Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 FBC Mortgage Stadium 4465 Knights Victory Way Orlando, FL 32816 Cure Bowl website FBC Mortgage Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 45,000 The Cure Bowl Finds a New Home Having played several years at Exploria Stadium , and Camping World Stadium before that, the Cure Bowl moved in 2023 to a new home at UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium. Home to UCF football , this facility already features everything needed for college football game day experiences. Aside from this, the Cure Bowl continues to be the only bowl game each year to raise money for charity, donating profits to cancer research.   Food & Beverage   5 After having average food options for many years, UCF invested in local businesses and upgraded their options. By far the star of the concessions at FBC Mortgage Stadium is Four Rivers BBQ; this central Florida BBQ restaurant has become a local favorite, and can now be found at the Cure Bowl as well. Other popular options at the stadium are the Knights Dog (featuring an all-beef hot dog topped with shredded pork, queso blanco, onions, and salsa), nachos ($7), chicken Caesar wraps ($10), and pretzels ($7). Drink options include souvenir sodas ($10 with $5 refills), Truly VodKA Sodas ($9), beer ($9-$10), BodyArmor Water ($7), and bottled water and soft drinks ($4-$5.50).   Standard stadium fare is also easy to find, as are other local favorites like Kelly’s Ice Cream.   Atmosphere   3 The facilities at FBC Mortgage Stadium are immaculate as well, with restrooms constantly restocked with paper towels and soap. The pre-game tailgating is incredibly vast, covering nearly every open lot and green space on campus for hours before the game even starts, reaching from the lots at the stadium itself across campus to the far corners of the academic buildings. The fans are also sport-knowledgeable and know their favorite players well. During night games, the new LED lighting adds to the look of the field, adding colored hues during performances and flashing on and off whenever a team scores. While known for its party atmosphere during UCF football home games, during the Cure Bowl the facility doesn’t feature some of the more well-known items such as Lights Up, Lights Down, or fans bouncing up and down to the tune of dance music to make the “Bounce House” shake.   Neighborhood   4 FBC Mortgage Stadium is located on the campus of UCF; both the immediate area around the stadium and the campus itself are chock full of places to find food and shopping. Just outside the stadium’s main gate are Addition Financial Arena  and UCF’s baseball stadium ; here you can also find the UCF campus bookstore and associated Starbucks, as well as Burger U, the campus bar and burger/wings joint frequented by fans and students. Outside of campus, you can find Blaze Pizza, Tijuana Flats, and countless more restaurants. For somewhere to stay, the closest options are Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East. Fans in the area are also less than an hour from Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center to the east, while to the west they can find downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Park.   Fans   3 The atmosphere at the Cure Bowl is different from most, as all those in attendance are helping to contribute to a worthy cause. The crowd is smaller than some of those at bigger bowls – this is partially a result of the Cure Bowl tie-ins, which usually result in smaller schools from mid-level conferences being invited, with App State  and Miami (OH)  highlighting the most recent match-up. Fans nonetheless can get a taste of the pageantry of bowl games; there is also plenty of beautiful scenery with downtown Orlando just to the east.   Access   3 The biggest difficulty of game day at FBC Mortgage Stadium is the parking and traffic in and around the stadium. Being that the stadium is located on campus, the roads in and out of the facility are small and get clogged quickly. Parking lots and garages fill up fast, so getting to the stadium early helps avoid a longer walk from across campus. Thankfully, with the Cure Bowl happening in December, many students are finished for the semester by the time the game rolls around, and a smaller crowd than UCF home games usually have means fewer people to contend with. Thankfully, the school has done a great job of managing the traffic flow in and out of campus. Additionally, new updates to FBC Mortgage Stadium’s ingress and egress mean no longer having to enter a gate and navigate the entire concourse to find your seat.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Cure Bowl are affordable compared to most games, starting at $35 for the lower half of the stadium that is open, and with the money going back to a worthy cause, it’s hard to argue why someone would want to attend this game. Getting the experience of a college bowl game is always enjoyable for sports fans in general, and getting to watch one in Florida in the winter makes it even better. Orlando is blessed with great weather, never too cold or too hot in December, meaning you will be comfortable no matter where you are from.   Extras   2 The Cure Bowl organizes a survivor’s march to the stadium featuring cancer survivors and bands from each of the participating schools, starting at Burger U and ending at the stadium gates. Outside the main entrance to FBC Mortgage Stadium stands a statue of former head coach George O’Leary; this is a popular photo spot for fans.   Final Thoughts The new home for the Cure Bowl certainly has notoriety in college sports, thanks to UCF football’s  ascent over the past decade. Tickets are inexpensive and access is easier, with much more parking and tailgating options than the game’s previous home at Exploria Stadium . If you want to go to a great game with great ticket prices and a charitable benefactor, the Cure Bowl is perfect for you.

Anyone who has been there will tell you that Oklahoma City is vastly underrated. In this episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views, Dave and Paul head south to one of the gems of Minor League Baseball, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and the Oklahoma City Dodgers. ⚾⚾🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and the Oklahoma City Dodgers game day experience here.

Photos by Richard Smith and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Wellspan Park 5 Brooks Robinson Way York, PA 17403 York Revolution website Wellspan Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,200 Revolution in the White Rose City York, Pennsylvania was the first capital of the United States. The title claim comes from the assertion that the Articles of Confederation was the first legal document to refer to the colonies as “the United States of America,” and York happened to be the capital when it was adopted. York is known as the White Rose City while nearby Lancaster is known as the Red Rose City city about the Wars of the Roses. For many years a baseball rivalry existed between the two cities with the York White Roses and Lancaster Red Roses. The York White Roses existed from 1894–1969, although technically they were known as the York Pirates the final year in town. League membership moved around between the Eastern League, Piedmont League, Interstate League, New York-Penn League, Tri-State League, Pennsylvania State League, and Keystone Association. The former home of the White Roses, now known as Bob Hoffman Stadium, is still located in town and is in use as a softball field. The original concrete walls of the stadium still exist. An upward-sloping hill was, and is, a unique distinction of the stadium. Of course, softball uses fences of a shorter distance and so the hill is no issue for the modern players. It must have been quite a thing to witness and play in the day. In 2007, the Revolution came to town as part of the independent Atlantic League. Food & Beverage 5 Check out the “Hungry Fan Map” on the main concourse for more information. There is a good selection of options at the stadium, more than some stadiums double their size. There are numerous permanent stands, as well as more temporary setups around the concourse. Fat Boys Pizza and Hoagary have two separate stands next to each other with quite a few options that we can most recommend. Macho Nacho serves large nachos in a full-sized helmet. Or you can opt for some chicken fingers and fries, also served in a helmet. Ripleigh's Creamery has great ice cream, with another helmet option, of course. Atmosphere 4 Fans enter the stadium through Brooks Robinson Plaza. The Orioles great played for the White Roses and was a part of the Revolution's operations until he died in 2023. The grandstand is a basic bowl set up and offers a great view from pretty much any seat. A fun place to sit is in the lawn section beyond center field. In that location, there is also one row of seating both in front of the lawn and in front of the playground area. A nice addition to the stadium is the “Arch Nemesis” wall in left field. Basically, it is a green monster type wall. There is a hand-operated scoreboard in the wall. Fans can walk behind the wall and see the scoreboard operator in action. There is a walkway that extends around the entire field and offers some great views. The team has a man clad in revolutionary garb, who fires off a small, real cannon at the start of the game and when the Revolution takes the lead. Be prepared, as it is VERY loud. The team mascot is named “Downtown.” Neighborhood 4 The baseball stadium is just north of the downtown area. Downtown York is not far away and there are some great bars and restaurants here. Stop in at White Rose Bar and Grill or Holy Hound Taproom for a bite and drink pre or postgame. Holy Hound has 30 beers on tap. Route 30 is a place to find almost every chain restaurant and hotel brand in existence. Recommendations here would be Cheddar’s and Mission BBQ. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company has a large facility in York. Check their website for the occasional tour. Fans 3 York is about the middle of the pack in attendance within the league. The fans that sit right behind the plate are knowledgeable. Once you get out to the fringe parts of the park you may see the more casual fan. Wellspan Park seems to make both types of fans feel right at home. Access 3 Route 30 and I-83 are the big roads in the area. The stadium sits not far off of these roads in the north of downtown York. Parking is $5 cash at nearby Smalls Athletic Field. Other lots are for pass-holders only. Most people will enter through the main gates at Brooks Robinson Plaza Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices at Wellspan Park are fair, ranging from $9 (lawn) to $15. There is also a nice variety of season and package plans. There is a parking charge of $5 but that price is low and reasonable. Extras 5 It is great to see the manual scoreboard in operation. So make sure to use the walkway and go behind to see the operator at work. It is a fun little thing the Revolution added to the park to add character. Also, make sure to spend some time before the game and check out the Brooks Robinson statue. The statue in the plaza shows a young Brooks in his York White Roses uniform. The entire Brooks Robinson Plaza is a nice little feature as well as serving as a great pregame meeting spot. The loud cannon is a nice little feature. Just be prepared because that cannon is loud. The ballpark has a nicely designed play area and a carousel in center field. Wellspan Park is home to the tallest outfield wall in all of baseball. At 37 feet, 8 inches, the left field wall is called the “Arch Nemesis,” and is 8 inches taller than the famed Green Monster at Fenway Park. There are four retired numbers on the façade of the press box at Wellspan Park. Brooks Robinson (5), Jackie Robinson (42), Andy Etchebarren (8) and Corey Thurman (35) are the honorees. Final Thoughts The York Revolution and Wellspan Park offer a nicely designed stadium with some really interesting features that are sure to please both the serious and casual baseball fans.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 John Euliano Park 4000 Central Florida Blvd Orlando, FL 32816 UCF Knights website John Euliano Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 3,600 Baseball Charges On at UCF As often happens in cities without a major league sports team, the local college fills the gaps. Such is the case with UCF baseball. In a city that is within driving distance to multiple other college teams, UCF attracts the biggest fans. Thanks to a multi-million dollar renovation, John Euliano Park is now a premiere baseball facility as well. You can find this beauty of a stadium nestled between the UCF Bounce House and Additional Financial Arena . However, on game days just follow the roar of the crowd to find your way. With an updated stadium, it is hard to argue against this being one of the premier college baseball stadiums in Florida. Food & Beverage 4 Thanks to large crowds, UCF has expanded its food offerings on game days in recent years. Food vendors dot the main concourse downstairs behind home plate, while smaller vendors can be found in left and right field. A cold beer will cost $7-$8 while a soda or water $4-$5. For food, fans can pick from burgers ($10), sausages ($9), hot dogs ($4), and assorted snacks (popcorn $2, nachos $7, sunflower seeds $3, peanuts $4, and Cracker Jack $5). This represents a solid mix of stadium favorites and baseball essentials. UCF students can take advantage of special pricing for water, popcorn, and hot dogs on game days for $2 each as well. Atmosphere 5 The fans at John Euliano Park are electric. Weekend games frequently feature a packed house. The team has also become a mecca for youth baseball teams to come watch some great action on the field. The stadium itself feels like a whole new place after its recent renovation. The second deck behind home plate now gives fans an elevated option from which to take in the action. The right field seating upstairs remains a great option for fans as well, serving as general admission seating as it has in the past. Below that the right field concourse runs along the batting cages, allowing fans the option to watch players warming up before heading onto the field. Down left field you will find a large sloping berm that gives a great picnic area feel. The outfield is also home to the rowdiest of fans, as many will use the parking lot and adjacent free viewing area as the perfect tailgating spot. Neighborhood 4 John Euliano Park is located on the campus of UCF; both the immediate area around the stadium and the campus itself are chock full of places to find food and shopping. Just outside the stadium’s main gate are Addition Financial Arena and the Bounce House. Here you can also find the UCF campus bookstore and associated Starbucks, as well as Burger U, the campus bar and burger/wings joint frequented by fans and students. Outside of campus you can find Blaze Pizza, Tijuana Flats, and countless more restaurants. For somewhere to stay, the closest options are Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East. Fans in the area are also less than an hour from Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center to the east, while to the west they can find downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Park. Fans 5 Fans have started to make UCF baseball games a must-see event. From little league to high school varsity squads, kids from around Central Florida flock to UCF games. Without a doubt, however, the rowdiest crowd is the fans in the outfield. Beneath the scoreboard in center field the fence drops down to just a few feet high, offering a unique vantage point for tailgaters. The outfield parking lot is also transformed on game day to the home for the biggest UCF fans, who select their spots for free baseball viewing. They chant and cheer with gusto, adding to the home field advantage UCF enjoys. Access 4 Being that the stadium is located on campus, the roads in and out of the facility are easy to get around to find John Euliano Park. Parking lots and garages are free and plentiful. There are even several entrances for the stadium, either at the main entrance or down the first base line. That way, you can enter and exit John Euliano Park at different points, depending on where you parked. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to UCF baseball are incredibly affordable. General admission tickets start at $7, with assigned seating behind home plate starting at $10. Club seats on the second deck can be purchased for $40. Parking for games is free, either in the F garage adjacent to the stadium, or in the outfield lot when the F garage is being used for an event at UCF arena. With concessions prices not rising to the level of professional stadium rates, you can take a family to the game and get a bite to eat without breaking the bank. Extras 5 John Euliano Park features a neat view of the batting cages from the right field concourse, allowing fans an up-close view of pitchers warming up and players taking batting practice before games. There are also several themed giveaway days throughout the season, giving fans multiple reasons to come out to UCF baseball games during the year. Fans can also enjoy visits from a baseball-dressed Knightro mascot throughout the event, and everyone coming into the stadium can also take advantage of multiple giveaway tables. Here, fans can pick up posters, magnets, stickers, pins, and even flags on game day, courtesy of UCF and their sponsors. Finally, the team has a kid’s club that young fans can join to show their love of UCF sports. Final Thoughts While many may immediately think of football when it comes to UCF athletics, it is clear baseball is quickly becoming a draw here as well. With a beautiful newly renovated home stadium, the Knights are well positioned to provide one of the best game day experiences in college baseball. With great weather year-round and a fanbase that loves to support their team, there are plenty of reasons to not pass up UCF baseball when looking for a great place to watch America’s pastime.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium 2047 Two Notch Rd Columbia, SC 29204 Benedict Tigers website Charlie W. Johnson Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 11,000 Purple Pride in Carolina Home of the Benedict College Tigers football team, Charlie W. Johnson Stadium holds 11,000 fans and opened in 2006. The stadium is named after Dr. Charlie W. Johnson, who graduated with a Doctorate in Law from Benedict, as well as played professional football with both the Baltimore Colts and the San Francisco 49ers, helping win one Superbowl with each team. Dr. Johnson donated $1 million to Benedict toward the building of the Leroy T. Walker Health and Wellness Complex, which was the largest gift ever received by the college at that time, and he also donated $300K toward a scholarship to help Louisville youth attend Benedict College. Dr. Johnson also purchased 2 buses for Benedict College Athletics – the stadium was named after him in recognition of these gifts as well as his other lifetime achievements. Dr. Johnson was inducted into the Benedict College Hall of Fame in 2010. Food & Beverage 3 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium has concessions stands on both the east and west sides, all of which offer the same menu – hot dogs, fries, and nachos (all 3 are served either plain or with chili and/or cheese), chicken wings, chips, popcorn, candy, and bottled soda or bottled water. All items are $3 except for the bottled soda ($4) and chicken wings ($8), though add $1 each for the chili or cheese if you want your dog, nachos, or fries to have those. This makes for a decent selection and reasonable prices, but the major drawback is that the concessions lines are very long, and they also don’t open the concessions stands until after kickoff, which is kind of annoying. The stands on the west side also run out of drinks very quickly, so buy early if you want any. Atmosphere 5 As with many HBCUs, the highlight of the day at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is the band performance at halftime, and this is even more dramatic at Benedict than at other HBCU schools you may have seen games at. Benedict recently won the HBCU band championship, and it may have gone to their heads a little, but in a good way – the band is now known as the Benedict Tigers Band of Distinction, and the 4 drum majors are brought onto the field before the halftime show in a white SUV escorted by three Georgia police cars – yes you read that right; the police cars are driven into one of the end zones with lights and sirens going, so this is kind of a big deal. The drum majors each have nicknames like “The Funkmaster” or “The Quiet Man”, which they are announced by as they exit the SUV, and they pack a lot of rhythm and soul into their performance those 4 are more entertaining to watch than the rest of the band. The Benedict Tiger band has also been invited to perform in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, so check them out there if you can. Benedict Tigers Band of Distinction, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is located in a neighborhood that feels a little rough – there are bars over the windows at the ticket office in the admin building up the street from the facility, for example – but you should be perfectly safe around game time as there are plenty of police directing traffic in the area. There are plenty of places to eat within walking distance of the stadium itself, such as Two Notch Restaurant, Badd Boys Café, or Railroad BBQ, but the nice hotels are all closer to downtown along Gervais Street near the river, for example, the Graduate Columbia (formerly the Inn at USC) or Hilton Garden Inn. The University of South Carolina is not far from Benedict College, and there are several attractions near USC, such as the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden or the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum, if you plan to be in town for the day or the weekend. You also might be able to take in a second football game at South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium while in town, if the schedules between the two schools happen to align. Fans 2 The crowd at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is very small – even during homecoming when a lot of alums are in town and visiting bands from local high schools are invited to perform at halftime, the stands will be pretty empty. There is a great tailgating scene around the facility though; you can see tents set up as far as the eye can see as you look down from inside the stadium. Also, the fans do represent, with most of them showing up geared in their purple and gold attire – that is a big plus. Tailgating at Benedict Tigers Football, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 4 Columbia, South Carolina is the state capital and as such is pretty easy to get to – Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is along Highway 1 (aka Highway 378), a few miles south of I-20 or east of I-77. There is a giant parking lot set up right outside the venue (parking on the grass), with parking costing $15, so only a short walk from the stadium entrances. Note that there are no game tickets sold at the stadium itself, which is odd, but you can buy them (cash only) from the parking attendants at the same time you pay for parking – $40 for both a general admission game ticket and a parking pass. Charlie W. Johnson Stadium has a main grandstand on the west side and a smaller set of stands on the east (facing the sun) – you can walk between them via a gravel path on the hill behind the north end zone. Moving around is pretty easy given the small crowd size, even at homecoming, but remember the concessions lines are pretty long; you are better off walking across to the east side, which has shorter lines if you want something to eat – that will take you less time than waiting in line on the west side. Return on Investment 4 Watching a football game at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is well worth it – the stadium has some great décor and amenities, including purple bucket-style seats in the middle on the west side, a great tiger head-shaped tunnel – complete with lots of fangs – for the players to come onto the field through, purple and gold balloons decorating the concourse, tiger statues outside the main entrance, and shrubs spelling out “Benedict” behind the north end zone. Tickets are pretty reasonable at $25 each, and $15 parking is pretty solid compared to most college football venues. Extras 3 The Tigers do have a mascot (person in tiger costume) to help entertain fans, as well as cheerleaders and dancers to support the band. They also play a lot of great music during breaks in the action, mostly a mix of rap/pop, which the fans seem to enjoy dancing to. Final Thoughts Some of the D2 football stadiums I have been to don’t have a lot to offer, but that is not the case here at Benedict – Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is a great looking, modern venue, and offers better quality and production values than a lot of FCS schools (and even some FBS schools), so I think you will enjoy your visit if decide to take a stroll in Tiger country – go BC!

