Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field 275 Tennis Ct Williamsburg, VA 23185 William & Mary Tribe website Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,000 Home of the Tribe Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, the College of William & Mary is one of the oldest universities in the United States. Founded by King William III and Queen Mary II of England in 1693, William & Mary predates the founding of the country by almost a century. Only Harvard University is older. W&M’s athletic programs are known as the Tribe, and they compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Tribe’s soccer teams play just off campus at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field, which is located in a complex that is also home to Plumeri Park, home to Tribe baseball. The stadium opened in 2004 and was named after men’s soccer coach Al Albert and women’s soccer coach John Daly. It was upgraded significantly in 2011 following a sizeable donation from Eff and Patty Martin and their children. Their names were then added to the stadium. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand available at a table on the concourse near the entrance. Grilled items such as burgers and hot dogs are for sale, as are assorted snacks such as chips, cookies, and Welch’s Fruit Snacks. Bottled soda and water are also available. Prices here are reasonable so you shouldn’t have to pay too much for anything. Atmosphere 4 When you walk into Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field, the first thing you will notice is the banners hanging on the back of the bleachers showing the Tribe’s soccer achievements over the years. The brick exterior of the stadium and the back of the bleachers make you think this stadium is a lot older than it is – it was only built In 2004. Of course, the college as a whole is much older and this is likely intended to emulate that. From the concourse, you will walk up a flight of stairs or a ramp to the bleachers. The bleachers are not that large as the stadium only seats a thousand people, so you should have a pretty good view of the action no matter where you sit. None of the bleachers have backs, although some fans like to bring portable chairbacks. There is also a standing room area next to the bleachers, although fans are not permitted to stand in the front aisle of the bleachers and watch from there. A scoreboard at the stadium shows shots and corner kicks in addition to the score and game clock. Neighborhood 4 The good news is that Williamsburg is a great city. The bad news is that Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field is far removed from most of the best parts. Colonial Williamsburg is about a ten-minute drive away while the Busch Gardens amusement park is 15 minutes away. Williamsburg seems to have an inordinately large number of pancake houses for its size, so if you come in the night before, you will certainly find somewhere to grab breakfast. Originally, hotels catering to tourists did not serve breakfast and would instead recommend nearby pancake houses. While many hotels do now have restaurants, the pancake houses remain. Fans 5 According to the official attendance numbers, William & Mary draws 100 to 200 fans a game, but the stadium seems more full than that. When Stadium Journey visited, the ticket takers were having a confused discussion with each other over who to count as they entered the venue, so perhaps some fans are not being counted for some reason. In any case, the fans who do attend come decked in William & Mary gear and rocking the green and gold. They are loud, passionate, boisterous, and knowledgeable about their team. There are some friends and family of the players, but there are also longtime William & Mary fans who are just looking to cheer on the Tribe. The off-campus location of the stadium means there are almost no students in attendance, but the rest of the crowd makes up for the lack of a student section with their energy. Access 2 The athletic complex that houses the soccer stadium is located a few miles off Interstate 64. There are a few small lots located within where fans can park, but they will fill up at which point fans park haphazardly anywhere they can find room. It can be a tight fit getting out at the end of the game because of where all the cars are parked. Parking is free on weekends but you will need to pay with a smartphone app on weekdays. It will start at $3 and go up depending on how long you stay. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $10 each, which is at the high end for college soccer. Some top-tier programs charge that much, but most schools of William & Mary’s caliber charge less or even have free admission. That being said, discounts are available to the military, seniors, and youth, and even $10 certainly won’t break the bank. Concessions are affordable, and we recommend going on a weekend to avoid having to pay for parking. Extras 2 One star for the banners on the back of the bleachers honoring all the history of William & Mary soccer. A second star for the marketing table which gives away free programs and other items. Final Thoughts Although college soccer doesn’t quite have the appeal of college football in the fall, Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field is a gorgeous venue that feels modern while at the same time having a rustic appearance. This is emblematic of William & Mary, and the City of Williamsburg as a whole. On a crisp fall afternoon, spending a couple of hours taking in a soccer game here can be an enjoyable experience for any fan.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Longwood Soccer Field 1500 Johnston Dr Farmville, VA 23901 Longwood Lancers website Longwood Soccer Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 350 Small Town Soccer Opened in 2006, the Longwood Soccer Field is part of the Longwood Athletics Complex, which also Is home to Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field, the home of the Lancers’ field hockey programs. The two fields share a concourse that runs behind the bleachers and it is possible to walk from one to the other without leaving the facility. The stadium has a unique press box made from recycled freight containers and seats approximately 350 fans. Longwood’s men’s soccer team has won two conference titles since joining Division I, but has never made the tournament since the Atlantic Soccer Conference did not have an automatic bid. Since joining the Big South in 2012, Longwood has not been as successful in soccer. For Stadium Journey’s visit, we attended a doubleheader featuring the Lancers’ women’s and men’s soccer teams. The experiences were roughly comparable, so this review is applicable to either one. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Longwood Soccer Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Some fans set up outside with tents and food before the game, but this is for particular groups who know each other. Atmosphere 3 When walking into the Longwood Athletics Complex through the main gate, you will have the option of walking to your right to the soccer field or to your left to the field hockey stadium. Both fields are visible throughout most of the complex, so if there are games going on in both places, you can easily watch them both at the same time. The soccer field has a few rows of bleachers beneath the concourse. Smaller fans can lean against the press box in the back row, but these bleachers have less depth than the rest so it will really only be possible for kids and small teens as attractive an option as it may seem. Many fans also choose to bring their own chairs and sit alongside the concourse or bring their blankets and sit on the hill that runs down from the concourse to the left of the bleachers. Wherever you sit, you will be up close to the action and able to hear the players, referees, and coaches chattering. Of course, due to the lack of stoppages in soccer, much of the atmosphere at any game is going to come from the crowd. The fans who attend can be quite involved at times and it can get quite loud after Lancers goals, but there are also moments when it is dead quiet. Nonetheless, the fans do contribute to the atmosphere here so it bears mention in this section. Neighborhood 3 Farmville is a quaint, small town, and while it’s in the middle of nowhere, there is still plenty to do here. Although there are typical chain places, your best bet is to check out the local color at places such as Walker’s Diner or Riverside Café, both of which are very close to the stadium. In fact, everything in Farmville is very close to the stadium, because it’s a very small town. Just head off campus and turn onto Main Street and just about everything will be right there. Fans 5 Longwood draws a few hundred fans to a typical soccer game, which may not seem like much until you realize the capacity is only 350. This means that the bleachers are packed, fans line the concourse in their own chairs, and many sit on the hill as well. While you don’t have the constant chanting you will get at many professional and a few college venues, those in attendance are often boisterous, particularly after big Lancers plays or goals. They are not afraid to get on their own team’s case after bad plays, but when the Lancers are playing well, or even just have one big moment in an otherwise poor game, it can get loud here. The fact that the fans are packed so close together really contributes to the energy as well. Access 2 There are a few roads into Farmville, but regardless of how you get into town, you are going to have to drive quite a bit. Most likely you will end up taking either State Route 45 or U.S. Route 460, but if you’re coming from any sort of populated area, Farmville probably isn’t close to you. Lynchburg is the closest remotely large city, and it’s a full hour away. Richmond is about an hour and 15 minutes, while Washington, D.C. is about three hours. The Longwood Athletics Complex is not actually located on the Longwood campus but rather a short drive from it. Although students will often make the walk over, if you’re driving in you will be able to park right there at the stadium. There is a small lot adjacent to it, and if it fills up, which it will if you don’t get there early, you can park on the grass behind the lot. If parking on the pavement is important to you, make sure to get there at least 45 minutes to an hour before the first game of the day, or you will be parking on grass most likely. Restrooms are available in the back of the concourse, with additional ones in the adjacent field hockey stadium that are usually open during games. However, barring unexpected plumbing problems, you have no problems using the ones in the soccer stadium as there are never any lines. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Lancers soccer games is free, and you won’t pay for concessions or parking either. With a great atmosphere for a college soccer game, this is an excellent value. Extras 1 There are often multiple games per day in the Longwood Athletics Complex, whether that’s a women’s and men’s soccer doubleheader or a soccer game plus a field hockey game at the adjacent field. This gives fans the opportunity to see more while they are in town, and of course, it’s all free. Final Thoughts Although Farmville may not be the most attractive tourist destination, and Longwood may not be the most well-known university, vWhile the crowds may not be large in absolute numbers, they pack the small stadium, and often less is more. This is one of those cases – if this stadium held even a thousand fans, it would be a much different atmosphere than it is right now.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Southern Miss Wellness Center 105 M. K. Turk Circle Hattiesburg, MS 39406 Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles website Southern Miss Wellness Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 1,000 To the Top The Southern Miss Volleyball program is one 15 sports sponsored by the University of Southern Mississippi. Since the first year of volleyball in 1979 the Golden Eagles have not had much success on the court. After 44 seasons the Golden Eagles are 599-788 and have never been to a conference tournament, nor the NCAA Tournament. However, the 2022 season marks a new beginning for Southern Miss Athletics, as the Golden Eagles have joined the Sun Belt Conference. Before that Southern Miss competed in Conference USA (1995-2021) and the Metro Conference (1982-1995). The Golden Eagles will have one of the nicest facilities in the Sun Belt for the 2022 volleyball season, namely the beautiful and spacious Southern Miss Wellness Center, which opened in 2020 and is now entering its third year hosting volleyball matches. Previously the Golden Eagles played at Reed Green Coliseum next door, which also houses the basketball teams. Because of scheduling conflicts with the men’s and women’s basketball programs at the Coliseum, however, the University opened the new volleyball-only venue – entering the 2022 season Southern Miss is 16-11 at home since the opening of the Wellness Center. Food & Beverage 2 The Wellness Center features one concessions stand in the lobby at the main entrance. The basics are sold and are fairly cheap; hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos at $4, with popcorn, pretzels, and assorted candies at $3. Coke is the official soft drink provider of Southern Miss Athletics with a souvenir cup costing $5, or you can get a 22 oz soda for $4 or Smartwater for $3. Alcohol is usually sold at Southern Miss sporting events, but not at volleyball matches. Atmosphere 3 The opening of Southern Miss Wellness Center has brought a revitalization to the lowly volleyball program and brings a much more intimate atmosphere than the Coliseum did. The main problem with Reed Green Coliseum was that it is just too large to host the volleyball program. Matches were often played with fans spread out throughout the building, and the volleyball program was secondary to the men’s and women’s basketball teams. From the outside Wellness Center is a large barn-shaped brick and tin structure located right next to the Coliseum . There is one main entrance on the west side of the building with a ticket booth. As soon as you enter there is a small lobby with one concessions stand and restrooms, as well as stairs that go up to a suite and to the coaches’ offices. The open-area suite area is quite large for a volleyball-only arena, but features a TV and several chairback seats overlooking the court. The suite area is open to members of the Eagle Club and season ticket holders only. Inside the building you can definitely feel the newness here as the court is well glossed with the giant Southern Miss logo at midcourt. The acoustics are really nice, as the music and sound echo off the tin roof pretty nicely – it can get quite loud in here and you can actually hear the music from the parking lot as you walk up to the building. The court faces east and west with 11 rows of black plastic chair seating on both sides of the court. On the east far end of the court is a rather large videoboard that shows replays and promotional videos. The team benches and scorer’s table are located on the south side of the court with a pretty cool LED board that runs in front of the scorer’s table. Neighborhood 3 Hattiesburg (a.k.a. the Burg) is a decent-sized city of about 50,000 people, so it has everything you could want in a city and still retains that college town feel. The Burg has a wide selection of bars and restaurants, but unlike most college towns they are not located near each other – instead they are spread out all over town. Within walking distance of the Wellness Center you’ll find places like Patio 44, Brewsky’s, and 4th Street Bar – if you’re looking for vintage Southern Miss memorabilia on the walls of a hole in a wall then 4th Street Bar is your place, while Keg & Barrel, Porter, and Nostalgia are all popular places closer to downtown. As a southern city Hattiesburg has its fair share of restaurants centered on the local fare; other popular spots include Crescent City Grill, Brass Hat, Midtowner, Chesterfields, Ed’s Burger Joint, Stricks, and Murky Waters BBQ. As one of Mississippi’s largest cities there is plenty to do for all ages. For families there’s the Hattiesburg Zoo and the Pocket Museum, which is located in an alleyway next to the Saengar Theatre downtown. The Pocket Museum is Mississippi’s tiniest museum, and each month the museum changes to a different theme. If you come to a volleyball match during October make sure you check out the spooky Halloween display that is spread out throughout the alley and at the Zoo. For shopping there are plenty of chain stores as well as the Turtle Creek Mall. Or, if you are into the outdoors there is the Long Leaf Trace, a 44-mile bike trail that runs right through campus right next to the Wellness Center, while Paul B. Johnson State Park just south of Hattiesburg is an excellent place for camping. Fans 2 The fan base at volleyball matches is mostly a mix of friends and families, but with a small student section located behind the scorer’s bench. Also with many of the Sun Belt schools located within a few hours driving distance of Hattiesburg, expect a small group of visiting fans on the north side bleachers. The Golden Eagles average about 300 fans per match which is about average for this level of college volleyball, but 300 fans at a small venue like this looks a lot better than when the volleyball program played at the cavernous Coliseum where the venue would look completely empty. It’s also a lot more of an intimate setting here, as all the seats are much closer to the court, with the furthest row being about 20 feet from the playing court. Access 4 There is a reason Hattiesburg is nicknamed the Hub City, as it one of the most accessible cities in the state. Conveniently located about an hour and a half from the Coast, New Orleans, Jackson, and Mobile, Hattiesburg sits right in the middle of it all. You will not miss the campus as you come into Hattiesburg as it is located on the corner of Highway 49 and Hardy Street, two of the busiest roads in town. The Wellness Center is located on the north side of campus right next to Reed Green Coliseum and the beach volleyball facility, and directly across the street from Pete Taylor Park , the school’s baseball stadium. For some of the Friday afternoon matchups, make sure you park in the public lots to avoid getting a parking ticket if you park before 5 pm. The public lots for parking are located to the west of the Wellness Center, or you can use the large parking lot across the street at Pete Taylor Park. Or, if you come on a weekend you should have no problem parking at any lot on campus. The Southern Miss campus is also one of the smallest D1 colleges in the country, only one square block, so you should have no problem parking anywhere on campus and walking to the Wellness Center. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are sold for $5 from the ticket office at the main entrance. You can also purchase season tickets for $30, which is considered a great deal since during the 2022 season the Golden Eagles played nine home games, which would save you $15. You also have access to the suite area with a season ticket purchase as well, so I considered this a great return on investment. Extras 3 Southern Miss is one of two Sun Belt programs that play in buildings specifically built for volleyball. The rest play either play in the school’s basketball arenas or at old basketball arenas on campus. Another extra for the Eagle Club suite located on the second level overlooking the court. The Eagle Club is a membership-based scholarship fund whose mission is to provide scholarship funds for the nearly 400 student athletes at Southern Miss. There are different levels of the Eagle Club, each with their own perks depending on how much you donate. The school also has a beach volleyball team that began its first season in 2019, and plays right next door to the Wellness Center during the spring months. Many of the same girls who play regular volleyball also play beach volleyball as well. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the building of the Wellness Center regarding where the funds came from to build it. With a reported cost of $7 million to build the facility, the Wellness Center allegedly received at least $5 million from the State of Mississippi’s welfare funds. Regardless, the Wellness Center remains an excellent place to watch a college volleyball match, if not one of the finest volleyball-only arenas in the country. With a new coach, new conference, and a new facility to call home, big things are on the horizon for the Southern Miss volleyball program.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Biddle Field 610 W High St Carlisle, PA 17013 Dickinson Red Devils website Biddle Field website Year Opened: 1903 The Red Devils Of Carlisle Dickinson College is a private liberal arts college in Carlisle, Pennsylvania which was founded in 1773 and officially chartered in 1783. This means it is the first college to be founded after the formation of the United States. Dickinson’s campus is not far from the nation’s second oldest military base, Carlisle Barracks, which is now used as the U.S. Army War College. The Dickinson Red Devils play at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the Centennial Conference. Biddle Field is part of the larger Biddle Field Complex. The complex is home to the college’s football, field hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s track & field, and men’s and women’s tennis. The stadium and turf surface was renovated recently in 2019. There is the Durden Athletic Training Center, which opened in 2014, that added locker rooms and a varsity weight training facility. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand located behind the main stands that sells pizza, chips, candy, Gatorade, water, and soda. Prices are cheap and the pizza was tasty, but if you want more please plan on eating before or after the game. Biddle Field Concessions, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 2 We get the feeling that Dickinson is not a big football school. The stands are lightly filled by fans, with more fans in the visiting stands for the game we attended. There are cheerleaders, and that is about it in terms of atmosphere. High schools will be more boisterous than the fans at Biddle Field. Neighborhood 4 Carlisle is a pleasant town in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania. In 2010, Forbes rated Carlisle and nearby Harrisburg, as the second-best place to raise a family. This is evident in the beautiful area. The U.S. Army War College, located at Carlisle Barracks, is close by so you may see high-level military personnel preparing for their strategic leadership responsibilities. If you are coming to a game at Dickinson, you can venture east down High Street and find quite a few small-town dining options. Fans 2 There was not a large number of fans at the game we attended. The visiting team brought a more visible and loud bunch, even though the home team was the far superior team that day. The fans who did attend were not very loud. Access 3 Dickinson is located west of Harrisburg along a major Interstate highway, I-81. There is not a lot of parking right at Biddle Field, but there is enough street parking and other campus lots that can handle the small crowds. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Red Devil’s game is free. There was also no charge for parking. The concessions are very decent in terms of pricing, so with all of that, the return on investment is pretty good, even if the level of play is fairly low. Extras 2 The campus is one of the nation’s oldest and the stadium is also very old. There are a few plaques and interesting, historic entrance gates that one should spend some time checking out while attending a game at Biddle Field. The college has gone digital with its game programs. Some may find this annoying, but we find it refreshing to see an official statement about that. Final Thoughts Biddle Field and Dickinson Red Devils football is not going to be a place for all kinds of fans, but it is a pleasant and cheap place to enjoy a college football game.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium 2531 N State St Jackson, MS 39216 Jackson State Tigers website Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 44,215 This is SWAC The Jackson State Tigers football program is one of the more prestigious HBCUs in the country. Since joining the SWAC in 1958 the Tigers have won 18 SWAC Championships, 3 HBCU National Championships, and sent over 90 players to the NFL including 16 Pro Bowlers and six College Football Hall of Famers. During the 1960s and 1970s the program gained exposure on a national level. The JSU program produced four players enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame during that time period, when some of the best black football players in the south, names like Walter Payton and Jerry Rice, were attending HBCUs. In fact only 13 other schools have more players enshrined in Canton than Jackson State – Walter Payton, Lem Barney, Robert Brazile and Jackie Slater are the four players from JSU who are currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Tigers play off-campus at Historic Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, which opened in 1950 just north of downtown Jackson. The Vet, as it’s known by locals, is perhaps the Mecca of College Football in the State of Mississippi. The historic structure has played host to some of the greatest college football games in the state, and even the South for that matter. With a capacity of 60,000 seats, the Vet remained the largest stadium in the state until 2014, and because of its large capacity, over 100 neutral site college football games have been played here during its 70+ year history. The stadium served as the neutral site for all of Mississippi’s Big 3 teams, and at one time in the 1970s Ole Miss and Mississippi State played more games here than in Oxford or Starkville. The Tigers began playing here in 1970. Though there is a lot of history at The Vet, in the past 20-30 years the stadium has fallen on hard times. The large concrete structure hasn’t received many renovations over the years and thus is quite too large for a school the size of JSU. Because of its location on the property of the Ole Miss Med School, there has been talk about knocking the stadium down to expand the Med School and build a smaller stadium on JSU’s campus. However, that all changed in 2020 thanks to the hiring of Head Coach Deion Sanders. Coach Prime has completely changed the face of the SWAC and the way people look at HBCUs. Coach Prime has also brought prestige and fan support back to Jackson. Now on Saturdays Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is packed out once again, something this stadium hasn’t seen in over 30 years. The rebuilding at Jackson State would reach the ultimate pinnacle in October 2022, when the stadium was selected to host College Game Day – it was the first time the popular College Football pregame show made a trip to an HBCU home football game, and was only the third time the show has broadcast from the state of Mississippi. Food & Beverage 3 The Vet has 16 permanent concession stands scattered throughout the concourse. In years past rarely was every stand open during games, and each stand that was open would only sell the basics. However, the increase in exposure has also brought better concessions. In 2021 JSU partnered with Sodexo Magic, an F&B company co-owned by Magic Johnson, to revamp the concessions from the basic fare they had in the past. There are stands on both sides of the concourses now with every kind of food imaginable, as each stand has a unique menu centered on a particular theme. It’s almost a carnival atmosphere on the concourse with vendors in tents selling items, and concessions stands on both sides of concourse. You’ll find a pretzel stand on the east side that sells pretzel dogs and bites, while the Not Just a Burger stand sells burgers and fries ($15), a fish plate ($16), a chicken plate ($13), or gumbo ($16). The Smokin’ 7 stand sells ribs and fries ($19), pulled pork nachos ($14), wings and fries ($14), or egg rolls ($14), and there is also a wings only stand where you can order 10, 20, or 50 pieces. they even had a guy cooking up the wings behind the counter adding his different sauces. It can be kind of confusing, because each stand doesn’t sell the basics in addition. For instance the only place to get a hot dog would be the Taste of Detroit stand on the north concourse, which sells a broad mix of items such as Philly cheese steak ($15), a hamburger and fries ($14), a popcorn chicken combo ($11), or a hot dog and fries ($11). Alternatively if you want popcorn you have to walk around until you find the two stands that sell it, which happen to be on the far west side and the far east sides of the concourse, but it is cool because you can get unique items you wouldn’t normally find at a sporting event, like fried gizzards and green tomatoes, which you can get as Sha’s Kitchen stand. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider at The Vet, and there are several pop-up bars set up on the concourse selling alcohol – they sell four different kinds of 16oz beers (Modelo, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, and Yuengling), ranging from $8-$10 each. Atmosphere 5 When The Vet is full this place rivals SEC schools when it comes to atmosphere – in 2022 The Vet is packed out for almost every game, and coming to Jackson for a JSU game is as close to big time college football as you can get. You’ll also get A-list celebrity sightings, as Snoop Dogg and The Rock have all been spotted at The Vet for games. You’ll also see former football players in attendance, as Coach Prime has been known to bring in some of his former teammates and friends like Troy Aikman and Michael Strahan. All this in front of a sold out crowd of people, and even more people in the parking lot tailgating, while the greatest band in college football plays so loud you can’t even hear, and 4 and 5 star recruits play on the field. You will think you are at a power 5 conference game or an NFL game, but this is SWAC. The first thing you’ll notice when arriving at a game here is a ton of people tailgating. The Vet sits in a massive parking lot that holds over 80,000 cars, and all throughout the parking lot you’ll see a sea of grills and tents. Jackson is nicknamed the City with Soul, and with a nickname like that you’re bound to find somebody to let you come get a bite to eat. And of course, as this is the South, you’ll find people cooking and grilling all kinds of food, from southern fried foods to BBQ and many different seafoods, the people at Jackson State know how to tailgate. Tailgating at JSU, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey When Jackson State purchased the stadium from the city in 2013 they added the huge words across the top of the stadium that said Home of the JSU Tigers, but other than that you would have a hard time telling who the main tenant of the stadium is. But you will notice just how large Mississippi Veterans Stadium actually is – the large horseshoe-shaped structure is open on the southeast end zone so you can see inside the giant stadium from the parking lot. I’d imagine The Vet to be a pretty intimidating place for visiting teams to play in, as it is by far the largest stadium in the SWAC. There are 12 gates for entry, with the two main entrances on the east and west sides. As you approach the gates the first thing you’ll hear from the grandstands is the JSU marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South. Probably the most famous marching band in all of college football, the Sonic Boom of the South has to be seen to be believed. The band will play a broad range of music genres, all while dancing and moving in unison, which is quite a sight to see. During pregame they will rarely play music over the loudspeakers because the band will play continuously while the teams warmup. A JSU game is also one football game where people don’t go to the concessions during halftime, as the Sonic Boom of the South puts on probably the best halftime show in all of college football; if you come to a JSU game if nothing else you have to stay for the halftime show. The Vet is a large concrete structure, typical of stadiums of that time period and shaped like a horseshoe bowl built inside of a hill – the stadium is one big bowl with over 60 rows of metal bleacher seating. The Vet sits sunken into the hill, so you enter from the concourse and walk up and down the bowl depending on which level you are sitting in. Once in the stadium you really get a sense of the feel of the history and aura that surrounds The Vet; the place has remained virtually unchanged from what it looked like 50 years ago. The only additions the stadium has received over the years are the addition of the fieldhouse and videoboard in the southeast endzone and 10,000 additional seats added in 1981. Other than that there are no special suites, club levels, nor the amenities found at other stadiums. In this case it works as there is a real old school gritty feel here, and during the 2022 season with attendance at an all-time high again, combined with the Sonic Boom of the South playing, I almost felt like I was transported back to the 1970s with Walter Payton going to run out of the tunnel. Neighborhood 3 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is located north of downtown Jackson, and about 4 miles away from the JSU campus. The Vet is located directly across the street from the University of Mississippi Medical School in the popular Fondren District. This is the nightlife area for Jackson, and you will find numerous bars and restaurants on this stretch of street. Fondren Public is my favorite, with shuffleboard, cornhole, beer pong and all kinds of games and craft beer – I definitely recommend checking this place out. Another one of my favorites is Brent’s Drug, which is an old soda fountain diner from the 1950s. But in the back down some stairs is a hidden bar called the Apothecary, which is an old speakeasy from the prohibition days. Other popular places and restaurants include a bowling alley called Highball Lanes, Capri Theatre, Pig & Pint, Walker’s Drive In, Saltine’s Oyster Bar, Barrelhouse Bar, Rooster’s, and Sal & Mookies. The Vet is also located about three miles from downtown Jackson, and there are plenty of attractions downtown from the current Mississippi state capitol to the old capitol, both of which are open to the public. You also have the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Mississippi Art Museum, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, which is located on Lakeland Drive. One bar worth checking out downtown is Underground 119, an underground blues club with excellent live blue music. Or, Hal & Mal’s is another famous spot known for its live music, in addition to the Tavern on George Street, a hole-in-the-wall pub. You are also in the capital and largest city in Mississippi, so you should be able to find plenty to do for all ages. There is plenty of shopping on Lakeland Drive about a mile from the stadium, and if you are into the outdoors you have LaFleur’s Bluff State Park and Natchez Trace Parkway, as well as plenty of boating activities on the Ross Barnett Reservoir, a large lake in the center of Jackson. Fans 5 JSU has always had a pretty dedicated and supportive fan base. In past years they would still get 20,000 fans for any given game, in which they would most always lead the SWAC in attendance. Unfortunately The Vet is so large that the stadium was still half empty during games. You’ll still find the dedicated fans who have been coming here with their families for generations, by the way – they can remember watching Walter Payton run the ball here and then coming back 50 years later with their grandkids to watch Coach Prime. In years past you would see fans who would only come to watch the bands, so they would leave after the halftime show. Not so now; Coach Prime has JSU fan support at an all-time high, and fans are into the game from start to finish now. When the Sonic Boom of the South plays the fans will dance and sing to the songs that the band is playing and chanting. The electricity on gamedays that Coach Prime has brought is pretty cool, and something the SWAC has never seen before. JSU also has heated rivalries with other SWAC schools, with each game given its own name and special theme. For instance JSU’s game with Southern is called the Boom Box Classic, while its game against Alcorn State is called the Soul Bowl, so whenever these games are played expect lots of visiting fans. The Tigers also set record numbers in attendance during the 2021 season – the Tigers averaged 42,000 per game for the season, which led the FCS in attendance. JSU also packed 58,000 fans for the game against Alcorn State, which ranks second in program history. In 2022 they average even more fans than they ever have. Access 2 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is located north of downtown Jackson. If coming from out of town I-55 will be your best bet as it travels right through downtown, and as you roll through on I-55 you’ll get fabulous views of state capitol to the left. The Vet is right off the interstate; just take Exit 98A onto Woodrow Wilson Ave, then travel past two giant hospitals and the Ole Miss Medical School, and the stadium is right there in the Fondren District. The stadium is located in a huge parking lot, but more than likely this lot will be full with people tailgating as well as hundreds of RVs. This lot will start filling up on Friday and will be full by early Saturday morning, or if you can snag a spot on the stadium grounds you will be paying $20 to park. Unfortunately street parking may be your best option as there isn’t any public parking nearby. Many people park on the median on Woodrow Wilson Avenue to the south. Murrah High School also has parking on their school grounds, or you could park on campus at Belhaven University and make a long walk to the stadium. Once inside the stadium getting around could be an issue – there are 16 separate entrances, but with the increased attendance and fan support the lines in the stadium back up substantially. It can take over 30 minutes to get into the stadium once you arrive. Once on the concourse it isn’t much better, as there is no traffic flow and tons of people, not to mention the long concession lines. If you try to walk around the concourse before the game it will take a while, and you will be shoulder to shoulder with people (you enter the venue at mid-level and then have to walk up or down a steep set of stairs). The whole stadium is very large so there is plenty of room to move around once you get to the grandstand, however, and you can sit wherever you want except in six specific sections (three on each side), which are reserved for season ticket holders and sell out well before the season starts. Return on Investment 4 You can expect to pay more for tickets here than you are used to paying at FCS schools, but coming to a Jackson State game is unlike most FCS games. General admission tickets will go for $30, and the majority of the stadium is GA, as the entire upper deck and all the lower level, except 6 sections, are considered general admission. The good thing is you can sit wherever you want too, that is if you can get a seat. The stadium usually opens two hours before game time and people start filling up at the stadium. It is not uncommon to find the entire lower level already filled over an hour before game time. Also you better get your tickets ahead of time, as JSU has been known to sell out most of their games ahead of time. Don’t let the fact that this is an FCS football game fool you, because this is a top-level experience on the same level as attending an SEC game. From the countless celebrities and rappers in attendance to the greatest band in all of college football, this is a premiere experience in one of the South’s most historic venues. Extras 3 One extra for the signing of Deion Sanders to be the 21st Head Coach in program history. Though the Tigers have always brought a nice crowd to The Vet, it was nothing like the crowds that turned out during the 2021 season, thanks in part to the publicity that Coach Prime brought to the program. With ESPN broadcasting games from inside The Vet, and film crews filming reality shows on campus about the program, Jackson hasn’t experienced this level of publicity for college football since the days when Egg Bowls were played here. Coach Prime coming to JSU also bought along with it lots of D1 transfers from other schools and big time commits, including flipping the number 1 commit in the country for 2022 from Florida State – it cannot be said enough how much Deion Sanders changed the entire Jackson State program and HBCUs in general. Another extra just for all the historic college football games these hallowed grounds have seen. As mentioned from the 1950s to the early 1990s The Vet was the neutral site home for all the Big 3 Mississippi colleges. Mississippi State and Ole Miss played in over 80 games here over the years, including every Egg Bowl from 1973-1990. During the early days the place was also nicknamed the ‘House that Archie Built’, as Archie Manning set numerous records here while playing for Ole Miss from 1968-1970, and held a 9-1 record as a starter in games played in Jackson. During those days it was not uncommon for The Vet to host a Saturday doubleheader of games between different schools. Some of the more notable games include a 1977 game in which an unranked Ole Miss team gave eventual national champion #3 ranked Notre Dame its only loss of the season, and a game in 1980 when an unranked Mississippi State team beat a Bear Bryant coached #1 ranked Alabama team, or the 1983 Egg Bowl when a 40 mph gust of wind magically appeared and blew the football away as Mississippi State was about to kick the game winning field goal. Southern Miss also played in ten games at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, including a notable game in 1988 in which a young sophomore named Brett Favre led the Golden Eagles to an upset win over Mississippi State. The stadium has also been the site of several NFL preseason games, most recently a 2006 game when Peyton Manning returned to the place his dad made famous almost 40 years earlier, leading the Colts to a victory over a Drew Brees-led Saints team. The Saints also held training camp at Millsaps College across the street for three years (2006-08), and would hold occasional scrimmages at The Vet as well. The Vet also serves as a neutral site home for Jackson area high schools, and is used almost every Friday in the fall for high school football. From 1992-2013 and in 2020 the stadium hosted the MHSAA high school football state championship, playing host to a wide selection of future NFL stars while they were still in high school; South Panola has won the most state championships at the stadium with 10. Another extra for the Sonic Boom of the South, the greatest band in college football. The band was formed at Jackson State in the 1940s, and adopted its nickname of Sonic Boom of the South in 1971. The band is a cool experience and if you are a college football fan, the band has to be seen to be believed – once again if you come to a football game at The Vet, you have to stay through the halftime show. Sonic Boom of the South, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts There is so much college football history in this city. Now, thanks to Deion Sanders the City of Jackson is getting the recognition it deserves as a major college football town in the South. From names like Archie Manning to Walter Payton, and now Coach Prime has added another chapter to Jackson’s storied football history. I highly recommend a visit to a Jackson State game to all college football fans.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium 4301 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 Incarnate Word Cardinals website Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 6,000 UIW Cardinals – Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is the largest catholic university in Texas. In 2009 the university fielded their first-ever football team. Starting out as an independent program, the UIW Cardinals moved steadily up the proverbial ladder before landing in the Southland Conference in 2014. As members of the FCS the Cardinals have found success in recent years, winning their conference championship in 2018 and 2021 and making the FCS playoffs in both of those seasons. Since the start of their program the Cardinals have called Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium home – the on-campus stadium was renovated in 2010 to double its capacity to its current level, as well as add luxury suites and a press box. With the program currently riding high after a playoff run, UIW is looking to build momentum for another run at a conference title. The enthusiasm is palpable at Benson Stadium these days. Read on to learn more about the Cardinals nest. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage scene at Benson Stadium is in the category of being ‘just fine’. They have the traditional lineup of game day favorites with three locations for eats and drinks – two on the home team side and one on the visitors side near Sullivan Field . Manned by the local group Just Smash’em , these three stands offer up nachos ($8), hot dog and chip combos ($9), sausages ($9), and their signature line of fresh-squeezed lemonades ($7) in a variety of flavors. There are also free-standing stands on the home side, with one selling beer, one selling hamburgers, and one food truck outside the entry gate on the south end of the stadium, which sells Just Smash’em lemonade and kettle corn. Again, it’s all perfectly fine; in fact, I have to say that the lemonade is quite good, if a little on the high side in terms of cost. I think anyone going will find something to snack on during Cardinals games. Atmosphere 3 I had the good fortune to have my visit to Benson Stadium during UIW’s homecoming celebration. With that in mind, I will say that the atmosphere for the game was especially good in comparison to past visits. The parking area – aka the fan zone – in front of the stadium was filled with tailgaters and revelers. The home stands were packed with Cardinals fans (more on them shortly) and they helped add to the energy and excitement of the game. The stadium itself is a typical college multipurpose, multi-sport facility. As such, the field is ringed by a running track, which pushes fans and the stands a little bit further away from the on-field action. Not a huge complaint, but it is noticeable compared to larger stadiums. With UIW the main draw will be the gorgeous campus – it has numerous tree-lined walking paths throughout campus, many leading toward the athletics complex. Noted for its architecture and public art, visitors should take some time before or after Cardinals games to take in the sights. Neighborhood 5 Located near San Antonio’s popular and vibrant downtown, UIW and Benson Stadium are in a prime spot in the city, a 15-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport, and 10 minutes from virtually all the city’s main tourist attractions and some of its best dining and lodging options. In terms of attractions, the San Antonio Zoo , Witte Museum , McNay Art Museum , Doseum , and Historic Pearl , with its multitude of attractions, dining options, and world-class hotel , are all within 10 minutes of the stadium. For dining options, I have a couple of suggestions for some local favorites that are not too far from the campus. First off, Cheesy Jane’s Big Malts is a retro-inspired joint serving up some of the best burgers, malts, and shakes in the city. Be on the lookout for the bean burger and the choco-banana shake; just a tip from me to you. Next up is an Alamo City institution, Good Time Charlie’s Bar & Cafe – this is Texas-style comfort food (think chicken fried steaks and chalupas) at its highest, and in a funky setting to boot. I recommend it if you have time. Fans 3 For home games at Benson Stadium the Cardinals are averaging just under 2,500 fans per game. This usually means the home team stands are packed, while there are slim pickings on the visitor’s side. This isn’t an indictment of the school, the team, or the program – it’s just a reality of FCS-level play. The student section is consistently packed for home games, which is a great boon to the atmosphere of games here. My last visit was also the most people I have ever seen at UIW tailgates, which is always great to see; a really good tailgate scene really adds to the energy of college football. Access 4 As mentioned the UIW campus and Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium are located near the city’s downtown area, which is the main tourist hub in San Antonio. It is a short, 15-minute drive from the airport, and conveniently located off Interstate 37/U.S. Highway 281, as well as one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, Broadway Street. That is all a long way of saying, it’s easy to get to the campus, and it’s easy to get there from pretty much any spot in the city. The Alamo City’s public transportation option, VIA, also runs several bus routes to the campus for those who wish to go that route. Once on campus parking is ample, however, those wishing to park in the athletic complex will need to obtain a parking permit. If you don’t have one, again, you can park for free in open spots on the campus, which will give you a chance to take that tour I was talking about earlier. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for UIW football start at $15 per person. This is, quite frankly, an incredible bargain for a team and program that look poised to make continuous playoff runs over the coming years. The staff here brings in an exciting mix of non-conference opponents and play at a high level. You get a lot of bang for your buck at Benson Stadium. While the concessions might cost a little more here than in similarly-sized venues, the prices still pale in comparison to those at much larger venues, so you’re still getting a good bargain, especially when coupled with the free parking. Extras 2 In terms of Extras, UIW offers up the standard pomp and circumstance that are found at most college games. The UIW band, the Marching Cardinals , perform throughout the game and during halftime. It’s also pretty fun to watch them march into the stadium before games, so get to your seat early. Other extras include the schools cheerleaders and dance team , who all perform throughout the game and help get the team fired up during lulls in the action. There’s also the team mascot, Red the Cardinal , who patrols the sidelines and interacts with fans in the stands. Final Thoughts Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium is a really nice venue, especially for a school that has only had a football program for just over a decade at this point. It can’t really compare to some of the grand football palaces in the sport and, quite frankly, it is smaller than a good number of high school venues in Texas. However, I think visitors to the stadium will enjoy themselves. If you find yourself in the Alamo City during the season and are looking to get your college football fix, take in a UIW Cardinals game and enjoy the ride. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.25 Glenn Ray Gymnasium 300 Main St. Whiteland, IN 46184 Whiteland Warriors website Glenn Ray Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 4,649 Whiteland’s Home for High School Hoops When the Glenn Ray Gym opened in 1958, it was known as the Whiteland Gym and sat 4,649, making it easily the largest high school basketball gym in Johnson County. The gym was built before the new high school building and constructed for sectional tournament play. The home of the Whiteland Community High School Warriors cost around $500,000. In 1965, Clark High School and Whiteland High School united to form one high school, Whiteland Community High School. That same year the building was renamed in honor of long-time coach, teacher, and principal Glenn Ray during a half-time ceremony. Ray coached the team from 1925-1939 and had a 43-year connection with the school. During the summer of 1979, ventilation grids, a drop ceiling, and insulation were added to cut heating costs to the tune of $115,737. The hangar-like ceiling was now covered, but construction costs were recouped a few months later due to improved heating bills. The renovations also included re-wiring and hanging of lights along with a new sound system. The Warriors have competed in the Mid-State Conference of the IHSAA since 1968 and have captured conference championships in 1979, 1993, and 2002. The team competed in the Mid-Hoosier Conference from 1965-1968. The school was known as the Wrens for most of the 1930s decided to change it to Warriors during the 1939-1940 school year. The Wrens name had been chosen by Ray but scrapped after he stepped down as head coach. Food & Beverage 3 There is a double-sided concession stand located outside the entrance to the gym. The options include the usual: hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and soda. The extra-large windows provide better service and are enough to satisfy any hunger for the fans. The average price ranges between $2-$3. Atmosphere 4 The Glenn Ray Gym is a sneaking-good venue for high school hoops in the Indianapolis area. The wrap-around concourse, pre-game promotions, and community involvement make a great night out for the basketball fan. The framed pictures of past basketball glory and teams make this a gym worth visiting during winter months. Glenn Ray Gym allows fans to enter via courtside and make their way up the permanent grandstand seating that envelopes the seating bowl. A wide concourse wraps around the upper level, providing standing-room-only areas when applicable. The drop-down ceiling is almost reachable with a stretch of the hand and offers various vantage points of the court 14 rows below. The interior is white with blue bleachers, the way it has always been, according to former head coach and athletic director Butch Zike, who states that there is no better high school gym in the state. He helped add a collection of framed photographs and portraits to the vomitorium that had remained hidden in boxes for decades in a storage closet. The photographs date back to 1904 and illustrate a history of the sport in Whiteland. "The Glenn Ray Gym is a sneaking-good venue for high school hoops in the Indianapolis area." Multiple banners are hanging from the rafters of the gym that display championships won in various high school sports. They include titles from the Johnson County tournament, a tradition for many years. The court features an oversized Native American head with plenty of room for movement on all four sides for players, cheerleaders, spectators, and officials. The student cheer block welcomes the team through one of the entrances with the Atlanta Braves-style tomahawk chant under dimmed lights. The school band sits close, providing music during the ceremonies and throughout the game. Cheerleaders entertain the crowd throughout breaks. Tip-off takes place at the center court above an oversized school logo. Neighborhood 3 The high school is on US-31 and close to various chain restaurants and retail shopping points. El Abuelo and Kacey’s Twin Eatery are two spots in town worth checking out, but just 4 or 5 miles north is downtown Greenwood which includes Hoosier and Planetary Brewing Company, which are across the street from one another. HBC offers chicken wings and pizza by the slice and an ax-throwing area where the axes replace the darts on the board. Main Street Grille and Revery are two fine eating establishments worth checking out. A few miles away from the high school is a rather interesting tourist spot that is open all day and free of charge to visit. The Garden Of Gas Station Signs is a collection of 36 gas station signs from the past that makes for an interesting little spot in Whiteland to visit before or after the game. Rascals Fun Zone features a 1,000-foot track, blaster boats, and an 18-hole mini-golf course of US-31. Fans 4 There is a nice collection of fans cheering on the Warriors, from fans in the seating bowl to the rowdy student sections that did their best to compete with their rivals who brought in a group of students as well. These types of games are rather exciting since the school spirit is strong, and even though the away club dominated from the start, school pride was evident. Access 4 Glenn Ray Gym is located on US-31 and 3 miles west of the Whiteland exit off of I-65. There is plenty of parking on the school’s campus, and the gym is easy enough to get around once inside. The only thing a visitor needs to do is locate the high school on GPS, and they will find the basketball gym. Once inside the gym, there is plenty of room to move around on the wrap-around concourse at the top of the 14 rows of seats and at the bottom around the court itself. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $6 and falls in line with other high school gyms in the state. The cost of a hot dog is $3, and nachos are $3, also in line with other high school gyms. Extras 3 Glenn Ray Gym earns a point for its visual display of team memorabilia that includes photos dating back to the early part of the 20th century. The gym provides more history with an area dedicated to alumnus Ray Crowe who captained two Wrens teams from 1934-1936. Later, he would coach Crispus Attucks High School to back-to-back state titles in 1955 and 1956, the first state undefeated team, with a teenage Oscar Robertson as his center. The gym earns a second point for its low ceiling, which gives the venue a distinct look from other buildings for hoops. The gym had high arched ceilings until renovations in August of 1979. The final point is for the hallway that displays every student-athlete college they attended after playing in Whiteland. The large display near the entrance is something not normally seen at other high schools in Indiana. Final Thoughts The Glenn Ray Gym is a sneaking-good place for high school hoops in the Indianapolis area. The wrap-around concourse, memorabilia, and community involvement make a great night out for the basketball fan. The framed pictures of past basketball glory and teams make this a gym worth visiting during cold winter months.