Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Valley Strong Ballpark 300 N Giddings St Visalia, CA 93291 Map It Visalia Rawhide website Valley Strong Ballpark website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 2,468 Gateway to Sequoia The Visalia Rawhide are the Single-A baseball team of the Arizona Diamondbacks playing in the California League. The team was known as the Visalia Oaks (and even the Visalia Mets, Redlegs, and Stars) for many years until a rebranding in 2009 when they became the Rawhide. Their home stadium is Recreation Ballpark, a funky little ballpark that some may or may not like. The baseball team has played their entire time at Recreation Ballpark since its construction in 1946. Valley Strong Credit Union obtained the naming rights for Recreation Ballpark, on April 27, 2021. The venue is now known as Valley Strong Ballpark. Visalia is known as the Gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (both about a 45-minute drive) and is located in the agricultural San Joaquin Valley of California. Food & Beverage 4 Recreation Field offers a decent amount of food choices and an excellent variety of beer options at relatively acceptable prices. It gets crowded and lines can be long. Concession stands on both the third and first base concourses offer unhealthy $15 combo food choices (hot dog, bacon loaded nachos, cheeseburgers, loaded carne asada nachos or burrito, with tater tots and a drink). Smaller side portions of pretzels, burritos, tater tots, etc. are offered for $5 at the same stands. A decent selection of beer (domestic, imported, and craft) is sold in cans and on draft and runs $8 – $12 (for a tall boy). A better recommendation – head to the Barrel House Brewery beyond right field and get a freshly made street taco or two and one of their delicious beers. Picnic tables with umbrellas are offered there as well to enjoy the refreshments. Atmosphere 3 The most unique aspect of Recreation Ballpark is its grandstand built into a decorated stone structure. The stone itself is painted with pennants on one side and cartoon characters representing all past MLB affiliations on the other. Seven sections (eight or so rows) of standard green fold down seats are behind home. Handrails are not available to assist with walking up those eight or so rows. “Suites” are at the top of the seating area with each owner’s corporate name displayed on a banner above the suite or box seat area. Three lower level rows are just below the main grandstand with a small walkway between the two levels. Avoid sitting in row E as that has the walkway right in front and passersby travel throughout the game disrupting the view of the game. A lower section of seats is also available on the first base side below the walkway. A party area is on the third base side and some berm seating is available down the first baseline and in right field. Nets span the entire seating area except for the right field berm. The right field wall turns into a barn at one point with a section for viewing from ground level through a chain link fence. A Hall of Fame Club is located on the first base side concourse. It is air conditioned, it blocks movement from the first baseline main entrance to other parts of the stadium, and only members or ticket holders are allowed in the club. Loud music and extraneous noises are thankfully absent. A Kid’s Zone is behind the barn in the right field which costs $5 for your kids or grandkids to expend some of their delightful energy. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood right around the stadium is a high volume vandalism area. Be aware of where you park your vehicle, even in public parking spots. Townsfolk tell me it is getting bad in this area of town. A little over a mile or so away is Main St of Visalia which appears safe (at least during the day). Many restaurants and breweries are along this strip. Sequoia Brewery, Brewbakers Brewing, and Barrel House Brewery are all within a few blocks of each other (walking distance). Of the three, Sequoia Brewery is recommended for its good service, beer, and food. Other restaurants along Main Street include Fuggazzis and Crawdaddy’s (New Orleans Cajun fare). Plenty of other dining choices are along and around Main St. Nearby hotels that look safe include the Comfort Suites Convention Center and the Marriott at the Convention Center. Be cautious of staying at hotels on the outskirts of town as they can be hit or miss (not so much the hotel but the crime area it may be located). For other things to do in the area, Visalia is known as the gateway to Sequoia National Park (45 min drive) so plan a hiking or outdoor adventure trip there when visiting the area. If kids or grandkids are in tow, check out the ImagineU Children’s Museum right in downtown Visalia. Other sports in the area (an hour or so drive) include Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) and the Bakersfield Train Robbers or Wasco Reserve of the Pecos League (independent baseball league). Fans 3 Fans are quite friendly and helpful. Most are there for an evening out and not so much for the game. Because the stadium only seats 2,468 – including the berm area (it’s the smallest MLB affiliated ballpark), it doesn’t take too many fans to make it feel full. And, although they have had the lowest average attendance of the California League the last few seasons, the stadium is usually 70 percent plus full. Access 2 The stadium is awful for accessibility for those in wheelchairs or needing assistance with steps or mobility. The concourse is narrow and crowded, steps are everywhere, and the elevator takes a fan down to the kitchen – it’s just bad. Bathrooms are clean but check to make sure the stall has toilet paper before using. GPS will take a visitor to the back parking lot (behind the grandstand). The ticket office and main entry are at W Oak Ave and N Giddings St just a block away. A bus system is available in Visalia but service ends too early for leaving a ball game. The closest airport is Fresno about 45 miles north. Return on Investment 2 Ticket prices are extremely affordable with a seat a few rows behind home plate only $11 – not bad. In all, ticket prices range from $7 (pasture seating – berm) to $30 (Hall of Fame Club). Food and beverage prices are below other California League stadiums. The gift shop only accepts credit cards for purchases over $10. Hatpins are not available for purchase. Hopefully, the town can address the crime and vandalism issues around the stadium for future seasons. Extras 2 America’s largest cowbell stands in front of the Barrel House Brewery concession in the right field. Many a fan walk by and strike the object to hear the tone it makes. Fans also get a ‘My First Rawhide Game’ sticker if they indicate it’s their first game (a suitable replacement for not having hat pins). Final Thoughts Valley Strong Ballpark is a stadium one will like because of its quirkiness and affordable prices or not like because of its accessibility and an unsafe neighborhood. It is in the ‘Gateway of Sequoia’ so if in town during the summer, consider checking out a game and let us know your thoughts.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 John Thurman Field 601 Neece Dr Modesto, CA 95351 Map It Modesto Nuts website John Thurman Field website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 4,000 Going Nuts for Baseball in Modesto The Modesto Nuts baseball team are currently the Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners playing in the California League. They have been affiliated with many major league teams, mostly recently the Colorado Rockies (2005 – 2016) and the Oakland Athletics (1975 – 2004). The team changed their name in 2005 from the Modesto Athletics to the Modesto Nuts when they switched affiliations to the Rockies. The name is derived from the several types of nuts that are grown in the Central Valley region of California. The Nuts play at John Thurman Field, built in 1955, which holds 4,000 fans for baseball. It is owned and operated by the City of Modesto. The Nuts most recently won the California League championship in 2017. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are behind the grandstands and the seating bowl (one can’t see the field from the concession area). Except for an ice cream / treat truck (which does not remain open long if there is minimal business), the concession stands offer the same items. Based on attendance not all concession stands may be open. Lines generally are not an issue. Food choices look decent and include sausage, burgers, pulled pork, cheesesteak, quesadilla, chicken strips ($8 – $9.50). For real hungry fans try the triple play sandwich (3 meats) or the two-meat sandwich ($10). Add a soda and either French fries or onion rings for an addition $5.50- $6.50. Traditional foods like nachos, corn dogs, hot dog, pretzels, pizza, cracker jack, etc. are all available ($4 – $5). Soda runs $4.25/$5 and Snapple tea, slush puppy, bottled water, coffee and hot chocolate are the soft drinks at the concession. Beer runs $6 – $10 and includes domestic, premium, and craft brews. The concession stands not only sell the domestic beers but also the local craft brews. Wine, margarita, and hard lemonade are also for sale. A separate beer-only stand is behind home on the concourse. Atmosphere 3 The game day experience at John Thurman Field is blah but this probably depends on which game is being attended and how many fans show up. Two levels of six sections of green stadium seats are behind home – five rows then a walkway then an upper level. The lower five rows extend down the baselines. Bleachers with backs are the rest of the seating (general admission). A drink rail is scattered along the walkway. Plenty of places are available for handicapped seating. Nets span across the entire seating area causing zero net-free seats. A group-party picnic area is along the third baseline between the visiting dugout and their bullpen. Similarly, on the opposite side of the diamond is another open space, this side without picnic tables. Instead, it’s where kids tend to congregate as it is near the playground ($5) and the Nuts’ bullpen. This area is particularly unique because the relief pitchers sit facing the field a few feet above the same paved area where people can stand and watch the game net-free. The stadium seats have average width and legroom. Zero legroom provided in bleacher sections (except the first row). And, the seats behind the dugout have exceptional room (hall of fame box seats labelled by the season ticket holders who have purchased them). A really nice video board shows up-to-date player stats, line score, and uncommon in the California League, the pitch count and pitch speed. The merchandise shop has just a few items hats, shirts, a few trinkets but no hat pins. Traditional non-intrusive minor league between inning contests, games, and trivia are provided such as name the cereal and a beer batter. All good fun. Neighborhood 2 Nothing is in the way of shopping or eating in the immediate neighborhood, John Thurman Field sits in a city park. Just beyond the outfield wall is a grove of trees hugging the diamond providing a nature look and feel. The closest neighbor to John Thurman Field is the Modesto Municipal Golf Course and it creates a nice setting. Also nearby are soccer fields, filled with pickup games and picnic areas with built-in barbecues. The closest major neighborhood is across the Tuolumne River and it is all industrial; bottling facilities, meat-packing plants, etc. A mile and a half away from the ballpark is downtown Modesto (separated by a major highway) where drinking, dining and shopping are more readily available; just a five-minute drive. Check out Surhla’s for fresh California cuisine and Raw Sushi Bistro for sushi. Commonwealth, a gastro pub, also comes recommended. For places to stay, a Double Tree is less than 2 miles from the ballpark. A Best Western and a Motel 6 are also in that same area downtown. For things to do if staying in the area, check out E & J Gallo Winery or McHenry Museum and Mansion. Other sports teams somewhat nearby during baseball season are the Stockton Ports (about a 40 min drive) or maybe take a drive down to Fresno and visit Chukchansi Park (about an hour ½ drive). Fans 3 The Nuts are struggling with attendance. So few fans were at the game of this review one could hear conversations on the field and personal conversations in the stands. The average attendance the last few seasons has been a tad above 2,000 per game putting them close to the bottom in the California League. Those that are there do appreciate the game and applaud good plays. Access 3 Getting to the park is not too difficult as it is less than ½ mile off Highway 99. It is $6 to park, cash only. No public transportation to the ballpark is available. Two entry gates are on the first and third base side. The concourse is attractively wide, plenty of handicapped access and seating is available. Buying game day tickets and security access is effortless. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $9 – $15. AAA members should remember to ask for a discount when purchasing a ticket. The parking price seems to be about what is expected in the California League. And, concessions seem to be on par with other stadiums in the league. The Nuts do offer specials throughout the week like Wiener Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays. It’s an affordable way to spend a summer evening out. Extras 3 The starting lineup for the Nuts is photos posted on concourse wall, another unique feature at the ballparks. The concourse is attractively landscaped. Two numbers are retired above the right field wall: 1, for former owner Fred Anderson who funded much of the renovations; and 26, for former Oakland Athletic and Modesto native Joe Rudi. Lastly, the uniqueness of the home bullpen location truly should be considered an “extra.” Final Thoughts The Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field provide a traditional minor league baseball experience and one families should take advantage. It’s pretty bare bones but the fans that attend do have a pleasant summer evening out. Here’s hoping more fans will stop by and enjoy a game in the future.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 Map It Palm Beach Cardinals website Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 Sharing Roger Dean Originating in 2003, the Palm Beach Cardinals are the Florida State League (FSL), Single-A affiliate of the MLB St Louis Cardinals. The team won the 2005 FSL Champion ship and shared the 2017 Championship with Dunedin when the series had to be cancelled because of Hurricane Irma. They share their home, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, with the St Lucie Hammerheads (Single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins ) . Roger Dean Stadium is best known as the spring training facility for the St Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. The facility hosted the 2000 and 2019 FSL All-Star games. In 2012, the WBC (World Baseball Classic) used Roger Dean Stadium for qualification rounds for the 2013 WBC. Roger Dean Stadium has a beautiful exterior with palm trees, other Florida foliage, and bushes in a park-like setting. The grounds have benches in the shade to sit and enjoy the spring and summer Florida months. Roger Dean Stadium celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The Cardinals provide a decent selection of food and drink at lower tha n typical spring training prices. Two concession stands are open for a Cardinals game. The Island Grill, a semi-permanent cart, sells stadium jumbo dean dogs and Italian sausages, and some snacks including a hummus snack pack. Their Italian sausage is loaded with peppers and onions and is worth a try. It’s big enough for two people. A permanent, built-in stand called Pizza & Dogs sells more than its title. It offers hot dogs (Nathan’s), crispy chicken sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and snacks such as buckets of popcorn, candy, pretzels, peanu ts, Cracker Jack, and chips. Prices range from $3.50 to $9.95 + tax. Concession stands sell Pepsi products ($5.75 - $6.75 + tax), canned beer (16oz and 25oz), and canned cocktails ($9.95). Beer choices include Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Stella Artois, and a powerful Neon Hug Double IPA ($8.95 - $13.95 + tax). The venue offers a Thirsty Thursday promotion where you can buy a koozie for $5, then bring it back throughout the season and get discounted beer prices. Lines form at the concession stands so get your refreshments early to avoid any wait. Atmosphere 3 The game day environment doesn’t vary much based on which team home team is playing. While the exterior of the stadium is beautiful, the interior is drab. The venue doesn’t display a whole lot of Cardinals imagery (banners, posters, history , etc . ). Two levels of green stadium fold-down chairs with a small walkway between the two levels makes up the infield and baseline seating. A set of bleachers is down the third baseline. Canopies provide some shading for the second level seating areas. The first base side gets the sun (until it sets). Roger Dean Stadium Awning, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Remember to bring bug spray. Game day operations play music over the PA announcements. Fans ca n’t understand what the announcer is saying as the music overpowers his voice. My recom mendation is to turn down the music volume three or four notches when the announcer is talking. The ballpark has two scoreboards just beyond the outfield fence. One shows the line score, pitcher stats, and batters due up; the other is a video board and shows a photo of the batter and his stats. It’s quite convenient and helpful for those who keep score. The stadium has a kids play area with bounce houses down the first base concourse. The game day staff offers lots of promotions and activities between innings, typical at minor league games. These include lip sync contests, flex cam, trivia contests, and a cookie race. Other promotions throughout the season are Star Wars Night, Military & First Responders Night, Dog Days, Baseball and Brews, Pride Night, and more! Neighborhood 5 Jupiter is on the southeast coast of Florida. The stadium sits right next door to Downtown Abacoa , a renovated commercial and entertainment district. It has restaurants, shops, bars and breweries, salons, art galleries, spas, and much more. The district has an amphitheater and the town often has concerts and other events on Friday evenings. Recommended places to eat are Stadium Grill (American), Jumby Bay Island Grill (Steak, Seafood, Pasta), and Copacabana ( Cuban/Caribbean). For adult beverages, check out Civil Society Brewing (independent brewery – no food) and Das Beer Garden. The Brick and Barrel Gastropub in Downtown Abacoa is a place for post-game meals and beverages. There is plenty more in Abacoa to choose from, and it’ s all within walking distance of t he stadium. A Courtyard Marriott is right across the street from Roger Dean Stadium. A Homewood Suites is a mile away and is a tad less expensive. Another activity to enjoy in Jupiter is taking a stroll on the Jupiter Riverwalk where several points of historic, environmental, and scenic interests are available to enjoy. Jupiter has several beaches to enjoy the sun, the ocean, swimming, and other park activity. The FSL St Lucie Mets are 40 miles north, also worth a visit when in the area. Fans 2 The fans attending a Palm Beach Cardinals game are there just having a good time. Lots of families with kids, some retired folks, and some fans who just enjoy baseball attend the games. A good mix of both Cardinal and Hammerhead fans attend games at Roger Dean Stadium. Visitors enjoy the between-inning activities and just being at the ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Roger Dean Stadium is relatively easy. It is a mile off Interstate 95 if arriving by automobile. Free parking is available on the street and in the Abacoa parking garage. The closest commercial airport is Palm Beach International, about 20 miles south. It provides flights to and from a few eastern US cities. FLL (Fort Lauderdale Airport) is an hour and a half south and offers more flight choices. The town offers bus services, Route 10, th ough there is no service on Sundays. And it looks as though ret urn service for an evening game is not an option. Once arriving, fans walk through a metal detector. Even though the website says NO bags, I was able to bring in my clear stadium sports bags (12” x 6” x 12”) with no questions asked. The team should remove that entry from its website as it probably prevents many families and other fans from attending games. Fans walk up a flight of stairs to get to the seating area. The venue has ramps all the way down each baseline to get into the seating area. Restrooms are drab but clean. The men’s, ladies, and family restrooms have changing tables for families with young children. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12 and all seating is general admission. A game day program is available via QR code or as a magazine. Food prices are acceptable. Parking is free. Best of all, the team has all kinds of promotions throughout the year. Silver Sluggers, Thirsty Thursdays, Kids Club. Every Friday home game is Friday Fireworks. Extras 3 The game day staff deserves recognition for the efforts they take in making the game enjoyable and entertaining for all fans. The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, and batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is th e only park in the minor leagues to house two teams . Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is a great option for families, large groups, and individual fans alike. If you want somewhere to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while watching some quality baseball, consider taking in a Palm Beach Cardinals game. You can stay, shop, eat, and watch the game without having to walk more than a few hundred yards in any given direction.