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Freedom Hall 937 Phillips Ln. Louisville, KY 40209 Bellarmine Knights website Freedom Hall website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 6,206 Bellarmine Knights are at Home in Freedom Hall Freedom Hall is one of the iconic buildings of college basketball, a mecca to many fans of the sport and especially Louisville Cardinals fans who watched them play between 1956-2010. Crowds of around 19,000 were common, especially after the Cards captured the 1980 NCAA Final Four, but after the team relocated to the KFC Yum Center, it appeared that it would no longer be home to college hoops. That changed in the summer of 2020 when Bellarmine University Knights basketball program was elevated to NCAA Division I status and moved into the ASUN Conference. The university’s athletic director said that Freedom Hall was a natural choice as it’s steeped richly in basketball tradition and minutes from campus. To say that the building is rich in basketball tradition is an understatement. Besides being the home for the Cards for 54 years, the place was home to Kentucky high school championship games, the former home of the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA, countless NBA exhibition games, and the host of six NCAA Final Four–a record for one individual building. Adding to its lore is being the home for Louisville-native Muhammad Ali’s first professional boxing match on October 29, 1960. Bellarmine played in the building’s second game before an exhibition game between the Boston Celtics and Minneapolis Lakers in November of 1956. The Knights have also played a handful of contests in the old building before settling permanently. The arena can seat 18,252 for basketball games but is capped at 6,252 for the university. The university was established in 1960, and the basketball program competed in NCAA Division II and played at Knights Hall on campus. The Knights became a powerhouse making 11-straight NCAA DII postseason appearances from 2009-to 2019. The team made four Final Four appearances during that time, culminating in the 2011 Final Four championship against BYU-Hawaii in Springfield, Massachusetts. There were many improvements made at Freedom Hall in 1984 that included lowering the floor to accommodate more seating. In 2017, the lower bleachers were replaced, a new scoreboard and sound system were added, repairs were made to the concourse flooring, and a paint job after the acoustic tiles were removed from the ceiling. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands and kiosks are open on both levels of the concourse and provide more than enough options for fans at the game. The standard hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and fries are featured. The Kentucky Pork Association stand includes the following options: boneless pork chop sandwich, pork burger, pork bbq, baked country ham sandwich, brats, and chili dogs. Domestic and imported beers are available, along with premium cocktails. Waffle cones and various ice cream flavors are provided by local Ehrler’s Ice Cream. Coke products are the drink of choice at Freedom Hall. Atmosphere 3 Despite the size of Freedom Hall, the atmosphere is pleasant for the Knights. The massive building did not quell the good mood of the home crowd, who provided a great backdrop for the evening’s contest. The majority of the faithful sat in the lower bleacher section consisting of foldable chairs, while a few enjoyed the game from the upper seating bowl. The new scoreboard has video capabilities and hangs above the center court. The Knight new floor design is quite nice in design, and both the cheerleaders and the band provide the usual college exclamation points. A small student section does its best to provide a home-court advantage along with the team mascot that walks around the cheer section. The outer concourse area is broken into upper and lower levels that are fully separate from the seating area. There are no views from the concourse levels, and one could feel the slightest isolated while walking around with the game taking place just a few feet away through the vomitorium. The concourses do provide bathrooms, concession areas, and exits for easy access. The end court stands are standard bleachers and mask the additional seating and floor section of the building. The stats scoreboard is at the far end of the arena and provides a little old-school charm along with some of the building’s signage. To many who have grown up attending games here, there appears to have been little that has changed at Freedom Hall. However, there is not much that celebrates the venue’s rich baseball history. There are no banners, trophy cases, photos, murals, or mention of what has taken place since 1956. Bellarmine does not even have its 2011 Final Four banner hanging up from the rafters. The building has been home to more than just basketball, but a lot could be on display in the walls of the vapid concourse. Neighborhood 3 Freedom Hall is located 5-miles south of downtown Louisville on the grounds of the Kentucky Exposition Center. Louisville Muhammad Ali Internation Airport is adjacent to the complex that is directly off of I-65 and I-264. Churchill Downs is also nearby the complex. It is easily accessible by car, but one has to leave the complex to access other areas of Louisville. There is a multitude of hotel and restaurants chains nearby the complex. The best suggestion would be to travel 5 miles north to downtown and enjoy the many options of the city that includes the following museums: Louisville Slugger Museum, Kentucky Science Center, and the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. There are numerous distilleries in town that include the following: Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Rabit Hole Distillery, Kentucky Peerless Distilling, Angel’s Envy Distilling, and Brough Brothers Distilling. The Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs are within a few miles from the complex and are must-see options in Derby City. Church Hills Down is home to the Kentucky Derby, but there is plenty of other horse racing throughout the season. Also nearby are Patterson Stadium (baseball) and Cardinal Stadium (football) on the University of Louisville campus. Fans 3 Despite the size of Freedom Hall, the Knights fans make the massive building very comfortable. There is never a feeling that the team is playing out of its league in the historic hall. The Bellarmine fan base provides an impressive atmosphere that should add another notch to the history of the arena. Access 4 Freedom Hall is located 5-miles south of downtown Louisville on the grounds of the Kentucky Exposition Center. It’s home to various exhibition buildings, Kentucky Kingdom amusement park, and Hurricane Bay water park. The complex is easily accessible from I-65 and I-264, and there are plenty of parking spots surrounding the arena. Inside the arena, two concourses wrap around the interior seating bowl for easy access to individual seating and sections. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket is between $15 to $25. There is not a bad seat in the house, but lower section seating puts the customer close to the action on the court. Parking is $10, understandable for being in an exposition complex, and concessions are reasonable, but a few items are a tad high including, hot dogs for $6. Extras 3 Freedom Hall has a grand history, but none of that is on display on the interior walls of the concourse. It is somewhat sad since there have been many celebrations from college basketball, an ABA championship, concerts by national acts, and Muhammad Ali’s first bout. Thankfully there are plaques, including one of Ali, of Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame members on the walls. A second point is awarded to the Kentucky Pork Producers that offer plenty of tasty products at the game. Final Thoughts Freedom Hall has seen a lot of sporting events during its tenure, and there was a thought that it would be too big for Bellarmine. That doesn’t appear to be the case, as a substantial crowd provides a wonderful backdrop for the evening. However, the outside concourse could use some improvements to honor the building’s amazing history. Even with that in mind, Freedom Hall is worth a visit for being what it has always been, a historic home for college hoops. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Stabler Arena 124 Goodman Dr Bethlehem, PA 18015 Lehigh Mountain Hawks website Stabler Arena website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 6,000 Safe & Sound at the Stabler Arena While attending a Lehigh University basketball game at the Stabler Arena, I was told a story from one of the ushers about an alumnus who claimed to have attended every game since he graduated high school in 1934. I assume that this had been some time ago since this man would be close to 110 years old, but he swore up and down that all the games had been played in the same building since he was an undergrad. The only problem was that the Stabler Arena opened in 1979–45 years after he had graduated college. The 6,200 multi-purpose arenas were dedicated on May 26 of that year with commencement ceremonies and became home to Lehigh basketball the following season. The building is named after Donald, a 1930 Lehigh graduate, and Dorothy Stabler, who were primary donors of the facility. The arena replaced Taylor Gymnasium, which had been home to the basketball program since 1914 and where the former alumni probably saw a majority of his games–it still exists on campus as a fitness center. The Mountain Hawks are members of the Patriot League and have a strong rivalry with nearby Lafayette College in Easton–just 13 miles down the road. The program has made five NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournaments and, in 2012, gained national prominence by knocking out the #2 Duke Blue Devils 75-70 in the opening round of the tournament. The Stabler Arena defines what a basketball arena of the 1970s represents: rectangular shaped with plenty of 90-degree angles in the seating bowl. The aesthetics are not as welcoming as, say, The Palestra down the turnpike in Philadelphia or the plush and modern PPL Center in nearby Allentown, but the facility does not pretend to be anything it isn’t. The fan can expect a comfortable seat that is up close to the action on the court. Food & Beverage 3 There is a food court with various concessions that include tabletop seating next to a set of windows that add a touch of natural lighting to the concourse level. The options are limited but are rather inexpensive and include pretzels, hot dogs, french fries, nachos, and chicken fingers and fries. There are also deli wrap sandwiches and pizza slices available during the game. If you are feeding a group or family, a whole pizza sells for $17 to $20 a pie. The arena offers a line of Pepsi products, and there are no alcoholic beverages sold on its property. Atmosphere 3 The Stabler Arena features a main lobby with a set of two staircases that lead to a wraparound concourse that provides entrances to the seating area. The lobby wall is painted with the Stabler name and two portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Stabler. Fans can pick up tickets inside at tables or outside in the ticket booth. There is also room for more tables from local business advertising services and consulting. The school colors of brown and yellow are prominent inside the seating bowl, which also includes championship banners and retired jersey numbers, LED video boards in two corners, and a court-level area behind one of the baskets that features high-top tables. The popular area is a welcome addition and offers tabletop seating nearby behind the basket. Fans socialize with one another, enjoying food and drink while watching the game. The atmosphere was a little tepid since our visit took place between sessions; a school band, student section, or official mascot was not present at the game. Their presence does add a little life to the proceedings. The game itself was against arch-rivals Lafayette, and a spirited crowd was at hand to cheer on their Hawks to victory. Neighborhood 4 The Stabler Arena is located on the Murray H. Goodman campus, down the mountain from the Mountaintop campus. It is a few miles away from the town of Hellertown, which has a quaint main street featuring stores, restaurants, and bars. Bella’s Ristorante, Hellertown Crossroads Hotel, and Lost Tavern Brewery are three establishments worth checking out before or after the game. Bethlehem is just over the mountain and displays decorative holiday lights during Christmas time, along with an array of restaurants that include The Brick (pizza), Apollo Grill (cozy, refined restaurant), The People’s Kitchen (neighborhood vibe), and The Bayou Southern Kitchen (Cajun and Southern cuisine). The city also features the National Museum of Industrial History, the Moravian Museum, and the American on Wheels Museum. Fans 3 Fans are energetic and supportive of the Mountain Hawks. As with any program, winning cures a lot of ailments, and the basketball team has posted ten winning seasons over the better part of the decade. There are no visible traditions witnessed in the game. Access 4 The Stabler Arena is extremely easy to access once inside. There is one main concourse that houses concessions, bathrooms, and entrances for easy access to and from your seats. The entrances are marked with oversized numbers that appear to date from the arena’s first year. The building is also easy to access off I-78 via the Hellertown exit. A large parking lot is adjacent to the building. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket to a game is either $5 or $26.50, plus a service fee. The $5 ticket price point is almost a steal for basketball at this level and one of the best bargains you will find in the Patriot League. The price of concessions is also extremely reasonable, and there is no fee for parking in the arena’s lot. Extras 2 Stabler Arena earns a point for the oversized numbers that mark each entrance to the seating section. The number font reminds me of the ones at the old Giant Stadium that captured my fancy as a youth. Stabler Arena earns a second point for $5 tickets, a price almost unheard of at this level of basketball. If you are with someone who isn’t the biggest basketball fan, it is not a bad way of getting them to the game without hurting your wallet. Final Thoughts I am somewhat perplexed by the Stabler Arena. The building is an example of 1970s architecture and aesthetics that have not aged as well as other arenas built before it; then again, the ticket and concession prices are extremely affordable, and the vantage points from the seats are top-notch. Add to the scenic mountain view and the quaint main street of Hellertown, and you have a top destination that offers a lot of bang for your buck. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Glass Bowl 3044 N Glass Bowl Drive Toledo, OH 43606 Toledo Rockets website Glass Bowl website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 26,248 The Rockets Blue and Gold Glare For those of you who have never experienced MACtion, you have no idea what you are missing. A great college football experience without the claustrophobia and sheer craziness of having a tenth of a million people in one spot. The MAC has provided the big conferences with some of the most legendary coaches in the game. The Toledo Rockets have been among the best MAC experiences that you can find. Establishing a team in 1917, the Rockets are one of the longest-running members of the MAC, joining in 1950, just 4 years after the conference was founded. Toledo boasts 10 conference championships including victories in the 2001 and 2004 MAC Championship games. The other titles came in 1967, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1981, 1984, 1990 and 1995. Toledo football has had its share of legends and boasts big-time college coaches Gary Pinkel, currently of Missouri, and Nick Saban, currently of Alabama among its coaching alumni. Perhaps the most significant Toledo coach, however, was Frank Lauterbur, who oversaw one of the most legendary teams in college football history. Under Coach Lauterbur and standout quarterback Chuck Ealey, the Rockets went on a 35-0 winning streak. Ealey never lost a college football game in his career. The Glass Bowl has been the home for the Rockets since 1937. The stadium remains after numerous upgrades and is one of the best examples of amalgamating original architecture with modern amenities. The Rocket faithful have stayed true to their team, especially when facing their arch-rival just 20 miles south on I-75, the Bowling Green Falcons. The “Battle of I-75” has become so significant that in 1961 the University of Toledo procured an actual rocket from the U.S. Army and positioned it in such a way that if fired, it would land on the 50-yard line in Doyt-Perry Stadium on the campus of Bowling Green State University. Food & Beverage 3 The Glass Bowl provides a fairly average culinary experience for college football. You will find what you expect to find here, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Hot dogs ($3.50), popcorn ($3.50), pizza ($4), nachos ($3.50), soda ($3.25), and beer ($6) are all available. Unlike many college football stadiums, there are alcohol sales at the Glass Bowl. Featured brands of beer include Budweiser, Bud Light, Labatt Blue, and Yuengling. If you are looking for something a bit more unique, then try the Tailgate Gourmet in the south end. They feature a sirloin burger and a quarter-pound hot dog. The quality of the food at the Tailgate Gourmet is high, but the service can be slow. Atmosphere 4 The Glass Bowl is a great place to catch a college football game. The University of Toledo has done a fantastic job of merging the old with the new. The Glass Bowl has a north-south orientation with a horseshoe seating area, opening at the north end. All seating is aluminium benches with the band and students sitting in the south end. The west grandstand features the press box and luxury boxes in a three-tier complex above the seating bowl similar to many college stadiums. The entire stadium is surrounded by a beautiful stone wall made from irregular stones with sharp vertical stones at the top. It gives the stadium a fort-like feel. The north opening also features two large, square ramparts continuing with the fort feel. The beautiful stonework features what may have at one time been windows, that are now covered with pictures of Rocket Legends. The legends include players who have had their numbers retired including Mel Long, Mel Triplett, Gene Swisk, and Chuck Ealey. Legends also include newer Rocket players including Chester Taylor and Bruce Gradkowski. On the facia of the luxury boxes, the retired numbers of the Rockets are featured, as well as the 10 conference championship years. When game time arrives, the Rocket Marching Band marches toward the stadium and enters. They perform as most bands do, forming various icons on the field while playing songs including the Toledo fight song. The team enters the stadium from the north end through smoke and cannon fire. When the Rockets score, be ready as the cannon will fire again! The in-game experience is fantastic and well worth the trip. Outside of the Glass Bowl is a Nike-Ajax Rocket which was erected on the campus in 1961. The Rocket is pointed at the top rival of the Rockets, the Bowling Green Falcons. The Sullivan Athletic Center, a few steps from the Glass Bowl, houses the main campus store as well as the Rockets Hall of Fame. Toledo has done a fantastic job of sharing their history and their points of pride with visitors, students, and alumni. Neighborhood 3 The Glass Bowl is located right in the heart of the University of Toledo. The university has a beautiful green campus just south of the Ottawa River. The university campus is west of downtown Toledo. The home of the Toledo Mud Hens of the International League, Fifth Third Field, can be found downtown, as well as the new Huntington Center, which is the home of the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. Other Toledo athletic events are held at Savage Hall, which is just a few steps from the Glass Bowl. If you are looking for some pre or post-game libations, you probably want to head to Dorr St. There you may consider trying Jed’s on Campus or Oasis Restaurant. Fans 4 The Toledo Rockets have enjoyed solid fan support. The student section is strong and it is right beside the band. The Rockets have routinely featured attendance in the top 5 in the conference. They typically average over 18,000 fans per year. In 2013, the Rockets averaged over 18,000 fans and were 4th in the conference in attendance. The previous year the Rockets were averaging over 20,000 which was good for 3rd. Some of the fans do take their time arriving on time, missing the fun of the band performing before the game. This could be because of the solid tailgating scene that can be found on campus. Either way, Rocket fans are not afraid to make noise and love the cannon fires signifying a Rockets score. Access 3 Getting to the Glass Bowl is not too difficult. The campus of the University of Toledo is located south of I-475, west of I-75, and Highway 24. The game day crew does a great job of keeping traffic flowing through campus and helping fans find and pay for parking. Large parking garages and tailgate lots make parking on campus fairly easy. Inside the Glass Bowl, patrons do find some difficulties with older facilities. Some of the washrooms are pretty small and feature old-school troughs and sinks. Also, on the east side, the light standards are actually in front of the upper deck. Return on Investment 5 The investment in Rocket Football is not significant. Tickets are normally $25 and can rise for big games. In 2014, the Bowling Green game went for $35 and the Missouri game went for $45. The sight lines on the west side of the stadium are excellent, but you would want to be careful behind the light standards in the upper deck on the east side. Concession prices are very reasonable for college football and campus parking is not very expensive. Overall, you will have a great time in Toledo and you can easily bring a family. The return is significant with a solid college football atmosphere in a very unique stadium. Extras 3 An extra mark for the student section who throws footballs back to the game when field goals are kicked. There is no protective netting for field goals and it appears that one is not needed. An extra mark for the Rocket pointed at Doyt-Perry Stadium. A truly unique feature that revs up a solid rivalry. An extra mark for legendary Rockets quarterback Chuck Ealey who played his entire Toledo career without losing a game, leading a 35-0 streak. Final Thoughts A trip to see the uniqueness of the Glass Bowl is worth a trip to Toledo just on its own. The Rockets provide a first-class college football experience and the MAC provides some excellent #MACtion in what may be a fairly forgotten football conference otherwise. If you are a college football enthusiast, consider traveling to Northern Ohio to see the Toledo Rockets. You will not be disappointed. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bowling Green Ballpark 300 E 8th Ave Bowling Green, KY 42101 Bowling Green Hot Rods website Bowling Green Ballpark website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,700 Things are Getting Better in Bowling Green Bowling Green Ballpark has been home to the Bowling Green Hot Rods of the Midwest League since the 2009 season. The 4,559-seat stadium was designed by architectural firm DLR Group and it features a concave right-center field wall due to the road behind the stadium and an embedded 6 by 68-foot LED display board in the left field wall. The price tag on the stadium was $28 million when completed in 2009. Bowling Green’s population is near 67,000 and is probably best known for being the home to Western Kentucky University and the manufacturing home of the Chevrolet Corvette, with the Corvette Museum located in town. The city is somewhat new to minor league baseball and there is not a rich history that you might find in other cities, although the town was home to the Bowling Green Barons from 1939-1942. The Hot Rods ended the 67-year drought with the completion of ballpark construction in 2009, and looking at its front entrance there is a nod to baseball past with retro paintings of step by step instructions on how to swing a bat in pink and black colors. The ball club is the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Food & Beverage 4 There is a lot to choose from at the ballpark during a game and it consists of all the staples plus much more. Ballpark Favorite include Fritos chili pie, honey fried chicken sandwich, chicken or beef nacho salad, deep fried corn on the cob, Philly steak sandwich, and chicken caesar wrap. Healthier choices include grilled turkey and pork chop sandwiches and a veggie burger that is topped with grilled vegetables. The grill down the third base side offers gluttony of punishment for your arteries that includes the Bootlegger Burger – a beef patty between two Moon Pies. There are also burgers topped with homemade bacon jam and a full-sized souvenir batting helmet filled with nachos. A few feet away is a bar that offers both domestic and craft beer for $5 a pint, a remarkable price at any level of baseball. The price also includes tall boy national brands in cans, along with 16-ounce drafts of Yuengling Lager and Pilsner, Blue Moon, and locally-made Blue Holler Goin’ Yard Pilsner. Cocktails and Moonaritas sell for $6 and $8 respectively. Atmosphere 3 Bowling Green Ballpark went through $2 million in renovations prior to the 2019 baseball season that has improved many aspects of the park for people of all ages. The ballpark now features a full wraparound concourse that allows patrons to view the game from multiple vantage points and allows them to utilize the facility during the day for walking and jogging. The most recognizable feature is the close to $800,000 high-definition video board that stands at 35 feet tall by 56 feet wide, almost triple the size of the old video board and with a video quality will put it on par with other ballparks in baseball. The 1,500 square foot Splash Zone also includes two new adjacent restrooms and two changing rooms behind the batter’s eye in center field. The 10-foot-tall baseball bat water fountain allows fans to cool off during the hot summer months and provides a new way to beat the heat at the baseball game. The ballpark features an impressive kids area down the right field line that includes a covered playground, carousel, and radar pitch machine. The official team store is called The Body Shop and has a vast collection of team merchandise plus $60 game worn jerseys. Axle and Rascoe are the club’s official mascots and can be seen throwing out shirts, waving flags on the dugouts, signing autographs, and posing for photos throughout the concourse. The facility also features an outdoor patio set suite down the left field line, tier-lawn seating, and table tops on the concourse to enjoy food and drink while watching the game. The press box itself is not directly behind home plate but pushed down the third base side; this gives fans in the Reinhart Club seating a panoramic view of the diamond. Neighborhood 3 Bowling Green Ballpark is situated in a college town, but it’s much more than that. The downtown square is within walking distance of the stadium and offers a few nice bars and restaurants that are busy on the weekend nights. 