base entrance that includes a festive play area for kids, free programs, a live band, and plenty of food options. The second point is for the regional foods that include pepperoni balls, ox tail sandwiches, and Smith’s natural casing wieners.  The design of the ballpark earns a third point. It stands out among other venues in minor league baseball and offers a few quirks, including the hockey arena doubling as the left field wall and stadium club building, offering a rooftop view of the field. Final Thoughts UPMC Park was a fun night at the ballpark. The pre-game ceremonies, food options, merchandise variety, and vantage points place it in a category all of its own in the Eastern League. When you add the city of Erie to your travels, you have a pleasant weekend to spend along the lake with friends and family. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc .Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Victory Field 501 W Maryland St Indianapolis, IN 46225 Indianapolis Indians website Victory Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 15,500 Great Views, Cheap Seats, and Baseball Fun in Indy Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis remains one of the premier spots to enjoy a minor league baseball game in the country; its design, setting, minor improvements, and simplicity keep attracting fans repeatedly during the season. The team has been an institution in town since 1902 and has a stadium that is synonymous with baseball in Indianapolis. The Tribe has been the top draw the past two seasons in all of minor league baseball and has averaged numbers well over 9,000 fans a game. The secret to the team’s success might be the spacious ballpark that ages like fine wine and affordable tickets or its location downtown near the zoo, WhiteWater Amphitheater concert venue, restaurants, bars, bike paths, museums, and Lucas Oil Stadium . Then again, it may be just the perfect ballpark for the size of the city. The Indianapolis Indians of the International League have been playing baseball at the stadium since July 11, 1996. The 14,230-seat stadium replaced the aging Bush Stadium that had housed the Tribe since 1931. Ironically, Bush Stadium was known as Victory Field from 1942 to 1967 after World War II. Baseball itself has been played in the city since 1877, while the Indians franchise has called Indianapolis home since 1902. The team has made several renovations over the past two seasons that have included a new $2.4 million, 35-foot-by-50-foot HD video board in the right field, updated suites, and hallways that now include the team colors of red and white, along with pictures of former players, managers, championship seasons, and a franchise timeline of major league affiliates and historic moments. Food & Beverage 4 Victory Field upgraded its food options to include fresh–never frozen–burgers, loaded tots, and other delights for the baseball visitor. There are always the staples that include the always tasty Victory Dog, loaded nachos at the salsa bar, and Sun King beer that includes the exclusively produced Indians Lager–a Vienna Lager only found at the ballpark. Indy Burger Kitchen offers the classic single or double burger along with tots at its concession stand behind the backstop. The meat is never frozen and fans can load their tots with cheese, chili, peppers, or bacon for three dollars extra. Many fans were walking around with boxes of pizza. The size could feed a couple of children or one person come topped with either sausage or pepperoni. There is also a shareable portion of tots with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and peppers and onions. The Chicken Tender and Love stand offers chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches with fries along with a sauce bar just outside the concession area. A condiment bar offers an array of sauces from barbecue, buffalo, Carolina gold, and hot honey. Fans enjoy a few slices of pizza along with a beer bat at the game, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey There are a couple of kiosks on the first base line that serves Korean brisket, adobe chicken, and harissa cauliflower tacos with chips. The Eisenberg sausage stand offers Polish sausage, footlong hot dogs, and the Dog of the Homestand that is a tribute to the visiting team. The version on sale was the Gwinnett Glizzy that is topped with coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and grilled onions. In the beverage category, Coors, Leinenkugel, and Budweiser products are served on draft, while local craft brewery Sun King offers 16-ounce cans. Sun King provides a variety of beers from Pachunga Mexican-style Lager, Wee Mac Scottish-style Lager, and the popular Sunlight Cream Ale. The Yuengling Landing offers eight cocktail drinks served in mini-fish bowls that are as colofrul as they are tasty. A few of the selections include Blue Hawaiian, wine slushies, vodka and pink lemonade, and pineaple mango mojito. You can also find vendors hawking soda, beers, cotton candy, and peanuts in the stands. On Tuesday, it is Dollar Menu Night featuring $1 hot dogs, sodas, popcorn, and peanuts at specific concession stands. This night is also extended to Thursday night for playoff games. Thursday nights, during the regular season, feature Thursdays which includes $2 Pepsi products and $3 draft beers. The food at Victory Field does not try to reinvent ballpark cuisine, but rather, makes it a little bit tastier. Atmosphere 5 When you have a ballpark situated downtown, the views are spectacular throughout the concourse. There are two-tier seating and a long, lush grass berm area that is perfect for laying out on a blanket or enjoying a few snacks from your cooler. The berm is a favorite gathering spot for both your baseball and non-baseball fans to enjoy the game in unison; it is also a great place to get a tan. A lot of other ballparks have grass seating in the outfield, but here it is spacious and perfectly sloped for comfort. The majority of visitors enter through the center field entrance under the arched signs of Victory Field into the PNC Plaza. This area offers the children’s play zone, access to lawn seats, and concession items. You will also find a few sellers offering a cold beer or cotton candy to everyone who walks through the entrance. Fans either walk to their seats, gaze at the surrounding views, or head to other concession areas of the stadium. Then again, you may have a ticket in The Yuengling Landing in the left-field corner. A ticket will cost you $30, but you will have table-top seating with wait service. The popular section can handle up to 150 people per game and is usually sold out from June to September. It is a place for adults 21 or older to enjoy the game in a much more prestigious setting at the ballpark. The Elements Financial Club is $85 and includes food and drink. It is located in the suite area above the grandstand and offers a full-service bar, indoor seating, and outdoor seats. Victory Field Yuengling Landing, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Rowdie is the official team mascot and he can be seen throughout the game entertaining fans. If you are with children, the team offers carnival games behind the batter’s eye in the center field. Kids can test their pitching arms, win prizes at ball tossing, or enjoy t-ball hitting, and water gun races. There is also a small team gear stand and food stand in this area. The team’s official merchandise store is rather small, but there is a lot of great team swag for both men and women that pays tribute to the team’s long history. There is an additional store down the first baseline. Also, look out for tables offering discounted shirts and caps during select times throughout the season. The main concourse features heritage posters that pay homage to past greats including Harmon Killebrew, Roger Maris, Randy Johnson, George Foster, and current star Andrew McCutchen. Much of the Indians’ former Hall of Famers, all-stars, and championships are on display on the exterior of the outfield entrance. Neighborhood 4 Victory Field is located in downtown Indianapolis, and there are many options from hotels, bars, restaurants, and museums; although many of them are chains, there are a few places worth visiting before or after a game. A great destination after the game would be Mass Ave. where the vibrant streets offer an array of dining and late-night destinations. The Eagle has some of the finest fried chicken in the city, Bru Burger Bar is widely popular, but then again so is the taco and tequila bar Bakersfield. If you are looking for music, cocktails, and a cool vibe, visit Union 50. The downtown scene features many local breweries including Sun King, Metazoa, and Ellison. The Tap and The Yard House feature even more craft beer choices from around the Midwest and the country. If you are with the family, the Indianapolis Zoo and State Museum are within walking distance of the stadium, and for a place, the kids will enjoy, The Children’s Museum is just a few short miles north. The Fountain Square neighborhood is worth visiting as well with even more restaurants, shops, bars, and comedy clubs. Fans 5 There is a question that lingers over each visit made to Victory Field. Are the fans here to watch baseball, or are they here for a nice night out with friends or family? It is solely about enjoying time outside, having a lazy afternoon, or enjoying a night with a group of friends or colleagues. It is a quintessential minor league baseball experience where fans come out in droves on the weekends, during fireworks nights, and during promotional Sunday afternoon games. The city fills up the place consistently year after year and there has rarely been a negative word said about Victory Field by any of its fans or first-time visitors. Access 4 Moving around the concourse at Victory Field is simple and easy, markers are located for bathrooms, seating areas, and exits. Ushers are available to assist with seat location, and there are very few barriers in anyone’s way inside the facility. Concession booths are set up nicely around the stadium and there is free WiFi for patrons. After and before the game, local police do a great job of making congestion dissipate on the streets and sidewalks outside of the main outfield entrance. The best way off I-70 is to exit 79A S. West St. and proceed north until the stadium is on your left. However, during certain weekends or Holiday games, the crowds can swell to close to 15,000–plan to arrive early and look for concession lines down the third base side to reduce wait time. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for an Indians game will cost you between $13-$19 (add $2 if purchased the day of the game) depending on where you want to sit. This is the average price point compared to other International League teams. Tickets to Yuengling Landing are $32 and near the foul pole in left field, fans in the Landing have access to an exclusive menu, reserved tables and drink rails, a dedicated bar, and wait staff. The team offers its Dollar Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays where beer and soda are $3. Victory Field parking is accessible by several city lots surrounding the stadium including the Senate State Garage (a 15-minute walk) for $7 and the White River State Park and Government Center Garage ($10). Lucas Oil Stadium Lot 1 and Convention Center Lot A are both $7 for most home games. Parking in the neighboring lots should cost you no more than $7-$10, however, parking in the museum lot can run you $10. If you can find street parking, the prices are from $1.50-$1.75 an hour until 9 PM, or if taking in a Sunday afternoon game, the meters are free of charge. Extras 5 One extra point for the lawn seats in minor league baseball, the area is perfectly sloped and wraps around the entire outfield perimeter. Fans are also allowed to bring in a single-handed cooler no larger than 20 inches, sans non-alcoholic beverages and glass containers. An additional extra point for the victory bell that gets rung after every Indian victory. The collection of merchandise from the team’s illustrious history is worth an extra point. You can spot Cincinnati Reds-era caps, Montreal Expos pinwheel caps and powder blue shirts, and Chicago White Sox-era navy caps on fans throughout the ballpark. One final extra point for the video menu boards at almost all concessions and kiosks throughout the facility. There are more and more ballparks catering to visual customers, but we all know that we eat with our eyes. Final Thoughts Victory Field is my minor league baseball headquarters. I have the opportunity to visit the spacious facility numerous times each year and see what is new. Certain nights and promotions are better than others, but it is a ballpark that feels new, clean, vibrant, and beautiful over 25 years. It’s not uncommon to have 12,000 fans at the stadium on a Friday Fireworks Night. If architects were to create a new ballpark for Indy, they would make it exactly like Victory Field. ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Cheney Stadium 2502 S Tyler St Tacoma, WA 98405 Tacoma Rainiers website Cheney Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 6,500 Home of the Tacoma Rainiers Opened in 1960, Cheney Stadium plays host to the AAA Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League. The stadium has a unique history. Cheney Stadium needed to be built in short order in order for Tacoma to obtain the AAA team that was based in Phoenix. The mission succeeded with the stadium being built in a mere three and a half months to meet the Opening Day deadline. In 2011, Cheney underwent a comprehensive $30 million renovation that included luxury suites, a kids play area, more restrooms and concessions and shoring up the main seating area. In addition to the Rainiers, Cheney Stadium hosted the Tacoma Defiance and OL Reign soccer teams in addition to hosting the AAA All-Star Game in 2017. Food & Beverage 4 Cheney Stadium offers up all the items you expect. From hot dogs to burgers to pizza and BBQ sandwiches, there is no shortage of ballpark fare. Cheney takes their concessions one step further. As a nod to their location near the Pacific, give Ivar’s a try. They serve different dishes including fish & chips and clam chowder. If you are feeling adventurous, try an Ivar Dog. The Ivar Dog is a seafood-based hotdog topped with cole slaw and tartar sauce. In addition, Cheney offers up the regular snacks of popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy, pretzels, etc. As for beverages, Cheney serves Coke products. Additionally, there are a multitude of beer and mixed drink options. Want coffee? Stop by Grounds Brew where you will find all sorts of different types of coffee and tea. Concessions run about the norm for minor league baseball. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is aesthetically quite nice. There are no bad seats. One thing you notice quickly is the seating area is a bit steeper than many stadiums. This creates great views of the field without having to worry about partially blocked views if taller fans are sitting in front of you. A video board sits just left of the batter’s eye, with the scoreboard just to the right of the batter’s eye. Down the first base line is a nice grass berm area. The berm gives a great view of the Rainiers bullpen which is near the right field corner. Behind the berm is a kids play area which includes a whiffle ball park. Restrooms and concessions are below the seating deck. On the night I attended, while the crowd was not particularly large, there were no issues with lines for the restrooms or concessions. Neighborhood 3 Cheney Stadium is set in a residential/retail area. As such, there isn’t much in the way of places to walk to before or after the game. However, about 3 miles away, you will find a litany of places in a very scenic area…Commencement Bay. This area is also where you will find most of the hotels in the area. Among your dining options are the E9 Firehouse and Gastropub on Pine St. E9 brews their own beer and, yes, is located in a former firehouse. Down on 6 th  St., we stopped at the Southern Kitchen. If you are a fan of southern cooking, this is your place. Be sure and try the catfish…it’s great! Fans 4 Having attended far more minor league games than I can remember, I was hard pressed to remember too many crowds that were more attentive during the game. A large percentage of fans knew the players, the important situations, and were engaged throughout the game. Access 4 Cheney Stadium is located just off Highway 16 on South Tyler St. and is easy to get to. There are two parking entrances, one in front of the stadium and one behind the stadium in the Foss High School parking lot. On the evening I attended, the stands were about half full and there were no issues getting around the concourse or finding a restroom. Concession lines were minimal and yielded a very short wait, if any. Return on Investment 3 You can get a ticket in the main seating area for about $23. I’d recommend using the Foss High School parking lot for parking as the cost is $10, which is half the cost of the home plate parking lot which is $20. Concessions are about the going rate at all minor league parks. While the cost to attend a game is a little more pricey than other parks, Cheney Stadium offers a fun experience that that gives you a good return on your money. Extras 5 Cheney Stadium has a unique setup. While hard to describe, it is a very enjoyable look. If you like old time light towers, Cheney is your place. The light towers were reclaimed from Seals Park in San Francisco, which is the stadium the San Francisco Giants initially played in when relocating from New York. On a clear day, head up to the left field party deck. Should Mt. Rainier be peaking out, you will have a great view of it. In the concourse, you will find a nice little display of the Tacoma Baseball Hall of Fame. Final point for Rhubarb the Reindeer. Rhubarb is the Rainiers mascot and quite active during the game. Final Thoughts I wasn’t sure what to expect of Cheney Stadium. I walked away very impressed with the stadium and the game presentation the Rainiers staff puts together on a nightly basis. The prices are a little on the high side, but there are some unique factors that make a visit to Cheney Stadium well worth your time.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score:3.86 Rogers Centre 1 Blue Jays Way Toronto, ON M5V 1J3 Canada Toronto Blue Jays website Rogers Centre website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 39,150 Rogers Ballpark In the perennial world of ballpark construction, it seems that Rogers Centre has completed the lion’s share of the significant changes that President Mark Shapiro stated would turn “the stadium into a ballpark.”  Opened in 1989, the SkyDome was an innovative marvel with the first ever retractable roof and the first large video screen dubbed the JumboTron.  Over time the opening of Oriole Park at Camden Yards drastically changed the direction of ballpark construction.  MLB teams were commissioning the building of ballparks and multi-purpose stadiums, like SkyDome, became a thing of the past.  SkyDome was renamed Rogers Centre after it was purchased by Rogers Communications and in 2014 a major shift was undertaken.  The Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League were informed that they would no longer be allowed to play at Rogers Centre.  The major changes began.  New turf was installed and the major task of creating a true dirt infield was undertaken, replacing the old sliding pits.  The focus then turned to the fan experience, which is where the biggest changes took place. From 2022 to 2025 hundreds of millions of dollars were invested in Rogers Centre to change the infrastructure and try to create a ballpark experience.  Every seat was replaced.  New social areas were created.  The lower bowl was completely replaced, removing the old track system that moved the seats for a football configuration to a permanent seating area where seats were reoriented towards home plate. The Toronto Blue Jays played their first season in 1977 at Exhibition Stadium.  The ultimate success found its way to the shores of Lake Ontario with the 1992 and 1993 World Series championships.  Joe Carter’s World Series ending home run of 1993 is one of the most iconic baseball scenes ever.  Renewed success has found the Jays in 2025 with a surprising surge to the top of the American League East, bringing capacity crowds back to Rogers Centre. Food & Beverage 4 Rogers Centre provides a solid culinary experience for patrons.  Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and popcorn are all readily available.  There are several different hot dog and burger options.  Pizza is provided by Pizza Nova and soft drinks are provided by the Coca-Cola family of beverages.  The alcoholic beverage and specifically beer options are massive. Fans could head to the WestJet Flight Deck on the second level past centrefield for possibly the best beer selection in the building.  For fans who are looking for something a little more unique, grabbing a chicken sandwich at Mary Brown’s, a Canadian chain originating from Newfoundland, or some Apple Brisket or Jerk Chicken Nachos, would be the way to go.  The Cubano Panini at the TD Park Social is also a good choice.  Rogers Centre has increased the number of “Tap and Go” facilities offering a quick in and out for easy to grab items.  Of particular interest are Loonie Dog Tuesdays.  Hot Dogs are only $1 on these special days and the variety of concession items definitely decreases on these days to accommodate the massive promotion.  On the day of this review, a record number of hot dogs were purchased at over 92,000. Atmosphere 4 The biggest area of deficiency at Rogers Centre remains the exterior.  Dominated by exposed concrete, Rogers Centre is a massive structure.  The entrances remain bland as compared to contemporary ballparks and there is no “main entrance” to the stadium.  The north side of the stadium, where the Marriott which is part of Rogers Centre, would probably be considered the front.  Also, compared to modern ballparks, the footprint of the grounds is relatively small with not too much space around the exterior of the stadium.  Two bronze sculptures at the top of the north side of Rogers Centre, “The Crowd” and “The Fans” highlight the exterior and the bronze statue of Rogers founder, Ted Rogers, is found at the south, by Bremner Blvd. The inside of the Rogers Centre can be dark.  The 100 level is generally the spot to be before the game.  The best concessions can be found here and past left field, the pre and post-game show with Jamie Campbell of Rogers Sportsnet can be found.  The 100-level concourses are fairly open, considering the age of the building.  The new videoboard is even more massive than before and has engulfed an entire level and taken over where Sightlines restaurant used to be.  Above the videoboard are the championship banners of the 1985, 1989, 1991, and 2015 American League East banners along with the 2016 and 2020 Wild Card banners.  Nestled neatly in there are the 1992 and 1993 World Series banners.  Hall of Fame banners for Pat Gillick and Roy Halladay also hang proudly with the championships.  The Jays nod to history continues with the level of excellence, located on the facia of the fourth level and includes Halladay and Gillick, joined by Tom Cheek, Carlos Delgado, Joe Carter, George Bell, Tony Fernandez, Dave Stieb, Paul Beeston, Cito Gaston and Jose Bautista.  After an MLB investigation into alleged sexual misconduct and his placement on the ineligible list, Baseball Hall of Fame member Roberto Alomar has been removed from the Level of Excellence and his Hall of Fame banner removed. In the 500 level, all of the seats have been removed and replaced with larger, more modern, plastic blue seats.  The right field and left field sides of the Jumbotron each have new social areas.  The right field area is where fans will find the Corona Rooftop Patio, a bar area that often features live pre-game music.  The left field side is where fans will find the TD Park Social area, which features Muskoka chairs, cornhole, and a huge chalkboard. Each side, although similar, has a different vibe and both have been extremely popular.  The bullpens have been raised and each is well within shouting distance of fans.  The symmetrical outfield fence design has been jettisoned for some differing heights and distances, making it a little more unique than previous.  The visitors bullpen in right field is also near a new area, the Schneider’s Porch, which is on the 100 level and popular as well.  Rogers Landing and Club 328 are also popular areas in the lower bowl.  All of the 100 level seats have also been replaced and improved sightlines have come with the new seating orientation, specifically in the outfield corners.  The outfield dimensions have also changed slightly and there are now a few other corners and wall heights that generally make the ballpark more interesting. The game day production at Rogers Centre is good.  At one time, the Blue Jays went overboard with sound effects between pitches.  That has been toned down a bit.  The Jays promotion team does their thing throughout the stands and the Jays mascot, Ace, interacts with fans.  Typical baseball promotions and the like are peppered throughout the game, but the highlight of the Jays experience is the Seventh Inning Stretch.  Before the seemingly mandated “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” the Jays play their song and the eerily catchy “OK Blue Jays” is belted out to the delight of the crowd. Neighbourhood 5 Rogers Centre is perfectly located. There is not a better location in the city for the Blue Jays to be.  Downtown Toronto is a fantastic spot to make an afternoon, a weekend or an entire vacation.  There are a huge number of locations where one can eat before or after the game.  However, as with many spots, the pandemic has changed the face of the city’s culinary industry.  Fans looking for a true culinary experience, may want to ascend to the top of the CN Tower to the 360 Restaurant.  For fans looking for a more traditional pre-game experience then The Loose Moose, The Pint Public House, or Steam Whistle Brewery are good options.  Front Street and Bremner Blvd have a plethora of dining options. New to the area is the Sportsnet Grill, which is located inside the Toronto Marriott and offers views of the field where fans can eat and drink and watch the game. An entire vacation can be had in downtown Toronto.  The CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada are right there by the Rogers Centre.  The Rogers Centre does offer tours, however they are not nearly as good as they should be.  The Theatre District may be second only to Broadway in New York City as far as stage entertainment is concerned.  The Eaton Centre is a fantastic place to shop.  Right across the road from the Rogers Centre is Toronto Railway Museum.  Fans may also want to take the Steam Whistle Brewery Tour, which is also across the road.  However, no trip to Toronto is complete without a trip to see the Hockey Hall of Fame.  For fans looking for other sports, Toronto FC , Toronto Argonauts , Toronto Raptors , Toronto Marlies , Toronto Sceptres and Toronto Maple Leafs  all play within minutes of the Rogers Centre.  The University of Toronto is just north of the Rogers Centre and the Varsity Blues field football , basketball  and hockey  teams among others.  A truly unique experience may be to check out Toronto Metropolitan University Bold hockey  or basketball  at the former Maple Leaf Gardens. Of course there are a ton of places that you could stay in downtown Toronto.  A unique experience would be to stay right in the stadium at the Toronto Marriott City Centre.  Another unique experience would be to stay at one of the most significant historical hotels in all of Canada, the Royal York.  A little more affordable would be the Delta and Strathcona, however you are going to pay to stay downtown no matter what you choose. Fans 4 With increased checks in the win column in 2025, there have been plenty more fans going through the turnstiles at Rogers Centre.  For the 2025 season, the Jays are averaging over 33,500 per game.  This is good for 10th in MLB and an improvement over the 2024 season.  Generally speaking, Jays fans are relatively quiet, as are most southern Ontario fans, but they can definitely get loud when the time is right.  With the colder months requiring the roof closed, the noise can get off the charts with the noise staying in the building.   Access 3 The Rogers Centre can be challenging to get to as downtown Toronto traffic can be difficult.  Rogers Centre is located right by the Lakeshore in downtown Toronto.  Driving to the stadium will be difficult as motorists must take either the Gardiner Expressway or Lakeshore Blvd.  Hitting the road earlier as opposed to later is always the best idea.  With the increased attendance due to a more consistent team on the field and the new ballpark features, driving away from Rogers Centre has become increasingly frustrating and time consuming. The bad traffic downtown is mitigated by the fantastic public transit options.  Rogers Centre is just a couple of blocks from Union Station.  The TTC subway, GO Transit and Via Rail are all major presences in Union Station.  Along Spadina you will find the TTC street car.  Any public transit info can be found at the TTC  and GO Transit websites. Decent parking can be found downtown, however depending on the day it can greatly fluctuate.  Most days you can find parking within walking distance of the Rogers Centre for around $15.   On one of those special days, the same parking space can go for $40.  The face of downtown Toronto is constantly changing and the parking situation becomes more perilous with the increase in condominium construction.  ParkWhiz and SpotHero options are now more prevalent downtown and should be consulted. Although there have been improvements outside the stadium as well, there are a number of spots where attention needs to be paid when walking.  Many areas with interlocking brick are in need of repair or replacement and some of the ground is uneven.  The concourses in Rogers Centre are pretty wide and getting around is not too difficult.  The stadium would have benefitted from escalators.  The majority of fans will travel up and down with long trips around traditional stadium ramps.  The washroom facilities are plentiful, and on most days more than adequate. Return on Investment 3 The success of the 2025 Blue Jays coupled with the physical improvements of the ballpark have led to an increase in the cost of attending a Jays game.  A General Admission ticket is now available at $20 and pushes fans into the Bullpen Bleachers or into one of the social areas.  The cheapest outfield ticket is now $37 with tickets for low 500 level seats behind home plate increased to $48.  Tickets in the 100 level begin at $93.  In previous years the Blue Jays fared favourably on the Fan Cost Index, but an updated version would find the Jays climbing the ladder of expensive MLB experiences.  Parking is decently priced and concessions are about what one would expect.  The product on the field has been great for the 2025 season and the gameday production in Toronto is solid.   Extras 4 An extra mark for the return of the ORIGINAL Okay Blue Jays.  The early 2000s saw the Jays’ anthem “modernized” with a horrible backbeat.  There is no doubt the original is better. An extra mark for the innovation that the Rogers Centre brought to Major League Baseball.  The huge videoboard, upgraded luxury boxes, retractable roof and in stadium restaurants were all pioneered in Toronto. An extra mark for ballpark tours returning to Rogers Centre. An extra mark for the transition of Rogers Centre from stadium to ballpark. Final Thoughts The majority of renovations at Rogers Centre are now complete as is the transition from stadium to ballpark.  The Toronto Blue Jays experience remains strong, but the price has increased to go along with it.  The improvements to Rogers Centre are definitely worth checking out. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Breese Stevens Field 917 East Mifflin Street Madison, WI 53703 Forward Madison FC website Breese Stevens Field website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 5,000 Full Mingo Breese Stevens Field was built in 1926 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal through the Civil Works Administration. Over the years, the stadium has seen a wide range of uses – it first served as the home of the Madison Blues, a minor league baseball team that played as a Chicago Cubs affiliate in 1942. In 1982, the ballpark welcomed the Madison Muskies, the Class A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics , for their inaugural season in the Midwest League. Today, Breese Stevens Field is best known as the home pitch of Forward Madison of USL League One, but it also hosts the Madison 56ers of the United Premier Soccer League, Madison East High School athletics, the Madison Radicals of ultimate frisbee, and soon Madison’s entry into the USL Super League, a top-tier women’s professional soccer league. Madison’s unofficial slogan, Keep Madison Weird, has been fully embraced by Forward Madison. The club’s crest features a flamingo, one of the last birds expected to be associated with Wisconsin’s northern climate, a deliberate nod to the city’s tradition of plastic pink flamingos. In 1979, the University of Wisconsin’s satirical Pail and Shovel Party planted more than 1,000 flamingos on Bascom Hill, the campus’ main quadrangle, in a prank that became an enduring symbol of Madison’s quirky spirit. From that tradition emerged Forward Madison’s nickname, the Mingos.   Food & Beverage   5 Breese Stevens Field offers a wide variety of gameday food and drinks, blending local favorites with classic stadium fare. The south end of the stadium has more traditional stands built into the stadium’s original grandstand, while the north end features a food hall vibe with several options housed in converted shipping containers. Fans can enjoy entrees like the Wisconsin Double burger on a pretzel bun, bacon Munster cheeseburgers, chicken tender baskets, bratwurst, hot dogs, and a vegetarian Southwestern sweet potato burger. Tacos with pork carnitas or smoked chicken with crema, onion, and lime, and loaded nachos with optional meat provide fresh, customizable choices, while Tamale Land serves shredded beef, chicken and cheese, or green chili and corn tamales. Snackables include Wisconsin cheese curds, French fries, Bavarian pretzels, ice cream novelties, and an assortment of candy. One of the most creative touches is the ‘Promotion/Relegation’ stand, where menu items compete head-to-head, with the more popular of the two remaining on the menu while the other is dropped. Beverage options range from Pepsi products, Gatorade, and lemonade to Bubblr sparkling flavors such as Cherry Guava and Pitaya Berry, along with bottled water. Alcoholic offerings include draft beers like New Glarus Spotted Cow, Bell’s Oberon Ale, Leinie’s Tropical Hazy IPA, and selections from local breweries such as One Barrel Brewing and Lake Louie Brewing. Canned cocktails and Wollersheim wines, including Blushing Rose, Prairie Fume, and Scarlet Fume round out the drink menu. By blending regional specialties with traditional favorites, the menu at Breese Stevens Field provides fans with a well-rounded selection of choices.   Atmosphere   4 Breese Stevens Field is certainly a historic relic from a time of stadium design gone by. The Mediterranean Revival design was constructed with brick and locally sourced stone from Hoyt Park in Madison, then finished with terracotta tile. The south end still reflects its baseball roots, where the former grandstand has been repurposed into the Baer Balcony, a ticketed, covered group seating area. Most seating runs along the west sideline, with VIP field suites opposite, while the north end belongs to The Flock; Forward Madison’s supporters’ section, known as The Flock End, packs the bleachers behind the goal, where many fans stand right along the ad boards, about as close to the action as any fan could hope for. The Flock brings a festive atmosphere that rivals many larger soccer venues. Weekend matches often include pregame tailgates and a march to the stadium, while weekday games have a more relaxed vibe. In years past, the Flock added to the atmosphere with a pyrotechnic smoke display, bellowing from a large cauldron resembling a coffee mug marked Wake the Flock Up. That tradition appears to have been discontinued, and while its absence does not ruin the experience, it is a small disappointment since such displays help create a more international soccer feel. Beyond the antics of The Flock, there is not much in the way of in-game entertainment or fan engagement, but soccer’s non-stop pace doesn’t naturally lend itself to breaks in the action anyway, other than a hydration break when the temperatures are high. In truth, the flow of the match is engaging enough that it is refreshing to simply enjoy the game in its uninterrupted form.   Neighborhood   4 Located on the Madison Isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, Breese Stevens Field serves as a buffer between the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood and East Washington Avenue, one of the main arteries into downtown Madison. In recent years, the area has seen significant development, most notably the modern Galaxie High Rise Apartments, which have several balconies draped with banners supporting the Mingos. Across the street, additional projects include new condominiums, office space, and restaurants, as well as Hotel Indigo and the Moxy hotel, both within walking distance of the stadium. Directly west of the venue are two of Madison’s well-regarded restaurants, Little Tibet Madison and Hot Lunch, while to the south, Salvatore’s Tomato Pies (Livingston) offers another local favorite, and the ground floor of the Galaxie features LJ’s Sports Tavern and Grille just steps from the south gates. Madison is not short on points of interest, in general. Less than a mile from Breese Stevens Field is the Wisconsin state capitol building, which offers self-guided tours; the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison is on the opposite side of the isthmus, which borders the shores of Lake Mendota. In the summer months, Madison also hosts the Madison Mallards  of the Northwoods League, a summer collegiate baseball league. Lastly, just outside Madison in Middleton is the National Mustard Museum, a quirky stop many visitors are sure to relish.   Fans   4 Forward Madison is known for its passionate and loyal supporters – that energy is led by The Flock, a collection of five supporters’ groups: Los Rebeldes de Mingo City, AccessiMingos, Featherstone Flamingos, La Barra 608, and Mingo Ladies. The atmosphere, however, extends well beyond the supporters’ section. Throughout the stands, fans proudly wear flamingo-themed prints, shorts, shirts, and scarves in the club’s vibrant light blue and pink. This area’s passion for their Mingos is reflected in their attendance – Forward Madison consistently ranks in the league’s top third, drawing an average of roughly 4,000 fans per match and standing among the most well-supported clubs in League One.   Access   3 Parking is available in any of the eight lots around the stadium , with the Galaxie lot offering the most convenience. Early arrivals can find a decent amount of street parking nearby. Fans are asked not to park in the neighborhood west of the stadium; street parking along East Washington Avenue or on nearby side streets to the east is encouraged instead. Other lots and garages are promoted on game day as well, and the team also promotes fans to take advantage of the bike valet at Gate 8 along Mifflin Street. Breese Stevens Field features only three points of entry, which can lead to long lines when the gates first open. Once the initial rush passes, however, entry becomes relatively smooth. Historic stadiums often come with constraints that limit potential improvements. At Breese Stevens Field, the only way to move from one end of the pitch to the other is via a walkway that passes directly in front of fans along the touch line, blocking the view for those in the front rows. Limited pathways and blocked sightlines make moving around the stadium one of the most noticeable drawbacks to the overall experience.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $22 for entry to the supporters’ section at the north end of the stadium; this might feel slightly high, but demand for tickets keeps pricing at this level. The club does not operate any parking lots. Instead, fans are directed to nearby privately owned garages, with spaces generally available for around $10 per car. Street parking is free, though the club asks visitors to avoid parking in the neighborhood directly around the stadium. Still, it is more of a neighborly request than an actual parking restriction. Street parking along East Washington Street, or on side streets on the east side of the stadium, is suggested instead. Concessions and apparel can feel pricey compared with other aspects of the match day experience. Fans can get better value with ticket packages under $25, which often include a drink, a snack, or even a Forward Madison scarf. Planning with these packages is an easy way to enjoy the full experience without overspending.   Extras   3 Forward Madison features one of the most extensive team stores in League One. Flamboyance, as it is called, occupies a large portion of the area beneath one side of the original grandstand. A kids' play area has been part of the stadium experience in years past, though it does not appear to be consistent, and seems to have been replaced in some areas by tented group outing spaces. Instead, a mini petting zoo offers a rare attraction compared to most sporting events, drawing not just children but plenty of adult visitors, too. Stonework just outside the southeast entrance commemorates the stadium as a CWA project; such historic pieces are increasingly rare, and their preservation makes them worth noting.   Final Thoughts It can be difficult to maintain a historic stadium as a comfortable venue for sporting events while also preserving its historical integrity. Breese Stevens Field does a good job of retaining its historic charm while still providing a terrific setting for professional soccer. There are aspects of the experience that could be improved, not because they overly detract from fans’ current enjoyment, but simply to make the overall visit more comfortable. Nevertheless, Forward Madison and the community have completely adopted the Mingos mentality, which embraces the fun and “weird” side of Madison’s personality as a city.

If you ever pass it on your way through town, the old grandstand on the corner of Chicago Road and Dixie Highway has been there for almost a century. They call it Hap Bruno Field, but the large sign above the entrance reads Chicago Heights Park Department. Little does anyone realize that the ballpark and town have quite the history of baseball. Semi-pro baseball has a long history in town that dates back to 1894. A ball field on 17th and East End Avenue was used for games from 1898 until a group of 1,094 people formed the Chicago Heights Athletic Association and financed the $25,000 modern grandstand in 1927. The grandstand offered 196 box seats and 25 boxes that would also house football and ice skating in the winter. “There wasn’t a single dime of public money [used to build the ballpark],” said Bruno in a   1980 radio interview.  “It was all through public subscription (tax money). No contributions from any political division. The only thing you did was approach your friends on season tickets, those who would help support the program.” The first game took place at CHAA Field on October 6 of that year with a crowd of 4,000 people welcoming the new baseball plant with a motor car parade through downtown. The visiting Hammond club won the game 5-3. There were various semi-pro teams played in town and at the ballpark at times, including the Cyclones, Boosters, Owls, and Arrows, along with a manufacturing team called Lincoln AC. The Chicago Heights Athletic Association played off the ballpark until midway through the 1938 season when it dropped out of playing baseball. The ballpark would be used by Arrows in 1939 and the Owls in 1939. The Owls joined the newly formed Greater Chicago Semi-Pro Baseball League.in 1947 under the management of Mario “Hap” Bruno. The 10-team loop’s purpose was to Promote a better brand of semi-pro baseball for the fans and the greater Chicago area and to help organize hardball for the better interest of the game itself. The high quality of baseball stretched from organized teams like the Chicago Heights A’s and Skokie Indians to company teams from RCA Victor and Lorenz Steel. This was a league that featured former major league ballplayers and included traveling teams. The goal was for every team to have a ballpark similar to CHAA Field and have it packed with fans for every home game on Sunday. The first few seasons of the league saw big crowds in the stands, and the Chicago Heights team captured the 1948 league championship. “Chicago Heights stands to enjoy a period of prosperity and player development which will be the greatest in the history of the game in these parts.” The team would become the A's and was managed and financed by Bruno, with a volunteer crew helping with preparing the field, handling ticket sales, parking cars, and shagging foul balls. Fans packed the stadium for Sunday games, but by 1952 an average of 25 fans regularly attended games and volunteers disappeared leaving Bruno as a one-man crew handling the operation of the team. The team needed 100 fans per game at $1.00 admission to pay for the baseballs and umpires. Only one player, pitcher Frank Verka, was being paid, and all other players wanted to start or they wouldn’t show up for games. It led to Bruno folding up the A’s in April of 1953 and after 69 years, semi-pro baseball was over in Chicago Heights. The following year a six-team VFW circuit was formed along with one night of a Rotary-Lion's Teen circuit. The fees from the VFW helped provide money to maintain the grandstand that needed light repairs. Bloom Township High School still uses the stadium which was the former home of the Southside Vikings of the Northern League. The Chicago Heights Park District renamed the field to Hap Bruno Field in 1996. At the time, Bruno was 91 years old and still sharp on his memories of the game that dated back to the 1920s. He would pass away one year later but left a lifetime of memories in town. The old ballpark looks a little banged up and weathered, but for a structure that is 98 years old, she has a lot of life left in her. It might not be much to the many who pass by daily, but it has a story to tell. Perhaps a form of summer baseball will return to continue the tradition set by members of the Chicago Heights Athletic Association almost a century ago. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Block Stadium 1601 E. 144th St. East Chicago, IN 46312 East Chicago Thunder website Block Stadium website Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 3,500 East Chicago's Block Stadium is Ready for Business Block Stadium has been the home to baseball in East Chicago, Indiana, for many years and went through a $5.5 million renovation in 2021 and 2022 that transformed the historic grandstand into a full-fledged ballpark worthy of a summer collegiate baseball team. That occurred in 2025 with the creation of the East Chicago Thunder of the Region Collegiate Baseball League . The stadium debuted on Memorial Day in 1942 and was a gift to the city by the Block family, who owned the Inland Steel Company. Work on the $40,000 stadium began in July 1940 and is dedicated to the memory of E.J. (Jimmy) Block, who suddenly passed away in 1939. He was an avid baseball fan and played for regional teams. Its opening was accompanied by a large parade by the U.S. Army Band, area high school bands, and a flag-raising ceremony by a contingent of U.S. Army troops. Vendors made their way throughout the large covered grandstand selling peanuts, popcorn, pop, and candy to the 20,000 who were on hand for the opening ceremonies. The stadium was used for a variety of activities:  football, baseball, soccer, boxing, wrestling, and even the occasional open-air opera. It could be expanded to accommodate up to 12,000 people.  