Photo by Daniel Zepeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Crutcher Scott Field 555 Walnut St Abilene, TX 79601 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Crutcher Scott Field website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 4,000 Stadium Upgrades at The Crutch Lifts ACU Baseball After 24 years of baseball at Abilene Christian University, the Wildcats chose to upgrade their field to better suit the dry and unpredictable West Texas weather. In its third year of Division I play, ACU converted its once natural grass field into artificial turf prior to the 2016 season and brought AstroTurf to Crutcher Scott Field for the first time in 25 years. The Wildcats also upgraded several other facilities, such as their batting cages, dugouts and even added a home bullpen behind the right field wall. ACU brought in the wall all along the outfield and the new bullpen can be seen by fans through a coated chain link fence that will run the length of the bullpen, and a new pad will cover the rest of the new outfield. Crutcher Scott Field seats 4,000 fans and spectators and with the renovations, has become one of the best baseball facilities in the state. Located on ACU’s campus, students can get in for free after only a five to ten minute walk from anywhere on campus. When The Crutch officially opened in 1991, it marked the return of baseball to Abilene Christian after a 12 year hiatus. The Wildcats christened their new stadium with a 2-1 win in 10 innings in which students sat in the back of flatbed trucks in the outfield to watch. ACU added the Bonneau Family Indoor Hitting Facility to the complex, giving ACU an indoor facility to use on bad weather days. With weather conditions ranging from 100 degree heat to wind and snow, along with random Texas thunderstorms to dry conditions, Abilene does not make the ideal home of an all-natural field. The move to turf allows the program to spend less time preparing their field and more time practicing and putting work in. Food & Beverage 3 It’s a golden rule to always have hot dogs and peanuts at a baseball game. The Crutch allows for that and more. Hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels, candy, burgers and more can be found at the concession stand located near the main entrance gate. For drinks, soft drinks and bottled water are available. The prices won’t kill you either, usually averaging around $5-$7 per person for a full meal, but the food quality isn’t the best either. With quick service, lines are normally short which keeps fans in their seats where they really want to be. Atmosphere 3 A baseball game at ACU can be one of the most enjoyable things to do when in Abilene. With a solid following from students and the ACU community, seats are always available. Students also stay loud and proud with cheers and chants, allowing for few moments of quiet. It’s a great place to bring kids and families for a great night out. With that said, ACU baseball only averages around 200-250 fans per game. Even with the small stadium seating, the stadium still looks mostly empty for most games. When big programs come to play however, such as Texas Christian or Texas Tech, the fans come out in support. But in the dog days of Southland Conference play, it becomes a challenge to get anyone to show up. Neighborhood 4 With being on campus, safety is never an issue. There is limited parking in the immediate area, so finding a spot can become an issue. But, if you’re willing to do a little walking, it’s not a problem. Crutcher Scott Field is located on the north side of campus, near the softball and soccer fields and the soon-to-come on-campus football stadium. Fans 3 The fans that show up are engaged and steadily cheer on their purple and white Wildcats. With the resurgence of the ACU student’s section called Wildcat Reign, the students who come out often heckle opponents, but nothing along the lines of profanity or distasteful rhetoric. It is a Christian college after all. Access 3 With the stadium on campus, it’s a wonder why ACU baseball doesn’t have a steadier following for home games. The Crutch is only a few minutes walk from any location on campus and is free to all students who show a valid student university ID. The field is located off of Interstate 20 and one of the busiest roads in Abilene, North Judge Ely Boulevard. Parking can be problematic for highly-attended games, but normally isn’t an issue. Return on Investment 4 For non-students, ticket prices are marked at $8 for adults and $4 for kids. Students get in for free with their university ID. So even if you’re not a student, a family of four can spend $24 on tickets and then $20-$30 on food for everyone. That’s less than $60 compared to perhaps hundreds you can spend at some stadiums. Extras 3 The Crutch is one of the best stadiums when it comes to on-field facilities. If ACU could find a way to update some other parts of the stadium like seating and fan-interaction, they could have something special. Overall, catching a game at Crutcher Scott Field is usually a solid choice for baseball fans of all ages.

Photos by Jared Townsend, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 AMSOIL Arena 350 Harbor Dr. Duluth, MN 55802 Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs men’s hockey website AMSOIL Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 6,726 Enjoying Bulldogs Hockey at AMSOIL Arena Drive on I-35 near downtown Duluth and it’s almost impossible to ignore AMSOIL Arena, the hockey venue that’s served as home to the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs since 2010. Set near the shoreline of Lake Superior with Duluth’s instantly recognizable Aerial Lift Bridge within the site, the stadium features a capacity of 6,726 and is part of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Complex. Every time the Bulldogs play at AMSOIL, the arena becomes the center of excitement in this quintessential Minnesota city. The passion for hockey in Duluth can’t be emphasized enough and in no way is it better represented in the state than by the fans who show up at AMSOIL to cheer on their Bulldogs every game. Food & Beverage 4 AMSOIL offers a wide variety of foods and beverages at relatively affordable costs. Your basics run for the following prices: hamburger ($7.25), cheeseburger ($8.00), french fries ($4.50), chicken tenders ($7.75), hot dog ($5.00), nachos ($5.50), pretzel ($4.00), popcorn ($4.00). Some of the more interesting items offered (and might I say likely fan favorites), include the smoked wild rice brat ($6.00), the Pulled Porketta Sandwich ($7.00), and the walleye fillet basket, the latter of which is priced a bit high at $12.00 (but it’s a fan favorite along with the Pulled Porketta Sandwich). You can also find pizza served by the slice elsewhere in the arena. In terms of beverages, you’ll find your basic Pepsi products such as Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and Sierra Mist. But here’s where things get interesting: AMSOIL offers some amazingly unique beverages that are perfect for Duluth’s cold weather: french vanilla cappuccino ($2.75), hot chocolate ($2.50), hot apple cider ($2.75), and locally roasted ARCO Coffee ($2.25). Meanwhile, if you’re not in the mood for something to warm you up, you can always visit AMSOIL’s Cold Stone Creamery stand, something that’s always popular even during the coldest months. Atmosphere 5 Interestingly enough, the excitement of visiting AMSOIL doesn’t wait to hit you until you’ve entered the concourse or taken your seat it sets in much sooner. It begins with the lobby, probably one of the most impressive for a college arena …so much so that it gives professional arenas a run for their money. The lobby itself is highlighted by blue lighting that illuminates from the ceiling and down upon the artistic terrazzo flooring. Meanwhile, the wording “AMSOIL ARENA” in all caps adorns the gateway entrance. Like much of the lobby around it, it too is lit with blue. You can also catch a great view of downtown Duluth through the lobby window and it is especially beautiful when it’s seen lit up at night. The arena’s concourses are sufficiently sized and if you walk around you’re sure to see some history. One wall features pictures of all the UMD Men’s hockey players who’ve gone on to participate in the Olympics, while another wall features framed jerseys of those who have played at UMD in the past. And the biggest highlight, the seating bowl combined with the ice rink itself are surely the most impressive features of AMSOIL. The maroon and gold seats feature plenty of legroom and no matter where you sit within the venue, you’re sure to feel like you’re right down by the ice where all the action occurs. Meanwhile, the arena features an impressively large scoreboard that hangs over the center of the ice. It’s square and includes four sides. At the bottom is a circular screen that showcases the scores and the game periods. Neighborhood 5 Set near the heart of downtown Duluth right by Lake Superior, it’s hard to imagine a better place in town for this arena to be located. It’s within walking distance of many great restaurants and shops, all part of nearby Canal Park. Just some of the restaurants you’ll find in the area: Famous Dave’ (BBQ), Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe (sandwich shop & brunch), Green Mill Restaurant, Old Chicago (really good Italian), Canal Park Brewery (beer & pub food), and Red Lobster. One of my favorite shops in the area is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory which has a wide variety of chocolate candies. My recommendation is to get one of their chocolate-covered apples. Meanwhile, Grandma’s Saloon & Grill is a fan favorite before and after the games and features some great homestyle takes on classic American dishes. Right across from AMSOIL sits none other than the Duluth Curling Club, a place to grab a beer and get some food, all while enjoying the sport of Curling. In addition to exploring the Canal Park area, you can also cross into downtown Duluth via the skyway over I-35. One of the cool places downtown are Dubh Linn Duluth Restaurant and Irish Brew Pub, a place where many Bulldog fans also assemble before and after the games. Display your game ticket stub to the staff, and they’ll offer you one free drink. Fans 5 The fans are energetic, follow the team closely, and appear to be having the time of their lives while watching the Bulldogs play. Attendance is relatively good, albeit there are some notably empty seats during gameplay; of course, part of this could be because people are wandering around. Since moving into AMSOIL back in 2010, the Bulldogs have generated an increased amount of excitement. The following year, they won the NCAA National Championship, and ever since the team has remained the talk of the town. The “Penalty Box” is AMSOIL’s student section. Out of anywhere in the stands, it’s where most of the excitement is generated …especially given the student section’s attempts to get into the heads of UMD opponents (in particular, the opposing team’s goalie). Attend a game at AMSOIL and you’ll hear fans shout their chants with enthusiasm and the whole display of excitement is quite fun to watch. Fans of opposing teams are, of course, treated with respect, it’s a Minnesota Nice thing, after all. Access 4 The arena is just off of I-35, so it’s super easy to find. If you’re driving by car, however, there’s one caveat. Parking directly by AMSOIL can be tricky and traffic around Canal Park can become congested. One idea is to park in one of the parking garages across I-35 and walk across to the Convention Center Complex via the skyway. If you take the tip, getting in and out is a breeze. Parking directly by the arena, however, is affordable and much cheaper than the parking you’ll find at other venues. Most lots in the area charge just around $5.00. Walking from wherever you parked and into the arena is easy. There’s nowhere that crowds can become congested. Important to note: Duluth winters can be extremely harsh, so make sure you’re dressed warmly. Meanwhile, the concourses are relatively wide and there are plenty of bathrooms in the arena. Return on Investment 5 Tickets typically cost anywhere from $20 to $30. However, you can expect to pay higher rates when they play a rival, such as the University of Minnesota. For what you pay, you get more than enough in return. Wherever you sit in the arena, it’s next to impossible to get stuck in what some would refer to as the “nosebleed” section. That said, the setting is what could be described as intimate and you’re sure to feel like you have a premium seat to all the action on the ice. Extras 3 AMSOIL features a lot of history in the concourses. From the wall that displays the UMD Olympians, all the way to the jerseys …you get a sense of school spirit and pride in the team. In addition, you’ll also find quotations from local heroes relevant to Duluth on the walls. You’ll also see plenty of banners proudly displayed above the rink – whether they’re commemorating the 2010 Championship, other storied seasons in UMD’s history, or the team’s 2 retired numbers – those belonging to Brett Hull (#29) and Keith Christiansen (#9). And one last thing that I thought was cool: Try to find the fireplace on the concourse. It’s especially neat to warm up if you’ve just arrived in the arena from the harsh cold of the outdoors. Final Thoughts Having just been opened in 2010, AMSOIL Arena is a relatively new venue. However, once you take in the entire experience, you’re sure to get a vibe that’s steeped deep within the University of Minnesota-Duluth tradition. Simply stated, you feel like you’re at an older arena, and that’s not a bad thing. AMSOIL is certainly one of the best college hockey game day experiences you’ll find in the state, if not the entire U.S. Midwest. It’s more than just getting your money’s worth, it’s an experience that’ll make you want to recommend attending a game here to others, even if they’re not UMD Bulldog fans.

Photos by Dave Cottenie Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rupp Arena 432 West Vine St Lexington, KY 40507 Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball website Rupp Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 23,500 Big Blue in the Bluegrass State Let’s face it. Lexington, Kentucky is known for two things … horses and Kentucky Wildcats basketball. The second largest city in the Bluegrass State is home to the University of Kentucky, a public university with just over 27,000 students. The men’s basketball team is one of the most famous, iconic sports teams in North America. With a history that dates back to 1903, seventeen Final Four appearances, eight National Championships, and a stranglehold on the Southeast Conference, Big Blue is at the forefront of the national consciousness for college basketball. Add to that a semi-controversial coach in John Calipari and his willingness to exploit the rules to the advantage of Kentucky and you have a formula for a consistently competitive program at the highest level. Of course, Kentucky also boasts massive basketball alumni that include NBA royalty at all levels. Rupp Arena has been the home of Kentucky basketball since 1976. Located in downtown Lexington and essentially owned by the city, Rupp Arena is part of the larger Lexington Convention Center. Although the arena is central to the city, it is clear that it is the home of the Kentucky Wildcats first and foremost. It is, after all, named after iconic Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Rupp Arena are decent for college basketball. All of the expected items are available along with some locally specific spots. Hunt Brothers Pizza, Gold Star Chili, City Barbeque, and Repicci’s Italian Ice and Gelato are some more unique spots. One consideration is the nature of the concourses. They are a bit of a labyrinth and some concession areas are hidden around corners. At the main concession stands peanuts, popcorn ($4.25/$5.50), nachos, pretzels, chips, beef jerky, pulled pork, burgers, sausage and hot dogs ($4) are all available. Soft drink options center around Pepsi products ($3.75/$4.25/$5.25) and include Mountain Dew and Dr Pepper. Bottled water and coffee are also available. Alcohol is not served in the main concessions for Wildcat games. Atmosphere 4 Upon .the first view of Rupp Arena, it is quite clear that it was built in the seventies. Pretty much a rectangular box covered in siding and with little to no windows, Rupp Arena’s exterior pales in comparison to the much nicer, newer attached Lexington Center. Parts of the siding are covered with murals boasting Big Blue Nation’s eight National Championships and honoring legendary coach Adolph Rupp. Otherwise, from the exterior, Rupp Arena is nothing special. The interior is a bit of a different story. The attached Lexington Center offers a bit of a decent entryway into the Rupp Arena. It is littered with banners for Conference Tournament championships, great players, regular season conference titles, and NCAA Championships. A large video wall helps advertise future events. After passing security and entering Rupp Arena proper, fans are assaulted with what seems like blue all over. The floors are blue. The walls are blue. The concessions are blue. The concourses are a bit of a maze and there is plenty for fans to look at as they make their way around the arena. Upon entering the seating bowl, fans will immediately notice the littering of banners in the rafters, which essentially line the perimeter of the east-west-oriented basketball court. Banners honoring,east-west-oriented1948, 1949, 1951, 1958, 1978, 1996, 1998, and 2012 NCAA Champions hang in the east end. They are joined by NCAA runner-up banners from 1966, 1975, 1997, and 2014. Final Four banners also hang for 1942, 1984, 1993, 2011and 2015. Impressive to say the least. The other three sides of the arena are lined with, banners that honor 42 former players, coaches, and contributors. Some names that fans will assuredly recognize include Tony Delk, Dan Issel, Jamal Mashburn, Pat Riley, and Kenny Walker. Coaches Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino, and Adolph Rupp are also honored with banners. It is curious how these honors will change with Kentucky’s embracing of “one-and-done” players who have fame in the professional ranks but spent little time as Wildcats. The best spot to get the perfect center-court logo photo is from the north side of the area. The video board in the center is not massive, but, There are additional video boards in the four corners above the seating bowl showing statistics. As far as seating goes, the lower bowl has typical arena chair seating and the very steep upper bowl has bench seating. The students sit behind the basket in the west end with the band. The production of a Kentucky Wildcats game is about as professional as it gets for a college basketball game with several old-school traditions sprinkled throughout. Pyro and fireworks are featured throughout the significant pre-game introductions. The Wildcats make great use of their video boards. The Wildcats band help remind fans that this is still a college basketball experience. The national anthem at Kentucky is one of the best renditions that will be heard anywhere and the opening tip is precluded by the “First Call” or “Call to the Post,” the traditional bugle melody signaling the beginning of a horse race. The mascot, Wildcat, makes his presence felt in the pre-game and roams the court engaging fans. The cheerleaders also perform several typical stunts and lead students and fans in cheers. One of the best traditions at Kentucky is the cheerleaders spelling out Kentucky with their bodies. When it comes to the “Y” a former player or celebrity is brought out to participate. Neighborhood 4 Rupp Arena is located in downtown Lexington and as a result, there are a plethora of places to eat or drink before or after a game. Most are found between Main and Short Streets. Some spots that fans may want to consider include Bluegrass Tavern, Saul Good Restaurant, Tony’s of Lexington, Goodfellas Pizzeria, The Village Idiot, and Shakespeare and Co. Lexington is the center of horse country. Although not downtown, there are several horse-themed options for fans who are in the area for a bit of a longer stay. Fans are encouraged to check out The Thoroughbred Center and Kentucky Horse Park. While in Lexington, fans can find other sporting options as well. The local horse racing track is Keeneland. , baseball can be found at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends . Of course, state-of-the-art offers other sporting options, most significantly, Kentucky Wildcats football at Kroger Field. Fans who wish to stay near Rupp Arena can stay at the Hyatt Regency Lexington or the Hilton Lexington Downtown and take just a couple of steps to get to the arena. Fans 5 Although there is some mild panic at an average drop of over 1,000 fans for Kentucky basketball games in 2017-2018, Kentucky is still locked into some of the highest attendance figures in the entire NCAA. In 2017, the Wildcats averaged almost 23,500 fans per game to lead the entire NCAA, including the mighty Syracuse Orange, who have the opportunity to bring in more than 30,000 fans per game. The Kentucky Wildcats are the game in town and also have a significant stranglehold on the entire state of Kentucky. Wildcat fans, led by the students, are rabid and loud and ready to support their team. Access 4 Rupp Arena is located in downtown Lexington, a pretty significant distance west of the interstates I-75 and I-64. Fans of several old-schools to the arena from out of town will signal several have to maneuver through the city. It can take a little time, so leaving sufficient time is a pretty good idea. There is parking around Rupp Arena specifically behind the arena and on the other side of High Street. For fans who desire public transit, some buses travel High Street, Broadway, and Main. Check the Lextran website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the arena can be tight at times. There are a ton of corners and pockets that can be challenging to navigate. Combine that with crowds of over 20,000 consistently and you have a good reason to plan your visits to the washroom well. Washroom facilities are adequate, but not spectacular. Return on Investment 3 Although the Kentucky Wildcats are a great experience and a bucket list item for sports travelers, it remains one of the most expensive experiences in college basketball. Tickets are extremely hard to come by and often remain on the overly inflated secondary market. That being said, conference games are over $75 face value for the cheapest ticket, in the upper deck on the benches. Lower bowl tickets are all subscribers and students and come in at an even heftier price. Parking is affordable and concession prices are pretty decent. Fans who attend a Kentucky Wildcats game will have a great time but will pay for it. Extras 3 An extra mark for the national anthem experience at Kentucky . One of the great renditions in sports … mostly run by the fans and led by UK faculty member Everett McCorvey. An extra mark for being a simply legendary program. An extra mark for a facility that remains named after a legendary local figure rather than a corporation. Final Thoughts Kentucky Wildcats basketball is most definitely a bucket list item for any college hoops fan. A trip to Rupp Arena gives fans a taste of what the Bluegrass State is all about. However, fans must be prepared to pay for the experience. If you can get past the price tag, then you will not regret the experience! ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Vineyard Baseball Park 100 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Rd. Oak Bluffs, MA 02568 Martha’s Vineyard Sharks website Vineyard Baseball Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 2,000 Vineyard Baseball The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks are the reigning champions of the Futures League. They play their home games at the Vineyard Baseball Park, alternately known as “The Shark Tank”, on the campus of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. The playing field was built specifically for the Sharks, and is one of only two full sized baseball diamonds on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The Sharks have invested $200,000 in the building of the field and improvements to the facility. Before serving as home to the Sharks, the Cape Cod League would hold a few games per season on the island. The Sharks came into existence when Chris Carminucci of the Brockton Rox and Drew Weber of the Lowell Spinners sought to place expansion teams in the New England Collegiate Baseball League in Martha’s Vineyard, and Nashua, NH, respectively. When the NECBL declined, they began their own league. The Futures League began in 2011 with four teams and has since expanded to 10 teams. In many markets the Futures League has set up shop in old ballparks formerly used in professional minor league baseball. Food & Beverage 2 There are three small shacks behind the grandstand that sell a variety of concessions for hungry Sharks fans. All the usual ballpark fare can be found here, such as hot dogs ($3.50), burgers ($5.50), chicken nuggets ($5.00), sausage and pepper sandwiches ($4.50), and French fries ($3.00). A little variety is achieved with pulled pork sandwiches ($6.00) and mozzarella sticks ($5.00). Fans looking for a snack can choose from nachos ($5.00), popcorn ($3.00/$5.00), or Cape Cod Chips ($2.00). A variety of ice cream novelties can also be found here. There are no alcoholic beverages sold here, but there is a wide variety of beverages available, featuring Pepsi products ($3.50), and Nantucket Nectars ($3.50). There are two large sheds on the third base line selling a wide variety of Sharks merchandise. If you are looking for any kind of t-shirt, hat, sweatshirt, or jersey with the MV Sharks logo on it, you will find it here. Selected novelties can also be found here, such as baseballs, a souvenir item that is missing at far too many of these summer league ballparks. Atmosphere 3 The Futures League attempts to stand out from its competitors in New England by presenting a game day experience more similar to the minor leagues than what you will find in the Cape Cod League or the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Here you will find numerous promotions, wacky between-innings contests (such as a hot dog eating contest) and a whole lot of music. The staff here at Martha’s Vineyard do a good job straddling the line between entertaining the crowd and becoming intrusive. This is a vacation destination, after all, and people come to the islands to have fun. The Sharks’ staff do a nice job ensuring that a night at a Sharks game is indeed fun. The signature element of the Vineyard Baseball Park is the new grandstand, built in 2013. It features four sections of individual bucket seats, each one consisting of seven rows of seats. All seats are located behind home plate, offering great views of the action. The remainder of the seating consists of metal bleachers scattered throughout the ballpark. There is room available all around the field for fans to set up lawn chairs and blankets. Neighborhood 3 The Vineyard Baseball Park is located next to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in Oak Bluffs, one of six towns on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The island has a year-round population of 15,000, and swells to over 100,000 people in the summer months. The ball field is located centrally on the island, in a rural, residential area. It is located about 5 miles from the tourist destination of Oak Bluffs and 3 miles from Vineyard Haven. Edgartown is about 5 miles to the southeast. Fans looking for things to do in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark will find nothing of interest to occupy them. Head to one of the tourist hot spots to make the most of your time. Fans 3 Martha’s Vineyard annually ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of attendance in the Futures League, averaging between 600-750 fans per game. The team markets itself towards the year round residents of the island, most likely figuring that tourists to the island are not coming here to see collegiate summer ball. Still, you can find some tourists mixed in with all the locals. After all, going to a Sharks game is a much cheaper alternative to many other activities available on the island. With a budget that is much larger than any other summer league team, the Sharks require a great deal of community support. Their travel budget alone tops out at $40,000, as it gets expensive to get teams on and off the island every night. Luckily, the Martha’s Vineyard business community has stepped up in a big way to support the Sharks. Access 2 Martha’s Vineyard is the third biggest island on the eastern seaboard, and is the largest island without a bridge connecting it to the mainland (for those keeping score, Long Island and Mount Desert Island in Maine are larger). There is a small airport on the island, and planes come and go regularly. Jet Blue has even begun daily flights to Martha’s Vineyard. But the most popular method for getting to the island is by boat. Ferries depart throughout the day from New Bedford, Falmouth, and Hyannis. The largest (and least expensive) ferry company is the Steamship Authority, which operates ferries almost hourly throughout the summer from Woods Hole. We will cover how best to get to a Sharks game in a bit. Get your notebook ready. The ease at which one gets to Vineyard Baseball Park depends almost entirely on whether said baseball fan is a native or not. For residents of the island, Martha’s Vineyard High School is fairly centrally located on the island in southern Oak Bluffs, a short drive away from most points on the island, and close to the larger towns on the western side of the Vineyard. The ballpark is located on the campus of the high school on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road. Fans requiring public transportation can take bus route #1, which travels along this road from, you guessed it, Edgartown to Vineyard Haven. There is a stop directly in front of the high school. The ballpark is set back about a half mile from the main road along Sanderson Ave. If you are visiting the island for any length of time, chances are you brought along your car or have rented some sort of transportation. Mopeds, bicycles, and cars are all readily available to rent for the day or week. In addition, ferries transport hundreds of cars back and forth to the island daily. While the streets of Martha’s Vineyard can be narrow and winding, it’s very accommodating and accessible to those getting around on two wheels. If you are vacationing on the island with transportation and headed to a Sharks game, follow the instructions above. If you are coming to the Vineyard for a day trip and are looking to catch a Sharks game, you have some planning to do. First you must get to the island. As mentioned earlier, The Steamship Authority is the most popular transporter of people and vehicles to the islands. The company operates several parking lots in the mainland town of Falmouth (and won’t Cape Cod residents get a kick out of me referring to the Cape as “the mainland”), at a cost of $13 per day. From these lots, you will board a free shuttle to Woods Hole, where the ferries depart from. Do not try to bypass the shuttles and park in Woods Hole. There is no room there. Seriously. Don’t try it. A one-way ticket to Martha’s Vineyard will cost $8. There is no discount for a round trip. As you may imagine, if you travel to the Vineyard in the summer months, you won’t be going alone. Be prepared for crowds, lines, and delays. Luckily, the folks at the Steamship Authority have done this a time or two, and will move you along as quickly as possible. The ferry is a nice 45 minute ride across the Vineyard Sound to either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. Both are excellent destinations, I will not recommend one over the other. My job is simply to get you to the ballpark. If you rent a vehicle, whether motorized or human powered, follow the instructions above. Just keep in mind that the Sharks play their games at 7pm, and most rental places close around 6. Get used to this. If you are in Vineyard Haven you can always take the #1 bus to the High School. Getting to the ballpark from Oak Bluffs requires a couple of transfers. Take the advice of a local on how to most effectively use the local busses. If you are a day tripper, your best bet is to take a taxi to the game. Taxis are everywhere on the island, and will take you to the Shark Tank fairly quickly and cheaply. A one-way fare for three from Oak Bluffs to the Vineyard Baseball Park costs $16. Now remember, and this is important, that the Sharks begin their games at 7pm. The last ferry departs Oak Bluffs at 8:30, and Vineyard Haven at 9:30. The Steamship Authority recommends arriving at the dock 45 minutes before departure. Do the math. Even if you arrive at the last second for boarding the ferry, there is no way you can catch an entire Sharks’ game if you aren’t staying overnight on the island. Day trippers are obviously not the target audience for Martha’s Vineyard Sharks games. Return on Investment 2 Reserved Seats at Vineyard Baseball Park sell for $10. This may seem like a steep price for this level of baseball, but these reserved seats get you an individual seat in the grandstand. Bleacher seats are sold as general admission for $6. Seniors can purchase bleacher seating for $5, and children are admitted for $4. Parking is available on Sanderson Road at no charge. The Sharks sell loaded tickets good for a reserved seat and concessions for $19 and $15, depending on the package. Taking into account that everything tends to be more expensive on the island, these prices are not as outrageous as they may seem at first glance. Extras 2 The Sharks offer extra incentives to draw in fans, such as 2 for 1 specials and giveaways throughout the game. The Sharks hold a 50/50 raffle each night to help raise funds to cover operating costs. You may not think it, but there is actually a decent chance of bumping into a celebrity at tiny Vineyard Baseball Park. Many of the rich and famous own homes on the Vineyard, and it is a favorite vacation spot for many Hollywood types, as well as Presidents Clinton and Obama. It is rumored that Bill Murray, who owns a home in Oak Bluffs, is a regular visitor to the ballpark. Stadium Journey can neither confirm nor deny these rumors, but a quick trip to the Sharks’ Instagram account will answer this question for you. Final Thoughts If you are planning a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard, a trip to Vineyard Baseball Park will not be in your best interests, unless you are the most ardent of ballpark chasers. The schedules of the games and ferries just do not line up. However, if you are on the island for any extended period of time, be sure to include a trip to see the Sharks. The ballpark, while small and somewhat plain, is new, comfortable, and features a laid-back atmosphere perfect for any vacationer. This ballpark is in stark contrast to the old, abandoned minor league ballparks that dot the Futures League, but Martha’s Vineyard is a welcome addition to the circuit. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Or is it? As the anticipated countdown to the A’s final scheduled home game at the Oakland Coliseum  on September 26 approaches, Sacramento news radio station KFBK is reporting that Major League Baseball has not yet agreed to the upgrades to Sutter Health Park .  Among the upgrades to the stadium is the installation of artificial turf. Many are questioning how safe it would be given Sacramento’s triple digit heat during the summer months.  "I'm not convinced, to tell you the truth, that this will be the A's last game in the city of Oakland," said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. "I always say, if the A's want to stay in Oakland, we welcome them back to the negotiation table.” The team's director of baseball communications released a statement Thursday, saying, "It is a certainty that the A's will play their 2025 season in Sacramento as planned. MLB is continuing to work productively with the MLBPA on the details of the transition." Though the A’s have sold out their final home game for September 26th, despite pleas and even offers of volunteer labor , the derisively nicknamed Mt. Davis, unused since 2019 will remain closed.  Currently, Sutter Health Park  is the home to the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Barring other new developments that continue to test the faith and patience of A’s fans, the A’s and River Cats will be sharing Sutter Health Park throughout the 2025 season. Sutter Health Park, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Will September 26 be the last time A’s fans walk along the BART bridge to The Oakland Coliseum?

