Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 E.S. Fox Pad @ Gale Centre 5152 Thorold Stone Road Niagara Falls, ON L2E 0A2 Niagara Falls Canucks website Gale Centre website Year Opened : 2010 Capacity: 2,170 The Canucks of Ontario The Niagara Falls Canucks entered the OJHL in 2023 in what was a classic, yet not common way.  Founded in 1971, the Canucks began their existence as a Junior B team in the Niagara District Junior B Hockey League.  Not to be confused with the Vancouver Canucks  of the NHL, the Niagara Falls Canucks headed to the Golden Horseshoe Junior Hockey League after the folding of the NDJHL.  In 2007 a reorganization of Junior Hockey in Ontario saw the GHJHL merge with two other leagues to form the current Junior B league, the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.  The entry of the Canucks to the Junior A, Ontario Junior Hockey League came in 2023 when the team advanced with the Leamington Flyers.  The 2025-26 season is the third season the Canucks are members of the OJHL.  The Canucks are owned by former NHL goaltender and Niagara Falls native Frank Pietrangelo, who also acts as the Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations.  Pietrangelo is among the Canucks alumni, which also includes Gilbert Dionne and Kevin Dallman. For the majority of their existence, the Canucks played in the Niagara Falls Memorial Arena.  The Memorial Arena was also home to the OHL’s Niagara Falls Flyers and Niagara Falls Thunder.  In 2011, the Canucks moved to the brand new, multi-ice surface Gale Centre.  Named after Bob Gale, a former Niagara Falls Police Officer, member of the Police Board and many other Municipal Boards, the Gale Centre is the hub for all levels of hockey in the city.  The Canucks play in the spectator rink, sponsored by E.S. Fox, the founder of Fox Limited, a major Canadian, multi-trade contractor and fabricator. Food & Beverage 3 The E.S. Fox Pad has two concession stands, one on the upper level and one at ice level.  There is also a concession in the atrium of the Gale Centre.  Run by Break-A-Way Niagara, the concession options include pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fries, sausage, poutine, onion rings, popcorn, nachos and other snacks.  Fountain Coca-Cola products are available for soft drinks as well as water, coffee, tea and Biosteel.  Gale Centre does offer alcoholic beverages, which can be brought into the seating area.  There is a small selection of macro brews as well as some hard seltzers. Atmosphere 4 The Gale Centre has a fairly bland, light coloured exterior that is not unattractive.  The main entry is from the north.  There are two main entry points from the north side, one which leads to the box office and E.S. Fox Pad for commercial hockey games on the northeast side and another for the main Gale Centre atrium from the northwest side.  To the northeast of the building is a large, ironworks statue of a hockey player, which is a unique feature. Although entry to the Canucks game is from the Box Office entry, a walk through the Gale Centre atrium is worth a few minutes, even though fans will have to head back outside to get to the box office after. The atrium features entry to the other three ice pads and is large and brightly lit.  Some items of note include the three framed, autographed Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys and accompanying photos signifying the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp which has been held at the Gale Centre for a number of years.  There is also a Ron McLean autographed, Hometown Hockey framed jersey from when Niagara Falls was featured on the show.  A trophy case houses pictures and sticks from the classic Niagara Falls Flyers teams of the seventies.  Also worth a look is the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame, which includes enshrined members Frank Pietrangelo, Steve Ludzik, Jarrod Skalde and former Toronto Raptors Head Coach and Canadian National Basketball team member and coach, Jay Triano.  A number of local teams are also enshrined on the opposite side of the atrium. Entry to the Niagara Falls Canucks game must be done through the exterior Box Office doors.  After ascending the stairs to the E.S. Fox Pad fans are brought into the main arena and seating bowl.  The ice surface is east-west oriented with a horseshoe seating bowl configuration.  A running track surrounds the seating bowl and doubles as standing room.  The west side of the rink is open and has a high-top seating area near the concession stand.  Above centre ice is a low profile, simple, hockey score clock and the best spot to get a picture of the centre ice logo is from the north.  At the east end of the arena are a huge number of championship banners from the Canucks’ Junior B days, with the 1996 and 1998 Sutherland Cup Championship banners in the centre of the bunch.  The Canucks have 12 League Championships to boast of.  The press box on the south side is named after Steve Ludzik.  To the right of the press box are banners honouring the 1965 and 1968 Memorial Cups won by the Niagara Falls Flyers.  The seating bowl consists of 10 rows of modern, plastic arena seats.  A unique feature of the arena are the two rows of pink seats, which split the blue ones. The gameday production at a Canucks game is fairly simple.  The speaker system in the arena is solid and there are a ton of acoustic panels that hang from the low profile ceiling, which must help with the acoustics of the arena.  Announcements are clear and easy to understand.  Promotions are simple and include lucky programs, chuck-a-puck and 50/50 draw.  The mascot, Justin Beaver, takes part in some ceremonies and the t-shirt toss.  The game also begins with minor hockey players skating the flags on the ice. Neighbourhood 4 Gale Centre is located in the Clifton neighbourhood of Niagara Falls, which is north of the tourist area.  There are a number of spots for pre or post game food and drink that are a very short drive away.  Some options include Hi-Lite Restaurant, Taps Brewhouse, Basell’s and Fork You.  There are plenty more options closer to the Horseshoe Falls in the main tourist area.  The Gale Centre is also home of the Junior C Niagara RiverHawks.  There are also a number of other hockey options in the Niagara Region with the Niagara IceDogs  of the OHL the most prolific.  As far as other tourist options, Niagara Falls is one of the top tourist destinations in the country.  A trip to Niagara Falls without taking a peak at the famous Horseshoe Falls is a waste.  Great Wolf Lodge is minutes from the Gale Centre and Clifton Hill is an interesting spot to stop.  There are, of course, a number of other tourist options that have to do with The Falls themselves including the Maid of The Mist and Journey Behind the Falls.  The Niagara Region is also famous for various wineries, many of which offer tours.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, there are a ton of options.  The Super 8 and Town Place Marriott are the closest to Gale Centre.  Niagara Falls is also well known for B&Bs. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJHL can be difficult as finding attendance statistics can be challenging.  In the 2024-25 season, the Niagara Falls Canucks averaged 340 fans per game.  The game that was reviewed was the home opener for the 2025-26 season, which welcomed over 300 fans.  The Canucks probably rank in the 2nd tier in the OJHL for attendance, below the top teams, but still in the top third.  Fans in attendance are pretty laid back and not over the top or very loud.   Access 4 The Gale Centre is located in the Clifton neighbourhood of Niagara Falls.  It is north of the main tourist area, so tourist traffic should not be an issue.  It is located 1 km north of Highway 420 and 3.5 km east of the Queen Elizabeth Way, the main arteries into the city.  Although fans will not have to traverse through the city, traffic on the QEW can be a real issue, especially earlier in the season.  Fans coming from the United States will need to think about which border crossing to use.  Although the Rainbow Bridge is the closest and crosses at Niagara Falls, it is often the slowest.  Crossing at Lewiston, New York or Buffalo are better options. There is plenty of parking at Gale Centre.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops west of Gale Centre, on Stanley Avenue.  Fans should consult the Niagara Transit website for fares, schedules and maps.  The Via Rail and GO Transit stations are also just minutes from Gale Centre. Entry into Gale Centre can be a bit confusing.  Fans going to the Canucks game will have to enter through the Box Office doors and not the main Gale Centre entry.  Getting around the arena is not that difficult, although there is a staircase from the box office to the entry to the E.S. Fox Pad.  The washroom facilities are good for this facility. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Niagara Falls Canucks are purchased at the door with either card or cash.  Adult tickets are $15 with discounts for students and seniors.  Children five and under are free and Niagara Falls minor hockey players with their jerseys are also free.  Parking is free at Gale Centre and the concession prices are decent.  The on-ice product is solid and the Gale Centre is a comfortable facility.  Overall, the Canucks offer a good experience for a reasonable price. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Gale Centre hosting the annual OJHL Governor’s Showcase, a full league slate of games using all of the ice surfaces designed for scouts to have an easy mechanism to see the full slate of league talent. An extra mark for the Gale Centre hosting Toronto Maple Leafs  Training Camp for three years. An extra mark for the nod to the Niagara Falls Flyers of what is now the OHL, two-time Memorial Cup Champions. Final Thoughts Taking in a Niagara Falls Canucks game offers fans the opportunity to take in some solid Junior Hockey at a modern, comfortable facility in the Gale Centre, in one of the top tourist destinations in Canada.  It is well worth the trip to Niagara and Canuck country. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Notre Dame Arena 15 Hillside Ave Berlin, NH 03570 Berlin River Drivers website Notre Dame Arena website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 1,680 Home of River Driver Hockey The Notre Dame Arena is a community rink located in Berlin, New Hamphire. For decades, it has hosted local concerts, events and high school hockey. Since the fall of 2015 it has also served as home of the Berlin River Drivers, a team in the Federal Hockey League, a low level professional league with teams across the northeastern United States. In 1969 the roof of the arena collapsed due to the weight of accumulated snow, killing a local youth hockey player. Ironically, it was found that snow that had been piled up against the facility’s walls to help support them led directly to the collapse. Berlin is a small town of just over 10,000 residents located on the northern edge of the White Mountains just 60 miles from the Quebec border. For decades the town thrived on logging and wood industries. The team’s name derives from the town’s logging past, as a river driver is a person who moved logs from the forest to the sawmill using the currents of a river. Food & Beverage 3 There is a snack bar in the lobby of Notre Dame Arena which serves a decent menu. Hungry River Drivers fans can select from hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, french fries or nachos. Other snack items, including mozzarella sticks, pretzels and onion rings are also on the menu. Of course, being so close to the Canadian border, it’s not surprising to see poutine offered here. No item on the menu costs more than six dollars. Thirsty River Driver fans can choose from a variety of Coca-Cola products. Warm drinks such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate are popular choices in this chilly rink. Alcoholic beverages are sold at the snack bar, with Bud Light the most popular choice here by far. Atmosphere 3 A trip to Notre Dame Arena for a River Drivers game is a long way, both literally and figuratively, from the bright lights of major league hockey. The first thing that will strike a first time visitor to Notre Dame Arena is the sense of community here. It seems that the entire town shows up to catch the action, and everyone knows everyone else in attendance. So what do you do when your home rink lacks any kind of mechanism for fancy pregame festivities? Why, you improvise, of course. During introductions the house lights are turned down and the fans take out their flashlights while the River Drivers take the ice. The gameday presentation here at Notre Dame Arena is pretty basic, as there isn’t a whole lot that can be done in this community rink. Music blares over the speakers during play stoppages. The scoreboard hanging at center ice displays score and time, and nothing else. The team holds a 50/50 raffle and chuck a puck during the game to raise money. Fans in attendance at a River Drivers game have a close bond with the players on the ice, and are really into the game. There is only so much noise a few hundred people can make, but in this tiny barn, the amount of noise put out is pretty impressive. Air horns and cowbells can be heard throughout the game, as fans come armed with a variety of noisemakers. After a River Drivers win, the team salutes the fans and take a victory lap around the rink, high-fiving the fans that line the glass. Neighborhood 2 Notre Dame Arena is located just a few blocks from downtown Berlin. Visiting fans won’t find a whole lot in terms of fancy restaurants or lodging options around, but there are plenty of decent options in Berlin and neighboring Gorham. With the spectacular White Mountains so close by, it’s not a surprise that there are many excellent ski resorts located just a short drive from Notre Dame Arena. When the weather warms, outdoor activities continue to be a strong draw in the area, as the Appalachian Trail passes through the town. Fans 2 The River Drivers averaged just over 600 fans per game during the 2016-17 season, good for sixth place out of the seven teams in the Federal League, and consistent with their inaugural 2015-16 season. The team’s first playoff game attracted 1,000 fans to the cozy Notre Dame Arena. In a small town like Berlin, it’s no surprise that there is a strong sense of community here. Most of the fans seem to know each other, and the rink is simply an extension of the local neighborhood or workplace the fans are coming from. The fans have a strong connection to the players, and the team to the fans. It’s not something you will find in a bigger city or higher level of pro hockey. Access 2 To paraphrase the old monster truck radio commercials, at a River Drivers game you are going to purchase the entire seat, but you are only going to use the edge! Fans do not sit down at a River Drivers game. Not during the game, and not during the intermission. Wear some comfortable shoes, and do not expect a clear view of the action. With the town of Berlin’s remote location, driving is really the only way to get to a River Drivers game. Located 40 miles from the nearest interstate (I-93), fans will take Route 2 to Route 16, which winds through Berlin. Be sure to enjoy some of the spectacular scenery as you drive through the White Mountains. Notre Dame Arena is a small facility in a small town. This makes it very difficult to get around when a decent crowd is in the rink. Fans enter the arena into a small lobby, where the snack bar, pro shop, tables and rest rooms are located. Add in a merchandise table, booster club table and trophy case, and it’s understandable that this area can get crowded in a hurry. Once you enter the rink, seating is located on both sides of the rink, with the majority of seating located to your right as you enter. All seats consist of wooden bleachers, which are sold as general admission. Many fans here eschew the bleachers entirely, choosing to stand at rinkside. Get here early, because these prime spots fill up quickly. Netting surrounds the entire rink, further blocking views around the arena. If you want an unobstructed view at a River Drivers game, you will have to stand at the glass. You’ll be blocking others, but hey, no one here seems to mind. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to River Drivers games cost only ten dollars at the door. Purchasing tickets in advance earns you a one dollar discount. Children under 12 and members of the military are admitted for seven dollars. Parking is free in the Notre Dame Arena lot or on the surrounding streets. Concessions are inexpensive as well, making this a very affordable entertainment option for northern New Hampshire hockey fans. Extras 2 Extra points are awarded for the strong sense of community here at Notre Dame Arena. It feels like every fan in attendance knows every other fan. Add in the fantastic support given the River Drivers during their inaugural visit to the playoffs in 2017 and the quirky touches like Flashlight Night and the victory lap, and Notre Dame Arena becomes a most unique place to take in some low-level pro hockey. Final Thoughts You are not going to stumble upon Notre Dame Arena by accident. Located deep in the White Mountains, you are only coming here by design. The facility is little more than your basic local community rink, but it is the place to be in the small town of Berlin on a Friday or Saturday night. Some aspects of the gameday experience may strike veteran fans as hokey, but River Driver fans sure seem to be enjoying themselves! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos Courtesy of the Oahe Zap The Oahe Zap of the Independence League Baseball revealed their inaugural uniform set for the 2023 season. The Pierre, S.D., summer collegiate club released a home, away, and alternate set, along with two specialty jerseys. The home jerseys are white with their script Zap logo across the chest and their Z logo on the left sleeve. It is a pullover shirt. The road jerseys, and button-ups, are navy with “Oahe” written across the chest in a classic script and their Z logo on the left sleeve. The alternate set is a pullover jersey that is Columbia blue with their Z logo on the right part of the chest and their Powerhouse logo on the left sleeve. The back of each jersey features block numbers with their Capitol logo on the upper back close to the neck. Each jersey also features its jersey sponsorship partner, Allied Plumbing and Heating, on the right sleeve. Jerseys will be paired with either white or Columbia blue pants. "Our regular uniforms were designed by Deremer Sportswear in Omaha," said co-owner Jackson Bruce. "We went fairly traditional with the home and away. Our alternate is an 80s style, like the Cardinal, Mariners, and Brewers powder blues. We think all three make our extricate brand pop and will be a hit with the fans." The club will also be featuring three specialty jerseys that will be worn during specific promotional nights this season. The first will be Jersey Shore-themed jerseys for Jersey Shore Night on June 8. The jerseys will be black with cheetah print sleeves and a Jersey Shore-style Oahe Zap logo on the front. The acronym “G.T.L.” is situated on the upper back for all of those who need a reminder of the infamous “Gym, Tan Laundry” to-do list. The Zap script logo will be featured on one sleeve with a sponsor logo on the other. "As for the specialty jerseys, our Jersey Shore jerseys have a Jersey Shore-type logo that incorporates our name," explains Bruce. "We went with cheetah print because it seems to be a popular pattern with one of the main Shore members, Snooki. We thought it would be a nice touch to throw the GTL on the back to show we are serious about the night like they are serious about the Gym, Tan, and Laundry lifestyle on the show. Thanks to OT Sports, we were able to get an amazing design." Taking a cue from Great Britain’s WBC uniforms set, the second will be a Minimum Night-themed jersey for the Zap’s promotion on July 3. The white jerseys feature “zap” in lower case, Times New Roman font across the front, and a Zap Script logo and Times New Roman numbers on the back. There will be a league logo on one sleeve. Bruce further explains the genesis behind this design for his team. "The minimum jerseys were an idea we cooked up doing promotion planning. We heard of Nothing Night but wanted to at least give the people something, even if it’s lazy. There is nothing lazier than white in Times New Roman font. We wanted to show we could wear a uniform with about as little effort into making it as possible. That uniform design was made in three minutes using Canva and OT Sports was able to bring it to life." The third jersey is to be determined. All specialty jerseys will be auctioned off for charity through silent auctions during the respective game days. Charities are to be announced. The Zap home opener is Tuesday, May 23 at Hyde Stadium.

Photos by Scott Bultman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Jim Perry Stadium 76 Upchurch Ln Buies Creek, NC 27506 Buies Creek Astros website Jim Perry Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 1000 Up Buies Creek Without a Future There are six levels in the affiliated minor leagues: AAA, AA, A-Advanced (High A), A (Low A), Short-Season A, and Rookie. For the first four levels, each MLB team has exactly one club per level, while 22 teams have short-season clubs in the New York-Penn and Northwest Leagues and 18 have franchises in the Appalachian and Pioneer Leagues. Usually, when a franchise moves, it does so within its league. For example, the Brevard County Manatees are now the Florida Fire Frogs, having moved from Melbourne to Kissimmee while remaining in the Florida State League. But it is possible for teams to move across leagues at the same level. It is obviously important to have an even number of teams in each league, so the only way this could happen was if two teams left one league and moved to another. Given the geographic concentration of the lower level circuits, such a situation is rare, but it did happen this past offseason. Two teams that had struggled in the High A California League jumped all the way over to the Carolina League. Well, that is not quite true. The High Desert Mavericks and Bakersfield Blaze ceased operations in the California League, while the Down East Wood Ducks (who play in Kinston, North Carolina) and Buies Creek Astros were created as expansion teams in the Carolina League, also a High-A federation. The main difference between a straight move and the contraction/expansion method is that franchise records do not transfer over to the new teams; they are starting from scratch in terms of history. The Astros are an interesting team because they are only around for two seasons before it relocates 30 miles south to Fayetteville and gains a new identity. For the time being, the team will use Jim Perry Stadium on the campus of Campbell University. As this is a college ballpark, the experience here is quite different than you would expect from a minor league venue. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single concession stand behind the main building just inside the gate with very basic offerings at very cheap prices. Hot dogs and nachos are $3; sandwiches (BBQ or chicken) are $4, while pretzels, peanuts, and candy are $2. The only special thing at the stand is a cream-cheese filled pretzel for $4. There is also an ice cream cart that sells one scoop for $3 and two for $5. There are a few picnic tables next to first base if you want to sit comfortably and enjoy your meal. Bottled soda and water is provided by Coca-Cola and sells for $2, as are two varieties of cappuccino. There is no alcohol sold, as this is a campus venue. Atmosphere 2 The stadium was originally built in the 1940s but an extensive renovation in 2012 makes it seem entirely new. It is a simple place, with a seating bowl that surrounds home plate. Three sections of reserved seats in the middle and a section of GA benches on either end. You can find shade along the top row of seats for afternoon games. There is also a new pavilion named after Perry and his wife along the third base line that is open to the public for Buies Creek games. Netting protects the entire seating area, which is normal at college ballparks where aluminum bats are used. There is also a new scoreboard above right field that is quite nice. There are no on-field promotions or any other amenities you would find at a typical ballpark such as a kids zone, starting lineup board, or Road to the Show exhibit. This is a temporary home and thus baseball is important here, not making money. Neighborhood 2 The Campbell University campus is nice enough, though rather deserted in the summer. I did not see anything open as I drove in. The nearest sports bars are about 3 miles west in Lillington – the Lillington Sports Zone is along US 421 and has a large seating area and a separate bar, while the County Seat Sports Grille is located in the center of town. Fans 2 Given that the team is leaving in two years, there isn’t much reason to invest time here, but there are some loyal followers. Merchandise is a big seller since, it will not be available past 2018, and most fans had some sort of gear on. Attendance is low, but so is seating capacity and fans that stayed throughout a long game. Access 4 Buies Creek is about an hour south of Raleigh, though no Interstates go directly there. US-421 is the road that goes directly by Campbell, once on campus, it is easy to drive to the stadium and find parking right outside. Inside, there is no problem getting around or with restrooms or concession lines. Return on Investment 5 Tickets here are $7 for the reserved seats and $5 for general admission. The benches can be uncomfortable after a while, so you might want to splurge for the better seats. As parking is free and the food is very cheap, this is a great spot to watch prospects play without spending more than $10. Extras 1 As you can probably tell, there is nothing much here beyond the stadium. There is a banner honoring Jim Perry, who pitched for Campbell between 1956-59 and won the AL Cy Young Award in 1970 while playing for the Minnesota Twins. Final Thoughts A Buies Creek Astros game is a unique experience in the minor leagues. If you like your baseball with no distractions, pay a visit to Jim Perry Stadium this year or next, before they disappear forever.