440 Main Restaurant and Bar offers fine dining minutes away from the home field of the Hot Rods. The Mellow Mushroom is a nice option for pizza and beers before or after the game and so is the White Squirrel Brewery. Both are located within a mile from the stadium. Directly outside of the ballpark area are two great places to grab a drink before or after the game. The first is 3-6-4 Sports Bar & Grill that includes build-your-own-burgers, pizza, sliders, and chicken wings. A few feet away is Mariah’s that offers a menu of mahi tacos, hot brown sandwiches, brick-oven pizza, pasta, and steak. Lost River Pizza Company and Double Dogs, two inexpensive eateries, are approved by locals. A little further up the road on I-65 is Mammoth Cave National Park, featuring numerous underground tours that will fascinate and keep you cool during the hot summer months. There is an adventure to be had when you take a two-hour cave tour and squeeze through narrow passages and tunnels. It is one of the great national parks of the United States. Fans 2 The fans are rather quiet but supportive of the Hot Rods. They are like many other Single-A fans who do their best to support their club at home. The night that we were there was Bark at the Park Night and it felt that there could have been more promotions going on at the stadium since this type of night brings out many a dog lover to the stadium. Access 4 Bowling Green Ballpark is located within a few miles of I-65 and there is free parking in the various lots on streets near the facility. Once inside, the small and cozy conditions make for a rather accessible stadium. There is even signage directing motorists to the ballpark, something that is not always common in smaller sized cities. The average fan should have no problems being able to watch the game away from the seat while waiting in line for food. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a general admission ticket in advance or on game day is $8, a very reasonable price for minor league ball. Box seats are $8 and premium box seats are $10 in advance but spike up to $4 each on game day. Club seating is $20 in advance and provides fans access to the recently renovated Reinhart Club up above the concourse behind home plate. A full-service bar, wait-staff, and custom menu items give the fan an upgrade ballpark experience for a few dollars more. Parking is free in the main lot across the street and on the street, the price of a draft beer is $5 (including both domestic and locally crafted varieties) and from Tuesday to Wednesday evening, certain food and drink prices fall from anywhere from one to two dollars each. For example, on Whacky Wednesdays carnival rides and radar pitching stands are free and certain menu items are only $2. Extras 4 Bowling Green Ballpark earns a point for free parking at every game and earns a second point for providing a 16-ounce pint of beer for $5, not too many ballparks or bars offer that price for locally brewed beer. The ballpark earns another point for the recent improvements that include a 360-degree concourse that allows walkers to utilize the stadium during the day. The final point is for providing mid-week promotions to attract fans to the game that includes sales on merchandise on Monday, dogs at the ballpark for free on Tuesdays, and Whacky Wednesdays pricing. Final Thoughts Bowling Green Ballpark is a very modern and comfortable place to watch Single-A baseball. The recent renovations to the stadium and the value for your dollar makes it an affordable destination for fans in the area. It also makes for an ideal visit when in the area, or on your way to a couple of ballpark heavyweights in Louisville or Nashville.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum is just across the street from Busch Stadium and is part of the Ballpark Village. The museum is an impressive collection of team history dating back to the team’s origins and showcases the many players, home stadiums, and World Series championships won by the club. The museum boasts one of the largest team-specific collections of artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Seven galleries take you on a chronological journey through the history of the Cardinals; visitors learn about the birth of the franchise, relive special memories, view game-worn jerseys, and interact with great exhibits. The floorplan is set up in seven different areas highlighting the team's former homes of Sportsman Park and Busch Stadium II, along with its current venue, Look of the Cardinals, Championship Gallery, Cardinals Nation, and the Hall of Fame. There is also a rotation exhibit at the museum. The Look of the Cardinals illustrates how those two birds got onto the bats and game-worn jerseys are displayed that show the evolution of the famous insignia that has been on every home jersey, except 1956, every year since 1922. The look was inspired by table decorations created by Allie May Schmidt for dinner engagement by the Cardinals Vice President and General Manager Branch Rickey. The championship gallery features all 11 World Series trophies, rings, and paraphernalia in a beautiful circular-shaped room. There is a collection of great material from the different championship eras from pins, game day programs, press pins, clothing, and photographs. The museum also dedicates an area to the memory of the St. Louis Browns who played from 1903-1953 and in 1944 played the Cards in the all-St. Louis World Series. All of the galleries offer interactive areas, detailed information, and plenty of nostalgia for fans of the teams. Visitors are also able to pose for pictures holding game-used bats by former players, call a game in the broadcast booth, and put on an actual World Series championship ring. Even if you are not a Cardinals fan, it would be hard not to be impressed with the massive collection and detail of history. St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum 700 Clark St., St. Louis, Missouri 62102 http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/cardinals-nation/hof.jsp Open Monday-Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 BMO Center 300 Elm St Rockford, IL 61101 Rockford IceHogs website BMO Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 5,895 Big Orange Box Opened in 1981, BMO Harris Bank Center was known as the Metro Centre or the “Big Orange Box” due to the reddish/orange brick facade. It seats about 5,900 for hockey, 10,000 for concerts, and approximately 7,700 for basketball. The IceHogs are currently the AHL affiliate for the Chicago Blackhawks since the 2007-08 season. Prior to that season, they were in the now-defunct United Hockey League (UHL). The unique thing about this venue is that when the IceHogs were accepted into the AHL the arena ice surface had to be extended by 15’. As a result, the open end of the arena used to have seating but no more. Also, since the rest of the seating bowl was not changed, the benches do not have enough room for the backup goalies. Therefore, the goalies sit away from the rest of the team where the Zambonis come in/out between periods. The seating is a horseshoe shape with one end being open. In the open end, there is an ice level club lounge area. Any fan can visit the upper level and watch the game if the area is not rented (the view is nice from up there). In addition, there are about 10 conventional skyboxes on one side of the arena. Their gift shop is huge and has a great selection of the usual stuff…hats, t-shirts, sweatpants, game-worn uniforms, etc... The seating areas and restrooms are very clean in the arena. Food & Beverage 5 The food here is outstanding. The IceHogs offer many choices. My favorite is the Barnyards pulled pork bbq sandwich. However, the country fried chicken sandwich and the "Pig Slop" are very tasty too. The Pig Slop is French fries, cole slaw, pulled pork, and nacho cheese. Barnyards also sells fried buffalo chicken sandwiches. Sandwiches are $13. The Oak Leaf Grill has chicken tenders with fries ($13), pork tenderloin ($8) or grilled chicken sandwiches ($8), corn dog or cheese curds ($8), or a bratwurst ($6). Nacho Dillas stand has “gourmet nachos” - beef or chicken with queso, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream, jalapenos, and salsa ($13). In addition, there are “walkaway nachos” - beef or chicken topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, onions, tomato & sour cream ($7.50). The arena has standard fare foods such as Pizza Hut pizza ($7 a slice). This stand also sells breadsticks with marinara sauce ($7). The Barnburner stand has a cheeseburger basket ($14) or just a cheeseburger ($8), Various stands have hot dogs ($5.50), popcorn ($7), nachos ($6), hot pretzels ($7.50), and candy ($4.50). Alcoholic drinks include the River City Brew stand which serves mixed drinks ($10 to $17) as well as domestic draft beer ($8), specialty beer ($9), champagne ($9), frozen margaritas ($13), and wine ($10). For drinks, regular and diet Pepsi brand soda is $9 for a souvenir cup ($4.50 for a refill), Rockstar energy drinks ($6), water is $4.50, and Gatorade or tea goes for $4.75. A Dippin’ Dots stand sells its ice cream for $5.50 (small) and $7.50 (large). Popcorn is $7. Atmosphere 5 The fans who attend are really into the game. This is a major plus since the place is so small you are very close to the action and there is no bad seat in the arena. The main level open end seating area has a bunch of sit-down tables and stand-up bar tables. My only beef with this area is if you are not right against the railing, you cannot see all of the ice. The IceHogs have updated the look of Hammy - the mascot. Many fans dislike the new look, as do I. Hammy does a lot of stuff on the ice. Hammy walks around the arena and is readily available for pictures. I do have a problem with the IceHogs changing the look of the "live" mascot but not on all of their swag and specialty jerseys. A lone championship banner from the IceHogs UHL days hangs from the rafter. It is the only banner indicating that the franchise, as a whole, is not very successful on the ice. The in-game entertainment is your usual stuff and includes a local choir singing the national anthem, a local drumline team performing between periods, chuck a puck, and t-shirt tosses. The IceHogs Game promotions throughout the year are outstanding. They include different themed nights like Star Wars Night, Pink in the Rink, Halloween festivities, Country Nights, Teddy Bear Toss (always a fun time), dog days, specialty jersey auctions and more. In addition, they have great giveaways throughout the year. Neighborhood 2 BMO Harris Bank Center is located in downtown Rockford, IL on the west side of Rock River. There is not much of a neighborhood immediately around the arena. It is mostly government offices and buildings, store fronts (many vacant), or parking. However, there are some bars / restaurants within walking distance. Cantina Taco and J-bears Place is good. Less than a half a mile away from the arena, across the Rock River, is the more riveting part of the downtown area. It has bars, breweries, restaurants, art galleries, shops, and a river walk for those warmer days. For local craft beers, go to Prairie Street Brewhouse or Carlyle Brewing Company. Vintage@501 is a local favorite and is considered one of the best places in Rockford for a burger. Fans 4 As with most minor league sports, the people in attendance are mostly families. Many fans wear IceHogs game-worn jerseys/replica jerseys. In addition, visitors see many Chicago Blackhawk jerseys in the stands. COVID really hit attendance during the last two seasons. However, things are getting back to “normal.” The average attendance is about 3,500 per game now. And the fans who go are loud and into the game which makes for some good times. The intensity increases when local rival, the Chicago Wolves (Carolina Hurricanes AHL affiliate), are in town. One thing that amuses me is after a home team goal is scored the crowd taunts the opposing goalie to the old tune of "Mony, Mony," by saying “hey guess what, your goalie sucks.” Note: If you don’t like cowbells, you are not going to like this place. It seems that most of the people have one here. Access 3 Getting to the arena from Chicago is easy, off I-90 onto US 20 going first through first commercial shopping and restaurants. Just about every major chain you can think of is down this stretch. Then you drive through residential neighborhoods which are rundown but safe. Then it becomes somewhat industrial and lastly, downtown. There are parking lots all around the arena which cost about $5 - $7. More expensive parking is nearer the arena too. In addition, a lot of free street parking is a couple blocks from the arena. My only problem is, when leaving the game, the one road, US 20, is packed, and it takes about 15 minutes before you get to an area where traffic is flowing again. It really would help if Rockford police directed traffic after a game. BMO Harris Bank Center has adopted the clear bag policy where only 12” x 6” x 12” bags are permissible in the venue during a hockey match. Small wallets, clutches, and purses less than 8 ½” x 11” are also allowed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $12 to $29, depending on the game. In addition, there is a service fee too. Sadly, I did not get a paper ticket on the day of this review. I don’t know if they are available. The IceHogs have instituted a “premium” pricing program which I really hate. Despite this pricing, between the promotions, game activities, and food, it is well worth the time and effort to get there. Extras 4 Several things are worth noting. Fans can purchase a between-period Zamboni ride. The organization took a Zamboni, removed the water tank, and put seats in that spot. The Zamboni fits ten people, and the money goes towards charity. Next, the IceHogs organization displays the promotional-themed night jerseys worn throughout the franchise's history along the concourse. I wish all teams would adopt this. The Stars of Tomorrow area features pictures of former players who have made it to the Pros. Finally, the standing areas with tables in the arena are worth a mention. The open end of the upper level has an area where fans can stand and watch the game. Final Thoughts Rockford being fairly close to the Chicagoland area (about 2 hrs), the IceHogs being the Chicago Blackhawks affiliate, and all the promotions the IceHogs have, this is a can’t miss venue. A bad time can't be had here.

Photos courtesy of Lehigh Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park 123 Goodman Dr Bethlehem, PA 18015 Lehigh Mountain Hawks website J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 500 Watching the Hawks J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park is located on the Goodman Campus in Bethlehem, PA, and is another one of those parks that is so small it lacks a real address, so your GPS can only get you very close. Like many smaller schools, the athletics facilities tend to be clustered together at Lehigh, so you will find the baseball diamond right behind the Rauch Field House, next to the tennis courts and not far from the track – if you can get to Goodman Drive you should be able to find the venue, eventually. Food & Beverage 0 Currently there is no concessions stand, so you have to bring your own food and drinks if you want them, and many do – a number of fans sit or stand on the hill overlooking the park (behind the press box), and there is a real tailgating atmosphere there, including numerous food tables and coolers for beer; more on that in the Fans section below. Atmosphere 2 Not a terrible place to see a game; since it is so small you can get really close to the action and clearly hear the crack of the bat and the shouts from the umpire; the attendance is also pretty decent, so you can experience some good crowd noise. However, the facilities are admittedly lacking – it was built so long ago the Internet doesn’t even know when, there are no concessions, and all the seats are metal bleachers (only some have chair back rails, which are at least painted in the team colors). The Mountain Hawks compete in the Patriot League, which has been dominated by Bucknell for the last 25 years, and only has 5 baseball teams besides Lehigh (Army, Bucknell, Holy Cross, Lafayette, and Navy). Neighborhood 3 There aren’t any restaurants close to J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park, which is a bummer since they don’t sell food inside, so to find anything to eat you pretty much have to go downtown, where there are several fast food and local places. But the real jewel in Bethlehem, and probably the only place worth hanging out before or after the game (except for the Sands Casino Resort) is the Apollo Grill, which is located on West Broad Street, and for 15 years has been voted the best restaurant in Lehigh Valley (pretty much every year since it opened). Reservations are suggested because it is so popular. A little on the pricey side, Apollo’s offers a variety of sandwiches as well as seafood options, but also fancier entrees like pork, veal, and lamb. The atmosphere is pretty lively – the only downside is that wine and martinis are the only adult beverage options. If you plan to stay the weekend, the main attraction in Bethlehem is the aforementioned Sands Casino Resort, which opened in 2009, and added the hotel and an outlet mall in 2011 – the resort complex includes nearly a dozen restaurant as well as four night clubs. Sands and the Holiday Inn are the main hotel options in Bethlehem proper, so if neither of those is your scene you may want to try nearby Allentown, which has several Hiltons, a Ramada, a Wingate by Wyndham, and a few off-brand lodging choices. Fans 3 Lehigh draws a pretty good crowd for baseball games. The capacity at J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park is only 500, and the stands tend to get pretty full, so a lot of fans instead choose to watch from the hill behind the press box. You will see a long row of tables up there loaded with food, as well as several beer coolers hidden underneath, and that crowd gets pretty raucous, more so than the folks in the stands. A lot of fans in both areas wear Lehigh gear, and they loudly and proudly support their team, and boo the bad guys. Access 3 I mentioned earlier that J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park is hard to find because it doesn’t have a real address. Once you get to it, though, parking is easy to find – there are small lots all around the park, with plenty of space to accommodate the typical crowd size. The bathrooms are a little odd, however – there are plenty of them, but they are the inside-a-trailer type, not your usual free-standing option. Admittedly they are a step up from port-a-johns, so I guess they do the job, and at least they are clean and close to the stands! Return on Investment 3 Admission to Lehigh baseball games is free, as is parking. However, they don’t have concessions here, which may be problematic for some. Nevertheless, the crowd is pretty solid, so that makes a visit to J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park a lot of fun. If you can suck up the weird bathrooms and the lack of food and drink for a few hours (or haul in your own), it is probably a worthwhile trip. Extras 1 One point for the Sands Casino Resort – this provides a great additional reason (besides the baseball) to make the drive out to Bethlehem. Another point for the tailgating on the hill – you rarely see this at baseball games, so it adds a nice bit of fun and uniqueness. Final Thoughts A decent place to see a baseball game, with a really good crowd, and a great opportunity to do some tailgating, which you can’t do at a lot of other college baseball stadiums. J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park also underwent some renovations since this article was published, so the venue should look even better right now.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Osceola County Stadium 631 Heritage Park Way Kissimmee, FL 34744 Orlando City B website Osceola County Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,300 Orlando’s Future Soccer Stars In Orlando, the soccer scene has become a deeply woven part of the city’s sports fabric. Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride may very well get all of the attention, but make no mistake, there are other options in the area. The former indoor Orlando SeaWolves started the soccer craze in Osceola Memorial Park, and now the mantle belongs to Orlando City B. Having moved from Exploria Stadium after the COVID-19 pandemic to the former home of the Orlando Fire Frogs, OCB has found a home and a fanbase to call their own, without any distractions from big brother. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium fare is simple but tasty here. For most games only one concessions stand is open, but it has a wide variety of options. Cheeseburgers, nachos, hot dogs, fries, and various candy and chip selections are available, with drinks including water, bottled sodas, and beer. Pricing is simple and consistent with most stadiums, with drinks in the $4-$5 range and food just over $10 for meals. Atmosphere 3 The stadium itself is a former baseball stadium, playing host to various MiLB and spring training matchups over the years – now it has been converted to a soccer pitch. Seating is all general admission, meaning you can sit anywhere from the top rows down to right along the field. The seats along the sidelines line up well with the pitch and are in the shade for most of the afternoon and evening. However, any seating along what was the right field line will be in the sun and at an angle, when available. Neighborhood 3 The fact that you’re not far from Orlando proper means you aren’t far from plenty of entertainment. However, right around the stadium itself, you will find limited food and shopping options. Rodeo Diner and Chicken Spot are located right next to McDonald’s and Denny’s along US-192, the main road outside the facility. For lodging, Quality Inn & Suites Heritage Park and Travelodge by Wyndham Kissimmee East are your two best options. For seeing the sights, Walt Disney World Resort is only 15 minutes away, while NASA and Cape Canaveral are just an hour east near Cocoa Beach. Fans 3 The stadium may not sell out every game or echo with the chants from the Wall like their bigger counterparts downtown, but Orlando City B has built a loyal fanbase that shows up to their games with passion – signs in the stadium are still common showing their love of Orlando. Younger fans are among the most passionate at games, crowding the lower rows closest to the pitch and cheering with every pass and shot on goal. Another big fan draw is the family aspect of going to an OCB game; even after kickoff families with young fans continued to trickle into the stadium. Access 4 To get to Osceola County Stadium, a simple drive south on I-4 will take you to exit 244. From there a turn to the west on US-192 will lead you right to Osceola Heritage Park, where Silver Spurs Arena is located. Parking is plentiful on-site and free. Signs are also plentiful on-site to help direct you once you get on the property, as there are several different venues located at Osceola Heritage Park, including Silver Spurs Arena , the new home of the Kissimmee Magic. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are incredibly affordable at just $15 a person, and all seats are general admission. Partner this with free parking and affordable concessions, and it is easy to see why Orlando City B games are a hit with local families. Add to this the great action on the field, and the opportunity to watch some of the young stars that are coming up through the ranks in soccer, and you have little reason to skip out on this great game-day value. Extras 3 The stadium features a dedication plaque in the main concourse showcasing the history of the stadium. Fans also can enjoy watching the game from field level on the left field patio. Here, tables and chairs and standing room offer perhaps the most up-close view of any professional soccer experience without having to pay an extra price. Finally, the stadium facility is also the training home for Orlando City SC , and Orlando City B, so you can see plenty of stars in the fields around the stadium, training for future games. Final Thoughts Orlando City B may not have the big-name players or the big-time stadium, but they are no less deserving of your attendance. A great family atmosphere showcasing some of the brightest future stars makes for a perfect night out watching soccer in Orlando, without paying the price for the team’s bigger brother .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 XL Center 1 Civic Center Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Connecticut Huskies hockey website XL Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 14,750 Husky Hockey in Hartford   The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is the largest arena in the state of Connecticut. It was originally built in 1974 as part of a downtown project that included an adjacent mall, convention center, office space, hotel, and parking garage. Some people still refer to the XL Center as “The Mall,” even though the mall portion of the complex was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a 36-story residential tower.   