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George S. Erath Field at Coy O. Williams Baseball Stadium 1013 N College Dr High Point, NC 27262 High Point Panthers website George S. Erath Field at Coy O. Williard Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 550 Choose To Be Extraordinary North Carolina is a state loaded with collegiate baseball history. Though no Tar Heel State team has raised the trophy in Omaha since Wake Forest accomplished the feat in 1955, North Carolina has played for two titles. NC State and Duke have also enjoyed success on the diamond, and many other schools across the state have participated in the NCAA regionals in recent years. High Point University has spent fewer than two decades at the Division I level, but has already placed a player in Major League Baseball (reliever Cody Allen) and hosted the Big South Conference baseball tournament. The Panthers’ home, Williard Baseball Stadium, is part of a vibrant athletic complex that continues to enjoy significant growth. If you want to catch a North Carolina program on the rise in a comfortable setting, High Point may just be your place. Food & Beverage 3 One should not expect a large amount of offerings at a High Point game. There are, however, enough choices to enjoy a small meal or in-game snack from the lone concession stand behind home plate. The school offers four hot items as part of the menu. Domino’s pizza slices ($2), hot dogs ($2), nachos and cheese ($2.75) and warm pretzels ($2.75) serve as the “entrees.” For those seeking a snack, candy and bagged chips are available for $1.50 per item. Coca-Cola serves as the Panthers’ bottler, with bottled sodas, Powerade and water available for $2. If you attend a weekday game, you might be able to enjoy an even more inexpensive night out. The school sells hot dogs for $1 apiece during in-week games. Atmosphere 3 Williard Stadium is just steps from the university’s expanding track and field sports facility, and the Millis Center — along with numerous additional campus buildings — is visible beyond the outfield fence. The view reinforces the integration of the facility into the fabric of the campus. There are also a few interestingly-hued houses (green, red, blue, et al) visible beyond the outfield wall. One of the more interesting atmospheric touches in the ballpark is also a considerable drawback. There is a bit of a “wide-open” feel in the seating bowl, as there is no overhanging structure. While this allows views of most of the action on the field from almost anywhere inside the confines of the park, this also means that there are no shaded seating areas. Therefore, day games make sunscreen a requirement. If you are visiting for an evening game and sitting on the third base (visiting) side, consider a good pair of sunglasses and a hat to block out the setting sun. The sun will remain in your eyes for at least the first half of most evening contests. All of the seats in the seating bowl are fixed, eliminating the highly uncomfortable spring option of bleachers. There is a reasonable amount of leg room for each seat, though the considerable amount of distance between the plate and backstop separates the seats from the field a bit. A standard nine-inning scoreboard can be found beyond the wall in right-center field. The board contains the normal options one would expect to see when attending a game, along with a digital clock and LED board. The board is not used for video options, but does display statistical information about the current batter and the first three batters due up in the next inning. Advertisements are also occasionally shown on the board, with each shutout inning by the homestanding Panthers sponsored — for whatever reason — by a local real estate agent. Neighborhood 2 Williard Stadium is located in a largely residential neighborhood, near the intersection of Lexington and College. There are just a couple of options — along with a Food Lion grocery store — within a reasonable distance of the park. A small group of fans tailgate in a nearby parking lot before the game, so if you feel outgoing and adventurous, it may be worth trying to introduce yourself and joining the tailgate. Many dining options can be found along North Main Street and Eastchester Drive (North Carolina Highway 68), though these options are well outside walking distance from the campus. Gianno’s, the official caterer of High Point athletics, is located on Eastchester Drive. Fans 2 A fairly sizeable crowd can be found in the seats at most Panther games. The night I attended featured a crowd of 522 (capacity is 550), with numerous others gathered outside of the gates to watch. The number of fans in attendance is comparable with a number of Big South schools. The true concern comes when analyzing the crowd itself. Attending games at High Point seems to be more of a social affair, with fans appearing more interested in hanging out with friends and catching up on the latest social news, versus making their support of the home team heard. The atmosphere can get a bit quiet at times, with the ability to hear the players on the field louder than the fans nearby in the stands. The crowd woke up a bit toward the end of the game I attended, though one might have expected more of a response throughout what ended up being a one-run game. Access 3 For fans looking to access High Point by air, the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) is located about 20 minutes north of the university in Greensboro. This is easy enough. However, the numerous interstate highways in the Triad tend not to visit the High Point campus. Interstate 74 (co-signed with US Highway 311) is the nearest interstate, and is some ten minutes from the campus. North Carolina Highway 68 (Eastchester Drive) eventually connects the campus to the airport, though there are a number of stoplights along the route. Upon your arrival to campus, parking is a bit of a challenge. There is a small lot behind the track, though it quickly fills. Therefore, it is probably best to park along the street on West College Drive (behind the track) or East Farris Avenue (between the stadium and the main campus guard house). Though this parking is free, it is not among the most convenient possible options. Either option will leave you with about a five-minute walk. There is a tiny concourse inside the ballpark, and the concession stand and restrooms are located on the concourse. The restrooms are clean and well-kept, satisfying the needs of any crowd that may attend a game at Williard Stadium. Return on Investment 4 In a world where it seems as though there is more demand for the entertainment dollar than ever, High Point offers a tremendous entertainment value for fans looking to enjoy a night out. The Big South is one of the better “non-power” baseball conferences in America, and it is almost a guarantee that, no matter the game, a great opponent will be on the field to take on the Panthers. Using the standard test we often apply, a fan can get a seat ($5 for any seat in the park), a hot dog ($2) and a soda ($2) for just nine dollars, meaning a family of four can almost assuredly attend a game for under $40. Parking is also free, removing one of the usual headaches at a game. Value such as this is hard to argue. . Extras 3 High Point has a sports marketing table just inside the entrance to the stadium. The table features free roster sheets and other helpful documentation. For those who love to keep score at a game — and who doesn’t? — score sheets can also be found at this table. If sitting in a regular ballpark seat bores you, the school furnishes rocking chairs along the top of the concourse. These chairs fill up early, so it is best to arrive early to guarantee a shot at one of these comfortable chairs. Rocking chairs are a long-time part of Southern lore, and these chairs give the park a sense of identity. If you are a “knothole” viewer who chooses to watch the game from outside the interior of the park, there is a large hill behind the first base dugout on which fans can stand or sit. This area also contains one of the only sections of shade in the vicinity of the park. There is also a section beyond the center field wall called the Panther’s Den, in which fans tend to gather to watch the game. This area contains picnic tables and standing room. While these areas allow you to get a glimpse of the game without buying a ticket, you are also not afforded the options of concessions and restrooms offered within the gates. Keep this in mind when making your decision. Final Thoughts Sure, the park could be a bit louder and more lively, but — surprisingly — this may dim some of its charm. If a comfortable, inexpensive baseball experience is what you seek, come pull up a rocking chair at Williard Stadium. You’ll be treated to great people, beautiful weather and a relaxing night at the ballpark.

Photo by Kirsten Richards, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Munhak Baseball Stadium 482 Munhak-dong, Nam-gu Incheon, South Korea SSG Landers website Munhal Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 28,500 NOTE....This review was done while the team was known as the SK Wyverns. In 2021, the team was acquired and renamed the SSG Landers. Munhak Stadium, Home of the SK Wyverns Munhak Stadium is home to the SK Wyverns, one of the eight teams (expanding to nine teams in 2015) contesting the Korea Baseball Championship (the KBO). The SK Wyverns incorporated in 2000 and have been playing at Munhak since it opened in 2002. In that time, the SK Wyverns have played in the Championship Series seven times and won it outright on three occasions (2007, 2008, 2010). The stadium seats 28,500 and regularly sells out. A large portion of the seats are general admission, but lower level infield seating is reserved. There is also a grass area, a Korean BBQ zone, a party deck and a number of extras inside the stadium, away from the field. Like all professional baseball teams in Korea, the SK Wyverns have passionate fans who know and participate in a number of songs and chants throughout the game. Munhak is a lovely modern stadium that is very easy to get to and very easy to move around in. An afternoon or evening at Munhak is a guaranteed good time. Food & Beverage 5 Munhak Stadium has vendors selling pizza, burgers, fried chicken, hand-cut fries and hot dogs in the $4-$10 range. There are also a wide-range of Korean snacks available, including grilled pork skin, fried octopus, fish cakes, spicy rice cakes, dumplings, deep fried sweet potato and cup noodles. Prices range from 3 pieces for $1 through to about $10. Standard sodas are approximately the same price as standard Korean lager beers (Cass, Hite and OB) for $2/can. Lemon and honey tea is a standout treat on a cold evening in early May. Lines are short and move very quickly. The Korean BBQ zone is a highlight as well. As with all Korean baseball games, you are welcome to bring anything you want to eat or drink into the stadium with you. It is common to see people dragging very large eskies/coolers into the stadium. In short, you don’t have to restrict yourself to unopened water and packaged crisps – bring in exactly what you want, including alcoholic beverages. A note to the traveler – it is polite to bag your rubbish and take it out to the concourse and leave it in/nearby the bins. Atmosphere 5 Munhak Stadium is part of the Munhak Sports Complex, which has hosted a number of large international games and will host the Asian Games in September 2014. The setting is very peaceful, with wide tree-shaded pedestrian avenues for crowds to make their way between stadiums. The baseball stadium provides painted lines for you to follow from the Munhak Sports Complex subway station exit to the ticket window and around to the relevant gate. Views from the outside of the concourse take in forested hills, the city of Incheon and the Munhak Sports Complex. Inside the stadium, sight lines are good from all general admission areas, with the seats in the outfield oriented towards second base. Shade/shelter from the rain is available in the upper areas of the grandstand. The third base side of the park is in full sun during day games. The first base side gets shade earlier in the day. There is not a lot of room between the rows of seating, but the pitch is not so extreme that an accidental bump feels like it will send you tumbling down to the field. The pitch is steeper in the upper level of the stadium. The lower level infield seating is reserved and entry is not permitted without a ticket. Autograph hunters are best off to wait outside the locker rooms after the games – which are easy to find, as there will usually be a polite gauntlet of fans lining the way from the exit to the team buses. The scoreboard is large and easy to read and contains all of the standard stats for pitchers and hitters. The animations for foul balls, strikeouts and extra-base hits are a stand-out. Jersey numbers and the outcomes of previous at-bats are not shown. The home team dugout is on the first base line, away team is on the third base line and the fans of each team group themselves behind the relevant dugouts. Neighborhood 4 There is not a great deal in the area immediately surrounding the stadium, however the stadium is on the subway line, which gives easy and quick access to Incheon and only takes a little longer to get back to Seoul.Incheon and Seoul are both very safe cities and it is comfortable, safe and easy to ride the subway at night. Fans 5 The fans are very passionate and very loud. People of all ages have their gloves ready to catch a foul ball or a home run. I have never seen any kind of aggression between fans at a Korean baseball game and don’t expect that I ever will. Fans are largely friendly and welcoming to foreigners and may go so far as to offer you some of their picnic. There are cheer sections for both the home team and the away team. The cheer section has a small stage for the cheerleaders to lead chants and provide between-inning entertainment, however most of the crowd can and will participate in all songs and chants. Two thundersticks (inflatable cylinders) are the key equipment for participating in cheering. Access 4 Munhak Stadium is best accessed via the Incheon line on the subway. From either Incheon International airport or Gimpo International airport there is one transfer to get onto the Incheon line. Travel time from Incheon Airport is approximately 1 hour. The other practical way to get to the stadium is from the Incheon bus terminal, which is one station away from Munhak Sports Complex on the subway. Subway tickets are approximately $1 each way (1200 Won). Bathroom queues are short and move fast. Cleanliness of the ladies was excellent. I did not inspect the men’s room. Mobility impaired travelers may have a difficult time navigating to their seats in the general admission areas, as the space between rows is narrow. Return on Investment 5 An afternoon or evening out at Korean baseball is always worth your time. Prices are roughly equivalent to Minor League ball – $8-$20 for regular seating and up to $50/head for boxes, Korean BBQ seating, etc. There is a wide range of reasonably priced merchandise – from $3 keyrings up to $150 for player jerseys. As a visitor, sitting in or behind the cheering section for either the home or the away team is great fun. Tickets to Korean baseball can be a little difficult to acquire ahead of time if you do not have a Korean mobile phone number, a Korean credit card and the ability to read Korean. If, for mobility reasons you need to book ahead to get a seat at a table or in one of the boxes, you should definitely get help from a travel agent, hotel concierge, Korean workmate or friend. For tickets on the day I advise arriving a couple of hours early to buy your general admission tickets and acquire a good spot. Extras 4 There is a smoking area downstairs and outside on the first base side. Other things downstairs in the fan-zone area include a pitching speed gun machine, batting cages, casts of the players’ hands and the kids playground area.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Peterborough Memorial Centre 151 Landsdowne Street West Peterborough, ON K9J 1Y4 Peterborough Jr. Lakers website Peterborough Memorial Centre website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 3,729 (Junior) Lake Show in Peterborough Without a doubt, Peterborough, Ontario is known as a bit of a hockey hotbed.  Legendary names have come through town and played for the venerable Peterborough Petes.  Coaching legends like Scotty Bowman and Roger Neilson got their starts behind the Petes bench and Hall of Fame players like Steve Yzerman and Chris Pronger led the Petes to glory back in their junior days.  It is a little known fact that Peterborough is also a hotbed of lacrosse.  The Senior ‘A’ Peterborough Lakers are both wildly popular and have been wildly successful.  Peterborough also puts a Junior C team on the floor.  However, the focus of this review is the Peterborough Jr Lakers that play in the Junior A level, Ontario Junior Lacrosse League.  Founded in 1950, the Lakers have found themselves under a vast number of monikers, most of them sponsor driven, including the Filter Queens, Pat’s, Pete’s, UEWs, Hastings Legionnaires, Petes, Tee-Pees, Gray-Munros, Century 21, James Gang, Maulers, Traders, Javelins and finally in 1999, the Lakers.  Earning a staggering 12 Minto Cups as junior lacrosse National Champions, the Lakers have also been wildly successful. The home for the Jr Lakers is the Peterborough Memorial Centre.  It is most known as a hockey rink and the home of the Petes in the winter, but in the summer months it is home for lacrosse, both at the Senior A and Junior A levels.  The PMC opened its doors in 1956 and is one of the most unique venues.  It gives the Jr Lakers a bit of a boost as they are the only team in the OJLL that plays in such a large, professional-type venue.  The PMC has been the centre of plenty of discussion over the last number of years as replacement has been a popular topic of conversation locally. Food & Beverage 2 The concession situation for Jr Laker games is not terrific.  The typical concession stands on the ground level are closed.  There are vending machines available on the west side, upper level, with soft drinks and small snacks.  The south side of the arena, near floor level, does have a full service bar that sells alcohol, which gives the food score a bit of a boost. Atmosphere 4 The Peterborough Memorial Centre is a very unique building.  Fans enter the building from the north side, on Lansdowne Street, and are welcomed by a ground level, glassed-in lobby, that is beneath a huge, rectangular facade with flags perched atop of the building.  Upon entry, fans enter a large concourse and it is immediately apparent that this is the home of the Peterborough Petes.  Banners of Petes legends hang in the concourse.  Off to the left is the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, which is excellent.  Unfortunately, on the day of this review, it was closed.  It is probable that the museum is not open for Jr Lakers games.  Fans will ascend the stairs to get to the upper concourse, which is the easiest way to get to the seating area. The floor of the Peterborough Memorial Centre runs from north to south and fosters the very unique seating area.  The north end has a massive seating section, most of which is closed for Jr Laker games.  The east and west sides have smaller seating areas that provide excellent sightlines.  The bulkheads above the east and west seating provide a facade for the massive number of accolades that have accumulated in Peterborough.  The east side has the accomplishments of the Peterborough Petes as well as the banners for honoured players and coaches.  The honoured players are a who’s who of hockey royalty and include such names as Chris Pronger, Larry Murphy, Jamie Langenbrunner, Steve Yzerman and Bob Gainey as well as coaching legends Scotty Bowman, Colin Campbell and Roger Neilson.  The west side covers all of the Peterborough lacrosse accomplishments of the MSL Lakers (Senior A) who have earned a ton of Mann Cup’s as National Champions, as well as the 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1986, 1987, 1989 and 2006 Minto Cup banners for the Junior Lakers.  Unparalleled success is on display in Peterborough. The floor at the Peterborough Memorial Centre is covered in turf, which is not standard in the OJLL but found in only around half of the facilities.  As well as being more aesthetically pleasing, the turf changes the game a bit with the ball reacting less erratically on bounces off of the floor.  One of the most unique aspects of the Peterborough Memorial Centre is the corners of the floor, which are much more square than a traditional hockey arena.  A big advantage for the Jr Lakers is the videoboard, which hangs above the centre of the floor, the only one in the league.  The production at a Jr Lakers game is fairly simple.  Kids take to the floor with their lacrosse sticks and balls during intermission, and the main promotion is a 50/50 draw.  When the Jr Lakers score, the song “Heave Away” by The Fables is played over the excellent PA system. Neighbourhood 3 The Peterborough Memorial Centre is located at the north end of the Kenner neighbourhood, bordering South Central, south of downtown.  It is west of the Otonabee River and north of Little Lake.  There is not a ton in the immediate neighbourhood.  One Eyed Jack’s is a restaurant right beside the Best Western, which is within walking distance of the arena.  Other bar and restaurant options that are a very short drive away include Dockus, the Original Spaghetti House and Sticks. If in the area during the summer months and looking for another sporting event, the MSL’s Peterborough Lakers are the best bet.  During the lacrosse off season, taking in a Peterborough Petes  game is a must.  Peterborough is a nice town in the summer with some good outdoor entertainment options like taking in the Trent-Severn Waterway.  Also consider the Canadian Canoe Museum and the Peterborough Museum.  The Best Western and Holiday Inn are both close to the arena and good options for accommodations. Fans 3 It is very difficult to assess fans in the OJLL as attendance figures are not published or tracked.  The Peterborough Jr Lakers further this difficulty by playing in a facility that is massively oversized for the league.  For the game that was reviewed there appeared to be more than the traditional “friends and family” crowd.  The Jr Lakers play many games on Monday evenings, including the one that was reviewed, which is not an ideal time for spectator sports. Peterborough fans are knowledgeable and not afraid to let the officials know about what they think of the previous call.   Access 5 The Peterborough Memorial Centre is located in the Kenner neighbourhood of Peterborough.  It is north of Highways 7 and 115 and will require travelers to drive through the city to get to the arena.  This is not difficult and definitely easier than for a Petes game, although that is not difficult either.  There is plenty of onsite parking that is free.  For fans interested in public transit, there is a Peterborough Transit bus stop right on Lansdowne Street.  Fans should consult the Peterborough Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules. One of the big advantages of playing in a bigger venue is the ease of getting around.  The seating is more comfortable than many of the other OJLL facilities and moving around the arena is no problem at all.  The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd on hand. Return on Investment 5 The value of an OJLL game is very high and taking in the Peterborough Jr Lakers is no different.  Jr Lakers tickets are $10 each with discounts available for those that qualify.  It is cash only at the door so be prepared.  Parking is free and the concession prices are appropriate for vending machines.  The action on the floor is solid and fans will definitely enjoy taking in a Jr Lakers game.  Extras 2 An extra mark for the Jr Lakers playing in a professional-like venue. An extra mark for the recognition of the accomplishments of the Jr Lakers that is found in the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Final Thoughts Peterborough is definitely one of the lacrosse hot beds in Ontario and when taking in lacrosse during the summer months, the Jr Lakers are a must stop on the tour.  Playing in a Major Junior Hockey venue, the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the Jr Lakers offer an experience that is far different than many of the other teams in the OJLL.  Fans should definitely take in the (Junior) Lake Show. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre 6 Northmen Way Orangeville, ON L9W 3B2 Orangeville Northmen website Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,050 Rose of Orange With a mere population of 28,000, the Town of Orangeville has a significant sports legacy. The Orangeville Prep Basketball Academy counts Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, along with Edge and Christian (Adam Copeland and Jay Reso) of professional wrestling fame along its alumni. Despite these famous residents, Orangeville is essentially a lacrosse town. Orangeville offers among the most in-depth lacrosse programs in Ontario and fields three teams at the junior level with the Orangeville Northmen of the OJLL at the top of the chain. Few centres offer both Junior A and Junior B teams, but Orangeville offers Junior A, Junior B, and Junior C teams. Those who play Junior A lacrosse for the Northmen hope to translate their success on the floor to opportunities in the NCAA or the professional National Lacrosse League. Orangeville Northmen alumni include Pat Coyle, Josh and Phil Sanderson, Brodie Merrill, Mike Poulin, and current General Manager Nick Rose. All have or are currently playing in the NLL. Home for the Northmen is the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre. Named after the father of GM and Toronto Rock goaltender Nick Rose, the Tony Rose offers seating for 1,050 in the main arena and a classic lacrosse environment. Tony Rose was a member of the Northmen in the eighties and was a member of Senior B championship teams. He was a promoter of local lacrosse and died in a car accident in 1990. Food & Beverage 3 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre has a fairly typical concession scene for Junior A lacrosse. A single snack bar-style concession is found in the lobby and offers all of the expected arena delicacies. French fries, poutine, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, muffins, freezies, and chips are all available. Vending machines opposite the concession offer soft drinks. Inside the main arena, a small selection of beer and seltzer can be found. Atmosphere 3 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre functions as a typical town community centre. The exterior is a mix of both modern and dated looks for the two-pad complex. The main entrance off of Northern Way features a mix of light brick which gives it a clean, attractive look. “The Torchbearer” and “Mr. Lacrosse,” wooden sculptures which are part of the Orangeville Art Walk of Tree Sculptures, welcome sports fans heading to the game. Mr. Lacrosse is a tribute to Orangeville lacrosse legend, the late Terry Sanderson. Inside, fans will enter a small lobby before heading into the main arena. In the lobby, there is a display for Tony Rose including his stick and jersey. Inside the main arena, fans are greeted by volunteers at temporary tables for ticket sales, raffles, and merchandise sales. The floor runs from north to south and offers 10 rows of step bench seating on the west side. On the north end of the arena is a trophy case that lacrosse fans should check out as there are a ton of accolades and awards for the Northmen. In the northeast corner, around what could be the operations window, hang the six Minto Cup Championship banners signifying the highest honour possible in junior lacrosse, the national championship. (1993, 1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015) . The north wall also offers some nice touches including a large banner signifying the retired number 19 for Terry Sanderson. To the left there is also a large, touching, “In Memoriam” banner with the initials of those Northmen who have passed. The nod to Northmen history and accomplishments continues with a trophy case with artifacts for former Team Canada player, Chris Sanderson and painted championship rosters for Northmen Ontario Senior Champions from the eighties. The eastern wall is littered with youth box and field lacrosse championship banners. The simple hockey-style scoreboard is found on the south end. The playing surface is polished concrete and does have a centre floor logo, to further personalize the venue. The gameday production is very simple with some music played during down times and a 50/50 draw is at the centre of the promotions. The PA system is poor and it is difficult to understand the announcements that are being made much of the time. Neighbourhood 3 Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre is located in the town of Orangeville, which is not huge. Orangeville is located northwest of Brampton and west of Highway 10. There is not much in the way of pre or post-game spots for food and drink in the residential area surrounding the arena, so fans should head south to Broadway for more options. Bluebird Cafe, Rustik Local Bistro, Black Wolf Smokehouse, and Hockley Valley Brewing are some options fans may wish to check out. There is not much in the way of other sports in the immediate area, however, Orangeville being such a lacrosse hotbed, the Junior B or Junior C Orangeville Northmen may be of interest. For other entertainment options, Theatre Orangeville may be of interest and the Walk of Tree Sculptures are worth checking out. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Best Western on Highway 10 is a good option. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the OJLL is difficult as the attendance figures are not published. The game that was reviewed was also part of the OJLL Finals series. That being said, the Orangeville Northmen enjoy a strong support network. The game that was reviewed involved a standing-room-only crowd. The fans in attendance are loud and supportive and even take their support to the next level with college hockey-type chants after goals. Access 4 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre is located in central Orangeville. It is located west of Highway 10, the main artery in town. Getting to the arena will require going through town, which is not a big deal. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there is a bus stop right across the road from the arena. Fans should consult the Orangeville Transit website for fares, schedules, and maps. The Tony Rose facilities are fairly tight when there is a big crowd, and feature benches that are not the most comfortable, and there is no air conditioning making it pretty hot during the summer months. Return on Investment 5 Orangeville Northmen and OJLL lacrosse offer tremendous value for a very small investment. Tickets for the Northmen are $10, parking is free and concession offerings offer a decent price. The lacrosse on the floor is fast and pure without too much production. In the end, this all adds up to a tremendous return for a minimal investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the strong community connection that Orangeville has with the sport of lacrosse. An extra mark for Northmen GM Nick Rose, who not only is the goaltender for the Toronto Rock but also the son of Orangeville legend Tony Rose. An extra mark for the massive Orangeville Northmen alumni including Nick Rose, Phil Sanderson, Josh Sanderson, Mike Poulin, Pat Coyle, and Brodie Merrill to name a few. All have had significant careers in the National Lacrosse League. Final Thoughts Orangeville and lacrosse go together like peanut butter and jelly and the Orangeville Northmen are the main attraction for the town. For lacrosse fans, a trip to see the Orangeville Northmen will be an experience that will be worth the time, and checking out all the lacrosse artifacts and history at the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre will be worth it. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Mimico Arena 31 Drummond St. Toronto, ON M8V 1Y7 Mimico Mountaineers website Mimico Arena website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 800 Home of the Wild Pigeon Mimico has deep lacrosse roots. Once a village outside of Toronto, Mimico was swallowed by the City of Etobicoke in 1967. Located on the west side of Toronto, Etobicoke was amalgamated into the City of Toronto in 1998. However, the community of Mimico still has a very strong sense of community and local pride. Nowhere is that more evident than in its attachment to lacrosse. The Mimico Lacrosse Club was established in 1890. The name “Mimico” translates from Ojibwa to “Home of the Wild Pigeon.” Lacrosse was so significant in Mimico that they built the Drummond Street Bowl in 1931, an outdoor, box lacrosse facility, which would eventually become the Mimico Arena. Mimico competed in lacrosse at various levels over more than a century and continues today. The lacrosse achievements would culminate in Mann Cup Championships in 1932 and 1942 as Senior Lacrosse National Champions and Minto Cup Championships in 1938 and 1951 as Junior National Champions. The Lakeshore Maple Leafs, which would be folded into the Mimico Mountaineers program, claim a 1970 Minto Cup also. Mimico even boasts the legendary Conn Smythe as part of their history as a resident and lacrosse player. In 1978, Junior lacrosse would cease to exist in Mimico, only to be resurrected as a Junior B program in 1993. The Mountaineers would move up to the current Ontario Junior Lacrosse League, a Junior A league, in 2013, and is still going strong today. Food & Beverage 4 Most would expect the most simple snack bar options available at a junior lacrosse game. However, at Mimico, the community vibe even bumps up the concession scene to another level. Although the variety would not compare to a professional experience, the uniqueness of the options takes the concession scene to the next level. The expected arena options are all there including chips, popcorn, soda, coffee, and tea. Sandwiches are on the menu along with breakfast sandwiches, but what Mimico is known for are their peameal bacon sandwiches. There is also a small lounge in the upper north end of the arena where fans can relax and converse with other fans and enjoy the specialty branded beer for the Mountaineers from Great Lakes Brewery, Lax Lager. Atmosphere 4 Mimico Arena began its existence as the Drummond Street Bowl in 1931, an outdoor lacrosse facility. Since that time, Mimico Arena has changed drastically with the facility becoming an indoor facility with an ice plant, which allows Mimico Arena the ability to host hockey in the winter months. The exterior of the arena has that local feel to it with double blue siding and a low profile. Unique to Mimico Arena is signage outside that boasts Mimico Arena as the home of the Mountaineers. Entering the north entrance from Drummond Street brings fans into a small lobby and the immersion into Mimico lacrosse history begins. A large trophy case immediately to the right upon entering features trophies and pictures of Mountaineers teams of the past. A temporary table offers patrons the opportunity to purchase tickets. To the right, behind the ticket table is the set of stairs that takes fans up to the bar. There is even more history at the fingertips of patrons with more trophies and retired jerseys of former Mimico lacrosse greats and team award honourees. Straight past the ticket table, to the right of the concession stand, is the entrance to the arena floor. Fans are instantly met with the feeling of nostalgia as Mimico Arena remains an “old-school hockey barn” that lacks ice during the summer. The concrete floor runs from south to north with step benches for seating on the east side of the arena. Also unique to Mimico Arena are Mountaineers markings on the floor itself. The simple scoreboard hangs on the south side and a window from the crow’s nest bar is found at the north end. The stands are split by a simple press box where the game day operations staff make announcements and control the music played during stoppages. The west side of the arena is where the player benches are and above them hang numerous banners reminding visitors just who’s home they are in. A banner hangs for the two Mimico Mann Cups and another for the two Minto Cups as well as a Lakeshore Maple Leafs Minto Cup championship. The local, community vibe is proliferated with the banners that honour Mimico lacrosse builders Norm Gair, Jerry Chemij, John J.R. Robinson, Ruby Lang, and Bob McCabe are just as prominent, if not more, than the retired numbers of Archie Dixon, Andy Dudun and Ken Dixon. Mimico Arena is not the most comfortable or modern setting as the five rows of step benches are very simplistic and the age of the arena also means it lacks climate control. The gameday atmosphere is fairly simple. The team is led on the floor by a local youth lacrosse player carrying the Mountaineer flag on a lacrosse stick. Music is not played during the play but during stoppages. Although it seems that the announcers do a decent job, the PA system is quite old and it is difficult to understand all of the announcements. Neighbourhood 4 Mimico Arena is located in the Mimico-Queensway neighbourhood of Toronto, in the former city of Etobicoke, which is on the west side of the city. The arena is situated in a mixed residential commercial area, right beside a grocery store. There are a couple of restaurants in the area close to the arena. These include TC Tibetan MoMo, Il Padre’s Gourmet Pizza, Canadiana Grill By The Lake, Blue Goose Tavern, and Tila’s Mexican Food. It is probably best to bring the car to the destination as opposed to walking. Although there is not much in the way of sports in the Mimico neighbourhood, one should remember that they are still in Toronto and a short drive will bring fans to some of the best sports around. The Toronto Beaches, also in the OJLL, play in the east end of town. Downtown is where fans will find most of the other options. BMO Field at Exhibition Place is shared between the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL and Toronto FC of the MLS. Also, at Exhibition Place is the Coca-Cola Coliseum, home of the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. East of Exhibition Place is Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays of MLB. Further east along the Lakeshore is Scotiabank Arena, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL and Toronto Raptors of the NBA. The University of Toronto fields a full complement of varsity teams including football at Varsity Stadium , hockey at Varsity Arena , and basketball at the Goldring Centre . A true gem is Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) hockey and basketball , both of whom play in the renovated former Maple Leaf Gardens. Summer may also bring fans to Christie Pits for some Toronto Maple Leafs baseball. There are not a ton of great options near Mimico Arena for hotels. The Deluxe Inn and Stay Inn are the closest, but getting a spot closer to downtown or the airport is probably a better idea. Fans 5 OJLL attendance is difficult to assess as attendance figures are not published. The game that was attended for this review was also a playoff game. That being said, the Mountaineers have strong community support and played in front of a capacity crowd for the game that was reviewed. Friends, family as well as community members were all in attendance and there were plenty of younger people in attendance, who all stood behind the goal. The crowd was loud and into the game and there were even fans leading others in cheers. The fans made the Mimico Mountaineers game that much more exciting. Some fans were even tailgating in the small parking lot behind the arena. Access 3 Getting to Mimico Arena is not the easiest venture. The arena is located between Lakeshore Blvd and the Gardiner Expressway, which brings fans from the west to downtown. Toronto traffic can be a real issue so fans coming from out of town should make sure they give themselves plenty of time to arrive. Combining traffic issues with some distinct parking challenges amplifies fans' need to get to the arena early as opposed to late. Most of the parking in the neighbourhood is on the street. There is a very small lot to the west of the arena and the grocery store to the east has numerous signs dissuading arena patrons from parking there For fans wishing to take public transit, there are TTC buses that run to the east on Royal York Blvd and Mimico Ave and the streetcar can be found further east. Fans should consult the Toronto Transit Commission website for fares, and maps. and schedules. Mimico Arena is an old building and it is not overly spacious. Fans with mobility challenges will find the arena difficult to traverse. Return on Investment 5 OJLL games are among the most affordable experiences there are. Mimico Mountaineer tickets are sold for $12 for adults. The price of concessions is more than palpable and parking, although a challenge, is free. The product on the floor is the fastest game on two feet and is very exciting. The history of the building and the engagement of the fans put the return on a relatively small investment, over the top. Extras 4 An extra mark for the deep history that the Mimico Mountaineers enjoy and share. An extra mark for the connection that is evident between the Mountaineers and the Mimico community. A true neighbourhood team in an era where the neighbourhood is almost lost. An extra two marks for the Sportsman’s Battery . In World War II, the 30th Battery of the 7th Toronto Regiment was led by hockey legend Conn Smythe. All of the members of the Mimico Senior Lacrosse team were members of the battery. Mimico native Smythe stated that if he were to go to war again, he would bring lacrosse players. Final Thoughts The Mimico Mountaineers of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League offer a unique experience for fans. Mixing a ton of history with the youth and exuberance of the young players, the Mountaineers experience is one that lacrosse fans should experience. The refreshing feel of a true community team in a big city is one that fans will find in the Home of the Wild Pigeon! ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Toronto Rock Athletic Centre 1132 Invicta Drive Oakville, ON L6H 6G1 Oakville Buzz website Toronto Rock Athletic Centre website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 750 What’s the Buzz in Oakville? In 1999 the Ontario Raiders moved from Hamilton to Toronto to become the Toronto Rock. Making their home at the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens until 2001, the Rock helped expand the reach of lacrosse in Southern Ontario and definitely increased its status. Under the ownership of Jamie Dawick, in 2012, the Rock would open a training centre for the team to house its offices and provide space for the Rock to practice. Going beyond the practicality of providing for the team, the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, in the nearby city of Oakville has become a hub for lacrosse activity in the area. With two indoor box lacrosse fields and an outdoor turf field, the TRAC has become a centre for lacrosse at all levels. The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is the home for the Oakville Buzz of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League. The top junior lacrosse league is viewed as one of the top providers of lacrosse talent to the professional National Lacrosse League. The Buzz moved up to the OJLL, which is Junior A level, from Junior B in 2019, after winning a Junior B, Founders Cup National Championship in 2006. Taking advantage of one of the top lacrosse facilities in the province, the Buzz provides a good lacrosse experience for Ontario fans. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at the TRAC are fairly simple but not insignificant. The typical snack bar experience is what fans can expect. Hot dogs, slushies, candy, popcorn and soda make up the menu for the most part. Sometimes pizza and other items are also available. Concessions will keep fans from being hungry during the game, but not replace a trip somewhere else for a pre or post game meal. Atmosphere 3 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is basically the training ground for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League. Complete with offices, medical and a pro shop, the TRAC is an innovative centre for lacrosse in the Greater Toronto Area. The exterior is attractive, with a clearly designated main entrance. Red and blue pillars highlight the grey exterior with plenty of windows for a sleek, smart look. That look continues as fans enter the lobby of the TRAC, which continues the Toronto Rock theme and markings but in a classy fashion with some tiled floors and walls. When fans enter for a Buzz game, there are temporary tables off to the right where tickets are sold as well as raffle tickets and a merchandise table. Entering the playing area, fans will immediately be struck with the notion that this facility was built for lacrosse. The TRAC features synthetic turf for a playing surface, similar to what can be found in the National Lacrosse League. Many of the other OJLL venues have concrete floors for the playing surface. The floor runs from west to east with seating on the south side. Four rows of simple step benches comprise the seating area, so the majority of fans sit on the last row to take advantage of the wall behind the final bench. The west side of the arena features a simple, yet effective, scoreboard, which is surrounded by the Toronto Rock championship banners and retired number and honoured coaches banners. The arena is well lit and very clean. On the east side is a balcony which links to the upper level offices. Although it is great to see all of the accolades for the Toronto Rock, there is little to no evidence that the Oakville Buzz play here at all. Even a simple banner acknowledging the 2006 Founders Cup Championship would be good. The gameday production at a Buzz game is very simple. Unlike the NLL, music is not used during play. The Buzz take advantage of the excellent PA system and use promotions such as 50/50 and raffles. The Buzz add just enough production value to make the game feel a little more professional, but at no point is the attention taken away from the action on the floor. Neighbourhood 2 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is located in Oakville, Ontario in an essentially industrial area. Oakville is located on Lake Ontario, between Hamilton and Toronto. The TRAC is east of the Falgarwood neighborhood in Oakville and there is not much in the immediate area. Cameron’s Brewing Co is just up the road. Other than that, fans will need to hop into the car. Monaghan’s Sports Pub is about five minutes away, or fans can head south to Downtown Oakville and find a spot somewhere on Lakeshore Road. As for other sporting options, Oakville doesn’t offer too much. Glen Abbey Golf Course is in Oakville and has been home to the Canadian Open on a number of occasions and may warrant a visit. Otherwise, fans may wish to head to Hamilton or Toronto for sporting options. Of course, the Toronto Rock at FirstOntario Centre would be an option if it were not off-season. As far as other tourist options, heading to the waterfront might be a good plan. For fans wishing to stay near the TRAC, the Holiday Inn is not too far. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJLL is extremely difficult. Attendance figures are not published. The game that was reviewed was a playoff game. The capacity of the TRAC is only 750, so the couple hundred fans in attendance made the game seem adequately populated. It is difficult to assert how many fans in attendance were beyond the “friends and family” category. The fans in attendance are fairly reserved and not over the top. Access 5 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is located between the Falgarwood neighbourhood in Oakville and Highway 403. Getting to the arena is not difficult at all due to the proximity of the highway and the industrial neighbourhood the TRAC is in. There is plenty of free parking on the premises for fans who are driving to the game. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are Oakville Transit bus stops on North Service Road, near Invicta Drive. Fans should consult the Oakville Transit website for maps, schedules and fares. Inside the TRAC, washroom facilities are more than adequate for the expected crowd and getting around the facility is no problem at all. Return on Investment 5 There are not too many experiences that can be found for a $20 bill anymore, but the Oakville Buzz are one of them. Tickets for the Buzz go for $15 per adult. Students and seniors get in for $10. Parking is free and concession prices are decent. The product on the floor is exciting and fun. The math works out for the fan in this case for sure. Extras 2 An extra mark for the TRAC providing a hub for lacrosse. A clear benefit to promote the game. An extra mark for expanding the Toronto Rock brand, giving junior players something to strive for each game. Final Thoughts Checking out some OJLL lacrosse action and the Oakville Buzz is a great way for fans to catch the next generation of lacrosse professionals during the summer months. The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre offers a professional facility that is a real advantage for the players who play there. If you were wondering what’s the buzz in Oakville, now you know to see for yourself. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Colonial Life Arena 801 Lincoln St Columbia, SC 29208 South Carolina Gamecocks website Colonial Life Arena website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 18,000 Colonial Life Arena – South Carolina Gamecocks The Southeastern Conference has long been home to several of the most decorated college basketball programs – Florida and Kentucky have both won multiple national championships, and Arkansas has added a championship of their own. In all, the SEC has made a total of 44 Final Four appearances. While a national championship has been elusive, the Gamecocks have experienced their own postseason glory with consecutive NIT titles (2005-2006) and an unforgettable run to the 2019 Final Four, the first in program history. USC made a major investment in basketball in 2002, opening the doors to the 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena, following 34 years at the Carolina Coliseum. This move signaled a commitment to competing at the highest level of not just the SEC, but nationally.   Food & Beverage   5 The food options at Colonial Life Arena are as plentiful as a mall food court. Fans can choose everything ranging from stadium favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and chicken tenders, to a wide selection of more regional offerings including Mexican at Salsarita’s, craft burgers at Burgerim, Thai Kingdom, and even a taste of the ocean from Mr. Seafood. Many carts are also situated around the concourse offering everything from ice cream to donuts and gourmet popcorn to smoothies. Colonia Life Arena sells both craft and domestic beer, wine, and seltzers. Craft beers include selections from Terrapin, Columbia Craft Brewing Company, Wild Leap, and Peak Drift Brewing Company, while soft drink choices include Coca-Cola products.   Atmosphere   4 Fans fill the plaza at the entrance to Colonial Life Arena in anticipation of the doors opening. The plaza, at the corner of Lincoln and Greene Streets, is lined with South Carolina palmettos and is fronted with a circular fountain that beautifully frames the entryway. A 15-foot statue of Gamecock women’s basketball hero A’ja Wilson also welcomes fans upon their arrival. The entry point to Colonial Life Arena is framed by large support columns backed by a full bank of windows. As fans pass through the doors into the grand foyer, an intricate mosaic of the gamecock mascot is front and center on the floor of the entry. Fans ascend staircases on either side of the entrance, the actual center courts from both national championships won by the women’s program hang overhead. The staircases lead to the main concourse, as well as an area dedicated to the retired jerseys and championships won by the Gamecocks. The concourse that wraps completely around the arena is a virtual walking tribute to the icons of South Carolina Gamecock basketball. Pregame entertainment might be more accurately described as a pre-game extravaganza – as  the house lights dim and cell phone flashlights illuminate, the energy in the air is palpable. The South Carolina cheer squad, alongside Cocky the mascot, leads the team onto the court, with flags spelling out C-A-R-O-L-I-N-A. As the festivities move to player introductions, flames and sparks shoot from boxes set up around the center circle as Cocky waves a Gamecock-logoed flag about. The highlight of pre-game, though, is in the moments leading up to tip off; in what has become one of the great traditions in all college athletics, the techno beats of Darude’s “ Sandstorm ”  get the arena rocking. The song also plays during a handful of late game situations to fire up the crowd coming out of a timeout. Carolina power companies might want to tap into Colonial Life Arena as a source of energy – from the pre-game "Sandstorm" to the final buzzer, excitement is woven into the Gamecock basketball experience. This electric atmosphere is undoubtedly a highlight of the overall game day experience. The biggest obstacle facing South Carolina basketball might simply be consistency. Despite flashes of brilliance, maintaining consistent success has been elusive. Over the past 40 seasons, the Gamecocks have only managed three consecutive winning seasons on four occasions, often stumbling just as they start building momentum. This lack of consistency can be frustrating for fans who want to go all in with their support of the program.   Neighborhood   5 Sometimes for colleges and universities in downtown areas, it can be difficult to tell where the campus ends and the city begins. Owned and operated by the University of South Carolina, Colonial Life Arena is located about a block off the main section of USC’s campus. The surrounding neighborhood provides fans with several options in terms of eateries and points of interest to visit as part of their experience. The student housing building at 650 Lincoln has several choices for a quick bite, including Jersey Mike’s, Urban Wok, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Also, student housing at 750 Lincoln includes a more upscale taste with offerings from Angell Bros. 1801 Grille. However, one of the more popular pregame spots is Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub, where fans are lined up prior to opening at 11 am for a 1 pm tip off. If looking for more entertainment to fill a visit to the South Carolina campus, early season tilts might be paired with a late season SEC match up at William-Bryce Stadium , while mid-February will see the start of the college baseball season at Founders Park , and softball at the Carolina Softball Stadium. Or, those looking for a bit of history of the area have just a short walk to the South Carolina state capital.   Fans   4 Gamecock fans are a passionate bunch who recognize good basketball as it is unfolding. Fans start clamoring merely at the sight of the ball moving toward an open shooter, or the ball being fed to the post against a mismatch. Carolina fans show up in force, averaging a respectable 10,000-12,000 per game. But the uneven distribution of supporters seems to leave some unrealized potential of what could be, in terms of a full house on a night-to-night basis. While the lower bowl and sidelines are relatively full of excited fans, the upper baseline sections can sometimes appear a bit empty. Enough cannot be said about the role the students play in the fan experience. Dubbed, “ The Cockpit ” the student section even has their own X account (@SC_COCKPIT), and has four rules: 1) On your feet, 2) Arrive Early, 3) Be Loud, and 4) Use Props. The Cockpit is a great student section that does not seem to get the credit they deserve when ranking the top student sections in the country.   Access   3 The streets around Colonial Life Arena can seem like a bit of a maze trying to navigate. The intersections around the arena start to be blocked off about 2.5 hours before a game, creating what can be a two-block detour to get to a desired location. There are plenty of parking garages and lots that are just a short walk from the arena. The entrance at the corner of Greene and Lincoln Streets is the only one used to get fans into the arena – this does create some back-ups as fans pass through security checks before entering the foyer to have tickets scanned. Stairs leading up to the outer concourse gives fans plenty of space to navigate, with the exception of the far end of the arena where the Frank McGwire Club juts out, creating a bit of a bottleneck there. Within the seating area, a narrow walkway passes completely around the upper level of the seating bowl. With most parking concentrated on one side of the arena, it does create a great deal of congestion following the game on the secondary streets leading away from the arena, especially for those heading back toward the interstate.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for conference match ups start at $15, before Ticketmaster add-on fees; it would be difficult to find a ticket at any of the Power Five conference teams that beat this. Prices do substantially increase for premium games against the top teams in the conference, in-state rival Clemson, or a premier non-conference foe. Given Colonial Life Arena’s size, games typically do not sell out, so decent deals can be found on the secondary market. Of course, there will be fees added. Parking starts at $10 for lots and garages that are just a short walk to the arena, which seems to be in line with most other conferences like the SEC.   