As the 2025 season draws to a close, it's time to spotlight the ballparks that define High-A minor league baseball across the Midwest, Northeast, and South Atlantic Leagues. Some stadiums are timeless classics, others are newly constructed or only a few years old, and several have recently undergone significant renovations. These rankings are based on Stadium Journey ’s patented FANFARE rating scale, which evaluates each venue across seven key categories: 🍔 Food & Beverage Options 🎉 Game Day Atmosphere 🏙️ Surrounding Neighborhood 🙌 Fan Support 🚗 Access (inside and outside the park) 💸 Return on Investment 🧩 Extras - Unique features that don’t fit neatly into the other categories or deserve additional acknowledgement When two or more ballparks earn the same score, the Stadium Journey Council of Elders  steps in to break the tie with their seasoned insight. To dive deeper into each stadium’s review, just click the link associated with the team’s name. Enjoy the rankings - and see where your favorite ballpark lands! 1.  Parkview Field - Fort Wayne TinCaps 4.71 Marc Viquez - Parkview Field, home of the Ft. Wayne TinCaps opened in 2009 and spearheaded the redevelopment of the surrounding area with apartments, office buildings, restaurants, and new hotels. In over a decade, the ballpark has become a fan favorite of ballpark hunters and travelers, along with the Ft. Wayne community. 2.  Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium - Vancouver Canadians 4.57 Stadium Journey - While the actual baseball being played on the field may not be Major League quality, Nat Bailey Stadium offers a first-class experience for fans of all ages. It is an enjoyable and affordable way to spend an evening in Vancouver. The fun factor cannot be beaten, and wandering around the stadium gives spectators a sense of childlike joy. 3.  Dow Diamond - Great Lakes Loons 4.43 Meg Minard - The Dow Diamond is simply a stand-out, not just in the Midwest League, but in the entire minors. It is above average in nearly every category while really shining with a great commitment to value, history, and an excellent food selection. 4.  Modern Woodmen Park - Quad Cities River Bandits 4.29 James Hilchen - Anyone who is a baseball fan simply must come to Modern Woodmen Park. The views can’t be beaten, the staff is super friendly, and the prices are very reasonable. Plan a trip to Modern Woodmen Park and enjoy! 5.  Jackson Field - Lansing Lugnuts 4.14 Meg Minard - Catching a Lansing Lugnuts game is a highlight of any visit to this capital city in the spring and summer.  The Lugnuts deliver a fun, family-friendly baseball experience at Jackson Field at an affordable price. 6.  First National Bank Field – Greensboro Grasshoppers 4.14 Gregory Koch - First National Bank Field is a gorgeous, modern stadium with all the amenities one might expect of a newer ballpark. The Greensboro Grasshoppers have a loyal fan base and put on an outstanding gameday experience. 7.  Four Winds Field at Covelski Stadium - South Bend Cubs 4.14 Marc Viquez – Covelski Stadium and the area around it have developed into a festive atmosphere with great food choices, areas for the kids to play, and great sightlines for the game on the field. It is a ballpark that stands out from the rest in the league, full of colorful places for the game. 8.  Day Air Ballpark – Dayton Dragons 4.00 Paul Baker – Support for the Dragons in Dayton remains strong. Often cited as an example of a ballpark that spurred economic growth in an urban neighborhood, Day Air Park continues to be the center of activity in downtown Dayton. Recent and planned improvements will ensure the ballpark’s viability for another quarter century and beyond. 9.  Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 4.00 Sean MacDonald - Fox Cities Stadium is an excellent minor league destination that has aged well since its opening in 1995.  Fans enjoy their time here, with the food and fans among the best that the minor leagues have to offer. Appleton is not on many tourist itineraries, but if you are a ballpark chaser, this is one that you should not miss. 10. Truist Stadium - Winston-Salem Dash 4.00 Paul Baker - North Carolina is a state which contains no shortage of minor league ballparks, some of which are undoubtedly among the best in the country. While Truist Stadium is not as new and shiny as some of the other ballparks in the state, it remains a fantastic place to take in a ballgame and should absolutely be on your to-do list should you find yourself in the Tar Heel State. 11. Avista Stadium – Spokane Indians 4.00 Meg Minard - Seeing a game in such a historic venue and having a fabulous customer service atmosphere makes attending a game here well worth the price of admission.   12. Fluor Field - Greenville Drive 3.86 Lloyd Brown - It is readily apparent when you arrive at Fluor Field, that the Drive is an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. The 6,700-seat ballpark closely resembles Fenway and its many unique features. The field dimensions are the same, it has its own Green Monster in left field and has a Pesky Pole down the right field line. The scoreboard is even hand-operated. In the 7th inning, the fans all join in to sing “Sweet Caroline”. 13. ShoreTown Ballpark - Jersey Shore BlueClaws 3.86 Matthew Collins - Bruce Springsteen once said “Down the Shore Everything’s Alright,” and the same can be said about the experience at a Jersey Shore Blue Claws game. If you’re visiting the shore for a week, a day, or the summer, be sure to catch a game in Lakewood. 14. Maimonides Park - Brooklyn Cyclones 3.86 David Welch - The passion Brooklyn has for baseball creates a fun and knowledgeable baseball community. Partnered with the work the Cyclones do in meshing fans with fun, and the carnival atmosphere from neighboring Luna Park midway and the Coney Island boardwalk, baseball at Maimonides Park is one of the true gems in minor league baseball. 15. Fifth Third Park – Hub City Spartanburgers 3.71 David Welch - A new team and stadium usually bring a lot of buzz to a city, and the Hub City Spartanburgers really deliver on that. Fifth Third Park is not just a fun spot to watch baseball; it feels like a celebration of Spartanburg. The diner and railroad themes, mixed with the recognition of the city’s baseball past and artistic vibe, bring into the ballpark much of what has shaped Spartanburg into the city it is today. 16. Veterans Memorial Stadium - Cedar Rapids Kernels 3.71 James Hilchen - Veterans Memorial Stadium isn’t anything fancy, but it provides everything you need to enjoy a fun baseball experience. If you are a ballpark fanatic, don’t sleep on this one. 17. Daniel S. Frawley Stadium – Wilmington Blue Rocks 3.71 Dave Cottenie - With an excellent acknowledgment of Delaware baseball and sports history, the Wilmington Blue Rocks have put together a good presentation of Minor League Baseball.  The popularity of the Mr. Celery character is curious and seems pretty organic.  It is just something that needs to be seen in person to fully understand. 18. McCormick Field - Asheville Tourists 3.71 Paul Baker - The city of Asheville, North Carolina is an underrated summer destination.  While exploring the mansions and breweries of this fine city, make sure to stop in at McCormick Field, a ballpark that manages to be old and new at the same time.   19. LMCU Ballpark - West Michigan Whitecaps 3.57 Meg Minard - It could be easily said that a West Michigan Whitecaps game is a party with a baseball game going on.  It’s an affordable way to spend a fun afternoon or evening.  And with major upgrades underway, LMCU Ballpark is being transformed into a state-of-the-art venue that fans will enjoy for years to come. 20. Bowling Green Ballpark - Bowling Green Hot Rods 3.43 Marc Viquez - Bowling Green Ballpark is a very modern and comfortable place to watch Single-A baseball.  Renovations to the stadium and the value for your dollar makes it an affordable destination for fans in the area. 21. ABC Supply Stadium – Beloit Sky Carp 3.43 Marc Viquez - The history of baseball in Beloit almost came to an end, but the construction of ABC Supply Stadium helped save the franchise from relocation or being ousted by Major League Baseball. It is located in a beautiful setting in Beloit and has a charm that is not found at many minor league stadiums across the country. 22. Dozer Park - Peoria Chiefs 3.43 Steven Burke - While Peoria is situated between Chicago and St. Louis geographically a visit to Dozer Park to see the Chiefs play is a great addition to a trip to either MLB destination city. 23. Hillsboro Ballpark - Hillsboro Hops 3.43 Matt Finnigan - Couple the celebration of beer with a beautiful stadium, replete with seats close to the action, high-quality ballpark food, and the chance to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks’ players of the future, and fans will enjoy a game at Hillsboro Ballpark. 24. AdventHealth Stadium - Rome Emperors 3.43 Lloyd Brown - The Rome Emperors have pulled off a very successful rebranding of their franchise to the delight of their loyal fans. The red, gold, black, and white colors of the team are now found throughout the Classic City. As the saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do… Enjoy a night out at AdventHealth Stadium. 25. Heritage Financial Park - Hudson Valley Renegades 3.29 Greg Venuto - Heritage Financial Park is a solid venue to take in minor league baseball.  The scenery is picturesque, the ballpark is cozy and the new improvements make it even more worthy of a stadium journey. And there’s always a chance to witness a future NY Yankee. 26. Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium – Aberdeen IronBirds 3.29 Richard Smith - Ripken Stadium is a strong baseball facility.  It was designed while looking at what went right and what went wrong in baseball design in the late 1990s. 27. Classic Park - Lake County Captains 3.14 Marc Viquez - Classic Park is a ballpark design that was popular in the early 20th century. It offers a wide-open concourse, a massive lawn area of seating, and easy access to concessions and team merchandise.  The Captains are only 18 miles from Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, making them one of the closest affiliates to the parent club in Minor League Baseball. 28. PK Park - Eugene Emeralds 3.14 Sean Rowland - While the most authentic experience at PK Park may be an Oregon Ducks baseball game, the Eugene Emeralds have done their best to set up shop here. With one of the best mascots in baseball and a terrific modern field, the Ems continue to produce a good experience for fans during the summer. 29. Gesa Stadium - Tri-City Dust Devils 3.00 Matt Finnigan - With great views and reasonable costs, a game at Gesa Stadium enables fans to enjoy baseball in a unique setting that does not break anyone’s bank. The ballpark is clean, well-maintained, and well worth a visit. 30. Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium - Everett AquaSox 3.00 Lloyd Rothwell - Fun and affordable, entertaining baseball. Visitors to the Pacific Northwest should definitely add Evertt Memorial Stadium to their travel itinerary.

Photos by James Hilchen and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 T-Mobile Park 1250 First Ave S Seattle, WA 98134 Seattle Mariners website T-Mobile Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 47,943 A Ballpark with a View in Seattle Located in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, T-Mobile Park (then Safeco Field) opened on July 15, 1999 on a day that saw the host Seattle Mariners lose 3-2 in 11 innings to the San Diego Padres. T-Mobile Park replaced the Kingdome which was home to the Mariners from their inception in 1977 through 1999. T-Mobile Stadium broke ground on March 8, 1997 at an initial cost of $517 million. The stadium has had upgrades that have made the stadium a fantastic place to watch a game. T-Mobile has also played host to the short-lived Seattle Bowl football game and a smattering of other sports. While baseball is its’ main attraction, the all-time attendance record came on March 30, 2003, when 54,097 fans came to watch Wrestlemania XIX. Food & Beverage 5 It’s tough to imagine any major league ballpark topping the options served up here and frankly it would take a long time to list everything, so I’ll try and hit just a few of the highlights. The stadium is cashless so plan accordingly. A unique option that seemed to sell well is the Godzilla Dog at the Sumo Dog stand. Located near section 190, this hot dog includes a footlong hot dog with chili, togarashi cheese sauce, wasabi relish, pickled peppers, spicy mayo, teriyaki sauce, furikake, minced onion, jalapeno, and nori. If that’s a little too complicated for your palate, head over to section 117 for Ivar’s halibut and chips. The fried halibut was very good. Garlic fries are very popular here and can be found at a handful of stands around the ballpark. The convenience store-like Walk-Off Market is in a few sections around the ballpark. While there, I grabbed the Turn Two teriyaki bowl. I was not sure what to expect, but this was better than a lot of restaurants. If time is not an issue, take the time to walk around the entire concession area. You are guaranteed to find something you want and not have to settle for just your average ballpark fare. Coke is the soda of choice at the ballpark. You will also have your choice of both numerous local brews along with the popular brands both domestic and import. Finally, the cost of concessions at major league parks seems to have risen quite a bit the past couple years. Here you can find a value meal where nothing is over $4.50. The value menu includes hot dogs, nachos, soda, and many types of candy and snacks. There is also a beer value menu that tops out at $8. Atmosphere 4 The two main options for entering the stadium are in the left field corner and at home plate. If you enter at home plate, you are greeted outside the ballpark by a statue of Ken Griffey Jr. Upon entering, be sure to look up. There is an incredibly large chandelier made of bats. As you head up the stairs, you will enter the concourse which will take you around the entire ballpark. Be sure and head down the third base line to section 135. Here you will find the Mariners Hall of Fame and the Baseball Museum of the Pacific Northwest. Near the Mariners bullpen in center field is the T-Mobile ‘Pen. This area opens two hours before first pitch and is open on a first come, first served basis. Happy hour with some good deals begins when the area opens and stops one hour before first pitch. On the third level, check out the Trident Deck for some great views of the sound. The concourses are wide and generally easy to maneuver around. With the wealth of concession areas, all but the very busiest of concessions yield a very short wait. There are plenty of restrooms which is welcome as lines are rarely apparent. Neighborhood 4 The location of the ballpark does not lend itself to having a lot of room for restaurants and bars in the area. However, there is so much to do in the area, it is still in a great spot. If you are a football fan, Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks is directly north of T-Mobile Park. This is a great opportunity to do a stadium tour and take in a ballgame the same day. Just west of the park is Puget Sound. You can have a fun look around the harbor or hop on a ferry and head to one of the islands in the Sound or take a longer scenic ride and tour the area via ferry. About a mile and a half north, you can see the world-famous Pikes Place Market which is very close to the Seattle Aquarium. Prior to the game, we stopped at the Derby Restaurant, about a mile south of the stadium on 6 th  Avenue. Located in an old auto repair shop, the Derby serves up some great burgers and many other options as well. Most of the restaurants are located north of the ballpark nearer the aquarium and Pikes. Fans 4 The fans at T-Mobile celebrate their team. This is evident through all the Mariners gear they wear and the support they give the team and good-natured grief they give the other team. The team is average just over 30,000 fans/game in 2025. Access 4 There are numerous parking options around the park. It’s probably best to reserve a spot in advance when there is a big game or on a Friday or Saturday night, but even then, you can probably find something within decent walking distance. The light rail is another good option to get to the park and is a cheaper option than parking near the ballpark. There is also an option of taking a ferry although it is a bit of a walk. Once inside the ballpark, the concourses are wide and there are a good number of restrooms throughout. As such, you won’t miss a lot of the game when going to the restroom or to grab something to eat or drink. Return on Investment 4 The Mariners have dynamic pricing so prices vary by game. They have certain value nights where you can get a ticket for $11, which is a great deal. Other games will run about $25 for the cheaper seats. On the day I attended, parking was $30 in a parking garage and was a few hundred yards away. As you get a bit farther away, you can find it cheaper. Taking the light rail is also a much cheaper option. Concessions are on the high side but it seems like that at every ballpark now. However, with the value menu here, you can find some good deals without breaking the bank. Extras 3 An extra point goes to the amazing views you get from areas of the stadium. You can see some great views of the city and of Puget Sound. The best spots here are the Trident Deck and the Rooftop Boardwalk. Another point goes to the team celebrating their former players. Whether it is statues or other promotional items around the park, players such as Ken Griffey Jr, Edgar Martinez, and Felix Hernandez are clearly still held in high esteem. Final point is for the food scene here. The sheer number of options to go along with quality value options should be replicated around baseball. Final Thoughts Being on the west coast and not in California, Seattle can be an afterthought for some baseball fans. Between the great views, fabulous food, and a great ballpark, every baseball fan should make the trip to Seattle and T-Mobile Park. It is well worth the effort. ----- Follow all of James' stadium journeys on X @ stadiumjwriter .  Email: james.hilchen@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of the Great Falls Voyagers The Great Falls Voyagers didn’t play baseball this summer, but that didn’t stop fans from attending games at Centene Stadium . They were treated to kickball instead of the usual minor league baseball game due to the pandemic. The Voyager Kickball League concluded its five-week kickball season, giving fans a chance to come back to the ballpark. “It was amazing and way above our wildest dreams,” Voyagers president Scott Reasoner said over the phone. “It’s something we look forward to partnering with, alongside baseball, for a long time to come. We will be playing again at the ballpark and are currently working on expansion next summer and what that will look like with a baseball schedule.” Games were free of charge to the public, concession items and beer sales were open during games, and throughout the five weeks of play, the team gained a loyal audience of fans each week. The competition also improved from the first week, when games lasted much longer than expected, and scores of 14-13 were the norm, but as teams improved and learned the rules, the defense tightened up. Photo Courtesy of the Great Falls Voyagers There were a select number of games broadcast locally on both Fox Sports 1400 AM and 98.3 FM, a rarity in the world of organized adult recreational leagues. Instead of the likes of the Billings Mustangs, Ogden Raptors, or the Missoula Paddleheads, audiences picked from eight kickball clubs, featuring the names The Big Booters, C.M. Russell Museum, Mighty Mo, and Balls N Doll.  The National Laundry team won the championship game and was presented with a nicely designed trophy that serves as bragging rights until the next session takes place sometime in the ensuing year. The venture between the baseball club and the radio station proved to be fruitful as the league gained additional attention with additional sponsors before the season. “We were visiting with our local radio partner, and without any baseball, we were joking around on what we could do that was fun, and we mentioned a kickball league,” added Reasoner. “One of the head sports guys, Troy Mellinger, who broadcasts a lot of high school and local sports, said Let’s figure it out. We were able to set up a booth behind the home dugout and get the games on the radio. If you never listen to a kickball broadcast, it is second to none.” Photo Courtesy of the Great Falls Voyagers Throughout the season, attendance began with friends and family, and people with a rooting interest came out to the ballpark. There were only a handful of spectators in the first couple of weeks, but by the final game, around 150-200 fans were cheering from the grandstands. They had heard about it from the radio broadcasts and wanted to take in the free admission and food sales at the stadium. In a season without baseball, fans showed up for kickball. The league's success should not come as a surprise; unknown to most citizens of Great Falls, adult kickball was played 100 years ago in organized leagues throughout the year. The first began in 1921 and is the earliest known adult kickball league in the country. Games were played in the old YMCA gymnasium, and the first league consisted of four teams that played from October to December. The Frazier team, named after its captain, won the title with a 5-1 record. The game proved to be popular enough that a 10-team league formed the following January, which now consisted of a 14-game schedule spread over four separate evenings. News article from the Great Falls Tribune from January 4, 1922 The majority of the teams were workers from the Anaconda Copper Mining Company (ACM), and team names would reflect the various departments: Laboratory (Beaker Birds), Leaching Department (Leachers), Electricals, Smelters, Wire Office, and General Office. The other teams comprised other local businesses from the Great Falls: National Bank and Royal Mills teams, along with a group called Doctors & Lawyers, Porcupines (Quills in some newspaper clippings), Wildcats, and the Dirty 7’s,  who won their first two games before being “thoroughly trounced” 40-6 against the ACM Laboratory. Much like the Fox Sports broadcasts this past summer, local media paid attention to the game through short but often descriptive blurbs in the newspaper. The  Great Falls  Daily-Journal  reported on games that described the events along with the lineup and box score.  There isn't much known about the rules at this time, but it appears that hitting a runner with the ball for an out was legal. The articles painted a picture of the era with stories of games halted for supper, heated arguments, fantastic plays and finishes, and even a declaration that kickball, along with basketball and baseball, “were rampant in the Y' floor” by 1922.  News article from the Great Falls Tribune from June 1, 1922 There was an 18-man brawl after an extra-inning affair on June 1, 1922, when the captain of the Doctors & Lawyers team, J.B. Reynolds, thought he was safe at home, but was called out by umpire Art Dowse, who was also a friend. The reporter discovered that Reynolds was going to invite Dowse over for dinner at his house for dessert after the game. “You’ll eat prunes. No strawberry shortcake for you,” screamed Reynolds at Dowse.  “Strawberry shortcake or no strawberry shortcake, you're out,” replied Dowse. The games this past summer did not end in such a fashion; most players grabbed a beer after the game instead of a strawberry shortcake. The game has returned to town in time for its centennial anniversary. Reasoner thinks that both sports can exist at Centene Stadium in the future.  “It was amazing and way above our wildest dreams and something we look forward to partnering with, alongside baseball, for a long time to come. We will be playing again at the ballpark and are currently working on expansion next summer and what that will look like with a baseball schedule.” Reasoner looks to have a complete kickball plan announced sometime in January or February once the 2021 baseball schedule is released. He also hopes to have something fun in the works to coincide with the 100th anniversary and thinks this could be the new regional American sport. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium 1 Cunningham Square Providence, RI 02908 Providence College men's soccer website Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,500 Defend the Chap Anderson Stadium is home to the Providence College soccer and lacrosse teams. Located next to Schneider Arena , the Stadium is part of the overall upgrade and consolidation of the school’s athletic facilities. Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium is named in honor of Mike and Maura Chapey, class of 1986, who donated one million dollars, and Board of Trustees member Karl and Kerri Anderson, class of 1988, who donated $1.5 million towards the construction of the facility. Providence College started fielding soccer teams in 1968. The Friars have qualified for 12 NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2024. They reached the national semifinals in 2014. The women’s soccer team has qualified for three NCAA tournaments, most recently in 2023. Food & Beverage 2 Local favorite Saugy Franks operates a concession stand out of a small shack on the concourse of Anderson Stadium. Saugy's signature hot dogs are sold in regular and jumbo sizes. In addition, a selection of snacks are available here, including pretzels, cotton candy, chips and ice cream treats. Bottles of Coca-Cola products are sold here. No alcohol is permitted at Providence College soccer games. Fans are welcome to bring their snacks into Anderson Stadium. On chilly fall Rhode Island nights, you can expect to see a lot of hot Dunkin’ beverages in the stands. Atmosphere 3 There’s not a lot of room for a college game day operations crew to insert themselves into a soccer game, especially when you compare it to other sports played on campus. There just aren’t many spots where a DJ, a PA announcer, a pep band, or a cheerleading squad can make an impact on a game. That’s not to say that a college soccer game is a boring experience, it’s just different than other college sports. If you’re comparing a college soccer game to the pro experiences in North America or Europe, it’s a much more laid-back experience. There are no supporter sections here, and no student sections to be found, either. There’s a large video scoreboard in the northeast corner of the pitch at Anderson Stadium. It’s put to good use with graphics and videos throughout the game. The sound system is excellent, and music is played before the game and at halftime. The PA announcer keeps fans informed of substitutions and other game information in a workmanlike manner. Many fans in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the field and are knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support. If you want to feel the real energy at Anderson Stadium, head to the berm on the south side of the pitch. That’s where many of the younger fans in attendance hang out, running around and making noise throughout the game. They may not always be paying attention to the game, but hey, they’re having a blast! You may even see some of these youngsters on the field at halftime playing soccer or taking shots at Providence’s legendary mascot, Friar Dom. Neighborhood 3 Anderson Stadium is located in the northeast corner of the Providence College campus next to Schneider Arena . The PC campus is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood, with not many dining, lodging, or entertainment options directly adjacent to the campus. Luckily for visiting fans, downtown Providence is located just a couple of miles away, so it won’t take you long to get to where the choices are more plentiful. Providence has a reputation as one of the top small cities in the nation for culinary options. Fans looking for a place to eat close to campus will find some pub-style restaurants near Anderson Stadium. Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and a wide variety of draft beer, or New York System, one of the premier locations in the country for a Coney-style hot dog. Fans looking for something a little fancier should head over to Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, where a concentration of top-notch restaurants can be found. Downtown Providence has no shortage of lodging options or points of interest for fans visiting the city from out of town. Check out the GoProvidence website for more information. Fans 4 The Friars draw decent crowds to Anderson Stadium. Crowd sizes can vary widely depending on the day of the week, time of the year, weather and more, but you're likely to always see an enthusiastic crowd at Anderson Stadium. Both the men's and women's teams have their share of ardent supporters. Crowds of around 1,000 are not unusual here in Providence, whether you're here to watch the men or the women play. As mentioned before, many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the pitch and are enthusiastic about their support. There’s a significant presence from local youth teams at Anderson Stadium, and the youngsters bring their energy to the game. While there’s decent support from the student body, there’s no organized student section at Anderson Stadium. Access 3 Providence College is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, about a mile from Route 146 and Interstate 95. To reach Anderson Stadium, fans will need to do some driving through the city, but the campus is still pretty easy to reach. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s number 55 bus has a stop at the corner of Admiral Street and Huxley Avenue, just a short walk from Anderson Stadium. With the majority of fans driving to Friar soccer games, parking is at a premium. Luckily, there are plenty of options nearby. There is a three-level parking garage attached to the west grandstand of Anderson Stadium, as well as several lots within walking distance of the facility. Many fans will opt for the on-street parking available on Huxley and Admiral Streets. Seating at Anderson Stadium consists of metal bleachers in the grandstands on either side of the pitch, with some individual stadium seats around midfield of the main (west) grandstand. There is a berm on the south side of the field. The younger fans in attendance keep this area buzzing with activity throughout the game. Fans can walk completely around the stadium, with views of the pitch and standing room available at all points. Restrooms are located next door in Schneider Arena. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Friar soccer games is free, as is parking in the garage attached to Anderson Stadium. The concession items are affordable, topping out at seven dollars for a jumbo dog. Fans can bring their snacks into the game with them, meaning you might not even reach for your wallet once while at a Friars soccer match. Extras 1 Providence College’s conference championship seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances for both the men’s and women’s teams are honored on the wall of the east grandstand. Fans wishing to see the Friars’ NCAA hockey championship trophy will find it in the lobby of Schneider Arena next door to Anderson Stadium. Final Thoughts Providence College is a small school with a long history in intercollegiate sports. They have been working hard to improve their on-campus facilities, and Anderson Stadium is a worthy result of these efforts. It's a small, comfortable facility, and the price is right! ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Snow Globe Stadium 1225 Reindeer Rd North Pole, Top of the World www.hohoho.edu Year Opened: A Long Time Ago Capacity: 9,500 The Stadium Claus(e) Saint Nick State University is a technical school in the ice fields of the Arctic Mountains, located north of Alaska at the top of the world. The school was founded long, long ago, and has approximately 9,500 students. They are primarily enrolled in the Toy Technology School or the Logistics and Distribution curriculum. Rumor has it that a secret IT campus is located nearby– tabulating who has been bad or good. The Saints compete in the FCS (Father Christmas Status) level of NCAA competition and are a member of the Over the River… and through the woods Conference(ORC). Other schools in the ORC include Merry State, Toys Tech, Austin Pay by Layaway, FSU (Free Shoes University… but only if you are good and earned them!), and historic Slippery Rock (because it’s Icy) University. The football program has a very successful history– they have never been bad, they’ve always been good, for goodness sake! They also own the best all-time winning record of any team in the ORC. Who would dare beat Santa? The Saints call Snow Globe Stadium (alias the Chillerdome) home. The home-field advantage is obvious, as the football team has had an amazing 1000% winning percentage in home games since the stadium opened. The original capacity of the stadium was 50,000, but numerous renovations over the years have brought its’ capacity up to its’ present 100,000 seats. Also, because most of the student body is elves, the seats are tiny. The most recent upgrades occurred in 2010 and include the addition of 33 luxury sky boxes for toy execs, sleigh manufacturers, sno – cone operators, and a new presents box for you know who! New red and green artificial turf has also been installed on the field (no tundra here!) Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are plentiful throughout the stadium, but food choices are very limited. Beverage selections consist of hot cocoa, milk, and egg nog. Prices are very reasonable, as being a good boy or girl gets you a free serving. Food selections include chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, and fruitcakes. The cookies are delicious, but I would stay clear of the fruitcake. If Oakland ever gets a new stadium they could build it out of the stuff. The concession stands are staffed by children and very friendly elves. Atmosphere 5 Snow Globe Stadium is always a festive place on game day. Families arrive early in their sleighs to begin setting up for some wonderful pre-game holiday celebrations. The settings are elaborate, as there is always a competition for the best decoration, best use of lights, etc. The fans also love their school band, the Marching Toy Soldiers (think the Texas Aggie Band at Radio City Music Hall), as they perform before, during, and after the game, often to louder applause than the team. Even though the stadium is enormous you have a great view of every play thanks to the 2,400-foot flat-screen TV /scoreboard Santa delivered last Christmas. Expect a sea of red and green as SNSU fans are not shy about being Reindeer Rooters. Other nice touches include candy cane yard markers and the referees throwing coal instead of penalty flags. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located on campus, so it is surrounded by academic buildings, toy manufacturing labs, and dorms to house the elfin student body. The nearby college town of North Pole caters heavily to this population. Blitzen’s Bar. Area restaurants include Rudolph’s Roadhouse Grill and Mexican fast food at Jingle Bell. Holiday Inn has a monopoly on accommodations, as their franchises are the only chain allowed in town. For pre or post-game celebrating, head over to Blitzen’s Bar for a wide variety of home brews. Just beware of Vixen, who plies her trade here, when she is not in the red/green light district… she is naughty…not nice! The neighborhood gets into the home games, as they have wonderful Northern lights shows and ice sculptures on display. Fans 4 This may be FCS-level football, but you ARE at the North Pole. SNSU fans are rightfully proud of their team’s success through the years. They are predominately alums of the school and work in this company town for the major employer. Instead of Mississippi State cowbells, these fans employ jingle and sleigh bells to distract the visitors. However, they are always on their best behavior, as you know who is in the present-edent’s box, watching who has been bad or good. The recent arrival of red-nosed freshman Rudolph Reindeer is expected to light up the scoreboard. Access 2 The main shortcoming of this stadium is its’ remoteness. It is not reachable by road unless you are friends with the “Ice Road Truckers,” have a snowmobile or a mush team of dogs. Snow Globe Stadium also has stringent security measures at all gates… if you’ve been bad, you are not getting in! Airfare is prohibitively expensive and air traffic control space for most of the season is monopolized by SLEDEX and Amazon cargo flights. Even the executive airfield nearby is reserved exclusively by you know who. Make sure you book your tickets for a regular season game, as the Saints are not bowl-eligible due to business commitments in December and January Return on Investment 4 Snow Globe Stadium @ SNSU and the North Pole are obviously “destination” locales for watching football over the holidays. It is a family-friendly experience that you will never forget. Tickets are free (if you have been good) and so are the food and beverage. The stadium spirit shop will remind you of the FAO Swartz toy stores of your youth. Best of all you’ll leave happy and filled with goodwill to all after your visit. That is priceless…… until the credit card bill comes in January. As to the “other” ROI, Snow Globe Stadium has a comparable return policy to most retailers. However, it is probably your fault if something does not fit or is the wrong color. After all, you gave Santa your list, dummy! . Extras 4 The staff at Snow Globe Stadium strives to provide a unique experience for every fan. There is a commitment from top management to the ushers to make sure you are happy. The newest “extras” for your game experience include: Cheerleaders recruited away from the Rockettes. A new stadium lounge for those who want to join in the reindeer games socially. Exclusive tours, including locker room visits with the team after the game. Final Thoughts Snow Globe Stadium is a magical place to be and watch a game, some may even think it is an April Fool’s Day joke.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Snow Globe Stadium 1225 Holiday Lane North Pole, Top of the World www.hohoho.edu Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 150,000 (elves) The Stadium Claus(e) In a town known for making wishes come true, this is one that is too big for even Santa’s bag to hold. First, Snow Globe Stadium signed its first naming rights deal with Santa’s, Inc., a privately held company that has its home base at the North Pole. The signing was a key move, as it allowed for the construction of a new home stadium for the Saint Nick State University (SNSU) Saints. The stadium was ready in time for the 2023 football season. The new stadium’s construction cost was also funded by a huge new broadcasting deal with ESPN (Elves Sports Programming Network). The Saint's old stadium had been around “forever”, and was showing its age, as it lacked the amenities frozen fans have come to expect. In connection with the new stadium’s opening, The Saints moved up a wrung in the NCAA’s level of competition. They formerly played at the FCS (Father Christmas Status) level of play, and now will compete in the newly formed SAC (Santa Athletic Conference), which is legendary for its defensive style of play, as well as for delivering gifts under the tree. The new conference is a result of the recent fallout involving all the major football conferences. Teams in the new conference include LSU (Leave the Stockings Up), Sleigh State University, Austin Pay by Layaway, and Slippery Rock (because it’s icy, stupid!). The new Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium will offer many new features both on and off the field designed to maintain the Saint's 100% winning percentage in home games. First, new chillers have been installed to make it comfortable for the fans and hazardous for the visiting teams. In the past, the 100,000 elf boosters, students, and parents had complained about the former stadium’s gameday temps of 72 degrees. (have you ever smelled 100,000 sweaty elves?). A new frozen tundra turf has also been installed. It can be moved mid-game to wherever the visiting team is on offense… giving the Saints defense a big edge. We will discuss other new amenities in other sections of this review. The Saints will be bringing back most of their starting lineup, as they do every year (where else are you going to go when you live at the North Pole?) The Saint's offense has been upgraded by the arrival of stud running back Rudolf Reindeer through the transfer portal. Rudolph figures to “light up” the new videoboard/scoreboard frequently each season. Rudolph was attracted to SNSU by the huge NIL opportunities (Santa is a well-connected alum) at the school, which will bring him lots of cold cash. Food & Beverage 4 Snowbucks was brought in as the new manager for the upgraded food and beverage program at Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium. The stand offers chocolate chip cookies, peppermint bark, gingerbread, Christmas hams, cranberry sauce, candy canes, and sno cones. Beverages include hot cocoa, milk, egg nog, Red Reindeer energy drinks, RC (Really Cold) colas, frozen coffee, and Icee’s. Adult beverages are also available for the first time at Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium. It offers 2% beers (it doesn’t take much for the elves to get wasted), candy cane champagne, jingle juice punch, pumpkin spice toddies, and several Christmas ales. Water is not available, as it would freeze before you get back to your seat. The fruitcake stand has been dropped from the food offerings, as nobody seemed to want it. The remaining stock of fruitcakes was donated as building material to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Atmosphere 5 As you can imagine, there’s always a festive atmosphere at a SNSU Saints game. The sleigh gating starts well before kickoff, with the elf families putting out an impressive set of holiday favorites for their pregame celebrations. Decorating your sleigh gate is also important, as there is a competition for the best use of lights and greenery for all of your settings. The stadium has also added a snowball-hole competition to the pregame activities. Once inside the stadium, it’s hard to miss the new 5,000-foot flat-screen TV videoboard that Santa, Inc. has delivered to the new venue. It features the top plays from the reindeer games throughout the league, as well as sideline reports from the frozen tundra. The Reindeer Rooter elves love to cheer when a referee throws a penalty lump of coal against the visiting teams, as it means they have been bad, so the elves have one less house to prepare gifts for delivery. Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium has also increased its seating for persons with special needs. They now realize that normal-sized people need much wider seating than their elfin fanbase, and have provided expanded seats as a result. Earphones are provided as well, as UN translators are brought in to announce the games in all the languages used by customers of Santa’s Inc. Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium has increased its premium options for its most loyal customers. The Presents Box offerings seating with the Boss himself. Typically, this includes toy manufacturing execs, luxury sleigh franchisees, and other fat cats. The Reindeer Rooter’s Party Suites offers participants an all-inclusive experience featuring food, beverages, entertainment, deluxe seating, and close-in parking for their sleighs. You don’t want to leave your seat at halftime, as the Marching Tin Soldiers put on a precision marching performance that is on par with that college band out of College Station, Texas. They also play Christmas favorites during breaks in the action. Their dance team is extraordinary, especially doing the kick line. The week of the Homecoming game is especially colorful at the North Pole. The entire town takes part in a Northern Lights competition, which also includes an ice sculpturing event as well. Neighborhood 5 Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium is located on the SNSU campus. It is surrounded by the major schools at SNSU, including the schools of Toy Technology, Presents Distribution Systems, and Bad/ Good Information Technology. For the most part, the North Pole is a company town, but there is plenty for visitors to do while they are in the area. The stadium’s spirit shop is open throughout the year. It looks like an FAO Swartz toy store and offers a wide selection of Santa, Inc. swag. Dining options in the area range from the Michelin List-rated Ruth’s Christmas Steak House and Wolfgang Ice Puck’s Spago to the moderately priced Chilly’s. Fans on a limited budget will find numerous outlets of the Mexican food chain Jingle Bell in the area. For a pre- or post-game drink check out local favorite Blitzen’s Bar and Grill, which offers a wide variety of Christmas craft brews. Lodging is restricted to Holiday Inn affiliates by local ordinance. They are plentiful, as you know who is the franchise owner in the area. Fans 4 The stands are filled with a sea of green and red-clad elves for every SNSU game, as most of Santa’s Inc. workforce are alumni of either SNSU or its sister campus, Toy Technology Tech. All employees are given the day off to attend the games, as they deserve a break from the hectic pace of the toy assembly line prior to Christmas. The elves are well-behaved and welcoming to visitors, as you know who’s in the owner’s box, looking out for who has been bad. You don’t want to be on the boss’ naughty list! When the Saints are doing well on the field, you can hardly hear the announcements. The fans here love to shake their jingle bells to support the home team. Think of it as a northern version of the Mississippi State cowbells. After the Saints score, the fans sing the theme from “Frozen”, the school’s fight song. Access 3 Despite all the new features at Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium, access is a major concern for visiting fans, as travel to the new venue is difficult. You’ll still need a snowmobile, a mush team of dogs, or a ride with the Ice Road Truckers to get around town. Air travel in and out of the North Pole is quite limited, especially for late-season games. This is because airspace around the North Pole is not controlled by the FAA. The North Pole International Airport (NPIA) runways are clogged with both Sledex and Amazon cargo flights throughout the year. In addition, NPIA airport has a much stricter security apparatus than the TSA…. if you’ve been bad… you are not getting in! If you do manage to get to the North Pole, just follow these easy directions: 1) Just keep heading north 2) Head over the river and through the woods to Snow Globe Stadium we go…...! Once at the stadium, you should not have to deal with emptying pockets or going through scanners at the gates. Security already knows if you’ve been bad or good… for goodness sake. We also had to grade down the new stadium due to issues involving the restrooms. Since 95% of the fans are elves, the urinals are all very low. Ask the usher in your seating section where the nearest “super-size” restrooms are. Return on Investment 2 A visit to the North Pole and Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium is obviously a “dream destination” for most fans. As we’ve mentioned earlier, airfares are very high due to the limited number of flights to the area. Ticket prices are also very high for visiting fans. This is due to the limited number of games played at home by the SNSU Saints. The Saints are not eligible for post-season play due to restrictions from their move up to the SAC, and the fact that everybody at the North Pole is busy getting ready for Christmas in December and handling returns and exchanges in January. Just remember all the happiness and goodwill you experienced during your visit…. until the bill comes in January! Extras 4 The new Snow Globe Stadium will not feature the low-altitude flyovers by Santa’s Sleigh, as it was found to cause cracks in the globe in the old stadium. Instead, the Good Boy and Girl blimp will fly over the action. During the off-season, Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium hosts the St. Elsewhere Film Festival, where every episode of the series is shown. The new Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium has also upgraded its safety and security elements. Snowballs can still be thrown in the stadium; however, rocks cannot form the interior of the snowball. Better marked sidewalks and crosswalks have been added outside of the stadium, after the tragic accident involving Grandma getting run over by a reindeer at the former stadium. Santa, Inc. has also been signed up as the stadium’s security provider. It has a world-class database of who is bad or good anywhere in the world. The elfin staff at Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium strives to provide a unique experience for every fan. There is a commitment from top management (you know who) to the ushers, snowmobile parking attendants, ticket takers, and concession workers to make sure you are happy. Final Thoughts Christmas came early to the North Pole this year, as the brand-new Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium opened in time for the 2023 football season. It offers many more premium experiences than its predecessor. Attending a Saint Nick State football game in person will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Webster Bank Arena 600 Main St Bridgeport CT 06604 Sacred Heart Pioneers men’s hockey website Webster Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 10,000 Pioneering a New Era at Sacred Heart Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, has played Division One hockey since the team’s inception in 1993. Unfortunately, the Pioneers have been little more than an afterthought in the crowded New England hockey scene. For their first twenty-three seasons, Sacred Heart’s home rink was the Milford Ice Pavilion, a community hockey rink in a neighboring town. Sharing the MIP with Sacred Heart were local high schools and youth organizations. As you can imagine, it was a less-than-ideal situation for a Division One program. Stadium Journey ranked the MIP next to last among all Division One hockey facilities in 2015. To improve the stature of their program, Sacred Heart entered into a five-year agreement with the Webster Bank Arena in neighboring Bridgeport to play all their home games at the arena beginning with the 2016-17 season. As part of the agreement, the team will have a dedicated locker room, along with workout and equipment facilities, at the Webster Bank Arena. Sacred Heart has traditionally played a few games per season here in Bridgeport, but will now exist as a co-tenant with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League and the Fairfield University Stags basketball team. The Pioneers compete in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. They have not enjoyed a winning season since the 2009-2010 campaign. The team has yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament. Food & Beverage 4 With the small crowds present at Sacred Heart hockey games, visiting fans will surely be surprised by the variety of concessions available at Webster Bank Arena. One concession stand is open during Pioneer games. Hot dogs, chicken tenders, and burgers are sold here, along with a wide variety of snacks, including french fries, peanuts, popcorn, and candy. There is a portable cart open selling assorted snacks, including pretzels and churros. Also, open during Pioneer games is Rita’s Italian Ice stand, which sells Italian ice and ice cream. This stand had the longest lines during the game. If you are headed to a Pioneer hockey game and want to grab a bite, you should check out the menu at the Limerick Pub, located directly adjacent to the main entrance of Webster Bank Arena. Not only does the Limerick Pub feature a full bar serving mixed drinks along with several brands of draught beer on tap, but a varied menu is also served at Limerick Pub’s small counter. Irish nachos, loaded baked potatoes and corned beef sandwiches are sold here, as they would be at any self-respecting Irish pub. In addition, beef stew (in a bread bowl), chicken wings, short rib sandwiches, and salads can all be purchased by hungry Pioneer fans. It’s a surprisingly diverse menu, especially considering the small crowds in attendance. Atmosphere 2 Perhaps the largest obstacle that the Sacred Heart gameday staff will encounter in the early days of their stay at Webster Bank Arena is how to make the large area lively when there are only a couple hundred fans in attendance. The staff here are working out the kinks, but early signs are promising. Most prominent at Sacred Heart hockey games is the school’s pep band, which sets up in the northeast corner of Webster Bank Arena. The band is hooked up to the arena’s PA system and fills the rink with sound during play stoppages. Strangely, almost the entire seating bowl is open for Pioneer games. This has the result of spreading out the crowd, making the arena feel emptier than it otherwise may feel. The most prominent feature of Webster Bank Arena is the giant video board that hangs over the ice, stretching from blue line to blue line. It’s used to good effect here, showing game highlights and some games during play stoppages. Neighborhood 3 Downtown Bridgeport has a really bad reputation, and in the past, it may have been a deserved one. However, like many other cities in the region, the city’s leaders have worked hard to revitalize the downtown area. The building of the ballpark and hockey arena next door were to be the anchors of this revitalization when they opened in 1998 and 2001, respectively. Unfortunately, the development of the Harbor Yard area never happened. The lots that were ticketed for the development of a retail center next door to the sports complex remain empty. They are presently used for parking at game events. While this development has not occurred as hoped for, the downtown area is not the wasteland it was rumored to once be. Downtown Bridgeport proper is located on the other side of Interstate 95. Access can be gained through several underpasses near the arena. There are several restaurants worth visiting in the area, with Ralph N Rich’s serving up fine Italian fare, and the newly opened Barnum Publick House serving a traditional bar menu. For those looking for other things to do while visiting Bridgeport, the P.T. Barnum Museum is located a short walk from the arena. Fans 2 Before Sacred Heart moved their home games to Bridgeport, they had the lowest average attendance in all of Division One hockey. Early returns this season are promising, as 1,200 fans attended opening night. Even games held on weekend afternoons so far in 2016 have exceeded the average attendance at the Milford Ice Pavilion. Student turnout continues to be minimal thus far at Webster Bank Arena, but expect that trend to improve as the team progresses through its inaugural season here. Access 5 Arenas don’t get any easier to find than Webster Bank Arena. Located directly off Interstate 95, all one has to do to get to the rink is take exit 27 (whether traveling northbound or southbound), follow the signs for a block, and you are there. Parking is available in a surface lot across the street from the arena or in a parking garage next to the arena. Those looking for free parking can find on-street parking within a short walk of the arena. Despite downtown Bridgeport’s less-than-sparkling reputation, the area around the arena is safe. Getting to Bridgeport is a snap, as Interstate 95 passes directly through downtown. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind the arena, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the arena. Webster Bank Arena has a somewhat unusual design in that the concourse is on street level, and fans walk up from the ice level to their seats in the seating bowl. This setup means that handicapped seats are located right on the glass. All seats at the Webster Bank Arena are blue folding stadium seats. Except for a few sections at the end of the rink near the entrance, all of the seating bowls are open. Fans are given an assigned seat with a ticket, but most fans sit where they please. With the small crowd present, why not spread out? Likewise, all restrooms are open during Sacred Heart hockey games. Predictably, there is no wait to use the facilities, and plenty of room to roam on the concourse. Webster Bank Arena is modern and clean, and this is evident when a small crowd is present. Return on Investment 2 One drawback Pioneer fans will notice in moving to a professional arena is that now they will be paying professional-level prices to catch their favorite team playing. While ticket prices are reasonable at ten dollars, everything else at the Webster Bank Arena feels much pricier than it should be. Parking in the garage next door to the arena costs ten dollars. Concession prices, while comparable to many arenas in the American Hockey League, feel much too high for this level of college hockey. For example, Purchasing two sodas and two candy bars here will cost you almost $20. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the school’s attempt to make the hockey program competitive in the crowded southern Connecticut hockey scene. Fans will reap the rewards of these efforts. Any Pioneer fan who caught a game in the cold, cramped Milford Ice Pavilion will feel as if they have traveled forward in time as they watch a game in the modern, comfortable Webster Bank Arena. A second extra point is awarded for the slick gameday presentation which integrates the best parts of college hockey (the pep band and student sections) with the best parts of professional hockey (the giant video board). Final Thoughts It is a big year for many teams in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. Schools that have traditionally played in small, substandard community rinks are moving to local professional rinks, or are making plans for new on-campus facilities. These moves are designed to make the programs more attractive to recruits and fans alike. In moving to Webster Bank Arena, Sacred Heart has made a quantum leap towards making the program more competitive with the other schools that play in southern Connecticut, and Pioneer hockey fans are sure to reap the rewards. ------- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Streaming services have become the dominant force in entertainment in the past decade. With more and more entertainment companies looking for ways to take advantage of the growing streaming market, it was only a matter of time before they fully turned their eyes towards the world of sports – live sports – in an effort to fulfill the viewing public’s rabid appetite.   Amazon and its Prime Video service have been one of the leaders in live sports streaming in recent years. They recently announced a partnership with arguably the most recognized brand in all of sports: the New York Yankees  – on March 1, Amazon announced they will have exclusive rights to stream 21 Yankees games this upcoming season in the team’s “footprint” viewing area of New York state, Connecticut, and parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.   The broadcast of the games will come at no additional cost to select Amazon Prime viewers. Of the 21, 19 are slated to be Wednesday games, with the first broadcast set for April 10 against the Miami Marlins .   The YES Network’s Emmy Award-winning broadcast team will be the producers of the games, in concert with Amazon. There will also be a 30-minute pregame show for each game, hosted by YES’ Meredith Marakovits for home games and Bob Lorenz during away contests.   Calling the games will be YES Network play-by-play announcer Michael Kay, entering his 33rd season as the voice of the Yankees . He will be joined by a host of color analysts, including former Yankee greats David Cone, Paul O’Neill, and Joe Girardi.   The full schedule of exclusive games on Prime Video can be found here: www.amazon.com/yankees . ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey On Saturday October 26, BYU’s football team visited Central Florida  for the 4th time in series history, defeating the Golden Knights 37-24. The Cougars improved to 8-0 in conference play in only their 2nd season as members of the Big 12, and now stand atop the Big 12 standings – Iowa State  is also undefeated, however, but is only 7-0 since they already had their bye. BYU’s performance was good enough to move them into the top 10 of the AP Poll, the first time they have been in the AP Top 10 since a 9-0 start in 2020. After decades in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), which was re-formed into the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in 1999, Brigham Young University joined the Big 12 in 2023 as part of the larger conference alignment that in some way affected almost every team in the FBS. That conference realignment saw the end of some rivalries which have existed for over 100 years, for example Texas -Texas A&M, who first played in 1894 – the last meeting was in 2011, but the rivalry is being reborn in 2024, as Texas A&M  and Texas are now in the same conference again, the SEC. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey That conference alignment also brought together teams that are separated by thousands of miles, most notably in the Big 10, which now stretches from USC  and UCLA  in California all the way to Penn State  in State College, PA. Such distances have become commonplace in college football these days, however – years ago it was surprising, for example, to see West Virginia  join the Big 12, over a thousand miles removed from its conference rivals in Texas and Oklahoma; such distances are no longer remarkable.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey The National Hockey League struck marketing gold when they came up with the idea to hold an outdoor game on New Year's Day. Starting in 2008 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, the game is now in its 14th iteration as it gets ready for the 2023 game, to be held at Fenway Park in Boston. With this game, Fenway will become the first repeat host and Boston will become the first city to host the Winter Classic three times. Since we love to make ranking lists here at Stadium Journey, we've come up with our great idea, to rank 12 of the 13 venues that have hosted the Winter Classic (sorry Cotton Bowl, we don't have an active review of you). Now please keep in mind, we're not ranking the Winter Classic games themselves, but the stadiums when hosting their primary tenant (usually an MLB or NFL team). As always, we rank the venues according to our patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a facility's food, gameday atmosphere, neighborhood, fans, access, value, and more. Where two or more venues are tied, a council of Stadium Journey elders was consulted to break the tie. A testament to the quality of these stadia is the fact that 11 of the 12 venues scored a 4.00 or higher on our scale. Without further ado, we present our ranking of the Winter Classic venues. 1. Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI - 4.74 2014 - Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Detroit Red Wings 2 (shootout) Toronto was the first Canadian team to play in the Winter Classic and came out victorious before a crowd of 105,491, the largest in NHL history. Tyler Bozek netted the game-winner for the Leafs. 2. Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA - 4.57 2011 - Washington Capitals 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 1. The game was moved from its original 1:00 PM time to 8:00 due to weather issues. Eric Fehr netted two goals for the Caps. Semyon Varlamov made 32 saves in the win. 3. Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL - 4.43 2009 - Detroit Red Wings 6, Chicago Blackhawks 4 A run of five consecutive goals by Detroit, including two by Jiri Hudler, sealed this Original Six matchup as the Winter Classic moved to a baseball stadium for the first time. 4. Fenway Park, Boston, MA - 4.43 2010 - Boston Bruins 2, Philadelphia Flyers 1 (overtime) Marco Sturm's overtime goal made the Bruins the first home team to emerge victorious in the Winter Classic. This game also featured the first fight in game history, between Shawn Thornton and Daniel Carcillo. 5. Citi Field, Flushing, NY - 4.43 2018 - New York Rangers 3, Buffalo Sabres 2 (overtime) J.T. Miller scored an overtime goal to give the Rangers the win in an "away" game played in New York City. Robin Lehner made 39 saves to keep the game close. 6. Target Field - Minneapolis, MN - 4.29 2022 - St. Louis Blues 6, Minnesota Wild 4 Minnesota finally got a chance to host the Winter Classic after the 2021 game was postponed due to the Covid epidemic. With a game-time temperature of -5 degrees Fahrenheit, this was the coldest Winter Classic. The Blues scored five goals in the second period, with Jordan Kyrou tallying two goals and two assists. 7. Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO - 4.29 2017 - St. Louis Blues 4, Chicago Blackhawks 1 Vladimir Tarasenko scored a pair of third-period goals to break a 1-1 tie and lead the Blues to victory in their first appearance in the Winter Classic. 8. Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA - 4.29 2012 - New York Rangers 3, Philadelphia Flyers 2 This game was moved to January 2 so as not to conflict with the day's college bowl games. Michael Rupp scored two goals, with the Rangers scoring the game's final three goals to take the win. 9. Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA - 4.14 2016 - Montreal Canadiens 5, Boston Bruins 1 Montreal improved Canadian teams to 2-0 in the Winter Classic as they dominated the Bruins in a lackluster affair. Paul Byron scored two goals and Mike Condon made 26 saves for Montreal. 10. Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN - 4.00 2019 - Boston Bruins 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2 Tuukka Rask made 26 saves in the victory and David Pastrnak led a balanced Bruins attack with a goal and an assist in the shadow of "Goal Celly Jesus" at Notre Dame. 11. Nationals Park, Washington, DC - 4.00 2015 - Washington Capitals 3, Chicago Blackhawks 2 Troy Brower's power-play goal with just thirteen seconds left in the game lifted the Capitals to victory. They became the first home team to win the Winter Classic in regulation. 12. Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY - 3.00 2008 - Pittsburgh Penguins 2, Buffalo Sabres 1 (shootout) The inaugural Winter Classic was a rousing success, with light snow adding to the visual magic of the event. Sidney Crosby scored the deciding goal in the third and final round of the shootout. Cotton Bowl - Dallas, TX - no score 2020 - Dallas Stars 4, Nashville Predators 2 Dallas spotted Nashville a two-goal lead before storming back with four straight scores to take the first game played in the south. Both goalies (Dallas' Ben Bishop and Nashville's Pekka Rinne) made 31 saves.