Photos by Chris Green and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 Map It Jupiter Hammerheads website Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 MiLB on the Florida Coast Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is best known as the spring training facility for the St Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. After March each year, two FSL (Florida State League) Single-A clubs, the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads, share the stadium. Founded in 1998, the Hammerheads are the Single-A affiliate of the MLB Miami Marlins. Just a few notable Hammerhead alumni are Tim Raines, Miguel Cabrera, Martín P rado, and Giancarlo Stanton. Roger Dean Stadium has a beautiful exterior with palm trees , other Florida foliage , and bushes in a park-like setting. The grounds have benches in the shade to sit and enjoy the spring and summer Florida months. Roger Dean Stadium celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. The facility hosted the 2000 and 2019 FSL All-Star games. In 2012, the WBC (World Baseball Classic) used Roger Dean Stadium for qualification rounds for the 2013 WBC. Food & Beverage 3 The Hammerheads offer a satisfying selection of food and drink at lower than MLB prices. Two concession stands are open for a Hammerheads game. A permane nt, built-in stand called Pizza & Dogs sells more than its title. It offers hot dogs (Nathan’s), crispy chicken sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and snacks such as buckets of popcorn, candy, pretzels, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and chips. Prices range from $3.50 to $9.95 + tax. The Nathan’s hot dog for $5.50 is a decent selection. The Island Grill, a semi-permanent cart, sells stadium jumbo Dean dogs and Italian sausages, and some snacks including a hummus snack pack. Pepsi products run $5.75 - $6.75 + tax. Concession stands sell canned beer (16oz and 25oz) and canned cocktails ($9.95). Beer choices include Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Stella Artois, and a powerful Neon Hug Double IPA ($8.95 - $13.95 + tax). Lines form at the concession stands, so get your refreshments early to avoid any wait. Atmosphere 3 While the exterior of the stadium is beautiful, the interior is bland. Two levels of green stadium fold-down chairs with a small walkway between the two levels makes up the infield and baseline seating. A set of bleachers is down the third baseline. Canopies provide some shading to the second level seating areas. The first base side gets the sun (until it sets). Third Base Seating with Canopy at Roger Dean Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Remember to bring bug spray. Game day operations play music over the PA announcements. Fans can’t understand what the announcer is saying as music overrides his voice. My recommendation is to turn down the music volume three or four notches when the announcer is talking. The ballpark has two scoreboards just beyond the outfield fence. One shows the line score, pitcher stats, and batters due up; the other is a video board that shows a photo of the batter and his stats. It’s quite convenient and helpful for those who keep score. The stadium has a kids play area with bounce houses down the first base concourse. The game day staff offers lots of promotions and activities between innings, typical at minor league games. These include lip sync contests, flex cam, trivia contests, and a cookie race. Instead of handing out a game day program, the team now offers the program via a QR code. For the first game I attended, they put the QR code on the video board but left it up for just 10 seconds or so; not enough time to get your phone out and take a picture. At another game, they put the QR code up on the video board as dusk approached (fifth or sixth inning), and most phone cameras (at least mine) got a white blob as a photo, so the QR code wasn’t readable. Finally, they placed the QR code on the customer service booth on the concourse for easy scanning. I am told they now hand out printed copies. Good for the game day staff for finally figuring it out! Neighborhood 5 Jupiter is on the southeast coast of Florida. The stadium sits right next door to Downtown Abacoa , a renovated commercial and entertainment district. It has restaurants, shops, bars and breweries, salons, art places, spas, and much more. The district has an amphitheater, and the town often has concerts and other events on Friday evenings. Recommended places to eat are Stadium Grill (American), Jumby Bay Island Grill (Steak, Seafood, Pasta), and Copacabana (Cuban/Caribbean). For adult beverages, check out Civil Society Brewing (independent brewery – no food) and Das Beer Garden. But there is plenty more in Abacoa to choose from , and it’s all within walking distance to/from the stadium. A Courtyard Marriott is right across the street from Roger Dean Stadium. A Homewood Suites is a mile away and is a tad less expensive. Another activity to enjoy in Jupiter is taking a stroll on the Jupiter Riverwalk where several points of historic, environmental, and scenic interests are available. Jupiter has several beaches to enjoy the sun, the ocean, swimming, and other park activity. The FSL St Luci Mets are 40 miles north, which is also worth a visit when in the area. Fans 2 The fans attending a Hammerheads game are there just having a good time. Lots of families with kids, some retired folks, and some fans who just enjoy baseball attend the games. There is a good mix of both Cardinal and Hammerhead fans. Visitors enjoy the between-inning activities and just being at the ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Roger Dean Stadium is relatively easy. It is a mile off Interstate 95 if arriving by automobile. Free parking is available on the street, in the Abacoa parking garage, or in th e garage right across the street, next to the hotel. The closest commercial airport is Palm Beach International, about 20 miles south. It provides flights to and from a few eastern US cities. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is an hour and a half south and offers more flight choices. The town offers bus service. Route 10 makes a stop near the stadium. The town does not provide service on Sundays. And it looks like return service for an evening game is not an option. Upon arriving, fans walk through a metal detector. Even though the website says NO bags, I brought in my clear stadium sports bag (12” x 6” x 12”) wi th no questions asked. No bags allowed for a single-A baseball game?!!?#! What’s up with that? Fans walk up a flight of stairs to get to the seating area. The venue has ramps all the way down each baseline to get into the seating area. Restrooms are drab but clean. The men’s, ladies, and family restrooms have changing tables for those families with young children. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12, and all seating is general admission. Tickets are two bucks less if purchased in advance. The game day program is available as a QR code, but the print is too small to read on your phone. Food prices are acceptable. Best of all, the team has all kinds of ticket promotions throughout the season: Silver Sluggers, Thirsty Thursdays, and Kids Club. Every Friday home game is Friday Fireworks. The Hammerheads hold theme nights like Star Wars and Space Night, and they offer giveaways throughout the season. Extras 3 The game day staff deserves recognition for fixing things quickly like the placement of the QR code and slowing down a scrolling food menu so fans can read it. The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, or batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. Roger Dean Stadium is the only park in the minor leagues to house two teams . Final Thoughts Roger Dean Stadium and the Jupiter Hammerheads provide an enjoyable game day experience at a reasonable price. With all the promotions and game day activities, families and fans of all ages should enjoy their time at a game .

The Low-A division of Minor League Baseball consists of the Carolina League, the Florida State League, and the California League. The 2024 Low-A season has just wrapped up, and the playoffs have started. Stadium Journey writers have visited all Low-A ballparks, and we present you our 2025 rankings based on our FANFARE ranking system. This scale takes into consideration a venue’s concessions, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, return on investment, and more. Therefore, our rankings are much different than many others, and often our scale creates much debate. However, that is the main reason to make lists like this to create debate and discussion, right? Our rankings are based solely on our FANFARE score. However, as you read through the list, you will see quite a few ties. In the case of a tie between several venues, a council of Stadium Journey elders is consulted to break the tie. We encourage you to share your input on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. The Tampa Tarpons are not on our list as they are playing temporarily at Community Field, which is located next to their normal home of Steinbrenner Field. The Tampa Bay Rays are in residence at Steinbrenner, making the Tarpons' move necessary. We do not yet have a review of the Tarpons' temporary home. 1. Pelicans Ballpark – Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4.71 Steve Ohnsman - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have called TicketReturn.com Field their home since 1999, and it is an excellent minor league facility. Located across the street from a large entertainment/dining/shopping complex named Broadway at the Beach, anyone could make an entertaining day of the two properties. The City of Myrtle Beach is heavily oriented to tourists and families, offering many hotels/resorts/golf courses/restaurants, and the Pelicans staff appear to do a great job of attracting local residents and tourists. 2. Atrium Health Ballpark – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 4.43 Gregory Koch - The Kannapolis franchise was known as the Intimidators from 2001 to 2019, in reference to Kannapolis native Dale Earnhardt's nickname. However, legal issues with Earnhardt's widow over the rights to the name forced the team to rebrand in 2021. At the same time, the franchise, now known as the Cannon Ballers, moved into their gorgeous new downtown stadium after spending the prior years at the aging Intimidators Stadium. The Cannon Ballers nickname reflects Kannapolis's racing history, with the team logo depicting a stuntman with a mustache similar to Earnhardt's. 3. Joseph P. Riley Park – Charlestown RiverDogs 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park has served as the home field for the Charleston RiverDogs since 1997. It is located along the banks of the Ashley River. The 6,000-seat stadium (known locally as The Joe) is named for longtime mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Riley served as mayor for 10 terms, serving from 1975-2016, and was best known for guiding the city through the recovery from Hurricane Hugo. 4. Segra Park – Columbia Fireflies 4.14 David Welch - Professional baseball would make a return to the South Carolina capital in 2016 when the Savannah Sand Gnats would leave coastal Georgia for a newly built stadium in Columbia. Initially, the South Atlantic League Class A affiliate of the New York Mets. The 2021 restructuring of minor league baseball saw changes for the Fireflies – not only did their affiliation change from the Mets to the Kansas City Royals, but they also moved from the South Atlantic League to the Carolina League, but would remain a Class A affiliate. 5. LECOM Park - Bradenton Marauders 4.14 Lloyd Brown - LECOM Park offers you a unique opportunity to check out a ballpark that has seen players like Willie Stargell, Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron, Bill Mazeroski, and Ted Williams play on its field. Its Spanish Colonial architecture and the roof-protected shade over much of the grandstands all bring you back to baseball as it used to be. 6. LoanMart Field – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 4.14 Andrei Ojeda - California’s Inland Empire is a great market for minor-league baseball. In less than 90 minutes, fans can stop by the stadiums of three minor league franchises. Perhaps the most storied of all of these franchises calls the city of Rancho Cucamonga its home. 7. BayCare Ballpark – Clearwater Threshers 4.00 David Welch - Shortly before the MLB season begins, spring training comes to a close, and training facilities transition from hosting Major League Baseball’s stars to preparing for the upcoming season and welcoming the game’s future stars. To that end, minor league baseball’s Florida State League kicks off its season just after the MLB season starts. 8. Virginia Credit Union Stadium – Fredericksburg Nationals 4.00 Joseph Oakes - After years of playing in the decrepit Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, VA, the Potomac Nationals were set to move 30 miles south to Fredericksburg and become the Fredericksburg Nationals in 2020. Since the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19, the move to the new ballpark was delayed by a year. 9. Excite Ballpark – San Jose Giants 4.00 Chris Green - Take a historic stadium that oozes memories of the past greats with architecture that harkens back to baseball’s golden age. Mix in a loyal fanbase that is among the best in the Bay Area. Sprinkle in some stellar weather and add a pinch of minor league magic. This may well be the recipe that one would use to create the magic that is the San Jose Giants. This gem of a ballpark features everything that makes minor league baseball the wonderful draw that it is. 10. SRP Park – Augusta Greenjackets 3.86 Lloyd Brown - SRP Park and the GreenJackets continue to generate buzz in the minor-league baseball community. The facility offers amenities that are not usually found in Low-Class A-level stadiums. These amenities include theatre-style seating, a 360-degree concourse, a top-of-the-line video board in the outfield, and terrific views of both the field and the Savannah River thanks to the TaxSlayer Terrace in right field. 11. Banner Island Ballpark – Stockton Ports 3.71 Meg Minard - The Stockton Ballpark, affectionately referred to by locals as Banner Island Ballpark, sits on what no longer is an island in Stockton, CA. The inlets have mostly been filled in, but the name lives on. 12. Joker Merchant Stadium – Lakeland Flying Tigers 3.71 Chris Green - Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium is a beautiful facility thanks to its latest renovation, and the Flying Tigers are a team that tends to get lost in the shuffle of Florida’s bustling sports world, but is no less deserving of a visit. Easily one of the best facilities in the Florida State League, things are looking up for the Flying Tigers. 13. Lake Elsinore Diamond – Lake Elsinore Storm 3.71 Andrei Ojeda - One of the biggest draws to The Diamond is the ballpark’s aesthetic appeal along with its natural surroundings. Over the last several years seating capacity has decreased to create a more intimate and sociable ballpark experience. 14. L.P. Frans Stadium - Hickory Crawdads 3.71 Gregory Koch - Minor League Baseball in Hickory, North Carolina has a long and storied history going back to 1936. However, after 1960, the city did not have a baseball team for over 30 years, until the Hickory Crawdads came to town in 1993. Named for a local crustacean, the team plays their home games at L.P. Frans Stadium, named for a local Pepsi bottler whose daughters helped fund the construction of the stadium. 15. Arthur W. Perdue Stadium – Delmarva Shorebirds 3.71 Richard Smith - Arthur W. Perdue Stadium is a great stadium, and the Delmarva Shorebirds go out of their way to make the stadium a place where both casual and hardcore baseball fans can be entertained and enjoy a quality game experience. 16. Clover Park – St. Lucie Mets 3.57 Meg Minard - Clover Park opened in 1988 and has gone by various names based on sponsorship, but it has always been the Met's home. The stadium holds 7,160 for spring training, but that number is greatly reduced for the Single-A St. Lucie Mets games as portions of the seating area are closed off in the summer. 17. Jackie Robinson Ballpark – Daytona Tortugas 3.43 Chris Green - The idea of a baseball team playing in a beach city in Florida seems about as idyllic as one can imagine, and the stadium surely lives up to the image. With great views from the seats, fans in Daytona are treated to a great experience on game day. 18. Hammond Stadium – Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 3.43 Chris Green - Talking about minor league baseball stadiums, purists look for the old and historic stadiums, while others look for the newest and shiniest facilities. Hammond Stadium may not initially fit either of these categories, having been built in 1991. However, a closer look reveals that the renovations in 2014-15 have completely transformed this once hum-drum facility into a beautiful, tropical oasis in southwest Florida. 19. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Jupiter Hammerheads 3.43 Meg Minard - Roger Dean Stadium and the Jupiter Hammerheads provide an enjoyable game day experience at a reasonable price. With all the promotions and game day activities, families and fans of all ages should enjoy their time at a game. 20. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Palm Beach Cardinals 3.43 Meg Minard - Taking in a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is a great option for families, large groups, and individual fans alike. If you want somewhere to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while watching some quality baseball, consider taking in a Palm Beach Cardinals game. 21. San Manuel Stadium – Inland Empire 66ers 3.29 Meg Minard - Nothing special stands out about San Manuel Stadium. It does provide fabulous customer service and a decent game day experience. Go with family and friends on a Friday and get an inexpensive, enjoyable evening out. 22. TD Ballpark – Dunedin Blue Jays 3.14 Eric Hasman - TD Ballpark opened in 1990. It is the home of the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. The ballpark is built on the site of Grant Field, which was the original home of the Jays. The city of Dunedin and this location are the only home that the Blue Jays have ever had since their inception as a franchise in 1977. 23. Chukchansi Park – Fresno Grizzlies 3.14 Meg Minard - Chukchansi is a Native American Indian tribe in central California, known for their beliefs in and advocating early learning and giving students the tools they need to succeed. This also includes continuing education of their historic culture. The tribe owns and operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. That casino owns the naming rights to downtown Fresno’s Chukchansi Park. 24. Salem Memorial Ballpark – Salem Red Sox 3.14 David Welch - Baseball stadiums are different than those of other sports, in that the natural surroundings play an important role in how memorable an experience a visit can be. The views at Carilion Clinic Field provided by the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide possibly the most impressive backdrop in all of the Carolina League. 25. Segra Stadium – Fayetteville Woodpeckers 3.00 Jared Goodman - While Segra Stadium is unique in some areas, overall it’s a pretty plain vanilla ballpark. The team does a good job of drawing fans and entertaining them on game day, but the high prices and distant parking options are bound to turn some folks away. Hopefully, the revitalization of downtown Fayetteville will keep fans engaged, and it will be exciting to see what the final product will be. 26. The Bank of the James Stadium – Lynchburg Hillcats 3.00 Aaron Terry - The atmosphere can be somewhat laid back and down-home at the ballpark. A Hillcats game is comfortable and relaxing, but not over the top in excitement or exuberance. That said, there are other parks nearby you could visit with bigger crowds and better amenities. But if you do find yourself at The Bank of the James Stadium for a game, you will certainly have a decent time. 27. Five County Stadium – Carolina Mudcats 2.86 Gregory Koch - It seems like in North Carolina, there is a baseball stadium just about everywhere you look. Compared to many of those stadiums, Five County Stadium disappoints. Although it isn’t a terrible stadium by any means, it’s nowhere near as good as many other stadiums in the area, including in nearby Durham. 28. John Thurman Field – Modesto Nuts 2.86 Meg Minard - The Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field provides a traditional minor league baseball experience, and families should take advantage. It’s pretty bare bones, but the fans that attend do have a pleasant summer evening out. Here’s hoping more fans will stop by and enjoy a game in the future. 29. Valley Strong Ballpark – Visalia Rawhide 2.57 Meg Minard - Valley Strong Ballpark is a stadium one will like because of its quirkiness and affordable prices, or not like because of its accessibility and an unsafe neighborhood. It is in the ‘Gateway of Sequoia’, so if in town during the summer, consider checking out a game and let us know your thoughts.

It is truly a new era in the Alamo City, for both the city and the San Antonio Spurs . With a new generational talent in Victor Wembanyama fully entrenched as the new face of the historic franchise, the team recently announced an innovation to make the energy and excitement at the Frost Bank Center even greater. In time for the impending 2025-26 season, the team recently held open tryouts for a brand new fan section, dubbed the Spurs Supporter Section . The goal is to gather a collection of the loudest, rowdiest, most die-hard fans to fill up a new section and deliver on game days. Wembanyama was on hand for the event and is credited as being the brainchild of the new section; his goal was to mimic the supporter sections that are often found in European soccer stadiums. The tryouts were held in two groups to identify 5-10 “capos” (who are the most passionate fans) to lead chants and ensure that the energy inside Frost Bank Center  never stops. “If this group of Ultras reaches its full potential, it’s gonna help us win games in the future, for sure,” Wembanyama said in a video released by the Spurs. Members of the Spurs Supporter Section are required to attend at least 75 percent of Spurs home games during the 2025-26 season; membership in the section will cost $999 and include tickets and parking passes to all Spurs home games. Wembanyama himself has vowed to pay the membership dues for five of the liveliest fans. The fans will be divided into two sections during home games at Frost Bank Center : Section 114, as well as the standing room only area above Section 114, in the H-E-B Fan Zone.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Tylus Field 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Tylus Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 2,000 A Diplomatic Pitch Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836, it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. Tylus Field became the home of Franklin & Marshall’s soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse teams at the start of the 2007-2008 academic year. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food offerings at the stadium. We will give the stadium some credit in that a convenience store is about a 2-minute walk away if you find the need for food or drink. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is very nice, but it is a simple setup. As you enter the stadium, you will find two simpl,e small grandstands sitting along the pitch. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 1 Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Tylus Field is a nice, simple college facility, but it still offers a fun atmosphere for sporting events.

Accessibility is something that many fans take for granted, but which is an important consideration for many fans. We are joined by Heather Schey from the Ocean State Center for Independent Living to discuss accessibility issues faced by sports fans with visual impairments. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv .

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Steinbrenner Field One Steinbrenner Road Tampa, FL 33614 Tampa Bay Rays website Steinbrenner Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,386 The Pride of the Rays...sorta The Tampa Bay area was impacted by two significant hurricanes in 2024: Hurricane Helene in September and Hurricane Milton in October. Hurricane Helene caused record-breaking storm surge and widespread flooding, particularly in western North Carolina and East Tennessee, as it made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region. Then, Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm at its peak, brought catastrophic damage to the Tampa Bay area with winds exceeding 100 mph and intense flooding. The dual impact of these storms left the region in a state of recovery, with extensive damage to infrastructure and property. During Hurricane Milton, Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, suffered major damage to its unique domed roof. The translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass roof was largely shredded and ripped to shreds by the powerful winds, exposing the interior of the ballpark, including the field and catwalks, to the storm. While no one was injured, the stadium, which had been considered as a potential staging area for emergency services, was severely compromised. The damage has raised questions about the team's ability to play at the stadium for many seasons, and repairs are projected to cost tens of millions of dollars, creating a complex situation given the team's previous plans for a new ballpark by 2028. The Tampa Bay Rays needed to find a temporary home for the 2025 MLB season. They ultimately secured an agreement to play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the Yankees' spring training facility. This was a logical choice as it was considered the best-prepared facility in the region to host regular-season games, with a seating capacity of approximately 11,000 and already undergoing renovations to its player facilities. The move means the Rays, who have played in a domed stadium since their inaugural season in 1998, are now playing their home games outdoors, a new experience that has led to an adjusted schedule to minimize games during the hottest and rainiest summer months. The relocation is a significant logistical feat, and it has also created a new dynamic for local businesses across the bay, with some in St. Petersburg losing out on game-day revenue, while others in Tampa are seeing a boost. Steinbrenner Field has been the home of the New York Yankees' spring training since 1996. It was originally known as Legends Field, but the name of the stadium was changed in 2008, as the late Yankees owner had become very ill, and the team wanted to honor him while he was still alive, so he would know about it. The stadium has a capacity of 11,026 and is the largest stadium in the Grapefruit League, but very small for the major leagues. Steinbrenner Field is also the only spring training facility in the city of Tampa. The stadium underwent a $40 million renovation in 2017. The Tampa Tarpons of the Florida State League also play here, although they have been temporarily relegated to a smaller field due to the Rays' residency. Food & Beverage 4 Recent renovations at Steinbrenner Field have significantly improved the food and beverage experience for fans. The expansion of the stadium's concourses has allowed for more concession stands and carts, leading to a wider variety of options and faster service. This increased number of service points has also helped reduce congestion on game days. Fans now have a greater selection of food and dining options. While traditional stadium favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers are still available, the offerings have expanded to include more diverse and non-traditional items. The stadium also caters to fans with larger budgets, offering two distinct dine-in restaurants and bar areas, located above the right and left field foul lines, respectively. Additionally, fans can enjoy service at rounded tables and drinking rails in the outfield sections, providing more casual dining experiences. These changes have collectively enhanced both the variety and quality of the food and drinks available at the ballpark. Prices are a bit too high for food. Atmosphere 3 A Tampa Bay Rays game at Steinbrenner Field has a unique atmosphere, as the team has relocated to the spring training home of a rival. The crowds are typically smaller than for a full-fledged MLB team, with attendance often feeling more akin to a minor league game than a major league one. A significant portion of the audience is often made up of visiting fans, particularly when popular teams like the Yankees or Red Sox are in town, which can make it feel like the Rays are playing a road game at their own home field. The smaller capacity and open-air layout, while a change from the domed Tropicana Field, contribute to a different fan experience, but the temporary nature of the venue means it lacks the established identity and fan traditions of a permanent home ballpark. The experience at Steinbrenner Field, while functional, doesn't quite feel like a true home for the Rays. The stadium's architecture and amenities were designed for spring training, not a full regular season, which can be seen in the limited seating and concourse layout. As a result, the "home field advantage" that a team normally enjoys is often diminished, and the atmosphere can be less energetic. For many fans, the game-day experience feels more like a logistical workaround than a celebration of the team, reinforcing the temporary and transitional nature of the Rays' situation as they await the completion of their new permanent stadium. Neighborhood 2 Navigating the Tampa area can be challenging due to heavy traffic, and it's important to plan your trip to Steinbrenner Field accordingly. For those traveling to Tampa, there are several attractions worth visiting. Busch Gardens, a popular theme park known for its extensive gardens and thrilling rides, is located just seven miles from the ballpark. In addition, visitors can find a variety of hotels and restaurants throughout the city to suit their preferences and budgets. Fans 2 The atmosphere at a Tampa Bay Rays game at Steinbrenner Field often feels less like a home game and more like a neutral-site contest, or even a de facto road game. A significant and often overwhelming presence of visiting team fans tends to dominate the stands, with opposing team jerseys, hats, and chants being far more common than Rays gear. This is particularly evident when teams with large national fan bases like the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox come to town; the roar of the crowd after a visiting team's home run can be deafening, while the cheers for a Rays highlight are often muted and scattered. This dynamic can make it difficult for the home team to build momentum, as the energy in the ballpark consistently favors their opponents. For Rays fans who do attend, the experience can be a frustrating one. They are often outnumbered and out-cheered, making it hard to create a sense of community or home-field advantage. The temporary nature of the venue, combined with the apathetic local attendance, has created an environment where the most passionate fans in the stadium are often rooting for the other team. This unusual dynamic underscores the challenges the Rays face in a new, temporary home, where they are not only rebuilding their stadium but also fighting to maintain a consistent and energized fan base against the backdrop of more nationally recognized franchises. Access 3 Getting to Steinbrenner Field is straightforward. From I-275, take the Dale Mabry Highway exit and head north for three miles. The stadium will be on your right. Parking is available in the large grass lot on the left side of Dale Mabry Highway, adjacent to the football stadium. After parking, fans should use the pedestrian bridge to safely cross the highway and reach Steinbrenner Field. For those with mobility issues, a drop-off area is located directly at the stadium, though drivers must still park in the designated grass lot across the street. Steinbrenner Field is only three miles from Tampa International Airport. Return on Investment 2 The price of admission is often disproportionately high, particularly for marquee matchups against teams like the Red Sox or Yankees, with some tickets soaring to prices that are more typical of a major league stadium than a temporary, smaller venue. This initial cost is compounded by the expenses for parking, which can be significant. Once inside, the cost of food and beverages further erodes the value, with common items like hot dogs and drinks being priced at a premium. When all these expenses are added together, the overall cost of a game-day experience at Steinbrenner Field often feels far too high for a fan, especially when considering the venue's limited amenities and the lack of a true major league atmosphere. Parking is $30 plus tax in the grass lot adjoining the football stadium. Extras 2 There are several great selfie locations at Steinbrenner Field. Outside of the stadium, the Monument Park salute to the Yankee icons, the Steinbrenner statue, and the 911 Memorial form great backdrops. Inside the stadium is a statue featuring the iconic “NY” found on the Yankees’ ballcap. There are also two numbers of retired Yankees located along the outfield concourse. Derek Jeter (#2) and Thurman Munson (#15) are featured in this area. The spring training homes of the Toronto Blue Jays , the Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Philadelphia Phillies are located close to Steinbrenner Field. This allows you to visit two Grapefruit League stadiums in a day if they line up in a day/night combination. Final Thoughts Due to catastrophic damage from Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays have relocated to Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 MLB season. This temporary move has created a unique atmosphere, with the team playing in an open-air, spring training-focused venue that often feels more like a minor league park than a major league stadium. Attendance is frequently dominated by visiting team fans, which diminishes any home-field advantage and can be disheartening for loyal Rays supporters. Furthermore, the overall game-day experience is considered a low return on investment due to high costs for tickets, parking, and concessions, making the temporary arrangement a logistical challenge for the team and a pricey outing for fans.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Virginia International Raceway 1245 Pine Tree Rd Alton, VA 24520 IMSA website Virginia International Raceway website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 10,000 Virginia’s GT Showcase The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. It hosts multiple racing events during the season, including SRO , Trans-Am, SVRA , and GridLife. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. Visiting the track has become a must-do for some of racing’s biggest fans over the years, and a visit to the facility helps you understand why rather quickly. IMSA weekend is without a doubt the biggest race weekend of the year at this track, which means this is a must-see for sportscar fans in the area. Food & Beverage 3 There are several food options in the main paddock area, including the popular Paddock Cafe. This spot nestled next to the track features burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and more. To make it easier for fans to order, the cafe also has several bundle options that generally run in the $10 range for a main item (burger, chicken, etc.), fries, and a drink. In addition, the track has snacks, ice cream, and various other items for sale at the main concession stand, and some food trucks pop up throughout the bigger race weekends down in the paddock area. Recently, automated tablets have been added here to speed up the ordering process, but lines to pick up orders are no less short. The track also has an on-site restaurant called Oak Tree Tavern & Connie’s Pub, which is a more upscale option than something on the quick service side down by the paddock. The biggest downside at Virginia International Raceway, however, is that there are no other food options around the facility for fans who set up camp in other parts of the venue, or who wish to wander the property to watch the racing action. Thankfully, during IMSA weekend various food trucks set up near the paddock and fan zone to offer alternative food and beverage options for fans. Atmosphere 5 Virginia International Raceway’s track is big, fast, and beautiful. Most of the track’s viewing areas offer views that extend beyond just one corner, including the complex heading up to and away from where you are set up, something that many other road courses are unable to boast. The fans also tend to come from all around and pack in the viewing mounds and grandstands around the facility, meaning you will be surrounded by your racing friends all weekend long. The paint scheme and architecture of the various buildings harken back to southern plantation-style homes, as well as to the farmhouses and barns that the rural south has become known for. Situated next to a watershed for a river, the surrounding area is also full of beautiful green trees to give Virginia International Raceway that special wooded look. VIR also continues to improve the fan access experience year over year – new tent camping areas were opened a few years ago inside the turn 1-4 area on driver’s left, while the RV camping and fan viewing areas were also extended far down the backstretch. Neighborhood 1 The biggest downside to VIR is its lack of neighbors. While there is peace in the solitude of VIR’s rural setting, there is quite literally nothing around Virginia International Raceway in any direction for at least half an hour. Located just over an hour north of the greater Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, and half an hour southeast of South Boston in Virginia, you have to drive a while to find anything as far as hotels or restaurants. A lot of fans and teams stay in Danville, VA to the west, which is where you can find the closest places to eat. There you can find restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company, or lodging options such as Sleep Inn & Suites or Courtyard by Marriott. For something to do while in the area, South Boston Speedway features local short track racing on weekend nights, or down in Durham, NC you can visit Duke Forest for a quiet hike in the suburbs. Fans 4 The fans at Virginia International Raceway are pretty great as far as sportscar racing fans go. They love anything motorsports, show up en masse for race weekend, and know everything about the sport they love and the drivers who compete in it. You can find everyone from young fans who are just learning about the sport, to diehard loyalists who have been going for a long time. IMSA has seen a resurgence of fan numbers in recent years, and the crowds at VIR reflect that. Filled camping sites and packed hillsides mean the racers are performing in front of large crowds that love racing, and it is a welcome sight. Access 2 To get to Virginia International Raceway you have to drive off the main roads; State Highway 58 is the closest main roadway, connecting Danville to South Boston. There are no major highways in or around the area, with I-85 almost 30-45 minutes away to the southeast. That said, once you get to the track parking is plentiful on site and is well marked. Fans can also enjoy getting around the facility easily, thanks to the signage pointing them towards the paddock area from the main parking lots in the infield. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for IMSA weekend at VIR start at $60 for Friday or Saturday tickets, $70 for Sunday, $80 for the weekend, and $90 for all three days. Car corral packages are available for $80 to $170. VIP hospitality tickets range from $360 to $450 for three-day access, all together putting tickets in the standard range for IMSA. However, considering that this weekend features no less than five different IMSA race series competing on track, this is a great value for how much racing you get to see during the event. Extras 4 Virginia International Raceway’s victory lane is located right in the main paddock, meaning fans can get up close to the post-race celebrations. The venue also erects TV screens at various points around the property for fans to see the action around the track while it’s happening, meaning you won’t miss anything regardless of where you decide to watch the race from. Tickets to race weekend also get you into the paddock area for free, something other tracks and races require an additional ticket for. In addition, races at Virginia International Raceway also generally include driver meet and greets and autograph sessions, so fans can see the stars up close. IMSA itself also hosts various autograph sessions during the race weekend, allowing fans the ability to meet their favorite drivers. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Virginia International Raceway is a must-do for any race fan who wants to see some quality sportscar racing – the track is big, technical, and exciting. Fans from all around flock to the speedway for a day at the races, and it is easy to see why. While driving to the track and finding a place to stay nearby may be a challenge, Virginia International Raceway offers plenty for both casual and diehard sports fans to make your visit worth the trek.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE Calgary, AB T2G 2W1 Calgary Hitmen website Scotiabank Saddledome website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 19,283 Hitmen, Take Two The Calgary Hitmen entered the Western Hockey League in 1995, filling the junior hockey gap in Calgary caused by the departure of the Calgary Wranglers in 1987. Named after wrestling legend and team co-founder Brett “The Hitman” Hart, the Hitmen have gone on to enjoy a great deal of success, earning the best record in the WHL four times, and going all the way to the Memorial Cup twice. The Hitmen’s success has extended all the way to the NHL. They’ve had more than three dozen players make it to the pro ranks, including stars Ryan Getzlaf, Brad Stuart and Andrew Ladd. Although the Wranglers played in the old Stampede Corral, the Hitmen play next door in the much larger Scotiabank Saddledome. The Scotiabank Saddledome opened its doors in 1983 and have been home to the Calgary Flames from Day One. The ‘Dome is now also the home of the NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks and, of course, the Hitmen. At almost 30 years of age, the Saddledome is starting to show some signs of age, but it has seen a number of renovations along the way to keep things fresh. Food & Beverage 3 There is a decent variety of choices around the Scotiabank Saddledome. All the typical fare is available at the main concessions at pretty typical prices, whether you’re looking for a hot dog, fries, nachos or popcorn. You will also find Pizza 73, Good Earth Coffee and a Jugo Juice for fans who want something a little different. The Jugo Juice station also has some healthy options, such as the chicken wrap, for the more health conscious among us. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at the game I attended was fairly laid back and relaxed; no big energy, no loud cheering. This perhaps can be partly attributed to spreading 7,000 fans around a stadium built to accommodate 19,000. The Avison Young section of the lower bowl (the premium seats) was about half empty and there were very few people above about the 10th row of the upper bowl. With large spaces left largely unoccupied, building a bunch of excitement and intensity in the stands seemed like a challenge. To be fair, Calgary crowds in general tend to be fairly subdued. Also, the Hitmen historically have drawn even bigger crowds to the ‘Dome, which would typically bring up the crowd noise. And overall, although the Saddledome never did rock during the game, it looked like the audience was engaged and enjoying things just fine. Neighborhood 3 The Scotiabank Saddledome is located in the northeast corner of the Stampede Grounds, just south and east of the downtown core. The immediate vicinity, known as Victoria Park, isn’t the best neighborhood in town by a long shot. However, there has been a substantial amount of gentrification in the area in the last few years and things are starting to perk up, with skyscraping condo complexes growing up in a couple locations to the immediate north as well as across the street to the west. And most of those complexes have some kind of restaurant or bar on the ground floor. Just a few blocks due west of the Stampede Grounds on 17th Ave you’ll find a string of clubs and bars that have come to be known as “The Red Mile.” Among the most popular is Melrose Place, right in the heart of things. You’ll also find the Ship and Anchor Pub, which has been repeatedly named Best Neighbourhood Pub in Calgary by local publication “Fast Forward Weekly.” You’ll also find my favorite local Mexican restaurant, El Sombrero, on the east end of the Red Mile. Fans 4 Historically, the Hitmen have drawn some of the biggest crowds ever in the WHL. According to their Wikipedia page in 2004-05 they were the first Canadian Hockey League team to average 10,000 fans per game. This year (2012-2013) the Hitmen average attendance of just over 8,600 is a little more modest than that record-breaking season, but that’s still more than the capacity of every other Alberta WHL rink except Rexall Place in Edmonton. In fact, they have been over the 10,000 mark three times in the 2012-2013 season. As noted above, the crowd is generally low-key but attentive to the game. They know their hockey and they respond appropriately to the hits, the goals and the referees’ calls. Access 3 Calgary has the second highest downtown parking rates in North America, behind only New York City . So if you drive down to the Stampede Grounds, expect to pay for the privilege-parking on the grounds which will run you $13 and, depending on what other events might be going on around the area, might fill up quickly. There are also choices off-site for slightly less expensive parking options. A few local residents rent out yard space for parking and there is some metered street parking in the vicinity for people willing to do a little walking. The good news is that being centrally located means the Saddledome is fairly easy to get to from all directions. Expect the usual stop-and-go delays that go hand-in-hand with traveling downtown in a city of more than a million people. Another good option is taking Calgary’s Light Rail Transit system to the game. The “C-Train” has two stops on the west side of the Stampede Grounds, one to the south and one on the north end which has a connecting walkway that will take you directly to the Saddledome. The LRT tracks cover a significant amount of the city running north and south, so it can be a more convenient option for fans not wanting the hassle of driving downtown, although the trains can get crowded after events. An adult fare for Calgary Transit is $2.75, youths are $1.75. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to see the Calgary Hitmen run anywhere from $16 to $36 while students and children can get into the cheap seats for $12 each. Compared to the price of a Flames game to see NHL hockey this is a real bargain. For the great price, you can count on seeing a quality hockey game in a good location. Extras 4 There are a number of added extras when you come see the Hitmen at the ‘Dome. The walls of the building are lined with memorabilia, photos and trophies commemorating great teams and events from years past in the Calgary area. For example, there is a substantial exhibit remembering the excitement of the 1988 Winter Olympics, which were held, in large part, at the Saddledome. You could probably spend the entire game in the concourse looking at and reading all the displays, so there’s lots to check out. You’ll also find a couple locations of Flames Fan Attic for all your souvenir needs, including clothing and knick-knacks for all three of the ‘Dome’s regular residents: the Hitmen, the Flames, and the Calgary Roughnecks. Roaming the stands during the game, and taking part in activities between periods, team mascot Farley the Fox keeps the kids entertained throughout the event. Looking up into the rafters, you’ll see the large row of championship banners amassed during the Hitmen’s history, along with the Flames’ and Roughnecks’ banners. Final Thoughts Overall, the Hitmen do a nice job of keeping the fans entertained. Taking in a game is well worth it.

Photo Courtesy of AFC Wimbledon Plough Lane was on my schedule for a football match when I visited London in a couple of weeks. However, that might not be the case as the club works to repair its pitch in hopes of hosting another game soon. The home of AFC Wimbledon received heavy damage from recent floodings from the nearby River Wandle, which broke its banks following a period of heavy rain. The club does not know when it will be able to return home. The entire pitch, concourse, buildings, and ground floor were completely underwater. It resulted in the pitch resembling a golf course with sandy bunkers and more than 26,417 gallons of water pumped out of the stadium. The torrential rains also opened up a sinkhole in the corner of the pitch. Club management could spend close to ￡1.5 million to repair the pitch, and club supporter Graham Stacey set up a JustGiving site that has raised ￡108,151 out of 150,000 of its goals for repairs. Volunteers have helped clear away debris inside the stadium this week. The Wombles League Two match with Accrington was postponed after failing to find a suitable stadium in London to play. Its midweek Carabao Cup match against Newcastle will be staged at St James’s Park on Tuesday, October 1. Newcastle will donate ￡15,000 and half of the gate fees will also go to repair the pitch at Plough Lane. James Woodroof, the club’s managing director, told the BBC that he thought the images were AI.  "We didn't realise it was going to be to this extent... It's been 60 years since the water had reached this level, and essentially,AF we were totally overwhelmed by it.” The current stadium, known as Cherry Red Records Stadium, for advertising purposes opened in November 2020.