The University of Connecticut has sponsored varsity hockey programs since 1960. They initially competed at the Division Three level in the ECAC conference. The team played at an outdoor rink near Memorial Stadium until 1998 when the school made the decision to upgrade to Division One. The Freitas Ice Forum was built to house the team and served as the Husky's home until the team joined the Hockey East Conference in 2014. At that time, the Huskies moved to downtown Hartford and the XL Center.   Despite the XL Center’s history as an NHL arena, it was never meant to be more than a temporary home for Huskies hockey, while a plan was developed for an on-campus arena. In 2021, UConn announced plans to build a new arena adjacent to the Freitas Ice Forum . The Toscano Family Ice Forum hosted its first women’s hockey game on January 13, 2023, and its first men’s hockey game on January 14, 2023. The school now plays the majority of its games on campus, scheduling only four games a year in Hartford.   The Huskies have yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Seven UConn alumni have played in the National Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 5    The XL Center offers a menu that balances traditional arena fare with local flavor. Depending on your appetite, you can visit Chicken Fry Fry (featuring chicken tenders and fries), Fresh Classics (sausage and pepper sandwiches and nachos), Grill Masters (burgers), or Hot Dog Nation (yep, hot dogs). Dunkin’ Donuts operates a pair of stands featuring their signature coffee and baked goods. Pepsi products are featured at the XL Center. A complete concessions guide can be found here .   Visiting fans looking for a bit of local flavor should seek out Ted’s Cheeseburgers, which features gourmet burgers cooked in a style unique to Central Connecticut: they are steamed. Other notable stands include Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza (featured on Man vs. Food), the Portly Pig, Los Mariachis, and The Sausage Guy (the same one from Fenway Park). Chick-fil-A serves up their legendary chicken sandwiches. Portable carts serve up a variety of snacks, including Carvel ice cream.   Fans looking for an adult beverage will be pleased to find stands dedicated specifically to alcohol sales. Several national beer brands, including Sam Adams, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Blue Moon, can be found throughout the XL Center. Local brewery Two Roads sells a UConn-branded specialty brew, TwoConn Easy Ale.   A new option at the XL Center is the new Sports Bar and Fanatics Sportsbook, where fans can watch games on the 80 televisions hung on its 100-foot-long video wall while placing bets on the action. The Sportsbook Lounge also offers a full-service bar and restaurant featuring a menu of arena favorites. Atmosphere 3   Fans who have visited the XL Center over the years can testify that the sheer size of the XL Center works to spread out the fans and dampen any noise produced by the crowd. For Huskies crowds, however, some life is breathed into the old building. Driven by the student section and pep band, there’s an energy here that the old barn doesn’t often see. With the XL Center’s location 27 miles from campus, the turnout from students can be pretty impressive.   Arena staff put on a nice presentation, with the large video board put to use with hype videos, ads, replays, and crowd shots. There are t-shirt tosses and other contests to keep fans engaged, and the Husky mascot, Jonathan, participates on the ice and interacts with the crowd throughout the game.   Neighborhood 5   Hartford is rarely thought of as a destination city, but there is a lot to do in Connecticut’s capital city. The area around the arena features numerous restaurants and shops, and is filled with people, even on the weekends. Pratt Street, located directly across the street from the XL Center, is lined with many excellent pubs and restaurants, including Urban Lodge Brewery and Vaughan's Irish Public House. Black-Eyed Sally’s on Asylum Street features live music and excellent barbeque. Max Downtown, Sorella, Plan b Burger Bar and Bear's Barbeque highlight some of the diverse and popular options downtown. Hartford suffers from a bad reputation, but the area around the XL Center is safe and walkable. For fans interested in exploring the downtown area, there are some attractions nearby worth mentioning. The Old State House is located a few blocks from the XL Center, and contains exhibits on Hartford history. Tours are discounted for AAA members, and will cost history buffs a mere $3. The State Capitol and Bushnell Park are popular attractions located nearby. The Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both located just a short drive from the downtown area. Check out Hartford.com  for more information.   Fans looking for other sporting options in Hartford can pair a Huskies hockey game with a UConn men’s or women’s basketball game  here. The AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack  also calls the XL Center home, and the Hartford Yard Goats  play a couple of blocks away at Dunkin’ Park. Hartford Athletic FC  plays at Trinity Health Stadium on the Connecticut River waterfront. Of course, the Storrs campus is just over a half hour away.   Fans 3   Crowds for Huskies hockey can vary greatly depending on the time of year, opponent, and even the weather. Stadium Journey visited the XL Center on a beautiful October Saturday afternoon with an announced crowd of about 2,700 in attendance. While a decent crowd, the sheer size of the XL Center makes a decent crowd look tiny. Larger crowds can be expected later in the year after football season ends. UConn hockey generally lands in the middle of the pack in terms of national attendance, drawing around 3,000 fans per game.   Despite the XL Center’s location 21 miles from the UConn campus, a good turnout from the student body can be expected. Driven by the pep band, the students give the building some energy night after night. Locals, youth teams, and alumni help fill the XL Center.   Access 4   The XL Center is in downtown Hartford, easily reached via either Interstate 84 or 91. The arena is only a few blocks away from either highway. Traffic in the city is often difficult to navigate, particularly for weekday games. Be sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, as both highways back up regularly around rush hour and beyond.   There are almost 50 parking lots and garages in the downtown area, all within walking distance of the XL Center. If you want to plan, the XL Center website has a link to the downtown map here . In addition to these paid spots, on-street parking is readily available around the XL Center. Meters are not in operation on weekends.   Once inside the XL Center, fans will enter a spacious lobby. This area was once part of the Civic Center Mall but is mostly empty space now. The ticket office is located here, as well as access to the attached parking garage and the Coliseum Club on the second level. There is a nice display in this area featuring jerseys from every high school hockey program in Connecticut, as well as a display featuring photos from Hartford’s hockey history.   All seats in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum consist of folding stadium chairs. The seating bowl at the XL Center is very steeply pitched, ensuring great sight lines no matter where you sit. Upper-level seats are usually not sold. Since the typical Husky crowd only fills a fraction of the XL Center, getting around is usually not too difficult. The restrooms are clean and large enough for the typical Husky crowd.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Husky games at the XL Center are affordable. Center ice sections sell for $23, with end zone seating priced at $18.   Parking in the lots and garages surrounding the XL Center ranges in price from $10-20, with on-street parking available for fans wishing to search for it. On-street parking is free after 6 PM on weekdays and all day long on weekends.   Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area.   Extras 3                                                                                                 Banners honoring the 17 University of Connecticut National basketball champions (11 women’s, six men’s) hang from the rafters on one end of the arena. On the other end of the arena, the Huskies have hung their 2000 MAAC championship banner.   The XL Center doesn’t ignore its past as the home of the Hartford Whalers. Banners honoring Whalers division championships, retired numbers, and the Howe family, who all played together in Hartford, hang from the rafters. In addition, the lobby contains a large mural of some of the highlights of Hartford’s professional hockey history.   After every Husky goal, Brass Bonanza, the Whalers’ goal song, plays.     Final Thoughts   The XL Center has its share of critics, particularly those who feel that Hartford deserves another NHL team. While the XL Center is no longer an adequate facility for the NHL, it is an excellent venue for college hockey, even if it is a bit too large for the needs of UConn. With the building of the Toscano Family Ice Forum , the XL Center will host only a handful of games every year, handling those games deemed too big to be held on-campus.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Ford Field 2000 Brush St Detroit, MI 48226 Detroit Lions website Ford Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 65,000 Lions Loyal The definition of sports futility may just be the Detroit Lions. In the conversation for most long suffering fans, the Lions have tortured their fans by only winning one National Football League playoff game since 1957. Most fans forget the dominance of the Lions in the pre Super Bowl era, which is understandable. There may be many who sleep on the Lions as a force in the NFL, however, nobody should sleep on the experience at Ford Field. One of the centerpiece items built to help revitalize downtown Detroit, Fied Field opened its doors in 2002 and signaled the end of the Lions existence at the Pontiac Silverdome. A resurgence in the experience for fans, Ford Field has also hosted the NCAA Final Four, NCAA Frozen Four, Mid-American Conference Championship game and Quick Lane Bowl as well as a ton of concerts and WrestleMania 23. Until 2014 the Lions were under the care of owner William Clay Ford. With his death, the team is owned by his daughter Sheila Ford Hamp. A trip to the Lions will show fans what Lions Loyalty is all about. Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene is very strong at Ford Field. Fans will be more than pleased to find local favorites inside Ford Field including Slow’s BBQ, Hungry Howie’s Pizza and Big Boy. Other options include Taste of Greektown, Hon Cho Poletown Sausage and Lefty’s Famous Cheesesteaks. The Street Eats of Detroit and Goalpost Grille provide more traditional stadium fare. There is little for the fan to desire. Some stands provide “Power Hour” specials which give special pricing from 11 to 12 on a regular 1 pm game. There are plenty of beer options available throughout the stadium. Leinenkugel, Miller Lite and Blue Moon are all available, but the presence of Bud Light is pretty overwhelming. A number of bars throughout the stadium also offer a variety of other alcoholic beverages. Pepsi products are the soft drinks of choice at Ford Field. Atmosphere 5 Ford Field is one of the centerpiece buildings that have highlighted the return to downtown. Built into a former warehouse, Ford Field has maintained some of that industrial charm, heavily relying on a brown brick exterior with some marble inserts with Ford Field and Lions logos. Large, glass atriums at the southeast and southwest corners of the stadium offer great gathering places. Unlike the majority of NFL stadiums, Ford Field is completely enclosed. Some may consider this to be a detractor for the stadium, but the harsh Michigan winters make domed field a welcome feature. A far cry from the Pontiac Silverdome, the roof at Fied Field features huge translucent panels which bring in plenty of natural light. Also, the southwest and southeast corners are open and the light from the atriums help give fans the feeling of being outdoors while enjoying comfort from the elements. The north and south concourses are very different. The south concourse nods back to the industrial roots of the area with wrought iron gates at the entrance of sections and brick walls and cobblestone flooring. The north concourse is the complete opposite with a much more modern feel to it. Posts in the concourses are covered with images of current Lions players and Lions greats of the past. The east-west oriented, field turf field is surrounded by two main tiers of seating. The south side features four tiers of luxury boxes. The fascia of those boxes has the names of the 19 members of the Pride of the Lions ring of honour. Members include Alex Karras, Roger Brown, Herman Moore, Bobby Layne, Joe Schmidt, Doak Walker, Lou Creekmur, Dick Lane, Lem Barney, Dick LeBeau, Dick Stanfel, Jason Hanson, Chris Spielman, Jack Christiansen, Dutch Clark, Yale Lary, Charlie Sanders, Alex Wojciechowicz and Barry Sanders. Opposite, on the north side hang the banners the Lions have earned for various division and conference championships. The American flag is surrounded by the 1935, 1952, 1953 and 1957 NFL Championship banners, earned before the Super Bowl era. Massive video boards hang above the north and south end zones. There are plenty of other screens around and massive ribbon boards encase the southeast and southwest pillars. The south side is where fans will want to be for that perfect fifty yard line logo picture. The fun at a Lions game begins outside in the Pride Plaza. Food trucks and a variety of football related games will welcome fans along with a DJ and short zip line. The Lions drumline, Honolulu Boom performs outside before the game and again inside. Once nearing kickoff, the energy level increases with performances by Honolulu Boom and the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders, leading to the player introductions with entry from the southwest corner. The rest of the gameday experience is what would be expected at any NFL venue with the mascot, Roary, taking part in promotions and on field excitement. Everything is ratcheted up after a Lions touchdown where Theo Spight belts out his rendition of “Gridiron Heroes,” possibly the best fight song in the entire NFL. Spight’s rendition of the classic tune, modernizes the song from the thirties and makes it a critical part of the atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 The last two decades have produced a distinct change in downtown Detroit. Currently, there are plenty of places to go for some pre or post game food and drinks. These include Hockeytown Cafe, Fishbones, Delmar Detroit and Harbor House. It has taken some time to get to this point, but the necessity of heading right to the car after the Lions game is no longer a necessity. Right across the street from Ford Field is Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers . The Pistons and Red Wings play at Little Caesars Arena, which is just on the other side of the Fisher Freeway. Fans of college hoops can head over to the University of Detroit Mercy and take in a Detroit Mercy Titans game at the hidden gem, Calihan Hall. The Fox Theatre, Gem Theatre, and Greektown Casino provide other avenues for entertainment within steps of the stadium. The Hilton Garden Inn and Atheneum Suites provide hotel options within walking distance of the Lions. Fans 4 It is hard to find a group of fans that are more loyal than Detroit Lion fans. To refer to them as long-suffering may be an understatement. In 2022 the Lions have ranked close to the bottom of the league in attendance. However, the 65,000 capacity is pretty small by NFL standards. In 2021, the Lions ranked dead last in the NFL with a capacity below 80 percent. This could be because of the pandemic and the nearby border to Canada being closed. In the end, however, Detroit Lions fans are loud and passionate and have stuck with a team for a long time when the on-field product has given them little reason to return to the stadium. Access 3 Getting to Ford Field can be a bit of a challenge, but some pre-planning can go a long way. Fans coming in by car should be prepared to get there early and maneuver some traffic. There are plenty of parking options within the vicinity. Pre-purchasing parking through a parking app is the best option. There is some tailgating in Detroit and fans driving, who do not want to tailgate should plan well and avoid those lots. The Greektown garage is a pretty good option. For fans wanting to take public transit, The Detroit People Mover loops around downtown Detroit. There are also bus stops that run along Beaubien to the south. Check out the Detroit People Mover , Detroit Department of Transportation and SmartBus websites for schedules, fares and maps. If getting to Ford Field is a bit of a challenge, leaving the stadium can be painstaking. The flood of pedestrians and plenty of traffic in a very small area makes driving out of downtown a real challenge. The NFL has some of the tightest security and getting into Ford Field, even two hours before kickoff, is not super quick. Fans should research before heading out and know the latest security details, including bag policy by checking out the Lions and Ford Field websites. Return on Investment 3 The Detroit Lions are a great experience, but as with any NFL experience, fans are going to pay. The lions are relatively cost effective as compared to other NFL teams. With a fan cost index of over $480, the Lions ranked 29th most expensive in 2021. Fans heading to the Detroit Lions game will undoubtedly enjoy themselves, however, even with a relatively affordable experience compared to other NFL spots, the Lions remain a pricey endeavor. The NFL pushes the "once in a lifetime" pricing model which pushes fans to view NFL games as a necessary luxury. Extras 4 An extra mark for the announcement that the Lions will erect a bronze statue of the likeness of NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders in front of Ford Field before the 2023 season. This would be the first such honour for any Lion. An extra mark for Theo Spight and “Gridiron Heroes” the touchdown song of the Lions which is sung live after each trip to the end zone and victory. The song is old school but sung in a modern, catchy way. An extra mark for the hearty Detroit Lions fans who have endured years of futility and still come out to support their Lions each game. An extra mark for the traditional Lions game on Thanksgiving Day. An NFL tradition for decades. Final Thoughts Whether it is enjoying the fun in the Pride Plaza or belting out Gridiron Heroes with Theo Spight, the fans of the Detroit Lions make the most of their experience each and every game. Not being required to sit through the cold Detroit winters is a plus and the loyalty of Lions is unquestioned after a long drought of on-field success. Taking in a Lions game is something that all football fans should consider in their travels. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Will Halpern , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Holmes Convocation Center 111 Rivers St Boone, NC 28608 Appalachian State Mountaineers website Holmes Convocation Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 8,325 Basketball Is Growing in Boone North Carolina’s High Country is a unique region, shaped by bluegrass music, beautiful mountainous landscapes, local shops and restaurants, and the many decked-out black and gold supporters of Appalachian State University, which is based in the largest town in the High Country, in the Northwestern corner of the state, Boone. Although the basketball program does play second fiddle to a nationally known football program down the road at Kidd Brewer Stadium, you’d never know it when you see Holmes Convocation Center, the Mountaineers’ home since 2000, a beautiful brick facade that blends seamlessly into the beautiful ASU campus. Holmes Center replaced the aging Varsity Gymnasium that served the team from 1968 to 2000, and still hosts the Mountaineer wrestling program The arena opened nearly two decades ago with a matchup against perennial power North Carolina , and the 8,325-seat arena hosts both the men’s and women’s basketball programs, volleyball, and indoor track and field. The High Country Grizzlies, a minor league indoor football team, also played at Holmes for the 2017 and 2018 seasons before folding. The Mountaineers have not had a March Madness appearance since 2000, right before christening the Holmes Convocation Center, and while the team competes in a deep Sun Belt Conference, the Mountaineer Basketball program is hopeful of building the kind of winning tradition that their football program sees year in and year out. Food & Beverage 3 The Holmes Convocation Center concessions options won’t overwhelm you by any means with its variety – their main concessions stand offers hamburgers or cheeseburgers ($6), hot dogs ($3), chili dogs or cheese dogs ($4), chili cheese dogs ($5), large fountain Pepsi sodas or slushies ($4), small sodas, slushies, or large coffees ($3), and small coffees ($2). Snack offerings include a large popcorn or nachos ($4) with a side of chili or cheese for a dollar extra each; a small popcorn is three dollars. There are a variety of dessert options including Minute Maid Frozen plain or strawberry lemonade and Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge or Cookie Dough ice cream. Finally, if you want something beyond what you can find at the main concessions stand, Woodlands BBQ based out of neighboring Blowing Rock offers sandwiches for six dollars with or without slaw. Prices on everything are reasonable but with the plethora of restaurants nearby, it would be best to grab some food before or after an ASU basketball game. Atmosphere 4 Holmes Convocation Center is not your classic mid-major basketball arena, and that’s what makes seeing a game here an experience. Everything from the white fencing covering the glass windows on the building’s exterior, to the indoor track circling the concourse, to the three colors of chairback seats in the arena’s seating bowl, makes it unique. The Holmes Convocation Center is also different from its counterparts in having a video board jumbotron hanging at center court that is sizable for any mid-major basketball venue. On top of the video board and also above the tunnel where the Mountaineer players come out there is a sign saying “Welcome to Boone Elevation 3,333 Feet”, reminding fans and visitors alike of ASU’s status as the highest elevated Division 1 school east of the Mississippi – giving them a home-court advantage of sorts. While the arena can seat over eight thousand fans, most of the upper bowl seats are curtained off, with the exception of a small section at center court. ASU boasts a talented pep band and cheerleading squad, and the Mountaineer mascot, Yosef, entertains fans throughout the game, while the PA Announcer does a great job in engaging the fans with promotions and contests. All of this contributes to a fun game day atmosphere in a unique basketball arena. Neighborhood 4 Holmes Convocation Center is located on the southeast corner of App State’s campus about a half-mile from King Street, Boone’s main drag. King Street is the place to go before or after any ASU event or if you’re visiting Boone for any reason. King Street has a great food scene, including Our Daily Bread, which offers more than twenty-five specialty sandwiches like the Smoked Ham and Apple Press, Brie BLT, and the ODB Club which features turkey, ham, bacon, and cheddar and swiss cheese with lettuce, tomato, and their special sauce between layers of rye and pumpernickel bread. Another great place to check out is Macados, which offers not only thirty different sandwiches and wraps but also hot dogs and specialty burgers. The menu features also specialty beer and wine, and more than twenty hurricane mixed drinks, along with several big-screen TVs to watch that day’s Mountaineer or other big game. Saebing Boone King offers Vietnamese and Thai cusine, including sushi. There is also Boone Saloon, a local favorite that serves up traditional American bar food with appetizers, sandwiches, soups, and salads including five different types of mac and cheese, and a variety of drink options. All of these places are blocks from each other on King Street, but restaurants and bars are not all you will find on King Street. King Street Creamery serves up delicious ice cream and coffee, while Mast General Store is a two-level outdoor store that offers everything from outdoor equipment, candy, and souvenirs to bluegrass CDs from local and regional artists. Boone Rock-n-roll Emporium is another place to find a hodgepodge of different items, such as t-Shirts, posters, books, and music. Other places to check out when strolling down King Street include Appalachian Antiques, Foggy Pine Books, and High Country Souvenirs, as well as the numerous places to buy t-shirts, hoodies, and other Mountaineer apparel. Boone also hosts many festivals throughout the year including the First Friday Art Crawl, and is also a Mecca for fans of outdoor activities, given its proximity to the beautiful scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. There are countless places to hike, bike, ski, camp, or just relax and have a picnic and enjoy the views; Clawson-Burnley Park and Howard’s Knob Country Park are both less than ten minutes from downtown Boone and the Holmes Convocation Center. Those who want to stay in the area after the basketball game is over can camp at the Flintlock and Honey Bear Camping sites – both just ten minutes from ASU’s campus. Those who are interested in learning how to rock climb should check out Center 45 Climbing and Fitness just five minutes away, and just a fifteen-minute drive from campus is Blowing Rock, with its local restaurants, shops, and outdoor areas. There are a number of places near Holmes Convocation Center and the ASU campus to stay overnight or longer. There are chain options such as Hampton Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott, which are all a short five-minute trip from the arena. However, if you’re looking for an affordable but slightly nicer option check out Master Hosts