Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Wendler Arena at Dow Event Center 303 Johnson St Saginaw, MI 48601 Saginaw Spirit website Dow Event Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,527 Michigan’s Hockey Spirit The failure of the North Bay Centennials in 2002 brought a third Ontario Hockey League team from Canada to the United States. Keeping a team in Michigan secures draft rights for all Michigan players entering the Canadian Hockey League to an OHL team, so keeping a team in Michigan is strategically solid move. The Centennials would move to Saginaw, Michigan, who had been without a team since the departure of the Saginaw Gears of the UHL. The newly minted Saginaw Spirit franchise would carry with it some degree of OHL history. Originally the St. Catharines Falcons, the franchise was founded in 1943 and would feature players such as Bobby Hull in their early days. Moves to Niagara Falls, Ontario in 1976 and North Bay in 1982 would eventually lead to the team landing in Saginaw. Home for the Spirit would be the Wendler Arena at The Dow Event Center. Built in 1972, the arena is now part of a larger events center which includes the Atrium, The Garden Room, The Theatre, The Red Room and Huntington Event Park. The events center was brought back to prominence in Saginaw with a naming rights deal with the Midland based Dow Chemical Company. Owned by Saginaw County, Wendler Arena is named after the former mayor of Saginaw, Paul Wendler, who was instrumental in bringing hockey to the Central Michigan city. When owner Richard Garber brought the Centennials to Saginaw, it took them some time to get their feet under them as they did not make the playoffs their first three years in Michigan. Success for the Spirit would be challenging as they would boast one lowly division title in their 25 years in Saginaw. Garber would bring in additional ownership including Brandon Bordeaux, Jimmy Devellano and former Red Wing, Chris Osgood. With a small city population of under 50,000, currently a poor team on the ice and economic challenges in Central Michigan, the Spirit are having a bit of a rough go. That being said, there is still hope that Michigan’s hockey spirit can continue to thrive in the OHL. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Wendler Arena are decent enough. There are four main concession areas within the outer concourse of the arena and offer a small variety of food options. In what seems to be a staple of junior hockey facilities, the distinct smell of beer nuts wafts throughout the concourse giving fans a reason to take notice. All of the expected arena fare is available including hot dogs ($3), pizza ($4), popcorn ($4), chicken fingers, fries, candy and chips. Soda options are Pepsi products ($2.50/$4) and can be found throughout the arena. Bottled water and Tim Hortons coffee can also be found all over the arena. Options that fans should consider include Olvera’s BBQ, which features brisket, pulled pork or chicken fajitas, or Jet’s Pizza, which is excellent. Alcohol is available in Wendler Arena. The adjoining Red Room offers a full-service bar for patrons before and during the game. It is a great spot to meet with other fans during intermissions. Also available in the concourse are Sam Adams beers and Angry Orchard. Atmosphere 3 Saginaw provides a decent hockey experience for Junior Hockey. The Dow Event Center is one of the nicer OHL venues from the exterior. The Atrium can be found on the north side of Johnson Street and offers a warm, welcoming feeling for fans coming out of the cold, Central Michigan winter. Glassed in and spacious, the Atrium is a great place to meet friends before the game and also houses security and the ticketing windows. The upper rotunda features hanging banners of significant, former Saginaw Spirit players. These include Ryan McDonough, Jack Combs, Josh Shalla, Vince Trocheck, Dylan Sadowy, Brandon Saad, T.J. Brodie, Tom Pyatt, Eric Locke, Brad Walch, Patrick McNiell and Jake Paterson. Upon entering the Wendler Arena, fans are welcomed to the outer concourse. Unfortunately, the outer concourse, which houses all of the concessions, is horseshoe shaped and does not offer fans the ability to travel all the way around the arena. The outer concourse does show its age with brown brick which screams seventies and eighties. Entering the inner concourse, which basically runs 360 degrees around the ice surface, fans are greeted with the three-tiered seating system the Spirit runs. There are nine rows of seating above the outer concourse, four below the outer concourse and another four that are at ice level. The age of the building has forced the team to come up with creative solutions for luxury boxes. One box sits above the arena on the end and others are at ice level, in the corners. The ice surface runs from east to west and that perfect picture with the center ice logo will come from the south end stands. There are only a couple of banners that hang from the rafters at the north end. The lone OHL banner for the 2011 West Division Champions hangs beside the Saginaw Gears banner which also commemorates the 1977 and 1982 Turner Cups the team brought back to Michigan. The retired number 89 of Vince Trocheck hangs with the other banners. Center ice features a very nice, three-tiered videoboard. The Spirit also have traditional simple scoreclocks in the northeast and southwest corners of the arena. The gameday experience is about what you would expect from an OHL club. The players enter the ice through the high-five alley and through a gate with multiple flood lights. The Spirit make good use of their mascots including Sammy Spirit, who lead the players on the ice with flags that they skate around the ice with. The Wendler Arena has a solid LED lighting system, which the Spirit make good use of during the pre-game. Neighborhood 3 Although there are a few spots of interest in the greater Saginaw area, the immediate area around the arena does not offer a ton. Fans who are looking for something before the game are wisest to consider heading south of The Dow. There fans can find a couple of spots to eat including Rally’s, Savoy Bar & Grill and Bradley’s Bistro. There are definitely some key attractions in the greater Saginaw area.Just south of Saginaw is Frankenmuth, where tourists come from far and wide to experience Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland.It is open all year round and offers a near infinite number of Christmas items for sale.In nearby Birch Run is one of the best spots for outlet shopping with the Premium Outlets at Birch Run.Other sporting options in the area include the Midwest League’s Great Lakes Loons who play in Midland at the Dow Diamond . The closest rival of the Spirit is the Flint Firebirds, who play at the Dort Federal Credit Union Center.For some NCAA action, fans can take a short jaunt to Mount Pleasant where the Central Michigan Chippewas play football at Kelly/Shorts Stadium and basketball at McGuirk Arena. For fans who need a place to stay, the Ramada Saginaw Hotel and Suites is not far from the arena. Another option is the Best Western at Birch Run, which is right by the Premium Outlets. Fans 2 In recent years, the Saginaw Spirit have struggled at the gate. A team that hasn’t been great on the ice and some difficult economic times are definitely culprits in the challenges the Spirit have faced. The 2017-2018 season has seen the Spirit average less than 3,000 fans per game, which puts them in 16th place in the 20 team OHL. This figure has fallen from the previous few years where the spirit averaged over 3,300 and found themselves at the bottom of the middle third of the league in attendance. A number of sections in Wendler Arena were tarped off with advertising, which was disappointing to see and a little depressing. At one point, Wendler Arena was rocking and the support in Saginaw was very strong. Obviously, support has fallen off from that point. The fans that are in attendance are pretty quiet and reserved, but the game that was reviewed was a bit of a blowout, so apathy is understandable. Access 4 The Dow Event Center is located one block east of the Saginaw River and immediately south of I-675. Getting to the arena is not difficult at all, especially with consideration to the lower attendance figure the Spirit have experienced. Parking can be found immediately south of the arena as well as to the west. Finding parking should not be an issue and is $6, which is not out of line for OHL hockey. For fans who wish to take public transit, the bus terminal is just east of the arena. Fans can check the Saginaw Transit Authority Regional services website for fares, schedules and maps. The ticketing windows are open inside the Atrium and offer quick service out of the cold winter elements. The will-call desk is uniquely on the other side of the security, which is what you would expect to find in most major arenas, including metal detectors. With the two concourses, getting around Wendler Arena is no problem at all. The washroom facilities are also adequate for the arena, especially with the reduced attendance. Return on Investment 4 Ontario Hockey League games continue to offer some of the best value for the sporting dollar. Spirit tickets go for $19, $17 or $15 depending on the location of the seat. There are also discounts for children, students and seniors. Parking can be found for $6 and the concession prices are good. The product on the ice is excellent with the OHL and the ability to bring the family out to a Spirit game is far greater than at a major league experience. Extras 2 An extra point for stickers identifying season ticket holders on seats in the Wendler Arena An extra point for a budding rivalry with the nearby Flint Firebirds Final Thoughts Michigan’s Hockey Spirit may be on the downside in Saginaw. That being said, the Spirit have brought the fans in from the cold in droves in the past and have the ability to do so again in the future. Perhaps a better team on the ice will help rekindle interest in the OHL club and the Saginaw Spirit will once again take their place among the elite level programs in the OHL. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Isotopes Park Springfield A Fool’s Day at The Duff Duff Stadium, formerly known as Springfield War Memorial Stadium, is home to the Springfield Isotopes, the minor league affiliate of the Capital City Capitals. Although the stadium has long been home to the team, a few years ago the owners hatched a secret plot to move the team to Albuquerque, which was discovered and foiled by superfan Homer Simpson after he launched a hunger strike and chained himself to a nearby flagpole. The Mayor of Albuquerque subsequently attempted to purchase the Dallas Cowboys and force them to play baseball, but this too was unsuccessful. The Isotopes have staged a number of unusual promotions over the years, including Tomato Day and Dart Day, both of which involved throwing said items at members of the Communist Party. Food & Beverage 4 Duff Stadium is known for its large selection, and we mean that literally. Whether it’s giant burgers, giant popcorn buckets, or giant cups of that famous local beer that lends its name to the stadium, you’ll certainly eat your heart out at Duff Stadium, figuratively and perhaps literally as well given the calorie count of those things. However, for fans looking for a healthier option, Bell Peppers are available from roving sellers throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at Duff Stadium has really improved since Hungry Hungry Homer staged his protest. What was once an empty stadium is now full of rowdy fans. Whether it’s encouraging fans to throw tomatoes at Communists or pretzels at despised local billionaire Monty Burns, the team sure does know how to keep fans engaged, and they seem to have largely forgiven ownership for the aborted move to New Mexico. Neighborhood 4 Springfield is a constantly-changing neighborhood, but some things do remain the same. Moe’s Tavern has been located in the town for years, and although it sometimes tries to do a rebranding, these never seen to last very long. The Springfield Mystery Spot is a local tourist attraction as well, but many have gotten permanently lost in it, including baseball legend Ozzie Smith. Don’t let that happen to you. Fans 3 The Isotopes’ fans can best be described as a powder keg crowd, always ready to riot over the silliest little thing. Whether it’s Mr. Burns winning a new car despite being rich enough to buy the entire auto plant or a group of kids botching the national anthem, the crowd will erupt in violence over the slightest provocation. It’s good for the crowd to have energy, but you usually want that to be directed towards cheering the players on the field, not attacking each other. Access 3 Duff Stadium has a regular parking lot as well as VIP and valet parking. However, a group of local hooligans led by one Bart Simpson have been known to rearrange the signs to get fans to drive in the complete opposite direction. Be sure you are parking in the right lot, folks! Otherwise you may wind up getting towed or driving all the way to Shelbeyville and you wouldn’t want that, would you? Return on Investment 4 Duff Stadium can be a good value for fans, especially if you go with a large group, like on Nuclear Power Plant Night. Extras 3 One star for the chance to see numerous local celebrities hanging out at the ballpark, including Mr. Burns, Kent Brockman, Krusty the Clown, murderous supergenius baby Maggie Simpson, and telenovela comedian Bumblebee Man. Where else can you get so up close and personal with these fellows? A second star for the incredible attention to detail by putting four fingers on hand of the foam fingers they have available for sale to reflect the strange condition that seems to affect everyone in this town except for God and Jesus. A third and final star for the corporate name honoring a famous local business. If you’re reading that here, you must know what day it is today. Final Thoughts A p retty, r eally i deal l ocation f or o ur o wn l ovely s tadium.

Photos by Daniel Armstrong, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Duffy Bass Field Gregory St Normal, IL 61761 Illinois State Redbirds website Duffy Bass Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1,500 Redbird Renovation For more than 25 years the baseball program at Illinois State University has called Duffy Bass Field home. The original structure featured limited seating and was lacking in many modern amenities. In 2006, then-athletic director Dr. Sheahon Zenger unveiled the Redbird Renaissance Capital Campaign, the purpose of which was to propel Illinois State’s Athletic Complexes into the 21st century. Along with the renovation of the baseball diamond, a new softball stadium, a new east side grandstand at Hancock Stadium, and an upgrade to Redbird Arena were included in the master plan. The $3.2 million renovation saw Duffy Bass Field transform from what could have been considered a temporary structure into one of the premier venues in the Midwest. The new stadium features a gated complex with seating for over 1,500 spectators, fixed concession stands, restrooms, team dugouts, and a press box unparalleled in mid-major baseball. The stadium, which is nestled into the northwest corner of the Redbird’s athletic complex, was rededicated on May 9th 2009. The name was changed from Redbird Field to Duffy Bass Field in honor of long time ISU coach Duffy Bass, who coached the Redbirds for over 20 seasons and led them to capture the 1969 NCAA College Division National Championship. Since the project was completed in 2009 the stadium has received other upgrades including a new LED scoreboard in 2010 and a $360,000 Field Turf infield in 2013. The Redbirds have consistently finished in the top half of the Missouri Valley Conference since the renovation including a league championship and impressive playoff run in 2010. Duffy Bass Field has the honor of hosting the Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Tournament for the first time in its history in 2013. Food & Beverage 3 You won’t find anything other than typical ballpark fare at Duffy Bass Field. The selection includes hot dogs, hamburgers, Polish sausage, nachos, popcorn, candy, soft drinks (Pepsi), and hot chocolate. All items are reasonably priced and range from $1.50-$4.50. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is extremely visually appealing. The new Field Turf infield features a Redbird logo and is very classy looking. The natural grass outfield is very well manicured as well. In fact, before the installation of the artificial surface Illinois State was twice awarded the Professional Grounds Management Society’s Honor Award for excellence in playing surface. There is also a picturesque backdrop to the stadium with trees in left field; the towering new grandstand of Hancock Stadium in center; and Horton Fieldhouse, Redbird Arena , and a state of the art scoreboard in right field. There is a great view from every seat. The three sections directly behind home plate are plastic stadium seats and the rest of the fixed seating is backed metal bleachers. Grass along both baselines extends to the outfield fence and serve as overflow. The sound is good throughout the stadium. Although I was thoroughly irritated by the public address announcer by the end of the game. ISU has a great student following which adds tremendously to the atmosphere at any collegiate sporting event. It is just an overall great place to see a game. The only downside is that the surrounding terrain is rather flat so wind can be a problem during some contests so dress accordingly. Neighborhood 3 There are few options within comfortable walking distance, but there are plenty of options nearby if driving. My personal recommendation would be paying a visit to the Pub II. The Pub has been named one of the best college bars in America by Playboy magazine. You will find a large selection of food and beverages at a reasonable price. Order the cheese balls, you won’t regret it! Two other options would be either paying a visit to the Uptown Normal area which has a vast selection of dining choices and retail outlets, or a strip of bars along Beaufort Street which are catered to the students. Either way, visitors should be mindful of parking signs to avoid an unexpected ticket or the chance of being towed away. Fans 4 With its success in recent seasons, Illinois State’s baseball program has built up a faithful following. A half capacity crowd is typical for the Redbirds. All fans seem to be attentive to the action on the field, are knowledgeable about the game of baseball, and are interested in ensuring their team prevails in the contest. The visiting team often has a fairly large fan section which is located along the third baseline and they are treated in a respectful and welcoming manner. Access 4 Parking is no problem at ISU events. There is a large lot located directly outside the stadium and in the rare event that it fills up there are parking lots down Adelaide Street next to the soccer and softball stadiums. The concourse is wide and easily navigable and the entire experience is handicapped accessible. Restrooms are located past the concession stand on the first base side. They are very well maintained and large enough to accommodate the crowd without much of a line if any. Return on Investment 5 The experience is well worth the price of admission, in fact I would have gladly paid more. Illinois State Redbirds baseball is presented free of charge. Admission to every regular season Illinois State contest is free as is parking so the only place you can incur expense is through concessions. I enjoyed my visit and would have gladly paid something. Extras 2 I like the view of the athletics complex beyond the outfield. Overall this is a very appealing and high quality stadium. Illinois State did a fantastic job with this renovation. The new ballpark is a complete 180 from what they had before. Best of all, it’s FREE! As the cost of attending a live sporting event is rising in all leagues across the nation this is a very welcome surprise.