Extras   5 Not enough can be said about the frenzied pregame atmosphere that is carried on throughout the game. The South Carolina mascot Cocky is an active participant in hyping up the crowd, especially the student section, who really get the rest of the arena going. The concourse area of Colonial Life Arena is a virtual museum of Gamecock basketball. More than the impressive displays of the center courts from the women’s national championships, there are also displays of retired jerseys, trophy cases, recognition of those enshrined in the USC Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Walk of Fame are all a fantastic look at the history of basketball at the University of South Carolina. In addition, an array of South Carolina’s basketball history is recognized above the center-hung scoreboard, where men's and women's championship banners mingle with retired jerseys honoring past Gamecock legends. Following the game, players, coaches, staff, and cheerleaders gather in front of the pep band, raising their cupped hands in a unified "C" as the school's alma mater is played. This simple gesture speaks volumes, solidifying the bond between the program and its fans, and the university they all represent.   Final Thoughts South Carolina Gamecock basketball is an incredible college basketball experience, but one issue might be that, at a capacity of 18,000, Colonial Life Arena may be a touch too big. While the passion of the crowd does not waver, it does seem like a smaller arena might magnify that excitement even more. South Carolina basketball may be one of the best kept secrets when it comes to arena atmospheres in the country. It can be difficult for basketball programs to cut out their own niche in the football heavy SEC, but Gamecock basketball has done a wonderful job creating an electrifying college basketball atmosphere that many might simply not be aware of yet.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium 90 Stadium Dr College Park, MD 20742 Maryland Terrapins lacrosse website Martland Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 51,802 Terps Lacrosse The Maryland Terrapins are one of the most successful college lacrosse programs in the country, winning three NCAA titles, most recently in 2017, and finishing runner-up an additional nine times. In all, the Terps have made the Final Four 27 times, and as of the end of the 2021 season had made the tournament every year since 2003 (excluding the canceled 2020 tournament). The Terrapins play their home games at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium, which is also home to the football program . The stadium has a full capacity of 51,802, although the maximum capacity for lacrosse is typically lower as they do not sell all the seats. The stadium was originally known as Byrd Stadium, after university president Harry “Curley” Byrd, but his name was taken off the stadium in 2015 due to his staunch racism and his role in preserving segregation in the University of Maryland System during his tenure. Food & Beverage 3 Although Maryland Stadium has many concession stands, most are not open for lacrosse. Only one or two of the many stands will typically be open, serving just basic options such as chicken tenders, hot dogs, pretzels, soda, and water. As with football, beer is available at Maryland lacrosse games for $10 a can, with a limit of one per person per trip. Prices can be pretty high – the tenders and fries will cost $10, for instance, and bottled water is $4. Atmosphere 5 College lacrosse is huge in Maryland, where it is the official state team sport (but not the official state sport, which is jousting). A Terps game is no exception, and the school does a great job of getting fans into the game, starting with a pregame hype video that is comparable to what you would see at many football and basketball games across the country. There is music played after every Terps goal and giveaways and promotions on the concourse. There are activities during timeouts just as you would see for football or basketball, and local youth lacrosse teams will scrimmage at halftime. There is also a mascot named Testudo, a turtle who can be seen roaming the stands or appearing on the field before and during the game. All in all, the atmosphere here is comparable to what you would see for football or basketball at many schools. As for the stadium itself, most seats are metal bleachers without backs except for a small number of reserved chairbacks. Normally only half of the lower bowl is open for lacrosse, but they may open the other half when they are expecting a large crowd, such as against a fellow Maryland school. The upper level will rarely if ever be open for lacrosse. There is a large, recently upgraded video board at one end of the stadium and a smaller one at the other end. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is really nothing special. There is a bowling alley a couple of miles away, and a bunch of chain restaurants within walking distance. If you’re looking for some local color, College Park Diner is a favorite with residents and students alike and serves up comfort food 24 hours a day. Looney’s Pub on Route 1 is a sports bar with dozens of big-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. A couple of hotels are located nearby, including a Marriott just off campus, and The Hotel on-campus. (Yes, the on-campus hotel is literally called The Hotel. Not a very creative name). That being said, if you’re looking to do more than eat and sleep, your best bet is to head down to the Metro station and take the Green Line into D.C. It’s about a 30-minute ride to downtown. Once you’re there, there’s so much to do and most of it is free. Whether it’s visiting one of the historic monuments and memorials, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply walking outside on the National Mall, there’s something for everyone. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to reserve that ahead of time. Fans 5 Maryland routinely is at or near the top of the country in attendance, with a typical game drawing several thousand fans. While this might not seem like a lot in a 50,000+ seat stadium, it will seem like it’s much fuller than it actually is. Part of this is because the fans are compressed into a smaller area than they would be for football, so the actual capacity is far less than 50,000, but a large part of it is due to the fans themselves. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and loud. They know not just about the Terps players but about the sport in general – during breaks in the action, fans can be heard discussing college lacrosse news from across the nation. When the Terps are playing an in-state rival like Loyola or Johns Hopkins , or another nearby school like Georgetown or Virginia, expect a good number of away fans to make the trip to College Park as well. They will still be outnumbered by the Terps fans, and it will still feel like a Terrapins home game, but visiting fans shouldn’t face any overly hostile treatment. Access 3 The University of Maryland campus is located just a few miles off of I-495 (Capital Beltway) and Maryland Route 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). However, there is a very good chance you will sit in heavy traffic getting from the highway to the stadium. Although gameday-related traffic is not nearly as bad as it would be for a Terrapins football game, traffic in this area is notoriously terrible in general, so you may find yourself in bumper-to-bumper traffic for seemingly no reason at all. Once you’re on campus, free parking is available in Lot 1/Z all day on weekends and after 4 PM on weekdays. Maryland Stadium has lights so it is unlikely there would be a weekday afternoon game, but if there is one, fans will need to park in a nearby garage and pay money for it. This will almost certainly not be an issue unless a game has to be rescheduled or there are some other unusual circumstances. From Lot 1/Z, the stadium is about a five-minute walk away. Once inside the stadium, concourses are more than wide enough for the lacrosse crowds, and bathrooms are of ample size, though keep in mind it is possible not all restrooms will be open for lacrosse. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to a Maryland lacrosse game are only $10 for general admission seats in the metal bleachers, or slightly more if you want a reserved chairback. However, unless having the chairback is important to you, we suggest just buying the general admission seats as they actually put you closer to the action and provide a better view of the game. Parking is free, barring unusual circumstances, and while concessions are expensive, they are not outrageously so. Considering this is one of the top college lacrosse experiences in the country, it is well worth the money. While some other college lacrosse programs are cheaper or even free, you get what you pay for in terms of the experience. Extras 2 The fans are among the best in college lacrosse and are worth a bonus star here. There will often be giveaways on the concourse, which could be anything from pom-poms to t-shirts. Look for the marketing table for more information. Final Thoughts Maryland is often regarded as the epicenter of college lacrosse, and a visit to a Terrapins game shows exactly why that is. In some parts of the country, lacrosse is just another random sport the college sponsors, but not here. This is one of the best college lacrosse experiences in the country, both from a fan perspective and in terms of the product on the field. There are so many great college lacrosse programs in the area that a fan with only a short time to visit couldn’t possibly check out all of them, but this is one of, if not the, best of them.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Sunny South Raceway 11380 US-90 Grand Bay, AL 36541 Sunny South Raceway website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 3,000 Sunny South Raceway Entering its 30th season in 2019, Sunny South Raceway in Grand Bay, Alabama has become one of Alabama’s finest short track speedways. The 1/4-mile track originally opened in 1989 as a 1/8th-mile dirt go-kart track, but as the raceway began to host full-size cars the track expanded to the asphalt track it is today. Sunny South Raceway now hosts a wide selection of full-time racing events, including races for the Southern All Star Supertruck Series, Pro Challenge, INEX Legends Bandoleros, Go-Karts, Bombers, and Stingers. The track also hosts the Sunny South Citerium, which is a professional bicycle race held every April. Every year Sunny South Raceway hosts the INEX Bandolero Nationals, which draws the top bandolero drivers in the country. For those unfamiliar with bandolero, meaning bandit in Spanish, this is a type of junior entry level racing where drivers can compete as young as 8 and usually into their early 20s. Bandit cars are basically toned-down modified versions of regular racing cars, but the speed usually tops out in the 70s. Many notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and David Ragan got their start racing bandoleros. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concessions area located on the first floor of the press box tower, and it sells the basics. Prices are reasonable with the chicken tender basket being the most expensive item at $7. Other items include hamburgers ($5), corn dogs ($4), hot dogs ($3), fries ($3), pretzels ($2.50), and peanuts ($2). Coke is the soft drink provider with can drinks costing $1.50. Because of the family nature of this event alcohol is not sold, nor allowed on the property. Atmosphere 3 Sunny South Raceway is short track racing at its finest. The 1/4-mile track is action-packed from start to finish. The raceway is set up so there is a good view of the entire race track but without any distractions. With no pit area, just grass in the infield, you can see the entire track and distinguish the different cars from anywhere in the grandstand. The races on my most recent visit were mighty-mites, which consists of younger drivers aged around age 5-6. These go-kart style carts top out at about 50 mph, and it was interesting getting to see drivers compete at such a young age. The only downside is that there are a lot of caution flags that slow the race down because of drivers spinning out on the track. The next set of races that night were bandoleros, which as mentioned earlier are basically smaller versions of NASCAR style cars, and there was also truck racing as well INEX Legends cars being raced. The majority of races were only 20 laps, and the track seems so small that most races were being finished in less than five minutes. This, combined with the fact that the staff was constantly switching different styles of racing in and out, provided fans with a variety of racesq23a and age groups to keep them interested. The track faces east and west and is located down the hill in a kind of a valley off Highway 90. Parking is free at the top of the hill, and from there you can walk down the hill to the area where the ticket office is located. The pits are located to the left and right of the ticket office, and you can walk around and mingle with some of the drivers and get to see the cars up close before the racing starts. The grandstand here is basically bleacher style seating that extends from one end of the track to the other; I was told that Sunny South raceway can hold around 3,000 people, which is impressive considering the size of the track. In the middle of the grandstands sits a tower that consists of the press box on the top level and the concessions area on the first level. There is a fence blocking off access to the north side of the track, but there is nothing but woods on that side anyways. There is no score tower or anything to let you know what lap they are on, but the PA announcer did a good job of informing fans about how many laps were left and who was leading. Neighborhood 2 There’s not much of a neighborhood around Sunny South Raceway – Grand Bay is not exactly a hotbed of activity and Sunny South Raceway is located on a rural highway that runs parallel a couple of miles south of I-10. Grand Bay is most famous for hosting a watermelon festival every year on July 4th, but other than that there is not a lot going on. There are a few chain restaurants (such as Hardee’s, Waffle House, Subway, Arby’s, and McDonalds) located at the I-10 exit a few miles north of the track, but other than that your best bet would be to drive 15 minutes on I-10 either way to Pascagoula or Mobile. For attractions in the immediate area I recommend checking out Bellingrath Gardens located in nearby Theodore. This 900-acre, luscious garden area is a beautiful sight to see and must be seen to be believed; every Christmas the gardens light up with a display of over 3 million lights – USA Today even ranked it one of the top 10 best public light displays in America. Bellingrath Gardens is truly a sight to behold, and a must see for fans of all ages if in the area. The island town of Dauphin Island is located a short drive south of Grand Bay. Unlike most of the beach towns in the area, Dauphin Island is void of any major resorts or hotels, but instead focuses its efforts on preserving nature and history. Historic Fort Gaines, a Civil War era fort, is located on the island, and you can also find multiple Indian shell mounds and burial grounds. As you drive to Dauphin Island you drive through the tiny town of Bayou La Batre, the sleepy fishing village that is most famous for its shrimp boats, but also served as the inspiration for the town in the movie Forrest Gump. If you looking to spend the weekend I recommend staying in Mobile, as that city has a lot more attractions and a wider selection of hotels and restaurants than Grand Bay does. But if staying in Grand Bay for the night I recommend driving over to the Pascagoula exit where cheaper hotel rooms can be found. In addition, the beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are both about an hour’s drive away, and the casinos of Biloxi are located only about 30 minutes west. Fans 3 A trip to Sunny South Raceway will present you with a mixture of all different styles of racing – depending on what you are into there’s something for everyone here. And even if you are not a racing fan it is the type of place you can go to and still have fun, and you won’t be able to help being intrigued by the little kids race at such high speeds. Many of the fans in the crowd are family members and friends of the drivers, but mainly because most of the drivers are from the area, and a majority of the drivers are not old enough to obtain a driver’s license to drive themselves to the track. Grand Bay is one of those towns where the street lights cut off and the town shuts down at dark. Because of this Sunny South Raceway is the only form of entertainment for the locals on a Saturday night, so many people show up because there is simply not anything else to do. Driving down Highway 90 in Grand Bay reminded me of driving through one of those small Mississippi towns on a Friday night, and all you see is the stadium lights for miles, for a high school football game where everyone in town is there because it’s the only thing to do. You kind of get that vibe here, although it’s nice that that community shows up to support their local drivers. Access 3 There really is one way to get to Sunny South Raceway; if traveling the interstate coming from the east or west the best bet would be to take I-10 to Grand Bay-Wilmer Road at Exit 4. This is the first or last exit in the state of Alabama on I-10 depending on which way you are coming from, and this area will be the only place to get something to eat in Grand Bay, with several fast food restaurants at this exit. Take Wilmer Road south for about 2 miles until you reach Highway 90, then head east for about 2 miles, and Sunny South Raceway will be located on your left. Because of the size of track navigating the grandstand and concourse is no problem and concessions lines flow nicely. Sunny South Raceway is also a pretty easy place to find at night, as you can’t miss the reflection from the track lights, since they are the only thing in the area that is lit up. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for all races run at Sunny South Raceway are $10, which can seem kind of high at first, but that also gets you access to all areas of the track including the pit area. Parking is free and located in the grass at the top of the hill. Unlike most tracks where the pit would be to the infield, the pit area at Sunny South Raceway is located in the asphalt parking lot surrounding the track. So, by purchasing a general admission ticket you are free to roam around all the different areas and garages in the pits. Extras 3 Being able to roam around in the makeshift pits before the race is a plus – many of the drivers have their own pit crews who get the cars ready, and you can just walk up and watch; everyone is friendly and happy to talk to you. There is even a full-service garage which has cars being worked on, and for a non-racing fan like me it was cool to be able to view all of this and see everything it takes to get these cars ready for the track. Many of the pit crew members are family member of the drivers and work other full-time jobs, so they do this just for the love of the sport and to help their family member out; it is amazing to see the detail that goes into getting these cars built and ready to race. Another plus is the family atmosphere at Sunny South Raceway; Grand Bay is a close-knit small community, so a lot of people know each other and many of the drivers. After walking around the pits before the race, and mingling around with the drivers and their families, you develop kind of a relationship with the drivers that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. So, when the races begin later in the evening, it keeps fans engaged in the action because they now have drivers to root for, since they have just met them and their families earlier – this type of fan interaction is something you won’t get to experience at most racing events. You can also check the schedule for when there are races at nearby Mobile International Speedway and catch a doubleheader of night racing action; Mobile International Speedway is located east along Highway 90 in nearby Irvington, about 5 miles down the road from Sunny South Raceway. Mobile’s 1/2-mile oval track is a little bigger than Sunny South’s, but many of the drivers at Sunny South transition over to Mobile once they get old enough. Mobile International Speedway is also host to the Mobile 300 ARCA race every year, which attracts some pretty big names in the auto racing world. Final Thoughts In a state like Alabama stock car racing is huge and has been big in the state for decades. All throughout the state you can find many different smaller style racing tracks in small towns. Sunny South Raceway is no different, though it is not a spectacle like Talladega in the north and it’s not even as big as it’s big brother Mobile International Speedway a few miles down the road. Still, Sunny South Raceway is a fine place to catch a race on the weekend; the small-town family atmosphere and variety of racing makes certain that people of all ages will not be bored, and will have a great time at the track.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Retriever Soccer Park 1000 Hilltop Cir Catonsville, MD 21250 UMBC Retrievers website Retriever Soccer Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 3,000 Shining Stadium On A Hill Constructed in 1998, the Retriever Soccer Park is home to the soccer teams of the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, known as UMBC for short. Although UMBC athletics is best remembered for the basketball team’s upset over Virginia as a 16-seed, the soccer program has had its successes as well. The team made four tournaments in five years from 2010 to 2014, capping it off with a run to the College Cup, college soccer’s equivalent of the Final Four. Retriever Soccer Park has been renovated several times, most recently to expand and renovate the bleachers at field level further up the hill that the stadium is built into. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at field level at Retriever Soccer Park, selling only the most basic menu. Grilled chicken sandwiches are $5, hot dogs are $3, and that is it as far as things which could be considered a meal. You can make either of those a combo by adding $3 for chips and a drink. Chips are available separately for $1, popcorn for $3, and candy for $2. Bottled soda and water are available for $3. Atmosphere 5 The Retriever Soccer Park is built into a hill, making for one of the most unique settings in all of college soccer. There are a few small sets of bleachers at the top of the hill, where fans can sit or stand adjacent to the fence and watch the game. There is a much larger set of bleachers at the bottom of the hill which offers up close views of the game action. Some fans choose to bring blankets and sit on the hill itself but be warned it is very steep and many kids seem to have decided the best way down is to slide on their backside. There is a path along the back of the hill that enables fans to walk from the upper to lower level while reducing the incline a bit, but if you want to sit on the hill itself, you will need to walk up the hard way. There is also a scoreboard at one end of the field that shows the score, time, and basic statistics. Note that what purports to show shots on goal really shows all shots, including those not on target. UMBC has no football program, and soccer is their flagship sport during the fall, with the school putting in all the effort to promote it that many schools put into their football program. There is music to hype the crowd up and even fireworks on occasion. The fans themselves also contribute to the atmosphere here, with the student section functioning like a Supporters Section would at a professional soccer venue. Neighborhood 3 Retriever Soccer Park is located on the UMBC campus in the Baltimore suburbs, and there is not much going on in the immediate vicinity. Even elsewhere in town, there isn’t much other than a few chain restaurants. UMBC won a hard fight with the US Postal Service to get a Baltimore mailing address, but it isn’t actually located in the City of Baltimore. Your best bet is to make the short drive to the actual city, perhaps to the Inner Harbor neighborhood, where you will find many restaurants and other entertainment options. Fans 5 On a Saturday night in the fall, while fans of other schools might be checking out their football game, UMBC fans can be found at Retriever Soccer Park taking in some soccer. The club routinely draws over 2,000 fans a game, and while the hill isn’t as packed as it used to be, that’s only because they expanded the bleachers to create more seating there and not because fans are losing interest. Fans are loud, passionate, and some of the most knowledgeable college soccer fans in the country. They are not afraid to get on the referee’s case when they feel a bad call has gone against their team, but unlike some fan bases, have enough soccer knowledge to recognize when a clearly correct call has gone against the Retrievers and not protest, even nodding in agreement at times. The Retrievers have a student section known as Lot 17, which functions very similarly to a Supporters Group of a professional soccer team. They can be seen front and center in the bleachers cheering throughout the game, banging drums, waving flags, and cheering on the Retrievers. However, all the fans, not just the students, bring a tremendous amount of energy to the game. Access 4 The UMBC campus is easily accessed via I-195 and I-95. If coming via I-95, take Exit 47 to Maryland State Route 166 and the exit for the campus will be about a mile ahead, followed by a short drive through a series of roundabouts. If coming from I-195, just continue straight across 95, the highway will switch designations and become MD 166, then proceed as previously noted. Once on campus, parking is available in the Stadium Lot right next to Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena (formerly the UMBC Event Center.) From there, you will walk up a hill in the back of the lot to the ticket booth. To get to the lower bleachers, you will need to walk back down the other side of the hill to field level. The hills are small but fairly steep and the path from the parking lot is unlit at night, so be careful. There is a small lot at the top of the hill, but this is only available to media, game staff, and those who require handicapped parking. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMBC soccer games are $10, which is more expensive than most college soccer in the country, but the Retriever Soccer Park is a top-notch venue so ultimately you get what you pay for. Concessions are affordable if limited and parking is free. In the end, although this is far from the cheapest college soccer ticket in the country, it is still relatively inexpensive, and given the high quality of the stadium, it is still a great deal. Extras 3 Look for the banners honoring UMBC teams of the past, including the College Cup appearance in 2014. There is a table by the field level entrance which offers free UMBC gear such as posters. A third star for the excellent energy here that is brought to every game by the team and the fans. Final Thoughts While most soccer fans don’t pay nearly as much attention to college soccer as the professional game, UMBC fans really care about the sport. Even the homecoming game here is a soccer game. All in all, Retriever Soccer Park is one of the top college soccer venues in the country, and a trip here is a must for any soccer fan in the area, even those who wouldn’t otherwise be interested in taking in a game at this level.