Resorts-Highland Hills Cabins. Offering rustic wooden bedrooms, a hot tub, and an outdoor pool, this quaint hotel is located about two miles from the Holmes Convocation Center. Fans 3 The bar is set incredibly high by the loud, dedicated, and passionate fans decked out in black and gold down the road at Kidd Brewer Stadium, and to be clear, while the basketball program is trying to build to become one of the contenders in the Sun Belt Conference, it is not there yet, and twenty years without an NCAA appearance can leave many in Boone apathetic about ASU hoops. At the last game I saw, the official attendance was just over 2,000 – it looked like only a little more than half the lower bowl was filled (the upper level seats are tarped off). However, the fans who were in attendance were very engaged and loud throughout the game, helping to propel the Mountaineers from an eighteen point first-half deficit to an eventual victory. If the team fortune’s go on an upswing, then the Holmes Convocation Center has the potential to really come alive in the coming years. Access 4 Getting to Holmes Convocation Center is fairly easy; traffic is never a huge problem. As you approach the arena, however, parking can be a little tricky. Luckily there are parking garages nearby, as well as a hill you can park on top of, though if you have trouble walking up or down a steep slope, it might be better to park in the garage and take the short walk. In order to enter the arena, you will need to walk up a set of stairs, although the Southwest entrance has a ramp and an elevator for those who are not able to walk up steps. The concourse is very wide and it’s easy to navigate, there is plenty of ADA seating, and the restrooms are very clean. The closest major airports to Boone are Charlotte-Douglas Airport about two hours away, Piedmont-Triad Airport in Greensboro, and Tri-Cities Airport near Johnson City, Tennessee, the latter two of which are both about ninety minutes away from campus. While nothing is super convenient you have a beautiful drive in or out of Boone to enjoy. If you are looking to come to Boone by public transportation, Sunway Charter offers bus service from Greensboro or Charlotte to Boone for just $34 roundtrip, which drops you off a quarter mile from the Holmes Convocation Center. Return on Investment 4 App State Basketball tickets are ten or fifteen dollars each, though sometimes you can find tickets for less on the secondary market. Concessions are affordable and you are unlikely to spend more than ten dollars, which with complimentary parking puts the price tag of attending a Mountaineers game at only about twenty-five dollars per person. That’s a great value for two hours of hoops in one of the most scenic and vibrant areas you can visit. Extras 5 One point goes to the talented ASU pep band, who played upbeat tunes and kept the fans excited throughout the contest. The second point goes to the indoor track circulating the concourse, which is not super common in college basketball arenas. A third point goes to the team’s entrance through a lit-up smoked-filled tunnel, a nice touch especially at a mid-major basketball game. Point number four goes to the large video board and finally, a point for hosting their football team on the court at halftime, and the football team posters given out in the concourses. Not only did this allow fans to give the football team the support they deserve, but it fired up the fans and the basketball team to make their amazing comeback. Final Thoughts Appalachian State is known for two main things: a picturesque campus and a nationally prominent football program. The basketball team is looking to capture the success of their neighbors on the gridiron, and while both the Holmes Convocation Center and their NCAA Tournament drought has lasted two decades, the program is trying to reach new heights in the High Country, and all it may take is a conference champion or two to move the team and the arena from being an afterthought to a destination in mid-major basketball.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Northwest Florida State Baseball Complex 100 E College Blvd Niceville, FL 32578 NWF Raiders website Northwest Florida State Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 800 Juco Baseball on the Beach Northwest Florida State College is a large public state college located on the outskirts of Eglin Air Force Base in Niceville, Florida, about ten miles north of the beach resort town of Destin. The college originally opened in 1963 as Okaloosa-Walton Community College, and a temporary campus was constructed on the base of Eglin until the permanent location opened at its present site in 1969. NWF began offering four-year degrees in 2003, changing its name to Northwest Florida State College in the process. NWF is unique in that even though they are a four-year state college they still compete on the JUCO level as members of NJCAA Panhandle Conference. The conference includes 5 schools, all in the panhandle of Florida – NWF, Pensacola State College , Gulf Coast State College, Chipola College, and Tallahassee Community College. Since the first season of NWF Baseball in 1992 the Raiders have been one of the better teams in the Panhandle Conference. The Raiders have won Panhandle Conference four times (1996, 2000, 2011, and 2019), and made 12 FCSAA/Region 8 postseason appearances. Perhaps the best season was in 2015 when they advanced to and won the NJCAA World Series, claiming the Raiders first and only National Championship. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand open at the front entrance of the Baseball Complex that has a limited menu – hot dogs and Gatorade at $3; popcorn, candy, and water at $2; chips and coffee at $1. Canned drinks are also sold for $2 but they only have Coke and Sprite. They also sell NWF baseball hats in three different colors and styles for $20 a hat. I thought it was really cool they sell the hats, as NWF has a really cool logo. Atmosphere 3 Northwest Florida Baseball Complex opened in 1992 and features capacity for about 800 fans The field faces northeast and is located on the back side of campus. There is one main entrance behind home plate, with the main feature that stands out being the large 2015 National Champions sign that greets you as you enter the Baseball Complex. The concessions stand is right under the large brick press box tower behind home plate as soon as you enter the Complex. The grandstand features 10 rows of metal bleacher seating that extend from home plate to the dugouts. It can get kind of crammed here as you cannot see the game from anywhere except the bleachers. There is not a lot of standing room here either as you cannot walk in front of the bleachers; there is just a little space near the dugout for you to stand. So for the most part you are confined to the grandstands. The visitors’ dugout is down the first base line, while the third base line features the home dugout and clubhouse, which includes locker rooms and indoor batting cages for the baseball and softball teams. They also have some outdoor batting cages that the visiting team utilizes. The outfield signage features local business advertisements alongside a crimson picket fence, giving the NWF Baseball Complex a real small, hometown feel. I almost felt like I was at a small-town high school baseball game. A basic scoreboard also sits in left field that shows the line score and says ‘2015 National Champions’ along the top. The school’s athletic facilities provide the backdrop beyond the outfield. The Raiders Softball Complex takes up the left field and is constructed as an exact replica of the Baseball Complex. If you want some good views of the baseball game you can even sit in the softball bleachers that loom over the outfield wall. The school’s basketball home, the Arena at NWF sits in right field next to a large on-campus water tower that provides an impressive view from the bleachers. Neighborhood 3 There’s not much happening in Niceville, as it remains mostly a retirement and military community. The college sits just off base property and the neighboring areas consist of woods and outlying airfields. However, there are few places in the city worth checking out – a few miles south of the college is Turkey Creek Trail, which features a boardwalk over a beautiful crystal clear creek. The trail runs deep into the woods and even has spots where you can hop off the boardwalk and go swimming in the creek. The U.S. Air Force Armament Museum also sits nearby in an old airplane hangar. When driving by you can’t miss the place as giant planes are scattered on the grounds. Inside are 29 restored vintage airplanes as well as the largest collection of artifacts and memorabilia associated with the Air Force. The museum has free admission and remains a hidden gem spot if you are in the area and want to experience something different than the beach life. But if you want to experience this area of Florida at its best you just have to go about 10 miles south of campus to one of the top tourist destinations in the country, the Emerald Coast. Destin remains the most popular resort town on the Emerald Coast, with 80 percent of the over 5 million tourists each year who visit staying in Destin. The beach is what brings most people to the area, but the Destin area has something for everyone. For those who like shopping, Destin has two full-sized outdoor shopping malls, Destin Commons and Silver Sands Premium Outlets. For nature lovers there are two state parks, Henderson Beach State Park and Grayton Beach State Park, with secluded beach access and plenty of camping and bike trails. For family activities, Destin has a water park and two amusement parks with rides and small roller coasters (Big Kahuna’s and The Track). Destin is also known as a sportsman’s paradise with its nickname as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. Countless marinas offer public and private charter fishing. You can go 80 miles out in the gulf to fish in deep waters or you can fish in the bay, or take a trip out to Crab Island, a popular sandbar right under the Destin Bridge in the Pass which is only accessible by water and boat. There are also over 20 golf courses in the area ranging from public to private – Destin is known as the “Golf Capital” of Northwest Florida. The area also has many restaurants in all the little beach communities around Destin. You may spot Jerry Jones, Emeril Lagasse, Tim McGraw, or one of the Mannings while dining at one of the many Five Star restaurants in Baytowne Village, or you could visit the more touristy restaurants and bars at Destin Harbor or Okaloosa Island. But to experience Destin like the locals, try some of the upscale seafood restaurants at Miramar Beach or in the Sandestin area, or to experience another famous section check out Seaside, a community which is most famous for being the filming site of The Truman Show with Jim Carrey. Yes, Destin and the whole area have it all and you could spend weeks in the area and have plenty to do. Fans 3 There were only a couple of hundred fans in attendance at my most recent visit. It can get kind of cramped in the bleachers because there is no standing room and everybody is confined to the grandstands. A lot of time you will be stepping over people when getting up and going to the restroom or concessions; luckily at least there is a lot of legroom in the metal bleachers. Because of its beach location NWF also attracts a lot more visiting fans than most junior colleges would. Many players’ parents take advantage of weekend series here by getting to watch their son play college baseball and get a weekend beach trip out of the deal. During my most recent visit, the Raiders played a Junior College from Mississippi and there were more visiting fans than Raiders fans. After talking to some of their fans they told me that they were all staying at the same hotel on the beach for the weekend. Access 2 There are two ways to get to NW; if coming from out of town to the north take I-10 to the Crestview exit, then drive about 20 minutes south on Highway 85. The highway is a rural back road that runs through Air Force Base property so there is little there in terms of scenery. The college is conveniently located on the corner of College Blvd and Highway 85, with the NWF Baseball Complex located on the back side of the campus. But if coming from the south the Mid-Bay Bridge runs right out of Destin and onto Highway 85. The bridge is a toll road and is constantly having work done on it, so the three-mile bridge could take upwards of twenty minutes to cross. Once on campus the stadium is easy to find; just look for the giant water tower and beautiful basketball arena . There are also plenty of parking lots so that shouldn’t be an issue. Once inside the actual Baseball Complex the only areas you are free to move around in is the bleachers, so it could get kind of crammed during a packed game. Return on Investment 4 There is a table set up at the main gate where they sell general admission tickets for $5, and you are free to sit anywhere in the grandstands with these. During the most recent game I was at there was actually a player serving as a ticket taker. I loved the small-town laid-back feel here. You are also free to leave and come back as many times as you want, as I left during the game to ride my bike around campus for about an hour, before coming back to watch the rest of the game. With the cheap concessions one can purchase a ticket, drink, and hot dog for less than $10. Also you get to see some of the top JUCO players in the State of Florida. Early in the season NWF plays schools from as far away as Miami, so you are guaranteed to see some players that will eventually be taken in the MLB Draft. Extras 4 The Raiders have had seven players make it to the Big Leagues in the program’s history. The most notable alumni include Outfielder Jason Michaels who had an 11-year career with the Phillies, Mets, and Astros; relief pitcher Tony Sipp who played 11 seasons with the Indians, Astros, and Nationals, and won back-to-back World Series rings in 2018 and 2019; all-star pitcher Hector Santiago who played with the White Sox, Twins, and Mariners; and Pensacola native pitcher Jeff Farnsworth who was drafted in the second round out of NWF in 1996 and spent the 2002 season in the bullpen for the Tigers. Headed into the current season there are currently six NWF alumni on minor league rosters, as well as one in the Majors. The college also gets in national spotlight every November around Thanksgiving, as the arena in right field hosts the Emerald Coast Classic College Basketball Tournament. The first year of the tournament was in 2014 and usually takes place during Feast Week, college basketball’s version of Bowl season. Ole Miss, Iowa State, Virginia, Creighton, Cincinnati, Florida State, Tennessee, and LSU are just some of the top basketball teams to come through the campus to play games. Another extra for the historical significance of the campus – in the beginning of 1942 Air Force Lt. Colonel Jimmy Doolittle used Eglin AFB and the area where the campus is located as a training ground for a secret mission. Ultimately they were putting the plans in motion to bomb Tokyo in retaliation for Japan’s bombing of Pearl Harbor. The Tokyo Raid marked a major turning point in the US’ favor during WWII and Doolittle would receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his efforts. When the current campus opened in 1963 the teams were nicknamed the Raiders in honor of Jimmy Doolittle and his crew. For years the surviving members of Doolittle’s Raiders would hold their annual reunion on the campus. NWF’s mascot is even a World War II era pilot named Jimmy; there is a small historical display at the front of the Arena’s main entrance. Another extra just for the college’s prime location less than 20 miles from some of the whitest beaches and clearest waters in the country. It has to be cool for some of these players to go to college so close to the beach.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Warrior Stadium 100 Skyway Dr. 130 San Jose, CA 95111 Map It Valley Christian Warriors website Warrior Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 56,000 Welcome to Warrior Stadium In an area of the country that is stacked to the gills with tech companies and massive property valuations, Valley Christian High School stands above its peers. With an expansive view of the Bay Area, Warrior Field is the place to be on a Friday night. Watching from the homestands, one can see the distant skyline of downtown San Jose to the left and the rolling hills of Silicon Valley to the right. Indeed, it is a unique view.  Even though the school is loaded with the offspring of corporate big-wigs that are bound for the upper echelon of the corporate world, the Valley Christian football program has continued to produce talented teams and individuals in the midst of one the toughest leagues in the Bay Area, the vaunted West Catholic Athletic League. Ever since taking over the program in 1997, coach Mike Machado has transformed the Valley Christian Warriors into a force to be reckoned with , claiming seven Central Coast Section (CCS) c hampionships and making an appearance in the state championship in 2016. He's done so mu ch, all the while fielding teams with local legends such as Jeff Schweiger, Cameron, and Byron Marshall, as well as the University of Oregon’s Jurrion Dickey.  But Warrior Stadium is much more than the championships won, the greatness imbued, and the memories made. It is an ongoing story that resembles the school’s motto, “Quest for Excellence.” After winning three straight CCS championships from 2002-2004, it still felt like Warrior Stadium was missing something: lights. Finally illuminated in the bright lights of Friday nights in 2005, the Valley Christian Warriors served as a beacon of excellence as they promptly won their fourth straight CCS title.  That four-year span of excellence spurred the campus in a way that their administrators could only hope for. By 2009, the football team had outgrown their tiny weight room that lay beneath the bleachers and erected a massive three-story building right next to the bleachers. Tha t structure w ould ultimately house a training room at the bottom, a larger weight room in the middle, and a couple of classrooms at the top. Five years later, the school added a solar-powered roof to the home bleachers. The new feature was perfect for providing much-needed shade on scorching days during track meets and graduations.  They didn’t stop there. Towards the end of the decade, the Warriors added a large digital video board, and by 2022, they added another weight room directly behind the endzone. Now, the players can lift weights right there on the football field.  Food & Beverage 3 The day of our visit was Homecoming, which means that Valley Christian went all out in creating the perfect party atmosphere. And what party doesn’t have great food? In front of the stadium, they had several food trucks with numerous tables set before a stage where live music was being played. It almost felt like a company picnic. Upon entering the stadium, one was met with even more food trucks as well as a couple of tents for Chick-fil-A and Greenlee’s that were adjacent to the alumni corner, a hub of humanity where food was served for free, and memories were rehashed, and friendships were lit anew as Homecoming festivities roamed around them. While the prices varied, it didn’t seem to deter people from buying those expensive nachos and waffles.  While all this was very entertaining, it’s worth noting that none of this is here every week. Most weeks, Valley has its food options, including a tri-tip sandwich that I’m told is quite scrumptious. Warrior Stadium Food Trucks, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 A Warrior's football game is an unbelievable experience. From the big digital board that consistently announces another first down with exuberance to the flag bearers th at run ar ound the home track as the Warriors score yet another touchdown. In the end, everyone is invited down to the field to congratulate the players and coaches on a job well done. The Homecoming game was a perfect way to end an event that was catered to making the fans feel like family right from the start.  As grandiose as Warrior Stadium can be, it does have one glaring flaw: a biting wind-chill. While it wasn’t too breezy that day, as the day turned to night, you could feel the seasons change from Summer to Fall. It never reached anywhere near below 60 F, but the wind chill made up the difference. If you plan on attending a game, it may be wise to bring a light jacket or sweater. Neighborhood 2 As opulent as Valley Christian High School may be, its surrounding neighborhood is a completely different story. The houses vary from well-kept to near-slum level. The higher you go up the Hill, the cleaner the environment. Interestingly, it’s the back of the Hill where the neighborhood is unkempt and the front of the Hill where the neighborhood is much more affluent and safer to drive through. In case of a fire, there’s a fire station nestled against the Hill. But as desolate as the immediate neighborhood can seem, the surrounding environment is a different story. Just down the Hill on Skyway Dr. and to the left of Snell Ave. is a wide array of popular restaurants. These include places less than two miles away, such as High Five Pizza, McDonald's, and Panda Express, to places just a little farther down Snell, such as Tomo Sushi, Dunkin Donuts, and a second McDonalds, perfect for that McFlurry that you may have forgotten to order before indulging in that Big Mac just minutes before. To say the least, one can hardly go hungry in this environment. There are numerous hotels along the expansive Monterey Highway, including a Days Inn by Wyndham within walking distance from Warrior Stadium and a Clarion Inn just a short drive down the highway.  If you want to make a weekend out of your visit, there are usually several sporting events happening in San Jose and its neighbors. Whether it’s the 49ers , Sharks , Barracuda, Giants (SF) , Giants (SJ) ,  Warriors (G-League), or the Golden State Warriors , it’s hard not to find a weekend that isn’t filled with entertainment options. If you plan wisely, it can be one of the most entertaining weekends of your life.  Fans 4 You can feel a familial sense of community here as generations of fans gather to root for their beloved Warriors while sharing stories of past victories. You can practically feel the earth shake as they stomp their feet, rooting for the defense.  What is interesting is that there is a lot of cheering for the away team on the Warriors’ side of the stadium during the junior varsity game. It’s probably because they don’t provide shade for the away team’s portable bleachers. The varsity game is different as that is played during the night, not during the heat of the day. Access 2 Homecoming or not, parking on the Hill can be dicey for a varsity football game, with spots filling up faster than you can finish this sentence. Thankfully, the school has two satellite parking lots a short distance from campus, with shuttles moving about every 20 minutes. If you’re coming down Skyway Dr. towards campus, all you have to do is turn left or right on the expansive Monterey Highway.  To the left and just past Capitol Expressway is one of the lots, located just to the right off of Fehren Drive. To the right and just past Blossom Hill Road is the other parking lot, located just to the left on Ford Road.  If you don’t plan on driving, either Uber or Lyft are viable options. There are also three bus stops on Monterey Highway that are each a short walk from the Hill.  Once you reach the stadium, the atmosphere is much different than an NFL game. There are no bag checks, and while there is security roaming around, you needn’t worry about going through any screening process. The stadium has relatively clean restrooms underneath the stands. Return on Investment 3 With this being Homecoming, the $12 spent on GoFans.com is well spent. If you want something to eat, your wallet is bound to get lighter. All in all, it’s the environment and the people that make this an evening well spent, a worthwhile investment. . Extras 3 Both the marching bands and cheerleaders are excellent. Along with the flag bearers running around and the video board announcing each touchdown in a spectacular display of both font and color, the school has worked hard to put together the total package of Friday Night Lights.  Final Thoughts If you ever find yourself in San Jose on a Friday night with nothing to do, it will be worth your while to go to a game at Warrior Stadium. Sure, it has its issues. But no stadium is perfect. So brave that shuttle service, bring a light sweater, and get ready to watch some good football in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The Hillsboro Hops have changed course. Originally planning to renovate Ron Tonkin Field to comply with Major League Baseball's new facility standards, the Class A Hops will instead construct a new stadium that the franchise intends will host 300 events annually. The new stadium will be built at Hillsboro's Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, where Tonkin Field currently sits. The design-build team of Mortenson, SRG and Populous will begin construction in late summer 2023. The stadium is expected to open in time for the Hops' 2025 season. In 2020, Major League Baseball imposed requirements for all minor league facilities that include minimum standards for field lighting, player areas, and security. Upon evaluating the costs to renovate Tonkin Field, the Hops' home since 2013, the team and the City of Hillsboro determined that construction of a new ballpark would be more cost-effective. “The City appreciates the Hops as a partner and recognizes the unique value the organization brings to the community. Creating a more robust regional entertainment destination will provide long term benefits to the City as well as the Hops,” said Hillsboro City Manager Robby Hammond in a press release. Construction of the new stadium is expected to cost approximately $120 million -- well more than Tonkin Field's $15.5 million cost when it opened a decade ago. Initial plans call for capacities of 6,000 for baseball games and 7,000 for concerts and other events. The Hops are privately financing most of the cost of the new stadium. The team will have full operational control of the new stadium. The City of Hillsboro will retain ownership and operation of Tonkin Field. Rendering of New Stadium, Courtesy of the Hillsboro Hops