It included a ticket window, canteen, lockers, and showers for the players and a public comfort station when it opened. The stadium hosted the East Chicago Conquistadors of the independent Mid-America League, known more for their uniform controversy.  Today, it’s the home to the East Chicago Central High School baseball team, the Calumet College of St. Joseph Crimson Wave, and the East Chicago Post 369 American Legion club in addition to the Thunder. Food & Beverage 3 Block Stadium houses a concession stand that serves hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, candy, snacks, and soda. However, there are home dates where food trucks are brought in to offer an array of ballpark food. During our visit, there were Loli’s Mexican and Kona Ice.  These options are great to have, but not being able to grab a hot dog and a soda at the ballpark is against all laws of baseball. If you are looking for a cold beer, you won’t find it at Block Stadium, but according to league commissioner Dave Sutkowski, that could change in the future. Atmosphere 3 Block Stadium is a beautiful ballpark that offers a covered grandstand. The renovations turned the venue into an impressive baseball stadium. Fans enter under the giant stadium marquee into an open area where food trucks and the concession stand are located. Signage hangs from the light poles honoring former players who played at the stadium, including former major league outfielder Kenny Lofton. The grandstand is made up of metal bleacher seating and several rows of plastic seats. A thick netting protects fans from foul balls, and the original stadium’s framework and pillars add a nostalgic feel to the game. There is a small scoreboard with video features in left field. Another old-time touch is the two light towers that are in foul territory on the right and left field lines. The Thunder does not offer a merchandise stand, announcements on the PA, or in-game promotions to engage the crowd in between innings. The team does not feature a merchandise table, nor are there game day lineups or standings anywhere inside the stadium.  Neighborhood 3 The stadium borders a residential neighborhood and the school’s equally impressive football stadium. East Chicago is a city of 29,000 residents and is located in The Region of Northwest Indiana, 24 miles from Chicago. It is home to ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor Works, the largest steel mill in the country, U.S. Steel’s East Chicago Tin, and the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal complex. Indianapolis Avenue features various eateries, shops, and other commercial retail stores in town and the neighboring cities of Hammond and Munster. Bugatti’s Steak and Pasta is located along Lake Michigan and offers fine dining, the Cavalier Inn offers Polish cuisine in a relaxed setting, and Johnel’s Restaurant offers American fare. Saul’s Chicago Style Grill offers iconic Chicago-style hot dogs, gyros, and Italian beef, and Millo’s Pizza Shack has deep-dish, stuffed, and thin-crust style pizzas on its menu. Two of Indiana’s best breweries are near East Chicago. Three Floyds Brewery & Pub is world-renowned for its beers and is worth a visit. The brewery gets very busy, but visitors can enjoy a Gumballhead, Lazersnake, Zombie Dust, or Yum Yum on draft. 18th Street Brewery is located in Hammond and also offers a place to eat, while you can order a Candi Crushable, Devil’s Cup, or the Best Patio Pils. Fans 2 There were a few fans in attendance due to Mother Nature dropping buckets of rain over the stadium. The faithful audience cheered on their hometown squad, while a few were there for the nearby visiting Lake County Corndogs team. Access 4 Block Stadium is easily accessible by car and offers a parking lot and plenty of street parking near the entrance. The stadium is north of I-90 and west of US-12. Once inside, there is more than enough room to roam, and crowds don’t appear to get crowded enough to cause congestion at the concession stand. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $8, and a senior citizen and children's tickets are $5; and kids under 12 years old are free. The parking is free, and concession prices are well below what you would expect at a ballpark.  Extras 2 Block Stadium has been updated quite handsomely. It looks modern but holds its old-school charm. The main entrance marquee is a nice addition to the stadium and stands out along with the exterior plaza design. Final Thoughts Stadiums of this magnitude don’t usually get the royal treatment of a $5.5 million renovation, but it has transformed the old place into a beautiful new palace for baseball. If the game day atmosphere can feature more of what fans expect at a summer collegiate game, then this will be the place to be in the area. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Does baseball on an island work? Dave and Paul examine the truly unique phenomenon of FNB Field, home of the Harrisburg Senators. Grab a beer and take in the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. ⚾🏟️ __________________________________________________________________________________ You can find Stadium Journey's review of FNB Field and the Harrisburg Senators game day experience here.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 AdventHealth Stadium 755 Braves Blvd Rome, GA 30161 Rome Emperors website AdventHealth Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 5,105 Hail To The Emperors! Rome, GA has been a member of the Atlanta Braves farm system since 2003, when the Macon Braves relocated to NW Georgia and a brand-new ballpark, then known as State Mutual Stadium. The team played at a low level of competition in the South Atlantic League. Over the years the then Rome Braves won two South Atlantic League titles (2003, 2016). They also brought home three half-season titles (2006, 2012, 2018). In 2021, the South Atlantic League and Macon moved up to the High A level of competition as a part of the massive realignment in the MiLB. In the fall of 2023, the Rome Braves made a major decision…. to go back (actually… way, way back!) to the future, as they rebranded themselves as the Rome Emperors. Oh, they still are the High A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, but they now have separate ownership at the local level. The city they represent got its name from ancient Rome, as both cities are built between seven hills with several rivers that run through them. The Emperor portion of the name denotes one who leads, not follows, and is all-powerful. However, the team did not want a knockoff of the Little Caesar pizza character to serve as its mascot. What would represent them the best? The answer was a penguin, an Emperor Penguin named Julius to be exact. Emperor penguins are the largest species of penguins as they rule their lands, and conquer whatever challenges they face. This penguin wears a toga consisting of the regal colors of gold, red, white, and black…. the new uniform colors of the Rome ballclub. Finishing out the new look are the Roman columns that are on the front of the Rome baseball caps. The response to the changes has been, as you would suspect…. world-beating! The Emperors’ temple is now known as AdventHealth Stadium, after a change in the sponsorship agreement in 2022.  The ballpark seats 5,000, with additional room available for fans on the natural berms in the outfield. The field dimensions are LF 335’, CF 401’, and RF 330’. Food & Beverage 4 The Emperors offer a wide variety of foods at their three concession stands along the concourse that runs underneath the stands. The Georgia Grill and the Empire Eatery have identical menus, with one stand servicing the third base side of the stadium and the other servicing the first base line. Their menus include an extra-large pizza slice ($8), nachos ($6), hot dogs ($5), hamburgers ($8), a Brutus burger, a platter ($21) sausages ($7), crackerjacks ($5), popcorn ($7), and boiled peanuts ($5). The Los Pinguenos stand offers the “Julius Catch” platter with three cornbread-dusted catfish filets with malt vinegar fries and tartar sauce ($17). The stand also offers ballpark nachos ($8), extreme nachos ($11), regular nachos ($6), walking tacos ($9), taco salads ($9), and churro bites ($5). Frozen Treats is a separate concession stand that sells dessert items. It offers Mason Jar Icees ($12), ice cream sundaes ($6), Oatly Ice Cream bars ($5), and candy ($4). Beverages sold at AdventHealth Stadium include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6 for 24 oz size), bottled water ($4), and Powerade Energy drinks ($6). Adult beverages include Miller and Coors brand beers ($7 for 16 oz size) or 16 oz craft beers ($8). The ballpark offers special savings on specific food items during weekday games. Fans can enjoy $2 Tuesdays where popcorn, hot dogs, and drinks are each two bucks. Double Dog Wednesday allows fans to bring their dogs to the ballpark and get two hot dogs for the price of one. Thirsty Thursdays offers beers for $2 for a 12-ounce draft. On Sunday Fun Day children under 12 can eat for free at the ballpark. They are also allowed to run the bases following the Sunday games. Atmosphere 4 The staff at AdventHeath Stadium work hard to ensure that fans at an Emperors game have a good time. They are not overly officious about enforcing where you sit if there are plenty of empty seats. The seating bowl is close to the action, and there’s not a bad seat in the house. There is some sort of game or entertainment on the field when there is a break in the action. The Emperors’ Team store was enlarged and restocked with all new and rebranded merchandise in time for the 2024 season.  It is located along the concourse behind home plate. The team store opens at 10 am on game days. Otherwise, it is open 10-6 Monday-Friday during the season. Home Run Hill is a great place to spread out a blanket and watch the action on the field while seated on a grass slope. Fans are welcome to sit on the berms that hug both the first and third base lines. Neighborhood 3 AdventHealth Stadium is located on Veterans Memorial Highway, which is the perimeter highway around downtown Rome. The only other business nearby is the Bella Roma restaurant which sells Italian food. It is adjacent to the stadium. Downtown Rome is only three miles from the ballpark, and it is well worth the short drive before or after the Emperors’ game. The city is famous for its three rivers that made it a center for transportation as well as a textile center, due to the many mills located in the city during the 1800’s. The city is also home to Berry College, which has the world’s largest college campus based on acreage. Rome also has several historical sites related to the Cherokee Indian Nation. The Trail of Tears began in the Rome area and ended in Oklahoma. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the downtown area. Fans 4 Emperor fans are very proud of their hometown team. They are night shy about telling you about all the former Rome players who have gone on to “The Show” sixty miles down the highway at Truist Park. The new team name has also energized the fans, as it much more to the city of Rome in both a modern and ancient way (after all… When in Rome!) There is a Kid’s Zone with games, inflatables, and a bounce house located near the right field foul pole. In addition to the food and drink specials during the week, AdventHealth Stadium also has some non-food-related promotions for fans.  T-Shirt Tuesdays provide fans with special Emperors T-shirts with various designs throughout the season. Fireworks Fridays include a colorful end to the work week with a bang. In addition, the Emperors will hold several Bobblehead nights featuring different players from both Emperors and the Atlanta Braves. Access 3 All roads lead to Rome…. If you don’t mind traveling 30 miles off the interstate! Directions from Atlanta: Take I-75 North to exit 190 (Rome-Canton) Turn left off exit and follow Highway 411/20 towards Rome for 22 miles. At the intersection of Highway 411 and Highway 1 (Veterans Memorial Highway) turn right. Follow Highway 1 for seven miles. The stadium will be on your right at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Highway and Riverside Parkway. Directions from Chattanooga: Take I-75 South to Exit 312 (Calhoun). Turn right at the end of the exit onto Highway 52 West towards Rome for 20 miles. Once in Rome, turn right at Calvary Baptist Church (Veterans Memorial Highway /Highway 1. The stadium will be on your right in 1.5 miles at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Highway and Riverside Parkway. Ballpark gates open one hour before the first pitch. Return on Investment 4 Parking is $5 per car. There is also overnight parking available for RV’s in this lot for $30 a night. AdventHealth Stadium is a cashless facility. Tickets sold the day of the game will be $2 more. Tickets are available at several different price points. Diamond-level seats (run from dugout to dugout behind home plate): $17 Tuesday/Thursday and $21 Friday-Sunday Dugout seats (front row seats beyond dugout to foul pole): $14 Tuesdays/Thursdays and $21 Friday-Sunday General Admission (seats above the concourse level): GA seats can also sit on the grass berms in the outfield Tuesdays/Thursdays $9 Friday- Sundays $12 Extras 2 Most of the current Atlanta Braves baseball team got their start at the Class A level of professional baseball with the team in Rome at AdventHealth Stadium. These players include Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Bryce Elders, Jeff Francoeur, Max Fried, Michael Harris, Jason Heyward, Craig Kimbrel, Brian McCann, Charlie Morton, Austin Riley, Mike Soroka and Spencer Strider. The new owners of the ballclub want to make AdventHealth Stadium more available to the community on a year-round basis as well as when the Emperors are on the road in-season. Amongst the events added to the stadium’s schedule are a sports collector trade show (April), a Night of Hope Concert (April), an Emperors Summer Camp (July), a Penguin Waddle 3km/5km/10km Run (July), a community Toga-Yoga event in August, a Rome-tober Beer Fest (October), Beer, Bags and BBQ (November) and Winter Wonderland (Thanksgiving – December 29). To learn more about any of these events, please call (706) 378-5120. Final Thoughts The Rome Emperors have pulled off a very successful rebranding of their franchise to the delight of their loyal fans. The red, gold, black, and white colors of the team are now found throughout the Classic City. As the saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do…. Enjoy a night out at AdventHealth Park.