Photo Courtesy of North Carolina Central Eagles Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Durham Athletic Park 500 Corporation St Durham, NC 27701 North Carolina Central Eagles website Durham Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 5,000 College Baseball at Bull Durham Up until 1995, the Durham Athletic Park was one of the best parks in the minor leagues. It has since been replaced by the newer Durham Bulls Athletic Park . The Durham Athletic Park was then rarely used for more than 10 years before the NCCU Eagles moved in. If this park looks familiar to you, then you probably remember it from the movie Bull Durham. The DAP was the main setting for the movie and was the home of the real Durham Bulls until 1994. In 2007, NCCU expanded its athletic programs and included baseball. The DAP was a logical home field for the Eagles, who have played there ever since. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stand is located in the grass area on the first base side. The offerings are limited, with only hot dogs, Pepsi drinks, and basic snacks. Prices are about average for a stadium of this size. One upsetting point is that the stadium’s original concession stands are no longer in use. The stand-alone building is original, but those attached to the ballpark itself are not used. Atmosphere 3 Overall, this is just a great place to catch a game. The nine inning scoreboard overlooks what is a beautifully kept field. The Durham Bulls recently purchased the contract to maintain the DAP, and they do an amazing job. Free admission gives you access to anywhere in the park and there are many seating options. If you want to sit close, there are four rows of stadium seats that put you almost on the field. Behind those rows are benches, but they are not usually necessary. Finally, you can sit on either of the lawn areas on each side of the field. This atmosphere is only enhanced with the presence of a great announcer and good music selection. The announcer is in the game and excited from the pre-game to the final pitch. The music played is pretty good but made better by the themed songs, such as “Everybody Talks” during a manager argument. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits right in the heart of Durham, which is good news if you enjoy pre-game or post-game activities. Durham has become known in recent years for its large variety of restaurants, shops, and other interests. I’ll only be highlighting a few, but make sure to do your own research if you plan on visiting. For an extraordinary sports bar experience, check out Tobacco Road sports cafe. The Durham location is incredibly unique, because it overlooks Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The restaurant’s patio is a part of the Bulls’ left field monster. Along with the multiple TVs and great food, it is a sports fan’s heaven. Also worth mentioning is Dame’s Chicken and Waffles. Dame’s is a restaurant that in recent years has become so popular that reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. While the wait is usually around 30 minutes, a reservation will save you some time. Once in the restaurant, you have a variety of options for chicken and waffles. They also feature a kind of flavored butter called schmeres. Known for dressing up the chicken and waffle, this place is a can’t-miss for any lover of comfort food. Fans 3 It’s quite obvious that almost all of the fans are family and friends of the athletes. While not a bad thing, it doesn’t promote the same atmosphere as a ballpark filled with just fans. There are no catchy cheers or fan traditions. The fans are there simply to see a friend or family member play college baseball. That being said, don’t mistake these fans as quiet. They come early, stay late and know when to cheer. They know every player by name (some personally) and are always encouraging. Access 3 Durham itself is not hard to find. There are two major highways that lead to the city (I-85 and I-40), and getting in the city is usually not hard. The DAP however, is not close to either of the highways. It is deep into the city, making it tough for non-locals to find. A simple GPS should be enough to get you there. Once at the stadium, parking is usually easy to find, as the stadium’s lot is small but doesn’t fill up very fast. If needed, there is street parking and other parking options available, most for free. Return on Investment 4 If the best things in life are free, then a NCCU baseball game is one of them. There is no admission cost, and fans are free to sit wherever they like. With concession prices low, I suppose the only question is why not come to a game? Free tickets, free parking, and minimal concessions give even the casual fan a reason to come. Adding in the priceless cost of seeing the set of Bull Durham, the decision is a no-brainer. Extras 2 NCCU provides free streaming for all of its games. With many teams making fans pay for streaming access, this is a huge value. The Durham Athletic Park and the surrounding buildings were the setting for the famous movie Bull Durham. Since the park has changed very little since the movie was filmed, walking around the ballpark is almost surreal. Final Thoughts The city of Durham, the Bulls, and NCCU have partnered together to create a great mix of Hollywood, history, and the present day. The stadium looks the same as it does in the movie, which was a typical minor league ballpark for its time. Thankfully, the stadium has been slightly upgraded since then, and still presents a quality baseball experience. If you like the movie, history, or just free baseball, then a game at the DAP is for you.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Durham County Memorial Stadium 750 Stadium Dr Durham, NC 27704 Shaw Bears website Durham County Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 8,500 Off Campus Football in Durham Shaw University is in Raleigh, North Carolina, but doesn’t have much in the way of athletics facilities to call its own, so the school plays its home football, lacrosse, and soccer games at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, NC, about 20-30 minutes from campus. The facility was built in 1958, has a capacity of 8,500, and besides Shaw is also currently home to Northern High School Football and Tobacco Road FC. Though updated in 2010 with a new press box (named after Tommy Hunt) and improved team spaces, Durham County Memorial Stadium feels much like a high school venue, and is pretty empty during Shaw football games. New Press Box at Durham County Memorial Stadium, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t many concessions options at Durham County Memorial Stadium, but you certainly won’t starve thanks to the ginormous portions offered, though some selections are accompanied by higher-than-average prices. The main dishes offered inside the venue are fish sandwiches, chicken tenders, and fried fish, which each come in a combo for $15 with a pretty large portion of fries, as well as a hefty serving of chicken or fish. You can also get fries on their own ($5 or $7 with or without toppings), and a couple of things that are not listed in the menu, such as packaged candy. Bottled sodas are available for $3, and bottled water is $2. Atmosphere 1 Unfortunately, the atmosphere at Durham County Memorial Stadium is pretty tame during Shaw football games, with very few fans in attendance at an average game. The Bears do okay in their conference lately, but don’t have a very good overall record, so this may account somewhat for the lackluster attendance. Besides the action on the field, the main attractions during Shaw football are of course the band, which is a staple at pretty much any HBCU, and the cheerleaders, who here at Shaw tend to “grunt” their cheers, instead of delivering them in a more sing-song chant. There is a scoreboard in one end zone, but no video board to show replays, and not much in the way of entertainment during breaks in the action besides the cheerleaders and the band. Neighborhood 4 Durham County Memorial Stadium is located next to Duke Regional Hospital (you can see it from the stands beyond one of the end zones), and there are plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area, as well as several attractions to take in if you plan to be in town for the day or weekend. Durham is a pretty big city, so you can pretty much find whatever you are looking for, including additional sporting events such as Duke Football or the Durham Bulls . The closest nice restaurants to Durham County Memorial Stadium are Koumi Japanese restaurants and Rudino’s Bull City, but there are plenty of fast food chains as well. For hotels check out Holiday Inn or Super 8 by Wyndham, and for attractions check out the Museum of Life and Science and the Duke Homestead, which offers tours to show visitors how tobacco was harvested and cured. Fans 1 Hardly any fans show up at Durham County Memorial Stadium for Shaw football games – at some games you might even see fewer than 100 people in the stands. A lot of the folks there do wear Shaw gear, but no matter how enthusiastic they might be, the small numbers just don’t provide much energy. Access 4 Accessing Durham County Memorial Stadium could not be easier – fans can park in the gravel lot right outside for $5, and there are plenty of bathrooms to accommodate the very small crowd. The only downside is the single concessions stand, and the slow cooking time for chicken and fish since everything is cooked to order, so you might have to wait in line for a bit to get your food. Return on Investment 2 Ticket prices to Shaw football games are a bit overpriced at $25 per person. Parking is okay, and concessions are reasonable for the portion sizes you get, but the football experience itself doesn’t provide much energy, and feels too much like a high school game to be worth the $25 price tag – there are other football experiences in the wider area that haver a lower cost for an equal, or even better, experience. Extras 2 Shaw does have a mascot, which is not a given for D2 football, so the staff does deserve credit for that. The band also puts on a pretty good show at halftime. Final Thoughts Though not providing much energy for a football game, Durham County Memorial Stadium does offer easy access in and out, so if you are a fan of football it could be a good hassle-free option, especially if you are a Shaw fan or if your team is playing the Bears on the road.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Easter Road 12 Albion Place Edinburgh, Scotland EH7 5QG Hibernian FC website Easter Road website Year Opened: 1893 Capacity: 20,421 Hibernian FC Scarves are held high and voices lifted as the largest crowd at Hibernian in 23 years (20,205) belt out their club anthem ‘Sunshine on Leith.’ It’s spine tingling stuff as Easter Road celebrates a 3-1 Scottish Cup 5th round replay win against arch rivals Hearts. The 3,800 away supporters in the south stand start the mile-and-a-half trek back to Edinburgh city centre. Hibs have played at their home on Albion Road since 1893, with a full refurbishment completed in 2010. With 4 individual stands it’s the archetypal set up; three of the sides are two tiered, the noisy east stand simply one big bank of bouncing support. Whilst the ground is completely rebuilt, with the structures and sight lines transformed, you can still feel the considerable history as you step into the arena sensing it’s a special place to watch football. Food & Beverage 3 If you choose to eat in the ground there are the usual establishments in all the concourse areas. Service in the upper west stand is quick and the staff friendly. It is good to see some variety in the menu with pepperoni pizza (£4) and chicken curry deluxe pie (£3.10) alongside the usual burgers, hot dogs and snacks. A half time cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate will set you back £2.20, which is a little on the steep side. Coke (22oz) is £2.50, Ribena is £1.90 and an Orange Capri Sun just £1.50. I went for a steak pie (£2.60) which, although it looked a little on the small side, turned out to be a good choice. Atmosphere 5 At the game of this review, the atmosphere was excellent as you’d expect for a cup match against local rivals under lights. One club official suggested it even topped the big European nights v AEK Athens in 2001 and v Dnipro in 2005. The game itself was played out at a frenetic pace. Hibs raced into a three goal lead before Hearts pulled a goal back midway through the second half. Hibs were very much in the ascendancy though, made even more impressive by the fact they currently play one league below their visitors Hearts. Sight lines are good from all four stands. The top corner of both end stands are cut off providing a glimpse of character and there is a small scoreboard at the south end of the ground. My seat was in the west stand which had a great view over proceedings. The lower east is the place to be for a good sing and shout. The whole ground is covered but front seats may attract the inclement weather Scotland is sometimes known for! Neighborhood 5 Edinburgh is an incredible city that demands that you stay for a few days at the very least. For football fans you could attempt to visit other local teams like Spartans, Leith Athletic and Edinburgh City as well as today’s opponents Hearts. There’s also Murrayfield Stadium to the west of the city which is the home of Scottish rugby. Accommodation options are of course numerous. My recommendation is to stay at a superb B&B; called A-Haven on Ferry Road. Call David there for a really good room and breakfast for a really good price. If you stay at A-Haven you can cut through to Leith Walk easily and even stop off at Bonningtons, a great local pub recently rebuilt after a fire. Alternatively you can join the ‘River of Leith’ walkway, a conservation walk which will take you towards the town centre described as a ‘silver thread in a ribbon of green.’ The Beer House at Waverley Station is a good start for those heading to the game and arriving by train. A pint of ‘Scotlands favourite beer,’ Tennent’s, costs £3.85 and has food options such as sausage & mash at £8.50 or chicken burger and chips £9.50. Then head down Leith Walk for numerous pub options before cutting across to Easter Road where you can visit fans favourite ‘Four in Hand.’ This is a great local pub where the singing starts early with football on the tv, and it is a great place to meet passionate Hibs fans. ‘The Office’ is a newer looking bar opposite, which also looks busy with the football on and seems friendly enough. Both sell locally made ‘Crabbies’ – alcoholic ginger beer worth trying; you will either love it or hate it! The Iona bar further up Easter Road can complete a hat trick of decent bars to visit. To drink at the ground head to ‘Behind the Goals’ which has cheap drink, food and live music. Just show your match ticket to get inside. City guides for Edinburgh are plentiful. They’ll tell you about a visit to The Brittania moored in Leith docks, a climb up to Arthur’s Seat and of course the delightful Edinburgh Castle. At the top of Leith Walk there is the Omni Centre which has a Frankie and Benny’s, Nando’s, Filling Station etc. plus a 12 screen cinema. For a little more culture, the Edinburgh Playhouse is next door. On Sunday morning head to Central Church in the centre of Edinburgh to meet a great bunch of friendly and inclusive locals (@centralchurched). Fans 4 On this occasion Hibs fans excelled; loud, passionate, relentless in their support and ultimately rewarded with a fine win. Hibs Historic Trust meet monthly and seek to ensure the rich history around the club is remembered and celebrated. Join them for one of their monthly meetings if you can. Songs on the night included ‘On our way, two in a row,’ ‘Green Army,’ ‘Hail hail the Hibs are here’ and the mesmerising ‘We are Hibs’ to the tune of runaround Sue which is still bouncing around in my head one week later! Hibs average league attendance in 2016/2017 is just above 15,000, easily the highest in their league. In fact that support is the 4th highest in Scotland even taking into account top flight teams. Edinburgh news reported the next day that fans could be heard ‘three miles away’ as they roared their team to victory. Access 3 Getting to the ground is straightforward whether you arrive by car, train or plane. Edinburgh airport is to the west of the city with an excellent tram service that will get you into central Edinburgh. Waverley is the main train station which is about 1.5 miles from the ground. If you come by car the roads around the ground are quite narrow and be careful to ensure you don’t park in ‘residents only’ spaces. Getting into the ground is simple enough, and you can pick your ticket up from the office on the corner of the west stand and the Famous Five stand. If you have any particular access issues simply contact the club in advance. The club website and social media will keep you up to date with any changes to the match day timetable, also providing team news and match reports. Their twitter handle is @hibernian_fc . Other good fans twitter sites include @hibernianfcnews , @hibeehibernian , @fourinhandhsc , @follow_hibees and @hibstrust . Return on Investment 4 Overall I’d say it’s great value to visit one of Scotland’s iconic clubs. If you choose the restaurants and bars in Princes Street, the Royal Mile and The Haymarket in the centre of Edinburgh then of course you will get clobbered. Stick to the establishments from this review and your pocket won’t suffer too much and you’ll get a more than satisfactory return on investment. Tickets are priced at £22 for adults and £12 for concessions. The match day program costs £3, which is average for this level. Extras 4 Head to the club shop which is situated directly behind the ‘Famous Five’ stand. It’s a spacious shop with a friendly staff team, headed up by Neil, an Englishman (and Southampton fan)! All the usual merchandise is available, all of course in green and white, including a gnome which Neil helpfully showed off especially for Stadium Journey readers! The find of the day however was nestled in a small shop unit on Albion Road. The football program shop run by Brian Johnson is an absolute mine of programs going back over 60 years: Hibs programs, Scottish internationals, cup finals, non league and much much more. The shop is open all week and of course on match days. Well worth a visit! Final Thoughts Ok, so I chose a top match to attend, but the city of Edinburgh is simply stunning and if you get to watch a derby match too then it’s a winning recipe. Sing along to the ‘Sunshine on Leith’ classic, written by local band The Proclaimers, at the end of the match and you’ll be offered your money back if the hairs are not standing on the back of your neck by the end of the song!

Photo Courtesy of Norfolk State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Echols Hall 700 Park Ave. Norfolk, VA 23504 Norfolk State Spartans website Echols Hall website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 7,000 The Mighty 300 In 1997, the Norfolk State Spartans joined the MEAC as they completed their move from Division II. It wasn’t until 2012 when the Spartans moved from college basketball obscurity to Cinderella darlings when they knocked off No. 2 Missouri, becoming the fifth No. 15 seed to win their first game in the NCAA Tournament. 2012 was also the first ever MEAC Tournament Championship for the men’s basketball team. The Spartans have played their home basketball games at Joseph G. Echols Hall since the building opened in 1982. The arena is named for a former instructor who helped to found the athletics program at Norfolk State. The arena is the second largest in the MEAC, seating 7,000 for basketball games. There’s an interesting array of seating options at Echols Hall, but wherever you sit, you’ll be sure to be caught up in the enthusiasm of the pep band, the cheerleaders, and the crowd. Get ready for Spartan basketball at Norfolk State. Food & Beverage 2 There’s less than you might expect when attending a basketball game at Norfolk State, but certainly, enough to sustain you if you need something. The chicken basket is the main entre and includes fries ($7). An all-beef hot dog is on hand ($3). You can add chili to either of these or cheese (50 cents). Coke products are available or bottled water ($3). Nachos will cost you $3. Other snacks include popcorn, peanuts, candy, and gum ($2 each). There are two concession stands and they are each within the inner concourse, so if you’re at the back of the line you should be able to keep an eye on the game. Atmosphere 3 There aren’t a lot of fancy bells and whistles when you see a game at Echols Hall, but there is plenty of energy. The biggest complaint that I have is that they don’t let the pep band play more. They are tragically under-utilized. This is a talented crew, and although they make for good fans, they would make better use of these young men and women if they were allowed to play during every break in the action. Instead, the school opts for piped in music. It’s fine, but the band would be much better for improving the overall atmosphere. The cheerleaders are also very good, shaking their bodies and shaking up the crowd at every opportunity. The seating is somewhat unique with five rows of extendable seats pulled out for each contest. These provide seat backs and better than average legroom. Above that, there are 14 small sections that serve sort of like box seats. The seating has a little less legroom, but are more comfortable chairs than the yellow extendable ones below. Above those seats is the inner concourse. Above the inner concourse, there are about 15 rows of wooden bleachers. These can be found on each side of the court and are relatively comfortable. They do provide a good vantage point if you’re one who likes to sit a little higher in order to see plays develop. There is a four-sided, center-hung scoreboard providing the only score in the building. There’s no video screen, just the basics (score, time, timeouts left, team fouls, and the number of the current fouler). There’s an annoying sound effect that you’ll need to get used to throughout the game at Norfolk State. Whenever the Spartans go to the line, the PA plays out the phrase, “Free throws win ball games,” and the fans answer with a clap-clap. If it is a game that comes down to the fouling game in the second half, then this will get old fast, believe me. There is one other area in need of improvement with the overall atmosphere. The Spartan mascot is one of the least active that I have seen. He stands in the corner for nearly the entirety of the game. The mascot has a face like Ed Asner, and kind of moves like Ed Asner too. Come to think of it, since mascots are anonymous, it just may have been Ed Asner in that suit. Neighborhood 5 Although there isn’t a lot immediately nearby Echols Hall that could be considered walking distance, it’s just a couple of miles to get to downtown Norfolk, which is a great city to spend some time in. The Norfolk Tides play in the nearby Harbor Park (about a mile away), and the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL players in the unique Norfolk Scope (located downtown on Brambleton). I made a visit to the Freemason Abbey Restaurant. It’s a cool little place located in a former church. They serve wonderful crab cakes and other memorable entrees. This is the Chesapeake Bay after all, so crabs are a must. If you want some fine dining, then consider trying 456 Fish for dinner after the game. There are plenty of places along Granby Street worth trying. If you want to stay on top of the day’s games, then find a seat at the bar at Baxter’s. No trip to Norfolk would be complete without going down to Sewell’s Point to see the U.S. Naval ships. They are enormous. You can’t miss them when coming into town from the north over the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. Fans 4 You probably won’t see a sellout when you go to a game at Echols Hall, but you can expect a better than a half-full arena with energetic fans that are attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate for their team. During the second half, the fans did the wave during a timeout at varying paces. Usually, when you see fans attempt the wave, it takes three or four tries to get it going in full force. These fans did it on the first try! I’m not a big fan of the wave personally, but this was something to behold. Access 3 The address of 700 Park Ave is not the physical address of Echols Hall as much as a marker of where to turn into campus. From there you will pass by the baseball field, Marty Miller Field, and the football stadium, Price Stadium. In fact, you will drive or walk under the bleachers to get to the basketball arena. Parking is free but maybe a little confusing. The best spot to park would be in Lot 9 between the baseball and football fields, or in the lot near the beautiful Brooks Library. From there it is a short walk under the football stadium bleachers to the basketball arena. After the game, it will be easy to leave the area once you walk to your car. Return on Investment 4 Many tickets for Norfolk State basketball will get you a doubleheader of the women’s team followed by the men’s team. If you are following your team, or are a fan of Norfolk State, this certainly adds value to your overall investment. Reserved seating will cost you $15, or you can pay $10 for general admission seating. If you would like a chairback seat, then the extra $5 is probably worth it. Additional discounts are available for seniors, military, and faculty ($8) as well as for children aged 7-17 ($5). Children under the age of 7 are admitted for free. With free parking and inexpensive, although unremarkable, concessions you can find a good value for your dollar at Echols Hall. Extras 2 In the second half, Norfolk State had a dance with the mascots where young fans came down on the floor to dance with the Spartan mascot, Tidewater from the Norfolk Tides, and Chester Cheetah of Cheetos fame. It was a little wacky, but a lot of fun. One additional point for the parity found in the MEAC. You are likely to find a close game in this conference, even if it isn’t the highest level of basketball in Division I. You also may have the opportunity to see a team that may end up playing the role of Cinderella in March. Final Thoughts I enjoyed my trip to Norfolk State and Echols Hall. Norfolk is a wonderful place to live and visit, and seeing the Norfolk State Spartans is money well spent if you enjoy college basketball.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Edinburgh Gymnasium 202 Keeley St. Edinburgh, IN 46124 Edinburgh Community Schools website Edinburg Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 2,080 A Source of Community Pride in Edinburgh The Edinburgh Lancers have been playing high school basketball at its gymnasium since tipping off against Mooresville High School on November 15, 1958. At the time of its construction, the town’s population was 3,200 and its gym sat 2,456. Its style was of the “sunken gym” variety made popular during the decade by Evansville architect Ralph Legeman. His gym cost just under $500,000 and included new dressing rooms and locker rooms for both the boys and girls' programs. It was one of 15 new venues that opened up in the state that year that included facilities in Orleans, Whiteland, Columbia City, Evansville Reitz, and Eminence. The state was in a basketball gym frenzy and Edinburgh was no different, more than 60 years after its completion, the home of the Lancers is a vital part of the community. Before the town’s new gym basketball games fans would squeeze into what they called “The Pit”. The conditions were cramped and steel girders obstructed views of the court. The boys’ biggest moment at the old building was capturing the regional and sectional championships in 1951. Before opening the new gym for basketball, the school changed its colors from maroon to red and white in 1956 and also adopted the Lancers nickname in favor of the Maroons. The new nickname beat out the Highlanders and Scotties. The new gym was part of the forward-thinking for the school that was going through a lot of changes in the late 1950s. The gym itself held commencement ceremonies for the Class of 1958–six months before its first basketball games. Today the gym holds a crowd of 2,080 and the population has risen close to 5,000 but the Edinburg Gymnasium is still the source of pride in the community. Thousands of basketball games have been staged from regular-season contests to sectional tournaments. If one would dare utter the words of building a new gym the public would most likely cringe at such a thought. The gym was built to last and many wouldn’t have it any other way. Food & Beverage 4 The tiny arena offers something that many facilities of its kind do not offer, multiple concession areas of sales. The main concession stand is directly outside the seating area offering the usual products found at many other high schools in the state. All products range between $1 to $3 with Chick-fil-A sandwiches topping off at around $4.25 a sandwich. The main concession area is large enough to handle larger crowds and the two stands inside the seating bowl offer a little more variety of snacking options at the game: fresh-baked cookies (4 for $1) and pizza slices and cotton candy ($2 each). Atmosphere 4 The gym has all the elements of a classic sunken gym but is much smaller than the big boys in New Castle and Huntingburg. The facilities offer 9 rows of permanent seating with an about 15-20 foot concourse that wraps around the seating bowl. The walls are decorated with Johnson County championship banners dating back to the early 1930s along with conference opponents' banners and local business ads Two Final Four banners hang from the rafters, one for the 2012 basketball team, and banners honoring two former players who are enshrined in the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame: Moses Pruit (Class of 1916) and Bill Depp (Class of 1957). Depp’s, whose number is also retired by the school, 65 points and 31 rebound effort against Charlottesville his senior season is still a school record. The student section is packed with Lancer fans standing on the edge of their seats and the rest of the seating is full of residents who have been making their way to the gymnasium for the past seven decades. There are a series of speckled lighting hanging from the ceiling, a series of doors that provide easy exits after the game, and there are many who might be here just to socialize with friends and families. The usual sights and sounds that can be found heard include cheerleaders, students turning their backs when the opposing team is introduced, banners of other schools in the conference, and people filling themselves up with snacks from the concession stand. The sunken gyms all have the same features and their designs are mass-produced but do not let that fool you, there is a charming element here in Edinburgh. Neighborhood 3 Edinburgh consists of 4,800 residents and is about 30 minutes south of Indianapolis on US-31 or I-65. The town is known mostly for the Outlet Mall which bears the city's name and is visible off the interstate. Here, visitors can find discounted merchandise and plenty of places to eat and sleep during their visit. The Great American Grill, Max & Erma’s, and Montana Mike’s Steakhouse are just a few of the dining options near the outlet mall’s parking lot. Lodging options include Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, and Best Western. The town does feature a historic district that is one block offering a few bars and retail options, along with El Jefe Mexican restaurant just around the corner. Hickory Hills BBQ is on US-31 offering smoked meat by the pound and sandwiches in a simple décor establishment, but it is closed for a period during the year. Fans 4 Lancer’s fans are a notable bunch who enjoy a winner, not surprisingly when their team is scoring in bunches they cheer in unison raising the roof and the decibel level in the building. However, when the Lancers are in the funk, the fervor of frustration can also be heard from these same fans. Access 4 The gymnasium is easy to get around since it consists of only one main concourse, but during heavily attended games, the crowds can become congested during half-time concession visits or when fans exit the building. Thankfully numerous doors open up to the main street outside the gym to ease congestion woes. There are ample-sized bathrooms located outside of the gymnasium’s entrance in the school’s lobby and its location near I-65 and SR-31 makes for easy access by car. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to a regular-season game is $5, much in line with the rest of the schools in the state. The concession prices are affordable, varied, and spaced out nicely to ease traffic for visitors looking for the elusive in-game snack. Extras 3 One point is given to the three concession areas that all serve different items. The second point for the looking pretty good for its age, the seats are remodeled, the aisles are nicely waxed, and the place looks as sharp as when it opened over 60 years ago. The third point is for the tall water tower reads “Home of the Lancers" which is visible to all motorists in town. Final Thoughts The Edinburgh Gym ranks up there with some of the state’s great small sunken gyms that still provide an ideal home for basketball 50-70 years after they have been constructed. The school’s location off the interstate is close enough to Indianapolis that attending a game is simple and easy. A nice way to spend an evening with 2,000 friends. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Elland Road Leeds, England LS11 0ES Leeds United website Elland Road website Year Opened: 1897 Capacity: 37,890 Marching on Together Elland Road is home to one of the most famous clubs in England, Leeds United. The Yorkshire side have fallen from grace in recent years, but in the past, they were considered one of the biggest names in football and were most successful under Don Revie in the 1960s and 1970s. The club’s motto and famous chant is Marching on Together, and the song can be heard reverberating around every corner of the stadium on match days before kick-off. Elland Road was built in 1887, and has been the home of the Whites since they were formed in 1919. It is the 13th-largest football stadium in England, and was used as one of the eight venues in Euro 96 . Food & Beverage 3 Elland Road is home to the usual matchday fare including pies, pasties, and sausage rolls. The bars in the stadium are usually rammed before kick-off and at halftime, and it can often take a while to get served. The area isn’t great for options either, with only a few pubs and fast food outlets scattered around nearby. Atmosphere 5 Elland Road is renowned for its atmosphere, and has frequently maxed out its capacity of 37,890 in the past. Despite playing in the second tier of English football, the club still records some of the highest attendance figures in the country. In the 2017-18 campaign, the Whites had the second-best attendance record in the division of 31,521, which was just behind Aston Villa in top spot on 32,097. The atmosphere is better than it has been in years in the current competition, as Leeds are well-placed to win promotion this time out. As of 14th of December, they are 7/4 with Betway to win the league. The fans are enjoying the good times under manager Marcelo Bielsa, and the atmosphere within Elland Road reflects this. Neighborhood 3 Elland Road is situated in the area of Beeston, not too far from Leeds city center. It’s a quiet neighborhood with a mix of residential houses and businesses. There are no hotels right next to the ground, but there are plenty to choose from within the bustling northern metropolis. Fans 5 Leeds fans are renowned for being some of the most passionate and dedicated in the country. They have been through hell since the club was relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2003-04 season and fell as low as League One after finding themselves in financial turmoil. According to 1Sports1, Leeds have the seventh-best fan base in England, and that is attributed to their fiery northern mentality. Needless to say, they have a number of strong rivalries with other clubs in the country. When they were in the top flight, Leeds’ main conflict was with Manchester United, described as the Roses Rivalry. It dates all the way back to the War of the Roses of the 15th Century, with the Elland Road outfit representing the white rose of Yorkshire and the Old Trafford club representing the red rose of Lancashire . Another one of Leeds’ biggest rivalries at that time was with Chelsea, who play their home games at Stamford Bridge in London. Access 4 It is fairly easy to get to Elland Road on match days, and if you are travelling from the city center all you need to do is hop on buses numbered 51, 53, or 55. The journey from Leeds train station takes about 20 minutes. Return on Investment 3 Seeing a Leeds game isn’t cheap, in fact they are one of the most expensive teams to watch in the Championship. The highest ticket for an adult is £39, while the cheapest is £26 in the Family Stand. In recent years, the return on investment hasn’t been great as the side have struggled. But, this season, fans are being treated to some good quality football under Bielsa. Extras 4 A match day programme can be bought at the ground. The other bonus is the massive history of the stadium. This is English football at one of its most iconic venues. The place is dripping with charm and is intimidating for visiting clubs. When it is at capacity, this is indeed a special place for the game. Final Thoughts A visit to Elland Road should be on the bucket list of any football fan. The stadium is up there with the likes of Anfield for atmosphere, and the fans are what makes this place truly special. Perhaps soon they will be back in the top flight as well. If they do go up, it will be one spectacular party, that’s for sure.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Ellen Vagelos C'90 Field 3331 River Fields Dr Philadelphia, PA 08105 Penn Quakers website Ellen Vagelos C'90 Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 500 The Might of the Penn Tucked into the River Fields Complex between I-76 and the railroad tracks, you can find Ellen Vagelos C'90 Field, home of the University of Pennsylvania's field hockey team. The complex is located on the bank of the Schuylkill River and also includes Meiklejohn Stadium , home of the Quakers' baseball team, and Rhodes Field, home of the soccer program. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Vagelos Field. Fans are free to bring in their own, except for alcohol. Atmosphere 2 Vagelos Field is located in an unusual urban setting. The Philadelphia skyline is visible behind the goal and cars zoom by on I-76 behind the bleachers. Inside the stadium, there are six rows of bleacher seating, all of which are extremely close to the action, so close that when they water the field before the game, fans will get wet if they do not move. Some do so, while others, especially kids, seem to enjoy the mist. All the seats are under the shade of some trees, which is nice early in the season when it's hot out, but can be less so later on, particularly as the leaves start falling. As is typically the case at college field hockey, there is not much going on other than the game itself. The PA announcer will announce substitutions, goals, and cards, but that is about it. There is a scoreboard in the far corner of the stadium that shows shots, saves, and penalty corners in addition to the score and clock. It also shows a short hype video before the game. Neighborhood 5 Vagelos Field is located in a park next to several other Penn athletic venues in the University City Neighborhood of Philadelphia. Within a short walk, you can find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to burgers to chicken to bars, and much more. Most of this can be found north of the stadium, as the university hospital is located directly to the south. The Schuylkill River is directly to the east, but there are plenty of options as you head west along the streets as well. The New Deck Tavern is one favorite, as are the White Dog Café and highly rated Mexican restaurant Cucina Zapata. Fans 2 The crowd at Penn Field hockey games consists mostly of friends and family of the players, although a few other Quaker fans sometimes make it out. When Stadium Journey visited, there were several hundred fans in attendance, but most of them were there to support the other team. Those fans who are there to support Penn are fairly passionate, but there simply aren't that many of them. Access 2 Vagelos Field is located in the River Fields Complex and finding it can be tricky if you are not using a GPS. Even if you are using one, it can be unclear where to park. On weekends or weekdays after 2:30, the lots in the River Fields Complex are open to the public. It will cost $4 per hour, up to $13 for the whole day. For weekday games where you will be arriving before 2:30, those lots are permitted only. Some fans seemed to be able to park there without issue, while others were told they couldn't. To be safe, we suggest parking in the Penn Museum Garage, about a ten-minute walk if you head down South Street and walk down a lengthy staircase behind the Hollenback Center (and back up the multiple flights after the game), or a 20-minute walk if you take the long way around to avoid the steps. Parking here will cost $18 for the whole day. The Penn Medicine Station on SEPTA commuter rail is also an option, as the station entrance is across from the Museum Garage. There are restrooms located in a trailer by the entrance, but they are single person and there is only one men's room and two women's rooms, so the lines can get long at times. Return on Investment 2 Admission to Penn field hockey games is free, but you will have to pay quite a bit of money for parking. It is the latter aspect that brings this score down significantly. It is the middle of a major city, so it is understandable why they have to charge so much but to pay up to $18 for a pretty basic experience is not the best value. Extras 2 Free programs are available in a box by the entrance to the bleachers. A second star for the unique setting, with views of the Philadelphia skyline, cars whizzing by on the freeway behind the stands, and freight trains coming by on the elevated tracks beyond the far sideline. Final Thoughts College field hockey is usually a pretty simple experience, and that seems to be even more true at Penn than in most other places. The home crowds are often outdrawn by visiting fans and parking is expensive, but Vagelos Field may still be worth checking out, if only for the unusual location.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Mitchell High School Bluejackets have not played a basketball game at the Emerson Gym since the 1997-1998 academic year when its current home was unavailable but this past Saturday afternoon both the junior varsity and varsity boys teams played a throwback game to commemorate the Blue Jackets 80th anniversary of its state finals team. Emerson Gym was built in 1927 and used regularly until 1979 with a capacity of 3,000 that featured seating on all three levels of the building. It also featured a gym on the east side that has now been walled off.  The gym had replaced the school’s much smaller venue that was constructed in 1916. Balcony seating ran along the north and south sides of the gym and the west end but has since been removed. The gym would also rotate as the home of the sectional with Bedford from 1929 to 1941, during that time the Jackets would win six sectional championships. However, in 1940 the team would make its way to the state finals at the Butler Fieldhouse, losing to Hammon Tech 33-21 in the title game. None of the players from that 1940 are still alive but family members were in attendance to honor what many in town say was the greatest team in school history. The Bluejackets teams wore throwback uniforms along with the cheerleaders decked out in 1940 garb. The players' warm-ups were designed with the wording Cement City in the script, a nod to the Lehigh Cement Company that’s in town. The opposing players and cheerleaders were in their current uniforms. The two grandstands were at near capacity and the noise leveled boomed based on the tight quarters in the old gym. The band huddled in one-quarter while the cheerleaders stood close by. Fans attending the game were waiting outside during brisk winter weather as they entered the lobby that featured a small concession stand, trophy case, and ticket booth.  The first thing the modern basketball fan realizes is just how small the venue was but folks who could remember the good old days would tell you that the place was packed on many a night and the heat generated by the crowd could warm anybody up on a cold night.  Then again, how great is it that for one day fans of the 21st century get a trip back in time with a gym experience they have only seen in old black-and-white photographs? “It’s just Indiana basketball, everybody would love to play in a gym like that,” Mitchell head coach Doug Thomas told the Times-Mail before the game. “Modern gyms are awesome but there’s just something about having that ‘Hoosiers’ feel from back in the ’40s and’ ’50s. For anybody who played basketball growing up and had heroes who played during that era, it just brings back memories. It almost transports you back to a time when you were younger and everything was simple and fun.” Indeed it was a lot of fun and one of two throwback games at old gyms that also took place an hour away in Jasper who were playing an afternoon tilt at Cabby O’Neill Gym that was built in 1939. It is also not the first year that an Indiana high school team played in a historic gym: Franklin returned to the Vandiver Gymnasium a week before, and Morocco played at its historic gym for the first time in more than 50 years in 2018. Perhaps it is a sign that communities in the state will see more of these types of games in the preceding years. The games are highly attended, former players are honored, teams don throwback attire, and the community comes together all under the guidance of high school basketball.  Max Ramey played for the Jackets and graduated in 1956 before playing basketball at the University of Tennessee. He is quoted in the book Historic Hoosier Gyms: Discovering Bygone Basketball Landmarks that the college facilities failed in comparison to the Emerson Gym. “That place is special to a lot of people. But what made it such a nice place with all the people that filled it up? Those people yelling and the referees from the front row–that’s what made it fun.”  It was a lot of fun hearing the roar of the crowd from both the home and visiting sides, being on top of the court, and getting a glimpse of what a game might have been like so many years ago. For one day that was the case and perhaps it will be again now and then in Mitchell. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Jonathan Martin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ellis T. Johnson Arena 150 University Blvd Morehead, KY 40351 Morehead State Eagles website Ellis T. Johnson Arena website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 6,500 More From Morehead State Ellis T. Johnson Arena is home to the Morehead State men’s and women’s basketball teams and has been since 1981. The arena seats 6,500. Johnson Arena is named for the former Morehead State athletic director and coach. Morehead State is located about one hour from Lexington, Kentucky. The university plays in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). Since opening, Johnson Arena has also hosted several national music and comedy acts such as Alabama, David Letterman, Gary Allen, the Newsboys, M.C. Hammer, the Goo Goo Dolls, Alan Jackson, Dashboard Confessional, Jeff Foxworthy, and Tim McGraw. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Johnson Arena lack variety, but you can find the standard stadium food. Drinks are available for just $2.25 for Pepsi products. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are also available in case you need to warm up on a cold winter’s night. They also offer pretzels, slices of pizza, nachos ($3.50), and hot dogs. The low prices help to make up for the lack of different options. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere can be electrifying at times, but can also be dead silent at others. There isn’t a bad seat at Johnson Arena, so you have a good view of the court no matter where you sit. The dance team and the cheerleaders do a great job of keeping the crowd entertained. There is not much in the way of entertainment during time outs, although during my recent visit there was one instance where the kids in attendance came on the floor and did the chicken dance. Neighborhood 3 Johnson Arena is located in Morehead, Kentucky. Morehead has a small college-town feel to it. The town has ample places to eat, but hardly any that are near the arena. The best option is to go to the Buffalo Wild Wings before game time. It sponsors Morehead State Athletics. There are no eating choices within walking distance of the arena. Cave Run Lake, on the northern edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest, is a good place to hike if the weather is favorable while you’re in the area. Fans 4 While the crowd might be small in size, it makes up for it with intensity. The small crowd is very much in the game from start to finish. Fans will show their disagreement with the referees without hesitation. There are a few games on the schedule where you can expect a large turnout. Eastern Kentucky and Murray State are two of Morehead State’s biggest rivals. Access 5 The arena is very comfortable and easy to navigate. The arena is also handicap accessible with ramps leading into Johnson Arena. There is no public transportation in Morehead, so you will need to drive to get to the game. Parking is very easy at Johnson Arena. There are two areas where you can park. Parking is only $5. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to a Morehead State basketball game are very affordable and offer a good return for your money. Ticket prices range anywhere from $8 to $15 for single-game admission. Season tickets range anywhere from $50 to $270. Extras 2 One bonus point for the charming valley location. The university is located a three-mile pass away from the interstate, so the actual valley containing the town is separated from the big city outlet and interstate buzz. Driving in around dusk produces mental images seen in films set in quiet 1960s towns and can be one of the highlights of the trip. One bonus point for the OVC connection, which has a history of producing respectable NCAA tournament teams. The Eagles upset Louisville in the first round of the 2011 NCAA tournament in their 7th appearance. Often forgotten about in the regular season, the OVC champion regularly makes its presence felt in the post-season tournament. Final Thoughts If you love NCAA basketball, then Morehead State offers a good experience. You will receive a good return on your money and the experience would make the perfect date night. I highly recommend checking out Johnson Arena when Morehead State has a home game.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fargodome 1800 N University Dr Fargo, ND 58102 North Dakota State Bison website Fargodome website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 19,000 Oh, Give Me a Dome…. Where the Bison Roam Located along the state line of Minnesota and North Dakota, Fargo, ND is home to North Dakota State University (NDSU) and its Bison athletic teams. The Bison name was chosen due to the fierce and powerful nature of the animal, and the fact that the prairies of the north central portions of the USA were the home grounds for these magnificent beasts. The football home of the Bison is the Fargodome, a 19,000-seat indoor facility located on the NDSU campus. It opened in 1992 and has seen sellout crowds ever since. The NDSU football program is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and competes at the FCS level of the NCAA’s Division I. It provides a real home field advantage for the Bison, as they have a .865 winning percentage for games in the ‘Dome. Food & Beverage 3 The Fargodome offers a combination of national brands and generic concession stands to provide food and beverage at games. Amongst the national brands are Domino’s Pizza, Subway, Dippin’ Dots, and Cold Stone Creamery. Their prices match what you would find at their outside retail stores. The generic concession stands are known as the Dakota Grill. They offer burgers, brats, chicken strips, popcorn, hot dogs and nachos, and Pepsi brand sodas. The prices charged are very reasonable. Concession stands at the Fargodome are staffed by volunteers from area churches and non-profits, with a percentage of the proceeds going to that non-profit. This is always an admirable policy. Atmosphere 4 The NDSU Bison are without question the most dominant football team at the NCAA’s FCS level. Before joining the FCS, they won eight National Championships at the Division II level and never skipped a beat, winning the FCS National Championship seven times. In that period, they have won 35 Conference championships, while only having three losing seasons since 1964. Since joining the FCS, the Bison boast of a 32-2 record in the FCS playoffs. The Bison are not afraid of playing the big boys, as they have scored victories over FBS opponents…. Iowa , Iowa State , Colorado State , Kansas , Kansas State , and Minnesota . Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz is probably the most successful player to come out of the Bison program. All this success has led to a great game day atmosphere in Fargo. It starts well before kickoff, as the parking lots around the Fargodome swell with tailgaters clad in the school colors. The Gold Star Marching Band puts on a pregame concert at the pep rally that precedes each contest. The action then moves inside the building. The Fargodome is a long, but not necessarily high building. The stands along both sidelines and the end zones are elevated above the field, providing everyone with great sight lines. There are no beams to obstruct the view. Even the top row in the stadium is near the field. In addition to the excellent views of the field, the atmosphere is also helped by the noise level in the stadium. Part of this is due to the indoor nature of the stadium, but it is mostly due to the NDSU fan base, known collectively as the Herd. The student section is on its feet for nearly the entire game. In case you can’t hear what happened on the field, the Fargodome boasts of an excellent video package. Each end zone has an HD video board measuring 100’ X 30’. There are banners saluting the many National Championships, but they have been forced to list multiple years per banner due to space limitations! The NDSU Bookstore operates several team stores throughout the building, ensuring that there will be a sea of yellow and green rocking the stadium. Neighborhood 4 The city of Fargo offers a wide variety of options as far as entertainment, restaurants, lodging, and attractions. It is a major destination for residents of both North Dakota and NW Minnesota, as it is the largest city in the region, with more than 113,000 residents. The Fargodome is located on the campus of NDSU, next door to Newman Outdoor Field , the baseball home of the Bison. Most of the restaurants in the immediate area are of the fast-food/pizza joint variety that serves the student population. Two restaurants to check out in the Fargo area are the Fargo Brewing Company and Ale House and the Old Broadway Grill and Sports Zone. Two attractions to check out in the area are the Roger Maris Museum in the West Acres Mall and the Hjemkomst Center across the river in Moorhead, MN. It features a museum saluting the Norse heritage of the region, including a scale replica of a Viking ship. Two recommended places to stay within walking distance of the ‘Dome are the Candlewood Suites Fargo and the Homewood Suites Fargo. Fans 5 The Bison fan base is known for its loyalty, friendliness, and volume. NDSU games have been sellouts for years, with families handing down tickets through the generations. This is very important when your facility has a 19,000-seat capacity. NDSU fans arrive early (read Friday) to set up for massive tailgating parties to rival those in Green Bay. They are hard to miss in their yellow and green outfits with RV vehicles sporting the same colors. They display the typical Midwestern friendliness and welcome visitors to eat with them. You will not hear a lot of trash talk in Fargo. Once inside Bison fans do get loud though. They have been measured frequently at reaching the 111-115 decibel level. The construction design of the Fargodome only amplifies that noise. One of their favorite cheers is “First down… ah, move the chains!” Helping the fans crank up the volume is the NDSU Marching Band, known as the Gold Star Band and the team’s mascot, a bison by the name of Thundar of Norse mythology. Fans get especially fired up for the Bison games against their main rivals… the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks (located just 50 miles north of Fargo on I-29) and the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits. The team typically plays its early-round games in the FCS playoffs as well, which are raucous events. Even when the team plays away games, the Bison faithful will make the trip. Access 3 There’s no doubt that Fargo is rather isolated, as it is located 236 miles northwest of the Twin Cities via I-94 (a 3.5-hour drive). There is also no doubt that weather can play a factor in reaching there for some late-season games. However, once you reach Fargo, the Fargodome is hard to miss. It is located just off of I-29 and is by far the biggest building on the NDSU campus. Parking around the building is plentiful, and there are two hotels located across the street from the facility, within easy walking distance. Hector International Airport is also right across the street, with frequent flights to the Twin Cities area. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $65 for seats along the side of the field and $45 for end zone seats. That may sound expensive, but only 19,000 fans fit in the stadium and you will be watching one of the most dominant football programs in the NCAA FCS level. Parking at the Fargodome is only $5, and hotels in the area are less than $100 a night. Concession prices at the Fargodome are very reasonably priced. Your trip to Fargo will not cost you a lot of buffalo bills! Extras 5 Each year the Fargodome hosts one of the largest pancake breakfasts in the world. The Kiwanis-sponsored event draws more than 10,000 people and serves up more than 30,000 flapjacks on an annual basis. The Fargodome is the major concert arena for the entire state of North Dakota and most of northwestern Minnesota. Artists who have performed in the arena include Taylor Swift, Prince, Garth Brooks, Katy Perry, and Celine Dion. Fargo is subject to floods from the Red River of the North when there is a sudden winter thaw. The Fargodome serves the community both as a shelter for families evacuated from their homes, as well as a site for filling sandbags to hold the waters back. Roger Maris was a Fargo native and came back to the town after retiring from baseball. The Roger Maris Museum is located in the West Acres Mall located just down the street from the Fargodome. When you stop at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center upon arrival in town, make sure you get a selfie made with the woodchipper from the movie “Fargo.” Yes, the bloody foot is still protruding out of the top of it! Final Thoughts One of the best-kept secrets in college football is the success the NDSU Bison have had at the FCS level. The Fargodome allows you to enjoy the top-ranked play of the Bison, without having to deal with the brutal late fall and early winter weather experienced in the Northern Plains. While in town, check out the lively art scene offered by citizens of Fargo.