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hawkins Arena 1400 Coleman Ave Macon, GA 31207 Mercer Bears website Hawkins Arena website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 3,200 Home of Mercer Bears Basketball Mercer basketball was one of the darlings from the first round of the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament when the #14 seed upset the #3 seed Duke Blue Devils. That upset and the publicity Mercer received following that win is predominantly displayed at the home of the Mercer Bears, Hawkins Arena. Hawkins Arena, originally opened as the University Center on January 8, 2004, with the Bears playing their first game in their new home game against Gardner-Webb. The Bears’ new basketball facility replaced the 500-seat Porter Gym, which had been Mercer’s basketball home for 70 years. Food & Beverage 3 Hawkins Arena features one concessions stand tucked into the corner, next to the main entrance. The food available is what you’d expect from most any basketball concessions stand, e.g. hamburgers, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and candy. One item that is a bit unique to appeal to the vegetarian/vegan crowd is the veggie burger. Unlike Mercer’s football stadium, though, alcoholic beverages are not available for purchase at Hawkins Arena; non-alcoholic beverages include Coca-Cola products. While there is just one concessions stand, there are two areas set up around the concourse where fans can grab either Marco’s Pizza and a drink or Zaxby’s chicken tenders. One of the unique benefits of having the arena as part of the University Center is the food court that is a short walk down the hallway from the basketball arena. It’s nice to have so many options, just steps away from the arena. Atmosphere 3 Hawkins Arena is a part of the beautifully designed University Center building. Twin spires bookend the entryway where fans are welcomed into the Mercer Sports Hall of Fame. The interior of the foyer is walled with large windows that look out into the venue. Fans enter above the orange-clad seating and make their way toward court level to their seats; the black-perimetered court compliments the orange seating. A wide walkway rims the seating bowl but does not completely encircle the arena. Premium court side seating is also available, as is a grouping of suites along the roof line. Dead ball timeouts are filled with entertainment – most have either an on-court competition or fan interaction shown on the scoreboard. While it is fun and does keep fans engaged, at times it is also nice to be able to have a break from the constant sensory input. Neighborhood 4 Even though Mercer is situated in a city of over 150,000, it still has a college town feel to it. Downtown Macon is adorned with Mercer Bears banners from many of its light posts, and features several billboards promoting Mercer athletics. Around campus there are two separate areas where fans can grab a meal or drink on their visit. Mercer Village is a small area just north of Hawkins Arena that offers several choices of food – Margaritas Mexican Grille, JAG’s Pizzeria , Nu-Way Wieners, and Francar’s Buffalo Wings are all options in Mercer Village, while just south of campus there are Amici Pizza and the Library Taphouse. All of these choices are less than a half mile from Hawkins Arena. Those coming to town for an extended stay are in luck with two hotels, Courtyard by Marriott or TownePlace Suites, right at the south end of campus. Fans 3 While early season, non-conference games tend to be lightly attended, conference games typically have Hawkins Arena close to two-thirds to full capacity. Fans are actively engaged in the game and respectfully jeer opposing players. The students section seats have an “Assignment Sheet” taped to them that encourages students to “give the other team a hard time, but to be cool with it.” Students, along with the band members, do keep their rowdiness civil. One of the fun things to see are the oversize props used to attempt to distract opponents while they shoot free throws. The cheer squad has a clever promotion during free throw attempts, as they entice the crowd to “get loud” in exchange for a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts for the loudest fans. Fans at Mercer basketball games do a great job remaining in the game and making things as uncomfortable as possible for the visiting team. Access 4 Located less than a half mile from Interstate-75, getting in and out of the Mercer campus is pretty simple. The parking lot is a little bit of a walk, but there is a shuttle bus if you choose to use it. Otherwise, while the lot is not directly next to the arena, the walk is not significantly further than it would be at a large university. As fans approach the arena they are greeted by a large inflatable Mercer bear tunnel at one of the entry ways. Other points of entry into the arena are located just around the side of the building, in proximity to the ticket office. Return On Investment 4 With free parking and ticket prices as low as $10 for general admission, the cost of tickets is extremely affordable. Mercer also does a good job at enticing families to come out to the game by offering children’s tickets for just $5. Concessions prices are very affordable as well – none of the entrée options, i.e. burgers and hot dogs, cost more than $6 while all the snack foods like popcorn, candy, pretzels, frozen lemonade, and sodas are available for $4. Nacho chips are $5, but they do come with cheese or jalapeno cups, which frequently cost extra at other venues. Much as other sports at Mercer, tickets and concessions are both very reasonably priced, and they do a good job at making it affordable to bring a family to games. Extras 3 Mercer does a great job at highlighting not just their basketball history, but the history of their entire athletics program throughout Hawkins Arena. From the Mercer Sports Hall of Fame in the main lobby, portraits and banners of the men and women who have had their numbers retired, along with banners of the NCAA and conference successes of both programs, Mercer takes visitors on a walk through the history of their athletics programs from their very early days up to the present. The role the pep band plays in helping to create that college basketball atmosphere, to the feel of a collegiate event, is the role the pep band plays at games. During pre-game, timeouts, and halftime, the band does a great job at bridging the gap between not relying on piped in music while still playing current, popular music. The ticket offers that Mercer provides for $5 are great offers; it’s not just the price but the conscious effort to make the game accessible to kids and families. Final Thoughts Hawkins Arena is a beautiful facility and does a great job at showcasing not just the Mercer Bears basketball and volleyball programs, but they do a great job at telling the history of Mercer athletics – the athletics history walk in the lobby gives a fascinating look at the Bears programs. It does feel, though, as fans are constantly being asked to have their attention focused on either the game or what ever in-game contests or activity is happening.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Grand Canyon University Arena 3300 West Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 Grand Canyon University website Grand Canyon University Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 7,000 Purple Party The Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a Christian-based university in central Phoenix. Its spirited athletic teams are the Antelopes (Lopes), proud members of the NCAA D1 WAC (Western Athletic Conference). GCU Arena , which opened in 2011 and expanded in 2014, is a mid-sized indoor arena . It is home t o the GCU Antelopes (Lopes) basketball and volleyball teams, as well as other university-sponsored events. While the men’s basketball team draws the larger crowds, the women’s basketball games are enthusiastically attended, especially when they play their in-state rivals, the AS U Sun Devils. The GCU women’s basketball team began in 1988 in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (small college athletics). They moved to NCAA D2 in 1991, then transitioned to D1 in 2013 as a member of the WAC (Western Athletic Conference). While in D2, the team made the NCAA tournament six times. Team colors are purple, black, and white, and it’s a purple party pre, during, and post game. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has five concession stands. The number of them open during an event depends on the expected crowd. Two (on the second level) were operational at the game of this review, which was plenty. The food stands are nicely arranged in the corners, and each has tables and chairs to sit and enjoy food and beverages. One stand even has an outdoor patio deck which is great for warmer Arizona days and evenings. GCU Arena Concessions, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Food choices are the traditional stadium fare: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, walking taco, and chicken sandwich ($4.50 - $7.50). Snacks include pretzels, popcorn, nachos, ice cream, and more ($3.50 - $6). The menu lists the calories next to the food choices; you can decide if that’s a good thing or not. Drinks are Pepsi products, bottles of water, and Gatorade ($3.50 - $4). GCU Arena does not serve alcohol. It’s a decent variety, enough to hold you over for a basketball game. Atmosphere 3 GCU Arena provides an outstanding game day presentation and venue for Lopes women’s basketball games. Cushioned purple seats (somewhat narrow) with cup holders surround the court on three sides. Legroom is adequate. The Thundering Heard Pep Band has a full bleacher section behind one of the baskets. Section 113 is center court facing the logo, though most presentations face the opposite section, 103. A crisp, clear video board is in one corner. Another corner board displays the players’ game day stats and game score. Ribbon boards behind each basket also present the game score. The arena does not have a center scoreboard which fits in perfectly for this intimate arena. The ribbon board displays the players’ names and photos when the team takes the court. The boards do not offer closed captioning. The very end sections (115 and 101) face the bleachers. Don’t sit there. The students, cheerleaders, dancers, and Thundering Heard Pep Band provide most of the fantastic in-game promotions and entertainment. The dancers and cheerleaders number more than 25 and provide energy and enthusiasm throughout the game. Individuals do backflips across the court; they perform jumps, moves, and routines that layer up to three high! The Thundering Heard members dress in purple and white overalls with one arm sleeve undone. The sound booth and the pep band orchestrate a perfect mixture of canned music and pep band music. The volume level is perfect. A prayer is said before the game. On the day of this review, one of the cheerleaders gave the prayer. Neighborhood 3 Grand Canyon University is in central Phoenix. The area around the university is not considered the safest in the metropolitan area. The campus is perfectly harmless, comfortable, and pleasant. Several fast food places are within 1,000 feet of the arena. The Quad Kitchen (across a grass area in front of the arena) just recently opened selling BBQ items. The university is planning to open an on-site restaurant called the Havoc House in the near future. Off campus, we recommend visiting other neighborhoods for a bite to eat before or after the game. The Cracked Egg is a decent restaurant for breakfast or brunch just a few miles from the arena. Huss Brewing has a taproom and kitchen about three miles from campus. When on campus, visit the Jerry Colangelo Museum right next to the arena. Jerry Colangelo was very influential in moving the Grand Canyon Antelopes from D2 to D1, as well as introducing and promoting other sports in the Phoenix area. Hotels are not close to the arena. We recommend driving four or five miles to mid-town where a Hilton Garden Inn Midtown or a Hampton Inn are affordable places to stay. Other nearby sports to see during basketball season include Milwaukee Brewers spring training at American Family Fields. And, of course, visit other Lopes teams like men’s basketball and baseball. Fans 3 For crowd enthusiasm and a packed house, the best games to attend are those against in-state rivals ASU Sun Devils. Over 6,000 fans pack the house for those games, and the environment is electric. The biggest fans are the cheer dancers, cheerleaders, and Thundering Heard Pep Band. Other fans include alumni and student Havoc fans. Everyone stands until the Lopes score. It’s loud and there are not even a lot of people there. Before a Lopes foul shot, the crowd shouts “GCU Forks Up.” The place goes dead silent and fans raise their arms above their heads with index and pinky fingers raised. The women’s basketball team generally draws less than 1,000 fans a game. Access 4 GCU Arena is less than a mile off Interstate 17. Depending on the time of day and what road construction is taking place, you may hit some local traffic. Park in the garage at N 33 rd Ave and Camelback Rd. You’ll pass through security before parking. Tell the guard you’re going to the game, and they’ll direct you to the garage. GCU does not charge parking fees. The current rideshare lot is at the corner of Colter and 30th Drive for drop-off and pick-up, a few blocks from the arena. The arena is about 10 miles from Sky Harbor Airport. Valley Metro provides public transportation to the venue. Bus route 50 has a stop right outside the building. Fans pass through metal detectors prior to entering the facility. Clear sports bags (12” x 12” x 6”) are allowed. It’s painless, and the security staff is quite friendly and welcoming. Fans enter a large lobby area and then take steps up a grand staircase to the second level. Fans can also enter on floor level and walk up to their desired seating area. The venue is not the greatest for those needing handicapped seating or access. The facility has two elevators. One was closed at the game of this review. The escalators only go up. Handicapped/wheelchair seating seems to be only available at the very top of the second level. This may be one area to look at if the university ever decides to do another renovation. The arena has plenty of restrooms which are sparkling clean. Return on Investment 5 The price of attending a women’s basketball match can’t be beaten -- f ive dollars. And, it’s general admission, so you can sit wherever you desire. And move around. All GCU students with a valid student ID pass get in free. Free parking and affordable concessions make this a fantastic game day or evening out. . Extras 3 Outside the arena is a grassy area called the Quad that usually has some event occurring before a basketball game. At the game of this review, a Mahalo Market was assembled which included tables and tents of many international crafts, wares, and food. The Quad Kitchen just recently opened and sells yummy BBQ and all the fixings. It is open weekdays 11am – 7pm. Be sure to step into the Jerry Colangelo Museum and visit a statue of him just outside the entrance to the arena. Lastly, all the staff are extremely helpful and make you feel welcome. Final Thoughts While the women’s team doesn’t draw the crowds the men’s team does, it’s a fun, affordable afternoon or evening out. Come join the purple party!

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Macon Coliseum 200 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217 Macon Mayhem website Macon Coliseum website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 9,000 Macon Mayhem – Southern Professional Hockey League Montreal, Toronto, Boston, the entire state of Minnesota – these populations are often instantly associated with hockey. Macon, Georgia on the other hand, not so much. “The Heart of Georgia” has a modest, yet very passionate hockey fan base. The Macon Mayhem are the fourth organization to play at Macon Coliseum. Hockey at the Coliseum dates back to 1973 with the Macon Whoopees, and has been the home to two other hockey organizations, the similarly named Macon Whoopee and the Macon Trax. One thing to keep in mind – when it comes to a facility such has Macon Coliseum, the team is leasing the facility and does not have control over some aspects of the overall experience. Food & Beverage 3 Food at Macon Coliseum is not going to be one of the more memorable parts of the visit. It’s not that it would be classified as bad; it’s just what you’d get at any stadium event you’d go to (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, popcorn, candy, nachos, and fountain drinks). These entrees can be combined with a drink and chips for a combo meal. Prices range from $13 for chicken tenders or bratwurst, $11 for a burger, or $9 for the hot dog combo meal. Cocktail stands are also located on the concourse; well drinks can be had for $10 while premium cocktails start at $15. Wine and 16 oz domestic beers are also available for $8. Local brewery Fall Line has a selection of their line of beers, but one of the most unique beer options is Dry County Brewing’s Macon Mayhem branded beer, Mayhem Lager. Atmosphere 4 From the outside the Coliseum has the appearance of a pyramid under construction. The main building looks similar to what it did when it was first built in 1968, but a more modern entryway was recently added, which uses a cradled M as part of the architecture. Once inside, the soaring roofline creates a very open feel to the arena. Within this vast openness an updated video scoreboard hangs over the playing surface where a much smaller one had previously been. The larger videoboard does a much better job at filling the void created by the very high roof. Seating is divided into rink side and an upper tier of seats. The far end of the arena provides for some group seating at ice level. The most popular seats appear to be toward the front of the second level of seating – these seats provide for a view with limited obstruction from the glass along the side boards. During the game the in-house MC does a good job engaging the crowd following penalties or other stoppages in play. He also provides commentary on the ebbs-and-flows of the action on the ice to help keep the fans energy up. Mac, the team mascot, is also very active throughout the game, either interacting with fans throughout the stands or riding his three-wheeler though the lobby area. While the Coliseum defiantly is not packed, there is a fun hockey atmosphere throughout the venue. Neighborhood 3 Macon Coliseum is located just across the Ocmulgee River from downtown Macon. Downtown Macon has several restaurants for many different tastes; just over a mile from the Coliseum is Cox Cafe. While the area is more industrial than a restaurant district, the food is undeniable. A bit closer to downtown is the locally renowned Rookery which is known for its burgers. Also, local brewery Fall Line Brewing Co. is just a 5-minute drive from the Coliseum. If looking to make a stay in Macon the most convenient location is the Macon Marriott at City Center. The hotel is located directly next to the coliseum and makes for a short walk. If proximity from the venue is not a priority, either the Hilton Garden Inn or Courtyard by Marriott adjacent to the Mercer campus would be good options. There is plenty to make a full sports experience from a visit to Macon. Mercer University is within a 10-15 minute drive, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is just 5 minutes away, as is Luther Williams Field, the current home of the Coastal Plain League’s Macon Bacon . History buffs may find the Harriett Tubman Museum of interest, while music enthusiasts can find museums for local artists The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding, or Little Richard. Fans 4 Hockey is not typically associated with being massively popular in the southern states, and might even take a backseat to soccer. Despite the level of statewide interest in hockey, there is a very passionate fanbase for the Mayhem in Macon; many of fans come clad in game used Mayhem sweaters. Mayhem fans defiantly make their presence felt throughout the game. Many of them come equipped with cow bells that they rattle following each save from the goalie, or each time the team kills off a penalty. Even though the Mayhem’s attendance does rank toward the bottom of the league, it does not impact the overall excitement. While larger attendance numbers defiantly would increase the positive atmosphere, the current smaller crowd doesn’t create the feel of an arena lacking interest. Instead, the passion shown by the fanbase paired with the lower attendance numbers makes visitors feel as they are part of a special group of fans. Accessibility 3 The coliseum is located directly off I-16, with just one turn to make within a quarter mile of the parking lot. The area is currently undergoing major construction, however, which can make navigating the highway a bit challenging. Making your way around the venue can be a bit of a challenge at times. The walkway is a bit narrow and can be a bit confusing to navigate once the game has started, since the handicap seating area gets blocked off. The arena is set up to encourage fans making their way around the arena to use the inner concourse, but this area does not provide views of the game. Return On Investment 4 Taking the family to a Macon Mayhem game is definitely an affordable event. Parking at $5 is comparable to what you’d pay for parking at most minor league sporting events. Most tickets range from $9 for upper-level seats to $14 for the lower level. Tickets against the glass are a bit more on the higher end at $34. Pricing is also dynamic, though, so it is all subject to change. Where affordability is lost is with the food prices – while prices are pretty much in line with what you’d expect to pay at most sporting events, the cost for what you’re getting just doesn’t seem to match the expense. This though is not on the Mayhem, as they are not the ones setting prices. Extras 3 It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what it is that makes a Macon Mayhem game such a good experience. The fans who would be considered regulars show a great deal of passion for the team and the game. Players fight tooth and nail, figuratively and literally, which goes a long way in sustaining the support and admiration from the regulars. The organization also has a great mix of entertainment to complement the game; all these factors combined create a feel for visitors that many organizations miss on. The Mayhem have specialty nights for each home game, so every visit should have a certain theme or special event associated with it. Also, over the course of the season there are 7 jersey auctions, which is part of what creates a great connection between fans and players. The Mayhem Lager adds a small, but special touch to the experience. While specialty branded beers have started to become more popular, there are not a lot of organizations who have their own brew like the Mayhem have with Dry County Brewing. One thing that seemed to be missing was any acknowledgement of the teams from the past. There are no banners to recognize any of the teams who had previously played and won championships. Part of this might have to do with recent ceiling renovations the venue underwent during the summer of 2022. Final Thoughts It’s understandable why some would be skeptical about hockey in Central Georgia. The reality though is it’s difficult to go to a Mayhem game and not have a good time. There might be some shortcomings as it relates to the arena, but the entertainment the Mayhem provide combines with the game and fan involvement, create a fun evening of hockey for all.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Army/Navy Game website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 America's Game The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules. Navy leads the series. There have been seven ties. The 2022 game had the first overtime game of the long series. Philadelphia is usually thought of as the main home to the game, although starting in 2008 a bidding process has now made the game likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, followed by New York City and Baltimore. The game has been held as far west as Chicago (1926) and at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (1983). Food & Beverage 5 There are many concessions stands throughout all areas of the stadium offering the usual options. Beer is not sure cheap and the price is depending on the size and whether you purchase a draught or can. There are also some craft beer locations, but beer will be closer to $12 and up. Make sure to check out the self-pour vending machines in the north part of the concourse. Hot dogs are a decent price, although a few kiosks sell a better, grilled version for a little more. You will also find a decent Italian sausage at those same kiosks. A gluten-free kiosk is also available. Regular sodas are a good option with a souvenir size available for a little more. You will also see some options to get bottled soda, but they will only give it to you with the bottle cap taken off. I guess it does make it harder to throw a full bottle of soda if the cap is off. Cheesesteaks are found at the general food stands for a decent $9. Tony Luke’s cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches are great choices but will cost a buck or two more depending on the options. Chickie’s and Pete’s sell their famous Crab Fries for $10.50. The cheese sauce is extra. They also have a very good chicken cutlet sandwich. There are Dunkin’ coffee stands and Rita’s Italian Ice locations scattered throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. Even in the game back in 2018, which was played in a driving snowstorm, the atmosphere never suffered. The game benefits from being held at such a fine facility. The Eagles have excellent facilities and offerings for the team and fans. There will be many options for Army-Navy game merchandise, but the usual Eagles merchandise will be unavailable. Neighborhood 4 The main problem with the entire sports complex is its distance from the actual city of Philadelphia. To really experience the city you would need to take a subway ride into center city. There are places close to the stadium still. The Xfinity Live entertainment center is across the street, roughly where the old Spectrum was located. It is overpriced and is not really an entertainment center, but a mess of bars thrown together. It can still be a good pre-game meeting spot even with the outrageous prices. The Famous sports bar Chickie’s and Pete’s is pretty close on Packard Avenue. There are hundreds of screens and video game options inside here. The food is pretty good too. The Crab Fries are famous here. You can park at Chickie’s and Pete’s for some games and they offer a shuttle bus to the games (“The Taxi Crab”). Just make sure you follow parking rules, as they will be quick to tow you if you don’t. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Tony & Nicks Steaks (Formerly the original Tony Luke’s) on Oregon Avenue underneath I-95. Don’t fall for the more touristy Pat’s and Geno’s. Tony and Nick’s offers more options with much better flavor. The place can get crowded before games and still gets it share of tourists. There will be many people that view even this spot as a bit too touristic, so for a more neighborly experience go to Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue. They are located in a safe neighborhood and offer free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. The rest of Philadelphia is available to you on a short ride away on the Broad Street subway line. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone has a side. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game. Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation. Access 5 The sports complex is located right off of I-95, with massive parking lots in the area. Even with big crowds, there should be no problem with access. Parking will not be cheap, but it will be convenient, as there are over 6,000 spaces available throughout eight lots at a shockingly high price of $40 apiece. If using public transportation, you will likely find yourself using the only corporate-sponsored subway station that I know of, the NRG station of the Broad Street Line. Return on Investment 4 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest game around. It is a much desired ticket for many fans, so expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. Extras 5 It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably extra enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend. Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations on the field. It is well worth attending just for this. The game will always have a good flyover pregame, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also always have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony. Both the Navy and Army have ships and other large equipment around town displaying their awesome firepower. The entrance plaza is such a fun hub of entertainment that it serves to get the crowd entertained as well as pumped up for the game. The carnival atmosphere is pretty spectacular. The Eagles had installed 14 micro-turbines in the stadium in recent years. They used to add a unique look to the stadium, as well as provide sustainable energy for the complex. As of late 2019, the turbines have been removed for repair and have never reappeared. Final Thoughts The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest makes it a must-see for any real sports fan.