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hillsboro Stadium 4450 NW 229th Ave Hillsboro, OR 97124 Hillsboro Hops website Hillsboro Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 4,500 Hillsboro Hops With Baseball, Beer Editor's Note: In March 2024, the venue name changed from Ron Tonkin Field to Hillsboro Stadium. Baseball and beer have complemented one another perfectly for decades. Professional baseball teams sell beer at their stadiums but do not generally market the relationship between suds and strikeouts. The High Class-A, western division Hillsboro Hops are a notable exception and their ballpark, Ron Tonkin Field, enables even non-beer drinkers to enjoy a serendipitous baseball experience in a venue that opened in 2013 and 4,500 fans. Tonkin Field is located in Hillsboro, Oregon, 15 miles northeast of downtown Portland. According to a 2020 report from the Colorado-based Brewers Association, Hillsboro sits in one of the nation’s most prolific craft brewing states. Oregon has a total of 312 craft breweries (11th most in the nation), with 9.6 such breweries per capita (7th most in the nation). The Hops are nicknamed after a key brewing ingredient grown in Oregon (the second-largest hop growing state by volume), and have a mascot, Barley T. Hop, styled after the flower of the hop plant. The Hops celebrate the importance of brewing in the Beaver State throughout the ballpark. In August 2021, for instance, the Hops hosted a pre-game craft brewing festival that attracted numerous local brewers and fans from as far away as Austin, Texas. Couple the celebration of beer with a beautiful stadium, replete with seats close to the action, high-quality ballpark food, and the chance to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks ’ players of the future, and fans will enjoy a game at Tonkin Field. Food & Beverage 4 A wide variety of culinary options are offered at Tonkin Field, so much so that coming to the ballpark hungry may call for an amuse bouche while evaluating what to order. Smartly, the Hops have made online ordering available at concessions stands behind seats on both the first and third base lines. Fans can order food from their seats, retrieve the food when ready, and avoid spending an inning or two waiting in a line. The familiar favorites can all be found at Tonkin Field, with a cheeseburger and French fry basket ($10), chicken tenders and fries ($10), and hot dogs ($5). Fans wanting something slightly different can order a blue cheese bacon burger ($11), bacon cheeseburger ($11), or a burger topped with a bratwurst ($12), all with fries. Coca-Cola products are served, with a 32-ounce drink ($6), a 21-ounce drink ($5), and a 16-ounce drink ($4) on the menu. Bottled water ($4) and bottled soda ($5) are also available at most concession stands at Tonkin Field. The Hops have devoted one concession stand to barbecue: chicken and pulled pork are offered for $10 and served with chips, while BBQ nachos sell for $10. Quality, hand-made Mexican fare is available, as well, with tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas all served on freshly grilled tortillas. Vegetarians will find plenty of options, too. A veggie burger and fries sells for $10, as does a veggie wrap (grilled vegetables with a hummus spread wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla). A veggie dog is available for $5. Not surprisingly, a broad panoply of beers is sold throughout Tonkin Field. Premium beers include those brewed by Crux, Migration Brewing Co., Deschutes, and several others. Those beers sell for $9 (20 ounces) and $8 (16 ounces). Domestic beers sell for $8 and $7, respectively, for those sizes. Mixed drinks are available for $8-$9, depending on size, and wine is available for $8-$10, depending on brand. Like many teams, the Hops sell ice cream in miniature batting helmets ($8) or waffle cones ($6). The Hops, however, have 12 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream available. Most ballparks sell soft serve ice cream, but not here. The flavors are also more exotic than the typical chocolate-and-vanilla, with local favorites huckleberry and mountain blackberry sold along with such flavors as moose tracks, cotton candy, espresso chip, and birthday cake. Atmosphere 4 Tonkin Field has one main entrance, behind home plate. Fans enter on ground level, pass the team shop, and walk up a set of stairs to reach the stadium’s concourse. The seating bowl spans from just beyond third base to just beyond first base, with bullpens situated beyond the outfield walls. Seats are very close to the field, bringing fans close to the game’s action. Groups have several types of party rooms available to them. Several party decks and suites provide views from behind home plate; a picnic area in the right field corner can accommodate as many as 2,000 people. Because of Tonkin Field’s orientation of home plate facing southwest, the sun sets behind the first base side of the stadium. The setting sun thus poses a retina-burning challenge to fans sitting along the third base line. At evening games, fans should consider seats on the first base side of the stadium. Fans on the third base side whose vision survives several innings of direct sun can reap the reward of a beautiful sunset. The stadium has a crisp, clear public address system. Fortunately (given the close dimensions of seating to speakers), music is played at a lower volume than the PA announcer’s voice. Walkup songs are played for the home team and, in true MiLB fashion, visitors’ walkup songs relate somehow to the batter’s name (Vancouver’s Orelvis Martinez received “Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley, as an example). Neighborhood 3 Hillsboro’s Gordon Faber Recreation Complex surrounds Tonkin Field, so fans do not have restaurants, bars, and other attractions within easy walking distance of the ballpark. Those amenities are a short drive away, however. Several bars and restaurants sit just to Tonkin Field’s southeast, including McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse, Pho Tango Bistro, the Front Row Bar & Grill, Oasis Lebanese Cuisine, and O Sushi. Fast food is available there, too, including Wendy’s, Panda Express, Jack in the Box, and Big Town Hero. Fans looking for pre or post-game craft beer do not need to look far. Three Mugs Brewing Company is approximately two miles from the ballpark. Although it does not serve food, Three Mugs has more than 20 beers on tap and in cans. Just under three miles from Tonkin Field, Deep Space Brewing offers four “flagship” beers and rotates more than 12 others through its taps. Many more craft breweries can easily be found in Hillsboro and beyond. Several chain hotels are within a short driving distance of Tonkin Field. Staybridge Suites, Hampton Inn, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Aloft, Residence Inn, Embassy Suites, and Extended Stay America are all within a 10-minute drive. The Orenco is a more luxurious option, with free wine tastings and various styles of rooms. Fans 3 The Hops’ faithful may not reach large numbers, but they do know baseball and pay attention to the game. The Hops have frequently seen sellouts since debuting in Hillsboro in 2013, providing a level of support that helped the franchise move from short-season low-A in 2019 to its full-season high-A affiliation in 2021. Although the crowds do not match those at higher levels of baseball, the crowd at Tonkin Field is engaged and enthusiastic. Craft brewing is celebrated throughout the stadium, both with the beer available at concession stands, Tonkin Field’s décor, and even the mascot itself. This distinguishes the Hops from other sports franchises that disregard what makes their cities unique. Access 3 Tonkin Field is most accessible to those coming by car. Parking is plentiful, as the stadium’s parking lot also serves the softball fields in the Faber Recreation Complex. One note: fans wanting to park near Tonkin Field’s home plate entrance should drive until reaching the end of the parking lot. Otherwise, a longer walk awaits. Mass transit is an option, albeit a tricky one. Portland’s Metropolitan Area Express, or “MAX,” light rail connects Hillsboro with downtown Portland via the Blue Line. However, Hillsboro’s MAX station is more than two miles from the stadium and requires a 45-minute walk. The Hops typically operate a shuttle between Tonkin Field and the MAX station, but suspended that service for the 2021 season. Alternatively, fans can take the 47 bus to the station at NE Century and Evergreen Parkway (North) and walk approximately 10 minutes to Tonkin Field. Inside, wide concourses and abundant standing-room areas enable fans to spread out and enjoy nice sight lines of the game. The ticket window, situated just outside the home plate entrance, is well staffed and efficient. Restrooms are kept clean and are near the seating areas. Return on Investment 4 The Hops provide an excellent return on investment. Parking costs $5, with game tickets ranging between $7 (general admission) and $20 (premium box). There is not a bad seat in the stadium, so even a general admission ticket will permit fans to enjoy the game. Food is quite reasonable at Tonkin Field. Burgers and fries are sold together as “baskets” starting at $10. The Hops also offer a combination meal for $18 consisting of a hot dog, a choice of potato chips, and a medium soda. A kids’ meal costs $6 and includes a hot dog, fresh fruit, and juice. Game programs are available for free via QR code. Signs placed throughout Tonkin Field enable fans to pull up a copy of a high-quality, well designed game program on their phones. Extras 3 The Hops earn a bonus point for introducing online ordering at their concession stands. This enables fans to enjoy the game – not a wait for food. Another point goes to the Hops for great fan relations staff. Immediately upon reaching the concourse, the Hops have a guest relations table with posters, information, and several of the team’s trophies. Ushers gladly take photos of fans posing with Barley and provide directions to seats, prioritizing fan enjoyment. A final point is awarded because, at least for 2021, the Hops’ staff is working double duty. Tonkin Field is also home to the Vancouver Canadians, a division rival. After the Canadian government closed the border with the United States because of the global pandemic, the Hops organization offered to host the Canadians in 2021. Hops employees have thus served two baseball teams, doubling their work but not in any manner diminishing the quality of the fan experience. Final Thoughts The Hops have created an environment that highlights everything that makes minor league baseball so enjoyable: inexpensive tickets and food, involved fans, and a beautiful stadium. The team’s thoughtful celebration of Oregon’s place as a craft beer mecca blends well with the action on the field, yet even non-beer drinkers will enjoy themselves. A game at Tonkin Field is well worth the “hop” from anywhere in Oregon. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Modern Woodmen Park 209 S Gaines St Davenport, IA 52802 Quad Cities River Bandits website Modern Woodmen Park website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 7,140 NOTE: I attended the River Bandits game on Sunday, July 14, 2024. To complete a review of the stadium experience wouldn't be a fair representation. In addition to being incredibly hot and humid, the Mississippi River (literally feet from the stadium) was in flood stage. As such, many roads were closed, parking lots were underwater, etc. I've updated a few things from my previous review and hopefully can return in 2025 to do a complete review. Ferris Wheels and Fantastic Views Modern Woodmen Park opened in 1931 as Municipal Stadium. The stadium seats 4,024 and can hold many more with a large number of open seating bleachers, a few grass berms, and eight group areas that are mostly standing room only. It sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa, and is the home stadium for the Quad Cities River Bandits, of the Midwest League. The River Bandits began an affiliation with the Houston Astros beginning in 2013. In the past few seasons, a sky deck has been added along with a 20′ x 35′ video board in left field. In 2014, the park added a 110′ Ferris wheel beyond the left field wall. The Ferris wheel is a very popular attraction. Modern Woodmen Park is the oldest stadium used continuously (since 1960) for Minor League Baseball. Food & Beverage 4 Food is served in the traditional concourse style. Outside of the traditional baseball fare, which is all available, there are a few items worth mentioning. The ballpark has your typical standard fare with a few extra surprises, which, unfortunately, weren't open for the game I attended (see bold type above). Pepsi products are available from the fountain in various sizes or bottles are also available. Draft beer is sold throughout the concourse for those who want the name brands, such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, etc. The Good Hops craft beer stand is located on the first base side. Here, you have your choice of many microbrews. Atmosphere 5 The view from Modern Woodmen Park qualifies as one of the best in baseball. Albuquerque has a spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains, Salt Lake has a spectacular view of mountains, and Modern Woodmen’s view of the Mississippi and the Centennial Bridge is just as amazing. The view at night with Centennial Bridge lit up is worth the price of admission by itself. Between the Ferris wheel and left field wall is a grass berm where fans can sit. The general admission seats are down the left field line and although they are bleachers, they do have backs so they aren’t as uncomfortable as regular bleachers. Down the right field line is a play area for kids including a jumper, rock climbing wall, and speed pitch game. There are picnic tables and other seats in the play area that allow for watching the game and keeping an eye on the kids at the same time. A nice feature of the park is that you can walk around the field. There is a walkway behind the batters eye that allows for great views of the river and bridge while standing right on top of the Mississippi. Neighborhood 4 The Quad Cities have a lot to offer. Front Street Brewery is located down the road and is worth a look. The main brewery and restaurant are over 100 years old. It’s a great place to stop before or after the game. Numerous fans mention Boozie’s Bar and Grille as another place to stop. Boozie’s has traditional bar food and the burgers are top-notch. Just across the river in Moline, Illinois is the Bier Stube, a great German food/pub. They have a friendly staff and some quality German food. There are numerous museums within a few blocks of the stadium, including the German American Heritage Center and the Figge Art Museum. If traveling to the Quad Cities with children, the John Deere Pavilion is located in Moline. For any child that likes big mechanized equipment, this is the place for them. They can climb in all the different farming equipment and the visit is free. Fans 3 With so much to do, the fan’s attention isn’t always on the field. With rides, games, and views, some fans come for reasons other than to watch the game. However, there are quite a few of the hardcore fans that follow every pitch and know their team. Access 4 Modern Woodmen Park is located right off the Centennial Bridge and is easy to find. Parking at the stadium is $5. There is another parking lot west of the bridge where parking is free. When the ballpark is full, getting through the concourse can take some effort. Many mobile concession areas in the concourse along with lines at the permanent concession stands cause some gridlock. The restrooms are clean and sufficient for the size of the park. Return on Investment 5 Tickets range from $2 (yes, $2) to $17 when buying before game day, running $1 more when purchased on game day. Prices vary throughout the week, but on some game days, you can get berm and/or bleacher seats for just $2. Whatever level of seating you choose, it is well worth the money. Parking cost is minimal at $5 or free just down the street. With the food prices being in line with other ballparks, Modern Woodmen Park is well worth the money. Extras 5 I will add an extra point for the views because five stars just aren’t enough. Especially for night games, you can’t beat the scenery. Recommended you sit between home plate and third base for the best view of the bridge and a comfortable stadium seat. An extra point goes to the game day staff. They are very pleasant and willing to help make the fan experience the best it can be. An extra point is awarded for a ceremonial rock at the base of the American flag in left field. The large rock, encased in plastic, has the names of all the local men and women who lost their lives in defense of our nation. Also in left field, there is a tribute to Dorothy Kohn Wulf, the fan of the century. A nice feature is more apparent later in summer. Behind the bullpen down the left field line is a small cornfield. The cornfield is an ode to the Field of Dreams movie site located a couple of hours away in Dyersville (and well worth the trip). The final extra point goes to some of the great promotions. Fireworks are every Friday and look tremendous with the scenic backdrop. Sundays are great for autograph seekers. Every Sunday, the players are on the field to sign autographs before the game. Final Thoughts Anyone who is a baseball fan simply must come to Modern Woodmen Park. The views can’t be beaten, the staff is super friendly, and the prices are very reasonable. Plan a trip to Modern Woodmen Park and enjoy!