With the surge of WNBA popularity, record-breaking attendance records this 2024 season, and the playoffs underway, it’s time for Stadium Journey to release its ranking for WNBA arenas.  While some arenas are shared with brethren NBA, G-League, or NHL teams, others are shared with college teams or played in an arena hosting various concerts and other entertainment events throughout the year. Stadium Journey ranks arenas based on their unique FANFARE rating scale, which incorporates a venue’s food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fans, accessibility, value, and other factors to create an overall score.  When two or more venues are tied, Stadium Journey consults its Council of Elders to break the tie.  The WNBA competition was fierce this season and many games were sellouts!   Enjoy our list and be sure to share your favorite(s) on our Facebook and Twitter (X) pages. 1.     Climate Pledge Arena – Seattle Storm 4.29 Marc Viquez - Climate Pledge Arena is a building that stands out among the rest of the WNBA and the nation. The interaction with fans and the team provides an ideal atmosphere for a first-time visitor, and the neighborhood is worth spending a few hours at before or after the game. When you add free mass transportation to the game, visiting the building is a must in Seattle. 2.     Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indiana Fever 4.29 Marc Viquez - The fieldhouse still boasts an impressive collection of memorabilia showcasing the game of basketball in the state. There is an array of items from former professional clubs from the city, local high schools, and the major universities and colleges in the state. 3.     Target Center – Minnesota Lynx 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The stands fill as quickly as the Target Center doors open, as fans do not even want to miss the warmups. Be sure to look up at all the various championship banners the Lynx have earned at the Target Center over the years. It is a great way to get fired up before the game even starts. 4.     Footprint Center – Phoenix Mercury 4.00 Meg Minard - Attending a Mercury basketball game is an enjoyable afternoon/evening out. If you haven’t been to the arena in a while, come check out some summer hoops at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.   5.      Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles Sparks 4.00 Andrei Ojeda - L.A. Sparks basketball is the type of entertainment that is perfect for that type of fan who wants to see some great basketball action live without leaving a huge hole on the wallet.  They provide quite an entertaining professional basketball experience.   6.     Michelob Ultra Arena – Las Vegas Aces 3.86 Lloyd Brown - You are going to have a great time at a Las Vegas Aces game at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. Terrific basketball, Vegas-style entertainment during the breaks, and easy access to food, drink, and gambling add up to a very entertaining evening! 7.     Mohegan Sun Arena – Connecticut Sun 3.86 Paul Baker - While a casino in the woods of eastern Connecticut may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of where to bring the family for an evening of sporting fun, the Mohegan Sun Arena is an excellent facility. There is something for everyone at Mohegan Sun, even the younger fans. 8.     Entertainment and Sports Arena – Washington Mystics 3.86 Gregory Koch - The Washington Mystics are drawing sellout crowds to the Entertainment & Sports Arena nearly every game and seem to be outgrowing their home there very quickly. Someday soon, they may move back to Capital One Arena, but for now, a Mystics game at the ESA is a great experience. 9.     Wintrust Arena – Chicago Sky 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Wintrust Arena is a worthy home court for a championship team. It has excellent views of the game action from any of its seating areas, and features a wonderful audiovisual package, with a huge center-hung video board. It has easy access for fans, as it is located on multiple bus and train routes in a city that lives on public transit. 10.   Barclays Center – New York Liberty 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Liberty organization does a great job of maintaining a high energy level throughout the games. Ellie, the team’s elephant mascot, roams the stands, leading the cheers and posing with fans for selfies along the way. The team has a fan participation activity on the court during breaks in the action. 11.   Gateway Center Arena at College Park – Atlanta Dream 3.29 Lloyd Brown - The Atlanta Dream finally has a home of its own for the first time in its 15 years of existence. It is working closely with its neighbors to make professional sports more accessible to communities on the Southside of Atlanta. 12.   College Park Center – Dallas Wings 3.14 Lloyd Brown - The Wings home at the College Park Center is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the Dallas metroplex. It provides the team with an arena that is right-sized for the average WNBA crowd. There is little or no evidence that the arena primarily serves as a college sports venue, as the team’s blue and green color scheme is carried throughout the facility for their home games.

A total of 12 metropolitan areas across the United States and Canada have just one professional sports team. In these cities, fans must resort to cheering for the area’s sole representative of either the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, or MLS. Today, we’re ranking all 12 of these cities based on the score given to their only “Big 5” venue. Each venue is ranked according to our patented FANFARE rating system, which takes into account a facility’s food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fans, access, value and more. Our current correspondent’s review produces the primary score, with ties broken by crowd reviews. Where two or more venues remained even, a discussion among members of Club 123 was held to break the tie. It’s a different way of looking at venues, and produces some variability in our lists that you don’t see elsewhere. It should be noted that Las Vegas is the most recent city to drop off this list, as the Oakland Raiders recently completed a move to Sin City and plan to open Allegiant Stadium this fall. San Diego is the latest addition to the list, after the Chargers left the city for nearby Los Angeles in 2017. 1. Winnipeg Bell MTS Place – 4.86 The original Winnipeg Jets were a professional hockey team that started out in 1972 in the World Hockey Association, which later merged with the NHL. However, due to financial struggles, the team would relocate to Phoenix in 1996. Then, in 2011, the Atlanta Thrashers headed north to the tundra of Manitoba to become the Jets once more. This second incarnation of the franchise would move into Bell MTS Place, a venue they’ve shared with their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, since the 2015-16 season. The provincial capital is also home to the Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League, and baseball’s Winnipeg Goldeyes of the independent American Association. 2. Edmonton Rogers Place – 4.43 The legendary Oilers recently debuted their new CAN$460 million arena in 2016, replacing the aging Rexall Place. Rogers Place, which holds 18,500 people for hockey games, is also the home ice of the Edmonton Oil Kings, a major junior team that plays in the Western Hockey League. Elsewhere in Alberta’s capital, the Edmonton Eskimos are the city’s CFL representative. 3. Sacramento Golden 1 Center – 4.29 Cali’s capital almost lost the NBA’s Kings forever, after three relocation proposals were pitched between 2006 and 2013. But Sacramento held onto their beloved basketball franchise, ultimately building the team a new state-of-the-art arena in downtown. The Golden 1 Center, opened in 2016, is home to the city’s only major league sports franchise, although an MLS team is in the works. The Sacramento Republic FC, currently in the second tier of the American soccer pyramid, will move into a new stadium and move up to the majors in 2022. Sactown is also home to the Sacramento River Cats, a Triple-A baseball team that plays at Sutter Health Park. 4. San Antonio AT&T Center – 4.29 Although Dallas and Houston both have their fair share of pro sports teams, the second-most populous city in Texas has only one. San Antonio, stomping grounds of the NBA’s Spurs, lacks any other professional franchises. The Spurs play at the 18,000-seat AT&T Center, along with the AHL’s Rampage – at least, until the latter moves to Las Vegas to become an affiliate of the Golden Knights. The San Antonio Commanders of the failed Alliance of American Football also made their home in Bexar County, but folded along with the rest of the league in 2019. 5. San Diego Photo By Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Petco Park – 4.14 Sunny San Diego has had a rocky sports history, having lost the NFL’s Chargers to Los Angeles in 2017. The Chargers had been beloved by the city since they’d arrived in 1961. This relocation left San Diegans with MLB’s Padres as their only professional team. The Friars, as they’re sometimes called, have played downtown at beautiful Petco Park since 2004. The city also has the AHL’s San Diego Gulls and the National Lacrosse League’s San Diego Seals to cheer for. 6. Oklahoma City Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Chesapeake Energy Arena – 4.14 Although Oklahoma’s capital hosted NBA games when the New Orleans Hornets were displaced due to Hurricane Katrina, the city didn’t get a professional franchise of their own until the Seattle SuperSonics moved to the Sooner State in 2009. The rechristened Oklahoma City Thunder have played at Chesapeake Energy Arena, which also sometimes hosts NHL exhibition games, ever since. The Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers also plays in the city’s Bricktown neighborhood, at the acclaimed Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. 7. Green Bay Lambeau Field – 4.00 The smallest city in the nation with a professional sports team, Green Bay, Wisconsin is home to the iconic Packers of the NFL and their historic stadium, Lambeau Field. Despite threats to move south to the much larger market of Milwaukee, where the team even played several home games each season, the Green Bay Packers have withstood the storm. They continue to provide the town of 104,000 people with at least 8 incredible Sundays in the winter, “packing” out the 81,000-seat Lambeau each week. 8. Raleigh PNC Arena, Carolina Hurricanes Warming Up, Photo by Kaytlyn Drummond, Stadium Journey PNC Arena – 3.86 The Hartford Whalers ditched Connecticut and headed south in 1997, making their nest in North Carolina. Although initially playing at the Greensboro Coliseum, the rebranded Carolina Hurricanes would move into the newly-constructed PNC Arena in Raleigh in time for the turn of the Millenium. The Raleigh-Durham area can also claim two Minor League Baseball franchises: the Triple-A Durham Bulls and the High-A Carolina Mudcats, who play in nearby Zebulon. 9. Calgary Scotiabank Saddledome Entrance, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Scotiabank Saddledome – 3.71 Like Winnipeg, Calgary is the recipient of a relocated NHL franchise from Atlanta. The Flames moved to Alberta in 1980 and began play three years later at what was then the Olympic Saddledome. Now, Flames ownership is seeking to replace this aging facility, with plans to begin construction on a new arena in 2021. The potential destruction of the Saddledome will also displace the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen and the NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks, although both teams may also move into the new facility. Alberta’s largest city is also home to the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL. 10. Memphis FedEx Forum – 3.57 The Grizzlies first relocated to the Home of the Blues in 2001, after departing Vancouver. The team made their den at the Memphis Pyramid until the sparkling FedEx Forum replaced that arena in 2004. Memphis has never had another permanent professional sports franchise, although XFL and CFL teams have passed through. In the minor leagues, AutoZone Park in downtown is home to both the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Memphis RedBirds, and Memphis 901 FC, a tier-2 soccer franchise. 11. Ottawa Photo By Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Canadian Tire Centre – 3.57 The national capital of Canada has been attempting to replace the aging Canadian Tire Centre, where the Ottawa Senators skate, for quite some time. Opened in 1996 as The Palladium, this venue in the Ottawa suburbs has served its tenant well, but inaccessibility and the arena’s distance from downtown have been the chief detractors. The city also has their Redblacks, a CFL franchise that plays at TD Place Stadium. 12. Jacksonville TIAA Bank Field, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey TIAA Bank Field – 3.57 The Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL have been at the center of many relocation rumors, most recently cropping up during speculation that the team may move to London. The Jags have played at least one game in the United Kingdom each season since 2013, and they’re slated to participate in two more in 2020. The team’s current home in Florida, TIAA Bank Field, opened in 1995 and is also the site of the Gator Bowl and the annual Florida-Georgia college football rivalry game. Jax has two minor league teams as well: the Jumbo Shrimp, Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, and the Icemen, ECHL affiliate of the Jets of Winnipeg, another one-pro team city.

Stadium Journey endeavors to visit each college basketball arena at least once every four years to keep our reviews current for those of us who love sports travel. Our correspondents have visited 338 (93%) of the 359 D-1 college basketball arenas. Unfortunately, there are still 21 D-1 teams missing from our database that our team has yet to reach. We are actively working hard to fill in these gaps in our coverage.   We are ranking the top 25 college basketball arenas according to our patented FANFARE rating scale. This scale considers a venue’s concessions, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, return on investment, and more. Therefore, our rankings are much different than many others, and often our scale creates much debate. However, that is the main reason to make lists like this to create debate and discussion, right?   As mentioned, our rankings are based solely on our FANFARE score. However, as you read through the list, you will see several ties. In the case of a tie between multiple venues, a council of Stadium Journey elders is consulted to break the ties. We encourage you to share your input on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. To see the entire review of any of the venues on this list, click the link above the photo. Without further ado, we are proud to present our top 25 college basketball arenas of the 2023-24 season!   1.     Hinkle Fieldhouse – Butler: 4.57 Marc Viquez - There are college basketball arenas and then there are its cathedrals. The Hinkle Fieldhouse is the latter and entering its eleventh decade the atmosphere gets only better. The Bulldog program continues to rank high on the AP Top 25 and provides its fans with winning basketball and an atmosphere that is loud, energetic, and exciting. Hinkle is what college basketball is meant to be and how wonderful is it that near the end of this current decade, the building will be celebrating its 100th anniversary?   2.     Finneran Pavilion – Villanova: 4.43 Richard Smith - Finneran Pavilion is one of the most unique-looking arenas around. It offers a great place to see some very high-quality basketball in a fun environment. In a world where some basketball arenas are getting larger and more corporate, it is good to know there is a building in Philadelphia that is a true classic hoops hall.   3.     Moody Center – Texas: 4.43 Michael Davis - Overall I want to say Moody Center is the best new basketball arena in the country, and it just might be a true statement. It is a venue that any sports fan should visit, whether it is for a University of Texas event or a non-UT event. Texas Basketball has an amazing new home, a venue that will bring in recruits, and fans, and give a home-court advantage like no other. Moody Center has already shown that the price was worth the investment for the city of Austin; now it is only time to see if the new culture of Texas Basketball will bring in championships.   4.     Thompson-Bolling Arena – Tennessee: 4.43 David Welch - About a full court’s heave from the banks of the Tennessee River, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center has served as the home court of the Tennessee Volunteers men’s and women’s basketball programs since 1987, replacing the Stokley Athletic Center. With a capacity of 21,678, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is the fourth-largest college basketball arena in the country. 2007 would see major renovations that added a wall of suites and club seating to the arena, decreasing the capacity from over 24,000 to the current 21,000+.   5.     Edmund Joyce Center – Notre Dame: 4.43 Brian O'Sullivan - Even though Notre Dame is not located near a major city, heading to campus on a non-football weekend is a great way to catch a basketball or hockey game and see the campus with far fewer people. In short, attending a game at the Joyce Center is well worth the cost of admission.   6.     Qubein Center – High Point: 4.43 Lloyd Brown - The Qubein Center is a stunning addition to the High Point University campus. The arena offers fans a professional level of amenities, including comfortable seating, an above-average video board, and an impressive set of dining options. Qubein Center also serves the High Point community through concerts, appearances by notable speakers, and other events throughout the year.   7.     Dee Glen Smith Spectrum – Utah State: 4.43 Tyler Huskinson - Attending a game at the Spectrum should be on every sports fan's bucket list. Although the venue is nestled in a location very much out of the way for non-locals, it is well worth the trip.   8.     UD Arena – Dayton: 4.29 Marc Viquez - The UD Arena is quite the experience for college basketball and goes somewhat underneath the radar to most fans. However, you will never have to tell a Dayton fan, alumni, or student what an experience is like during a home game. UD Arena is as advertised, it gets LOWD.   9.     Phog Allen Fieldhouse – Kansas: 4.29 Cory Sims - Simply put, nothing matches the atmosphere of the Fieldhouse. In 2017, the arena set a new Guinness World Record for the loudest indoor stadium at more than 116 decibels, louder than a jet or chainsaw. And, that's not with piped-in crowd noise or speakers blaring music, that is pure fan jubilation   10.  Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion – Baylor: 4.29 Michael Davis - The 2023-24 basketball season for the Baylor University programs is historic and has a footprint on the future of Baylor basketball. The teams said goodbye to the Ferrell Center, the program’s home for the last 35 years, on December 22, 2023. Two weeks later, on January 2, 2024, the program opened its new home, Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, with a win versus Cornell.   11.  Memorial Gym – Vanderbilt: 4.29 David Welch - Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium is an arena that is a must-stop for stadium enthusiasts. Beyond the rarity of the raised court and the quirks of the building itself, the whole experience of a basketball game at Vanderbilt is extremely fan-friendly and has a great college basketball atmosphere.   12.  Mizzou Arena – Missouri: 4.29 Sean MacDonald - Overall, this is an impressively designed venue that looks much younger than its 20 years and it was rocking for the game I attended, making it one of the best college basketball experiences that I have enjoyed.   13.  Gallagher-Iba Arena – Oklahoma State: 4.29 Michael Davis - Gallagher-Iba Arena is one of the best basketball facilities in the nation. Every sports fan should visit Stillwater, and visit the arena once known as “The Madison Square Garden of the Plains.” Oklahoma State University does a great job with the venue, as Gallagher-Iba Arena continues to make history while staying connected to its past.   14. The Pavilion at Ole Miss – Ole Miss: 4.29 Paul Donaldson - When you think of Ole Miss athletics, the first thoughts that come to mind are probably the Manning Family, Rebel football, Hotty Toddy, and the entertaining tailgate atmosphere at the Grove. Ole Miss Hoops, however, has the opportunity to earn a place among these popular experiences with their brand new, state-of-the-art basketball arena, The Pavilion at Ole Miss.   15.  Breslin Center – Michigan State: 4.29 Steve Ohnsmann - This is one of the holy grails for college basketball fans. If you are lucky enough to attend a Big 10 game vs one of MSU’s traditional rivals such as Michigan, Indiana, Purdue, or Wisconsin, you will have a memorable experience.   16.  CHI Health Center – Creighton: 4.29 James Hilchen - CHI Health Center Omaha has great food, and a fabulous atmosphere, and the fans are tremendous. It is rarely thought of among the elite arenas in college basketball, but the arena combined with a fabulous downtown Omaha makes any effort to attend a game here well worth the trip.   17.  Colonial Life Arena – South Carolina: 4.29 David Welch - 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.   18.  Huntsman Center – Utah: 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Jon Huntsman often serves as the site for regional tournaments due to its large city capacity and the large inventory of hotel rooms in downtown Salt Lake City. The Utes play a crowd-pleasing up-tempo game that has brought them success since the championship days of the late Rick Majerus, a time when the Utes were regulars in the NCAA tournaments.   19.  McCarthey Athletic Center – Gonzaga: 4.29 Eric Moreno- Alright, I hope the enthusiasm I had for my visit comes through in this review. This is easily the best college basketball venue that I’ve gotten to visit; I am confident in the assumption that if you are to somehow find yourself able to go to the Kennel to see a Zags game, you’ll come away feeling the same. Go Zags!   20.  Don Haskins Center – UTEP: 4.29 Jason Bartel - The 1966 Texas Western College men’s basketball team is arguably the most important college basketball team in the history of the sport. That Texas Western team took down Adolph Rupp’s Kentucky Wildcats to win the NCAA National Championship and became the first team to start five black players. Though they didn’t play at Don Haskins Center (opened 10 years later), the presence of that team is felt throughout the arena.   21.  McLeod Center – Northern Iowa: 4.29 Chuck Utech - A trip to Cedar Falls to see a Missouri Valley Conference basketball game can be rewarding. With the 2018 trip to the Final Four by Loyola of Chicago, “Hoosiers” images were conjured for folks dreaming of the smaller school defeating large universities. The McLeod Center houses those dreams and passionately puts them on display.   22.  Betty Engelstad Sioux Center – North Dakota: 4.29 Daryn Skjefte - The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center is truly a work of art that deserves to be recognized. College basketball is often a tradition for families and friends and this location does not disappoint. The ticket prices are hard to beat, the parking is easy and priced appropriately, and the in-game experience is second to none. I would recommend checking out The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center if you find yourself in Grand Forks.   23.  Madison Square Garden – St. Johns: 4.29 Greg Venuto- Madison Square Garden is a must-see location for sports and entertainment fans alike. It’s an action-packed venue both inside and out. It can be loud and crazy, but always an exciting and worthwhile Stadium Journey.   24.  Walsh Gymnasium – Seton Hall: 4.29 Jon Hart - The Hall plays a select few games at its on-campus facility, the historic Walsh Gymnasium, which opened in 1941. Walsh is very small, extremely loud, and just a magnificent place to watch a college basketball game. It’s big-time basketball in a very small place, a wonderful combination. Think Cameron Indoor or Allen Fieldhouse, except much smaller.   25.  Cameron Indoor Stadium – Duke:  4.14 Joseph Oakes - Even though Cameron Indoor Stadium is old, small, and cramped, the experience of attending a Duke game is like one you won’t experience anywhere else. From the sellout crowds to the Cameron Crazies to the product on the floor (which is always good) a trip to Cameron is a must for any college basketball fan.