What happens to a logo when a sports team ceases operations? For many, it quickly dissolves out of the memory and is perhaps saved by images on the internet, clothing, or collectible items. However, could it be repurposed and used for another league or organization? The Jersey Rockhoppers were a minor league hockey team that operated for one season in the Eastern Professional Hockey League during the 2008-2009 season. They would play at the Richard J. Codey Ice Arena in West Orange, New Jersey, also the practice facility for the New Jersey Devils. The cartoon rockhopper penguin name was picked out of 500 suggestions from a name-the-team contest. The fierce-looking penguin featured tufts of yellow hair and red eyes, yielding a hockey stick. A press release explained why the name was selected. "We had many great suggestions," commented co-owner Curtis Russell. "There were plenty of original ideas and many that connected with the rich hockey past of Essex County or focused on the historic landmarks that dot the county footprint." One of the common themes related to Thomas Edison, whose West Orange home is now a national landmark. "In the end, after weeks of discussion, we wanted to connect with Turtleback Zoo, and so we knew it was going to be an animal of some sort," explained co-owner Igor Mrotchek. Rob Bennett for The New York Times Other suggestions included the Mountaineers and Renegades out of the other suggestions. In the end, the spiky-haired rockhopper penguin known for its aggressiveness won. “We think that Rockhoppers make a nice match and are identifiable with grace, agility, and an aggressive nature compared to other penguins”, added Mrotchk. The logo was designed by Francis Santiquilani of FSDesign of Chattanooga, Tennessee, who also did work for the Quad Cities Bandits, Lowell Spinners, and the High Desert Mavericks. The team finished with a 32-16-1-1 record and won the league championship over the Brooklyn Aces. However, the league ceased operations after its inaugural campaign and the Hoppers faded into sports obscurity. However, 6,455 miles due south, a hockey association had been formed, and within three years was looking to compete internationally. They needed a logo to wear on their chest that would represent their nation. That country was the Falkland Islands - 300 miles west off the southern tip of Argentina. "It was pretty much the perfect logo for us representing the Falkland Islands" In 2006, the Falkland Islands Hockey Association was established by Grant Budd, who played professionally in England. The league began as deck hockey, but by 2015 would include inline and ice hockey. It necessitated the need to create a jersey logo for international tournaments in South and North America. “One of the kids in our hockey program found the perfect logo,” said committee member Sam Cockwell. “ However, it belonged to another team. He reached out to them, even though they had disbanded.” That team. the Jersey Rockhoppers, ceased operations six years earlier. The logo is currently owned by former NHL player Ron Duguay, who played between 1977 and 1989 with the New York Rangers, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles. “He was thrilled about the logo brought back from the dead,” stated Cockwell. “We probably would have designed our logo, but this opportunity was too good to pass up. It was the perfect hockey logo for us representing the Falkland Islands.” The islands are home to five species of penguins, including the rockhopper. The birds have 5000,000 breeding pairs and outnumber humans 3 to 1. Courtesy of Falklands Islands Hockey/Facebook They are known as the athletes of the penguin world and have colonies on the eastern part of the island away from the capital of Stanley on Kidney Island. They are known as the athletes of the penguin world and have colonies on the eastern part of the island, away from the capital of Stanley on Kidney Island. The Falkland team has played hockey tournaments in the United States, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Chile. The rockhopper logo is more appropriate than it ever was in New Jersey and now has been the symbol for 7-years longer than the original EPHL club. What a strange trip it has been for the original rockhopper logo. --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Moody Erwin Center 2001 Robert Dedman Dr Austin, TX 78712 Texas Longhorns website Moody Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 11,313 Moody Center brings a New Culture to Texas Basketball The University of Texas Basketball teams opened their 2022-23 basketball season inside their new home, Moody Center. Moody Center is a multi-purpose arena built on the campus of the University of Texas. Moody Center, which holds 10,000 plus for basketball, replaces Frank Erwin Center as not only a University of Texas venue but as Austin’s premier entertainment venue. Moody Center’s cost of $375 million was funded by the Moody Foundation's grant of $130 million to the university, as well as Oak View Group, Live Nation/C3 Presents, and Matthew McConaughey as partners in the construction of Moody Center. They will manage the building in exchange for the right to keep most of the income from non-UT events, such as concerts and shows, for at least the first 35 years after opening. The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team held their home opener here on November 7, 2022, against the UTEP Miners. The Longhorns won the game, outscoring UTEP 72-57 with a sold-out attendance of 11,313 spectators. Food and Beverage 5 Moody Center went out into the local food scene and brought in vendors that serve the City of Austin’s favorite food flavors and beverages. The food and beverages for Austin’s newest entertainment venue have plenty of variables that come with the typical event pricing, that people complain about yet still pay. You can’t go wrong with Texas BBQ, and Stubbs BBQ is a popular Austin establishment that provides not only BBQ but local music talent. Stubbs BBQ is located on the main concourse and serves brisket and pork sandwiches, smoked sausage, and potato salad or coleslaw available as sides – the main dishes cost $11 while the two ala carte sides cost $6. If you are looking for something outside of BBQ, then Tony C’s New York Style Pizza has cheese, pepperoni, and sausage available in slices. Or, if BBQ or pizza won’t do then maybe a mac and cheese bowl or a Walking Frito Pie at Scratch Bowl. Other options inside Moody Center are Koko’s Bavarian, Gelato, Austin Hot Links, Big Chicken, and Right on ‘Cue Tacos. Moody Center is a Coca-Cola venue, and the soft drinks available and pricing are similar to other venues, with a 16 oz. bottle costing $4. There are also plenty of alcohol choices throughout Moody Center – you won’t have a hard time finding a good variety of beer if you go over to the Moontower Market on the main concourse, ranging from $8 for a 16 oz. domestic beer to $10 for the craft. Moody Center’s food and beverage are outstanding for the size of the venue, although it is always better to pick up food and drinks in the local neighborhood. However, Moody Center brings in the flavor of Austin to those fans that may have travel limits, providing them with a unique food culture. The biggest reminder when it comes to buying food and beverages inside Moody Center is that this is a cashless facility; Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 5 Moody Center hasn’t been open very long, but it has already changed the basketball atmosphere for the University of Texas basketball teams. Moody Center is a smaller venue than its predecessor, with closer seating bringing an intimate feeling to every game. The lack of a Texas student body attending a Texas basketball game has also disappeared – students lined up 4 hours before the Gonzaga game. Although Gonzaga is ranked and has a top-tier basketball program, the students also show up for non-ranked opponent games such as Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Texas fans can finally be heard, and give energy that was lacking in the larger big drum arena down the street. The fans are engaged, and loud, and stay throughout the game. In addition, the human mascot Hook ‘em, band, and spirit squads all interact well with the crowd, and the LED scoreboards are the best around in any venue, enhancing the atmosphere by revolutionizing the game for fans. Neighborhood 5 Moody Center is in the center of downtown Austin and on the campus of the University of Texas. Austin is the capital city of the state of Texas and has numerous restaurants, bars, hotels, and places to visit all within a small radius of Moody Center. The first restaurant within walking distance for pre-game is ScholzGarten; ScholzGarten is a popular place and packed for Texas football games, but for the smaller basketball crowd it is easy to get served food and drinks. If you’re looking for Texas BBQ, walk a little further to Stubbs BBQ and you won’t regret it. There are plenty of places, as a matter of fact, over 100 of them on Austin’s well-known Sixth Street, with Coyote Ugly Saloon, Dirty 6, or Darwin’s Piano Bar being a few. You can either venture to those or try to find your favorite spot, as there isn’t just one. One of my favorite places is a couple of blocks south of Sixth Street, Moonshine Grill. As with the restaurants, Austin has plenty of nearby lodging – it all depends on your taste in hotels or financial choice on which one you stay at. The closest hotel is the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin, an easy walk across Interstate 35 to Moody Center; the others nearby are between Sixth Street and the Colorado River, while JW Marriott, Hilton Austin, and Four Season Austin are all higher-class hotels in the same area. One hotel in the area, even if you don’t stay there, that is an interesting visit is the Driskill, on the corner of 6th Street and Brazos Street – this hotel is one of the oldest in the State of Texas. Austin, being the capital of Texas, also provides an opportunity for visitors to visit the Capitol building for a tour. Also, as mentioned with the restaurants, travel to Sixth Street for live music, as Austin is considered the live music capital of the world; Austin is also home to the LBJ Presidential Library and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Lastly, just walking the University of Texas campus or walking down South Congress Avenue are extras for people to do while in Austin. Fans 5 This is one of the most surprising parts of Texas basketball in this review – it could be the new venue, it could be that Texas has a Top 10 basketball team this season, or it could be the combination of them both coming together in 2022, but while Texas fans seemed very disinterested in the basketball program when games were played at Frank Erwin Center, even when the program was competitive, they have come to life in Moody Center. The basketball season has already sold out, there is a waiting list for Texas Basketball season tickets, and 11K fans are showing up even to mid-week games when tickets used to be given away. The fans are energetic, and loud, and have given the Texas basketball team a home-court advantage that lacked until they moved to Moody Center. Access 4 Moody Center is located just south of Mike A. Myers Stadium and east of Daryl K. Royal-Memorial Stadium alongside Interstate 35. Moody Center is also 10.5 miles from the closest airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. There is plenty of public transit to/from Moody Center throughout the Austin area. There is limited parking for fans that drive to the arena, as is typical for downtown venues due to lack of space. There are parking garages around the campus used for Moody Center events, however, including Manor Garage (near Mike Myers Stadium, enter through Clyde Littlefield Drive), East Campus Garage (near Interstate 35), Trinity Garage (at the corner of Trinity Street and East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd), State Garage R and State Garage Q (both on San Jacinto Boulevard). The best advice is to plan ahead and maybe prepay for the garage parking if you are going to a game, as this can save you time and money. There are two main entrances into Moody Center for fans, as well as a special one for suite tickets. The east gate is along the interstate (you’ll notice this is also the area for students to enter), while the other is the southwest gate facing DKR-Memorial Stadium and the UT campus. The latter entrance is where the main University of Texas Team Shop is located. This a reminder that the clear bag policy is in effect to enhance existing security measures and expedite venue entry at Moody Center. Once inside Moody Center, there is plenty of space throughout the concourse, great signage, and easy access throughout the venue. Return on Investment 3 The inaugural season at Moody Center and the high expectations of the Texas basketball program have put Texas Basketball tickets at a premium – 2022-23 Texas basketball games have been sold out. All fans looking to buy tickets must use third-party websites; there are games during the week that you can still get tickets for a reasonable price, but these games are very hard to find this season. Moody Center is a premier arena and the cost to see a game comes with a premier cost. Extras 4 This may be a higher score due to the excitement of having such an incredible venue in Austin. The sightlines are amazingly close to the action with not a bad seat in the place. There are also great concessions options, bringing local food choices and interesting new ideas with the premier clubs. The artwork inside the arena showing off Austin is also great – Texas basketball is in demand and is no longer an afterthought because of Moody Center. Final Thoughts Overall I want to say Moody Center is the best new basketball arena in the country, and it just might be a true statement. It is a venue that any sports fan should visit, whether it is for a University of Texas event or a non-UT event. Texas Basketball has an amazing new home, a venue that will bring in recruits, and fans, and give a home-court advantage like no other. Moody Center has already shown that the price was worth the investment for the city of Austin; now it is only time to see if the new culture of Texas Basketball will bring in championships.