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Homer Stryker Field 51 Mills St Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Kalamazoo Growlers website Homer Stryker Field website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 3,171 Kzoo Baseball The Kalamazoo Growlers are a popular Northwoods League summer collegiate baseball team, playing their home games at Homer Stryker Field in Mayors’ Riverfront Park, Kalamazoo, MI.  In addition to the baseball field, the city-owned riverfront park has picnic tables, hiking and nature trails, fishing, basketball, a playground, and more.  Besides the ball field, the park also features Soisson-Rapacz-Clason Field, home to the Kalamazoo FC, a USL League Two member.  Families can easily enjoy their day at the park and head to a Growlers game in the evening. The Growlers joined the Northwoods League in 2014, have made it to the playoffs multiple seasons, and clinched the league championship in 2022 and 2024.  The name Growlers was chosen in a community vote; a growler is a 64-ounce refillable container that can be filled with beer at breweries in Kalamazoo and across the U.S. and Canada.  Fans love it and keep coming back, as it’s more of a social activity than a baseball game. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions, restrooms, and the merchandise stand are located behind the grandstand and along the first base side. These areas are not in view of the playing field, so fans will miss game action while visiting them. Most food options come from a lineup of food trucks, offering a diverse selection such as sandwiches, pizza, chicken tenders and fry baskets, cheddar cheese curds, hand-dipped ice cream cones, snacks, sweets, and Pepsi products. Local flavor is well represented at the beer stands, with Midwest brews and ciders from Leinenkugel, Bell’s, and Ciderboys. Spiked seltzers are especially popular among fans. Pricing is consistent with other Northwoods League ballparks—on the higher side, but within reason. Fans with club seat tickets have access to designated areas behind the grandstand featuring all-you-can-eat options, adding extra value to the premium experience. Atmosphere 3 The seating layout at Homer Stryker Field offers a distinctive mix of options. In the left and right field corners, fans can enjoy two group party zones: the Miller Lite Trap and the Oberon Oasis—both popular spots for social gatherings. Along the third base line, you'll find six sections of metal bleachers with backrests, while the first base side and the upper area behind home plate feature rows of green bucket seats paired with long communal tables. The chairs are generously sized, though they can become uncomfortable during longer stretches. The tables, however, are perfect for holding drinks, food, and scorecards. For a more comfortable and shaded experience, we recommend upgrading to the Dugout Club or Home Plate Club. These premium sections include individual chairs, tables, and umbrellas—especially valuable since much of the stadium seating is exposed to the sun. These seats come with an all-you-can-eat package included in the ticket price. One standout feature of the Dugout Club is its backstop: hockey-style dasher boards that allow fans an unobstructed view of the field without needing to peer over fencing. Homer Stryker Field Hockey Dasher Boards Back Stop, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The game day experience at this venue is driven more by the between-innings entertainment than the baseball itself. From dizzy bat races to dancing, jugglers, and fire breathers, the in-game promotions are relentless and often the highlight for casual fans. For those who enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere, it’s a hit. However, baseball purists and those who want to have a conversation may find the constant noise, crowd prompts, and off-field distractions a bit overwhelming, as the entertainment department rarely lets the game breathe. Players engage with fans as they arrive, welcoming them at the gates and distributing programs. One of the between-inning activities invites kids to run a portion of the bases, starting at first and looping back, where players enthusiastically greet them with high-fives as they cross the foul line. The starting lineup is discreetly displayed on the back of the first base dugout, making it easy to overlook. The narrow walkway in front of it is busy with foot traffic, leaving little space to pause and jot down names on your scorecard. Unfortunately, team rosters are not available. Even though the sound system is new, understanding the PA announcer is difficult.  The scoreboard, on the other hand, is crisp and easy to read, though there’s no line score. Neighborhood 4 Homer Stryker Field is 1 ½ miles from the downtown area of Kalamazoo, MI.  While there are no restaurants to eat or drink within a mile, several are within two miles of the park.  CJ’s Pub (a local watering hole known for its wings), Ty’s Joint (best soul food in Kalamazoo), Cairo’s Kitchen (Egyptian/Mediterranean), and Greenhouse Café (breakfast, lunch, brunch) are just a few to try.  Kalamazoo is becoming known as a craft brew destination (hence the team’s name Growlers) with the popular Bell’s Eccentric Cafe (brewpub) and One Well Brewing (outdoor patio, and pinball and arcade games) highlighting the list. Favorite museums to visit when in Kalamazoo are the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum  and the  Gilmore Car Museum .  Downtown, visit the historic Kalamazoo Mall, the first pedestrian outdoor mall in the United States.  Or take a stroll on one (or many) of the trails at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, six miles north of the park. Downtown Kalamazoo offers a range of accommodations, including the Radisson, Hilton Garden Inn, Comfort Inn, and several charming bed-and-breakfasts.  Budget-friendly options are clustered near the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Airport, with familiar names like Fairfield Inn and Candlewood Suites. Fans 3 Fans enjoy the social aspect of attending a summer collegiate baseball game and spending time with family and friends.  That said, they stomp their feet on the metal floors to create a loud rumble and make some noise when told to do so by the high-energy entertainment team.  The fans show up as indicated by the team being in the top five of average attendance in the Northwoods League the last several seasons.  It’s worth noting that fans take responsibility for their trash, disposing of it properly rather than leaving it behind for others to clean up.  Access 3 Homer Stryker Field is conveniently situated about 3.5 miles north of I-94, just over a mile east of downtown Kalamazoo, and roughly 4 to 5 miles north of the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.  Once arriving via auto, attendants wave you to the left for free grass parking or to the right for $10 VIP paved parking or free handicapped parking.  Kalamazoo’s bus system offers service from the airport to a stop near the ballpark, though fans should be prepared for a walk of approximately 1.5 miles total to reach the stadium. Service typically runs until shortly after 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with earlier end times on Sundays. Check Kmetro for more information. Entry is easy thanks to the absence of bag checks. Fans arrive through the right field corner and follow a walkway lined with championship plaques and the Growlers Hall of Fame.  Directional signage for seating and other areas of the park is minimal, and staff assistance isn’t readily visible, which may leave guests unsure of where to go.  Apart from the party zone areas, there is one men’s and one women’s restroom, each equipped with a generous number of stalls to accommodate crowds efficiently. Return on Investment 3 For a summer collegiate team, the Growlers’ ticket prices are surprisingly steep: Bleacher seats : $18 + $2 fee Reserved box seats : $26 + $2 fee Suite seats : $43 + $2 fee — includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and five drink tickets (alcohol included). If you’re planning to eat and drink, this is likely your best value .  These seats are in the upper section behind home plate. They’re bucket-style, not shaded, and appear to lack wheelchair accessibility. Buy single-game tickets in advance to save $3 per ticket.  Opt for the free grass lot to avoid the $10 parking fee — which feels excessive for collegiate ball. Homer Stryker Field Grandstand, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The Growlers pack their schedule with themed nights like Christmas in July , Harry Potter Night , and Salute to Service . While the game itself often takes a backseat to the ever-present entertainment crew, many fans seem to embrace the diversion. Extras 4 The Growlers offer an engaging gameday program. In addition to advertisements from sponsors, theirs includes actual content—short articles, interactive games like bingo and word searches, and even a coloring page. Be sure to take a walk behind the seating area to discover a creative display along the property fence. It features fun “baseball bests” like top stadium foods, classic baseball films, and a map of the Northwoods League. One of the most distinctive features here is the use of hockey dasher boards behind home plate. The merchandise store offers an outstanding selection of shirts and souvenirs. Final Thoughts Kalamazoo locals clearly embrace the experience at Homer Stryker Field. It’s not just a ballgame—it’s a full-on entertainment spectacle from first pitch to final out, whether you're seeking it or not.

Photos by Meg Minard and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 LMCU Ballpark 4500 W River Dr Comstock Park, MI 49321 West Michigan Whitecaps website LMCU Ballpark website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 9,500 Catch the Wave The West Michigan Whitecaps are the successful High-A affiliate of the MLB Detroit Tigers.  A member of the Midwest League (MWL), their home games are at LMCU Ballpark near Grand Rapids, MI. As part of a multiye ar modernization project , the turf at LMCU Ballpark was completely removed and resurfaced this past season and it looks brilliantly green and thick.  Other noticeable renovations include moving the bullpens beyond the outfield fence, swapping the home and visitors dugouts, an updated team clubhouse, adding new tiered party/group areas in the outfield, and construction of a new suite-level club space. The spruced-up stadium looks newer than its 30+ years. Joining the MWL in 1994, the Whitecaps have won the championship six times, the latest in 2015. Food & Beverage 5 Fans won’t go hungry at LMCU Ballpark, thanks to a solid lineup of food options. The busiest permanent concession stand is Crash’s Cr avings, with locations on both the first and third base sides of home plate.  It sells stadium staples like burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches, nachos, fries, pizza, etc.  Snacks include popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, chips, and a Midwest favorite, Bosco sticks.  Prices range from $4.50 (bag of Great Lakes chips) to $14.25 (double cheeseburger).  Gluten free choices are available.  Beverage choices at this stand include Pepsi products and a selection of mostly domestic beers. We recommend walking the concourse to discover a range of specialty food kiosks, featuring rice bowls, gyros, quesadillas, build-a-burger, soft serve and hard scoop ice cream, popcorn, elephant ears, and more.  The park features several Midwest brewery outposts, including Founders Brewing, Mitten Brewing, and Leinie Lodges, all located along the concourse and offering a solid selection of craft brews.  In addition, numerous portable beer stands are scattered throughout the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Fans can expect a good time at a Whitecaps baseball game; noise and crowds are part of the package. The main seating bowl consists of 24 rows stretching from field level to the concourse, with a small walkway dividing the sections around row 9 or 10. One notable omission is the lack of handrails along the steps—something that may be addressed in future renovations. Fans with mobility concerns may prefer seats in the higher-numbered rows. Seats are on the narrow side and offer limited legroom. Premium suites occupy the second level, while bleacher seating is available farther from home plate, just beyond the bases. Grassy berms provide additional viewing areas beyond the outfield fences. For evening games, the third base side benefits from shade earlier than other sections. Tiered group areas are located near the foul poles. The playing surface is a lush, natural green turf.  In left field, fans will find both a video board and a separate manual scoreboard, requiring them to glance in two places for player and game updates. The video board highlights the current batter, while the manually operated scoreboard displays the line score. Typical between-inning shenanigans fill the game downtime with entertainment like dance teams, frisbee tosses, kids racing the mascot, pizza tosses, etc.  Sound effects between every pitch often distract from the on-field action, and the music volume makes it challenging to hear the PA announcer. Neighborhood 3 LMCU Ballpark is six to seven miles north of downtown Grand Rapids in the tow n of Comstock Park. Few pre or postgame places are nearby.  Two hotels are within ½ mile of the ballpark:  Comfort Inn Grand Rapids North and Tru by Hilton Comstock Park. A GameTime Fun Park (go-karts and arcade) is adjacent to the ballpark if you want to bring your kids there before the game.  Otherwise, your best bet is to head to downtown Grand Rapids.  For a bite to eat, consider Rome by Sanchez (international fare), Littlebird (farm-to-table bistro), Poke Toki (Hawaiian), or Butchers Union (gastropub); these are just several of the many fine choices.  Often referred to as Beer City USA, Grand Rapids boasts over 35 breweries.  Popular picks include New Holland, Atwater, Founders, a nd Mitten Brewing (a baseball-themed brewpub).  Grand Rapids even has a meadery - Arktos Meadery. When in town, be sure to spend a few hours in the Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum.  The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (5 miles east of downtown – botanical garden) is worth a visit, as is the Grand Rapids Public Museum, home to a planetarium and a carousel. Depending on schedules, you may be able to catch an AHL Grand Rapids hockey game or a Grand Rapids Rise volleyball game in the early season . Grand Rapids has no shortage of things to see and do, but most of the highlights are a bit of a trek from LMCU Ballpark. Fans 3 A group outing is the way to go when visiting the Whitecaps.  Lots of groups fill the stands (especially appealing with the new group areas down the lines).  The team’s attendance ranks high in the Midwest League and averages over 5,000 fans per game.  Most fans aren’t glued to every pitch, but they’ll enthusiastically applaud a big play.  For many, it’s more about hanging out with friends than keeping score, as that’s the appeal of minor league baseball.  Expect to see lots  of Detroit Tigers attire in the crowd, reflecting the strong support for their MLB affiliate. Fans Fill the Stands at a White Michigan Whitecaps Game, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Disappointingly, many fans leave their trash behind rather than disposing of it themselves, relying on others to clean up. Access 2 The ballpark is seven miles north of downtown Grand Rapids in suburban Comstock Park. Although Grand Rapids offers public bus service, it does not extend to the stadium—driving remains the only viable option. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available, with a designated drop-off and pick-up zone in the outfield lot. Parking is $10 in paved lots. For those flying in, Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) sits 17 miles to the south.   Be prepared for delays when exiting, as the venue has only one street entrance and exit. Fans must ascend a series of steps or ramps to reach the home plate entrance. Elevators are available, though they’re not conveniently located near the main entrances. Clear sports bags are permitted following a security check. The concourse can become congested due to its narrow layout, the presence of kiosks, and high fan volume, making navigation somewhat challenging. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Whitecaps game is well worth your sports dollar entertainment, though $10 to park seems high for this league. Ticket prices are reasonable, and the team offers several promotions. For the 2025 season, tickets range from only $22 for premium box (padded seats behind home plate) to lawn seats for $12.  Weekly deals include:  Half Off Tuesdays  - When you show a community or worship bulletin Winning Wednesdays  – Free Chick-fil-A sa ndwiches for each home run a Whitecap batter hits, and seniors (50 and older) get half off box seat tickets Three-Dollar Thursdays  - $3 hot dogs, Pepsi, and domestic beer, plus college students and military get half off tickets Fireworks Fridays   Family Fun Sundays  - Kids 12 and younger get in free Extras 3 The cleverly-named merchandise shop, CapSized Shop, offers a superb selection of shirts, jerseys, caps, and souvenirs.  Be sure to pick up a roster and the starting lineups at Guest Services.  The game day program is spectacular: a glossy magazine-sized publication with sponsor ads and coupons, articles on the team and other topics, the Whitecaps Hall of Fame information, games, maps, a scorecard, and more.  Very well done! Final Thoughts It could be easily said that a West Michigan Whitecaps game is a party with a baseball game going on.  It’s an affordable way to spend a fun afternoon or evening.  And with major upgrades underway, LMCU Ballpark is being transformed into a state-of-the-art venue that fans will enjoy for years to come.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 ABC Supply Stadium 217 Shirland Avenue Beloit, WI 53511 Beloit Sky Carp website ABC Supply Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 3,850 A Beautiful Setting along the Riverin Beloit The Midwest League has been part of the Beloit, Wisconsin, community since 1982 when the Milwaukee Brewers placed an affiliate at Pohlman Field. The team would change names to the Snappers in 1995 and shuffle affiliates from Milwaukee to Oakland until 2020 when it was painfully obvious that a new facility was needed to save baseball in Beloit. ABC Supply Stadium was built along the Rock River downtown for $37 million through private funds. The 3,850 seats and grandstand contain concessions, larger clubhouses, and a 5,000-square-foot stadium club that can be converted into banquet space for non-baseball events. The difference between the two ballparks is night and day and with its proximity to downtown shops and a restaurant, an ideal way to spend an entire day in town. With the new ballpark, came a new name for the ball club. The Sky Carp name was chosen from a set of five finalists that honed in a local colloquialism. It is a slang term for a goose that does not migrate in the winter and prefers to stay in its home city. The Sky Carp name represents the city of Beloit as a flourishing town that is so vibrant that no one wants to leave. The ball club also became an affiliate with the Miami Marlins and includes many of the styles and colors of the parent club. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark has plenty of food that reflects the state’s brand of cuisine from brats, cheese curds, and favorites from Chicago. All four main concession areas are located on the main grandstand behind home plate next to each other, while other carts and kiosks are sprinkled throughout the stadium down the left and right field foul line. The Pohlmans Stadium Grub offers burgers, Italian beef, Chicago dogs, brats, and hot dog baskets with french fries. Fans in large groups can order a supper box that includes 2 Italians, 2 Chicago dogs, and a pound of fries and cheese curds. A few feet away is El Jefe Street Tacos which features birra and chicken tacos, loaded chicken tacos, and mango margaritas. Wisco on a Stick brings the atmosphere of the state fair to the ballpark. Ribs on a stick, bier braised brats, chicken tender baskets, corn dogs, loaded baked potatoes, funnel cake fries, and cheese curds are all on the menu. Fans can also select from boozy milkshakes, frozen sangrias, and margaritas, along with canned and draft beer. The Deck Deck Goose is located along the first baseline and offers a great place to enjoy the game while engaging in an adult beverage.  The full-service bar offers draft domestic and craft beers, along with mixed drinks. Fans can enjoy favorites from Goose Island IPA or a Spotted Cow, along with frozen Old Fashion or Blue Mule.  Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is a vast improvement over old Pohlman Field and is situated in a better location. It’s constructed in a manner that allows easy access for fans, provides a wrap-around concourse, and has an interior design that is quite different from other venues of its kind around the minor leagues. It was a slow night when we attended the game, but there was plenty of room for movement including drink rails and tabletop seating for various views of the field and socialization. The seating in the grandstand is the typical green color, but there is a turf berm area in front of the party deck behind the outfield walls for additional space to view the game. The ballpark has a pleasant setting along the Rock River and at the steps of downtown. It is also near the border of Illinois and Wisconsin. A giant water tower can be seen from beyond the right field wall to add to the small-town charm of the facility.  Sadly, the ballpark does not offer covering behind the backstop of the grandstand. However, the gift shop is nearly 1,000 square feet in size and offers an array of team merchandise. The Goose Island Party Deck (right field) and Coors Light Chill Zone (3rd 3rd baseline). The Chill Zone is a blend of patio seating, turf lawn, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located in downtown Beloit, a city with a population of 40,000 (163,000 in the metro area). Downtown is historic and an attractive place to visit before or after the game and includes several restaurants a few blocks from the ballpark. Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar and Hatley’s Pub are across the street and recommended by locals. The Wisconsinite combines all of the state's favorites into one burger: cheddar cheese, fried onions, brat slices, and beer cheese sauce. Hatley’s Pub’s food is toned down a bit and includes ribeye steak, chicken, and Italian beef sandwiches. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Truk’t: Street Tacos, Tequila, & Whiskey is a fun little place to grab tasty tacos and something to drink. The tacos include chicken tinga, al pastor, short rib, Korean barbecue, and shrimp curry. The cocktails include a smoked Manhattan, cucumber cilantro margarita, and a bourbon peach smash. If you desire a brewery, CheezHead Brewing is your destination for a wide selection of Wisconsin beers and their very own varieties.  A note to ballpark travelers, the home of the Rockford Rivets, Rivets Stadium, is a 20-minute drive south of ABC Supply Stadium on I-90. It is possible to take in two games easily if the schedule permits. Also, Warner Park, the home of the Madison Mallards, is a bit further up the interstate at an hour’s drive. Fans 2 The team currently ranks last in average attendance in the league and that is unfortunate because the ballpark has almost everything a person would need at a stadium of its kind. The food, views, locations, and hospitality are all here waiting to be explored by the local population of Beloit and surrounding towns. Access 5 The ballpark is located in downtown Beloit and off of I-90. There are 900 spaces of free parking outside the stadium and 100  more spots within a 7-minute walk of the stadium off of Mill Street (for a $5 fee). There is a clear bag policy for Sky Carp games, so pack accordingly. The crowds are sparse and movement around the concourse allows easy access to all parts of the stadium. Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices depend on the time of year you attend a game. The range from $14, S17, to $21 if you are there between April to May. For the rest of the summer months, the prices are $16, $19, and $23. These prices are somewhat on the high side for a Midwest League club, but parking is free near the stadium. Food and concession prices also reach a bit on the high side for games, but isn’t that the case at most newer stadiums across the country? However, there are certain nights where one can save a few dollars including Thirsty Thursdays where prices on drinks are discounted and Wednesday nights include a ticket, a hot dog, and soda for $18. If with the family, Saturday nights are firework nights and kids run the bases and play catch on the field on Sunday afternoon games, Extras 3 Poopsie is the official mascot of the Sky Carp and he earns a point for his contribution to the game. The ballpark itself earns a point for its design and location in downtown and along the Rock River. A third point is awarded for a veteran raising the flag before each game. Final Thoughts The history of baseball in Beloit almost came to an end, but the construction of ABC Supply Stadium helped save the franchise from relocations or being ousted by Major League Baseball. It is located in a beautiful setting in Beloit and has a charm that is not found at many minor league stadiums across the country. It has all the bells and whistles any fan would desire at the ballpark and perhaps they will find their way there soon. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Frank Curiel Ballpark, Photo by Gail Ohnsman, Stadium Journey In 1996, a nineteen-year-old outfielder named Andruw Jones burst onto the Major League baseball scene as a member of the Atlanta Braves. Seventeen years later, the “Curacao Kid” had amassed career totals of 434 home runs, 1,289 RBI and a .486 slugging percentage. For some people, that was the first time we heard anything about Curacao.  The fact that Jones spoke four languages was regularly pointed out by TV announcers.   The island of Curacao, located just 50 miles north of Venezuela,  has since become a hot-bed for Little League baseball. Year-round hot, sunny weather allows the kids to play the game daily. Starting in 2001, Little League International gave an automatic berth to the Caribbean Region which is comprised of 13 countries/islands. Teams representing Pabao and Pariba (leagues in Willemstad) won this region for nine consecutive years and went to play in Williamsport, PA. The first three years, these teams came in third place in the World Series.  In 2004, the Pabao League team defeated Mexico 4-0 to win the championship! As of 2025, Curacao has won 50 and lost 28 games in Williamsport. Many other Curacao natives have become great players in MLB since Andruw Jones arrived on the scene, including Ozzie Albies, Andrelton Simmons, Roger Bernadina, Kenley Jansen, Jair Jurrjens, Hensley Meulens, Jurrickson Profar, Jonathan Schoop and Randall Simon:  all from a population of 150,000 people. An entertaining documentary entitled “The Boys of Summer ” was released in 2010 and it showed the team’s progress through the Caribbean Region and Williamsport as well as the kids at home and practice. In this film, we meet a gentleman named Frank Curiel. He created the Little League program for the island and to this day proudly maintains the field named after him in northwest Willemstad. He even lives in the park. Over the years, I have attended a few Little League World Series in Williamsport and was always taken by the strong work ethic that the Curacao team demonstrated, along with their love of the game and, oh yes, those amazing smiles. My wife and I decided to travel to the island and visit the birthplace of these great teams. The field is in a residential area northwest of beautiful downtown Willemstad; Google Maps found it as “ Frank Curiel Ballpark .”  In one sense, it is nothing special with aging artificial turf/carpet on the infield and outfield, advertising on the entire outfield fence, one modern batting cage, old tires attached to poles where the players build up stronger swings, older fencing around the field, aluminum bleachers with canopies overhead to shield the fans from the sun, and a concession stand. The field has four under-powered light stands overhead but they get the job done. A large sign behind home plate proudly shows 41 years of existence, Liga Vruminga and a photo of local hero and MLB star Jonathan Schoop. Near the concession stands, various trophies and photos of MLB players from Curacao are proudly displayed. Stray dogs wander around the perimeter, often taking a nap in the shade and two windmills turn lazily behind the left field fence. Concession stands are somewhat similar to those found in the United States but offer freshly prepared local favorites like chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and french fries along with traditional drinks.  One surprise was beer in nine-ounce bottles: Heineken, Amstel “Bright” and Amstel Light for $1.80-$2.40. Fans can even buy a case of beer if so inclined and save a few guilders. Popsicles in eight flavors (including tamarind, pina colada, Oreo and pistachio) help to cool off the fans during the tropical heat. However, the highlight of this story is the people of Curacao. People such as Señor Curiel who spends countless hours taking care of the facility, the proud parents who enjoy watching their kids play (and yes, like parents everywhere, they offer coaching advice and support to the little ones), and the kids (both boys and girls) who play the games, and younger children who, with reverent eyes, watch them. There are also amazing coaches, many of them former players who return to “pay it back/forwards” as they enthusiastically challenge and cajole the players during a recent practice. Frank Curiel and Author, Photo by Gail Ohnsman, Stadium Journey A few Caribbean islands have “Baseball Academies” where promising young players live, attend school and receive concentrated baseball instruction. Curacao is hoping to have a similar facility on their own island. The Baseball Academy Curacao is one such place where kids on the island learn the game from a young age. And so, the genesis and growth of baseball in Curacao has a short but amazing history of success for their youth teams and successful MLB players.  What does the future hold? Let’s keep an eye on the story and enjoy the ride!

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 John L Guidry Stadium 1 Stadium Dr Thibodaux, LA 70301 Nicholls State Colonels website John L Guidry Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 10,500 Down on the Bayou Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium is home to the Nicholls State football team, which was founded in 1972 and has always played its home games on this site. In 2005 the 10,500-seat facility became home to the Manning Passing Academy; the Academy was originally founded by Archie Manning at Tulane  in 1996, and was also held at Southeastern Louisiana before moving to Thibodaux. The field itself was renamed after the Mannings in 2006, in appreciation of their support of the school. The stadium features grandstands with bleacher seating along both sidelines, including a three-story press box on the home side. Instead of regular grandstand seating, the area behind the south end zone holds the recently renovated Barker Athletic Building, while the area behind the north end zone features tented field-level suites.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at John L. Guidry Stadium feature a wide selection of items at reasonable prices, including some local favorites like jambalaya. Burgers, boudin, or jambalaya can be had for $5 (add $1 for cheese on your burger), while nachos and hot dogs can be found for $4. Other snacks such as pickles, popcorn, cotton candy, and bread pudding run $2 to $4, or you can splurge on kettle corn or a Jersey Mike’s sub for $8 each. 20 oz. bottled drinks are $4, including Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Powerade, and bottled water, with Smoothie King slushies or beer such as Coors Light costing a little more – all in all a good selection at decent prices compared to other sports venues.   Atmosphere   3 John L. Guidry Stadium has a solid atmosphere for football – there is a good crowd on hand, and they offer several amenities to create a pleasant time for fans. The first item worth mentioning is the cooling fans set up all along the concourse, which really help during those early afternoon kickoffs, especially for games early in the season. The Colonels also have a great mascot, always willing to pose for photo ops with fans; he can be seen on both sides of the field during the contest. The staff also has contests during breaks in the action, such as a pizza eating contest, and of course shoots t-shirts into the stands several times during the afternoon or evening. The PA announcer is also very lively, helping to get the fans revved up for their team.   Neighborhood   3 Nicholls State University is located about an hour from New Orleans in Thibodaux, LA along mostly back roads and smaller highways. That said, there is not a ton to do in town, but more than enough to keep you entertained for the day or over a weekend. Food options in the area start out with Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, or you can find seafood options from eateries like Off the Hook (calabash platters & po’boys) or Geaux Fish (sushi & hibachi). There are also some non-chain fast food places like Jude’s Hot Chicken and Shakes. There are a couple of hotels in the vicinity as well, including well-known chains such as Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn, as well as local lodging options such as Carmel Inn & Suites. There is also a children’s museum in town, as well as several parks, or you can take a boat tour down Bayou Lafourche.   Fans   3 Last season Nicholls State saw an average of about 6K fans per game, or about 60% of its capacity. The student section takes up the middle of the visiting side, but as there is less shade on that side due to the location, and height, of the press box, more fans tend to sit on the home side, making the home side a little livelier. However, there is still a good crowd in the student section, and you will see plenty of Nicholls red being worn on both sides of the stadium.   Access   4 The only potential downside of access at John L. Guidry Stadium, if there is one, is simply getting here, since you have to drive down some one-lane roads for a few minutes. However, the drive from New Orleans isn’t bad at all, presenting no issues even for fans who want to fly in and drive over, like I did. Parking is free, although on a first come, first-served basis in a lot next to the stadium, but I did see many fans simply park along the road in front of the facility, or along the streets a little further away. There are no lines to worry about at the concessions, nor at the restrooms, and there is plenty of room to move around the concourse. The biggest plus is that the stadium likely won’t be full, so you can move from your assigned sheet to sit in the shade of the press box, in the higher rows on the home side toward the south end zone – the only bad part about that is you may not be able to see the scoreboard from there.   Return on Investment    4 Tickets are $21 for general admission, which is perfectly reasonable for football at this level. As long as you are okay with the heat, you should have a great time at a Nicholls football game, and they do have the cooling fans, and some seating in the shade, that can help with the heat as well.   Extras   3 John L. Guidry Stadium does offer a small team gear stand, and unlike some colleges in the south, you can purchase alcohol in the stadium, as mentioned above. You can also get really close to the action here, something you can’t do at certain much larger stadiums in the wider area – you can walk down to the front row and watch the game literally within arms’ length of the players on the sidelines. The only downside I would mention is that the videoboard doesn’t feature any instant replay that I saw, meaning you have to be careful not to miss any of the action.   Final Thoughts I would definitely recommend a visit to John L. Guidry Stadium Greene Stadium to watch some Colonels football; Thibodaux is a great little town, and if you absolutely must have the hustle and bustle of New Orleans, it is less than an hour up the road. Personally, however, I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of a smaller stadium down on the bayou.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Oracle Park 24 Willie Mays Plaza San Francisco, CA 94107 San Francisco Giants website Oracle Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 41,503 Twenty-five Years at McCovey Cove The San Francisco Giants have a deep baseball history that dates back to their golden days in New York. Established in 1883 as the New York Gothams, they would be renamed three years later as the New York Giants. There would be many a memorable moment for the New York Giants franchise such as Willie Mays over the over-the-shoulder catch in Game One of the 1954 World Series and Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round The World” in 1951. All told the New York Giants would win 14 pennants and five World Series championships. With decreasing attendance and the Polo Grounds deteriorating, like their longtime nemesis from Brooklyn, the Giants were seeking a new yard. During this time, Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley, looking to move to Los Angeles after a failed attempt of their own for a new yard, convinced Giants majority owner Horace Stoneham to move out west and so for the first time in 1958, Major League Baseball would have two franchises west of the Mississippi. The Giants would take up temporary residence at Seals Stadium . Upon arriving in The City, Stoneham was searching for a spot where his team could call their own. During a visit to Candlestick Point on the shore of San Francisco Bay, he ventured through the area on a nice warm morning when the winds were calm. Little did he know what would “blow” ahead… Candlestick Park would be the Giants home for 40 seasons from 1960 -1999. Throughout the years, nightly winds accompanied by the city’s fog would wreak havoc on players from both teams. Candlestick would be enclosed in 1970 to accommodate the 49ers move from Kezar Stadium, but winds remained so unpredictable that routine fly balls were anything but. Food & Beverage 5 San Francisco is a city that loves to eat. The variety throughout the yard, from the simple hot dogs and brats to the various ethnic choices is vast and too much to list. Whatever your dining pleasure is, you will not go wrong. One of the many plentiful food items the locals love is their garlic fries. The aroma from the fries is evident throughout the entire stadium as the smell of garlic permeates throughout the concourses onto the stands. The variety of fine ballpark dining options  is reason alone to arrive early. Among the favorites here are the Crazy Crab’z Sandwich, a fresh Dungeness crab on grilled sourdough bread, as well as The Baby Bull Carved Tri-Tip Sandwich and the Cha Cha Bowl, which comes with jerk chicken, white rice, and black beans topped with pineapple salsa; the latter two in honor of Giant legend Orlando Cepeda, known during his playing days as “The Baby Bull.” Oracle Park Crazy Crab Stand, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Craving some Filipino finger foods? The Lumpia Company  is a locally owned lumpia hotspot serving a variety of fried spring roll options including a Shanghai-style lumpia with ground pork, diced shrimp, carrots, and water chestnuts, a vegan option with kale, potatoes, and roasted mushrooms and a bacon cheeseburger lumpia stuffed with beef, smoky bacon, cheddar, and onions. If you want to keep it simple I highly recommend the pork and shrimp lumpia. Oracle Park Lumpia, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Beverages available are your usual Coke products as well as your wide variety of domestic and import draft and bottled beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Ghirardelli, a San Francisco institution, offers fans a sweet tooth of hot fudge sundaes, 2 scoop waffle cones, and hot cocoa for those cold evening games. The ice cream flavors are simple, Ghirardelli Chocolate and vanilla. While nothing spectacular, the options Ghirardelli offers is something you may want to enjoy at the yard as part of the Oracle Park and San Francisco experience. Atmosphere 5 The vibe one gets is evident as you approach the yard. Since its opening in 2000, Oracle Park has featured some of the busiest turnstiles in all of baseball. From the views beyond the bay to the nightly breeze, Oracle Park, with its gorgeous surroundings anchored by the bay, has done more than its share to bring baseball fans to its gem. Adding to the San Francisco atmosphere, an actual cable car is located in the right-center field arcade. The car, originally car #4, formerly #504, is now numbered 44 in honor of Willie McCovey. To take in one of the many true “Oracle Park/San Francisco Experiences,” fans are encouraged to take in an inning. Inside Car 44, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Once an industrial area that occupied World War 2 storage units, Oracle Park has certainly helped revitalize the surrounding area since its opening in 2000. Located in the district known as China Basin, the area around the yard has seen its share of high-end luxury units migrate into the neighborhood. Among the popular pre and post-game hangouts are MoMo’s and Lucky Strike, conveniently located across the street from the yard’s grand entrance, Willie Mays Plaza on 3rd and King. MoMo’s is right around the corner on 2nd and King. If you are looking to explore the area during your visit to China Basin, the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority offers trolley service to and from the yard, with the “N” line taking fans by historic Golden Gate Park with stations along Market Street in downtown connecting you to other trolley and transit lines to explore other parts of The City. Speaking of the Golden Gate, if it’s that highly talked about bridge you want to visit, you can take the “N” to Judah Street and 19th Avenue and transfer to bus line 28. The 28 will drop you off right at the foot of the bridge. Fisherman’s Wharf is not far from the yard either. One could walk along King Street through The Embarcadero to The Wharf and enjoy the sweeping views of the bay throughout the approximately 3-mile walk. Or one could take one of San Francisco’s vintage street cars to The Wharf as well. Scoffed by locals as being touristy, if it’s your first time venturing into The City, you may still want to pay a visit to The Wharf and grab yourself a crab sandwich or some chowder on sourdough from one of the many vendors. One of my favorite activities to do at The Wharf is visiting the sea lions along the pier at the Sea Lion Center. Fans 4 With San Francisco being one of the most expensive cities to live in, the crowd can be upscale. Even with such an upscale crowd, the fan base is diverse. Though San Franciscans can have a reputation of being the wine and cheese type; that does not prevent the locals from showing off their passion for the home nine. In spite of the team’s on field struggles, the fans continue to flock to The Cove, averaging over 36,000 a game while placing them among the top 10 in attendance throughout the league . Access 4 Navigating through the concourses can be a bit of a challenge, especially the promenade along the arcade. This is mostly due to space limitations during the building of this gem. Otherwise, strolling the park is highly encouraged to soak in all the beautiful vantage points. Parking can not only be a challenge but also extremely pricey. However, depending on how far you’re willing to walk you may be able to find a spot starting at $20 .  Public transit is highly recommended. The SFMTA N-Line trolley drops fans off directly across the street from the yard along King Street as well as a few other bus lines that are within the vicinity of the yard. If you’re heading to or coming from Union Square or Chinatown the T-Line trolley has a stop one block from the yard on 4th and King. Both the trolley and transit lines provide connections to most other Bay Area transit options, including the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) for fans coming from points stretching as far south as San Francisco International stretching to Oakland and beyond the East Bay. Return on Investment 5 Starting prices for most games have recently become reasonable. Weeknight games and perhaps some weekend games, depending on the opponent, can be purchased for as low as $15.  For games against premium opponents such as the Dodgers, expect a significant hike with the cheapest ticket possibly starting in the triple digits. If you have a chance and want a full experience of everything Oracle Park has to offer, try a couple of weeknight games on the cheap and take full advantage of the Oracle Park experience. It will certainly rank high among your ballpark experiences. Extras 5 One of the more recent upgrades fans will notice this season was made to enhance the sound and lighting system . Should you decide to bring the little ones and they get restless, the Coca-Cola Superslide, a green Coke bottle with a children’s slide inside, is one of the park’s most visible features alongside the Giant 1927 Old-Time Four-Fingered Baseball Glove. (It’s really hard to miss those two features…) Both features are located behind the left-field stands. Should you decide to continue exploring more of what the yard has to offer, walk along the concourse beyond the Arcade, located behind the right field stands. As you walk along the concourse you will not only be offered beautiful views of the Bay Bridge but you will be a stone’s throw away from McCovey Cove, where you will see kayakers awaiting a Splash Hit.  Limited on funds? How ‘bout some free baseball? That’s right folks! The Portwalk, located beyond the right field wall outside the yard along McCovey Cove, allows fans to peek into the action. Fans are permitted free viewing every three innings, however, depending on the size of the crowd and the discretion of Giants management, it is possible that one could spend a whole 9 innings or more viewing a free MLB game. Who doesn’t love free baseball? Another recent addition, this one for kayakers and those strolling along the portwalk is a 12-foot screen mounted above the portwalk.  Final Thoughts After years and years of vying for a new stadium, groundbreaking would begin in the industrial waterfront area known as China Basin on December 11, 1997. Known then as Pacific Bell Park, this would be the first privately built MLB park since Dodger Stadium opened in 1962. Even with the anticipation and excitement of a new yard, fans could not have envisioned the beauty of a gem they continue to frequent. Since the opening of Camden Yards in 1992, 21 other yards have opened. With two no longer used for baseball, Oracle Park, now in its 25th season, is just as vibrant as the day it opened to such grand fanfare on April 11, 2000.  If visiting The City for the first time, it is a good idea to pack some warm clothing and a sizable budget. San Francisco can be surprisingly chilly for the first-time visitor expecting some warm California weather. Oracle Park is as iconic to San Francisco as its Golden Gate Bridge. Lodging and other activities in The City, as well as any other major tourist activity, are anything but cheap but can be well worth the visit. One visit to this beauty and you will see why Oracle Park consistently ranks among the top ballpark experiences among baseball fans. As you walk away to the tune of Tony Bennett’s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” a piece of your heart will undoubtedly be left at 3rd and King.