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Volcanoes Stadium 6700 Field of Dreams Way Keizer, OR 97307 Salem-Keizer Volcanoes website Volcanoes Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,252 A Volcano in the Pacific Northwest Nicknamed "Oregon's Field Of Dreams," Volcanoes Stadium is the home of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, now part of the 4-team Mavericks Independent Baseball League. The team began operations in 1997, the same year the stadium opened. The organization was transferred from Bellingham and returned minor league baseball to Salem after an eight-year absence. The city's first professional team were the Salem Senators, who played from 1940-1965 under a few different names and affiliations. The stadium has a capacity of 4,252, which at first glance seems like a lot considering the seats only go as far as the end of the dugout on the third base side. The bullpens for each team are on the field, as they are at Wrigley Field in Chicago. It is not the most advanced stadium out there although there have been upgrades recently including a large video board just beyond the left-center field fence. In 1999, the American Institute of Architects honored the ball club with a design award for the stadium. The Volcanoes have been a very successful team since their inception, winning 5 NWL championships ('98, '01, '06, '07 & '08). The team also boasts several alumni that have reached the major leagues including Joe Nathan, Ryan Vogelsong, Pablo Sandoval, Tim Lincecum, and Buster Posey. Food & Beverage 4 The food selections at Volcanoes Stadium are relatively standard stadium fare. Overall, the menu items here are less expensive than other sports venues, which is a definite plus these days. Hot Dogs and Burgers ($3 - $4), Soda (Pepsi products) $3 - $4, Beer $5 - $6, and so on. There are a few non-traditional baseball items available such as a Chicken Rice Bowl at the Asian Wok for $8, and Eruption Burrito at Cafe Ole for $8, or an SW Chicken Wrap at The Healthy Hut, also for $8. In the left field corner, there is the Lava Lounge, which opens at the top of the 2nd inning, where you can get mixed drinks and beer. Atmosphere 4 A game at Volcanoes Stadium is baseball at its most basic level, which is a good thing. Most teams will run special gimmicks to get fans in the door, and there's nothing wrong with that. The stadium has a very cozy feeling to it that is very refreshing. As I walked around the stadium, it was my perception that most people there knew each other. Even though the Salem-Keizer area is a decent size, it feels like a small town ballpark. Neighborhood 3 Volcanoes Stadium is adjacent to Interstate 5 on the north side of the Salem-Keizer area. The stadium is in Keizer proper, tucked in behind Keizer Station, a sizable shopping area. If the menu at the stadium doesn't interest you that much, Keizer Station has an Outback Steakhouse and a Panera Bread that might fit the bill. Salem has many historical sites worth visiting while you're in the area. The State Capitol is a popular site to visit as well as the Willamette Heritage Center. The Willamette Heritage Center features a retrospective of the Mill that helped Salem thrive as well as a full history of the area. If you want an outdoor adventure, Detroit Lake is a popular spot about an hour southeast of Salem. The Oregon Coast is approximately an hour west, and Portland is about an hour north. Fans 4 There is a small-town cozy feeling to the stadium. The game I attended was mildly attended. Some might see that as a negative, but the fans that were in attendance were very in tune with the on-field activities. The crowd was fairly loud for its size. I did not see a lot of the unruly fans you would see at other venues. Many fans were building memories with their families and just enjoying themselves. It was clear to me these fans were here for the love of the game, which in my time reviewing stadiums, I can't say I've seen that often. Access 5 Volcanoes Stadium is off of I-5 at Keizer Station. You have to weave yourself through the area, but it's not bad at all. There is a large parking lot, capable of accommodating a capacity crowd and then some. Inside there is plenty of room to maneuver about. The main thoroughfare is wide and can handle many fans at once. The bathrooms have plenty of room for all. There are plenty of spots for handicapped fans at the top of the box seat section. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets range from $9 on the left field berm to $20 for the lower box seats. There are a couple of specialty seating sections, one being the 4Topps VIP seating. Four swivel seats with table, in-seat waiter service, and the best sightline in the stadium directly behind home plate for $120. The other is the Party Patio down the right field line. $900 will get you this area exclusive for large groups of up to 75 (additional tickets can be purchased for $12) with a private bartender. There is also an option to add a pregame meal. The stadium does have Skybox Suites. These are available on a 3-year lease and seat 12 in theater-style seating. I have to say that the value you get going to a Volcanoes game may or may not show it in dollars and cents, but the experience you get when attending makes it all worthwhile. Extras 3 Souvenirs are about what you would find at other stadiums. Caps $22-$30, Hoodies $30-$39, balls $5, shirts $13 and up. You can also get MLB balls and caps ($6, $20). On the night of this review, it was Don Larsen night. Fans had a chance to get an autograph from the only man to throw a perfect game in the World Series. There is a Kids Area behind the right-field bleachers that has a batting cage, batting tee, a play structure, and a bounce house. Parents should be cautious here because this area is not supervised. Crater, the Volcanoes mascot, invites the kids on the field for the 7th inning stretch to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," and also races kids around the bases in between an inning. The big attraction for the 2017 season will be Eclipsefest. On August 21, Keizer, Oregon will be sitting in the path of a once in a lifetime total solar eclipse. The start time on that day will be in the morning and be the first-ever "eclipse delay" in baseball history. Fans on that day will receive commemorative sunglasses to wear during the delay. Final Thoughts If you are a person that goes to a baseball game purely for the love of baseball, this is the place for you.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field W Dakota St Hammond, LA 70402 Southeastern Louisiana Lions website Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 2,500 Pat on the Back Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field, home to the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, is an under-the-radar college baseball mid-major gem. While other stadiums across the country might provide more modern features like wild concession items and minor league antics, The Pat provides a comfortable environment with the classic elements that provide a great neighborhood ballpark atmosphere. The ballpark is located in the city of Hammond on the southwest corner of the Southeastern Louisiana University campus. Since opening in 1992, Alumni Field has undergone several enhancements including brick wall fencing along both foul lines, installation of a new playing surface with natural Bermuda Tifway 419 sod, and decorative-perimeter fencing on the outside of the stadium. A new video scoreboard and party-deck-style box seats in the foul area along right field were installed in 2016 and have improved an already great environment. The playing field is named in honor of former long-time baseball coach, athletic director, and football coach for Southeastern Louisiana, Pat Kenelly, and was designated as such on February 19, 2006. The official capacity is listed as 2,500. Food & Beverage 2 The Pat provides the basic stadium staples you’d expect at a ballpark and also offers a couple of unique items like frozen daiquiris. The main concession stand and an ice cream cart are located under the grandstand and behind the home plate. Beyond the bleachers down the first baseline is a beer and daiquiri stand operated by Wise Guys Daiquiris (a local, independent vendor). While the variety of options is anything but unlimited, the basics are covered. Your main entree items will include a Chick-fil-A sandwich ($5), hamburger ($4), hot dog ($3), and nachos ($4). Snacks include popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), pickles ($1), and assorted candy ($1). Specials such as pulled pork sandwiches and jambalaya are available and vary from game to game. There’s also an ice cream stand (Captain’s Tasty Treats) across from the main concession stand which offers up ice cream sandwiches and bars. The ballpark serves bottled Coca-Cola products for $3. One of the most unique items offered at The Pat is an assortment of daiquiris served up at the Wise Guys stand out in the right field concourse. Beer is also available for purchase, which is somewhat unique for a college ballpark. Atmosphere 5 Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field provides a genuinely great neighborhood ballpark atmosphere. Situated at the corner of the campus where the university meets the residential area, your view around the ballpark includes neighborhood homes and Strawberry Stadium beyond the outfield wall. The brick foul line walls and iron outer fencing add to the cozy ambiance of the ballpark. The new video scoreboard has enhanced the overall experience. It’s pretty unique to see a mid-major program with its outfield bullpen (of such high quality), which is located inside the left field wall and was constructed in 2012. Some additional signage and displays provide a “home” feel around the ballpark. Both dugouts have signage that displays the field name. The area underneath the grandstand behind home plate pays homage to significant Lion baseball players and coaches with banners hanging from the rafters. A display can be found on the wall listing the different Lions baseball players who have gone pro including Kirk Bullinger and Wade Miley. Post-season accomplishments are displayed including TAAC Championships and NCAA Regional appearances in both 1992 and 1994 and a College World Series berth in 1975. The layout of the stadium is a strength with box seats available under the main grandstand and just behind home plate. A new “party deck” area was developed down the first base line in the right field. In the upper level, chair backs are provided in the center of the seating area with bleacher seating on both sides. The bleacher seating along the third baseline typically features the younger crowd, including SLU student groups. Fans of the opposing team often sit on the first baseline side of the upper deck grandstand, across from the visitor’s dugout. Neighborhood 3 The city of Hammond is your classic small college town. While there isn’t a long list of attractions in the area, Hammond is home to a few great independent restaurants and you’ll find enough entertainment to keep you satisfied during a trip in town. For extended stays, both Baton Rouge and New Orleans are within driving distance (approximately an hour's drive). While in town, be sure to stop at Mariner’s Inn in the historic downtown area. This pub-style restaurant offers a bar area, a couple of tasty chowders, and an amazing ‘Kickin’ Chicken’ sandwich. Tommy’s on Thomas is another great stop for pizza, Buffalo breadsticks, and drinks. Some additional options include Brady’s Restaurant (order the club sandwich), Trey Yen (try the sweet and sour pork), and La Carreta Mexican Restaurant (fajitas are great). When it comes to attractions, Hammond doesn’t have a plethora of options, however, you’ll find a few decent college town bars and some family entertainment in the area. Check out The Red, White & Brew, and Wise Guys Daiquiris for a pre or postgame drink. If you are traveling with small kids, the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center is a small, but fun break from the baseball action. If you have time for a 30-minute drive, the Global Wildlife Center offers a fun family safari adventure complete with feeding giraffes and other wildlife. There are several hotels in the Hammond area. If you’re looking for a bed & breakfast experience, check out the Historic Michabelle Inn & Restaurant. The Holiday Inn Hammond – Northshore offers a comfortable stay near I-12 and the Hammond Square Mall shopping center. Fans 4 The Southeastern Lions baseball fan base is continuing to grow with the success of the program. While fans are not the rowdiest you’ll encounter, most are friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable about baseball. The typical crowd for Southeastern baseball games ranges from about 900 to 1,200, depending on the match-up. It wasn’t long ago when the program struggled to bring in 250 consistently, but winning ways have Lion faithful feeling nostalgic about a program that had a successful run in the ’90s. Crowds will reach their peak against in-state rivals like Tulane, UL-Lafayette, and LSU, as well as in-state conference foes including Nicholls State, McNeese State, and Northwestern State. Lions fans get into the game during big plays and bad calls. The baseball program can be credited with starting the newest and most visible fan tradition at Southeastern, known as the “Lion Up.” Both hands make an L shape and are placed on both sides of the head. Access 4 Overall, access to Alumni Field is a breeze. There are a couple of pain points, but you shouldn’t experience many problems getting around the ballpark. Hammond is located at the intersection of two major interstates, I-55 and I-12. The ballpark is accessible from both, depending on the direction you’re arriving from. Your quickest route to the stadium is probably via I-55. Exit onto W. University Ave. and head east for about 1.75 miles until you reach the SLU campus. Turn right onto N. General Pershing St. and go about a half mile where you’ll then turn left on Western Ave. You’ll see the ballpark and parking garage connected to Strawberry Stadium. There are a few rows of ground-level parking behind the right field wall, but these spots will typically fill quickly and are in prime home run broken window territory. If you don’t mind a little longer walk, park on the first level of the parking garage or the ground lot around it (further out from the outfield wall). Parking is free and plentiful around the stadium. The ticket booth is located at the end of the first baseline in the right field. As crowds have increased, so has the line at the ticket window. Be prepared for as much as a 15-minute wait to purchase tickets. The main entrance gate is on the first base side of the home plate. As a smaller, neighborhood ballpark, The Pat is constrained some by the surrounding homes and facilities. The concourses are typically wide enough to move around comfortably but can get a little congested as the concession line grows. The restrooms usually don’t have any lines but are a bit small for the typical crowd size. The foul line bleachers along both the first and third baselines don’t have clear aisles, so for bigger crowds, it can sometimes be a challenge to get up and down to your seat in these sections. Return on Investment 5 Considering the overall experience and atmosphere, it’s hard to top the return on your investment at The Pat. General admission for adults is $8 and $5 for youth (3-12). Chairbacks are available for $12 and the lower box seats are for $15. Concession prices are reasonable and parking is free. Extras 4 There are a few “extra” items at The Pat which significantly enhance the overall game day atmosphere: SLU does an outstanding job memorializing past accomplishments and great players. Several banners are hanging in the main concourse which honor former players and championships. The ballpark also has a starting lineup display, as well as the current conference standings. It’s a nice benefit to fans in the main concourse. While more and more college baseball programs move towards a synthetic turf playing surface, it’s refreshing to watch a small college baseball game played on a beautiful, well-kept, authentic grass playing surface. The program keeps the playing field in excellent condition. The brick foul line walls and decorative iron fencing add to the overall ambiance of the stadium. Many recent improvements have helped establish a truly classic ballpark feel. Finding beer at college baseball venues isn’t easy, much less frozen daiquiris. It’s a nice bonus that doesn’t get out of hand.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium 475 Deacon Boulevard Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Wake Forest Demon Deacons website Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 31,500 Welcome to Deactown Along Tobacco Road, Wake Forest University joins Duke , North Carolina , and North Carolina State , v ying not just for prominence within the state of North Carolina, but also in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Wake Forest has a football history that dates back to the late 19th century – initially playing as an independent program starting in 1888, and then as a member of the Southern Conference beginning in 1936 until 1952, the Demon Deacons were charter members of the ACC when it was founded in 1953. Wake Forest has seen its fair share of highs and lows over the years. Despite being the smallest program in any of the Power 4 football conferences (the ACC, Big Ten, Big XII, and SEC), in recent years the Demon Deacs have shown the ability to hold their own in one of college football’s top conferences.   Food & Beverage   5 At first glance, the stadium concessions may seem rather standard, featuring several stands offering familiar options like hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. Given Pepsi’s popularity in the Carolinas, it is no surprise that this is primary beverage served at Allegacy Stadium, though several types of Gatorade are also available throughout. What is  a bit eye-opening walking around the concourse are the collection of food trucks along the exterior fence, which really gives fans a taste of the local fare. The food trucks at Allegacy Stadum include fried fish, gourmet hot dogs, soul food, wings, and paninis, while international foods include Greek, Nigerian, and Latin cusine, There is also a concerted focus on sweet treats, with Kona Ice, Chick-fil-A shakes, gourmet popsicles, and several flavors of kettle corn. Allegacy Stadium also has a well-stocked selection of alcoholic beverages, headlined by the Wake Forest and Fiddlin’ Fish collaborations “Roll the Quad” IPA and R&D Brewing light beer, “Deacon Brew”. Seltzers, premixed canned cocktails, wine, and hand mixed cocktails are also widely available around the stadium. Wake Forest does an excellent job at giving fans the basics when it comes to food and drink options, but then goes above and beyond with the numerous food trunks and extensive alcohol options.   Atmosphere   4 What would the college football experience be without tailgating? Wake Forest is no exception, with premade tailgating encampments set up and ready to go in the lots to the south and west of the stadium. The “do it yourself” tailgaters set up shop mostly along the grassy patches of the parking lot to the north, but several tailgating sites boast impressive arrays both in terms of size and the Wake Forest festive vibe. The tailgating scene here probably does not quite compare to some of the traditional southern football powers, but you can at least get a sense of this key pre-game tradition. Allegacy Stadium shares a similar structure to Indiana University’s Memorial Stadium and Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium , with slightly recessed sections running from the 30-yard line t o each end zone. Despite these structural similarities, the Deacon facility has its own unique features, including a strong use of brick, aligning with the high-class aesthetic of Wake Forest’s other athletic facilities and campus buildings. Deacon Hill, the grassy, tree-backed hillside in the southwest corner beneath the large videoboard, provides a picnic-like grassy area. However, unlike at minor league baseball stadiums, this area is not overrun by unsupervised groups of young fans. Between plays, interactive scoreboard features like the “Smile Cam” and logo shuffle game keep fans engaged. These features resemble those found in minor league baseball games, but do a good job filling downtime during the game. The Demon Deacon band, much like other collegiate marching bands, is also a big part of the in-game experience. The marching band’s smaller size, though, as well as the in-stadium music that plays over the stadium speakers, can tend to drown out the band during their interludes following first downs and big plays. Overall, Wake Forest offers a solid Power 4 college football experience, albeit just on a smaller scale. While the stadium’s off-campus location does take a bit away from the excitement, it is not an dealbreaker to the overall experience.   Neighborhood   4 Although Allegacy Stadium is located off campus, it sits within a cluster of Wake Forest’s other athletic venues, inclu ding the Wake Forest Tennis Center, David F. Couch Ballpark  (baseball), and Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum  (basketball). The Winston-Salem State Fairgrounds also neighbor the football stadium, which in part creates to bit of disconnect it from being a campus facility. The stadium is just three miles from Winston-Salem’s city center, where downtown’s 4th Street is lined with restaurants featuring sidewalk dining and multiple hotel options. Closer to the stadium is the Innovation Quarter, a hub of research and development that has re-purposed many former R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company buildings into breweries, restaurants, shops, and green spaces. The coming years will see a significant upgrade to the area just west of the stadium, as the section from University Parkway to the front steps of Allegacy Stadium will be developed into a mixed-use development to be called The Grounds  – this will undoubtedly add to the game day atmosphere that surrounds Allegacy Stadium. Winston-Salem definitely does not have a college town feel to it, but the Wake campus and its nearby athletic facilities do not make you feel as if you have the skyline of the city breathing down your neck, either.   Fans   3 Each side of Allegacy Stadium does appear to have patches of emptiness in terms of attendance, but when you take into account the large number of fans who sit on the grassy berm below the scoreboard, who would fill in many of these openings, on the whole I would say Deamon Deacon fans do a good job filling the venue. With an enrollment of just under 5,500 undergraduate students, Wake Forest is the smallest school in any of the Power 4 conferences. Despite the size of the student body, however, Wake students do their part showing up and filling the student section, but staying throughout the game is another story – as the game moves into the second half, the attendance in the student section definitely takes a significant hit. Fans are supportive of the Deacs and responsive to the ups and downs of the game, but it is disappointing, even in the midst of a tight game, to see the mass exodus of students following half time – this does take away from the overall atmosphere.   Access   3 Wake Forest University, not to be confused with Wake Forest, North Carolina, where the university was originally located, is a short drive from downtown Winston-Salem. The area is fairly well served by both local and regional transportation. The larger surrounding area has is known as The Triad, and includes Winston-Salem, High Point, and Greensboro. Interstate access to Allegacy Stadium is as straightforward as can be, from I-85 to the south, I-73 or I-74 to the north, or I-40 from the east. Due to the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene throughout western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, those heading east from western destinations will be significantly detoured due to interstate closures for the foreseeable future, until at least mid to late next year. When getting to and from Allegacy Stadium, as would be expected at just about any major sporting event, there will be delays involved. Your best bet is, if possible, to get there early and try to stay late. There is enough parking in the lots around Allegacy Stadium to leave just a short walk to the venue, and for those parking in the lots adjacent to the state fairgrounds, a tunnel goes under the road, so as not to impede traffic and also to protect pedestrians. Fans can enter the facility through any of the ten gates leading into the main seating area – this high number of entries gets fans in quickly, and limits backups getting into the stadium. The McCreary Tower entrance does create a bit tighter of a walkway, but nothing that feels overly crowded, although it does take some patience to navigate. For the most part, though, the concourse is rather wide open, especially along the northeast and southeast sides of the stadium.   Return on Investment   4 It is a bit difficult to pinpoint the overall return on investment for Deamon Deacons football, as much of the ticket price depends on the specific game on the schedule/that week’s opponent. Tickets for lesser conference rivals can be had for as low as $20, while bigger name teams or events such as Parents’ Weekend can start at $40 to $55 before fees. Parking rates, however, are consistent with other schools of this size at $30. There are also a handful of independent lots in the area that go for $20, and free parking is available at 2400 Reynolda Road with a shuttle to the stadium. Concession prices are consistent with what would be found at similar stadiums. The food truck offerings are a bit more expensive, but fans are paying for a higher quality of food there, and do receive decent-sized portions. While there might not be a top notch value week in and week out, given the varying ticket prices based on the opponent or promotion, there definitely is the ability to not have to break the bank to go to a Wake Forest football game.   Extras   5 Prior to gates opening, the Deactown Fan Zone at McCreary Plaza has inflatables to entertain young fans, a handful of vendors giving out free promotional items, and a refreshment trailer selling various beers and seltzers, as well as a large video wall to watch early games of interest. A live band also plays to entertain fans during pregame. Two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff, the Deacon Walk through the plaza of McCreary Tower takes place – the start of the walk is signified by the revving of a motorcycle engine in the distance, as the band belts out the school’s fight song. Accompanied by the ruffles of cheer poms, the Deacon mascot then slowly leads the team into the stadium while passing trough the band, cheer squad, and fans. The main entrance through McCreary Plaza recognizes the Demon Deacons’ conference championships and bowl victories, with large displays and plaques of the box scores from the games. One of the most iconic buildings on Wake Forest’s campus is Wait Chapel – the chimes of the chapel’s bell, along with the revving of the motorcycle, are both played following big plays – this is a nice way to bring the campus feel into the stadium. Following the game, win or lose, the team gathers in front of the band and student section to pay tribute to the University by singing the alma mater. Winning does spark quite the on-campus celebration, however, as it has become tradition to roll the trees of the quad with toilet paper.   Final Thoughts The Wake Forest football game day experience is not one that will ever compete with the elite college football programs, but that seems to be just fine. What Wake does provide is a cozy atmosphere for college football – in a time when many football programs are focused on building the biggest and most impressive facilities, Wake has done well to focus more on providing a well refined college football experience in one of the most intimate settings in the country.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Riverfront Stadium 275 S McLean Blvd Wichita, KS 67213 The Wichita Wind Surge website Riverfront Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 10,000 A New Team Blows Into Town Riverfront Stadium in Wichita, Kansas, opened in 2021 and is home to the Wichita Wind Surge of the Texas League. To say the team has had a unique start would be an understatement. The franchise relocated from New Orleans and was ready to start the 2020 season in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. That would not happen as the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the season. Then, before the 2021 season, minor league realignment saw the team move from Triple-A to Double-A. With the 2021 professional season delayed by a month, Riverfront Stadium opened on April 10, 2021, when the Wichita State Shockers defeated the University of Houston, 10-1. The Wind Surge made their debut at home on May 11, 2021, in a 3-2 loss to Amarillo. The Wind Surge takes its name, in part, from the fact that there always seems to be a breeze in Wichita. The Wind Surge is the city’s first affiliated baseball team (Minnesota Twins) since the Wichita Wranglers. The Wranglers played from 1987-2007 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium . The Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association would debut the following year and operate at the stadium until 2018 when the city decided to raze the ballpark to make room for Riverfront Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 The large choice of food is much more than would be expected. The basics are certainly covered between hot dogs and jumbos, chili cheese dogs, cheeseburgers, loaded fries, grilled cheese, etc. The prices range from $3.75 for the regular dog to $7.75 for the chili cheese dog. Tacos (chicken or steak) are a good option for $9.75 for 3 tacos. For the lighter eaters, a nice garden salad can be had for $8.50 or a veggie burger is $9.75. One of your options behind home plate is Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Freddy’s has locations throughout much of the states. In addition to their signature double steak burgers ($10.50), their custard, particularly their concretes (custard mixed with your choice of a litany of toppings) is a great choice ($7.50). The snack options are also completely covered with everything from pretzels to peanuts and cotton candy to cookies. Most snacks run from about $3 to $5. Coke products are your soda choice along with water, sports drinks, energy drinks, lemonade, and coffee. The ballpark offers 16-ounce cans of Bud Light, Coors Light, and Modelo. Pseudo Sue Pale Ale is available for $8. Wine and other drinks are available throughout the park. Be sure to check out the left field bar for some microbrew options. Atmosphere 5 There are three entrances to the ballpark; the left field corner, the center field, and near the right field corner. Grass berms encompass the left field corner and most of the left field, with the only break being the home bullpen. Over the right field wall are the visiting bullpen and some nice rail seating, which allows a great view of the field. A very nice feature at the ballpark is the seats. The seats are wider and there is a lot more legroom than your typical stadium. As someone 6’4” rarely, my legs aren’t wedged against the seat in front of me, but that wasn’t the case here and it was tremendous! Stadium seating surrounds the playing surface from foul pole to foul pole except for the grass berm down the left field line. Concessions stretch throughout the open concourse which allows you to not miss a pitch if you are standing in line for something to eat or drink. Restrooms are spaced nicely throughout the ballpark and there is a mother’s lounge behind section 10, near home plate. You can walk around the interior of the ballpark. In the outfield concourse, there is a bar in the left field, a kid's play area sits behind the batter’s eye in the center field, and the team store and team officials are beyond the right field area. The second deck includes the press box, suites, and two-party areas. The Fidelity Club (second deck down the third baseline) is a nice indoor area where you can watch the game. Numerous folks have bought season tickets there, but there are also tickets available for individual games. If you have a suite or have tickets in the Homerun Deck, the seats are made of mesh rather than a traditional stadium seat. As such, the seats tend to stay up to as much as 20 degrees cooler, which is a huge perk on, particularly warm days. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark sits in a part of town that is a mix of commercial and residential and also sits next to the Arkansas River. There is nothing as far as restaurants that are next to the ballpark but there are some very good options within a mile. The Delano Barbeque Company offers up some tasty BBQ and is located a few blocks away on W Douglas Ave. Down the street from Delano is Ruben’s Mexican Grill. You also have your regular mix of chain restaurants in the area. If you are looking for a place to have a drink before or after the game, try the Vagabond Café on W Douglas. Some nice places to visit within about a mile of the ballpark include Exploration Place, which is a big science education center that kids will love. In the same area are the Wichita Art Museum and the Old Cowtown Museum. Fans 4 The team is drawing well in its first year. Not having an established identity in town yet, there isn’t an abundance of established hardcore fans as there hasn’t been time for that to occur organically. But, the fans that are there are largely engaged in the game, appear to know the players, and spend more time watching the game than playing on their phones. Access 4 Getting to the ballpark is easy from Route 400. Once inside, one thing that is pleasant and noticeable is the concourses are very wide. Even with some beer carts and other concession carts in the concourse, there isn’t any congestion during the game. There are plenty of restrooms and there were no lines. For concessions, there were some lines on occasion, but with the plans in the works to add more (some with a more local flavor) vendors, this problem should be minimized in the coming years. Riverfront Stadium is cashless. Cards are needed to purchase concessions and in the team store. If you only have cash, you can convert it to a debit card through what can be described as a reverse ATM. The good thing about it is the money doesn’t have to be spent at the park. If you have any leftovers, they can be spent anywhere credit/debit cards are accepted. Return on Investment 5 There are three main seating sections. Seats on the grass berm are $10 for adults and $8 for kids aged 3-12. Field box seating (sections 1-21) is $15 and Boot Barn Homerun Deck (right field) tickets are $20. There is some free parking across Arkansas River, or you can pay $5 to park next to the ballpark. Between that and average concession prices, you can have a good time at a great park for a very reasonable price. Extras 5 One point goes to something that hasn’t happened yet. The team offices sit behind the right field concourse. There is a large area of the building that is currently empty, but the plan is to add a Kansas baseball museum that will hopefully be ready by Opening Day, 2022. An extra point goes to the wider and more spaced-out seats. Being comfortable makes it far easier to enjoy the game. The ballpark celebrates the city and its huge aerospace industry through art. Throughout the park, you will see little reminders including lights in the form of jet engines as you enter the park, riveted bars that look similar to a plane wing, and much more. Above home plate on the second deck is a nice tribute to Lou Schwechheimer, the former owner of the Wind Surge. Schwechheimer never got to see his team take the field in Wichita as he passed away from COVID-19 in July of 2020. A nice feature that will be utilized more in the future is a podcasting area that can also be used for live newscasts and other features. The area faces the road (which is closed during games) in front of the team store and offices, which opens up all sorts of fun possibilities. Final Thoughts In its first few seasons, Riverfront Stadium is already a great ballpark. With the plans that are in place, it will only get better in the coming seasons. Good food, great seats, and an aesthetically pleasing stadium allow for a fun time for fans. For baseball-traveling fanatics, be sure to add this one to your list; it won’t disappoint.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Trenton Thunder Ballpark One Thunder Rd Trenton, NJ 08611 Trenton Thunder website Trenton Thunder Ballpark website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 6,150 Trenton Makes The Fans Take Since our last visits, a lot has changed in Trenton, New Jersey. For starters, the team and the rest of the minor league baseball world shut down for the 2020 season due to a worldwide pandemic. Then the Thunder's parent club New York Yankees switched affiliates to nearby Somerset, a move that was met with vehement objection from Trenton management. Major League Baseball cut off 42 teams to improve player development. The club opted to join the newly formed MLB Draft League instead of the independent Atlantic League. When it returned in the summer of 2021, it shared its ballpark with the displaced AAA Buffalo Bison and pushed the summer collegiate to the campus of Rider Univesity's Sonny Pittaro Field . When Trenton Thunder Ballpark (originally Waterfront Park) debuted in 1994, it ushered in an epoch of minor league ballparks in the state of New Jersey. The home of the Double-A Eastern League Trenton Thunder is a jewel of a facility that revived excitement back to the capital city and proved that the state was capable of hosting minor league baseball – its last venture was the Jersey City As playing in decrepit Roosevelt Stadium in 1978. Within seven years there would be seven more minor league stadiums constructed within the 8,729 square miles of the country’s most densely populated state. The saturation of other minor league ballparks has not diminished the crowds at the 6,150-seat stadium located next to the Delaware River. The Thunder continuously draws well. The $16.2 million structure set the standard for aesthetics and construction. Two other ballparks in the state, TD Bank Ballpark in Somerset and the now vacant Campbell’s Field in Camden share similar designs to Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Food & Beverage 5 The main concession stands Thunder Road and River Ave. Food Court showcase traditional ballpark fare of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and peanuts; however, there are also grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie dogs, corn dogs, fries served in a helmet, and pierogies. Deep-fried ice cream, Oreo churro bites, ice cream, water ice, and gelato are a few of the dessert selections at the park. Down the first base side is Fitch’s Place, a portable stand offering hoagies and barbecue favorites including pulled pork meatballs, pulled chicken, and pizza slices. On the opposite side is the Waterfront Grille offering grilled sausages, brats, cheesesteaks, and pork roll sandwiches. and Chickie’s & Pete’s crab fries – French fries sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning. The Case’s Pork Roll Paradise stand is also very popular and a must-try for any out-of-towners to the ballpark. Pork roll is a regional delicacy invented in Trenton and traditionally served on a bun with egg and cheese; however, the Thunder offer some insane combinations that include the Thunderdog (a hot dog wrapped in pork roll and cheese) and the Pig Pen (mashed potatoes with pork roll, pulled pork, and crumbled bacon). My suggestion is to go traditional and get the Oink, Egg, and Cheese. As soon as you walk up the staircase of the main entrance Killarney’s on the Delaware bar offers cans and drafts of premium and domestic beers. The prices are not too bad as 16-ounce beers are $6.25 and 32-ounce beers are $9.50 – and that is for both local and domestic brands. Tuesday nights feature $2 Rolling Rock drafts. On the healthier side is the Horizon Healthy Plate section offering gluten-free items, salads, turkey burgers, and portobello mushroom sandwiches. This is not your normal ballpark food, but there will be plenty of patrons who appreciate being able to enjoy a baseball game and eat healthy at the same time. Atmosphere 4 Attending a game is still quite fun and there have been vast improvements to the park to enhance a visit that includes a modern 21 x 68-inch high-definition video board in right field, cup holders on every seat, and an expanded picnic area. However, the main entrance to the stadium remains the same – a simply elegant design featuring a brick exterior and green canopy. There are photos above the suites on the interior showcasing former New York Yankees Derek Jeter and Andy Petitte when they played during rehab assignments along with current stars Gary Sanchez and Brett Gardner. Also included is the sign “Welcome to Thunder Country,” a definite nice splash to make the ballpark stand out among other similar facilities across the state. Boomer and Cloudman are the club’s two mascots who are seen throughout the game. Boomer is based on the team’s original logo, while Strike is a thunderbolt. Both are very active and enjoyed by many kids in attendance. If you want to grab some merchandise, the team has a store located near the entrance, plus a few extra tables selling discounted items. There are many fantastic bargains with some great t-shirts selling for as low as $10. There is a children’s play area down the right field line. Also in this area is the Delaware River which may go unnoticed by many in attendance. It is sort of hidden behind the first base side of the facility. The team features bat dog Rookie who is the third generation of bat dogs for the team that began with his grandfather “Chase” in 2000. Neighborhood 2 The capital city of New Jersey has both its good and bad parts, and the area of the stadium is one of the nicer parts. Directly next to the stadium is Rho Restaurant, which also acts as a nightclub as the evening moves along. Rozmaryn Restaurant, Amici Milano, and the Shrimp Boat Restaurant are three local favorites in the city. The New Jersey State Museum offers rotating exhibits throughout the year. Across the river and a few miles away is the town of Yardley, Pennsylvania. The small downtown offers a couple of nice places: Vault Brewing Company and the Yardley Inn. Located in an old bank, the restaurant showcases many of the building’s original banking features like vaults, receipts, teller windows, and thick doors. Fans 4 They love their baseball in Trenton, as the team has been one of the better draws in the Eastern League. The average attendance has exceeded over 5,000 fans over the last decade and has been the lone successful professional sports entity in a city where hockey, basketball, and indoor football have failed on several occasions. This is the highest level of baseball in the state and the Thunder faithful not only value watching the game but enjoy watching future Yankees and the atmosphere at the ballpark. Access 3 ARM & HAMMER Park sits along the Delaware River in downtown Trenton. It is not complicated to get to, and there are various signs directing motorists from US-1 and Route 129, I-195, and from the NJ Turnpike, Route 295 and 29. The parking is $5 in multiple lots around the stadium and is well-lit and marked. Inside the stadium, the stands are split by a middle concourse, while the main concourse offers a multitude of both fixed and movable concession stands. The bathrooms are clean, easily accessible, and comfortable. Return on Investment 4 The Thunder offers $12 tickets in advance for both the 100 and 200-level seating sections; however, the price increases to $13 the day of the game. Kids ages 4-12 and seniors 60 years and up get in for a dollar less, while anyone with the military pay $8 for their tickets. Fans are not allowed to bring in any food to the game, but concession prices and promo nights keep prices low (dollar hot dog night, kids eat free nights, and Thirsty Thursdays). Extras 4 One extra point for the updated and diverse choice of food inside the ballpark. The team does not rest on its laurels and looks for ways to improve the game day experience. There is a lot to choose from and the team offers nice menu graphics for its locations at the park. Another point for the golden retriever bat dog that is now in its third generation of dogs who help out during the game. Another point for the Thunder becoming the Trenton Pork Roll on Friday nights. The promo is complete with merchandise and pork roll sandwiches for a buck at the concession stand. A final extra point for the amount of affordable team gear on various tables inside the main concourse. It is hard not to pick up an inexpensive souvenir during your visit. Final Thoughts The Trenton Thunder have played baseball for over 25 seasons in New Jersey. It seems like only yesterday that the team arrived and spearheaded a movement toward ballpark construction in the state. However, the ballpark still stands out as a beauty and provides a highly enjoyable baseball experience. The stadium is kept up well, offers diverse menu items, and provides a sound environment to make the place pop.

Photos by Steven Bieniek , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cashman Field 850 N Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89101 Las Vegas 51s website Cashman Field website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 9,334 Winner Winner Chicken Dinner When you think of Las Vegas, baseball is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Glitz, glimmer, neon lights, constant bells and whistles, gambling, expensive steak dinners, cheap steak dinners and anything in between is probably what you think about. Maybe you just think of the Hangover movies. Tucked away past the Strip and past Downtown, yet still on Las Vegas Boulevard is Cashman Field, home of the AAA affiliate of the New York Mets, the Las Vegas 51s. If you still want to associate your ideas of glitz and neon lights with this stadium, I would quickly change your thoughts. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage truly provides the surprise of the venue in both a good and bad way. Being in Las Vegas you may expect something extremely unique and over-the-top just because everything in Las Vegas is over-the-top. While you’re not going to find that specifically, what you will find is an extremely great variety. You’ll find individual stands for hand made tacos, freshly made Philly cheesesteaks, specialty hot dogs, Ben & Jerry’s and Dippin’ Dots. There are two main concession stands that have a very large menu that includes stadium favorites such as a variety of cheeseburgers, pretzels, french fries and loaded tots. Prices compare favorably with other minor league ballparks, especially considering you’re standing in a place where lone properties drop millions a day between gambling and food and beverage prices. The actual quality of everything is the only thing that kind of leaves you wanting a little more. All of the orders seem to just be on the lukewarm side at best; if not just plain out cold. Loaded tots are a fantastic idea; but nacho cheese has to be hot to make it great. Seeing there are a ton of places that you could eat before you go to the game within a few miles radius; eating at this ballpark still holds up considering price and selection. Atmosphere 3 Atmosphere and entertainment is right in the meaty part of the bell curve for a minor league ballpark. The ball club does the normal cute games in-between innings that include some Las Vegas flare, such as using oversized dice for people to try to roll the highest number. There are also a couple slot machines in the concourse where you can take a free spin to try to win prizes. Cosmo the mascot does a great job of keeping fans entertained and really creates a nice family atmosphere. The stadium and concourse is also nicely painted in 51s colors so you know exactly where you are at all times. Lastly, the field is positioned in such a way that you get a great view of the mountains in the distance which is one of the few times you’ll see something other than a ton of neon lights while in Las Vegas. If you’re in Vegas for any extended period of time, Cashman Field is really a great spot to take a break from the Las Vegas norm. Neighborhood 2 To put it bluntly, the neighborhood where the stadium is located is really not great. There isn’t really anywhere you’d want to walk outside of the stadium complex. The stadium is a fairly short drive from both Downtown and the Strip and that’s really the only reason you’d want to give the neighborhood a rating that is more than one star. Once the game starts and once the game is over, there is no reason to hang around the stadium. Fans 3 Las Vegas makes most of the money for the state of Nevada every year through tourism. As a result, you’ll find a lot of tourists at a 51s game. You’ll see plenty of locals that are also die-hard baseball fans and most likely, the tourists are huge baseball fans as well. Let’s face it, when you’re in the City of Sin, you have to be a huge fan of baseball to drag yourself away from the Strip. Since there are many tourists and the rest of the city is such a high energy city, 51s games are somewhat subdued, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The 51s fall into the same category as a lot of other minor league stadiums where many people go to just sit and enjoy the game and not yell and scream as loud as they can. Las Vegas is a city that seems to always try to distinguish between locals and tourists as well, but in this case, if you’re at the ballgame, it probably doesn’t matter which you are. Access 3 The stadium itself is pretty easy to get to. The stadium is just above the strip and downtown so it’s pretty easy to find and easy to park due to the huge parking lot that is accessible for just a small fee. However, if you’re a tourist and you haven’t rented a car in Las Vegas, you’d pretty much either have to take a cab or the bus. For anyone who hasn’t been to Las Vegas, you can get a cab at any hotel in Las Vegas, so getting to the stadium isn’t the problem. Traffic is a problem though so leave yourself at least 20 to 30 minutes if you’re leaving any time around rush hour. Getting back to your destination could be a slight issue though. After the game there are a few cabs waiting as they do at hotels, but once those are gone then there isn’t a lot of natural taxi activity in the area. The team does have a taxi phone outside the stadium, but it’s debatable on how long you have to wait. The stadium is not in the best part of town, so just make sure you know how you are getting back once the game is done. Return on Investment 5 Going to a 51s game is probably the cheapest thing you’ll do in Las Vegas. Tickets max out at $15, so great seats are easily attainable. The food, beer and parking are also fairly cheap considering that you’re at a AAA game and in Las Vegas. The baseball is played at a high level, the entertainment is pretty good and the experience itself could be really relaxing if you want it to be. Making the decision to take a night to go see the 51s is a no-brainer. Extras 2 One extra star goes to the stadium making the best seats in the house somewhere other than the first few rows behind home plate. It’s no secret; Las Vegas gets hot in the summer. The management at the 51s were smart enough to put misters underneath the overhang that is above the top 10 or so rows of the stands. One more star goes to the 51s in general for giving Las Vegas another option of entertainment other than shows and casinos. Final Thoughts Cashman Field is a great place to see a minor league baseball game. It doesn’t have many frills but in a town full of frills, all you really need is somewhere to relax and watch great baseball. This is easily achieved at Cashman Field. If you’re a local or on a prolonged vacation in Las Vegas, it would be one of the best investments you could make to go see the 51s. And to think, you could go see them for what it costs a lot of people to play one hand of blackjack.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Chace Athletic Center 1150 Douglas Turnpike Smithfield, RI 02917 Bryant Bulldogs website Chace Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 2,000 Thrill of the Chace   The Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Wellness and Athletic Center is a multi-purpose arena on the Bryant University campus in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Constructed in 2001, the facility was dedicated in honor of the Chaces in 2003 for their support of many financial initiatives at the school, from scholarships to senior class gifts and facility funding as Bryant expanded. Today the Center serves as home to the Bryant Bulldogs men’s and women’s basketball, swimming and women’s volleyball team.   Basketball has been played at Bryant University since 1963. The Indians, as the team was then known, originally competed at the NAIA level. In 1976 the team moved up to Division Two, joining the Northeast-10 conference in 1980. The university changed their nickname from the Indians to the more politically correct Bulldogs in 1995. In 2008 the university moved all their athletic teams to Division One, joining the Northeast Conference.   The Bulldogs moved to the America East Conference beginning with the 2022-2023 season. Bryan has qualified for one NCAA tournament, in 2022. The qualified for seven NCAA Tournaments while competing in Division Two, reaching the title game in 2005.   Food & Beverage 1   There is a small concession stand just outside the gym which offers a limited menu. Coca-Cola products, popcorn and a selection of snacks are sold here. In the past hot dogs and pizza slices were also sold but were not available on the night of Stadium Journey’s visit.   Atmosphere 3 The Chace Center is pretty typical of the smaller college basketball gyms that dot the landscape throughout the country. When a capacity crowd is present, this place can get LOUD. Even when the Chace Center is not fully packed, all the elements are here for a good time.   Fans who have not visited Bryant in a few years will immediately notice the new video boards that have been installed at either end of the court. These boards are put to great use with videos, replays, graphics and game information.   The Bryant pep band takes their place at the top of the bleachers on the west side of the gym, filling the gym with music. There are cheerleaders and a dance squad who perform throughout the game, as well as a mascot who roams the center interacting with fans. The PA announcer does his best to keep the energy level up, keeping his volume at 11 no matter what is going on in the game. During play stoppages fans take the court for shooting contests for prizes. A Bryant game can be a fun experience for visiting fans.   Neighborhood 3   Bryant University is located in Smithfield, RI, about a twenty-minute drive from Providence. Although Smithfield is a very nice place to live, it’s certainly not a destination location. The area near campus has built up a bit over the years, with a few choices for visiting fans who prefer to stay local.   There are a few dining options right near the Bryant campus on Route 7. Parente’s Restaurant, Blackies, and Laura’s Bar and Grill are popular spots. Stadium Journey recommends J’s Deli for their impressive variety of great grinders (that’s what we call sub sandwiches here in Rhode Island). Several national chain restaurants and shopping options are located about a 10-minute drive away on Route 44. Fans visiting from out of town may opt to take the 20-minute drive to Providence, which has no shortage of top-notch restaurants and lodging options.   Speaking of lodging options, the story here is similar if visiting Bryant. There is a Holiday Inn Express, a Hampton Inn and Suites and a SureStay Plus right near campus, but visitors may opt to stay in nearby Providence or even Boston, only an hour’s drive to the north. Twin Rivers Casino is in nearby Lincoln just a few minutes from Bryant. If spending time in a casino is on your agenda, the twin resorts of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located an hour away just over the Connecticut state line.   Fans 3   Bryant averages about 1,000 fans per game at the Chace Athletic Center, just below the average for the America East conference. Bryant is slowly carving out a niche as a solid third option in the Rhode Island college basketball scene, behind Providence College and the University of Rhode Island.   The fans who fill the Chace Athletic Center consist mainly of local hoops fans and alumni. With Bryant’s affordable pricing, it’s not unusual to see many families filling the stands here. The student section can be hit or miss, depending on the opponent, Bryant’s record, and the day of the week. The student section, which can be loud and salty at times, tends to empty out quickly after halftime. Despite Bryant’s reputation, this is not a hostile place for visiting fans.   Access 4   Bryant University is located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, 13 miles from downtown Providence. The campus is most easily accessed by car. Visitors to Bryant will simply take exit 15B off Interstate 295. The campus is just over a mile away from the Interstate on Route 7.   Fans using public transportation to arrive at Bryant will find a Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA) bus station on the Bryant campus, offering service every 40 minutes to downtown Providence. T.F. Green Airport is 20 miles away, with Boston’s Logan Airport an hour’s drive away. Train service to the area is provided by Amtrak, which has its downtown Providence station 20 minutes away.   The gym at the Chace Wellness and Athletic Center is just one of many features of the complex, which also contains a pool, aerobics studio and the Bryant Athletics Hall of Fame. Championship trophies and banners are scattered throughout the building’s lobby. In the hallway directly outside the gym are the concession stand and rest rooms. Lines can form at halftime, but are generally not an issue.   The seating areas at the CAC are located on either side of the gym, with no seats on the ends. One side of the gym has individual stadium seats, while the other has molded bleachers without backs. With the small size of the CAC gym, all seats have excellent views of the action.   Return on Investment 4   There is a two-tiered pricing system at Bryant basketball games. Bleacher seats are sold for $15, with chairback seating priced at $25. With free parking and inexpensive concessions, a trip to the Chace Athletic Center is an affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans.   Extras 2                                                                                                 The Bryant Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of the Chace Athletic Center. In addition to trophy cases that display the hardware garnered by Bulldog squads over the years, there is an interactive electronic display for fans to check out.   Banners hanging inside the CAC gym honor Bryant tournament appearances and conference championship teams in all sports.   