For the third time, Stadium Journey presents its rankings of the stadium experience for the 20 clubs in the Premier League. There are several categories in the ground reviews: food & beverage in the arena, atmosphere, the local neighbourhood, fans, access (including parking, restrooms, and ability to move around on the grounds), overall return on investment, and a catchall category for all extras. We use the rating of our correspondents as our primary ranking, with the crowd reviews of our members as the secondary factor. In cases where there is still a tie, we have an internal discussion to determine which arena experience might be slightly better. Click on the stadium or team name to read each stadium review. As with any list of stadium rankings, there will be some disagreements and a few headscratchers. You are more than willing to let us know what you think in the comment section, and perhaps we could see a change next year, but until then, here is the 2023 Stadium Journey EPL Stadium Ranking. 1. Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium – Tottenham Hotspurs Photo by Karen Sullivan, Stadium Journey The Spurs finally opened their brand new stadium after many months of delay a few years back but was worth the wait. Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium is one of the grandest of its kind in football on the planet. The modern features, details of excellence, view of the pitch, and overall atmosphere put the grounds among the upper echelons of English Football. 2. Etihad Stadium – Manchester City Photo by Alessia Arpino. Etihad Stadium provides supporters with fantastic sightlines, a lively atmosphere, and an innovative toroidal-shaped roof supported by a tension system with blue lighting beacons. It holds 55,000 fans and supporters who expect a championship side year after year. The area becomes alive with a sea of light blue on match day. 3. Old Trafford – Manchester United Photo by Man United. Old Trafford oozes the atmosphere, with the large stands, unobstructed views, and closeness of the seats to the pitch and the singing of Glory Glory Man United (for example). It is still one of the iconic English grounds to visit and is a must-see venue in itself. The worldwide support of the Red Devils and the recent history of championships makes Old Trafford a top 3 spot on our list. 4. Villa Park – Aston Villa Photo Courtesy of Filipo Nicoli. Constructed in 1897, Villa Park is a true British traditional football ground where every stand is different, stands alone, and has its character. The Holte End still has its original brick facade. No other British stadium can top the authenticity of Aston Villa stadium. 5. St. James’ Park – Newcastle United File Photo Uniquely for such a prominent Premier League club, St. James’ Park is the centerpiece of the city with everything else revolving around it. This makes for an excellent atmosphere as both the city and its only football team merge wonderfully. The club’s famous black and white stripes are ubiquitous. This is a city that seems to be either watching football or talking about it seven days a week. 6. Falmer Stadium – Brighton & Hove Albion Photo by Gary Foxall, Stadium Journey Falmer Stadium, formerly known as the Amex Stadium or The Amex, has a layout helps retain the noise levels, and when full, the atmosphere is as good as any in the league. The club also does its best about pre-match entertainment to get the crowd singing. The West Stand is a three-tiered structure housing luxury boxes and the majority of the club’s facilities that include banqueting suites, conference rooms, and a nursery. 7. Craven Cottage – Fulham Craven Cottage Entrance, Photo Courtesy of Cardiff City FC Craven Cottage is one of the more historic grounds in English football and is rich with history. The Riverside Stand modernized the venue and maintained its vintage charm. With the club now in the top tier of English Football, there might not be a better time to make plans to attend a match. 8. St. Mary’s Stadium – Southampton FC Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Southampton has a strong maritime history and you will find more than enough to keep you entertained if you visit for a weekend. On the football front, they have always been entertainers, except for a brief spell under Ian Branfoot who didn’t quite understand that tradition. The club’s best player, Matthew Le Tissier, is still a fan of this friendly club and often attends games. 9. King Power Stadium – Leicester City Photo by Ian Lawrence A club in the heart of the Midlands with easy transport links from local airports and London provides supporters and visitors from all over the country a fairly hassle-free trip to the city of Leicester and the King Power stadium. You’ll be treated to a modern stadium with modern facilities in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere with the opportunity to watch Premier League football. 10. Goodison Park – Everton Photo by Matin Minelez‎, Stadium Journey Goodison Park is worth a visit. It is one of the more historic venues in English Football, and the quality of play is excellent. The superb destination to watch football is recommended by the casual supporter or someone who wants to take in a football match while in town. 11. Elland Road – Leeds United Photo by Gerry Chow Elland Road is home to one of the most famous clubs in England, Leeds United. The Yorkshire side has 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. 12. Stamford Bridge – Chelsea Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stamford Bridge is one of the most storied stadiums in London and the United Kingdom. While Chelsea FC’s recent success has added to the history of the venue, there were times in the 1970s and 1980s when few would have guessed that it would eventually be home to London’s first European champion club after Chelsea won the 2012 Champions League. 13. Anfield – Liverpool Photo by Ross Jolly Walking under the iron gates where the words “You’ll Never Walk Alone” are inscribed is an inspiring experience. It is one of the largest stadiums in English Football and one of its oldest grounds, having first been built-in in 1884. Liverpool has called in their own since 1892, and visitors are welcomed to one of the most iconic grounds in English Football. 14. Vitality Stadium – AFC Bournemouth Photo by Tori Armenia. With under 12,000 seats, Vitality Stadium offers an atmosphere that is quite different in comparison with other grounds in the league. It is the smallest ground in English Football. However, the facility does have its ambiance and anesthetics that make it a curiosity for visitors and fans alike. The concourses and stands are tight and crowds can become dense when moving around the stadium. However, just because you are small in size you don’t pack a punch. 15. Brentford Community Stadium – Brentford FC Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey. After 116 years at their much-loved Griffin Park home, Brentford FC finally has a brand-new stadium, fit for the Premier League. It is less than a mile from their former home, made famous for having a pub on each corner. The new campus, next to the River Thames in the west of London, includes a 17,500 stadium, 910 homes, and a new public square. 16. City Grounds – Nottingham Forest City Ground Corner, Photo by Andrew Martin. Luckily, this is a ground that still retains an intimately authentic hue and this created a fine atmosphere as the game progressed and the music died. Before the game, the ground – situated on the South Bank of the River Trent – made things relatively idyllic. A rip-roaring victory for Forest didn’t do any harm either. 17. London Stadium – West Ham United Photo by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey There are various clubs in the London area playing league football, and when visiting the city, it might be tough to decide, but they all should all have stands that are steep and close to the pitch. However, the home of the Hammers offers a great group of supporters that provide a great experience on matchday. 18. Emirates Stadium – Arsenal Photo by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey The design of the grounds creates a warm and cozy atmosphere for home games. The stands are close to the field, rounded out, and have no obstructed views. As for singing and intensity, consider visiting a game against a higher-ranked team. 19. Molineux Stadium – Wolves Photo by David Tyler A visit to Molineux makes for a great occasion, as it was special to see a packed house for a football match. The atmosphere and the quality of football are incredibly high. Ticket prices can be a tad on the high side and recent improvements have enlarged the stands to create a better atmosphere. 20. Selhurst Park Stadium – Crystal Palace Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Selhurst Park is an enjoyable experience when staying in London. The cozy conditions of the smaller ground give both fans and supporters a chance to enjoy football in a darling of the venue. The fan is on top of the action at the game. The grounds are always packed with friendly revelers enjoying an afternoon of football.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Allegiant Stadium 3333 Al Davis Way Paradise, NV 89118 Las Vegas Bowl website Allegiant Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 65,000 A True Vegas Bowl Experience A bowl game in Las Vegas has been a staple of the college football schedule since 1992. However, with the construction of Allegiant Stadium, gone are the days of playing in the cold desert air miles from the strip at Sam Boyd Stadium. Instead, the brand-new modern home of the Las Vegas Raiders is now also the home for the Las Vegas Bowl. Showcasing a matchup between the SEC and PAC-12, this game always features top-tier teams facing off for post-season glory. But perhaps the best part of the game is the fact that the stadium is as great as the game itself. Food & Beverage 4 The food options at Allegiant Stadium are stellar. While not every concession stand is open during the Las Vegas Bowl, most are, meaning you won’t have to go far to find something to eat. Beverages range from premium cocktails and alcohol ($15-$30) to fountain sodas and bottled water ($4-$9). Even the basic food options here are above average, with $13 pizzas coming as Sicilian with cheese, veggie, and double pepperoni as the choices. For wings you can get six barbecue or buffalo with a choice of dressing on the side for $13 as well, with some concessions stands even offering salads for $10. Even standard French fries ($7) come with a premium version (rosemary garlic fries - $8). Whether you want BBQ, Mexican, or standard stadium fare, you can find it all within reach. Atmosphere 5 This facility is stunning – from the moment you walk into Allegiant Stadium you’re met with one of the cleanest and most spotless facilities on the American sports schedule. Even the concourses smell like fresh flowers. The natural light that flows from the windows throughout, and the semi-translucent roof make for a bright and comfortable viewing experience. Seating is perfectly staggered so that even a tall person in front of you won’t block your view of the playing surface. The halls are lined with Las Vegas history, both for sports and entertainment. There are also art pieces throughout, as well as unique lighting and design features. The end zones feature a large HD LED scoreboard on one side and a large window overlooking the Las Vegas strip on the other. And with this being a domed stadium, the temperature never gets too high or too low, regardless of the weather outside; you’ll stay dry and comfortable no matter what. Neighborhood 5 There isn’t much that can’t be said about the location here. Located literally on the other side of I-15 from the Mandalay Bay resort and casino, you are mere steps away from one of the world’s premier resort and entertainment destinations – hotels, shopping, dining, and entertainment are all offered here. The biggest resorts are all within reach, be it MGM Grand, Venetian, Cosmopolitan, Caesar’s Palace, Bellagio, Wynn, New York New York, and many others; each one features enough to see and do for a vacation all on its own. Fans 4 The fans at the Las Vegas Bowl show up in numbers. With both teams hailing from Power 5 conferences, you’re guaranteed to have a matchup between teams with solid fanbases – this means the majority of the stadium will be full. Because of this, you get the true college bowl experience showcasing fans on opposite sides of the stadium, and offering everything there is to see and enjoy about the bowl season. The best part is, with a domed stadium, even a less-than-capacity crowd means the noise level will still be high thanks to the acoustics of Allegiant Stadium. Access 5 To get to Allegiant Stadium, just look for the large black dome on the far side of I-15. Exit signs on the highway and local roadways offer easy access to the facility. Parking lots surround the stadium, with local businesses also offering to park nearby. Once inside, signs point you to locations all around the stadium, making finding your seat a breeze. Also, even stadium egress after the game is painless thanks to a well-thought-out traffic pattern in and around the parking lots for those leaving the venue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Las Vegas Bowl start at $50 for the upper deck end zones, then rise to $110 for the mid-level sidelines, and $200 for the lower bowl sidelines; suite options are also available. These prices are comparable to most other bowl games, as well as those in NFL stadiums, and when including the value you get for the matchup featured, as well as the location of the game, it is easy to see why this game is a big draw for fans all over the country. Extras 4 The stadium features hallways that showcase the city’s history in both sports and entertainment. Bowl game merchandise is also available for fans throughout the stadium’s team store locations. The typical Las Vegas flair is also on display, with the iconic Vegas showgirls on the field for the coin toss during the pre-game. In addition, both team bands perform during the game’s halftime as well as during pre-game, giving you the full college football experience. Final Thoughts The Las Vegas Bowl is one of the top bowl games on the slate thanks to a new home and a new energy injected into the annual event. Fans flock to this popular destination and with good reason. It is easy to make a weekend trip out of this game thanks to its location being steps away from the Las Vegas Strip, and its winter date offers a chance to experience Vegas without the searing heat of the desert. Indeed, this may be one of the best bowl games to visit on the slate every season, regardless of whether you’re a diehard fan of the team’s participating, or you just enjoy college football as a whole.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dobie Holden Stadium 100 Wildcat Dr Poplarville, MS 39470 Pearl River Wildcats website Dobie Holden Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 5,550 Football in the Swamps Pearl River Community College is one of 14 schools in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) in the NJCAA. The school first fielded a football team as a high school program in 1911, before becoming a JUCO member in 1925 and joining the MACCC in 1927. Since becoming a Junior College the Wildcats have taken home 19 State and MACCC championships between 1925 and 2006, winning more state championships than any other JUCO program in Mississippi. The Wildcats have also won two NJCAA National Championships (1961 and 2004) and played in another in 2006 (which they lost). Pearl River is the oldest community college in the state. Today the college has expanded to include 4 locations around South Mississippi, with an enrollment of 5,200. The main campus is located on the swamps of the Pearl River near the small town of Poplarville, right on the Mississippi-Louisiana state line. The Wildcats play on campus at Dobie Holden Stadium, named after the winningest coach in program history – Holden was a successful running back for LSU in the 1930s before coaching the Wildcats from 1948-1966. Holden won 8 state championships and one national championship during his time here and helped transform Pearl River into an elite JUCO program on the national level. Like most of the facilities on campus, the stadium was heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina and was completely rebuilt following the storm. Following these extensive renovations, the Wildcats play in one of the nicest facilities in the MACCC. Food & Beverage 2 There are two concession stands located under the stadium on the home side, and one pop-up stand on the away side. The home side sells the regular menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn, with canned Cokes and assorted candy. The unique item I saw was a funnel cake. The away side stand is under a tent and only sells popcorn, candy, and Coke. Atmosphere 4 The Pearl River campus is quite large and is typical of a southern college campus, with large marble buildings with Greek columns, as well as giant oaks scattered across campus. There's a small college feel here as you arrive and see people tailgating throughout campus – you almost forget you are at a junior college. The stadium originally opened after Holden's retirement in 1966 and currently holds 5,500 seats. Before that, the Wildcats played at a smaller stadium just south of the current stadium. Dobie Holden Stadium is located on the north side of campus as part of the school's athletic complex; the field faces north and south with the home side located on the west side of the stadium. The main entrance is located on the south side of the stadium and can be kind of hidden behind the building that house the Wildcat Den, the official team store of PRCC Athletics. Pearl River pays homage to the legendary coach with a large 6-foot sculpture greeting fans as they enter on the south side. Once inside the stadium, the home side is packed out for all the games. The home side features about 11 rows of all metal bleacher seating, except the 1,000 chairback seats reserved for season ticket holders on the 50-yard line. The band and the rather large student section take up the majority of the south side of the bleachers. In the north end zone is a huge video board with the words PRCC manicured into a bush underneath. Neighborhood 2 The MACCC schools are in small towns spread out throughout rural areas of Mississippi. Poplarville is one of the larger towns in the conference and is the county seat of Pearl River County. The campus is located several blocks west of downtown. Poplarville has a population of 2,000 and is typical of a Mississippi town, with the southern small town feel where everybody knows everybody. There are a few restaurants worth checking out downtown – Scooter's is a popular place for po'boys, and Deb's Pizza is a popular pizza joint in downtown. Also, as Poplarville is located in dry county alcohol is not sold inside the city limits. Poplarville also doesn't have any hotels; instead, I would recommend staying about 30 minutes south in Picayune. Poplarville is also about 30 minutes south of Hattiesburg and an hour north of New Orleans, where there are plenty of hotels and better food options. Fans 4 Fans in football-crazed Mississippi love their football, and Poplarville is no exception – the small town shuts down on Thursday nights when the Wildcats play at home. JUCO football is so popular in South Mississippi that Thursday nights mark the beginning of fans' four-night football weekend that includes high school football on Friday, college football on Saturday, and then Saints football on Sunday. PRCC averages about 4,000 fans per game, which is pretty good considering the population of the whole town are only 2,000. It's a family affair in Poplarville as the whole town gets together and comes out to the football games. Many fans are tailgating all around campus, almost like you were at a regular college football game. And, as this is the swamps of the Louisiana border, I encountered an LSU grad and Poplarville native who was cooking fried gator under his tailgate tent. Access 3 Getting to the PRCC campus shouldn't be too hard. Poplarville is located right off Interstate 55 about an hour northeast of New Orleans, and about 30 minutes southwest of Hattiesburg. Exit 29 to Highway 26 will be your best bet as it is the main road that heads into town; the campus is located a few minutes down 26 just north of downtown. Dobie Holden Stadium is located right at the main entrance to campus, and there are plenty of parking spots on campus. Parking is free too which is always a plus. Once in the stadium, the concourse can be kind of cramped, especially at halftime, but other than that there are no issues, and you can pretty much sit wherever you want to. If you can find an empty chairback seat you can have a seat there as well. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets are sold at the box office for $11, while the chairbacks are sold for $20, but if you purchase tickets in advance they are $8 for GA and $17 for chairbacks, and there are also a few empty chairbacks, so once the game starts it is possible to move around. I consider it a good return on investment to attend a Pearl River game if you are interested in JUCO Football. The experience has a small college football game atmosphere, and PRCC has sent over 290 players to D1 schools over the years, so you are getting to see some potential big-name college football players. Extras 4 One extra for the Wildcat Den, the campus bookstore located just outside the stadium – this is one of the nicest college bookstores I've ever seen. They have a wide selection of different Pearl River gear, and prices are reasonable too. They even have TVs in there for you to watch the game if you want to come in and get out of the heat. Also an extra for the Pearl River History Museum located on campus; this unique museum offers all kinds of insight into the history of the college. They have a wide selection of Wildcats sports memorabilia on display including the two NJCAA national championship trophies, several game-worn jerseys, and even Coach Dobie Holden's office desk, intact from his coaching days. This is a neat and impressive museum that chronicles the school's history, however, the museum is only open on Fridays. Dobie Holden Stadium is also the home stadium for local Poplarville high school football games. The Hornets have made the state playoffs 21 times, including four 4A state championship games (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020) which they all lost. PRCC has a nice list of alumni as well, including several state senators and 13 players who have been drafted or played in the NFL. But perhaps the most famous person to have attended the school is Jimmy Buffett – after dropping out of Auburn after one year in 1964, Buffett enrolled at PRCC for the 1965-66 school year. As there are no local bars or clubs in the area for Buffett to play his guitar, he was confined to playing his guitar late into the morning from his dorm room at Huff Hall, which is still located on campus. The band at Pearl River Wildcats games even plays Jimmy Buffett hits during the halftime show, which is a pretty cool sound to hear. Buffett even made an appearance during a Halftime Show here in 2015.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field. and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last ten years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. In 2023 it will be the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s own concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level soccer match game. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse located across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students which is surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 3 The match we attended was $5 for the general public and free for students and staff. While parking is free, it seems that even the small amount of $5 is more than it needs to be. There is little reason to charge other than get some work experience for the students working the gate. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa does help in making it more reasonable. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bob Carpenter Center 631 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens website Bob Carpenter Center website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 5,000 Basketball At the Bob Located on the University of Delaware campus in Newark (pronounced New-ARK with the accent on the second syllable), the Bob Carpenter Center is home to the Fightin' Blue Hens basketball team. The arena opened in 1992 for $20.5 million and has been renovated and updated several times since then to ensure it stays as modern as it was when it was opened. Before 2018, the arena was also home to the Delaware 87ers (now the Blue Coats) of the NBA G-League. Food & Beverage 4 Although Bob Carpenter doesn't have the widest variety of concessions selections, what it does have is high quality and good value. There are several concession windows in the corners of the concourse, although they are not all open every game. The menu is basic for the most part, with nachos costing $5, popcorn $5, hot dogs $2, soft pretzels $3, chocolate chip cookies $3, pizza $4 per slice for cheese or pepperoni, and candy $2. An extra cheese cup for the pretzel or nachos (or the other items if you want it) is $1. Fountain soda and bottled water are $4. However, the best deal by far is the sandwich of the day for $8, or you can make it a combo with a hot and cold side for $12. The selection will vary by game, but when Stadium Journey visited, fans could get a pulled pork sandwich with optional sides of macaroni and cheese and cole slaw if they upgraded to a combo. There are several smaller stands on the concourse which sell other items. One stand sells alcohol for fans of ages. Keep in mind that although this stand also sells snacks, fans under the age of 21 can not buy them here or even stand in line with fans who are of drinking age, and will need to go to a different stand. There is also a stand selling ice cream made right on campus at the UDairy Creamery. One scoop is $3.95 and two scoops are $5.25. In addition to the usual flavors like vanilla and chocolate, there are unique flavors like raspberry cheesecake and honey apple cake. Fans can get their two scoops in different flavors if they want to try several of these unique options. The concession stand at Bob Carpenter Center Atmosphere 3 Walking through the front doors of the Bob Carpenter Center will put you in the lower lobby, which is covered in murals honoring Delaware athletics. There is also a trophy case and a statue of a blue hen, the school mascot and state bird of Delaware. If you are lucky enough to have courtside seats, you can get to those from here. Otherwise, you will need to walk up a flight of steps to the upper concourse, from which you can access concessions and walk down to your seat. A large video board hangs over the court with smaller scoreboards in two of the corners that also show the fouls and points for each player. All seats are chairbacks except the ones behind the baskets which are normally reserved for students, and all have an excellent view of the action as The Bob is a fairly small arena. The gameday experience at the Bob Carpenter Center is pretty standard with cheerleaders and a dance team. The cheerleaders will throw t-shirts into the crowd after every Blue Hens three-pointer as well as during select TV timeouts. A band also attends some games but was not there when Stadium Journey attended. The team has two mascots who are anthropomorphic blue hens, YouDee, and their younger sibling, Baby Blue. (Officially, both mascots are "neither male nor female" and are referred to by gender-neutral pronouns.) The mascots roam the court and the stands throughout the game to hang out with fans. Lower lobby Neighborhood 3 Newark is a typical East Coast college town. Your best option is to head downtown to Main Street, which offers numerous options including Grotto Pizza and the Deer Park Tavern. You can also head towards Christiana Mall or check out The Border Café, known for its Tex-Mex food and large “EAT” sign. Fans who missed their chance to get ice cream from the UDairy Creamery during the game can head there afterward to grab some Fans 3 Delaware averages between 1,500 and 2,000 fans a game in a 5,000-seat arena, so the place is consistently less than half full. The Blue Hens often work with youth groups such as school basketball teams to bring children to the arena, so there are a lot of young families in attendance for a typical game. However, there are a good number of older fans as well who have shown a lifetime of loyalty to the team. While the fans can get loud at big moments in the game, their small numbers hinder them and these passionate moments are few and far between. While the Blue Hens fans love to come decked out in blue and gold, seeing this nice arena with thousands of empty seats is not a good look. Access 4 The University of Delaware campus is located just off I-95. If coming from the north, take Exit 1, the last exit in Delaware, and the campus will be right there. If coming from the south, you are better off taking Exit 109B in Maryland. Although this will add a couple of minutes to your trip, it will save you the $4 toll that you will pay when you enter Delaware. Once you get on campus, there are several lots near the arena where you can park. The closest parking is sold for $5, while parking further away is free. Staff should be on hand to direct you to the right area. The upper concourse is very wide and there are plenty of restrooms on both the upper and lower levels. They may get a bit crowded at halftime but you will be back in plenty of time for the second half. The stairway to the upper level is a bit long but elevators are available for fans who require one. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $11 to $19 depending on where you sit, which is an excellent value for a modern arena such as The Bob. Parking is no more than $5 and free if you are willing to walk a bit. Concessions are affordable, especially if you go for the sandwich combo which is the most expensive thing on the menu but gets you a lot of food. All in all, a visit to the Bob Carpenter Center is a great value for fans to take in a basketball game. . Extras 3 There is a children's area behind Section 8 with games to play such as cornhole and Connect Four as well as a chance to make signs to hold up to cheer on the Blue Hens. The lower lobby is worthy of an extra star in its own right as it is practically a miniature museum dedicated to the Blue Hens. A third and final star for the banners hanging behind one of the baskets honoring Blue Hens basketball accomplishments. Blue Hen statue Final Thoughts The Bob Carpenter Center is a sleek, modern facility, and although it is now 30 years old, the University of Delaware has continued to do ongoing renovations to ensure it stays up-to-date. While it would be nice if more fans turned up to Blue Hens games, a trip to The Bob is well worth it for any basketball fan passing through Delaware.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 MetLife Stadium 1 Metlife Stadium Dr East Rutherford, NJ 07073 New York Jets website MetLife Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 82,500 J – E- T- S, Jets, Jets, Jets !!! MetLife Stadium was opened in 2010 as the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets to replace Giants Stadium. It is located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex just like its predecessor. The Jets compete in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the American Football Conference (AFC) East division. They had one Super Bowl championship (Super Bowl III) in 1968. Food & Beverage 4 There are numerous food options within the surprisingly crowded inner concourses. Options are many as there with concession stands such as Bubba Burgers, Frank’s, BBQ Shack, Boardwalk Fryer, Wingman NY, and Momma Fusco’s Kitchen. Our personal favorite was Mr. Tot. Food prices are high, as likely expected for an NFL stadium within the New York City area. The combined Mrs. Field’s and Dippin’ Dots stands to seem to be very popular starting in the second half. There are also a few specialized bars and lounges, some of which may cost an additional admissions fee. MetLife sells Pepsi brand sodas. Atmosphere 5 When you enter the venue you actually begin on an outside concourse that wraps around most of the stadium. There will be activities and events pre-game in this area. This area is also a good meet-up spot for pre and post-game. Once inside the stadium, there is a pretty small set of concourse walkways around the venue. It is a unique setup, but it is easy enough to navigate. There are plenty of pre-game activities with bands, cheerleaders, etc to keep the fans interested. There is a new tradition where everyone in the stadium is encouraged to sing along together with the National Anthem, with the anthem singer leading that sing-along Metlife Stadium really tries to make the stadium awash in green for Jet’s games. With the stadium being a shared venue it is tough making it seem like a Jets stadium and not a GIants stadium. It is not always a success, as the venue can feel sterile at times. Neighborhood 3 The Meadowlands is a swamp. That is not some kind of put-down, but it is in a literal swamp. There is not a normal neighborhood nearby. Of course, New York City is a car or train ride away and offers many options for everyone. Parking lots surround the stadium. The addition of the recently opened American Dream Mall helps the place in the neighborhood score. While still not 100% open, it is home to many stores, restaurants, an indoor amusement and water park, an NHL-sized skating rink, an indoor ski slope, and an aquarium just to name a few. Please note that due to county laws, many stores in the mall are closed on Sundays due to existing blue laws. Fans 4 The Jets fans seem very blue-collar, especially compared to the fans of the other team that shares the stadium. They are a boisterous bunch that seems to stay excited even when the team’s success has been not great for many years. The Jets cheerleaders and other pre-game personnel and activities keep the crowd engaged. Access 4 The Meadowlands is located off many major highways and has massive parking lots. You will not fight to find parking, although expect to pay $40 and up. There are train and bus options but expect long lines and a large number of fellow riders to fight through to use those services. The Coach USA bus service round trip to Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal is one of our favorite options, depending on where fans are coming from. We do not recommend using rideshares after games as the setup and operations are a major disaster. We tried for a rideshare after another event at the stadium for a bit of time and it kept saying our ride was arriving in three minutes for nearly 25 minutes, all the while we were harassed by taxi drivers offering their much more expensive services. We ended up taking the train to nearby Secaucus Junction Station and getting a much cheaper rideshare from there, and it only cost a fraction of our original ride choice. Return on Investment 4 This is the NFL so the prices can be high, coupled with pretty expensive parking, which means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. If the Jets start losing more the tickets do come down to a cheaper level. Extras 4 The 50-yard line seats are only 46 feet from the sidelines. This is the closest to the field of any stadium in the NFL. MetLife Stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLVIII, two Wrestlemanias, and concerts by artists such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Paul McCartney. The Meadowland Rail Station for New Jersey Transit is located right by the stadium and offers easy game-day transit. The American Dream Mall is a bit of a mess, having many business issues, but it is still an interesting spot to check out in the area. Final Thoughts A game at MetLife Stadium is a great way to cap a trip to New York City and is also great for locals. The stadium may not feel like it costs 1.6 Billion dollars, but that does not mean it isn’t a good place for a game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bender Arena 4400 Massachusetts Ave Washington, DC 20016 American Eagles website Bender Arena website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 4,500 Fly, Eagles, Fly Bender Arena is located on the campus of American University in Washington, D.C., and is home to the Eagles’ basketball teams as well as the volleyball and wrestling teams. Named for Howard and Sondra Bender, whose donations helped fund the arena, Bender opened in 1988 and has served as the Eagles’ home venue ever since. Special guests who have attended games at Bender include various diplomats from the nearby embassies, who participate in the annual Embassy Night at Bender, and then-First Lady Michelle Obama, who attended a women’s basketball game in 2014 to watch her niece play for the visiting Princeton Tigers. As for the Eagles themselves, they have competed in the Patriot League since 2001, when they left the Colonial Athletic Association. The men’s basketball team has made the NCAA Tournament three times, including consecutive appearances in 2008 and 2009, but has yet to win a game in the Big Dance. Food & Beverage 5 The concession stands at Bender Arena are run by local restaurant Gregorio's Trattoria and offer a wide range of concessions. Prices are high but the food is good quality and well worth it. Three different kinds of subs are available for $12 each - Italian sausage (with peppers and onions), meatball parmesan, and cold Italian. Chicken tenders with chips are $12 as well, while a hot dog is $6 and a veggie dog is $7. Caesar salad wraps are $7, or you can add grilled chicken for another $4. Pizza slices are $4.50 for cheese or $5 for pepperoni and are pretty large - one might be enough for a person and two almost certainly would be. A jumbo soft pretzel (and we do mean jumbo, it's bigger than the plate it comes on) is $9, popcorn is $5, chips are $3, and bottled water and canned soda are also $3. The lines can get quite long at times so we recommend getting food early if possible. Atmosphere 3 Walking through the entrance or taking the elevator down from the parking garage will put you in the newly renovated lobby of the American University Sports Complex, a multi-story building that includes not just the basketball arena but a student recreational facility, a swimming pool, and various offices. Just through a set of doors from the elevator area is the ticket window, and from there you will need to walk down a hallway and through another set of doors to get into the arena itself. Once inside, you will find chair backs on both sidelines and risers behind both baskets. The chair backs are the more comfortable option but tend to walk back and forth when someone else in the row leans back or gets up or down. Most fans will sit on the near side or the risers, but the student and visiting sections are located in the chair backs on the far side. The students, known as the Blue Crew, sit in sections 112-115, while the visiting fans sit in sections 116 and 117 on the far sideline as well as 118 and 119 behind the basket. There are video boards on one sideline and behind one basket which show the score and player and team stats. All fans in the arena should be able to see at least one of the boards. The Eagles have a mascot named Clawed Z. Eagle, although he was not present when we visited. This is likely because the game was over winter break, and Clawed returns when the students do. Neighborhood 5 American University is located in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This is several miles from the center of the city, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting. There are several restaurants nearby, including local favorites Z Burger and District Taco, and several chain restaurants. Tenleytown is a safe neighborhood to walk in, but due to its distance from downtown, you may be better off driving. Of course, this being the nation’s capital, plenty is going on elsewhere in the city as well, and the great thing is that most of it is free. The National Mall and all of its monuments and memorials are gorgeous on a November afternoon, and if you’re visiting later in the season and don’t want to deal with the cold, you can stop into one of the many museums. All government-run attractions are free of charge, though some privately-owned ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to schedule that in advance. Hotels are extremely expensive in DC itself, at least the ones of decent quality, so if you’re staying overnight, your best bet is to stay in the Virginia or Maryland suburbs and drive over. Fans 3 Attendance at American games can vary widely. Some games will draw only a few hundred fans, while others will draw several thousand and Bender Arena will be rocking. When the fans show up, they are loud and raucous and cheer on the Eagles. They are not afraid to get on the referees' case when a call goes against them, either. Unfortunately, this kind of attendance isn't typical for most games. A packed Bender is a wonder to behold, but sadly this only seems to happen once or twice per season, usually in connection with some sort of ticket giveaway promotion. Access 4 There is free and ample parking available in a garage right next to the arena, but the spaces can be quite tight, especially for larger vehicles. However, if you plan on driving in for a weeknight game, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, if you want to arrive early and walk around campus before the game, you cannot park in the garage until after 5 PM. Second, the Washington area has some of the worst traffic in the country, so you should allow extra time to account for it. Neither should be an issue on weekends, although there's always the possibility an accident will snarl traffic so check to be sure and plan accordingly. If you plan on taking public transit, the closest Metro station is the Tenleytown stop on the Red Line, but this is about a 25-minute walk from the arena, so is not ideal. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for sideline seats range from $15 to $18 depending on where you sit, while end zone seats are $10. While other teams have raised their ticket prices over the past several years, American has kept their prices the same, turning one of the most expensive tickets in the Patriot League into about an average one. While concessions are expensive, you get a good amount of food for your money and it's high quality as well. A $9 soft pretzel may seem ridiculously expensive until you see how big it is - it can easily be shared between two or maybe even three people. The other food at the concession stand is similar. Throw in the free parking, a rarity in DC, and the value of an American University basketball game is high. Extras 4 There are three extras in the lobby before you even walk into the arena proper. First, a donkey statue and an elephant statue represent America's two political parties. DC is the capital of the United States and American University in particular prides itself on its extensive public affairs program. Second, look for the Hall of Fame honoring AU legends of days gone by. Third, as you walk down the hallway and approach the arena door, check out the murals with pictures of Eagles greats. Final Thoughts While American doesn’t get much attention in D.C. compared to fellow local schools Georgetown and Maryland, a visit to Bender Arena can be as enjoyable as a visit to Capital One Arena or the Xfinity Center. The experience here has significantly improved in recent years, and if they could consistently draw the large crowds they have proven themselves capable of drawing on occasion, a game here would be even better.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Addition Financial Arena 12777 Gemini Blvd N Orlando, FL 32816 UCF Knights website Addition Financial Arena website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 9,465 Welcome to the Knightmare The feeling one gets at Addition Financial Arena for college basketball equals that of a rising collegiate basketball powerhouse. While UCF isn’t exactly a school that fits that definition, its fan base more than helps that feeling by filling seats and raising decibel levels. While some may not look for that college basketball feel in central Florida, that may be a mistake, as UCF definitely has some of the markers one looks for when attending NCAA hoops action. Their impending move to the Big 12 has only added fuel to the fire. Food & Beverage 4 The food at Addition Financial Arena is what one would typically expect at a sports arena – burgers, nachos, chips and cookies, soft drinks, etc. are all available at the various concession stands. However, the star is the BBQ booths around the arena; here you can indulge in a pulled pork sandwich ($8), pulled pork nachos ($8), or pulled pork or chicken sliders ($10). Smaller items like hot dogs ($4), soft pretzels ($4-$5), peanuts ($4), and more are also available throughout the arena. You can find concessions maps around the concourse as well, showing where you can find Flippers Pizza, Cuban Kitchen, Gemini Pub, and others in the arena. Atmosphere 4 Surprisingly, UCF’s basketball experience is on par with a lot of top-notch college basketball programs. When sitting in “The Dungeon” during a game, it is hard not to notice how close to the floor the seats are. Unlike some colleges where the seats are elevated or further away from the action, UCF’s seats seem to creep all the way to the floor, just steps away from the action. Even the upper deck seats give you a closer view than those at various other arenas. The student section in the end zone knows how to cheer and heckle with the best of them, and they fill in their seating rather quickly on game days. The UCF band and cheerleaders also help to pump up the crowd during games, adding to the college feel. Neighborhood 3 UCF may not be in the heart of Orlando, but there are many fun things to do immediately surrounding the campus, and the campus itself is packed with lodging, shopping, and restaurants. Almost every major restaurant chain you can think of is nearby, as well as a mall and several other large shopping districts. Visitors to the campus will also notice several smaller food venues around the arena on UCF’s campus. Also, during the holidays the area is decorated for Light Up UCF, where families can enjoy Christmas lights, ice skating, and more before and after the basketball game. Fans 4 The passion of UCF Knights loyalists is palpable – you cannot help but feel the energy in the building. The closeness of the seats to the court also means the noise level is much higher inside Addition Financial Arena. The students chant along with the band and cheerleaders; their seating is perfectly located too, right behind the opponent’s bench and visitor seating area. The arena is also a gathering place for alumni and former players. Surprisingly, there is also a very large contingent of longtime season ticket holders for UCF basketball. These fans have been with the team since its inception, and can tell you stories of the early years at the team’s old Education Arena, the former home of UCF hoops. In addition, this is generally a great place to bring kids, as UCF basketball remains family-friendly no matter the opponent. And as always, you can join in during the National Anthem, where all the fans replace the word “night” with a loud “KNIGHTS!”. Access 4 The college is right off Highway 417, which offers direct access to Orlando International Airport, the greater Walt Disney World area, I-4 to the north towards Daytona, Florida’s Turnpike, and the Beachline Expressway to Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. On campus, parking is actually rather plentiful, with various garages and parking lots in the immediate vicinity of Addition Financial Arena accessible for $5; parking passes are also available to purchase before games. While traffic can be a bit of a pest during bigger games, it generally flows rather easily and will empty out in due time. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are not expensive, even for postseason games – seating starts at $20 and goes up to $55 for non-premium locations, while suites can run $125 or higher. You can get season ticket options for less than $99 as well, with season tickets for kids being half the price of adults. Add to that the low cost of parking ($5) and the generally mild pricing on food, and a night at UCF basketball will not break the bank, even for a bigger family. Extras 4 The UCF fans in attendance usually are given some sort of giveaway at games, whether they are team posters or smaller knick-knacks. The team also throws out t-shirts into the stands every time the team hits a three-pointer. Kids are also invited onto the court during game breaks to participate in fun games and activities to win additional prizes, as are other fans, and UCF’s mascot is typically seen walking around the arena, greeting fans, taunting visitors, and posing for photos whenever possible. Lastly you won’t want to miss the 60 seconds of chaos at the end of the first half, where the fans go wild for the final 60 seconds, making for one loud arena. Final Thoughts Despite UCF having not achieved national prominence as a college basketball powerhouse, the fans at Addition Financial Arena make sure it feels like they have. They are always on their feet cheering for UCF as much as possible, and they are always welcoming to new fans and visitors alike. Being that the college is in Orlando makes the visit event that much more enjoyable as well, as the city itself, not to mention the surrounding area, are both beautiful year-round and full of things to see and do.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Pete Hanna Center 800 Lakeshore Dr Homewood, AL 35229 Samford Bulldogs website Pete Hanna Center website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,000 Pete Hanna Center – Samford University Bulldogs Just over Red Mountain in the Birmingham suburb of Homewood, Alabama sits the campus of Samford University, home of the Bulldogs. Members of the Southern Conference, the Bulldogs opened the nearly 5,000-seat Pete Hanna Center in 2007. It has served as the home for the men’s and women’s basketball teams, along with the school’s volleyball program. Food & Beverage 2 The Hanna Center features a concessions stand in the main lobby of the arena. While most menu items are priced $4 or less, choices are pretty limited – the only items of substance are hot dogs and nachos; most other choices are snack foods. A second concessions area is set up within the concourse of the gymnasium and offers mostly candy and similar snacks. Coke products and the fan favorite, Dippin’ Dots are also available here. The university has chosen not to sell alcoholic beverages on the Samford campus. While the food is well priced and the quality of what is served is fine, it just seems as if there is a void in the choices that could be offered, that leave you wanting more to choose from. Atmosphere 3 The Pete Hanna Center is tucked amongst Samford’s other athletic facilities. The arena’s brick exterior is adorned with large columns framing the entryways and multiple dormers along its roofline. It is truly a beautiful building, and anyone not knowing what they were looking for could easily assume it was one of the many academic buildings on campus. Fans pass through the lobby of the Pete Hana Center into the playing area through a wide concourse that encircles the top of the seating area. Each side of the gymnasium has an upper section of seating, but those are typically not used for games here. General admission seats make up most of the endline seating at the home end of the floor and a small section near the visiting bench. While these areas tend to have views that are a bit obstructed, seats in the corners provide terrific views of unfolding plays. There are also three sections of reserved seating at the home end and at half court, which have fantastic views of the action. What really adds to the college atmosphere though is that nearly a quarter of the seats are reserved for students – having so many students creates an atmosphere that is truly a home court advantage. Neighborhood 3 Samford’s hilly campus is directly off one of the main thoroughfares through Homewood. The university serves as a buffer of sorts between State Route 149 and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Homewood is full of beautiful neighborhoods and seemingly endless miles of running and walking trails. Samford is less than 4 miles from Homewood’s city center, which has a well-rounded choice of restaurants and shops. Two of the culinary highlights of Homewood include Big Bad Breakfast and SoHo Social. Visitors looking for legendary Birmingham barbecue can find Dreamland BBQ just 5 miles away. There are plenty of attractions within a 15-minute drive of the Samford campus. Along with the miles of trails in the area, the Vulcan Monument sits atop Red Mountain and overlooks Birmingham. The Birmingham Zoo is also conveniently located near the Samford campus. Sport fans can easily pair a visit to Samford with a basketball game at the nearby University of Alabama-Birmingham, take in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl , or check out the G-League’s Birmingham Squadron. In Pelham, just south of Birmingham, there are also the Birmingham Bulls of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Fans looking to make an overnight or extended stay near the Samford campus can find a Courtyard by Marriott less than 2 miles away. Also, a bit further but still in the area, is Aloft in the Homewood city center. Fans 3 Samford has done a fantastic job drawing student to games – more than a quarter of the arena’s main seating area is dedicated to the student body. The student section is close to full when classes are in session and students are on campus, and the level of student involvement can provide an almost intimidating home court advantage for the visiting team, which certainly gives the Bulldogs an edge. There is just something about nearly a thousand students, many wearing matching red t-shirts, that makes a game at Samford a special experience. Support from the general fanbase seems to be about what would be expected from most decent basketball teams. The seating is nearly full but does have some patches of empty seating scattered around the arena. Access 3 Getting to Homewood and Samford from the north or south on Interstate 65 provides a direct route to campus. Those coming from the east or west on I-20 must navigate a couple of bypasses before reaching the area. It is not necessarily difficult; it’s just not a straight shot off the interstate. Upon arriving at Samford, parking is free at any of the several parking lots in the athletics neighborhood of campus. Parking is not directly at the arena but is just a short walk away. Fans enter through the upper lobby of the Pete Hana Center, and make their way downstairs to the main lobby to have their tickets scanned. All tickets are digital, and walkups must be purchased online. Once in the arena, a wide concourse encircles the seating area, and provides plenty of room for fans to find their section. Each side of the gymnasium has an upper section of seating, but that is typically not used for games here. Following the game, getting back to Highway 149 might need a bit of patience – there is just one entry/exit point to the Samford campus that is in use. This can make getting out of the parking lot a bit tricky. Return on Investment 4 With free parking and tickets starting at $14, it would be difficult to find a better deal in college basketball. While the food choices are a bit limited, the prices for most of the items are very affordable. The university offers ticket packages for kids that highly incentivizes parents to bring their children to all Samford sporting events. Through the “Bulldog Buddies” program, for $50 kids have access to all Samford athletic events. For adults, “Bucky Bundles” (named for head coach Bucky McMillan) offer tickets at a 25% discount for those looking to buy just weekend or conference games. Overall, prices at Samford are very reasonable, especially if you are from the area and want to take in multiple games. Extras 3 The Pete Hanna Center houses the Samford Athletics Hall of Fame. Located on the second level of the main entry point into the arena, the hall of fame is a well-designed section that prominently features the latest induction class, shares the history of athletics at Samford, and recognizes past inductees. Not enough can be said regarding the ticket deals Samford offers; it is evident that the main goal is to get fans in the stands. Between these fan friendly ticket prices and the free parking, Samford is certainly looking to build a fanbase simply by making their games accessible to all. Final Thoughts Everything about going to a basketball game at Samford is a positive experience, from the beautiful campus to the affordability of tickets and expenses associated with going to a game, to the atmosphere the students create. Couple these factors with the fun, up-tempo and high scoring style of basketball Samford plays, and it all comes together as a great outing.

Photos by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Fenway Park 4 Jersey St. Boston, MA 02215 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Fenway Park website Year Opened: 1912 Capacity: 37,731 Worth the Wait? When you think of Fenway Park you picture legends like Ted Williams, Carlton Fisk, Pedro Martinez, and David Ortiz dazzling fans with their heroics on the diamond. What you don’t think of is kickoffs, first downs, and marching bands. However, Fenway Park finally played host to the Wasabi Fenway Bowl in the 2022-2023 bowl season. This bowl was originally set to debut in 2020 but COVID forced postponements in both the 2020-2021 bowl season and the 2021-2022 bowl season. Football at Fenway actually dates back to 1916 when Holy Cross & Boston College squared off. There was even a professional team, the Boston Patriots of the AFL, who called Fenway Park home. Though Fenway had hosted football games in the past, the inaugural Wasabi Fenway Bowl between Cincinnati and Louisville was the first time Fenway Park played host to a bowl game. In the end, it was a mixed bag of an experience that had some high points but also some low points. Food & Beverage 4 The food offerings at the Fenway Bowl were a bit different than those you would find at a typical Red Sox game. Normally Fenway Park’s food experience is enhanced by the numerous vendors located right outside of the gates on Jersey Street. However, those vendors were not present for the Fenway Bowl. That doesn’t mean there was a lack of options inside the ballpark though. All of the usual stadium fare can be found at Fenway. Fans can snack on sausages, popcorn, candy, and pretzels among other ballpark staples. Pizza, chicken tenders, and even lobster rolls can also be found around the park along with the famous Fenway Frank. If you’re looking for a Pepsi you won’t find one at Fenway as they carry only Coca Cola soft drinks. What you can find though is a plethora of craft beer options alongside the requisite New England staple, Sam Adams. Unsurprisingly, the prices for food & beverages at Fenway is not cheap. For example, a 16oz Truly Hard Seltzer will run you $11.50, a 20oz water costs $4.75, and peanuts cost $5.75. Atmosphere 5 This is truly a unique experience for a bowl game. Watching college football at Fenway Park is a sight to behold. The cold New England air, the green monster in the background, Sweet Caroline, and the aura of Fenway all combine to make for a memorable experience. There’s history everywhere you look at Fenway. Look towards the right field bleachers and you’ll see the retired numbers of legends like David Ortiz, Ted Williams, Carlton Fisk, and Yaz. Take a look at the green monster and you’re reminded of Fisk’s homerun in game 6 of the 1975 World Series. Seeing the players come up and out of the dugout for pregame introductions is really cool and the marching bands also provide a great element of both music and choreography. The pageantry of college football combined with the history of Fenway Park just makes for a really memorable atmosphere and experience that fans will enjoy. Neighborhood 5 Fenway Park is located in a great neighborhood. There are numerous dining options within walking distance. If you’d like to check out some uniquely Boston locales try the Cask ‘N Flagon, The Bleacher Bar, or Fenway Johnnies. If you’re looking for variety stop at Timeout Market where you can find a rotating group of eating establishments. You can find pizza, burgers, Asian cuisine, and much more. There are also numerous coffee shops, fast food, and fast casual spots for fans looking to grab a quick bite outside of the park. If you’re looking to catch some music there are also some great options. The House of Blues and the new MGM Music Hall at Fenway are perfect spots to check out. If you’re traveling with young kids then the Boston Children’s Museum is a fun time for the whole family. Fans 2 The deck was stacked against the fans for this bowl game no matter who was involved outside of Boston College or UCONN. College football isn’t nearly as big of a deal in New England as it is in other parts of the country. The passion and intensity is geared fully towards the pro teams in New England. Add in the fact that most of the time the teams aren’t local to New England it’s tough to get a strong attendance number. There were of course still loyal fans of both schools at the game and they did try to enhance the atmosphere as much as they could but in the end it was definitely not a rowdy event. You definitely don’t have to worry about getting heckled or being mistreated for wearing the wrong colors. Access 3 There are some really easy ways to get to Fenway and there are some really frustratingly hard ways to get to Fenway. The easiest and simplest method is to take public transportation. There’s a commuter rail stop right outside of Fenway Park. If you’re coming from Western MA just take the Worcester-Framingham line to Lansdowne. Fenway Park is a stones throw away from the station. There’s also the Providence/Stoughton line which drops you off near Northeastern University. If taking the T, your best bet is to take is the green line. If you plan to drive to Fenway Park be warned that the parking/traffic situation can be an absolute nightmare. This bowl game will always be played around Christmastime when people are out shopping and traffic is at its worst. There are lots close to the park but they fill up fast and aren’t cheap. Save yourself the headache and take the train. Once inside, Fenway is fairly easy to navigate. The concourses are wide enough to accommodate the bowl game crowd and fans should have no problems with congestion. As far as preferred sightline, for the Fenway Bowl we would recommend the State Street Pavilion as it gives you a birds eye view of the action. Return on Investment 3 Bowl games in general are a tough event to determine a true return on investment. The quality of football will be a mixed bag depending on which teams are picked for the game. There’s also the fact that a lot of high quality players sit out bowl games if they’re entering the NFL draft. What doesn’t change year to year though is the backdrop and Fenway is an awesome place to see a football game. Another thing that won’t change is the price for food and parking. Those prices will always remain high unfortunately. Tickets should be fairly easy to come by though unless BC or UCONN ends up playing in this game in the future. Overall, if you find seats with a good sightline and have a blanket or two you should be able to have an enjoyable time. If nothing else, you can tell your friends that you saw football played at Fenway Park. Extras 3 One star has to go to the history of Fenway Park. The history is visible everywhere you look. If you’ve never been to Fenway Park before it is definitely worthwhile to take a stroll through the park to visit some of the memorable sites of which there are many. A second star goes to the great food scene in and around Fenway Park. There’s something for every taste and appetite in the Fenway neighborhood. There are plenty of chain restaurants and mom and pop establishments. A final star goes to the marching bands. If you’ve never seen a Division One marching band at a college football game, you are in for a real treat. The synchronized motions that flow perfectly with the music is a sight to behold and adds a real flair to the game. Final Thoughts There’s a lot to like about the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. The backdrop is incredible, the food is top notch, and seeing college football in downtown Boston is just fun overall. However, there are a lot of variables with any bowl game but particularly one in New England. It’s going to be cold, the attendance typically won’t be high unless a local team is included, and some of the players will opt out due to the NFL draft. In the end it’s a cool event that is worth checking out at least once.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Meg Minard, Stadium JouMrney Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 UW Milwaukee Panther Arena 400 W Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203 Milwaukee Admirals website UW Milwaukee Panther Arena website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 9,652 The Road to Nashville Goes Through Milwaukee The UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena is the oldest sports arena still in use in the Milwaukee area. Built-in 1950, it has gone through several name changes over the years, including the Milwaukee Arena, the MECCA, the Wisconsin Center Arena, and US Cellular Arena. Past tenants have included the Milwaukee Hawks, the Milwaukee Bucks, and Marquette University basketball. Today it serves the UW – Milwaukee Panthers basketball program, the Milwaukee Admirals AHL hockey team, the Milwaukee Wave of the MASL, and the Brew City Bruisers women’s roller derby team. Numerous renovations have been done to the arena throughout its 70+ years in existence. More than $6 million in upgrades have brought the arena up to modern standards. These repairs were paid for by the Milwaukee Admirals and the Wisconsin Center District, the owner of the building. Among the upgrades is the replacement of all 10,783 seats in the arena, the renovation of all bathroom and locker room facilities, the installation of LED lighting, and the expansion of concession areas. A new shared team store was added to service the spirit gear needs of the fans of the Panthers, Admirals, Wave, and Bruisers. Milwaukee Admirals Ice hockey has been played in Milwaukee, WI since 1970, with a one-year stint as the Milwaukee Wings in 1972-1973. They have played in the AHL (American Hockey League) since 2001 and have been affiliated with the Nashville Predators that entire time (plus three years in the IHL). They played in the BMO Harris Bradley Center until the end of the 2015-2016 season and relocated a block away to the UW Milwaukee Panther Arena beginning the 2016-2017 season. In March 2016, the Admirals signed a 10-year agreement to play at UW Milwaukee Panther Arena. As part of that agreement, many significant renovations were done in the arena. It’s a comfortable facility in which to watch a hockey game and one well worth checking out. Food & Beverage 4 UW Milwaukee Panther Arena provides a good selection of refreshments, food, and drinks at fairly reasonable prices. The arena has 13 concession stands spread equally throughout the building. They include Ian’s Pizza, Mil-Town Taco, the Let Me 10-yearBe Frank, Mac & Cheese, and Colossal Pretzel. A review of the prices for the most popular items includes beer braised bratwurst ($9), beef hot dogs ($8), pizza ($7), regular pretzel / colossal pretzel ($6 or $9), popcorn ($6 or $7.50), and assorted candy ($4.50). Soft drinks consist of RC Cola and Dr Pepper products ($5 / $6.50), Gatorade ($6), and bottled water $(4.50). Saz’s (Milwaukee-based restaurant and food service provider) serves BBQ pulled pork or beef brisket sandwiches, turkey breast wrap, cheese curds, mozzarella sticks, and sour cream and chives fries ($5 – $13). The Mac & Cheese supplies classic and gourmet mac & cheese ($8 – $12). Mil-Town Taco offers up Street Taco Sampler-3 Carne Asada or Adobo Chicken tacos ($9) and Extreme Nachos ($11). One of my favorite stands is the Roasted Nuts (almond, pecan, cashew, or a combination) for $5.50 - $8.50 depending on the size.) Craft beer (Blue Moon and Smith and Forge Cider) is available at most stands ($8); domestic beer (Miller Lite, Miller High Life, and Coors Light) is also available at most stands ($8-$9). Arty’s provides some cocktails and the South Goal Tap Room located behind the stands on the south side of the building features a full-service bar area. If you’re from out of town, I’d recommend going local and splurging on the specialty brat from Usinger’s and a brew from one of the two Leinenkugel Lodges on the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Except for the signage out front, the building’s exterior looks just as it did in 1950. The ticket lobby is thankfully indoors and out of the weather elements which can be cold and blustery during hockey season. As part of the renovation, the original box office lobby terrazzo floor was restored giving it historic charm. Indoor Ticket Booth at Panther Arena, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Inside even with all the renovations of the Panther Arena, the concourses and ramps feel like an old high school building. Numerous displays and plaques recall the Milwaukee Bucks NBA Championship in 1971, the NCAA Championship season of 1977 achieved by Al McGuire and the Marquette basketball team, and the many concerts that took place in this facility. All seats are cushioned throughout all levels of the seating area. Premium seats are ice level at the north end of the rink and include a buffet and two drinks. Ice Box seats are between the player benches ($750 – $1000). As it is an older facility, handrails are not available going up and down the upper-level rows so one must use the backs of seats for support, if needed. The bathrooms are nice and spacious, clean, fresh, and bright. Many banners are hanging from the rafters. The banners are retired numbers and Championships from the Milwaukee Admirals, Milwaukee Wave and UW-Milwaukee Panthers. Neighborhood 5 UW Milwaukee Panther Arena is in the middle of downtown Milwaukee and has all the intriguing entertainment and activities that the city has to offer. If you schedule it right, you can do a double or triple hitter of games (Brew City Bruisers (roller derby), Panthers , Admirals, Marquette University, y or the Milwaukee Bucks ) in a day or weekend. Milwaukee has a very vibrant downtown area with many great restaurants, bars, and attractions within walking distance of Panther Arena. The arena is located adjacent to both the UW – Milwaukee and Marquette University campuses, guaranteeing the nightlife will just be getting started as the game ends. On the restaurant front, Milwaukee is a melting pot of great ethnic restaurants, many of which are located along the riverfront on both Water Street and in the Old World Third Street section. Some restaurants to check out are the King and I (Thai), Major Goolsby’s, Maders (German), The Old German Beer Hall, Sam Giorgio Pizzeria, Milwaukee Brat House, George Webb, and Mikey’s Burgers and Bombs. They are all reasonably priced and within a few blocks of the arena. When you think of Milwaukee, a few things come to mind… cheese, beer, and Harleys. A great way to spend your pregame time on weekends is to check out the nearby Wisconsin Cheese Mart, and the Harley Davidson Museum and go on the Miller Brewery Tour. The attractions are located just west of the Panther Arena. A few hotels are within a few blocks of the arena which have parking included. So you can save a few bucks on parking by walking from the hotel to the arena. The closest is the Hyatt Regency around the corner from the Panther Arena, but for a more uniquely Milwaukee experience stay at the Brewhouse Inn and Suites. It is a former brewery converted into a great boutique hotel. The lobby even still has the distilling tanks as furnishing in the lobby. Historical markers line the streets around the downtown neighborhood and are worth checking out if weather permits. Fans 3 Admiral fans have not given up on the team with the move to the UW Panther Arena with an average attendance of 4,500 per game (not including the playoffs). However, on days of popular giveaways or concerts, attendance will be a lot more. That said, the Admiral’s fan base is good. Just like any other minor league team, there are a lot of kids at a game. However, many adults go too. The fans are into the game. They show dissatisfaction with the referees when calls don’t go the Admiral's way. They have hockey etiquette and seem to stay in their seats while the puck is in play and during game action. Access 3 Getting to and moving in and around the UW Milwaukee Panther Arena for an Admirals game is quite easy. The concourses can get crowded between periods and expect long lines at the restrooms. Panther Arena has more than 10,000 parking spaces available within a six-block radius around the facility. It is very easy to access from I-43 via exit 72-C, then stay straight on Kilbourn Avenue. Better yet, stay at one of the many hotels located within a few blocks of the arena and walk to the game. Once inside Panther Arena, there is some evidence of the facility’s age as far as access. The concourse areas tend to be narrow and can get very congested when the concession stands are busy. There are also some ramps leading to the various seating levels that are unique to a separate era. The closest airport is General Mitchell International Airport (about 10 miles from the arena). Depending on schedule and price some fans may choose to fly into Chicago O’Hare Airport and drive the 80 miles north. Milwaukee County Transit Service has an extensive bus schedule with several routes (80, 49) stopping near the arena. Uber and Lyft are prevalent in downtown Milwaukee as well. Return on Investment 4 Single ticket prices range from $15 – $36.50. Add $2 on the day of the game purchase. The team offers Flex Plan Vouchers which can be used in any increment to any game throughout the season. Parking runs between $10 – $25 depending on which lot you use. However, if you get to the area early enough you may be able to find free street parking. The Admirals host various concert nights so for the price of a ticket, a fan can be entertained by a concert after the match. Extras 5 With three minutes to go between the second and third period break the Admirals have the best “3” celebration, ok, the only one, that I have seen. This is not to be missed. The 3 celebration is game day operations turn off the house lights and flash a "3" on the scoreboard and play music. The fans take out their cell phones, turn on the flashlight and wave them around. It is stupid fun. The Wisconsin Athletic Walk of Fame is located just outside of the UW Panthers Arena. In 1977 the facility hosted the NBA All-Star Game. Elite players who appeared in that game included Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pete Maravich, and John Havlicek. The Admirals do a great job with the giveaways and promotions. Various promotional games are available for kids under 14, seniors (60+), first responders, and students. Wendy’s, the Brewers, Harley Davidson, and other sponsors all provide discounts in some form or fashion. Check their website for additional information on promotions for the current or future seasons. Inside, a banner lists all the Admiral players who have made it to the NHL. A wide variety of merchandise choices are available at the team store including pennants and hat pins. Final Thoughts In an era of disposable stadiums and frequent tear-downs, the UW – Milwaukee Panthers Arena is a great example of successful historical preservation. It is not only surviving but thriving, as it is in use nearly every day of the week by a different sports franchise. Even though the arena is not the most luxurious, it is a good place to see a game and is worth the trip.

Photos by Lloyd Brown , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Chaifetz Arena 1 S Compton Ave St. Louis, MO 63103 St. Louis Billikens website Chaifetz Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 10,600 The Home of Budweiser and Billikens Saint Louis University (SLU) is a Catholic Jesuit university located in the Midtown Arts District of Saint Louis. It was founded in 1818 and currently has just under 14,000 students. The school is heavily involved in community service as part of its Jesuit mission. It is ranked #3 in the country for community involvement by the Princeton Review. The athletic teams at SLU are known as the Billikens. So, what exactly is a Billiken? A Billiken is a mythical creature that brings good luck to those who are around them. They represent “things as they ought to be”. An SLU Billiken is blue and white and somewhat resembles one of the Teletubbies that used to appear on public television. Saint Louis University is the only university in the country that has a Billiken as its mascot. The Billikens basketball program is the headline team at SLU, as there is no football program. The Billikens play in the Atlantic 10 Basketball Conference and have done quite well over the years. The Billikens have made the NCAA Tournament ten times and the NIT Tournament twenty times. They have been the Conference Tournament Champions three times and Conference Regular Season Champions seven times. The team typically draws a crowd of 6,800 for home games, but it can be higher depending on who the opposing team is. The Billikens play their home schedule at the on-campus Chaifetz Arena. The arena opened in 2008. It has a 10,600-seat capacity for basketball games. It offers a terrific atmosphere for watching games and is referred to as the “Jewel of Midtown” by many people in the area. The arena also offers 14 luxury boxes for major supporters. Food & Beverage 3 There are six concession stands along the concourse at Chaifitz. They sell the typical arena staples, such as hot dogs ( $5), chicken tenders ($6), hamburgers ($7), pizza slices ($7), and candy ($5 ). The arena sells Pepsi brand sodas ($6), beer ($9), and bottled water ($5). Atmosphere 4 The Chaifetz Arena is a wonderful place to enjoy a basketball game. There are two levels of seating in the arena, which both deliver great sight lines of the action due to a steep pitch to the seating bowl. All seats offer chairbacks, and the seats feature the blue color scheme used by all Billiken teams. Chaifetz has a great electronics package in place, as it has four 14X 45 corner video boards/ scoreboards, a 959-foot ribbon board on the facing of the upper level, and an excellent sound system. The arena also has excellent lighting, which is used very effectively during the pregame introduction of the team. The seating around the court keeps the crowd very involved in the game. One end of the court features the SLUnatic student section, which always seems to have an appropriate (or inappropriate?) cheer for almost any situation on the court. The alumni tend to be seated on the sides of the court or at midcourt, and they also add to the energy in the building. The third component of the crowd is simply locals who love basketball. There is no NBA franchise nearby, so these folks have adopted the Billikens as “their team”. Neighborhood 4 SLU’s park-like campus is in the Midtown Arts District of St. Louis. It is within walking distance of several museums and the St. Louis Performing Arts Center. The campus is known for its stunning architecture, including several churches and numerous sculptures that grace the area. Among the many restaurants in the area, Pappy’s Smokehouse stands out for its terrific barbeque. It is located just off campus on Olive Street. The restaurant has been highly rated by both Southern Living and the Food Network for many of its menu items. The Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel offers easy access to Charifetz Arena, as it is located on Forest Park Avenue adjacent to the campus. The hotel has a rooftop bar that is very popular with SLU students. Fans 3 The St. Louis Billikens have a very local and vocal fan base. They draw from both members of the SLU community (students, faculty, and alumni) and from outside of the school, as they are the dominant basketball program in the Greater St. Louis area. The student section at the basketball games is known as the SLUnatics. They stand for practically the entire game and are never at a loss for some type of cheer. SLUnatics do everything they can to break a player’s concentration when the opposition is at the free-throw line. The SLUnatics are aided by the 100-member St. Louis University Pep Band (otherwise known as the “Billiken Band”). The band seems to play for the entirety of the game, as it has a song for nearly every situation or opponent. They coordinate the tunes they play with both the cheer team and the dance team. The band attends every home game and all postseason games. Access 4 Saint Louis University and Chaifetz Arena are easily accessed by public transportation or car. The university is located close to the many interstate highways that service the St. Louis area. Directions from I-64 from the east: Take exit 37A onto Bernard/Market Street. Stay on Market Street until you reach Olive St. Turn left on Olive to the parking garage. Directions for I-64 coming from the west: Take I-64 West toward Midtown and take exit 38A onto Forest Park. Take a right at Grand, then left at Lindell. From I-44 heading east: Take I-44 East toward downtown St. Louis. Take exit 287A onto Kingshighway. Merge onto I-64 East, then take Exit 37A onto Bernard /Market. The SLU campus and Chaifetz can also be accessed via St. Louis’ light rail system. Take the train to the Grand Station. Shuttles run on game nights, with direct service to Chaifitz Arena. Doors to the arena open 60 minutes before tipoff, allowing you plenty of time to get to your seats. Return on Investment 3 A trip to the Chaifetz Arena and a Billikens game can be an expensive proposition, as ticket prices, parking and concessions are not cheap. Tickets to Billikens games are available at several price points. The cheapest tickets are $20 (upper level behind the basket) Other tickets are available in these price ranges. Upper-level corner tickets are $25, upper-level tickets on the side are $30, and an upper level at midcourt sells for $50. Lower-level seats are $50 for corner or behind-the-basket seats, lower-level midcourt costs $85, and lower-level midcourt first 10 rows are $200. Parking for Billikens games costs $15 prepaid or $20 day of the event at the Olive/Compton Parking Deck next to the arena. Parking for all Billiken games is available at the Olive/Compton Parking Garage on the SLU Campus. It is located on Olive Street. Extras 4 As you enter Chaifetz Arena you will see a statue of a Billiken. Stop and rub its tummy. This will supposedly bring you good luck. As you enter the arena, make sure to check out all the Championship banners that hang from the rafters. Chaifetz Arena has hosted dozens of music concerts featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Carrie Underwood, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, the Eagles, and many other top groups. Make sure you check out the Billiken Hall of Fame Walkway along the concourse of the Chaifetz Arena. Final Thoughts Chaifetz Arena is a convenient facility for basketball fans in the St. Louis area. It offers comfortable seating, excellent views of the action, and plenty of college spirit, courtesy of the Billiken Band and the SLUnatics.

Photo by Steve Kee Stadium Journey The Arena Football League is back and will resume play in 2024. The league will continue operations after a five-year hiatus under the stewardship of investment group F1 Sports & Entertainment. The league plans for a 10-game schedule one week after the NFL Draft next year. Former names of AFL clubs are designed with an emphasis on streaming, betting, technology, and virtual reality. There appears to be a focus on a return to ironman football, a hallmark of the league in its early years. Lee A. Hutton III will serve as the league commissioner. In 2019 the league consisted of 6 franchises and later ceased operations. The commissioner at the time wanted to re-evaluate its business model and worked to respond to a lawsuit against the league by its former worker’s compensation insurance provider. It was contemplated that the AFL could return with a touring model similar to the Premier Lacrosse League and basketball’s BIG3. However, that never happened, and they silently shut down operations. The press release announced 16 teams but no cities. It is assumed major markets and arenas of over 10,000 will house franchises, along with a few possible classic names like the San Jose Sabercats, Tampa Bay Storm, Detroit Drive, Philadelphia Soul, and the Denver Dynamite. The announcement feels good for the original indoor football league that began in 1987 and completed 33 seasons. It would later inspire an alphabet of several competing leagues. These leagues include the Indoor Football League, National Arena League, and the Champions Indoor Football League, but there was a sense of loss without the original Arena League. There appears to be a niche market for this code of football, especially in former AFL markets. There is also skepticism that a new formation could be nothing more than talk. In the past few years the Alliance of American Football and, just this week, the Professional Box Lacrosse League folded before completing a full season. Will the new AFL have a TV deal, enough capital to operate, and properly marketed franchises in major arenas? This reporter is excited, and I am sure there are a few others like me that also have doubt, but in a land full of indoor football leagues, it's promising that the O.G. of the sport will be back in major markets in little over one year from now. How I have missed the rebound nets. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It might not look like any other kind of basketball gym, even during its time as a high school basketball gymnasium. The off-beaten dome-shaped brown roof, white painted exterior, and compact size are lovely examples of small-town gyms of another era. Sadly, the Pine Village Gym this spring will be razed. In a few short weeks, the 83-year-old gymnasium will come down to make room for parking for a new $20 million elementary school that will open this fall. The new school will have a modern gymnasium for its physical education classes, making the Pine Village Gym obsolete. The school has doubled in size, and the upkeep of maintaining the 80-year gymnasium has become cost-prohibitive, only to increase in the following years. Many are saddened by the news, but there are many others who see it as a sign of progress in the town of around 200 people. The building was part of the Works Progress Administration and featured a distinct look on its interior and exterior. Louis L. Johnson from nearby Attica was the architect of the gym. The work began in June of 1940 and cost $35,000, for which the Works Project Administration paid $29,000. The roof features diamond-shaped wood trusses created by hand and without the aid of power tools. The pattern feels like an igloo due to its white color and domed-shaped ceiling. It is an understatement to say they don't make them like this anymore. The seating bowl consists of three sides of wooden bleachers, a stage at the north end and two center-court lines, and the Pine Village logo. The court is below regulation lines. The first basketball game at the gym was December 6, 1940, with a 38-27 win against Montmorenci; the last varsity game took place on February 17, 1973, marking the end of the era for the high school that would consolidate with Seeger the following academic year. A standing-room-only crowd was on hand for the final tipoff that saw the Knots defeat Wheeler High School 90-66. An attendance figure of around 1,000 fans filled the seats. The village consisted of close to 600 residents at the time. Regardless of record, the town always supported the team very well. “Like any small community, we had a lot of spirit, loyalty, and pride,” said alumni James Forster in 1973. He was on the 1934 Sectional championship team, “We had our share of rabid fans.” The last hurrah for the Pine Knots was in 1972 when they captured its fifth sectional championship. The tiny school became the 'people’s choice' to capture the state title, the smallest school competing in the tourney. Pine Village had only 149 students when it faced off against the Benton Central Bisons, whose student body was 1,110, in the regional championship. They lost a heartbreaker to the Bisons 71-69. Before the building was scheduled for demolition, a few people stopped by, filling up the parking lot for hours, to say goodbye. Many were alumni and a few players at the gym when it was the high school home for Pine Knots High School. After consolidation in 1973, the gym became home to elementary physical education classes and community events and games. “This place was packed every Friday or Saturday night no matter the record,” said Jeff Jones, who took me on the tour of the places a few years back when news first broke on the gym’s pending future. Marv Blessing was one of the visitors, a 1964 graduate; he showed up one last time donning his old varsity jacket. He reminisced about his playing days at the old gym and wondered why the building had to come down to the Indianapolis Star. “They say it’s going to cost $2 million to keep it up. My question is, ‘How much is it going to cost to tear it down?’ It’s sad. It would have been nice to keep it as a community building, but I think the ones making the decisions probably didn’t go to school here.” ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Recreation Athletic Complex 4350 Banister Creek Ct Fairfax, VA 22030 George Mason Patriots website Recreation Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,550 Volleyball RAC-tion at George Mason Located on the campus of George Mason University, the Recreation Athletic Complex, more commonly known as the RAC, is the home to the Patriots' volleyball and wrestling teams. The current incarnation of this building was renovated and reopened in 2009, although there has been a facility on this spot long before then. Mason's basketball team also played here until 1985, and has played a couple games here since due to scheduling conflicts at EagleBank Arena including a game in the 2013 CBI and a game in 2016 that was moved up due to an impending snowstorm. However, volleyball and wrestling are the only full-time tenants. In addition to the main gym used for athletic events, the RAC also serves as a student gym and recreation facility. The Patriots' men's volleyball team competes in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA), a conference that only sponsors men's volleyball. They have appeared in the NCAA Tournament four times, most recently in 2016. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession area at George Mason volleyball games. However, there are a few vending machines scattered throughout the RAC that you can purchase from. Atmosphere 2 The RAC is an intimate arena, seating just 1,550. All seats are uncomfortable plastic risers although they do offer a great view of the court. The music played over the PA system is quite loud and is played between every point, which can make it hard to hear the PA announcer. Much of the energy here is created by the players themselves, although the fans can get involved as well. In any event, there is a lot of shouting in addition to the music, which just adds to the volume level here. However, that is just about all that goes on other than the game itself. There is no mascot, no band, and nothing else like that. This is a very simple facility and a very simple, albeit loud, experience. Neighborhood 3 Fairfax is a typical suburban area about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. There is a shopping center across campus which includes 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 is Capital Ale House. 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 The Patriots average several hundred fans a game, which is typical for men's volleyball. Many of the fans are friends or family of the players or have some connection to the program. Whatever brings them out, they come decked in the green and gold of George Mason and cheer on their team throughout the match. As mentioned above, much of the noise comes not from the fans but from the players, but the crowd can get into it at times. There will also often be a good number of fans for the visiting team as well, though the Mason fans will outnumber them and this will still feel like a Patriots home game. Access 4 George Mason's campus is easily accessible via the Capital Beltway (I-495), Interstate 66, US 50/US 29 depending on where you are coming from. Once on campus, free parking is available on gamedays in Lot J across from the arena, despite signs saying it is faculty/staff parking only. From there, you will have to walk up a few flights of steps to get to the entrance. Fans who require handicap parking can park right outside the building, but others will have to use Lot J and walk a little bit. Once inside, turn left and head down the hall to the arena. The front desk will be happy to direct you, and there will be a table selling tickets as well. There are restrooms in this hallway as well which should be a sufficient size for the volleyball crowd. However, they also serve the rest of the facility, so if the student gym is particularly crowded, this may be a problem. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are $10 and available for sale in advance or on the day of the game. This is on the high end for men's volleyball, and considering the basic nature of the arena, is not a particularly good deal. However, they certainly won't break the bank either. . Extras 4 Look for the free programs on the ticket table as you come in. There are banners in the rafters honoring George Mason volleyball and wrestling accomplishments. Look for the trophy case in the lobby dedicated to Mason volleyball and the other one for the wrestling team that shares the RAC. Finally, look for the banner honoring Uvaldo Acosta, a former Mason volleyball player and later a coach, who tragically drowned in Hawaii in 1998 at the age of just 32. He was later inducted into the EIVA Hall of Fame. Final Thoughts The Recreation Athletic Complex is a very basic arena and it is hard to believe they once played Division I basketball here. In fact, this is the renovated version - it's supposed to be nicer than when it hosted basketball. In any case, a George Mason volleyball game at the RAC is a pretty basic experience. While it can get loud here, mainly due to the music, the relatively high price point for tickets may make fans reluctant to attend.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Industree Group Stadium 14 Dane Dr Gosford, NSW, Australia 2250 Central Coast Mariners website Industree Group Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 20,059 Central Coast - Our Paradise The Central Coast Mariners were one of several new clubs formed specifically to participate in the A-League which began in 2005 following the demise of the old National Soccer League (NSL). While the Mariners initially drew upon former NSL club Northern Spirit for personnel, they’ve since established a strong connection with the local community. Despite the challenges that come from being a small-market club, the Mariners consistently perform above expectations; having played in four A-League grand finals, and winning the championship in 2013. Industree Group Stadium opened in 2000 on the site of Grahame Park overlooking Brisbane Water. The new stadium was originally designed and built to serve as a new home for the North Sydney Bears National Rugby League (NRL) team. The process of rationalisation within the league during the late 1990s saw the Bears forced into an unequal merged entity with their bitter rivals, Manly Sea Eagles. The joint venture, known as the Northern Eagles, shared home games between the Central Coast and Manly’s home at Brookvale Oval in Sydney. Unsurprisingly, within a few short years the dysfunctional merger was dissolved and the NRL license reverted to Manly. This left the stadium without an anchor tenant until the Mariners arrived in 2005. Since then, clubs such as the Sydney Roosters, have played occasional home games at the stadium, and the New Zealand Warriors were mostly based on the Central Coast for the Covid-affected NRL seasons of 2020 and 2021. Additionally, the stadium has hosted both Rugby World Cup (2003) and Rugby League World Cup (2008) games. The Commonwealth Games baton relay passed through the stadium enroute to the Gold Coast in 2018. Industree Group Stadium has a capacity of 20,059 and is currently managed by VenuesLive. Food & Beverage 2 There are six food outlets and six bars located along the eastern and western concourses, however not all were open during our visit. This led to lengthy queues. Food options are limited to the basics – chicken burger, beef burger, hot dog, hot chips, and fish and chips. A combo (burger or hot dog, chips, drink) deal will set you back $15-18. Soft drinks (Coca-Cola brands) and bottled water are also available, along with a small range of ice creams and coffee. The bars serve beer, cider, pre-mixed spirits, and wine (approx. $8-10 per drink). Atmosphere 3 Industree Group Stadium is a horseshoe shaped design, with two main grandstands along either touchline, with tiered seating at the northern end. The southern end is open, which allows for views of Brisbane Water. Entry gates are located at the northeastern and southwestern corners. Coverage from the grandstand roofs does not extend to the outermost bays, and only the last six rows of the lower concourse are covered. The hoarding separating the walkway from the northern concourse features a graphical display of the history of the site, which is a nice touch. The seats are quite small and do not have armrests. The video screen is located at the southern end. The Mariners run the usual promotions prior to the game and at half time, while a cannon adjacent to the video board is fired each time the Mariners score a goal. Neighborhood 4 Gosford is generally regarded as the commercial and administrative hub of the Central Coast region. The Central Coast Leagues Club (1 Dane Dr) is situated just outside the eastern entry gate and offers a wide range of food and beverage options before or after a Mariners game. Note that CC Leagues does have dress regulations. While they’re quite modest, it’s best to double check the website just to be sure if this venue is in your plans. Also nearby is Pinocchio’s Wine and Pizza Bar (32 William St) and Gosford Sailing Club (28 Masons Pde). Terrigal and Avoca beaches are a 15 min drive east from the stadium. Terrigal is a popular tourist destination with a wide choice of restaurants, bars, and pubs – as well as being a good spot to find accommodation if you’re looking to spend additional time on the Coast. If you bring the family, kids and teenagers will enjoy the Central Coast Aqua Park (42 Masons Pde), adjacent to Gosford Olympic Swimming Pool and the Australian Reptile Park (Pacific Hwy, Somersby) is also only a short drive away. Fans 3 The average attendance for a Mariners game is around 6,000 which is in the top half of the A-League. Expect larger crowds and a better atmosphere when the Mariners play local rivals such as Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC. The Mariners active fan supporter group is known as the Yellow Army. At home games they can be found in Bay 16 at the northern end of the stadium. Fans are good-natured and the environment is family friendly. As at all Australian stadiums and A-League matches, flares are banned. Access 4 Industree Group Stadium is easily accessible by car or public transport. Fans travelling from Sydney to the south or Newcastle to the north should exit the M1 Pacific Motorway at Karriong onto the Central Coast Highway which then descends into Gosford. There is limited parking available on surrounding streets, but also several nearby parking stations. The pick of these is the Gosford Train Station Carpark (Showground Rd) or the Gosford City Carpark (Baker St), both of which are only a short walk from the stadium. Note that there may be some street closures in the vicinity on event days. The train station is on the Central Coast / Newcastle line and connects to Sydney and Newcastle. There are also local bus services in the area. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices start at $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 16 or younger (unreserved seating on the northern concourse). Premium seating is priced at $40 for adults and $20 for children. Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) can be purchased for the price of two adults, which represents excellent value. The food and beverage options aren’t great, they are more affordable than premium venues in Sydney. For a national league, this price point is largely unmatched across the country. . Extras 3 Extra points are awarded for the merchandise stand on the western concourse, the pre-game activation attractions near the southeastern entry, and the historical hording along the northern concourse. The oversized, branded inflatable sauce bottles on either side of the video screen are now iconic. Final Thoughts The Mariners are the only professional sports team on the Central Coast. Their picturesque waterfront stadium offers excellent value and is great option for locals and visitors alike.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Mizzou Arena 1 Champions Dr Columbia, MO 65203 Missouri Tigers website Mizzou Arena website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 15,061 Don’t Mizz Mizzou Mizzou Arena opened in November 2004 and has a capacity of 15,061, making it the sixth largest in the SEC. Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie and her husband Bill donated $25 million toward construction and were allowed to name it Paige Sports Arena after their daughter. This was widely criticized since Paige attended the University of Southern California, but the problem was solved when Paige was involved in a cheating scandal that forced the Lauries to relinquish the naming rights after just three games. Thankfully, the university has resisted the temptation to sell the naming rights since then, and Mizzou Arena has become an iconic name, if not an iconic destination. Which is unfortunate, because during Stadium Journey’s visit there, we found it to be an excellent venue for college basketball. Read on to find out why. Food & Beverage 4 After entering through the main doors, you will see three unique concession stands directly in front of you, all offering rather different fare. Chick Chicken Salad has five flavors of chicken salad (for example, Sassy Scotty comes with ranch dressing, bacon, and cheddar cheese) that can be combined with sides such as broccoli salad or fresh fruit and a buttercream cookie for $13. Dickey’s BBQ Pit provides a Big Barbecue Sandwich for just $8, the same price as four wings; your typical BBQ sides such as baked beans and cole slaw are available for $4. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate Andy’s Frozen Custard, where half-pint cups start at $6, but you will probably want to splurge an extra two bucks for the Mizzou Tiger Streak, which contains Oreo, Crème Caramel, and Hot Fudge. More typical concessions can be found along the other concourses, with a bacon cheeseburger basket running $11, the same as a basket of chicken tenders. Small nachos with cheese are only $5, which is what a hot dog costs, so perhaps the former is better value if you are hungry. Snacks include Cracker Jack ($3), chips ($4), peanuts ($5), and popcorn ($7). There is one concession stand behind the student section where you can order online or at a nearby kiosk and your food would be delivered to a secure locker, thus eliminating the need to wait in line and miss some of the action. Offerings here are similar to elsewhere, though you can get a Nachos Grande or a Walking Taco for $10. Coca-Cola provides the beverages, with bottled soda going for $6, while Dasani water is a dollar less. Iced tea, Powerade, and Smart Water are all $7, and you can find souvenir sodas for $8. Alcohol is sold here with all beer going for $10; if you prefer craft there is a stand with some local options. Atmosphere 5 Before you even enter the venue, you must genuflect in front of the statue of Norm Stewart, who coached here from 1967-99. Below the statue is a list of his incredible accomplishments, which include some from baseball, as he was a pitcher on Missouri's 1954 championship team, tossed a no-hitter against Arkansas, and signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles. He was also a basketball star and was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks, for whom he played five games in 1956-57. He moved to college coaching in 1961 and amassed 731 victories in his career, with 633 coming at Mizzou. The court is also named in his honor. Suitably humbled, enter via the main doors just behind the statue and once your ticket is scanned, wander through the Hall of Champions, a collection of trophies and other memorabilia won by past teams. There are several glass cases here so try to get here early to get a look at everything if you are the type that appreciates when history is recognized. Walk around the single concourse and appreciate how the banners spell MIZZOU down the hallways. The Mizzou name can be found throughout the venue because nobody here actually says Missouri. The Athletics Hall of Fame stretches along one hallway and honors those from all sports. The arena design is excellent, with corner seats pointing directly at the court. The colors naturally are the black and gold of the school, and it goes very well with the playing surface, which contains the ferocious tiger logo inside an outline of the state of Missouri. Above the seating bowl are dozens of banners, including several retired numbers, while conference championships are celebrated with gold banners for the men, and black for the women. Looking up, you can see the small windows that let some natural light into the building. The student section is known as The Zou and they were out in force for the game I attended. A Cheat Sheet is distributed beforehand and gives the students some humorous tidbits about the visiting players. During the game, there are your typical college cheerleader routines and a few promotions. Neighborhood 3 The arena is on the southern edge of campus and a bit of a drive from any sort of neighborhood. The downtown area is about 2 miles north of the arena and has dozens of local restaurants and bars that provide the typical college town charm, with the streets filled by a black and gold-clad army before and after the game. Harpo’s – a sprawling brick bar and grill with a second-floor patio – is a favorite of Mizzou fans, and Shakespeare’s Pizza offers some of the best pie in central MO. Meanwhile, Broadway Brewery offers their craft beer. The closest hotel is the Hampton Inn and Suites, just four minutes by car from the arena, while the vast majority of lodging can be found at the intersection of I-70 and US-63. If you have time, you can drive about 30 minutes southeast to Fulton, where Westminster College is located. This is where Winston Churchill spoke in 1941 and coined the term Iron Curtain; there is an excellent museum dedicated to him that should satisfy any history buff, as well as a segment of the Berlin Wall. Fans 5 Since the Tigers moved to the SEC, attendance has been a problem, so much so that other schools are mocking them . But for the game I attended, a Big 12/SEC challenge matchup, the place was sold out, with students lining up an hour before gates opened and making noise throughout. The alumni were all wearing school colors as part of a Stripe Out promotion, with sections alternating between black and gold, and it worked pretty well. It seems like attendance is increasing this year, helped by a team that was ranked early in the season, so I have to give full points here. Access 4 Getting to the arena takes a few minutes once you are off the I-70. All lots around the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders, known as donors. There is a public parking option at Truman's Landing, which is about a half mile down a hill; free shuttles are available before and after the game. If you do happen to park in a donor lot, expect to wait a few minutes to get out. Some prefer to park downtown and walk over, thus saving on the postgame hassle. There are several garages in the area, so if you plan to party before or after, this might be a better option. The concourse is spacious, though at some places, party areas take up space, but I never had any problem wandering about. Your typical halftime lines at concessions and restrooms can be avoided by getting there early or using one of the many media timeouts to do what you need to do. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for conference matchups start at $30 and go up to $60, but for most games, you will be able to get in for less on the secondary market, except for the Border Showdown against Kansas. Non-conference games should be cheaper as well. With concessions reasonable and parking free, you should get a good bang for your buck for a power conference basketball game. Extras 5 Outside, there is a plaza listing the school's All-Americans in every sport. Add this to the statue of Norm Stewart, the Hall of Champions, and the Athletics Hall of Fame, and you have an excellent tribute to the school’s storied athletic programs. It was Star Wars Day, and there were many characters on the concourse wearing costumes that were far better than I had ever seen. A pair of giant Chewbaccas was the rage, while Truman the Tiger took down Darth Vader (wearing an Iowa State logo) before the game. Make sure to learn the lyrics to Mr. Brightside as it is sung by The Zou, with some additional words thrown in regarding Kansas. Final Thoughts Overall, this is an impressively designed venue that looks much younger than its 20 years and it was rocking for the game I attended, making it one of the best college basketball experiences that I have enjoyed. Of course, things will be different if you attend a non-conference matchup in mid-November, but still, the history on display combined with the aesthetically pleasing design make this a worthwhile stop if you are traveling between St. Louis and Kansas City during hoops season.