On a recent episode of the Stadium Journey Podcast, our correspondent Dave Cottenie asked "how can you not be romantic about baseball?" Of all the sports, none come close to the feelings evoked by a visit to our favorite ballpark. Stadium Journey endeavors to visit every Major League Baseball ballpark annually to keep our reviews current for those of us who love to travel the country visiting these cathedrals to the sport. In 2022 we were able to visit 21 of the 30 parks nationwide. Not bad considering we're not back to normal. Here we are ranking the 30 ballparks according to our patented FANFARE rating scale. This scale takes into consideration a ballpark's concessions, game day atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. It's a bit of a different way to evaluate a ballpark, and historically our rankings have created much debate. That's OK, we can take it. Plus, isn't healthy debate the reason why we make lists like this? The fact that over two-thirds of the Major League ballparks scored a 4.00 rating or better is a testament to the quality of the ballparks and the game-day entertainment provided by the team staff around the leagues. To see the full review of each ballpark, just click the link underneath the photo. You'll notice that there have been some changes in our rankings as we move to this new site. There is no longer a place for readers to contribute their scores. After much consideration, the decision was made to discontinue crowd reviews, as the vast majority of them came from previous Stadium Journey reviews and simply were not being utilized as designed. Our rankings are now based solely on the reviewer's FANFARE score. Where two or more venues are tied, a counsel of Stadium Journey elders is consulted to break any ties. We encourage our readers to share your input on our social media channels. Stadium Journey can be found on Facebook, Twitter , and Instagram. We hope you are enjoying our new site. Without further ado, we present our ranking of the 2022 Major League Baseball stadiums. 1. Petco Park - San Diego Padres 4.86 Andrei Ojeda - Petco Park continues to play a huge role in the revitalization of the local area throughout the East Village. Despite last year’s late-season collapse, the excitement level and expectations remain high among the Friar Faithful. Now in its 18th year, Petco Park continues to bring high energy to the East Village and continually ranks among the top ballpark experiences year in and year out. 2. Progressive Field - Cleveland Guardians 4.71 Chris Green - The Guardians continue to showcase what makes their home one of the best home stadiums in the major leagues. Progressive Field has everything you would want in a perfect setting. Top food and beverage options mix here with a constantly improving stadium that remains one of the best in baseball. Affordability and easy access create a welcoming environment that makes for one of the best game-day experiences around. 3. Oracle Park - San Francisco Giants 4.57 Andrei Ojeda - One visit to this beauty and you will see why Oracle Park consistently ranks among the top ballpark experiences among baseball fans. As you walk away to the tune of Tony Bennett’s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” a piece of your heart will undoubtedly be left at 3rd and King. 4. Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox 4.43 Paul Baker - Fenway Park’s mix of historical touches, quirky features, and modern comforts are unmatched anywhere. Other cities try again and again to find the magic formula that has existed in Boston for 111 years. Simply put, Fenway Park is the standard against which all other ballparks are measured. 5. Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs 4.43 Paul Baker - Fans who haven’t visited the North Side of Chicago in a while will be amazed by the transformation that has taken place in the home of the Cubbies. Modern features have been integrated into the ballpark in a way that does not detract from the historic aspects of the facility. Wrigley Field is truly a special place to take in a baseball game. 6. Citi Field - New York Mets 4.43 Dave Hanson - Citi’s unique location in Flushing, extensive food offerings, and rabid fanbase make visiting the park feel completely different from the experience across town at Yankee Stadium. Citi Field is a world of its own, both of the city and simultaneously removed from the dense urbanity of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Yankee Stadium is a tourist trap that happens to contain a baseball diamond. Citi Field is a proper ballpark. There’s a difference. 7. PNC Park - Pittsburgh Pirates 4.29 Patricia Beninato - PNC Park is a mecca for MLB fans two decades after its opening, and the recent right field plaza refurbishment combined with a ton of promotions and discounts make it a relatively cheap day or night out for locals and visitors alike. Pittsburgh hopes that one day the Pirates will field a team that’s worthy of the beautiful ballpark they call home. 8. Coors Field - Colorado Rockies 4.29 Andrei Ojeda - Coors Field was among several yards that opened during the so-called “retro parks” era. The recent enhancements to Coors Field, most notably the new video/scoreboard and The Rooftop, have only helped improve the game day atmosphere. Coors Field trails only Dodger Stadium and Wrigley Field in the National League senior circuit for years of service. 9. Target Field - Minnesota Twins 4.29 Gregory Koch - The difference between Target Field and the old Metrodome is like night and day. While the Twins previously played in one of the worst stadiums in Major League Baseball, they now play at one of the best. Just walking up and gaping at its gorgeous exterior, you get the sense that this place is different, and once you get inside, you will not be disappointed. From the Minnie and Paul sign to the unique concession items to all the other extras here, a trip to Target Field for a Twins game should be on every fan’s bucket list. 10. Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles Dodgers 4.29 Andrei Ojeda - The recent enhancements throughout the third oldest yard in the Majors have made the Dodger Stadium experience much more accessible for fans wanting to experience as much of the historic venue and have assured us that Dodger Stadium will be the home to Dodger Baseball for many more years to come. 11. Busch Stadium - St. Louis Cardinals 4.29 David Berger - Busch Stadium offers enough history, class, and views to make it an ideal baseball destination. The ballpark is a favorite among many ballpark enthusiasts and is considered home to many Cardinals fans during the season. Does it have to stand out among the copious “retro-classic” facilities built in the past 25 years? Perhaps, Busch doesn’t necessarily need to be anything more than what it is, a nice spot for baseball. 12. Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia Phillies 4.29 Richard Smith - Philadelphia fans often get a bad reputation and it can be well-deserved at times. The stadium itself can also get lost in the sea of new stadiums across the league, but the fact is that Citizens Bank Park is a modern ballpark that offers all of the best things that fans expect out of their stadium experience. It should not be forgotten. 13. Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore Orioles 4.14 Richard Smith - Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992 and has been considered one of the best Major League Baseball stadiums in the league. Before its opening, the landscape of professional baseball was littered with boring, multipurpose bowl stadiums. Now nearly every team has a great baseball stadium. Luckily Oriole Park has kept up with the experiences. Out were lackluster parks and in were fan-friendly stadiums that were designed for the optimum fan experience. 14. Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals 4.14 Chuck Utech - Stadium journeys have to include a trip to Kansas City. This is an experience for an individual, couple, or group that can be done at a variety level of expenses . The level of entertainment, however, is high. 15. Minute Maid Park - Houston Astros 4.14 Eric Moreno - After moving out of the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Astrodome, the Astros moved into their new luxury downtown facilities at (the now-named) Minute Maid Park. From the friendly confines of their new home at the Juice Box, the Astros have made the playoffs nine times, claimed four pennants (one when they were still in the National League and three since joining the American League), and won one World Series championship in 2017. 16. T-Mobile Park - Seattle Mariners 4.00 Andrei Ojeda - From the baseball-themed artwork to the vast food selections and the majestic views of Puget Sound along the left field upper concourse, the cool Pacific Northwest summer nights with a welcoming fan base, and an exciting young team, a visit to T-Mobile Park will rank highly among your list of ballpark visits. 17. Comerica Park - Detroit Tigers 4.00 Richard Smith - The best feature of Comerica Park is the giant Tiger statues that guard the various entrances to the stadium. These are popular photo spots and/or meet-up locations before games. They are not only a great feature but show a team knowing how to double down on their mascot. 18. Nationals Park - Washington Nationals 4.00 Gregory Koch - In 2005, the Nationals came to town, and in 2008, they got a brand-new stadium. Since then, the excitement has worn off and the crowds have steadily declined, especially as the Nationals’ performance on the field has gone downhill. That being said, Nationals Park is still a nice stadium for fans to take in a Major League Baseball game. 19. Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati Reds 4.00 Marc Viquez - Great American Ballpark is one of the better values in all of Major League Baseball. It includes a modern Stadium with plenty of great views and concession options, affordable ticket pricing, a great location along the river, and multiple entertainment districts surrounding it. Cincinnati is a town that offers a lot of other things to do besides watching the baseball game; you may find yourself spending a lot longer going up and down the hills of Queen City. 20. Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago White Sox 4.00 Marc Viquez - The Chicago White Sox has been working very hard to improve the amenities at the stadium. The past few seasons have seen renovations to the concourse regarding food and beverage service, social areas for fans, a brand new scoreboard, and fan-friendly pricing on game day tickets. If you haven’t been to a Sox game lately, perhaps you need to come back sometime soon for a game. 21. Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks 4.00 Meg Minard - Chase Field provides good game day enjoyment and it is easy to reach and traverse. The swimming pool and the retractable roof and panels offer unique elements to the ballpark. A recommendation is to visit early in the season (April) to enjoy a game with the roof open. Phoenix is a vacation destination in early spring and late fall so enjoy a D-Backs game when in town. 22. American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers 3.86 Chris Green - Miller Park is a beautiful stadium, and it features a unique roof design mixed with appropriate architectural design. The food is plentiful and top quality and the fans are among the best in baseball. Almost every game is a packed house, so you get that exciting experience sports fans to yearn for. If you’re visiting Milwaukee, or even just passing through, a stop here is a must-consider, even for the casual sports fan. 23. Truist Park - Atlanta Braves 3.71 Lloyd Brown - A visit to Truist Park and the Battery provides a daylong set of options for baseball fans. Arrive early or stay late and enjoy a wide range of dining and entertainment options. In between, you can enjoy some great baseball featuring the defending World Champion Atlanta Braves. Chop on! 24. Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels 3.71 Andrei Ojeda - Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest yard in the bigs behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Dodger Stadium. It has gone through its share of changes. From being enclosed in 1979 to accommodate the Rams to its return to its current form as a baseball-only park, compared to other yards of the post-Camden era, Angel Stadium could use some updates. 25. Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays 3.71 Chris Green - While many may regard Tropicana Field as one of the worst stadiums in baseball, the facility still has some life in it. Yes, the age and overall aesthetic of the place just feels “meh” worthy, but the Tampa Bay Rays have called it their home since their inception in 1998, and you can almost feel a bit of history when you walk through the ballpark doors. 26. Rogers Centre - Toronto Blue Jays 3.57 Dave Cottenie - With the renovations long overdue coming to Rogers Centre, it will be interesting to see if, as Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro hopes, the former SkyDome becomes a “ballpark” and not a “stadium.” What the future holds will be exciting, but for now, Rogers Centre remains one of the most influential stadiums in the league and one that needs the most TLC. 27. Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees 3.57 Greg Venuto - Yankee Stadium overall is impressive and a must-see for baseball enthusiasts. It can be a bit too much splash and often tries too hard to remove as much money as possible from your wallet. Some detractors also say it’s too much of a museum and not enough of a conventional ballpark. 28. Globe Life Field - Texas Rangers 3.29 Michael Davis - Globe Life Field is the newest ballpark in Major League Baseball, yet it fails compared to the old ballpark. Maybe my emotions have entered into this review, as I loved Globe Life Park. Somewhere the baseball fan was forgotten in leaving the old ballpark – overall attending a game at Globe Life Field is more expensive than its predecessor, yet the Rangers product on the field is less. 29. loanDepot Stadium - Miami Marlins 3.00 Matt Fiedler - loanDepot Park is a very interesting place. It has some unique features that make it stand out from the pack of bland ballparks. The park does a good job of showcasing Miami's culture and cuisine. The fans and atmosphere drag things down though. The laid-back vibe of Miami does show at the games. 30. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum - Oakland A's 2.57 Chris Green - Oakland baseball deserves better – most everyone agrees on this. The fans who do show up are passionate and proud of their team’s history. And while the Athletics have done the best they can with what they have in their current state, the shortcomings are so vast that it is hard to overlook one, if not most. The beauty of the weather and climate helps, but Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum could use a proper facelift to make it more enjoyable for the fan experience.

For the third time, Stadium Journey presents its rankings of the stadium experience for the 28 clubs in Major League Soccer. There are several categories in the ground reviews: food & beverage in the arena, atmosphere, the local neighborhood, fans, access (including parking, restrooms, and ability to move around on the grounds), overall return on investment, and a catchall category for all extras. We use the rating of our correspondents as our primary ranking, with the crowd reviews of our members as the secondary factor. In cases where there is still a tie, we have an internal discussion to determine which arena experience might be slightly better. Click on the stadium or team name to read each stadium review. As with any list of stadium rankings, there will be some disagreements and a few headscratchers. You are more than willing to let us know what you think in the comment section, and perhaps we could see a change next year, but until then, here is the 2023 Stadium Journey MLS Stadium Ranking. 1. Exploria Stadium - Orlando City 4.71 Chris Green - Orlando City SC is what soccer in the United States is trying to become, and it is a wonderful sight to see. The club has found the perfect formula for fan involvement, stadium location, and overall atmosphere to capitalize on the moment. Attending a game at Orlando City Stadium is less of an afternoon at a sporting event and more of a life experience. 2. Providence Park - Portland Timbers 4.57 Timbers games are what make the MLS shine. The Timbers have made their home one that is inviting for fans and electricians to experience. It is the model experience for soccer in the country, and anyone who visits will tell you it is on par with some of the best stadiums overseas. 3. BC Place - Vancouver Whitecaps 4.43 Dennis Morrell - Just as remarkable is the renovation work, which helps to infuse natural light into the building. It is best to enjoy a Whitecaps match during afternoon matches. Even when the roof is closed, the space between the top of the upper deck and the permanent roof has been changed from the building’s original brown glass to clear glazing with a subtle blue tint. 4. Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta United 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a one-of-a-kind facility that utilizes innovative technology, a fan-friendly food, and beverage program, and a quality team in Atlanta United to provide an excellent gameday experience for soccer fans. The stadium’s location in the downtown area offers several restaurants and attractions near the venue for the pre and post-game enjoyment of the fans. 5. Lower.com Field - Columbus Crew SC 4.29 Marc Viquez - The Columbus Crew has a fine-looking soccer facility that provides fantastic views of the pitch, quality food, a boisterous atmosphere, and a passionate fanbase. The neighborhood around the facility will blossom in the coming years, making it quite the experience for hometown fans and first-time visitors. 6. Bank of America Stadium -Charlotte FC 4.14 Stadium Journey - Charlotte FC debuted in 2022 to one of the largest crowds to attend a club soccer game in the United States The club finished second in the MLS in average attendance at 35,260. The club hopes to see those numbers again in 2023 and beyond. 7. Red Bull Arena - New York Red Bulls 4.14 Richard Smith - A trip to Red Bull Arena for the New York Red Bulls is a great way for a sports fan to see high-level teams at a decent value. The covered all-seater grandstand created a look for the rest of the league to follow soon after. 8. BMO Field - Toronto FC 4.14 Dave Cottenie - Toronto FC is one of the top experiences in Major League Soccer. They are consistently among the best-supported squads, and MLSE is continuing to make improvements on the pitch. Getting out to see a TFC game is a great way to enjoy summer in one of the best tourist cities in North America. 9. Lumen Field - Seattle Sounders 4.14 Lloyd Brown - There are very few sports venues in the MLS that match the pageantry and energy level created at Seattle Sounders FC games. The name of the stadium may change, but the fan experience remains the same. You might say it is il-lumen-rating. 10. Toyota Park - FC Dallas 4.00 Eric Moreno - Despite the often-oppressive heat, the game experience at Toyota Stadium is truly something special. For MLS fans, soccer fans, or even novices looking to dip their toes into the hullabaloo that is the “beautiful game,” the opportunity to attend an FC Dallas game at Toyota Stadium should not be passed up. You will enjoy yourself. 11. Dignity Health Sports Park - LA Galaxy 4.0 Andrei Ojeda - Though not one of the more popular teams in Los Angeles, a trip to an L.A. Galaxy game should still be on one’s list. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by the fans throughout the game are one of the main highlights of attending a Galaxy game. Like many who are slowly grasping Major League Soccer, you will get a true feel of the soccer subculture that is steadily growing in Southern California. 12. Allianz Field - Minnesota United FC 4.0 James Hitchen - This stadium was the author’s first foray into MLS soccer. While I didn’t expect much, I came away knowing I will return to future MLS games. Allianz Field is a great venue to watch a game. It’s very comfortable, easy to get around, and well worth a visit. 13. Soldier Field - Chicago Fire 3.86 Lloyd Brown - Soldier Field’s lakeside location and parklike surroundings are a favorite for fans from throughout the Chicagoland area. The future of this iconic stadium is in doubt, as a new stadium to house both the Fire and the Chicago Bears has been proposed for the Arlington area. 14. TQL Stadium - FC Cincinnati 3.86 Marc Viquez - A lot has changed since I lived in Cincinnati and worked for a professional soccer team in the USL. That was in 2003, and I never fathomed that within 20 years, the city would have an MLS club and a 26,000-seat venue for soccer. Cincinnati loves soccer and supports its club through the good times and bad times. It is one of the better experiences in the league and a must to visit when in town. 15. Audi Field - DC United 3.86 Gregory Koch - DC United fans had been waiting a long time for a true soccer stadium by the time Audi Field opened in 2018. The soccer-specific venue is vastly superior to its former grounds. A trip to Audi Field is a great experience for any soccer fans in the D.C. area, and it's nice to see the club finally play in a stadium worthy of such a team. 16. Q2 Stadium - Austin FC 3.86 Eric Moreno - I’ve been to quite a few soccer matches over the years, but I’ve never been to any that matched the level of excitement that I witnessed at Q2 Stadium. Austin FC has built a great fan base, so far. It is truly an unexpected experience for me and something I can only compare to as akin to a big-time college football atmosphere. If you’re a sports fan, this is one you should add to your sports bucket list. 17. Banc of California Stadium - Los Angeles FC 3.86 Eric Moreno - The LAFC fan base is a good variety of soccer diehards, as well as newcomers to the sport. The 3252s have played a huge role as well in making all fans feel welcomed. Their success on the field, along with the excitement of the franchise playing close to the heart of Los Angeles, can only help expand an already rabid fan base. 18. PayPal Park - San Jose Earthquakes 3.86 Meg Minard - Witnessing a match at PayPal Park is certainly unique. The seat pattern coloring, the Epi-Center Fan Zone and food trucks, the exceptional staff, easy access, and the intimate setting all help make attending a match here an enjoyable evening out. 19. Stade Saputo - CF Montreal 3.71 Stadium Journey - Whether you’re a fair-weather fan or a die-hard soccer supporter, Stade Saputo has activities and attractions above and beyond a typical soccer stadium. This review was written in the second year of the stadium’s five-year plan to improve the fan experience. It’s intriguing to know what further enhancements will be made when witnessing a match at Stade Saputo is already top tier. 20. Geodis Park - Nashville SC 3.86 Lloyd Brown - The addition of Geodis Park to the Nashville sports scene is yet another reason to visit the Music City for your next getaway trip. The new stadium is well-designed, and its cozy seating puts you right on top of the action. During breaks in the action, you can sample foods from some of Nashville’s top restaurants or listen to some of country music’s rising stars. Geodis Park certainly hits a high note. 21. Subaru Park - Philadelphia Union 3.86 Richard Smith - Subaru Park is a well-designed soccer stadium located in a beautiful setting along the Delaware River. The only bad thing is that the neighboring areas of the city of Chester are not as idyllic as the setting. 22. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park - Colorado Rapids 3.86 Matt Finnigan - A Colorado Rapids match serves as a microcosm of that success and illustrates the importance of a spirited, robust fan base. Quality food and drink options, exciting play, and a beautiful pitch combine to make a match at DSG Park a first-rate spectator experience. 23. America First Field - Real Salt Lake 3.86 Connor Comeau - America First Field is one of the best family-friendly stadiums in MLS, and the organization does a very good job keeping it that way. There are plenty of things to do before and during the game, and the fan base is as passionate as they come. This is a stadium you need to have in mind the next time you’re in Utah. 24. Children’s Mercy Park - Sporting Kansas City 3.57 Alex Mailes - Children’s Mercy Park earns its reputation as a top MLS organization. They offer plenty of unique concession options at average prices and provide a gameday experience that is a cut above most other American soccer teams. Children’s Mercy Park stands as one of the best and it is certainly worth a visit for any soccer fan. 25. PNC Stadium - Houston Dynamo 3.57 Eric Moreno - PNC Stadium is a beautiful venue for soccer. The sight lines are perfect, the energy is palpable, and the food and drink selections are top-notch. Houston is one of the great cities in the United States and offers a tremendous opportunity for visitors to take in the sights and flavors. 26. DRV PNK Stadium - Inter Miami FC 3.43 Lloyd Brown - Even though DRV PNK Stadium is an “interim” stadium as far as the MLS team, we felt that it surpassed many of the permanent stadium experiences we have had in the league. Once we learned the reasoning behind the shocking pink color scheme, we salute the team and Auto Nation for promoting a noble cause in this fashion. 27. Gillette Stadium - New England Revolution 3.43 Paul Baker - While being the little brother sharing a facility with a National Football League team is a less-than-ideal situation, Gillette Stadium provides the Revolution with a world-class home. Still, the calls for a new soccer-specific stadium continue in New England. 28. Yankee Stadium - New York City FC 2.71 Stadium Journey - New York City FC calls Yankee Stadium home, a ballpark that creates less-than-ideal field conditions for players. The team announced a new soccer-specific venue next to Citi Field that will end the saga of playing second fiddle to the New York Yankees in the Bronx.