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 JetBlue Park 11581 Daniels Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33913 Boston Red Sox Spring Training website JetBlue Park website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 10,823 Red Sox Are Flying First Class JetBlue Park at Fenway South (we will use JetBlue Park for brevity’s sake) opened in 2012 as a replacement for the Red Sox's longtime home at City of Palms Park. City of Palms Park did not offer the ability to have both the game stadium and the training facility at the same site. The Red Sox training facility now surrounds the 11,000-seat JetBlue Stadium, offering six different practice fields. JetBlue’s playing field replicates the exact dimensions of Fenway Park… 310’ to left field, 379’ to left center, 420’ to deep center, and 380’ to right field. It also has its own Green Monster in left field. These identical settings help prepare the Red Sox players for the conditions they will face in home games during the regular season. Food & Beverage 5 Unlike most spring training ballparks, JetBlue Park offers a great selection of food and beverages before you even enter the park gates. It’s their way of recreating the Yawkey Way feel at the Red Sox spring training home. Yawkey Way becomes Fenway South Drive with a menu geared to remind you of New England. In the first food tent, you’ll find Rib City BBQ, Pinchers Crab Shack which offers your favorite crab rolls and crab nachos, as well as Grouper sandwiches and Grouper tacos. Dutchkinz is also on hand, as it offers some great beignets. Finally, Taste of Fenway South offers lobster rolls and Fenway franks. Once inside JetBlue Park, most of your food and beverage choices will consist of traditional stadium favorites. Home Plate Pizza offers up pizza slices ($6), a Wally Bowl of ice cream ($8), chips ($2.75), and candy ($2.50). The 3rd Base Grill serves chicken tenders ($10), Italian sausages ($7.25), cheeseburgers ($7.25), jumbo hot dogs ($6), and French fries ($6.50). The Fenway South stand carries pizza slices ($6), meatball sandwiches ($8.50), pretzels ($5), cotton candy ($3), and milkshakes ($6). Taste of Fenway takes you back to BAH-STON, with a set of Bay State favorites, including lobster rolls ($20), Fenway franks ($5), ice cream helmets ($5.50), and popcorn ($7.50). All stands serve Coca-Cola brand sodas for $7. Bottled water is $5. The beer selection will differ from stand to stand. Atmosphere 5 The designers of JetBlue Park have done a great job of bringing all the things that make Fenway special into a stadium that also needs to take the Florida heat and sun into account. Before you even enter the stadium, you’ll see the familiar statue of Ted Williams that stood at the City of Palms Stadium. Nearby you’ll see a set of numbers on the Hall of Fame Plaza. These numbers belonged to an elite set of Red Sox players, who had their numbers retired after their playing days were over. They belonged to Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Joe Cronin, Johnny Pesky, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, Carlton Fisk, and Jackie Robinson, whose number was retired throughout baseball. Once inside the park, you will continue to see the things that make Fenway Park special. You have the Green Monster on left and the Pesky Pole along the right field foul line. You’ll also notice the unique “triangle” in right field that makes it so difficult for visiting players to play a ball off the wall. If you are sitting in the right-field bleachers you’ll notice a single red stadium seat sitting by itself, well beyond the outfield wall. This seat represents the distance from home plate that the longest home run ever hit in Fenway Park traveled, courtesy of Ted Williams's bat. Neighborhood 3 Hurricane Ian caused catastrophic damage in the Ft. Myers area. Despite its distance from the coast, JetBlue Park suffered damage to its signage, light poles, and padding along the walls. All of that damage was repaired well before the spring training season began. However, many parts of Ft. Myers have still not recovered. Before you head out to a restaurant or attraction in the area, it is a good idea to call ahead and make sure it is open. The immediate space around the Red Sox training facility is being reserved for future development. There are several restaurants lining Daniels Parkway. Fort Myers Brewing Company is a postgame hotspot, as it is only 1.5 miles from the ballpark. Fat Katz Sports Bistro offers another popular postgame site that is especially popular with Red Sox fans. One non-sports attraction in the Ft Myers area is the Edison- Firestone Estate. Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone both had winter homes in Ft. Myers. They are virtually next door to each other. They provide a terrific look into the lifestyles of the rich and famous of yesteryear, but they also provide you with a look at the other inventions Edison created beside the light bulb. Fans 4 Depending on who you talk to, Boston Red Sox fans are either the most obnoxious, conceited fans ever…...or the most knowledgeable, loyal fans in the world. All we know is that half of the Bay State comes to Florida for Red Sox spring training. A ticket to a game at JetBlue Park is by far the hottest ticket in the Grapefruit League. Maybe it’s the stadium…. maybe it’s the food…. All we know is the stadium is packed for every game. There’s no need to worry that the JetBlue ushers and vendors won’t understand your New England accent here…... most of them are retirees from the New England states who moved down to Florida to escape from the region’s harsh winters! The portion of the crowd that didn’t fly down from Massachusetts to catch a few games…. are the locals from Ft. Myers… who decided to retire from their jobs in Massachusetts…and picked Ft. Myers because it is the longtime spring training home of the Red Sox! It also explains why they did not retire to Tampa…. home of the Yankees' spring training facility! Access 4 JetBlue Park is very easy to get to as it is less than 2 miles from I-75. It is also less than a mile from the Southwest Florida International Airport if you are flying in from out of state. Gates at JetBlue Park open two hours prior to the first pitch. This leaves you plenty of time to check out the stadium. Return on Investment 3 JetBlue Park has a wide variety of price points as far as tickets. Due to the popularity of the Red Sox, the tickets are much more expensive than at neighboring Grapefruit League ballparks. Tickets are broken down into Grandstand and Box seats. Grandstand seats are further from the field, while boxes tend to be at field level. The cheapest seats are atop the Green Monster and are considered SRO ($15). The Bleacher seats beyond the right field wall are $19. The Grandstand seats in the right field and along the first baseline are $20. Grandstand seats in the infield are $35, while Grandstand seats behind home plate are $38. Right field and first baseline box seats cost $39. Box seats behind home plate are the most expensive at $68. Oddly enough, some of the hardest tickets to get are amongst the cheapest seats in JetBlue Park. Seats inside the Green Monster are only $35. However, there are only three rows of seats inside it. The area on top of the Green Monster is even cheaper, at $15. However, these are “standing room only” and are limited for safety reasons. Parking at JetBlue Park is $12 in the East and West Lots nearest the ballpark. Credit cards only for payment. Extras 4 In keeping with Fenway tradition, JetBlue Park has a singalong of “Sweet Caroline” in the middle of the eighth inning. When the Red Sox wins the game, “Dirty Water” is played. JetBlue Park is only 6 miles from Hammond Park, the spring training home of the Minnesota Twins. This allows you to get in a day/night doubleheader if you are trying to see as many spring training stadiums as possible during your visit. The scoreboard at the base of the Green Monster has quite a history with the Red Sox. You will notice the number on the scoreboard has to be hand changed at the end of every half-inning by a stadium worker. This very scoreboard was used at Fenway Park before 1934 when it was taken out and replaced by an electronic board. One thing that will not remind you of Fenway Park is the roof at JetBlue Park. It is very modern, with several wing-like sections. The reason for this roof design is simple…. It provides the most shade from the sun of any stadium in the Grapefruit League. The wings also allow the breeze to get under the roof to cool off the fans sitting in the stands. Final Thoughts JetBlue Park has received great reviews for its architectural design, which helps to keep the fans out of the sun and as cool as possible during the springtime afternoons in Florida. It has also been applauded for including the many quirks of Fenway Park in its design. Still, others love the New England cuisine available inside and outside the stadium. Whatever the reason, we must agree that JetBlue Park is a great place to watch a game.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Flushing Meadows Corona Park Flushing Meadows, NY 11368 US Open website Billie Jean King National Tennis Center website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 46,900 Aces in the Big Apple The US Open is exactly what it's cracked up to be: the biggest matches on the biggest stage, loud, massive hype, long lines, and best of all, drama under the lights! While steroids in the game of tennis may be illegal, tennis itself is all jacked up on steroids in New York City. In more ways than one, the Open fits in very well with the persona and lifestyle of the city in which it resides. The United States Open is one of four prestigious ATP and WTA Grand Slam events where the winner is awarded 2,000 points towards their overall world ranking. The event is held at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a spectacular tennis facility, which includes a grand total of 28 hard courts, nuzzled right into Flushing Meadows Park. The heart of the property is Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis specific stadium in the world with a capacity of 23,700. Previous center court, Louis Armstrong Stadium, is just to the east of Ashe and it seats 10,200, with the lower bowl reserved for individual ticket sales. Literally in the shadows of Armstrong, Grandstand Court offers the coziest feel where a fan can seemingly be right in the action. The fourth largest stadium and newest, court 17, will boast the ability to host big matches in a very small area. Grandstand and court 17 have capacities of 6,000 and 3,000 respectively. Most impressively, the facility offers 4 additional small 1,000-seat stadium courts which accommodate good crowds for matches all over the grounds. Food & Beverage 4 There is absolutely no way that a person would have trouble finding a number of delicious options for any meal or time of the day. The selection and variety of food is absolutely spectacular. As you would anticipate, the only issue is the price. One should expect to pay a minimum of $15 per meal, and it can go as high as you can imagine depending on hunger, atmosphere, and classiness. The list of places to eat is never-ending, including: a deli, Chinese, a burger stand, Mexican, a franks stand, seafood, Italian, BBQ, crepes, and ice cream stands everywhere. In addition, they offer public and private, indoor and outdoor, dining plazas, which offer a range of menus. Not sure that you can go thirsty either, with a unique bar, lounge, or patio at every turn, serving unique cocktails only found at the tournament, along with the traditional sodas, water, beer, wine, and even flutes of champagne. Atmosphere 4 Overall, the atmosphere was exactly what I expected except for the monstrosity of the facility. Photos and site maps give you no idea of what it feels like when you're walking the grounds or sitting atop of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Every detail of the tournament is supersized and is given the utmost attention. Even during week two, one will hear uproars of fans from outer match courts where the next big star is battling their way through a dramatic fifth set. This creates a feel of excitement, energy, and everlasting memories. Fans will be hard-pressed to match the paramount of vitality found on the grounds of the US Open. Neighborhood 2 When looking at what directly surrounds the tournament, one will find things very sparse. There is virtually nothing in the direct surroundings of the tournament site other than Citi Field , home of the New York Mets . With that being said, the good news is that the tournament is only a short cab ride outside of Manhattan, New York City, home to thousands of brilliant opportunities to eat, drink, relax, dance, mingle, or to just awe at the aura that is New York life. Fans 5 It can't be expressed enough, this is the most populated sporting event of all sports for a reason. Ultimately, as the players would admit, the fans make this event all that it is. People from every walk of life and nationality come together to dress up, paint signs, scream at the top of their lungs and pump their fist in unison with their favorite player after a huge forehand winner up the line. Giant tennis balls, markers, and autograph frenzies are the highlight of a lifetime even for the biggest kids in attendance. Access 4 The three airports in which you have to choose from are John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, and the closest and most convenient to the tournament, LaGuardia. The access into the park is relatively easy no matter which part of the city you are coming from. If you plan to fly, try to book your flight to New York City as early as possible for cheap flights . The Long Island Rail Road and the Metro 7 are the most cost efficient modes of travel right to the doorstep. Be sure to confirm whether or not your hotel offers a tournament shuttle, extremely convenient. One should be very wary of their surroundings as they travel to and from the facility itself. While the public transit is very safe and monitored, it is important that one does not get too comfortable with those around them. The last option, and least appealing, is driving to the tournament. To put it lightly, driving throughout NYC is not the easiest or relaxing task in the world, however, if you're determined, the parking near the site is respectable. The best options that I would recommend are lot H, lots 1-7, and when there isn't a Mets game, the Citi Field parking areas (all around $20). With the Citi Field option you are able to walk to the East gate very easily, public lots 1-7 have shuttles to the East Gate, and lot H to the South Gate. Here's the link to the Parking Map . The biggest thing that will stand out to the ordinary sports fan once they are ready to find their seat inside Arthur Ashe Stadium is the difficult initial access into the stadium. No matter where your seat is, you will enter through one main gate on the south end of the stadium. From there you will want to figure out just how high you will be taking the escalators. Once you reach your appropriate deck you will look for your gate, which may still be a decent walk depending on which end you are sitting. When it comes to restrooms, be prepared to stand in line (what's new?), but there must be a very large deficit in number of restrooms compared to the number of fans on site. This becomes extremely inconvenient and this is where the deduction comes from. Bottom line, if you are expecting to get from your hotel to your seat in time for the match give yourself a minimum of an hour and a half or more, especially on your first journey to the facility (you'll want plenty of time for trial and error, moments to stop and say "WOW", explore, get food and drinks, enter the stadium, and most of all to wait in lines at every step). Return on Investment 3 Even though tennis fans have come to expect high prices overall for the sport, I'm not sure if you're getting the most for your money here. The cheapest ticket to get you in the gate is a grounds pass for $60, which doesn't get you into Arthur Ashe Stadium. However, for only an extra $10-$20, you can sit in the upper decks of Ashe and still get access to all of the other courts on site. The last option to the general public is a ticket to Louis Armstrong Stadium in the lower bowl for around $100. This has pros and cons. While it's more expensive than a nosebleed seat in Ashe, it does get you a reserved seat very close to the top action, but it's also substantially pricier than a grounds pass, which gives you similar access. The biggest problem of all with paying the big bucks for tickets to Armstrong is that since it's such a dated facility, the access is tough with large crowds, and the legroom at the seats is very difficult with long legs. It's all about preference and which court your favorites are playing on during each session. Food and beverage prices inside the grounds of the tournament reflect those of similar products in NYC, very high. Depending on how long you plan to spend at the tournament each day may impact which meals you plan to eat in advance. However, the tournament offers excellent cuisine, I recommend giving it a try. Similarly to everything else, the souvenirs are very pricey. Having said that, the selection of retail outlets within the grounds is unbelievable. In addition to the official tournament souvenir booths, there are at least 30 more individual vendors scattered about. It all depends on what you're looking for and what you're willing to spend, you'll find more than you can afford for sure! Bottom line here: if you plan to spend a few days at the tournament, budget your funds wisely, and be sure to spend at least one session in Ashe, you won't regret it. Extras 5 Unlike similar Grand Slam events, tickets are fairly easy to obtain in advance through multiple outlets online and at the ticket office. The Smash Zone presented by the USTA is an air-conditioned indoor facility designed specifically to promote tennis and entertainment to kids of all ages. The facility includes a half court, table tennis, photo opportunities, tennis video games, and contests and giveaways of all sorts. The inner-kid is sure to come out in anyone upon entering this wonderful area. The Court of Champions and Avenue of Aces are the two phenomenal main entryways in which you have the opportunity to observe as you enter and exit the park. Each celebrates examples of the deep history that this tournament has to offer. It's worth spending a few minutes to learn a thing or two. In addition to the food village there are numerous shaded courtside patios where one can enjoy a cold cocktail and some tennis. These make for a very unique tennis experience, unlike any other. Final Thoughts Whether you're a tennis enthusiast, a club player, or you can only name a few of the top players, you will get goose bumps and gain an even higher appreciation for the sport after attending a match in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Overall, the US Open is a spectacular event and a definite addition to your bucket list.

Photo Courtesy of SMCGaels.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Louis Guisto Field 1928 Saint Mary’s Rd Moraga, CA 94556 Saint Mary’s Gaels website Louis Guisto Field website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 1,500 Baseball In Basketball Country When Saint Mary’s College moved their baseball stadium 400 feet down the right field line from their old stadium, they had big plans. These plans have been slow to materialize but one can definitely see progress. The new Louis Guisto Field is a facility under transition and part of the greater Athletics and Recreation Corridor which will include a gym, swimming pool, locker rooms and additional seating at the baseball stadium. Though they set out to add a 1,500 seat grandstand at Louis Guisto Field after the 2012 season, that hasn’t occurred yet. It’s clear that while the field is in perfect shape, the bleachers are decades old and from the old field. The portable building press box is clearly not yet the “state of the art” one they will have when renovation is complete. Since my last trip in 2012 they have demolished the old Louis Guisto Field to make way for the rest of the Athletics and Recreation Corridor. You can see an artist rendering of the corridor as well as an outline of the new facilities here . You can see that the baseball stadium is at the center of it, with the softball field Cottrell Field beyond its left field wall. The Gaels hope that upgrading the stadium and facilities that go along with it will help propel the program to the top of the WCC. In their brief tenure at the new Louis Guisto Field they have struggled and have been at the bottom of the standings. Food & Beverage 1 One folding table is for concessions and one for condiments. Hot dogs, peanuts, and nachos are the fare. Bottled soda and water as well as coffee, hot chocolate and Gatorade are the drink options. Atmosphere 3 Though the bleacher seating is clearly decades old, the field and surrounding areas are beautiful. The field lies beneath a tree-covered hillside in the quiet town of Moraga. The ping of the bats is the only sounds other than PA system playing walk-up music and announcing the next hitter. Cottrell Field, home of the Gaels’ softball team is just beyond the left field wall. Since I got there early, I caught a few innings of the Saint Mary’s vs Utah Valley game on the softball field. There are 3 seating areas. 2 sets of bleachers separated by the press box and a picnic area down the right field line. All of the bleacher seats have the foul ball netting in sight while the picnic area does not. There is a new scoreboard in right-center field that has basic stats as well as a video board that displays pictures of Saint Mary’s players when they are up to bat. One major problem while sitting in the bleachers is that the new dugouts are in the way of whichever outfielder’s line you are on. The dugout structures seem rather tall and interfere with sightings. If you want to sit in the bleachers, I recommend getting as close behind the plate as possible to minimize the issues with the dugout. Neighborhood 3 It’s tough to judge this neighborhood. Benefits include the closeness to the more happening places in the Bay Area and the beauty of the surrounding community, complete with hiking trails. Drawbacks include a lack of a vibrant, bustling community to take advantage of on game day. The diamond is located on the Saint Mary’s campus in the town of Moraga. Moraga has a population of less than 20,000 and is a quiet, but beautiful place. Rolling hills and tall redwoods allow for beautiful day hikes in the area. Being located on campus, though scenic, is not conducive to grabbing food or drink prior to or after a Gaels baseball game, it’s quite the drive. Your best options are in downtown Moraga or Rheem Valley. Here you can find area favorite Loard’s Ice Cream, Italian restaurant Amaroma, and Asia Palace (mostly Chinese food). Moraga is a mostly sleepy community where you can enjoy being outside, cruising the farmer’s market or catching a movie. You won’t find a row of sports bars where you can catch a game on a big screen. There are many hiking trails within 20 miles of the Saint Mary’s campus that allow beautiful views of the entire San Francisco Bay. Fans 2 Saint Mary’s fans were relaxed for this Saturday afternoon matchup in early 2013. There were a few dozen of them along with about a few dozen LMU fans. It was nearly 50/50 Gaels/Lions fans. It seemed the vast majority of those in attendance were parents and other family members plus a few students. I would have liked to see more students at the game considering it is free for them to attend but I believe it may have also been during spring break when I attended. Access 2 As mentioned above, Moraga is somewhat secluded from the rest of the Bay Area. The nearest freeways (13 and 24) are more than 5 miles away, accessible only by winding roads, with one lane going each direction. During rush hours, the Caldecott Tunnel really backs up as the lanes go down from 4 lanes to two. This tunnel connects most of the Bay Area to Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, etc. You are usually safe on weekends however. For many Bay Area residents avoiding traffic can be solved by taking a BART train. Unfortunately the nearest station is 5 miles away, so it is not walkable. Riding a bicycle is an option from the train station and would be a nice ride through the rolling hills, but isn’t advisable as there aren’t many street lights from the station into town. Parking is free and plentiful on the weekend but there may be a fee during the week. The parking lot is along the right field line but there is an additional one across the street from the right field wall, next to the soccer/rugby fields. The two grandstands are mirror images of each other and equally accessible. To access the nearest restroom you need to leave the baseball field and walk directly behind home plate about 50 yards and enter that classroom building. Restrooms are on the right hand side, just inside the entrance. Return on Investment 3 I thought tickets were a tad expensive since they were the same rate ($10) as the nationally recognized basketball program. It should be noted that seniors and children are $7 and SMC students are free with valid I.D. It is nice that you can move around to find your favorite spot to sit. Food is inexpensive and with parking free on the weekends you could get by on just a $10, which is well worth the experience. Extras 1 There isn’t much in the way of extras at Louis Guisto Field. I did however appreciate that I was able to catch a softball game on the same day. The Gaels have retired Tom Candiotti’s #49 and that is displayed on the left-center field wall. Unfortunately there aren’t any notes about SMC history beyond that. Lastly, there was an equal amount of merchandise for visiting LMU as there was for Saint Mary’s. I’m not sure if these schools have a unique relationship or if that is consistent across the WCC. Final Thoughts Once the seating area matches the field of play in terms of quality, a trip to Louis Guisto will jump several points on the FANFARE scale.

