Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Valhalla Stadium 2277 Martha Berry Hwy NW Mount Berry, GA 30149 Berry Vikings website Valhalla Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 1,500 Berry College Vikings – Valhalla Stadium, Williams Field The excitement of college football is not only on display at its highest levels – Division III college football provides similar thrills as its more mainstream counterpart. Even though there are not the same bright lights, national broadcasters, and massive crowds, D3 football is still a highly enjoyable experience. Football was first introduced at Berry College in 2013; from the big picture the program is still in its early stages of development. After going 0-9 in their inaugural season, Berry saw its first winning campaign in just its third year of existence. Since then the Vikings have captured five Southern Athletic Conference titles, all in succession from 2016 thru the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Despite still being relatively young, Berry College football has proven itself a worthy adversary at the national level of D3 football. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Valhalla Stadium do not feature items that could be considered unique to the area. Staples include hot dogs, pizza, nachos, and chicken sandwiches, while snacks include chips, candy, peanuts, and popcorn, with beverage choices consisting of bottled water, Powerade, and Coke products. Berry College chooses not to sell alcohol on campus. A boost to concessions comes from food trucks that are available from time-to-time throughout the season. Given the space available, however, it would be a wonderful addition if they were featured on a regular basis here, to give fans a wider variety of options. This is not to say what is available is lacking, but that it would just add more to the experience. Atmosphere 3 Berry College takes on many of the football traditions often seen at larger schools, and incorporates them into its own pre-game experience. From tailgating to the Viking Walk into the stadium, it all goes a long way in creating a big school college feel. Berry College is a dry campus, though, so alcoholic beverages are prohibited at tailgates. Valhalla is the perfect size for Division 3 football – the stadium has a distinct brick-and-stone theme used throughout the seating on both sides of the stadium, plus gentle sloping walkways leading to bleachers on each side of the field. The home stands run between the 25-yard lines, and consist of five sections of aluminum bench seating – the middle section runs between the 45-yard lines to make up the reserved seating. The visiting stands are modest in size, but are also a great fit for the stadium. As with football at many smaller schools, there is not a stadium structure surrounding the field; rather there is mostly tall iron fencing with brick and stone pillars signifying the stadium boundaries. This creates some charming quirks. Much of the land surrounding the front of campus where Valhalla Stadium sits is surrounded by pastures; when the stadium was built, the neighbors just became a piece of the game’s backdrop. For example, a decent sized herd of cattle can often be seen roaming the area just behind the south end zone. Berry does a fantastic job working the school’s Norse theme into much of what they do throughout the game. Aside from the stadium being named in reference to the Norse heaven for Viking warriors that die in battle, the Norse theme is used throughout the game – cheerleaders chant, “Row! Row! Row!” leading up to each kickoff, and Berry first downs are singled over the stadium speakers with the sounding of a Viking horn. When it comes to entertainment during breaks in the action, following brief pieces by the Berry band, fans of the hair metal of the 80s and 90s will thoroughly enjoy playlists featuring the Scorpions, Ratt, Cinderella, and Mötley Crüe. Also, in one of the greatest traditions of college sports, especially in football, following the game the Vikings gather in front of the home stands to sing the school’s alma mater with their fans. All-in-all, the game day experience at Berry College is a hidden gem of small school college football. Neighborhood 3 The Berry College campus is a town unto itself, literally. The unincorporated Mount Berry is on the northern outskirts of the city of Rome, Georgia, and is almost the dividing line of where neighborhoods meet sprawling countryside. Neighborhood is a bit of a relative term when it comes to Berry College, as the campus is almost a city unto itself – at 27,000 acres, Berry’s campus is the largest in the world, including miles of walking trails, research environments, and endless beauty. Mount Berry is a short drive to downtown Rome and several restaurants and shops. Just around the corner is AdventHealth Stadium, home of the Rome Emperors and a small development consisting of an Italian restaurant and coffee shop. Rome also has a scenic riverwalk made up of 13 miles of paved trails that meander along the Coosa, Oostanaula, and Etowah rivers. Fans 4 Vikings fans are supportive of their team and do a good job filling the stands and surrounding grassy areas. With a seating capacity of 2,500, Valhalla Stadium’s attendance numbers reflect a nearly full stadium week in and week out, and the attendance figures are even more impressive given that Berry College’s enrollment only hovers around 2,000 students. Berry College football seems to have a large following from both alumni as well as fans from the surrounding area. While there is a student contingent, it is the alumni and local community that make up a majority of the fan base. In all, Berry football is well supported; fans tend to be a bit reactionary to the action on the field, but are highly supportive on the whole. Access 3 Berry College is a bit off the beaten path. Fans arriving from the nearby metropolitan areas of Atlanta or Chattanooga will use I-75 and still have more than 30 minutes on state highways to reach the Mount Berry, Georgia campus. On a GPS note, directions to Valhalla Stadium lead to an access road that is not open for arrival at the stadium. Instead, stadium access is actually through the second drive into campus along Martha Berry Boulevard, which also serves as the school’s main entrance. Parking is easily accessible at the lot for the Cage Center, the school’s recreation center and home of Berry basketball. This is a relatively small lot, so parking behind Evans, McAllister, or Hermann Halls is also made available. These lots are only a short walk from the football facility, with Evans Hall being the closest of the secondary parking areas. All fans will pass through a common entry point with a large, stone archway that reads “Valhalla” atop it. This walkway leads to massive ornate iron gates with “BC” worked into the design, which are sheltered by a wood and stone entry way. Those needing to buy tickets will find the ticket booth just to the right of the entrance. Once inside the stadium, fans enter a small plaza with apparel tents, the concessions stand, and restrooms. Vikings fans will take the walkway to the right, which leads to a ramp to the home side seating area. The front row of bleachers is handicap accessible and has adjacent companion seating. The visiting bleachers are a short walk around to the opposite side of the field – that side also has a gradual ramp to the seating area, along with similar handicap seating in the front row of bleachers. Overall, Valhalla Stadium is easily accessible from the parking areas and appears to be very handicap-friendly. The drawback is Berry’s location does not make the campus easy to get to. Return on Investment 4 General admission ticket prices are in line with what would be expected at this level of football. General admission tickets go for $10, while reserved seating in the single section of chairback seats is available for $25. Unless a seatback is a must, the bleacher seating should suffice given the difference in price points. Online ticket sales only run to Wednesday the week of home games; otherwise tickets can be purchased in person at the box office. With free parking available and reasonable concessions prices, an outing to a Berry football game is definitely an affordable experience. Extras 3 The sprawling campus is absolutely beautiful in late October into November, when the fall colors of northwest Georgia are on full display. Halftime pass outs are allowed for fans to leave the stadium to return to their tailgating encampments or vehicles, and later re-enter the stadium. The fencing around the northern end of the field also recognizes the school’s conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. Final Thoughts Berry College plays an exciting brand of football that is predicated around creating a lot of defensive pressure, forcing opposing teams into mistakes. Offensively the Vikings run an up-tempo, balanced offensive attack that puts a lot of points on the board. The highly entertaining style the Vikings play, paired with the stunning surroundings of Berry’s campus, are a wonderful setting which creates an under-the-radar Saturday of college football fun.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 M&T Bank Arena 305 Sherman Ave. Hamden, CT 06518 Quinnipiac Bobcats men’s hockey website M&T Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 3,386 Back at the Top of the Polls Editors Note: The venue name changed from People's United Center to M&T Bank Arena in April, 2022. The People’s United Center is a multi-use facility consisting of two full-sized playing surfaces for Quinnipiac’s winter sports teams. The two venues (a basketball court and hockey rink) share a common lobby and concession area. The facility is located on Quinnipiac’s York Hill campus and is the centerpiece of an expansion project on that campus. Completed in 2007 for $52 million, it was designed to be a drawing point for potential student-athletes. Building the facility involved moving 615,000 tons of earth and rock, all of which remained on campus to construct roads for the development of the 250-acre York Hill campus, located less than a mile from the school’s main Mount Carmel campus. The hockey rink is formally named the Frank Perrotti Jr. Rink. Perrotti was a New Haven resident, local entrepreneur, and devoted Quinnipiac hockey fan. He is described by the university as “a neighbor, friend, and benefactor of Quinnipiac.” Hockey began as a varsity sport at Quinnipiac in 1975 as a Division Two squad called the Braves. The Bobcats moved up to Division One in 1998 as a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The team rechristened the Bobcats in 2003, and now plays in the ECAC. The Bobcats have qualified for the NCAA Tournament seven times, reaching the championship game in both 2013 and 2016. Six Quinnipiac alumni have played in the National Hockey League. Food & Beverage 3 There is a single concession stand in the lobby of People’s United Center. It serves a limited menu, with turkey wraps, hot dogs, chicken fingers, French fries, and nachos the highlights. Assorted snacks, ice cream novelties, and candy are sold here. While the menu isn’t the most extensive you’ll come across, most items are priced at five dollars or less. If you’re looking for a quick snack and want to avoid the lines in the lobby, there are a pair of vending machines on the concourse. Pepsi products are featured at People’s United Center. Fans looking for an adult beverage can head on over to the basketball court, where the “Bobcat Den” serves up a variety of beer and wine to be enjoyed before games or during intermissions. Spots in the Bobcat Den must be reserved in advance. Free snacks are served along with the cash bar here. For a fancier dining experience at a Bobcat game, purchase a ticket to the University Club, which features a private dining room, full-service bar, and dedicated seating section high above the ice. Atmosphere 4 With a packed house every night, you would expect a lively atmosphere at People’s United Center. You wouldn’t be disappointed. While it’s not the loudest arena you’ll ever visit, game-day plenty is going on during a Bobcats game to keep you entertained. There’s a crisp video scoreboard at center ice that is put to good use with hype videos, game stats, contests, and more. The student section, anchored by the pep band and Ice Cats, comes prepared with a repertoire of chants and routines designed to distract the opposition. Boomer the Bobcat roams the stands interacting with fans throughout the game. There’s a souvenir stand set up in one corner of the arena for fans needing some Bobcat gear. Neighborhood 3 While Hamden is a lovely community, once named one of America’s “best small cities” by CNN Money, it is hardly a destination location. Surrounding the campus are several strip malls, which give visiting fans some options for pre- and postgame dining. Many visiting fans will opt to head into New Haven, which has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie hotspot. Right across the street from Quinnipiac’s Mt. Carmel campus is Sleeping Giant State Park, a popular destination for hiking and other outdoor activities. If visiting the area before the weather turns, the many trails here are worth exploring before a game. Whitney Avenue dissects the two Quinnipiac campuses. There are plenty of eateries here if you wish to stay local. Eli’s on Whitney is a Bobcat's sponsor and a popular choice of locals. If you continue south on Whitney Ave. for a few miles you will find yourself in downtown New Haven on the campus of the Bobcats’ chief hockey rival, Yale University. Visiting fans will find plenty of lodging and dining options in this area, including Louis’ Lunch, the birthplace of the hamburger, as well as Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s, the originators of New Haven-style apizza. Fans 5 Quinnipiac annually fills the People’s United Center to over 95 percent of capacity, averaging around 3,100 fans per game. Hockey is absolutely the number one sport at Quinnipiac, drawing rabid hockey fans from all over greater New Haven. Compare Quinnipiac’s attendance to local rival Yale, who averages about one thousand fans less per game despite being only a few miles away. The student section, located at the far end of the arena, is packed with fans every night. As the Bobcats have returned to the top of the national rankings, the student body has seemed to have gotten their groove back, as they add a lot of energy and noise to the Perrotti Arena. Notable in the student section is four students who dress as Teletubbies and take up residence in the front row. It would appear the costumes are passed down over the years, as the Tubbies have been in attendance every time this writer has visited Quinnipiac. Access 5 Quinnipiac is located in the New Haven suburb of Hamden. This town of just over 60,000 residents is located just to the north of New Haven. Quinnipiac University is located in the northern, Mount Carmel section of town, which has a rural feel to it. The university is split into two campuses about a mile from each other on opposite sides of Whitney Avenue. The newer, York Hill campus contains the People’s United Center, the Rocky Top Student Center, and several dorms. Most of the school’s facilities, including the Quinnipiac Baseball Field, are located on the older Mount Carmel campus. The university is easily reached via Interstate 91, which runs a few miles east of campus. Visiting fans will take exit 10 off I-91 to the Mt. Carmel Connector (Route 40). Travel a mile north on Whitney Avenue to Sherman Avenue, and the entrance to the York Hill campus will be on your right. Fans will enter the arena into the shared main lobby, which contains the concession stand and some restrooms. The hockey arena will be located on your right, with the basketball court on your left. There is a single concourse that circles the entire rink at the top of the seating bowl. The rink is visible from all spots on the concourse, and there is plenty of standing room on this level. Fans will walk down to their seats, which are all blue plastic folding stadium seats. The restrooms are located in three corners of the venue. Lines do form at the concession stand and restrooms during intermission, so plan your trips appropriately. Likewise, with only one road in and out of the venue, don’t be in a rush to leave. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Bobcat hockey games are priced at twenty dollars per game for all seats. Tickets for seniors are discounted to fifteen dollars, and youth tickets to twelve dollars. Certain games are designated as “premium” games, with ticket prices increased by five dollars. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the People’s United Center. Concessions are inexpensive, with most items priced under five dollars. Extras 3 Several banners hang at the far end of the Perrotti Rink honoring championship teams, tournament appearances, 100-point scorers, and Frozen Four appearances for both the men’s and women’s teams. One banner commemorates coach Rand Pecknold’s 500th career victory. An extra point is awarded for the presence of the Ice Cats, the Quinnipiac cheerleading squad at Bobcat hockey games. In addition to leading cheers from their perch above the student section, the squad takes part in pregame festivities on the ice. This squad does it all. Outside the entrance to the facility is a statue of a Bobcat, the school’s mascot. When the school decided to change its name from the politically incorrect Braves to the Bobcats, students developed the legend of the Bobcat, which guards the Quinnipiac campus. At the same time, the sleeping giant does his thing over at the state park. The legend can be read on a plaque next to the statue. Final Thoughts One of the best sports stories of the last decade was the ascension of tiny Quinnipiac University to the top of the college hockey world. After a couple of down years, the Bobcats are back at the top of the polls and People’s United Center is filled with rabid Connecticut hockey fans. This hidden gem of an arena is a must-see for anyone who enjoys college pucks. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 M&T Bank Arena 305 Sherman Ave Hamden, CT 06518 Quinnipiac Bobcats men’s basketball website M&T Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 3,570 Hoops in the Shadow of the Sleeping Giant People’s United Center was the first building constructed in Quinnipiac University’s $360 million project to develop its York Hill campus, located about a mile from the school‘s main Mount Carmel campus. The facility contains basketball and hockey arenas joined by a common lobby area and university club. Completed in 2007 at a cost of $52 million, it was designed to be a drawing point for potential student athletes. Building the facility involved moving 615,000 tons of earth and rock, all of which remained on campus to construct roads for the development of the 250-acre campus. Basketball has been played at Quinnipiac since 1951. A longtime member of NAIA, the team elevated its athletic programs to Division Two in the mid-70s and to Division One in 1998. After competing in the Northeast Conference, the Bobcats moved to the Metro Athletic Conference in 2013. The team has yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament as a member of Division One. Note: The name of the arena changed to M&T Arena in April 2022. Food & Beverage 2 “The Den” is located in the main lobby in between the basketball and hockey arenas. It offers a limited menu consisting of hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos and assorted snacks. Items are affordable, with most items priced under five dollars. Pepsi products are sold at People’s United Center. No alcohol is sold at this on-campus facility. The Den, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 At most college venues, the atmosphere is driven by the student body. Unfortunately, there is not much of a turnout by the student body here at Quinnipiac basketball games. This is in stark contrast to the student section at hockey games, which are packed to the brim with excited students. Despite the lack of noise from a student section, the folks at the People’s United Center put on a good show. The school’s pep band performs throughout the game, filling the arena with noise. The cheerleaders and dance squad perform during play stoppages and there is a mascot who wanders the crowd interacting with fans. There is a large video board hanging at center court which is put to good use with replays, game stats and graphics. Additional scoreboards in the corners of the arena display updated game stats throughout the game. T-shirt tosses and contests for the younger fans in attendance keep the more casual fans interested. Neighborhood 2 People’s United Center is located in the university’s York Hill campus, about a mile from the main campus. Quinnipiac is located adjacent to Sleeping Giant State Park, a popular destination for hiking and other outdoor activities. If visiting Hamden when the weather is nice, the many trails here are worth a look before heading over to the game. Hamden is a typical suburban community, with many local eateries and national chain restaurants located along Whitney Ave. near campus. If you follow Whitney Ave. for a few miles south, you will find yourself in downtown New Haven on the campus of one of Quinnipiac’s chief athletic rivals, Yale University. While Hamden is a lovely community, it can hardly be considered a destination location. Many visitors to the area will likely spend their time in nearby New Haven, which has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie hotspot. Connecticut’s capital city, Hartford, is located a half hour north of Hamden. The state’s twin casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, are located less than an hour to the east. Fans 3 Quinnipiac averages between 1,200 and 1,500 fans per game at the People’s United Center. Crowds fluctuate wildly depending on the opponent and day of week you are attending. Bobcat basketball fans are not the rowdiest bunch you’ll come across, but they are knowledgeable about their team and enthusiastic in their support. There isn’t much of a turnout by the student body, leaving the student section empty save for the presence of the pep band. Those students who do show up tend to spread out around the seating bowl, negating any energy they would bring to the arena. The majority of the crowd is made up of locals out to see some quality hoops at an affordable price. Access 4 The suburb of Hamden is located directly to the north of New Haven. Once named as one of the “best small cities” by CNN Money, Hamden and Quinnipiac University are easily reached via Interstate 91. Take exit 10 (Route 40) and follow it approximately a mile and a half to the QU campus on Mount Carmel Road. Fans enter the TD Bank Sports Center into the shared central lobby, which contains the Bobcat Den concession stand and a pair of restrooms. The basketball court is on your left. Fans enter Quinnipiac’s basketball court onto the concourse located at the top of the seating bowl. This concourse completely encircles the arena, offering excellent views of the court from all points. In fact, many fans choose to take in the action from spots around the concourse. Section 101 will be directly in front of you as you enter the arena at the corner of the basketball court. There are 16 sections, each containing between 12 and 14 rows of blue folding stadium seats. The seating bowl is steeply pitched, creating great sight lines of the game from all points. A section of luxury boxes is located above the entrance to the arena. With the smaller crowds present, it’s pretty easy to get around, even at halftime. There are a pair of restrooms located in the corners of the arena, and another pair in the lobby. Lines do form at restrooms and concession stands at halftime, but they move fairly quickly. With only one road leading to the arena, don’t be in a rush to leave after the game. The lots can take a little while to empty. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Quinnipiac basketball games cost $15 for all seats. Seniors can purchase tickets for $8 and youth for $6. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the facility. Add in inexpensive concessions and a night at a Bobcats basketball game is an affordable entertainment option for Connecticut basketball fans. Extras 2 Outside the entrance to the facility is a statue of a Bobcat, the school’s mascot. When the school made the decision to change their name from the politically incorrect Braves to the Bobcats, students developed the legend of the Bobcat, which guards the Quinnipiac campus while the sleeping giant does his thing over at the state park. The legend can be read on a plaque next to the statue. Banners hang throughout People’s United Center honoring the school’s championships and tournament appearances for both the men’s and women’s teams. Additional banners honoring 1,000-point scorers can be found on the walls of the arena. Final Thoughts People’s United Center is an attractive facility that fits the needs of this mid-major team perfectly. While the basketball team at Quinnipiac has yet to experience the success that the hockey team has enjoyed, the basketball court compliments the neighboring hockey rink perfectly. When the Bobcats start to improve on the court, expect the crowds to grow here in the shadow of the Sleeping Giant. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Anderson Field 236 N Grantham Rd Dillsburg, PA 17019 Messiah Falcons website Anderson Field website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 300 The Falcons Nest Messiah University is a private interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Grantham, Pennsylvania, although the mailing address is in nearby Mechanicsburg. Anderson Field is part of the larger Starry Athletic Complex. The university began as Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home and was part of the Brethren in Christ Church. The name changed over the years going from Messiah Bible School to Messiah College, and in 2020 Messiah University. The university is now interdenominational and not part of the Brethren in Christ Church but still is evangelical with an influence in the Anabaptist, the Radical Pietist, and the Wesleyan holiness movements. The Falcons mascot is named Flex, although he was previously known as Fandango. The Falcons compete in Division III of the NCAA and are a member of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. The team receives some of the biggest support in Division III and boasts some of the best attendance of all schools at that level in the "Olympic" sports. The Falcons have been very successful in athletics. The men's and women's soccer teams both won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012. The Falcons men's soccer team are eleven-time national champions. Messiah University is the only college in the NCAA to win both the men's and women's soccer national championships in the same year, and they have achieved that distinction four times. There also have been national championships in women's softball, and women's field hockey, along with numerous individual championships in wrestling and wrestling. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand near the baseball field called the Falcon Hut. It offers cheap concessions from a limited menu. it is a nice little facility but it doesn't offer much if you are looking for more than a small snack. Atmosphere 4 The Starry Athletic Complex is a great little complex to watch sports. You have to access it via a covered bridge. Each of the various fields offers great views and a fun environment for each of the Falcons sports teams. Anderson Field is a simple field hockey setup with a small grandstand. There are also many other areas to watch field hockey around the field. We think the best place to watch is via your bag chair along the small hill south of the field. Anderson Field has a carpet turf which is the preferred surface for the top field hockey programs in the world. The facility includes full lighting for evening practices and games. It looks like it will not change, but the new Stadium East Building as part of the campaign should help operations at Anderson Field. The new concessions will also be a great addition. Messiah's "A Warmer Welcome Campaign" is an ongoing effort to enhance the outdoor athletic facilities at the Starry Athletic Complex. The Campaign is set to include a new concession and hospitality facility that will serve Messiah’s entire outdoor athletic complex, expanded and enhanced new seating for lacrosse and softball fans, and improved dugout areas for the baseball field. Neighborhood 3 Starry Athletic Fields Complex is south of the main Messiah campus. There is not much of a neighborhood in Grantham but one can venture into Mechanicsburg and/or Harrisburg for more things to do before or after a game. There is a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Camp Hill if you are feeling like eating a large meal. Vitality Bowls in Mechanicsburg could be a healthier option. Fans 4 Messiah has one of the best fan bases around. They support Falcon sports, no matter which one. If visiting on any given weekend, you are likely to find multiple games going on, with each a healthy attendance. Access 3 Messiah University, itself, is not that hard to access as it is located nearby the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-83, I-81, and U.S. Route 15. You may have more issues once on campus. The university is easy enough to get around, but the Starry Athletic Fields Complex is located to the south of the main Messiah campus, across an old-style covered bridge. Once across the bridge, there is a medium-sized parking lot that could fill quickly. We ended up parking across the campus and walking as there were so many events going on, not just at the athletic complex. This was not a bad thing, as we found a nice little walking trail, along with a swinging bridge. You need to be aware that the main parking lot might not work out for you. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for attending a game at Anderson Field. Even if there was, you could easily watch the game for free along the south side of the field. The limited offerings of the Falcon Hut are also very good with prices. Extras 4 The ability to easily watch so many sports without almost any extra walking is a great extra. Go north of the nearby Criste Tennis Courts to find a delightful swinging bridge that crosses Yellow Breeches Creek. Once across the bridge above look for the campus fitness trail which offers a great walking trail around a good part of the Messiah campus. The Climenhaga Homestead is a historic house on campus that was built by the first dean of the college (Asa Climenhaga) as a way to become better connected to the campus and its students. The homestead now houses guest rooms, meeting rooms, and conference facilities. Final Thoughts Messiah University is already a great spot to watch sports, but with the upcoming "A Warmer Welcome Campaign" it may go to another level. Anderson Field is a simple place but is one that offers a great place to spend a bit of time.

As part of their move to FBS, Jacksonville State is making changes to their home football stadium, Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium. During 2023 fans can enjoy new concessions options (now all cashless), as well as free digital game programs. Also in August of 2023, construction began on a new athletics fieldhouse behind the west end zone, which will be completed in time for the 2024 season. The new facility will include training equipment, hydrotherapy, coaches’ offices, and meeting rooms, among other amenities. The north grandstand is also getting its own facelift – the bleachers were removed prior to the 2023 season, although fans are still welcome to sit on that side using the concrete steps which still remain; the renovations to the north side will be completed in time for the 2024 season. Although the Gamecocks have won enough games to qualify for a bowl game in 2023 under normal circumstances, the team is not yet eligible for a bowl game due to the transition to FBS. However, in 2024 Jax State will be fully bowl eligible, and its home field will be fully renovated and ready for use.

The crew discusses the arms race between cities for bigger, better, and more luxurious stadiums. Will the common fan get priced out? Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Schneider Arena 331 Huxley Ave Providence, RI 02908 Providence College Friars men’s hockey website Schneider Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 3,030 50 Years of Friar Puck Schneider Arena is a small on-campus hockey arena located in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as home to Providence College’s men’s and women’s varsity hockey teams. In addition, many local youth teams call Schneider Arena home, as do the Rhode Island Interscholastic State Championships. The arena was named after the Reverend Herman D. Schneider, O.P., the founder of Providence College hockey and a longtime teacher at the school. It was built to bring the popular Friars hockey team back on campus, as they played their home games at various rinks around Providence, including the old Rhode Island Auditorium. Ironically, before 1973, the school’s basketball team played on campus at Alumni Hall, and the hockey team played off campus. In 1973 the basketball team moved off campus to play at the Providence Civic Center and the hockey team moved back on campus into Schneider Arena. The Friars compete in the Hockey East conference along with many of the top teams in New England. They have qualified for 15 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four on five occasions. Providence College won the national championship in 2015. 45 Friar alumni have played in the National Hockey League. Food & Beverage 4 There are a pair of concession stands in Schneider Arena’s lobby. They feature your basic arena food, including hot dogs, pizza slices, chicken tenders and nachos. There’s a good selection of snacks, including pretzels, assorted candies, popcorn, giant cookies, and even hummus. To sample Schneider Arena’s marquee menu items, fans must leave the arena and head outside, where local favorite Saugy Hot Dogs operates a food truck. They serve up some of their signature specialty dogs here. Under the Calabria Pavilion of Champions, fans will find a selection of Chick-fil-A sandwiches. You’ll have plenty of time to duck outside during intermission, grab a bite to eat and be back at your seat for faceoff! The pavilion is even open in the cold winter months, as it comes equipped with heaters. Coca Cola products are sold at Schneider Arena. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find Bud Light, Narragansett Lager and Whalers Rise IPA along with Black Box wines and High Noon Peach Hard Seltzer sold at the concession stands. Atmosphere 3 With Schneider Arena’s tiny size and low roof, you would think it would be a loud place with an intimidating atmosphere for visitors. While Providence College has had a lot of success over the years at home, Schneider Arena is not as intimidating a venue as perhaps it should be. We at Stadium Journey often say that the atmosphere at a college game is driven entirely by the student section and pep band. While the pep band does their thing throughout the game and there’s a good turnout by the student body, they don’t make a whole lot of noise and are quite reserved when compared to other student sections in the area. Even worse, many of the students leave well before the end of the game, no matter the score. Schneider Arena is a very attractive facility, with several murals decorating the walls, and a crisp four-sided video board hanging at center ice. This board is put to good use with replays, graphics and crowd shots. Younger fans in attendance will certainly enjoy the trivia contests, youth team skates, and other diversions presented during play stoppages. Since the 2023-24 season is Schneider’s 50th, videos highlighting the arena’s history are featured. Neighborhood 3 Schneider Arena is located on the northern edge of the Providence College campus, near many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Anderson Stadium. The Elmhurst neighborhood where Providence College is located is a residential neighborhood, so visiting fans will need to venture out a bit to find some of the city’s excellent dining, entertainment and lodging options. Luckily, downtown Providence is only about two miles from the PC campus. In addition to all the city’s attractions, the Amica Mutual Pavilion, home of the Friars basketball team, is located here. For fans wanting to stay near campus, Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and selection of 92 draft beers. Otherwise, we recommend you head downtown towards Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for more great dining options. Fans 3 The Friars annually average about 2,500 fans per game at Schneider Arena, which ranks them solidly in the middle of the nationwide Division One attendance rankings. Unlike many schools in this part of the country, hockey is not the top athletic attraction at the school, as Friar basketball rules the scene at Providence College. Still, hockey fans in Rhode Island are among the most passionate and knowledgeable in the country, and those at Schneider Arena are no exception. You’ll find fans who have been coming to the rink for decades alongside locals. Unfortunately, the student section isn’t as large or as loud as you’d expect. It’s quite a letdown after watching the students stream in before opening faceoff through their own dedicated entrance in the back of the building. With many of the Friars conference foes in Hockey East located close to Providence, you can expect to see a good turnout from visiting fans at Friars games. Likewise, when the annual Mayor’s Cup game against Brown University is held at Schneider Arena, you can expect a filled building and a boisterous atmosphere. Access 3 Given Schneider Arena’s location in a residential neighborhood close to both Interstate 95 and Route 146, most fans drive to Friar hockey games. Parking is plentiful around the arena, either in a small garage adjacent to the facility or on-street. For those fans using public transportation, RIPTA’s number 55 bus has a stop directly next to Schneider Arena, which stops hourly at the facility. Check the RIPTA website for schedules and maps. Recent renovations to Schneider Arena completely reconfigured the facility. Fans will enter a bright, attractive lobby, which contains the concession stands, rest rooms, a souvenir stand and displays honoring Providence College’s long hockey history, including the championship trophy won by the Friars in 2015. Fans will enter the arena through one of three vomitories which lead from the lobby to a walkway which completely encircles the arena. All the seats at Schneider Arena are individual silver stadium seats. The seating bowl is raised about three feet above ice level, putting fans right on top of the action and ensuring excellent sight lines from all seats. Unfortunately, the presence of numerous safety railings and the walkway make some seats less desirable than others. You may want to avoid the first few rows in the upper level due to foot traffic on the walkway. Schneider Arena is a small barn, but it’s easy to get around here. Lines do form at concession stands and rest rooms during intermission, but they move quickly. Return on Investment 3 Providence College utilizes a variable pricing schedule for their games at Schneider Arena. Tickets for most conference games cost $20 per ticket. Some games are priced at $15 per ticket, with selected marquee games priced at $25 per ticket. Free parking is available in a small parking garage adjacent to Schneider Arena as well as on-street all around the facility. Concessions are priced similarly to other area facilities. Extras 5 Extra points are awarded for the displays all around Schneider Arena that honor Providence College hockey’s history. In addition to the 2015 NCAA Championship Trophy proudly displayed in the lobby, there are murals adorning the walls throughout the facility. Providence Frozen Four teams, Olympians, and alumni who have represented their countries in international competition are honored. Plaques commemorating Friar All-Americans, both male and female, line the outer façade of the luxury boxes. Inside the arena, Providence has eschewed the tradition of hanging banners from the rafters. Instead, conference championships, NCAA tournament and Frozen Four appearances by both the men’s and women’s teams are painted directly on the walls of Schneider Arena. An exception is made for the 2015 Championship banner. Retired numbers for Friar legends Lou Lamoriello, Ron Wilson and Cammi Granato are displayed in the lobby and on the walls of the arena. Providence’s mascot, Friar Dom, earns an extra point for being one of the more unique mascots in the country. He can be found interacting with fans and skating on the ice throughout the game. Final Thoughts Providence College is one of the rare New England colleges where hockey is not king of the school’s sports scene. This fact does not diminish Schneider Arena’s charm. This cozy rink is an attractive, affordable place to catch some quality college hockey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Stoffer Fox Stadium 1150 Fulton St Newburg, OR 97132 George Fox Bruins website Stoffer Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 2,800 George Fox Football Located in Newberg, in Oregon’s beautiful wine country, Stoffer Family Stadium provides a great experience for college football. Built in 2014, the stadium holds 2800 fans and is home to the DIII Northwest Conference George Fox Bruins football. Food & Beverage 4 Local food trucks at each GFU football game provide several food and beverage options. While the vendors vary from game to game, you can typically find corn dogs, barbeque, Asian-style street food, and a local favorite: Hannah’s Popcorn, which sells several different specialty flavors of popcorn. Beverage options include water and Coca-Cola products sold by the stadium, as well as various drinks from each of the vendors. The boba tea from Bobablastic is my personal favorite! Alcohol is not permitted at the stadium, and therefore is not served at any of the vendors. Atmosphere 4 All three of the grandstands at Stoffer Stadium are close to the field to keep you in the game. While the general admission bleachers are not covered, the main grandstand for season ticket holders is covered. Fans are free to move around the stadium, and there is plenty of room at the end zones to stand and watch the game. The GFU Cheer and Stunt Team, as well as the Drumline, are located in front of the student section and keep the crowd cheering throughout the game. You may even spot Pennington, the school’s mascot, wandering throughout the crowds and ringing the bell when the Bruins score a touchdown. Pennington at Stoffer Family Stadium, Photo by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 With downtown Newberg just a 10-minute walk away, Stoffer Stadium is close to several great restaurants and local shops. Newberg itself has been ranked as one of the safest places in Oregon, and with it being extremely walkable, everything you need is within a few blocks. Newberg provides a wide variety of dining options. A few personal favorites include Thai the Knot (just down the street from the stadium) and Old Town Bar and Grill. Several fast food restaurants are located on the other side of town, which is just a short drive away. Besides great restaurants, Newberg has several local shops, which include antique and clothing stores. Velour (vintage clothing and decor) and Wine Country Antiques are two of my favorite places to shop. A movie theater as well as a drive-in theater also can be found in Newberg. If you are looking to drive a bit, Portland is about 40 minutes from Newberg and has endless options for entertainment, including the zoo, OMSI, as well as many restaurants and bars. Options for lodging in Newberg include a Best Western and a Holiday Inn. Fans 4 Stoffer Stadium is full of excitement on Family Weekend, when student’s families have the opportunity to visit the university and attend the home game Saturday evening. Besides family weekend, each game has a theme where students dress up and pack the student section of the stadium. While family weekend attendance is more than usual, students and local fans will fill most of the stadium for a Saturday night game. Fans stay involved throughout the game, and if you are near the student section, it can get loud! Access 5 With Stoffer Stadium being on the smaller side, everything is extremely accessible. The food trucks are located right as you walk out of the stands, and restrooms are located close by in other campus buildings. Fans are welcome to walk around, and there is plenty of room to stand at both end zones. While there is no longer public transit service in Newberg, the town is small enough to be easily walkable anywhere around the stadium. Uber and Lyft rides are available in Newberg. Parking is available directly next to the stadium off of Fulton Street. Other parking lots are available around campus off of Villa and Meridian. Street parking is also available near campus, but usually fills up quickly. Ticketing gates open 90 minutes before games, and the only entry is located between the student section and the main grandstand. Tickets can be bought prior to the game. Getting through security is easy. There's no bag policy, though security personnel do random checks. Umbrellas are not allowed, and seat cushions can be up to 18 inches wide. Return on Investment 5 With ticket prices being $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 18, seeing a Bruin football game can be an affordable way to spend your Saturday afternoon. There is even a family pack option for $20 which includes 2 adults and kids. Season tickets range from $110-$120, and can be worth it for the covered seating area on rainy Oregon days. Parking on campus or in the neighborhood is free. Extras 3 Merchandise is available for purchase at games, located just outside of the stadium near the food trucks. During the autumn months, the GFU campus is full of beautiful fall colors. And did you even visit George Fox if you didn’t get a picture with Mama Bear, the large bronze bear statue? She is located in the Alumni Plaza on the south side of the stadium. Mama Bear at Stoffer Family Stadium, Photo by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Bruin Football at Stoffer Stadium is a great way to experience college football with a small-town feel. Newberg is a great community to visit, and the close proximity of the stadium to town makes everything you need within walking distance.