With the playoffs in full swing, it's time for us at Stadium Journey to once again rank the game day experience at all 30 Major League Baseball Ballparks. Our correspondents visited 25 of the 30 MLB parks in 2023, ranking the game day experience according to our patented FANFARE rating system, which takes into account a ballpark's food and beverage, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value and more. When two or more facilities were tied, a Stadium Journey council of elders was consulted to break those ties. It's a different way of looking at a ballpark, and produces some variability which is sure to create some lively debate. We invite you to take to our social media channels to participate in some good-natured discussion. We can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Threads, YouTube and Instagram. Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present our 2023 rankings of the Major League Baseball ballparks. 1. Petco Park - San Diego Padres 4.71 Andrei Ojeda - Petco Park continues to play a huge role in the revitalization of the local area throughout the East Village. With a vibrant neighborhood and enthusiastic fans coming in droves along with one of the more picturesque parks among the 30, it’s no wonder Petco Park continually ranks high among ballpark experts in America’s Finest City. 2. Progressive Field - Cleveland Guardians 4.71 Chris Green - The Guardians continue to showcase what makes their home one of the best home stadiums in the major leagues. Progressive Field has everything you would want in a perfect setting. Top food and beverage options mix here with a constantly improving stadium that remains one of the best in baseball. 3. Oracle Park - San Francisco Giants 4.57 Andrei Ojeda - One visit to this beauty and you will see why Oracle Park consistently ranks among the top ballpark experiences among baseball fans. As you walk away to the tune of Tony Bennett’s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” a piece of your heart will undoubtedly be left at 3rd and King. 4. Busch Stadium - St. Louis Cardinals 4.57 Chris Green - The Cardinals have one of the best fanbases in baseball, and the stadium matches. Without a doubt, this is one of the premier experiences in all of baseball, featuring stunning views, a stellar game day experience, and top-notch food options. If you’re looking for a great experience on par with those of other facilities that are well regarded, Busch Stadium must be at the top of your list. 5. PNC Park - Pittsburgh Pirates 4.43 Dave Cottenie - For any fan of baseball, a trip to see the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park is an absolute must. With some improved play on the field this season, hopefully more fans will embrace the experience and flood the park on the banks of the Allegheny. 6. Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs 4.43 Marc Viquez - The improvements to Wrigley Field have not taken away from the overall game day experience or the historic aesthetics. It has created an ambiance that would fit right into any decade of the ballpark's historic history. 7. Target Field - Minnesota Twins 4.29 Gregory Koch - The difference between Target Field and the old Metrodome is like night and day. While the Twins previously played in one of the worst stadiums in Major League Baseball, they now play at one of the best. Just walking up and gaping at its gorgeous exterior, you get the sense that this place is different, and once you get inside, you will not be disappointed. 8. Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox 4.29 Paul Baker - How old is Fenway Park? It opened the same week that the Titanic sank. While other cities are building billion-dollar complexes to replace ballparks that are only 20 years old, in Boston they are simply finding new ways to put modern touches on this classic diamond. 9. Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati Reds 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The Cincinnati Reds have grasped a hold of their history and celebrated it better and stronger than any other team in Major League Baseball. Great American Ball Park captures that feeling and offers a fantastic baseball experience. A Reds victory at GABP will have fans joining Reds legend Marty Brennaman proclaiming “And This One Belongs to the Reds.” 10. Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles Dodgers 4.29 Andrei Ojeda - With its unique seating pallet mimicking its original 1962 look, when you step inside Dodger Stadium, you’ll no doubt tell yourself colors, meant to evoke the sun, sand, ocean, and sky, really do give the 60-year-old gem a look, and experience, that’s like no other in baseball. 11. Citi Field - New York Mets 4.29 Dave Hanson - Citi’s unique location in Flushing, extensive food offerings, and rabid fanbase make visiting the park feel completely different from the experience across town at Yankee Stadium. Citi Field is a world of its own, both of the city and simultaneously removed from the dense urbanity of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. 12. Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia Phillies 4.29 Richard Smith - Philadelphia fans often get a bad reputation. The stadium itself can also get lost in the sea of new stadiums across the league, but the fact is that Citizens Bank Park is a modern ballpark that offers all of the best things that fans expect out of their stadium experience. It should not be forgotten about. 13. Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore Orioles 4.14 Richard Smith - Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992 and has been considered one of the best Major League Baseball stadiums in the league. Before its opening the landscape of professional baseball was littered with boring, multipurpose bowl stadiums. Now nearly every team has a great baseball stadium. Luckily Oriole Park has kept up with the experiences. 14. Coors Field - Colorado Rockies 4.14 Matt Finnegan - Coors Field is unlike any other stadium in MLB. For baseball fans, it has great sight lines and beautiful design. For those less inclined to pay attention to the on-field action, Coors Field provides a stellar environment for catching up with friends (or making new ones). It’s one of baseball’s great stadiums and should be for years to come. 15. Minute Maid Park - Houston Astros 4.14 Eric Moreno - Minute Maid Park has a lot to offer fans, and it still just frankly looks great. I would definitely recommend putting the Juice Box on any baseball fans bucket list. If you find yourself in Space City during the season take in a game; I think you’ll come away with the same appreciation that I have. 16. T-Mobile Park - Seattle Mariners 4.00 Marc Viquez - T-Mobile Park provides everything a traditional and non-traditional fan would ever need at a ballpark. The assortment of food, beverages, and value options is impressive, along with its location to public transportation. However, it might be the views of the city and The Sound that is the real highlight of the ballpark. 17. Comerica Park - Detroit Tigers 4.00 Richard Smith - The best feature of Comerica Park is the giant Tiger statues that guard the various entrances to the stadium. These are popular photo spots and/or meet-up locations prior to games. They are not only a great feature but show a team knowing how to double-down on their mascot. 18. Globe Life Field - Texas Rangers 4.00 David Welch - After just 22 years, there was much question about whether the Rangers needed a new stadium, and if replacing Globe Life ballpark was even necessary. Regardless of the actual need for a new stadium, there is one, and it does well to provide a bit more than what the previous facility was able to give fans. 19. Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees 4.00 Greg Venuto - Yankee Stadium is still an iconic ballpark even with a few too many “bells and whistles.” It clearly is worthy of a Stadium Journey for not just baseball fans but all sports fans alike. 20. Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks 4.00 Meg Minard - Chase Field provides good game day enjoyment and it is easy to reach and traverse. The swimming pool and the retractable roof and panels offer unique elements to the ballpark. A recommendation is to visit early in the season (April) to enjoy a game with the roof open. 21. American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers 3.86 Lloyd Brown - American Family Field is one of MLB’s most underrated stadiums. It offers a better-than-average food and beverage program, a very competitive team, and the premiere figure race in the big leagues. We raise our stein to the Brewers’ home and its great fans! 22. Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago White Sox 3.86 Marc Viquez - The Chicago White Sox has been working very hard to improve the amenities at the stadium. The past few seasons have seen renovations to the concourse concerning food and beverage service, social areas for fans, a brand-new scoreboard, and fan-friendly pricing on game day tickets. If you haven’t been to a Sox game lately, perhaps you need to come back sometime soon for a game. 23. Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels 3.86 Andrei Ojeda - Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest yard in the bigs. It has gone through its share of changes. From being enclosed in 1979 to accommodate the Rams to its return to its current form as a baseball-only park, compared to other yards of the post-Camden era, Angel Stadium could use some updates. 24. Truist Park - Atlanta Braves 3.71 David Welch - Though Truist Park is a wonderful experience for most baseball fans, stadium enthusiasts might leave feeling a bit underwhelmed. It just feels like, with a stadium so new, there is just something missing; there is not that one feature which just leaves you in awe of the visit. 25. Nationals Park - Washington Nationals 3.71 Gregory Koch - In 2005, the Nationals came to town, and in 2008, they got a brand-new stadium. Since then, the excitement has worn off and the crowds have steadily declined, especially as the Nationals’ performance on the field has gone downhill. That being said, Nationals Park is still a nice stadium for fans to take in a Major League Baseball game. 26. Kaufmann Stadium - Kansas City Royals 3.57 David Welch - The reality is there is a high probability Kauffman Stadium will soon be replaced, but in the meantime, it continues to provide an enjoyable ballpark experience, whether you are a diehard Royals fan attending 70-plus games a season, or enjoying an evening out with baseball as the backdrop. 27. Rogers Centre - Toronto Blue Jays 3.57 Dave Cottenie - With the renovations long overdue coming to Rogers Centre, it will be interesting to see if, as Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro hopes, the former SkyDome becomes a “ballpark” and not a “stadium.” It remains debatable if the renovations to Rogers Centre will give fans the ballpark experience Shapiro is shooting for, however, it is undeniable that thus far, the renovations have been a success. 28. loanDepot park - Miami Marlins 3.43 Lloyd Brown - loanDepot park is one of the most unique ballparks in the MLB, as it offers a very different look from the traditional steel and brick structures favored by most of the other clubs. Its smooth lines and use of bright colors fit in very well with the Miami vibe of clean lines and the neon colors of South Beach. 29. Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays 3.00 Lloyd Brown - It is no secret that the home of the Rays is seen as the ugly duckling of MLB stadiums. Its’ exterior has no appeal and its support system of wires and beams have resulted in a set of ground rules to cover plays where the ball has hit a beam or support wire. On the other hand, the Rays are a very talented team and frequently go to the playoffs. 30. Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum - Oakland A's 2.57 Chris Green - Oakland baseball deserves better – most everyone agrees on this. The fans who do show up are passionate and proud of their team’s history. And while the Athletics have done the best they can with what they have in their current state, the shortcomings are so vast that it is hard to overlook one, if not most.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 University Stadium 1111 University Boulevard SE Albuquerque, NM 87131 New Mexico Bowl website University Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 39,224 The New Mexico Bowl The 2016 edition of the Gildan New Mexico Bowl proved to be one for the ages. Head Coach Bob Davie’s New Mexico Lobos squared off with Head Coach Frank Wilson’s UTSA Roadrunners, who were making their first ever bowl appearance. A raucous crowd of nearly 30,000 braved the elements, and were treated to a truly memorable kickoff to the 2016 bowl season. The contest went down to the wire, but Davie’s squad, in what was ostensibly a home game for UNM, was able to hang on to win the game 23-20, taking home their first bowl victory in nine years. The Sandia Mountains, visible on the horizon from virtually every seat in the stadium, gave silent witness to a truly historic afternoon in Albuquerque. Food & Beverage 3 The food and drink selection at University Stadium includes pretty standard fare. Lobos dogs (a.k.a. hot dogs), French fries, pretzels, popcorn, and soda are all available for around $5. There are also some higher ticket items, such as chicken finger baskets and one of the state’s signature flavors, green chiles (in the form of a green chile cheeseburger), on the menu at the five main concession stands (one in the corner of each end zone, and one in the north end concourse). In addition to the above, there are also pared down Domino’s kiosks throughout the stadium, selling cheese and pepperoni pizza by the slice, along with a few other items from their in-store menu. Despite the lack of anything truly unique, there is enough available to make the game watching experience satisfying. One caveat to be aware of – you can expect to wait in long lines at the concessions stands. Because there are relatively few stands, the lines tend to bunch up, so it would be wise to plan your visits strategically. Atmosphere 4 The 2016 New Mexico Bowl greatly benefited from having the home town team (and regular tenants of the building) University of New Mexico Lobos on the field. A good sized crowd, with a lot personally invested in the outcome, filled the stands and made the action lively. It also helped that the game turned out to be an exciting one. In terms of atmosphere, the stadium is like a high-end high school stadium; bench-style seats with clearly defined home and visitor sides add to that vibe. Being out in the elements in December in Albuquerque might not be everyone’s idea of a great time, but it definitely felt like football. The old school look and feel of University Stadium is a perfect fit, and will be enjoyed by football fans both casual and diehard. Neighborhood 3 For sports fans, the site of University Stadium and the New Mexico Bowl are ideal. Situated on the campus of the University of New Mexico, you are right in the middle of their sports complex. The fabled Pit is within walking distance, as are the University’s baseball and tennis facilities. Also within sight is Isotopes Park , home to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes (one of the greatest real-life Simpsons nods ever). Beyond that, there is not much else to do for visitors to the Bowl Game, at least not within walking distance. Albuquerque itself is teeming with activity – such as Old Town, Sandia Peak and its Tramway, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and the has-to-be-seen-to-be-believed Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. There are also outdoor activities aplenty, and Breaking Bad tours and events are omnipresent. However, these all take a bit of driving and exploring away from University Stadium. Fans 4 Again, the 2016 Gildan New Mexico Bowl benefited greatly from having the hometown Lobos as one of its participants. In addition, the “home team” UTSA Roadrunners brought in close to 4,000 fans of their own, and their enthusiasm with having literally never been to a bowl game before added to the overall environment. Throughout the city, references to the New Mexico Bowl abound. The city is behind the game and the feeling is palpable; that energy and enthusiasm resonates during the game and among the fans. Access 4 University Stadium is easy to move around and easy to get to, right off I-25. Avenida Cesar Chavez is a major thoroughfare in the city, and runs parallel to University Stadium. Being on campus also allows fans easy access to and more than ample parking. Despite there being no real public transportation to and from the site, getting to and leaving the New Mexico Bowl is relatively painless. Even at capacity, you should not have to wait too long to either park or leave. Return on Investment 4 In terms of pricing, the Gildan New Mexico Bowl is easily one of the most affordable on the college football landscape. General admission seats (which are in a prime location in the north end of the stadium) can be had for $25; premium seating is $40. Parking on campus can be had for as little as $10 per car. Combining these with the affordable cost of concessions makes for an affordable and exciting afternoon. Given the history of the game, in which nearly every game has been at the very least competitive, and at the very best down-to-the-wire exciting, you can’t beat the value. It also should be on the bucket list of every sports fan to attend a bowl game, and this would be a great “gateway” to getting that done. Extras 3 One of the best aspects of attending a college football game is seeing the bands perform at halftime; being at University Stadium for the Gildan New Mexico Bowl continues this trend. The 2016 edition featured both the Spirit Marching Band of the University of New Mexico and the Spirit of San Antonio UTSA Marching Band. The spectacle of these two bands performing added greatly to the overall energy of the game. In addition, having the presence of ESPN on-site added to the game’s air of importance. The presentation of the game trophy was also a highlight; a piece of Zia Pueblo pottery painted with football players, the logos of the competing teams, and Pueblo symbols (the Gildan New Mexico Bowl logo). Final Thoughts For being one of the “lesser” bowls, the Gildan New Mexico Bowl offered great excitement and energy from the stands. The on-field competition did not disappoint, and fans of college football would easily be enthralled and engaged by what is put on by the good people of Albuquerque. The city itself is beautiful, and is the perfect host for an event of this type. If you are looking for all the bells and whistles of “big time” college football, you might not find that here, but in terms of bang for your buck, you can’t beat the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Gator Court 4701 N Charles St Baltimore, MD 21210 Notre Dame Gators website Gator Court website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 1,000 Gators In Baltimore Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1873. It is right next door to the “Evergreen” campus of Loyola University Maryland (which it shares a library facility). It was formerly an all-woman’s college, but that ended in 2023 as it is now co-ed. The university has over 3000 students. The original name of the school was the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute. It also spent many years with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland name. In 2011, the school attained university status with the addition of several graduate-level programs. Notre Dame’s athletic teams are members of Division III of the NCAA. All sports but swimming compete within the United East Conference. Although the swim team does not compete within a conference, it participates in the yearly Old Dominion Athletic Conference swim championships. The university’s sports teams are known as the Gators. Gator Court is home to Gators basketball and volleyball. It is located within the larger Marion Burk Knott Sports Complex. Food & Beverage 1 There is no permanent food stand at Gator Court. There is a small table set up near the entrance to the gym where candy and chips are sold. The prices are great, but you will want to plan for food. Atmosphere 3 This is a medium size gym that is very reminiscent of a high school gym. Because of the relatively small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. There is a small simple grandstand on the main side of the court. There are no seats on the other side of the court, behind the benches. A few people stand or sit in an area above the gym level where a balcony has a view of the game's action. These do offer a great view of the action, although this area is not meant for much of a crowd. Neighborhood 3 Notre Dame is in a very good part of Baltimore City. The problem is that there is just nothing much around the local neighborhood. Luckily Baltimore is a big city that is not too big to get around. Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane is noted for their great breakfast and down-home food. They are one of the closer options to campus. Also relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys is the closest hotel and has a lobby restaurant which is another option. Venturing further from the university, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Fans 2 As with most small college gyms, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. Access 3 The campus is located in a quiet north Baltimore neighborhood. That means that getting to the campus is not easy. The best route is to travel I-83/The JFX, south and get off at Cold Spring Lane. Other options include exiting I-695, the Baltimore Beltway, and driving south via York Road or Charles Street. York is the busiest route, but may be easier than the high-speed curves of Charles Street. If one is attending weekend games, there should be no problem finding parking. There is a big lot near the tennis courts and is just a short walk away from the Knott Complex. I have not attended a game here on weekday nights so I am not sure how filled that parking lot gets. You may want to arrive a little early just in case. The Knott building can be accessed in one of two main ways. The main entrance is on the south side, while if coming from the parking lot, there is a small unmarked door from the north. The north entrance is better anyway as it takes you right to the gym level, whereas the main door brings you to the balcony area. Return on Investment 4 You are not going to be watching the highest level of basketball competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out. . Extras 1 The Notre Dame campus is small but quite pretty. Take a quick walk around before the game. There is a small trophy case with some athletic trophies and accomplishments right at the main Knott entrance. Final Thoughts There is not too much to see at a Notre Dame of Maryland University women’s basketball game. But the gym is still a pleasant place to see some intercollegiate action.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre 2000 Simcoe St. N Oshawa, ON L1G 8C4 Ontario Tech Ridgebacks basketball website Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre website Year Opened : 2007 Capacity : 2,000 New Dawgs on the Block Canadian University basketball welcomed a new entry in 2019. The newly rebranded Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Ontario sent a basketball team to the court for the first time ever and the Ridgebacks became the 18th team in the OUA. Ontario Tech is a small school of around 10,000 undergraduates and is relatively young among Ontario universities. Ontario Tech joined the OUA as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and iced a hockey team for the first time in 2006. The university has grown significantly over the years becoming more prominent in academic fields. They share facilities with Durham College, most specifically the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. Opening in 2007, the Campus Centre is spacious and bright and a good place to attract a whole host of new fans to Ontario University Athletics basketball. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre are extremely simple. Inside the gym, a tent has popcorn, soda and candy for sale. Prices are low but selection is very limited. For a little larger selection, vending machines can be found outside the gym area. Other than a quick snack, don’t expect anything huge. Atmosphere 3 The Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre is one of the newer basketball facilities in the OUA. It was built in 2007 and has a capacity of approximately 2,000. Like nearly all of the other basketball facilities in the conference, the CRWC doubles as the recreation facilities for Ontario Tech University and Durham College. There are many other parts to the facility rather than simply the gym for basketball. The exterior is inviting yet not overwhelming. Large windows welcome natural light into the atrium entrance and team markings build team spirit quickly. Upon entry to the main gym, fans will immediately be struck with how wide open and spacious it is. The court runs from west to east with bleacher seating on the south side. Overflow bleachers are available for the west and east ends however for the most part they are not necessary. The gym has a hanging track around the gym, high above the floor which is where the student run media are setup. The east endzone also features an excellent kids club complete with giant checkers, Jenga, connect four, cornhole and basketballs. The west end has the main scoreboard hanging on the wall with the ability to track player fouls and points also. There is a secondary scoreboard on the east wall. The gameday atmosphere is fairly simple for an OUA basketball game, and Ontario Tech is no different. Neighbourhood 2 The Ontario Tech Campus Ice Centre is located on campus, which is in the north part of Oshawa, a fair distance from highway 401. The Ice Centre is also at the north end of the shared campus of Ontario Tech and Durham College. In the immediate area, there is not too much that will interest travellers. On Simcoe St, just south of campus, there is a St. Louis Bar and Grill. Fans are better off heading further south on Simcoe Street. Shoeless Joe’s and other chain restaurants can be found at Simcoe and Taunton Road. Being so close to Toronto, there are not a ton of exciting entertainment options in Oshawa. Hitting Simcoe Blues & Jazz for some live music may be of interest. Checking out the Canadian Automotive Museum might also be of interest. The other sporting option in Oshawa is of course to take in an Oshawa Generals game at Tribute Communities Centre. Ontario Tech also ices a hockey team. The hockey Ridgebacks call the Campus Ice Centre home, just across campus. There is not much in the way of accommodations near Ontario Tech. The best bet for travellers would be to head to downtown Oshawa where there are a few options, including a Holiday Inn Express. Fans 3 It is very difficult to assess OUA basketball fans. More often than not, attendance figures for basketball are not published and it is difficult to see attendance trends in OUA basketball. Combine that with the Ontario Tech program being so new that it is even more challenging to assess. The number of fans that were in attendance for the game that was reviewed was not out of line for most OUA basketball programs. The fans were into the game, but fairly quiet, like most Ontario fans. It will be interesting to see what the long-term support for the Ridgebacks looks like. The hockey Ridgebacks have done fairly well in their tenure so hopes are high for the basketball Ridgebacks as well. Access 4 Ontario Tech University is located in the north end of Oshawa. Although the campus is not very large, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre is fairly central to campus as well, making it easy to find. Essentially between highway 401 and the express toll road 407, Ontario Tech will require a very significant drive through Oshawa to get to campus. The 407 is a better option, but as far as toll roads go, it is very expensive. There is plenty of free parking available at the CRWC. North and south there are large parking lots where fans can park for free. For fans looking to get to the arena with public transit, route 401 of Durham Transit brings patrons to the Ontario Tech campus. Check out the Durham Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. The CRWC can be entered from the north and the atrium is large with plenty of natural light. Considering the number of fans in attendance, getting around the arena is not a big challenge. The washroom facilities more than adequate for the facility Return on Investment 4 As with most University Sport experiences, a trip to see the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks is a very affordable scenario. Tickets to see the Ridgebacks go for $10 for adults with a 50% discount for seniors, students, staff and alumni. Ontario Tech students and kids are free, so the opportunity for family friendly entertainment at a very affordable price is definitely on the menu. Parking can be found on campus for free and concession prices are pretty good. As far as the product on the court, the Ridgebacks are essentially an expansion team in their first season, but they play hard and it won’t be too long until Ontario Tech enjoys some more success in the win column. The game that was reviewed saw the Ridgebacks keep pace with the perennial powerhouse Carleton Ravens. Extras 2 An extra mark for starting up a new basketball program at Ontario Tech. An extra mark for all of the extra things for kids to do while at the Ridgebacks game. Final Thoughts The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks are definitely the new kid on the block in the OUA. Their home in Oshawa at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre is a good one. It is bright and spacious and relatively comfortable. Ontario Tech seems to be taking the right steps towards ensuring a strong product and one that is family friendly. It will be interesting to see where the journey takes the Ridgebacks in the future, but so far, they appear to be on the right track. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Gordon Sheldall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark 917 Mesa Rd Irvine, CA 92612 UC-Irvine Anteaters website Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 2,900 Baseball in the Land of ZOT! UC Irvine (UCI for short) is a clean, beautiful campus located in sunny Orange County, California. They've got more than the nearby beach going for them, though. One of the coolest team nicknames in collegiate or pro sports is the Anteaters, and this school makes the most of its tongue-in-cheek moniker. Legend has it that two former water polo players came up with the nickname back in the 1960's, having been inspired by the insect-zapping anteater in Johnny Hart's comic strip, B.C. The school's athletic programs boast 28 national championships, including back-to-back NCAA Division-II baseball titles in 1973 and 1974. UCI's baseball program always fields a competitive team, and since 2002, have played in a ballpark sure to entertain and satisfy even the hardest-to-please baseball critics. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage options at Anteater Ballpark are varied and of very good quality and offered at reasonable prices. All of the food and beverage concessions are conveniently located on the concourse where you have a clear view of the action at all times. Nearby tables with umbrellas provide shade while you relax and eat, also within view of the field. This list is, by no means, exhaustive, but here are some of the culinary delights awaiting you at a UCI game: "Zotchos" (fried Tater Tots with sour cream, guacamole, bacon bits, salsa and nacho cheese); grilled Nathan's foot-long hot dogs, protein burgers, sausages, chili and onion rings. If you like tri-tip, you'll love the fact that you can have BBQ tri-tip on a sandwich, tacos, nachos and fries. The Acuna Chicken Club is delicious and there's a booth with Mexican food as well. Beer and wine are served here, along with the usual Pepsi products. Is it a warm day outside? There is flavored shaved ice to refresh you. How about a chilly night? UCI's got you covered with coffee and hot chocolate. If you have any appetite at all remaining, funnel cake should finish you quite nicely. Atmosphere 4 You have a great view of the game from everywhere in the ballpark. The seats behind home plate and extending to first and third base have chair backs which are very comfortable and each comes with a cup holder. There is a long grass berm called "The Anthill," always open along the first base side and stretching all the way out to the right field fence. There are no bleachers as there are trees behind the left field and center field fences. The parking structure looms high behind the right field fence with a large "438" painted on its wall. Presumably, a UCI engineering student with a sense of humor came up with the precise distance from home plate. The east-facing orientation of the field ensures that no fan will be squinting into the sun during bright afternoon games. I love the retro scoreboard with the analog clock, protruding flags and Erector set-like stanchions. A major improvement since the previous (5 years ago) review of Anteater Park is the installation of new speakers for the sound system. Now the PA announcements, walkup music and occasional "ZOT!" sounds from Peter the Anteater can be heard clearly throughout the park. Newkirk Pavilion, located on the third base side stands, is a structure added in 2007 that serves as a clubhouse and training facility for the ballplayers, but also hosts VIP donors and special events, providing excellent views of the game. It is adorned with MVP and College World Series trophies and features a bar under a smaller replica of the Anteaters scoreboard. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is located on the UC Irvine campus. Within 2 miles of the ballpark, there is a good choice of restaurants ranging from the Anteatery (many vegetarian menu items) located across Mesa Drive from the ballpark to the Hen House Grill (Persian food) only 2 miles away in the Campus Plaza Shopping Mall. The Irvine Spectrum Center is 7 miles away and features attractions, entertainment and more dining options. The beautiful Irvine Barclay Theatre is on the campus, presenting a busy calendar of music, dance and theatre productions year-round. Fans 4 "Rip' em" (Call) - "'Eaters!" (Response) is the battle cry of the generally loyal and involved UC Irvine fans. The students also try to put the "whammy" on their opponents with the Anteater hand-sign, made by raising the index and baby fingers, forming a "snout" using the middle and ring fingers, while tucking the thumb underneath. There was a good attendance on the Sunday afternoon when I visited, and it was amusing to see the friendly "back-and-forth" carried on with the opposing team's supporters. UC Irvine wear is much in evidence at the games. The Diamond Darlings is an organization made up of female UCI students who support their baseball program through their on-campus spirit and community outreach throughout the season. They take part in several in-game promotions and are always happy to answer questions or assist fans. Access 4 Getting around the UC Irvine campus is pretty easy. The ball park can be accessed off of 2 main roads. Fans traveling on University Drive can turn south on Mesa Road and find the ball field and the Mesa parking structure on your right. It's not quite as easy, but if you are coming to the game on Campus Drive, turn west on W. Peltason Drive and make a right turn on Mesa Road. The next left turn will take you to the parking structure. Return on Investment 4 A Reserved seat will set you back $10 but all seats have chair backs with a cup holder and are very comfortable. Festival-style seating on the Anthill is 8 bucks, 6 for youth. Parking seems a bit high at $10; however it is in a parking structure adjacent to the field and there doesn't seem to be any cheaper alternatives. Food and drink are reasonable, considering the quality and choices offered. Extras 4 One extra star for the free 2017 UC Irvine Baseball Yearbook available at guest services while they last. It contains information on the ballpark, schedule, players, coaches, history and timeline of the baseball program at UCI, as well as numerous photos. There is a small souvenir stand on the concourse that sells school caps and other gear. Second star is for the Anteater bobblehead (although in a basketball uniform) and plush toys. A third star is well-deserved for the very friendly, helpful and well-staffed students and former students who run the ticket booth, guest services, concession stand, media relations, et al. with aplomb. The fourth and final star is for the overall family-friendly atmosphere that begins before the start of the game and runs throughout. One or more kids are allowed to run out onto the field with each position player who signs baseballs for them. Throughout the game, there are various contests for children, allowing them to win small prizes. Many families choose "The Anthill" to set up their chairs and watch the game while their kids play on the grass. I saw a several kids playing a touch football game while another younger child amused himself by playing with his set of toy dinosaurs. Final Thoughts Everything about Anteater Park seems to have been designed with the comfort and enjoyment of baseball fans in mind. In fact, I am hard-pressed to think of another ballpark, pro or amateur, that I have visited that hits so many "high spots" on the rating scale. See a game here if you are in the area during the season. It's well worth it.

Would you travel to a farmers/flea market for pizza, especially in the middle of New Jersey? Yes, some parts of the state are in the middle of nowhere, but if you find yourself close to the Columbus Farmers Market you will find a variety of pizza worth searching. In Columbus, New Jersey, two pizzerias are serving a style of pizza so regional that it isn’t served anywhere else in the country. Kate and Al’s and Pete’s Pizza have been cooking their brand of pizza in cast iron square pans for as long as their customers can remember and it is something that is not quite anything else you have had before. Is it a tomato pie that they serve in nearby Trenton or like they do 30 minutes away in Philadelphia? No, the Trenton pies look more like a New York-style pizza, and the Philly pies are served at room temperature with no mozzarella cheese. Then what the hell is this type of pizza? Pete’s slices feature a light and airy crust that tasted somewhat buttery to me at times. The sauce was dominant on this slice and slightly sweet to my taste buds, and the extra sauce seemed to skim around my plate. There was a little bit of a crunch from the edge of my crust and cheese was not the main attraction, but that sweet amount of tomato sauce that layered on the pizza slice. Kate and Al’s have a similar pizza and the one I had was cruncher and thinner. There also seemed to be more cheese on this slice and still a heavy amount of sauce. The crust was denser and brought back some memories of some square pizzas I had growing up, but this version was far superior. Both places have their legions of fans and many have stated that they have never eaten at the other location; I felt somewhat odd having slices from each location, but that is not the case for patrons who will only eat pizza at either Pete’s or Kate and Al’s. One gentleman had his son with him who was trying Pete’s for the very first time. He said the pizza was not greasy and had a slight crunch from the burnt cheese that he loved. A few more customers said they only eat at Pete’s, because this was the first place they had pizza at as a kid. Over at Kate and Al’s boxes were stacked on top of one another waiting to pick up, a line of customers waited around the take out area for their slices. There are a few tables on the inside and outside of the building, but over at Pete’s the countertop is a perfect way to enjoy your pizza and talk to others who all seem to have been brought up on this style of pie. Then there is the red cream soda that a few say compliments the taste of the pizza. It is the number one soda sold at Pete’s and after 10 minutes, about five customers requested the red soda. A local vendor produces the syrup and only a few places offer it at their restaurants.   Fans pick up pies to take home for football games, Fridays during lent, and any other day of the week. The pizza is different from what you would find in the state, but think about it as a saucy Detroit-style pizza without the crispy edges. Whatever it is, it’s quite delicious. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at   Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium 1616 S. Raul Longoria Rd Edinburg, TX 78542 UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros website Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 12,000 UTRGV Vaqueros – Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium Spoiler alert – big things are happening in the Rio Grande Valley. First, a little history: in 2015 the University of Texas-Pan American merged with the University of Texas at Brownsville to form a new university that would service the whole of the Rio Grande Valley. The new University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) almost immediately began discussions on starting a college football program, with a program formally announced in 2022. Since then, the football-crazed denizens of the Valley have been waiting with bated breath for the arrival on the field of the new UTRGV Vaqueros . In anticipation of their arrival in time for the 2025-26 season, the university purchased the former home of the Rio Grande Valley Toros FC soccer club in Edinburg. Thanks to a gracious donation from one of the university’s most prominent boosters, renovations were made to turn it into a true football stadium, as well as add additional seats to bring the stadium’s capacity up to 12,000. As it turns out, those seats were badly needed, since UTRGV has sold out its allotted season tickets for every game this year. It’s always something special to see history in the making, and that’s exactly what they’re doing in the RGV.   Food & Beverage   4 There’s a lot going on in the food and beverage department at Vackar Stadium. Most stands in the stadium offer up traditional stadium fare such as hot dogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, bottled soft drinks, water, and sports drinks, but there are also quite a few unique offerings for discerning fans. First off, there are food kiosks outside the stands behind each end zone – these stands offer up such wares as Mexican hot dogs, spiral cut fried potatoes on a stick, turkey legs, and even Chick-fil-A. There are also two large food stands, one behind each of the main seating areas (on opposite sides of the venue), both of which offer up something unique. Behind the visiting team seating there is a chicken wing stand, where patrons can purchase combo meals of wings and fries, while behind the home team stand there is a kiosk that sells menu items from chains such as Schlotzsky’s, Dairy Queen, and Cinnabon. Fan can also purchase sandwiches, pizza, ice cream, and cinnamon roll bites at both of these stands. Finally, one of the main centerpieces of the stadium is its massive jumbotron, underneath which sits the Scoreboard Bar. This full-service bar serves up draft beers (including a special one created by a local brewery just for UTRGV), craft cocktails (including signature UTRGV-inspired margaritas), and assorted other wines and spirits. It’s a great addition to the stadium and adds to the overall atmosphere.   Atmosphere   4 Speaking of atmosphere, my review is naturally going to be a prisoner of the moment, and may be a bit skewed by what transpired on my most recent visit, that being the first game ever in program history, and the Vaqueros did pull out all the stops for this sellout crowd. There was a military flyover after the National Anthem, and the parking lots were packed with tailgaters, especially in the HEB Tailgate Zone. The alumni area was also full for the entirety of the game, and the stadium was awash in a sea of orange. It was truly a site to behold. Something else to be on the lookout for during your visit includes the team store located behind the home team stands, where fans can pick up all manner of UTRGV gear.   Neighborhood   4 The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area is the fifth largest population area in Texas. It is a booming area in an underrated corner of the state. Virtually anything you could want in a major metropolis, you can find in this part of the Rio Grande Valley. In terms of sports, UTRGV athletics are pretty much the proverbial only game in town. Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium was originally built near a suburban residential area of Edinburg. However, it is within shouting distance of UTRGV Baseball Stadium  and Bert Ogden Arena , home to Vaqueros baseball and basketball, as well as the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G-League, respectively. If you plan your visit right, you should be able to catch a basketball game in addition to seeing the new football team. Other nearby attractions include the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg and the McAllen Nature Center . The Museum of South Texas History chronicles the unique lore of this particular region of the state, covering indigenous history all the way through present day, including the region’s new place as a part of modern space exploration. The nature center, on the other hand, is the perfect respite for nature lovers, and the Rio Grande Valley itself is a hotbed for birdwatchers and butterfly enthusiasts. In terms of dining, if I’m going to be honest you could throw a rock in any direction from Vackar Stadium, and it would hit what will probably be a restaurant that serves the best and most-authentic Mexican food you’ve probably ever had. For something quick and easy, I would recommend stopping by two chains that got their start in the RGV, Taco Palenque and Delia’s Tamales . These would be perfect to hit up before or after Vaqueros games. For lodging, the stadium is not too far from state highway 69, so you will have plenty of options to choose from nearby. These include Home2 Suites by Hilton Edinburg  and TownePlace Suites by Marriott McAllen Edinburg . As always, budget is going to be your only limitation in terms of lodging.   Fans   5 Again, I might be a prisoner of the moment, but I was quite frankly blown away by the fan presence during my visit. As mentioned earlier this is a football-mad corner of the state, which in Texas is saying a lot. UTRGV packed over 12,700 fans (there were a lot of folks in the standing-room only area behind the goal posts) into Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium for their first game. The parking lots surrounding the stadium were also filled to the brim, and orange was everywhere. UTRGV t-shirts and jerseys were also everywhere, and the crowd was loud and energetic and engaged. It was a magical night for the fans, and I hope it is something that can continue as the Vaqueros continue to grow on the field.   Access   3 Getting to the Rio Grande Valley from other parts of the state can be a bit daunting – it’s just under a three-and-a-half-hour drive from San Antonio, four and a half hours from Austin, and five from Houston. Nearby McAllen International Airport does offer regular daily flights in from Austin, Dallas, and Houston, however, if you choose not to drive. Once on-site there appears to be lots of parking, but again, the lots were full and the main road to and from Vackar Stadium from the nearby highway was horrifically bottlenecked. I’m going to discount these as opening night hiccups, however, and believe that the city and the university will get these things ironed out once everyone knows what to expect week to week.   Return on Investment   4 I almost gave this score a “5” considering that single-game tickets for Vaqueros games are only $20, with standing-room only spaces just $12. Also, guess what? Parking is free in most of the lots surrounding Vackar Stadium. Given UTRGV is a Division I FCS-level program, this kind of pricing is quite frankly remarkable for this level of football. The only thing that will keep this score from rising higher is the caliber of opposing teams that the Vaqueros are able to bring to the valley. Playing as members of the Southland Conference, there are some nationally ranked teams that should be on the schedule for years to come. However, will they ever be able to bring in any national brands? Time will tell.   Extras   3 I was fortunate to be in a similar spot a decade and a half ago, namely being on the ground floor of another start-up college football program. Over the years, it’s been part of my enjoyment to watch the team, the school, and the fans find their way and forge new traditions. UTRGV is in a very similar boat – the athletics teams here have been playing for several years, so there were some built-in extras that became part of the football program. The UTRGV Marching Band  performed before the game and during halftime, and they were loud from their seats in the student section; the Dance Team  also performed throughout the game. The Cheer Team  could be found on the sidelines urging on the players and the fans all game long, and the Vaquero (mascot) patrolled the stands and sidelines, and was great to get a photo with.   Final Thoughts It’s difficult to precisely put into words how much fun an experience like this is. Programs that have been around for over a hundred years obviously have all their history and traditions already established. When you’ve got a program like UTRGV, however, everything is still there to be written. That makes everything new and exciting and full of promise. If you can, I would highly recommend getting in on the early days of the UTRGV Vaqueros, and spend some extra time in the Valley while you’re there. I think you’ll enjoy yourself. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Shell Energy Stadium 2200 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77003 Texas Southern Tigers website Shell Energy Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 22,039 Tigers got Energy! Sharing the home of the MLS’ Houston Dynamo and the NWSL’s Houston Dash, the Texas Southern Tigers football team have played their home games at Shell Energy Stadium since it opened in 2012. In addition, other Houston-area college football teams, such as the Houston Cougars and Houston Christian Huskies, have also used the venue as their home base on occasion, in years when their own stadiums were being built or renovated. Shell Energy Stadium has also hosted the Division III Stagg Bowl. In addition to sporting events, the facility is also used for concerts. Holding just over 20,000 fans, the venue was renamed Shell Energy Stadium in 2023, thanks to a $40 million, 8-year naming rights deal. The stadium received awards for sustainability in its construction, and in 2023 was renovated with mesh seating instead of plastic seating; the mesh seats are about 30 degrees cooler than the previous plastic seats, a great boon on hot days in Texas. The seats in the upper tier are orange and black for the Dynamo, and spell out the word “Houston”, while seats in the lower tier are blue, grey, and pink, in a nod to the Dash. Food & Beverage 4 Whatever kind of food and beverages you want at Shell Energy Stadium, they probably have it; there are tons of different stands throughout the building, serving everything from Vietnamese, barbecue, and Mexican to pizza, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and more. There are several different Mexican food stands, including a dedicated Elotes stand, as well as multiple locations where you can purchase fan favorites such as burgers, popcorn, pizza, candy, and hot dogs, some coming from grab-and-go areas that are a lot faster than waiting in line. There are also multiple locations to purchase beer, as well as a marketplace-type stand that sells all manner of beverages. You may even want to walk all the way around the concourse to check out all the options, before you decide what to get. The only downside is that the prices are premium, which can be expected from a pro stadium such as this. To give you an idea, a double smashburger costs $17, a chicken tender basket $14, a personal-sized pizza starts at $13 (cheese), packaged candy or bottled water costs $6, and hot dogs start at $7, depending on which stand you visit/how fancy of toppings you want. Beer starts around $11, but there is only a 50-cent difference between the domestic and premium. For those on a budget, I would recommend paying a couple dollars more for the Italian sausage over the basic hot dog, as the Italian sausage is larger/more filling, so you won’t be hungry later. Atmosphere 4 The biggest plus at Shell Energy Stadium is that most of the seats along the two sidelines are covered; you should plan to sit in the upper deck just to be sure, as not every seat along the lower-level sidelines is covered (every upper deck seat is). However, in a 20,000-seat stadium the upper deck is not that far from the action, so there is no issue. The seats are also very comfortable - they all have cupholders and are not so narrow that you feel like you’re being squeezed. The staff also flashes the stadium lights, and shoots off fireworks, when the home team scores. The team also has 2 costumed mascots, but I would be remiss if I did not mention the marching band, the Texas Southern Ocean of Soul. The band performances are one of the big draws when it comes to football games at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the Tigers do not disappoint. The sassy band director is fun to listen to as he not-so-gently barbs the opposing team’s band, and the drum majors especially are also very entertaining. You will see the band march in a number of different formations, and usually you will get to see two bands perform, not just one, as both bands will generally perform during halftime when the Tigers are playing another HBCU (which is most of the time). At the game I most recently attended, halftime was even extended to 25 minutes instead of the usual 20, despite an hour-and-a-half long rain delay before kickoff, just so both bands would have time to perform. I can’t say this is a hard and fast rule, but I feel like many of the HBCU schools I have seen have 25-minute halftimes to accommodate the bands. And fans stay in their seats during the performances as well, meaning the stadium will look empty at the beginning of the third quarter, instead of during halftime like at most college football games. Neighborhood 5 Shell Energy Stadium is in downtown Houston, just a few blocks from Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros). That said there is plenty to do nearby, although quite honestly there is not much reason to walk more than a few feet from the facility after the game ends, as there are literally multiple great restaurants right next door to Shell Energy Stadium. But the best option by far is the Goodies Soul Kitchen food truck just outside the Southwest Gate; you absolutely MUST try their Crack Chicken. Goodies is only open from 7 pm to 3 am Thursday thru Sunday, and at present only has this food truck location. In terms of attractions near downtown, the most well-known of course is Space Center Houston, but you can also take in other sporting events like the Texans or Rockets, and there are plenty of hotels in the area to fit any budget. And if you like military history and don’t mind taking a bit of a drive, the Museum of the American GI and the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum are both about an hour north in College Station – the Museum of the American GI has over a dozen working (yes, working) tanks on display, and you can even pay to take a ride in them, while the presidential library celebrates our 41st President, and has the plan he flew during WWII on display. These attractions, and others, will give you more than enough to fill a weekend, or longer, in the Houston area to see the Texas Southern Tigers. Fans 4 Texas Southern has a great turnout for football games – most of the fans seem to be decked out in term gear, and you can hear them cheering loudly for their team all game long. While the stadium may not be all the way full, you will get a pretty good crowd here at Shell Energy Stadium, with most of the seats occupied in all the open sections of the facility (a few seating sections appear to be closed for Tiger football, being open only when there is soccer on tap in the building; this is also true for a handful of the concession stands). One comment I will add, and this is probably more common for HBCU schools than non-HBCU schools, is that you may see a large number of visiting fans in the stands. Not so many to outnumber the Tiger faithful, mind you, but a larger contingent than you would normally see at a college football game at most levels. Access 3 The great thing about downtown football stadiums, and I have found this to be true both in the NFL as well as in college, is that the roads in and out of the city were built for weekday rush hour traffic, which is a lot more people than you will see at a typical football game. That said, you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting to the venue on a Saturday, a time when most people are not at work. Once you get to the stadium, however, there are long lines to get in the door, and you cannot park close to Shell Energy Stadium unless you are willing to put down some serious coin. The concourse is also pretty crowded, so you can’t move very fast to and from your seat, and some of the concession lines are pretty long despite the very high number of concession stands that are set up inside. Once you get inside the venue you are allowed to walk all the way around the concourse, so it doesn’t matter which gate you use to enter. Pro tip – you may want to walk around to the north/east side before you enter the stadium, as the southwest gate seems to have the longest line, as that is the first one most people come to. Knowing there are other, shorter lines on the other side should help you get in faster. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Texas Southern football games at Shell Energy Stadium are $32 – on the low end for football in general, but maybe on the higher end for FCS games specifically. Regardless, I still consider this a good return on investment. The Tiger staff puts on a good show, and the great crowd and entertaining band performances make a trip to this venue to watch college football well worth your while. Extras 5 The stadium does offer free Wi-fi for fans, and the fact visiting fans can pick up so much team gear is a plus for those who want to watch their team play on the road. I already mentioned the plethora of different concession stands, and the small size of the stadium (being a soccer venue, really) lets you closer to the action than you can get at most other football stadiums. The Tigers also have two mascots, and the ability to see not one but two marching bands perform at halftime is another big plus. Final Thoughts If you are in the Houston area, or are willing to make the trip, I would definitely recommend a visit to Shell Energy Stadium to see Texas Southern football. This is a chance to see a pro stadium at a relatively low cost, and there are lots of extras to make your visit a lot of fun.

The 2022-23 NCAA basketball tournament will go down in history as one of the most unpredictable in the event's history. Top seeds went down at an amazing rate, creating an incredible buzz for the championship weekend. Stadium Journey wanted to get in on this buzz, too. Since the two things we do best are traveling to different sporting venues and ranking things, we are presenting our top 25 rankings of college gymnasiums to coincide with the Final Four. Stadium Journey endeavors to visit each college basketball gymnasium at least once every four years to keep our reviews current for those of us who love to travel the country visiting these cathedrals to the sport. Over the 2022-23 season we were able to visit 60 of the 363 Division One basketball gymnasiums nationwide. Unfortunately, there are 21 D-1 teams still missing from our database. We're working hard to fill these gaps in our coverage. We currently have over 94% of all the D-1 gyms reviewed on our site. Here we are ranking the top 25 college basketball gymnasiums according to our patented FANFARE rating scale. This scale takes into consideration a facility's concessions, game day atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. It's a bit of a different way to evaluate a facility, and historically our rankings have created much debate. That's OK, we can take it. Plus, isn't healthy debate the reason why we make lists like this? Besides, everyone loves a Cinderella story this time of year, right Florida Atlantic? The fact that 65 venues scored over 4.00 on our FANFARE score is a testament to the number of incredible venues all across the country. To see the full review of each gym, just click the link underneath the photo. You'll notice that there have been some changes in our rankings as we move to our newly-redesigned site. There is no longer a place for readers to contribute their scores. After much consideration, the decision was made to discontinue crowd reviews, as the vast majority of them came from previous Stadium Journey reviews and simply were not being utilized as designed. Our rankings are now based solely on the reviewer's FANFARE score. Where two or more venues are tied, a counsel of Stadium Journey elders is consulted to break any ties. We encourage our readers to share your input on our social media channels. Stadium Journey can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We hope you are enjoying our new site. Without further ado, we present our top 25 college basketball arenas of the 2022-23 season. 1. Hinkle Fieldhouse - Butler Bulldogs 4.57 Marc Viquez - There are college basketball arenas and then there are its cathedrals. The Hinkle Fieldhouse is the latter and entering its eleventh decade the atmosphere gets only better. The Bulldog program continues to rank high on AP Top 25 and provides its fans with winning basketball and an atmosphere that is loud, energetic, and exciting. Hinkle is what college basketball is meant to be and how wonderful is it that near the end of this current decade, the building will be celebrating its 100th anniversary? 2. Finneran Pavilion - Villanova Wildcats 4.43 Richard Smith - Finneran Pavilion is one of the most unique looking arenas around. It offers a great place to see some very high-quality basketball in a fun environment. In a world when some basketball arenas are getting larger and more corporate, it is good to know there is a building in Philadelphia that is a true classic hoops hall. 3. Moody Center - Texas Longhorns 4.43 Michael Davis - Overall I want to say Moody Center is the best new basketball arena in the country, and it just might be a true statement. It is a venue that any sports fan should visit, whether it is for a University of Texas event or a non-UT event. Texas Basketball has an amazing new home, a venue that will bring in recruits, and fans, and give a home-court advantage like no other. Moody Center has already shown that the price was worth the investment for the city of Austin; now it is only time to see if the new culture of Texas Basketball will bring in championships. 4. Joyce Center - Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4.43 Brian O'Sullivan - Even though Notre Dame is not located near a major city, heading to campus on a non-football weekend is a great way to catch a basketball or hockey game and see the campus with far fewer people. In short, attending a game at the Joyce Center is well worth the cost of admission. 5. Dee Glen Smith Spectrum - Utah State Aggies 4.43 Tyler Huskinson - Attending a game at the Spectrum is something that should be on the bucket list of every sports fan. Although the venue is nestled in a location very much out of the way for non-locals, it is well worth the trip. 6. Madison Square Garden - St. John's Red Storm 4.43 Jared Goodman - While a half-empty seating bowl would usually be a detractor at other venues, it is actually a benefit at Madison Square Garden. The more relaxed ambience during St. John’s games, for the most part, provide fans with a chance to enjoy and appreciate the architecture and the history of The World’s Most Famous Arena. 7. Phog Allen Fieldhouse - Kansas Jayhawks 4.29 Cory Sims - Simply put, nothing matches the atmosphere of the Fieldhouse. In 2017, the arena set a new Guinness World Record for loudest indoor stadium at more than 116 decibels, louder than a jet or chainsaw. And, that's not with piped in crowd noise or speakers blaring music, that is pure fan jubilation. 8. UD Arena - Dayton Flyers 4.29 Marc Viquez - The UD Arena is quite the experience for college basketball and goes somewhat underneath the radar to most fans. However, you will never have to tell a Dayton fan, alumni, or student what an experience is like during a home game. UD Arena is as advertised, it gets LOWD. 9. Memorial Gym - Vanderbilt Commodores 4.29 David Welch - Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium is definitely an arena that is a must-stop for stadium enthusiasts. Beyond the rarity of the raised court and the quirks of the building itself, the whole experience of a basketball game at Vanderbilt is extremely fan friendly and a great college basketball atmosphere. 10. Mizzou Arena - Missouri Tigers 4.29 Sean MacDonald - Overall, this is an impressively designed venue that looks much younger than its 20 years and it was rocking for the game I attended, making it one of the best college basketball experiences that I have enjoyed. 11. Gallagher-Iba Arena - Oklahoma State Cowboys 4.29 Michael Davis - Gallagher-Iba Arena is one of the best basketball facilities in the nation. Every sports fan should make a visit to Stillwater, and visit the arena once known as “The Madison Square Garden of the Plains.” Oklahoma State University does a great job with the venue, as Gallagher-Iba Arena continues to make history, while staying connected to its past. 12. The Pavilion at Ole Miss - Ole Miss Rebels 4.29 Paul Donaldson - When you think of Ole Miss athletics, the first thoughts which come to mind are probably the Manning Family, Rebel football, Hotty Toddy, and the entertaining tailgate atmosphere at the Grove. Ole Miss Hoops, however, has the opportunity to earn a place among these popular experiences with their brand new, state-of-the-art basketball arena, The Pavilion at Ole Miss. 13. Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium - Wofford Terriers 4.29 Lloyd Brown - The Wofford Terriers have the best home court advantage in the Southern Conference thanks to the opening of the Richardson Indoor Stadium. It's close to the court seating, state of the art electronic graphics package and luxury seating far exceeds what you would expect from a school in one of the smaller conferences. Wofford has also done a terrific job in ensuring that the exterior design of the venue is very much in keeping with the architecture of the surrounding campus. 14. Jon M. Huntsman Center - Utah Utes 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Jon Huntsman often serves as the site for regional tournaments due to its large city capacity and the large inventory of hotel rooms in downtown Salt Lake City. The Utes play a crowd-pleasing up-tempo game that has brought them success since the championship days of the late Rick Majerus, a time when the Utes were regulars in the NCAA tournaments. 15. Breslin Center - Michigan State Spartans 4.29 Steve Ohnsmann - This is one of the holy grails for college basketball fans. If you are lucky enough to attend a Big 10 game vs one of MSU’s traditional rivals such as Michigan, Indiana, Purdue or Wisconsin, you will have a memorable experience. 16. CHI Health Center Omaha - Creighton Bluejays 4.29 James Hilchen - CHI Health Center Omaha has great food, a fabulous atmosphere, and the fans are tremendous. It is rarely thought of among the elite arenas in college basketball, but the arena combined with a fabulous downtown Omaha makes any effort to attend a game here well worth the trip. 17. Don Haskins Center - UTEP Miners 4.29 Jason Bartel - The 1966 Texas Western College men’s basketball team is arguably the most important college basketball team in the history of the sport. That Texas Western team took down Adolph Rupp’s Kentucky Wildcats to win the NCAA National Championship, and became the first team to start five black players. Though they didn’t play at Don Haskins Center (opened 10 years later), the presence of that team is felt throughout the arena. 18. McLeod Center - Northern Iowa Panthers 4.29 Chuck Utech - A trip to Cedar Falls to see a Missouri Valley Conference basketball game can be rewarding. With the 2018 trip to the Final Four by Loyola of Chicago, “Hoosiers” images were conjured for folks dreaming of the smaller school defeating large universities. The McLeod Center houses those dreams and passionately puts them on display. 19. Betty Engelstad Sioux Center - North Dakota Fighting Hawks 4.29 Daryn Skjefte - The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center is truly a work of art that deserves to be recognized. College basketball is often a tradition for families and friends and this location does not disappoint. The ticket prices are hard to beat, the parking is easy and priced appropriately, and the in-game experience is second to none. I would definitely recommend checking out The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center if you find yourself in Grand Forks. 20. Cameron Indoor Stadium - Duke Blue Devils 4.14 Joseph Oakes - Even though Cameron Indoor Stadium is old, small, and cramped, the experience of attending a Duke game is like one you won’t experience anywhere else. From the sellout crowds to the Cameron Crazies to the product on the floor (which is always good) a trip to Cameron is a must for any college basketball fan. 21. McCathey Athletic Center - Gonzaga Bulldogs 4.14 Libby Kamrowski - Gonzaga University’s McCarthey Athletic Center is a state of the art 6,000-seat arena that is home to the Kennel and the Gonzaga Bulldogs in Spokane, Washington. The $25 million McCarthey Center came as the much-needed upgrade from the former Charlotte Y. Martin Center in 2004. The Bulldogs, known frequently as the Zags, are part of the West Coast Conference and made school history by competing in the NCAA National Championship in 2017. 22. Pauley Pavilion - UCLA Bruins 4.14 Andrej Ojeda - The recent facelift to Pauley Pavilion has vastly improved the game day experience beyond expectations. With much wider concourses, improved sight lines, enhancements to the scoreboard, and the various additions that pay tribute to many a great UCLA basketball moment, including the statue of John Wooden, a trip to a UCLA game at Pauley should be on every collegiate hoop fans bucket list (no pun intended). 23. Matthew Knight Arena - Oregon Ducks 4.14 Paul Hilchen - A trip to an Oregon basketball game should be on any fan's bucket list. Matthew Knight Arena is modern with fantastic sightlines throughout the facility. 24. Jersey Mike's Arena - Rutgers Scarlet Knights 4.14 Richard Smith - Jersey Mike's Arena is outdated and borderline dilapidated, but it's still an amazingly vibrant arena to watch a very high level of basketball action. Should Rutgers have a better, newer, and bigger arena? Probably, but the basketball-watching experience is pretty amazing here. 25. Siegel Center - VCU Rams 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Virginia Commonwealth University basketball team has proven that their trip to the Final Four in 2011 was no fluke, as the Rams are perennial champions in each of the conferences they have played in over the past decade. The VCU student body and the fans in Richmond know a good thing when they see it and have packed the Seigel Center for every game over the last 10 years.