Photos by Matt Fiedler and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium 450 Broad St Newark, NJ 07102 NJIT Highlanders website Year Opened: 1999 Year Demolished: 2019 Capacity: 6,200 Bears and Eagles (and Highlanders?) Riverfront Stadium Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium is the home of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Highlanders. The stadium is located along the Passaic River in Newark, NJ. The stadium opened in 1999 and was the home of the Newark Bears from 1999-2013. The name of the stadium honors the Newark Bears of the International League, and the Newark Eagles of the Negro League. The Bears folded in 2013, but the remnants of the team are found throughout the stadium. Food & Beverage 0 There are concession stands at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, but they are not open for NJIT games. Fans may bring food or drinks into the park to enjoy. There are also many restaurants and bars in the area to purchase food. Atmosphere 2 This is a former minor league baseball park. Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium is not a normal college venue in that sense. There is a PA announcer who does a solid job of announcing the players, and there is music between innings. There is a great view no matter where you sit in the park. You can see the skyline of Manhattan in the distance. You can also see reminders of the former Newark Bears and Newark Eagles. There is a ring of honor that honors players that have come through like Yogi Berra and Walter Johnson. There are logos and images of the Newark Bears logo all around the ballpark. There are programs that you can pick up when you enter the ballpark. The programs include a roster as well as some season statistics. Neighborhood 2 Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium is located along the Passaic River in Newark. Newark is not the best place to be wandering around. The stadium is located near NJIT, as well as Rutgers-Newark and the Seton Hall University Law School. There are some places to eat that are close by. Public transportation is the best way of travel because it is not a great idea to be walking around Newark, especially if you don’t know your way around. There are also some hotels fairly close by, and the field is close to Newark Liberty International Airport. Fans 2 The announced attendance at the game I attended was 200, but seemed to be less than that. NJIT is not a major program, so you wouldn’t expect to have a large crowd. The crowd seemed to be mainly parents and relatives of the players. The crowd was relatively quiet throughout the game. There were some cheers, but it was mainly a quiet crowd. There were a few opposing fans as well at the game, and there were no issues. Access 5 Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium is very easy to access. The easiest way to get to the stadium is by using public transportation. If you take NJ Transit, you just get off at Newark Broad Street Station and the stadium is right there. It is a quick walk from the station to the stadium. If you are in Newark, you can take the light rail and get off at the Riverfront Stadium stop. You can park on the side street right near the stadium. Return on Investment 3 There is no charge to attend an NJIT baseball game at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. Other than the cost of travel, you won’t have to spend any money to attend an NJIT baseball game. You will see some solid baseball at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. NJIT squares off with teams like Rutgers, Hofstra, and Niagara, just to name a few. There is a good atmosphere, a terrific view, and plentiful dining options in the area. Extras 3 One star goes to the tremendous view of the skyline of Manhattan. You can see One World Trade Center as well as some other skyscrapers. A second star is awarded for the programs and information that NJIT provides to the fans. Also, there is a scoreboard that provides the standard information that fans expect. A final star is awarded for the heritage of Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. The various images of the Newark Bears and Newark Eagles are a great thing to see. Names like Yogi Berra and Walter Johnson are in the Ring of Honor and it is great to see legends names associated with a ballpark. Final Thoughts NJIT is a college team playing in a former minor league ballpark. No matter how well the team does, the stadium will always look empty. The stadium is somewhat in disrepair, but the team does a good job in getting it in playing condition for games. The stadium has links to past baseball greats, and is a tribute to the rich tradition of baseball in Newark. If you find yourself in the area, it is worth a trip to see the NJIT Highlanders.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Kinsman Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 400 East Ave Kitchener, ON N2H 1Zy Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club website Kitchener Memorial Auditorium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 1,607 The Home of Brave Lacrosse In 1967, junior lacrosse was founded in Kitchener, Ontario. A hotbed for junior hockey, the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves took their place among the other lacrosse teams in Junior B. The Braves would win the Founders Cup as Junior B Champions in 1987 and 1988 and eventually move up a tier to Junior A in 1991. The rebrand of the league to become the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League in 2021 would pave the way for the modern Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club. The KW rebrand would take place in 2020 as teams across the sport would trend away from Indigenous names. The OJLL operates much like the Ontario Hockey League does, as a feeder system to professional box lacrosse leagues such as the National Lacrosse League. Box Lacrosse legends such as Colin Doyle, Dhane Smith, Aaron Wilson, Ryan Benesch and Steve “Chugger” Dietrich all played under the Braves moniker and cut their teeth in Kitchener-Waterloo. Home for the KW Lacrosse Club is the Kinsmen Arena. Part of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the Kinsmen Arena offers a more intimate atmosphere with a modest capacity of just over 1,600 with some standing room availability. Although The Aud itself opened in 1950, the Kinsmen Arena is much newer and opened some time in the late eighties. Paired with the Kiwanis Arena and known locally as the “Twin Pads,” Kinsmen Arena draws its name from the local charity and part of the Kin Canada organization. Although the KW Lacrosse Club has bounced around over the years in different locations, Kinsmen offers a solid venue, the perfect size, for the local version of the fastest game on two feet. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Kinsmen Arena are very simple. There is a cart present at games where fans can purchase light refreshments including soda, Gatorade, water and a few different varieties of canned beer. Chocolate bars are also available. Normal concessions that would service the Aud for bigger events are not usually running during the summer months when lacrosse is happening. However, having a licenced venue that serves alcoholic beverages was a surprise Atmosphere 2 Junior A lacrosse is a bit of a hidden gem. The KWLC play at the venerable Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which is also the home to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. Rather than playing in the iconic Dom Cardillo Arena, lacrosse is found at the Kinsmen Arena, a much newer and smaller arena in The Aud complex. The arena is not over the top and is fairly simple. Fans will enter the indoor portion of the complex from the Eugene George Way, side of the arena as opposed to the main arena off of East Avenue. The exterior of the building is attractive enough with light coloured brick and an LED ribbon to advertise events. The breezeway from this entrance leads past the main box office, which will be closed, past the memorial dedication plaque and Kraut Line display to the twin pads. Tickets for purchase are just inside the Kinsmen Arena doors at a temporary table. Home to hockey at various levels in the winter months, the ice comes out during lacrosse season and the KW Lacrosse Club finds a solid home for the summer. Kinsmen is located at the northeast portion for the complex buildings. It features a simple, low ceiling and light coloured walls, essentially lacking much in the way of colour. The floor surface runs from west to east, with all of the seating on the south side. Four sections of benches which surround a centre section of traditional arena seats make up the seating area and there is plenty of standing room in the east and west corners and behind the seating area. A simple hockey scoreboard is found hanging in the northeast corner of the arena. It would be beneficial if the Kinsmen Arena felt more like the home to the KWLC. The interior of the arena is as bland as the current branding for the team. The opportunity to showcase some of the history of the team would be great and give fans a better sense of the longevity of the team. The game differs a bit from what one would expect in the National Lacrosse League. The concrete floor, as opposed to green carpet, offers a different experience to the game. The squeaking sneakers, similar to that of a basketball game, creates a different feel and when players hit the ground, they tend to slide, unlike the game on the carpet. The gameplay also differs from the pros as music does not play throughout the play. This offers fans to hear the sounds of the game like the ball cracking off the goaltender’s pads or off of the boards, or the metal smashing of two sticks in combat. The smaller venue gives fans a closer perspective to the game and a better sense of just how fast and tough box lacrosse can really be. The gameday production is pretty simple with some basic music being played before the game and during intermissions as well as for goals. The PA announcer does a decent job of conveying information to the fans, however the PA system has much to be desired and most announcements are lost to poor speakers and poor acoustics. Neighbourhood 3 The Aud is located just east of Downtown Kitchener. For the most part, the Aud is a community arena. There are almost no pre and post game meal options within walking distance. Fans could hike up Ottawa Street to the Tim Horton's or Dairy Queen. Strykerz Kitchen and Bar in the same plaza may be an option, but it is pretty small. The best bet would be to head downtown or take the highway out to Sportsworld. Downtown, fans might want to try The Grand Trunk Saloon, TWH Social, Bobby O'Brien’s or McCabe’s. Out by Sportsworld you will definitely want to hit Moose Winooski's. For a truly genuine Kitchener experience, fans should look into eating a pre-game meal at the Concordia Club or The Metro. Kitchener celebrates the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany in Oktoberfest. The Friday buffet at the Concordia Club is a great way to experience Kitchener’s German heritage before a lacrosse game! Other sporting options locally would have to begin with the headline Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, who play in the Dom Cardillo Arena on the other side of the hall. When the nicer weather hits, then the Kitchener Panthers can be found on the other side of the parking lot at Jack Couch Stadium. Other options include hopping over to Kitchener’s twin city, Waterloo to catch some local university action. The Waterloo Warriors call the PAC home to basketball, Warrior Field home to football and Columbia IceField home to hockey. The Laurier Golden Hawks play their football games at Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium , their hockey games at Sun Life Financial Arena at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex , and their basketball games at WLU Athletic Complex . Downtown, fans may also want to check out The Museum. Fans who are staying in town overnight should head downtown. The Walper Hotel and Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo are good selections. Fans 3 Junior A lacrosse has a small, but hardcore following. Assessing fan support can be difficult as attendance figures for games are not published as part of the game sheets. That being said, there were a few hundred people in attendance at the game which was reviewed supporting both home and away squads. A large percentage of those are most likely friends and family, however, the fans in attendance were loud and definitely knew the game and the team. Access 5 The Aud is located in the Auditorium District, which is east of Downtown Kitchener. Getting to The Aud is not difficult. It is immediately west of Highway 7, which is the main artery through Kitchener. There is plenty of parking on both the north and south sides of the complex, which should be entered from Ottawa Street or Stirling Avenue. For fans wishing to take public transit to the lacrosse game, there are buses that travel both Ottawa and Weber Streets. The light rail Ion train is a fair hike from the nearest station, so that may not be the best option. Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around the Kinsmen Arena is no issue at all as the building is not packed and there are not a ton of concession options. Fans with mobility issues are better served in the Kinsmen Arena than the Dom Cardillo Arena as there is not the main staircase to ascend in the Kinsmen. Return on Investment 4 With the rising cost of sports at all levels, finding affordable entertainment for the sporting dollar can be a real challenge. K-W Lacrosse is very affordable at just $10 a ticket. Students and seniors can get in for $5. There are not many places that offer this kind of value. Concessions, although limited, are reasonably priced and parking is free at The Aud. The product on the floor is definitely fast-paced and hard-hitting and fans of lacrosse will enjoy the Junior A level of lacrosse. Extras 2 An extra mark for the long history of the Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club, as one of the oldest clubs in the OJLL. An extra mark for the sensational alumni that have found their way through KW and moved on to stardom in the National Lacrosse League. Final Thoughts Lacrosse will not be taking over the top spot as the favourite sport in North America anytime soon. It remains very much a niche sport. However, the fastest game on two feet is a great way to see some top notch athletes in a way that fans may not be accustomed to. The Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club provides a window into the future of the sport, profiling the athletes who will one day be professionals in the NLL and it's very affordable! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Justin Sutton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Robert Braddy Field John R Lynch St & Poindexter Ave Jackson, MS 39217 Jackson State Tigers website Robert Braddy Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 800 The Background on Braddy Home to one of the hotter programs in SWAC baseball, Robert Braddy Field offers baseball fans a cheap ticket to catch college baseball in central Mississippi. While the ballpark, named after the former Jackson State athletic director, does not have the thrills that nearby Trustmark Park or the stadiums of the big three in Mississippi have, fans going to Jackson State can still have a quality experience for a fair price when taking in Tiger baseball in the 800 person capacity complex built in 2006. Food & Beverage 2 With signs in the area that concessions and restrooms are available in other places, Jackson State baseball might offer more than what appears in their match-up against Florida A&M. What is there for that game is mainly candy and sodas for sale, and not much else. With the lack of fans in the stands, having a full menu would make little sense in regards to the bottom line of the budget. With outside food and beverages not being allowed in the ballpark (or at least that is what the sign says), fans do not have many options at the game. However, many fans do tailgate behind the outfield wall. Atmosphere 3 The seats at Robert Braddy Field provide a great view of the game, especially those behind home plate, which have many fellow student athletes in attendance. In addition, many parents make it out to the games, so there is an interested crowd. The only downside to the seats is that they are all bleacher seats. While chair backs would be nice, the seats have good sight lines, and fans can bring in some of their own chairs to watch the game, as well. For kids at the game, they can run down foul balls and get close to the bullpens, and they do have plenty of room to run around during the game. However, if the younger fans are looking for lots of entertainment between innings, they are out of luck. Neighborhood 2 There is not much of a way to sugarcoat this. Jackson State is not located in the greatest part of Jackson. However, with the talks of a new domed stadium in the works and the continued work to revitalize the downtown area of the city, this circumstance may change. There is one restaurant within walking distance of the ballpark, The Penguin. A restaurant that was quite popular a half-century ago has worked to make a return to the Jackson night scene. With a kitchen open until 10 pm and a bar open much later, fans can dine before or after the game. The only drawback might be the price, as much of the menu comes in over $15 per entree, but it looks as though some patrons are more than fine with the price given the food and atmosphere. Editor’s Note: It appears Penguins has closed since this review was written. When Stadium Journey makes a revisit, we’ll update this section with other choices. Fans 2 The fans in attendance at the game did their best to enhance the atmosphere, but for the most part, there were many empty spots in the bleachers on a great evening to watch baseball. With the Tigers having recently clinched a share of the SWAC Eastern division crown and having the most wins in conference play when I visited, the lack of fans came as a bit of a surprise. Access 3 Getting to Robert Braddy Field is not much of a challenge for fans traveling to the game. The stadium is about five minutes off of Interstate 20 on the University exit. Parking is located within a two-to-five minute walk of the baseball field. If fans want to tailgate behind the outfield wall, they can park along John R. Lynch Street, and the raised walls beyond the outfield fence protect their cars. The big knock on getting to the stadium is that there are not many signs to help someone unacquainted to Jackson State find their way around. Also, fans have to leave the complex to use the restroom, walking a few minutes to the tennis complex. Return on Investment 5 With tickets only priced at five dollars a person, no one can complain about the cost of attending a game.The Tigers have produced many players drafted in the MLB draft, some of whom were first-rounders.The fellow foes of the Tigers in SWAC play also bring quality local talent and MLB talent to Jackson State. . Extras 2 Robert Braddy Field has quality sight lines, and beyond right field, the skyline of downtown Jackson makes for a great view. The field, which is maintained by the coaching staff, looks great, as does most of the campus, which has been revitalized over the past few years.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Soldier Field 1200 N Dupont Highway Dover, DE 19901 Delaware State Hornets website Soldier Field website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 500 Dover Diamond The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is made up of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located between Florida and Delaware. Only nine of the 13 member MEAC schools field teams in baseball. Bethune-Cookman University has been dominating the MEAC for nearly two decades. Delaware State has been a member of the MEAC since its founding in 1971. Delaware State is the smallest of the MEAC schools with a little over 3,600 students and was ranked 9th among all HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report in 2014. It opened in 1981 as Delaware State College and changed to a university in 1993. One of their most unique programs is the university-based flight school. The Delaware State Hornets baseball teams are one of the strongest teams in the northern part of the MEAC. Their longtime home, Soldier Field, has been open since 1958. Recent renovations have seen work performed on the field, as well as the addition of a 20-foot tall left field “monster” wall in 2009. In late 2017, the facility also saw some new seats added behind the backstop. EDITOR'S NOTE: Delaware State Hornets moved its baseball team to Bob Reed Field in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The food will not wow you. But they offer friendly service at a small stand located behind the first base grandstand. Hot dogs are a bargain at $2 and the “Hornet Special” is $4 and includes hot dog, chips and either water, soda or coffee. Drinks are $1.25. The best bargain is 10 cents for gum with $1 for assorted candy. Those prices are not found almost anywhere at a sporting event. From talking to the friendly concession staff, there are always changes and additions to the menu, so just ask at the stand for any specials. Atmosphere 4 This is not a high end stadium. But the atmosphere at Soldier Field is perfect for the true baseball fan. And the MEAC conference offers a good quality of baseball. There are two metal bleachers, one on the first base side and one on the third base side. But the best views of the action are not from these seats. There is a very small right field seating section. It is a row and half of plastic seats with seat cushions. They offer a great view of the action on the first base side. Another unique seating section is the single row of wooden seats that run along the third base line past the dugout. It is a hidden gem and also offers great views. A couple rows of new seats have been added behind the backstop. If you do sit in the metal bleachers, you should stop by the shed located under the press box and get a seatback/cushion for the game. This keeps you from killing your back on the metal bleachers. They are free, although you may have to pick through the pile to find one in good working condition. Neighborhood 3 There is not much to the neighborhood. The field is located at the back part of the university between some general facility buildings and in front of dormitories. If you go to the front facing part of the university you will see that the neighborhood consists of the massive Dover Downs Casino and Dover International Speedway NASCAR track complex across the large and busy DuPont Highway. Dover Mall and assorted big box retailers are also in ready view. You can even hear the dogs barking from the local pet supply store. The area is good if you need food and sustenance before or after the game. Legendary local chain Grotto Pizza has a sports bar located across the street at 1159 N DuPont Highway. They have never been a favorite of mine but fans of them will flock there. Other great choices include Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop on Gateway S Blvd, Restaurant 55 at 2461 S State St, La Tolteca Restaurant at 859 N Dupont Hwy and 33 West Ale House & Grill at 33 W Loockerman Street. The Fire and Ice Bar at Dover Downs Casino is another choice for a drink after the game. Fans 3 As with most northeast college baseball stadiums, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There are a number of local residents who seem to be regulars at the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 Soldier Field is at the back part of the Delaware State campus. It is not too hard to find, although signage is not well marked. The university is right off of a major road in DuPont Highway. A toll road, Route 1, that takes you most of the way north to Wilmington is also nearby. Dover is about a one and a half hour trip from Philadelphia and Baltimore, and at least two hours from Washington DC. It seems close by on a map but is isolated at the center of the Delmarva Peninsula. If venturing to a shore destination such as Ocean City, Maryland or Rehoboth, Delaware, then Dover may make a quick, enjoyable stop, but as a destination it is not the best. Watch out for NASCAR weekends when traveling in the area; those weekends are not recommended unless you have no other options, as traffic can pile up. There may also be tolls, not just from nearby Route 1, unless you are already on the eastern shore or Delmarva region. If travelling from the DC and Annapolis area you will have to pay tolls across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. If going around the top of the bay from Baltimore you will have to pay very hefty tolls on either Route 40 or I-95. And coming from Norfolk you will need to pay for the Bay Bridge Tunnel. Parking for weekend games should be easy to find in the numerous nearby lots. Weekday games while school is in session may make parking a bit trickier. Be sure to read signs so that you don’t get ticketed by campus police. Return on Investment 5 Soldier Field is free to attend and parking is also free. Those coupled with the cheap prices for food make this a good investment for a true baseball fan. You will use quite a bit of gas getting to the game in somewhat isolated Dover unless you live in the area, but try and plan your game trip with a trip to the shore, or to the NASCAR track and/or casino. Extras 2 The left field 20-foot monster sized wall is a nice treat to see. Also make sure to spend some time sitting in the many quirky seating sections. They are an experience like no other. Final Thoughts This is a quirky, old baseball field that offers a good value to see a good on the field product. It is not shiny and new, but baseball fans will find Soldier Field to be one of the best college baseball experiences around the Mid-Atlantic region.