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex 19593 South 48th St Chandler, AZ 85226 Phoenix Rising FC website Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 10,000 Rising As One Para leer esta resena en espanol, haga clic en este enlace Phoenix Rising FC is a soccer club in the USL-C, the second level of soccer in the United States, one step below MLS (Major League Soccer). The club began operation in 2014 as the Arizona United SC and rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC in 2017. The team has been quite successful the last few years clinching the USL Championship regular season title in 2019. They made it to the Championship playoff finals in 2108 and 2020 (which unfortunately got cancelled because of COVID) and the playoff quarterfinals in 2021. The club moved from its former home in Scottsdale to a brand-new stadium at Wild Horse Pass in the Gila River Indian Community in Chandler, AZ. The first match played there was April 30, 2021. Fans had mixed reactions to the move, largely due to their location in the Valley. Some find getting to the new stadium easier; others not so much. Regardless of where you live in the Valley, attending a match is an enjoyable evening out, so we encourage you to check one out. We recommend in the early spring or fall as temperatures are more comfortable during those times of the year in Metro Phoenix. Food & Beverage 5 Concession offerings of food trucks and concession kiosks have plenty for soccer fans to treat themselves. The food points of sale are on the grounds outside the stadium seating area (except VIP sections) with stalls on the east, south, and west sides. A large picnic area called The Park is on the south lawn (near the entrance) that provides lots of picnic tables and a row of tempting food and drink choices. The complex has plenty of additional choices on the west side, with a few more on the east side. Fans won’t go hungry or thirsty. Expect queues at the concessions, especially before the match and halftime. Several stands offer tacos ($3 each), burritos, nachos, quesadillas, fries, guacamole and chips, wings ($3 – $15). Maya’s Cajun Kitchen sells vegan food. Hot dog and sausage choices run $8 – $12. Sonoran Grillz sells cheeseburger varieties, chicken tenders and sandwiches, and shrimp baskets ($12 – $18). Mobile Pizza even has wood fired pizza (from cheese and pepperoni to Hawaiian and everything in between) for $14. Shaved ice, funnel cake, kettle corn and soft pretzels are just some of the snacks available. Soda and water generally run $3 or $4. Adult drinks cost $10 for cocktails to $11 for 24 oz premium beer. Stands sell a variety of beer choices in cans, not just domestic brands. Our recommendation is to walk around the stadium first to see all the choices before deciding what to get. Atmosphere 4 Phoenix Rising FC soccer games are fun! The organization does a great job at providing a family friendly environment with passionate but not unruly fans, a field for the young ones to run around, and an entertaining game. The PA announcer is fantastic. Absolutely outstanding. He calls the lineup clearly and slowly in English; it’s easy to hear and understand. The music volume is fine; it is easy to have a conversation with your neighbor without having to yell over the music. Even better, they turn the music off when announcing the starting lineup. Some baseball organizations should take note of this. Inside the stadium, seating is on all four sides of the pitch. VIP and premium seating consists of a second level terrace on the east side, cushioned field level seats, and field level seats with hi-top tables. These field level seats allow fans to be up close and personal. The rest of the seats are grey fold-down seats raised above the ground level, with no arms or cupholders. These seats are more comfortable than they look. The east side stand offers rows A through K and above those are suites and the premium terrace. This stand provides dramatic views of stunning sunsets. The rows are long (28 seats across), so if you’re a fan who needs to get up often during the match, choose seats closer to the aisles (1-4 or 24-28) to prevent disrupting other fans. The west side stand has two levels and goes up 28 rows or so. Lots of steps on that side. The raised seats behind the goals are general admission (bleachers with no backs). The club installed a huge scoreboard on the south end. It shows the score, half, and time with some videos and advertisements. A cool thing about the scoreboard is it broadcasts on both sides. Fans hanging out in The Park area can also see what’s displayed on it and keep up with the game score. The Park is across from the entrance. It is a large grass berm with picnic tables, surrounded by food kiosks and games for kids (and adults) to participate in. It’s a very popular place before and even during the match. Four light stanchions illuminate the field. Phoenix Rising FC only hosts evening matches. Neighborhood 2 Phoenix Rising Stadium is in the Wild Horse Pass entertainment area. While not in the hustle-bustle of a downtown area, a few things are available for other forms of entertainment within a few miles. A mile and a half from the stadium is Gila River Resort and Casino. Just north of that is Phoenix Premium Outlet Mall for all your shopping needs. For those who like the outdoors, visit the South Mountain Park and Nature Preserve for some hiking. The Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass is just a little over a mile away. Downtown Chandler, a vibrant community with plenty of bars, restaurants, and breweries is 11+ miles from the stadium and is certainly worth a visit. Check out San Tan Brewing or The Perch Brewery (it features tropical rescue birds) for beers, Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup, The Hidden House (American cuisine), or The Brickyard Downtown (gastropub). For hotels, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass or the Gila River Resort are the closest though pricey. A Best Western is right across I-10 and there are plenty of lower-priced lodging choices three miles north two exits off I-10. Other sports to see nearby might include Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, a local drag racing track. Other than that, it is 12+ miles to other sporting events like ASU and some spring training ballparks. Chase Field (Diamondbacks) and Footprint Center (Suns, Mercury, Rattlers) are eighteen miles away in downtown Phoenix. Fans 4 Phoenix Rising FC has two strong supporters groups, Los Banditos and Union 602, both welcome all fans. Drums, flags waving, colored smoke, singing, clapping, jumping up and down – they have it all. Most supporters sit in the south end zone under the scoreboard but you’ll find patches of the groups’ supporters throughout the seating area. Lots and lots of kids and youth soccer clubs attend matches. You’ll see a whole host of families and friends in attendance. The fans are engaged in the play on the pitch. And, you certainly know when the crowd disagrees with the umpire’s calls. The fans make it a comfortable sporting event to attend where all visitors are accepted. Phoenix Rising fans have an active presence on social media. The club posts ‘the team is wearing red for tonight’s match,’ per se, and fans dress in red when attending the match. And, if in and around the Phoenix metro area, you will see a Phoenix Rising FC sticker or decal on a car in almost any parking lot. Attendance is strong at Phoenix Rising FC matches with the club ranking in the USL-C top five to ten in attendance the last few seasons with an average of 6,600 – 6,800 fans. And, crowds in 2022 have increased to over 7,000 so far. Access 3 Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex is in Chandler AZ, a southern suburb of Phoenix. The stadium is right off Interstate 10 and the southern part of the 202 Loop. Expect considerable traffic before and after the match. The complex is 14 miles south of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. No noticeable public transportation is available. However, Phoenix Rising FC has a Pub2Pitch transport shuttle where fans go to select bars and buses take them to/from the matches. That’s a pretty slick service. Upon entering the complex, parking is free. The stadium has three entrances: one for media and vendors, another for VIPs and another for other visitors. Security wands all fans at the entrances. Clear bags are allowed. There are a lot of steps to get in and around the venue, though ramps and ADA lifts, and wheelchair seating are available for those who need it. The complex has multiple sets of restrooms around the perimeter in what look like semi-trailers. But don’t fret, they are plenty clean and nice looking on the inside (at least for the ladies room). Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets run $22 – $41 and are comparable, if a little higher than other USL-C teams. The price increases $4 or $5 if purchased on game day. Be sure to check their website or social media pages for any specials. The club offers ticket discounts for groups or mini-plan (4 or 8 matches) purchases. Phoenix Rising introduced digital-only tickets this 2022 season. Parking is free, which is a bonus. The stadium’s food and drink prices are less than the other professional sports venues in the area. Visitors can bring in two sealed bottles of water per person. Fans definitely need those at matches in warmer months. Extras 5 Phoenix Rising has many additional items worth noting. The organization provides roster sheets at the entrance. A nice-looking merchandise tent with a vast supply of Phoenix Rising gear is near the entry. The lawn area is a handy feature for fans to eat their refreshments and play before heading into the seating area. Having the scoreboard broadcast the game towards the lawn area shows the organization’s appreciation for the fans. The Phoenix Rising FC organization and the complex offer a wealth of youth camps and training programs. And, I must commend the PA announcer again. Final Thoughts Going to and watching professional soccer matches is on the rise in Arizona. The club is currently an applicant for a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise expansion. Time will tell whether that comes to fruition or not. Phoenix Rising FC does a remarkable job at providing an enjoyable, crowd pleasing, and safe sports entertainment evening. The new soccer stadium is an excellent place for fans across Arizona to visit and watch a winning soccer club!

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 GCU Arena 3300 W Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85017 GCU Antelopes Volleyball website GCU Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 7,000 It's Canyon Time Grand Canyon University (GCU) Antelopes women’s volleyball team began in 1981 when they played in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). The team moved to NCAA D2 in 1993 as members of the Pacific West Conference. All GCU athletics began transitioning from D2 to D1 in 2013 as Western Athletic Conference (WAC) members. The women’s volleyball team played in Antelope Gymnasium until the beautiful GCU Arena opened. The team made its first postseason appearance at the D1 level in 2022. In the past four years, the team has had more winning seasons than losing ones, and they look to continue this trend. GCU Arena is a premier mid-sized sports venue which hosts GCU Antelopes men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams and other university events. It is conveniently located on campus in Central Phoenix. Food & Beverage 3 GCU Arena concessions serve typical stadium fare at reasonable prices: Pepsi products, bottled water, Gatorade, candy, hot dogs, sausages, nachos, pretzels, etc. They provide a decent variety, enough to sustain you for a volleyball game. Prices generally run $3.50 - $6. The concession stands do not sell alcohol. The arena has its concession stands on both the first and second level. The number 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 venue arranges the food stands nicely in the corners, and each has tables and chairs for sitting and enjoying food and beverages. Atmosphere 4 GCU Arena, athletes, and fans provide a pleasurable day or evening for a volleyball match. In volleyball, the winner of a match is the best of five sets. The first team to reach 25 points wins each set. The teams switch sides after each set. Coaches can challenge calls at NCAA volleyball matches. At GCU Arena, fans can either walk onto the floor level and up to their seats (handrails are available) or take an elevator or stairs to the second level, and then walk down to the seats. Only the second level has wheelchair-accessible seating areas. The arena has comfortable cushioned purple seats with grey GCU across three sections on each court side. The seats are narrow, and the rows lack legroom. The arena layout opens three sides of the seating area at a volleyball match. GCU Arena Seating, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The arena has two boards in each corner on the far end of the court. One is a video board that shows crowd shots, the sets, sponsor messages, etc. The other corner board displays the set and match scores; the players game stats are above the score. A ribbon board above the side seats shows players, sponsor ads, the score, and other miscellaneous information. The arena pleasantly does not have a suspended center board making it wide open and easy to watch the band and fans. The temperature inside the arena is comfortable. Shorts and a T-shirt are suitable, no need for a sweater or jacket. A band and a DJ play music between stoppages of play. The Thundering Heard, the Antelope’s pep band, entertains the crowd, promotes the Lopes school spirit, and has the fans dancing in their seats throughout the match. Cheerleaders boost the school spirit with jumping, cheering, pom-pom waiving, pyramid building, and flips. The team has a mascot dressed as an antelope named Thunder who wanders the stands pregame. He/she wears the number 49 for the year the school opened. 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 itself is perfectly harmless 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) sells BBQ items but check the dates and times it is open. Canyon 49 offers Mexican style fare on campus. 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 and introducing and promoting other sports in the Phoenix area. Hotels are not close to the arena. We recommend driving four or five miles to midtown where the Hilton Garden Inn Midtown and a Hampton Inn are affordable places to stay. Other nearby sports to visit during volleyball season include GCU men’s and women’s soccer, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Mercury, or even an ASU hockey game in nearby Tempe. Fans 4 So far in this 2023 season, the GCU students and fan base have shown up in force for volleyball matches. Seven thousand showed up for their home opener; the matches since then have had 2,600 – 3,000 in attendance. Grand Canyon University Student Section, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Similar to during a basketball free throw, fans are absolutely noisy when an opponent is serving but quiet as a mouse when a Lopes player has the serve. Everyone stands till the Lopes score a point for each set. The student section stands the entire time when sets are in progress. And, of course, the engaging pep band and cheerleaders energize the crowd. Access 4 GCU Arena is less than a mile off Interstate 17. Depending on the time of day and road construction, you may hit some local traffic. Park in the garage at N 33rd 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. ADA drop off and pick up is at 33rd Ave and Camelback Rd near the main entrance (just after the security booth). 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. The ticket window booths could have been labelled more clearly to indicate which one to approach for group tickets, individual tickets, or Lope Nation Passes. I ended up at three different lines before finally getting to the correct one to purchase my ticket. Facing the booths, the one on the right is the one for single game tickets. 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. 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 does not offer closed captioning, though assistive listening devices are available at guest services. The arena has plenty of restrooms which are spotless even after the match. My sister-in-law would approve. GCU Arena includes two family restrooms with changing tables, one on each level. Return on Investment 5 Attending an Antelopes match is well worth the price. Five-dollar admission. Free parking. Concession prices no higher than $6. And even better, the Lopes offer several promotions. A Lope Nation Pass is $50. Fans can attend all women’s and men’s volleyball and soccer matches and all baseball and softball games with this pass. That’s a fantastic deal if you live nearby and can get to at least ten games a season. The team has a free Future Havocs Club for Lopes fans who are high school-aged and younger; it’s a fantastic idea to introduce future students to the college. And the team offers group ticketing which allows groups of ten or more individuals in for free. The games are entertaining and pleasant. It’s definitely worth the price of admission. . Extras 3 The cost of attending a match is worth another mention. A student says a short prayer before the match. The music volume is perfect; enough to engage fans but not too loud where you can’t converse with your neighbors. Nicely done. Unfortunately, the gift shop wasn’t open at the match I attended. I seem to remember it’s a decent one from other sporting events I attended at GCU Arena. Final Thoughts I never knew volleyball was such a big sport at the college level. I’ve always had a good time at any sporting event I attended at GCU. Fans are engrossed in the action and cheer the team on enthusiastically. If you’ve never been, it’s worth your sports entertainment dollar.

Food, Family, and Football….Oh My! The Thanksgiving holidays are just around the corner. It is a time to get together with our families, count our blessings, and share in a feast of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It is also a time to tear those same families apart, as it is college football’s rivalry weekend. The games scheduled for this hallowed holiday decide bragging rights for the next year between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, your family, and the in-laws. Even though many of these teams will be moving to different conferences in the New Year, these rivalries figure to survive the chaos of conference realignments and NILs. Here's the lineup of Thanksgiving weekend’s top matchups and this year’s game site:

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dillon Gymnasium Elm Drive Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers website Dillon Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 1,500 Still at the Dill Located on the campus of Princeton University, Dillon Gymnasium is home to the Tigers' volleyball program. The building also houses a student recreational facility and the offices of the athletic department, among others things. Dillon Gymnasium was built in 1947 and originally housed the Tigers' basketball team. In 1969, basketball moved into the much larger Jadwin Gymnasium, but volleyball still calls historic Dillon Gymnasium home. Food & Beverage 0 There is no concession stand at Dillon Gymnasium. Signs by the entrance warn fans not to bring food or drink onto the gym floor, but fans seemed to be bringing beverages in with no problem. As there is no security to speak of other than a couple of students working the front desk, you can probably get away with it as long as you aren't too obvious and don't make a mess. Atmosphere 4 Walking into Dillon Gymnasium will put you in a lobby. A trophy case will be on your left and a set of double doors straight ahead will take you to the gymnasium proper. Although Dillon Gym sits 1,500 according to the official capacity, the actual capacity is closer to 300. All seats are in wooden bleachers similar to what you would see in a high school gym. A low hanging ceiling traps sound in, making the roar of the crowd rise to thunderous levels at times. A small scoreboard on one sideline shows the score of the current set and the sets won by each team. However, as the scoreboard was clearly designed for basketball, the total sets are listed in an area labeled for team fouls. Neighborhood 4 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 5 Although Dillon Gymnasium is very small, fans pack the bleachers to capacity or near capacity every game. They are loud and boisterous, and the roof serves to further trap their sound and make this gym extremely loud during volleyball matches. It may well be the loudest mid-major volleyball gym in the country. It certainly can't compete with the crowds at the elite programs, but between the low ceilings, small gym, and capacity crowds, it is extremely loud here. Expect a full match worth of cheering, sign-waving, and urging the Tigers on to victory. Access 2 Getting to the Princeton campus is easy. Free parking is available in the Theatre Drive Garage (formerly known as the West Garage, as it still appears in some GPS systems) For those arriving by public transit, the Princeton station on NJ Transit's Princeton Branch is located a short walk from the arena and if driving, you will likely pass it as you get on campus. The Princeton Branch, better known as The Dinky, is the shortest commuter rail line in America and connects Princeton's campus to Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. It consists of just those two stops, and the trip takes about five minutes. However, getting from the garage to the gymnasium is far more difficult. There is no signage to direct you, and the building housing Dillon Gymnasium has several entrances, only one of which is the right one. You have to walk down the street away from the garage, then up an unmarked staircase and around the corner to the entrance. There is no signage telling you to do so. The students working the desk are helpful enough in directing you once you get inside, but that's the easy part. Getting inside to begin with is the hard part. Restrooms are available off the lobby and easily signed, at least once you get in the building. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Princeton volleyball games, with the possible exception of Ivy League or NCAA postseason action, is free of charge. Parking is free as well. When combined with the raucous crowds and electric atmosphere, a Princeton volleyball game can be a great value. Extras 3 One star for the trophy case in the lobby dedicated to Princeton athletic history. A second star for the loud and energetic crowds, one of the best in mid-major volleyball. A third and final star for the history of Dillon Gymnasium. This is the gym where Bill Bradley dropped 51 points in 1964, and although basketball no longer plays here, it is good to see the gym being used for something. Final Thoughts Although Dillon Gymnasium has a pretty simple layout, the experience here is anything but. Princeton crowds turn up every game to cheer on their team and create an excellent atmosphere to take in a volleyball game. Just make sure to arrive early or you may have trouble finding seats together.

Photo Courtesy of the Appalachian League Huntington, West Virginia, will be home to an Appalachian League in 2024 and call the stadium at Marshall University home. It marks the first time the city has been represented in the league since 1995. The news comes a month after reports of the Princeton Whistle Pigs ceasing operations. The ball club will play its home games at Jack Cook Field, the future home of the Marshall Thundering Herd baseball program. Currently under construction, the stadium is scheduled to open on March 1 for the school's first game. The last ballpark to house an Appy League club was the St. Cloud Commons, built in 1910. The Commons featured a covered grandstand, and a set of bleachers down the first base line but was well past its prime as a viable ballpark when the Huntington Cubs called it home. The stadium included a giant cardboard cub, named Harry Beary, in centerfield that would move up and down after the Cubbies scored a run or made a great play. The Cubs drew 66,402 to the stadium in its first season in 1990 and were among the league leaders, averaging crowds of 1,658 per game for the five seasons of operation. The Cubs pulled out of town in 1995 and were replaced by a co-op team named the River City Rumblers. Attendance fell to 20,631 for the year, with a dismal 616 fans per game. The independent Heartland League relocated the Altoona Rail Kings to town, but it folded midway through the 1998 season due to poor attendance figures. Huntington is 2.5 hours away from its nearest opponent in Bluefield, West Virginia, and 4 hours north from the cluster of teams in the Eastern Tennessee markets of Greeneville, Johnson City, Kingsport, Elizabethtown, and Bristol. When the Huntington Cubs called the market home from 1990-1994, the plan was for a new ballpark to be erected - 30 years later - a new stadium would be built. Stadium Journey readers and travelers will have the opportunity to visit a new team this summer, along with the university club, during the spring months of 2024. The stadium’s features will include an open concourse, synthetic turf, and a capacity for 3,500 people. Organized baseball has been around in town since 1910, and a slew of ball clubs have called the city home from the Boosters, Babes, Redbirds, Jewels, Aces, Blue Sox, Rail Kings, and the River City Rumblers. The organization will announce a team name and colors in the future, but it will use the Tri-State moniker. The Tr-City team is scheduled to open on June 15. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Lewis C. Everett Stadium College Rd Farmville, VA 23901 Hampden-Sydney Tigers website Lewis C. Everett Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,024 Grey and Garnet Tigers Lewis C. Everett Stadium opened in 2007, and serves as the home field for Hampden-Sydney’s football team. The Tigers compete in the NCAA’s Division III, as part of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Their biggest rival is the nearby Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets, a rivalry that has been ongoing since 1893. Food & Beverage 3 Everett Stadium has a small selection of concessions items, but the prices are great. On the home side you can buy combos for $7, which includes your choice of a burger, hot dog, or barbecue sandwich, plus a large bag of chips and a bottled water or soda. Alternatively, on the visiting side you can get Bojangles – either two tenders or Supremes with a side for $5, or four tenders or Supremes with a side for $10 (savvy buyers might instead order two $5 combos, to get the four tenders with an extra side for the same money). Atmosphere 3 Everett Stadium is a nice facility, with great color all around and some nice touches, including a tiger statue in front of the fieldhouse which the players pat for luck on their way onto the field. The fieldhouse is also open during games, so you can go inside and check out the Tigers Hall of Fame. The seats on the home side are benches with backs, though the facility only has a static scoreboard instead of a videoboard. Neighborhood 2 Farmville, Virginia is not a large town, but it does have a number of restaurants along Main Street north of the stadium; mostly fast food but there is also a Buffalo Wild Wings, which makes a great hangout before or after the football contest. There are also several hotels in the same area. Fans 3 The Hampden-Sydney Tigers have a great fanbase who show up to games at Everett Stadium. There is a solid tailgating scene in the parking lots, which can be seen from the stadium, and a bunch of fans watch from the hillside next to the home grandstand. You will see plenty of Tigers gear being worn as well, and the fans can get plenty loud, more so than you might expect from a small stadium. Access 4 Getting to Everett Stadium is simple enough, except for Farmville being a little off the beaten path. However, you can park for free even if you only arrive a few minutes before kickoff, with plenty of parking spots along the streets right next to the facility. Moving around the concourse is similarly east – the concessions lines are never too long, and it is easy to move from one side of the field to the other. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost to attend Tigers games at Everett Stadium, and with no cost to park and low-cost concessions, this represents a great return on investment for college football. Extras 3 I mentioned the Tiger statue already, as well as the Hall of Fame inside the fieldhouse, but you can also find real bathrooms inside the fieldhouse which you can use during the game. There is also a covered section on the home concourse behind the seats, in case you want to get out of the sun – there is also some shade under the trees behind the end zone.

Photos by Cameron Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Dayton Raceway 3100 Needmore Rd Dayton, OH 45414 Dayton Raceway website Year Opened: 1934 Horses Fly Too Dayton Raceway in Dayton, Ohio features a horse racing track attached to a casino. The track features live harness racing from September to December, and includes a slew of food and dining options at the facility. The track itself is sparsely attended, but on the plus side you can get very close to the action. Food & Beverage 4 There are multiple restaurants and snack stands on the premises – the Sportsbook restaurant is only open to those 21+, but Skybox Sports Bar is open to all, and have tables next to the window so you can watch the racing action while you eat. The menu at the sports bar is limited, but there are a couple of other snack stands on the same floor if you are looking for a little variety. There are also a couple of snack stands next to the track itself, but not all of them are open on certain race days. Atmosphere 1 The big draw of course at Dayton Raceway, or most horse tracks for that matters, is the gambling. Dayton Raceway only has one live attendant on the clubhouse level, at the far end of the floor, but there are plenty of betting machines, and a slew of TVs all around where you can watch simulcast racing from other tracks. If you head down to the track you can watch the action from the rail, and even get a photo of the winning horse in the winner’s circle. Neighborhood 3 There are a few restaurants near Dayton Raceway, which is located north of downtown – Old Dayton Pizza is probably the closest one that is not on the casino’s property. There are also plenty of hotels to the north, closer to I-70. If you are interested in college or high school football, the horse racing and football season overlap, so you may be able to take in a game at nearby Welcome Stadium, home of the FCS Dayton Flyers as well as multiple high school teams who share the stadium. By far the most popular attraction in the city, however, is the Air Force museum at nearby Wright-Patterson Field, a large museum with multiple hangers showcasing planes and other aviation history. There are also additional sites in town you can visit which honor Wilbur, Orville, and their work. Fans 1 Not very many fans watch the racing at Dayton Raceway – the facility is pretty empty, although there are plenty of different seating options all over the place. On the first floor, only 40-50 feet from the track railing, you can sit indoors and watch the action from comfy couch-like chairs, or from regular wooden chairs set up in rows. You can also watch from one of the aforementioned restaurants while you eat, or from the railing itself if you don’t mind being outdoors. Note that the first post time is at 4 pm, so be aware you will be watching night racing, and it can be a little chilly outdoors then, in the fall and winter in Ohio. Access 4 There is free parking right next to the facility – the customer service is not the best in terms of giving directions, but just walk around the back of the casino and you will see the track; the clubhouse is right next to the track, and you can get up to the club level via the elevator or the stairs. Moving around the facility is very easy given the small crowd. The only challenge might be the traffic in downtown Dayton, especially if you are going racing on a weekday – since the first post time is at 4 pm, you may end up getting stuck in rush hour traffic. Return on Investment 2 There is no cost to attend the races at Dayton Raceway, but there are also no real amenities to speak of unless you there for the gambling. The restaurant food is also a little on the high side – otherwise I would recommend watching the races from the Skybox Sports Bar, so you don’t have to sit or stand outside. Extras 2 The casino next door is a plus if you are into that sort of thing, and being able to see harness racing is a unique feature, as most horse racing tracks have flat racing. Harness racing seems to be more common up north. Final thoughts If you have never seen horse racing or harness racing I would recommend trying it at least once. Dayton Raceway doesn’t have anything in the way of amenities, however, so is not the most fun experience. However, it is very easy to move around, and won’t cost anything either (except for your wagers, of course).

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Kessler Stadium 107 Larchwood Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website Kessler Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 4,200 Blue Hawks of the Jersey Shore Located just a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and 50 miles from New York City, Monmouth University is right in the heart of New Jersey. Kessler Stadium is located on Monmouth's campus and is home to the Hawks' football program. The stadium opened in 1993 and was renovated in in 2017 to expand the capacity to 4,200. Monmouth football has competed in several different conferences in recent years. Until 2013, they were a member of the Northeast Conference in all sports. When the athletic department accepted an invitation to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (better known as the MAAC), the football team had to move elsewhere as the MAAC does not sponsor football. Despite being located in New Jersey, they became a football-only member of the Big South Conference. In 2022, Monmouth joined the CAA for all sports. Then known as the Colonial Athletic Association, the conference chanced its name to the Coastal Athletic Association in 2023. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at Kessler Stadium, located on the concourse beneath the seats. The menu is pretty basic here. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and chicken tenders are the main courses, with the tenders coming with fries. Soft pretzels, popcorn, and nachos are also available, as are candy, chips, and cookies. Bottled soda and water are available to drink. Prices are reasonable, and combos that come with a food item, fries, and a drink can add additional value. Atmosphere 3 Kessler Stadium has seats on only one side of the field, with red flower bushes lining the other side. There are some chairbacks at midfield, and the remainder of the seats are bleachers. A track surrounds the playing field, but all seats still have a great view of the action. The seats should be in the shade for most of the game, which is great on a hot day early in the season, but less so on a chilly day in November. A large videoboard is located behind one end zone, and will be to your left as you sit in the stands. Before the game, it shows a hype video interspersing Monmouth football highlights with players posing for the camera at the Jersey Shore. During the game, it shows the video feed as well as serving as the scoreboard and showing detailed stats for each team. Monmouth has a mascot named Shadow, who unsurprisingly is a Hawk. He hangs out in the stands during the game interacting with fans and is happy to take photos with kids. A marching band plays on the field before the game, but is not too active after that. After the game, they play the Monmouth alma mater. While most fans don't sing along or even know the words, the tune will be instantly recognizable to anyone as it is the same as Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." Neighborhood 4 Located just a mile from the Jersey Shore, there is plenty to do in the vicinity of Monmouth University's campus. Although it is in a residential neighborhood, the beaches of Long Branch are just a five minute drive away. While these won't be helpful later in the season when the temperature of air and ocean is chilly, it is extremely popular early in the season, over Labor Day Weekend before it cools off. Long Branch and West Long Branch offer numerous restaurants, serving everything from tacos to pizza to Portuguese. While it is definitely more lively when the weather is warm, it can be nice to experience the area without the crowds later in the fall. Fans 3 Monmouth football averages a couple thousand fans a game. The stands will be fairly full, but there will still be a lot of empty seats despite the small size. Monmouth's student section sits with the band at the far right side of the bleachers but there do not seem to be too many of them either. This is a pretty standard crowd for the FCS level. They care about the team when they show up, but there simply aren't that many who bother to show up. Access 4 Monmouth University is about 15 minutes off the Garden State Parkway via Exit 105 or a 90 minute train ride from New York City. If you do choose to drive, parking is available in a large lot next to the stadium, but costs $20, cash only, upon entry. Restrooms are located on the concourse and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowd. It is easy to get into and around Kessler Stadium, and getting out after the game is no problem either. Return on Investment 2 Tickets to Monmouth football are $20-$25, depending on whether or not you opt for a chairback. This is about average for FCS on its own. However, you will also have to pay $20 to park, which is unnecessarily expensive, and may pay $5-$10 in tolls on the Parkway or Turnpike, depending on how you get here. Concessions are reasonably affordable, but a Monmouth football game is still more expensive than it probably should be. Extras 1 Look for the team store on the concourse selling Monmouth athletic gear. Final Thoughts A Monmouth football game down the shore is an enjoyable way to spend a fall afternoon in New Jersey. Although you will not find the fanciest stadium or the largest crowds, it is well worth checking out on a Saturday afternoon.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bank of America Stadium 800 S Mint St Charlotte, NC 28202 Carolina Panthers website Bank of America Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 75,525 Carolina Panthers – Bank of America Stadium Since 1995, the Carolinas have been home to the Panthers of the National Football League. Initially playing at Clemson University’s Frank Howard Memorial Stadium in their inaugural season, the Panthers would move to their permanent home, Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, the following season. Naming rights would change hands in 2004 when the stadium received its current name, Bank of America Stadium. Other than their brief stint at Clemson, Bank of America Stadium is the only home the Panthers have known in their nearly 30-year history. This puts the facility in prime discussions as needing significant renovations, or possibly a new stadium altogether. The Panthers do find themselves in a bit of a unique situation, where their current lease has expired while a new agreement is still being hammered out. Food & Beverage 5 A consistent theme the Panthers stay true to is their representation of the Carolinas, both North and South. This concept is seen in food and beverage options throughout Bank of America Stadium – a nacho stand dedicated to the Greenville, South Carolina native Duke’s BBQ sauces serves a variety of nachos and mac and cheese, while Charlotte-based fried chicken chain Bojangles is also represented with several locations around the 500 level. Carolina barbecue is also featured with pork sandwiches and wings slathered in the vinegar-based Carolina sauce. Fans also have several self-service options, from grab-and-go markets to self-pour mixed drinks and craft beer stations. Craft beer choices feature nearly 25 options, with high priority given to local breweries. The grab-and-go markets are found only on the 100 level; along the same line of self-service, fans can also order via QR codes posted around the stadium, and pick up their order when it is ready. Besides the regional foods, some real treats can be found in a handful of carts around the stadium. For 1 pm kickoffs fans can choose from a half dozen egg dishes from QC Breakfast, or even grab some Krispy Kreme donuts. La Caseta and Sabor Latin Street Grill both sell Mexican dishes, regional mac and cheese options can be found at State Line Mac & Cheese, and grilled cheese station Uptown Melts serves its unique creations. Bank of America Stadium does an excellent job of pulling together the tastes of the Carolinas. Though there are plenty of typical stadium options, they do seem to be average in their preparation. Possibly the best options are at the grill stations in Uptown Market, Mint Street Market, and Queen City Eatery, located just inside the main entry point on Mint Street. Stadium-wide, concessions prices are reasonable, which is a welcome relief when considering typical stadium price bumps. Atmosphere 3 Bank of America Stadium’s architectural design is very symmetrical with a completely enclosed, widened rectangle with rounded edges. It seems to have been created toward the end of the current design cycle, as many stadiums built after this used more of a segmented layout. Despite the bit of a dated design, the outside of the stadium does have a bit of a modern feel to it. The stadium incorporates a lot of black and Carolina blue, with dark glass to make the façade match the team color scheme. The three entry points into the main concourse are bookended with massive panther statues around the stadium, which fans line up to have their picture taken. During pre-game and throughout breaks in the action on the field, fans are entertained with pieces from the in-game host, interactive fan cams, and the Black and Blue Crew, the Panthers hype squad; along with Panthers mascot Sir Purr, the Black and Blue Crew tries to keep the enthusiasm of the fans up until play resumes. It is impossible to ignore the breathtaking view of the Charlotte skyline. The best views in the stadium come from the 500 level in sections running from the 550s to the mid-540s. Even though these seats are in the uppermost reaches of the stadium, there is not the feel of being completely removed from the action on the field. The large video board that runs along almost the entirety of the end of the stadium helps tie the skyline view to the stadium. The nearly 200-foot-long videoboard is matched by an identical one running along the top of the western end of the stadium, and the videoboards are complemented nicely by two ribbon boards that run above and below the 400-level of the stadium. The stadium itself keeps a consistent color scheme, as is evident with the sea of Carolina blue seats that almost fill the seating bowl. Carolina blue and black are prevalent throughout the stadium, and the two colors complement each other well. Night games highlight how impressive the blue is implemented into the game experience, however, when the stadium lights are dimmed and turned to a deep hue of blue that transforms the stadium – this is a particularly impressive sight to see. Despite talk of major upgrades, Bank of America Stadium gives fans a positive professional football experience. The atmosphere is hurt a bit by the recent struggles of the team in the win column. It is not that it is an overall disappointing time, but the stadium lacks a certain fervor that typically comes with teams who are either competing for division championships or have a historically passionate fanbase. On the whole, the stadium itself is easy to like; it just lacks an “IT” factor, which pushes the game-day experience at Bank of America Stadium toward the middle of the pack compared to other stadiums. Neighborhood 5 Bank of America Stadium is in the heart of Charlotte’s Uptown district, neighbored by Truist Field, home of the AAA Charlotte Knights, and is just a short walk to the Spectrum Center, home of the Charlotte Hornets. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is also within a mile. The neighborhood is also populated with several hotels and restaurants in the surrounding area, mostly concentrated to the east. In addition, a handful of bars along Morehead and Eldridge Streets host game day tailgating parties for fans to visit for pregame festivities. Fans 3 Fans of the Panthers are much like any typical fanbase – when things are going well the Panthers are the talk of the town, but if the team is struggling it shows in the actual turnout for games. Even though the Panthers have not had a great deal of success in recent years, they still rank in the top third of the NFL in attendance. Attendance numbers though are a count of tickets sold, not actual fans at the game, and there are a fair number of empty seats throughout a typical game. Fans are supportive and get loud during appropriate moments in the game, but the number of fans who are actively engaged from beginning to end is not nearly enough to make Bank of America Stadium an opposing environment that gives the home team a definite advantage. Outside of the Panther diehards, there does not seem to be an overwhelming frustration over the current win-loss situation that might be seen in some fanbases. This does seem to take something out of the atmosphere when it comes to fans being into the game. Access 4 Bank of America Stadium is conveniently located right off the junction of the I-277 bypass and Interstate-77, which runs north/south through North Carolina. The City of Charlotte also has an efficient light rail system that makes commuting to the stadium easier – the CLYNX Blue Line has stops at the Carson, Stonewall, and Convention Center stations, giving fans approximately just a five-minute walk to the facility. Stadium goers have two checkpoints of entry to the stadium; an outer perimeter security check screens fans before heading in to have their tickets scanned for entry. Each of these lines seems to move rather quickly, and fans do not have extremely long waits in line. Fans enter into the main level concourse, which passes under the seating area – this does get a bit packed during pre-game when fans are grabbing concessions and making their way to their seats, but it is no worse than would be found at other stadiums around the league. The field-level concourse is a bit narrow and can take some patience to navigate, but escalators also bring fans to the upper level of the stadium, which has a concourse that runs behind the seating area. Navigating the concourse is no better or worse than most other stadiums around the league. Lines can be rather long during the expected down periods of the game, such as between quarters and at half-time. The positive is that given its proximity to the interstate and public transportation options, getting to and from the stadium is much more palatable than might be seen at many other locations. Return on Investment 3 Before factoring in Ticketmaster fees, ticket prices start at around $56 for single tickets in the upper reaches of the top deck. The fees increase ticket prices by nearly 20%, and parking adds approximately $45. Ticket prices at face value are understandable, but when factoring in the additional fees, the investment quickly becomes an expensive endeavor. When looking to get the most affordable experience at Bank of America Stadium, the secondary market might be the best way to go for tickets. Downtown parking can get a bit expensive – garages just to the east of the stadium run $40. A handful of lots not considered official parking at Bank of America Stadium are more expensive, running $50 to $70, but are more conducive to tailgating. There is also parking within a mile available for as low as $10. As a whole, NFL games are not the most fan-friendly when it comes to the overall price for a day at the stadium, but using the secondary ticket market or being willing to walk a bit can make the game day experience much more affordable. Extras 4 A statue of the late Sam Mills memorializes the one-time Panthers linebacker and linebackers coach, outside of the main entry point into the stadium. Mills was signed as a free agent in the Panther's inaugural season and quickly became a fan favorite. Sam Mills, Jake Delhomme, Jordan Gross, Steve Smith, Wesley Walls, Mushin Muhammad, and Julius Peppers are also recognized in the ring of honor, along the top of the 500-level section of the stadium. The Play 60 Kids Combine is set up outside of the southern corner of the stadium, with several inflatables and a DJ providing entertainment. The “Keep Pounding” mantra is seen throughout the stadium and is an integral part of the pre-game festivities. Following the coin toss an honorary drummer unloads four blows to the large six-foot drum before kick-off – the “Keep Pounding” motto came from the aforementioned Sam Mills, who in a pre-game speech implored the team to “Keep Pounding.” "When I found out I had cancer, there were two things could do: quit or keep pounding. I'm a fighter. I kept pounding. You're fighters, too. Keep pounding!" – Sam Mills Final Thoughts The Panthers have continued to make upgrades to Bank of America Stadium to improve the fan experience, but previous improvements will pale in comparison to the projected $1 billion+ in upgrades the Panthers are looking to make. Future enhancements to Bank of America Stadium will likely look to provide visitors more of an entertainment destination than is currently being offered. These potential improvements will only add to the current positives that are already a part of the Carolina Panther football experience.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Battleground Athletics Complex Hanover Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Mary Washington Eagles website Battleground Athletic Complex website Fly Like an Eagle Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the University of Mary Washington plays its soccer games at the Battleground Athletic Complex. Located just off campus, the Battleground is home to several of the Eagles' athletic teams. In addition to soccer, the field hockey, baseball, softball, and track teams play at the various fields here. Typically, the soccer team plays on the grass field at the Battleground, which has no special name, but they will occasionally play on the turf field. Check the schedule or website before the game to confirm. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at the Battleground Athletic Complex. When Stadium Journey visited for homecoming, they had a tailgate area with food in the parking lot behind one of the goals. This is only a feature for homecoming, not every game, but it is still worthy of a star here. Atmosphere 3 The Mary Washington Eagles put a decent effort into the matchday experience at what is a pretty basic stadium. Bleachers line one end of the field, putting fans close to the action, with a small scoreboard located at one end. As mentioned above, homecoming at Mary Washington revolves around soccer, something that you don't see at most other schools even those, like the Eagles, with no football team. Homecoming has a tremendous atmosphere with a tailgate area a dance floor and mascot appearances, but even if you don't go to homecoming, you will still get a chance to watch soccer up close and personal. Neighborhood 4 The Battleground is located just off I-95 in Fredericksburg. It is in a residential area near the UMW campus, but if you head back towards Route 3, you will find many options. The Metro Diner is a local favorite, and Cook Out serves up burgers and more at a great value. There are many other options up and down Route 3 from Mexican to Salvadoran to Thai to Mediterranean cuisine. However, you may have to drive a bit to get there. Fans 5 UMW is one of the top teams in Division III in attendance, regularly drawing several hundred fans a game and sometimes drawing over a thousand. The fans are loud, passionate, and knowledgeable of their team. The crowd extends beyond friends and family to alumni and locals. Although UMW is a small school, they have a mighty fan base. It is rare in college, especially Division III, to see a fan base that cares about soccer like this, but the Mary Washington Eagles have some of the best fans in the country, not just at Division III, but at any level. Access 4 The Battleground is just off I-95 in Fredericksburg, so it is easy to get to. However, keep in mind the portion of I-95 between Washington and Fredericksburg is one of the most congested stretches of highway in the nation, so allot extra time. The extension of the Express Lanes to Fredericksburg will help alleviate traffic if they are running southbound at the time of your trip, but if you want to use them to speed by traffic, expect to pay a massive toll unless you have at least three people in your vehicle and the EZ-Pass Flex transponder set in the right mode. Once at the Battleground, parking is available in a lot in the back of the complex. This costs $20 on Homecoming but is free on all other days. You can also park on the street - this is free even on Homecoming but can get crowded fast. There are no permanent restrooms at The Battleground, but Port-a-Potties are available behind both goals. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all UMW soccer games, with the possible exception of conference and NCAA tournament matches, is free. Parking is free except on homecoming, and there are ways around even that if you want. The only cost will be the gas to get here, and the toll if you choose to take the Express Lanes on I-95 without being eligible to take them for free as an HOV. Extras 2 One star for UMW revolving around their Homecoming activities around soccer. This shows they truly care about the sport, something few colleges do. A second and final star for the energetic fan base. Final Thoughts Most schools, especially at Division III, do not consider soccer to be a major sport. The University of Mary Washington is the exception to that rule. With a party-like atmosphere, large crowds, and great energy, a UMW soccer game is well worth checking out for any fan in the Fredericksburg area.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Jordan-Hare Stadium 251 S Donahue Dr Auburn, AL 36849 Auburn Tigers website Jordan-Hare Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 88,043 Jordan-Hare Stadium – Auburn University Tigers Down on the Plains, Saturday afternoons take on a whole different feel than most college campuses in the country – Auburn, Alabama is transformed from a sleepy college town into one of the top college football game day experiences in the country. The Auburn Tigers have been members of the Southeastern Conference since its foundation in 1932; Auburn had previously been a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Southern Conference. Over the span of the program’s history the Tigers have won 17 conference titles and have laid claim to 5 National Championship crowns, in 1913, 1957, 1983, 1993, and 2010. The success the Tigers have achieved throughout their history goes a long way in setting lofty expectations from their fan base, which in turn helps drive one of the top college football experiences in the country. Food & Beverage 3 There are plenty of food options around the concourses of Jordan-Hare Stadium; the drawback is that there is not much that stands out as being special. Most of the choices are going to be what you would find at just about any stadium around the country – it is fine to satisfy your hunger, but lacks unique and local options. One highlight though is the Bo Jackson burger, at the Bo Jackson Grill. Jordan-Hare Stadium does have a handful of local regional options; similar to Georgia’s Sanford Stadium, Chicken Salad Chick makes an appearance with three specialized chicken salads and combination options centered around them. Another regional favorite, Mama Goldberg’s, slings their steamed subs to hungry fans. Both of these are fine options, but overall, the stadium lacks a touch of southern cuisine. Auburn does provide fans with the convenience of mobile ordering, to pick up at specific windows and avoid having to wait in long lines. Prices for food is pretty much consistent with what would be found at most stadiums, but for some inexplicable reason, Powerade and bottled water pricing is substantially more expensive than would be found elsewhere, by about $2. Luckily, large water containers are placed around the stadium for fans to get cold water from. Alcohol is not sold inside Jordan Hare Stadium, but is plentiful at any of the tailgates around campus. The closer the tailgate areas are to the stadium, the more the spirits are flowing. The best food around the stadium can be found at the Reggie’s stand, set up along The Tiger Walk – Reggie’s hand grills 1/2-pound burgers, butterflied pork chop sandwiches, and both Southern-style Polish and Italian Sausages. In fact, the line for Reggie’s backs up all the way to the gates of Auburn’s baseball stadium, Hitchcock Field. Atmosphere 5 The Auburn game day experience starts well before the gates open. Campus opens to tailgaters at 4pm on Friday evenings before Saturday games. Many tailgaters set up their own encampments, while others opt for the Auburn tailgate services, which sets up tents just feet from the entrances of Jordan-Hare Stadium. The pregame hype at Auburn is everything that is wonderful about college football. Outside the stadium along Donahue Drive, fans begin lining up an hour before the Tiger Walk as they give their Tigers one last word of encouragement before they enter the stadium. This is also the unofficial signal for fans to start making their way into the stadium. The area along Donahue and Heisman Drive that encircles Jordan-Hare Stadium remains rather packed, so the best bet might be to head through the gates on the northwest side of the stadium. This is the easiest time to enter and navigate the stadium, and to make sure not a moment of the pre-game festivities are missed. If tailgating and the Tiger Walk are not enough excitement, the pre-game traditions continue as fans start settling into their seats. Call and response chants ring out as a prelude to the stadium speakers starting to play Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird. Nearly 80,000 fans sing along, foreshadowing the flying of Aurea, the golden eagle, as she swoops overhead from the upper levels of Jordan-Hare Stadium, eventually landing to an eruption of approval from the Tiger faithful. In a stadium with a capacity nearing 90,000 fans, from some seats in the upper reaches of the second level the action on the field can almost seem like an afterthought. If sitting in an assigned seat is not a must, however, the switchback ramps in the corners of the stadium are a decent alternative – these are popular with many fans and provide a decent vantage point for the game. There seems to be the perfect combination here of a respect for the traditions that make the Auburn football experience important, combined with a modern game atmosphere of piped in hype music, that goes a long way in the creation of a fun game atmosphere. Neighborhood 5 Auburn is the classic college town where much of the draw to the town focuses around the university itself. The front of campus abuts College Street, with the famed Toomer’s Corner at the southeasternmost edge of campus. Home of Toomer’s Drug Store, fans pack in for the well-stocked shelves of Auburn apparel and souvenirs, but it might be the hand-squeezed lemonade that many flock to the store for. While Toomer’s Drug Store is the main draw to the area, there are also several restaurants and bars that make the area popular for pre- and post-game. When looking for accommodations for a game day weekend, start planning far in advance as hotels in Auburn fill quickly, and also be ready to open your wallet wide, since rooms are going to run anywhere between $200 and $400 depending on the proximity to campus and the desired amenities. The best option for last-minute rooms might be the cluster of chain hotels just off Exit 51, College Street, or in neighboring Opelika just to the north. However, there is no way around the fact that hotels in the area are going to be expensive on an Auburn football weekend. Fans 5 Much of what makes football in the south so important to so many are the deep roots of tradition and history that accompany each program. College football fandom in the south is often generational and runs through families; the fandom runs deep through alumni and locals alike, especially fandom for the Tigers. Auburn fans are just as passionate as any fan base you will find across the nation – their fandom falls into the category of football being a 12-month-a-year commitment. Auburn is a program that starts the year with conference and national Championship aspirations each season, having twice realized the ultimate prize, in 1957 and again in 2010. It is these annual goals that drive the passion of the fan base year in and year out. Auburn fans are engaged in all the festivities, from the pregame to all the in-game engagements throughout, starting with the head cheerleader leading the Bodda Getta, Two-Bits, and War Eagle Chant. The highlight is 90,000 fans singing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird as a precursor to the release of Aurea, a golden eagle that soars above the crowd, who point and cheer as she swoops down to her target, triggering an eruption of approval. The Auburn fan base is the lifeblood that makes the Auburn football experience so special, and it is difficult for the average fan not to get caught up in the excitement Tiger fans create. Access 3 Auburn’s campus is one of the closest to a major interstate you will find. Fans coming from Atlanta to the north, or nearby Montgomery to the west, have just a short trip off Interstate 85 to reach the Auburn campus. Alternatively, fans coming through Birmingham have a straight shot on US Highway 280. Either way, plan to arrive well ahead of kickoff, in order to avoid the headaches close to 100,000 fans being ushered into town on the roads leading in. Fans flying in for a game can easily fly into Atlanta, and jump on I-85 to get to the Auburn campus in under two hours. Parking is plentiful, both around the stadium and throughout downtown Auburn. Parking in proximity to the stadium does get a bit pricy, running about $45. However, downtown parking is only a short walk to Jordan-Hare Stadium and can be found for $25 to $30. The best bet is trying to enter the stadium immediately following the Tiger Walk; the easiest access point will be the gates along Donahue Drive. The longer you wait to get into the stadium, the more congested the entry gates will become and the concourse nearly impassable. Both the internal and external concourses are narrow given the number of fans passing through. Leading up to the pregame festivities, both the entry and field concourses are wall-to-wall bodies, and will be very slow going. Once fans settle into their seats for kickoff, however, the walkways and concourses open up again, and traversing them is no longer a problem. A test of patience once again faces visitors as they attempt to leave Auburn, as the roads out of town get very backed up. Some suggest parking at the Tiger Town shopping center and catching a shuttle bus back to your vehicle following the game, which might be a decent idea, but it does come with a lot of inconveniences. The best bet might just be to resign yourself to the fact that it is going to take a while, so find yourself a place for a post-game meal and give traffic time to subside a bit. Return on Investment 3 Ticket pricing is the hardest thing to fully evaluate as it relates to return on the investment. If single game tickets are available, their price varies depending on the week’s opponent. Less desirable, non-conference games start at $20, which is a great deal for the experience, but games against neighboring Georgia or for the Iron Bowl against in-state rival Alabama start at $160 – tickets to other games against SEC opponents are going to start in the neighborhood of $60. That said, there are some great ticket deals to be had; the question is, what do you want from the experience? The best bet might be to try to wait it out and buy on the secondary market; for example, recently the $160 tickets for the game against the two-time defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs were selling for under $60 the day before the game. When factoring in concessions prices and parking, you will be shelling out a hefty amount, but it is not anything you wouldn’t be paying for a comparable experience. The highest levels of football experience throughout the SEC do tend to be a touch on the expensive side. Extras 5 The rolling of the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner following an Auburn win is one of the great traditions in any sport. The tradition was first established in 1960 when employees at Toomer’s would use ticker tape to cover the oak trees at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College Street – the ticker tape was replaced by toilet paper in 1972. Statues of Auburn’s three Heisman Trophy winners, Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Cam Newton welcome fans on the eastern side of the stadium. In addition, a bust of Heisman himself, a one-time Auburn football coach (1895-1899) sits at the formal entrance to the stadium along the aptly named Heisman Drive. The basic scoreboard at the north end of the stadium is a welcome throwback to the simplicity of the game, when schools did not have a national scoreboard measuring contest. The north end scoreboard is simple, with only the score, down-and-distance, time left in the quarter, and yard line of the ball. Fridays before home games, Auburn offers free tours of the Tigers locker room for fans starting at 4pm. Fans wanting to get more up close and personal with Auburn’s famed war eagle have the opportunity Fridays at 4pm, prior to game days; for $8 fans can take part in the Southeastern Raptor Center's Football, Fans and Feathers experience. Final Thoughts You do not need to be an Auburn football fan to enjoy an afternoon at Jordan-Hare Stadium. From the quaintness of downtown Auburn to the pregame tailgating, to the pageantry of the pregame traditions and those throughout the game, Auburn is a classic college football experience. It has everything Tiger backers or just fans of the sport might want and need to make a day on the Plains one of the top football experiences in the country.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Marvin R. White Coliseum Poplarville, MS 39470 Pearl River Wildcats website Marvin R. White Coliseum website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 4,500 Welcome to the River Pearl River Community College is one of 15 schools that play basketball in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) in the NJCAA. The school began as a high school in 1911 before becoming JUCO in 1925 and joining the MACCC in 1927. 1927 also marked the first year of basketball at Pearl River, and since that time the Wildcats have had several historic seasons – Pearl River has won 19 MACCC Championships, more than any other program in the conference. The Wildcats have also advanced to the NJCAA Basketball Tournament three times, with the most recent one after the 2021-22 season. The Wildcats also had the number one ranked team in the country heading into the 2020 tournament that was cancelled due to COVID. The Wildcats originally played at a local high school, until Shivers Gym opened in 1948. Marvin White Coliseum opened in 1972 and played host to the Wildcats until 2005, when Hurricane Katrina destroyed the facility. The Wildcats would play the next nine season in the old Shivers Gym, until the new Marvin White Coliseum was built in time for the 2014-15 season. Food & Beverage 2 As usual in a small venue like this don't expect a wide range of concessions. They have one stand at the main entrance and the basics can be found; hamburgers, nachos, popcorn, sausage dogs, boiled peanuts, candy, pickles, and chips round out the menu. The most expensive item costs $4, so prices will not break the bank – 20 oz. Coke products, Powerade, and Dasani bottled water sell for $3. Atmosphere 3 The Wildcats play at the beautiful and spacious Marvin R. White Coliseum. Named after a long-time president of the college and former Korean War paratrooper, the state-of-the-art, $8.9 million venue is entering its 10th year hosting basketball games. The building is a large brick building with a slanted roof, located right across the street from the Wildcats football facility Dobie Holden Stadium. Like most athletic facilities at PRCC the coliseum stands out, and is nicer than most JUCO basketball facilities. There is one entrance on the south side of the building with a small ticket office and lobby; a nice trophy case and the concessions stand are located here as well. Shiny marble floors, in the school colors of maroon and yellow, greet you as you walk around the lobby. Inside the building the court faces north and south, with 4,500 seats spread out across two levels on the east and west sides of the court. The first eight rows are chairback seats, while the last 6 rows are just plastic bench seating. Each seat is cushioned and has a cupholder – these are major league quality chairback seats. There is a walkway that separates the first and second level of the building, with coaches offices and classrooms on the second floor overlooking the court on the south side. The north side of the building is lined with banners of the Wildcats basketball achievements. A four-sided center hung scoreboard hangs at mid-court and just shows the score. Unfortunately, the view from the last six rows is obstructed by the A/C duct work that hangs from the ceiling, blocking some of the view of the court and the scoreboard. Basketball is the main focus here, so it could be kind of boring for some – there are no promotions or giveaways during timeouts or breaks in the action. There is also no pep band, although there are cheerleaders. During halftime they just play music over the loudspeakers for 15 minutes, although they do let fans onto the court to shoot basketball during halftime. A beautiful new shiny court with the Pearl River logo centered on a shadow of the state of Mississippi is the only renovation the coliseum has received since its re-opening. 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, and PRCC 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. However, as Poplarville is located in a 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 2 There was kind of a low turnout at the most recent game I was at – maybe 100 fans total at tip-off, with probably another 100 who came in during the game. There is a small student section in the west bleachers, but they didn't make a lot of noise, and only a few fans sitting in the upper levels. It is a shame more people don't come out for Pearl River basketball games because Marvin White Coliseum is a really nice building, but the atmosphere can be kind of dull without a lot of fans. 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. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Wildcat basketball games are priced at $8 for all general admission tickets, which is about average for this level of JUCO ball. With the $8 ticket you are able to sit anywhere you want in the coliseum. The fans were kind of spread out at the most recent game I was at, so you are free to sit on the first row or the last row, or anywhere in between, and nobody will hassle you. I was also free to come and go as I wanted, which is always a plus. Extras 5 Pearl River has a few famous alumni, but perhaps the most famous alumni is Jimmy Buffett, who attended here for one year (1966-67). Buffett hated Poplarville as there are no bars in town to play music in, so he resorted to playing his guitar from his Huff Hall dorm room, which is still standing just down the street from Marvin White Coliseum. Pearl River also has one alum who made it to the NBA, in journeyman player James Singleton. If you are interested in exploring old gymnasiums, the historic Shivers Gym is still standing on campus right across the street from the coliseum. The old gym has quite an interesting history – it was constructed on the Army base of nearby Camp Shelby during World War II to serve as the recreational facility and barracks for soldiers stationed there. It was later moved to the Pearl River campus and played host to basketball games until 1972, and then again from 2005-2014. The old gym currently houses PRCC's recreation facilities, as well as is the home venue for Wildcat volleyball matches. There is also a neat history museum on campus that I recommend checking out; inside are tons of artifacts and sports memorabilia related to the history of the college. You'll find past basketball championship trophies, former player jerseys, and even the original scoreboard and shot clock from the Shivers Gym on display. There is also a pretty cool little bookstore right outside Marvin White Coliseum called the Wildcat Den. This is one of the nicest bookstores I've ever seen for a Junior College – inside you'll find a wide selection of different Pearl River gear, as well as a small coffee shop with an outdoor patio where you can watch the game on TV. Marvin White Coliseum also played host to the 2022 MACCC Tournament, as well as hosted the 2020 Mississippi High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) South State Regional. Shivers Gym hosted the 2013 MACCC Tournament as well. In 2019 the facility received its first upgrade when it got a new playing court – at midcourt is a shaded out image of Mississippi with the Wildcats logo in the center. The new court is quite shiny, and the state outline at midcourt under the national championship banner definitely adds intimidation for visiting teams.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Temple Owls website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 Temple in a Football Temple Temple Football is a big of a mixed bag for fan experience. On one hand the team enjoys the modern comforts that are afforded by playing in an NFL stadium near a big city. On the other hand, this very fact can be a detriment – lack of success on the field by the Owls in recent years has soured fans on attending games, meaning crowds tend to be smaller already, but there are also a wide variety of other sports here in Philadelphia to pluck fans away at the same time Temple is playing football, making the situation even worse. Food & Beverage 3 Most of the main concession stands at Lincoln Financial Field are open during Temple games. Here you can find the basic stadium fare (pizza $8-$14, soda $7-$10, pretzels $6, hot dogs $9, etc.), while local favorites such as Philly cheesesteak ($14-$16) and Chickie’s Crabfries ($14.75) are also available. Prices are generally high, however, and can easily exceed $20 a person for something simple to eat and drink. Atmosphere 3 This is where Temple football’s experience seems to be most conflicting – on one hand Lincoln Financial Field is a beautiful stadium. Home to the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, the facility offers plentiful seating, easy access around the concourse, individual seats with backs and cup holders, and a giant video scoreboard. The team also does its best as well to make the stadium feel more like a Temple home stadium, including a “ring of honor” on the various LED video boards around the upper levels, and adding red tarps to cover the lower stadium walls near the field. Despite this, the size of the stadium is a detriment. Facing the same issues as teams like the University of Miami, USF, UNLV, and Pitt, even a solid crowd for Temple looks small when filling the stands at Lincoln Financial Field. Additionally, the Eagles logos are all over the stadium, and the overall green aesthetic permeates throughout; you know you’re playing in Eagles territory when you’re here. Neighborhood 3 Unlike other sports stadiums in major cities, Philadelphia’s stadiums are located outside the city itself, situated in an area devoid of the usual hotels, shopping, and dining. While a few sports bars are nearby, the overall area is mostly industrial in the immediate surroundings of the venue; the facility shares parking lots with Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park. A few miles away yields some hotels and shopping, as well as FDR Park for recreation. The Navy Yard is also just south of the stadium along the shores of the Delaware River – here you can see decommissioned Navy ships up close along various river walks. Fans 2 The fans for Temple Football have faded in attendance over the past few years. Tough seasons with poor results have left the locals sour on Temple’s state of affairs, and most games see low numbers unless a bigger team is visiting. As stated before, the crowd looks rather sparse thanks in part to the stadium’s large size, making even decent crowds seem thin. For the fans who do show up, tailgating in the parking lots is healthy and plentiful, with various alumni groups getting together on game day as well. Access 5 Lincoln Financial Field is located right between I-95 and I-76, making getting here a rather easy task. Additionally, Philadelphia International Airport is literally next door to the facility as well. Parking is also plentiful in the lots in and around the stadium, so getting in and out shouldn't be a problem. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range from $20 for the lower bowl to $56 for the middle levels of the stadium – this is rather respectable for FBS college football, especially in such a large modern facility. However, the cost of parking and concessions really drags down the overall value, coupled with the lack of fans at the game, which would be necessary to bring a really impressive college football atmosphere. Extras 3 The stadium includes various nods to football history in Philadelphia, including statues out front of the main entrances, as well as championship banners in the rafters for the Eagles. There’s also a kids play zone with bounce houses in the main concourse near the end zone, giving the younger fans a place to enjoy their time at the game. Finally, the team rings a large replica of the Liberty Bell whenever they score a touchdown, a nod to Philadelphia’s history. Final Thoughts Temple Football has a home many teams would be thankful for; a modern NFL stadium setup means that the program can enjoy the conveniences of a top-tier facility. However, in some ways this is a detriment to the Owls overall atmosphere and aesthetic. Temple has done the best with what they have, however, and the fans who do show up are diehard and passionate.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Francis Olympic Field 1 Big Bend Blvd St. Louis, MO 63105 WashU Bears website Francis Olympic Field website Year Opened: 1902 Capacity: 3,300 Historic Soccer in St. Louis While the soccer scene in St. Louis is growing thanks to the addition of the city’s MLS franchise, few may be privy to the fact that college soccer is also growing in the area. A stellar example of this is Washington University’s soccer team. Playing in one of the most historic facilities in America, this program has a small but loud fanbase that shows up to games on a regular basis. And with a beautiful location, it is easy to see why. Food & Beverage 1 The biggest downside to games at WashU is the lack of concessions. One single concessions stand is open during games, serving the most basic of stadium fare. If you want anything beyond a soda, hot dog, or chips, you likely will be looking elsewhere before or after the match to satisfy your hunger. Atmosphere 4 The stadium itself seems simple. A throwback soccer pitch in the middle of a running track harkens back to images of the golden era of college athletics. This image is with merit, however, as the stadium itself is indeed the same facility that hosted the 1904 St. Louis Olympics. The large wrought iron gates that greet you as you enter the facility are the same gates that greeted fans and athletes alike in 1904. The stadium is also known as the birthplace of the gold medal, the first main stadium for a modern Olympic games, and was recognized in 2019 by the International Olympic Committee for its historic significance. Walking through these entry gates feels like you are a part of history. Once inside, the stadium features a single section of grandstands underneath a press box also bearing the 1904 Olympics name. Seating is open for all fans and plentiful, but the benches don’t feature backs or individual chairs. Neighborhood 5 The area around Francis Olympic Field is a beautiful part of St. Louis. Located on the west side of the city of St. Louis, the campus itself is a stunning gem. Each of the buildings feature intricate stonework and details, the likes of which few colleges today can showcase. The grounds are perfectly manicured and the neighborhood outside of the campus is equally as beautiful. Not far are restaurants and shops, and a few minutes down the highway is downtown St. Louis. Fans 3 The fans for WashU soccer are what would be expected for college soccer. A solid mix of current students, alumni, and family or friends of players usually make up the majority of fans at the stadium. While not exactly a sellout crowd, the fans know their soccer and cheer along with each play on the field. Access 4 To get to Washington University, several highways can make your task easier. Located near the intersection of I-170 and I-64, the campus features several parking lots near the stadium that serve fans well. Traffic is rarely congested in the area, and signage is plentiful nearby to help you get to the campus. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to WashU men’s soccer are free, which means watching some college soccer in St. Louis is incredibly affordable. Parking on site is also free for fans of athletic events, making this a no-brainer for budget-conscious sports fans. Extras 2 The stadium features a large Olympic rings statue near the entrance of the stadium, commemorating the 1904 St. Louis Olympics – this is a popular photo spot for fans on game days. Inside the stadium, a large ornate stone obelisk stands as a water fountain for fans. Erected by the Class of 1870, it honors the memory of David R. Francis, for whom the stadium was named. Final Thoughts Watching college soccer in a historic sports stadium is something many fans don’t get the opportunity to do. If you find yourself in St. Louis, catching a soccer match at Francis Olympic Field on the campus of Washington University should be near to the top of any sports fan’s list. While not as big a draw as some of the city’s major sports teams, WashU features no less succ

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bartow Arena 617 13th Street S Birmingham, AL 35204 UAB Blazers website Bartow Arena website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 8,508 Birmingham's Team I once heard a saying “If you want to follow college football in Alabama, support either Alabama or Auburn. If you want to follow college basketball in Alabama, support UAB.” Located in downtown Birmingham, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is the third largest university in the state with over 21,000 students. The school started its athletics program in 1978 and within its first four seasons the Blazers basketball program made back to back Sweet 16 appearances and in 1982 made the Elite 8. The head coach for the Blazers basketball program was Gene Bartow who coached until 1996 and also served as UAB’s athletic director. Having earned the nickname “Father of UAB Athletics” the basketball arena was renamed in Bartow’s honor in 1996. Bartow Arena, originally named UAB Arena, opened in 1988 and has a capacity of 8,508. Its tenant made another Sweet 16 appearance in 2004 and has made it to March Madness 16 times. Now in the American Athletic Conference the Blazers look to add to their proud legacy. Food & Beverage 4 The food is the standard stadium fare including a burger ($7), pizza ($7), hot dogs ($5), nachos ($5), pretzel ($4), candy ($3), and chips ($3). Beverages include a souvenir cup with Pepsi products ($7) and bottled water ($4). The concession stands are cashless. Beer and wine are also sold inside the arena. Atmosphere 4 When you enter Bartow Arena you immediately know this is the home of UAB Blazers Basketball. There is a bust of Gene Bartow by the entrance of the arena. There is also a trophy case with a couple of UAB’s conference championships on display. A lot of green is in the arena. The seats are green, the out of bounds area is green, and the championship banners showcasing the Blazers postseason successes are green. There is a large dragon at mid-court and “UAB” is written in gold on each baseline. The UAB band and cheerleaders keep the energy up the entire game. Blaze the Dragon interacts with the fans throughout the game. Neighborhood 4 UAB’s campus is located in downtown Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama. Bartow Arena is just a few blocks from Railroad Park and Regions Field, home of the Birmingham Barons. Bartow Arena is only a few miles away from the larger Legacy Arena. That is where UAB played for its first seasons as a program and where the NBA G-League’s Squadron currently play. You could also catch a concert at Legacy Arena. Legacy Arena is in the same complex as the new Protective Stadium, the home for UAB football and the Birmingham Bowl. Restaurants to check out include Mellow Mushroom, Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q, and Highlands Bar & Grill. There are plenty of lodging accommodations within a short distance of the UAB campus including Hilton, Residence Inn, Courtyard, and SpringHill Suites. Fans 4 Birmingham loves basketball. UAB was the first program in the state to make the Elite 8 and Birmingham appreciates the Blazers. Even if the arena isn’t full on a weeknight the fans that do show up get loud and 5,000 fans feel like 15,000 fans. Students get free admission to the games and they make some noise as well. Access 4 Bartow Arena is close to I-65. If you are coming from the north, Tuscaloosa, or Atlanta you turn off on exit 259B on I-65 onto 4th avenue. You turn right on 13th Street and the arena is on your left but you will keep going to the 12th street parking deck for $10 parking or go down a couple of more blocks for free street parking after 6pm. Coming from the south you’ll exit I-65 onto University Boulevard and the parking deck will be on your right as you turn onto 13th Street. There are two entrances to Bartow Arena and plenty of concession stands and restrooms inside. Return on Investment 3 Tickets start at $12 in the upper levels behind the baskets and go up to $45 for lower level center court seats. There is a $3 surcharge for tickets purchased online and I am not sure if there is an added fee for tickets purchased at the arena. If you buy a cheap ticket, food, a souvenir cup, and pay for parking you’d spend about $40 by yourself, $70 for a date/hangout, or about $130 for a family of four. Extras 4 Bartow Arena has hosted the SWAC Basketball Tournament since 2021 and was the site of a heavyweight championship boxing bout between Deontay Wilder and Eric Molina in 2015. Birmingham has been on the rise for the past decade. There is a minor league team for every sport in Birmingham. The city hosted The World Games in 2022. Nearby attractions worth visiting include the McWane Science Center, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Museum of Art, and Vulcan Park. If you are a baseball fan and can head a couple of miles west you can check out Rickwood Field. It was the home field for the Black Barons and is scheduled to host the MLB Field of Dreams game in 2024. Final Thoughts The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a perfect metaphor for the city of Birmingham. It is on the rise!

Photos by Gregory Koch and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Hobey Baker Memorial Rink 200 Elm Drive Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers men’s hockey website Hobey Baker Memorial Rink website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 2,092 Making Hobey Proud Hobey Baker Rink on the campus of Princeton University is the second-oldest college hockey rink in existence today, having opened in 1923. Although it is over 100 years old, it is still a hockey barn worthy of its fame. Hobart Armory Hare "Hobey" Baker is a former Princeton hockey player and is widely regarded as the first ice hockey star. He was the best player of his day and has been inducted into both the US Hockey and College Football Halls of Fame. The 2,092 seat rink sits in an unassuming stone building on Princeton's campus. It is a hockey barn as they used to be built, without all the bells and whistles you see at newer arenas. They don't build them quite like this anymore, but Hobey Baker Rink is a classic college hockey venue. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand at the far end of Hobey Baker Rink which serves a basic menu. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and crispy chicken sandwiches are available. As are popcorn, candy, and other assorted snacks. Soda and water cans are available to drink. Prices are pretty reasonable. When Stadium Journey visited, the registers at the concession stand had major technical issues, causing the line to move extremely slowly. We suggest getting your food before the game, ideally as soon as you walk in the door, but even then, you may be waiting for a while or they may give you your food and tell you to come back later and pay. Atmosphere 4 Hobey Baker Rink is an old hockey barn, with a stone exterior and a low, wooden roof that traps the sound. The walls are lined with Princeton memorabilia and historic displays. The concourse is narrow, and walking through wooden doors will take you to the lower level seating area with only a few rows of seats. There is also an upper-level balcony behind one goal which has additional seating. A dot matrix scoreboard hangs over center ice. There is no videoboard. In terms of layout, this is a pretty basic arena. Every Tigers goal is accompanied by music over the PA system followed by a Tiger's growl. The crowd's chants are trapped by the low roof and captured for all to hear. Although not the fanciest arena, its design suits it well. There is a reason Tigers fans have been coming here for over 100 years. Neighborhood 4 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 4 Hobey Baker Rink only seats about 2,000 fans, but it is close to full most nights, especially when the Tigers are playing a fellow Ivy League opponent. The fans are rowdy, chanting and cheering for the Tigers, and the roof and small confines help trap the sound. Many arena builders today feel bigger is better, but Hobey Baker Rink shows that isn't always the case. It is the perfect sized arena for the crowds it draws. Fans range from older alumni and locals who have been coming here for decades, to younger fans with children who are coming to their first game and eager to join their first chant. In fact, it seems to be the kids here bringing the energy more than most fans. Princeton students also make their voices known in cheering on the school. Access 3 Hobey Baker Rink is a non-descript stone building, although signage has gotten better in recent years making it easier to find. The Theatre Drive Garage (formerly known as the West Garage, as it still appears in some GPS systems) is right next to the rink, making access even easier. For those arriving by train, the Princeton station on NJ Transit's Princeton Branch is located a short walk from the arena and if driving, you will likely pass it as you get on campus. The Princeton Branch, better known as The Dinky, is the shortest commuter rail line in America and connects Princeton's campus to Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. It consists of just those two stops, and the trip takes about five minutes. One you find your way to the arena, signs on the doors direct fans to enter through the proper side for their seats. Unfortunately, once you're in the stadium, getting around can be quite difficult. The old corridors are quite narrow and hard to get around with the large crowds. Especially problematic is the area behind the far goal, which features the concession stand and the restrooms. At intermission, the slow-moving lines for the concession stand merge with the lines for the restrooms and it can be extremely tight-packed and difficult to move around. The restrooms are not of a sufficient size for the crowds, although if you leave at the beginning of intermission, you should be back in your seat in time for the start of the next period. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Princeton hockey game is very affordable, with tickets costing just $15, or $12 for children. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. Hobey Baker Rink provides an excellent value for a trip to a classic hockey venue. Extras 3 One star for the photos on the concourse honoring Princeton players who have made it to the NHL. A second star for the historical displays throughout the rink. From photos of every Princeton team ever to play here to multiple trophy cases, this place is just full of history. A third and final star for the unique design of this rink. With wood doors leading to the seating area, stone walls inside and outside the rink, and a low-hanging wooden ceiling, Hobey Baker Rink feels like taking a step back in time to a simpler past. Final Thoughts Hobey Baker Rink is a throwback to the college hockey days of yore. While it lacks the fancy amenities of newer rinks, it is one of the classic venues of college hockey. A hockey barn with over a century of history, Hobey Baker Rink should be on the bucket list of every fan of the sport.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Watsco Center 1245 Dauer Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146 Miami (FL) Hurricanes website Watsco Center website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 7,972 These 'Canes Are Able The University of Miami (more popularly known as simply “the U”) was founded in 1925. It currently has a student body of nearly 20,000 students on its Coral Gables campus. The “U” is a private research university, and is known for its work in the fields of medicine, international business, and marine biology. The University of Miami first fielded a basketball program in 1926. The program has run continuously since then, with the exceptions of the 1971-72 and 1984-85 seasons. In 1991 the program joined the Big East Conference, then moved on to the ACC in 2004. In the 2012-2013 and 2022-2023 seasons, the Hurricanes won both the ACC regular season title and the ACC Tournament title. The “U” is no Johnny come lately as far as success on the basketball court. It has been to March Madness twelve times and the NIT twelve times. The Hurricanes have made the Sweet 16 five times (as of 2023), the Elite 8 twice and the Final Four once. In 2023 they lost to eventual national champion UConn in the finals. The on-campus Watsco Center is home for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. It opened in 2003 and has a seating capacity of 7,972 in its basketball configuration. Food & Beverage 3 There are eight concession stands along the concourse as it encircles the court. Each stand includes at least one specialty item, plus the typical arena standards. The Chicken Stands have crispy chicken sandwiches ($13), grilled chicken sandwiches ($13), and chicken nachos ($12). The Burger Stands offer hamburgers w/fries ($13), cheeseburgers w/fries ($14), veggie burgers w/fries ($11), specialty burgers w/fries ($15), and hot dogs w/fries ($6.50). The Pizza Stand has cheese pizzas ($11), pepperoni pizzas ($12), and meat lover’s pizzas ($14). Dessert items include cotton candy ($6), candy bars ($5), Dippin' Dots ($9), popcorn ($6.75), nachos ($7), pretzels ($6), and Icees ($7). All stands feature Coca-Cola brand sodas ($5.25) and water ($4.25). Premium beers are $12, while domestic brands are $10. Hard seltzers are $9 and wine is $11. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Watsco Center is relatively plain, with the exception of the palm trees that front it. However once inside you’ll be greeted by the vibrant green and orange colors of the Miami Hurricanes. There are a number of displays featuring highlights of past Hurricane teams, as well as information on upcoming events at the “U”. Once inside the seating area, you’ll notice how close the seats are to the action. A majority of the seating bowl is lower than the concourse, putting you closer to the court. There is a much smaller set of seats above the concourse. Seats surround the court on all four sides, with the pep band, cheerleaders, and student section filling the seats behind the baskets. The court graphics feature the green and orange Hurricanes color scheme, with a huge “U” at midcourt. A four-sided center-hung videoboard constantly provides game stats and highlights from the action on the floor. There are a large number of banners hanging from the rafters. They include banners representing each ACC member institution, the retired numbers of Hurricane elites, and the various championships that athletic teams have brought back to the “U”. Banners Hang from Watsco Center Ceiling, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 The Watsco Center is in Coral Gables, FL, which is located just five miles south of Downtown Miami. The city is known for its preservation efforts, resulting in lots of Mediterranean-style architecture, beautiful fountains and tree-lined streets. Coral Gables is also known for the Miracle Mile, a district filled with great restaurants and shopping. Restaurants and nightlife near the Watsco Center include the Shake Shack and the Titanic Brewery and Restaurant. Lodging near the arena includes the Miami Marriott Dadeland and the Courtyard Marriott Dadeland. Two tourist attractions in the area are the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Coral Gables Museum. Fans 4 The Hurricane fanbase has really become energized by the 2023 trip to the Final Four. The ACC portions of the schedule are typically sold out before the season gets underway. The basketball program is extremely popular with the students, compared with the football program, whose home games are more than 30 miles from the campus. The student section fills up well before the game gets underway, allowing the students to good-naturedly taunt the visitors during warm-ups. The student body is strategically located behind the baskets, where they can do the most to confuse the players at the free-throw lines. Like many fanbases, Hurricane fans do not sit down until the home team scores its first basket. The Hurricanes cheer squad and the Miami pep band do a terrific job in keeping the energy level high throughout the game. Access 4 Despite being located in the largest city in South Florida, the Watsco Center is easily accessed via some of the main thoroughfares in the area. The Watsco Center can be reached via either I-95 coming south, or via US 1 coming north. An economical way to reach the Watsco Center is via the METRORAIL light rail system. Take the rail system to the University Station, which is located across the street from the arena. The fare is $2.25 each way. While on-campus parking is pretty much limited to season ticket holders and boosters, there is plenty of parking located along Ponce de Leon Avenue. The concourses and lobby are large and easy to navigate. The concession stands tend to get backed up at halftime. Return on Investment 3 After the run to the Final Four in 2023, a ticket to a Hurricanes basketball game is now the hottest ticket in town. Unfortunately, the Watsco Center is one of the smaller venues in the ACC. To allow the widest number of people to attend games during the season, the “U” offers a five-game ticket package in addition to its season ticket package. The five-game ticket package identifies games against FSU, UNC and Duke as marquee games. The ticket package pairs one marquee game with four games against lesser opponents. The fans get to choose which games they want to pair with the marquee game. Marquee games cost $65, and each of the four less in-demand games are $15. Tickets can also be purchased for individual games, as long as they are not marquee games. Midcourt tickets nearest the floor are $45, lower sidelines are $35, upper sidelines are $30, tickets in the corners are $20 and baseline tickets are $15. The nearest on-campus parking lots to the Watsco Center are reserved for season ticket holders and boosters. There are several large pay lots along Ponce de Leon Boulevard that charge $11 for parking on game nights. The METRORAIL light rail system stops right in front of the campus and only costs $2.25 each way. Concession prices are priced at movie theatre prices. Extras 3 In addition to Hurricanes basketball, the Watsco Center has hosted concerts by Coldplay, John Mayer, Drake, and Green Day. Other events held at the venue include the Billboard Latin Music Awards, The X Factor, All Elite Wrestling, and presidential debates in 2004 and 2016. Win or lose, the Hurricanes team and fans stand and sing the alma mater at the end of the games. Sebastian the Ibis is one of the top mascots in NCAA sports. He roams the stands throughout the game and is happy to pose for photos. Sebastian the Ibis Mascot, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The Hurricane warnings are out… University of Miami basketball games have become the hottest ticket in a very competitive sports market. The Watsco Center figures to be filled to capacity for the foreseeable future.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Xcel Energy Center 175 West Kellogg Boulevard St Paul, MN 55102 Minnesota Wild website Xcel Energy Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 18,064 The Wild State Of Hockey The Minnesota Wild continue to play before hockey-crazed, sellout crowds at Xcel Energy Center. The building, while 23 years old, continues to shine as fans rock out to Shout after every Wild goal. The team was born in 2000 following the departure of the original Minnesota North Stars who fled their home in Bloomington just outside the Twin Cities to relocate to Dallas in 1993. Minnesota has never had the privilege of seeing a Stanley Cup champion. The North Stars did reach the finals twice in 1991 and 81. The arena is situated in downtown St. Paul unlike the Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves who all play in Minneapolis. St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota, is home to Minnesota United FC of the MLS and the St. Paul Saints of the International League (Minnesota Twins AAA team). Food & Beverage 4 There is a wide array of food and beverage choices. The sit-down dining options include Flynt & Kyndie, The Reserve, and The Michelob Golden Light Tap House. Wild Greens, The Deli, Wrecktangle Pizza, and City Burger are some of the other choices. Unfortunately, all are located on the Club Level with the exception of the Tap House and Wild Greens. Some of the other options include local craft beer at MN Craft, local sausage at Market House Meats, Philly cheese steaks and pub chips, taphouse wings, Nordy’s Knots (traditional German pretzels), and Cookie Dough (JR’s Dough Shop). Just for an idea of beverage prices, a bottle of water is $6, Domestic Beer is $12, Craft Beer is $13 and a large craft is $16. The Xcel also offers fans convenient grab-and-go choices which are quickly coming to many stadiums. There is the Wild Market near Section 113 which features Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology so fans do not have to wait. Guests either insert their credit card to enter or hover their palm over an Amazon One device. The items selected are automatically linked to their credit card. Atmosphere 4 The State of Hockey theme is reinforced throughout the stadium.​​ The concourse takes on a Minnesota vibe with an angled roof and wood beams. On the West Side, the arena recognizes every boys and girls high school program in the state with a display containing each jersey.​​​​ There is also a tribute to the 1980 Miracle on Ice team. The concourse fills up well before game time and can get heavily congested. The Xcel Center offers four levels of seating with 74 suites.​​ There is a standing room section at the top of the lower and upper bowls with numbered countertops. The crowd is passionate and unlike some arenas, most fans are seated before the teams take the ice. There is a suite level and then two additional levels. The corners are broken up by a crow’s nest. The organist sits in one location and the other is a Lighthouse with a Fog Horn that lights up when the Wild scores. Fog billows out of the Lake Superior style Lighthouse and envelopes the arena leading up to the opening faceoff. The arena unfortunately favors loud rock music to organ music during stoppages. On this visit, the organ was only played once per period. The mascot Nordy is either in his perch or roams the lower bowl and bangs his drum to encourage the “Let’s Go Wild!” chant. Nordy at Xcel Energy Center, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey The current LED Video Board was installed in 2014. It is a typical center-hung scoreboard seen at most NHL venues. The only negative is it does not inform fans of the players who are on ice during the game. Neighborhood 4 The area around Xcel is probably the most vibrant part of the city especially at night with bars, restaurants, and hotels in the nearby vicinity. There is also the RiverCentre, Roy Williams Auditorium, and the Science Museum of Minnesota within walking distance. There are three hotels (Courtyard Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Hampton Inn) just across the street. The historic, luxury St. Paul Hotel completed in 1910 is also nearby. Two attractions worth visiting are the Cathedral of Saint Paul (the third-largest Catholic cathedral and sixth-largest church in the United States) and the Capitol Building. The Capitol offers free, 45-minute guided tours Monday through Saturday. The Minnesota State Capitol dome is the second largest self-supported marble dome in the world, behind Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Fans 4 The Wild averaged 18,454 last year which translates into a sellout every night. The crowd is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and engaged. Fans turn on their cellphone flashlights at the end of the pregame ceremonies to illuminate the arena prior to the Wild taking the ice. Prior to the game and in between periods, fans flock to the Hockey Lodge to purchase souvenirs and merchandise of their favorite team and players. The stores even stock some of the past Minnesota North Stars colors as the team has a Stars alternate jersey that they wore on this visit. Each year in March, fans flood Xcel Energy Center for the state boys' high school hockey tournament. The overall attendance last year was a record-setting number of over 135,000 fans for 8 sessions. Access 4 Xcel Energy Center is nestled between two major freeways (Interstate 94 and 35E) making it easily accessible. The arena is serviced by two ramps: RiverCentre Parking Ramp and Kellogg Parking Ramp, both of which are directly connected to the complex. The building can also be accessed from several Metro Transit bus lines and the light rail Green Line. The light rail is about a 10-minute walk. Bags, purses, and backpacks are not allowed. Clutches, wristlets, and wallets sized 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller are permitted. The facility is cashless. There are 5 entry gates. Gate 1 is the largest and allows access to the main lobby. Gate 5 is reserved for the Bremer Bank Suite Level and RBC Wealth Management Club Level. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are in the middle of the pack for NHL teams. Tickets could be as low as $50 for early season games on weeknights for the upper level, but the lower bowl will run $100 or more before fees. Food prices are in line with the going rate for NHL stadiums these days. There is a $6 happy hour deal where food and beer are discounted (16 oz beers, fountain soda, hot dogs, and pretzels with cheese) up to 30 minutes before faceoff. Parking can be found for about $15-$35 depending upon how close the lot is. Park Wiz is always a good option to find less pricey parking thru advanced purchase. Extras 3 Xcel Energy also hosts the Minnesota State Hockey Championships and is home to the NCAA Frozen Four for the fourth time in 2024. A number of big performers have dates at Xcel. The Eagles, Jonas Brothers, and Madonna are some of the headliners in 2023-24. The crow’s nest is a nice feature. The third platform features a special guest yelling “Let’s Play Hockey” to culminate the game. The other highlight is the Peanuts Character statues clad in Wild jerseys as a tribute to Peanuts creator and avid hockey fan the late Charles Schultz (a St. Paul native). Snoopy at Xcel Energy Center, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Despite being over 20 years old, the arena seems relatively modern and up-to-date. With enthusiastic fan support in a rabid hockey market, Xcel Energy Center is clearly worthy of a Stadium Journey.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It might be among the best college football rivalries in the nation, even if you have never heard of it. The Monon Bell Classic dates back to 1890 between Division III schools Wabash College and DePauw University. The two campuses are separated by 27 miles of Indiana country roads, but on gameday, the atmosphere ranks up with the best D-I schools. Wabash is home of the Little Giants and located in Crawfordsville, with an enrollment of 835 undergraduates. It is one of three remaining all-men liberal arts colleges in the country. DePauw is home to the Tigers and has an enrollment of 2,161 students. The attendance at the game is 73 percent more than the two schools' combined number of students. The site alters teacher years between DePauw’s Blackstone Stadium and Wabash’s Little Giant Stadium, with weather conditions as unpredictable as the annual outcome. Last season, DePauw won convincingly at home in snowy conditions 49-14, fans were warned not to throw snowballs. This year’s contest was held under clear skies in the upper 50s in front of 8,100 people. The festivities begin well before the opening kickoff at 1:00 p.m. with various tailgating spots set up by students and alumni. The school soccer pitch becomes the Monon Bell Village, and scores of tables decked out with food, from grilled burgers, sandwiches, salty chips, baked goods, and casserole. Perhaps the fanciest of all is the alumni tent, offering an assortment of fine bourbon and cigars. The DePauw fans set their tailgating down the old railroad tracks that once transported the Tiger faithful. Their area is equally festive but much smaller. A Wabash student made his way into the grassy area, and hurls of insults rained on him like a visiting right fielder at old Yankee Stadium. The f-word is said before each school by the opposing side. As kickoff approaches, a Wabash grad from 1976 was making his first visit since he was a spry 22-year-old, and this reporter was still in diapers and a crib. He had relocated to Florida and never made his way back to his alma mater. He admitted that a lot had changed, including Little Giant Stadium, rebuilt in 2021, but the atmosphere was still the same along with beating the Tigers. There are separate entrances and bleacher seating for both schools. Temporary bleachers flank the field, but neither side mixes during the game. You can easily spot the Wabash red section from DePauw’s black and gold area but don’t accidentally wander into enemy territory. A 300-pound bell trophy was donated from the Monon locomotive in 1932. The alumni felt that a symbol should be used to represent the annual contest between the two schools. At the time, the Monon would transport students back and forth between the two campuses, and since that day, the bell can be heard hours before and after the game ringing aloud. The student sections stand for most of the game and flank the endzones of today’s contest. The weather was warm enough for a few of them to paint their bare chests while others donned the traditional coveralls in appropriate team colors. Walking underneath these two packed sections merits ducking in and out saliva from the yells and chants. The main grandstand has swelled with alumni and locals who have become accustomed to the annual November pantry. There have only been six occasions where this game had not taken place, once during COVID and before that in 1910 when Wabash’s Ralph Wilson was killed in a game against St. Louis. The school canceled the rest of their season after four weeks in respect. Finally, it’s kick-off, and almost every seat in the bleachers and grandstand is filled. Their voices can be heard after every defensive hit, first down, long run, or pass. The men of the Sphinx Club are noticeable in their red-and-white-striped overalls and pot as they rev up the Wabash side of the field. When the home team scores, they all do push-ups following the score. The game is a back-and-forth effort that features five lead changes, a blocked PAT, a fumble, and a blocked field goal attempt in overtime that resulted in Nathan McCahill diving into the endzone for the game-winning touchdown and a 33-30 victory for the visiting Tigers. The student section storms the field to honor their heroes of the day, with McCahill hoisted upon his teammate's shoulders. Hundreds of fans crowd around the center of the field. They rejoice in excitement; the bell will be secured for one more year on the DePauw campus. For the Wabash faithful, it is a bitter taste left in their mouth as they leave the stadium, but there is always next year when these two rivals face off again 27 miles south in Greencastle for the 130th meeting of the Monon Bell Classic, one the best college football rivalries in the nation. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Agganis Arena 925 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA 02215 Boston University Terriers hockey website Agganis Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 6,221 Beanpot University Hockey has been played at Boston University since 1917. The team is among the most successful college squads in the nation, with a resume that includes 38 NCAA Tournament appearances, 23 Frozen Fours and 5 national championships. They are also the most successful of Boston’s four Beanpot schools, having won the prestigious midseason tournament 31 times. This has led to the school being nicknamed “Beanpot University.” Agganis Arena was built in 2005 on the site of the old Commonwealth Armory. It was constructed to accommodate crowds that had grown too large for the team’s former home, Walter Brown Arena . The arena is named after “The Golden Greek,” Harry Agganis. Agganis was a star quarterback and first baseman at BU who spurned the NFL to play for the Boston Red Sox. Agganis, considered by many to be the best athlete ever to attend Boston University, died at age 26 from a massive pulmonary embolism. The rink at Agganis Arena is named for longtime Terrier coach Jack Parker, who spent 40 years as head coach of the Terriers and 47 years at the school. 92 former Terriers have made it to the National Hockey League. Ten of them have had their name engraved on the Stanley Cup. In addition, 49 Terriers have represented their countries at the Olympics, including four players from the legendary 1980 United States Olympic team. Food & Beverage 4 As is the case with most sporting venues of recent vintage, a particular emphasis is placed on having a quality and variety of concessions options. Agganis Arena is no exception. Stands are specialized in what they offer, so you may need to search around a bit to find what you want. Stands include Commonwealth Concessions (hot dogs, bratwurst, nachos), Terrier Grill (chicken fingers and french fries), North End Pizza (pizza slices, calzones, salads, clam chowder), Rhett’s Ice Cream and Terrier Town (pretzels, popcorn and snacks). In addition, there are portable carts selling Dippin’ Dots ice cream as well as a variety of snacks and beverages circling the concourse. Pepsi products are featured at Agganis Arena. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a selection of beer and wine, featuring Agganis New England style-IPA brewed by Bent Water Brewing in nearby Lowell. Atmosphere 5 At any college hockey game, much of the atmosphere is driven by the student section and band. Despite playing in a modern arena with all sorts of bells and whistles at their disposal, the Boston University game day staff let the students do the bulk of the work. The large video board and PA system are used to supplement, not replace, the noise generated by the students and pep band. Instead of relying on pre-recorded music, the band plays during most play stoppages. The student section fills up the north end zone sections and comes armed with a repertoire of chants, songs and routines designed to rattle the opposition and entertain themselves. While some of the noise coming from the student section may be a bit salty for some, there is no doubting the home ice advantage it gives the Terriers. In addition, there is enough going on at Agganis Arena to keep the casual fan. Rhett, the school’s mascot, wanders around interacting with fans. Pee-wee players take the ice during intermissions, and t-shirt tosses, trivia contests and online contests give fans chances to take home some BU gear. Neighborhood 4 Boston University is an urban campus, straddling Commonwealth Avenue for approximately a mile and a half on the Boston/Brookline border. Located across the street from Agganis Arena is Nickerson Field , home to BU’s lacrosse and soccer teams. It is also known to baseball historians as Braves Field, which was home to the National League’s Boston Braves from 1915 to 1952. Walter Brown Arena and Case Gymnasium are also located on this site. Fans coming to the BU campus will find plenty of choices for dining in the area. BU students recommend Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and El Jefe’s Taqueria, both located right next door to Agganis Arena. The neighborhood features a diverse variety of food options, with excellent Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese eateries nearby. The Paradise Rock Club, known nationally for giving bands like U2 and REM their first area shows, is located a block away from Agganis Arena. It continues to host both local acts and up-and-coming national acts. If you expand your search to beyond Agganis Arena’s immediate neighborhood, Kenmore Square and Fenway Park are just over a mile away. Not far beyond that are the tourist destinations of Copley Square, Back Bay, Boston Common and Chinatown. All are easily accessed by the Green Line, which has stops up and down Commonwealth Avenue. Fans 4 Boston University averages around 4,500 fans annually, which ranks them in the top 20 nationwide. The crowds here are a mix of locals and alumni. In hockey-mad Boston, with numerous options for the local hockey fan, BU is one of the top draws in the area. Anchoring the crowd at Agganis Arena is an excellent turnout from the student body. The students fill the sections at the north end of the arena and make enough noise to fill the barn. As a result, the rest of the crowd can be pretty laid back. They can afford to be, the kids do all the heavy lifting here. But get a traditional rival in the building for a big game, and the atmosphere ramps up accordingly. Boston University’s inclusion in the Hockey East Conference guarantees that the Terriers schedule will be filled with local teams and longtime rivals. You can expect a good turnout from visiting fans most nights. Access 3 Agganis Arena is located on the western edge of the Boston University’s urban campus, which straddles Commonwealth Avenue on the Boston/Brookline city line. The city of Boston is a difficult one to drive around in, even on the best of days. Traffic jams and construction projects are a constant nuisance, not to mention streets dating back to colonial days that are laid out in seemingly random directions. Agganis Arena is located on Commonwealth Avenue, one of Boston’s busiest streets. If driving to a BU game, your best bet for parking is the Agganis Garage located underneath the arena. There is limited on-street parking in the area. Driving directions can be found here . Stadium Journey’s recommended method to arrive at the arena is to take the subway, known in Boston as the “T.” The Green Line’s B Train stops right at the front door of the arena at both the St. Paul and Pleasant Street stops. Detailed directions can be found here . Agganis Arena features a large indoor lobby. Stairs on either end of the lobby take fans up to the concourse, which circles the entire rink. All of the facility’s concession stands, suites and rest rooms are located on the concourse, which is a bit narrow and can get crowded at peak times. Rest rooms, while numerous, are smallish. Time your trips wisely. Fans enter the steeply pitched seating bowl at the top and walk down to their seats. All seats at Agganis Arena are individual red folding stadium seats. Fans requiring accessible seating will find ample room at the top of the seating bowl, along with some limited standing room. All seats offer excellent views of the action. Return on Investment 4 BU hockey is a bit more expensive than other colleges in the area, but not outrageously so. Tickets to Terrier games cost $23, while parking in local lots and garages will run an additional $12. Concessions, while a bit on the high side, are in line with other facilities in the area. There are some ways to save a few dollars at a Terriers game. The Me Plus Three ticket package discounts tickets by 25% when you buy a block of four. There is free on-street parking available in the area for fans who are willing to search for it and walk a few blocks. To save some money and aggravation, Stadium Journey recommends taking the subway to Agganis Arena. The Green Line’s B train has stops right at the arena’s front door. A one-way fare costs only $2.75, and accesses most of the city. Check out the MBTA website for more details. Extras 5 Boston University has a notable hockey history, which they display throughout Agganis Arena. A statue of Harry Agganis stands at the main entrance. Two of the program’s most notable figures, Jack Parker and Jack Kelley, have statues inside the arena. Displays located throughout the concourse honor BU Hockey All-Americans, players and alumni who played in the NHL, those who have represented their countries in the Olympics as well as members of the BU Hockey Hall of Fame. Terrier All-Americans are also featured in murals located in the entry plaza to the concourse. Banners hang over the ice throughout Agganis Arena. National titles, conference championships, Beanpot titles, Frozen Four appearances and Hobey Baker award winners are all memorialized. The four BU players who were members of the 1980 USA “Miracle On Ice” gold medal-winning team have a banner here too. Three retired numbers are commemorated here: Harry Agganis (#33), Jack Parker (#6), and Travis Roy (#24). You may not be familiar with Travis Roy. His career lasted all of one shift, during which he fell awkwardly into the boards while trying to make a check. The fall paralyzed him. He became an outspoken advocate for spinal cord injury rehabilitation through his foundation. His book, “Eleven Seconds,” is a must-read for any sports fan. Another BU hockey alumnus is honored at Agganis Arena. The BU Players’ Suite is named in honor of Mark Bavis, class of 1993, who was aboard the plane that was crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Final Thoughts Boston is a hockey city at heart. And even though most of Boston bleeds the Bruins’ black and gold, there is a corner of the city along Commonwealth Avenue that proudly sports the red and white of the Terriers. In a city with no shortage of college hockey options, Agganis Arena offers an experience that may top them all. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Welcome Stadium 1601 S Edwin C Moses Blvd Dayton, OH 45417 Dayton Flyers website Welcome Stadium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 11,000 The Wright Stuff The University of Dayton has been fielding a football team since 1905 – the team is named the Flyers after the Wright Brothers (the local Air Force base is also partly named after the duo). The Flyers play their home football games at Welcome Stadium, which was built in 1949 to host football for all the high school teams in the area; the Dayton Flyers began playing here in 1974. Food & Beverage 3 Welcome Stadium offers chicken tenders, nachos, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, packaged candy, popcorn, packaged chips and cookies, donuts, pickles, and drinks including Gatorade, soda, bottled water, coffee, and hot cocoa. There are concessions on both sides of the field, though the one on the visiting side does not sell quite everything. Prices are reasonable with almost everything costing $5 or less, with many items at $2 or $3. Atmosphere 3 The Dayton Flyers have a very active band at their football games, who march into the stadium before the game and play throughout, bobbing and weaving at various times during the contest to help inspire the fans. The Flyers also have a mascot, cheerleaders, and a dance team. The band also lets off a hurricane warning siren before the game and again before the second half. The newly renovated turf field provides some bright pops of blue color, and there is great architecture as you walk in along brick columns to the entrances on both sides. There is only one video board, however, and all the seats are bleacher benches without backs. There is also no seating behind the end zones, but fans can walk on the surrounding running track to get between the two sides. Neighborhood 4 There are plenty of restaurants and hotels near Welcome Stadium, as it is located near downtown, across the river from the University of Dayton’s campus. Old Scratch Pizza and Beer is a popular stop near the hospital just north of the campus. Dayton Raceway, a casino and live horse racing track is located nearby – the football season overlaps with the horse racing season, allowing fans to double up if desired. The most popular attraction in the city, however, is the Air Force museum at nearby Wright-Patterson Field, a large museum with multiple hangers showcasing planes and other aviation history. There are also additional sites in town you can visit which honor Wilbur, Orville, and their work. Fans 3 Welcome Stadium does not always fill up with fans, depending of course on how much the team is winning that season, but fans seem very engaged, and there is a decent tailgating scene in the parking lot. Access 4 Getting to Welcome Stadium is very easy, given its location just off I-75 and slightly south of US Highway 35, the two main roads that take people downtown. Traffic in the area can be very rough during rush hour, but you will avoid all of that on a typical Saturday. There is plenty of free parking all the way around the stadium, so you should be able to park close to one of the entrances. Most fans will want to park on the west/home side, closer to University of Dayton Arena (home of the school’s basketball teams). There may be a little bit of a line to get into the stadium on the west side, but there is plenty of room in the concourse once you get inside. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Flyers football games are $10 for general admission, allowing you to sit anywhere you want inside the facility. Given the free parking and reasonable concession prices, this equals a great return on investment for FCS football. Extras 3 Underneath each grandstand are banners and trophy cases celebrating the successes of the various high schools which call Dayton Stadium home, and on the home side there is also a team gear stand selling Flyers swag.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 InfoCision Stadium 375 E Exchange St Akron, OH 44304 Akron Zips website InfoCision Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 30,000 Rubber Zips Since fielding a team all the way back in 1891, the Akron Zips have not had the strongest of teams. However, Akron does enjoy a rich history and traces its lineage back to John Heisman … THE John Heisman of the famous Heisman Trophy awarded each year to the top NCAA Football player. In 1988, Akron joined the Mid-American Conference, one of the most stable conferences in the NCAA. Akron became the first program to move from Division I-AA up to Division I-A. The Zips have enjoyed a MAC Conference Championship once in 2005 and been to three post season bowls, winning one. With one of the most unique names in all of college sports, the Zips are a nod to the history of the City of Akron as the rubber capital of the world. The Zips are specifically named after rubber boots called Zippers that were manufactured by the B.F. Goodrich Company whose headquarters were in Akron. The home of the Zips from 1940 to 2008 was the Rubber Bowl. Replacement for the Rubber Bowl came in 2009 with InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field which signaled a return to campus for Akron. The naming rights of the stadium are shared by InfoCision Management Corporation and Summa Health System. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at InfoCision Stadium are fairly limited. There are a number of concession stands under each of the two main grandstands. Typical concession items are what will be found here including hot dogs, brats, cheeseburgers, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and chicken tenders. Chick-fil-A sandwiches and Papa John’s pizza are also available being brought in from outside. The soft drinks available are Pepsi products and beer options include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Stella Artois. Fans will not go hungry at InfoCision Stadium, but there isn’t much to grab the imagination. Atmosphere 3 InfoCision Stadium is a nice facility. It doesn’t have a deep history or anything that adds to the wow factor, but it is a solid stadium. InfoCision Stadium consists of two main grandstands on either side of the north-south oriented field. The entire stadium area is surrounded by attractive wraught iron fencing. The main grandstand, which also includes the press box and luxury boxes, is the west grandstand and the exterior is attractive brown brick and glass. The best place to enter InfoCision Stadium is at the south entrance, where fans are greeted with the bronze statue of former Akron head coach, John Heisman. The team store is also found at the south entrance. Just north of InfoCision Stadium is the fieldhouse and the Zips cross the road and enter the stadium from there. Inside InfoCision Stadium fans will notice that the concourses underneath the grandstands can be on the dark side. The concession and washrooms are easily accessed from this area. The highlights of the concourse are almost missed due to their proximity to the patron. High above the concession stands are large posters outlining the highlights of Akron Zips football. These include the history of the Wagon Wheel rivalry with Kent State, the 2005 MAC Conference Championship, Postseason History, Historic Coaches, Winningest Seasons and Jason Taylor. Both grandstands have two tiers and are composed of bleacher benches. Some reserved seating exists with plastic stadium seats. The brick wall past the north endzone highlights the most honoured Zips whose numbers are retired. These include Chris Angeloff, Charlie Frye and Jason Taylor. Their banners are joined by the Wall of Champions and honors for coaches Gordon Larson and Jim Dennison. The cannon is found in the southwest corner of the stadium at field level and is shot when the Zips score. The videoboard is good quality and is found past the south endzone. The gameday production for a Zips football game is about what one would expect from a mid-major football program. Ohio’s Pride, the Akron marching band, performs northwest of InfoCision Stadium at Coleman Commons before the game. They march down Spicer Street and play for the tailgaters in the lot south of the stadium before entering. The perform on the field at halftime and before the opening kick. The cheerleaders perform stunts on the sideline and move with the band before pregame. The Akron mascot, Zippy, a kangaroo, takes part in the pregame festivities and can be found on field level or interacting with fans during the game. Neighborhood 4 The University of Akron is located east of Downtown Akron. InfoCision Stadium is found at the east end of campus encircled by Vine, Spicer, Union and Exchange Streets. There are a few spots for pre or post game food or drink. Exchange Street has a number of options, most of which are fast food chains. Score Draft Room may be an option. There are more options the short drive to downtown including Canal Place, R. Shea Brewing, the Diamond Deli and the Spaghetti Warehouse. Depending on the scheduling of the Zips game, an Akron Zips basketball game at James A. Rhodes Arena, steps from InfoCision Stadium may be an additional sporting option, or possibly the Akron Rubberducks from the Double-A Eastern League at downtown’s Canal Park. Some non-sporting tourist options include the Akron Zoo and Stan Hywet Hall, or perhaps taking a look at the former site of the Rubber Bowl would be of interest. For fans wishing to stay near InfoCision Stadium, the Hilton and BLU-Tique Akron are both options. Fans 3 The combination of generally not being terribly competitive in the MAC and proximity to Cleveland leave InfoCision Stadium with more empty seats than full seats. Akron attracted an average of almost 11,200 fans per game in 2022. For the game that was reviewed, the paid attendance was just north of 5,400. With a stadium capacity of 30,000, this leaves an environment that could be better. Close to the bottom in the MAC, Akron needs to do more to bring the students into the stadium as a student section was not obvious. Access 5 Getting to InfoCision Stadium is very easy. InfoCision Stadium is located on campus, east of Downtown Akron. It is north of I-76 and west of highway 8, which gives campus easy access from the major highways of the area. There is parking on campus and north of campus with plenty of options. Tailgating usually occurs in the lot just at the south end of InfoCision Stadium. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are Akron Metro bus stops that can be found on the streets surrounding campus. Fans should consult the Akron Metro website for schedules, maps and fares. Due to the capacity of InfoCision Stadium and the average number of fans in attendance, getting around the stadium is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are more than adequate. Stadium Journey recognizes that the security protocols for major sporting events are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Akron Zips website for the most up to date security information, including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Taking in an Akron Zips football game is very affordable. General Admission tickets can be had for $19 and reserved seating can be found for $31 to $38. The Zips do a good job with their gameday production and the college football feeling is there with the Zips. Concession prices are not terrible and parking will come with a cost as well. The output for a Zips game is not too high, however, if the Zips were more popular and found more fans in the stands, the return on the investment would be even better Extras 3 An extra mark for the rivalry games the Akron Zips partake in, specifically the Steel Tire against Youngstown State and the Wagon Wheel versus the Kent State Golden Flashes. An extra mark for being the first program to move from Division I-AA to Division I-A. An extra mark for the lone Akron Zip in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Jason Taylor. Final Thoughts A Saturday afternoon at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field with the Akron Zips is a good time. It would be an even better time if more people knew and more people showed up. When in Northern Ohio, taking in a Zips game is well worth it and the money required for it is not bad at all. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.