Photos by Martin McNelis , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Ferrycarrig Park Ferrycarrig Park Y35 E296 Wexford, Co. Wexford Y35 E296 Ireland Wexford Youths FC website Ferrycarrig Park website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,500 Home of Wexford Youths FC Ferrycarrig Park, set in the southeast of Ireland, is the home of Wexford Youths FC who currently play in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division. County Wexford is probably more notable for its success in gaelic sports, but over the last decade the interest and progress in both men’s and women’s soccer has grown considerably. The club are one of the newer sides to ply their trade in the country’s two football association leagues and were formed as recently as 2007. They have flirted with promotion and relegation and are distinctive with their colours of black and pink which alternate on both their home and away kits. The club’s motto of ‘work hard play hard’ is visible on a crest situated on the floor of the social club entrance. Wexford Youths have a reputation of bringing through young players and also selling them on to the lower leagues of England, the most recent of these being Ryan Delaney moving to the English Championship with Burton Albion. The club’s most notable achievement was reaching the 2008 League Cup Final, which saw Ferrycarrig Park as the designated venue. With only one stand on the site, temporary seating was constructed to bring the capacity up to 3,500. Despite gaining home advantage for the fixture, they were dismantled 6-1 by an overpowering Derry City side. Food & Beverage 3 The club provide two options; the social club situated at the entrance which has basic bar facilities providing hot and cold drinks, and a snack van which is next to the Main Stand. The main options sold are burgers, hot dogs, chicken burgers at €3 and €4, a single sausage at a very affordable €1 and fish and chips at €7. Tea, coffee, cappuccino, soft drinks and water are between €1.50 – €2.50. Atmosphere 2 The ground is very open, and with only one stand and crowds of 500-1000 – depending on the opposition – Ferrycarrig Park is not one of Ireland’s most atmospheric venues. The majority of the home fans congregate on the right hand side of the Main Stand and there is no segregation. Although this a good thing from a family point of view, as you can take kids along and not feel threatened or intimidated, it possibly dilutes any singing or rivalry between home and opposing fans. Wexford Youths pride themselves on being a community club and the staff in the social club and stewards are friendly and welcoming. Having entered the ground, surroundings are very basic. The dugouts are situated on the right, and there is a perimeter fence behind them and both goals where fans have the option of standing to watch the match. Over the back of the right hand goal there are a couple of five a side astroturf pitches which will likely be used by local teams to train on. The solitary covered Main Stand runs for a good length of the pitch, seats six hundred people and is a temporary structure with a lot of supporting metal poles which will partially obstruct your view, and is reminiscent of the one at Bray Wanderers’ Carlisle Grounds. It is a very open venue and in poorer weather you will feel the cold and wind sweeping in from either side. The club are looking to invest in a more permanent stand and to develop the ground further, though no financial figures or timescales have been mentioned. With the Main Stand being elevated and the only covered area, it still provides the best view of the pitch despite the supporting poles, more so if you can get seated near the centre of the pitch. Neighborhood 2 Ferrycarrig Park is set in a very remote location some five miles from the town centre. With very little on offer nearby, the best option for food, drink and any entertainment is in Wexford town centre as the only options available are the limited offerings at the social club and snack van. Fans 2 The Wexford Youths fans are supportive, encouraging and patient with what is predominantly a young squad of players. In terms of songs and noise generated, there was nothing to suggest that there is a designated fan or ultras zone. Ferrycarrig Park currently holds 2,500 with 600 of that figure seated. The average attendance will vary between 500-1000 depending on the type of fixture and the opposition. Access 1 Ferrycarrig Park does not have regular transport links connecting it to the nearest urban centre of Wexford and is not the most accessible. It can be seen on the left from the N11 motorway, but is poorly signposted and it may take a couple of attempts to find the narrow entrance off the motorway. The generously sized car park can accommodate a large crowd, though the only road in and out does bottle neck on leaving the ground. There are three turnstiles and they are the only way you can enter the ground. Public transport is exceptionally poor and although there is a supporters bus that leaves from the town centre, it is not well advertised even for locals, let alone strangers or day trippers. You might find it simpler to take a taxi to the ground, which will cost between €10-€15. Return on Investment 3 With adults charged €15, concessions €8 and under 12s just €2, the admission costs are in line with other clubs in the division. The price of under 12s should help encourage the local younger generation to come along and support the team. Extras 2 The social hub is the clubhouse which offers great views of the pitch in extra comfort. You have the option of going into the club for a drink, using the toilet facilities, or going into the club shop which is set up on the left of the main door entrance. You can also buy a match programme from here. Final Thoughts Although the access to Ferrycarrig Park is awful, the pleasant but modest facilities and welcoming atmosphere make it a worthwhile trip. If the stadium upgrades are finally carried out, the experience will only improve in the future.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Worcester Ice Center 112 Harding St. Worcester, MA 01604 Worcester Blades website Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 250 Blades of Worcester The Blades franchise is the original American-based professional women’s hockey team. Founded in 2010 and based in Boston, the team competed in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) and boasted a roster that featured many members of the U.S. Women’s National Team. The team played in consecutive Clarkson Cup Finals from 2013-2015, winning it all in ’13 and ’15. In 2015 the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) was founded, offering greater salaries than the CWHL offered its players. The majority of the USWNT members jumped to the new league, and even worse, to the cross-town Boston Pride , who proceeded to win that league’s inaugural championship. The Blades entered into a tailspin from which they have yet to recover. In the four seasons since the founding of the rival NWHL began, the Blades have posted a record of 4-91-5 with a goal differential of -407. Obviously, they have failed to make the playoffs in these four seasons. Even worse, they have become nomadic. Over their last three seasons in Boston, the Blades played their home games at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, the Walter Brown Arena in Boston, and the Mike Eruzione Center in Winthrop. In the summer of 2018 the CWHL announced that the Blades would move to the city of Worcester (pronounced “Woo-STAH” by locals) and play at the new Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, the practice home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers . The new home has been no kinder to the Blades, as they have struggled to a winless, 0-22-0 record with a -122 goal differential thus far in the 2018-19 season. The Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center is a state of the art dual-rink facility built by Railers’ owner Cliff Rucker. It features two rinks, the Railers offices and pro shop, restaurants, a gym and rehabilitation center. The $18 million dollar complex is home to several college, high school and youth organizations in addition to the Blades and Railers. Food & Beverage 3 There are a pair of restaurants on the first floor of the Worcester Ice Center, Noona’s Pizza & Pasta and Steam Energy Café, which sells a selection of acai bowls, smoothies, green bowls, sandwiches and more. Both offer sit-down dining, and in a neat touch, Noona’s has a walk-up window in the lobby where fans can grab a quick slice during intermission. Unfortunately, both places will be closed after a night game, and if attending a game on Sunday, both restaurants are closed. If you come on a Sunday, or if you are looking for something simpler, there are vending machines throughout the Worcester Ice Center featuring local Polar brand beverages and assorted snacks. Atmosphere 2 A Worcester Blades game features a simple, basic presentation, as you would expect in a small rink such as this. The Worcester Ice Center features a new, crystal-clear sound system which is well-utilized during play stoppages. There is a small dot-matrix scoreboard hanging at center ice. The team runs a 50/50 raffle and sells assorted souvenirs at a table in the lobby. What the fans who show up to root for the Blades lack in sheer numbers, they make up for with enthusiasm. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the ice, and are huge fans of the game. Outstanding plays on both sides are appreciated. Neighborhood 3 Located in Worcester’s Canal District right off of Interstate 290, the Ice Center is located in a neighborhood that will look drastically different in a few years. The Pawtucket Red Sox will be building their new ballpark in the area in time for the 2021 season. At the moment, while there are some bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the Ice Center, it’s not what you would consider a destination location in this up and coming city-yet. Fans looking for a place to eat after a Blades game can head to the Compass Tavern right across the street from the Ice Center, or to one of the several taverns in the neighborhood. Buck’s Whiskey and Burger Bar and local favorite Wormtown Brewery are a short drive away. For visiting fans looking for some variety, Shrewsbury Street is located close to the Ice Center. Shrewsbury Street’s famous “Restaurant Row” contains 1.5 miles of some of the city’s finest restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual bistros, neighborhood bars to nightclubs, salons to shopping. Fans 2 The CWHL does not release attendance figures, so pinning down an actual figure can be problematic. An average Blades crowd numbers between 100-200 fans. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection to the players on the ice, and do not lack for enthusiasm or knowledge. Access 4 The Worcester Ice Center is located right off of Interstate 290, and easy to get to, unless your GPS sends you there via the most confusing, potentially dangerous intersection there is in existence, Kelly Square. Kelly Square, where several of Worcester’s busiest streets all come together in the most random fashion possible, is notorious for its delays, backups and accidents. It is located a short three blocks from the Ice Center. As part of the new Polar Park project, it is scheduled for a long-overdue redesign. The Worcester Ice Center is only two years old, and still has a lot of that “new-arena” shine to it. This community center features two Ice sheets, named the Blue and the Gray rinks, after the Railers’ colors. Fans enter at ground floor, where the restaurants, lobby and locker rooms are located. With the facility in constant use, this lobby is full of activity. The Blades will have a table set up here with tickets and souvenirs for sale. Fans will climb a set of stairs, where the entrances to the two rinks, as well as the Strength Training and Physical Therapy Center are located. The Blades play at the Gray rink, located on the right. Seating is located about eight feet above the ice surface, and consists of metal bleachers without backs that run most of the length of the ice. There is a raised platform at the far corner of the rink for people wanting to stand for a bit. Netting runs the length of the ice, obstructing the view from all seats. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Blades games cost $17, with free parking in the Ice Center parking lot. You may spend a bit more if you decide to pair the game with a meal at Noona’s or Steam Energy Café, but both are affordable options for visiting hockey fans. Extras 2 The Worcester Ice Center has a display in the lobby honoring the Worcester Six, a group of firefighters who perished in the line of duty while fighting a blaze in 1999. An extra point is awarded for the building of the facility, which filled a huge void in the Worcester hockey community. Constantly in use, the city has embraced the presence of the Railers and their ties to the community. Final Thoughts On-ice struggles aside, the presence of the Worcester Blades has been a most welcome addition to the city’s sports scene. The Worcester Ice Center has become the focal point of the city’s hockey scene, used by everyone from pee-wee teams to local high schools and colleges to the Blades and Railers. Here is to hoping the Blades can straighten out their on-ice difficulties and become a fixture in Central Massachusetts for years to come. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Fiondella Field 200 Bloomfield Ave West Hartford, CT 06117 Hartford Hawks baseball website Fiondella Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,000 Home of Hartford Hawks Hardball The University of Hartford baseball team plays on campus at Fiondella Field. It is located alongside the school’s other athletic facilities, including Al-Marzook Field and Chase Family Arena . Baseball has been played at the school since 1958, originally as a Division II school, and in Division I since 1985. Before the Hawks had a permanent on-campus home in 2006, the team would play at various local diamonds, including Beehive Field in New Britain, Muzzy Field in Bristol, Ray McKenna Field in East Hartford and Memorial Field in Simsbury. The ballpark was named in honor of Robert Fiondella and family in 2009. The Fiondellas have been actively involved in promoting athletics as part of the overall educational experience in the greater Hartford area. The Hawks are still waiting for their first appearance in the NCAA Baseball Tournament. Two University of Hartford alumni have reached the major leagues, Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell and Earl Snyder. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession stand behind the grandstand at Fiondella Field. A basic menu is featured here, including hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and other snacks. Bottled Coca-Cola products are sold here. Coffee and hot chocolate are popular items on chilly April afternoons. Fans are also welcome to bring their own snacks into Fiondella Field, provided no alcoholic beverages are brought in. Atmosphere 2 The game day presentation at Fiondella Field is typical of most college ballparks in the northeast. It’s a laid-back, comfortable experience without a whole lot of extra noise to distract from the action taking place down on the field. PA announcements are limited to lineup changes and the occasional sponsor announcement. Music is played between innings at a comfortable volume. Fans are enthusiastic about the action taking place, and many enjoy a personal connection to the players on the field. Fans are close enough to hear (and participate) in the chatter going on from the dugouts. It’s a baseball purist’s dream. Neighborhood 2 The University of Hartford is located in West Hartford, surrounded by an affluent residential neighborhood, including the Hartford Golf Club. There aren’t any restaurants located within walking distance of the campus, meaning fans will have to travel a bit to find pre or postgame entertainment and dining options. Downtown Hartford, which contains a great many restaurants and places of interest, is just a ten minute drive away. Likewise, fans looking for a place to stay after a Hartford Hawk game will have to venture downtown for options. Should schedules line up, the brand new Dunkin’ Donuts Park , home of the Eastern League’s Hartford Yard Goats, or the XL Center , home of the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack, are located less than three miles from Fiondella Field. Fans 2 Crowds at Fiondella Field for Hartford Hawks games can be categorized as a “Friends and Family” type of crowd. Typically ranging in size from 100-250 people, many of the fans have a close personal connection to the players on the field, and are really involved in the action. Access 3 The University of Hartford campus straddles the towns of West Hartford, Bloomfield and Hartford. Located just a few miles from both Interstates 91 and 84, the campus is easily reached by car. Detailed driving directions can be found here . Visiting fans using public transportation can take CTFastrak Route 153 or CTtransit Route 56, both of which access Union Station in downtown Hartford. More details, including fares and schedules, can be found here. Fiondella Field is located on the northern edge of campus alongside the University of Hartford’s other athletic facilities, including Al-Marzook Field and Chase Family Arena . The facilities all share a concession stand and restroom facilities. Seating at Fiondella Field consists of aluminum bleachers in a grandstand that stretches from first to third base. Netting obstructs the view from all seats, and the poles that hold up the netting provide further obstruction. There is additional standing room down the right field line for fans who wish to take in the action without the obstruction of netting. Fans are welcome to bring in their own chairs if they wish to sit in this area. There is ample parking in the lot next to Fiondella Field. Restrooms are located in the building right behind the grandstand. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for attending baseball games at Fiondella Field. Parking in the lots adjacent to the ballpark is free, and concessions are reasonably priced. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the proximity of Fiondella Field to the other University of Hartford’s athletic fields, and for the opportunity to catch multiple games for no charge should the schedules line up. Jeff Bagwell’s number 27 is retired, and can be found on the right field wall at Fiondella Field, along with a mural of Bagwell from his time at Hartford. There is also a mural of Hartford’s other alumnus to reach the major leagues, Earl Snyder, on the left field wall. Final Thoughts Fiondella Field is typical of many of the college ballparks that dot the northeast. It’s a no-frills, basic facility where the action taking place on the field is the focus. If you like your baseball presented without a whole lot of distraction, you’ll enjoy your visit to Fiondella Field. Fans looking to take in multiple ball games in a single day should visit when the nearby Hartford Yard Goats of the Eastern League or New Britain Bees of the Atlantic League are also home. If planning a trip to the University of Hartford for a baseball game, keep in mind that college baseball season takes place largely in the months of March and April, when the weather in this part of the country can be unpredictable. Postponements, changes in schedule and even changes in venue are common. Be ready to be flexible with your schedule when visiting the area. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 FirstOntario Centre 101 York Blvd Hamilton, ON L8R 3L4 Hamilton Bulldogs website FirstOntario Centre website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 17,383 Home of (Future) NHLers Hockey in Hamilton, Ontario has a long history of clubs in leagues up and down the hockey spectrum, from the juniors to the NHL and all points in between. High-level hockey began in the city in 1920, when the Hamilton Tigers laced up in the fledgling NHL. The club took its name and colours from the popular Canadian football team that would eventually merge with their rival Wildcats to become the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The early years of the hockey side were filled with futility, with the players even going on strike in 1924. The team got sold to New York City in 1925, when they became the Americans, and NHL hockey in Hamilton ended. However, the Ontario Hockey Association came to town in 1953 with the Tiger Cubs, who moved around the Hamilton-Niagara area under various names including, most famously, the Fincups who won the 1976 Memorial Cup – the most recent junior trophy in Hamilton until now. But first, the team moved out and Hamilton began to pursue its NHL dream again. Building the Copps Coliseum in 1985, the Steel City grew frustrated by repeated NHL expansions to warm climates. The situation became so aggravating that Mayor Bob Morrow quipped Hamilton would get their NHL team “when Honolulu wins the Stanley Cup and two Mexican cities are in trouble because of the declining peso.” The American Hockey League eventually opened up in Hamilton, first with Vancouver’s farm team, then Montreal’s. Finally, the Bulldogs, as they were known, won the 2007 Calder Cup. However, the carousel continued as the club moved to Laval, Quebec, to be closer to their NHL parents. Instead, the storied Belleville Bulls OHL team moved to Hamilton (itself replaced by Ottawa’s new AHL farm team, the Belleville Senators). And once again, a championship banner will rise at the Coliseum (now named FirstOntario Centre). The Bulldogs – as an OHL club – are 2018 Ontario champions. They now compete for the Memorial Cup and a shot at national glory but as the famous black-and-yellow colours associated with the city have achieved newfound success, the hopes for some stability rise, and the dream for the eventual return of NHL hockey continues. Food & Beverage 3 Concession items at FirstOntario Centre are about what one would expect at a junior rink, with a couple interesting items. The regular items include hot dogs, sausages, popcorn, pizza, and chicken fingers all for between $4 and $6. There is also the Candy Counter & Sweet Shop selling chocolate bars and other sweet items. A popular stand is Lou’s BBQ, where fresh carved meats are available ranging from ribs to sandwiches. Another interesting option is Rita’s Ice Custard, with the first Canadian outpost of the American chain located just around the corner. Their stand in the rink sells gelato and other ice cream treats. Cin City sells warm cinnamon doughnuts and the Hot Dog Hut has gourmet dogs and sausages. The Budweiser King Club often has live bands before the game and during the intermission, and is a good place to meet for a beer. In terms of beer throughout the concourse, options are limited. On tap, there is unfortunately only Budweiser or Bud Light ($12). Tallboy can options are a little better, consisting of Alexander Keith’s and Mill Street Organic, as well as Stella Artois ($9.75-$10.50). Brickworks Cider goes for $12 with wine and coolers also available. Spirits are served too, including Wiser’s whisky, Lamb’s rum, Beefeater gin, and Absolut vodka. Soft drinks ($5) are from Pepsi. For a more secluded spot, The Lounge and Hammer Hideaway are places to have a pint away from the crowds; a level below the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Approaching the arena, it is obvious that FirstOntario Centre is an arena first and foremost, with the underside of the upper bowl visible extending above the concourse level. Even more obvious, though, is the fact that the arena was built in the 1980s. Both of those design ideas are true throughout the arena and the result is a uniquely large and professional-feeling arena for junior hockey, but one also lacking the modern vistas found almost everywhere else in the OHL these days. Before and after the harsh winter weather, the exterior is enhanced by some pregame entertainment along Bay Street and some tents from the team to engage fans before entering. Entering the arena, fans ascend escalators up to the concourse level. The concourse is wide and there are some good spots to catch a glimpse of ice level, especially in the corners. There are a couple murals commemorating big moments in the arena’s history, though Hamilton’s rich hockey heritage could be better commemorated. Inside the seating bowl, the NHL scale of the arena becomes apparent, though the upper tier is usually curtained off to provide a more intimate experience. The open lower bowl seats are dark blue and comfortable, though the scoreboard is somewhat dated. It is used fairly effectively, and in-game promotions are actually engaging rather than distracting, however a more modern scoreboard would improve the situation. The presentation is enhanced by fire which spits from the boards as the team enter the ice and, in a rare but fantastic step, fireworks which explode following a win. The arena can feel cavernous with the often smaller crowds for OHL hockey, though when the barn fills up for the playoffs, the atmosphere is incomparable in junior hockey. Neighbourhood 5 FirstOntario Centre is located in the city centre, steps from much of the best of what Hamilton has to offer. Hamilton itself is known as the Steel City, and is primarily a working class, blue collar town on the western edge of the Golden Horseshoe metropolis. It is one of the larger cities in Canada, although it is sometimes subsumed as part of Toronto’s circle of gravity. It has historically been known both for its massive steel plants along the harbor and its abundant nature, with the Niagara Escarpment running through the middle of town (locally known as ‘the Mountain’). Today, the exploding housing prices in Toronto have meant artists and young people are gentrifying Hamilton very quickly and the city is undergoing a massive growth spurt and culture change. Within an easy walk of FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton’s attractions unveil themselves. Within a five-minute walk is the main throughfare, James Street, with many new cafes, pubs, and art galleries. King Street, also nearby, is the central business district. Also just around the corner is the Hamilton Art Gallery, historic Dundurn Castle, and a handful of hotels including the Sheraton, the new HomeWood Suites, and the Staybridge. Not far away is Hamilton’s Bayfront area, with museums and parkland. Cootes Paradise is a beautiful natural sanctuary, near McMaster University, at the western edge of Lake Ontario. For good eats and drinks, King William Street is a block away, with various restaurants and drinking holes. Also around the corner is Hamilton’s party quarter, Hess Village, with bars and nightclubs. For other sporting options, the CFL’s storied Hamilton Tiger-Cats play in new Tim Hortons Field. Though outside of hockey season, seeing them play their archrivals Toronto Argonauts over Labour Day Weekend is a near-religious experience. McMaster University is nearby as well, with various athletic teams and a pretty home field for football, soccer, and other sports at Ron Joyce Stadium. The transit hub, Hamilton GO Centre is also nearby, as is the West Harbour train station. Both stations provide convenient bus and train service to Toronto and its suburbs. Fans 3 It is difficult to give an accurate rating to the fans of the Bulldogs this 2018 season. For much of the year, fans seemed to stay away, perhaps wanting higher-level hockey in their large city. However, as the playoffs rolled around, the fans filled the lower bowl, and even some of the upper bowl, and created an atmosphere unmatched in the OHL. Hamilton fans do seem to be louder and more boisterous than many of their counterparts in usually-staid Southern Ontario. Perhaps it stems from the blue collar nature of the city or perhaps from the leadership of the prolific supporters’ group, Golden City Brigade. They lead the chanting in their corner section, 118, and that is the place to sit for the most engaged experience year-round. Armed with a drum and flashcards for upcoming chants, the energy emanates from 118 throughout the rink. The supporters and players have a good relationship, as the players saluted 118 specifically after their championship win. In the playoffs, the energetic fan base reached their most vibrant. Flags, horns, cowbells, and chanting abounded and, even from the press box, it can be difficult to even hear yourself think at times. Fans were on their feet frequently and the energy was irresistible. This year’s OHL championship was certainly brought about in large part by the vocal support during the playoffs. Access 5 Getting in and around FirstOntario Centre is perfectly easy for anyone. Within the arena, the concourses and washrooms are easily adequate for the normal crowds well under capacity. Even with larger crowds, the circulation is acceptable for arena standards. Getting to the arena is even better, no matter how you arrive. By car, the rink is a short drive down York Boulevard from the east-west Highway 403 and not far from the urban expressway network of the city. There is lots of parking nearby, though it can be expensive, ranging from $10 to $20. Arriving by public transportation is a more cost-effective, and equally straightforward idea, with the Hamilton Street Railway operating frequent bus services to the rink, and the central McNab Transit Terminal a block away. Additionally, arriving by bike is a good idea if possible, with high-quality, segregated bike lanes leading to the rink from all directions and plenty of bicycle parking in front. Coming from out of town is also exceptionally simple, with two GO Train stations nearby. Hamilton GO Centre is a couple blocks away and has service on the Lakeshore West train line, as well as buses to numerous Toronto suburbs such as Mississauga (home of the OHL Steelheads) and York Region, and other cities like Guelph, Brantford, and the Niagara Region. The West Harbour train station, also nearby, is on the Lakeshore West line as well and is newly-opened. Aldershot train station, a short bus ride north, is the hub for intercity VIA trains and express GO trains to Toronto’s Union Station. Return on Investment 3 In general, OHL hockey is tremendous value and Hamilton is no different. Tickets go for between $20-$30 and concession prices are decent for a big-city venue. Parking is a little more expensive than in smaller OHL cities, but that is a function of Hamilton’s size. The product on the ice has been fantastic and when the rink is full, the atmosphere itself is intoxicating enough to be worth the price of admission. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Golden City Brigade leading section 118 in chanting, the ‘viking clap’ and other exciting support. They have played a part in an atmosphere better than anywhere else in the OHL when full. An extra mark for the acknowledgement of interns from Mohawk College who assist with game day production. They are saluted and given a rousing ovation each game. An extra mark for the use of fireworks celebrating wins, which is rare at indoor arenas. A final extra mark is deserved for the incredible atmosphere created by the fans in the playoffs, which is truly second-to-none. If they can continue to show up in large numbers year-round in the future, the fan score will rise substantially. Final Thoughts When the arena isn’t full, the FirstOntario Centre is a decent place to watch very, very good hockey being played in the centre of a lively and growing city. When full, the atmosphere is unsurpassed and will sweep any casual fan up in it. The proximity to both Toronto and the American border, combined with plenty to do, make Hamilton a great stop on the sporting calendar and continued success might make the Bulldogs the stable hockey team the city has wanted for so long.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Frank Erwin Center 1701 Red River St Austin, TX 78701 Texas Longhorns website Frank Erwin Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 16,540 The End of the Frank C. Erwin Center Frank C. Erwin Jr. Special Events Center recently celebrated its 40th anniversary as the premier event center in the City of Austin, and for the University of Texas. Originally known as the Special Events Center, the building was re-named in 1980 to honor former UT Board of Regents member Frank Erwin. The Frank Erwin Center will be a dead-man walking venue next season, as there are plans for a new 10,000-seat arena that will play home to the Texas men’s and women’s basketball teams starting in 2021. The new arena will double as a concert venue and be able to expand to hold 15,000 people for special events. The arena will also come at no cost to either the university or the public as part of the 35-year deal, and will hold 6K fewer fans for basketball, as the basketball capacity of the Erwin Center has increased over the years to 16,540 (the largest in the Big XII Conference). The Erwin Center is referred to as ‘The Drum’ because of its exterior décor – a circular concrete building. Frank Erwin Center has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games, Texas state high school basketball championships, and concerts. Food & Beverage 3 Frank Erwin Center’s two-level concourse serves all the basic stadium fare at the Fan Fare concessions stands – the Fan Fare and State Fair stands occupy most of the concessions space inside the venue. The menu at these stands has only quarter pound all beef hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, candy, and popcorn, as the rest of the concessions stands inside Frank Erwin Center are from local chain restaurants – there is a Quizno’s, 40 Acres Pizza (local chain in Austin), Chick-fil-A, Bush’s Chicken, Pok-E-Jo’s for BBQ sandwiches (sliced beef, sliced turkey, and chopped beef), Amy’s Ice Cream, El Tambor Mexican Cantina, and the Steerhead Grill (burgers, fries and onion rings). The Steerhead’s best food option is the Texas Champions Burger Basket, which is a 1/3 lb. griddled Black Angus smash burger, with beer battered onion rings, cheddar cheese, bacon strips, and a signature 1883 Burnt Orange sauce – this item comes on Texas toast with a side of crinkle cut fries. Soft drink beverage choices here are Coca-Cola products ranging from a small size to the souvenir soda and bottled water. The Erwin Center also serves alcoholic beverages: domestic-premium beer, craft beer, wine, and margaritas. Austin is home to many great restaurants, however, but if you can’t make it to any of them while in town, Frank Erwin Center has plenty of options to satisfy your hunger. Atmosphere 3 Just like most college basketball arenas, the atmosphere changes depending on the opponent and the expectations of the home team. Texas isn’t a basketball-crazed state such as Indiana , and this isn’t Kansas , Duke , or another basketball school that loves the game. Texas basketball fans are more subdued and seem to be waiting for spring football to start. However, the atmosphere is entertaining, making Frank Erwin Center a good place to watch NCAA basketball. The minute you walk through the doors with your self-scan ticket, the concourse becomes more of a theatre atmosphere – not the typical concourse for a sports venue. Be sure to pick up a game day program, which is free and available at all entrances. As you enter the seating area, the arena becomes spacious, and one of the first things you’ll notice is the logo covering center court – a burnt orange Longhorn in the center of the state of Texas mapped out in white. Frank Erwin Center will soon fill up with the burnt orange color that separates Texas from all others school with shades of orange. The tradition of having the ‘Horns Up’ and singing ‘The Eyes of Texas’ will commence before the team’s starting lineups, as well as after the game has ended. There is also the typical hype video of Texas basketball before the announcing of the Texas starting lineup, followed by a pyrotechnics firework display as each player is introduced, which puts a little Vegas-style entertainment into the arena – this display always seems to make for an awesome environment for fans. The jumbotron scoreboard and an LCD screen that loops around the arena also keep the crowd entertained and informed with promotions, Austin’s weather, out of town scores, and any events happening in Texas athletics. The small student section is with the band, in the seating areas behind the baskets on the baselines. Like at some other universities, Texas sets up its seating to appease the donors instead of the students, and this type of seating can cause quiet moments from the crowd. However, to keep this from happening too often the Texas spirit squads use their talents to keep the crowd involved and entertained during the game. The Texas cheer and pom squads also put on a halftime extravaganza during the last two home games of the season; otherwise there is varied entertainment during halftime throughout the season. The Frank Erwin Center is the largest basketball arena in the Big 12 Conference, yet is one of the worst in the conference at which to watch a basketball game. The good news is that the Erwin Center will soon be razed and become part of the Dell Medical School – the University of Texas is already focused on its future arena, leaving the Erwin Center in its final seasons with the average game day atmosphere it currently presents. Neighborhood 5 Frank Erwin Center is situated on the southeastern corner of the University of Texas campus adjacent to downtown Austin. Considered part of the Texas Hill Country, Austin joins the connected region in providing a wonderful recreational area within the state of Texas. Franklin BBQ has earned world-wide fame as one of the best BBQ joints in the area – from celebrities stopping by to appearances on the Food Network, and of course ESPN Game Day, people flock here to join in the BBQ celebration. Keep in mind that Franklin cooks to run out of BBQ each day, which creates long lines that form long before the 11am opening time (don’t be surprised if you get in line at 8am and aren’t served until nearly 2pm). Weekdays typically have shorter lines than the busy weekends. Franklin certainly serves some amazing BBQ, but if you don’t want to spend a day waiting in line, check out Stubb’s BBQ which is not too far away, and will satisfy your BBQ craving. On the walk from Stubb’s to Frank Erwin Center you will also find Scholz Garten, which is ideal for pre/postgame drinking – this restaurant features a huge patio where fans can mingle, and it becomes a festive atmosphere. Besides Scholz Garten, there are many good restaurant choices near Frank Erwin Center, from Eddie V’s seafood and American cuisine to The Shady Grove, or Hula Hut on Lake Austin Blvd. Austin also features several local breweries, which are increasingly popular, including the Wright Bros. Brew & Brew or Hops & Grain Brewing. Or if you are a food truck junkie then you’ll love Austin – the food trucks here serve everything, including donuts, BBQ, cupcakes, tacos, and Asian food. Austin is certainly an interesting city with plenty to do around town. Besides being the state capital and hometown of the University of Texas, Austin is considered by many to be the live music capital of the world. If you want to test that theory, just take a walk along 6th Street and you’ll hear someone performing – 6th Street is a Bourbon Street-style environment with bars, live music, and restaurants. The annual South by Southwest film festival and the Austin City Limits music fest are a staple of the Austin music and arts scene. In addition, nearby Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and the Colorado River provide water activities like kayaking and sailing. There are also trails and parks along the Colorado River that border downtown, and there are numerous caverns to visit throughout the Texas Hill Country. With a population just short of one million, and being the state’s capital city, Austin has plenty of lodging options. The closest to Frank Erwin Center is the Doubletree by Hilton, just on the other side of I-35 and down the hill from UFCU Disch-Falk Field (home of Longhorns baseball), and the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center is another great option just up the road on W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Or if you want to make your stay in Austin extra special there is the Driskill (Hyatt), which is the oldest operating hotel in Austin, and well-known across Texas. While it could be out of most people’s price range, it is an interesting place to visit if you have time. Fans 3 According to the NCAA Basketball attendance numbers last season (2018-18), Texas fans showed up at Frank Erwin Center in a decent amount, averaging about 10,600 fans per game. Although it hurts the energy when the large cavernous arena is only 65% full, the fans are normally on cue in getting loud at the right moments during the game. And for the highlighted games on the basketball schedule such as Kansas or Oklahoma , the place will be filled – the past has shown that when the Longhorns have a quality team in the national rankings, the fans can be some of the best in the country. Access 3 Access to Frank Erwin Center can be frustrating for fans making their first trip to Austin. The location of the arena just off the exit on Interstate 35 is a two-edged sword; the positive is that the facility is easy to find, but the negative is that the traffic goes along with a city like Austin. There is no free parking in campus lots, but by planning using the arena’s website you can prepay for $10 parking. The parking garages along San Jacinto and Trinity Street are also available for event parking on game day, but be prepared to walk, and although many people walk through this area, the terrain is not flat. Some fans choose instead to park in the residential area east of I-35 near the Denny’s restaurant for free, however, it is not recommended to park in this area, as the Austin Police Department patrol it and issue parking tickets. The ingress and egress to Frank Erwin Center is smooth and fast since there are plenty of entrances with access to either the terrace or mezzanines levels. Frank Erwin Center does have the clear bag policy implemented for security measures, but is ADA compliant with mobility impaired and floor guest entry on the Red River entrance of the arena. The locations accessible by wheelchairs are reserved and are in Row 32 of selected sections on the arena level, and in Row 3 of selected sections on the mezzanine level, as well as on the arena floor for all events at which public floor seating is available. If you have any questions concerning ADA ticket availability, please call the Texas Box Office at (512) 477-6060. Frank Erwin Center is divided into a two-level layout: the lower arena and upper mezzanine. The concourse has a theater feel more than a sports arena, and the circular concourse can seem a little tight, but there are enough glass pockets that is it isn’t overwhelming. The sections inside the facility are also well marked – the lower level bowl begins with section 20 and goes around the building to section 49, while the upper bowl begins with section 60 and rotates around to section 95. Return on Investment 3 Texas basketball tickets normally range from $15 to $80, which gives them the second-highest ticket prices in the Big 12, behind Kansas. The best way to obtain Texas basketball tickets is to plan and look at other avenues such as a third-party ticket vendor , instead of buying through the box office, which could save you up to 50% on tickets for games. The added cost of parking in Austin, as well as the high concessions prices, leads to a below average return in a building that is ready to for the wrecking ball. In general, Texas basketball tickets are easy to get – there are games that have the potential of a sell-out, such as Kansas or Oklahoma , but generally you’ll be able to see top level college basketball at a reasonable price. Extras 2 The University of Texas campus being in one of the nation’s most enjoyable cities to visit is a plus – there is so much to see and do in the state capital city, and a Texas athletic event can be just as enjoyable. Final Thoughts Austin is a great travel destination, regardless if traveling to the city for a sporting event or just for a visit. The fact that a sports fan will be able to see NCAA basketball while here is a bonus, however, don’t expect anything extraordinary if you make a trip to the Frank Erwin Center – the University of Texas is focusing on their new arena in improving any game day experience for the fans, spelling the end of Frank Erwin Center.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Frank L. Messa Rink at Achilles Center 807 Union St. Schenectady, NY 12308 Union Garnet Chargers men’s hockey website Frank L. Messa Rink website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,225 The Flying Dutchmen The Frank L. Messa Rink is named for the class of 1973 alumnus who donated the funds to renovate the facility in 2003. Home to Union’s men’s and women’s hockey teams, Messa rink opened in 1975 as the Achilles Center in honor of Rev. H. Laurence Achilles Sr., who was its original benefactor. Hockey has been played at Union College since 1919. Since joining Division One in 1991, the have Garnet Chargers have qualified for the NCAA tournament four times, reaching the Frozen Four twice and winning the National Championship in 2014. Six Union alumni have reached the NHL. In 2023 Union College changed the nicknames for all the school's athletic teams from "Dutchmen" and "Dutchwomen" to "Garnet Chargers." Garnet has been Union's official color for 150 years and Chargers refers to Schenectady's history as a leader in electrical technology. Food & Beverage 2 There are small concession stands on either side of Messa Rink tucked in underneath the upper-level stands. Hot dogs, nachos, pizza slices, and Mac ‘N Cheese anchor the menu. Snacks, including pretzels, candy, popcorn, and ice cream novelties are available. While the menu does not stray far from the basics, no item costs more than four dollars. No alcohol is sold at this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 4 Messa Rink’s cozy confines and capacity crowds create a fantastic atmosphere. Fans are right on top of the action Coca-Cola and can create quite a lot of noise when Union gets rolling. With Messa Rink filled to the rafters with garnet-clad fans almost every night, Union enjoys a significant home ice advantage. Union’s pep band and student section help to fill in any lulls in the action. As Union College’s marquee sport, students come out in massive numbers night in and night out. If attending a game against local rival RPI, be ready for a most intense experience. Neighborhood 3 The city of Schenectady, one of three cities that make up New York’s Capital District, is not known as a destination location created does not enjoy a sparkling reputation. However, Union College is located in a working-class, safe neighborhood, and visiting fans should have no worries while visiting Union. There are several bars and restaurants a short drive from campus on Broadway and State Street. Likewise, State Street contains several lodging options should you be staying in Schenectady after the game. Fans 4 Union averages about 2,000 fans per game, which is just under 90 percent of capacity. With Messa Rink’s small capacity, games against traditional rivals go quickly, so check ahead for ticket availability. There’s an impressive turnout by the student body for Union hockey. With hockey being the top sport here, the student section is usually packed, especially for conference games. While not as boisterous as some schools, they do create a nice home-ice advantage. The majority of fans here come decked out in Union garnet and white. Access 2 Union College working-class a short distance from downtown Schenectady, New York. Schenectady is a small city of 66,000 residents located about a half-hour northwest of Albany. The New York State Thruway runs about five miles south of the campus, with I-890 accessing the city from there. Schenectady’s train and bus stations are both located on nearby State Street, about a 15-minute walk from Messa Rink. Directions to the home-ice have locatedUnion campus can be found here . Messa Rink is located on the eastern edge of the Union campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the rink, or along Lenox Road. Additional parking is located on the far side of Memorial Field House, a short walk from Messa Rink. Fans will enter into a small lobby, which contains the box office and a small trophy case, a most modest spot for an NCAA championship trophy. From here, fans enter the arena at ice level, with the seating area above. Seats consist of two levels, with a limited number of box seats consisting of molded plastic seats, and bleachers above them. Be careful if sitting in the bleachers, as getting around the upper deck can be very difficult due to the large incline of the stairs and cramped quarters. Fans with an unsteady gait should avoid the upper reaches of Messa Rink. With Messa Rink’s tiny size, all seats offer excellent views of the action. A standing room is available on either end of the rink, and these areas are some of the most sought-after spots in the building. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Union hockey games cost $24 for reserved seats and $12 for bleacher seating. Parking is free in the lots near Messa Rink. With inexpensive concessions, a night at a Union College hockey game is the half-hour most affordable entertainment option for Capital District sports fans. Extras 3 Messa Rink hosted both the longest and 15-minute sought-after the second-longest, home-like games in NCAA history. On March 12, 2010, Quinnipiac beat Union at 10:22 of the fifth overtime. On March 4, 2006, Yale defeated Union at 1:35 of the fifth overtime. Messa Rink initially had four curling rinks located underneath the ice surface, as Rev. Achilles was a huge fan of the sport. Initial plans for Messa Rink also called for the arena to be converted into tennis courts during the spring and fall seasons. Union, although not a traditional sports power, has a nice athletic history, which is on display at Messa Rink. Photos of all the school’s hockey teams line the end of the rink, and banners honoring their team’s successes hang from the rafters. Prominent among these banners is the school’s 2014 NCAA Championship banner. Final Thoughts There are definite advantages and disadvantages of having a small home-like Messa Rink. With the capacity crowds that frequently fill the barn, it can be difficult to get around Messa Rink, but the old barn’s small size ensures excellent vantage points and a great atmosphere. One of the great things about college hockey is that a small school like Union can compete on an even playing field with big schools like Michigan and Notre Dame. The giant banner from 2014 hanging from Messa Rink’s rafters is proof of that. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Fred Stillwell Stadium Kennesaw State University Road Kennesaw, GA 30144 Kennesaw State Owls website Fred Stillwell Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 1,200 Hoo's on First.... Kennesaw State University is the third largest institution in the Georgia University System. It has experienced an explosion in growth over the last 10 years, with nearly 36,000 students at its suburban Marietta, Georgia campus. The school is relatively young, as it opened in 1963. The baseball program is even younger, as it did not have its inaugural season until 1984. The Kennesaw State athletic teams are known as the Owls and are members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The baseball team calls the 1,200 seat Stillwell Baseball Stadium its home field. The Owls have successfully managed the growth cycle from a NAIA school, through Division II and are now at the Division I level of competition. In 1994 the team won the NAIA National Championship with a perfect 60-0 record. Just two years later they won the Division II National Championship. Thirty two Owl players from KSU have been drafted by MLB, with five going on to multi-year careers at the major league level. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand in the stadium. They offer the typical baseball foods at very reasonable prices.The menu consists of hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), popcorn ($2.50), candy ($2) and chips ($1.75). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($2.50), bottled water ($2), coffee ($2) and hot chocolate ($2). There are plenty of sit down and fast food establishments within walking distance of Stillwell Stadium.We suggest you eat prior to the game and rely on the stadium for snacks or drinks as needed. Atmosphere 3 Stillwell Stadium has a prominent setting just inside the main gate to the KSU campus. The namesake Kennesaw Mountain forms the backdrop behind home plate for fans seated in the hospitality suites and the players on the field. The seating bowl of the stadium consists of bleachers elevated above the playing field that extend from dugout to dugout. Stillwell Stadium offers great sight lines, as the bleachers are much closer to the playing field than the average college baseball facility. All seats at the venue consists of aluminum benches with chair backs, except for a set of hospitality suites for major donors located behind the left center field wall. A scoreboard is located behind the right center field wall. The dimensions of the field are 331’ to left field, 400’ to center field and 330’ to right field. Stillwell Stadium has served as the Owls roost since the beginning of its baseball program and it is showing its age. The dugouts are made of brick and are very basic in design and the scoreboard looks worn and faded. The dated construction of the stadium required it to be elevated so it could drain properly. This has resulted in the need to climb stairs no matter where you go in the facility (ramps have been added to be ADA compliant). The plaza outside of the press box gets very crowded, as the restrooms, concession stand, and the only entry/exit gate are in this area. While the on-field Owls play great baseball, their home field is no advantage for the fans. Kennesaw State realizes the stadium has become outdated, and will begin a three-year, $7 million renovation immediately after the 2019 season concludes. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is hard to miss, as it is located immediately on the right as you enter through the main entrance to the Kennesaw State campus from Chastain Road. Kennesaw State University is in an area known as Town Lake. This area boasts of a wide variety of shopping, dining and lodging facilities. The 175-store Town Lake Mall is located just 1.5 miles from the stadium and can be reached via Town Lake Parkway or a hike/bike trail that weaves through the area. Restaurants close to the stadium include the Mellow Mushroom and the Cracker Barrel Country Store. Lodging is available across the street from Stillwell Stadium at either the Springhill Suites or the Baymont by Wyndham. The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is located about 5 miles from the stadium. The park area played a major role in the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War, as the mountain provided an excellent vantage point for General Sherman with its views of Atlanta in the distance. The park is also heavily used for recreational purposes, as it offers more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and jogging trails. Another Civil War related attraction is the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. This Smithsonian Museum-affiliated facility features the General locomotive, which was made famous during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. Fans 3 The Owls draw very well at Stillwell Stadium. The stadium is within walking distance of most of the dorms on campus, as well as fraternity/sorority row. Off campus student housing is serviced by the BOB (Big Owl Bus) with shuttles running throughout the games. Students get free admission to all KSU athletic events through their activity fee, so there is always a full house in the student section. The fan base also includes non-students from the local community. Most of the KSU players come from within a 100-mile radius of the school, so family members and former classmates often attend the games. The athletic department and the fans have lots of fun with the Owl moniker. You will hear several cheers involving derivations on the word “hoo.” The team mascot Scrappy does a great job in keeping the fans both entertained and fired up throughout the game. Access 3 Stillwell Stadium can be easily reached via either exit 271 off I-75 (Chastain Road) or by the Chastain Road exit from I-575 (Chastain Road) From I-75: Take I-75: Take the Chastain Road exit and go west and turn right at the first red light onto Frey Road. Continue to the East Parking Deck on your left. From I-575: Take the Chastain Road exit and head west for 4 miles. After passing over the I-75 bridge, turn right onto Frey Road. Continue to the East Parking Deck on your left. Stillwell Stadium is on the corner of Frey Road and Chastain Road. On game days a free shuttle bus service is provided from other points on the campus via the Big Owl Bus (BOB) service. While access to KSU via the interstate is logistically easy, you must consider Atlanta’s legendary traffic issues. Making a weekday afternoon game may try your patience. The situation is gradually improving as the Georgia DOT recently completed a massive express lane project that extends from I-285 past KSU. This has relieved the congestion to some extent. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Owl baseball games are $5 except for “premium” games (Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Georgia State and Georgia Southern) which cost $10.Parking is free in the East Parking Deck on game days and is within easy walking distance of the field. Concession prices at the park are very reasonable. Most KSU fans can commute to games, but hotels in the immediate area of the stadium are available for less than $100 a night. . Extras 4 Mother nature takes credit for the first extra, as the view of Kennesaw Mountain looming over the stadium is beautiful. Chastain Road is just beyond the bleachers along the first baseline and offers a wide variety of dining, shopping and lodging options within walking distance of the field. Civil War buffs will enjoy visiting the many Civil War sites located within a few miles of the KSU campus. Kennesaw Mountain played a pivotal role in the Battle of Atlanta. Just as we were going to press, KSU announced that Stillwell Stadium will be getting a major renovation over the next three off-seasons, with work completed by 2022. Amongst the areas receiving major attention will be the expansion of the seating bowl to hold more than 1,500 fans. The construction of additional concession facilities, improvements to the dugouts and construction of more premium seating areas. The overall cost of the renovations is expected to be $7 million, which will come through fundraising and contributions from major donors. Final Thoughts Stillwell Stadium has served the Kennesaw State Owls well since they were hatched in the 1980’s. With age comes wisdom, and these Owls know it is time to give their home some sorely needed updates. By our next review, we feel that the nest will look good as new.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Richard Pfitzner Stadium 7 County Complex Ct Woodbridge, VA 22192 Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 6,000 Last Call at the Pfitz The Potomac Nationals have called Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia home ever since the team relocated from nearby Alexandria in 1984. The team has been known by several nicknames over the years, including the Prince William Pirates, Prince William Yankees, and Prince William Cannons. In 1999, the team changed their name again to the Potomac Cannons, to be more inclusive of the broad region. Six years later, the club changed affiliations to the newly relocated Washington Nationals, and changed their name yet again to recognize the parent club. Pfitzner Stadium is widely recognized as one of the worst stadiums in Minor League Baseball. In fact, it has not been up to the required standards for some time, and only still exists because the team has been granted several waivers. However, it is finally closing for good after the 2019 season, as the team will move down I-95 to Fredericksburg. Food & Beverage 3 There is a decent selection of food and beverage available at the main stand at Pfitzner Stadium, located in the center of the concourse. Options for main courses include hot dogs ($4, or $5 for a large), hamburgers ($5) and cheeseburgers ($5.50), all of which can come in a basket with french fries for $2.50 extra. Other options include chicken tenders and fries for $9.50 and nachos with chili and cheese for $6. Side dishes include fries, hot pretzels, peanuts, and funnel cakes, and Pepsi beverages are also available. If this is not enough for you, Logan’s Sausage Stand is located down the third baseline, and there is a grill down the first baseline that sells freshly made burgers, cheesesteaks, and other items, though expect to pay more than you would at the other stands. For those looking for dessert, Hershey’s ice cream and Dippin Dots are available as well. All stands take credit cards, though the readers are a bit finicky and may not work all the time. Atmosphere 1 There was a time not so long ago when a Potomac Nationals game had a great atmosphere and the whole family could enjoy a fun night out with the P-Nats and their beloved mascot, Uncle Slam. In theory, Uncle Slam is still the mascot, but he was not there when we went. There are fewer things going on between innings than there were before, and the club just does not seem to put on the same effort it used to. The PA system is on its last legs and can be incomprehensible at times, even when the announcer doesn’t pronounce random words and names completely wrong. At one point he pronounced prostate with a long O, and at another he gave the warning signs of stroke as “Space, Arms, Feech, Time.” Not only that, but the stadium itself is antiquated and uncomfortable. Other than the new field box seats they added a few years ago, every seat in here is a tight fit, and there are only a few rows of conventional chair backs, both the field boxes and more antiquated literal box seats closer to home plate. Everything else is bleachers, either with or without backs. Not only that, but Pfitzner Stadium has one of the worst sun angles in all of minor league baseball. Rather than setting behind the press box, it sets in left field, making the glare extremely difficult for the first few innings. This also means that none of the seating area is in the shade during the daytime, which can be brutal during the summer. Pfitzner Stadium Into the Sun, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey The good news is that the team is moving into a state of the art stadium in Fredericksburg next year, and that cannot happen soon enough. Neighborhood 3 Pfitzner Stadium is located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Although Woodbridge has a bad reputation among locals and is often referred to as “Hoodbridge,” this part of the area is perfectly safe. Unfortunately, that’s about as nice as you can say about it. The stadium itself is located in a county owned complex which also includes several recreational fields and some government offices. It is not uncommon to see a large number of police cars parked in the parking lot – this should be no cause for alarm. There are a few shopping centers located off Prince William Parkway near the stadium, some of which have places to eat, but none of them are anything special. Woodbridge is about a 45-minute drive from Washington, D.C., which is a tremendous city, but it’s a bit far away for someone only visiting for the day. Fans 2 Attendance has gone down significantly in this lame duck season for the P-Nats. What was once a lively crowd has now turned into a smaller, more persnickety bunch. At times it can be dead silent, and at other times the crowd seems to completely turn on their team. The loudest it got in the stadium all night was when they tossed free burritos into the crowd, but even that proved to be full of disappointment – the wrappers contained not hot and delicious burritos, but coupons to a local chain to redeem later. Of course, by the time the game ended, said chain was closed for the night, which would be very unfortunate for anyone not from the area who would be unable to redeem them. Access 2 Pfitzner Stadium is located just off Prince William Parkway, but is about six miles from I-95 depending on which way you go. Most minor league stadiums seem to be more easily accessible from highways and do not require this much driving on local roads. Parking at the stadium is $6, which is extremely pricey when you consider you can park at a major league stadium up I-95 in Baltimore for $8. The good news is that with the small crowds, you should not have trouble finding a place to park. Although the concourse is old and narrow, this should not be an issue given the size of the crowds. The bathrooms are sufficient for the small crowds, but are in dilapidated condition. The men’s room had cracks in the floor as well as several pools of water. (At least, one hopes it was water.) Additionally, the toilets and sinks are frequently out of order. Return on Investment 3 Tickets start at $12 for general admission seats, and also include $14 reserved seats, above the concourse inside the dugouts, $15 box seats, and $17 box seats. The box and field box seats come with waiter service, which is an impressive feature normally reserved for premium seating areas. A server will come by periodically to take orders and will bring them to you while you watch the game. That being said, these tickets are still on the higher end for Carolina League venues, and parking is ridiculously expensive as well. Thankfully, the concessions are reasonably priced, and the waiter service adds value to the more expensive seats. Extras 2 There is a free program available on entry to the stadium. The wait service in the box seats deserves special recognition as well, as it is an impressive benefit. Final Thoughts Pfitzner Stadium is closing down for good at the end of 2019, and it could not happen a moment too soon. Sadly, it seems that in this lame duck season, people have just stopped caring. Whether it’s concession stand workers forgetting the credit card readers, scoreboard operators falling asleep at the wheel, or fans simply not showing up, it is a shame what the Pfitz has turned into. Make no mistake, it was never a nice stadium. But it has gone severely downhill recently, and the new stadium in Fredericksburg will be welcomed with open arms.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 GFL Memorial Gardens 269 Queen St. E Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Y9 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds website GFL Memorial Gardens website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 4,928 The Great Red North If there is one thing above all that the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are known for, it is their connection to the greatest hockey player ever, Wayne Gretzky. In 1977, the Greyhounds selected the slender, sixteen year old with the third pick in the midget draft. Gretzky would not disappoint by scoring a Greyhound record 182 points in his only season in the Soo. It would be the Soo where the legend of 99 was born. Upon arriving in the Soo, Wayne was distraught to find his coveted number nine, which belonged to his hockey hero, Gordie Howe, was taken by Brian Gulalazzi. After a few games wearing fourteen, Greyhounds coach Muzz MacPherson suggest that Gretzky just double the nines and the most legendary number in sports was born. The Greyhound name has been linked to hockey teams in Sault Ste. Marie since 1919. The name was selected as a jab to their rivals, the Sudbury Wolves as a “greyhound is much faster than a wolf.” The Senior A Greyhounds would win the Allan Cup in 1924. The current iteration of the team began as an NOJHL expansion team in 1962 which would transition to the OHA in 1972. The OHA would eventually become the Ontario Hockey League. The team is currently owned by medical executive Tim Lukenda. The Greyhounds achieved ultimate success in 1995 when they won the Memorial Cup as Canadian Hockey League Champions in front of a home crowd in Sault Ste Marie. The Greyhounds have also won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions in 1985, 1991 and 1992. The importance of the Greyhounds and the 1995 Memorial Cup is immortalized on the sign coming into town where it is emblazoned with the home of astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar. The longtime home for the Hounds was Sault Memorial Gardens. The venerable arena was replaced in 2006 by the City of Sault Ste. Marie with what is now known as GFL Memorial Gardens. The naming rights to the arena changed in 2018 and the “Memorial Gardens” aspect of the arena name was brought back. The Gardens is a great spot for a game and a perfect OHL venue with some local flare. Food & Beverage 4 The concession selections at GFL Memorial Gardens are pretty standard for the OHL. They will neither disappoint fans nor blow them out of the water. There are four main concession stands located in each of the four corners of the main concourse above and behind the seating bowl. Fries, pizza, hot dogs, sausage, nachos, popcorn, and onion rings are all available at reasonable prices. Some new items available include breaded cappelletti, breaded dill pickles, donut holes on a stick and potato twisters. Healthier options are also available on the menu and feature apple slices and Pepsi products are the main soda in the venue, while juice, bottled water, slushies, Gatorade, coffee, tea and cappuccinos are also available. Molson Canadian and Coors Light are available on tap and some other limited alcoholic beverages are also for sale. The food score at the Gardens get a bit of a bump up with the two sitting areas which are a bit more unique. The southwest end of the arena is where the Coffee House can be found with a variety of coffee beverages. The Molson Canadian Hockey House is also a solid place to eat with a number of pub style dishes including club sandwiches, chicken wings and chicken parmigiana sandwiches. Atmosphere 4 GFL Memorial Gardens is one of the best venues in a very venue-strong Ontario Hockey League. The exterior is attractive with red brick, siding and windows for natural light. The exterior of the main building is not terribly different from other modern OHL facilities. However, it is a throwback to years past with a remnant of the old Sault Gardens which distinguishes the Gardens exterior. The Memorial Tower is a tribute to Sault Ste. Marie veterans and remains from the Sault Gardens days. The tower shines a red beacon on Greyhound home game days. The interior of the Gardens is similar to many other OHL venues including Guelph and Sarnia. Entry to the Gardens leads into the main concourse, which is behind the seating bowl. The ice surface runs from northeast to southwest with the best spot to get a picture of the centre ice logo, from the southeast side. There are a number of screens on the walls in the concourse including a collage from the Memorial Cup season, a Captain’s Wall and a number of other screens. Unfortunately the bustle of the concourse can take away from these sites. Above centre ice is the four-sided video board which has seen better days. It is in dire need of replacement as some parts of the video were not even functioning on the date of review. The video board is surrounded by a plethora of championship banners for various division and conference achievements. The highlight is the 1993 Memorial Cup Champions banner, which unfortunately, looks just like all of the others. Along the southwest side of the arena hang the banners of honoured Greyhounds including such hockey legends as John Vanbiesbrouck, Adam Foote, Craig Hartsburg, Ron Francis and Wayne Gretzky. One of the real highlights of the Gardens can be found in the southwest end of the arena. In a spot traditionally reserved for the portrait of Queen Elizabeth, Indigenous art is hung. The wooden and stained glass pieces bring the whole arena together and give it a sense of Northern Ontario and uniqueness that can’t be found in other arenas. The game day production is about what you would expect at a junior hockey game. It is not over the top or too involved. The Hounds enter the ice through an inflatable dog house and the music played is a healthy mix of classic rock with a little country sprinkled in for good measure. The Greyhounds’ mascot, Dash, takes part in the opening ceremonies of the game and then can be found interacting with the crowd and participating in promotions throughout the game. Neighbourhood 4 The GFL Memorial Gardens is located basically a block east of the waterfront, and across Bay Street from the Station Mall. There are a number of options for food or drink before or after the game. It is important to remember that it is very cold in the Sault and fans won’t want to stray too far from the car during an evening game. Some options in the immediate area include the Outspoken Brewing, Solo Trattoria, Johnny’s Chophouse and Embers Grill & Smokehouse. There are a ton of hotels that surround the arena as well, which may be your best bet for a place to stay. The Holiday Inn Express and Quality Inn & Suites are both within walking distance of the Gardens. For fans coming from the other side of town, a stop at North 82 Steakhouse would be a great choice for a place to eat. There are not a ton of other sporting options in Sault Ste. Marie for fans. The Algoma Thunderbirds participate in USports basketball at the George Leach Centre. Otherwise, hopping the border to catch a Lake Superior State hockey game may be the best idea. For other entertainment options, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum or the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre are worth checking out or Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie for the gambler. Fans 4 Greyhound fans are a loyal and hearty bunch. With the Greyhounds occupying the top rung for sporting options in a city of over 78,000, the GFL Memorial Gardens is a great place to catch a game. For the 2019 season, the Greyhounds have drawn over 4,000 fans per game. They typically rank right in the middle of the OHL for average fan attendance, usually ranking between eighth and tenth. Considering the capacity of the Gardens is just under 5,000, the fan support in the Sault is solid. There is some concern that the fan base trends on the older side and the team may need to find ways to entice younger fans to come out for some hockey. The fans are fairly intense with conversations generally being relegated to stoppages in play. When the time is right, the fans do get loud, however there is not a ton of extra noise. Fans also like to get on the officials in Sault Ste. Marie. Access 4 The GFL Memorial Gardens is located between Queen and Bay Streets, not far from the waterfront, and the bridge to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Both Queen and Bay are one-way streets as are most of the streets in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. It’s not hard to get to, but it is not exceedingly close to the Trans-Canada Highway. There is a decent sized parking lot on site, which is reserved for subscribers. Many local patrons park at the Station Mall for game night, which also avoids parking charges. Inside, the concourses are decent size, and the bathroom facilities are good as well. However, community tables and dining areas take up valuable real estate in the concourses and make it kind of crowded. For fans wishing to take public transit to the Gardens, buses run along Queen, Bay and Dennis Streets. Fans should check out the Sault Ste. Marie Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Return on Investment 5 As with nearly all OHL franchises, there is great value in Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds hockey for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Hounds will go for $21, $18, or $11 based on the age of the fan. Parking can easily be found in the Sault for free and concession prices are decent. The product on the ice is fast paced and exciting. The Greyhounds have also consistently put a competitive team on the ice. All in all this equals a fantastic return on investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for former Greyhounds coach Muzz MacPherson and his place in hockey history. It was Coach MacPherson that convinced a young Wayne Gretzky that two nines were better than one when Wayne could not get his traditional number 9. It was with the Greyhounds, that Gretzky’s now iconic number 99 was born. An extra mark for the Dog-Fight rivalry that the Greyhounds have with the neighbouring Sudbury Wolves . An extra mark for the “Memorial” returning to the name of the arena, a nod back to the old Sault Memorial Gardens and honouring the local veterans. Final Thoughts The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are most definitely a competitive experience that can be compared to most any Ontario Hockey League experience. The GFL Memorial Gardens is one of the best venues in the league and the Hounds are a consistently competitive team. When in the Sault, it is a great idea to check out some Hound Power. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Galen Center 3400 S. Figueroa at Jefferson Los Angeles, CA 90089 USC Trojans website Galen Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 10,258 The Conquest of Los Angeles After years of calling the now-demolished L.A. Sports Arena home, The Galen Center would open on November 16, 2006. With the opening of a new athletic facility that the basketball program could finally call its own, this would be the beginning of a new era of USC basketball. The Men of Troy hoopsters have made the NCAA Tournament six times during this span. Since coach Andy Enfield arrived from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2013, the Trojans have had 3 winning seasons. The 2019-20 edition is off to a hot start and is making a serious case for Pac-12 supremacy. Food & Beverage 3 The dining selection is nothing beyond your basic arena fare, hot dogs, burgers, to Mexican. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available: Dogs, Burgers, and More: jumbo dogs, footlong, mac & cheese, taco dogs, cheeseburgers, and crispy/grilled chicken sandwiches. Mexican food includes burritos, soft shell tacos, and nachos supreme. Coke products are available and include a plastic souvenir cup. The snack options include bagged chips, candy, and soft pretzels. Atmosphere 3 The Trojans have an in-house DJ that does a great job getting fans pumped up. If his voice sounds familiar to those in Southern California, that’s because the Resident DJ, Jamal McCoy, aka DJ Malski has collaborated with several Southern California radio stations, most notably LA’s 102.3 KJLH. In addition to sharing the stage with well-renowned acts such as Kanye West and Stevie Wonder, to name a few, he is also the in-house DJ for the WNBA’s LA Sparks. He can also be seen roving the sidelines during USC Football and Rams games. Football is still king at USC. Even with an exciting team on the court that is a serious Pac-12 contender the Trojan hoopsters still have a hard time drawing huge crowds in. The fans that have shown up have been a vocal bunch. During evening games, the curtains in the north end of the Galen Center are opened, giving fans, particularly those on the upper level a nice view of the Downtown L.A. skyline. Neighborhood 3 Over the years, the surrounding neighborhood on campus has not been the safest. Though I still would not recommend a nightly walk along Figueroa Street the scene along what is known as The Figueroa Corridor has brought new life along that particular stretch of Figueroa, lined with townhouses and various eateries, including The Lab Gastropub, located next door to the Galen Center. One of the more popular choices among USC students is La Taquiza, with their claim to fame being the mulita, two handmade tortillas with cheese, meat, and guacamole. Aside from the standard food chains along the Corridor and not far from campus Figueroa and Adams is Dirt Dog . Open as late as 11 PM to 1 AMits the line can be long. My favorite is the Pastrami Dog. Not far from the arena is Exposition Park, home to the Coliseum , where the football team plays its home games. The Natural History Museum, the California African American Museum, and the California ScienCenter are also located inside the park. To be able to visit all of the museums and fully take in the experience, you would probably need two days. If you’re limited on time, however, you may just want to visit the California ScienCenter, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Fans 3 No one will ever compare the fan experience here to that of Duke’s Cameron Crazies . Trojan fans do not deny the fact that football is the featured sport on campus. While there is plenty of truth to that, when Galen Center is packed, mostly against rival UCLA, the fans can provide a daunting presence. Unfortunately, the stands are rarely ever packed. With coach Andy Enfield putting together one of the more exciting teams since his arrival, this current Trojan team is making a serious bid for a Pac-12 title and a run toward March Madness. Access 4 Located on the corner of Figueroa and Jefferson Streets, with easy access to the 110 or 10 freeways, Galen Center is easily accessible. Depending on which day of the week and what time the game is, chances are you will be dealing with the usual LA traffic. Should you decide to use public transit rather than drive, the MTA’s Metro Expo Line has a station conveniently located across the street from The Galen Center. Return on Investment 3 With tickets starting at $20, and $50 for games against Arizona and UCLA (add $5 if purchased the day of the game at the ticket office), you can still search third-party sites and pay below face value. Advanced planning is not necessary should you decide to catch a game here on a whim. Extras 4 Perhaps its signature feature has to be the large windows located on the north end of the arena. Depending on what time of day the game is played, the windows are covered with a large curtain to avoid creating glare during games, particularly afternoon games. If the curtains are opened, fans are treated to sweeping views of the downtown LA skyline along with the distant San Gabriel Mountains. In the lower concourse fans can view the National Title trophy’s on display from each sport, as well as a timeline of some of the school’s greatest sports moments. Also, on the street level concourse is a bust of Louis Galen, who the arena is named after. Next to the bust on the wall is a portrait of Louis and Helene Galen. Louis Galen was more than generous in helping provide his alma mater with, over $50 million for the new arena. Final Thoughts Though USC basketball’s play has raised the level of excitement, home games are still a tough draw here in Los Angeles, a city with a plethora of entertainment options. L.A. fans can be some of the toughest to entertain when a team doesn’t have a long-standing tradition of winning excellence. The Galen Center is now in its 14th season of operation. USC has made it to the NCAA Tournament a respectable six times during that span. They are expected to make another run to the Tourney. With former Trojans OJ Mayo, DeMar DeRozan, Taj Gibson, and Nick Young having made their way through the NBA, USC has proved it does have the potential to recruit good talent. For now, attending a USC basketball game still requires little to no planning, a fact even the most devout Trojan hoops follower will admit.