Photo Courtesy of Spatms Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Joe Miller Ballpark / Cowboy Diamond Common St and Contour Dr Lake Charles, LA 70607 McNeese State Cowboys website Cowboy Diamond website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 2,000 Cowboy Diamond, Home to MSU Cowboys Baseball The Cowboy Diamond offers a cozy atmosphere for small college baseball. Located in Lake Charles on the campus of McNeese State University, the ballpark is home field for MSU Cowboys baseball, a member of the Southland Conference and NCAA Division I. Though originally constructed in 1965, the stadium has seen several major upgrades in recent years including a new grandstand in 2008 which features chairback seating behind home plate. Cowboy Diamond has an official capacity of 2,000 but can easily accommodate overflow crowds. While the ballpark both literally and figuratively sits in the shadow of Cowboy Stadium, home to the pride and joy of MSU athletics, Cowboy football, MSU baseball seems poised for an increase in popularity both within the university community and the Lake Charles region. Whether you’re traveling in support of your favorite college ball club or just in town visiting Lake Charles, the Cowboy Diamond has a lot to offer fans of small college baseball in a traditional atmosphere. Food & Beverage 2 The Cowboy Diamond offers up the staple ballpark classics while also providing alcoholic beverages to fans in the Miller Lite Beer Garden. While the experiences lacks a signature item, you’ll likely find something to satisfy your hunger (or thirst) during the game. The main stand is located behind the main grandstand, in a separate facility, closer to the first baseline side. Your main entree options at Cowboy Diamond include hot dogs ($3.50), hot links ($4.50), hamburgers, ($4.50) and nachos ($3.50 for regular, $4.50 for nacho grande). Snack items range from popcorn and pretzels for $2, to Cajun peanuts ($4.50), sunflower seeds ($3), and more. Soda options at Cowboy Diamond are headlined by Coca-Cola products. Fountain sodas are available ranging from $2.50 for a small to $4.50 for a large souvenir cup size. Bottled Dasani water is available for $2.50. The Miller Lite Beer Garden is a neat seating area and pavilion located at the end of the third baseline. There’s a small little hut in this area which sells an assortment of beers and sodas as well. When it comes to recommended concession items, you’ll likely want to stay clear of the hot dog here, as it’s not the best of quality. However, try out the hot link, nacho grande, or keep it simple with a bag of Cajun peanuts. Atmosphere 3 The Cowboy Diamond provides a nice, cozy atmosphere both for families and those looking for a tailgate-style viewing experience. Seats in the main grandstand behind home plate provide shelter from the rain and heat thanks to an overhead awning. Featuring both chair back and bleacher seating, this area is where you’ll find most Cowboy fans. Netting wraps across the entire viewing area in front of the grandstand seats from ground to the top of the awning. Down the third baseline towards left field, you’ll find the Miller Lite Beer Garden and Boardwalk areas. The Boardwalk is a nice place to plop down a tailgate style chair along the foul line wall. Just behind is the Beer Garden area complete with a beer sales tiki hut and a small strip of bleachers. There’s also a pavilion in this area which is a great place for group events and parties. The field dimensions at Cowboy Diamond are 330 down the lines, 375 in the power alleys and 400 in center field. The infield features an artificial surface with a natural grass outfield. There is a traditional styled scoreboard beyond the left field wall. While the interior provides a nice atmosphere for fans, some work could be done to the exterior to make it stand out a little more. For example, the ballpark could have more of a presence if the stadium name was posted on the exterior behind the grandstand seats instead of just a blank white space. The game day staff ensures a traditional baseball atmosphere with a few promotions between innings. Expect to see some smaller on-field promotions like a kid base race. The music selection is appropriate for the typical crowd with a focus on country and rock classics, plus player selected walk-up music. Neighborhood 3 The Cowboy Diamond is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on the southern side of the McNeese State University campus. Adjacent to the ballpark is Cowboy Stadium, home to MSU football and the Track and Field Complex. Lake Charles is a medium-sized city in southwest Louisiana and thrives on the oil and gas industry as well as casinos and gaming. In Cajun country, expect to find a few great places to eat and unique entertainment. When it comes to eats, be sure to grab lunch (and a couple of local brews) at Darrell’s. The “Darrell’s Special” is a New Orleans style “poboy” which includes ham, turkey, and roast beef smothered in a roast beef gravy. Steamboat Bill’s serves up delicious seafood including boiled crawfish and a fried seafood platter. Raising Canes is a Louisiana college town staple, and there’s a location off Ryan Street near the ballpark. Considering that casinos aren’t allowed in Texas, Lake Charles benefits greatly by a large crowd making the trek over from the Houston area for a weekend of gambling fun. The Isle of Capri and L’Auberge du Lac are two of the more popular options, if you’re into the casino scene. If you time your visit right, you can catch the Mardi Gras season and a parade or two while in town. Just across from the Cowboy Diamond is the Frosty Factory. This is a great place to grab a local frozen daiquiri before or after the game. Both the L’Auberge and Isle of Capri casinos are also a great place to stay while in town as each also offer hotel services. Fans 2 In Lake Charles, Cowboy football is the unmatched king of the sports scene. Support for Cowboy baseball, however, seems to be on the rise. Cowboy Diamond is the perfect size not only for current baseball crowds, but reasonable growth in the future. For your typical weekend series, expect to see about 600 – 750 fans in attendance. The best attended games of the year will likely come when the Cowboys host in-state rivals like UL-Lafayette or LSU. Within the conference, expect nice crowds for cross-town rival Lamar, and in-state conference foes of Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State. Cowboy baseball crowds are engaged and interactive throughout the game. Expect outbursts during big plays and support for pitchers closing out games in the ninth inning. While there are certainly moments where the crowd is quiet, Cowboy fans know when to get into the game. Fans are active during the seventh inning stretch joining in with the classic “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and clapping along to a fan favorite song referred to as the Cajun National Anthem, “Joli Blon.” Access 4 Lake Charles is accessible from the west and east via I-10 and the I-210 loop. Take the Ryan Street exit off I-210 and head south towards the McNeese State campus. Turn left onto East McNeese Street and then take a right onto Common Street. The ballpark will be on your left on Common Street. Look for a grass parking lot at the corner of Common and Terrace Lane, just behind the left field wall. Parking here will be plentiful and free, plus provides a quick walk to the ticket booth and entrance. The ticket booth shouldn’t have much of a line. If you are purchasing your tickets, be sure to bring along cash as credit is not accepted (though it is accepted at concessions). You’ll quickly grab your tickets and breeze through the entrance, which is at the corner of left field and the third baseline. There’s plenty of room to move around the ballpark, with a courtyard wrapping from left field to the end of the grandstand by first base. The restrooms are old and not the cleanest, but are easily accessible. The main concourse is located at the bottom of the seating area in the grandstand and is wide enough for good traffic flow. Return on Investment 4 The return on investment for attending an MSU baseball game at Cowboy Diamond is pretty strong. With general admission tickets beginning at $8 ($5 for children), there’s very little out-of-pocket investment to get in the gate. In fact, a weekend pass can be purchased for just $20. Reserved chair backs run $15. Concessions aren’t cheap, but also not completely unreasonable. Parking is free. Extras 2 The Cowboy Diamond features a couple of “extra” components which enhance the fan experience at the ballpark. The Miller Lite Beer Garden and Boardwalk area is a neat spot for fans to take in the game in more of a tailgate style, laid back atmosphere. It is a nice overall addition for fans wanting to escape the traditional experience in the main grandstand. There’s a plaque and flower bed honoring the late Harry Chozen, a former McNeese legend. It’s always nice to see programs memorialize the past.

Photo by Ken Thorp, Stadium Journey On Friday, February 24th the Harlem Globetrotters brought their brand of basketball fun and family entertainment to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes Barre, PA. While this is normally the home of the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey team, the ice was removed, and the hardwood was laid down for the show. The wild and crazy atmosphere they brought with them was electric and captivating to all in attendance. They ran through the crowd telling jokes and goofing around. They danced on the court, performed amazing tricks with a basketball, and brought fans young and old onto the court to get them involved in the show. They even played some basketball in between the comedic acts. So, who are these magicians of the hardwood? What was the experience like for an 11-year-old and his dad? And what did the show and the venue have to offer for the thousands in attendance? Let's find out. On the south side of Chicago, in the late 1920s, a group of men formed a basketball team known as the Savoy Big Five. They were one of the premier acts at the Savoy Ballroom who played exhibitions before dances to try and draw crowds and fight the declining attendance issues the venue was having. After some internal strife, some of the players broke off from the team and formed the "Globe Trotters." Abe Saperstein became the manager and promoter for the team and named the team the New York Harlem Globe Trotters. While we know the Globetrotters today as more entertainment and stunts than basketball, this is a team with a rich history of success and goodwill across the world. On February 19, 1948, the Globetrotters defeated the World Champion Minnesota Lakers of the Basketball Association of America which later became the NBA, by the score of 61-59. A year later they beat them again. In 1950, Nathaniel "Sweetwater" Clifton, a member of the Globetrotters became the first African American player to sign an NBA contract when he joined the New York Knicks. The Globetrotters traveled overseas in 1950 on an international tour. On this journey, they played in front of their largest crowd ever at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. There were 75,000 in attendance. After the trip, a letter was written from the U.S. States Department to Abe Saperstein. In the letter, the team was referred to as "Ambassadors of extraordinary goodwill." The Globetrotters have been acknowledged by U.S. Presidents for what they have done for people around the world. In 1985, Olympic Gold Medalist Lynette Woodard became the first female to play for a men's pro basketball team when she joined the Globetrotters. As we entered the Mohegan Sun Arena and picked up our order of chicken (which was described as the best chicken nuggets ever), we found our way to our seats in the 200 section. A cheese steak would have probably been a better choice because they looked splendid, but when you are with a picky eater you are just happy, they found something they really enjoyed. Food prices were about the norm for any venue for a semi-pro team. The seats were good. There were a lot of open seats around the section, so we had the ability to spread out a little. Seats near the entrances to the section can be a little dicey. The safety bars come up a little high above the stairs and can obstruct portions of the viewing area (especially for children). The show itself was incredible. Everyone in the arena knew that basketball was going to be secondary to the stunts and action they were going to see tonight. There was a little basketball played and, spoiler alert, the Globetrotters won. There was so much more than a basketball game going on. Players were chasing each other up and down the isles with buckets of water and confetti and, it appeared, some people may have gotten a little damp. At one point during the first half, the game was stopped, and a gentleman was brought onto the court to dance with one of the Globetrotters. It was like a scene that came straight out of "Dirty Dancing" (he even managed to do a version of the lift). As the game was going on, one of the players actually climbed onto the rim and started waving to the crowd. Football also found its way onto the court as the Trotters not only huddled up, but they also called a running play and executed it past the end line, which acted as the end zone. The referee said he needed to see an instant replay and the team did the entire play in reverse, in slow-motion, not missing a beat, just to re-run it again. Players were spinning the ball on their fingers for what seemed like forever before inviting a young fan to the court and spinning the ball right onto his finger. The ability of the players to seemingly defy gravity and remain in the air as long as they did just to wait for the ball to arrive and slam it through the hoop was mesmerizing. Photo by Ken Thorp, Stadium Journey Halftime was amazing filled with crazy stunts and fun interactions with the players. The team invited the fans to the ends of the court to purchase Globetrotter basketballs. There were 3 to choose from. They had small, large, and the commemorative ball with gold writing. Considering a standard souvenir for most special events is about $20, I did not see the $35 cost for the large ball to be terribly over the top however the $70.00 price tag for the commemorative ball was a bit steep. After the game, fans were invited down to surround the court for a meet and greet with the players. The ball came in handy as they took pictures and signed autographs. My son garnered several signatures on his ball which made for a great souvenir. Photo by Ken Thorp, Stadium Journey Now was this a flawless endeavor--- by no means. Nothing is ever going to be 100% perfect. As I mentioned earlier, there was a minimal issue with the seats but being that we had some freedom to move around that problem was fixed. As we were waiting for a ball during halftime, they claimed they had run out although I did see 3 left in the bin and I was next online. I explained to the gentleman selling them that we were waiting a while and he just brushed me off as if I was not speaking at all. We had to go across the floor to the other stand to purchase one and wait in line all over again. My son did not seem to mind as we walked past the Globetrotters bench, and he said hello. Lastly, the end of the game player experience was a great idea but completely disorganized and could have been handled far better. Crowds were just gathered in front of players who were understandably overwhelmed but handled it beautifully. Parents were worse than the kids as they tried to weasel in front to get a signature. Lastly, if you are going to pay a visit to the venue, GET THERE EARLY! There is one way in and one way out of the parking lot. It is a smaller venue so it sounds worse than it is, but you will have a bit of a wait and miss the beginning of the show if you do not give yourself appropriate time. Once we made it into the parking lot, parking and entering the arena was easy. There are luxury suites available for advance purchase and at certain times of the year, they are half-price. I can speak from past experience and say they are very comfortable and offer great views of the entire event.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bosse Field 23 Don Mattingly Way Evansville, IN 47711 Evansville Otters website Bosse Field website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 5,000 Bosse Field is a Foe to Time “The big concrete amphitheater, with its great arch roof, steel beams, constructed throughout of fireproof materials, will stand as a foe to time. Not only will it host present generations, the generations to come will meet there for amusement purposes, and long after every man in Evansville connected with the building of the big stands is dead and gone, the stadium will stand as a monument to the city.” Those were the words that read in the Evansville Journal about the city’s new and modern Bosse Field on June 13, 1915. The terms “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” have been prophetic and wisely stated; as of this writing, the facility is the third oldest professional ballpark after Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field . Bosse Field was built as a result of an accident at the city’s League Stadium, which had been constructed in 1894. Temporary bleachers collapsed during Field Day events on May 22, 1914, and 50 people were injured. Field Day was a large, annual event where students from local schools would put on performances featuring music, dance, patriotic displays, and calisthenics for the Evansville public. Mayor Benjamin Bosse wanted to build a ballpark, yet did not have the city funding. He had to sell the idea of a multi-use facility to the school board to get it completed. A total of 10 acres of Garvin Park was selected at a reported cost of $10,000, and construction began on February 15th, 1915. A little over four months later, on June 17th, the stadium was dedicated at 1 p.m., followed by a baseball game at 3:15 and a wrestling match later that evening. For the next several decades, minor league baseball, high school sports, and even a National Football League team found a home at the stadium. Ball club nicknames included the River Rats, Evas, Pocketeers, Hubs, Bees, Braves, and White Sox. The Evansville Triplets, a Detroit Tigers Triple-A club, were the last affiliated club to call the ballpark home in 1984. The Evansville Otters have called the historic ballpark home since its inception in 1995, and improvements were made the following seasons that included a new press box, a new scoreboard, and a new concrete entrance. The Otters are the oldest franchise in the Frontier League and have captured five division and two league championships. The stadium looks very different and, yet, very similar to its debut over a century ago. The shape of the main grandstand and roof looks similar, the basic design of the main facade from the exterior has changed little, and even the parking lot has remained the same. A 1930 renovation replaced the stucco with brick, and in 1957, improvements were made with all new seating in the grandstand, new dugouts, and repairs were made to the portion of the first base concourse that had been previously roped off the prior season. Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time, and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands inside and outside the grandstand that offer an array of menu items that include hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, brats, and french fries that are served with chili and cheese. A few recommendations include the jalapeño brat or pork tenderloin sandwich, and the bucket of fries is a great deal at $3. The nachos are served with white cheese sauce that is somewhat different than the neon yellow variety served at most ballparks, and you can have it topped with pulled pork at a cost of $7. The beer selection includes a variety of Budweiser products that sell for $5 for a 16-ounce draft or $9 for a 32-ounce draft. This also includes the club's very own Otter Ale, a pale ale that is brewed locally by Carson’s Brewery. There are a few more craft selections that cost between $5 $6.25 and include Yazoo (Nashville), Goose Island IPA, and Schnitz (Jasper, Indiana). Pepsi products are served if you choose not to drink beer. Atmosphere 4 Bosse Field offers the quintessential old-school baseball experience. The arched grandstand and covered roof provide fans a glimpse of baseball of another era. With that being said, there are many aspects of the stadium that are still very basic, from its simple scoreboard, narrow concourse, and lack of a wraparound concourse. The covered grandstand is a nice little touch on hot and humid days for fans to get an ample amount of shading; if they are somewhat closer to the top of the seating area, a nice little breeze provides relief. The team's official mascot can be seen walking around the concourse and poses for photos when applicable. The Otterbelles are a group of young ladies who sometimes dress in baseball dresses from the movie; they perform in-between innings, handle promotions, and come around to fans with garbage bags for trash pickup. Still, the main attraction is the 100-year-old baseball stadium that features a classic entrance, brick exterior and interior, and old advertisements that were left behind from the film A League of Their Own . The large foul territory is a pitcher’s friend, and the two dugouts are positioned a little bit closer to one another near the backstop. There is a kids zone outside the first base side of the grandstand that features inflatables, pitching, and hitting zones. The Bud Light Lime Patio is an addition behind the right field wall for groups of 10 or more. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located two miles from downtown in a residential and commercial district, and there are three great pizza places to stop by after the game. Deerhead Pizza is set in an 1860s building that features live jazz. Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewing is a local favorite set in a rustic building and offering thin-crust pizza and craft-made beer, and Azzip Pizza offers the Westsider, which features barbecue sauce, pulled pork, red onions, Grippo's potato chip seasonings, and Ski cola reduction. Another regional item is the fried brain sandwich that is on the menu at the Hilltop Inn. The historic restaurant has been in business since 1839, and a fried brain sandwich on a hamburger bun with pickles and onions for $9.50. The mushy sandwich is for the faint-hearted; you will probably either like it or despise it. If you make your way downtown, check out Bru Burger, that is located inside the old Greyhound Bus Terminal; in fact, the restored signage outside the building still exists. Brew Brothers Tap House is located inside the Tropicana Casino and offers select $3 drafts along with a great brisket sandwich with homemade barbecue sauce, and The Rooftop offers food and drink with rooftop seating during the warm months. Evansville is home to a few more breweries that include Carson’s Brewery, Maidens Brewery & Pub, Myriad Brewing Company, and Haynie's Corner Brewing Company. Evansville also features the Dream Car Museum, Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville Children's Museum, Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science to keep you busy during your stay in the River City. Also, the Tropicana Evansville Casino is located along the river walk and offers free parking for all patrons. Fans 3 We visited the game during the camp game, but the young fans provided a nice soundtrack to the game that was taking place on the diamond. Average attendance for Otters games is around 2,000 each season, and many in the grandstand are there for baseball or just a night out with friends and family. If you are lucky, you might be able to talk to someone who has a plethora of stories from the ballpark's 10 decades of use. Access 3 The historic ballpark is located just west of Route 41 and just north of downtown Evansville. It is at the southeast corner of Garvin Park. Bathrooms, concessions, and seat locations are clearly marked inside the ballpark. Parking is free of charge for all cars in a parking lot adjacent to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a single ticket in advance is $5 for a general admission ticket; the price increases to $6 at noon the day of the game. The GA tickets are the upper sections of seating underneath the grandstand. The field box seats are $10 and include in-seat wait service. VIP tickets are $12 and also include in-seat wait service. There is no charge for parking, and concession items are reasonably priced. Extras 4 Bosse Field earns a point for being the third-oldest ballpark in professional baseball and appears to be in rather sound condition. The second point is for the vintage ads that were incorporated for the motion picture A League of Their Own ; they add a nice touch to the historic venue. The grandstand earns a third point for its multiple vantage points that are ideal for photographs of games. The final point is for the Otterbelles, who are a group of young ladies who sometimes dress in baseball dresses from the movie; they perform in-between innings, handle promotions, and come around to fans with garbage bags for trash pickup. Final Thoughts Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time, and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy Leeds, AL 35094 SRO America website Barber Motorsports Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 100,000 Alabama’s Sportscar Showcase The “Augusta of Motorsports” has hosted numerous race series over the years – known mostly for its spring IndyCar date, this track nestled in the mountains of northern Alabama just east of Birmingham is one of the most attractive on any schedule. While having hosted sportscar racing in the past, as well as numerous lower division amateur series, Barber Motorsports Park welcomed back the SRO America group with open arms in 2024. By all accounts this return has been a massive success, once again giving fans in Alabama a chance to see supercars race at Barber regularly.   