Final Thoughts   In tiny Rhode Island, Providence College basketball is king and University of Rhode Island basketball is a solid second. Bryant University is carving out a niche in the area with a more intimate, affordable gameday experience than their two Ocean State neighbors.     Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Stephen Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Parc des Princes 24, rue de Commandant Guilbaud 70156 Paris, France Paris St Germain website Parc des Princes website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 48,527 Pyro in Paris The Parc des Princes stadium in Paris holds a lot of history, and this isn’t all about football. The stadium is named after the Monarch’s hunting grounds that it’s built on, it was initially opened as a multi-purpose venue on the 18th of July 1897. It hosted the final stages of the Tour de France for decades since 1902 and there were many athletic events. The national football team started official games at the Parc des Princes in 1905. After rebuilding the ground in 1932 it was also used as a velodrome, but the current venue’s history began in 1967 when General Charles de Gaulle decided that Parc des Princes only should be used for football and rugby matches. Architect Roger Taillibert got the task to create a unique stadium for both disciplines. The current Parc des Princes was inaugurated on the 4th of June 1972 and became one of the world’s most unique venues and was way ahead of its time. Underneath its concrete shell, it holds a double-tier stand that runs all around the ground. The stadium has a seating capacity of 48,712 spectators and has been the home of the French football club Paris Saint-German since 1973. Paris Saint Germain is the main tenant of the stadium and is one of the biggest football clubs in France. Together with Olympique Marseille, they have the most fanatic supporters in the country. The various supporter groups, known as ‘Ultras’ are divided into different parts of the stadium. In 1984 the stadium was host at the European Championship and also hosted the final between France and Spain (2-0). So the first major prize in French national team football history was won by ‘Les Blues’ at the Parc des Princes. The stadium also hosted matches for the World Cup 1998, the European Championship 2016. Next year the Parc des Princes will host the opening match of the Women’s World Cup 2019. Food & Beverage 3 Inside the stadium are food and drink counters on ground level and the walkway before entering the second tier. There is a lot of variety of sodas or coffee. At high-risk matches, no beer is served. The choice of food is limited; you can buy French fries, hamburgers, pre-made sandwiches, or just some candy. At half-time vendors are on the walkway selling only sodas to minimize big queues at the regular sales counters. Atmosphere 5 France is usually not reputed for the quality of its stadia, but the Parc des Princes is a good example of a vibrant atmosphere. The Parisian stadium has benefited from the presence of a concrete roof hanging partly over the second tier and therefore has great acoustics. The atmosphere in the Parc des Princes has often been described by away fans as ‘true hell,’ relating to the deafening noise that Paris Saint-Germain supporters produce on match days and the pyrotechnics that are smuggled inside the ground. Neighborhood 4 The Parc des Princes stadium is located in the southwest of Paris on the fashionable edge of Bois the Boulogne and just half a mile south of the French Open tennis grounds of Rolland Garros. In this part of the city, you can find big lanes and good-looking apartments. It’s one of the better areas in Paris and it’s safe to park your car here. Fans 5 The fans of Paris Saint Germain are very passionate and are known for making a very good atmosphere inside the ground. Every supporter's group is housed in their section of the ground. The most vibrant groups occupy both stand behind the goal, the Kop of Boulogne to the south and Virage Auteuil and Authentics to the north. Away fans are housed in some kind of cage in the northwest part of the stadium. This away section holds a capacity of 2,000 spectators. The biggest rivals of Paris Saint-German are Olympique Marseille. Matches between these two French giants are marred with crowd troubles most of the time. During these matches there are safety zones outside the stadium, large police forces separating the supporter groups and there are lots of tifo-actions (banners and pyrotechnics) in the stands. Access 4 The Parc des Princes is easily reachable by metro (subway). On match days it’s also advised by the club to use this way of transportation. Just leave the metro at station ‘Porte de Saint-Cloud,’ from there it’s just a five-minute walk to the ground. In case you travel by car, the address of the stadium is 24, rue de Commandant Guilbaud, 70156 Paris. If you are lucky you can park your car somewhere within half a mile radius of the stadium (street parking). Return on Investment 4 Football in Paris is expensive. For a home match of Paris Saint Germain in the league (Ligue1) against the smaller clubs (like Lorient, Caen or Guincamp) you can buy tickets from Euro 26,- (seat behind the goad) till Euro 170,- (seat in the center of main stand next to the director's box). When they play bigger league opponents the ticket prices will increase dramatically. It’s easy to buy your tickets for a home match with Paris Saint Germain. Tickets for the matches at the Parc des Princes can be bought via the club site www.psg.fr or brokers at regular prices at http://www.francebillet.com/ or www.ticketnet.fr . For the neutral spectator, visiting a match of Paris Saint Germain is more than just visiting an ordinary football match. It’s a great experience! Besides the action on the pitch, there is also plenty to enjoy from the stands. Extras 3 When leaving the metro station ‘Porte de Saint-Cloud’ there is a Mcdonald's restaurant at the roundabout. You can buy your drinks and food for less money than inside the stadium. The Parc des Princes stadium has been built above the Boulevard Périphérique, this is the main ring road through Paris. This is another feature that makes the stadium even more special. Final Thoughts When you are on a city trip in Paris and have seen the Eiffel Tower, La Louvre, the Sacre Coeur Dame, and all the other great highlights of the French capital and there is still time left, please consider a trip to the Parc des Princes stadium and attend a match of Paris Saint Germain. You will be moved by the great atmosphere inside the stadium, it will surely make your city trip even more worthwhile.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Memorial Gymnasium 1201 Lions Path Rushville, IN 46173 Rushville High School website Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 2,600 Still Looking Good After 90-plus Years of Hoops Memorial Gymnasium in Rushville, Indiana has been home to high school basketball since 1926. It is now home to the Rushville Consolidated High School Lions basketball program and the small 2,600-seat facility is in pristine condition for its age. It has been preserved very nicely and is ideal for the small town of 6,600 located 45 miles southeast of Indianapolis. City boosters formed the Rushville High School Athletic Corporation in 1925 to raise money for a new gymnasium to house the basketball team. The corporation raised $27,000 through the sale of special bonds. The gym would be completed the following year for $80,000 and paid off from gate receipts in 1944. The original seating configuration was for 5,000, but renovations in 1988 cut it down to almost half its capacity. The construction of the Memorial Gymnasium kept it as the site of sectional play and brought regional play to the city. The gymnasium would host sectional (1926-1971) regional (1926-1958), and county (1926-1968) play through the years. The basketball programs would flourish for both boys and girls as various teams captured 77 sectionals, 30 regionals, and 5 semi-state championships combined. The boys’ team would lose a heartbreaker to Marion High School 82-76 in the 1976 state championship – their lone appearance. The gym has served as a fully functional multi-purpose arena hosting a myriad of events that have included the circus, concert performances, county fairs, and high school commencement. It was the home of the 4-H Club, home economics, and garden exhibits. It also housed physical education classes at a time when the original high school was six blocks away, making PE class quite an adventure. However, the most unusual use of the facility was as a rifle range underneath the north bleachers; participants would lie down on their stomachs and open fire at a target. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands at the gym, a larger one in the facility’s annex and a smaller one at the rear entrance. Both locations offer hot dogs, freshly popped popcorn, nachos, and fresh slices of pizza from an Indiana staple, Pizza King. The thin, cracker-style pizza is offered by an unusual slice, rather than the typical party square. Ask for it with crumbled pepperoni or sausage. Slices are $3, while hot dogs are $2. Atmosphere 3 What Memorial Gym lacks in size makes up nicely in charm and old-time feel. It is a classic study of facilities from this era that was once commonplace before the massive gyms of the 1950s and 1960s. The small-town atmosphere is alive and well before the start of the varsity game. The band lines up on the stage and fans slowly walk to their seats from the main entrance lobby. Pretty soon it will be game time. The varsity squad runs onto the court followed by cheerleaders holding up flags. Everyone in the building is up on their feet clapping and rooting for the Lions The band gets into a frenzy and pretty soon players are introduced over the P.A system. Supporters fill up many sections of the arena, visitors are relegated to their section of the stands, and the student section sits behind the nets opposite the large stage. The stands are made of blonde wood that is in sterile condition forming a horseshoe 15 rows deep from the floor. The small seating area can provide an ideal setting for basketball. The crowd can become intense at times, creating an impressive home-court advantage. The glass case at the entrance to the gym displays memorabilia from the erstwhile Rush County schools dating back to the ‘30s including gym shoes, varsity sweaters, belted shorts, photographs, and the Good Luck Horseshoe that would be awarded to the annual winner of the Rush County Tournament. The original blueprint of the gymnasium is on display above the entryway. Neighborhood 2 There are a few options to choose from in the small town that includes both national and regional chain restaurants; there are some nice local spots to enjoy a home-cooked meal. The Corner Bar prepares freshly baked biscuits on site and serves breakfast all day, while locals swear by the Mexican cuisine at both El Reparo and Mezcal Bar & Grill. Pizza King is one of my guilty pleasures; their pies are cracker thin and can be served with crumbled sausage or pepperoni. There are not a lot of lodging options in town. The Comfort Inn is located less than a mile away from the gymnasium on the main street in town. The Covered Bridge Motel is located south of downtown on SR-3. Fans 4 The fans quickly fill their seats inside the gymnasium and stand and cheer for the team as they march onto the playing court. The game has been embedded into the community for over a century and generations of fans have been attending games in the facility since 1926. There are many stories to pass on to a younger audience and the mix of people inside varies in age. Access 3 The town of Rushville is located 40 miles southwest of Indianapolis on SR-52, a very nice drive through a few small towns of the state. The city is also 17 miles from I-74 at the Shelbyville exit. Inside, the arena access is quite efficient and bathrooms and concessions are located in the outside lobby of the gymnasium. Return on Investment 3 The price of an adult ticket is only $5, along with the same lines as many other high school basketball gymnasiums, and well worth the price of admission. The concession prices are inexpensive and whenever you can watch a game in a historic facility, it is always well worth the investment. Extras 3 The gymnasium is in magnificent condition; the seats are refurbished, the lighting is sharp, the floor well sanded, and the sightlines are extra close. The exterior is in spotless condition as well after 90 years of high school basketball. There is a sense of community spirit inside the gym; the bigger gyms in the state are amazing, but there is something a little different here in Rushville. It is among the oldest gymnasiums still being used for high school basketball in the state of Indiana, perhaps even the country. The intimacy and proximity of the stands to the court provide a time capsule to the old-fashion design of gyms of yesteryear. Final Thoughts Memorial Gymnasium is the third oldest facility still in regular use for high school basketball in the state of Indiana. After 90 years of service, the place is in fantastic condition and a pleasant diversion for a comfortable night of basketball. Many of these facilities are no longer in use and lay vacant only for us to imagine what it must have been like; fortunately, that is not the case here in Rushville.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Physical Activities Complex 200 University Ave W Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Waterloo Warriors Basketball website Physical Activities Complex website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 1,957 The Warriors That Built This Town When your facility was built in 1967, there comes a time when renovations are necessary. The drably named Physical Activities Complex at the University of Waterloo has been in need of a major facelift for a long time. The first step began when the old, wooden bleachers were replaced with modern plastic seating. The latest renovation at the PAC, completed for the 2021-2022 season, has injected new energy into the once drab building, worthy of the decent basketball history the Waterloo Warriors have enjoyed. The Warriors have hit the hardwood, representing the University of Waterloo since 1958. Currently enjoying conference play in the OUA (Ontario University Athletics) as part of the larger USports organization, regulating university sports in Canada, the Warriors have enjoyed Wilson Cup victories as conference champions in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1983 and 1986. The highlight of the Warriors basketball history was the 1975 CIAU National Championship won at the PAC against the Manitoba Bisons. Although the basketball fortunes on the court for the Warriors have not compared to the seventies and eighties, fans can expect a great experience going to a Waterloo game, especially in their new/old digs. Food & Beverage 3 This review was completed during restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The mark for food takes into account previous concessions scenarios. Pre-COVID concessions consisted of simple snacks sold from a temporary table in one of the corners of the PAC. Soda, popcorn and chocolate bars dominated the limited menu. With the renovations to the PAC, a food court outside of the entrance in the main lobby is one of the featured improvements. Subway and Jugo Juice are among the featured restaurants and fans can bring food into the PAC with them. Vending machines are also on site. It will be interesting to see if the food court will suffice for concessions in the future, or if there will be a return to the previous concession options inside as well. Atmosphere 3 The University of Waterloo is in the final stages of a significant renovation to the PAC that has seen some pretty significant changes to the atmosphere. A child of the sixties, the PAC was a cold, soulless, concrete cavern … at least that is what it has been in the modern era. A main entrance has been created on the eastern side of the building which offers an attractive glass entrance, covering up the former brick and concrete that is found around the other three sides of the building. This does force fans who park in Lot M, just north of the PAC, to walk around to the opposite side that they are used to. However, this is a small price to pay for what is a better entrance overall. The main entrance brings fans into a bright, clean concourse which is a far cry from the drab concrete stairs that were what passed for welcoming in the old days. After passing through security and having the tickets scanned, fans ascend to the PAC and enter the main seating area. Many OUA facilities just seem like a simple gymnasium which is as much a home to PE classes as they are to Varsity Athletics. The PAC does have a bigger feel to it, with the right crowd can produce some significant energy. New lighting and flooring to go with the updated seating, which was installed a few years ago, give the PAC a brighter, cleaner, bigger-event feel to it. Those hideous, old wooden bleachers that were among the worst anywhere have been converted, smartly, into a welcoming Warriors sign fans can see before entering the PAC. The court runs from southwest to northeast, with each of the four corners labeled according to the four directions. The southeast side of the court is where to get that perfect picture, while the more comfortable, stadium chair seating is found on the northwest side. Another new, and desperately needed feature that was part of the major renovation is the bridge which links the north and east corners of the PAC. History has been embraced at Waterloo with the naming of the court after longtime Athletic Director, Carl Totzke. The northeast wall features a plaque dedicating the court and explaining the importance of Carl Totzke to the Warrior family. The southwest wall features a simple, yet effective, basketball scoreboard, complete with player information. The scoreboard is surrounded by a plethora of Warrior provincial championship banners, including six Wilson Cup banners. The 1975 National Championship banner also hangs proudly on the southwest wall. The adventurous and the historians will want to look in the north corner of the court to find the marked spot where Phil Goggins hit the game-winning shot to defeat the Manitoba Bisons to win the 1975 National Championship game. One of the greatest players to play at Waterloo was Mike Moser, whom the USports basketball MVP is named after, tragically died in 1975, before the Warriors had their playoff run. His number has been retired by the Warriors. Waterloo needs to take the next step to fully embrace their history and display that retired number in the PAC. The numbers of Peter Savich, Bill Jones and Jaan Laaniste are also retired from basketball and should be on display. The gameday experience is about what one would expect for an OUA basketball game. The gameday operations are mostly run by students, including the video streaming, play-by-play, colour analysis, camera work and PA announcing. A variety of music is played in warmups and during stoppages. Neighbourhood 5 The PAC is located at the north side of the campus of the University of Waterloo, minutes from Uptown Waterloo. The Student Life Centre is now joined directly to the PAC and there are some food options there. The University Club is just a quick jump across the parking lot and does have some limited seating times. Uptown is where there is far more to consider. The Huether, The Pub on King, Ethel’s Lounge, Beertown and Morty’s Pub are just a few of the culinary options that can be found on King Street. University Shops Plaza is a little closer to the opposite end of campus and has a number of options including Lobster Burger Bar, Williams Fresh Cafe, Mel’s Diner and Molly Bloom’s are all good options. There are a bunch of other sporting options in the area. The Warriors field a full complement of athletic teams and the PAC is shared with the women’s basketball team and volleyball teams among others. On the other side of Columbia Street is the Columbia IceField Arena, home of Warriors hockey and Warrior Field, home of Warriors football. Just “up the street” from the University of Waterloo, is Wilfrid Laurier University. The Golden Hawks compete in basketball at the Athletic Complex, football at University Stadium and hockey at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. Heading to the other side of the twin cities border will bring fans to Kitchener, home of the Kitchener Rangers and their home at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The Duke of Wellington and Jazz Room on King Street offer fans live music on weekend nights. Taking the train to the town of St. Jacobs for the market may be of interest or walking through Waterloo Park if the weather’s nice is fun also. Oktoberfest is the busiest time in Kitchener-Waterloo and the largest German party rages on around Thanksgiving. For fans wishing to stay near the PAC, the Inn of Waterloo is just north on King Street and the Delta by Marriott Waterloo is a short drive away. Fans 3 It is very difficult to assess OUA basketball fans as attendance figures are not normally published. The Warriors, it seems, draw a couple hundred fans per game. Keep in mind that all Warrior basketball games are doubleheaders with the women playing first and the men playing after and there are plenty of people coming and going. That being said, with the renovations that have been completed, there is an audible increase of energy in the building that has been sorely lacking for years. It feels more like a spectator sport rather than a rec league game that just happens to be happening. Access 4 Getting to the PAC is not terribly difficult. It is located at the north end of the campus of the University of Waterloo, which is easily accessed from Columbia Street West. It is a significant distance from the Conestoga Parkway and driving through Waterloo will be required for those coming from out of town. Parking at the PAC is an option as Lot M is at the top of the hill, very close to the Columbia Street entrance. Other lots are not too far and most have a $5 or $6 charge. Lot X, on the other side of Columbia Street, is free on weekends. For fans wishing to take public transportation to the PAC, there are a couple of options. Grand River Transit buses travel the entire Ring Road, which circles the campus. The University of Waterloo stop for the ION light rail is also a short walk through campus to the PAC. Fans should check the GRT website, if interested, for times, maps and fares. The flow of people through the PAC has drastically improved with the renovations. With a dedicated entrance, fans are no longer confused as to which of the four corners of the building would be unlocked for admittance to the basketball game. Also, there are now washroom facilities at the level above the main seating area, which is much better than the previous system where fans were required to go all the way to the basement to find a washroom. The bridge linking the north and east corners also improves the flow of fans and allows for a more intimate experience with fans on both sides of the court. Security protocols and Covid protocols are consistently in flux. Stadium Journey implores fans to consult the Waterloo Warriors website for up to date information before heading to the game. Return on Investment 4 OUA basketball is very affordable. At $10 a ticket for adults, with discounts for children, seniors and students, the price is just right, especially in this world of rising ticket prices. It is a little unfortunate that there is a charge for parking, which is a hit or miss affair for the league. Concession prices are what one would also expect. The product on the court is at a high level and the atmosphere and fanbase seems to be consistently improving. Overall, heading to a Warriors basketball game will not disappoint. Extras 4 An extra mark for the recent renovations of the PAC, improving the gameday atmosphere and access to and in the building drastically. An extra mark for the student-run event, especially their work for online broadcasts. An extra mark for the increased embrace of Warrior basketball history with the marking of the 1975 National Championship spot and dedicating of the court. An extra mark for Roly Webster and Ari Grossman. A couple of former Golden Hawks have taken the helm of the Warriors athletic programs and pushed the re-investment in the facilities and programs and are hoping for some big results on the court. Final Thoughts In the sixties and seventies, the PAC was the place to be, with some of the best basketball support in the country. Times have drastically changed, not just in Waterloo, but across the league. On the bright side, the University of Waterloo’s investment in their athletic facilities has shown a commitment to the program and hopefully the results on the court will follow. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos Courtesy of Canisius Golden Griffins Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Koessler Athletic Center 1829 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14208 Canisius Golden Griffins website Koessler Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,176 A Golden Opportunity for College Hoops It’s kind of old school, but it’s been given a much needed facelift. The Koessler Athletic Center, located on the edge of the urban Canisius College campus, is the home of Canisius Golden Griffins basketball. The facility also contains a gymnasium, swimming pool, weight room and other athletic training facilities. Opened in 1968, the arena underwent renovations to install chairback seating, new lighting, dot matrix scoreboards, sound system and refurbished floor. With a seating capacity of 2,196, it is one of the more intimate settings in all of division one basketball, with a feel of an old-school college or high school gym. The Griffins have appeared in four NCAA Tournaments in school history that have resulted in a 6-4 record: 1955, 1956, 1957, and 1996. The 1950’s team were by far the most successful squad making it into the regional semifinals and finals for three straight seasons. The school did return to glory capturing the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season title in 2018. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions aren’t exactly the strong suit here, as there is but one comfort station offering the very basics in stadium fare. A slice of pizza, nachos, pretzel or popcorn will run $2, a hot dog $3, and bottled soft drinks or iced tea $2. The prices, though, are about as low as you will find at any venue at this level. Alcoholic beverages are not sold here. So if you’re looking for culinary delights or that specialty sandwich, try elsewhere before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The first time patron will immediately feel and sense the intimacy of the place. Regulars and season ticket holders seem to know each other and the staffers who run the place on a first named basis. There is but one narrow aisle to get to one’s seat, and that is on the hardwood directly behind the media or scorers tables, so one can’t help but brush by the players and coaches. The end zone bleachers are saved for the students, and when they are full, the kids almost spill out onto the court and their presence is immediately felt. Add the Griffs mascot and the freshly scrubbed cheerleaders, who practically mingle into the stands, and it is a party with 2000 of your best friends. Neighborhood 4 The Canisius campus straddles Main Street, and almost sits on the boundary of one of the most opulent areas of the city- where the historic Forest Lawn cemetery and the Olmsted Parks system abuts some of the nicest neighborhoods and mansions. Travel a few blocks east and you’ll happen upon some of Buffalo’s most distressed neighborhoods. The neighborhood around Koessler itself is safe and clean, but nothing much to find in terms of walkable shops or bistros. Recommendations are up and down the Main Street corridor – southward hit up the famous Anchor Bar, birthplace of the chicken wing, or the Oakk Room, with its specialty martinis. Northward try the Central Park Grill, with hearty tavern food, or farther up yet the Lake Effect Diner. Fans 3 The regulars are what make the place. You’ll spot notable Canisius alums and former basketball greats from the Griffs who are still into the game and team and let their voices be heard. Chances are if you’re a newbie here who looks out of place someone will greet you and introduce themselves and make you feel welcome. The team draws fairly well, but with such a small venue capacity, it is not that hard to fill the place. Access 4 The Koessler Center is located right on the corner of Main Street and E/W Delavan, less than a mile south of the Main Street exit off the Scajaquada Expressway (rte 198). On campus parking is close by and free. On street parking in the neighborhood is also ample and free. Fans wishing to use public transportation can take the Metrorail, which runs from the First Niagara Center downtown all the way north to the SUNY Buffalo south campus. Exit at the Delavan/College station, which is right across the street from the Center. Return on Investment 4 Reserved (chairback seats) run $15. General Admission tickets, which include end zone seating run $10. Cheap eats. Free parking. Enough said. Extras 3 The entrance lobby and exterior concourse of the Koessler Center has seen huge upgrades, including a Hall of Fame which will also see some interactive elements. Very nicely done and deserving of a 2 star bonus. Add one star for the rivalry with Niagara University, their MAAC foe just 25 miles to the north of Buffalo in Lewiston, New York. These two schools battle it out for bragging rights in this region. It’s good fun and great to watch.