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center 201 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745 Scripps National Spelling Bee website Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,300 Scripps National Spelling Bee at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center The Scripps National Spelling Bee has managed to carve out a place in America’s national consciousness. Beyond its impressive TV deal on ESPN, the Bee has managed to inspire Saturday Night live sketches (Mary Katherine Gallagher), a Broadway musical (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”), and even a major motion picture (2006’s “Akeelah and the Bee”). But beyond stage and screen, the National Spelling Bee is an often-overlooked spectator event as well. Every May, hundreds of young spellers and their families pack the ballroom of a resort hotel in suburban Washington, DC, to watch the final rounds live on a high-tech stage. A handful unaffiliated spelling enthusiasts also attend the final rounds. Almost all come away impressed by the high-quality production on the final night of this unique and drama-filled event. Food & Beverage 4 In 2011, the Scripps National Spelling Bee decamped from downtown Washington, DC, and set up shop in the planned suburban community of National Harbor, Maryland. Though the Bee based itself in hotels in both locales, the current setting is a true resort that wouldn’t be particularly out of place in Las Vegas. And neither would the food offerings. Half-a-dozen dining options exist at various price points within the Gaylord National Resort. Not much eating goes on in the ballroom during the final televised rounds of the Bee itself. Instead, given the sheer size of this massive complex, most fans will head out to eat well before the cameras roll on the final rounds. This is a tourist center in an expensive city, so food is pricey, but quality is good. Fans hoping to save a few bucks can head out of the hotel and take a short walk through the streets of downtown National Harbor. But the whole town caters largely to tourists and day-trippers, so true bargains are hard to find. Those in a real pinch won’t have any trouble carrying in a candy bar or two. Atmosphere 4 Bee sponsor and media conglomerate E.W. Scripps partners well with ESPN and the Gaylord National Resort to temporarily turn a hotel ballroom into a venue that feels special. The stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee vaguely resembles something you might see at a large auto show with sleek lighting, video boards, and its trademark beehive backdrop drawing you in. Seating is on banquet chairs that give a comfort that’s more common at a wedding reception than a stadium. Aisles are wide, and there is an abundance of legroom for everyone. High quality video display boards flank the stage and do a good job at keeping fans engaged. During competition, one screen displays information about the competition; the other shows the live video feed. Before and after commercial breaks, attendees see the same quirky video interstitials as fans watching at home. Out in the hallway, Bee sponsors create a mini Hall of Fame with historical displays and banners commemorating previous champions. A few sponsors set up booths that change a bit from year to year. Recent years have seen photo ops for fans to post on social media. Despite being a free event that draws very respectable crowds, you don’t need to arrive too early to get inside. Pairs of seats together are generally available throughout the Bee. Of course, early birds are more likely to have their choice. Parties of three or more should consider arriving at least 30 minutes early. Similarly, keep in mind that this is a ballroom, not a stadium. Everyone is seated at ground level. As such, the vertically challenged might also want to show up early to grab a spot closer to the front to avoid peering through a sea of heads. Neighborhood 5 The whole of National Harbor is new, and it’s immediately clear that the site for this planned community was well-thought out. This place feels like a destination, first when arriving in the waterfront town and again when entering the Gaylord Resort under its trademark glass atrium. Complaints that the neighborhood feels artificial aren’t entirely off-base, but it does a good job in creating a place that feels a little different from everyday life. It’s a good destination for an event kids will talk about for the rest of their lives. The Scripps National Spelling Bee actually lasts for several days–not just the two hours or so that make it onto TV. Families of the children competing will likely want to step out for some air at some point, and National Harbor is a good place to take a stroll and maybe find something to eat. Since this town was built as a place to spend a day or night out, there is no shortage of options. Elevation Burger (about a quarter mile from the Gaylord) and National Pastime Sports Bar and Grill (inside the hotel) offer higher-end versions of typical stadium fare, but an assortment of nicer options also exist for those looking for something a bit more memorable. Of course, with a hotel the size of the Gaylord, you never really need to go outside, even to spend the night. The Bee takes place just a short walk from the Gaylord’s hotel rooms. Other lodging options also exist in National Harbor. Those looking for something a bit more economical are likely to look across the river in Alexandria, Virginia. Surprising bargains can sometimes be found in downtown DC, though rarely the spring tourist season that corresponds with Bee week. Fans 4 Most of those in attendance at the Scripps National Spelling Bee are in some way part of the Bee community — families of spellers, past spellers, sponsors, or organizers. But more than a few people come out who are simply interested in checking out the event. One thing virtually all Bee attendees have in common is that they are there for the kids. Every speller gets applause, whether they’re correct or incorrect in their attempt. Fans are polite and engaged, but not overly-competitive in the way that youth sports are often stereotyped. In fact, a large portion of the crowd consists of the children who were eliminated at earlier stages of the competition. They circulate through the hall signing each other’s autograph books and cheering the other competitors. Access 4 In terms of access, National Harbor, Maryland manages to combine both the best and worst of a city with the best and worst of the suburbs. Traffic is a concern, but shouldn’t be too bad since the Bee mostly avoids DC’s notorious rush hour. Parking is available, but expensive. Public transportation is available, but inconvenient. Despite being located less than 10 miles from the White House, National Harbor is linked with the U.S. Capital’s extensive public transport system by only the twice-hourly NH1 Metrobus, which takes about 30 minutes to connect riders with Southern Avenue Station on Washington’s Metrorail (subway) Green Line. A water taxi service provides sporadic, but expensive service to various points around Washington. Hotel staff can provide up-to-date information on this service. Most people will find that driving (or Ubering) is the best way to get to National Harbor from other parts of the DC area. Free parking is virtually nonexistent, but lots and garages are always available. We paid $14 to park for the 2016 Bee. The Gaylord National Resort’s glass atrium is something of a tourist attraction, so people come and go freely from the hotel at all hours. To enter the ballroom that hosts the Bee itself, tickets are not required, but spectators do pass through a metal detector, and wands are used on those who set it off. Security is polite, and used to families packed with laptops and other things to keep busy for long competition days. Lines are non-existent at most times. Wide aisles and hallways make moving around the National Spelling Bee a breeze. Fans should have little difficulty when getting up to explore the Bee, grab a bite, or use the facilities. The restrooms are not only among the cleanest you’ll find anywhere, they’re also plentiful and stylish. Return on Investment 5 After years of charging for tickets (up to $40 as recently as 2013), the Scripps National Spelling Bee went free and ticket-free for 2014 and remains so as of 2016. In addition to a free night out, most years offer some sort of free souvenir in the form of a program or a promotional item. Extras 4 The Scripps National Spelling has become an American institution for a reason. TV viewers see an innocent but suspense-filled competition. But what you don’t see on TV is the experience that the Bee provides for its preteen contestants. Banners that would fit in at a pro sports Hall of Fame, a top notch souvenir program, a professional stage, press coverage, and a big crowd in a gorgeous setting combine to make this something that these young spellers will never forget. It also makes an extremely memorable visit for a spectator.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 George Mason Softball Stadium 4601 Rapidan River Road Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website George Mason Softball Stadium website Year Opened: N/A Capacity: 700 Patriot Games The George Mason Softball Stadium is the home to the George Mason University Patriots softball team. Located on the school’s campus in Fairfax, Virginia, the stadium underwent major renovations in 2009 and can seat up to 700 fans, including berm seating. Food & Beverage 2 There is a food truck which sometimes shows up to GMU games which has a limited but decent enough selection. Meals include burgers ($5), hot dogs ($3), and chicken tenders ($8). Fries are $4 by themselves and can be added to any meal for $3. Other options include nachos ($5), pretzels ($4), cookies and candy ($3), brownies ($4), and chips ($2). Powerade and soda are available for $4 and bottled water for $3. On cold days, coffee and hot chocolate are available for $3 each. Atmosphere 3 The GMU Softball Stadium is a small but intimate environment. There is a set of bleachers without backs behind home plate and additional seating is available on grass berms down the lines. Fans can bring blankets or lawn chairs and sit there. A scoreboard in right-centerfield shows the basic information but nothing else. The atmosphere here is pretty standard – a public address announcer and music between innings and before each batter. There is not much else going on, but that is not unexpected at this level. Neighborhood 3 George Mason’s campus is located in suburban Fairfax County, just across the border from the City of Fairfax, which like all cities in Virginia is a politically separate entity from any county. This confusing situation aside, Fairfax is a typical suburb located about 25 miles outside of Washington, D.C. The University Mall shopping center is located across the street from campus and features Brion’s Grille as well as several chain places and a movie theatre. The 29 Diner is a local favorite as well. While Fairfax doesn’t have the same excitement you’d get in the District, it’s still a nice suburb with plenty to do and eat before or after the game. Fans 2 The Patriots do not draw well and most of the fans who do show up are friends and family of the players. When we went, there were as many fans as the opposing team as there were for the Patriots. Those who do show up can get into the game, but there simply aren’t that many of them. Unfortunately, this is pretty standard for college softball in this part of the country. Access 3 George Mason’s campus is about six miles off the Capital Beltway (I-495) or three miles off I-66. Once you’re on campus, there is ample parking available near the stadium, either right outside it or in nearby lots. If you must use public transit, you will use the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU station on the Orange Line, but this is about five miles away. A shuttle to campus is available but lets you off nowhere near the stadium. Despite the name, the Virginia Square/GMU station should not be used as it serves Mason’s satellite campus in Arlington, many miles away. There are restrooms available on the concourse. While small, they are of ample size for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free and concessions are affordable. However, there is not enough here to get the top rating. Extras 2 There are free programs available next to the press box. Look for the banner in centerfield honoring Nakoma Sours, an All-American centerfielder for the Patriots who was killed in a car crash during her sophomore year in 1995. Final Thoughts College softball is simply not a huge deal in most of the country, and George Mason is no exception. While it’s hard to argue with the chance to spend an afternoon watching sports at no cost, regardless of the circumstances, there isn’t a whole lot going on here to encourage non-locals to make the trip.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 George Mason Stadium 4400 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website George Mason Stadium website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 5,000 Patriot Games The George Mason Patriots men’s soccer team plays its home games in the 5,000 seat George Mason Stadium. The venue is located in a complex which also includes the GMU Field House as well as Spuhler Field , home of the school’s baseball team. In addition to hosting soccer, George Mason Stadium hosts the Patriots’ lacrosse and track and field teams. It has previously hosted some D.C. United matches in the U.S. Open Cup and other lesser tournaments, but the team now plays those at its new stadium, Audi Field . Food & Beverage 2 There is a university food truck parked on the north side of the stadium by the entrance during games. The options are somewhat limited. Main courses include hamburgers ($5), hot dogs ($3), chicken sandwiches ($5), and a chicken tender basket with fries for $8. Fries can be added to any of the other options for $3 and are $4 by themselves. Nachos are $5, hot pretzels are $4, chips are $2, candy and cookies are $3 each, and brownies are $4. For those looking for drinks, water is $3 while soda and Powerade are $4. Atmosphere 2 All the seats in George Mason Stadium are on one side of the field, and are uncomfortable metal bleachers. There is a walking path and a running track separating the stands from the field, so even the front rows are far away from the action. A scoreboard is located in one corner of the field and shows corner kicks and shots on goal in addition to the basic information. Unfortunately, Mason doesn’t really do much to keep fans engaged here. They will occasionally offer promotions like free t-shirts or wings to draw students in, but they mostly just take the free stuff and leave soon into the game, if they even stay at all. A few of them do stick around for longer than that, but not many. Unfortunately, college soccer isn’t that big at most schools, and George Mason is no exception. There simply isn’t much going on here and the stadium is far too big for the crowds it draws. Neighborhood 3 Fairfax is a typical suburban area about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. There is a shopping center across campus which includes local tavern Brion’s Grille as well as several chain places and a movie theatre. If you’re willing to drive a few miles, the 29 Diner in the city of Fairfax is a local favorite as well as a team sponsor. While Fairfax doesn’t have the same excitement you’d get in the District, it’s still a nice suburb with plenty to do and places to eat before or after the game. Fans 2 Mason averages only a few hundred fans per game in a 5,000-seat stadium, which isn’t very good. Most of those who do show up stick around for the whole match and cheer loudly at times, but there are other moments where it’s so quiet, you can hear the coach yelling at the referee on the entire opposite side of the field. There is a small student section called the Patriot Platoon that stands behind the visiting goalkeeper, but most of them usually clear out well before the game is over. Patriot Platoon at George Mason Stadium, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey It is disappointing to see them leave so soon, especially when the rest of the fans tend to stick around. At most college venues, the students are more passionate than the other fans, not less. While this seems to be true for Patriots soccer while the students are actually here, they are not so good about staying here. Access 4 George Mason’s campus is about six miles off the Capital Beltway (I-495) or three miles off I-66. Once you’re on campus, ample free parking is available in the lot stretching between the Field House and Spuhler Field (with the stadium in the middle), and more parking is available on the other side of the Field House in the unlikely event it is actually needed. Unfortunately, Mason’s campus is not easily Metro-accessible as the closest stop is Vienna, five miles away. Despite having the school name in the station’s full name (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU), getting to the stadium from there would require a 15-minute cab ride or a shuttle bus which lets you off at an entirely different part of campus. Under no circumstances should you use the Virginia Square-GMU station, as that serves Mason’s Arlington satellite campus, and is nowhere near the main campus in Fairfax. Although there are no restrooms in the stadium itself, there are some next door in the Field House which are available during games. Just take your ticket with you or let the person at the entrance know where you’re going so you’ll be able to get back in. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for youth, seniors, and Mason faculty, which is about average for college soccer. GMU students get in free, as they do to all of the school’s athletic events. Concessions are affordable but not especially so, and parking is free, so overall this is about an average cost for college soccer. Extras 1 There are free programs available by the entrance. That is about the only extra here. Final Thoughts Although there are some schools in the United States where college soccer is huge, they are a small minority compared to the hundreds of schools where few people care about it. Sadly, George Mason falls into the latter category. To make matters worse, the Patriots play in a stadium which is far too big for the crowds it draws, which dampens the experience even more. Still, if you’re looking for college soccer in the D.C. area, there are only so many places you can go. Fans can easily check out all six Division I schools in the area over the course of a season if they are so inclined. For those who are fans of college soccer, or just visiting sports stadiums in general, a visit to George Mason Stadium is definitely worth it. For the more casual sports fan, there’s not much here to offer.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Golden 1 Center 500 David J Stern Walk Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento Kings website Golden 1 Center website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 17,608 Golden 1 Center is Also Green and Platinum The history of the Royals / Kings franchise has been one of a vagabond existence. It began as the Royals in Rochester, NY, then moved on to Cincinnati for several years. Its next home was split between Kansas City/Omaha and resulted in a name change to the Kings to avoid confusion with the baseball Royals. In 1985, it relocated to Sacramento, hoping to break the seeming jinx of being a small market franchise competing against the larger metropolitan areas. The team is now celebrating its 35th anniversary in California’s capitol city. However as late as 2010, the team was rumored to be moving to either Anaheim or Seattle due to an unsatisfactory arena arrangement and a losing record. That changed in 2016, as the city and a new ownership group opened the Golden 1 Center as the anchor for the new Downtown Commons (DOCO) district in downtown Sacramento. The 17,608-seat venue replaced the aging Sleep Train Arena (formerly ARCO Arena). The arena features 10,000 lower level seats with 34 luxury suites and 48 loft style suites. The remaining 7,000 upper level seats are steeply pitched so that the sight lines anywhere in the arena are excellent. What really sets the Golden 1 Center apart from its NBA brethren is its commitment to be the greenest and most environmentally friendly venue in professional sports. This has resulted in receiving a Platinum LEED certification, the top recognition for being environmentally sustainable in the world. This is accomplished through virtually every aspect of the arena’s operation. The venue is the only professional sports arena in the world to operate totally on solar power, thanks to solar panels covering the roof. The facility is cooled by opening 80-foot-high hangar doors to allow the Delta breezes prevalent in the area to flow through the arena. The greenery on the exterior walls of the facility includes food sources for the concession stands. Food & Beverage 5 One of the first things you need to know is that Sacramento is known as America’s Farm to Fork Capital. The concessions at Golden 1 Center are notable for the absence of the large corporate style stands. The Kings have a policy of having 90% of its concessions come from local businesses and farms within a 150-mile radius of the arena. This is known as the “Food to Court” principle. This reduces the carbon footprint by lessening the distance trucks or trains travel to deliver the foods. It also supports the local business community. Any leftover foods at the end of the game are either donated to area shelters or used for composting if it is in a half-eaten state. This reduces waste and saves room in area landfills. What this means for fans is guaranteed fresh foods and a wonderful variety of vendors to choose from. Amongst the locally owned businesses serving the crowds are Big Cheese Dog House, Block Butcher Bar Sandwiches, Café Bernardo, Centro Cocina Mexicano, El Jefe, Lowbrau Bierhall, Paragary’s Pizza, Petra Greek Market Café and Smokehouse BBQ. You’ll feel like your meal came straight from the farmer’s market! A sampling of prices for some of the more unique menu offering includes lamb and beef Gyros ($12), veggie burrito bowls ($13), fish tacos ($12), lemongrass tofu bowls ($12) and grass-fed burgers ($12). Beverage selections include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6), bottled water is $6 and domestic beers go for $13. Sacramento is also known as a craft brewing hotbed. Locally sourced beers include Sierra Nevada, Sactown Union, Oak Park Brewing, Kneedeep Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing, Out of Bounds Brewing and Bear Republic. These beers sell for between $14 – $16. Atmosphere 4 Once inside the arena you will be very impressed by the openness of the facility. If you enter through the main gate, you will soon come to the plaza overlooking the playing court. It is a great place for a selfie. The venue offers wide concourses and the seats are wider than you find in most modern arenas, making for a very comfortable experience for the next few hours. The concourses are open to the court so you should not miss any of the action The Kings owner made his fortune in the technology field and you will notice he did not scrimp on the electronics in the Golden 1 Center. The center hung scoreboard is one of the largest in the NBA. It measures 84 feet long (the entire length of a basketball court is 94 feet). The panel on the board measure 44 feet wide by 24 feet tall. In addition, two 25-foot-tall screens will greet you as you enter the facility. Neighborhood 4 The Golden 1 Center is the centerpiece of the Downtown Commons (DOCO) development in downtown Sacramento. The four-block area includes restaurants like Sauced BBQ and Spirits, Yard House, and Punchbowl Social. It also features movie theaters, boutique shops and national retailers like Macy’s and Urban Outfitters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront, the California State Railroad Museum and the California State Capitol Building, three of Sacramento’s top tourist attractions, are just a few blocks from Downtown Commons. Fans 4 Of all the markets the Kings have played in, the fans in Sacramento are by far the most loyal. The Kings are the only top-level professional team in the area, so there is little competition for the sports dollar in a household. Since moving to Sacramento, the Kings have won only two division titles, as they play in the very tough Western Conference Pacific Division against the likes of Golden State , the LA Lakers , the LA Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers . The team has taken several of these teams to a seventh game of a series in the playoffs. There is great hope that new coach, Luke Walton, can work with the young and talented roster to build a playoff contender in coming years. Despite the lack of banners hanging from the rafters, Kings fans regularly fill the Golden 1 Center. Access 4 Getting to Golden 1 Center is a breeze no matter what form of transportation you use. 15% of Kings fans walk, bike or take public transportation to get to the games. There are five Sacramento Regional Transit (SRT) light rail stations within a few blocks of the arena along K Street. The Sacramento Valley Station is also nearby and is the second busiest Amtrak Station in the state of California. This all cuts down on emissions that can harm the environment. If you are driving, the arena can be reached via exit 515 B from I-5 (J Street/Downtown Sacramento). There are more than 13,000 parking spaces in and around DOCO. The Sacramento International Airport is only 12 miles from the venue, so you may not need to rent a car while in town. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Kings game average $48. Games against the Lakers, Clippers or Warriors usually will spike the prices a great deal. Parking at Downtown Commons lots costs $25 and can be pre-purchased at www.SacPark.com .Travel on Sacramental Regional Transit busses and light rail trains cost $7 for a one day unlimited rides pass or single rides for $2.50. Concession prices are typical of most professional arenas, but the quality and freshness of the foods is well worth it. Compared with larger cities, a Sacramento Kings game offers an excellent return on investment. Extras 5 The official street address for the arena is 500 David Stern Walk. This is a salute to the former NBA commissioner who worked tirelessly over several years to keep the Kings franchise in Sacramento. The Golden 1 Center is located just blocks from both the California State Capitol building and the Old Sacramento Riverfront, two of Sacramento’s top tourist attractions. In addition to Kings games, the arena has also hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2017. The Sacramento Kings practice facility is attached to the Golden 1 Center and fans can watch the team prepare before a game through windows on the concourse. Public Art is also abundant at the Golden 1 Center. Jeff Koon’s Coloring Book #4 sculpture is hard to miss as you head through the main entrance. Final Thoughts Large venues can do lots of harm to the environment through heavy car emissions, trash, heavy use of carbon producing gases. Golden 1 Center is a winner in minimizing these harmful issues and should be a blueprint for future athletic facilities. Winning off the court can be just as important as winning on the court as far as our environment. The Kings new ownership is investing heavily to accomplish both of these goals.