The Frozen Four is upon us once again. The culmination of another college hockey season means it's time for Stadium Journey to do what we do best, rank things. We endeavor to visit every college hockey rink at least once every four years to keep our reviews current for those who love to travel the country visiting hockey barns old and new. To coincide with the Frozen Four, we are presenting our ranking of the top 25 Division One hockey rinks in the nation. We currently have reviews of 54 of the 62 Division One rinks on our newly-redesigned website. We're working hard to get to those final eight missing rinks. At Stadium Journey we evaluate a facility's game day experience according to our patented FANFARE rating scale. This scale takes into consideration a facility's concessions, game day atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. It's a bit of a different way to evaluate a facility, and historically our rankings have created much debate. That's OK, we can take it. Plus, isn't healthy debate the reason why we make lists like this? You'll notice that there have been some changes in our rankings as we move to our newly-redesigned site. There is no longer a place for readers to contribute their scores. After much consideration, the decision was made to discontinue crowd reviews, as the vast majority of them came from previous Stadium Journey reviews and simply were not being utilized as designed. Our rankings are now based solely on the reviewer's FANFARE score. Where two or more venues are tied, a counsel of Stadium Journey elders is consulted to break any ties. We encourage our readers to share your input on our social media channels. Stadium Journey can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To see the full review of each rink, just click the link underneath the photo. We hope you are enjoying our new site. Without further ado, we present our top 25 college hockey rinks of the 2022-23 season. 1. Yost Ice Arena - Michigan Wolverines 4.57 Steve Ohnsmann - Surprisingly, the Yost Ice Arena was known as the Yost Field House and was first used as a basketball arena for both the men’s and women’s programs before the Crisler Center was built in 1967. In 1973, the building was converted into an ice arena and the Wolverines hockey team has been there ever since. This is the definitive “old school” hockey arena and should be on the bucket list for all hockey fans. 2. Ralph Englestad Arena - North Dakota Fighting Hawks 4.43 Daryn Skjefte - The Ralph Engelstad Arena is unlike anything else in college hockey. The extreme detail that goes into every aspect is vibrant and outstanding. The excitement can quite literally be felt from a mile away, and regardless of the turn-out of the game, you will have a good time. The arena is truly the best in college hockey for several reasons. This should be a spot to see on everyone’s bucket list. 3. 3M Arena at Mariucci - Minnesota Golden Gophers 4.43 Dennis Morrell - Get here to see a game, you will be talking about for weeks and months after your visit. Witnessing a game here is very special. While the fans make up a huge part of the experience make no mistake, the venue and the university add a great deal to creating a magnificent live hockey experience. 4. AMSOIL Arena - Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs 4.43 Jared Townsend - 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. 5. Compton Family Ice Arena - Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4.43 Marc Viquez - The arena itself is a true spectacle because it looks like an older facility on the outside, but once you’re inside you see it is truly a modern and state-of-the-art venue that offers everything a fan needs in terms of food, comfort, and entertainment. 6. Kohl Center - Wisconsin Badgers 4.43 Paul Swaney - Time a visit in November and you may be able to see two games on your trip to Madison depending on the basketball and football schedules. College hockey fans should come to a Wisconsin game- it’s one of the finest venues in college hockey. 7. Baxter Arena - Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks 4.29 Nolan Searl - A fan favorite, and unique UNO tradition, happens after the first Maverick goal of every game as a fish gets thrown onto the ice. What started as a rogue operation was eventually embraced by the university and the fans. Once the fish is on the ice, a guy driving a mini-Zamboni with a wheelie bar comes out and scoops it up in a net. It’s pretty hilarious. 8. Magness Arena - Denver Pioneers 4.14 Matt Finnegan - A game at Magness Arena allows fans to enjoy some of the nation’s top college hockey at a reasonable price. From families with children to rabid hockey fans, a Pioneer home game provides a great, overall experience for everyone. 9. Goggin Ice Center - Miami (OH) RedHawks 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Goggin Ice Center is the perfect venue for the Redhawks hockey team and provides an ideal canvas for its fans, students, and alumni to cheer on the club during the season. The program can hold its own against the best of them in the college hockey world and the Hawks fans won’t let you forget that when in attendance. 10. John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena - Michigan Tech Huskies 4.14 Paul Swaney - A journey (and it is a journey) to Houghton, Michigan to see the Michigan Tech Huskies is well worth the trip. Whether you live in the area, are a major hockey fan, or you are just following your team on the road, you will enjoy what you find at MacInnes Arena. 11. Centene Community Ice Center - Lindenwood Lions 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Lindenwood University men’s hockey program has finally made the leap into NCAA Division I competition. Their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center will immediately become one the top collegiate hockey venues in the Midwest. 12. Tsongas Center - UMass Lowell River Hawks 4.00 Paul Baker - It’s easy to be overshadowed in the crowded Boston hockey scene, but the Tsongas Center remains as one of the better hockey rinks in the area, even after a quarter century of use. While professional hockey is no longer in the cards for this cozy mid-sized arena, The UMass Lowell River Hawks have a home that measures up to any college arena in the country. 13. Agganis Arena - Boston University Terriers 4.00 Paul Baker - Boston has no shortage of choices for the college hockey fan, with eleven Division One clubs located within an hour of the city. Even with all these choices, Agganis Arena and Boston University stand head and shoulders above them all. In a city that bleeds Bruins’ black and gold, there is a corner of the city along Commonwealth Avenue that proudly sports red and white. 14. Mullett Arena - Arizona State Sun Devils 4.00 Lloyd Brown - While Mullett Arena has been panned as an NHL venue due to its small capacity and lack of NHL-level amenities, it shines as the college-level home of the Sun Devils. It offers a great gameday experience for both players and fans. The Inferno student section adds to the college vibe in the on-campus arena. I guess you could say I’m the (Sun) Devil’s advocate for this new venue! 15. Matthews Arena - Northeastern Huskies 4.00 Paul Baker - Many buildings use the term “historic” as a synonym for “old”. Matthews Arena truly presents as the former, even as it continues to function as the oldest indoor rink still being used in the world. Renovations have kept the facility up-to-date without sacrificing the historic features of the rink. Matthews Arena is a must-see for any hockey historian. 16. Gene Polisseni Center - RIT Tigers 4.00 Dave Cottenie - A trip to Henrietta to see the RIT Tigers is an excellent experience that college hockey fans should consider undertaking. Although probably not considered a bucket list venue, even among college hockey die-hards, the Gene Polisseni Center more than meets the expectations of the hockey fan and is easily competitive with other college hockey venues. 17. Martire Family Arena - Sacred Heart Pioneers 4.00 Greg Venuto - Martire Arena is a great venue to take in a hockey game. Both families and local hockey fans should not pass up the chance to check out the impressive new facility and watch Sacred Heart as the program attempts to make its mark on New England hockey. 18. Mullins Center - UMass Minutemen 4.00 Paul Baker - The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that serves as a home for the UMass Minutemen basketball and hockey teams. Still going strong in its 30th season, the arena provides western Massachusetts hockey fans with a comfortable place to watch a recent national championship team do their thing. 19. Berry Events Center - Northern Michigan Wildcats 4.00 Paul Swaney - There is no doubt that college hockey fans should include a trip to Northern Michigan University as a spot to see great hockey. Whether you are following your team on the road or just looking for a new venue, you won’t be disappointed by what you find at the Berry Events Center. 20. Pegula Ice Arena - Penn State Nittany Lions 3.86 Paul Baker - The Pegula Ice Arena is already mentioned as one of the marquee collegiate hockey venues in the nation. Penn State hockey has likewise enjoyed a meteoric rise to be considered one of the premier programs in the nation. When you step into Pegula Ice Arena for a Nittany Lion game, be ready for one of the best game day experiences in the nation. 21. Silvio O. Conte Forum - Boston College Eagles 3.86 Paul Baker - If you were to Google “what an arena looked like in the 1980s,” there’s a good chance Conte Forum would top the search results. With Boston College's history oozing from every corner of the facility, Conte Forum has a cozy, intimate feel to it. With the Eagles, a fixture at the top of the national rankings year in and year out, a trip to Chestnut Hill is a must for any hockey fan visiting Boston. 22. People's United Center - Quinnipiac Bobcats 3.86 Paul Baker - One of the best sports stories of the last decade was the ascension of tiny Quinnipiac University to the top of the college hockey world. After a couple of down years, the Bobcats are back at the top of the polls and People’s United Center is filled with rabid Connecticut hockey fans. This hidden gem of an arena is a must-see for anyone who enjoys college pucks. 23. Cadet Ice Arena - Air Force Falcons 3.86 Matt Finnegan - The Air Force Academy is worth a visit for its beauty and tradition alone. A game at Cadet Ice Arena is a different and fun way to experience the school. The program is consistently competitive and, especially against Army or local rivals Colorado College and the University of Denver, things can get loud in Cadet Ice Arena. 24. Bentley Arena - Bentley Falcons 3.86 Paul Baker - The trend of Atlantic Conference teams moving away from local community rinks and into cozy on-campus arenas is a welcome one. Bentley Arena, with its intimate, eco-friendly design, is a great place to catch a game and a hidden gem in the crowded Boston hockey scene. 25. Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center - Minnesota State Mavericks 3.86 Jared Townsend - Verizon Wireless Center isn’t as flashy as more modern hockey arenas, but the point is, it gets the job done. Whether it’s the game ticket ($16) or the concessions (all very affordable), you can have an enjoyable experience among the great fans at this arena without having to worry about spending too much.

The National Basketball Association's playoffs are underway, so we at Stadium Journey felt it was time to do what we do best - rank some arenas. While the winner of the Larry O'Brien Trophy will be determined on the court, there's no one way to rank the gyms that these teams play in. Here's our try at it. To determine our rankings, Stadium Journey utilizes our patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's Food, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fan support, Access, Return on investment and a final Extras category. When two or more venues are tied, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the tie. We hope that this list produces some good-natured debate. After all, isn't that why we do these things? Feel free to share your opinions on Stadium Journey's social media pages. Without further ado, we are proud to present Stadium Journey's rankings of all 30 National Basketball Association arenas for the 2022-23 season. 1. Madison Square Garden - New York Knicks 4.57 Brian O'Sullivan - Seeing a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden is a must for any basketball or sports fan in New York City. Although it comes at a substantial monetary cost, the memories that come with the experience are truly magical and will last a lifetime. 2. Scotiabank Arena - Toronto Raptors 4.43 Dave Cottenie - WIth the Toronto Raptors continuing successfully on and off the court, it is obvious that the team has taken a big bite out of the entertainment dollar in Toronto. No longer can Toronto be simply viewed as a Maple Leafs town. WeTheNorth has blown the doors open and it is clear that the Raptors are here to stay as a force in the Toronto sports market. 3. Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia 76ers 4.43 Pete Dowell - What makes the time you will spend at Wells Fargo Center amazing is the fans. The 76ers fans love to band together show the 76ers love just as much as they love to give the opposing team a hard time. Trust the Process and enjoy your time at Wells Fargo Center. 4. Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse - Cleveland Cavaliers 4.43 Lloyd Brown - The renovations at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse have all been directed towards improving the fan experience, as the seating bowl and playing court remained the same throughout the latest changes. If you have not been to a Cavaliers game or the former Quicken Loans Arena recently, you need to come and check out all the changes. 5. Amway Center - Orlando Magic 4.43 Chris Green - The Orlando Magic may have fallen on some hard times recently in terms of their record, but Amway Center remains one of the best around. The facility is stunning, clean, and always comfortable; the surrounding neighborhood means you have plenty to see and do before and after the game; and getting to the arena is a breeze. 6. Miami-Dade Arena - Miami Heat 4.43 Lloyd Brown - Regardless of the name of the building, the facility is one of the most unique arenas in the NBA, both architecturally and in its promotion of the local team’s brand. It embraces the Latin heritage found in the Miami area, both through its concessions program and the music played during lulls in the action. 7. Vivint Smart Home Arena - Utah Jazz 4.43 Lloyd Brown - The Utah Jazz are living proof that a small market can be competitive in the NBA. Through stable ownership that always puts its fans first, the franchise has been one of the most successful both on and off the court. The recent renovation of the Vivint Smart Home Arena has created an even tighter bond between the fans and their team. 8. Chase Center - Golden State Warriors 4.29 Lloyd Brown - One of the premiere franchises in the NBA now has a home to match up with its elite status. The Chase Center boasts an unbeatable view of San Francisco Bay, cutting-edge technology, and a food and beverage menu featuring the best the City by the Bay has to offer. 9. Moda Center - Portland Trailblazers 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Even though the Moda Center is one of the older arenas in the NBA, it offers one of the most entertaining venues to watch a game. The fact that basketball is the primary professional sport in town, added to the raucous atmosphere of the fans provides a great viewing experience. 10. Ball Arena - Denver Nuggets 4.29 Matt Finnegan - Jokic alone is worth the cost of a ticket. He fills a box score like Oscar Robertson and passes like Jason Kidd. He and Murray front a team that should contend for an NBA title. Yet the costs of watching the Nuggets at Ball Arena do not require a complex financial transaction. It’s a decent bargain for an exceptional experience. 11. Golden 1 Center - Sacramento Kings 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Large venues can do lots of harm to the environment through heavy car emissions, trash, and heavy use of carbon-producing gases. Golden 1 Center is a winner in minimizing these harmful issues and should be a blueprint for future athletic facilities. Winning off the court can be just as important as winning on the court as far as our environment. 12. TD Garden - Boston Celtics 4.14 Paul Baker - Boston may not be thought of as a basketball hotbed in some circles, but the combination of a team contending for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, a rabid fanbase, an outstanding gameday atmosphere, unmatched history, and tradition makes “The Gahden” one of the must-see venues in the league. 13. Gainbridge Fieldhouse - Indiana Pacers 4.14 Marc Viquez - The arena no longer feels like a basketball fieldhouse, but more of an entertainment venue that will appeal to different events. It is understandable, but this is what made the fieldhouse stand out among others in the league. However, once you sit in your seats, you will have plenty of new and familiar options to enjoy a game. 14. AT&T Center - San Antonio Spurs 4.14 Eric Moreno - It still feels special to take in a game at the Barn. For the history alone, I think any sports fan should take in a Spurs game – the atmosphere is great, the arena still sparkles, and one day the Spurs will rise again. 15. American Airlines Center - Dallas Mavericks 4.14 Michael Davis - American Airlines Center is one of the finest sports venues in America and is in a great city. AAC is immaculate, the amenities are first-class, and the experience overall is one of the best in the NBA. 16. Paycom Center - Oklahoma City Thunder 4.00 Dave Cottenie - Oklahoma City is probably not the first destination thought of about professional sports. However, the Thunder have proven that despite being in the smallest NBA market, they can play with the big boys and belong in the league. A trip to see the Thunder is well worth the trip and the city of Oklahoma City is an underrated destination city. 17. Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles Clippers 4.00 Paul Baker - It’s tough sledding when you’re the third tenant in a facility. Even though the Clippers are finally achieving some success and are gaining a foothold in the crowded Los Angeles basketball market, the Staples Center does not feel like home to this star-crossed franchise. 18. State Farm Arena - Atlanta Hawks 4.00 David Welch - Taking in a Hawks game at State Farm Arena is an overall fun experience. Whether a fan of the Hawks or just a fan of NBA basketball, the Hawks organization puts a lot of effort into visiting one of the best in the NBA. From the pregame lights and flames during player introductions, to the in-game entertainment and variety of food and drinks at affordable prices, the experience of a Hawks game at State Farm Arena is without a doubt high quality. 19. Footprint Center - Phoenix Suns 4.00 Lloyd Brown - A trip to the newly renovated Footprint Center provides a much-improved fan experience for the Suns faithful. They can relax in the new seats that have been installed while keeping up with the game stats via the new video board and end zone displays. The one thing that remains the same is the antics of the Sun's Gorilla, one of the NBA’s top mascots. 20. Fiserv Forum - Milwaukee Bucks 4.00 Marc Viquez - The Fiserv Forum is an architectural beauty and offers everything a fan would want in an NBA area. The concourses are spacious, the food is varied, the views are open, and the service is top-notch. When you add the Deer District and Third Street as nearby destination options before the game, the Bucks fans have one hell of a place to enjoy their team. It is a beautiful place for a basketball game. 21. United Center - Chicago Bulls 3.86 Marc Viquez - The United Center has enough of what you need for an enjoyable evening of professional basketball. The history of the Bulls is on display all over the building, the social areas are great for spending time away from the game, and there is always an energetic crowd to liven up the mood of the building. 22. Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles Lakers 3.71 Lloyd Brown - The Staples Center continues to serve as the premiere indoor sports facility in the Los Angeles area. Its mix of teams touches upon almost every demographic in a city known for being very diverse. Its location across the street from the LA Live music, restaurant, and entertainment district makes it a very attractive place for a night on the town for your family and friends. 23. Barclays Center - Brooklyn Nets 3.71 Sean MacDonald - With the Islanders disaster finally behind it, Barclays Center can return to being a basketball venue. Barclays Center has embraced a black and grey color scheme, which works well with the Nets, who use those as their primary colors. They have also embraced their Brooklyn home, and much of the game day presentation is used to strengthen the bond between the borough and the team. 24. Little Caesar's Arena - Detroit Pistons 3.71 Dave Cottenie - Although The Palace of Auburn Hills was a solid home for the Detroit Pistons, the lure of a brand new arena in a new era of Detroit ownership cooperation was too much for the Pistons to pass up. Overall the move to Little Caesars Arena is a positive one for the Pistons and will be a great home for the team for years to come. For those who long for the Palace, fear not, there is much the same at LCA and it is still Deee-trout Bas-ket-ball! 25. Smoothie King Center - New Orleans Pelicans 3.71 Lloyd Brown - The Smoothie King Center does not have the level of amenities found in the more recently constructed arenas around the league. The concourses are very narrow compared to most arenas and the low ceilings give the area a very cramped feeling. Inside the seating bowl, there is a noticeable lack of electronics, as the video board is rather small and is supplemented by four small message boards in each corner of the playing area. 26. Toyota Center - Houston Rockets 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Toyota Center creates a great atmosphere even before you enter the building. Before weekend contests, the arena hosts Bud Light Liftoff parties on the plaza. This includes musical entertainment, food and beverage booths, interactive games, face painting, and autograph sessions with former Rocket players. Once inside the facility, you will see that it offers Texas-sized amenities. 27. Capital One Arena - Washington Wizards 3.57 Gregory Koch - Although the Wizards had high hopes when they moved downtown in 1997 into a shiny new arena, the experience has proven to be less than promised. Although a Wizards game is more affordable than it would be to see the Capitals at the same arena, you ultimately get what you pay for. The atmosphere in the arena is pretty dead and it is an average NBA arena at best. 28. FedEx Forum - Memphis Grizzlies 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Fed Ex Forum does a great job of saluting the musical heritage of the city of Memphis and the great basketball teams of the city’s past. The concourses are very witty in working in musical references to some of the city’s blues legends, while also featuring photos of some of the top basketball talent to pass through the city. 29. Target Center - Minnesota Timberwolves 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The recent renovations at the Target Center have vastly improved the fan experience for the Timberwolves faithful. New gathering areas, opening the building to more outside light, and the improved electronic package in the seating bowl area are major improvements. 30. Spectrum Center - Charlotte Hornets 3.29 There will be a wide variety of entertainment to enjoy in the downtown area when you visit Spectrum Center. It is not a stretch to say that what makes a Hornets game at Spectrum Center truly worth it is all the things that Uptown provides a fan before and after a game.