Photo by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Rob Hoffman Vallei Zanderijweg, 1403 XV Bussum, Netherlands Bussum HCAW website Rob Hoffman Vallei website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,000 Baseball in the Valley Baseball in Bussum has a long history, starting pre-WWII as the HC’38 club in 1938. After some post war name changes, the HCAW club (HonkbalClub Allen Weerbaar) founded officially in 1957 and has been active since then, even absorbing their big league rival the Amstel Tigers in the late 80s, playing as the HCAW-Tigers until 1995, when they became HCAW alone once again. In 1971, HCAW moved into their own complex, “The Baseball Valley.” As with many other Dutch ballparks, this is a multi-field complex for both top-level baseball and softball, along with other fields for lower-level and youth competition. It stands apart, however, because the “valley” was a baseball-only facility, and not part of a multi-sport “sportpark” athletic complex like nearly the rest of the Honkbal Hoofdklasse. The 1,000-seat main stadium and the entire valley were more recently renamed to Rob Hoffman Vallei to honor long-time local pitching great, Rob Hoffman. Rob Hoffman Vallei isn’t the biggest or best ballparks in The Netherlands, but it is a baseball-only facility with solid services, good value, and relatively easy to access. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 Keeping with Honkbal Hoofdklasse standard, all food and drinks are served from the team’s clubhouse. A combined bar and grill sit behind the counter in the trophy and memorabilia-strewn building. You can bring the food out to your seat, or park up on picnic-type tables in the clubhouse itself. The standard Dutch ballpark fare is on offer. There’s a selection of burgers, hot dogs, and other sausages (€3 and under), and a selection of Dutch broodjes sandwiches (€3). You can argue selection, but you can’t argue prices. All your drinks come from the same place, with the same limited options and unassailable prices. Heineken, Hoegaarden, Rose, Radler, and Palm (along with wine) are just €2 a piece. Fans load up by the case before the first pitch and bring their empties back in the same case after the game. Coke is the non-alcoholic drink family of choice. You’re in The Netherlands, so you might as well have a Heineken. If you’re not feeling like a hot dog or brat, try out a Dutch broodje and go a little native. Atmosphere 3 Rob Hoffman Vallei is one of the few baseball-only facilities in The Netherlands, but its physical buildings aren’t quite as advanced or top-notch as some others in the league. The fields in the valley are almost all made of chain link fence walls. There are three main buildings by the Honkbal Hoofdklasse field: player locker rooms beyond first base, the clubhouse and team store behind home place, and the attached “Buccaneers Business Club” running down the third baseline. A small press box shed sits halfway between home plate and first base. Unlike many fields in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, visitors can walk around to beyond the center field chain link fence and look in on the game. The main seating area is on a narrow drop from the clubhouse plaza, consisting of two-piece molded plastic seats running in five rows from half-way to first base to half-way to third base. There is an additional row of seats in front of the Business Club on the third base side. A small digital scoreboard just records the score, balls, strikes, outs, and inning in right-center field. Trees rise above the chain link outfield wall, broken up only by the large conditioning and training building beyond left field. Smoking is very much still a thing in the otherwise progressive Netherlands, and there are several picnic tables in the plaza in front of the clubhouse with ash trays built in to accommodate smokers. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the seventh inning stretch, period. The Dutch don’t even play the national anthem before games or usually fly their flag. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. You can sit wherever you want except in the dugout, so choose whatever suits your mood. Hang out at the picnic tables with a crate of beer, or grab a seat right behind home plate and see a game closer than you could even dream about in America. Neighborhood 2 Bussum is a small suburb and commuter town, and while it is convenient to transit, there’s not a ton going on by the ballpark. A short distance north in the city center, there are at least a decent selection of restaurants. La Cubanita Bussum, Restaurant LUEK, Nobel, Soigne, Mah Wah, Restaurant ‘tKOOKt, and several others are all to be found near downtown. But there’s not much going on around Rob Hoffam Vallei. The nearest point of interest is the medieval fort city Utrechtse Poort about ten minutes to the north. Seek greener pastures for activities beyond baseball. There are only three hotels relatively close to the park. The closest is the Bastion Hotel Bussum, within walking distance. The Bed & Breakfast Bussum is to the north, and the Hotel NH Bussum Jan Tabak is further to the northeast. There are many more choices to the south in Hilversum. Fans 4 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semi pro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. HCAW seems to draw on the top-end of the average Dutch baseball crowds across the league (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. The HCAW fan base stands out quite prominently as being ardent fans. They are very into the games and pay close attention to the on-field action. The numbers especially stand out since this is one of the only parks in The Netherlands that charge admission. Access 4 Located in a small town in the central Netherlands, Rob Hoffman Vallei is easy to get to by mass transit and easy to get around in once you arrive. Rob Hoffman Vallei has the benefit of being a short walk from a Dutch train station, Station Bussum Zuid. It is literally one stop from the city center (3 minutes, €2.40), a half hour by train from Amsterdam Centraal (€5.30), and 20 minutes from Utrecht Centraal (€5.10). It is a five minute drive, cab, or ride share from downtown Bussum (or about a 20-minute walk), and about a half-hour drive, cab, or ride share from Amsterdam or Utrecht. There is a small parking lot and street parking by the ballpark, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the entrance. There is one entrance to the facility through the main gate and ticket window. This is the only choke point in the entire park, as it opens out onto a plaza and wide walkways that connect it with all the other fields and facilities in the complex. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices into the baseball valley are €5 for adult and €2.50 for children. While it is one of the only parks to charge admission in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, it is still quite a value. All of the food and drinks are €3 or under, and you just can’t beat those prices. . Extras 3 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has a selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards. There is a rather unique baseball couch in the clubhouse that is worth a look. The team store is in an attached building to the clubhouse, selling general baseball equipment and a small selection of team gear, but it is often closed, even during games. There is a screened picture of the valley’s namesake at the entrance to the park, a dedication plaque for the park, and a large team mural on one of the clubhouse buildings that you walk through on the way to the fields. There is also a dedication to Toon Otte on one of the locker room buildings and four retired numbers (1, 10, 12, 24) on the left field wall. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts While Rob Hoffman Vallei isn’t the newest or shiniest ballpark in The Netherlands, it is a baseball-only environment with a sizeable Dutch fan base, great value and access, and all the bases covered.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Chase Fieldhouse 401 Garasches Lane Wilmington, DE 19801 Delaware Blue Coats website Chase Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 2,500 Blue 76ers The Delaware Blue Coats joined the NBA G-League in 2013 as an affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. At the time, they were known as the Delaware 87ers and played at the Bob Carpenter Center on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark. In 2018, the 87ers rebranded as the Delaware Blue Coats, and in January of 2019 they moved into a new arena in Wilmington, the 76ers Fieldhouse. The Fieldhouse was a joint venture by the 76ers and the Buccini Polin Group and is part of a sports complex which also contains a youth training center and several turf fields. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at 76ers Fieldhouse on the lower level, serving a somewhat limited but sufficient menu. Main courses include chicken tenders ($7), pizza ($7 for a personal), cheesesteaks ($6) and hot dogs ($5). Snacks include tater tots ($5), and chips, muffins, and assorted snack cakes for $2 each. Drinks include soda, Gatorade, and bottled water for $4 and coffee for $3. Alcohol is also available at a separate stand next to the main one. Cocktails are $9 for a single or $17 for a double, beer is $8-$10, and wine is $8. Unfortunately, the lines at concession stands can move very slowly, so get your food before the game if possible. Atmosphere 4 All seats at the 76ers Fieldhouse are chair backs along the two sides of the court, accessed by walking up from floor level. The one exception is a VIP mezzanine on the second level of the arena. There are two scoreboards, one on each end of the court. One of them shows detailed player stats while the other is more basic. Unfortunately, depending on where you are sitting, it is possible your view of one of the scoreboards will be obstructed by the basket. There are glass windows on three sides of the court which let in a lot of light during day games. The glare can often be distracting. 76ers championship banners hang from the rafters, which are a nice touch but also reinforce that the Blue Coats are always going to be secondary to the Sixers in this area. The team does a good job of keeping the fans engaged. Music plays almost constantly and can get quite loud at times. Unfortunately, sometimes it gets so loud that it drowns out any noise the crowd makes. There is a mascot named Coaty, a blue horse who roams the stands and floor throughout the game. Neighborhood 2 76ers Fieldhouse is located in a business district, but as far as businesses you might actually go to for fun, as opposed to tire shops, pharmacies, and supermarkets, there isn’t much within walking distance other than a Domino’s. Your best bet is to take the bridge across the Christina River where you will find a lot of restaurants on the other side. You can find everything from bars to breweries to seafood joints, but although they’re just across the river from the arena, you will have to basically drive in a circle for two miles to get across and come back down. Fans 3 Although the Blue Coats rarely sell out, they draw well for a G-League team, frequently drawing over 2,000 fans a game. Fans range from young families with small children to senior citizens, reflecting the affordable and family-friendly atmosphere here. Those who do show up are engaged in the game and cheer on the Blue Coats. The team also frequently partners with local youth groups and sports teams to fill up the arena further. Access 3 76ers Fieldhouse is located on U.S. Route 13 Business, just off I-495. This should not be confused with the regular U.S. Route 13, which also runs near the arena but cannot be used to access it directly. Parking is available in a few lots behind the arena for $5. While it can be confusing which lot to park in, staff will do a good job of directing you to the right place. Once you’re in the arena, the concourse is plenty wide enough to allow room to move around. However, one odd quirk is that the path from the court to the locker rooms goes directly across the concourse. As a result, if you are sitting in Sections 6-10, you will need to wait until all personnel return to the locker room at halftime and the end of the game before you can leave the seating area. Return on Investment 3 How much you will pay for tickets depends on where you sit and when you go. Tickets for weekday games range from $12 for seats in the upper rows to $26 for front row seats near center court. On weekends, prices will range from $14 to $31. Parking is a bit pricey for this level, and concessions are about average. If you’re willing to sit in the upper rows, a Blue Coats game can be affordable, but if you want to sit lower down it can get pricey. For what is essentially a minor league, this is a bit much. Extras 2 The Blue Coats have a giant drum which they wheel out before every game to be played by a fan to pump up the crowd. There will often be live music from a local band on the concourse before the game, which is a nice touch and adds some local color to the experience. Final Thoughts Sadly, the NBA has not done a good job of promoting the G-League. However, that doesn’t seem to have deterred the Blue Coats from marketing themselves. As the only professional basketball team in Delaware, and one of only two professional teams, period, there is a large untapped market potential here that the team has taken advantage of. However, as the name of the arena, the giant glass window with the 76ers logo, and the championship banners in the rafters reflect, any professional basketball team here is always going to be second class citizens compared to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Photos by Nolan Searl, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Baxter Arena 2425 S 67th St Omaha, NE 68106 Omaha Mavericks men’s hockey website Baxter Arena website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,898 A New Era for Omaha Hockey UNO hockey finally has a place of its own. Completed in 2015, Baxter Arena is UNO’s first on-campus arena. Since the program began in 1997, the Mavs have shared the Civic Auditorium and more recently the CenturyLink Center with Creighton men’s basketball. The $90-million arena lies just south of the school’s Pacific Campus and Aksarben Village. Food & Beverage 4 All of your basics are covered at Baxter Arena. For those looking for something a little different, take a walk around the concourse and you’ll find something that grabs your interest. Godfather’s Pizza, a popular Midwestern chain, offers pepperoni and hamburger pizza by the slice. At the 67th Street Kitchen, you can find fries topped with pulled pork and cheddar cheese, loaded tater tots with sour cream, bacon, and cheese, or even “taco tots.” And hockey fans need not worry, Baxter Arena has beer. Shock Top and Stella Artois have kiosks with a few different options to choose from. All of your domestics are available as well at $7.50 for a 20-ounce. Right next to Godfather’s Pizza on the south side of the arena is The Blue Line bar. The lines there get long, so plan for that if you’re looking for some wine or a cocktail. The Blue Line bar is also a local beer option from Infusion Brewing, which is based in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood. Atmosphere 4 This is an arena that was built specifically for UNO hockey. The school’s colors are plastered all around the concourse. Even the concession stands have tied in some of the school’s history. You won’t find a bad seat in the house, either. All of the upper bowl seats have great sightlines and are very easy to access. The upper and lower bowls share the same concourse. It’s always easy getting to and from your seat, no matter where you are at. Throughout the game, there’s a multitude of giveaways and contests to keep everyone entertained. You’ll want to stick around for the Voodoo Taco taco cannon, for sure. Neighborhood 5 Baxter Arena is right across from Aksarben Village, which is a newly developed area of businesses, restaurants, shops, apartments, and student housing. For a pregame meal, Jimi D’s offers up the best food within walking distance. There’s also Dudley’s Pizza and Tavern (a popular place for UNO fans), and DJ’s Dugout, which has huge beers and more TVs than anyone else in town. There’s also Voodoo Taco, Ponzu Sushi, and a few other options. For a post-game drink, Pauli’s has become the go-to spot for Mav fans and visitors alike. It’s your standard neighborhood bar, but it’s always a good crowd after the game, win or lose. The arena is about 10 to 15 minutes from downtown and the Old Market, which is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Omaha. Fans 5 UNO hockey began in 1997, and they have had tremendous support ever since. Maverick fans always show up in large numbers, and they are consistently ranked in the top five nationally for attendance. Most Nebraskan’s are diehard Cornhusker football fans. However, the Mav fans still fill up the building even if the team down in Lincoln is playing at the same time. The “Mav Maniacs” and “The Red Army” are a couple of groups that are constantly coming up with chants and keeping the crowd energized throughout the game. With the arena being right next to campus, more students are going to the games as well. A fan favorite, and unique UNO tradition, happens after the first Maverick goal of every game as a fish gets thrown onto the ice. What started as a rogue operation was eventually embraced by the university and the fans. Once the fish is on the ice, a guy driving a mini-Zamboni with a wheelie bar comes out and scoops it up in a net. It’s pretty hilarious. Access 4 The arena is a short drive north of I-80. The 60th and 72nd Street exits will get you to the arena in just a few minutes. Head north until you hit Center Street, and you will run into the arena at 67th. You can’t miss it. Parking in the arena lots is free, but they usually fill up. Luckily there is more parking available in surrounding neighborhoods. Return on Investment 4 The food and drink prices are pretty standard when compared to other arenas in the area. You won’t be charged an arm and a leg for anything. Free parking adds to the value. You can expect to pay $20-$30 for an upper bowl seat (unless North Dakota is coming to town) and an additional $20-$30 if you plan on eating and drinking at the game. Extras 4 Download the Mav Experience app to get prices, menus, a map of the arena, and game updates. Baxter Arena also has free wifi, which is a nice touch. Another extra point for the university for investing in this arena for its hockey team, and fans.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jackie Robinson Stadium 100 Constitution Ave Los Angeles, CA 90095 UCLA Bruins website Jackie Robinson Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 1,820 Home to Jackie Robinson and the Sons of Westwood Jackie Robinson is a name known throughout baseball, but before becoming famous with the Dodgers , he was a four sport letter recipient at UCLA. Being the first to achieve this feat, it’s only appropriate that a UCLA facility be named for him. The baseball stadium opened in 1981 thanks to a private gift from Hoyt Pardee, a former classmate of Jackie Robinson. The new stadium would be UCLA’s sixth home field in its history and the famous Jackie Robinson statue was dedicated in 1985. The stadium is set on the grounds of the Veterans Health Administration. After some controversy, UCLA recently signed a $300,000 lease with the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to continue use of the stadium for many years to come, along with other provisions. Food & Beverage 3 Upon entering, most fans ascending the steps will be treated to the smell of hot dogs and onions being grilled just in front of the snack stand on the first base side. The menu is on par for a college baseball venue. A permanent concession stand on the first base concourse serves up hot links and cheeseburgers ($6), hamburgers ($5), hot dogs and veggie burgers ($4), pretzels and nachos ($3 – add .25 for a cheese cup), chips, peanuts and Cup o’ Noodles ($2), assorted candy, cookies and cracker jacks ($1). Other snacking and dining options are available on the third base concourse. A bag of freshly popped popcorn ($2) as well as Turkey and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches are available from Jersey Mike’s ($9). Coke product beverages are available for $3 while bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate and hot tea are $2. Atmosphere 4 Despite being a stone’s throw from a major freeway and minutes from a large downtown area, the trees that surround the stadium provide a surprisingly suburban feel. Immediately upon climbing the steps to the main concourse, fans are treated to a table that will enhance their experience. There is a frequent fan card (offering a raffle ticket for each game attended during the season), scorecard, baseball bingo card, and opportunities to win free gifts. The baseball bingo card certainly does keep the crowd involved as fans mark off the appropriate boxes based on what the batters of the home team do when the ball is in play. The Bruins recent run of success, including their first ever National Championship in 2013 has certainly increased interest in the baseball program as is certainly noticed in the stands. Neighborhood 3 The surrounding area around Jackie Robinson Stadium really does not offer much in regards to dining and entertainment due to the fact that the stadium sits on the grounds of the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs. In spite of the fact the stadium is only a few minutes from campus, driving towards Westwood Village can still be a pain. If attending a weeknight game, you will definitely want to plan ahead as traffic within the surrounding areas can be, to put it kindly, brutal. I wish I could tell you otherwise, but unfortunately, there is no way around it. Should you opt to head toward the Village after the game, one way to expedite your journey would be to make a left on Sepulveda after exiting the lot and head north two lights toward Montana Ave. Make a right, head east through a residential neighborhood. As the street curves south it will change into Gayley Ave leading you directly into the Village. While I cannot guarantee that this will entirely alleviate your navigational nightmares through our notorious L.A. traffic, this is still your best option, particularly if it’s a weekend game as you will by all means want to avoid driving along Wilshire Blvd, one of L.A.’s major thoroughfares. For your dining, entertainment, and parking options just click on the link provided above. A good majority of the dining and entertainment options are open late. Fans 3 Bruin fans are easily some of the best when it comes to wearing their team colors. Though not as rabid as those at Pauley Pavilion , the crowd is at near capacity. The fans are a very diverse breed, ranging from a mix of older folks all the way to the little league groups. Access 3 The stadium is located just minutes off of the 405 freeway and can be accessed on foot from the UCLA campus. However, I can never stress enough the importance of early planning when dealing with the area traffic, so do plan accordingly. Once inside the stadium, fans will find bucket seating circling between the first and third base dugouts. Should the comfortable bucket seating overflow, there is also a set of bleachers above the concourse between third base and home plate that looks as if it has survived a nuclear war. Parking is listed on the UCLA website as $10, yet it was $8 when I arrived at the lot. I would assume the price varies depending on the magnitude of the game. There is only a single restroom area on site and the men’s room has only three stations. This can pose a problem during high attendance games as the line can back up. With increased interest in the baseball program and more fans attending as opposed to years past, perhaps it would help to alleviate backups if a few mobile unisex bathrooms could be added. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are very reasonable, with adult ticket prices at $12 for seats behind home plate, $8 for adult general admission and $5 for youth general admission. The price of parking, at $10, is more than a general admission ticket. However, with few other options, the lot is your best bet. Extras 3 Easily the foremost attraction at the ballpark is the statue of Jackie Robinson along the first base line. The plaque below reads, “The Name. The Legend. The Man.” Alongside the statue is a recently added mural by artist Mike Sullivan depicting Jackie in his UCLA uniform, with references to his playing days as well as his time in the Army. Jackie was the first four letter athlete in UCLA history (football, basketball, baseball and track), and his presence is certainly felt throughout the stadium. All around the concourse, fans can view banners that show recent major league players that formerly appeared in a Bruins uniform. Some of the players that appear on these banners include Hector Embriz, Garrett Atkins, Todd Zeile, Eric Byrnes, Chase Utley, Trevor Bauer, Gerrit Cole, Dave Roberts, Troy Glaus, and Eric Karros. Just next to the ticket office, there is a large ProGrass logo with a patch of the synthetic grass. For fans that have never had a chance to walk on or feel FieldTurf, this presents a good opportunity. It’s funny that Jackie Robinson is largely credited with breaking the color barrier, yet he was not even the first black player on the UCLA baseball team. The man credited with being the first was Kenny Washington, and he would eventually have his number 13 retired. Today, fans can spot his number 13 in left field, honoring the man they called “Kingfish.” Lastly of note is the Jack and Rhodine Gifford hitting facility. Located beyond the right field fence, this area allows fans a peek at the practice facilities and a free view through the fence at the action on the field. Final Thoughts A recent run of success, a national championship, along with some notable enhancements throughout the stadium, including a new state of the art scoreboard with an analog clock reminiscent of old-time yards has added to the game day experience to a stadium that not long ago, was in need of some upgrades. With a recent national title added to the school’s vast trophy case, the interest in UCLA baseball is certainly evident. A visit to Steele Field at Jackie Robinson Stadium should definitely be on any baseball fan’s travel list. Also a must, especially if you are a true fan of historical significance, is the chance to snap some photos of you next to the Jackie Robinson displays along the first base concourse. Aside from showing them off on your social media site, these photos will make for great stories about a true icon that any baseball fan should share and pass down to other future baseball fans. Follow me @good_drei on Twitter & Instagram .