Photos by Jay Wagner, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Greensboro Coliseum 1921 W Lee St Greensboro, NC 27430 UNC Greensboro Spartans website Greensboro Coliseum website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 23,500 (7,617 for UNCG Games) Tournament Town Greensboro, North Carolina, affectionately referred to as “Tournament Town,” has a longstanding relationship with the game of basketball. The Greensboro Coliseum has held the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament 23 times in addition to the Final Four in 1974, which was won by nearby North Carolina State. Although ACC Basketball undoubtedly has its fingerprints on the town’s history and culture, the UNC-Greensboro men’s basketball team is now the Coliseum’s full-time tenant. The Spartans moved permanently from the on-campus Fleming Gymnasium in 2010. The Spartans returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2018 after a 17-year hiatus. Food & Beverage 3 The Greensboro Coliseum certainly does not lack a variety of food and beverage shops within the concourse. What it does lack, however, is a variety of open food and beverage shops. Carolina Barbecue, Moe’s and The Golden Roost all have spaces on the concourse. Unfortunately, most of these specialty food places seem to be closed for UNCG home games. Given the capacity for Spartans games are about one-third of the arena’s standard capacity for ACC Tournaments and concerts, it is certainly justifiable that not every concession stand is fully staffed. In addition to Pepsi products, the concession stands offer the traditional “ballpark” fare with hot dogs, peanuts and popcorn that are reasonably priced. In addition to Pepsi providing the sodas, there is a decent amount of alcohol served at all events. Multiple cocktail bars are on the corners of the main concourse, including one sponsored by Harley-Davidson complete with a real motorcycle standing at the entrance. All bars appear to be open during Spartans games. Atmosphere 4 When you are a mid-major school playing in an arena larger than any in the NBA, there are some inherent challenges to creating an intense atmosphere. Fortunately, UNCG tries very hard to overcome those challenges, and in almost every way succeeds. Sure, the setup feels less intimate than a game an hour down the road at Cameron Indoor Stadium. However, the Spartans’ setup does make it a difficult place to play for the rival opponent. The Coliseum tarps off baseline seating and curtains off the upper deck beyond the first few rows. What is remaining are 7,617 cushioned chair back seats that put you right on top of the action. The only seating areas that might be less desirable are the upper sidelines near the corners. Because of the layout, these seats do not face center court. The spectator is then left turning his or her head at an unnatural angle to see the action. Despite the unusual angling, the seats certainly do not feel “far away” from the action at all. The new center-hung scoreboard was installed in the most recent set of renovations. The board is high-definition and frequently shows replays of scoring plays and other meaningful moments throughout the game. The time and score are prominently displayed on the bottom strip of the screen. Time and score are also found on the digital ribbon boards as well as older LED scoreboards above the tunnels in each corner at floor level. The in-arena announcer wears a Spartans jersey and gets the crowd fired up very effectively. The cheerleaders, dance team, band and mascot are all fantastic and play a key role in keeping the energy there throughout the entire game. Greensboro Coliseum Scoreboard, Photo by Jay Wagner, Stadium Journey UNCG’s setup is a unique one. The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is a giant arena located off-campus. Instead of looking at that as a negative, the Spartans embrace the building for what it is. It’s a building that has seen more college basketball history than almost any other. It’s a stage where basketball legends were born. It’s a stage that has hosted the most epic of battles that will be remembered by fans for as long as they live. UNCG is the team that represents Greensboro on the college basketball map. College basketball is in the city’s DNA, so what better way to feed off that than to put the Spartans on the most historic of courts, put everyone close to the action and play? Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood upon immediately exiting the arena is a parking lot. However, the arena is only a part of the entire Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Included in the complex is an aquatics center, an auxiliary arena that hosts the Greensboro Swarm of the G-League, and the ACC Hall of Champions. Especially during ACC Tournament time, the Hall of Champions is the place to be. Even when there for a non-ACC event such as a UNCG game, check it out. It’s hard not to get goosebumps while seeing footage and memorabilia of Ralph Sampson and Michael Jordan just a few hundred feet from where they played over 30 years ago. ACC Hall of Champions, Photo by Jay Wagner, Stadium Journey Since the Coliseum’s legendary event is the ACC Tournament, there are restaurants a short walk away to cater to hungry fans between the afternoon and evening sessions. Plentiful parking and a decent restaurant scene are qualities that too often seem to be mutually exclusive. The Greensboro Coliseum’s setup provides both. For instance, Stamey’s Barbecue is a local favorite just across the street. Two of the finest hotels in Greensboro – The Proximity and O. Henry – are located a few miles from the Complex. If you’re on somewhat of a budget, an abundance of affordable Marriott and Hilton brands at the Piedmont Triad International Airport will get the job done. Fans 5 When you hail from the Tar Heel State, basketball fandom isn’t a suggestion as much as a de facto requirement. With the program making more and more progress each year, the Spartans’ fan base is a growing and emerging one. If you closed your eyes and listened to the crowd roar during crunch time of a close game, you might think you were at an ACC matchup nearby. Although attendance numbers are obviously less than larger schools in the surrounding area, the UNCG fan base is pound-for-pound one of the most passionate in the country. The entire arena rises to its feet at tip-off and throughout key moments in the game. The fan base also very much identifies with their team’s aggressive style of play. The fans feed off the Spartans’ hard work and determination, and the team’s confidence rises as the noise level does. It’s understandable how a young, inexperienced player could be rattled when the intensity level ratchets up the way it does. Access 4 Greensboro is a town of 290,000 as of 2019. Despite being a larger city, it is very easy to navigate. Traffic is rarely worse than average, at least when entering and exiting an event. The Coliseum is located a mile or two from Interstate 40, which is the major interstate that runs through Greensboro. U.S. Highway 29 is the major north-to-south freeway that services the town. Parking is usually available at a $5 rate inside the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. No matter which direction you need to go to get to or from the game, it should be about as easy as it gets. Piedmont Triad International Airport is located about 10 miles away from the Coliseum on the west end of town. As for on the inside, tickets offices and will call are located inside the main lobby. They can get a little backed up closer to tip-off, so you’re better off getting there early or buying tickets through their website beforehand. Security is more thorough than it is at most other mid-major arenas. You will have to pass through a metal detector and have any bags checked. Once your ticket is scanned, you then enter the main concourse at the top of the lower bowl. There are enough bathrooms to ensure no wait times during breaks in the game. The concourses are wide enough to easily accommodate a 7,000 or less person crowd. Although playing in a huge arena can have its drawbacks, it does mean there won’t be any traffic jams, both in terms of the concourse during the game and cars in the parking lot after the game. Return on Investment 4 Mid-major college basketball is the best of both worlds, cheap ticket prices to watch Division 1 college basketball. The Southern Conference is not considered the premier conference in nation by most analysts, but it’s still a very good mid-major conference in the highest division of amateur basketball in America. Tickets start at $10 even for the biggest conference games. Season ticket holders mostly have the best seats in the house, but sometimes lower sidelines are available to the general public. It’s just about impossible to break the bank at a UNCG game, and they are worth every penny. Extras 2 Something incredible the Greensboro Coliseum does is show the game on large video boards at the ends of the upper concourses. It allows fans to travel the concourse without taking their eyes off the action. It’s a shame this isn’t a more mainstream concept in the world of athletic venues. And once again, the ACC Hall of Champions is a must-see. Greensboro and the surrounding rural North Carolina is the birthplace of the greatest basketball conference of all-time. Final Thoughts The Greensboro Coliseum is one of those places that feels different than others as you see the court for the first time. Some arenas have a unique smell or sound attached to them. The Coliseum instead has a unique emotional feeling attached to it. That feeling comes from knowing how many fans of yesteryear have sat where you’re sitting; doing exactly what you’re doing – experiencing an intense game on the hardwood; writing the next chapter of basketball memories for Tournament Town.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 H.P. Hunnicutt Field 150 Old Bluefield Rd Princeton, WV 24740 Priceton WhistlePigs website H.P. Hunnicutt Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1,700 Along the Appalachian League Trail: Princeton Princeton, West Virginia has the honor of being the smallest town in America with a minor league baseball team. The town is home to 6,400 residents and the Princeton Rays of the Appalachian League. The county school board- owned Hunnicutt Field serves as the home field for the Rays as well as Princeton High School baseball. The 1,700-seat stadium opened in 1988 and was renovated in 1999. Hunnicutt Field offers a covered grandstand with chair back seating in the area behind home plate. The remaining seating at the stadium consists of metal bleachers. All seating is elevated above the field level, providing fans with an excellent view of the action. Food & Beverage 3 Hunnicutt Field has a single concession stand located on the concourse behind the grandstand. It sells a wide variety of foods, including hot dogs ($2), hamburgers ($4), spicy chicken sandwiches ($4), corn dogs ($2), wiener kraut ($3), funnel cakes ($4), cheese nachos ($3), and walking tacos ($3). Drinks include Pepsi brand sodas ($3), bottled water ($2) and Gatorade ($3). Beer cannot be served at Hunnicutt Field as the stadium is owned by the school board. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Rays games is very similar to that of a high school game. It is played in a stadium that doubles as the high school baseball field and features players that are only 1-2 years removed from high school themselves. Many of the fans in the bleachers are parents or host parents to the players. Almost all the players on the team are known by their first names. The team’s top rival comes from a town (Bluefield, WV) located just a 10-minute drive from Hunnicutt Field. Neighborhood 3 Hunnicutt Field is in downtown Princeton, just two red lights west of the I-77 exit for Princeton. The immediate neighborhood around the park consists of the high school, several convenience stores and three fast food restaurants. Princeton owes its existence to the railroad, as trains carrying the coal from the area mines were routed through the town. So, it is not surprising that one of Princeton’s main attractions is the Princeton Railroad Museum housed in the beautiful old railroad depot. A second attraction is the McNutt House, the lone surviving house in the town from the Civil War. Most of the restaurants in town are of the fast food variety. Two sit-down favorites are Angelo’s Pizzeria and A Taste of Memphis BBQ restaurant. There are numerous hotels located at the Princeton exit off I-77, with the Quality Inn and the Days Inn having the nicest rooms and best rates. Fans 3 The two Appalachian League representatives in West Virginia compete every season for the Mercer Cup. It is given to the team with the best record in games between the two teams. Princeton and Bluefield both display a lot of civic pride in this friendly competition, and there are large turnouts for these games. Over the years, Princeton and Bluefield are usually in the thick of the pennant race for the Applachian League title. This fills the stands on a regular basis as the season comes to a close. Leading the cheers for the Rays fans is Roscoe the Rooster, the team’s mascot. (Why he is not Ray the Rooster is beyond us). Access 5 Hunnicutt Field is easily reached via I-77.Take the Princeton exit (Rte.9) off I-77.Continue on Rte.460 West to the Downtown Princeton exit. Turn right on Ingleside, then left at Tiger Drive.Continue past Princeton Primary School and Princeton High School. Hunnicutt Field will be just past the high school on your right.Parking is free in the lot beyond the outfield wall. Return on Investment 4 This Princeton is much more affordable than the one in New Jersey. Ticket prices are $8 for reserved seats and $6 for general admission. The concession stand offers a good variety of items at very reasonable prices. Parking is free and area hotels cost less than $75 per night. The Rays and the Bluefield Jays (12 miles apart) often stagger their game times, allowing you to get a double header in during your visit to West Virginia. Extras 2 Despite being a small town, Princeton is the hometown to some very famous actors and actresses. They include Jennifer Garner, Sam Elliott and Bob “Gilligan” Denver. Ironically the only place to watch the game at field level is from the picnic area located underneath the bleachers and directly behind home plate. Final Thoughts The town of Princeton, West Virginia has the distinct honor of being the smallest town in America with a minor league baseball team. The Princeton Rays are the main draw in town each summer and the locals are proud to call them their own. The rivalry with nearby Bluefield, West Virginia for the Mercer Cup each season brings extra excitement to the games.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Health and Physical Education Arena 3100 Cleburne St Houston, TX 77004 Texas Southern Tigers website Health and Physical Education Arena website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 8,100 Welcome to the Tigers’ Lair The Texas Southern Tigers have enjoyed an almost unprecedented level of success as a basketball program in the SWAC. Since 1990, the squad from Houston has won six conference titles and made six appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The squad has done so from the comfort of their home court, the Health and Physical Education Arena. Built in the late 1980s, the arena is the perfect fit for a small-sized school that plays big time basketball. Food & Beverage 3 This ranking might be a bit unfair. The HPE (as it is known on the P.A. at the arena) has four separate food “kiosks,” one at each corner. As this was the last game of the season, only three were open. The stands that are open only take cash at games, so be forewarned. Two (three including the closed stand) offer traditional fare like popcorn, chips, candy, and nachos (which you can also add chili to). The closed stand appeared to also offer hot dogs, turkey legs and beer. The star attraction in the concessions department, however, is the chicken wings. You get a boat/basket full for $8 and they are easily the most popular item as fans queue up in deep waiting lines to get them. Another non-traditional concession favorite is their offering of the Cajun favorite boudain. For $6, you get an order of the sausage treat (still in its casing) and bread. Also, be sure to make a stop by Mam’s Sno Balls for some sweet treats. These made to order snow cones are also popular among the home crowd. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere, as would be expected for a program that has enjoyed as much success a Texas Southern, was electric at the HPE. The P.A. announcer does a tremendous job of getting the crowd fired up from the opening tip. The game starts with the tradition of no one rooting for the home team sitting until the Tigers score a bucket. The rafters surrounding the Coach Moreland Court are adorned with the banners of past success and the retired numbers of former great players. This adds the air of importance befitting of a program that has attained the success Texas Southern has. As always, college athletics are greatly aided by the pageantry that goes into games. The Ocean of Soul TSU Band and the Tigress Sensations Dance Team add even more fun and excitement to the atmosphere. Neighborhood 2 The HPE is located right on the Texas Southern campus. The campus itself is located right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. As such, there is not much in the way of attractions in the area. A few small restaurants can be found in the area, but that is about it in terms of things to see or do. On the plus side, Houston is the fourth largest city in the country. Within 15-30 minutes of leaving the campus in any direction, you can find a wealth of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options. You will just need to do a bit of research beforehand. Fans 4 TSU fans are flat out fantastic. They are vocal, passionate, and tuned into the game for its entirety. The most exciting thing in paying attention to the crowd is the vast range in ages of Tiger fans in attendance. The stands are packed with a great mix of young and old fans alike. You can literally see multiple generations of TSU fans at each home game. While the HPE is designed to hold over 8,000 fans, do not expect to get that type of capacity crowd. However, with the fans that do attend – you won’t be able to help but get caught up in their frenzied passion for their team. Access 3 You can get to the Health and Physical Education Arena at Texas Southern fairly easily off of either Interstates 69 or 45, depending on where you are coming from in the city. Off the highway though, you will need to make sure your GPS is working! You will have to navigate through a neighborhood to find the arena. The great public transportation system that Houston has in its downtown area – aside from public buses – does not extend to this part of the city. Once there though, there is ample parking in the garage right behind the arena. Parking is often free for some home games. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets for Tigers home games start at $10 per person. This is a great bargain as there really aren’t any bad sight lines in the building. If you couple this with the relatively low cost for concessions (the chicken wings at $8 are the highest costing item on the menu) and the opportunity to pay $0 for parking, this makes for a great evening of NCAA basketball. Playing in the SWAC and playing many non-conference games annually against a horde of some of the game’s biggest programs affords attendees to the HPE the chance to see some really great college basketball for a price that is easy on the old pocket book. Extras 2 While there aren’t many frills at the Health and Physical Education Arena, there are a couple of standout “extras” to highlight. In addition to the dance team, the Tigers cheerleaders are also great. They add the right amount of emphasis at the right moments in the game to keep the crowd energized and focused on the action on the court. Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention the school mascot, Tommy the Tiger. This guy is high-energy personified. When he isn’t heckling opposing players behind the basket on free throw attempts, he is seeking out small children and fans on the baselines to hug. When he isn’t doing that he is – no joke – hurdling trashcans at full speed sprints. “He” exemplifies what a great college mascot should be. Final Thoughts I didn’t have much in the way of preconceived thoughts prior to coming to the game at Health and Physical Education Arena. Upon visiting it, I came away impressed with the building (despite its obvious age) and the TSU fan base. This campus is full of legacy, history, and culture. The basketball team has a glorious winning tradition. If you are in Houston and looking for some big time hoops action, head over to the HPE.