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center Gymnasium 1031 Edgecomb Avenue York, PA 17403 Penn State-York Nittany Lions website Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 1,500 Another Penn State Penn State-York is a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University located in York, PA approximately 1 hour north of Baltimore, MD, and 30 minutes south of Harrisburg, PA. There are a little more than 1000 full-time students who attend the university. The Pennsylvania State University is a geographically dispersed university with campuses located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Most people only know of the flagship University Park campus. Penn State-York teams participate as a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The Nittany Lions are also a member of the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). All members of PSUAC are Penn State Commonwealth campus with team nicknames such as Lions, Roaring Lions, and Nittany Lions. York's teams use the Nittany Lions name. It seems like it could get confusing at times. Many people do not realize that York, Pennsylvania is rich in history as it was the   first capital of the United States , the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation, and where the words “The United States of America” were first spoken. We attended the venue during a men's and women's doubleheader and the images are from the women's action. The experience should be the same no matter what game you attend. Food & Beverage 3 There is no permanent concession stand, although vending machines and a table selling simple food offerings for less than $5. Atmosphere 3 The arena is a small gym that is similar to many high school gyms. Because of the small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. Neighborhood 3 Penn State York is located in York, Pennsylvania.  York, known as the White Rose City, is the county seat for York, Pennsylvania.  The college is located in the southern portion of York in an industrial portion of the city.  It has easy access to Interstate I-83.  York City hosts many attractions including the Harley-Davidson regional factory, a minor league baseball team named the   York Revolution , the York Barbell Hall of Fame, and a vibrant downtown area including markets, museums, and music venues. The city of York has only 43,000 residents;  you can see many of the sites in and around the city over a short period.  There are many historical sites to see such as the Bridge Diorama in Wrightsville, the Haldeman Mansion, and the Myers Mansion.  Also, in nearby Lancaster, you can visit the Strasburg railroad and Pennsylvania Amish attractions. There are many quality places to eat in York, however, many are not within walking or close driving distance to the college.  The White Rose Bar and Grill is a popular choice among locals and is located in the downtown part of York.  Also, a 15-minute drive from the campus is Wyndridge Farms.  The restaurant contains a brewery and is located inside a renovated barn overlooking the York County countryside. Fans 3 There were a decent number of fans in attendance and they were quite enthusiastic.  You are also likely to find a good number of fans of the opposing teams as many of the opposing schools are located close by. Access 3 Penn State York is approximately two miles from Interstate 83 near South Queen Street. The Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center is located at the back of the campus off Albemarle Street. Visitors should park in the Student Lot outside the M.S. Grumbacher Information Sciences and Technology Center. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost to attend a game at Penn State-York and the parking is free. Even the sim ple concessions are cheap so the value is very good. . Extras 2 The gymnasium has nice windows where you can view some of the game from both the main floor as well as the floor above. There is a nice display of Penn State-York's athletic history in the building's lobby. Final Thoughts The simple gymnasium at Penn State-York is a fun place to watch a game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Wells Fargo Arena 233 Center St Des Moines, IA 50309 Iowa Barnstormers website Wells Fargo Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 15,181 Storming the Arena Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA is a multipurpose venue that opened in 2005 and holds about 16K fans depending on what type of event is going on. The facility hosts a lot of concerts, but in addition, three different sports teams call this venue home, namely the Iowa Wild of minor league hockey, the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League, and the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League. Food & Beverage 4 There are a lot of different concessions options at Wells Fargo Arena – pizza slices are available from one stand, while Stu’s Bar+B+Q offers items beyond barbecue, including fried shrimp, chicken tenders, and Graziano sausage (a local favorite in the Des Moines area). Stu’s also offers cheese curds, which makes sense given the state’s proximity to Wisconsin. Options from other vendors include Nathan’s hot dogs and Johnsonville brats, and there is also a Totally Rolled ice cream stand as well as a Chick-fil-A stand. You can also find burgers at yet another stand (in addition to chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches if you don’t want the ones from Stu’s or Chick-fil-A). Corn dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cake round out the selection here, and you can also find all the typical side items like popcorn, packaged candy, Dippin’ Dots, chips, fries, etc. Drink options include beer, soda, bottled water, and strawberry smoothies – several stands only sell beer, and you can also find the seemingly ubiquitous convenience store type-stand with its huge selection of canned drinks. There are plenty of small tables dotted around the concourse if you want to eat your food or drink your drink at those before heading back to your seat. Note that not every concession stand at Wells Fargo Arena is open during Iowa Barnstormers games (you will see a few closed ones), but what is there should be more than enough to satisfy. There are also roaming vendors selling vodka lemonade and cotton candy in the stands themselves if you don’t want to walk to the concessions during the game. Atmosphere 3 A few football stadiums have cowbells, like Mississippi State football, and this is one of them – the cow bells are undoubtedly the most notable sound you will hear throughout the game. There are also plenty of fan contests like pedal car races and football tosses, and the staff tosses out t-shirts as well. The turf itself looks quite sharp with its alternating light green and dark green stripes and bright colors, and the field looks brand new, unlike a lot of arena football stadiums you may have been to. In addition, the team takes the field accompanied by strobe lights, smoke, and a group of motorcycles from a local club. But the best part of the atmosphere is probably the mascot – in the theme of the team’s name, the Iowa Barnstormers mascot fits the part beautifully – dressed as an old-timey prop plane pilot (think crop dusters). Neighborhood 3 There are plenty of restaurants and hotels near Wells Fargo Arena, which is located in downtown Des Moines right next to the river. One great local option is Pho 888, a Vietnamese restaurant about a mile from the arena – it might look like a dive from the outside, but the food is authentic. If you are looking to take in another sporting event while in Des Moines, the hockey and NBA G League seasons are likely over by the time indoor football rolls around, but you might be able to catch a horse race at Prairie Meadows if you time it right. Fans 2 There are not many fans at Iowa Barnstormers games, so the venue looks pretty empty even though the upper level is curtained off. Nevertheless, you will still hear a lot of noise from the cowbells I mentioned early, so the venue doesn’t seem quite as empty as it looks. You can also buy team gear inside the arena if you want some Barnstormers swag. Access 4 Parking right across the street from Wells Fargo Arena costs $10, and there is plenty of room to move around the concourse. Thanks to the myriad concessions stand which are open, you will also find very short lines (if you have a line at all) when getting your food and drink, and there are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the size of the crowd. Getting to the venue is also very easy, as there is not a lot of traffic, even close to rush hour; I-235 goes right by the arena, either from the east or west. Return on Investment 3 The cheapest tickets to Iowa Barnstormers games run $18 when you buy at the door; you may end up paying a little more than that with fees if you buy online, so you can save a little money if you wait since the arena will not be sold out. Parking is reasonable at $10, and there are plenty of lower costs concessions options. All that said, the lack of fans does mean there is a lack of energy compared to some other IFL venues. However, it is an enjoyable night out, and you do get to keep the ball if it happens to come into the stands near you. Extras 2 There are TVs in the hallways so you can keep track of the game while getting something to eat, and there are beautiful views of the river from the huge windows along the hallways of the different levels.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Weserstadion Franz-Böhmert-Str. 1 Bremen, Germany 28205 SV Werder Bremen website Weserstadion website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 42,354 The Weserstadion I love Bremen... but it didn’t start well. It’s a cold and grey winter day. I have just 24 hours to discover what makes the Weserstadion a German favourite and ascertain what this gritty north-western port city has to offer. As I arrived on my train from Hamburg, an impressive ‘up and coming’ city, Bremen refused to entice or court me with any obvious landmarks, style, or allure. Outside the Hauptbahnhof (central station), six lanes of tram tracks, buses, and cycle paths on the pavements each sought to end my visit to Bremen before it began. A less than salubrious onward walk plus a shifty looking ‘room-mate’ in my hostel and I’m considering surfing the net for an early flight home. At this point, I’m concluding that if a football team mirrors its city’s characteristics then Werder Bremen, or the ‘green-whites’ as they are known, will be an uncompromising and feared opponent. The first sight of their 40k-plus stadium, nestled on the north bank of the River Weser however reveals such an imposing and classy grandeur that it’s clear there’s far more to Bremen than first meets the eye. History suggests the same, whilst WB has struggled recently, with their better players poached by newest rivals Schalke, they’ve only once not been eating at the ‘Bundesliga top table.’ Their 4 league titles, 6 cups, and a 1992 European Cup Winners Cup win make them one of Germany’s top clubs. The Weserstadion, their home patch since 1909 is full for most games. Food & Beverage 3 Eating and drinking at the stadium is an intrinsic part of the German football experience. A ‘beer and bratwurst’ is mandatory. If you buy inside the ground remember to first acquire (and load with cash) a ‘Werder Card.’ Then use the card for all purchases at the various catering outlets. As a UK supporter, this seems an unnecessary additional transaction and another queue to ‘enjoy’ but it is normal across Europe and you can buy outside if it bothers you. Outside the ground, catering stalls can be found behind the north stand (Gates 4-8) and behind the west stand (Gate 11), providing the usual sustenance options. Back inside ‘Hunger & Durst’ catering outlets provide bratwurst (a mild smoked pork sausage) at 3.30 Euros, currywurst at 3.50 Euros, and krakauer (a smoked and cured sausage with garlic) at 3.30 Euros. You can get some brezel (a glazed brittle biscuit) for 2.50 Euros and for some matches, they also have some frikadelle im brotchen (Meatball rolls). Hunger & Durst also provides a variety of drink options: soft drinks come in at an expensive 4.20 Euros, coffee 2.50 Euros, and Becks and Haake Beck (a low alcohol version) are 4.30 Euros. In the south stand, drinks can also be purchased from a supporter’s bar that does a brisk business serving Becks into special club-branded containers which you can keep as a memento or return and get some cash back. If you’d like to avoid queuing for a werder card, then try offering a supporter 5 Euros cash at the bar and use their card, job is done. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at the stadium is positive, even when Werder is experiencing a tough season. With only a small ‘away’ allocation it is left to the home fans to make the majority of the noise. Weserstadion has hosted international football but was sadly overlooked as a venue for the 2006 World Cup. A recent interview with former player Sandro Wagner suggested playing at the Weserstadion “still makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.” The ground has been developed many times over the years; football was played here as far back as 1909. The most recent upgrades began in 2008 and have bequeathed an impressive stadium. A request to add a third tier however proved too costly. If that were to ever go ahead this really could be up with the best grounds in the world. A ground with no real ‘bad views,’ the playing surface was lowered during the last renovation which helps sight lines and gives a ‘close to the action’ feel, lacking when the ground had an athletics track in years past. Two LED video screens provide the information you need including ‘goal flashes’ from other Bundesliga games, this adds to the atmosphere as relegation rivals' goals are jeered and, when they concede, cheers. The unique features of the ground are the floodlights. Sixty-one metres high, peering down into the ground like ticketless schoolboys striving to get a view of the action. The other unique string in the Weserstadion is environmental; the stadium website explains best: “The centerpiece is a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system, which consists of a total of 200,000 solar cells and blends harmoniously into the construction concept. The system covers an area of ​​more than 2 football fields and generates up to one million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This efficient use of renewable energies significantly reduces CO2 emissions and thus relieves the burden on the environment." Neighborhood 4 The Weserstadion is southeast of central Bremen, however, it’s by no means an ‘out of town’ ground. The size of Bremen means that the use of the trams or buses isn’t necessary during a visit but of course, they’re available if needed. Location means a lot to football fans, being able to walk from your city centre to the ground and straight back afterward is an attractive component of a fan’s match day experience. Three main areas are recommended to be explored during a visit; Viertel, Schlachte, and Alstadt. Viertel is an upmarket area with bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. If you stay in central Bremen it’s on the way to the ground as well. Coffee Corner (on the corner of Vor dem Steintor & Am Dobben) does exactly what it says on the packet and is great for people watching too! Further east along Vor dem Steintor is Bellini’s, a great Italian restaurant that shows Sky Sports. Schlachte has several bars and restaurants overlooking the River Weser. With Beck’s factory on the opposite bank, seemingly looking over your shoulder, you’ll feel bad ordering anything else (nonalcoholic versions available). Red Rock bar provides a lively atmosphere and shows the Bundesliga Friday night match. You can visit the Beck’s factory by the way and of course, the tour involves a little sampling. Altstadt (old town) is impressive and by day you need to tick off the town hall and Roland statue, both UNESCO world heritage sites, and St Petri Dom (cathedral) in the market square. Seek out the Spitzen Gebelin bar in a side street adjacent to the square, a 14th Century gothic townhouse, badly damaged in World War II. A trail you could take heads from the Aldstadt to Viertel then on to the Weserstadion. Stroll from the marketplace through the delightful windy lanes of Schnoor, numerous craft shops and bars are well worth a visit. Then head to Tandour restaurant, highly recommended by the locals, before continuing along Am Wall for the Kunsthalle Bremen art gallery featuring Rembrandt and Rubens no less. Then it’s the Theatre am Goetheplatz (however if it’s theatre you want the Theaterschiff, a theatre on a boat moored on the River Weser is worth experiencing). Continue along Am Wall, it’s a road that also provides some interesting street art and graffiti. The road becomes Ostertorsteinweg and that’s where the Irish bar Hegarty’s can be found. Deceptively large, there is a great atmosphere with the standard Irish singer and his guitar. At this point on the walk you are back to Coffee Corner and the Viertel area, another recommended bar here is Bermuda, especially when it's happy hour. Then continue to the Taubenschlag to meet the fans. Accommodation-wise, Townside Hostel is more than adequate (just up the road from Coffee Corner), but the City Ibis at 60 Euros a night might be more to your liking. Worth noting the Bremen tourism website is excellent and a must-visit if you are going to come to Bremen. Fans 4 Werder has a passionate and knowledgeable fan base that is proud of its Hanseatic status. The numerous ultra-groups add spice of course, many of whom drink in the Taubenschlag and other nearby bars just up the Auf Dem Peterswerder from the ground. Rivals of old are the mighty Bayern Munich, local rivals are Hamburg, and the newest addition to the list of rivals is Schalke. Capacity at the Weser is 42,100 and Werder fans' regular support means they average over 40,000 per match each season. The fans behind the goal on the east side of the ground (Ostkurve) make most of the noise, choreographed by a new loud hailer. This area of the ground is standing and the chants keep coming, the most spine-tingling when they call out ‘Werder’ and the west stand replies with ‘Bremen,’ over and over again. Then add all the usual songs and tunes you’d expect. As a fan from England, it’s always great to hear the Germans singing ‘Football’s Coming hHome’ which they do heartily before the game begins. A goal for the home side is followed by the sound of a fog horn and then ‘The Proclaimers” are blasted out on the tannoy singing 500 Miles, random but brilliant. Access 4 The size of Bremen means you don’t necessarily need to use the trams or buses once during your visit, but of course, they are there and available to use if needed. There are various ways to get to the Weserstadion; Walk – One route to get to the stadium is to walk along the Weser River, just 1 kilometre from the Aldstadt. The ground gradually comes into view and for night games those impressive floodlights beckon you in. Boat - One better than that would be to arrive by boat, prices from as low as 3.50 Euros and you can board from various locations – more info on the Bremen Tourism website Tram - Better to be in a tram than under one, so you can take the number 3 to the Weserstadion stop. Car - Cars are restricted near the ground however beyond that try north of the ground or use one of the parks and rides. Train – It’s a 40-minute walk from Bremen Hauptbahnhof. Fly – Bremen airport is very close to the city center so that’s your plan a. If you fly into Hamburg airport, it’s a 20-minute train ride into Hamburg Hauptbahnhof followed by an hour train to Bremen. Tickets can be purchased online from the club website and if you are on the ball, they are no problem to purchase. Once in the concourse areas, toilets and catering facilities are all within easy reach. If you have specific access issues then contact the club before you visit. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range in price depending on the category of the game. For a category 2 game expect to pay between 30-50 Euros with terrace tickets even cheaper. Buy online from the club website which includes a print-at-home option. Overall a trip to Bremen is good value. The Bundesliga is still cheaper than the English Premier League and often the atmosphere eclipses its UK counterpart. The Proclaimers' song played after the Bremen goal is worth the admission fee alone. Of course, it’s not cheap. We all know that lower down the football ‘food chain’ there are grassroots clubs that provide a warm welcome at a tenth of the price. However, in its context and maybe with a match where there are a higher number of traveling fans, the Weserstadion will be rocking and you wouldn’t be worrying too much about the amount you spend. Extras 3 Museum – There is a club museum within the north stand. Make time to visit if you can. Tours – Similarly if you are in Bremen for a few days you can book a tour of the stadium. Programme – Full colour, A4, 36 pages, and surprisingly good for mainland Europe, which isn’t noted for its programme par excellence. Final Thoughts Bremen is an open-minded, honest, and traditional city, and the football stadium and the team share those features. After an enjoyable week in Hamburg, enemy territory for Bremen fans, followed by an inauspicious introduction to the city, I leave with a heavy heart. Why? Because this place gets under your skin. Yes, there are fewer ‘bright lights’ than in Hamburg, but gems like the Market Square, the Schnoor and the huge mural of an old couple looking out on the city from the corner of Auf Den Hafen and Eduard-Grunow Starbe are irresistible. Then there is the walk along the river Weser towards the stadium, which is hugely evocative. From almost a kilometre away you can see it’s special, but as you get closer and closer its imposing shape and positioning do impress. I met a proper Bremen fan too, humble, fun and so welcoming that I’m not leaving early, I’m left wishing I could stay a while longer, and you will too.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Franklin Community Gym 2600 Cumberland Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Franklin Community HS Grizzly Cubs Franklin Community Gym website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 2,758 Home of the Grizzly Cubs It has been a century since the town of Franklin celebrated its first state championship and the team that captured it would become so famous they would be coined the Franklin Wonder Five. The team began playing together in elementary school and under the tutelage of head coach Ernest “Griz” Wagner would win five straight championships at both the high school and collegiate levels. The school won three state championships in a row from 1920-1922. They would dispatch Lafayette, Anderson, and Terre Haute Garfield by combined scores of 92-50 at the state finals. The championship-winning team put the small town on the map and its legacy continues to this day. That state championship team became known famously as the Franklin Wonder Five which played together first in elementary school and went 104-10 during its four years under coach Ernest “Griz” Wagner. The Wonder Five would graduate and play at Franklin College where it captured the 1923 and 1924 Indiana State Collegiate Champions defeating powerhouses such as Illinois, Purdue, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin during a 50-game winning streak. The next season the team was Indiana State Collegiate Champions. That was five straight championships for the Wonder Five and their exploits captured the fancy of not just Indiana but around the country. The cagers put Franklin on the map and both the high school and university use the Grizzlies nickname in honor of coach Wagner. The team’s legacy continues 100 years after its first championship-winning season websites and Twitter pages have been created to honor these men. The Grizzly Cubs have captured 46 sectional championships, 12 regional championships, and 6 semi-state championships in its history. The school made it back to the finals in 1939, 1973, and 1974 but lost both times. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands in the main lobby near the entrance to the gym and offer the usual food items that can be found at most gyms in the state of Indiana. However, the prices are somewhat on the cheaper side. Pretzels are $3, hot dogs are $2 (chili cheese dogs are $3), popcorn and candy are $1, and nachos are $2 (super nachos $3 with sliced jalapenos). Coca-Cola products are available for $2. Atmosphere 4 The gymnasium looks a lot different than many of its contemporaries and that is because it is among the most modern in the state having been built in 2007. The 2,758-seat gymnasium offers fans seating on all four sides of the court with some of the seating a few inches away from the foul lines. The seating is made up of blue plastic seats and the fans are close to the action no matter where they sit for a game. The walls are decorated with multiple championship signs won by the various school programs but the basketball state titles won by the Wonder Five are blended in with the rest of the championships–these guys need three separate banners hanging from the rafters, they are that legendary. However, the outside lobby has three giant pictures honoring these fellows along with the three other teams that were state finalists in 1939, 1973, and 1974. The main lobby is also quite impressive and is home to the Grizzly Cub Walk of Fame which is home to accolades and past players who made their mark in athletics at the school. There are also two ticket booths leading up to the lobby that provides an old-school feel to the very modern building. Neighborhood 4 Franklin, Indiana is situated about 30 miles south on US-31 and the high school itself is about 3 miles northwest of downtown. Downtown offers plenty of options and includes eateries such as Court Street Cafe, Bojak’s Bar & Grille, Jefferson Street Pub, and Shale Creek Brewing Company. The Historic Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 and restored to its former glory. The movies are of the older variety and cost just $6, but a few nights feature beer or wine included in your $10 ticket price. For more history, visit the Johnson County Museum of History during its hours of business from Monday to Saturday. Fans 4 At the game of this review, the student section made its presence felt like each member dressed in jeans and flannels as a sign of unity–perhaps it was to honor the 1990s grunge era, but the look was also mimicked for the away student section who also made an impact on the atmosphere with similar garb on the opposite side of the court. The rest of the fans made a lot of noise themselves cheering on their Grizzly Cubs in a tightly contested battle with rival Whiteland. A lot of them have been coming to games for years and can tell you a few stories about the program dating back a few decades. Access 3 The high school and gymnasium are located about a mile west of US 31 which itself is a few miles west of I-65. There is plenty of parking for the gym and the main lobby consists of concession stands, bathrooms, and a Walk of Fame. The seating itself offers four separate stands with various aisles in the middle offering access to your particular seat. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a game is $6 and is on par with other high school basketball gymnasiums in the state of Indiana. The price of a hot dog is $2 and super nachos loaded with pickled jalapenos are $3. There are also free athletic programs and scorecards at the entrance of the lobby. Extras 3 The gymnasium earns a point for its aesthetically pleasing ceiling that provides a spectacular backdrop for the action underneath the net. The gym gets a second point for its main lobby which is modern and offers fans concession stands, championship team photos, and the Walk of Fame. The last point is for the lighting and sound system that provides a polished feel to the game. Final Thoughts There is much to enjoy at a Grizzly Cubs game and the size of the gymnasium alone makes for a spirited atmosphere even if the crowd is not at full capacity. It’s modern, comfortable, clean, and unlike most other buildings of its kind for high school hoops in the state of Indiana. Franklin is not too far off the main roads and interstates and its charming little downtown makes for a nice little weekend treat for your basketball pleasure.