Food & Beverage   3 No doubt, the biggest downside to this event is the lack of concessions stands. In the main paddock only one food truck is present on the second level; the rest of the food options exist as small bar concessions on the two main viewing hilltops, along with a few food trucks down in the fan zone. However, even if you just want a burger or hot dog the price is very manageable (a big, juicy cheeseburger is $6.50). Many fans bring their own food and snacks, with Buc-ee’s as the top stop just outside the track’s entrance. When visiting Alabama, barbecue must be one of the staples of your diet, plain and simple. Even the drivers are known to stop by to grab a bite of barbecue to eat here, which is a true testament to how good the food is. There are also food and drink vendors all over the track, so fans are never too far from their next meal.   Atmosphere   5 Barber Motorsports Park is by far the most beautiful and well-manicured race circuit in America. The track is a natural terrain road course, meaning the track follows the rolls and undulations of the mountains upon which the facility was built. Additionally, the foliage around the track is mesmerizing – the trees are tall, old, and majestic, and the wind blowing through them provides a true bonding with nature feeling. The roses, azaleas, and wildflowers blossom on the hills and fill the air with the scent of clean, fresh, floral greatness. What does all that have to do with racing? It puts you in a state of relaxation while watching a race that makes it all even more enjoyable than it already was, not to mention one of the best motorsports museums in the world is located on the track’s premises. The restroom facilities are also top-level, and the main paddock is perfectly laid out for fans to navigate. Signage is plentiful around the facility to help you figure out where to watch from, and numerous viewing areas around the circuit offer handicap-accessible options as well.   Neighborhood   4 The area around the track has changed drastically of late; literally next door is one of the coolest Bass Pro Shops there is (everyone has to drive along a half-mile-long nature preserve just to get to the store entrance). The racing circuit is also several miles away from Birmingham, and the only hotel next to the track is a Hampton Inn, but brand new in the last few years is a massive Buc-ees right outside the venue. However, just across the highway is a giant outlet mall that includes a drive-in movie theater, and in addition, down the highway just a few exits away lie several chain restaurants (Hooter’s, Five Guys, Olive Garden, and more), as well as more hotels. Not far away is the Birmingham Airport, with a nearby Holiday Inn that has a free airport shuttle and room rates in the low $100s, even during race weekend. Lastly, for sightseers, Talladega National Forest is only an hour’s drive away, while The Vulcan remains a popular tourist spot that offers a panoramic view of Birmingham.   Fans   3 In the heart of Alabama, you may never expect to find a herd of hard-core sportscar racing fans. Nevertheless, Barber Motorsports Park is full of fans who are series knowledgeable, as well as loud and rowdy in support of their favorite drivers. As with most SRO events, the crowds here may not reach the size of the larger events at each facility, but the attendance is no less impressive, and is growing year by year. This is no doubt an event that has massive potential for fans in the future. This is also one of the most family-friendly race parks there is, so fans can bring their whole families to the track; Southern hospitality at its best.   Access   5 Parking at Barber Motorsports Park is brilliant – there are numerous parking lots all over the property, and none of them are far from the track. Getting to the actual racing circuit is easy as well, as the main highway has an exit ramp that is less than a mile from the park’s entrance. Getting around the actual course itself is also simple; while the track is large, it is easy to walk around. Seating is also easy, as the main grandstand on the backstretch allows views of all four straightaways and several corners. Or, for a more picturesque view there are several locations where you can pitch a giant foldable party tent, and bring some folding chairs and a cooler to watch the race from the hillside. In addition, as if the relaxing atmosphere couldn’t get any more relaxing, it still does – the track offers fans a free tram service that circles the course, allowing you to view the racing action from anywhere on site. Also, to get to the track itself there are now various billboards and signs all over the local highways telling you which exit to use, and what direction to turn to get there. Another feature is a beautiful, flat, easy-to-navigate handicapped accessible pathway, which travels through the forest to a lookout point where fans using wheelchairs can watch the race, while also being in the comfort of the trees. This pathway is conveniently located across the street from the handicapped parking area.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to SRO weekend at Barber are incredibly affordable – Friday tickets are just $15, while Saturday or Sunday-only tickets run $35. A weekend pass for all three days is just $75, a price far below that of other comparable events in the area. Parking is free, while car corral access is $70 for Saturday or $125 for all 3 days, which includes your daily ticket as well as premium parking, along with a post-race lap on the track in your car. Suite access tickets are $350, while trackside RV and camping ranges from $100 to $350 based on location.   Extras   5 Barber Motorsports Park is chock full of extras. First and biggest is the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum – billed as one of the largest motorsports museums in the country, it will show you some of racing history’s best machines from the past. The museum is currently in the stages of expansion, as well, to make it even bigger. And if the museum itself isn’t enough, during race weekends the museum staff opens the first floor to the fans, one of only three times a year this is done. Why is this so monumental? The first floor is the restoration floor – who can pass up a chance to see the beautiful vintage race cars and motorcycles being restored to their former glory? Another bonus is the great fan zones around the track which have the best viewing location in the park, the hillside under the trees on the backstretch. Additionally, the staff here puts on a great fan activity area where fans can meet SRO drivers and get autographs. And if you enjoy camping, you can stay on-site with a hillside spot right behind the paddock, which offers some brilliant views of the track from a few places. Perhaps the biggest extra, however, is the random sculptures scattered throughout Barber Motorsports Park – a giant metal spider in the infield, a zombie trying to swim out of a lake, metal sunflowers, tigers by the scoring tower, a Native American chief on the mountainside, giant ants carrying away a motorcycle, Greek Gods, and more pepper the park’s property, making for a neat hide-and-seek adventure. Finally, the museum also features a walking path into the track’s interior, featuring two walk-over bridges that cross the track – they both have glass floors, and there is also a path through the woods and over a waterfall.   Final Thoughts If you are looking for a great way to enjoy racing, Barber Motorsports Park is a wonderful track at which to view some of the best racing in America. Add to that a vintage museum that showcases the coolest machines in racing history, and you have a great location in which to watch sports. SRO America weekend here will no doubt feature on their calendar for years to come, thanks to the great fan attendance, and looks to be a fantastic event in which fans can watch supercars in Alabama.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre 254 N Park St Brantford, ON N3R 4L1 Brantford Titans website Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 1,000 Telephone City Titans The hockey landscape in Brantford, Ontario, is taking shape. The Southwestern Ontario city, most known for being the home of telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell and the greatest hockey player ever, Wayne Gretzky, has seen hockey change drastically in the last few years. The move of the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL to Brantford changed many things. The Brantford OJHL team, the 99ers, found the area too crowded and moved to King City. The Junior B installment had a bit of shuffling and came out in 2024 as the Brantford Titans. Junior B hockey was present in Brantford in the 90s with the Brantford Eagles, who eventually moved down the road to Caledonia to become the Corvairs. In 2013, an iteration of the Branford 99ers came to town to play in the GOJHL. The 99ers eventually became the Brantford Bandits and played in the Brantford Civic Centre. In 2023, the Bandits pursued a failed attempt to move to Kitchener. In an ownership shuffle, the Bandits owners purchased the Cambridge Redhawks and sold the Bandits to Jon Clark and Mike Christian, owners of the nearby Junior C, Paris Titans. The Bandits rebranded as the Brantford Titans and solidified their home as the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre was built in 1972. In 1982, it was named after Brantford native and favourite son, Wayne Gretzky. In 1997, the Sports Centre received a huge renovation and is now home to four NHL-sized ice pads and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The Gretzky Centre is definitely a community hub and a strong facility for Junior B hockey. Food & Beverage 4 The concession options at Wayne Gretzky Centre are a step above those found in other GOJHL arenas. There are two main concession options. The Lookout Lounge offers a full-service bar and restaurant and looks out over the ice surface of the main arena. The offshoot Lookout Express offers more traditional concession options. Pizza, burgers, grilled cheese, hot dogs, salads, wraps, popcorn, breakfast sandwiches, and cookies are all available. Pepsi products, coffee, slushies, juice, and iced tea comprise the beverage options. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is long and large. A large square in front of the main entry has a full-sized bronze sculpture of Gretzky holding up the Stanley Cup in front of Wayne’s parents, Walter and Phyllis, and a young Wayne. This area is pretty busy and acts as a drop-off point for many parents dropping off kids for skating, hockey, or swimming. The exterior of the building is a long structure, with a heavy use of glass, allowing a ton of natural light into the main lobby. This is no mere small-town hockey barn. Another note from the exterior is the Karen Roberts artwork “Take Your Shot,” which features a large puck, made of hockey stick shafts, hitting the top corner of a hockey net. It is found in the parking lot in a spot that was once reserved for Walter Gretzky. After Walter’s passing in 2021, members of the community placed hockey sticks and pucks in his dedicated parking spot. Those items were incorporated into the art. After entering the Wayne Gretzky Centre, fans will be wowed by the huge main lobby that connects the pool area with the ice hockey rink. Towards the ice pads sits the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition. This museum not only contains the enshrined members, including both Wayne and Walter Gretzky, but it also houses several artifacts and mementos, many donated by the Gretzkys. This is definitely worth some time to explore. Other trophy cases can be found outside of the ice pads. After purchasing tickets, fans will ascend to the walking track of the main arena, behind the seating area, which acts as a concourse. The ice surface is oriented north to south, and the main seating area, with a good view of the centre ice logo, is on the west side. The seating consists of ten rows of modern, plastic, arena seats on the west side and six rows on the east side. The track allows for standing room around the entirety of the arena. Protective netting circles the entire ice surface, and a simple scoreboard hangs above centre ice. A unique plus is the exit at the northeast corner, which offers a significant window and allows natural light into the arena. The gameday production at a Titans game is very simple. The PA system is decent. Of note on the game that was reviewed, there were some issues with music and announcements at the same time. Neighbourhood 3 Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is located in the Fairview neighbourhood of Brantford. It is a fairly residential neighbourhood, but there are a couple of strip malls that are within walking distance. These include a few spots for pre and post game food and drinks. Some options include Sociable Kitchen & Table, Yong Great Wall Buffet, Stromboli’s Brick Oven Pizza and Angel’s Diner. There are also a few other sporting options in Brantford. The OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs have taken the city by storm and are awaiting a new arena that is in the works. It is unlikely that the schedules would cross, but it may be possible to catch some Brantford Red Sox baseball early in the hockey season. It is also just a hop, skip and jump over to Paris, where the affiliate Paris Titans play. Other tourist options in the area include the Bell Museum, Canadian Military Heritage Museum, Brantford Twin Valley Zoo and Myrtleville House Museum. For fans wishing to stay in town, the Comfort Inn and Best Western are not far away. Fans 2 With the hockey landscape changing in Brantford, the Titans have yet to fully get a stronghold in the market. For the 2024-25 season, the Titans averaged 137 fans per game, which was second from the bottom in the GOJHL. At the game that was reviewed, it was mainly a friends and family type of crowd. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Titans and if they are able to attract larger crowds on a more consistent basis. Access 5 The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is located in the Fairview neighbourhood of Brantford, west of the Wayne Gretzky Parkway. It is immediately north of Highway 403 and three blocks east of Highway 24. Getting to the Gretzky Centre is not an issue and fans coming from out of town will not need to traverse the city too much. There is plenty of parking on site. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Park Street, immediately east of the Gretzky Centre. Fans should consult the Brantford Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the Gretzky Centre is not an issue at all and is very spacious. The arena is fairly modern and comfortable as well. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Brantford Titans are very affordable and can be purchased online ahead of time, which is not terribly common for teams in the GOJHL. Tickets start at $10 with discounts for students and seniors. It is one of the cheapest tickets for any sporting event, anywhere. Parking at the Wayne Gretzky Centre is free and concession prices are what one would expect. The investment is very low, but a bit bigger crowd to provide some more excitement would put the return on investment over the top. Extras 2 An extra mark for the synergy that the Brantford Titans have with their affiliate, the Paris Titans. An extra mark for the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre as a community hub for the city of Brantford. Final Thoughts The Brantford Titans play in a facility that is quite unique in that it is not new, yet feels big, bright and modern. The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is one of the best facilities in the GOJHL. There is plenty for fans to explore at the Gretzky Centre and taking in a Titans game is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ogren Park at Allegiance Field 700 Cregg Ln. Missoula, MT 59802 Missoula PaddleHeads website Ogren Park at Allegiance Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 3,500 A River Runs By It When people think about Montana, images of fly fishing come to mind. The Treasure State has hundreds of miles of legendary waters from which anglers try to coax trout. The 300-mile Clark Fork of the Columbia River is one of those streams, descending into the university town of Missoula from the Bitterroot Mountains. The Clark Fork provided the setting for author Norman Maclean’s semi-autobiographical novella, “A River Runs Through It,” from which came the 1992 film starring Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer. Along the Clark Fork’s south bank, just west of downtown Missoula, sits Alliance Field & Ogren Park, the 3,500-seat home to the Pioneer Baseball League’s Missoula Paddleheads. Fans can make pre-game casts into the Clark Fork a few hundred feet from the cages where players take batting practice or put in a drift boat from the launch in one of the stadium’s parking lots. The confluence of fishing and baseball is celebrated at Ogren Park. Not only that, but Missoula’s extensive trail system provides a convenient way to get to a PaddleHeads game without a car. Fans can (and do) bike, walk, and scooter to the game from all around “Zootown,” as Missoula is known. These trails connect Ogren Park to points all over town, including downtown, the University of Montana’s campus, and a seemingly limitless bounty of parks and open space. Ogren Park’s connection to stream and trail has created one of professional baseball’s most unique settings. Food & Beverage 3 Ogren Park has concession stands on the concourses along both baselines. There are no major culinary surprises, but the food is good quality: hot dogs ($5), brats ($6), chicken tenders and fries ($9), veggie burgers ($8), and cheeseburgers ($8) are all available. So are fries ($4), tater tots ($4), popcorn ($4), peanuts ($4), and Cracker Jack ($3). Ogren Park sells Coca-Cola products in 20-ounce plastic bottles for $4. Beer lovers will not be disappointed. The PaddleHeads sell a good range of craft beer ($7 per draft) that includes brews from Missoula’s Highlander Beer (Strawberry Wheat, Strange Haze, and Devil’s Hump Red Ale, named for the profile of a grizzly bear) and Draught Works Brewery (That’s What She Said Cream Ale). Budweiser, Miller Lite, and Coors Lite sell for $6 per draft. Draught Works’ hard seltzers (Citrus Cowboy, Mountain Berry, and Tropical Express) are available, along with wine ($8) and hard cider ($6). Atmosphere 3 There’s nothing particularly unusual about Ogren Park’s design or experience. Seats (chairbacks and metal bleachers) rise from field level to the concourse at street level, above. One concession stand has been placed on the concourses along each baseline, with a bar on the concourse behind the press box. There’s no seating behind the outfield walls; however, the Paddleheads allow fans to watch games for free from a knoll beyond the center field fence, under the osprey nest. That area can be accessed from Missoula’s Riverfront Trail along the Clark Fork River’s south bank. Try for seats along the third baseline. You’ll enjoy a nice view of Mount Sentinel and its hillside letter “M,” which rises above the University of Montana’s campus. An important note: there is very little shade at Ogren Park. Temperatures for day games, particularly those late in the season, can make life miserable in the grandstand. Mercifully, the Paddleheads have placed several tents in the right field corner to create a party area. When that area is not used for hosting an event, it provides the ballpark’s only shade and a nice place to watch the game. Neighborhood 4 Ogren Park’s greatest asset is its location. The city’s Riverfront Trail parallels the Clark Fork River for approximately two miles on each side. That trail is paved, winding through several Missoula parks and providing easy access to the Clark Fork for anyone interested in fishing or boating. The trail also connects with other trails in Missoula’s extensive trail system and provides an excellent thoroughfare for anyone exploring Missoula. The trail system connects Ogren Park with downtown Missoula and to the University of Montana’s main campus. Downtown Missoula has a restaurant or bar for just about everyone, along with shops, parks, theaters, and museums. The University of Montana is set against Mount Sentinel, where hikers can scale to the school’s hillside “M” 620 feet up the side of its west face. Not only that, Ogren Park neighbors McCormick Park, which itself contains playgrounds, fields, a stocked fishing pond, an aquatics center, and the renowned Mobash Skate Park. Ogren Park sits near a public boat launch on the Clark Fork, approximately 500 feet west of the left field corner. Drift boats are put in and taken out at this launch, even while games are being played. Just south of the stadium, the Old Sawmill District development has brought new shops and restaurants within walking distance. Fans 3 Despite losing their longtime affiliation with MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks in 2020, fans have continued to come to Ogren Park. In 2021, the Paddleheads drew an average home attendance of 1,604, with local pandemic control measures limiting capacity for part of the season. Winning the Pioneer Baseball League title in 2021 may have contributed to a modest bump in 2022’s home attendance, with the team averaging 1,786 fans per home game. With a capacity of 3,500, Ogren Park can and hopefully will accommodate continued increases in home attendance. Access 5 Ogren Park does not have extensive parking. It doesn’t really need it. Missoula’s trails provide an easy way to walk, bike, or skateboard to a Paddleheads game. Boating is also an option. Several drift boats ferried anglers down the Clark Fork just before a recent Sunday afternoon game, taking out at the adjacent launch. The PaddleHeads even encourage a more riparian route, sponsoring an annual “Float to the Ballpark” promotion to raise money for local charities. (A parking warning: signs abound in the adjacent Old Sawmill District that baseball parking is verboten there. Be mindful of that fact, or you will quickly become acquainted with one of Missoula’s towing companies. The adjacent trails also provide an easy and scenic route to and from downtown Missoula. A 15-minute walk along the Riverfront Trail and across the Orange Street Bridge will take you to great, local restaurants and pubs while also providing beautiful views of the town. Once downtown, try Bob Marshall’s Biga Pizza or the Thomas Meagher Bar (aka the “Mar Bar”) for food. Downtown also has several breweries, such as Tamarack Brewing Co., the Conflux Brewing Company, and Imagine Nation Brewing. The stadium’s concourses are sufficiently wide to accommodate large crowds. Bathrooms are spacious and clean, and can provide shade during a hot game. Return on Investment 2 Pricing for the PaddleHead experience is right where it should be in all categories. General admission tickets sell for $11, and club seats, the priciest available, sell for $17. Discounts are available for seniors and children. Food and beverage prices align with other Pioneer League teams. Parking is free. Extras 3 The PaddleHeads earn a point for their commitments both to ornithology and their prior identity. An osprey nest stands behind the center field wall, home to a pair of ospreys that feed in the adjacent Clark Fork River. From 1999 until 2019, the team was the Missoula “Osprey.” The aerie and its residents survived the name change and continue to be a point of pride for the team. A second point goes to the free viewing area along the Riverfront Trail in center field. The team welcomes the use of this location to catch quick glimpses of games and even to set up a lawn chair and watch more than that. It’s a nice feature akin to locations at MLB parks such as the Pittsburgh Pirates PNC Park and the San Francisco Giants Oracle Park where fans outside the stadiums can enjoy peeks of the action inside. Third, the PaddleHeads receive a point for their commitment to the Clark Fork River. Pairing with the Clark Fork Coalition (“CFC”), the PaddleHeads host an annual river clean-up day. Fans can earn a free ticket to the game by venturing out to the Clark Fork and collecting trash. A local artist designs trout-themed jerseys, which are auctioned off to raise money for the CFC. The PaddleHeads recognize the importance of the river’s health and are good neighbors to it. Final Thoughts Ogren Park’s proximity to the Clark Fork River and the rest of Missoula can provide a unique baseball experience: pre- and post-game fly fishing, punctuated by a ball game. Or pre- and post-game eating and drinking, punctuated by a ball game, but without the need for a car. Or just by coming to a game at Ogren Park and enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains, under the watch of a nesting osprey. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy a game at Ogren Park.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Nick Carey, & Mapping the Path. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Legends Field 1800 Village West Pkwy Kansas City, KS 66111 Kansas City Monarchs website Legends Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 6,537 Honoring the Past in Kansas City The Kansas City Monarchs are members of the American Association and play home games at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. The ball club moved to town in 2003 from Duluth, Minnesota, and was renamed the T-Bones, but rebranded in January of 2021 under new ownership. Team owner Mark Brandmeyer partnered with the Negro League Baseball Museum to rebrand as the Kansas City Monarchs and have a portion of sales at the game go back to the museum. The original Monarchs were the longest-tenured ball club in the Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1964, winning 11 pennants, and featuring former legends of the game Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Cool "Papa" Bell, Buck O’Neil, and Ernie Banks. The stadium opened as CommunityAmerica Ballpark in 2003 and cost $14 million. It was built in the West Village, which developers saw as an ideal location for tourist dollars. The neighborhood would blossom with retail, hotels, restaurants, and two sporting venues (see neighborhood section), and other points of interest. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage at the ballpark offers local flavors and beverages from around the Kansas City area. Items that can be found should appeal to many visitors at the game. Pepsi products are the official soft drinks at the ballpark. The KC BBQ Project offers smoked meats and includes barbecue mac and cheese, brisket sandwiches, and chili cheese fries. Home Slice Pizza offers slices of pizza in numerous varieties. The Grill King has hot dogs, sausages, nachos, and cheesesteaks for sale. There is a freshly squeezed lemonade kiosk and Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shack on the first base, close to the Beer Park, that offers a collection of macro and local beers from Boulevard, Martin City, and Outfield Beer Company. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere begins well before the gates open, with fans tailgating in the parking lot. It is an experience that is uncommon at most facilities. The team installed synthetic turf in 2025 to ensure the field can accommodate Mother Nature in the early part of the season and other events at the stadium. There is seating for 7,500 and includes a wrap-around open concourse, a picnic area, grass lawn seating in right field, and a center field party area. There are table-top seats with small patches of synthetic turf and many vantage points to watch the game. The Home Run Porch is an all-you-can-eat group area, and outdoor couches, small fire pits, and outdoor games can be found in the outfield concourse of the stadium. The large grass seating is evenly sloped and offers fans a relaxing way to enjoy the game on a sunny afternoon or early evening. Photo Courtesy of Nick Carey, American Ballpark Road Trip The team store is behind home plate and is 3,000 square feet, featuring a huge selection of shirts, caps, jerseys, and retro-Monarchs gear. The interlocking KC logo is predominant in various styles. The past is honored with former players on the walls along with a mini-floatig museum that highlights the achievements of the Negro Leagues. The open-area concourse allows viewing of the game while away from your seat and provides easy access to many parts of the stadium. Monty is the official mascot, and he can be seen roaming around the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Legends Field is located in Village West, a $1.2 billion retail, dining, and entertainment section located at the intersection of I-70 and I-43, 11 miles west of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It is the most visited destination by tourists in Kansas and has fueled population growth in the county. The Kansas Speedway, home of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and the NASCAR Racing Experience, where visitors can drive or ride along in an authentic NASCAR vehicle, is a few hundred yards away from the ballpark. Children’s Mercy Park is also on the same street as the home of Sporting Kansas City in the MLS. If you plan a visit, you might be able to take in three events at these facilities on one day. Legends Outdoor Kansas City is home to 100 retail stores and restaurants, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Bass Pro Shop (formerly the Cabela’s store). The Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor waterpark and hotel, and Chateau Avalaon is a luxury bed and breakfast. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a highlight of the trip to KC, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The best barbecue closest to the ballpark, Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue, is world-renowned among chefs, locals, and tourists. There might be a line, but you can grab a beer or enjoy the smell of smoke as you near the cashier. Everything is good, including the sides, but the burnt ends are what you need to eat if you get the chance. The WWI Museum is a fascinating view at an often overlooked war that is as interactive and engaging as it is informative. If you have time for baseball, there is a team called the Kansas City Royals that plays at Kauffman Stadium from April to October. I hear that they even have fountains in their outfield and a great kids’ play area. Fans 3 The attendance at Monarchs games is routinely in the middle of the league, with an average of around 2,106 fans per game. The stadium has all the needs and wants for a 21st-century fan, and many who attend the game do an admirable job of cheering on the home team. There are plenty of promotional nights to attract fans to weekday games, and a lot more activities take place on the concourse during games. Access 5 The stadium is at the I-70 and I-435 intersection, with plenty of signs guiding motorists to both the complex and the ballpark. There is plenty of free parking and a spacious concourse that wraps around the entire field with plenty of room to move around. All bathrooms, concession stands, and exits are marked. Return on Investment 4 The Kansas City Monarchs offer a variety of nights that offer affordable tickets and concession prices. Tickets start at $10 for games on Monday to Wednesday and jump to $15 on the weekends. The team has fireworks after every Friday evening game and offers free parking for all home games. The team store is stocked with plenty of team merchandise, including jerseys, shirts, caps, and other apparel.  Photo Courtesy of Mapping the Path Fans can bring their pups to games on Monday and grab a hot dog for $2. Tuesdays offer $2 tacos and $5 margaritas. If the Monarchs win on Wednesday night, fans can come back to a future game for free. Thirsty Thursdays offer $3 beers and $2 hot dogs. The best options for value are on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. Extras 4 Legends Fields earns points for the numerous promotional nights on Monday to Thursday that include food and drink specials, and bringing your dogs to the game on Monday nights. The inner concourse is loaded with portraits of former Negro League players that include Jackie Robinson, Buck O’Neil, and Ernie Banks. The third point is for the team not charging for parking at the game. The final point is for the collection of current and retro-Monarch merchandise in the team shop. Final Thoughts Legends Field has transitioned from a normal ballpark to one that has nice little touches of comfort, history, and fan conveniences. There is a great food selection, creative game promotions, and plenty of merchandise for fans to make it a night at the ballpark. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Shadek Stadium 423 W Liberty Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Shadek Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,500 A Diplomatic Field Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836, it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. This new stadium replaced the 4,000-seat Sponaugle–Williamson Field in 2017. The former home was built in 1920 as Williamson Field, although the playing surface dates back to the 1890s. Sponaugle–Williamson Field was named after S. Woodrow Sponaugle, who coached football and basketball, in addition to being the athletic director at F&M for 15 years. He shares the stadium’s dedication with Henry S. Williamson, who was a trustee of the college from 1894 to 1917. Shadek Stadium is named for Larry Shadek, class of 1972. The stadium is located on Franklin & Marshall’s North Campus, formerly the site of Armstrong World Industries, just north of Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Shadek seats about 2,500, about 1,500 fewer than the old field. Food & Beverage 2 There is a simple concession stand located in the middle of the main grandstand. The food offerings are slim, but if you need a hot dog and/or hot chocolate during the game, this will do just fine. Otherwise, you may want to wait until after the game for more food options. The stand is large enough that the food offerings could be easily enhanced. Atmosphere 3 The new stadium doesn’t have the historical charm of the college’s old facility. But the setting is ideal and the design is very nice. There is a large stand on the home side of the field, with a smaller one on the opposing side. You can walk easily from one side to the other on the south side of the stadium. There is also a nice grass berm for additional seating along that walkway. The stadium also has lights, which allows night games, a feature not available at the old facility. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. So make sure to walk around downtown before the game. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 4 The stadium seemed very loud for its small size. I could not tell if the fans were just that loud or if the design creates a louder environment. Either way, the stadium makes for a great atmosphere for fans. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the stadium is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 4 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. When it seems that even high school games charge at least $5, the free admission seems like a steal. Coupled with the free parking and the low concession prices, it is such a steal. Extras 3 Everyone may not like artificial playing surfaces, but the two-tone color of the artificial turf is nicely designed. There are some nice athletic history items on display within the center entrance to the stadium. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the game to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Shadek Stadium is a simple stadium, located within a pleasant area of Lancaster. The low cost of attendance, as well as the fairly high quality of Diplomats football, makes this stadium a must-visit.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 SRO Motorsports website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 Wisconsin’s GT Festival Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. While the track’s annual schedule features IndyCar, IMSA, and others, SRO America provides a weekend of GT-only sportscar racing. The supercars on track offer stellar racing over four days, including unrivaled fan access and unique fan event opportunities. Racing in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan-friendly and easy to navigate, this summer event is a must-see on the SRO slate.   Food & Beverage   5 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. Road America is led by The Gearbox, a hillside stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin you can get the best cheese and sausage foods here, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers ($10). Johnsonville is heavily featured, as it is literally the next town over, and their brats ($9 to $13) are a fan favorite. Sargento cheese curds ($7) are also a popular item, as are the burgers ($9 to $12.50), gearbox melt ($11), and TKA sandwich ($15). Beer is of course plentiful, and a Spotted Cow is a must-have in Wisconsin. You can also find tons of other options, including broasted chicken outside Turn 3, tacos at Turn 7, and a tiki bar out at the beach by the kink and carousel corners. Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family-friendly and relaxed. The best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a go-race-and-enjoy-every-minute-of-it state of mind. In 2025 the track also debuted a new viewing area at the top of the hillside outside Canada Corner called Road America North Pole, and the old walkover bridge along the front stretch was rebuilt as well – it is now large enough to drive a golf cart over. Additionally, SRO weekend features a fan fest on Thursday night in Elkhart Lake, featuring racecars on display, driver autograph sessions, giveaways, and live music. Neighborhood   4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small, but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls this small town home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there are a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20 to 30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice – Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan. If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road America is Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something else to see and do, Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes.   Fans   4 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest – die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with anything. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. While not exactly sporting the crowd sizes seen at IMSA or IndyCar weekends, SRO weekend at Road America has seen a steady increase in attendance over the past few years – no doubt this has been thanks in part to increased advertising and fan outreach for the event. Access   4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path – at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. Once you’re at Road America you’ll discover that there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t know about, which can be frustrating if you had to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue to identify these alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete makeover in 2016, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers. The track also features preferred VIP parking passes for $30. Return on Investment   5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race, and tickets to SRO weekend are very affordable; Friday tickets are $35, while Saturday or Sunday only are just $50. A weekend pass for $85 is also available, while 2-day VIP tower suites run $375 (upgrading from an existing ticket will cost just $325). The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race from without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Trackside camping is also popular, ranging from $50 to $325. Car corrals are available from $70 for one day to $125 for all three days. Extras   5 Perhaps the biggest fan attraction during SRO weekend is the annual racecar parade and festival in downtown Elkhart Lake, on Thursday evening of race weekend. Here, all the cars participating in the race weekend drive down through the town of Elkhart Lake and stage in front of Siebkens Resort. Then, fans can walk up and get a close view of all the cars, as well as meet some of the drivers for autographs. You can also take a trip to Elkhart Lake, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside – before it had its current layout, Road America was a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself and over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. Back at the track, where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. If you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile device, you can also engage with the race on social media, and see your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. If treetop views and social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Finally, several autograph sessions happen during the weekend in the fan zone, offering fans a chance to see some of their favorite drivers. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history and meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America – you will not be disappointed in what you find. In addition, if you want to take a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend; the fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful. It’s hard to find a better place to see racing in North America than Road America.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Watkins Glen International 2790 County Route 16 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Vintage Grand Prix website Watkins Glen International website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 38,900 A Slimmed Down Vintage Festival While Watkins Glen International may be best known for the annu al IMSA 6 Hours  or t he NASCAR Cup Series race, the yearly celebration of vintage racing that is the Hilliard US Vintage Grand Prix is perhaps the most unique event at the track. Since they first began racing here in 1948, the speedway has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now this history is celebrated yearly when SVRA, Trans-Am, and IGT take to the track. While 2024’s event saw increased ticket prices, 2025 saw a return to the event’s traditional September date, along with the annual downtown festival and historic reenactment.   Food & Beverage   3 Watkins Glen International doesn’t have a lot of food vendors, with the main paddock cafe located in the main paddock near the front stretch – fans looking to visit the outer parts of the track may have slimmer pickings than those watching from the finish line. That said, the choices in the fan zone are simple, ranging from burgers ($13) and hot dogs ($5-$9) to chicken tenders ($15) and smaller snacks ($4-$8), while drinks run $4 for coffee or hot cocoa, $5 for water, Powerade, and sodas, $11 for Seltzer, $9-$11 for beer, and $7 for lemonade. Food trucks also line up inside the paddock area, offering various additional options as well.   Atmosphere   3 Watkins Glen International is located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, making the facility a beautifully located racing venue – the area is full of beautiful trees, meaning fans can find some shade in the hot sun. In addition, the track is laid out to be one of the fastest road courses in North America. Large grandstands also line the front straight, Turn 1, the esses, and the final corner complex, offering many different viewpoints for fans to watch from. For a raceway filled with history (the track regularly hosts NASC AR, IMSA , an d others, and has also hosted the likes of IndyCar and Formula 1 in the past), you cannot help but feel like you’re witnessing history come alive at this SVRA weekend. 2025 saw the return of the annual vintage festival in downtown Watkins Glen, including the historic car reenactment on the old course. Unfortunately this came at the cost of the Trans Am series, leading a massively decreased car count from the vintage races, with just SVRA and IGT on the docket.   Neighborhood   4 The track itself is about 5 minutes south of the town of Watkins Glen, nestled on the southern shores of Seneca Lake. The town is beautiful and quaint, featuring numerous local shops and restaurants, while north of town is New York wine country, with countless wineries all along the lake. For those willing to drive, the town of Ithaca is just a half hour east, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and shopping in the same town that is home to Cornell University. To the south, Elmira and Corning are 30 minutes away – if you visit the latter you can see the Corning Museum of Glass or the National Soaring Museum. In addition, sightseers routinely flock to Watkins Glen State Park for stunning hiking through a canyon of waterfalls, as well as Lakeside Park to watch the stars rise over the waters of Seneca Lake.   Fans   3 The fans at Watkins Glen International are once again a cross-section of sportscar racing diehards. New York racing fans are among the best in the country, and know how to throw a great party – the camping grounds are full all weekend long, and the fans know who to cheer for when the race is on the line. In addition, Friday’s vintage reenactment will see fans line the street while the cars dive past for hours, propping up folding chairs to get a view of the fun, much like one would see at a Fourth of July parade in a small town. With the separation of the Trans Am and SVRA weekends, the last few years have seen a massively decreased fan attendance compared to years past, when they were combined. Access   3 The biggest downside in getting to Watkins Glen International is its relatively isolated location – the nearest major highway is I-86 to the south and west, at least a 30-minute drive away. Traffic thankfully doesn’t back up nearby, though, and the roadways are relatively clear all weekend. Once at the track parking is plentiful all around, but navigating the track’s tunnels, bridges, and walkways can be daunting, as the facility is rather large. Track maps are placed throughout the venue, however, making getting from place to place a little easier.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to SVRA weekend rose sharply in 2024, and that trend continued for the 2025 edition, starting at $69 for a one day weekend ticket to $91 for a weekend pass, which is considerably higher than SpeedTour weekend tic ket prices at other racing venues. Parking is free however, so you can get away without having to pay too much more, and the cost of Vintage Grand Prix weekend is still much lower than for the NASCAR and IMSA  weekends at Watkins Glen.   Extras   3 The track also has several fan zones to get you up close and personal with show cars, as well as to pick up some free giveaways. Fans can also wander the paddock area for free, giving you a great look at the teams working away at their machines. Victory Lane is also open to all fans, unlike at larger race series, offering fans the ability to take part in the podium celebration. Final Thoughts Watkins Glen vintage weekend is a showcase of the sport’s history and future, putting on a stellar weekend of racing that stretches across five days in early September. Without a doubt this event is a great one to put on your racing calendar, offering great weather, unparalleled access for fans, and top-notch on-track activity.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Legends Field 207 Legends Ln Lexington, KY 40505 Lexington Legends website Legends Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,994 A Legendary Return in Lexington What a strange few years it has been for the Lexington Legends. First, baseball is wiped out due to COVID-19, then the team loses its affiliation, next, new ownership comes in and rebrands the team, and then the original owner returns to the Legends name. Hopefully, there will be no more changes in town. Legends Field, formerly known as Wild Health Field and Whitaker Bank Park, opened in 2001 as Applebee's Park and returned professional baseball to Lexington for the first time since 1954. At the time of its construction, the city was the largest market without a baseball team. Fans quickly embraced the franchise, purchasing 1,950 season tickets within hours of going on sale and establishing a new South Atlantic League record. The 6,994-seat stadium was built in an era that saw 77 minor league ballparks built within ten years. Construction of the facility cost $13.5 million and was part of a $23 million complex privately financed by a group of 23 local investors, led by principal owner Brad Redmond. In 2016, the ballpark went through $500,000 in renovations, resulting in a wider entry plaza, expansion of the official team store, renamed Stache Shoppe, and the addition of the Bullpen Patio. Today, the team operates in the MLB Partnered Atlantic League after being dropped by Major League Baseball in December 2020. The Legends then rebranded as the Counter Clocks for the 2023 season, which included major renovations to the ballpark. This has ushered in a new era of baseball in Lexington. The ballpark is a cozy, modest facility that has a much older feel to it than its age. Its location is in a very unassuming part of town, but only a few miles from the nearest interstate or downtown corridors. Then again, there is something wonderfully simple about driving down a small road and having a baseball stadium appear on the horizon. Food & Beverage 3 The concourse has a fun horse racing theme that ties in nicely with Kentucky’s heritage. You’ll find stands like Jockey Nachos, the First Turn Grill for hot dogs, and the Exacta Grill serving up burgers and soft pretzels. It’s a clever touch that gives the ballpark a little extra character. That said, not everything is up and running. Several stands along the first base side are closed off with curtains, which makes the concourse feel a bit empty. On the plus side, Pepsi products are poured throughout the stadium, and there’s no shortage of beers and hard seltzers to go with your food. If you’re looking for something sweet, a few kiosks near the main entrance offer ice cream and shaved ice—perfect on a hot summer day. Atmosphere 3 Nearby horse racing tracks heavily influence the ballpark's design; elements of the sport include steeples and two murals on the exterior of the building. In total, there are eight steeples throughout the ballpark. The ballpark itself features a steep seating bowl with excellent sight lines and a middle concourse providing access to all sections, including the Pepsi Party Deck in right field, bleacher seats in left field, and the rather impressive Athena Kids play area behind the left field corner. The 2,000-square-foot Bullpen Patio down the first base line was created for anyone to enjoy the game. The patio replaced a small grassy berm and follows a path of similar “hang out” space at both major and minor league parks. The area is standing-room only and features beer and cocktail service. The Lexington Brewing & Distilling Taproom sits directly behind home plate, offering drafts of their beer and bourbon along with a full-service menu and waiting staff. The area also provides a partially covered outside patio to enjoy the game. The Lexington Legends have a cheer squad that gets the crowd going in between innings. Mighty Lex, the team's official mascot, makes his way around the stadium. During the 7th inning stretch, the crowd is encouraged to sing “My Old Kentucky Home” to add a local flare to proceedings. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is in a rather odd part of town, in an era when ballparks were built in downtown lots or off an entrance ramp of a major freeway, the ballpark was constructed adjacent to a small strip mall, 1.5 miles from the I-64 and I-75 interchanges. The best option is to take a drive downtown or to a few other areas around Lexington where one can find great restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. The city is home to two horse racing tracks: Keeneland (thoroughbred) and Red Mile (harness), which offer racing throughout the calendar year. Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm and an educational theme park that offers attractions and is a great place for kids and racing aficionados. The Historic Pepper Distillery District has become a popular spot in town. Photo by Marc Viquez The area is in the heart of the Bourbon Trail. Nearby distilleries include Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, and Lexington Brewing & Distilling (located in town and also features a brewery). Castle & Key is the newest distillery that took residence in the old limestone castle built in 1887. Tours and prices will vary, and all include a sample of bourbon on picturesque grounds. A personal favorite place to visit is the Historic Pepper Distillery District, a 25-acre entertainment complex that is less than 4 miles away from the stadium. Originally built in 1869 to produce bourbon, it is home to the James E. Pepper Distillery, Ethereal Brewing, Barrel House Distilling, The Elkhorn Tavern, Crank & Boom Ice Cream, and Wise Bird Cider Co. It is quite a popular place to visit in town. There is also the chance that your visit may coincide with a Kentucky Wildcats basketball game at Rupp Arena or a Kentucky Wildcats baseball game at Kentucky Proud Park . When you include your visit with horse racing, bourbon tours, great restaurants, and other sports, you have enough to do on a very long weekend. Fans 3 There is a faithful group of fans that attends Legends games, and the average is a tad over 2,000 per game on the season. The ones who are at the game do their best to cheer on the home team and provide plenty of enthusiasm on the night. Access 4 There are 1,200 parking spaces, plus 3,000 more within a 10-minute walk from the stadium. The middle concourse provides easy access to all points, and concession stands are brightly lit. The small nature of the ballpark can create a nice tour of the facility if one is interested in taking photos or enjoying the game from different vantage points. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Legends games start at $10 for box seats, $12 for field box, $15 for home plate premium, and $25 for the Diamond Club behind home plate. A dollar surcharge is added if bought the day of the game. The parking lot charges $5 and $7 for the premium lot. On Tuesday nights, tickets are $2, and that also includes hot dogs, popcorn, and Pepsi cans for the same price. Friday and Saturday nights feature fireworks, Waggy Wednesdays let fans bring their favorite canine to the game and BOGO hot dogs, and Thirsty Thursdays feature $2 domestic and $3 craft beers. Sundays offer free tickets to Kid Club members and players' autographs. Extras 3 One star for the mural of Trinity Gay down the first base side of the exterior of the ballpark. The daughter of U.S. track star Tyson Gay was killed in a crossfire shooting at a restaurant in 2016; she was just 15 years old. The 30-foot mural was designed by Dani Green and includes the words “Pass the Baton.” Another star for the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Taproom, a great spot to enjoy the game from either inside the bar or on the patio in the back of home plate on the middle concourse. This is one of the best views in the stadium and right in the middle of all the action. A third and final star is for bringing back the Legend name, complete with an updated logo that features a personified baseball in a 19th-century era uniform. Final Thoughts Legends Field was built in an era where minor league ballparks opened up across the country in record numbers. The ball club has placed itself among the copious sporting and entertainment options for over 20 years and is growing in Lexington. A ballpark that features seats close to the diamond, cheap tickets, and cheaper eats is what minor league baseball used to be and what it should still be for the average fan. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Dehler Park 901 N 27th St Billings, MT 59101 Billings Mustangs website Dehler Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,071 Billings Baseball Dehler Park is the home of the Billings Mustangs, a rookie league baseball team (Cincinnati Reds) in the Pioneer League. In 2008, it replaced the old Cobb Field, which was beginning to show a state of disrepair and was demolished as part of the building of the new Dehler Park. The Mustangs began play in 1948 and have won 15 Pioneer League titles, most recently in 2014. They have been affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds for at least 42 consecutive years, making that partnership one of the longest-running player development relationships in professional baseball. The organization does a fabulous job at making a game day experience so very entertaining for fans attending a ball game in Billings, MT; one you’ll want to go back to several times. The game, the players, and the fans are the entertainment, and there are many conveniences for the modern baseball fan at this ballpark. Food & Beverage 4 Dehler Park provides an outstanding variety of food and beverage items for a Mustangs game at affordable prices. Lines can get long at times, but they move relatively quickly. The concessions close before the 7th inning, so be sure to get your appetite filled earlier in the game. Permanent stands ‘First and Third’ (on both sides of the concourse) offer hot dogs, sausage, chicken wings, a variety of fries, pretzels, and nachos ($3.50 – $6.00). It has snacks of popcorn, peanuts, candy, crackerjacks, ice cream, pickles, and more ($1.75 – $3.00). Sodas are the Pepsi variety at $2.50 / $3.50 (refillable for $1.00 / $1.50). Water is $2.50 a bottle. Uncle Charlies Cheese Steak ($8), Diablo Dogs ($4.50), Mountain Mudd espresso, Caramel Korn, and Chocolate Strawberry kabobs round out some of the carts speckled throughout the concourse. The Bob Wilson Memorial Plaza in left field provides a slew of picnic tables (in and out of the shade) on a grass surface to enjoy the concessions before heading to your seat. The specialty food item, the Stang Burger, can be found at the Lead-Off Grill hidden behind the third base concourse. The Stang Burger is a hamburger topped with beef brisket for $7.50 and is yummy. At this same stand, regular burgers, beer brats ($4.00), and other items are grilled fresh. There are beer concessions on the first and third baseline concourses and in the outfield, offering an excellent selection including two local brews at $5.50. The one on the third baseline offers a more varied selection and is the one I’d recommend visiting (it is also right next door to the Lead-Off Grill and near the picnic area). Outside food or drink is not permitted. Atmosphere 4 Dehler Park provides a stellar game day operation as the focus is on the baseball game being played. Nets cover seating areas from behind the entire dugout to the end of the other dugout (sections 108 to 116). To sit net free choose section 117 or higher on the third base side or section 107 and higher on the first base side. All seats are the plastic green fold-down variety with cup holders, with the exception of bleacher seats in sections 105 and 106. The bullpen seating areas are in sections 105 (first base) or 118 (third base). If you can get a seat in row 1, you’ll be right in front of the relief pitchers when they begin their warm-ups. The 329 Club in left field is named for the distance from home plate. It is a reserved seating area for corporate and party events. Drink rails are only in the outfield on the left field side. Some tables are scattered around the outfield walkways. A few sections in the infield seating area have canopies overhead. A recommendation is to sit on the third base side, as the first base seats are directly in the setting sun’s path. Bring your sunscreen and umbrella, as there is minimal shade and no place to go for shelter if it rains. What a treat – music is only played between innings and not between pitches and batters. There are no player walk-up songs. The PA announcer is audible. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is walking distance (eight or so blocks) to historic downtown Montana Ave, where there are a variety of places to eat, drink, sleep, and tour. It sits next to a hospital and is very close to the airport. Expect to see a few airplanes or helicopters passing over the field. There is an Impressive selection of dining options, including pitas, wraps, pizza, Indian, cafes, sandwich shops, fine dining, steaks, Mexican, and more in and around Billings. Recommended places to eat are Montana Brewing Company or Uberbrew (breweries with food) and Bernie’s (diner – open for breakfast and lunch). Better yet, take the Brewery Tour (1.5 mile walking tour visiting Billings’ breweries while stopping at historical points along the way). For finer dining, check out Walkers American Grill & Tapas Bar or Jake’s Steakhouse eight blocks south of the stadium. There are several hotels within a mile of the ballpark and even more in the extended metropolitan area. I stayed at the Riversage Billings Inn (two blocks from Dehler Park) and would recommend it. Downtown also hosts a Best Western or Crowne Plaza if you prefer name-brand hotels. There are plenty of things to see and do when visiting Billings. Check out the Western Heritage Center in downtown, drive or hike the Rimrocks for a beautiful view, visit ZooMontana or tour the Moss Mansion. Fans 5 The Mustang fans are the best part of what makes attending a game so enjoyable. They certainly are conversant about the game of baseball, with discussions heard throughout the game containing ‘He should bunt,’ ‘Will they walk him to get the double play?,’ or ‘He hit one out of here last night.’ And after a bad or missed play you’ll politely hear fans saying, ‘It IS still a development league.’ And they disagree with the umpire's calls and mimic the safe and out calls (always in favor of the Mustangs player). Lots of fans keep score. The starting lineup is posted just to the left of the home plate entrance. Be sure to pick up a game program for $1, which includes the current roster for both teams, a fine-looking scorecard, and the magazine program. It is a family-friendly atmosphere, and it is easy to strike up a conversation with your neighbors. They make it fun. Averaging over 3,000 fans a game, the Mustangs fans consistently fill the stadium (especially since the opening of Dehler Park). Access 3 From I-90, take exit 450 (27th St) north about two miles to 9th Ave. The ballpark will be on your right. Make a right on 9th Ave (at the Perkins and CVS), and there is a small parking lot (free) a block up on the left. Parking is also available throughout the neighborhood. There is bus service in Billings, but it does not appear to be an option to get to and from the ballpark, as service ends at 6:40 pm weekdays/5:45 pm on Saturdays with no service on Sundays. The closest airport is Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) and is just a few minutes from Dehler Park. Of course, if staying in the downtown area, walking is your best option, and it is completely safe to walk back after the game. Restrooms are ample and clean There are three entrances to the ballpark: home, right field, and left field. The batting cage for the Mustangs is next to the left field entrance, so this is a perfect place to get autographs from the young players. One can walk the entire concourse both inside and outside. Gates open an hour before the first scheduled pitch. The concourses are nice and wide, making traffic flow smooth. . Return on Investment 4 A trip to see a Mustangs game in Dehler Park is well worth the money spent. Single game tickets range from $4 (standing room) to $10 (club seats – those directly behind home plate in sections 110 – 114). I’d recommend the $6 ($5 kids and seniors 60+) field box seats in section 117, as those are net free and the sun is not in your face. That’s better than a movie ticket! There are a few promotional nights throughout the season, so check their schedule for a listing. The parking is free, food and beverage prices are reasonable, and the game day is just a whole lot of fun. Extras 5 In center field, there is the KZone. An individual keeps track of the strikeouts by Mustangs’ pitchers and adds a K (forwards or backwards, depending on strike) along the outfield wall for each strikeout. Daylight lasts forever in Montana in the summer. A game starting at 7 pm that lasts for two and a half hours, and it can still be daylight when heading back home. There are two statues outside the park, as well as plaques for fans who have donated considerable finances towards the construction of the ballpark. One of the statues is a tribute to Ed Bayne, a civic and athletic hero and coach for many years of the American Legion baseball program in Billings. The other honors Dave McNally, the famed Orioles left-handed pitcher, who was from Billings. The Rimrocks (300-foot-high sandstone bluffs surrounding the valley) provide a spectacular view from the ballpark. For those with kids, there is a huge bounce house down the right field concourse for them to expend some energy if needed. The game day staff is as nice and friendly as can be. Final Thoughts This is an excellent ballpark to visit, with the focus of entertainment on the ballgame while still providing modern conveniences, good food, and engaging fans.

Photos by Paul Baker and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Newman Outdoor Field 1515 15th Avenue North Fargo, ND 58102 Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks website Newman Outdoor Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 4,690 Hello, Newman Originally called “The Nest,” Newman Outdoor Field was constructed in 1996 at $5.5 million. Local company Newman Outdoor Advertising purchased the naming rights to the ballpark in 1998. In addition to serving as the home to the American Association’s Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks, the ballpark is home to the North Dakota State University Bison baseball team. The Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks began their existence in 1996 as members of the Northern League, winning five championships during their 15 seasons in that circuit. After the 2010 season, the Redhawks, along with three other teams, left the Northern League to join the rival American Association. The Redhawks reached the AA championship series in 2021, losing to the Kansas City Monarchs. Food & Beverage 5 Newman Outdoor Field has a capacity of 4,172, and it feels like there is an individual concession item here for every single fan who shows up. Portable and permanent stands run the length of the concourse down both sides of the ballpark. There are two permanent stands located on either side of the main entrance to the concourse. In addition to hot dogs (regular-sized, chili, or foot-long), nachos (regular-sized or helmet-sized portion), pulled pork sandwiches, and bratwurst, fans can order pickled eggs or pickles on a stick. Coca-Cola products are featured and advertised as “pop.” You can even get a 20-ounce draft beer for only $6.50 or purchase 2 cans of PBR for $6 before the first pitch. And this is just the beginning. Other stands lined up along the concourse (and we’re not talking about a row of portable carts; many are permanent structures) sell mini-donuts, giant pretzels (I do mean GIANT), sno cones, caramel apples, Dippin’ Dots, Marco’s Pizza, tacos, grinders, and burritos. When I say that there is something for everyone at Newman Outdoor Field, I mean it literally. Beer stands scattered throughout the concourse sell national brands, but also feature local craft brews from Hamm’s and Surly Breweries, among others. Coca-Cola products are featured at Newman Outdoor Field. Don’t feel like a beer or pop? Check out the lemonade stand or get a top-shelf adult beverage at the Captain Morgan stand. Atmosphere 3 A lot is going on at Newman Outdoor Field, much more than you may expect at such a small place. If you come in through the right field entrance, you are met immediately by the children’s playground, which is filled with kids burning off energy throughout the game. An important feature of the playground, as this writer was informed by a nearby parent, is that you can sit on the party deck and watch the game and your children at the same time. Coincidence or not, this is huge. Veteran minor league baseball fans will find a lot that is familiar here in Fargo. There is a great deal of noise to distract the casual fans and to keep the younger fans involved and entertained. Music plays between batters, the typical on-field shenanigans are going on between innings, and there is a mascot who wanders the ballpark posing for photos and interacting with fans. The scoreboard in left-center field is used with game stats and player information throughout the game. The Redhawks enjoy a close connection with the community, as evidenced by a large number of local sponsors and activities, including a naturalization ceremony that happens annually at Newman Outdoor Field. Neighborhood 3 Newman Outdoor Field is located on the campus of North Dakota State University, near the school’s other athletic facilities, including the Fargodome and the Scheels Center . Located right near the airport, fans will find no shortage of places to eat or stay a short distance from the ballpark. Since most of the options near the university are chains, visiting fans may want to head downtown, where the options are more varied. Downtown Fargo is just a couple of miles from the ballpark. Some excellent breweries, including Drekker Brewing Company and Fargo Brewing Company, are highly recommended by locals. For a true midwestern experience, check out Wurst Bier Hall or The Boiler Room. Visiting fans looking for lodging will find plenty of choices throughout the city. Visiting sports fans will certainly want to check out the Roger Maris Museum, located in the West Acres Mall. Set up in a hallway of a local shopping mall at Maris’ request, the display cases lining the hall do a nice job of displaying mementos from the home run king’s career. If you have the time, the video of Maris’ life, shown in a small viewing room with actual Yankee Stadium seats, is worth your while. Fans 3 The Redhawks have consistently ranked in the top five of the American Association attendance rankings, averaging in the neighborhood of 3,000 fans per game. At Newman Outdoor Field you’ll find a crowd that is similar in composition to other minor league baseball crowds, with lots of dedicated diehard fans, lots of casual fans enjoying an inexpensive night out, and a lot of families. Even though Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, there’s a real small-town feel going on here. “North Dakota Nice” is a real thing, and you may find yourself spending your night speaking with a bunch of people around you like you’ve known each other all your life. Access 4 Newman Outdoor Field is located on the campus of North Dakota State University, just two miles from Interstate 29 and just a few miles from the Red River and the Minnesota state line. Driving is the primary method for getting to the ballpark, and fans will find it easy to do so. Exit 67 deposits travelers on 19th Avenue. Follow this road for a mile and a half, and the NDSU athletic facilities will be on your right. There are ample parking lots both by the main entrance on 15th Avenue and by the right field entrance on Albrecht Boulevard. No matter which entrance you use to get into the ballpark, you will climb a flight of stairs to reach the concourse, which is located at the top of the seating bowl and features views of the field from all spots. With all the concession structures scattered around the concourse, it can become cramped in spots at times, but fans will generally have no issues navigating their way around the ballpark. The seating bowl stretches from first base to third base. Most of the seating consists of individual green stadium seats. The last two sections on the third base side of the field were added after the initial construction of the ballpark (watch your step; they did not line up the new structure with the old one very well) and featured individually molded bleachers. Bleacher sections are capping off the seating areas in both right and left field. Party areas are located on either side of the seating bowl as well. Netting protects the majority of seats in the infield, and all seats feature excellent views of the field. As mentioned earlier, there is a lot of activity going on here at a Redhawks game, but getting around is still pretty easy. With a large number of concession stands, lines tend to move quickly and are not an issue. Restrooms are clean and large enough to handle a typical crowd. Return on Investment 4 The majority of tickets to Redhawks games are sold as reserved seats priced at $12 per seat. Seats in the farthest sections down the third baseline (sections L and M) are sold for $8 per seat, and bleacher sections are sold for $7 per seat. All tickets increase in price by two dollars on game day, with fireworks nights priced at a premium with a two-dollar surcharge. Parking in the lots surrounding Newman Outdoor Field costs an additional three dollars. Concessions are reasonably priced as well. A night at a Redhawks game is the most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 Retired numbers line the façade of the luxury suite level, including Fargo native Roger Maris’ number 8 and Jackie Robinson’s number 42. The press box is dedicated to the longtime radio voice of the Redhawks, local personality Scott Miller, who lost his battle with cancer in 2016. Adorning the façade of the press box is his signature call, “My Oh My.” The on-field dimensions of Newman Outdoor Field, with a deep left-center field alley and a short right field fence, are designed to mimic the old Yankee Stadium, where local boy Roger Maris broke the long-standing home run record with 61 home runs in 1961. Final Thoughts Some baseball fans fail to consider ballparks like Newman Outdoor Field because they are not a part of the affiliated system. These fans are doing themselves a huge disservice. Ballparks like Newman Outdoor Field and cities like Fargo are the backbone of minor league baseball. Boasting affordable prices, a friendly atmosphere, and a comfortable, fun place at which to watch a game, a trip to North Dakota is a worthy Stadium Journey for any baseball fan. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Haymarket Park 403 Line Drive Cr Lincoln, NE 68508 Lincoln Saltdogs website Haymarket Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 8,500 Home of the Saltdogs Haymarket Park is home to the Lincoln Saltdogs of the independent American Association and the University of Nebraska baseball team. Named for its location in Lincoln’s historic Haymarket District, the ballpark and adjacent softball field cost just under $30 million to build in 2001. The Saltdogs began play when the Madison Black Wolf were sold and moved to Nebraska following the 2001 season. After spending five seasons in the Northern League, the Saltdogs, along with three other teams, started the American Association in 2005. The Saltdogs have won one league championship, in 2009. The name Saltdogs is a nod to the history of the city of Lincoln. The city was founded on a salt flat back in the mid-1800s. Food & Beverage 4 Haymarket Park offers a good selection of concessions for hungry Saltdog fans. All your basic ballpark fare can be found here, plus some extra items worth checking out. Concession stands on either side of the diamond offer local favorites from Fairbury hot dogs and Valentino’s pizza. Variety is achieved through the offering of items including bratwurst, BBQ pork sandwiches and brisket sandwiches. A separate building behind home plate houses The Wind Up, where specialty nachos are sold, and the Craft Corner, featuring an extensive listing of both craft and national beers. Pepsi products are featured at Haymarket Park. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from national brands including Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Budweiser, Bud Light and Leinenkugel. Craft beers from local breweries Zipline Brewing, Empyrean Brewing, Kinkaider Brewing, Backswing Brewing Company and many more are sold throughout Haymarket Park. Atmosphere 3 Veteran fans of minor league baseball will find a lot that is familiar at a Lincoln Saltdogs game. All the elements of a typical game day presentation can be found here, from the fuzzy mascot to a new video scoreboard to between inning games for the kids and a full promotional schedule. Younger fans in attendance will certainly be drawn to the playground in deep right field or the play area in deep left field that features inflatables. Parents can charge their phones at the charging station while the kids release some energy. The large berm in left field is a popular place for kids to run around during the game, and the home run porch in right field is covered with an awning, providing relief from the hot summer sun and a place to enjoy a cool drink. Neighborhood 5 Haymarket Park gets its name from the nearby Haymarket District. Originally an open-air market and town gathering place, it is located just a few blocks from the ballpark. Visiting fans will find plenty of places to eat, lodging options and things to do there. More information on the shops, restaurants and activities present in the Haymarket District can be found here . Sports fans may be more interested in exploring Memorial Stadium, home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, which is visible beyond the center field fence. Pinnacle Bank Arena , home of the Cornhuskers basketball team, is visible beyond the right field fence. Downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska campus are within walking distance of the ballpark. Fans 4 The Saltdogs annually average around 3,400 fans per game at Haymarket Park, which places them in the top half of teams in the American Association. Crowds at Haymarket Park are fairly typical of other independent ballparks across the country. A mix of families, locals and diehard fans fill the stands. The team markets to families and groups, meaning that not everyone is fully into the action on the field, but they are hardly distracting, and people watching is always part of the fun at a minor league ballpark, anyway. Access 4 Haymarket Park is easy to find, located near I-180 and the University of Nebraska campus. Walking bridges connect the ballpark to the campus and downtown areas. The ballpark features a 360 degree concourse with an open design, making the field visible from all points. There are two levels of seating, featuring individual stadium seating. Large berms lining the outfield double the ballpark’s seating capacity. Restrooms are clean and more than sufficient for a typical Saltdog crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Saltdogs games vary in price from nine dollars for berm tickets to $19 for club seats behind home plate. The majority of seats at Haymarket Park range from $10-$15. Children under 12 years old and senior citizens receive a dollar off all tickets. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the ballpark. Concession specials are offered on certain nights, making a visit to see the Saltdogs an affordable entertainment option for Lincoln sports fans. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the view beyond the outfield fence. Memorial Stadium, Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Nebraska State Capitol building are visible from the seating bowl. The Capitol building, with its 400 foot tower (the second tallest capitol building in the country), can be seen from over 20 miles away. A second point is awarded for the integration of activities for the whole family, from the play areas and berm spaces for younger fans, the active mascot, Homer the dog, and the wide selection of craft beer for adult fans. There is something for everyone at Haymarket Park. Final Thoughts Haymarket Park is a nice facility located close to downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska. Sports fans visiting the area should be sure to check out nearby Memorial Stadium. Baseball fans will enjoy the mix of the ballpark’s small town feel and modern amenities. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Michigan International Speedway 12626 US-12 Brooklyn, MI 49230 Michigan International Speedway website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 56,000 Speedin' in Michigan Situated in the Irish Hills region of Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is located about 70 miles west of Detroit. The track, which opened in 1968, plays host to the FireKeepers 400, an annual race on the NASCAR Cup schedule and the main event annually at the track. The track also hosts the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event. The 2-mile oval track has hosted numerous other events over the years, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series, IRL/IndyCar events, CART, USAC, and others. Food & Beverage 3 The raceway is cashless, so plan accordingly. A nice feature of many tracks, including Michigan International Speedway, is that you can bring in your own food and drinks, which can save a lot of money and time in line. Of course, if you choose to forgo having to carry in your own food, there are many options available at the track. At the permanent stands, you have your choice of burgers, chicken strips, and ham sandwiches along with fries, cookies, and random other items. Quite a few food trucks are also in the race, which opens far more options. One food truck has an awesome Italian sausage sandwich. If that is not your thing, there are various other fried options along with gyros, BBQ sandwiches, various types of nachos and more. Soda, water, energy drinks, and lemonade are available along with typical beer, wine, and mixed drink options. All prices run about what is expected at sporting venues in 2025. Atmosphere 3 This was a tough one to score for me. I liked the track. I liked some of the fan engagement options. However, there were a few glaring issues we experienced. Our tickets were located lower down the seating area (but not the first few rows…a reasonable way up). There are suites located above pit road, and as a result, you will not be able to see anything going on down the backstretch, as the view is blocked. I assume this issue can be avoided simply by getting tickets near the top of the seating area. For those of you who are tall, seating can be an issue, and I highly suggest getting a seat at the end of the row. There was very little leg room where we sat. In fact, for us to get out of our row, everyone else had to exit the row first or literally stand on their seats. I have visited numerous NASCAR tracks and have not seen a lack of legroom as an issue like it is here. I am told there are some seats that are a bit better, so if you have not visited before, I would highly recommend calling the track to order tickets and ask about legroom. Many tracks offer track access before the race, and Michigan is no different. We purchased the track access, and given the experience, I would recommend not. Other tracks I have visited allowed fans to walk up and down pit road (outside the wall) and see all the cars. The access here was relegated to a tiny area for the pre-race concert and driver introductions. I am unclear whether too many tickets were sold this year, but the area was crammed, and it was very difficult to get around without a major effort. There are plenty of things to do outside the seating area before the race. All the drivers have their merchandise trucks, and NASCAR has many quality displays that will keep fans busy until the green flag drops. Once the flag drops, it’s your typical NASCAR race atmosphere, which means a lot of noise and a lot of fun. Neighborhood 2 The speedway is located in Brooklyn, Michigan. The drive to the track is pleasant, but there is nothing immediately around the track other than residential areas. There is nowhere to walk to immediately after the race to have a drink or a bite to eat while the traffic clears out. Your best bet to find a restaurant/bar choice is about 3 miles north of the track. Our choice on this day was BC Pizza of Brooklyn. The pizza was quite good. Among the other choices in the area are Big Boy (did not know those still existed), Shady’s Tap Room, and PB&J’s BBQ. In the same area as the restaurants, you will find the only hotel in the area, a Super 8. Given the large crowds at the track, I assume this sells out quickly, so your best bet otherwise would probably be Jackson or Ann Arbor. Fans 5 It is hard to beat the passion shown by NASCAR fans. They are not shy about cheering for their favorite driver(s) or showing complete disdain for the drivers they do not like. It amounts to an engaged and loud crowd throughout the race. Access 3 Given the location, there are few ways in and few ways out. As such, I’d suggest trying to get there early because the lines will get longer and longer as the race grows closer. Parking is ample, although you will have a longer walk the closer it is to race time. Once inside, the foot traffic flows decently out in the concession/merchandise area. There are a good number of restrooms, although you can expect to wait in line near the end of the first and second stages. Return on Investment 3 Buying tickets early can save you a few bucks and is worth the effort. Depending on where you want to sit (noting the atmosphere section), you can expect to pay around $67 to $130 for a seat. This is about the going rate at most tracks. With free parking and average concession prices, you get a decent return for what you pay. Extras 2 An extra point goes to the ability for fans to bring in their own food and drinks. Allowing this shows goodwill on behalf of the track staff, and that can go a long way on a hot day. Another extra point goes to all the merchandise available. Whether you want something from your favorite driver, NASCAR itself, or some speedway swag, it is all available. Final Thoughts If you are a racing fan, there are a lot of good reasons to visit Michigan International Speedway. The 57-year-old track needs some upgrades, including more legroom for sure. But, once you are settled into your seat, the track hosts a wonderful race every year that is worth a visit. Final note …the author’s phone died before the race started, so photos are unfortunately minimal. Follow all of James' stadium journeys on X @ stadiumjwriter .   Email: james.hilchen@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Aurora Community Centre 1 Community Centre Ln Aurora, ON L4G 7B1 Aurora Tigers website Aurora Community Centre website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 1,344 Welcome To The Jungle In 1953, the Aurora Bears were founded as members of the Metro Junior B Hockey League.  Over the years, a number of things have changed in Aurora, a town north of Toronto.  The team rebranded to the Aurora Tigers in 1967, and in 1985, the Tigers made the jump to Junior A.  The failure of the Junior A league sent the Tigers back down to Junior B and another rebrand to become the Aurora Eagles.  In 1996, the current iteration of the team was formed when they settled on the Aurora Tigers as their moniker, and they moved to the OPJHL the following year.  The OPJHL became the current OJHL, and the Tigers have enjoyed great success.  They are currently owned by Jim Thomson and boast Buckland Cup Championships and RBC Cup Championships as OJHL and National Champions, respectively, in 2004 and 2007. The home for the Tigers is the Aurora Community Centre.  Built by the Town of Aurora in 1966, the ACC was part of the Centennial Project and eventually morphed from a single rink to a community hub with another rink and meeting rooms.  Food & Beverage 2 In the north rink, there is a small concession on the east side of the arena. The menu is fairly limited, consisting of hot dogs, popcorn, Pepsi products, Gatorade, water, chips, chocolate bars, candy, and beef patties. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and French Vanilla are also available. In the lobby, there are also a couple of vending machines. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Aurora Community Centre shows two separate rinks joined by a breezeway.  The north rink is the home of the Tigers.  The exterior features brown brick on the bottom with light siding at the top and green trim.  The exterior does not give away the 1966 birthday of the original rink.  Entering the community centre gives fans an old-school feel.  A small box office booth is found in the entry and is highlighted by dark brown brick, which totally changes the feel from the exterior.  Upon entry, fans are greeted with several minor hockey team pictures and trophy cases.  Pictures of local NHL alumni Bob Wall and Rick Hampton can be found here.  Some Aurora Tigers team pictures and artifacts can be found in the lobby, so a little exploring is definitely appropriate.  Fans will then ascend the stairs to the upper level, where entry to the arena can be found. Inside the arena, fans are taken back in time.  The ice surface in the arena is north-south oriented, and the best spot for a picture of the centre ice logo is from the west side.  Seating consists of five rows of wooden “love” seats with a walkway behind the seating, under a peaked roof with massive wooden support beams.  Aurora Tiger championship banners hang on the west side of the arena and include division titles, the 2004 and 2007 Buckland Cups, and the 2004 and 2007 Royal Bank Cups.  Fans are protected with netting around the entire ice surface.  The arena is well kept, and it is clear that a fresh coat of paint was applied in the not-too-distant past.  The arena gives vibes that are old, but not dirty, which is perfect. The gameday production at the Aurora Tigers is very simple.  The speaker system is good, and it is easy to hear announcements.  There are plenty of ads on the Tiger uniforms, akin to European hockey teams.  There were no promos; however, the game that was reviewed was a school-day game, so there may be promotions for a regular game. Neighbourhood 3 Aurora Community Centre is located in the Aurora Heights neighborhood of Aurora.  There are a few spots for pre- or post-game food and drink.  Some options include Coop’s Aurora Bistro, Orchid Thai, Grill Gate, TJ’s Bar and Grill & Wicket Eats.  As far as other sports go, the Tigers are the only game in town, but they do have close rivalries with the King Rebellion and Markham Royals.  Otherwise, heading south to Toronto will offer a ton of sports options.  Other tourist options in Aurora include the Aurora Historical Society / Hillary House, Aurora Arboretum, and Canadian Moments Mural.  For fans who wish to stay in the area, the Holiday Inn Express Aurora is not far from the Aurora Community Centre. Fans 2 Fans are a bit challenging to assess in the OJHL as the league does not congregate and publish attendance statistics.  As of this writing, the Aurora Tigers averaged 118 fans per game in the 2024-25 season.  That ranks them 17th in the league.  The previous season, the Tigers averaged approximately the same per game.   Access 3 The Aurora Community Centre is located in the Aurora Heights neighbourhood in Aurora, which is north of Toronto.  It is 9 km east of Highway 400 and 5.5 km west of Highway 404, one block west of Yonge Street.  Getting to the arena is not that difficult.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are bus stops on Yonge Street.  Fans should consult the York Region Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Getting around the Aurora Community Centre is not too difficult; however, the arena is an older building, and it may be a bit of a challenge to get to the top of the arena.  The older, wooden seating does not provide the most comfortable experience.  The washrooms are small but adequate for the number of fans that attend a Tigers game.  Aurora Tigers games are cash only, which may be an issue for some.  Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Aurora Tigers are a bit on the expensive side for the OJHL.  Adult tickets are $18 and available at the door for cash only.  Discounts are available for seniors and kids.  Concession prices are good, and parking on site is free.  The product on the ice is solid, and fans will definitely enjoy catching a game in an old-school hockey barn. Extras 3 An extra mark for the School Day event, which was on the day of this review.  The Tigers offer a number of dates for school classes to attend each year. An extra mark for the memorial pictures of Aurora minor hockey players who have passed.  They can be found in the lobby. An extra mark for the on-ice success that the Aurora Tigers have enjoyed. Final Thoughts Taking in an Aurora Tigers game allows hockey fans to step back in time and enjoy an old-time hockey facility that has been maintained well.  The Tigers are a good experience, and the Aurora Community Centre has plenty to explore.  Welcome to the jungle! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  , and Instagram @profan9.

The Intercounty Baseball League has grown in popularity since returning after the COVID shutdown.  In 2025, they reported their third consecutive single-season attendance record with over 218,000 fans attending IBL games in the nine franchises.  The IBL was founded in 1919 and features former MLB players, former professional minor league players, and NCAA athletes.  There have been rumours in 2025 that the league will soon expand to ten teams. In 2025, the Welland Jackfish dominated the regular season, compiling a 31-11 record and earning the regular season pennant.  The Jackfish also boasted the welcoming of over 51,000 fans to Welland Stadium in 2025, averaging 2,450 per game.  The Jackfish completed the trifecta with a convincing 4-1 series win over the Barrie Baycats to take the Dominico Cup as IBL Champions.  Evan Morrison of the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers led the league in hitting with a sizzling .422 batting average.  Jordan Castaldo of the Toronto Maple Leafs led the league with 12 home runs, and Christian Ortega of the Brantford Red Sox led with 42 RBIs.  Owen Boon of the Hamilton Cardinals led the league with a 1.80 ERA, and Frank Garces of the Barrie Baycats tallied 116 strikeouts. In 2025, Stadium Journey provided updated reviews for the London Majors and Hamilton Cardinals.  The IBL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where writers assess the baseball experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment, and any extras that the writers experienced.  The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.14 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is an opinion, and may not be in agreement for all.  Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets.  How is your list different from ours?  What do we have right?  What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025 Rankings of the Intercounty Baseball League Experiences. 1. Welland Stadium - Welland Jackfish - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Are they ripples, or are the Welland Jackfish making waves?  A relative newcomer to the over 100-year-old Intercounty Baseball League, at just five years old, the Jackfish are bringing a different approach to the league and demonstrating its potential for success .  After moving to the Niagara city of Welland from Burlington in 2019, the ownership triad of Ryan Harrison, Dan Pokoradi, and Jason McKay decided to take a page out of Jesse Cole’s Savannah Bananas book and build an IBL team differently.  Using the facility to their advantage, arguably the best in the league, the Jackfish have responded with success on the field (2023 Dominico Cup Champions) and success at the turnstile. The home for the Jackfish is Welland Stadium.  Part of the Welland Sports Complex, Welland Stadium has been home to the affiliated Welland Pirates of the New York-Penn League as well as several independent teams.  Built in 1989, the City of Welland-owned stadium provides a backdrop for baseball that is consistent with what is found in the USA for the lower-tier affiliated Minor League teams.  Nicknamed The Pond, Welland Stadium helps provide the Welland Jackfish with the best atmosphere in the IBL. 2. Labatt Memorial Park - London Majors - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - Labatt Memorial Park in London, Ontario has the distinction of being the World’s Oldest Baseball Grounds.  After a bit of an administrative battle with Guiness, the ballpark on the Thames River has had its status confirmed and is now in the Guiness Book of World Records.  Tecumseh Park was built in 1877 for the London Tecumsehs, both named after Sawnee Chief Tecumseh. In 1877, the Tecumsehs played the Boston Red Stockings in London, who would go on to become the Boston Braves, and eventually the Atlanta Braves.  After a major flood in 1936, Labatt Brewing donated $10,000 to renovate the park and acts as a memorial to the founder, originally John Labatt Memorial Athletic Park, which is why the Labatt name remains and has not been changed to the current parent company, Anheuser-Busch InBev.  The London Majors were founded in 1925 as the London Braves and found time over the years as the London Winery, London Silverwoods, London Army Team, London Diamonds, London Pontiacs, London Avcos, London E-Morocco Majors before settling permanently on the London Majors in 1975.  The Majors are currently owned by Scott Dart and Roop Chanderdat and boast 14 IBL Championships, the most recent in 2022.  Former Major League legends Denny McLain and Ferguson Jenkins pulled on a Majors uniform and took the field for a time. 3. Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium - Hamilton Cardinals - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - With the 2023 Intercounty Baseball League season, the Hamilton Cardinals began a new era.  The purchase of the team by Eric Spearin and his group brought forth a ton of changes.  First and foremost, the identity of the team saw a punch of the reset button with a new, modern logo, which strayed from the traditional St. Louis Cardinals type logo and embraced some of the local lore.  The new hammer-wielding cardinal was not the only change.  A new focus on the fan experience and promotions thrust the team out of the traditional “1919” era (the year that the league was formed).  In 2025, the Cardinals also made a splash, signing 48-year-old, former Major League closer, Fernando Rodney.  The Cardinals have come a long way since their original Hamilton Beaver days.  The team was also known as the Red Wings, Marlins, Real McCoys, and Thunderbirds.  Home for the Cardinals is CARSTAR Field @ Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium.  Bernie Arbour Stadium, the common reference for the home of the Cardinals, opened in 1970 and was a former home to Minor League Baseball with the Single-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals calling Hamilton home from 1988 to 1992.  The team was known as the Hamilton Redbirds and played in the New York-Penn League. 4. David E. Hastings Stadium - Guelph Royals - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - Taking the field for the first time in 1861 as the Guelph Maple Leafs, and can trace some ownership back to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame member George Sleeman.  Sleeman also founded Silver Creek Brewery, which was reincorporated by his grandson to become Sleeman Brewery, an iconic cornerstone in Guelph.  In 1919, after a brief hiatus, the Maple Leafs would join the newly founded Intercounty Baseball League with Kitchener, Galt, and Stratford, and go on to win the first three league championships.  After a few name changes, Guelph would settle on the Royals moniker in 1965.  The Royals are currently owned by Shawn Fuller and boast nine league championships.  The home of the Guelph Royals is currently David E. Hastings Stadium.  Located at Exhibition Park, Guelph has played at this particular location since 1925.  The current Hastings stadium has been refurbished numerous times, with the current grandstand opening in 1987.   5. Arnold Anderson Stadium - Brantford Red Sox - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - The city of Brantford, Ontario, is known for hockey and telephones. The home of both Wayne Gretzky and Alexander Graham Bell also boasts some baseball acumen. The Brantford Red Sox of the Intercounty Baseball League are not only the oldest team in the league, but they are also the most decorated. The Red Sox, which share the same name and look as the more famous Major League team, were founded in 1911, a few years before the beginning of the IBL. They would join the league in its third year in 1921. The Red Sox have been a staple in the Brantford community ever since and have rewarded their fans with fifteen league championships, including a record six in a row. 6. Dominico Field @ Christie Pits - Toronto Maple Leafs - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - On January 11, 2022, Toronto lost Jack Dominico after 82 years of life.  Jack was a mainstay at Christie Pits, home of his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.  The Leafs were founded in 1969 by Dominico and Alan Stanley.  Eventually, the team would be taken over by Jack and his wife, Lynne.  The founding of the Maple Leafs was in response to the Toronto Maple Leafs of Minor League Baseball relocating to Louisville, Kentucky.  Jack was the driving force behind the Maple Leafs, a truly unique experience in big city Toronto, which is a mainstay at Christie Pits Park.  The ball club is a community team that does not sell tickets.  It is free for fans to walk up and stay for a while.  Sundays at 2 o’clock at Christie Pits was Jack’s time.  The impact of Dominico on both the Leafs and the amateur Intercounty Baseball League is so significant that the field at Christie Pits bears his name, as does the league’s championship trophy.   7. Jack Couch Baseball Park - Kitchener Panthers - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - The Kitchener Panthers are one of the founding franchises in the Intercounty Baseball League, which services Southern Ontario. An amateur baseball league featuring collegiate and former professional baseball players, the Intercounty League has shown surprising staying power among the changing landscape of baseball in Canada. Kitchener originally began as the Panthers and played as the Legionnaires and Dutchmen before reverting to the Panthers as the moniker in 1960. Home for the Panthers is Jack Couch Baseball Park. Although not the flashiest of IBL stadiums, it has served its purpose since 1967 and sits on the grounds of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex. The park is named after Jack Couch, who was involved with Kitchener baseball for over 40 years. 8. Athletic Kulture Stadium - Barrie Baycats - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - On the doorstep of Ontario’s Cottage Country, the City of Barrie lays claim to the seven-time Intercounty Baseball League Champion, Barrie Baycats.  An expansion team in 2001, the Baycats stormed the IBL and dominated, winning six championships in a row from 2014 to 2019.  Relatively young compared to the majority of clubs in the Ontario amateur baseball league, the team has fit right in with the rest of the teams and remains competitive in its twentieth season as part of the league.  The home for the Cats is located just outside of the city limits of Barrie in the town of Minesing at the Barrie Community Sports Complex.  Athletic Kulture Stadium is part of the complex and is a fairly simple stadium. 9. Fergie Jenkins Field - Chatham-Kent Barnstormers - 2.71 Dave Cottenie - Chatham, Ontario, is the home of Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins.  Arguably the greatest Canadian baseball player ever, Jenkins’ mark on his hometown is significant.  His link to Chatham baseball is even deeper as his father played for the 1934 Chatham Coloured All-Stars, which became the first black baseball team to win the Ontario baseball championship.  In 2024, baseball in Chatham kicked it up a notch with its entry into the Intercounty Baseball League; the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers.  The name Barnstormers harkens back to the days of Babe Ruth, when the off-season of Major League Baseball saw the biggest stars go on “barnstorming” tours, bringing baseball to smaller towns throughout the country.  Owned by Dom Dinelle and Matt Nahdee, the team has enjoyed success on and off the field in its first season.

Photos courtesy of the UFL On February 15 the newly formed United Football League (UFL)  unveiled its official game ball. The UFL was created by merging the recent incarnations of the United States Football League (USFL) and the XFL.   The new league will begin playing their inaugural season on March 30, 2024 and will feature eight (8) teams from the combined leagues: the defending USFL champion Birmingham Stallions, defending XFL champion Arlington Renegades , DC Defenders , Houston Roughnecks , Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, St. Louis Battlehawks, and San Antonio Brahmas .   The new balls have been designed and are handcrafted to “perform at the highest level,” according to the UFL. Each football is embossed with metallic lettering and has the UFL logo hot-stamped in silver, along with the team markings.   The design of each UFL ball features premium Horween Red 864 top-grain leather and suede ProTack+ lace. According to a release from the UFL, the goal is to: “[reflect] the contemporary look of the UFL brand yet remains authentic to the game of football.”   Big Game Football Factory of Dallas, the largest American-owned football factory in the world, is the company tasked with creating, designing, and building the new balls from start to finish. This year marks the company’s 30th as the industry leader in custom-made footballs.   The official league game ball is available for purchase on the newly launched Shop.theufl.com  and through TheUFL.com . ---- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .