One-third of the Canadian Hockey League, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has historically had the reputation as the league that features the most high-flying, smaller, high-scoring forwards and the stand-on-their-heads goaltenders. Currently, the 18-team league features teams through the province of Quebec and a division of Maritime teams. Of the three CHL leagues, the QMJHL has the biggest variety of venues. From the brand new and shiny to the classic hockey barns, fans are treated to a whole different culture of hockey. The scores for the QMJHL experiences are all very close and every experience features a high Return on Investment. Any way you slice it, fans will be left pontificating “ Vive La hockey" and gearing up to head back for more. 1. Québec Remparts - Centre Vidéotron - 4.43 Dave Cottenie - In 1997 the Québec Remparts returned to the Colisée Pepsi, moving from Beauport. With hockey returning to Québec, the next part of the plan was up to the fans. Fans came out to support the Remparts in droves providing attendance numbers unseen in the entire Canadian Hockey League, let alone the QMJHL. With the ownership of hometown hero Patrick Roy for several years, the Remparts flourished. The current iteration of the Remparts is the second to call Québec City home. The original run went from 1969 to 1985 and the original Remparts eventually moved to Longueuil and then Verdun before folding in 1994. Both versions of the team have seen success with each version winning a Memorial Cup. The 1971 and 2006 Memorial Cup championships continued the winning tradition in Québec City. The next part of the plan may be the most important. With the support of current Remparts owner, communications giant Québecor, the city and province of Québec built a brand new, NHL-ready facility in Centre Vidéotron. 2. Moncton Wildcats - Avenir Centre - 4.14 Greg Johnston - The sparkling new $113-million dollar Avenir Centre opened in 2018 as the home of the Wildcats and Moncton Magic of the National Basketball League of Canada. The Wildcats previously played their home games at the city-owned Moncton Coliseum, located in a mostly industrial area approximately four kilometers outside of downtown. The venue was dark and not aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but the citizens of Moncton made it an enjoyable fan experience. Moving to Avenir Centre provides locals with a modernized hockey experience with an improved downtown location, tantalizing concession options, and exceptional sightlines to view the game. 3. Halifax Mooseheads - Scotiabank Centre - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - Halifax is the biggest city in the Canadian Maritimes, and therefore is the cultural centre of the East. Even though Halifax is not an overly large city, events at the Metro Centre have that big event feel to them. Moose Country is front and centre in the Halifax sporting scene. The Scotiabank Centre, which is owned by the City of Halifax, and managed by Trade Centre Limited, offers a big event feel to it and attracts the largest indoor events in the area. 4. Sherbrooke Phoenix - Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The group that brought hockey back to Sherbrooke was led by former NHL goaltender, and former Sherbrooke Faucon, Jocelyn Thibault. However, the new Phoenix would not be satisfied to play in the old Palais des Sports. The City of Sherbrooke and the Government of Quebec agreed to a huge renovation of the Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet. This old arena, named after the founder of Sher-Wood, is now one of the model arenas in the QMJHL, and an example of what can be done to modernize an aging arena. New paint gave a fresh face to the arena, and new luxury boxes gave a fresh source of revenue. In the end, what is exciting to see is that, in what may be the final opportunity for junior hockey in Sherbrooke, the fans have realized what they have been missing, and embraced the Phoenix with open arms, showing their support. 5. Shawinigan Cataractes - Centre Gervais Auto - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Known as the City of Energy for its production of hydro-electric power, the city of Shawinigan is also known as the home of Canada’s longest-serving prime Minister, Jean Chretien, and legendary Montreal goaltender, and first goalie ever to wear a mask, Jacques Plante. The Cataractes have a long-standing tradition with the city, formerly playing in the Arena Jacques-Plante. In English, Cataractes means “waterfalls,” which is also a reference to the Shawinigan Falls, which is used to produce energy. The Cataractes were a community-owned team, until 2007 when “Le Club de Hockey de Shawinigan Inc” was sold to a group of 15 investors. 6. Saint John Sea Dogs - TD Station - 3.86 Greg Johnston - Overall, the game experience is fun and comfortable. Fans were handed free clappers as they entered the arena to help cheer on the Sea Dogs. “Fleaburn,” the team mascot, entertains the crowd on the concourse. The public address (PA) announcer speaks in both English and French. The music during a break in the game is at an appropriate volume and is a good mix of music types. The hanging scoreboard is pretty simple and only shows shots-on-goal for stats. The picture is a comfortable size and clear. 7. Cape Breton Eagles - Centre 200 - 3.86 Greg Johnston - Centre 200 is named in honour of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Sydney. The arena opened in 1987, as the home of the Cape Breton Oilers of the American Hockey League (AHL). In their nine seasons in Sydney, the Oilers won the Calder Cup once (1993) before moving to Hamilton, Ontario; this was around the same time all AHL teams moved out of the Maritimes. That franchise is now the St. John’s IceCaps. Hockey returned to Sydney when the Granby Predateurs moved before the 1997-98 season. The Screaming Eagles have won their division once and have reached the conference finals twice, but have not advanced further. Marc-Andre Fleury is celebrated as one of the greatest former Eagles players. His #29 jersey hangs in the rafters. 8. Val-d'Or Foreurs - Centre Agnico Eagle - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - With a population of 31,000, the City of Val-d’Or is one of the smallest centres in the entire Canadian Hockey League. However, the Val-d’Or Foreurs of the QMJHL is a throwback experience and almost brings hockey back to a pure state. It took 16 long years for Junior Hockey at the highest level to be brought to the “Valley of Gold.” However, it was in 1993 when local builder Jean-Claude Babin secured a QMJHL franchise that would be owned by local shareholders, including G4 Drilling CEO Daniel Gamache. Earning President’s Cups as QMJHL Champions in 1998, 2001, and 2014, the Foreurs have had a fair amount of success. There have also been several NHL players who have worn the green and gold, including Anthony Martha, Antoine Bibeau, Kris Letang, Brad Marchand, J.P. Dumont, Steve Begin, and Roberto Luongo. 9. Acadie-Bathurst Titan - Centre Régional K.C. Irving - 3.71 Greg Johnston - In terms of the fan experience, hidden treasures are sometimes found in the smallest locations. Bathurst, New Brunswick is a little city of around 12,000 people located in the northeast quadrant of the province. This is where the Acadie-Bathurst Titan from the QMJHL calls home. Creative economics, along with government commitment and community loyalty, have all contributed to the Titan competing in Bathurst since arriving in 1998. The Titan franchise originated in 1969 as the Rosemont National before moving to Laval, Quebec in 1971. The team changed its name four times while in Laval (1971-1998), eventually settling on the Laval Titan Collège Français before moving to Bathurst. “Acadie” is in homage to the vast Acadian population in the area. Famous alumni include Roberto Luongo, Vincent Damphousse, Patrice Bergeron, and Hockey Hall-of-Famers Mike Bossy and Mario Lemieux. 10. Rimouski Océanic - Colisée Financière Sun Life - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Rimouski Océanic were originally the Sherbrooke Castors in 1969. In 1982 they moved to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The move to Rimouski was facilitated by former owner and furniture magnate Maurice Tanguay. In 2016, Maurice would transfer his ownership stake to his grandson Alexandre at age 23. The younger Tanguay has a prominent role in the day-to-day operations of the team, which provides one of the best experiences in the entire QMJHL. Home for the Océanic is the Colisée Financière Sun Life, which was built in 1966 and formerly known as the Colisée de Rimouski. The city-owned Colisée, like many QMJHL venues, is a classic barn-like venue that has received significant upgrades to bring it up to Major Junior hockey standards. The Colisée is a pleasant surprise and the Océanic experience is one that will rival any other in the QMJHL. 11. Chicoutimi Saguenéens - Centre Georges-Vézina - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - At one point in time, each member league of the Canadian Hockey League had its own identity. The QMJHL was known for being faster-paced, with smaller players, more goal-scoring, and great goaltenders. No team can be identified with great goaltenders in junior more than the Chicoutimi Saguenéens (sag-nay-en). Chicoutimi would produce four goaltenders in a short period who would go on to play in the National Hockey League. Jimmy Waite, Eric Fichaud, Marc Denis, and Felix Potvin would have various degrees of NHL success, but it is unprecedented for one junior team to produce so many NHL goaltenders. Chicoutimi has been one of the most stable franchises in the Q, having been around since 1973, and the link to the community is undeniable. The translation of Saguenéens is literally “people from Saguenay.” Only the Gatineau (Hull) Olympiques and Shawinigan Cataractes have been in the same spot longer than the Saguenéens. 12. Gatineau Olympiques - Centre Slush Puppie - 3.57 Sean MacDonald - The Gatineau Olympiques played at the venerable Robert Guertin Centre for 45 years, an aging rink whose time had passed. The city of Gatineau awarded the non-profit organization Vision Multisports Outaouais (VMSO) the contract for the construction and management of a 4,000-seat arena, including three community ice rinks. The venue is now known as Centre Slush Puppie after naming rights were acquired by the maker of the “original non-carbonated frozen beverage treat enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.” 13. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies - Aréna Glencore - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - The horns, oh the horns! They may not be the horns of justice or the horns of victory. They may only be made of plastic and cardboard, but the horns are a staple of Aréna Glencore du Centre Dave-Keon. Home for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL, Aréna Iamgold was built in 1951 and formerly named after the favorite son of the area and former Toronto Maple Leaf's legend, Dave Keon. The building is as old school as they come and fits the Northern Québec area. However, if there is one thing that the hockey experience in this mining town of 41,000 should be known for, it is the horns the fans play throughout the game. 14. Drummondville Voltigeurs - Centre Marcel-Dionne - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - The Voltigeurs are the second incarnation of major junior hockey in Drummondville. An expansion team in 1982, the Voltigeurs are named after a Quebec-based regiment that fought the Americans in the War of 1812. They followed the original QMJHL team, the Drummondville Rangers, which played from 1969 to 1974. Currently owned by Jean-Guy Rene, Roger Dubois, and Michel Parizeau, the Voltigeurs have enjoyed moderate success, making it to the Memorial Cup 3 times, and winning the President’s Trophy as the top team in the QMJHL in 2009. Their most famous alumni include NHL greats Steve Duschene and Daniel Briere. 15. Victoriaville Tigres - Colisée Desjardins - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - The Victoriaville Tigres is one of those stalwart franchises of the QMJHL. They have been a part of the league since 1987 when they moved from the Montreal suburb of Longueuil to the city known for producing the famous Victoriaville hockey sticks. The Tigres have gone on to see some success in the QMJHL, winning the President’s Cup in 2002 and making an appearance in the Memorial Cup. The Tigres have also produced several solid NHL hockey players including Mathieu Garon, Stephane Fiset, and Matthew Barnaby. Perhaps the most famous Tigre is also one of the biggest busts in NHL history, Alexandre Daigle, who was drafted first overall by the Ottawa Senators. The Tigres play in the city-owned Colisee Desjardins, an older arena that has had a few upgrades over the years. The inner arena is named the Amphitheatre Gilbert-Perreault, after the legendary, Victoriaville native, captain of the Buffalo Sabres. The Quebec bank, Desjardins, purchased the naming rights to the entire building. 16. Charlottetown Islanders - Eastlink Centre - 3.14 Greg Johnston - The Islanders franchise started as the Montreal Rocket, named after legendary Montreal Canadien, Maurice “Rocket” Richard. In 2003, the QMJHL expanded outside Quebec, adding teams in several Maritime cities. With the Rockets experiencing financial woes, the team moved to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and became the PEI Rocket. Excitement for the new team was evident; the first two seasons saw an average attendance of well above 3,000 per game. However, the team struggled on and off the ice in the subsequent years. Attendance steadily decreased, managed only one playoff series win through the 2013 season, and was experiencing financial troubles once again. Charlottetown was in danger of losing its team until a local ownership group stepped in and bought the franchise in 2013. 17. Blainville-Boisbriand Armada - Centre d'Excellence Sports Rousseau - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - In 2005, the QMJHL expanded to St. John’s, Newfoundland. After a short tenure on the easternmost tip of Canada, the Fog Devils moved to Verdun for a short life as the Montreal Junior. Now Junior has found a new home in another Montreal suburb. For the 2011-12 season, QMJHL saw the birth of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. The Armada are now the only major junior team based in a Montreal suburb. Upon moving to the suburbs north of Montreal, they were renamed the Armada and moved into the new Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau. The arena is named after the Canadian hockey superstore named Pro Hockey Life in English and was built and jointly owned by the municipalities of Blainville and Boisbriand. The Armada may have finally found its niche for junior hockey in Montreal. What they present is simple, yet inviting. N/A Baie-Comeau Drakkar - Centre Henry-Leonard Unfortunately, Stadium Journey does not yet have a review for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. If you are interested in writing a review for Stadium Journey, please contact us.

The Stanley Cup 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 Cup will be determined on the ice, there's no one way to rank the rinks that these teams play in. Here's our try at it. The results can be as unpredictable as the action on the ice. 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 32 National Hockey League arenas for the 2022-23 season. 1. Bridgestone Arena - Nashville Predators 4.86 David Welch - When Nashville was first awarded an NHL franchise in 1997, many did not think hockey in the state, better known for its allegiance to the University of Tennessee and ‘Rocky Top’ would work. Nothing could be further from the truth; not only has hockey worked in Nashville, but it has also thrived. 2. Amalie Arena - Tampa Bay Lightning 4.57 Chris Green - The Tampa Bay Lightning have broken all expectations for a Florida hockey franchise, and their game-day experience has become one of the best in the league. From the spotless interior of the venue to the bounty of food options, there is plenty to love at Amalie Arena. Your dollar goes far thanks to the excitement on the ice, and there are no bad seats in the house. 3. Capital One Arena - Washington Capitals 4.57 Richard Smith - The pre-game video show is quite impressive. For 2023 the show begins with mascot "Slapshot' stealing the Declaration of Independence from the National Archives in a nod to the movie National Treasure. The show concludes that he brings it back to the arena and letters from the document become re-arranged to display "Let's Go Caps!" 4. Climate Pledge Arena - Seattle Kraken 4.43 Lloyd Brown - The Climate Pledge Arena is much more than just the newest rink in the NHL. It is an experiment in using the most current “smart” technologies to minimize (hopefully to zero) the carbon footprint the facility leaves after each event it hosts. Hopefully, Climate Pledge Arena will usher in a new generation of sports facilities built not just to create a wow factor, but also one where the environment receives major consideration. 5. Rogers Place - Edmonton Oilers 4.43 Jim Flannery - Rogers Place is a worthwhile place to visit even if you’re not there for a hockey game. There is so much to see and do in and around the building without ever walking through the gates that you could spend a couple of hours just checking the place out. This is continuing to get better as more features get added. Once you’re through the gates, this is a beautiful building with truly state-of-the-art features that should impress almost everyone. 6. United Center - Chicago Black Hawks 4.29 Lloyd Brown - A visit to the Windy City and a Chicago Blackhawk game will provide you with a very enjoyable sports adventure. Seeing an Original Six team play is always on an NHL bucket list and the United Center is a very impressive place to take in a game. Afterward, you’ve got an enormous number of fine restaurants to choose from and Chicago offers numerous attractions to visit over a long sports weekend. 7. Bell Centre - Montreal Canadiens 4.29 Dave Cottenie - Without a doubt, a trip to Centre Bell to see the Montréal Canadiens needs to be near the top of any hockey bucket list. Although the arena itself is not earth-shattering, the Canadiens put on a terrific product, even when the team is down. The fans add to the dynamic more than any other fanbase in the NHL. Finally, a trip to see the Habs is as much a trip through hockey history as any experience there is. 8. PPG Paints Arena - Pittsburgh Penguins 4.29 Patricia Beninato - There seems to be an article in Pittsburgh media every week about plans to develop the area around PPG to entice people to hang around. Still, government vs. development is a long-time battle that doesn’t look to be won by anyone any time soon. Because Pittsburgh’s downtown is so compact, though, it’s an easy walk to the Strip District a few blocks away, where there’s something for every taste. 9. Madison Square Garden - New York Rangers 4.14 Greg Venuto - Madison Square Garden is special, from the lobby at Chase Square to the exhibits which commemorate special events. The inside features the iconic ceiling with a cable-supported roof. The 28’ x 57’ scoreboard (which displays the names and numbers of all skaters on the ice throughout the game) over center ice is riveting and then your eyes are drawn to the Chase Bridges which cross the ice at the top of both sides of the upper bowl. 10. Nationwide Arena - Columbus Blue Jackets 4.14 Greg Venuto - Nationwide Arena is a beautiful and fan-friendly arena to watch an NHL game. Despite being over 20 years old, it seems new and up-to-date. It is worth a visit if in town and the benefits are reasonable prices and plenty to do just outside its doors. 11. UBS Arena - New York Islanders 4.14 Ken Thorp - The UBS is a decent venue. They have enough bells and whistles to provide an adequate game day experience. They have a ridiculous amount of food choices as well as concession stands. They work extremely hard to keep the fans engaged in the game. 12. Scotiabank Arena - Toronto Maple Leafs 4.14 Dave Cottenie - There is no doubt that a trip to see the Toronto Maple Leafs should be on every hockey fan’s bucket list. Couple that with the opportunity to take in the Hockey Hall of Fame and all of the other things that Toronto has to offer and the Leafs can be the center of an excellent getaway. Time will tell to see if the Leafs can move through the playoffs further than previous years and grab that elusive 12th Stanley Cup banner. 13. Enterprise Center - St. Louis Blues 4.14 Lloyd Brown - St. Louis has always been a great sports town, with good teams and classy fans. The renovations at the Enterprise Center have brought the fan experience to new heights, with the Stanley Cup Championship win of 2019 being the cherry on top. If you enjoy good food, great beer, and terrific hockey, head on out to the Gateway City. You won’t be disappointed! 14. Xcel Energy Center - Minnesota Wild 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Overall, the Xcel Energy Center may be aging a bit, but it’s still one of the best places you can go to see a professional hockey game, let alone a sporting event. Friendly fans, good food, and very easy access make this arena second to none. 15. TD Garden - Boston Bruins 4.00 Paul Baker - The 2022-2023 season has been an incredible ride for the Boston Bruins and their fans. The team has set NHL records for victories and points in a season. As the playoffs approach, New England sets its collective sights on the ultimate prize in hockey – The Stanley Cup. The entire region is hoping for another long playoff run in one of the more underrated venues in the league, the TD Garden. 16. Ball Arena - Colorado Avalanche 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The Pepsi Center continues to be the premiere venue in the Rocky Mountain region for indoor professional sports. It provides more than 200 nights of sports competitions and concerts per year for the residents of the Mile High City. 17. Cryto.com Arena - Los Angeles Kings 4.00 Paul Baker - As the Kings look to rebuild after a solid decade near the top of the National Hockey League, some of the enthusiasm that was present at the Staples Center has disappeared. While southern California’s sunny skies and warm winter temperatures may not scream hockey to a northerner, the Staples Center remains a great venue for professional hockey. 18. Prudential Center - New Jersey Devils 4.00 Steven Kee - The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century. The arena is accessible via mass transit, close to great restaurants, and provides a variety of services and features throughout the game. With the Devils playing winning hockey, the experience will only improve at “The Rock.” 19. FLA Live Arena - Florida Panthers 4.00 Chris Green - All-in-all, FLA Live Arena is family-friendly and provides a quaint atmosphere. The last few seasons are proving that this quaint atmosphere can also swell into a roaring crowd, thanks to successful records. In addition, a better game day experience has led to a more welcoming environment. The Panthers are definitely on the upswing, and a visit to FLA Live Arena will certainly reflect that trend. 20. T-Mobile Arena - Vegas Golden Knights 3.86 Lloyd Brown - The Vegas Golden Knights have “broken the ice” as the first professional sports team to set up shop in Las Vegas. Early indications are that the team will prove the criticism that Vegas is not a “hockey town” wrong. The city has sold out several games in its inaugural season, and the team’s performance on the ice is far above what is expected of an expansion team. 21. KeyBank Center - Buffalo Sabres 3.86 Robbie Raskin - KeyBank Center is a solid place to catch a hockey game in one of the best American hockey markets. Sabres fans are welcoming and friendly, the arena is comfortable and has been updated pretty well over the years. Unfortunately, the attendance has followed the Sabres’ on-ice performance after being pummelled by border closures. The experience at KeyBank Center will surely rise a couple of notches when the fans come back to a winning team. 22. Rogers Arena - Vancouver Canucks 3.71 Lloyd Brown - In Canada, ice hockey reigns supreme, and Vancouver was the first Canadian city on the West Coast to receive an NHL franchise. This has led to a long history of sellouts throughout the club’s 50-year existence. Packed stands lead to a great environment in the seating bowl. The seating areas fill early as the crowds do not want to miss even the warmups. 23. Honda Center - Anaheim Ducks 3.71 Paul Baker - While hockey may not be the first thing on your mind as you wander around southern California during a warm winter day, a trip to the Honda Center provides a mighty good experience for any fan, whether you are coming from the frigid north or not. 24. PNC Arena - Carolina Hurricanes 3.71 Will Halpern - The Hurricanes are back to relevancy in NC and the NHL and there is a renewed energy around the franchise, which is evident at PNC Arena during games. Now the team has a chance to host their first outdoor game next season as part of The Stadium Series, and the Hurricanes and their fans show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. 25. Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia Flyers 3.71 Steven Kee - The Wells Fargo Arena was state-of-the-art and similar to other designs that opened up during the early to mid-1990s. The parent company of the Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, completed close to $265 million in renovations to update and enhance the game day experience at the venue. The renovations resulted in the world’s first Kinetic 4K center-hung scoreboard; it also features two independent crown trusses that move vertically and are equipped with pyrotechnic capabilities. 26. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Flames 3.71 Jim Flannery - Action at the Saddledome has created some fantastic memories over the years. Whether it was seeing the Flames pull off the dramatic overtime win against the Vancouver Canucks in Game Seven of the first round of the 1989 playoffs or the run to the Stanley Cup finals in 2004, tens of thousands of fans have had amazing experiences in this location. 27. Canada Life Centre - Winnipeg Jets 3.57 Lloyd Brown - Winnipeg has been given a second chance with an NHL franchise and there is no chance of the fans allowing the team to move elsewhere again. They fill the Canada Life Centre for every game, cheering loudly for the local boys while organizing chants to disrupt the visiting team’s concentration. The whole town turns out in its blue-best when the Jets are in town. Winnipeg is one of the more isolated of the NHL outposts, but it is well worth a visit as you check the rinks and arenas in the central portion of Canada. 28. American Airlines Center - Dallas Stars 3.57 Michael Davis - American Airlines Center is one of the finest sports venues in America, located in a great city and home to a hockey organization that seems committed to being in Dallas for a long time. The only thing American Airlines Center needs to be rated in the upper tier of NHL venues is for the Stars to become more competitive regularly. However, a visit to American Airlines Center to watch the Stars play is a wonderful way to spend an evening in Dallas. 29. SAP Center - San Jose Sharks 3.57 Dave Cottenie - The San Jose Sharks are a great experience for all NHL fans. Their influence throughout the 90s is undeniable and they have had great influence in opening up the southern belt to NHL hockey. A trip to the Shark Tank will be a memorable one for hockey fans everywhere. 30. Little Caesars Arena - Detroit Red Wings 3.29 Meg Minard - Affectionately known as Hockeytown, Detroit is a unique market in the United States where a pretty substantial argument can be made that it is a hockey-first market. While Little Caesars Arena is a great improvement over the old Joe Louis Arena, it is too dark, too steep, too loud, and way too expensive for the average ‘Joe.’ 31. Canadian Tire Center - Ottawa Senators - 3.29 Dave Cottenie - It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Ottawa Senators and their much-maligned building in Kanata. It must be said, however, that regardless of the situation with the Canadian Tire Centre, the Ottawa Senators are still an NHL experience and fans will still have a great time during the game. Proper research and preparation can overcome some of the Capital City issues, but reinvigorating the fanbase with a new, exciting, better-located venue can’t be a bad thing. 32. Mullett Arena - Phoenix Coyotes 3.00 Sean MacDonald - Overall, Mullett Arena provides a unique Big 4 experience that should attract fans who want something out of the ordinary. Yes, it is expensive, much like an exclusive club, but with only 123 regular season games played over the three seasons, attendance will be limited to 565,800 fans. If you want to be one of them, now is the time to travel to Tempe and visit the Mullett.

College baseball is a national sport with a significant regional bias, as the powers of the sport reside primarily in the south and southeast. Rarely has the national championship been won by a team north of the Mason-Dixon line. Similarly, there is generally a great disparity in the quality of facilities in the southern and northern part of the country. Stadium Journey has endeavored to visit each of the 301 Division One baseball parks in the nation. As of this writing, we have been able to produce reviews for all but 18 of them, no small feat when you consider the number of teams playing in new facilities or who have moved their programs up to D-1 in recent years. Our goal is to visit the remaining ballparks as soon as possible. We have ranked all the D-1 ballparks according to our patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a facility's food and beverage, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, return on investment and more. Where two or more venues were tied, we consulted a Stadium Journey Council of Elders to break any ties. Without further ado, we are proud to present Stadium Journey's Top 25 college baseball venues for the 2023 season. 1. Doug Kingsmore Stadium - Clemson Tigers 4.71 Lloyd Brown - Say the words “Clemson” and “sports” and most people will immediately think of the football program. However, the Tiger baseball program has a much longer history of success just down the hill from Death Valley. Kingsmore Stadium plays a key role in the recruitment of athletes to the baseball program with its great facilities, loyal fan base and years of tradition. 2. Alex Box Stadium at Skip Bertman Field - LSU Tigers 4.57 Lloyd Brown - The atmosphere at Alex Box Stadium is impeccable – all the great things that sports fans hear about watching a game at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium don’t match the reality. The reality of a game at The Box is much better. A trip to LSU’s Alex Box Stadium should be on every college baseball fan’s list, as it is one of the best stadium experiences in all of sports. 3. Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium - Florida State Seminoles 4.57 Lloyd Brown - Howser Stadium has been one of the premiere NCAA baseball stadiums in the country for several years. The Seminole Nation is determined to keep it that way with $25 million in improvements on the horizon. The future looks bright for baseball in Tallahassee. 4. Founders Park - South Carolina Gamecocks 4.57 Andy Mantsch - A lot of the country considers college baseball an afterthought, but not in Columbia, South Carolina. Tailgaters, boiled peanuts, cold beer and shouts of “Go Cocks!” start hours before first pitch is even thrown on game days outside Founders Park. Baseball season for the South Carolina Gamecocks is second only to football season. And even that is debatable, depending on who you ask. 5. John Euliano Park - UCF Knights 4.57 Chris Green - With a beautiful newly renovated home stadium, the Knights are well positioned to provide one of the best game day experiences in college baseball. With great weather year-round and a fanbase that loves to support their team, there are plenty of reasons to not pass up UCF baseball when looking for a great place to watch America’s pastime. 6. Bush Stadium - Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 4.57 Lloyd Brown - The Tennessee Tech baseball program is one of the elite programs amid the mid-level conferences. They are the perennial champions of the Ohio Valley Conference and are regular visitors to the NCAA Tournament. A visit to Bush Stadium will treat visitors to high quality baseball, free admission and some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable fan bases in college baseball. 7. Oxford-University Stadium at Swayze Field - Ole Miss Rebels 4.43 Lloyd Brown - Ole Miss is proud of its traditions, and the stadium has some traditions of its own. These include the beer showers in the student section after a Rebels home run, the Ole Miss team performing a synchronized dance routine in the dugout in the middle of the fifth inning and Hotty Toddy cheer being done by the fans. There is truly a close bond between the Ole Miss team and their fans. 8. Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field - Arkansas Razorbacks 4.43 Michael Davis - The Southeastern Conference has the best overall college baseball stadiums in the country, and Baum-Walker Stadium is one of the top echelon ballparks in the conference. The venue is impressive; better than most minor league ballparks around the country. There really isn’t a single negative about the ballpark, food, atmosphere, fans, or the return on investment. 9. Sewell-Thomas Stadium - Alabama Crimson Tide 4.43 Lloyd Brown - Crimson Tide fans are known to be among the most fervent in the NCAA. They form a sea of red during the games at the “new Joe.” The words “Roll Tide” can range from a Tuscaloosa version of “hello” to a blood-curdling scream during a rally. They are also not afraid to let the umpires know if they disagree with a call. That being said, Alabama fans are very knowledgeable about the game and are very friendly to visitors. 10. Davenport Field at Disharoon Park - Virginia Cavaliers 4.43 Joseph Oakes - Recent renovations at Davenport Field have turned a nice ballpark into a great one. It now has all the amenities of a state of the art ballpark, and offers some of the highest quality baseball in the nation. A visit to Davenport Field is a must, and will not leave you disappointed! 11. Foley Field - Georgia Bulldogs 4.43 Lloyd Brown - A visit to the home of the Diamond Dawgs should be included in any Athens itinerary. As the original sport played on the university campus, baseball has a long and glorious spot on UGA’s fabled athletics history. 12. Dudy Noble Field - Mississippi State Bulldogs 4.29 Matt Colville - Coming to a game at Dudy Noble Field is truly a bucket list experience for baseball fans of all levels. From the grills in left field to the fans and their thousands of cowbells being rung, these all add to the spectacle of attending a game here and are something everyone should experience. And as John Grisham also said, “I always feel like a better person after leaving a game at Dudy Noble Field.” 13. Clark-LeClair Stadium - East Carolina Pirates 4.29 Harrison Huntley - Since the completion of renovations, Clark-LeClair has been talked about in many circles as among the best in the country. Having visited now, I can see why. Everything from the ticket prices to the seating arrangement was built with the common fan in mind and because of that, the stadium provides a great stadium experience. Overall, this stadium is one that fans of college baseball must add to their bucket lists. 14. Haymarket Park - Nebraska Cornhuskers 4.29 James Hilchen - Haymarket Park is a great place to watch a game. Cornhuskers fans are pleasant and are very into the game and behind their team. The park is aesthetically pleasing and Lincoln is a very nice college town with plenty of other things to do and see. A trip to Haymarket Park should be on the list of any college baseball fan. 15. Goodwin Field - Cal State Fullerton Titans 4.29 Andrei Ojeda - Despite playing in the backyard of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Titans remain one of the hotter tickets in Orange County. With four national championships and a team that is almost always certain to make a post-season run, it’s easy to see why fans here consistently fill up the yard. Of all the college yards I’ve had the chance to visit in Southern California, Goodwin Field, with their loyal fans and fan friendly amenities abound, may arguably be the best. 16. Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium - Charlotte 49ers 4.29 David Welch - At initial thought, many might not give baseball at Charlotte much attention, but it definitely is a hidden gem on the college baseball scene. From the facilities, to the scenic back drop and baseball atmosphere created, baseball games at Charlotte provide a wonderful experience for even fans who might not have a rooting interest in the game. 17. J.I. Clements Stadium - Georgia Southern Eagles 4.14 Lloyd Brown - This is one of the premiere facilities in the Sun Belt Conference if not the entire Southeast. It boasts of a clubhouse/dugout complex most larger programs are envious of. GSU believes in setting high expectations for its baseball program and in return rewards the team with the tools they need to compete. 18. M. L. "Tigue" Moore Field - UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns 4.14 Paul Donaldson - When it comes to college baseball, it’s hard to beat the overall fan experience for a Ragin’ Cajuns game at M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field. The Tigue features a passionate fan base that regularly ranks near the top of Division I in attendance. 19. Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark - UC Irvine Anteaters 4.14 Gordon Shelldall - 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. 20. USF Baseball Stadium - South Florida Bulls 4.14 Chris Green - USF Baseball Stadium is one of the most stunning in Florida, let alone Tampa. Great for families and diehard fans alike, the home of the South Florida Bulls is a must-visit for any sports fan passing through the area. Not to be outdone by its competitors, USF Baseball Stadium deserves billing as one of the most comfortable and well designed in college baseball. 21. Jim Case Stadium - Jacksonville State Gamecocks 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Jacksonville State University has been a small college athletic powerhouse for many years. The last few years have seen a significant upgrading of its major athletic facilities, including Pete Mathews Coliseum, Burgess-Snow Field and now Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium. Gamecock fans and alumni certainly have a lot to crow about these days. 22. UFCU Disch-Falk Field - Texas Longhorns 4.00 Eric Moreno - I think anyone who is a fan of sports – especially baseball – will enjoy themselves at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. It is a cathedral of the sport, draped in history and excellence. The atmosphere is tremendous, and Austin is a fun city to visit. Catch a game at the Disch when you can, and Hook ‘Em Horns! 23. Hawkins Field - Vanderbilt Commodores 4.00 David Welch - Baseball at the college level is a whole different type of experience than what you might get at the major and minor league levels. From fans and players alike, there is a whole different passion that rides on almost every pitch. When you add in the high level of expectations from a program such as Vanderbilt, it flows over into creating a top notch, college baseball atmosphere. 24. Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park - Texas A&M Aggies 4.00 Brett Gibbons - Overall, Blue Bell Park provides a relaxing afternoon at the ballpark where you can watch some elite talent in a gorgeous venue. The student section is fun and engaging and chances are you’ll see an Aggie victory. The history and tradition of Texas A&M are on display in a way only found in College Station. Great seats and a fun day without breaking your bank is what can be expected from a visit to Blue Bell Park. 25. Jim Patterson Stadium - Louisville Cardinals 4.00 Marc Viquez - Jim Patterson Stadium is more than a respectable venue to enjoy college baseball during the warm spring months in Louisville. The promotions, aesthetics, concession prices, and weekend games make it well worth the nine innings of baseball. If you are in town, check out when the Cards are playing.

The American Hockey League, now in its 86th season, continues to operate as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League. With teams in cities from coast to coast, the league features the best of small towns and large cities across the continent. Stadium Journey has endeavored to visit every team in the circuit to evaluate the game day experience with our patented FANFARE rating system. This metric takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, value and more. We have been able to visit 29 of the 32 AHL arenas (our apologies to Abbotsford, Calgary and San Jose - we plan to visit your facilities as soon as we can). The Calder Cup is still to be handed out, but we at Stadium Journey have already crowned our 2023 champion. Feel free to engage in some healthy debate on our social media pages. Since we love to rank things here at Stadium Journey (and judging by our page views, you love to read ranking lists), we now present our ranking of the arenas of the American Hockey League 1. Giant Center - Hershey Bears 4.57 Richard Smith - Giant Center is frankly one of the best sporting venues around. It takes the best looks and atmospheric elements of the past and adds the modern amenities expected by today’s audiences. This arena is a must-visit for any sports fan. 2. Coca-Cola Coliseum - Toronto Marlies 4.43 Robbie Raskin - Though its history as a hockey arena is relatively short, Coca-Cola Coliseum has grown into that role in style. Now into its second century, the historic venue is one of the best and most modern small arenas in the world – it just happens to be a century old at the same time. The Coliseum is a must for stadium enthusiasts, history buffs, and indeed hockey fans, and is poised to continue that role for the next century and beyond. 3. Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids Griffins 4.29 Steve Ohnsman - This is a great minor league hockey venue! Hockey fans might consider getting tickets for a weekend of fun: they offer a number of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday games on the schedule, so fans could stay downtown do it up right! Even casual fans will enjoy a match and families are very well served. 4. Budweiser Events Center - Colorado Eagles 4.29 Meg Minard - I always forget how fantastically fun it is to go to an Eagles game, regardless of league. One gets so caught up in the passion of the fans and fans who don’t normally chant and cheer will find themselves doing just that at an Eagles game. Bring cowbells! 5. Blue Cross Arena - Rochester Americans 4.14 Meg Minard - Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, NY is just about the perfect place to watch minor league hockey. It’s got a great fan base, superb ushers and staff, good hockey, lots of banners, and a memorial to our war veterans. 6. Canada Life Centre - Manitoba Moose 4.14 Jordan Falconer - The atmosphere at MTS Centre during a Moose game is family friendly. Parents should feel comfortable bringing their kids to the MTS Centre to see the Moose play. The Moose cater to families and provide enough entertainment to occupy the little ones’ attention. 7. UW Milwaukee Panther Arena - Milwaukee Admirals 4.00 Eric Hasman - In an era of disposable stadiums and frequent tear-downs, the UW – Milwaukee Panthers Arena is a great example of successful historical preservation. It is not only surviving but thriving, as it is in use nearly every day of the week by a different sports franchise. Even though the arena is not the most luxurious, it is a good place to see a game and is worth the trip. 8. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse - Cleveland Monsters 4.00 Paul Baker - You would think that sharing your home with a major league basketball team would be a less than ideal situation for a minor league hockey team. This hardly seems to be the case in Cleveland, where the Monsters are regularly among the American Hockey League’s leaders in attendance. While Quicken Loans Arena is clearly too big for the Monsters, the melding of major league amenities with minor league enthusiasm makes a trip to downtown Cleveland a trip worth taking. 9. Amica Mutual Pavilion - Providence Bruins 3.86 Paul Baker - Providence and the Amica Mutual Pavilion are often mentioned among the top American Hockey League travel destinations. The combination of a modern arena, frenzied fan support, and a fantastic downtown area makes The AMP a first-rate destination. With the number and quality of hockey venues in and around Rhode Island, this is a Stadium Journey worth taking by any hockey fan. 10. Wells Fargo Center - Iowa Wild 3.86 James Hilchen - Wells Fargo Arena is a great venue for hockey. The organization cares about the fans, the price of attending a game is very reasonable, and downtown Des Moines has something for everyone. The AHL provides some quality hockey and taking in a game in Des Moines is a fun experience. 11. Adirondack Bank Center - Utica Comets 3.86 Paul Baker - The Aud is packed to the rafters on most nights and the small barn echoes with chants of “UTICA! UTICA! UTICA!” throughout the game. Capacity crowds create a great deal of noise and a significant home-ice advantage night in and night out. 12 Mechanics Bank Arena - Bakersfield Condors 3.86 Drew Cieszynski - While Bakersfield continues to grow, the Condors remain one of the top entertainment options in central California. For a very reasonable price, you can check out the Condors and even the Division I basketball Cal State Bakersfield in the same day. 13. BMO Center - Rockford IceHogs 3.86 Eric Hasman - The fans who attend are really into the game. This is a major plus since the place is so small you are very close to the action and there is no bad seat in the arena. The main level open end seating area has a bunch of sit-down tables and stand-up bar tables. My only beef with this area is if you are not right against the railing, you cannot see all of the ice. 14. PPL Center - Lehigh Valley Phantoms 3.71 Paul Baker - The PPL Center, while striving for major league feel and amenities, falls short on many basic fan comforts. While the food selection and amenities here are among the best in minor league hockey, the cramped seating area, concourses and rest rooms are major drawbacks. Is the final result worth the cost? We’ll let you decide. 15. Toyota Arena - Ontario Reign 3.71 Meg Minard - The Toyota Arena has quite a sleek looking exterior with tall glass atrium entrances with the rest of exterior dark grey on the bottom, beige on top. Palm trees line the front and east sides. As nice and bright and beautiful as the exterior is, the interior is unexpectedly dark; both the concourse and the seating area. 16. Tucson Arena - Tucson Roadrunners 3.71 Meg Minard - Visiting Tucson, AZ and watching an AHL Roadrunners game is an enjoyable experience and one worth checking out. It’s quite a nice facility in which to watch a hockey game. 17. The Dollar Loan Center - Henderson Silver Knights 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Dollar Loan Center differs from most athletic venues in that it has adopted a specific theme that is carried out in the names of its various amenities and also in the outfits worn by facility staff. It becomes readily apparent that the parent club Las Vegas Golden Knights are behind the decision to adopt a Modern Medieval theme for the Silver Knights new home. 18. Pechanga Arena - San Diego Gulls 3.57 Meg Minard - The team began operation in 2015 after relocating from Norfolk, VA. It is the sixth hockey team to play at the arena, the fifth with the name ‘Gulls.’ The hockey team’s parent club is the nearby NHL Anaheim Ducks, roughly an hour and a half drive between the two. This close distance allows player call ups/downs relatively easy for the teams and players. 19. Place Bell - Laval Rocket 3.57 Dave Cottenie - As one of the newest AHL franchises, the Laval Rocket are establishing their niche in the Montréal sports market. Place Bell is shiny and new and central to the Laval community and fans will enjoy a trip to see some hockey there. 20. Acrisure Arena - Coachella Valley Firebirds 3.43 Meg Minard - The Coachella Valley Firebirds are a brand-new member of the AHL (American Hockey League), beginning play in the fall of 2022. They are an affiliate of the NHL team, the Seattle Kraken. Coachella Valley, also known as Greater Palm Springs, is in the gorgeous south central part of California. 21. XL Center - Hartford Wolf Pack 3.43 Paul Baker - As a minor league hockey facility, the XL Center is a good place to catch a game, with excellent sight lines and plenty going on to satisfy both the casual and diehard fan. Unfortunately, the XL Center is just too big, too empty and too old for the Wolf Pack. Face it, Hartford, the Whalers aren’t coming back. Start running with the Pack! 22. Mohegan Sun Arena - Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins 3.43 Paul Baker - Thanks to the success of the baby Pens, northeastern Pennsylvania has become Penguins country even though it is located closer to Philadelphia and New York. The arena may not pack in the fans like it used to, and may not stack up when compared to other nearby minor league arenas but it remains a solid place to take in a game. 23. MassMutual Center - Springfield Thunderbirds 3.43 Matt Fiedler - Hockey has been in Springfield for a long time. Minor league hockey has been in Springfield since 1926 when the Springfield Indians came to be. The team has changed names from the Indians to the Kings to the Falcons to the Thunderbirds. What hasn’t changed is the passion that fans have in Springfield for hockey. Western Mass is filled with hockey fanatics. 24. H-E-B Center - Texas Stars 3.29 Eric Moreno - I’ve been to several events at H-E-B Center, including several Stars games, and I have enjoyed myself every time. This is a great venue, especially for hockey. There is no such thing as a bad sightline here and it still feels new, somehow, even though it is now over 10 years old. 25. CAA Arena - Belleville Senators 3.29 Dave Cottenie - The return of hockey to Belleville was absolutely necessary. What the future holds for the Senators will be interesting. The residents of Belleville need to fully embrace the Senators and AHL and get out to the arena to make the Senators at CAA Arena an even better experience. When near Belleville, it is a great plan to check out the CAA Arena and the Belleville Senators. 26. Allstate Arena - Chicago Wolves 3.29 Eric Hasman - Allstate Arena, formerly known as the “Rosemont Horizon,” was built for DePaul University basketball but is now a multi-purpose arena. In 1999 it was renamed the Allstate Arena after extensive interior and exterior renovations. Many championship banners and retired numbers hang in the rafters for the Chicago Wolves. The Chicago Wolves have called the Allstate Arena home since 1994 27. Upstate Medical University Arena - Syracuse Crunch 3.14 Paul Baker - As a hockey venue, the War Memorial does nothing that will blow you away. It is infinitely more interesting as a memorial and as one of the locations in the iconic movie Slap Shot. For hockey fans who have an interest in our nation’s history, the War Memorial is worth a visit. 28. Total Mortgage Arena - Bridgeport Islanders 3.14 Paul Baker - With both the team and the arena rebranding recently, one would be tempted to think that big changes are afoot in Bridgeport. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The only real changes have been to the jersey crest and the name on the marquee. Total Mortgage Arena remains a nice place to catch quality minor league hockey, with small crowds taking in the action. The more things change in Bridgeport, the more they stay the same. 29. Bojangles' Coliseum - Charlotte Checkers 3.14 Jared Goodman - The Charlotte Checkers, both the team and the folks behind-the-scenes, have created a phenomenal game day experience for hockey fans deep in football and NASCAR country. They’ve worked diligently to promote the sport throughout the region and have succeeded in piquing the interest of both die-hard and non-hockey fans alike.

Back in 2021, Major League Baseball decided to streamline and standardize its minor league systems. While these moves sent seismic shocks throughout baseball, at no level were the changes more drastic than in the A-level leagues. After three seasons with the present alignment, things have started to become more familiar and comfortable. The 30 teams at the Low-A level compete in three leagues: California, Carolina, and Florida State. Even here at the lowest level of organized baseball, there are many amazing parks to be seen, so we at Stadium Journey decided to do what we do best, rank them all! The ballparks are rated according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE scoring metric, which takes into account a ballpark's food and beverage options, gameday atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, access, return on investment, and more. When two or more facilities are tied, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the tie. It's been a long season, so without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present our Low-A ballpark rankings for the 2023 season. 1. Pelicans Ballpark – Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4.71 Steve Ohnsmann - Great food; excellent choice of craft beers; free parking; nearby Broadway at the Beach; Splash and Slider; friendly welcoming staff; and Myrtle Beach combine to make TicketReturn.com Field an easy choice for your visit. It is one of the best in the minors. 2. Segra Park – Columbia Fireflies 4.14 David Welch - The Columbia Fireflies have done a wonderful job building an experience that offers fans what they want from a stadium; those wanting a more traditional baseball game have plenty of seats to choose from in the grandstand, whereas fans wanting to use the game as more of a social backdrop to their evening have both a considerable number of field level table boxes or the Bowtie Bar in center field. 3. Joseph P. Riley Park – Charlestown RiverDogs 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Baseball and the city of Charleston have shared a love affair for more than 100 years. Today their rendezvous spot is the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Ballpark on the banks of the Ashley River. The Joe combines up-close seating with a huge concession menu and a history of sending players to the majors as its recipe for keeping this relationship alive and strong. 4. LoanMart Field – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 4.14 Andrei Ojeda - The Quakes continues to be a leader in the California League circuit. Being located an hour from Downtown Los Angeles and its affiliation with the Dodgers benefits the Quakes greatly as evidenced by all the blue and white in the stands. 5. LECOM Park - Bradenton Marauders 4.14 Lloyd Brown - LECOM Park offers you a unique opportunity to check out a ballpark that has seen players like Willie Stargell, Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron, Bill Mazeroski, and Ted Williams play on its field. Its Spanish Colonial architecture, and the roof-protected shade over much of the grandstands all bring you back to baseball as it used to be. 6. Virginia Credit Union Stadium – Fredericksburg Nationals 4.00 Joseph Oakes - After enduring several years of playing in a “dump” in Woodbridge, the FredNats organization now has a beautiful, brand-new ballpark it can call its own and be proud of. A night out at the new Virginia Credit Union Ballpark Ballpark will be a great experience for many years to come! 7. Excite Ballpark – San Jose Giants 4.00 Chris Green - While many still call it Municipal Stadium, this ballpark continues to impress regardless of the name. A must-see for any Giants MLB fan, or baseball diehards in general, the San Jose Giants have cultivated an atmosphere that is among the best in baseball. Quaint, cozy, historic, and full of character, a visit to this home of Bay Area baseball will not go unrewarded. 8. SRP Park – Augusta Greenjackets 3.86 Lloyd Brown - SRP Park and the GreenJackets continue to generate buzz in the minor-league baseball community. The facility offers amenities that are not usually found in Low-Class A-level stadiums. These amenities include theatre-style seating, a 360-degree concourse, a top-of-the-line video board in the outfield, and terrific views of both the field and the Savannah River thanks to the TaxSlayer Terrace in right field. 9. BayCare Ballpark – Clearwater Threshers 3.86 Chris Green - While many may scoff at the Florida State League’s lack of general excitement among the team’s respective fan bases, the Clearwater Threshers stand to change that feeling. It is no mistake that this team is one of the most popular years in and year out, regardless of their record, in the league. 10. Atrium Health Ballpark – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 3.71 David Berger - Coming soon will be loft apartments at the ballpark, which are sure to draw new residents to the downtown area who want a hip new place, with a view of the park and its off-day amenities. My guess is this area will be almost unrecognizable in five years, as growth and development draw more inhabitants who want the small town charm and a still very convenient pathway to the Charlotte Metro area. 11. Grainger Stadium – Down East Wood Ducks 3.71 Michael Rusignuolo - While in a small town and just delivering the basics on food, Grainger Stadium stands out in most other ways, especially delivering a family-friendly, cheap night of entertainment in a historic ballpark. 12. Lake Elsinore Diamond – Lake Elsinore Storm 3.71 Andrei Ojeda - One of the biggest draws to The Diamond is the ballpark’s aesthetic appeal along with its natural surroundings. Over the last several years seating capacity has decreased to create a more intimate and sociable ballpark experience. 13. Arthur W. Perdue Stadium – Delmarva Shorebirds 3.71 Richard Smith - Arthur W. Perdue Stadium is a great stadium and the Delmarva Shorebirds go out of their way to make the stadium a place where both the casual and hardcore baseball fans can be entertained and enjoy a quality game experience. 14. Banner Island Ballpark – Stockton Ports 3.71 Meg Minard - Banner Island Ballpark is an extremely fun ballpark. It provides a perfect minor league game day experience. Fans and staff are friendly and welcoming, it’s affordable, and it’s not overdone with extras as the ballgame takes center stage with clever, non-intrusive games and contests offered between innings. This is a pretty impressive place to watch a game. 15. Joker Merchant Stadium – Lakeland Flying Tigers 3.57 Chris Green - Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium is a beautiful facility thanks to its latest renovation, and the Flying Tigers are a team that tends to get lost in the shuffle of Florida’s bustling sports world, but is no less deserving of a visit. Easily one of the best facilities in the Florida State League, things are looking up for the Flying Tigers. 16. Clover Park – Port St. Lucie Mets 3.57 Meg Minard - Clover Park opened in 1988 and has gone by various names based on sponsorship, but it has always been the Met's home. The stadium holds 7,160 for spring training, but that number is greatly reduced for the Single-A St. Lucie Mets games as portions of the seating area are closed off in the summer. 17. Jackie Robinson Ballpark – Daytona Tortugas 3.43 Chris Green - The idea of a baseball team playing in a beach city in Florida seems about as idyllic as one can imagine, and the stadium surely lives up to the image. With great views from the seats, fans in Daytona are treated to a great experience on game day. 18. Hammond Stadium – Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 3.43 Chris Green - Talking about minor league baseball stadiums, purists look for the old and historic stadiums, while others look for the newest and shiniest facilities. Hammond Stadium may not initially fit either of these categories, having been built in 1991. However, a closer look reveals that the renovations in 2014-15 have completely transformed this once hum-drum facility into a beautiful, tropical oasis in southwest Florida. 19. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Jupiter Hammerheads 3.43 Meg Minard - Roger Dean Stadium and the Jupiter Hammerheads provide an enjoyable game day experience at a reasonable price. With all the promotions and game day activities, families and fans of all ages should enjoy their time at a game. 20. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Palm Beach Cardinals 3.43 Meg Minard - Taking in a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is a great option for families, large groups, and individual fans alike. If you want somewhere to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while watching some quality baseball, consider taking in a Palm Beach Cardinals game. 21. Salem Memorial Ballpark – Salem Red Sox 3.14 David Welch - Baseball stadiums are different than those of other sports, in that the natural surroundings play an important role in how memorable an experience a visit can be. The views at Carilion Clinic Field provided by the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide possibly the most impressive backdrop in all of the Carolina League. 22. TD Ballpark – Dunedin Blue Jays 3.14 Eric Hasman - TD Ballpark opened in 1990. It is the home of the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. The ballpark is built on the site of Grant Field, which was the original home of the Jays. The city of Dunedin and this location are the only home that the Blue Jays have ever had since their inception as a franchise in 1977. 23. Segra Stadium – Fayetteville Woodpeckers 3.00 Jared Goodman - While Segra Stadium is unique in some areas, overall it’s a pretty plain vanilla ballpark. The team does a good job of drawing fans and entertaining them on game day, but the high prices and distant parking options are bound to turn some folks away. Hopefully, the revitalization of downtown Fayetteville will keep fans engaged, and it will be exciting to see what the final product will be. 24. Chukchansi Park – Fresno Grizzlies 3.00 Meg Minard - Chukchansi is a Native American Indian tribe in central California, known for their beliefs in and advocating early learning and giving students the tools they need to succeed. This also includes continuing education of their historic culture. The tribe owns and operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. That casino owns the naming rights to downtown Fresno’s Chukchansi Park. 25. San Manuel Stadium – Inland Empire 66ers 3.00 Meg Minard - Nothing special stands out about San Manuel Stadium. It does provide fabulous customer service and a decent game day experience. Go with family and friends on a Friday and get an inexpensive, enjoyable evening out. 26. The Bank of the James Stadium – Lynchburg Hillcats 3.00 Aaron Terry - The atmosphere can be somewhat laid back and down-home at the ballpark. A Hillcats game is comfortable and relaxing but not over the top in excitement or exuberance. That said, there are other parks nearby you could visit with bigger crowds and better amenities. But if you do find yourself at The Bank of the James Stadium for a game, you will certainly have a decent time. 27. John Thurman Field – Modesto Nuts 2.86 Meg Minard - The Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field provides a traditional minor league baseball experience and families should take advantage. It’s pretty bare bones but the fans that attend do have a pleasant summer evening out. Here’s hoping more fans will stop by and enjoy a game in the future. 28. Five County Stadium – Carolina Mudcats 2.86 Gregory Koch - It seems like in North Carolina, there is a baseball stadium just about everywhere you look. Compared to many of those stadiums, Five County Stadium disappoints. Although it isn’t a terrible stadium by any means, it’s nowhere near as good as many other stadiums in the area, including in nearby Durham. 29. George M. Steinbrenner Stadium – Tampa Tarpons 2.71 Dennis Morrell - The stadium is a fortress – it exudes Yankees power, money, and status. Steinbrenner Field befits a team like the New York Yankees, yet the presence of their Single-A team in this cavernous building is almost an embarrassment. 30. Valley Strong Ballpark – Visalia Rawhide 2.57 Meg Minard - Valley Strong Ballpark is a stadium one will like because of its quirkiness and affordable prices or not like because of its accessibility and an unsafe neighborhood. It is in the ‘Gateway of Sequoia’ so if in town during the summer, consider checking out a game and let us know your thoughts.

Back in 2021, Major League Baseball decided to streamline and standardize its minor league systems. While these moves sent seismic shocks throughout baseball, at no level were the changes more drastic than in the A-level leagues. After three seasons with the present alignment, things have started to become more familiar and comfortable. The 30 teams at the High-A level compete in three leagues, the Midwest, South Atlantic, and Northwest. There are many amazing parks at this level, so we at Stadium Journey decided to do what we do best, rank them all! The ballparks are rated according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE scoring metric, which takes into account a ballpark's food and beverage options, gameday atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, access, return on investment, and more. When two or more facilities are tied, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the tie. It's been a long season, so we won't waste any more time talking. Stadium Journey is proud to present our High-A ballpark rankings for the 2023 season. 1. Parkview Field – Fort Wayne Tincaps 4.71 Marc Viquez - Parkview Field is one of my favorite places in the minor leagues, and before its construction, I never looked forward to a visit to Ft. Wayne. It has opened my eyes, and many others, to the downtown area that has changed dramatically since the ballpark’s opening. Redevelopment is still taking place around the stadium, and it has also attracted a few other sports teams to town. 2. Nat Bailey Stadium – Vancouver Canadians 4.57 Brian Helberg - 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 people who work at the stadium are very polite and helpful. The fun factor cannot be beaten, and wandering around the stadium gives spectators a sense of childlike joy. 3. Modern Woodman Park – Quad City Bandits 4.29 James Hilchen - Anyone who is a baseball fan simply must come to Modern Woodmen Park. The views can’t be beat, the staff is super friendly, and the prices are very reasonable. Plan a trip to Modern Woodmen Park and enjoy! 4. Day Air Ballpark – Dayton Dragons 4.29 Marc Viquez - Day Air Ballpark has been a mainstay in Dayton since the turn of the century; the enthusiasm by its fans has been clear since day one and as each home game is played, the Dragons establish a record of consecutive sellouts. The surrounding neighborhood is a hub of activity before and after the game, and downtown Dayton is once again full of life. 5. Covaleski Stadium – South Bend Cubs 4.14 Marc Viquez - The transformation of Four Winds Field and Coveleski Stadium can be likened to a butterfly emerging from a cocoon or Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. The design was ahead of its time and made it possible to make the necessary renovations. 6. Dow Diamond – Great Lakes Loons 4.14 Michael Rusigluono - From the green-conscious facility on up, the Dow Diamond is a great place to watch a game, and its park and amenities would be right at home in much higher categories of the minor leagues. You won’t go wrong seeing a game at the Dow Diamond, and you’ll do it for a reasonable price all-around. 7. Daniel S. Frawley Stadium – Wilmington Blue Rocks 4.14 Richard Smith - The actual playing surface at the stadium is named Judy Johnson Field. after the Negro League third baseman. Johnson played for the Hilldale Club, Homestead Grays, and Pittsburgh Crawfords from 1921 to 1936 and was considered one of the greatest third basemen of his time. He was a resident of the Wilmington area. 8. Truist Stadium - Winston-Salem Dash 4.00 Paul Baker - North Carolina is a state that 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 be on your to-do list should you find yourself in the Tar Heel State. 9. Avista Stadium – Spokane Indians 4.00 Meg Minard - There is tons of history at Avista Stadium. There is a wall of history for the Spokane Indian tribe who originally inhabited this area of the Pacific Northwest. There is the Rim of Honor that pays tribute to individuals who have influenced the Spokane Indians, as well as a Hall of Fame Plaza at the entryway that recognizes former Spokane Indians players, managers, and owners with plaques in their honor. 10. First National Bank Field – Greensboro Grasshoppers 4.00 Paul Baker - While First National Bank Field doesn’t break the mold in terms of design, it’s a nice downtown ballpark with enthusiastic fans and a great atmosphere. In a state filled with some of the best minor league parks in the country, a trip to Greensboro is a worthy Stadium Journey. 11. McCormick Field – Asheville Tourists 4.00 James Hilchen - There is a certain charm that older ballparks tend to have. Asheville is no different. From the scenic beauty beyond the outfield fence to the uniqueness of the right field wall, there is a lot to like about attending a game at McCormick Field. I’ll certainly be back when I can. 12. Jackson Field – Lansing Lugnuts 4.00 Steve Ohnsmann - The major improvements to Jackson Field have improved the 22-year-old ballpark immensely. The facility has more seating angles, a wraparound concourse, an improved kids area, and has opened up the ballpark for possible further ideas. The Outfield apartment complex has added color and a focal point to the ballpark and gives the place a bit of a distinction. 13. Fox Cities Stadium – Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 4.00 Sean MacDonald - Overall, Fox Cities Stadium is an excellent minor league destination that has aged well since its opening in 1995. I enjoyed my 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. 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. Fluor Field – Greenville Drive 3.86 Lloyd Brown - Fans visiting Fluor Field for the first time will be amazed at the amenities offered at this Class A level ballpark. The architecture, the large number of seating options, in-game entertainment, and a wide assortment of concession offerings are more typically found at AAA-level ballparks. 16. 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. 17. LMCU Ballpark – West Michigan Whitecaps 3.71 Marc Viquez - LMCU Ballpark is designed for a festive night of baseball. It has an assortment of food and drinks available, a passionate fan base, and plenty of areas to enjoy the game. Future renovations will transform the ballpark and make it an even better place to catch a game. 18. 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. 19. Classic Park – Lake County Captains 3.57 Marc Viquez - A nice little ballpark outside the Cleveland metro area and close enough to attract fans from around the surrounding neighborhoods, The prices are affordable, the views are great, and there are plenty of activities for the kids. Classic Park is worth checking out when in the Cleveland area. 20. ABC Supply Stadium – Beloit Sky Carp 3.43 Eric Hasman – ABC Supply Stadium is constructed of brick and has an old-time feel from the outside. The stadium is adjacent to the Rock River on the third base side. Foul balls can go into the river and some kids will leave the stadium and go into the river to retrieve them. The stadium sits on Shirland Avenue on the border between Wisconsin and Illinois. 21. 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. The recent renovations to the stadium and the value for your dollar make it an affordable destination for fans in the area. It also makes for an ideal visit when in the area, or on your way to a couple of ballpark heavyweights in Louisville or Nashville. 22. AdventHealth Stadium – Rome Braves 3.43 Lloyd Brown - The Rome Braves are the longest-affiliated team in the Atlanta Braves farm system. The club is a launching point for many of the World Champion Atlanta Braves key players. AdventHealth Stadium has been the home of the Rome Braves since 2003, and it offers a fantastic fan experience in the lovely northwestern section of the state of Georgia. 23. Dozer Park – Peoria Chiefs 3.43 Steven Burke - Dozer Park is still a very nice facility but is beginning to show its age slightly. Although to be fair, the visible issues may be more of a lack of maintenance and upkeep. The facade of the press box has countless amounts of dings and dents from foul balls, it appears no attempt has been made to repair or mask this damage. 24. Ron Tonkin Field – Hillsboro Hops 3.43 Matt Finnigan - The Hops have created an environment that highlights everything that makes minor league baseball so enjoyable: inexpensive tickets and food, involved fans, and a beautiful stadium. The team’s thoughtful celebration of Oregon’s place as a craft beer mecca blends well with the action on the field, yet even non-beer drinkers will enjoy themselves. A game at Tonkin Field is well worth the “hop” from anywhere in Oregon. 25. Dutchess Stadium – Hudson Valley Renegades 3.29 Greg Venuto - Dutchess Stadium is a nice venue to take in a game and with the new improvement planned, it will be even more attractive next season. It is an hour’s drive from White Plains, only 40 minutes from Danbury, Connecticut, and 60 miles from Yankee Stadium. 26. Ripken Stadium – Aberdeen Ironbirds 3.29 Richard Smith - Ripken Stadium is a very nicely designed stadium. It was designed while looking at what went right and what went wrong in baseball design in the late 1990s. The result has often been that the stadium has felt a bit impersonal. But it is still a strong baseball facility. 27. 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 at their relatively new home. 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. 28. L.P. Frans Stadium – Hickory Crawdads 3.14 David Welch - The stadium architecture and the surrounding area are not all that awe-inspiring, but the game experience itself is well worth a trip to L.P. Fran Stadium. The atmosphere created by the fans and the work the game entertainment staff does with keeping younger fans part of the game partnered with the game on the field, create an all-around memorable baseball experience. 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. Everett Memorial Field – Everett Aquasox 3.00 Lloyd Rothwell - Several renovations over recent decades have updated both the playing surface and spectator facilities. There’s a charming manual scoreboard beyond right field, and a video board reportedly amongst the newest in the league in center field. The atmosphere is fun and family friendly, with a very active game-day host always willing to liven things up in between innings.

The WNBA playoffs are now underway, which means it’s time to release our ratings for the WNBA arenas in use for the 2023 season. Our rankings are based on our FANFARE rating scale, which considers a venue’s Food, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fan support, Access, Return on Investment, and Extras offered by the facility. In cases where two or more facilities have the same score, the tiebreaker is determined by our Council of Elders. The competition was fierce, as many arenas upped their game this year. We hope you enjoy our “Hoop Homes” journey through the WNBA. 1) Climate Pledge Arena – Seattle Storm (4.29) Marc Viquez – Climate Pledge Arena is a building that stands out amongst the rest of the WNBA and the nation. The interaction with fans and the team provides an ideal atmosphere for a first-time visitor. 2) Target Center – Minnesota Lynx (4.14) Lloyd Brown – The Lynx are the top cats in the Twin Cities. The Target Center provides a worthy home for the Lynx’s lair. 3) Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indiana Fever (4.14) Lloyd Brown – No basketball league can exist without a team from Indiana. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse serves as the home “hot spot” for the Indiana Fever. 4) Footprint Center – Phoenix Mercury (4.00) Meg Minard – Attending a Mercury basketball game is an enjoyable afternoon/evening out. The Footprint Center renovations are impressive, and the entertainment focuses on the game. The team and event staff make you glad you came. 5) Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles Sparks (4.00) Andrei Ojeda – Though the Sparks may not get the type of attention as the other Crypto.com (formerly the Staples Center) tenants, they still provide quite an entertaining basketball experience. Plus… you never know who may be sitting courtside. 6) Mohegan Sun Arena – Connecticut Sun (4.00) Paul Baker – While a casino in the woods of eastern Connecticut may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of a great basketball experience, the Mohegan Sun Arena will convince you that you’ve hit the jackpot. 7) Michelob Ultra Arena – Las Vegas Aces (3.86) Lloyd Brown – Terrific basketball, Vegas-style entertainment, and easy access to food, drink, and gambling add up to an entertaining evening along the Las Vegas strip. 8) Barclays Center - New York Liberty (3.57) Lloyd Brown- After a mostly nomadic existence over its first 25 seasons, the New York Liberty has finally found a permanent home in the basketball-crazy borough of Brooklyn. 9) Wintrust Arena – Chicago Sky (3.57) Lloyd Brown – The Sky won the WNBA title in 2021 for the city of Chicago, a city starved for a sports championship in the last few years. The Wintrust Arena is a worthy home court for a championship team. 10) Gateway Center Arena – Atlanta Dream (3.29) Lloyd Brown – The Atlanta Dream finally has a home of its own in the busy Atlanta sports market. It is working closely with its neighbors to make pro sports more accessible to the communities on the south side of Atlanta. It seems to be working based on several sellout crowds recently. 11) Entertainment and Sports Arena- Washington Mystics (3.29) Richard Smith – The Entertainment and Sports Arena is a unique urban arena that seems like it is assisting and transforming an entire section of the city. The games are a fun way to experience this transformation. 12) College Park Center – Dallas Wings (3.29) Lloyd Brown – The Wings home at the College Park Center is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the Metroplex.

Photo created by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The landscape of Double-A baseball has changed dramatically in the last couple of seasons. This past season 30 clubs in the Southern League, Eastern League, and the Texas League took the field and played games from early April to late September, resulting in over 10 million fans for an average of around 4,483 per game. The ballparks haven’t changed, perhaps some of the ball clubs and cities, but the true essence of family fun remains. We present our rankings of the overall experience. Factors we include in our ratings are food and beverage in the ballpark, overall atmosphere, the neighborhood, the fans, access (which includes parking, traffic, restrooms, and concourses), return on investment, and an “extras” category for any unique or bonus points. Without further ado, our 2023 Double-A Baseball ballpark rankings. 1. Riders Field - Frisco Roughriders 4.43 Michael Davis - Riders Field offers one of the best minor league baseball experiences in an intimate setting in a populated area. The Frisco area is becoming a sports fan’s destination paradise. If you’re in the Metroplex, be sure to give the ballpark, the lazy river, and the Frisco RoughRiders a visit – seeing this park is well worth it for the unique entertainment experience. 2. FirstEnergy Stadium - Reading Fightin Phils 4.43 Gregory Koch - We have seen numerous older ballparks across minor league baseball close recently. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem likely that FirstEnergy Stadium will suffer the same fate, and we hope it stays that way. It is truly a gem of a stadium and among the last of its kind. It marries the old-school charm with the quirkiness of today’s ballparks. 3. Dunkin’ Park - Hartford Yard Goats 4.43 Paul Baker - It feels like newer ballparks attract big crowds for a few years until interest fades and attendance settles in at a lower baseline. Dunkin’ Park seems to be bucking that trend as they play their sixth season in downtown Hartford, with crowds increasing annually. Complaints about the long road to building the ballpark have disappeared as Connecticut baseball fans enjoy one of the best ballparks in the minor leagues. 4. ONEOK Park - Tulsa Drillers 4.43 Meg Minard - ONEOK Field sports and entertainment is very much geared towards families and children. In addition, it is still an enjoyable visit for those without youngsters. Tulsa, though not the ‘hotbed’ of tourist destinations, has plenty to see and visit. 5 . Blue Wahoos Stadium - Pensacola Blue Wahoos 4.29 Matt Colville - You know you are in a special place as soon as you walk through the gates. Friendly ushers and the front office staff greet customers at the gates, providing an excellent atmosphere and plenty of on-field excitement. Almost every night, there is a different theme, promotion, or giveaway. Expect plenty of entertainment between innings, with emcees Downtown Dave and Sunshine Sammy providing a multitude of giveaways and games to keep the fans engaged. 6. HODGETOWN - Amarillo Sod Poodles 4.29 Sean MacDonald - The ballpark has something for everyone. The main entrance is one of the most alluring in all the minors, and the unique stadium name shows creativity and a desire to be different. Of course, there is no history or “Road to the Show” display yet, but that will change. The Sod Poodles will be a mainstay in the area for years to come, and all minor league aficionados should schedule a visit at their earliest convenience. 7 . Riverfront Stadium - Wichita Wind Surge 4.29 James Hilchen - In its first few seasons, Riverfront Stadium is already a great ballpark. With the plans in place, it will only get better in the coming seasons. Good food, great seats, and an aesthetically pleasing stadium allow for a fun time for fans. For baseball-traveling fanatics, make sure to add this one to your list; it won’t disappoint. 8 . Toyota Field - Rocket City Trash Pandas 4.29 Richard Smith - The Trash Pandas is loved across the minor league baseball landscape, and the ballpark offers eventful promotions and fun times during the spring and summer months in Northern Alabama. 9 . Hammons Field - Springfield Cardinals 4.29 Meg Minard - Baseball radiates strongly at Hammons Field. The ballpark is a dream for the baseball purist, and the Cardinals continue to be the ideal place for baseball enthusiasts and other fans to spend their evenings. 10 . Smokies Stadium - Tennessee Smokies 4.29 Ethan Stone - Smokies Stadium has been called "America’s Friendliest Ballpark”. It's obvious when fans walk through the gates. Everybody, from the fans to the event staff, is friendly, helpful, and passionate about the game. Check out a Smokies game while you can, as they make plans to relocate back to Knoxville in a few years. 11. Hadlock Field - Portland Sea Dogs 4.14 Paul Baker - Hadlock Field is among the top minor league ballparks in the nation. It may have more to do with where it is rather than what it is. It may not be the most modern venue, but it houses enthusiastic, knowledgeable fans and plenty of kitschy touches. 12. Dickey-Stephens Park - Arkansas Travelers 4.00 Dave Cottenie - Most people don’t think “grand” or “baseball” when they think of Arkansas, but Dickey-Stephens Park shatters all of these preconceived notions. The stadium is a true minor league gem that provides an amazing game day experience in a beautiful setting that draws folks back again. 13. Canal Park - Akron RubberDucks 4.00 Eric Hasman - Canal Park is a comfortable, clean, and well-maintained ballpark and is worth the trip based on the food alone, but the people make this a must-see park. Nestled in the downtown buildings of Akron, Ohio, a RubberDucks game is a great time. 14. Northeast Delta Dental Stadium - New Hampshire Fisher Cats 3.86 Gregory Koch - While it may not top anyone's list of best minor league ballparks, plenty is going on here to make it well worth visiting. While Manchester is clearly in Red Sox territory, and a Blue Jays affiliate may seem out of place, the team still has its loyal fan base and creates a wonderful game-day atmosphere for all in attendance. 15. Regions Field - Birmingham Barons 3.86 Lloyd Brown - The ballpark provides a great game day experience for the whole family. The park is well-designed and offers several areas to entertain all age groups. The stadium has drawn development to this previously barren area of downtown Birmingham. There is also new housing, restaurants, and other forms of entertainment going up on all sides of the ballpark. 16. Riverwalk Stadium - Montgomery Biscuits 3.86 Lloyd Brown - Overall, the venue is a quiet little gem of a ballpark. It’s not grandiose and shiny like its northern neighbor in Birmingham and an ocean paradise like its southern neighbor in Pensacola. But it’s local, friendly, and casual and gives you the feeling that you’ve found something special that only a few know about. 17. Peoples Natural Gas Field - Altoona Curve 3.71 Jay Wagner - Altoona is the ballpark with the roller coaster behind the outfield wall, providing one of the prettier backdrops in the minor leagues. However, there is much more to enjoy at the game during the season. 18. Whataburger Field - Corpus Christi Hooks 3.57 Eric Moreno - The ballpark shows its age but is still beautifully done and in a great location. Visiting Corpus Christi is also always a great respite. Whether you’re taking in another game, visiting one of the many museums, or just heading to the beach and dining on first-class seafood, there is plenty for any visitor to do on the Texas Gulf Coast. 19. TD Bank Ballpark - Somerset Patriots 3.57 Matthew Collins - The former independent ballpark has made the transition to affiliated ball quite smoothly. The ballpark is regularly packed with fans from all over the Garden State, and its location on the interstate makes it easy to access from the various towns in the area. 20. Prince George’s Stadium - Bowie Baysox 3.57 Gregory Koch - The ballpark was one of the first new ballparks to open during the ballpark craze started by Camden Yards. As a result, it is certainly a modern ballpark but lacks many of the bells and whistles that the newer parks have. While some of the new ballparks feature 360-degree concourses, specialty concession items, and unique areas, Prince George’s Stadium has none of that. 21. AT&T Field - Chattanooga Lookouts 3.57 Lloyd Brown - Chattanooga and AT&T Field can provide you with a moderately priced getaway weekend. The stadium is near all the main attractions in the downtown area, including the Chattanooga Choo Choo, the Tennessee Aquarium, and the Riverwalk along the Tennessee River. 22. MGM Park - Biloxi Shuckers 3.57 Matt Colville - This 6,000-seat ballpark is situated less than 100 yards from the beaches of the Gulf Coast. Biloxi is known as a casino destination, and MGM Park sits in the middle of all the casino action. The luxurious Beau Rivage Casino, a giant lit-up guitar, and Hard Rock Casino line the backdrop, providing a scene of glitz and glamor that remains unmatched at any ballpark in the country. 23. The Diamond - Richmond Flying Squirrels 3.43 Joesph Oakes - While the Diamond shows its age and needs to be replaced, management has done a great job of making the giant chunk of concrete more welcoming through their promotions and “Funnville” initiative. Hopefully, the city of Richmond will keep its word and work with the Flying Squirrels to build a new ballpark. 25. Arvest Ballpark - Northwest Arkansas Naturals 3.29 Dave Cottenie - Taking in a baseball game at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale is a great idea for the whole family and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals provide a great experience. It’s only natural for fans to want to make return trips! 25. Trustmark Park - Mississippi Braves 3.29 Matt Colville - Trustmark Park may not be as flashy as some of the more modern ballparks, but after close to twenty years, it holds up well as a great place to catch a ballgame. The M-Braves may not pack out the house every night, but they take great pride in being affiliated with their big-league club, something you don't see at many minor-league. 26. UPMC Park - Erie SeaWolves 3.29 Dave Cottenie - The experience at UPMC Park for the Erie SeaWolves is a decent Minor League experience. The uniqueness of the park, even among minor league facilities, offers something a little different. The small footprint makes UPMC distinct, however, better, more consistent attendance would make the experience better. Photo Courtesy of Mickey Meachem, Google. 27. Momentum Bank Ballpark - Midland Rockhounds 3.14 Matt Finnegan - A game at Momentum Bank Ballpark offers a solid minor-league baseball experience at great prices, particularly for a Double-A team. Fans can see players just two steps away from reaching Major League Baseball in a beautiful stadium with easy access. Photo Courtesy of Jerry Haines, Google 28. Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium - San Antonio Missions 3.14 Eric Moreno - While it does have some age to it, there is no denying that there is something special about Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium. While it might lack some of the bells and whistles of more modern venues, it still captures all the best features. If you find yourself in the Alamo City during the summer, make it a point to head out to the Wolff and catch a Missions game. 29. FNB Field - Harrisburg Senators 3.14 Gregory Koch - Although an island in the middle of a river may not seem like the best place to build a baseball stadium, FNB Field manages to make things work. Although the layout is a bit quirky and perhaps annoying, once you manage to find your way into the stadium and to your seat, the experience is top-notch. Throw in unique extras like life-size bobbleheads and unusual promotions, and a Senators game is well worth a trip for anyone in Central Pennsylvania. Photo Courtesy of Bill Christopher, Google. 30. Mirabito Stadium - Binghamton Rumble Ponies 3.00 Brian O'Sullivan - Even though the Binghamton franchise has struggled to increase its attendance numbers in recent years, the team offers a fairly good ballpark experience. If you have the chance to catch a game in Binghamton, it is worth the trip.

The landscape of Triple-A baseball has changed dramatically in the last couple of seasons. This past season 30 clubs in the International and Pacific Coast League took the field and played games from early April to late September, resulting in 8,491,388 fans for an average of 5,695 per game. The ballparks haven’t changed, perhaps some of the ball clubs and cities, but the true essence of family fun remains. We present our rankings of the overall experience. Factors we include in our ratings are food and beverage in the ballpark, overall atmosphere, the neighborhood, the fans, access (which includes parking, traffic, restrooms, and concourses), return on investment, and an “extras” category for any unique or bonus points. Without further ado, our 2023 Triple-A Baseball ballpark rankings. 1. CHS Field, St. Paul Saints (James Hilchen) - Moving to affiliated baseball in 2021 hasn’t changed what has always made CHS Field such a great place. From the employees to the food, to the entertainment, to the amazing museum, a day at the ballpark doesn't get much better than in St. Paul. 2. Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham Bulls (James Hilchen) - The Bulls have a long and storied history in North Carolina. As someone who has seen my share of minor league ballparks over the years, Durham Bulls Athletic Park just might be my favorite. Great scenery, food for every taste, and fun reminders of an iconic movie make this a ballpark that should be on every baseball fan’s bucket list. 3. Truist Field, Charlotte Knights (David Berger) - Truist Field offers views of downtown Charlotte that might be unsurpassed in Triple-A baseball. The ballpark features an array of food, a selection of beverages, a team shop with almost every kind of team logo cap and shirt, and seating areas from numerous vantage points. The jewel of a ballpark continues to show why it is so well thought of by fans and ballpark travelers alike. Photo Courtesy of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 4. Coca-Cola Park, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Joe Rogers) - A night out at Coca-Cola Park is one of exceptional value and pleasure. As a fan, one can appreciate the great lengths to which Lehigh Valley brass and game day staff go to ensure that their fans are continually pleased with their experiences at the park. 5. First Horizon Park, Nashville Sounds (Marc Viquez) - First Horizon Park keeps getting better with every visit, the aesthetics from the nearby city skyline and surrounding Georgetown neighborhood sets it apart from other minor league ballparks of its kind. The Band Box is the “hippest spot” in the game, providing a unique environment for fans of all ages. Just look for the giant guitar-shaped scoreboard. 6. Victory Field, Indianapolis Indians (Marc Viquez) - Victory Field looks as clean, fresh, and vibrant as the day it was born in 1996. It is the summertime ritual for fireworks, dollar eats, and packed crowds for many in central Indiana and beyond. The ballpark has added new features, menu items, and social areas that have improved the experience on our list. 7. Innovative Field, Rochester Red Wings (Dave Cottenie) - The Rochester Red Wings are a cornerstone franchise in the International League. The club has weathered the ups and downs of Minor League Baseball and come out the other end still strong. Fans looking for a solid baseball experience that will offer tremendous value should check out the Red Wings - Morrie will be glad you came. 8. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, Oklahoma City Dodgers (Dave Cottenie) - Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is one of the best minor league ballparks in the country. The ballpark has already celebrated 20 years, yet other ballparks have yet to make this OKC gem outdated. The ballpark has received numerous accolades over the years, and rightfully so, since the ballpark has single-handedly revitalized the Bricktown area. 9. Polar Park, Worcester Red Sox (Paul Baker) - Polar Park has proven to be a divisive ballpark over its brief history. From the relocation of the iconic PawSox to the price tag for the new facility to the unique look and design of the ballpark, Polar Park seems to have created as many critics as fans. A closer look at the ballpark shows incredible attention to detail and connection to the community. 10. AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds (Lloyd Brown) - AutoZone Park was the most expensive minor league facility when it opened in 2000. Nevertheless, it was money well spent; the Memphis Redbirds have drawn well since opening day at the turn of the century. 11. Huntington Park, Columbus Clippers (Marc Viquez) - Huntington Park is a fantastic Triple-A venue that offers a lot to everyone who walks through its entrances. Tickets and parking are affordable, sections of the ballpark offer something for fans of all ages, and there are plenty of promotional nights to save fans a buck or two. All one has to do is sit back and enjoy the baseball game. 12. Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas Aviators (Marc Viquez) - Las Vegas has one of the newest and most modern facilities in minor league baseball and one that befits the city it calls home. The spacious and open concourse offers enough baseball entertainment to rival any show or performance on the Las Vegas Strip. 13. Louisville Slugger Field, Louisville Bats (Marc Viquez) - A visitor can expect a great time at Louisville Slugger Field. The Bats provide affordable ticket pricing, amazing food selection, scenic views of the city, and a wealth of history inside the ballpark. It is a classic-looking baseball stadium situated near the heart of the city. 14. Principal Park, Iowa Cubs (James Hilchen) - Des Moines is an underrated city with a great downtown scene. The location of the ballpark is a perfect location for entertainment before and after the game. Inside the gates is a great place to sit back and watch a game while taking in some great views and a litany of good food and drink options. 15. Dell Diamond, Round Rock Express (Eric Moreno) - Dell Diamond is my favorite minor league ballpark to visit. Everything in the ballpark is first class, from the food and drink selection to seating and unique amenities in the outfield lawn area. Photo Courtesy of Scott Taggart, Google 16. Sutter Health Park, Sacramento River Cats (Dave Cottenie) - The old cliché, “There isn’t a bad seat in the house” definitely applies to Health Sutter Park. Opened in 2000, fan comfort and viewing ease were at the top of the priority list. The sightlines are great from any seat, and lawn seating allows for an inexpensive way to bring the whole family. 17. Cheney Stadium, Tacoma Rainiers (Lloyd Brown) - During the most recent renovations at Cheney Stadium, it was decided to go from the original utilitarian design and make attending a game a unique experience. It all begins outside the stadium, where you will notice the truly Pacific Northwestern vibe of the facility. 18. 121 Financial Ballpark, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (David Welch) - Jacksonville is hands down the sports capital of northern Florida and southeastern Georgia. It has a long history of success in handling major events, including the Super Bowl, and the Georgia-Florida game. The facility provides a very entertaining product, excellent concessions, and a myriad of seating options to meet all needs. 19. RGCU Field at Isotopes Park, Albuquerque Isotopes (Meg Minard) - Isotopes Park is an amazing venue to take in a ballgame. The view is spectacular, the team that presents the game day experience is the best around, and the prices are reasonable. 20. Fifth Third Field, Toledo Mud Hens (Marc Viquez) - Fifth Third Field is a fine example of a Triple-A ballpark. The history of the club, the HensVille setting, and the atmosphere make it a great visit when in town or while on a ballpark trip. You would be remiss not to walk away with team gear from the store. 21. Southwest University Park, El Paso Chihuahuas (Sean MacDonald) - I was very impressed with everything about this stadium. It is aesthetically pleasing makes good use of its downtown location, and has something for everyone. The major weakness here is price, which is a bit high for minor league ball, though again, you can find ways around it. 22. Sahlen Field, Buffalo Bisons (Dave Cottenie) - Having enjoyed some Major League Baseball, the people of Buffalo have embraced the return of the Bisons, who have been a staple in Buffalo for a century. Baseball fans should head to Western New York to take in a Bisons game at Sahlen Field and consider it one of the excellent promotional events. 23. Smith’s Ballpark, Salt Lake City Bees (Chris Green) - Smith’s Ballpark is beautiful, the fans are great, and the overall costs mirror those that fans have come to expect at a minor-league baseball stadium. 24. Constellation Field, Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Marc Viquez) - Constellation Field offers an alternative for baseball in the Houston area; it is a place where families can sit back and enjoy a night out without paying an arm and a leg. There is plenty of activity to keep the kids busy and numerous seating options to make it a decent night of baseball. 25. Werner Park, Omaha Storm Chasers (James Hilchen) - Werner Park doesn’t get much credit when it comes to must-see ballparks. The Storm Chasers have done a great job providing quality time for the hardcore fans and those who want extra entertainment choices above and beyond the game. 26. Harbor Park, Norfolk Tides (Joseph Oakes) - A ballpark that offers affordable pricing, excellent location, and downtown destinations is a great way to enjoy a baseball game during the summer months. Enjoy the horns of the boats on the nearby harbor while catching a game. 27. Greater Nevada Field, Reno Aces (Andrew Maurins) - A game at Greater Nevada Field represents a solid all-around value for what a ticket through the gate will get you. The minor quibbles with parking and concession lines are made up for with a high degree of interactive entertainment and a great selection of high-quality concessions. 28. NBT Bank Stadium, Syracuse Mets (Michael Rusignuolo) - NBT Bank Ballpark has a great selection of food and drinks for baseball fans but doesn’t stand out in many other areas. It's a solid ballpark, and the parent club looks to make improvements. 29. PNC Field, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders (Gregory Koch) - The renovation PNC Field underwent in 2012 has done a lot of good. Architecturally, the stadium has seen massive improvements. The RailRiders seem to be leaning heavily on their affiliation with the Yankees rather than trying to attract fans by creating their own identity. 30. Coolray Field, Gwinnett Stripers (Lloyd Brown) - Coolray Field is a well-designed, attractive place to watch minor league baseball. It is only 35 miles away from the parent club, Atlanta Braves.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a very rich history of football programs that have produced hundreds of NFL players over the years. The games are a great source of entertainment and pride for many communities. In addition to the action on the field, HBCU’s games also offer top-notch performances by the school bands, which is an important part of the HBCU experience. The Celebration Bowl, the National Championship Game for the HBCUs, is right around the corner, which means it’s time for Stadium Journey to release its ratings of the stadium experience to be found at each HBCU at the FBS and FCS level in the country. Our rankings are based on our FANFARE rating scale which considers a venue’s Food, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fan Support, Access, Return on Investment, and Extras offered by the facility. In cases where two or more facilities have the same score, the tiebreaker is determined by our Council of Elders. 1. Truist Stadium, North Carolina AT&T Our top-rated stadium experience has great fans, a terrific band, and several championship seasons under its belt. Attending a game at Truist Stadium should be on your bucket list. 2. O’Kelly – Riddick Stadium, North Carolina Central Great food selection, the music of the Sound Machine, and a terrific PA announcer assure that there is never a dull moment at an NCCU Eagles football game. 3. New ASU Stadium, Alabama State The New Alabama Stadium is one of the more recent builds in the HBCU system. Great food, the Mighty Marching Hornets band, and the on-campus location are the ingredients for a fun day in Alabama’s capital city. 4. Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson State Deon may have left the building, but the home of the JSU Tigers is still a rocking place on Saturday afternoons. The Tigers are still performing well on the field, while the tailgating is still top notch and you can’t get enough of the Sonic Boom of the South. 5. Louis Crews Stadium, Alabama A&M Louis Crew Stadium sets the standard for other SWAC venues. The beautiful setting, great tailgating, and terrific Bulldogs football on the field make for a very satisfying fall afternoon 6. A. W. Mumford Stadium, Southern A.W. Mumford Stadium is one of the largest HBCU venues. It’s in the middle of the lovely Southern campus, where the tailgating experience is wonderful, the Tigers are always competitive and the Human Jukebox never disappoints. 7. Panther Stadium, Prairie View The Panthers began play way back in 1907. “The Hill” has been their home since 2016. The stadium is full every Saturday. The tickets are cheap, the team is playing well and the Marching Storm puts on a spectacular halftime show. 8. William "Dick" Price Stadium, Norfolk State A great PA announcer, terrific band, and great football team add up to a wonderful gameday experience at Dick Price Stadium. 9. Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, Grambling Every HBCU fan should make a pilgrimage to the “House That Eddie Built”. Tiger games are full of tradition, excitement, and great food. Make sure to include a visit to the Eddie Robinson Museum while you are on campus. 10. Nissan Stadium, Tennessee State The Tigers are the only HBCU team to play their home games in an NFL stadium. The stadium provides plentiful seating, a huge video board, easy access, and a top-notch sound system to carry the music of the Aristocrat of Bands. 11. Alumni Stadium, Delaware State The great fans and terrific atmosphere visit Alumni Stadium a great place to be on a Fall afternoon. 12. Daytona Stadium, Bethune – Cookman A visit to the Daytona Beach area always offers a wide of activities to do before or after the game. Bethune-Cookman games are a sports event, a family reunion, and a concert all rolled into one. 13. Bragg Memorial Stadium, Florida A&M Rattler fans are known for their enthusiasm, green and orange outfits, and great knowledge of football. The Marching 100 and a top-notch performance on the field add up to a great game-day experience. 14. Shell Energy Stadium, Texas Southern Shell Energy Stadium is one of the most modern venues in HBCU football. It provides access from anywhere in the Houston metroplex. The Ocean of Soul band can always be counted on for a great halftime show. 15. Armstrong Stadium, Hampton One of the oldest venues in the HBCU world, Armstrong Stadium has been going strong since 1928. The brick structure was built to last, and the Pirates fans still fly the team colors from the mast. 16. William H Greene Stadium, Howard HBCU football in the nation’s capital is always a unique experience, and Howard University’s William H. Greene Stadium does not disappoint. 17. Hughes Stadium, Morgan State Hughes Stadium looks great on the inside and offers a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon if you are visiting the Baltimore area. 18. Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, SC State Great football on the field, wonderful music provided by the Marching 100, and an on-campus location are the ingredients for a fun day for fans at Oliver C Dawson Stadium. 19. Jack Spinks- Marino Casem Stadium, Alcorn State The fans are engaged, and there is a wonderful tailgating tradition as well as an on-campus location for Braves home games. Spinks-Casem Stadium is a great place to be on Saturday afternoons in the fall. 19. Golden Lion Stadium, Arkansas -Pine Bluff Visitors to Golden Lion Stadium will find a welcoming atmosphere full of Southern hospitality. The seats at the stadium provide a wonderful view of the action. 20. Rice-Totten Stadium, Mississippi Valley State The college home of Deacon Jones and Jerry Rice, Rice-Totten Stadium features a long tradition of great football. Visitors to Itta Bena will feel very welcomed by the local fans. The band is superb and the pregame tailgate always offers a superb dining experience.

This weekend the University of Montana and South Dakota State University will square off in the FCS National Championship football game in Frisco, Texas. FCS stands for the Football Championship Subdivision. There are 128 college teams in the FCS, and for the first time, Stadium Journey has reviews for all 128 stadiums at this level of competition. We are proud to release our listing of the Top 20 Stadiums in the FCS. Due to ties, there are actually 21 stadiums on our list. These rankings are based on our FANFARE score, which takes into account all the factors that encompass the gameday atmosphere: food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, return on investment and extras, or anything especially unique about the stadium. When two or more facilities are tied, a Stadium Journey "Council of Elders" is consulted to break the deadlocks. We don’t expect everyone to agree with our rankings… in fact, we encourage lively discussion and debate on our social media pages. That’s part of the fun of lists like these. 1. Washington-Grizzly Stadium - Montana Grizzlies 4.43 Our top-rated stadium features spectacular natural surroundings, an engaged fanbase, close-up views of the action, and a very well-done Wall of Champions making Washington-Grizzly Stadium our top stadium in the FCS. 2. William B. Greene Stadium - East Tennessee State Buccaneers 4.43 The ETSU football program returned from the dead to play in this well-designed stadium. Greene Stadium has been designed to accent nature, rather than compete with it. It sits at the base of a mountain, yet it allows nature to determine its low profile. A large berm at one end of the stadium is usually filled with fans. The nearby mountain tends to trap the noise generated by the fans, making it difficult for visiting teams to communicate. 3. Harlen Hunter Stadium - Lindenwood Lions 4.29 Lindenwood University may be new to the FCS, but Hunter Stadium makes a great first impression. It features a sleek modern design, a two-story press box, and one of the largest videoboards in the FCS. The Lions' Pride tailgates provide a wonderful prelude to the games for home fans and visitors alike. 4. Johnson Hagood Stadium - The Citadel Bulldogs 4.29 The pageantry of a football game at a military academy is always something special. The cadets marching from the school to the stadium attract crowds that are not even going to the game. Inside, recent renovations have transformed the Fieldhouse into a castle-like structure that mimics the architecture of the Citadel campus. 5. Rhodes Stadium - Elon Phoenix 4.14 The house of the Phoenix is rising due to the great sightlines, terrific Carolina BBQ, and the sounds of the Fire of the Carolinas. 6. Franklin Field - Penn Quakers 4.14 Like many other things in Philadelphia, Franklin Field is a truly historic venue. The tales of Army-Navy games past, long-ago Eagles games, and its present tenant in the Penn Quakers are all part of its legacy. Penn embraces this history rather than competing with it. 7. Truist Stadium - North Carolina A&T Aggies 4.14 Our top HBCU stadium experience features a very dedicated fan base, a wonderful band, and a top-notch football program in the Aggies. You’ll probably stand the entire game, cheering the action on the field or dancing to the music in the stands. 8. Finley Stadium - Chattanooga Mocs 4.14 All aboard for a fun experience in the land of the Mocs. The party starts early in Chattanooga in the Pavilion across the street from Finley Stadium. Once inside the stadium, there is a food truck alley to keep the fans well fed, as well as one of the larger videoboards in the country. After the game, fans can visit Chattanooga’s many downtown attractions without moving their cars. 9. Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium - South Dakota State 4.00 The Jackrabbits have Dykhouse Stadium hopping well before the kickoff. They’ve developed a terrific reputation as tailgaters. Low ticket prices, wonderful sightlines, and a massive videoboard keep the fans coming to this virtually brand new stadium. 10. Bobcat Stadium - Montana State Bobcats 4.00 Bobcat Nation impressed us with their enthusiasm throughout the game. Montana State gets them up on their feet early with one of the best team entry celebrations we’ve ever witnessed. 11. E. Claiborne Robins Stadium - Richmond Spiders 4.00 A lovely setting, great concessions, a fun zone for the kids and full houses are all part of the Spiders gameday experience. It’s a wonderful web they weave. 12. Lawrence A. Wien Stadium - Columbia Lions 4.00 The home of the Lions features the Manhattan Hudson River view, some of the cheapest sports tickets in the Big Apple, and the panache of an Ivy League school. What else can we say? 13. Fargodome - North Dakota State Bison 4.00 Our top-rated indoor facility features one of the better tailgating experiences at the FCS level. Once inside the building, the noise generated by the crowds is deafening. More importantly, the Fargodome provides a refuge from the winter weather that often moves in towards the end of the football season. 14. First Security Field At Estes Stadium - Central Arkansas Bears 3.86 A unique playing field (it’s purple and silver) is the calling card for this stadium. In addition, the stands are filled with Bears fans due to the low ticket prices. The on-campus stadium attracts many Conway residents, as well as football-starved fans from nearby Little Rock. 15.  Stewart Stadium - Weber State Wildcats 3.86 Visiting a Weber State football game and the town of Ogden, UT in the fall or winter is an affordable family experience. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Wasatch Mountains and all the other outdoor activities available when in town. 16. Delaware Stadium - Delaware Blue Hens 3.86 Delaware Stadium is a simple facility but offers fans a close-to-the-action spectacle with one of the most successful college football programs in the country. 17. Powers Field At Princeton Stadium - Princeton Tigers 3.86 Few stadiums can boast of a more unique surrounding area. Princeton has it all, with the stunning campus of an elite school that has produced luminaries in numerous fields. Yet it has retained the feel of a small town and the vibrancy of a college town. Princeton Stadium completes that small-town feel in many ways. 18. Dakota Dome - South Dakota Coyotes 3.86 A visit to the Dakota Dome is a great way to see college football. You can take in some great scenery on your way to the game while enjoying a game in comfort and style. You won’t have to brave the elements outside. That alone makes this dome worth the journey. 19. Cooper Field - Georgetown Hoyas 3.86 Although Cooper Field is small, and not particularly fancy, a visit here is still a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon watching football at an affordable price. 20. Crocker Field At Bailey Memorial Stadium - Presbyterian Blue Hose 3.86 Presbyterian football offers some great traditions, such as the sword in the stone and the students bringing a couch to watch the action behind the end zone. The scenery is great and the 20-year-old facility still feels very modern. 21. Cowboy Stadium - McNeese Cowboys 3.86 “The Hole” offers a great family-friendly atmosphere and regularly features a dominant on-field product. Cowboy Stadium is the place to be on Saturdays in SW Louisiana.

Earlier this week Washington and Michigan met for the national championship. Coincidentally, they also ended up as Stadium Journey's choices for the best game day experience in all of college football. This time, the Huskies took home the title. Not a bad consolation prize... Stadium Journey's team of correspondents have visited all 133 Football Bowl Subdivision stadiums, criss-crossing the continent to give you, our readers, the information about what a game day looks like at each and every college football stadium in the country. Stadiums are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the stadium), return on investment and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more stadiums receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review, just click on the link below the photos of each stadium. The resulting list is sure to produce some discussion among college football diehards. That's OK, we can take it. We actually encourage you to visit our social media channels to take part in the discussion. Without further ado, we're proud to present our 2023 ranking of the 25 best game day experiences in the Football Bowl Subdivision. 1. Husky Stadium - Washington Huskies 4.86 Aaron Terry - There are lots of college football stadiums, but a trip to Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA should definitely be on every fan’s bucket list. It is hard to top the setting and the energy here. 2. Michigan Stadium - Michigan Wolverines 4.71 Paul Swaney - There is no doubt that a trip to Michigan Stadium belongs in any list of the best stadium experiences in college football, the United States, North America, or worldwide. Come to Ann Arbor and see what the Big House is all about. 3. Arthur L. Williams Stadium - Liberty Flames 4.71 Aaron Terry - The renovations to Williams Stadium are long since complete, and the team has really proven itself since moving to FBS. Tthe experience here is pretty close to top notch and should only get better with time. 4. Bryant-Denny Stadium - Alabama Crimson Tide 4.57 David Welch - While the primary draw to Alabama football certainly is the championship level of play, the overall experience is bolstered by everything associated with the game-day experience. You do not have to be an Alabama football fan to realize how special the Alabama Crimson Tide football experience is. 5. Ohio Stadium - Ohio State Buckeyes 4.57 Sean MacDonald - Ohio Stadium is doubtless one of the top experiences for a sports traveler. College football home games are truly events and if you haven’t been to one of the football stadiums in the Big Ten, consider Ohio State as the perfect place to start. 6. Autzen Stadium - Oregon Ducks 4.57 Aaron Terry - The chance to see Power 5 college football, at a budget-friendly facility like Autzen Stadium, and one that is so easy to move around, should not be missed. In addition, the Pacific Northwest is a great place to visit, and you can find plenty to do in Eugene while you are here. 7. Bridgeforth Stadium - James Madison Dukes 4.57 Gregory Koch - James Madison was one of the top venues in all of FCS. This has always been an FBS-quality stadium, and since the move to the next level, it has gotten the chance to show why. The Dukes have one of the best atmospheres in the country and some of the best fans. 8. Memorial Stadium - Clemson Tigers 4.43 David Welch - Clemson is one of the top game-day atmospheres in college football. Even in years when a championship season might not be realized, the passion from fans and the electricity that builds up inside the stadium leading to kickoff creates a one-of-a-kind college football experience. 9. Sanford Stadium - Georgia Bulldogs 4.43 David Welsh - The amount of tradition connected to University of Georgia football goes such a long way in making the game experience one of the best in the county. 10. Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium - Texas Longhorns 4.43 Eric Moreno - Being a proud, native Texan, I freely admit I have a predisposition to all things orange – especially those of the burnt orange variety. However, I think any college football fan will admit upon their visit to Austin and Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium that it is truly one of the great palaces of the sport. 11. Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium - Oklahoma Sooners 4.43 Aaron Terry - Watching an OU football game at Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or evening; this is college football at its finest. Come join 80,000 of your closest friends for a game here, and make time to check out the town of Norman; I guarantee you it will be good time. 12. Kidd Brewer Stadium - Appalachian State Mountaineers 4.43 Will Halpern - Kidd Brewer Stadium is the place to be on Saturday in Western North Carolina; the stadium embodies what makes Boone and Appalachian State such a great place to visit: great food, beautiful views, and passionate fans decked out in black and gold. 13. FBC Mortgage Stadium - UCF Knights 4.43 Chris Green - While many may not think of UCF when it comes to the best college experiences in Florida, the team has quickly turned that opinion around for fans who have entered the gates at FBC Mortgage Stadium. A growing and expanding program like UCF warrants increased interest from fans. 14. Tiger Stadium - LSU Tigers 4.29 Michael Davis - There are many reasons that LSU is voted one of the best atmospheres in college football to watch a game, but the biggest reason is that LSU is more than a football game – for fans, students, and alumni, Death Valley on a Saturday (night) becomes a way of life. 15. Lane Stadium - Virginia Tech Hokies 4.29 Joseph Oakes - Lane Stadium has a great sight line no matter where you sit within the stadium and can be one of the loudest stadiums in the country at times. We wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Lane Stadium to watch the Hokies, especially a night game. 16. Williams-Brice Stadium - South Carolina Gamecocks 4.29 Andy Mantsch - This is a venue that you don’t want to miss. The experience is unique, memorable and full of tradition. It embodies everything that makes college football great. 17. Reser Stadium - Oregon State Beavers 4.29 Paul Hilchen - Corvallis was selected as the Best College Town In The PAC-12. There’s a lot at Reser Stadium for the avid football fan and it’s a top notch experience; good fans, good atmosphere, it is the total package. 18. Blaik Field at Michie Stadium - Army Black Knights 4.29 Paul Baker - Watching an Army football game at Michie Stadium is more than just a game. It is part history lesson, part sporting event, part Fourth of July. Simply put, this is the greatest game day experience in America. 19. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium - Memphis Tigers 4.29 Aaron Terry - Football teams in the American Athletic Conference often get overlooked, since they aren’t in the more prestigious Group of 5. However, passing on these schools means you will miss out on some really great college football venues like this one. 20. Canvas Stadium - Colorado State Rams 4.29 Aaron Terry - Be sure to take a walk around the stadium before or after the game to see the breathtaking architecture, complete with plenty of greenery, so much so that it is easy to forget you are high in the Rocky Mountains. Also be sure to stop by the Hall of Champions to see the many trophies and other items on display. 21. Acrisure Stadium - Pittsburgh Panthers 4.29 Patricia Beninato - Yes, Acrisure Stadium is primarily associated with the Steelers, but it’s the royal blue-and-gold home of the Panthers on Pitt game days. With easy access, reasonable prices, and fun fans, those who want to experience a big-time Division 1 college football game with all it entails would do well to see a Pitt game. 22. Hard Rock Stadium - Miami Hurricanes 4.29 Aaron Terry - Hard Rock Stadium for a Miami (FL) Hurricanes football game is a trip worth the time and expense – you will be treated to lots of great food in the stadium, a wonderful crowd, and a high-quality venue with shade from the elements. 23. Albertsons Stadium - Boise State Broncos 4.29 Tamara Dooley - Unique in all of football is The Blue, the world’s first blue AstroTurf field. First installed in 1986 basically as a way to make Boise State stand out during their days in Division 2, it has transformed into a rallying point for the Boise State team and fans. 24. Stanford Stadium - Stanford Cardinal 4.29 Chris Green - If you’re looking for a high quality, high class, high excitement, and high value college football experience, look no further than Stanford Stadium. It will be hard to find a more beautiful and relaxing site for which to catch college football, and Stanford’s fans make the event even more enjoyable. 25. Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex - Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 4.29 Chris Green - Though nearly every stadium in the FBS division of college football features a larger capacity for its home crowds, this is by far one of the best stadium experiences in the NCAA. Perhaps no stadium features 360-degree views that are all stunning in their way.

While the National Football League decides its 2023 champion on the field at Super Bowl LVIII, here at Stadium Journey we're about to decide on an even more prestigious title, that of the best game-day experience in the NFL. Stadium Journey's team of correspondents has visited all 32 National Football League stadiums, including 11 venues this season, crisscrossing the continent to give you, our readers, the information about what a game day looks like at every college football stadium in the country. Stadiums are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the stadium), return on investment and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more stadiums receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review, just click on the link below the photos of each stadium. The resulting list is sure to produce some discussion among pro football diehards. That's OK, we can take it. We encourage you to visit our social media channels to take part in the discussion. Without further ado, we're proud to present our 2023 ranking of the best game-day experiences in the National Football League. 1. M&T Bank Stadium - Baltimore Ravens 4.71 Richard Smith - From the Ravenswalk area outside of the stadium to the purple seats and concourse lighting, the Ravens have set a fine stage for the enjoyment of NFL football. Expect the games to be loud inside the walls of the stadium. Every play, whether it be on defense or offense, will have the fans screaming at every detail. Even special team plays are paid attention to in great detail. The fans are knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. 2. Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis Colts 4.57 Marc Viquez - It is hard not to be impressed with the gameday experience at Lucas Oil Stadium for a Colts game. It is a stadium properly made for both the players and the fans. The pre-game festivities, friendly staff, heated environment, and location steps from some of the city’s best restaurants and bars make a perfect Sunday afternoon. 3. Acrisure Stadium - Pittsburgh Steelers 4.57 Patricia Beninato - The Steelers are one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, and Heinz Field is an admirable home for it. Well-maintained and inviting as it enters its third decade of existence, it’s the rare NFL fan who wouldn’t like to go to a home Steelers game given the chance. The Steelers put Pittsburgh on the map as one of the best sports towns in the world, and when Heinz Field is filled with screaming black and gold-clad fans on a crisp autumn Sunday, there are few better places to be. 4. NRG Stadium - Houston Texans 4.43 Eric Moreno - The Texans put a lot of effort into their game-day atmosphere. There is always tailgating in the parking lots, and they have what amounts to a carnival in the area surrounding the entrances with games, food trucks, a drumline, and more. 5. Lumen Field - Seattle Seahawks 4.14 Ryan Rohde - CenturyLink Field is an absolute marvel. To be a part of the 12s on game day is a fan experience that is second to none. The Seahawks have made many strides to make the fan experience at CenturyLink Field the best in the NFL. The noise level is easily the loudest in the NFL as these fans do not have to be prompted to make some noise for their Seahawks. If you can make it here for a game, you will enjoy yourself and you will enjoy being a part of the 12s. 6. Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia Eagles 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Eagles franchise has been one of the longest-running organizations in the NFL and has a great history of success. Lincoln Financial Field is a major improvement on its former home at “The Vet.” Game days feature sellout crowds, rabid fans, great Philadelphia food fare, and a quality team on the field. This all adds up to a great fan experience in the City of Brotherly Love. 7. Caesars Superdome - New Orleans Saints 4.14 Matt Colville - In New Orleans, home of so many attractions and history, there is one building that stands out above the rest. It has been called one of the most iconic venues in the whole world, hosting Superbowls, college football National Championships, and Final Fours. As you approach New Orleans it lurks over the skyline with its iconic gold-shaped silhouette reflecting off the entire Crescent City – it is Caesars Superdome, and since its opening in 1975 has become the fabric of American sports and pop culture, hosting some of the greatest entertainers and some of the biggest events of all time. 8. Nissan Stadium - Tennessee Titans 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Nissan Stadium’s location on the east bank of the Cumberland River provides stunning views of downtown Nashville, with easy access to some of the top tourism sites in Music City. The stadium provides an electronic package that is hard to beat, with its huge scoreboards at each end of the stadium. Accessibility is another strong point for the venue, as it offers multiple ways to get to the stadium, with the option of fans walking to the games via the Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge from downtown Nashville. 9. Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas Raiders 4.00 Lloyd Brown - Las Vegas continues to build on its reputation as a great sports town. Now that the NHL and NFL have established themselves in the Fantasyland in the Desert… it will only be a matter of time before you see the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and other major sporting events played in Allegiant Stadium…you can bet on that! 10. Lambeau Field - Green Bay Packers 4.00 Steven Burke - When the subject of “bucket list” sports facilities to visit comes up for discussion, Green Bay’s Lambeau Field almost immediately comes to mind. It certainly is atop the list of NFL fans. 11. AT&T Stadium - Dallas Cowboys 4.00 Michael Davis - Every Cowboys fan seems to have a reason why they “bleed Cowboy blue” – for some being born and raised in Texas is reason enough, while for others it might be that their hometown doesn’t have an NFL team, but television brought the Cowboys into their homes and hearts. 12. State Farm Stadium - Arizona Cardinals 4.00 Richard Smith - State Farm Stadium is a distinctive venue that offers fans a great sporting experience. The fact that it offers a cool place to watch games away from the sometimes oppressive heat of the desert is just one more win for this venue. 13. Gillette Stadium - New England Patriots 4.00 Paul Baker - It's been a difficult transition in New England as the Patriots return to mediocracy after two decades of ruling the NFL. However, the (relative) lack of success on the field has not diminished Gillette Stadium’s influence on modern facility design or fan interest in the team. Outfitted with the largest outdoor scoreboard in the country and a modern new design, Gillette Stadium remains a premier, if somewhat overshadowed, NFL facility. 14. Paycor Stadium - Cincinnati Bengals 4.00 Marc Viquez - The recent aesthetic changes at Paycor Stadium have been welcoming, and the atmosphere is always colorful before and after a Bengals game. It is one of the best values in the league and even better when the team plays winning football.  15. MetLife Stadium - New York Giants 4.00 Richard Smith - The Giants fans do feel like they are in a bit of a funk. The team has not provided consistent on-field quality for a few years and it does seem to be affecting things such as attendance. Even with that said, the team has a long history and a large dedicated fan base that provides good amounts of cheer for their team. 16. MetLife Stadium - New York Jets 4.00 Richard Smith - A game at MetLife Stadium is a great way to cap a trip to New York City and is also great for locals. The stadium may not feel like it costs 1.6 Billion dollars, but that does not mean it isn’t a good place for a game. 17. Ford Field - Detroit Lions 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Whether it is enjoying the fun in the Pride Plaza or belting out Gridiron Heroes with Theo Spight, the fans of the Detroit Lions make the most of their experience every game. Not being required to sit through the cold Detroit winters is a plus and the loyalty of Lions is unquestioned after a long drought of on-field success. Taking in a Lions game is something that all football fans should consider in their travels. 18. Levi's Stadium - San Francisco 49ers 3.86 Lloyd Brown - Levi’s Stadium is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the NFL. Its location in the heart of Silicon Valley is a major improvement over the 49er's former home at the weather-challenged Candlestick Park. The team has seen a resurgence on the field in recent seasons, providing fans with an up-tempo offense that will fill the stands. The gold rush has returned! 19. Cleveland Browns Stadium - Cleveland Browns 3.86 Dave Cottenie - The Cleveland Browns are a solid NFL experience at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Being part of a fanbase that is as ardent passionate and loyal as any in the NFL is an attractive part of the Browns experience. Cleveland is also a great tourist destination and fans will enjoy making a full weekend of it. 20. Bank of America Stadium - Carolina Panthers 3.86 David Welch - The Panthers have continued to make upgrades to Bank of America Stadium to improve the fan experience, but previous improvements will pale in comparison to the projected $1 billion+ in upgrades the Panthers are looking to make. Future enhancements to Bank of America Stadium will likely look to provide visitors more of an entertainment destination than is currently being offered. These potential improvements will only add to the current positives that are already a part of the Carolina Panther football experience. 21. SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles Rams 3.71 Aaron Terry - The NFL’s newest stadium represents a pricey proposition but certainly comes with a lot of bells and whistles for fans to enjoy. If you plan in terms of seating, parking, and perhaps eating before the game, you can save yourself a little hassle, and perhaps a little green as well. 22. Hard Rock Stadium - Miami Dolphins 3.71 Lloyd Brown - Hard Rock Stadium is an NFL venue that has stayed current with the times, and in many ways is an improvement over its original design. The team has been fortunate to have owners from Joe Robbie to Steven Ross who have been willing to invest whatever funds are needed to improve the fan experience. It is no surprise that such special events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Football Championships, and the Pro Bowl choose to come back regularly. 23. Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City Chiefs 3.71 Lloyd Brown - Despite being one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL, Arrowhead Stadium has stood the test of time well. It keeps reinventing itself by adding amenities like the Hall of Honor, premium seating locations, and a concessions menu featuring BBQ from some of Kansas City’s finest restaurants. They also have one of the most loyal, and officially the loudest, fan base in the NFL, if not the world. 24. US Bank Stadium - Minnesota Vikings 3.71 Chuck Uteck - Regardless of where the Vikings find themselves in the standings, their boisterous supporters arrive early and stay late. The stadium is a magnificent centerpiece in Minneapolis. The two are a perfect pairing. 25. Soldier Field - Chicago Bears 3.71 Lloyd Brown - The Bears and Soldier Field both have a legendary history for Chicago natives. The fact that they never got together until the mid-1970s is somewhat symbolized by the present design of the stadium…. a modern-day seating bowl stuffed into a classic exterior dating back to the 1920s. Its setting on the shoreline of Lake Michigan is both a blessing and a curse. It is very scenic in the early fall, but brutal when the icy winds blow off the lake during the late-season games. 26. Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta Falcons 3.57 Lloyd Brown - Mercedes–Benz Stadium is continually looking for ways it can serve its community while tweaking its game day procedures to improve the fan experience. It has a strong record in this regard, as it annually hosts the SEC Championship game, is in the rotation for the College Football National Championship game, and hosts a Peach Bowl Game on New Year’s Day, it is a serious contender to host one or more World Cup games in 2026. 27. Empower Field at Mile High - Denver Broncos 3.57 Lloyd Brown - A great team history, great fans, a diverse menu of food and beverage items, along with the natural beauty of the nearby Rocky Mountains make Empower Field at Mile High Stadium a high priority for anybody’s NFL bucket list. It also makes a great add-on activity for your ski vacation in late fall and early winter. Make sure you arrive early to enjoy the Western hospitality and the many pieces of stunning public art that dot the stadium complex. 28. TIAA Bank Field - Jacksonville Jaguars 3.57 Chris Green - With continued local investment from the team’s ownership and the potential continued success of the team in Jacksonville, the future looks bright for the Jaguars and their loyal fans. This is a game day experience that many visiting fans find impressive upon their arrival, and for good reason. The Jaguars consistently produce a solid fan experience all around and have given fans good reason to be excited about the future. 29. SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles Chargers 3.43 Aaron Terry - The NFL’s newest stadium represents a pricey proposition but certainly comes with a lot of bells and whistles for fans to enjoy. If you plan in terms of seating, parking, and perhaps eating before the game, you can save yourself a little hassle, and perhaps a little green as well. 30. Raymond James Stadium - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3.29 Chris Green - The home of the Bucs may be missing that one little thing that would catapult it into the top ranks of football stadiums in America, but it is nonetheless an enjoyable experience. Proper planning for likely-to-be-congested roads helps a whole bunch here, and the tailgating is top-notch. Once inside, you will have a good time under the warm Florida sun; just don’t forget to bring a full wallet. 31. FedEx Field - Washington Commanders 3.14 Richard Smith - FedExField is a purely functional stadium in a less-than-desirable location. The team is also in a transition phase that could go in many directions. Ultimately the fan experience is better than it looks on the surface but is still far from ideal in the modern NFL. 32. Highmark Stadium - Buffalo Bills 3.00 Dave Cottenie - It will be interesting to see what a brand-new stadium will bring to the Buffalo Bills experience. There were plenty of opposing views as to what the new stadium should look like and where it should be. Until that time, the Bills are still making memories at the former Ralph Wilson Stadium. NFL fans who have yet to visit Highmark Stadium may want to make their way there before it is too late.

Whether it's junior, the minors, or the big leagues, hockey provides one of the best in-game experiences that any fan could ask for.  However, there is just something different about NCAA Hockey … something special.  The cozier venues make sightlines excellent and let the fan be right on top of the action.  The traditions that come with teams have been around for a long time and are unique to college hockey.  The student sections that in many places prove to be rowdier and more creative than their basketball and football counterparts.  Finally, the band puts that final touch on the experience to create that truly unique ambiance.   Stadium Journey is proud to present the Top 25 NCAA Hockey Experiences (with a few extras included) according to our writers and FANFARE scoring system.  Our patented FANFARE rating system takes into account a venue's concessions, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. When two or more venues had the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders was called upon to break the tie. To see any of the reviews referenced here, simply click on the link above the photo. With the 2023-2024 season coming to an end, fans are encouraged to get out to the rink and check out some of the greatest hockey experiences in the world in 2024-2025. Here are the Top 25 (+2) College Hockey Experiences of 2024. 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 Engelstad 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 - 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. Agganis Arena - Boston University Terriers 4.14 Paul Baker - Boston is a hockey city at heart. And even though most of Boston bleeds the Bruins’ black and gold, there is a corner of the city along Commonwealth Avenue that proudly sports the red and white of the Terriers. In a city with no shortage of college hockey options, Agganis Arena offers an experience that may top them all. 9. Goggin Ice Center - Miami 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. 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. 11. 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 are just following your team on the road, you will enjoy what you find at MacInnes Arena. 12. Centene Community Ice Center - Lindenwood Lions 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Lindenwood University men’s hockey program has finally leaped over NCAA Division I competition. Their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center will immediately become one of the top collegiate hockey venues in the Midwest. 13. 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. 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. 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. 22. Harold Alfond Arena - Maine Black Bears 3.86 David Welch - Hockey at Alfond Sports Arena had become a bit of an afterthought for the state since its glory days. While the fervor and passion from the students have been relatively consistent, interest from the community has ebbed and flowed with the ups and downs on the ice.  The pendulum is now seemingly swinging back to the positive, however, which has revitalized Alfond Arena into one of the more special college hockey experiences in the country. 23. M&T Bank Arena - 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. 24. 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. 25. 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 26. 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. 27. Harry W. Lawson Ice Arena - Western Michigan Broncos 3.86 Steve Ohnsman - The students who attend Western Michigan University hockey games at Lawson Ice Arena are affectionately known as the “Lawson Lunatics” and visiting teams and their coaches know that they will face an additional challenge due to the Lunatics.  Lawson is the oldest and second smallest arena in its conference, but the general atmosphere is exciting and all the fans are into the game. Some of those exciting years include six appearances in the NCAA Tournament and two conference championships.

The Stanley Cup playoffs are underway, so Stadium Journey felt it was time to do what we do best - rank the NHL hockey rinks. 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.  It’s a different way of looking at venues and produces some variability in our lists that you don’t see elsewhere. As usual, we predict that this list will garner a great deal of debate. We welcome your input by joining discussions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.  We’re sure your NHL Arena ranking list differs from ours, and isn’t that what makes these lists so engaging? 1. Amalie Arena – Tampa Bay Lightning 4.57 Chris Green - The Tampa Bay Lightning have broken all expectations for a Florida hockey franchise, and their game day experience has become one of the best in the league. From the spotless interior of the venue to the bounty of food options, there is plenty to love at Amalie Arena. 2. Climate Pledge Arena – Seattle Kraken 4.43 Lloyd Brown - The Climate Pledge Arena is much more than just the newest rink in the NHL. It is an experiment in using the most current “smart” technologies to minimize (hopefully to zero) the carbon footprint the facility leaves after each event it hosts. 3. Bridgestone Arena – Nashville Predators 4.43 David Welch - Hockey in Nashville is an amazing experience, including both the in-game entertainment and the excitement of the game on the ice. But what sets Bridgestone Arena apart is the vibe of Nashville’s Broadway, which has been brought in just steps from the front doors – this feeling helps bring the party atmosphere of the area into the game. 4. Rogers Place – Edmonton Oilers 4.43 Jim Flannery - Rogers Place is a worthwhile place to visit even if you’re not there for a hockey game. There is so much to see and do in and around the building without ever walking through the gates that you could spend a couple hours just checking the place out. Once you’re through the gates, this is a beautiful building with truly state-of-the-art features that should impress most everyone. 5. Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles Kings 4.43   Andrei Ojeda -With Crypto.com celebrating its 25th season, the Kings have had their share of great moments, rewarding their loyal fanbase with a contending team during most seasons as well as their two Stanley Cup triumphs. 6. Bell Centre – Montreal Canadiens 4.29 Dave Cottenie - Without a doubt, a trip to Centre Bell to see the Montréal Canadiens needs to be near the top of any hockey bucket list.  Although the arena itself is not earth shattering, the Canadiens put on a terrific product, even when the team is down. 7. PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh Penguins 4.29 Patricia Beninato - As far as NHL venues go, PPG Paints Arena gives hockey fans a top-of-the-line game experience. Due to its semi-northeastern location, it attracts hockey fans from all over the U.S. 8. Scotiabank Arena – Toronto Maple Leafs 4.14 Dave Cottenie - All hockey fans should consider making a pilgrimage to see the Toronto Maple Leafs and extend the trip to see the city of Toronto and especially the Hockey Hall of Fame.  Scotiabank Arena remains among the premier venues in the league and MLSE has done a spectacular job keeping the arena relevant for the last two decades. 9. Nationwide Arena – Columbus Blue Jackets 4.14 Greg Venuto - Nationwide Arena is clearly a beautiful and fan-friendly arena to watch an NHL game. Despite being over 20 years old, it seems new and up-to-date. It is definitely worth a visit if in town and the benefits are reasonable prices and plenty to do just outside its doors. 10. UBS Arena – New York Islanders 4.14 Ken Thorp - UBS Arena is a decent venue. The arena has enough bells and whistles to provide an adequate game day experience. They have a ridiculous amount of food choices as well as concession stands.  Stadium Operations work extremely hard to keep the fans engaged in the game. 11. Madison Square Garden – New York Rangers 4.14 Greg Venuto - MSG is certainly a must-see venue not just for avid hockey fans but for casual and non-sports fans too. The Arena sells itself plus the Garden produces a worthy day or evening of entertainment.   12. Capital One Arena – Washington Capitals 4.14 Gregory Koch - While the experience of a Capitals game at Capital One Arena has diminished somewhat since the Stanley Cup run a few years ago, it is still one of the better experiences in the NHL. Hockey fans will want to Rock the Red and check out a game here.   13. Prudential Center – New Jersey Devils 4.00 Steven Kee - The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century. The arena is accessible via mass transit, close to great restaurants, and provides a variety of services and features throughout the game. 14. Amerant Bank Arena – Florida Panthers 4.00 Chris Green - All-in-all, FLA Live Arena is family friendly and provides a quaint atmosphere. The last few seasons are proving that this quaint atmosphere can also swell into a roaring crowd, thanks to successful records.   15. TD Garden – Boston Bruins 4.00 Paul Baker - The TD Garden is only the third venue that the Bruins have called home in close to a century of competition, after the Boston Arena (now called Matthews Arena) and the Boston Garden. Built just nine inches from its predecessor, it is named for its sponsor, TD Bank. 16. Xcel Energy Center – Minnesota Wild 3.86 Greg Venuto - The Minnesota Wild continue to play before hockey-crazed, sellout crowds at Xcel Energy Center.  The building, while 23 years old, continues to shine as fans rock out to Shout after every Wild goal. 17. KeyBank Center – Buffalo Sabres 3.86 Robbie Raskin - KeyBank Center is a solid place to catch a hockey game in one of the best American hockey markets. Sabres fans are welcoming and friendly, the arena is comfortable and has been updated pretty well over the years.     18. Honda Center – Anaheim Ducks 3.86 Paul Baker - While hockey may not be the first thing on your mind as you wander around southern California during a warm winter day, a trip to the Honda Center provides a mighty good experience for any fan, whether you are coming from the frigid north or not.   19. United Center – Chicago Blackhawks 3.86 Greg Venuto - United Center is a must-see venue for sports fans and hockey enthusiasts alike.  If the Hawks can trend upward, a Stadium Journey to the Windy City will be even more memorable and could ignite the United Center to madhouse status once again. 20. T-Mobile Arena – Vegas Golden Knights 3.86 Lloyd Brown - The Vegas Golden Knights “broke the ice” as the first major league professional sports team to set up shop in Las Vegas. The city sells out games and the team’s performance on the ice is far above what is expected, winning the ultimate trophy – the Stanley Cup – in 2023. 21. Rogers Arena – Vancouver Canucks 3.86 Lloyd Brown - In Canada, ice hockey reigns supreme, and Vancouver was the first Canadian city on the West Coast to receive an NHL franchise. This has led to a long history of sellouts throughout the club’s 50-year existence. Packed stands lead to a great environment in the seating bowl. The seating areas fill early as the crowds do not want to miss even the warmups. 22. Enterprise Center – St. Louis Blues 3.71 Greg Venuto - The Enterprise Center is a solid venue to take in an NHL hockey game.  The arena features good food and drink choices and favorable sight lines. The fans are warm, inviting and enthusiastic about their team which is now a St. Louis tradition for over 55 years. 23. Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia Flyers 3.71 Steven Kee - The Wells Fargo Center is still a first-class and modern building for hockey and sports fans. The atmosphere, energy, and festive spirit during the holiday season make it an ideal destination when it town. 24. SAP Center – San Jose Sharks 3.57 Dave Cottenie -The San Jose Sharks are a great experience for all NHL fans.  Their influence throughout the 90’s is undeniable and they have had great influence opening up the southern belt to NHL hockey.  A trip to the Shark Tank will be a memorable one for hockey fans everywhere. 25. Ball Arena – Colorado Avalanche 3.57  Greg Venuto - Ball Arena is a great place to visit while in Denver to take in a hockey game.  The fans are enthusiastic and the team is usually at the top of the standings. 26. Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary Flames 3.57 Jim Flannery -The Olympic Saddledome opened in 1983, constructed in anticipation of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and has been the home of the Calgary Flames ever since.  Over the years, the Saddledome has seen a few renovations, increased seating capacity, and a couple name changes; it is now known as the Scotiabank Saddledome. 27. Canada Life Centre – Winnipeg Jets 3.57 Lloyd Brown -Winnipeg has been given a second chance with an NHL franchise and there is no chance of the fans allowing the team to move elsewhere again. They fill the Canada Life Centre for every game, cheering loudly for the local boys while organizing chants to disrupt the visiting team’s concentration. The whole town turns out in their blue-best when the Jets are in town.   28. American Airlines Center – Dallas Stars 3.57 Michael Davis - American Airlines Center is one of the finest sports venues in America, located in a great city and home to a hockey organization that seems committed to being in Dallas for a long time.  A visit to American Airlines Center to watch the Stars play is a wonderful way to spend an evening in Dallas. 29. PNC Arena – Carolina Hurricanes 3.57 Joseph Oakes - PNC Arena is routinely sold out and offers a great environment to watch Carolina Hurricane NHL hockey.  Even though the venue is approaching 25 years old, it is still a modern arena for NHL hockey.   30. Little Caesars Arena – Detroit Red Wings 3.29 Meg Minard - The NHL’s Detroit Red Wings moved from its aging Joe Louis Arena to the new, technologically-advanced Little Caesars Arena in 2017.  The new arena has many great features while still maintaining the Hockeytown history. 31. Canadian Tire Centre – Ottawa Senators 3.29 Dave Cottenie - It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Ottawa Senators and their much maligned building in Kanata.  It must be said, however, that regardless of the situation with the Canadian Tire Centre, the Ottawa Senators are still an NHL experience and fans will still have a great time during the game. 32. Mullett Arena - Arizona Coyotes 2.86  Greg Venuto - For what it is, Mullett Arena offers a charming setting for fans who can get close to the action and see and hear everything up close.  It is not an NHL venue, but seeing top-flight players in such an intimate setting is fabulous.

One third of the top junior hockey league in Canada, the Ontario Hockey League features seventeen teams from Ontario, one from Pennsylvania and two from Michigan.  The OHL has seen such hockey legends as Bobby Orr, Darry Sittler, Paul Coffey, Al MacInnis, and Wayne Gretzky have all called the OHL home at one point.  A healthy mix of new and old facilities, the OHL offers fans an intimate experience with the glitz of future professional hockey players who help fill the NHL Draft. Stadium Journey has taken to rank the experiences of all 20 experiences in the Ontario Hockey League.  The scores are all very close, however, in every case, a high marks for Return on Investment are present in each experience.  This makes the OHL a prime spot to invest some entertainment dollars and get the most out of that hard earned money. The arenas are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value and more. When two or more venues are tied, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders familiar with the league are consulted to break those ties. Here are the Top 20 OHL Hockey Experiences of 2024. 1. Dom Cardillo Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium - Kitchener Rangers 4.43 Dave Cottenie - The Aud remains one of the most unique venues in a league where new venues are becoming increasingly homogeneous.  The arena with the main ice is named after former beloved mayor of Kitchener, Dom Cardillo, making the home of the Rangers the Dom Cardillo Arena at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.  The Rangers provide one of the best experiences in the entire Canadian Hockey League and are a must see for all junior hockey fans. 2. Meridian Centre - Niagara IceDogs 4.14 Robbie Raskin - Meridian Centre still feels shiny and new after a decade, yet it also avoids feeling like a cookie-cutter modern venue. Coupled with a charming surrounding neighbourhood and world-class tourism draws beyond it, hockey fans should definitely consider OHL hockey in St. Catharines as part of a trip to Niagara. 3. TD Place Arena - Ottawa 67's 4.14 Dave Cottenie - One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League, the 67’s derive their name from not only their inception, but to the founding of Canada as an independent country in 1867.  The 67’s are one of the most successful franchises in the league, both on and off the ice, are owned by the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group, who also claim the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks as part of their portfolio. 4. Sleeman Centre - Guelph Storm 4.14 Dave Cottenie - Although not normally considered a cornerstone franchise of the OHL, the Storm have been among the most consistent both on the ice and at the turnstile.  The Storm have participated in the Memorial Cup tournament on six occasions and won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions four times. 5. GFL Memorial Gardens - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4.00 Dave Cottenie - If there is one thing above all that the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are known for, it is their connection to the greatest hockey player ever, Wayne Gretzky. In 1977, the Greyhounds selected the slender, sixteen year old with the third pick in the midget draft. Gretzky would not disappoint by scoring a Greyhound record 182 points in his only season in the Soo. 6. Budweiser Gardens - London Knights 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The John Labatt Centre opened in 2002 and helped usher in a new era in the OHL of new or renovated facilities and quickly became the gold standard in arenas in the league. Going from a nightmare to a dream come true has been an amazing ride for the fans in London and there are no signs of slowing down. 7. Slush Puppie Place - Kingston Frontenacs 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Although the Fronts have not enjoyed a ton of success on the ice, with only two East Division Championships to show for their efforts, the Frontenacs experience has improved significantly and remains a great option for sports fans 8. Tribute Communities Centre - Oshawa Generals 3.86 Dave Cottenie - With a lineage that goes back to Oshawa’s favourite adopted son, Bobby Orr, the Generals are one of the most successful teams to ever take the ice in Ontario.  The Generals hold the record for most J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions, with 13.  The Generals also boast an impressive five Memorial Cups, which is also more than any other current Canadian Hockey League franchise. 9. Sudbury Community Arena - Sudbury Wolves 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Sudbury Community Arena is in the twilight of its Ontario Hockey League life, and fans need to take advantage of the opportunity to see this facility host the Sudbury Wolves while they still can.  The expected opening of the Kingsway Entertainment District, which will provide a new event centre home for the Wolves, is not far off, in 2025. 10. Erie Insurance Arena - Erie Otters 3.71 Patricia Beninato - If you’re a hockey fan, an Erie Otters game is fun and relatively inexpensive, even if you throw in a hot dog, a beer, and a t-shirt. Maybe it’s not a destination arena, but if you’re in the area and want to see future NHL stars up close and hang out with some loyal hockey fans, you can do worse than Erie Insurance Arena. 11. Peterborough Memorial Centre - Peterborough Petes 3.71 Robbie Raskin - The Petes are the oldest continuously-operating team in the OHL and have won the league nine times and the national Memorial Cup championship once. Frustrating to their fans is that the only team with greater success are their hated rivals, the Oshawa Generals. 12. Progressive Auto Sales Arena - Sarnia Sting 3.57 Marc Viquez - Progressive Auto Sales Arena is home to the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. It has a seating capacity of 5,500 and sits on the campus of Lambton College. The building debuted in 1998, four seasons after the Sting arrived. 13. North Bay Memorial Gardens - North Bay Battalion 3.57 Dave Cottenie - In 2013 the Ontario Hockey League made a triumphant return to North Bay, Ontario.  After the North Bay Centennials had their run from 1982 to 2002, they left for Saginaw, Michigan under a cloud of mistrust and bad feelings. The hockey light would shine again in the Gateway to the North after the local fans provided next level support for the Nipissing Lakers, a newly formed university team. 14. Sadlon Arena - Barrie Colts 3.43 Dave Cottenie - Sadlon Arena offers a solid junior hockey experience that is not uncommon in many other markets. From the exterior, Sadlon Arena has a bit of a barn-like appearance with a rounded, elongated roof, which can be seen from Highway 400.  Oriented from west to east, the most eye-catching feature of the arena is the Horsepower Sports Bar, which offers a unique brick facade to the front of the building with awnings. 15. WFCU Centre - Windsor Spitfires 3.29 Marc Viquez - The original Spitfires were members of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1945 to 1953 and relocated to Hamilton. The current version began operations in 1971 in the Major Junior Hockey League and was promoted to the Ontario Hockey League in 1975. The Spitfires are named after the Royal Canadian Air Force No. 417 Squadron, nicknamed “City of Windsor” squadron, who flew the Spitfire fighter planes during World War II. To many fans, they are nicknamed the Spits.   16. Brantford and District Civic Centre - Brantford Bulldogs 3.14 Dave Cottenie - New to the 2023-2024 Ontario Hockey League landscape is the Brantford Bulldogs. When the Hamilton Bulldogs found they would be homeless for two years as the FirstOntario Centre undergoes renovations, owner Michael Andlauer found a landing spot in Brantford, Ontario, famously the childhood home of Wayne Gretzky, and signed a lease with the city for at least three years. 17. J.D. McArthur Arena @ Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre - Owen Sound Attack 3.14 Dave Cottenie - On the banks of Georgian Bay sits the smallest market in the Ontario Hockey League. In 1989, the Guelph Platers, who had been in Guelph since 1968, made the move north to the Grey-Bruce area of Ontario. 18. Wendler Arena @ Dow Event Center - Saginaw Spirit 3.00 Dave Cottenie - With a small city population of under 50,000, currently a poor team on the ice and economic challenges in Central Michigan, the Spirit are having a bit of a rough go.  That being said, there is still hope that Michigan’s hockey spirit can continue to thrive in the OHL. 19. Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center - Flint Firebirds 2.86 Dave Cottenie - When Peter Karmanos sold the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League to the IMS Hockey Corporation and Rolf Nilsen there were a number of eyebrows raised. There are more than enough doubters when it comes to the Firebirds viability in Flint, but IMS is chugging along and they want everyone to get behind and Believe in Flint. 20. Paramount Fine Foods Centre - Mississauga Steelheads 2.71 Dave Cottenie - A decade as the Steelheads has passed and hockey in Mississauga once again is at a tipping point.  Owner Elliot Kerr has made public his frustrations with the lack of fan support and mused that maybe the Steelheads should be elsewhere.  The Steelheads are expected to move to Brampton, Ontario for the 2024-2025 season

The Dallas Mavericks taking on the Boston Celtics are set to do battle in the NBA Finals. Stadium Journey felt it was time to do what we do best - rank the arenas of the league. The website utilizes the FANFARE rating scale, which considers a venue's Food, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fan support, Access, Return on investment, and a final Extras category to determine the rankings. A Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the tie when two or more venues are tied. We hope that this list provides 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 present Stadium Journey's rankings of all 30 National Basketball Association arenas for the 2023-24 season. 1. Madison Square Garden - New York Knicks 4.57 Brian O'Sullivan - Once again, “The World’s Most Famous Arena” finishes in the top spot. 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. Kia Center - Orlando Magic 4.57 Chris Green - Take an NBA team, plant it in a beautiful growing city, and build them a beautiful facility with modern touches that never seem to go out of style, and you have yourself Kia Center, home of the Orlando Magic. Chock-full of quality concessions, comfortable seating, great restaurants and bars nearby, and friendly patrons, you would be hard-pressed to find a venue as enjoyable and inviting for a game of professional basketball. 3. Scotiabank Arena - Toronto Raptors 4.43   Dave Cottenie -Taking in a Toronto Raptors game is an event that fans will love.  The entertainment is top-notch, and the Scotiabank Arena is an excellent venue with a terrific location in one of the most dynamic, tourist-friendly cities. Basketball fans should not shy with the Raptors because of their relative youth as a franchise.  They are one of the best experiences around. 4. Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia 76ers 4.43 Pete Dowell - The fans make the experience at a Sixers game worth the price of admission. They love to band together and 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. 5. Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse - Cleveland Cavaliers 4.43   Lloyd Brown - Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has been directed towards improving the fan experience, as the seating bowl and playing court remained the same throughout the latest changes.  6. Kaseya Arena - Miami Heat 4.43   Lloyd Brown - The facility is one of the most unique arenas in the league, both architecturally and in its promotion of the local team’s brand. It embraces the Latin heritage found in the Miami area through its concessions program and the music played during lulls in the action. 7. 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 in the country. 8. Moda Center - Portland Trailblazers 4.29 Lloyd Brown - The Moda Center 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 fans providing a great viewing experience. 9. Ball Arena -  Denver Nuggets 4.29 Matt Finnegan - NBA games are high-energy, and Nuggets home games are no different.  The club's recent championship success has brought larger and louder crowds. Yet the costs of watching the Nuggets at Ball Arena do not require a complex financial transaction. 10. Golden 1 Center - Sacramento Kings 4.29 Lloyd Brown - A large venue can harm the environment through heavy car emissions, trash, and heavy use of carbon-producing gasses. 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. 11. TD Garden - Boston Celtics 4.14   Paul Baker - The city of Boston may not be viewed as a basketball hotbed by many people. However, the combination of a team contending for the NBA Title, a rabid fanbase, an outstanding gameday atmosphere, unmatched history, and tradition makes 'The Gahden' one of the must-see venues in the league. 12. Gainbridge Fieldhouse - Indiana Pacers 4.14   Marc Viquez - The arena no longer feels like a traditional basketball fieldhouse, but more of an entertainment venue that will appeal to different events.  Once in your seat, you will have a great NBA experience. 13. Frost Bank Center - San Antonio Spurs 4.14 Eric Moreno - The Barn is still a special place to watch an NBA game. 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. 14. 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. The arena is in immaculate condition, offers first-class amenities, and is among the best experiences in the NBA. 15. Delta Center - Utah Jazz 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Through stable ownership that always puts its fans first, the franchise has been one of the most successful on and off the court. The Utah Jazz are proof that a small-market team can thrive in the NBA. 16. Smoothie King Center - New Orleans Pelicans 4.14   Matt Colville -The Blender is slowly beginning to show its age and has received some recent flack for not being up to comparison with other NBA venues. It doesn't stand out amongst the city skyline.  But for everything the arena lacks, and in a city known for its partying, the gameday staff does an excellent job trying to make it an exciting and festive atmosphere. 17. 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. 18. Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles Clippers 4.00 Editor - The Clippers have played their last game at the Crypto.com Arena that they have shared with the Lakers since 1999. It is scheduled to open the Intuit Dome in Inglewood next season, a state-of-the-art venue that we hope debuts on our list next year. 19. State Farm Arena - Atlanta Hawks 4.00   David Welch - Taking in a Hawks game at State Farm Arena is an overall fun experience. The organization puts a lot of effort into visiting one of the best in the NBA. From the player introductions to the in-game entertainment and variety of food and drinks at affordable prices, the experience is, without a doubt, high quality. 20. Footprint Center - Phoenix Suns 4.00   Lloyd Brown - A trip to the Footprint Center provides a much-improved fan experience for the Suns faithful. They can relax in the newly installed seats while keeping up with the game stats via the new video board and end zone displays.  21. Paycom Center - Oklahoma City Thunder 4.00   Dave Cottenie - Oklahoma City has 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. 22. 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. 23. Barclays Center - Brooklyn Nets 3.71   Sean MacDonald -The Barclays Center has embraced a black and gray 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 Caesars Arena - Detroit Pistons 3.71   Dave Cottenie - Little Caesars Arena attempts to meld a modern arena with something from a different era.  The exterior of the Little Caesars Arena attempts to bring you back to the old Olympia Arena in Detroit, which the Pistons and Red Wings once shared.  A healthy mix of glass and brick, the exterior of the building is attractive. 25. Spectrum Center - Charlotte Hornets 3.71 David Welch - There are a variety of entertainment options to enjoy in downtown Charlotte. The Uptown area provides copious activities for fans before and after a Hornets game. 26. Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles Lakers 3.71   Lloyd Brown - The arena 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. Its location across the street from the LA Live music, restaurant, and entertainment district makes it an attractive place for a night on the town. 27. Toyota Center - Houston Rockets 3.57   When in Space City, checking out the Houston Rockets is a great way to help take in the entirety of the city.  The Toyota Center is a solid NBA venue; fans will have a good time at the game. 28. FedEx Forum - Memphis Grizzlies 3.57   Lloyd Brown - The FedEx 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 town. 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 electronic package in the seating bowl area have been improved.  30. Capital One Arena - Washington Wizards 3.14   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 others in the league, you ultimately get what you pay for.

Nothing says "summer" in North America more than taking in a ballgame in a small-town ballpark. While in recent years traditional minor league baseball has contracted, summer wood-bat leagues are exploding all across the continent, to the point where it's hard to even keep up with all the new leagues and teams sprouting up all in towns and cities everywhere. For many towns, summer ball has allowed their local ballpark to stay in use after being abandoned by affiliated baseball. In others, new ballparks have been built to accommodate the new team. Summer ball offers baseball fans an affordable entertainment option throughout the summer months. Stadium Journey has visited 175 Summer Collegiate ballparks across 27 leagues. Listed below, in alphabetical order, are some of our highest-rated and favorite ballparks. To see the full review, simply click on the stadium/team link. Hope you enjoy it! Shirley Povich Field - Bethesda Big Train - Cal Ripken League Gregory Koch - The Big Train have certainly succeeded in creating a top-notch community baseball experience in Bethesda. On a warm summer night (or the occasional 10 AM Sunday game), baseball fans in Montgomery County will certainly want to make the trip to Shirley Povich Field. It is baseball fun for seasoned fans, young families, and everyone in between. Bowen Field - Bluefield Ridge Runners - Appalachian League Lloyd Brown - Bowen Field is one of the treasures of minor league baseball. Though it does not have many of the bells and whistles of more modern stadiums, it more than makes up for it in small-town friendliness, a beautiful natural setting and a community and their ball team putting their best efforts to ensure you have an enjoyable night at the ballpark. Veteran's Field - Chatham Anglers - Cape Cod League Paul Baker - In a league full of unique parks, Chatham offers an experience that may top them all. It has a real vintage charm, and the view from the top of the outfield berm simply can’t be beaten. NelsonCorp Field - Clinton Lumberkings - Prospect League James Hilchen - FieldCorp Field takes fans back in time to when baseball was about taking in the experience of what was happening on the field, rooting for your players and against the opposing team. For a true baseball fan, this is a fabulous venue. Lowell Park - Cotuit Kettleers - Cape Cod League Paul Baker - Lowell Park is a jewel among summer league parks.  In addition to Cotuit's picturesque location, Cape League lineups are loaded with future Major League players. This combination makes a visit to Cape Cod a must for any baseball fan. Just remember to put a few dollars in the kettle when it’s passed around, and “Have a Hit!” Danville Stadium - Danville Dans - Prospect League Marc Viquez - At one time, Danville Stadium was slated for the wrecking ball and left to rot after the Milwaukee Brewers relocated their Single-A team after the 1982 season. Aren’t we somewhat better off having baseball played at Danville Stadium and other buildings of its kind? It is good to know that there are still old-school parks left to watch baseball at these days. American Legion Field - Danville Otterbots - Appalachian League Gregory Koch - An Otterbots game is an enjoyable way to spend a warm summer night watching a baseball game. With an intimate stadium and a crazy mascot, it's affordable fun for the whole family. League Stadium - Dubois County Bombers - Ohio Valley League Marc Viquez - A wonderful and charming little stadium in southern Indiana that is somewhat of a drive for some in the state, but perhaps a drive that is well worth it since there is not quite another ballpark like it in the Hoosier State. Dunn Field - Elmira Pioneers - Perfect Game League Marc Viquez - The charm of Dunn Field would be enough to attract any ballpark traveler to Elmira. The amply-sized stadium has the look and feel of many great minor league ballparks that are no longer around. It is clean, spacious, and ideal for a relaxing day of baseball viewing. Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park - Harrisonburg Turks - Valley League Gregory Koch - It is indisputable that Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park is the most modern facility in the Valley League. While the older venues certainly have their charm in their way, the Turks manage to create the same great atmosphere there is elsewhere in the league in a more modern stadium with all the amenities that come with. Capital Credit Union Park - Green Bay Rockers - Northwoods League Marc Viquez - Capital Credit Union Park is by far one of the most curious places to watch a baseball game during the summer months. Its design and features best suit a soccer match but it’s full of popular areas and affordable food and concessions items that make it a nice destination for fans in the area. TVA Credit Union Ballpark - Johnson City Doughboys - Appalachian League Marc Viquez - There’s a reason that TVA Credit Union Ballpark has been a class act for so many years in the Appalachian League. It continues that trend as a summer collegiate venue in 2021 but still offers all of the great atmosphere and fun from its days as a Rookie League ballpark. Joe Becker Stadium - Joplin Outlaws - MINK League Alex Mailes - Joe Becker Stadium offers the feeling of small-town baseball at a high level for an affordable price. There are plenty of promotions and games for fans to keep things exciting and Joplin has plenty to offer if you find yourself bored after the game. Homer Stryker Field - Kalamazoo Growlers - Northwoods League Steve Ohnsmann - Given the remarkable number of creative additions in the last year provided by the Growlers in their close working relationship with the city, this venue is a must-see experience. Considering that they offer college wood bat baseball, they are offering a product that competes with class A minor league parks. Alumni Field - Keene Swamp Bats - New England League Paul Baker - It’s readily apparent once you step foot into Alumni Field why it’s one of the marquee venues in the New England Collegiate League. Take an unforgettable setting, add in great fan support, enthusiastic staff, and tons of extra features and you have all the elements of a fantastic place to catch a ballgame. Simmons Field - Kenosha Kingfish - Northwoods League Eric Hasman - The Kenosha Kingfish have regenerated life back into the old ballpark. The recent renovations greatly improve the ballpark. According to some fans, there are more renovations planned for the upcoming off-season. This ballpark is a place one should visit. There is history and fun all over the park. Hunter Wright Stadium - Kingsport Axemen - Appalachian League Lloyd Brown - Each off-season the stadium is evaluated for what can be done to improve the fan experience and the changes are implemented. This is rewarded by the most loyal fan following in the league, multiple sellouts, and a definite desire to return for future games. Kapco Park - Lakeshore Chinooks - Northwoods League Marc Viquez - Kapco Park offers great concessions and an atmosphere that reminds me why I enjoy traveling around the country and visiting ballparks. The wait was worth it, a fine ballpark experience. Luther Williams Field - Macon Bacon - Coastal Plain League Lloyd Brown - Just as bacon has seen a renaissance as a food item, the Macon Bacon has brought about a renaissance for baseball in the Middle Georgia area. This Bacon recipe of baseball in a historic structure… seasoned with a few modern elements to meet the taste of today’s fans… is high in fun and low in cost. The Bacon Nation is sure to come back for a second helping. Warner Park - Madison Mallards - Northwoods League Marc Viquez - The Madison Mallards might be the O.G.'s of packing in exciting crowds in summer-collegiate baseball. Before the Savannah Bananas brought record numbers to their ballpark, the Mallards were among the leaders in baseball in average attendance numbers at Warner Park. Athletic Park - Medicine Hat Mavericks - Western Major League Jim Flannery - The Mavericks have been a consistent contender in the WMBL for most of their franchise history. Coming out to see a game in a lovely, relaxing environment, with friendly people is a great way to spend a summer evening in “The Hat.” Holman Stadium - Nashua Silver Knights - Futures League Paul Baker - Holman Stadium is a quaint ballpark that has likely seen the end of its days as a professional facility. With Northeast Delta Dental Stadium located 20 minutes to the north and LaLacheur Park located 20 minutes to the south, there are just not enough fans for the affiliated ball in the area. Rebel Park - New Market Rebels - Valley League Gregory Koch - For baseball fans in Virginia, the Valley Baseball League is a hidden gem and the New Market Rebels are no exception. Those in New Market certainly know about the team and passionately follow it, but a trip to Rebel Park is well worth it for those who don’t live here as well. Cardines Field - Newport Gulls - New England League Paul Baker - They certainly don’t build them like Cardines Field anymore. This historic ballpark, filled with features not seen anywhere else, is a relic from another time. Cardines Field is frequently mentioned as one of the top places in the country to watch summer wood-bat baseball. Seaman Stadium - Okotoks Dawgs - Western Major League Richard Smith -Seaman Stadium is a wonderful ballpark, especially for the collegiate summer league level. There are likely to be affiliated minor teams that would be jealous of this fine facility. First Responder Field - Olney Cropdusters - Cal Ripken Sr. League Gregory Koch - Although First Responder Field isn’t quite finished yet, an Olney Cropdusters game is still an enjoyable way to spend a summer evening as long as you remember to bring your chairs. Once the permanent seating and lights are added for the 2023 season, and hopefully, a better sound system, the atmosphere here will be even better. Eldredge Park - Orleans Firebirds - Cape Cod League Paul Baker - Baseball has been played at Eldredge Park since 1913. As a member of the Firebirds' staff put it, "We have three things going for us in Orleans. We have the best beaches on the Cape, we have the hill, and we have the history." War Memorial Stadium - Peninsula Pilots - Coastal Plain League Gregory Koch - There is no doubt that War Memorial Stadium is an old ballpark. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of more modern facilities in the CPL and elsewhere in the area, the energy at Peninsula Pilots game is top-notch. Sinsheimer Stadium - San Luis Obispo Blues - California League Meg Minard - San Luis Obispo is a small but vibrant, entertaining town to visit and well worth a stop for any traveller.  Attending a game at Sinsheimer Stadium provides an excellent baseball experience in a community that supports it well. John Moxie Memorial Stadium - Staunton Braves - Valley League Gregory Koch - What John Moxie Memorial Stadium lacks in flashiness it makes up for in charm. Baseball has been played at this site for over a century. Although Moxie Stadium doesn’t have the amenities of modern stadiums, and it certainly would never be mistaken for one, it is a gorgeous, historic stadium to watch a game on a summer’s night at a great price. Trenton Thunder Ballpark - Trenton Thunder - MLB Draft League Marc Viquez - It seems like only yesterday that the team arrived and spearheaded a movement toward ballpark construction in the state. However, the ballpark still stands out as a beauty and provides a highly enjoyable baseball experience. Shepherd Stadium - Tri-City Chili Peppers - Coastal Plain League Gregory Koch - Although Shepherd Stadium is almost 75 years old, you wouldn’t know it from attending a Chili Peppers game here. The stadium has all the amenities and excitement of a newer stadium. Centennial Field - Vermont Lake Monsters - Futures League Paul Baker - Centennial Field, while an older facility, offers many modern amenities and enough comforts to keep today’s fan happy. With a decidedly small-town feel, this ballpark belongs on any baseball fan’s must-see list. Oregon Trail Park Stadium - Western Nebraska Pioneers - Independence League Meg Minard - It is so, so comfortable here. The seats are wide, there’s plenty of legroom , the fans are energized, and the Pioneers staff is ready to assis, if needed. It’s still more about the game than the extra stuff but there’s enough of that to keep non-purists entertained. Historic Bowman Field - Williamsport Crosscutters - MLB Draft League Gregory Koch - Baseball has been played at Bowman Field for almost 100 years and you can feel a part of the history when stepping in here. However, this very much feels like a modern ballpark as well, not an old decrepit one that is falling apart. Yakima County Stadium - Yakima County Pippens - West Coast League Richard Smith - The Yakima Valley Pippins and Yakima County Stadium is a perfect spot to watch a summer collegiate league team. The stadium is past its prime for minor-league baseball. but is perfect for this level of ball.

When Major League Baseball took over operations of the affiliated minor leagues in 2021, contracting 40 teams, it was a real boon for the independent leagues. Contraction opened up previously occupied markets and created opportunities for indy leagues to loosely affiliate themselves with Major League Baseball. One of the leagues to take advantage of the changing landscape was the Frontier League. Today, the Frontier League consists of 16 teams stretching geographically from Quebec to St. Louis. Many of the circuit's teams are located just outside of major league markets, where they can market themselves as affordable alternatives to the more expensive big league teams. Stadium Journey correspondents have visited all 16 of the Frontier League ballparks, rating each one according to our patented FANFARE scale, which takes a look at a facility's food, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, value, and more. We have ranked them all here for you in one convenient list. Share your thoughts on our social media channels @Stadium Journey. 1. Duly Health and Care Field - Joliet Slammers - 4.29 Eric Hasman - Duly Health and Care Field has a surprising lot of pros to make it one of the best ballparks in the Chicagoland area. It offers a wraparound concourse, creative food options, cheap prices, a healthy selection of craft beers, and an active surrounding neighborhood to make it well worth your while to visit. 2. Mercy Health Stadium - Lake Erie Crushers - 4.00 Chris Green - The Lake Erie Crushers are a team that is perhaps overlooked too often, which is unfair to their extremely family-friendly atmosphere. Mercy Health Stadium is well laid out, and while it may not feature multi-level suite boxes or upper deck seating, the venue offers great sightlines and comfortable seating in all areas. 3. Thomas More Stadium - Florence Y'Alls - 3.86 Marc Viquez - Thomas More Stadium is a small stadium that packs in a big punch. It is a simple facility that makes up for it by getting base hits with free parking, local food variety, affordable prices, and a positive attitude. The use of the water tower and the phrase "Florence Y'all" is awesomely fun. If the Reds are not in town, take the short drive and watch the team play. 4. Joseph L. Bruno Stadium - Tri-City Valley Cats - 3.71 Paul Baker - While “The Joe” may not stand out from the crowd as a facility, the ValleyCats do a whole lot right at Bruno Stadium. With a game day experience that features a top-notch menu, excellent customer service, and numerous extras, a trip to Tri-City is certainly worth taking. 5. Stade Canac - Quebec Capitales - 3.71 Paul Baker - Quebec would never be considered a baseball city by most fans, but Les Capitales has been one of the more successful independent teams both on and off the field. A trip to historic Stade Canac is one worth taking for any ballpark chaser. 6. Grizzlies Ballpark - Gateway Grizzlies - 3.71 Marc Viquez - It is a marvelous, little ballpark that has become one of the better ones in independent baseball. The ticket prices are affordable, the food is creative and fun, and promotional nights should attract fans to the stadium. When in St. Louis, there is more than one option for a baseball game. 7. Bosse Field - Evansville Otters - 3.57 Marc Viquez-Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball. Photo Courtesy of Julio Bocher 8. Wild Things Park - Washington Wild Things - 3.57 The Wild Things have been a mainstay in the Frontier League since 1997. Located in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, the team likes to boast that it is where local baseball fans can come to see a team win. 9. Clover Stadium - New York Boulders - 3.43 Paul Baker - Clover Stadium is one of the nicer independent ballparks in the northeast. It always felt out of place in the Can-Am League, but with the circuit’s merger into the Frontier League, it will have some worthy peers. If this ballpark was located in a downtown area, it may be listed among the best in all of independent baseball. 10. Skylands Stadium - Sussex County Miners - 3.43 Gregory Koch - Skylands Stadium may be far away from everywhere everyone thinks of when they think of New Jersey, but it is still a great place to watch a baseball game. Between the unique and fitting architectural style, and all the on-field and off-field ways the team promotes the fan experience, a Sussex County Miners game is a great way to spend a summer evening. 11. Wintrust Field - Schaumberg Boomers - 3.29 Eric Hasman - The Schaumburg Boomers experience is noticeably better than the Schaumburg Flyers experience from many years ago. It seems the Boomers are keeping up their winning ways and are always upgrading the fan experience. Wintrust Field is worth checking out during any ballpark tours of the Chicagoland area. 12. Ottawa Stadium - Ottawa Titans - 3.29 Paul Baker - While Ottawa Stadium's glory days may be behind it, the ballpark remains a functional facility that fits the Frontier League well. While it may be too large for the needs of the Titans, it’s great to see baseball continue in Canada’s capital after years of uncertainty. 13. Stade Quillorama - Trois Rivieres Aigles - 3.14 Paul Baker - Trois Rivieres will not be a destination considered by many baseball fans when planning a road trip. However, a trip to Quebec to see Stade Quillorama is a worthwhile stadium journey for any fan. This old-timey facility is a cozy place to catch a game, and the small city of Trois Rivieres is a unique destination to include on a ballpark road trip. 14. Ozinga Field - Windy City Thunderbolts - 3.00 Eric Hasman - This ballpark is one of the best-kept secrets on the south side of the Chicagoland area. The design of the ballpark, the local fans who tailgate, the support of the club, and the affordable pricing should make Ozinga Field a can’t-miss for any baseball traveler. 15. Campanelli Stadium - New England Knockouts - 2.86 Paul Baker - Can the Knockouts go the distance, or will they be another independent league TKO? Early returns are not promising, but this fight is far from over. While Campanelli Stadium doesn’t do anything new in terms of the facility itself or the game-day experience, this is a worthy addition to the Frontier League roster of ballparks. 16. Hinchliffe Stadium - New Jersey Jackals - 2.86 Paul Baker - While there was a great deal of criticism surrounding the efforts to preserve and restore this historic facility and the Jackals’ subsequent move there, it’s wonderful to be able to step back in time and experience a baseball game in an original Negro League ballpark. While some of the choices made in setting up the field may be questionable, this is a place that every baseball historian should endeavor to visit.

When Major League Baseball took over operations of the affiliated minor leagues in 2021, contracting 40 teams, it was a real boon for the independent leagues. Contraction opened up previously occupied markets and created opportunities for indy leagues to loosely affiliate themselves with Major League Baseball. One of the leagues to take advantage of the changing landscape was the American Association. Today, the American Association consists of 12 teams stretching geographically through the midwest from Manitoba to Texas. Many of the circuit's teams are located just outside of major league markets, where they can market themselves as affordable alternatives to the more expensive big league teams. Stadium Journey correspondents have visited all 12 of the American Association ballparks, rating each one according to our patented FANFARE scale, which takes a look at a facility's food, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, value, and more. We have ranked them all here for you in one convenient list. Share your thoughts on our social media channels @Stadium Journey. Shaw Park - Winnepeg Goldeyes 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a class act in the world of independent league baseball. The crowd support, enthusiasm, friendly staff, and all-around great time are what visits Shaw Park a great investment with your ballpark dollar. Legends Field - Kansas City Monarchs 3.71 Marc Viquez -Legends Field is a very nice place to watch a baseball game; it’s spacious, has plenty of promotional nights, and is easy to get to by car. If you happen to be in town when the Monarchs are playing, watching a game on the Kansas side of the city might be worth your effort. Haymarket Park - Lincoln Saltdogs 3.71 Paul Baker - Haymarket Park is a nice facility located close to downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska. Sports fans visiting the area should be sure to check out nearby Memorial Stadium. Baseball fans will enjoy the mix of the ballpark’s small-town feel and modern amenities. Northwest Medicine Field - Kane County Cougars 3.57 Marc Viquez - Northwestern Medicine Field is an older minor league ballpark with a main concourse that does not wrap around the ball field. The atmosphere is festive with food trucks, lawn seating down both foul lines, a KidZone behind right field, and three wooden party decks for large groups. Plus, there is plenty of food and beverages to keep fans of all ages satisfied. Newman Outdoor Field - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 3.57 Paul Baker - Ballparks like Newman Outdoor Field and cities like Fargo are the backbone of minor-league baseball. Boasting affordable prices, a friendly atmosphere and a comfortable, fun place at which to watch a game, a trip to North Dakota is a worthy Stadium Journey for any baseball fan. Impact Field - Chicago Dogs 3.43 Marc Viquez - Impact Field is a fantastic-looking stadium and pushes the boundary for stadium design and aesthetics. The Chicagoland is a crowd with both major league and MLB partner league ballparks, and the Dogs provide a lot of fun and excitement with their branding, ticket pricing, and promotional nights. The Depot at Cleburne Stadium - Cleburne Railroaders 3.43 Michael Davis - The Depot at Cleburne Station is the headstone of future development around Cleburne, and the brand-new ballpark has the potential to keep professional baseball in Cleburne for many years to come. While Cleburne, Texas may not be a tourist hot spot, what it does have is an immaculate ballpark for any baseball fan. Sioux Falls Stadium - Sioux Falls Canaries 3.43 Chuck Utech - There are newer parks. There are some with more state-of-the-art features. There are few though that marry a feel of the community with amenities. Sioux Falls Stadium is an excellent ballpark that baseball fans can enjoy. Franklin Field - Milwaukee Milkmen 3.29 Marc Viquez - Franklin Field is not your ordinary baseball stadium. It blends in well with the neighborhood, and it will only be challenged by the imagination of its architects. The enthusiasm by the game day staff dressed as milkmen, and the numerous dairyland themes make for an alternative to watching professional baseball in Milwaukee. U.S. Steel Yard - Gary Southshore RailCats 3.00 Eric Hasman - U.S. Steel Yard is a nice ballpark and one of my favorites because it plays big (lots of triples). Even though it is not located in the best neighborhoods, it is safe and a place any ballpark enthusiast should see. Wisconsin Brewing Company - Lake County Dockhounds 3.00 Paul Baker - The developers of Wisconsin Brewing Company Park made many bold choices when they designed this multi-purpose park. Unfortunately, the result was a bland facility that features a less-than-ideal setup for all the sports it was designed to host. Once the kinks are worked out in this brand-new facility for this brand-new team, this will be a fine addition to the American Association roster of ballparks. Lewis and Clark Stadium - Sioux City Explorers 3.00 Paul Baker - Lewis and Clark Park is a small-town ballpark that is in danger of being passed by, even by the independent American Association. As the league continues to move into newer ballparks in larger cities, small cities like Sioux City are in danger of losing their teams. This is hardly an indictment on ballparks like Lewis and Clark Park, which are quickly becoming obsolete as the stadium arms race escalates.

The Low A division of Minor League Baseball consists of the Carolina League, the Florida State League, and the California League. The 2024 Low A season has just wrapped up this week with the Fredericksburg Nationals taking the Carolina League crown, the Palm Beach Cardinals taking the Florida State League crown, and the Modesto Nuts taking the California League crown. Stadium Journey writers have visited all Low A ballparks, and we present you our 2024 rankings based on our FANFARE ranking system. 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 quite a few ties. In the case of a tie between several venues, a counsel of Stadium Journey elders is consulted to break the ties. We encourage you to share your input on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. 1. Pelicans Ballpark – Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4.71 Steve Ohnsman - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have called TicketReturn.com Field their home since 1999 and it is an excellent minor league facility. Located across the street from a large entertainment/dining/shopping complex named Broadway at the Beach, anyone could make an entertaining day of the two properties. The City of Myrtle Beach is heavily oriented to tourists and families, offering many hotels/resorts/golf courses/restaurants, and the Pelicans staff appear to do a great job of attracting local residents and tourists. 2. Segra Park – Columbia Fireflies 4.14 David Welch - Professional baseball would make a return to the South Carolina capital in 2016 when the Savannah Sand Gnats would leave coastal Georgia for a newly built stadium in Columbia. Initially, the South Atlantic League Class A affiliate of the New York Mets. The 2021 restructuring of minor league baseball saw changes for the Fireflies – not only did their affiliation change from the Mets to the Kansas City Royals, but they also moved from the South Atlantic League to the Carolina League but would remain a Class A affiliate. Despite the change in leagues and affiliates, the Fireflies have done well in drawing fans and putting on an entertaining game experience since their inception in 2016 through today. 3. Joseph P. Riley Park – Charlestown RiverDogs 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park has served as the home field for the Charleston RiverDogs since 1997. It is located along the banks of the Ashley River. The 6,000-seat stadium (known locally as The Joe) is named for longtime mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Riley served as mayor for 10 terms, serving from 1975-2016, and was best known for guiding the city through the recovery from Hurricane Hugo. 4. LoanMart Field – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 4.14 Andrei Ojeda - California’s Inland Empire is a great market for minor-league baseball. In less than 90 minutes, fans can stop by the stadiums of three minor league franchises. Perhaps the most storied of all of these franchises, call the city of Rancho Cucamonga its home. 5. LECOM Park - Bradenton Marauders 4.14 Lloyd Brown - LECOM Park offers you a unique opportunity to check out a ballpark that has seen players like Willie Stargell, Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron, Bill Mazeroski, and Ted Williams play on its field. Its Spanish Colonial architecture, and the roof-protected shade over much of the grandstands all bring you back to baseball as it used to be. 6. Virginia Credit Union Stadium – Fredericksburg Nationals 4.00 Joseph Oakes - After years of playing in the decrepit Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, VA, the Potomac Nationals were set to move 30 miles south to Fredericksburg and become the Fredericksburg Nationals in 2020. Since the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19, the move to the new ballpark was delayed by a year. 7. BayCare Ballpark – Clearwater Threshers 4.00 David Welch - Shortly before the MLB season begins, spring training comes to a close, and training facilities transition from hosting Major League Baseball’s stars, to preparing for the upcoming season and welcoming the game’s future stars. To that end, minor league baseball’s Florida State League kicks off its season just after the MLB season starts. 8. Excite Ballpark – San Jose Giants 4.00 Chris Green - Take a historic stadium that oozes memories of the past greats with architecture that harkens back to baseball’s golden age. Mix in a loyal fanbase that is among the best in the Bay Area. Sprinkle in some stellar weather and add a pinch of minor league magic. This may well be the recipe that one would use to create the magic that is the San Jose Giants. This gem of a ballpark features everything that makes minor league baseball the wonderful draw that it is. 9. SRP Park – Augusta Greenjackets 3.86 Lloyd Brown - SRP Park and the GreenJackets continue to generate buzz in the minor-league baseball community. The facility offers amenities that are not usually found in Low-Class A-level stadiums. These amenities include theatre-style seating, a 360-degree concourse, a top-of-the-line video board in the outfield, and terrific views of both the field and the Savannah River thanks to the TaxSlayer Terrace in right field. 10. Atrium Health Ballpark – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 3.71 David Berger - For the 2021 season, the Kannapolis Intimidators re-branded as the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, and moved into a new downtown ballpark, retiring Intimidators Stadium, a 25-year-old ballpark they had called home since moving the franchise from Spartanburg, SC in 1995. 11. Arthur W. Perdue Stadium – Delmarva Shorebirds 3.71 Richard Smith - Arthur W. Perdue Stadium is a great stadium and the Delmarva Shorebirds go out of their way to make the stadium a place where both casual and hardcore baseball fans can be entertained and enjoy a quality game experience. 12. Grainger Stadium – Down East Wood Ducks 3.71 Michael Rusignuolo - Historic Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina, has been a fixture in minor league baseball since 1948. Owned by the city, a dedicatory plaque identifies the structure as Municipal Stadium, but it has been called Grainger Stadium after the local prominent Grainger family who donated half the land for the ballpark and whose name you will find plastered all over the city since its inception. 13. Banner Island Ballpark – Stockton Ports 3.71 Meg Minard - The Stockton Ballpark, affectionately referred to by locals as Banner Island Ballpark, sits on what no longer is an island in Stockton, CA. The inlets have mostly been filled in, but the name lives on. 14. Joker Merchant Stadium – Lakeland Flying Tigers 3.71 Chris Green - Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium is a beautiful facility thanks to its latest renovation, and the Flying Tigers are a team that tends to get lost in the shuffle of Florida’s bustling sports world, but is no less deserving of a visit. Easily one of the best facilities in the Florida State League, things are looking up for the Flying Tigers. 15. Lake Elsinore Diamond – Lake Elsinore Storm 3.71 Andrei Ojeda - One of the biggest draws to The Diamond is the ballpark’s aesthetic appeal along with its natural surroundings. Over the last several years seating capacity has decreased to create a more intimate and sociable ballpark experience. 16. Clover Park – Port St. Lucie Mets 3.57 Meg Minard - Clover Park opened in 1988 and has gone by various names based on sponsorship, but it has always been the Met's home. The stadium holds 7,160 for spring training, but that number is greatly reduced for the Single-A St. Lucie Mets games as portions of the seating area are closed off in the summer. 17. Jackie Robinson Ballpark – Daytona Tortugas 3.43 Chris Green - The idea of a baseball team playing in a beach city in Florida seems about as idyllic as one can imagine, and the stadium surely lives up to the image. With great views from the seats, fans in Daytona are treated to a great experience on game day. 18. Hammond Stadium – Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 3.43 Chris Green - Talking about minor league baseball stadiums, purists look for the old and historic stadiums, while others look for the newest and shiniest facilities. Hammond Stadium may not initially fit either of these categories, having been built in 1991. However, a closer look reveals that the renovations in 2014-15 have completely transformed this once hum-drum facility into a beautiful, tropical oasis in southwest Florida. 19. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Jupiter Hammerheads 3.43 Meg Minard - Roger Dean Stadium and the Jupiter Hammerheads provide an enjoyable game day experience at a reasonable price. With all the promotions and game day activities, families and fans of all ages should enjoy their time at a game. 20. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Palm Beach Cardinals 3.43 Meg Minard - Taking in a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is a great option for families, large groups, and individual fans alike. If you want somewhere to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while watching some quality baseball, consider taking in a Palm Beach Cardinals game. 21. San Manuel Stadium – Inland Empire 66ers 3.29 Meg Minard - Nothing special stands out about San Manuel Stadium. It does provide fabulous customer service and a decent game day experience. Go with family and friends on a Friday and get an inexpensive, enjoyable evening out. 22. Salem Memorial Ballpark – Salem Red Sox 3.14 David Welch - Baseball stadiums are different than those of other sports, in that the natural surroundings play an important role in how memorable an experience a visit can be. The views at Carilion Clinic Field provided by the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide possibly the most impressive backdrop in all of the Carolina League. 23. Chukchansi Park – Fresno Grizzlies 3.14 Meg Minard - Chukchansi is a Native American Indian tribe in central California, known for their beliefs in and advocating early learning and giving students the tools they need to succeed. This also includes continuing education of their historic culture. The tribe owns and operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. That casino owns the naming rights to downtown Fresno’s Chukchansi Park. 24. TD Ballpark – Dunedin Blue Jays 3.14 Eric Hasman - TD Ballpark opened in 1990. It is the home of the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. The ballpark is built on the site of Grant Field, which was the original home of the Jays. The city of Dunedin and this location are the only home that the Blue Jays have ever had since their inception as a franchise in 1977. 25. Segra Stadium – Fayetteville Woodpeckers 3.00 Jared Goodman - While Segra Stadium is unique in some areas, overall it’s a pretty plain vanilla ballpark. The team does a good job of drawing fans and entertaining them on game day, but the high prices and distant parking options are bound to turn some folks away. Hopefully, the revitalization of downtown Fayetteville will keep fans engaged, and it will be exciting to see what the final product will be. 26. The Bank of the James Stadium – Lynchburg Hillcats 3.00 Aaron Terry - The atmosphere can be somewhat laid back and down-home at the ballpark. A Hillcats game is comfortable and relaxing but not over the top in excitement or exuberance. That said, there are other parks nearby you could visit with bigger crowds and better amenities. But if you do find yourself at The Bank of the James Stadium for a game, you will certainly have a decent time. 27. Five County Stadium – Carolina Mudcats 2.86 Gregory Koch - It seems like in North Carolina, there is a baseball stadium just about everywhere you look. Compared to many of those stadiums, Five County Stadium disappoints. Although it isn’t a terrible stadium by any means, it’s nowhere near as good as many other stadiums in the area, including in nearby Durham. 28. John Thurman Field – Modesto Nuts 2.86 Meg Minard - The Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field provides a traditional minor league baseball experience and families should take advantage. It’s pretty bare bones but the fans that attend do have a pleasant summer evening out. Here’s hoping more fans will stop by and enjoy a game in the future. 29. George M. Steinbrenner Stadium – Tampa Tarpons 2.71 Dennis Morrell - The stadium is a fortress – it exudes Yankees power, money, and status. Steinbrenner Field befits a team like the New York Yankees, yet the presence of their Single-A team in this cavernous building is almost an embarrassment. 30. Valley Strong Ballpark – Visalia Rawhide 2.57 Meg Minard - Valley Strong Ballpark is a stadium one will like because of its quirkiness and affordable prices or not like because of its accessibility and an unsafe neighborhood. It is in the ‘Gateway of Sequoia’ so if in town during the summer, consider checking out a game and let us know your thoughts.

With MLB playoffs underway, it's time for us at Stadium Journey to once again rank the game-day experience at all 30 Major League Baseball Ballparks.   Will this year’s ranking be the last one the Oakland Coliseum is listed?  The next few months will tell. 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.  It’s a different way of looking at venues and produces some variability in our lists that you don’t see elsewhere. As usual, we predict that this list will garner a great deal of debate. We welcome your input by joining discussions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.  We’re sure your MLB Stadium ranking list differs from ours, and isn’t that what makes these lists so appealing? 1.       Petco Park - San Diego Padres 4.71 Andrei Ojeda - Celebrating its 20th year, 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 in any ballpark rankings. 2.       Progressive Field - Cleveland Guardians 4.71 Chris Green - Progressive Field has become a shining example of how to maintain a beautiful baseball stadium over the years, altering the seating in the upper deck, incorporating local food and beverage providers, and maintaining a modern look in a facility that is nearing its 30th year in operation. 3.       PNC Park - Pittsburgh Pirates 4.57 Lloyd Brown - 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, hopefully, more fans will embrace the experience and flood the park on the banks of the Allegheny. 4.       Oracle Park - San Francisco Giants 4.57 Andrei Ojeda - Since its opening in 2000, Oracle Park has featured some of the busiest turnstiles in all of baseball. From the views beyond the bay to the nightly breeze, Oracle Park, with its gorgeous surroundings anchored by the bay, has done more than its share to bring baseball fans to its gem. 5.       Busch Stadium - St Louis Cardinals 4.57 Chris Green – Rising in place of its former namesake, Busch Stadium features stellar food options, a scenic skyline for a backdrop, welcoming and kind fans and staff, and an excellent stadium design for optimum viewing from all angles. 6.       Citi Field - New York Mets 4.43 Richard Smith - Citi Field is located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, specifically the Willets Point neighborhood. The neighborhood near the Flushing River has been known for years for its automobile shops and junkyards. Changes do appear to be happening. 7.       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, Boston they are simply finding new ways to put modern touches on this classic diamond. 8.       Target Field - Minnesota Twins 4.29 Gregory Koch – 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. 9.       Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati Reds 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The Cincinnati Reds have grasped a hold of their history and celebrate 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. If the Reds are doing well, it is that much better and must be considered among the elite of MLB. 10.   American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers 4.29 Marc Viquez - American Family Field is one of those major league ballparks that might not stand out to most, but after a visit, you might want to reconsider. It is known for its tailgating, loyal fans, great food, and racing sausages. 11.   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. 12.   Coors Field - Colorado Rockies 4.14 Michael Davis - Coors Field ranks among the best with its beautiful structure, downtown location, and picturesque views. A trip to Coors Field is more than watching a baseball game; Coors Field is a place that signifies the beauty of Colorado. Any sports fan should put Coors Field high on their list of places to visit. 13.   Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks 4.14 Meg Minard - The D-Backs play their home games at Chase Field, formerly known as Bank One Ballpark. It is one of eight major league baseball stadiums with a dome or retractable roof, definitely needed for the scorching hot summers in Phoenix, AZ. 14.   Minute Maid Park - Houston Astros 4.14 Eric Moreno - The Astros and Minute Maid Park continue to find ways to make game days feel like big-time events each season. A lot of this is due to the massive amount of success the ball club has experienced in the last decade-plus. From the moment you walk up to the Juice Box, everything becomes a celebration of baseball and the Astros. 15.   Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles Dodgers 4.14 Andrei Ojeda - 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. 16.   T-Mobile Park - Seattle Mariners 4.00 Marc Viquez - T-Mobile Park provides everything traditional and non-traditional fans would ever need at a ballpark. The assortment of food, beverages, and value options is impressive, along with its location to public transportation.  The views of the city and The Sound are the real highlights of the ballpark.   17.   Comerica Park - Detroit Tigers 4.00 Marc Viquez - Comerica Park doesn't get a lot of the attention that other major league ballparks do, but it stands out among many of its contemporaries. When you walk around the concourse and visit certain areas, you know you are at a ballpark in Detroit. The accessibility, surrounding neighborhood, and unique touches make a Tiger game worth your time in the Motor City. 18.   Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees 4.00 Greg Venuto - Yankee Stadium does a good job of blending old and new. Yankee Stadium's frieze is a classic piece of architecture. It lined the roof of the original Yankee Stadium from 1923 to 2008 and has been carried over to the latest version. Monument Park and the Museum are impressive, as well as the bars in the left and right centers, where young people enjoy congregating. 19.   Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia Phillies 4.00 Dave Cottenie - With a deep history as one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies offer an excellent experience that all baseball fans should put as a must-do.  Citizens Bank Park is an attractive and fun facility, especially if the Phillies are winning and, at the end of the game, they ring the bell! 20.   Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs 3.86 Lloyd Brown - There are very few major league ballparks that can be described as “classic.” Wrigley Field fills that description. Wrigley Field opened as Weeghman Park in 1914, making it the second oldest ballpark still in use, trailing only Boston’s Fenway Park, which opened in 1912. While the ballpark has gone through several renovations over the years, it has retained many elements of the stadium’s original design. 21.   Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago White Sox 3.86 Marc Viquez - The Chicago White Sox have 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. 22.   Globe Life Field - Texas Rangers 3.86 Michael Davis - The third and current home of the Texas Rangers is Globe Life Field, a retractable roof stadium that opened in 2020 with a seating capacity of just over 40,000; the new ballpark is just across the street from the Ranger's former home. 23.   Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels 3.71 Andrei Ojeda - Opened for service in 1966, Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest active baseball yard. Still nicknamed The Big A, the moniker came about due to the A-shaped scoreboard topped with a “halo” that was originally placed behind the left field fence.   24.   Truist Park - Atlanta Braves 3.57 Lloyd Brown - Truist Park is everything fans could ask for in a baseball experience. The overall experience at Truist Park is top-notch when factoring in The Battery and the excitement of the product on the field. 25.   Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals 3.57 David Welch-Kauffman Stadium is a comfortable place to watch baseball; the Royals have done well to keep an aging stadium from feeling run down.  Give the Royals a lot of credit for not just maintaining the stadium but continuously tailoring it for the desired experience of different fans. 26.   Nationals Park - Washington Nationals 3.57 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 said, Nationals Park is still a nice stadium for fans to take in a Major League Baseball game. 27.   Rogers Centre - Toronto Blue Jays 3.57 Dave Cottenie - The Toronto Blue Jays joined MLB as an expansion team in 1977. Currently owned by Rogers Communications, which also owns Rogers Centre, the Jays have carved themselves a rather large niche as “Canada’s” baseball team. The height of their popularity culminated in the 1992 and 1993 World Series Championships. 28.   loanDepot park - Miami Marlins 3.57 Richard Smith - loanDepot park may never make the top of MLB baseball stadium lists, but it is still an enjoyable place to watch a game in an atmosphere that feels very true to its environment. 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 has 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 Coliseum - Oakland Athletics 2.57 Andrei Ojeda - The Oakland Coliseum, along with the city of Oakland, has taken a beating. From the highly publicized crime rates to the more recent scandal surrounding Oakland's mayor and soon the loss of their beloved baseball team, when all is said and done, the city in the East Bay will have lost all three of their major professional teams, among other wounds dealt to the city.

The SRO GT World Challenge America series has been a staple for sportscar racing fans for decades. 2024 saw another banner year for the series, with thrilling on track action across seven of the top circuits in America. For the first time, Stadium Journey is presenting our ranking of the GT World Challenge America circuits. Tracks are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, race day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the track), return on investment, and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more tracks receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review for each track, just click on the link below the photos of each event. Let the green flag fall on our 2024 rankings… 1.  Road America 4.57 Chris Green - Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. The “supercars” on track offer stellar racing over four days, including unrivaled fan access and unique fan event opportunities. Racing in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan-friendly and easy to navigate, this summer event is a must-see on the SRO slate. 2.  Barber Motorsports Park 4.29 Chris Green - The “Augusta of Motorsports” has hosted numerous race series over the years. While having hosted sportscar racing in the past, as well as numerous lower division amateur series, Barber Motorsports Park welcomed back the SRO America group with open arms in 2024. 3.  Circuit of the Americas 4.00 Chris Green - As if to blast the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas into flat-out appropriateness, Circuit of the Americas (often denoted as COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. The annual SRO GT World Challenge weekend is also becoming a fan favorite, drawing racing fans with five classes on track throughout the weekend, showcasing the best racing action with some of the biggest stars in sportscar racing. 4.  Indianapolis Motor Speedway 3.86 Chris Green - Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history. As with other SRO America events, while the track may not sell out every seat, attendance has increased each year with impressive consistency, thanks no doubt to the organization’s hard efforts in the marketing department. 5.  Sebring International Raceway 3.57 Chris Green - The annual SRO America weekend, featuring no less than five race series on track, showcases sportscar racing’s best machines on this historic circuit. Running the former WWII B-17 airfield course, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action. 6.  Sonoma Raceway 3.29 Chris Green - The action on the track is top-notch as SRO World Challenge hosts no less than 10 races during the weekend across 5 different race groups. Fans can catch everything from the top-level GT3 race teams to the Touring Car and Toyota GR Cup machines of the up-and-coming racers. Four days of practice, qualifying, and racing make this one of the most jam-packed events of the year for the track and the fans, which means you won’t go long without seeing some great race action. 7.  Virginia International Raceway 3.14 Chris Green - The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. Visiting the track has become a must-do for some of racing’s biggest fans over the years, and a visit to the facility helps you understand why rather quickly.

Another season of Triple-A baseball has come and gone. This past season, 30 clubs in the International and Pacific Coast League took the field and played games from early April to late September, resulting in 12,492,947 fans walking through the gates. The International League lured 8,345,881 patrons to its ballparks for an average of 5,620 per game. The Pacific Coast League attracted 4,147,066 fans on the season for an average of 5,551 per game.  We present our rankings of the overall experience. Factors we include in our ratings are food and beverage in the ballpark, overall atmosphere, the neighborhood, the fans, access (which includes parking, traffic, restrooms, and concourses), return on investment, and an “extras” category for any unique or bonus points. We use our official ratings when determining the ranking with “crowd reviews” – those reviews from our members – as our primary tiebreaker. Without further ado, our 2024 Minor League Baseball Triple-A ballpark rankings. 1. CHS Field, St. Paul Saints (James Hilchen) - Another year at the number one spot. Moving to affiliated baseball in 2021 hasn’t changed what has always made CHS Field such a great place. From the employees to the food, to the entertainment, to the amazing museum, a day at the ballpark doesn't get much better than in St. Paul. 2. Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham Bulls (James Hilchen) - Coming in at number two for a second year in a row, the Bulls have a long and storied history in North Carolina. As someone who has seen my share of minor league ballparks over the years, Durham Bulls Athletic Park just might be my favorite. Great scenery, food for every taste, and fun reminders of an iconic movie make this a ballpark that should be on every baseball fan’s bucket list. Coca-Cola Park - Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Steven Kee) - The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have a reputation across the nation, and attending a game will impress everyone from baseball purists to non-baseball fans. The wide concourses, open views of the field, and inventive promotions attract large crowds year after year. The Pigs offer creative merchandise, specialty nights, and social areas that are among the tops in minor-league baseball.  Victory Field - Indianapolis Indians (Marc Viquez) - Victory Field has been a beacon of summertime fun for the Indianapolis area for over 25 years. Its look and amenities have changed slightly, but its open concourse and massive lawn seating have remained unchanged. Fans flock to games for enjoyment with friends and family, while others root for their club in the grandstand. It’s simple, it’s cozy, and it’s what fans expect in Indianapolis.  First Horizon Park - Nashville Sounds (Paul Baker) - One of the hippest spots to be in town is First Horizon Park. The ballpark is everything fans in the Music City could have ever dreamed of, and it offers fans a place to enjoy the games or socialize with friends. The heartbeat is The Band Box behind left field; it offers everything from homemade food, a putt-putt course, barbecue, lounge chairs, and outdoor games from shuffleboard to table tennis.  Truist Field - Charlotte Knights The ballpark with a view. The home of the Charlotte Knights is located downtown and offers stunning panoramas of the city’s massive skyline. With that kind of backdrop, it’s hard to imagine a better place to watch baseball; however, Knight’s Castle is ranked sixth on our list. The venue offers a massive team gift shop and $5 parking across the street in the garage. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark - Oklahoma City Baseball Club The ballpark continues to be a great place for people to have a good night with family and friends while watching baseball. This ballpark is a hidden gem in a city that doesn’t get much love as a tourist spot, yet all the fans know that Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and OKC should be on any ballpark chaser’s bucket list. Innovative Field - Rochester Red Wings (Dave Cottenie) - The Rochester Red Wings are a cornerstone franchise in the International League.  They have weathered the ups and downs of Minor League Baseball and come out the other end still strong.  Fans looking for a solid baseball experience that will offer tremendous value should check out the Rochester Red Wings at Innovative  Field.  AutoZone Park - Memphis Redbirds (Paul Baker) - The AutoZone Park developers spared no expense when they built the park. It is money well spent, as it offers a facility that feels more like a major league stadium. The exterior of the stadium is brick with lots of ornamental iron. There is a fan plaza outside of the main gates that features several baseball statues and metal plates of art featuring a stylized stadium.  Polar Park - Worcester Red Sox (Paul Baker) - Polar Park is wedged into a small footprint, making for some unique design choices, and space is at a premium. There is a small entry plaza leading to the front entrance that screams “warehouse” more than “ballpark.” This design choice makes the home of the WooSox stand out from the standard red brick and green seat ballparks. There is an incredible amount of attention and connection to the community at Polar Park.  Sahlen Field - Buffalo Bisons (Dave Cottenie) - The downtown ballpark started a revolution in baseball design, even before Camden.  It does look its age for the most part, but it is still a destination for any ballpark traveler. The concrete exterior is made with marble inlets to give it some style.  Outside the third base side, there is a large square that is perfect for meeting others before the game.  Las Vegas Ballpark - Las Vegas Aviators  Summerlin, Nevada, is about 25 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, and they’ve chosen to eschew the bright lights or neon that could have easily been the thematic center of the ballpark instead of sticking to the Aviators theme. The profile of the upper deck has the outline of an old-school airplane hangar, and the signage throughout the park is clear and large, like an airport, but without the clutter of a million gates. 13. Principal Park - Iowa Cubs The home of the I-Cubs is a bit older than some of the others in the circuit, but its location is ideal at the convergence of the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers. Fans only need to walk a few blocks to various restaurants, bars, breweries, lodging, and the famous Des Moines Farmers Market.  14.  Cheney Stadium -  Tacoma Rainiers Cheney Stadium was called the “100-Day Wonder,” as it was constructed in less than four months to be awarded a minor-league affiliation with the San Francisco Giants. Leading this effort was Tacoma businessman Ben Cheney, who was honored for this achievement by having his name placed on the stadium and is also acknowledged through a statue of his likeness being placed in the bleachers, where it still resides today.  15. Sutter Health Park - Sacramento River Cats Sutter Health Park has been a hit with the Sacramento community as well as the baseball community. It is among the favorites of minor league travelers and hometown fans who enjoy nights out at the spacious ballpark. Sightlines are great from any seat, and lawn seating allows for an inexpensive way to bring the whole family. 16. Louisville Slugger Field - Louisville Bats (Marc Viquez) - The ballpark on the Ohio River completed major renovations that opened up the outfield concourse and right field corner. The home of the Bats now incorporates grass terrace seating near the foul pole, along with social spaces and outdoor bars. The city’s skyline and interstate system drape the skies in the background and the smell of barbecue filters through the warehouse lobby from Against The Grain Brewery.  17. Huntington Park - Columbus Clippers (Marc Viquez) - The home of the Clippers is nestled in The Arena District, which also houses a soccer stadium and hockey arena, but the ballpark is a star of its own. The outfield concourse is set up like a neighborhood park with trees, benches, and tables. On the open concourse, multiple images and team history are displayed on the walls, and fans can peek through the gates behind left field. 18. RGCU Field at Isotopes Park - Albuquerque Isotopes  Isotopes Park is an amazing venue to take in a ballgame. The view is spectacular, the team that presents the game-day experience is the best around, and the prices are reasonable.  It’s close to the airport, so if in the Southwest, make a special trip to Isotopes Park. 19. Dell Diamond - Round Rock Express The Dell Diamond offers plenty of glitz and glamor that includes carefully detailed concession stands offering everything from Tex-Mex to barbecue, a two-story outfield seating area, and an outfield concourse that includes a full-service bar, a rock climbing wall, and VR batting cages.  If you care for the more relaxed baseball atmosphere, there are plenty of seats behind the infield. 20. 121 Financial Park - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp The ballpark began as a Double-A venue but was promoted to Triple-A status in 2021. Its design with lawn seating allows up to 11,000 guests and offers a few unique features that include an active church inside its walls, a Tiki-Terrace down the 3rd baseline, and a 9-foot high mound for seating called the “knuckle” in the left-field corner. A covered awning above the concourse also helps from the Florida rains. 21. Fifth Third Field - Toledo Mud Hens (Marc Viquez) - The neighborhood surrounding the ballpark is known as Hensville, and it can become lively before games that include activities for kids, pre-game concerts, and local eateries full of guests. Once inside the ballpark, fans are treated to the usual characteristics of minor league games, from great food, on-field promotions, and one of the better team stores in the business. If you can, check out the view from “The Roost” above the right-field corner. 22. Southwest University Park – El Paso Chihuahuas  This stadium is aesthetically pleasing, makes good use of its downtown location, and has something for everyone. The major weakness here is the price, which is a bit high for minor league ball, though again, you can find ways around it. El Paso is quite off the beaten path for most sports travelers, but it is well worth a trip to see the Chihuahuas. 23. Smith’s Ballpark – Salt Lake Bees   Smith’s Ballpark is a beautiful facility, with the main concourse looking like it has a modern industrial theme. The seats are comfortable, and fans can also wander the stadium at will, giving you the option to take in the game from either your seat or the outfield viewing mounds. The view in the outfield rivals the best in the majors, with beautiful mountains adorning the view for every fan at Smith’s Ballpark. 24. Constellation Field - Sugar Land Space Cowboys The Houston Astros top-farm club rebranded as the Space Cowboys this past season and ushered in areas of space-theme art, decoration, and signage throughout the ballpark. The colors of orange, light blue, and navy have added a nice touch of color to the Texas-shaped scoreboard, and so has the playing of the old-school hip-hop classic “Space Cowboy” at the end of home games.    25.  Werner Park, Omaha StormChasers The ballpark is several miles away from downtown Omaha, but Werner Park offers a distinction from other Triple-A ballparks. It has a layout that offers seating close to the field, a broken-up press and suite area, stone seating and floral arrangements, and carnival rides behind the outfield wall. The venue almost feels like its own little town. 26.  Coolray Field - Gwinnett Stripers Coolray Field moves up the list after finishing last place the past few seasons. It is a well-designed, attractive place to watch minor league baseball. Its difficulty in attracting fans to games is that it competes with the major league club’s fan base and the fact that Atlanta's Braves home, Truist Park, is only 35 miles down the road.  27.  Harbor Park - Norfolk Tides The ballpark is closing on 30 years of baseball and was once the pride of the International League. The times have changed, but there is a lot to enjoy from its downtown setting, the sounds of ships in the distance, and an enclosed restaurant with views of the field. 28. Greater Nevada Field - Reno Aces A game at Greater Nevada Field represents a solid all-around value. Minor quibbles with parking and concession lines are made up for with a high degree of interactive entertainment and a great selection of high-quality concessions.  29. NBT Bank Stadium - Syracuse Mets Time will tell if the 2019 change of affiliation to the New York Mets will reverse the Syracuse baseball attendance fortunes, but the squad has nearly nowhere to go but up. The situation does look to be improving. Early on in the campaign, the Mets have crawled within striking distance of the middle of the league’s attendance pack. 30. PNC Field - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders The renovation PNC Field underwent in 2012 has done a lot of good. Architecturally, the stadium has seen massive improvements. That being said, the RailRiders seem to be leaning heavily on their affiliation with the Yankees rather than trying to attract fans by creating their own identity.

The pinnacle of sportscar endurance racing in North America is without a doubt the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series. 2024 saw record crowds at 10 of their 11 race weekends, furthering the growth that has been visible in racing for the past few years. For the first time, Stadium Journey presents our IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship rankings. Tracks are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, race day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the track), return on investment, and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more tracks receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review for each track, just click on the link below the photos of each event. Let's get to our 2024 IMSA rankings… 1.  Rolex 24 at Daytona 4.71 Chris Green - The historic Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona is one of the most well-known sports car races in the world. An endurance battle that attracts the best manufacturers and drivers from around the world, this race is on any true race fan’s bucket list. 2.  Road America 4.71 Chris Green - Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. Racing in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan-friendly and easy to navigate, this summer event is a must-see on the IMSA schedule. 3.  Grand Prix of Long Beach 4.57 Chris Green - The Grand Prix of Long Beach is America’s longest-running street race, and it is easy to see why. The location in Southern California is perfect for a spring race in April, and the excitement on the track is also top-notch. Featuring the IndyCar Series and IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series as the top-billed race series, in addition to several support events, fans will have no shortage of action to watch while at this annual event. 4.  Detroit Grand Prix 4.29 Chris Green - The Detroit Grand Prix has a long history in motorsports. Initially racing through downtown streets, it moved to the city’s Belle Isle for several decades. Finally, starting in 2023, it has returned to downtown Detroit, complete with a wild mix of difficult corners ripe for exciting racing. On top of the on-track product, one could argue this is one of the single most accessible street races from a fan perspective, with an overwhelming majority of the track viewing opportunities in non-ticketed areas. 5. Petit Le Mans 4.00 Chris Green - Petit Le Mans has become a cult classic event in the sportscar world. For 10 hours, the best in sportscar racing battle it out in a thrilling multi-class endurance race through the hills of northern Georgia. Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. And, being the season finale for multiple IMSA series, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. 6.  Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4.00 Chris Green - While Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America, North America’s premier sportscar series hadn’t run there since the early 2010s. New for 2024, the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series increased the length of its race, from the standard two and a half hours to a six-hour endurance race.  7.  12 Hours of Sebring 4.00 Chris Green - The historic Sebring 12-Hour sportscar race began in 1950 and has grown into one of the world’s most revered motorsports events during its long history. The world’s best drivers and teams have competed and won here, and every year seems to up the quality of the product on the track. If you are even a modest race fan, Sebring is a must-see for you. 8.  Canadian Tire Motorsports Park 4.00 Chris Green - Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (also known as Mosport) is one of the best-known race courses in Canada, and indeed around the world. The fast, sweeping turns at the facility were created for Formula One’s golden days of speed, and the facility hosted the Canadian Grand Prix multiple times throughout the 1960s and 70s. The 2.459-mile circuit is a beacon for the North American racing fan, and features some of the best camping around, while also featuring some incredible on-track action. The annual summer visit from IMSA provides a great weekend of sportscar racing for fans in the True North. 9.  WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 4.00 Chris Green - WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-famous speedway housed atop the high hills outside of Monterey, California. The speedway has hosted some of the world’s biggest racing stars over various racing series, and continues to be a fan and driver favorite as the years progress. One of the biggest draws of the year, IMSA’s annual spring visit to the track brings large crowds and plenty of on-track action. 10.  Daytona Roar Before the 24 4.00 Chris Green - A week before the historic Rolex 24, Daytona International Speedway is already buzzing with race action. An event that used to be held three weeks before the current date, the Roar Before the 24 has now become part of the fabric that makes up IMSA’s return to racing in January. 11.  Sahlen’s 6 Hours at The Glen 3.86 Chris Green - The Wakins Glen 6 Hours began in 1948 at the famed road course in the finger lakes region of New York. Since then, the race has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. The area is full of beautiful trees, meaning fans can find some shade in the hot summer sun. In addition, the track is laid out to be one of the fastest road courses in North America, if not the world, making the on-track action some of the most exciting in all of sportscar racing. 12.  Virginia International Raceway 3.29 Chris Green - The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. IMSA weekend is without a doubt the biggest race weekend of the year, which means this is a must-see for sportscar fans in the area.

The FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) playoffs are now underway, with the National Championship game taking place on January 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. We are pleased to release our ratings for the Top 25 stadiums at FCS stadiums. These rankings utilized our FANFARE scoring system, which considers all the factors that encompass the gameday atmosphere: food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, return on investment, and extras (anything unique to that stadium.) We have several facilities where stadiums had identical scores. These ties were broken by a vote of our reviewers, breaking the deadlocks. We don’t expect you to agree with some of these rankings. We encourage you to have lively discussions with your fellow football fans. Feel free to share your thoughts on our social medias. 1. Washington-Grizzly Stadium - Montana Grizzlies 4.43 Jason Karp - Our top-rated stadium features spectacular natural surroundings, a lively fanbase, close up views of the action and an always competitive team year after year. 2. William B. Greene Stadium - East Tennessee State Buccaneers 4.43 Lloyd Brown - Greene Stadium takes our second spot, as its natural setting at the base of a mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the games. The mountain also tends to trap the noise generated by the fans, resulting in making communications for the visiting teams very difficult. 3. Harlen Hunter Stadium - Lindenwood Lions 4.29 Lloyd Brown - One of the most recent additions to the FCS level of football is Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. The on-campus Harlan Hunter Stadium features a sleek modern design and one of the largest videoboards in the FCS. The pregame programs and the Lion’s Pride activities create a lot of energy, resulting in a high score for fan support. 4. Johnson Hagood Stadium - The Citadel Bulldogs 4.29 Aaron Terry - The pageantry of a football game at a service academy is always very special. This is very true at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. The entire cadet corps marches from the campus to the off-campus Johnson-Haygood Stadium prior to each contest. Recent renovations to the stadium have increased the seating capacity, and the fieldhouse at one end of the stadium features a façade that mimics the architecture found throughout the Citadel campus. 5. Rhodes Stadium - Elon Phoenix 4.14 Will Halpern - The home of the Phoenix is rising in our ratings based on the great sight lines, terrific North Carolina BBQ being served at its concession stands, and the sounds coming from the Fire of the Carolinas Band. 6. Franklin Field - Penn Quakers 4.14 Gregory Koch - Like many other structures in Philadelphia, Penn Stadium has withstood the test of time. It is one of the oldest college football stadiums still in use in the United States. It has frequently served as the home of the iconic Army-Navy football game, the home of the Penn Quakers every year, and has frequently been the host for some Philadelphia Eagles games when there has been a scheduling conflict. 7. Truist Stadium - North Carolina A&T Aggies 4.14 Will Halpern - Our top HCBU stadium is Truist Stadium in Greensboro, NC. It features a dedicated fanbase, a terrific band, and a team that is always in the thick of the MEAC conference championship race. 8. Finley Stadium - Chattanooga Mocs 4.14 Lloyd Brown - All aboard for a fun gameday experience at the home of the Mocs. The party gets underway at the Pavilion across the street from Finley Stadium, with the Marching Mocs, the cheer squads performing at the tailgating event and the Mocs football team doing their pregame walk through the crowd on their way to the stadium. Once inside the stadium, there are food trucks serving a wide variety of foods. After the games end, Finley Stadium is just a short distance from the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium … two of the city’s top tourist attractions. 9. Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium - South Dakota State 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The Jackrabbits have Dykhouse Stadium hopping well before the opening kickoff. SDSU fans have a great reputation for their tailgating acumen, which always includes a stop at the campus dairy store for its famous ice cream. Low ticket prices, one of the largest videoboards in an FCS venue, wonderful sightlines and back-to-back FCS national championships all add up to some great Saturdays in Brookings. 10. Bobcat Stadium - Montana State Bobcats 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The Bobcat Nation has impressed us with their enthusiasm throughout the season. They are on their feet early, as the Stampede is one of the best team entry celebrations we’ve ever witnessed. 11. E. Claiborne Robins Stadium - Richmond Spiders 4.00 Joseph Oakes - Oh, what a wonderful web they weave! A lovely, wooded setting, great concession items, a fun zone for the kids, and capacity crowds add up to a number eleven ranking for this FCS stadium. 12. Lawrence A. Wien Stadium - Columbia Lions 4.00 Jon Hart - The home of the Lions features great views of the Manhattan River, some of the cheapest ticket prices for a sports event in the Big Apple, and the panache of an Ivy League school earns this stadium a good grade. 13. Fargodome - North Dakota State Bison 4.00 Lloyd Brown - As our top-rated indoor facility, the Fargodome also has the best tailgating scene outside of any FCS venue. Once inside, the noise created by the Bison faithful can be deafening. Most important, the Fargodome provides a refuge from the harsh winter weather that typically moves into the area around the end of the season. 14. Davidson College Stadium - Davidson Wildcats 3.86 Lloyd Brown - Davidson College’s new stadium makes its debut on our top 25 stadiums list. It replaces the 100-year-old Richardson Stadium, which will now be used for track and field events. The new venue offers a wide variety of concession items, a close-to-the-field seating experience, and an extensive electronics package that was not possible in its former home. 15. First Security Field At Estes Stadium - Central Arkansas Bears 3.86 Lloyd Brown - A unique playing surface (it’s purple and silver) creates an immediate strong impression for fans watching a Bears’ home game. The low-ticket prices and on-campus location also add to the gameday experience. 16.  Stewart Stadium - Weber State Wildcats 3.86 Connor Comeau - Mother Nature is one of the first things you will notice at a Weber State football game. Stewart Stadium is located at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains in Ogden Utah. The Wildcats typically schedule late afternoon games, which allows fans to experience a spectacular view of the sunsets the area enjoys. The stadium also features an affordable family experience for both locals and visiting fans. 17. Delaware Stadium - Delaware Blue Hens 3.86 Richard Smith - The Hen’s house is a worthy venue for the state’s lone major college. It is a simple facility that enjoys a team that always seems to be in the championship mix, which results in capacity crowds. The stadium also provides easy access via the interstate highway system in the area. 18. Powers Field At Princeton Stadium - Princeton Tigers 3.86 Matthew Collins - Our second Ivy League venue on this list, Powers Field, is a modern facility at a school known for its old, historic buildings. Tiger fans enjoy the many amenities made possible by the recent building of the stadium. It is very close to the central campus, which makes it very easy for the campus community to get to the games without needing a car. The Tiger statues just outside of the stadium make a great backdrop for selfies. 19. Dakota Dome - South Dakota Coyotes 3.86 Aaron Terry - Our second indoor stadium on this list, the Dakota Dome, provides a quality viewing experience. You don’t need to worry about the elements, your seats are very close to the action on the field and the crowds are loud and enthusiastic. You also get to experience one of the toughest intrastate rivalry games in the country when the Coyotes welcome the SDSU Jackrabbits at the Dakota Dome every two years. 20. Cooper Field - Georgetown Hoyas 3.86 Gregory Koch - While many people think of Georgetown University as a basketball school, it also has a football program. Cooper Field is one of the smallest venues on this list with a capacity of  3,750. However, it is located on the Georgetown campus, making it very convenient for the students to attend. It also is the only football program within the District of Columbia, which results in several high-level government representatives attending each contest. 21. Crocker Field At Bailey Memorial Stadium - Presbyterian Blue Hose 3.86 Aaron Terry - Crocker Field is located on the lovely Presbyterian College campus in Clinton, SC. It is a relatively small stadium compared to most of the other venues on this list. This results in an intimate experience for fans attending a Blue Hose game. The statue of the Scotsman in front of the stadium also serves as a great backdrop for a selfie. 22. Cowboy Stadium - McNeese Cowboys 3.86 Paul Donaldson - “The Hole” is the second HBCU stadium on our list. It offers low ticket prices, some uniquely Cajun concessions offerings and a great P.A. announcer. The Cowboys are known for their up-tempo offense, which tends to wear out the opposition late in the games. 23. Paladin Stadium - Furman Paladins 3.71 David welch - Paladin Stadium is located on the lovely Furman University campus, which is well worth a visit, even when there is no game. Tailgating is very popular here, as the Furman campus offers plenty of shade, which is important in the hot days at the beginning of the season. The stadium is also known for its well-manicured setting, making it a very pleasing site for a game. The Paladin mascot is a very popular subject for fan photos, as he is a knight who roams the sidelines astride a horse. 24. Walkup Skydome - Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Walkup Skydome is yet another indoor facility on our list of top FCS stadiums. Its domed roof is needed for the frequent heavy snowfalls in the mountainous area of Flagstaff, Arizona. The Lumberjacks know how to take advantage of the dome, as it amplifies the crowd noise, making it difficult for visiting teams to communicate on snap counts. The team lives up to its name, as the lumberjack mascot uses a chainsaw to cut up wood after each Northern Arizona score. 25. Wildcat Stadium - New Hampshire Wildcats 3.57 Aaron Terry - Our only representative from the New England region is the University of New Hampshire’s Wildcat Stadium. It is one of the oldest venues on this list, as it was built in 1936, and has gone through many renovations since. It is known for its lovely setting, especially during the fall leaf season.

The 2024-2025 season was a banner one in the National Hockey League.  The debut of the Utah Hockey Club, formerly the Arizona Coyotes and now the Utah Mammoth, highlighted a season of optimism.  The Winnipeg Jets won their first President’s Trophy as the team with the best record in the regular season.  Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals passed Wayne Gretzky to accumulate the most career goals in NHL history. Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers lead the league with 52 goals, while Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning tallied 121 points.  Connor Hellebuyck of the Jets posted a clean 2.00 goals against average to lead the league. The Montréal Canadiens lead the league in attendance, welcoming 865,305 fans over 41 games, which is an average of over 21,100 fans.  The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers battled it out in a Stanley Cup rematch.  Stadium Journey made their way to Utah for a first season experience at the Delta Center, as well as nine other updated reviews.   The annual NHL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced.  The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.95 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. When two or more venues are tied in our FANFARE scale, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break those deadlocks. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all.  Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets.  How is your list different from ours?  What do we have right?  What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2024-2025 Rankings of the National Hockey League Experiences. 1. Rogers Place - Edmonton Oilers - 4.57 Jim Flannery - The Edmonton Oilers went to the Stanley Cup finals in 2024, falling one goal short in the deciding game seven matchup against the Florida Panthers. This was the fifth-straight trip to the playoffs for the Oilers and the first time they reached the finals since 2006. Needless to say, expectations are high in the city once again. And those high expectations carry over to their home venue.  It would be pretty easy to rest on your laurels if you run a well-liked facility like Rogers Place. But management has chosen not to do that, instead continuing to work on improving the fan experience for anyone who comes to the arena to see the Edmonton Oilers play. 2. Amalie Arena - Tampa Bay Lightning - 4.57 Chris Green - The idea of ice hockey in Florida has always been one that drew looks of confusion among skeptics. How could an NHL franchise succeed in Florida, a state that rarely sees freezing during its coldest months, let alone become more than just a short-term fad?  While some have argued the Panthers fit the latter, the Tampa Bay Lightning have become one of the league’s must-see franchises. Consistently competing for playoff spots and winning a Stanley Cup three times (including back-to-back in 2020 and 2021) has catapulted the Tampa Bay franchise to greatness. Without a doubt, the Lightning are one of the best experiences in sports, and a visit to Amalie Arena makes it easy to see why. 3. Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles Kings - 4.43 Andrei Ojeda - The Los Angeles Kings were a part of the National Hockey League’s “Second Six,” the league’s first expansion in 1967. Original owner, Jack Kent Cooke, chose the name “Kings” because he wanted his team to project “an air of royalty.” He outfitted the team in the royal colors of purple and gold and built a new arena, the Forum, as a home for his teams. The team played at the Forum in Inglewood for 32 years until moving to the new Staples Center, now Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles, prior to the 1999-2000 season. The privately financed arena cost $375 million to build. 4. Climate Pledge Arena - Seattle Kraken - 4.43 Lloyd Brown - When the NHL expansion Seattle Kraken takes to the ice their uniforms are multiple shades of blue. However, their new Seattle home is decidedly “ green.” The Climate Pledge Arena stands in the footprint of the former Key Arena, with the roof being the only portion of the former arena being preserved.  The Climate Pledge portion of the new arena’s name does not represent a corporate sponsor purchasing naming rights to the facility, though Amazon did purchase the rights, choosing to make a statement rather than publicize itself. It does represent a commitment by the privately funded arena’s owners to create the first carbon net-zero certified arena in the world. Virtually every aspect of the arena’s operation will play a part in reaching this environmental goal. 5. Bridgestone Arena - Nashville Predators - 4.43 David Welch - Nashville might be the “Music City,” but the area surrounding Bridgestone Arena, at the corner of Broadway and Rep. John Lewis Way has come to be known by the fan-created moniker, Smashville.  The NHL made an, at the time, unlikely home in Nashville to start the 1998 season, but hockey in the city has a history that goes back to the 1960s. Though the hockey history in Nashville might be relatively brief compared to some of the stalwarts in the league, the Predators have done well in establishing themselves as one of the top draws in the NHL, both through the success they have seen on the ice, and in the accompanying environment they have created. 6. Centre Bell - Montréal Canadiens - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The Montréal Canadiens are the oldest team in the National Hockey League, having been in action since 1909 and they boast twenty four Stanley Cup Championships, more than any other team in the league.  They are as synonymous with hockey as the New York Yankees are with baseball and the Boston Celtics are with basketball.  Simply put, a trip to see the Canadiens should be at the top of any hockey fan’s bucket list.  In 1996, the Canadiens left their venerable home at the Montréal Forum to the brand new Centre Bell.  Taking a little time to feel lived in and home, the Bell Centre is now as good an NHL experience as there is.  In 2009, the Canadiens were welcomed back into hockey royalty as they were sold once again to the Molson Family, who remains their owner to date.  With a hockey dynasty in tow as well as the Bell Centre, the Molsons have seen the Canadiens, once again, become one of the most valuable teams in the NHL. 7. Madison Square Garden - New York Rangers - 4.29 Greg Venuto - Madison Square Garden, or MSG as the locals often call it, has finally completed its latest transformation.  After the inside was refurbished from 2011-2013, the outside and main entrance were revived over the past 5 years. The 7th Avenue entrance is now majestic and grand and offers a little pedestrian courtyard with seating on 33rd Street. The Garden is home to the New York Rangers of the Metropolitan Division of the National Hockey League.  The Garden received a much-needed facelift from 2011-2013. The inside of the arena was upgraded to include new seats and bathrooms, wider concourses, new luxury suites closer to the ice, club seating areas with high-end food, and a Bridge Level with seats that provide a great aerial view and some bar stool seating. The West Balcony was also added which replaced the old skyboxes. 8. PPG Paints Arena - Pittsburgh Penguins - 4.29 Patricia Beninato - When the Pittsburgh Penguins began back in 1967, they played their games in the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, known as the Igloo. The team was very low on the list of Burgh sports fandom until 1984 when it drafted a kid from Montreal named Mario Lemieux. Even with lengthy breaks due to health issues, Le Magnifique racked up not only Hall of Fame numbers but captained the team to two Stanley Cup victories. However, the team was still in a lot of financial trouble in the late 1990s, to the point that serious discussions ensued about moving the team to Kansas City. Lemieux discovered that he was the Penguins’ biggest creditor, so he came up with a unique solution–create some equity, make deals with local media, and become the Pens’ majority owner in 1999. 9. Scotiabank Arena - Toronto Maple Leafs - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - Founded in 1917 as the Toronto Arenas, the Toronto Maple Leafs have as rich a history as any team in the National Hockey League.  The proud holders of eleven Stanley Cup Championships, nine after they rebranded as the Maple Leafs in 1927, fans of the Maple Leafs are filled with angst and dread as they eagerly await the next trip to the finals.  It would be the first since 1967, the final year of the “Original Six.”  Suffering through some of the worst ownership groups in sports history, see Harold Ballard, the Leafs are currently on solid ownership ground under the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment banner.  MLSE is a conglomerate controlled by the odd partnering of Rogers Communications, Bell Media and Larry Tannenbaum.  They also have the coveted superstar with Hart Trophy winner Auston Matthews leading the charge.  Finally, the Leafs have one of the premier venues in the NHL, which although opened in 1999, has received several renovations to keep it at the forefront and state-of-the-art. 10. Capital One Arena - Washington Capitals - 4.14 Gregory Koch - Capital One Arena opened in 1997 as the home of the Washington Capitals, replacing the aging Capital Centre in Landover. Since then, the Caps have experienced a dramatic rise in popularity and success thanks to players like Alex Ovechkin, culminating in their victory in the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. In addition to hosting hockey, Capital One Arena serves several other functions as well, including playing host to the Washington Wizards and Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball.  Although there was a time not so long ago when this wasn’t the case, a Washington Capitals game at Capital One Arena is a memorable experience for any sports or hockey fan. Owner Ted Leonsis has done a fantastic job at growing the team and improving the arena atmosphere since buying the team in 1999, and his efforts have shown, both on and off the ice. 11. American Airlines Center - Dallas Stars - 4.14 Eric Moreno - In 1993 the NHL saw a seismic shift in the landscape, when the Minnesota North Stars packed up and moved south to Dallas. The newly rechristened Dallas Stars became the first – and, to date, the only – NHL franchise in the Lone Star State. The learning curve for hockey in Texas was admittedly steep, but the love affair was an immediate one.  The Stars rewarded their fans virtually immediately, as they captured the Stanley Cup in 1999 and made a return trip to the finals the following season. They would also make a return trip to the Stanley Cup Finals at the end of the 2019-20 season; the team has consistently been a winning organization virtually its entire existence in Big D.  In 2001 the Stars would move into their brand-new home, American Airlines Center. Located in the heart of Dallas’s vibrant downtown, the Hangar helped revitalize the Victory Park area of the city. Even with Dallas having so much going on entertainment-wise, the Stars continue to draw big numbers each and every season, due in no small part due to its fantastic home ice. Read on to learn more. 12. Nationwide Arena - Columbus Blue Jackets - 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Nationwide Arena is the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. The $175 million multi-purpose building seats 18,500 people and debuted for the 2000-2001 season. Its construction returned the NHL to Ohio for the first time in 22 years with the creation of the expansion franchise.  The arena is of a brick design and is the centerpiece of The Arena district that was redeveloped with funding from Nationwide Reality Investors, The Columbus Dispatch Printing Company, private investors, and the city of Columbus. It includes office, retail, and living space in downtown Columbus. The district later included the home of the Columbus Clippers Huntington Park and Columbus Crew SC Lower.com Field. The building is named after the original minority owner, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, whose world headquarters are across the street. Nationwide purchased the naming rights to Nationwide Arena in 2011 for $28 million. The deal is the only NHL sponsorship without an expiration date. 13. TD Garden - Boston Bruins - 4.00 Paul Baker - Going to a game in an Original Six city is a sacred pilgrimage for hockey fans, and the buildings these teams once called home were true shrines of the game. While the Boston Garden, Montreal Forum, Olympia, Joe Louis Arena, Maple Leafs Garden, and Chicago Stadium have faded into history, Original Six teams continue to hold a special place in NHL lore.  The Boston Bruins are the third oldest team in the NHL and were the first team based in the United States to join the league. 67 individuals associated with the team have been enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Bruins have won six Stanley Cups in their history, most recently in 2011. 14. Prudential Center - New Jersey Devils - 4.00 Steven Kee - The New Jersey Devils have been playing games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, lovingly known as “The Rock” since 2007. It was a $375 million move from the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford and would give the three-time Stanley Cup champions a first-class building to call home.  The Devils played at the Meadowlands for nearly 30 years. This move was to help revitalize the City of Newark. The Prudential Center was to be the cornerstone of this revitalization, which included the Newark Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium (since demolished) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The arena has become a more viable and proven candidate to be the city’s symbol for that sign of revitalization. 15. Delta Center - Utah Mammoth - 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The 2024-2025 NHL season found a longtime NHL team now operating out of a new home. This is a result of the relocation of the former Arizona Coyotes franchise to Salt Lake City, Utah. The relocation agreement results in the Arizona Coyotes name being protected in case a future franchise comes to the Valley of the Sun.  The new management of the team decided to keep the team’s new name simple during its first year of operations in Salt Lake City. This means the team will use the Utah Hockey Club name during the 2024-2025 season. The team will conduct a name-the-team contest during this season, to involve its fans in the naming process. This means the blue and white color scheme of the uniforms and the use of the generic team’s name will be changed at the end of the season. 16. Amerant Bank Arena - Florida Panthers - 4.00 Chris Green - During recent seasons, the Florida Panthers were known in the news for being the team that had a franchise-low for attendance. In addition, they experienced the smallest season-opener crowd in franchise history. The few fans that showed up could carry on conversations in the upper deck that could clearly be heard in the lower bowl. However, an injection of young talent and a streamlined stadium experience has led to a growing crowd and an even better game day atmosphere. A new logo and a new feel make it a different experience than that of the past.  Amerant Bank Arena is located in Sunrise, Florida, more than 30 miles north of downtown Miami. The arena has been the home of the Panthers since it opened in 1998, and has a capacity 19,250 when aligned for hockey 17. Little Caesars Arena - Detroit Red Wings - 3.86 Greg Venuto - Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Red Wings 3rd home, is a sea of red. Between the home fans’ jerseys, the red banners hanging from the rafters, and the arena with robust red lighting is almost an assault on the eyes.  But there’s no doubt whose building this is as fans file into the seating area.  The Red Wings are one of the Original Six – the group of six teams that made up the National Hockey League between 1942 and 1967.  Detroit, which plays in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, was once a major player but has not been to the playoffs since 2016. From 1997 through 2008, the Wings won four Stanley Cups including back-to-back crowns in 97 and 98.  The post-season drought has diminished the enthusiasm to an extent but the city is a hockey hotbed referred to as Hockeytown. 18. Xcel Energy Center - Minnesota Wild - 3.86 Greg Venuto - The Minnesota Wild continue to play before hockey-crazed, sellout crowds at Xcel Energy Center.  The building, while 23 years old, continues to shine as fans rock out to Shout after every Wild goal.  The team was born in 2000 following the departure of the original Minnesota North Stars who fled their home in Bloomington just outside the Twin Cities to relocate to Dallas in 1993.   Minnesota has never had the privilege of seeing a Stanley Cup champion.  The North Stars did reach the finals twice in 1991 and 81. 19. United Center - Chicago Blackhawks - 3.86 Greg Venuto - The Chicago Blackhawks, one of the NHL’s most storied franchises and winners of the Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015 have fallen on hard times. The team, one of the league’s “Original Six”, founded in 1926 will not make the playoffs again this year for the fourth consecutive season and sixth out of the last seven. The Blackhawks made Chicago Stadium (nicknamed Madhouse on Madison) their home until January 1995 due to the NHL lockout and then moved across the street into the United Center. The facility is the largest in square footage in the United States and has a capacity of 19,717 for hockey (with room for 3,000 more fans willing to take standing-room-only tickets). There are 167 executive suites, 34 club boxes, and 5 super suites in the facility. The arena is owned jointly by the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks. 20. Rogers Arena - Vancouver Canucks - 3.86 Lloyd Brown - Ice hockey has a long and storied history in Vancouver, as it has hosted a professional hockey club since 1911. The Canucks came into the NHL as an expansion franchise in 1970. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the NHL. The team has seen great success, as it has won 10 Division titles and two President’s Trophies over its existence. The Canucks have appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals on three occasions (1982, 1994, 2011) but have never won the series.  The team began its existence at the Pacific Coliseum, where they played through 1995. They then moved to their present home, which at that time was named General Motors Place. It has been known as the Rogers Arena since 2010. This marks the 50th Anniversary Season for the Canucks and their 25th season in the arena. The arena has two levels of general seating, along with a club/suite level. It has one of the largest capacities in the NHL, as it holds 18,910 fans.      21. T-Mobile Arena - Vegas Golden Knights - 3.86 Lloyd Brown - The NHL’s shiniest new franchise, the Vegas Golden Knights, also have the shiniest new ice palace to perform in for their loyal subjects. T-Mobile Arena is located at the southern end of the Vegas Strip and opened in April 2016. The arena was built even before the franchise was awarded in June of that year. Like most entertainment venues in Sin City, it will host a wide variety of events, ranging from sports, to concerts, beauty pageants and awards shows. The building has a capacity of 17,500 for ice hockey, 18,000 for basketball, and 20,000 for concerts, boxing and MMA matches and conventions.  The arena was created by two giants in the entertainment industry, MGM Resorts International and AEG, who teamed up with noted sports architectural firm Populous to design a venue that works well both as a sports facility and an entertainment venue. Many NHL traditionalists questioned the selection of Las Vegas as an expansion location, as they hoped Quebec City would receive the nod. Others felt that a top tier professional sports team would not locate in a city known for gambling (the Golden Knights are the first to do so, with the Oakland Raiders relocating in 2020). 22. Honda Center - Anaheim Ducks - 3.86 Paul Baker - While hockey may not be the first thing on your mind as you wander around southern California during a warm winter day, a trip to the Honda Center provides a mighty good experience for any fan, whether you are coming from the frigid north or not.  Now in their third decade of operation, the Ducks (they dropped the “Mighty” from their nickname when Disney sold the team in 2006) have experienced a great deal of success, capturing 14 playoff berths, six division titles, two conference titles and a Stanley Cup Championship in 2007. Seven players who have played for the Ducks have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. 23. KeyBank Center - Buffalo Sabres - 3.86 Robbie Raskin - KeyBank Center has been home to the Sabres since it opened in 1996, and though it is not an outstanding arena today, it's a comfortable arena with solid amenities and a welcoming fan experience. Even if the Sabres have a way to go before they return to any kind of glory days, KeyBank Center is a great place to catch some hockey and Buffalo is one of the best places in America to do so.  At last, it seems the bottom has been reached and the Sabres are building back with some optimism. A new cadre of young players are coming of age with promise, the players in blue and gold appear happy to be there, the border is reopened, and attendance is slowly but surely ticking back up. Cautious optimism, but signs of a club back on track. 24. Enterprise Center - St. Louis Blues - 3.71 Greg Venuto - The St. Louis Blues were born in 1967 and in 2019 they reached the pinnacle of the NHL by winning their first Stanley Cup championship. From 1967 to 1994 the Blues played at St. Louis Arena before moving to The Enterprise Center formerly Scottrade, Savvis and Kiel Center. The building is owned by the City of St. Louis.  The Blues feature a local band which entertains before and during each game on a stage built during the renovations.  Blues fans are supportive and many sport jerseys.  The team is lucky to be the only professional team in the city that plays during the late fall and winter months. 25. Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia Flyers - 3.71 Greg Venuto - The Philadelphia Flyers share the building with the NBA Philadelphia 76ers and the National Lacrosse League Philadelphia Wings. The NBA franchise said it does not intend to stay at the arena beyond the end of its 2031 lease. The multi-purpose indoor arena is located at what is now known as the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which includes other venues like Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles), and Xfinity Live! The building seats 19,173 for hockey games, making it the 4th largest in the NHL. The arena, which is owned by Comcast Spectacor, which also owns the Flyers, replaced the Flyer's former home The Spectrum which debuted with the team’s NHL entry in 1967. Fans know who the landlord is as they glance upward and on each side are illuminated letters reading “Welcome To Comcast Country”. 26. UBS Arena - New York Islanders - 3.71 Greg Venuto - UBS Arena design was inspired by iconic New York landmarks, including Central Park, Ebbets Field, Grand Central Terminal, Park Avenue Armory, and Prospect Park Boathouse.  It features two outdoor terraces open to all guests and more restrooms per person than any arena in Metro New York.  The rafters feature the Islanders four Stanley Cup banners to commemorate championships from 1979-1980 through 1982-1983.  The player banners include an impressive array of retired numbers from those championship teams.  Forwards Clark Gillies (9), Mike Bossy (22), Bobby Nystrom (23) and John Tonelli (27), centers Bryan Trottier (19) and Butch Goring (91), defenseman Denis Potvin (5), goalie Billy Smith (31) coach Al Arbour (1500 - the number of games he coached) and general manager Bill Torrey (TORREY “The Architect”) all have banners above. 27. Lenovo Center - Carolina Hurricanes - 3.57 Joseph Oakes - The Carolina Hurricanes began playing at Lenovo Center when the building opened in 1999. Prior to that, the Hurricanes played at the Greensboro Coliseum during their first two years in North Carolina. The facility has gone by four names since it opened: Entertainment and Sports Arena, the RBC Center, PNC Arena and now the Lenovo Center. The arena is located in West Raleigh and sits next door to Carter-Finley Stadium, home of the NC State football team. Lenovo Center boasts 18,680 red seats for hockey and is also the home of the NC State basketball team. Even though the venue is approaching 20 years old, it is still a modern arena for NHL hockey. 28. Ball Arena - Colorado Avalanche - 3.57 Greg Venuto - Ball Arena, formerly the Pepsi Center, has seen its basketball and hockey teams win championships over the last two years.  Most recently the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship over the Miami Heat in June of 2023.  In June of 2022, the Colorado Avalanche won their third Stanley Cup in six games over the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Both the Avalanche, who play in the NHL's Central Division and the Nuggets are contenders once again.  The Avalanche began their existence as the Quebec Nordiques, one of the few teams to make the move from the WHL to the NHL. After the 1995 season, the team was sold to a new ownership group and relocated to Denver, where the team was renamed the Avalanche. The newly relocated team got off to a rousing start, as it won the Stanley Cup in its first season in its new home. The Avalanche have won three Stanley Cups, three Conference Championships, and nine Division Championships. 29. Canada Life Centre - Winnipeg Jets - 3.57 Lloyd Brown - Canada Life Centre opened in 2004, with the Jets franchise returning to the city in 2011. It currently serves as the home to both the NHL Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. It is the smallest arena in the NHL, with a seating capacity of 15,294. Winnipeg has been given a second chance with an NHL franchise and there is no chance of the fans allowing the team to move elsewhere again. They fill the Canada Life Centre for every game, cheering loudly for the local boys while organizing chants to disrupt the visiting team’s concentration. The whole town turns out in their blue-best when the Jets are in town. Winnipeg is one of the more isolated of the NHL outposts, but it is well worth a visit as you check the rinks and arenas in the central portion of Canada. 30. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Flames - 3.57 Jim Flannery - The Olympic Saddledome opened in 1983, constructed in anticipation of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and has been the home of the Calgary Flames ever since.  Over the years, the Saddledome has seen a few renovations, increased seating capacity, and a couple name changes; it is now known as the Scotiabank Saddledome.  At over 40 years of age, the Saddledome is now the third-oldest NHL arena and is looking dated.  In May, 2023, it was announced that a new arena was going to be built just north of the Saddledome. This was the third try at getting a go-ahead on constructing a replacement for the ‘Dome, but this time it seems to be sticking—shovels are in the ground to prep the new location. When all is said and done, the new Events Centre and surrounding infrastructure is expected to cost around a billion dollars. 31. Canadian Tire Centre - Ottawa Senators - 3.29 Dave Cottenie - The current iteration of the Senators are not the original professional team in Ottawa.  The original Ottawa Senators were a force in the pre-Original Six days and dominated the early 1900s, claiming eleven Stanley Cup Championships between 1903 and 1927.  The Senators are currently owned by Biovail founder Eugene Melnyk, who bought the team out of bankruptcy in 2003.  The modern Senators have experienced the full spectrum of results on the ice, going to the Stanley Cup Finals and winning the Presidents’ Trophy as well as earning a number of first overall draft picks.  32. SAP Center - San Jose Sharks - 2.86 David Hegler - Ever since the San Jose Sharks were founded in 1991 and moved into the newly-built San Jose Arena two years later, their hometown has wholeheartedly embraced them. By the time the playoffs roll around, the vast city of San Jose, California is very much a Hockey Town.  The SAP Center is perfect for the Sharks as it represents the city’s culture while providing impeccable views in all corners of the arena. Of course, the arena hosts much more than Sharks hockey. In the past, it has hosted the Golden State Warriors, the Arena Football League’s Sabercats, and the Indoor Football League’s Bay Area Panthers as well as a plethora of concerts. As a result of its history, the SAP Center is a staple in the San Jose community.

Getting an autograph from a future Major Leaguer at Whitehouse Field, Harwich, MA. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Nothing says "summer" in North America more than taking in a ballgame in a small-town ballpark. While in recent years traditional minor league baseball has contracted, summer wood-bat leagues are exploding all across the continent, to the point where it's hard to even keep up with all the new leagues and teams sprouting up all in towns and cities everywhere. For many towns, summer ball has allowed their local ballpark to stay in use after being abandoned by affiliated baseball. In others, new ballparks have been built to accommodate the new team. Summer ball offers baseball fans an affordable entertainment option throughout the summer months. Stadium Journey has visited 181 Summer Collegiate ballparks across 30 leagues. Our correspondents were able to visit 24 ballparks this summer, a mix of new to us parks and revisits to previously reviewed parks. Listed below, in alphabetical order, are some of our highest-rated and favorite ballparks. To see the full review, simply click on the stadium/team link. Hope you enjoy it! Shirley Povich Field - Bethesda Big Train - Cal Ripken League Gregory Koch - The Big Train have certainly succeeded in creating a top-notch community baseball experience in Bethesda. On a warm summer night (or the occasional 10 AM Sunday game), baseball fans in Montgomery County will certainly want to make the trip to Shirley Povich Field. It is baseball fun for seasoned fans, young families, and everyone in between. Bowen Field - Bluefield Ridge Runners - Appalachian League Lloyd Brown - Bowen Field is one of the treasures of minor league baseball. Though it does not have many of the bells and whistles of more modern stadiums, it more than makes up for it in small-town friendliness, a beautiful natural setting and a community and their ball team putting their best efforts to ensure you have an enjoyable night at the ballpark. Veteran's Field - Chatham Anglers - Cape Cod League Paul Baker - In a league full of unique parks, Chatham offers an experience that may top them all. It has a real vintage charm, and the view from the top of the outfield berm simply can’t be beaten. NelsonCorp Field - Clinton Lumberkings - Prospect League James Hilchen - FieldCorp Field takes fans back in time to when baseball was about taking in the experience of what was happening on the field, rooting for your players and against the opposing team. For a true baseball fan, this is a fabulous venue. Lowell Park - Cotuit Kettleers - Cape Cod League Paul Baker - Lowell Park is a jewel among summer league parks. In addition to Cotuit's picturesque location, Cape League lineups are loaded with future Major League players. This combination makes a visit to Cape Cod a must for any baseball fan. Just remember to put a few dollars in the kettle when it’s passed around, and “Have a Hit!” Danville Stadium - Danville Dans - Prospect League Marc Viquez - At one time, Danville Stadium was slated for the wrecking ball and left to rot after the Milwaukee Brewers relocated their Single-A team after the 1982 season. Aren’t we somewhat better off having baseball played at Danville Stadium and other buildings of its kind? It is good to know that there are still old-school parks left to watch baseball at these days. American Legion Field - Danville Otterbots - Appalachian League Gregory Koch - An Otterbots game is an enjoyable way to spend a warm summer night watching a baseball game. With an intimate stadium and a crazy mascot, it's affordable fun for the whole family. League Stadium - Dubois County Bombers - Ohio Valley League Marc Viquez - A wonderful and charming little stadium in southern Indiana that is somewhat of a drive for some in the state, but perhaps a drive that is well worth it since there is not quite another ballpark like it in the Hoosier State. Dunn Field - Elmira Pioneers - Perfect Game League Marc Viquez - The charm of Dunn Field would be enough to attract any ballpark traveler to Elmira. The amply-sized stadium has the look and feel of many great minor league ballparks that are no longer around. It is clean, spacious, and ideal for a relaxing day of baseball viewing. Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park - Harrisonburg Turks - Valley League Gregory Koch - It is indisputable that Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park is the most modern facility in the Valley League. While the older venues certainly have their charm in their way, the Turks manage to create the same great atmosphere there is elsewhere in the league in a more modern stadium with all the amenities that come with. Capital Credit Union Park - Green Bay Rockers - Northwoods League Marc Viquez - Capital Credit Union Park is by far one of the most curious places to watch a baseball game during the summer months. Its design and features best suit a soccer match but it’s full of popular areas and affordable food and concessions items that make it a nice destination for fans in the area. TVA Credit Union Ballpark - Johnson City Doughboys - Appalachian League David Welsh - Even though professional baseball is no longer played in Johnson City, the excitement of the game and the surrounding atmosphere have not disappeared. While the reorganization of minor league baseball may have been a bit of a step back in the developmental chain of baseball, it has not dampened the spirit of the baseball community in Johnson City, Tennessee. Johnson City may no longer be a stop on the road to the majors, but its love of baseball is as strong as ever. Joe Becker Stadium - Joplin Outlaws - MINK League Photo Courtesy of Karen Staffileno Alex Mailes - Joe Becker Stadium offers the feeling of small-town baseball at a high level for an affordable price. There are plenty of promotions and games for fans to keep things exciting an,d Joplin has plenty to offer if you find yourself bored after the game. Alumni Field - Keene Swamp Bats - New England League Paul Baker - It’s readily apparent once you step foot into Alumni Field why it’s one of the marquee venues in the New England Collegiate League. Take an unforgettable setting, add in great fan support, enthusiastic staff, and tons of extra features and you have all the elements of a fantastic place to catch a ballgame. Simmons Field - Kenosha Kingfish - Northwoods League Eric Hasman - The Kenosha Kingfish have regenerated life back into the old ballpark. The recent renovations greatly improve the ballpark. According to some fans, there are more renovations planned for the upcoming off-season. This ballpark is a place one should visit. There is history and fun all over the park. Hunter Wright Stadium - Kingsport Axemen - Appalachian League Lloyd Brown - Each off-season the stadium is evaluated for what can be done to improve the fan experience and the changes are implemented. This is rewarded by the most loyal fan following in the league, multiple sellouts, and a definite desire to return for future games. Kapco Park - Lakeshore Chinooks - Northwoods League Marc Viquez - Kapco Park offers great concessions and an atmosphere that reminds me why I enjoy traveling around the country and visiting ballparks. The wait was worth it, a fine ballpark experience. Luther Williams Field - Macon Bacon - Coastal Plain League Lloyd Brown - Just as bacon has seen a renaissance as a food item, the Macon Bacon has brought about a renaissance for baseball in the Middle Georgia area. This Bacon recipe of baseball in a historic structure… seasoned with a few modern elements to meet the taste of today’s fans… is high in fun and low in cost. The Bacon Nation is sure to come back for a second helping. Warner Park - Madison Mallards - Northwoods League Marc Viquez - The Madison Mallards might be the O.G.'s of packing in exciting crowds in summer-collegiate baseball. Before the Savannah Bananas brought record numbers to their ballpark, the Mallards were among the leaders in baseball in average attendance numbers at Warner Park. Athletic Park - Medicine Hat Mavericks - Western Major League Jim Flannery - The Mavericks have been a consistent contender in the WMBL for most of their franchise history. Coming out to see a game in a lovely, relaxing environment, with friendly people is a great way to spend a summer evening in “The Hat.” Holman Stadium - Nashua Silver Knights - Futures League Paul Baker - Holman Stadium is a quaint ballpark that has likely seen the end of its days as a professional facility. With Northeast Delta Dental Stadium located 20 minutes to the north and LaLacheur Park located 20 minutes to the south, there are just not enough fans for the affiliated ball in the area. Rebel Park - New Market Rebels - Valley League Gregory Koch - For baseball fans in Virginia, the Valley Baseball League is a hidden gem and the New Market Rebels are no exception. Those in New Market certainly know about the team and passionately follow it, but a trip to Rebel Park is well worth it for those who don’t live here as well. Cardines Field - Newport Gulls - New England League Paul Baker - They certainly don’t build them like Cardines Field anymore. This historic ballpark, filled with features not seen anywhere else, is a relic from another time. Cardines Field is frequently mentioned as one of the top places in the country to watch summer wood-bat baseball. Seaman Stadium - Okotoks Dawgs - Western Major League Richard Smith -Seaman Stadium is a wonderful ballpark, especially for the collegiate summer league level. There are likely to be affiliated minor teams that would be jealous of this fine facility. First Responder Field - Olney Cropdusters - Cal Ripken Sr. League Gregory Koch - Although First Responder Field isn’t quite finished yet, an Olney Cropdusters game is still an enjoyable way to spend a summer evening as long as you remember to bring your chairs. Once the permanent seating and lights are added for the 2023 season, and hopefully, a better sound system, the atmosphere here will be even better. Eldredge Park - Orleans Firebirds - Cape Cod League Paul Baker - Baseball has been played at Eldredge Park since 1913. As a member of the Firebirds' staff put it, "We have three things going for us in Orleans. We have the best beaches on the Cape, we have the history, and we have the hill." War Memorial Stadium - Peninsula Pilots - Coastal Plain League Gregory Koch - There is no doubt that War Memorial Stadium is an old ballpark. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of more modern facilities in the CPL and elsewhere in the area, the energy at Peninsula Pilots game is top-notch. Sinsheimer Stadium - San Luis Obispo Blues - California League Meg Minard - San Luis Obispo is a small but vibrant, entertaining town to visit and well worth a stop for any traveler. Attending a game at Sinsheimer Stadium provides an excellent baseball experience in a community that supports it well. John Moxie Memorial Stadium - Staunton Braves - Valley League Gregory Koch - What John Moxie Memorial Stadium lacks in flashiness it makes up for in charm. Baseball has been played at this site for over a century. Although Moxie Stadium doesn’t have the amenities of modern stadiums, and it certainly would never be mistaken for one, it is a gorgeous, historic stadium to watch a game on a summer’s night at a great price. Trenton Thunder Ballpark - Trenton Thunder - MLB Draft League Marc Viquez - It seems like only yesterday that the team arrived and spearheaded a movement toward ballpark construction in the state. However, the ballpark still stands out as a beauty and provides a highly enjoyable baseball experience. Shepherd Stadium - Tri-City Chili Peppers - Coastal Plain League Gregory Koch - Although Shepherd Stadium is almost 75 years old, you wouldn’t know it from attending a Chili Peppers game here. The stadium has all the amenities and excitement of a newer stadium. Centennial Field - Vermont Lake Monsters - Futures League Paul Baker - Centennial Field, while an older facility, offers many modern amenities and enough comforts to keep today’s fan happy. With a decidedly small-town feel, this ballpark belongs on any baseball fan’s must-see list. Oregon Trail Park Stadium - Western Nebraska Pioneers - Independence League Meg Minard - It is so, so comfortable here. The seats are wide, there’s plenty of legroom, the fans are energized, and the Pioneers staff is ready to assis, if needed. It’s still more about the game than the extra stuff but there’s enough of that to keep non-purists entertained. Historic Bowman Field - Williamsport Crosscutters - MLB Draft League Gregory Koch - Baseball has been played at Bowman Field for almost 100 years and you can feel a part of the history when stepping in here. However, this very much feels like a modern ballpark as well, not an old decrepit one that is falling apart. Yakima County Stadium - Yakima County Pippens - West Coast League Richard Smith - The Yakima Valley Pippins and Yakima County Stadium is a perfect spot to watch a summer collegiate league team. The stadium is past its prime for minor-league baseball. but is perfect for this level of ball.

The 2024-25 NBA Season was definitely a unique one.  Tremendous regular seasons by  the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks ushered in a new sense of hope throughout a number of markets in the league and possibly a changing of the guard.  The dominant news of the season was the blockbuster trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers centered around Luca Doncic and Anthony Davis.  After being much maligned over the deal, the Mavericks seemed to come out the other end better than expected winning the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and the opportunity to draft Cooper Flagg.  The league would also see a return to Inglewood, California, the former site of the Great Western Forum, home of the Lakers.  This time it would be the Los Angeles Clippers making news with the opening of the innovative Intuit Dome.  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder continued his ascension to stardom by leading the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game, and earning the MVP.  Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings averaged 13.9 rebounds per game to lead the league as well.  Oklahoma City had the best record in the league and made it all the way to the NBA Finals, squaring off against the Indiana Pacers, in a matchup that was one of the most surprising of all time.  The Chicago Bulls lead the league in attendance, averaging 20,079 fans per game. Stadium Journey published the first review of the Intuit Dome this season.  Six other updated reviews were published this season.  The annual NBA rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the basketball experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced.  The stakes are high, with an average grading of 4.07 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all.  Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets.  How is your list different from ours?  What do we have right?  What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025 Rankings of the National Basketball Associations Experiences. 1. Madison Square Garden - New York Knicks - 4.57 Brian O’Sullivan - While New York City boasts some of the most iconic buildings in the world, including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, a trip to the city would not be complete without a stop at Madison Square Garden. Nestled in the heart of the city that never sleeps and opened in 1968, Madison Square Garden hosts a plethora of events throughout the year. From the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show to countless performances by Billy Joel, the Garden seems to be holding a different event each night. In addition to the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers call the Garden their permanent home.  Although each of these events offers its own set of benefits, attending a New York Knicks game at the Garden offers an unparalleled experience. From the passionate fans to celebrities sitting courtside, there is a truly unique and unparalleled atmosphere that surrounds a Knicks game. The hefty price of admission is well worth the priceless experience once inside Madison Square Garden and is a must see for any sports fan. 2. Kia Center - Orlando Magic - 4.57 Chris Green - Take an NBA team, plant it in a beautiful vibrant growing city, and build them a beautiful facility with modern touches that never seem to go out of style, and you have yourself Kia Center, home of the Orlando Magic. Chock-full of quality concessions, comfortable seating, great restaurants and bars nearby, and friendly patrons, you would be hard-pressed to find a venue as enjoyable and inviting for a game of professional basketball. While many may think of Orlando as a city meant for tourists, it is quietly becoming a central hub for sports. 3. Scotiabank Arena - Toronto Raptors - 4.43 Dave Cottenie - The recent news that Vince Carter was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is big for the city of Toronto and the Toronto Raptors.  The location of the very first NBA game with the Toronto Huskies and New York Knicks is finally getting a member of the Hall of Fame. Although Vince Carter played for seven other teams and was technically not drafted by the Raptors, his formative years in the NBA were wearing purple.  Carter’s arrival in Toronto coincided with the moving of the team from the gargantuan SkyDome to the sparkling new Air Canada Centre.  Many Raptor fans credit Carter for helping build basketball in Toronto as well as the rest of the country.  In 1999 the Raptors, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, also owned by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, moved to their current home, now known as Scotiabank Arena.  The building was once the Canada Post Delivery Building and the arena has been renovated several times.  Located in the heart of Toronto, Scotiabank Arena provides the Raptors with a premier venue to play in and has become one of the best experiences in the NBA. 4. Toyota Center - Houston Rockets - 4.43 Eric Moreno - In 1971, the then San Diego Rockets relocated to Houston, giving the Lone Star State its first NBA franchise. Over the ensuing decade, stars would emerge that would help bring legitimacy to Space City’s squad, including Hall of Famers Elvin Hayes and Moses Malone, who would guide the Rockets to a conference championship in 1981.  The 1984 NBA Draft would bring Houston Cougar alum Hakeem Olajuwon, and “The Dream” would team up with fellow future Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson – the duo would be known as the “Twin Towers” – to lead the Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals. It would be under the guidance of former player Rudy Tomjanovich and Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler that Houston would break through, capturing back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995.  At the start of the 2003-04 season, the Rockets moved into their new state-of-the-art home in downtown H-Town, Toyota Center. Stars such as Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, and James Harden have taken the court at Toyota Center, and recent seasons have seen a rise in the team’s fortunes. Through the ups and downs, Toyota Center has kept up with the times and is still a premier spot in the NBA. 5. Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia 76ers - 4.43 Pete Dowell - Wells Fargo Center was built in 1996 and is part of the Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District that consists of Wells Fargo Center home of the 76ers NBA & Flyers NHL, Lincoln Financial Field home of the Eagles NFL & Temple Owls NCAA, Citizens Bank Park home of the Phillies MLB and Xfinity Live! (A mega hang-out spot for before, during, and after any game). Wells Fargo Center is the current home of the Philadelphia 76ers and houses the legacy of three past won NBA championships, nine past won Eastern Conference titles, five past won Atlantic Division titles, and the potential of future glory from trusting in a process.  The 76ers started their NBA journey known as the Syracuse Nationals in 1946 and didn’t take on the name of Philadelphia 76ers until an ownership change, a franchise move to Philadelphia, and a contest to name the team in 1964. Walter Stalberg basketball fan and contestant in naming the 76ers won the name the team contest for his submission of the Philadelphia 76ers. The name Philadelphia 76ers is a nod to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia. 6. Rocket Arena - Cleveland Cavaliers - 4.43 Lloyd Brown - When the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their 2019-2020 season, they sported a new name for their home court as well as a massively renovated house. Rocket Mortgage Company took over the naming rights from Quicken Loans over the summer, and the arena completed a two-year, $185 million renovation designed to open the arena up more to the surrounding area, and to provide wider concourses and more concession offerings to its fans. The most readily apparent change is the adding a large glass enclosed atrium, which reflects the downtown skyline and brightens up the inside corridors of the facility. A large concession and social area with seats and tables has been added at the south end of the arena.  In addition, the upper concourse is now opened up to allow fans to go 360 degrees around the arena for the first time ever. Previous renovations have included the installation of new seats throughout the seating bowl, the adding of a center-hung video board nicknamed “Humongotron” due to its immense size (31 feet high and 56 feet wide on the side panels) and new graphics and signage. 7. Kaseya Center - Miami Heat - 4.43 Lloyd Brown - The HEAT is by far the most successful franchise in South Florida since the club was founded in 1988. They have won the NBA titles on three occasions (2006, 2012 and 2013), been Conference Champions five times and Division Champions 13 times . Today they are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the NBA. Attending a HEAT game is as much of a social occasion as attending a basketball game. While seeing the red-hot HEAT compete on the court, you are just as likely to be seeing an “A List” of celebrities sitting courtside. While the sight lines to the court are excellent, the social amenities offered at Kaseya Center are just as impressive. 8. Chase Center - Golden State Warriors - 4.29 Lloyd Brown - The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most dominant NBA teams over the last decade, as they have won six titles, including three in the last five seasons. They also hold the record for most regular season wins with 73. Coach Steve Kerr has an astounding winning percentage of .880 with the team. The 2019-2020 season has added yet another home court advantage for the team, as they moved into the Chase Center, their new home on the shores of San Francisco Bay. The 18,062-seat arena is the first 100% privately financed professional sports facility in generations. Chase Center is the Warriors fourth home in the Bay Area since relocating from Philadelphia in 1962. It replaces the Oracle Arena in Oakland, the team’s home since 1966. 9. Moda Center - Portland Trail Blazers - 4.29 Lloyd Brown - The Portland Trail Blazers are the longest running professional sports franchise in the Pacific Northwest. The name “Trailblazers” was chosen by a wide margin in a fan poll in recognition of their pioneering efforts to bring not only basketball, but other pro sports to the region. Although they have only one NBA Championship in their 50-year history, they have won numerous Northwest Divisional titles and have gone to three Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, over the years they have faced either the Lakers or the Warriors in their prime over this period, or they likely would have more league championships. As it is, they have succeeded where two Pacific Northwest teams, the Seattle Supersonics and the Vancouver Grizzlies have failed. Portland is known as the “Rip City” a phrase coined by their original announcer for the many “swishes” shot by the smooth shooting teams of the early years.  The Moda Center has served as the home of the Trail Blazers since 1995. It was originally known as the Rose Garden, in homage to two other basketball shrines, the Boston Garden and Madison Square Garden. The name was changed in 2013, as GPS and local tourism guides found the name confused visitors who were in town to visit Portland’s world-famous International Test Gardens during the annual Rose Festival. 10. Ball Arena - Denver Nuggets - 4.29 Matt Finnigan - The NBA’s Denver Nuggets have had just one home in their 21st Century existence: downtown Denver’s Ball Arena.  Since this Millennium started, the Nuggets struggled to find a mix of players to elevate them to one of the Association’s top teams. Who can forget high first-round draft selections like 2002’s  Nikoloz Tskitishvili (5th overall) or 2015’s Emmanuel Mudiay (7th overall)?  All sarcasm and nostalgia aside, the Nuggets history at Ball Arena has not been a disaster.  Far from it.  The team enjoyed successful runs after drafting Carmelo Anthony third overall in 2003 and trading for Allen Iverson at the start of the 2006-2007 season.  Lately, the Nuggets have emerged as one of the NBA’s top teams.  They drafted a little-known Serbian center, Nikola Jokic, in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft (41st overall).  “The Joker” became one of the great steals in draft history.  He won NBA Most Valuable Player honors in 2021 and 2022, seemingly recording triple-doubles on a nightly basis and passing like a point guard.  Jamal Murray, the Nuggets’ seventh pick in the 2016 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky, has given the Nuggets a second superstar.   11. Golden 1 Center - Sacramento Kings - 4.29 Lloyd Brown - The history of the Kings franchise has been one of a vagabond existence. It began as the Royals in Rochester, NY, then moved on to Cincinnati for several years. Its next home was split between Kansas City/Omaha and resulted in a name change to the Kings to avoid confusion with the baseball Royals. In 1985, it relocated to Sacramento, hoping to break the seeming jinx of being a small market franchise competing against the larger metropolitan areas. The team is now celebrating its 35th anniversary in California’s capitol city. However as late as 2010, the team was rumored to be moving to either Anaheim or Seattle due to an unsatisfactory arena arrangement and a losing record.  That changed in 2016, as the city and a new ownership group opened the Golden 1 Center as the anchor for the new Downtown Commons (DOCO) district in downtown Sacramento. The 17,608-seat venue replaced the aging Sleep Train Arena (formerly ARCO Arena). The arena features 10,000 lower level seats with 34 luxury suites and 48 loft style suites. The remaining 7,000 upper level seats are steeply pitched so that the sight lines anywhere in the arena are excellent. 12. American Airlines Center - Dallas Mavericks - 4.14 Michael Davis - American Airlines Center (AAC) is a multi-use arena located in the Victory Park area, which is just north of the historic West End in downtown Dallas. The venue is home to the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA and the Dallas Stars of the NHL. The AAC, as it is commonly referred to by local sports fans, opened its doors on July 28, 2001, with ‘An Evening with the Eagles’; the same year, the Mavericks and Stars opened their 2001 season in American Airlines Center. The seating capacity for basketball is 19,200, or up to 21,146 including standing room. The venue is a beautiful building made of brick, limestone, and granite with signature arches, but the arena’s sweeping facades and smooth arch design can easily get lost in the Victory Park buildings. The American Airlines Center is a primary venue for the Dallas area, hosting year-round sporting events and live entertainment. Besides the Mavericks and Stars, American Airlines Center has also hosted the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Big 12 basketball tournament, NCAA women’s Final Four, and the 55th NHL All Star game. 13. Delta Center - Utah Jazz - 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Some of the best Jazz to be experienced in the Salt Lake City area is not found in an intimate nightclub, but in an 18,300-seat sports arena found only a few blocks from Temple Square. The Delta Center (formerly the Vivint Smart Home Arena) has served as the home of the Utah Jazz since 1991. The Delta Center was the arena's original name when it debuted for the team.  As you would expect, the arena has undergone frequent renovations during its more than 30 plus years of existence.  These occurred in 2002 (to prepare it for the Winter Olympic Games), 2010, and 2016. The renovations that began in 2016 have changed the arena's appearance and fan experience, at a cost of more than $125 million. 14. Frost Bank Center - San Antonio Spurs - 4.14 Eric Moreno - Founded in 1967 as the then Dallas Chaparrals in the now defunct American Basketball Association (ABA), the San Antonio Spurs have become one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. Becoming one of the best organizations in all professional sports, the Spurs set an NBA record of winning at least 50 games a season from the 1999-2000 season to the 2016-2017 season.  Along the way, the Silver and Black won five NBA Championships, buoyed in part by a slew of Hall of Famers and all-time greats such as Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, and Head Coach Gregg Popovich. The last four of the Spurs championships were captured while the club has called the (now named) Frost Bank Center its home. 15. Gainbridge Fieldhouse - Indiana Pacers - 4.14 Marc Viquez - Gainbridge Fieldhouse completed a three-phase renovation that transformed the Indiana Paces home into a modern facility with all the amenities of the 20s. Morris Bicennential Plaza is located outside the main entrances and features a full-size basketball court for fans to shoot, dribble, and play a little basketball. The court converts to an ice skating rink during the winter months. The "Sphere" is a reflective, dome-like sculpture with an interior video screen that is ideal for photos. There are several murals and sculptures in the plaza, including a bar area for grab-and-go drinks.  Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers, debuted November 6, 1999, as Conseco Fieldhouse. It would be known as Bankers Life Fieldhouse until September 2021. The seating capacity has increased from 17,923 to a whopping 20,000 - making it the 5th largest in the NBA. 16. TD Garden - Boston Celtics - 4.14 Paul Baker - The Boston Celtics are the most successful franchise in NBA history, having won 18 championships, 23 conference titles and 35 division championships during their time in the league. The team has qualified for the playoffs 61 times. 49 individuals associated with the team have been enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame.  The TD Garden is the home of both the Celtics and the NHL’s Boston Bruins. When the facility was under construction in the mid-1990s, plans stated the arena would be located “just north” of the Boston Garden. “Just north” ended up being nine inches away. The privately financed facility was built for $160 million in 1995. 17. Smoothie King Center - New Orleans Pelicans - 4.14 Matt Colville - For most people when it comes to New Orleans, they think the Crescent City is a football town. After all, this is the South, and New Orleans has a love affair with the Saints and LSU football that remains unmatched by most major cities. However, for some people New Orleans can be considered a pretty big basketball town as well, and like the long and winding Mississippi River that runs through the city, New Orleans has a long and winding history with hoops that rivals its football history. From 1979 to 2002, New Orleans would be without a professional basketball team, but the city would have plenty of great basketball moments – it was in New Orleans where Michael Jordan won his first championship, as his UNC Tar Heels won the college tournament in 1982. It was also where Indiana coach Bob Knight would win his third and final championship in 1987, and where UNC coach Dean Smith would win his second and final championship in 1993; ultimately the Crescent City has hosted seven Final Fours as of 2024.  The newest era of basketball in New Orleans began in 2002, when the Charlotte Hornets moved here and began play at Smoothie King Center, located right next door to Caesars Superdome. Re-named the Pelicans in 2013, the Pels have added another chapter to New Orleans' rich and storied sports history thanks in part to names such as Baron Davis, Jamal Mashburn, Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, and now Zion Williamson, who have all donned Hornets/Pelicans jerseys over the last 23 years. 18. Paycom Center - Oklahoma City Thunder - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - In 2005, Oklahoma City partook in what can only be described as an NBA audition. With the devastation of Hurricane Katrina displacing the New Orleans Hornets, the team found a temporary home at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City.  Two seasons of NBA basketball in the Sooner State proved to be a runaway success and the relatively small market in OKC would not be a hindrance to NBA basketball in the future.  Oklahoma businessman Clay Bennett would swoop in and purchase the Seattle SuperSonics to relocate them to Oklahoma City.  The Thunder were blessed with some serious young talent early on and made some strong playoff runs in front of some rabid crowds, making the move to Oklahoma City seem like the perfect spot for the NBA. Home for the Thunder is Paycom Center. Originally the Ford Center and later the Chesapeake Energy Center, Paycom Center was built in 2002 and is located on the edge of Bricktown in downtown Oklahoma City.  19. Fiserv Forum - Milwaukee Bucks - 4.00 Marc Viquez - The Fiserv Forum has been the home of the Milwaukee Bucks since the 2018-2019 NBA season. The $524 million multi-purpose venue has a capacity of 17,500 for basketball and connects multiple neighborhoods and districts that include The Brewery, Milwaukee Waterfront, Old World 3rd Street, and Wisconsin Center. It also borders the “The Deer District” entertainment center.  The forum has a unique design that features “a swooping roof and extensive glass to evoke Wisconsin’s natural beauty and Milwaukee’s rich heritage of industry and craftsmen.” The design was inspired by the bountiful rivers, lakes, and forests of the region. The interior offers soft, white colors and rich zinc hues along with darkly colored seating to allow the court to stand out. The design of the interior structure also has a somewhat unfinished look or resembles a barrel of some type. The curved portion looks like a finely contoured piece of wood and includes strips of window panels that produce natural lighting at each level of the building. There are more windows above the main entrance that emulate green lighting at night. 20. PHX Arena - Phoenix Suns - 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The Phoenix Suns and the PHX Arena recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary as the outpost for NBA basketball in the Southwest. The facility opened in 1992 as the America West Arena and has gone through numerous name changes over the years. It became the Footprint Center in 2022. The arena holds 17,071 in its basketball setting.  PHX Arena hosts a wide variety of events in addition to the Sun's games. It serves as the host facility for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA and the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League (IFL). It has also hosted boxing matches, rodeo competitions, UFC events, WWE events, and music concerts, featuring such stars as Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, and Elton John. 21. State Farm Arena - Atlanta Hawks - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - The Hawks have been part of the Atlanta sports landscape since 1968 when they moved from St. Louis.  The Hawks were founded as the Buffalo Bisons in 1946 and moved to Moline, Illinois to be the Tri-Cities Blackhawks after just 38 days.  In 1951 the team moved to Milwaukee and dropped the Black to become just the Hawks and stayed until 1955 when they moved to St. Louis.  Their only appearance in the NBA Finals saw them victorious in 1958 behind the massive scoring of Bob Pettit.  Key to the Hawks development was the purchase of the team by Ted Turner in 1977.  The Hawks were Turner’s first venture into sports and he owned them until 2004 when they were sold to Time Warner.  The Hawks had some success in the eighties with Dominique Wilkins, their best player in franchise history, but unfortunately they could not get past Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.  Currently the Hawks are mired in mediocrity under the ownership group led by Tony Ressler, who purchased the team in 2015. 22. United Center - Chicago Bulls - 3.86 Marc Viquez - The Chicago Bulls moved into the United Center for the beginning of the 1994/1995 NBA season, at the time Michael Jordan was still retired and playing baseball but would rejoin the team later on that year and help usher in a string of three more NBA championships from 1996 to 1998. Twenty years later after his retirement, it is hard not to notice MJ’s accomplishments throughout the building and how magnetic that era was to the fans in Chicago.  The United Center replaced the iconic Chicago Stadium which debuted in 1929 and had been the home to the Bulls since its inaugural year in 1966. The plan to build the multipurpose arena was created by Chicago Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf. The cost of construction was $175 million and would have a capacity of 23,129 for basketball. The arena was also designed with an Art Deco style much like its predecessor providing a nod to the past and progress toward the future. 23. FedExForum - Memphis Grizzlies - 3.86 Lloyd Brown - he Grizzlies NBA franchise started in 1995 as the Vancouver, BC Grizzlies. The franchise relocated to Memphis, TN, in time for the 2001-2002 NBA season. For the first three seasons in their new Southern home, the Grizzlies played at the Pyramid Arena in downtown Memphis as their new home at the Fed Ex Forum was being built.  The Grizzlies have been playoff regulars in recent years. The fans call the team's style of play incorporates the “Grit and Grind Grizzlies.” This means they use a high-pressure defense and get to an advantageous spot to take a shot. They have the talented  Ja Morant to take the Grizzlies deep into the postseason. The team is adamant about beating at home as they boast an 85 % likelihood of winning the game on their home court. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the NBA. 24. Spectrum Center - Charlotte Hornets - 3.71 David Welch - The NBA would return to Charlotte in 2004 with a new identity, the Charlotte Bobcats, and a promise of a new arena. Charlotte would christen what is now Spectrum Center in 2005. Since their return, the Hornets and previously the Bobcats, have seen spikes of success, but have found sustaining it a challenge.  The Hornets now have a new ownership group in place, led by former Hornets minority owner Gabe Plotkin and former Atlanta Hawks minority owner Rick Schnell. The two have voiced their concerns about some of the shortcomings of the franchise, and how they plan to address them going forward. 25. Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles Lakers - 3.71 Lloyd Brown - The Crypto.com Arena is the center of the LA indoor sports universe, as it serves as the home of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA, the LA Kings of the NHL and the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. The arena opened in 1999 and has a seating capacity of 19,079 for basketball and 18,118 for hockey.  As you would expect in Hollywood and the home of TV shows, the Crypto.com Arena excels in production quality. The sound system and lighting quality in the arena far exceeds what you would find at other arenas. One of the reasons for this are the vast number of concerts held at the arena, featuring the top artists in the world, many of whom are local residents as well. They tend to be very demanding of the technical crews, and Crypto delivers. You’ll want to make sure to be in your seats prior to the National Anthem, as the Lakers have very dramatic pregame introductions. 26. Little Caesars Arena - Detroit Pistons - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA takes great pleasure when the Pistons get possession of the ball after it goes out of bounds.  The sweet sounds of John Mason’s “Dee-troit Bas-ketIball” is as iconic in the Motor City as the Bad Boys themselves. However, since the seventies the Pistons were the victim of a bitter ownership feud between Pistons owner Bill Davidson and Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Illitch. When the Red Wings moved out of Olympia Arena, the Pistons protested what they viewed as poor conditions at Cobo Arena and moved out of Detroit proper to Pontiac to play in the ridiculously massive Pontiac Silverdome. In 1988 the Pistons would leave Pontiac for a more appropriate venue in Auburn Hills at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Palace was a terrific venue for the Pistons and they would see their greatest franchise moments there including their three NBA Championships and over 300 consecutive sellouts.  With the Pistons changing ownership to Tom Gores after the death of Bill Davidson, and the Red Wings building a new arena, the opportunity presented itself to move back downtown after four decades away. Mike Illitch was always a proponent of bringing businesses back downtown and he always put his money where his mouth was. Little Caesars Arena is the new home for both the Red Wings and the Pistons and is just on the other side of the Fisher Freeway from close neighbors Ford Field, Comerica Park and the Fox Theater.  John Mason has joined the Pistons and his iconic call can still be heard throughout basketball games. It may be a bit of an unfamiliar locale, but it is still Detroit Basketball. 27. Barclays Center - Brooklyn Nets - 3.71 Sean MacDonald - The 17,732-seat Barclays Center christening took place November 1, 2012, with the Nets hosting the Knicks in what was billed as the first game of a new crosstown rivalry. It marked the first time since the Brooklyn Dodgers left for Los Angeles after the 1957 season that the borough was home to a major professional sports team. It also returned the Nets franchise back to New York for the first time since the franchise left for New Jersey after the 1976-77 season. Given its incredibly accessible location on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn on top of nine subway lines and the Long Island Railroad, Barclays Center should be a good rival to Madison Square Garden as a premier New York entertainment venue. In the end, however, it doesn’t quite measure up. 28. Intuit Dome - Los Angeles Clippers - 3.57 Andrei Ojeda - When it comes to hosting some of the big names of professional sports, the City of Inglewood, minutes from LAX, is no stranger. From 1967-1999 The Forum was the home to the Los Angeles Lakers as well as the Los Angeles Kings. During that span much of The Forum’s glorious history would be provided by the 80’s Showtime Era Lakers, winning 5 of their 6 Forum era championships from 1980-1988 while attracting countless Hollywood celebrities, most notably Jack Nicholson and Dyan Cannon.   As both the Lakers and Kings would move to DTLA at the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena), the Clippers, who would play their home games at the nearby L.A. Sports Arena from 1984 -1999 after moving from San Diego, would join these two powerhouses.   During their time at Crypto, the Clippers were often regarded as the third tenant, resulting in several occasions with unfavorable afternoon tipoff times. As the team was turning a corner, the Clippers would not be void of controversy due in large part to former owner Donald Sterling.  Even with the Clippers recent run of success, try as they may, even going as far as to cover the Lakers championship banners with banners adorning current players, Crypto.com Arena would always be associated with the Lakers. In comes present day owner Steve Ballmer. Ballmer would be the billion dollar mastermind that would eventually give the Clippers a home they could truly call their own. 29. Target Center - Minnesota Timberwolves - 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Target Center has served as the home court for the Minnesota Timberwolves since it opened in 1990. It is in the Warehouse or Northloop District of downtown Minneapolis. The arena holds 18,500 in its basketball configuration. One of its most unique features is its “green” roof, which is covered in native Minnesota prairie plants, and captures water and melting snow that would otherwise wind up in the nearby Mississippi River.  The Target Center has undergone frequent renovations in recent years, with a major two-year upgrade in 2016-2017. This renovation included a new HD video board and a completely new glass atrium lobby that really opened the facility to the street. The arena is also unique in that it has two entry levels, with one at street level and a second that attaches to the Minneapolis Skyway System. The renovations also brought a great deal of light into both the lobby area and the concourses, brightening up what was a very enclosed structure.  Numerous picture windows are now in place to provide stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline. 30. Capital One Arena - Washington Wizards - 3.14 Gregory Koch - Capital One Arena opened in 1997 as the home of the Washington Wizards, replacing the aging Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. However, the Wizards have thus far been unable to match the rise in popularity experienced by their co-tenant, the Washington Capitals. In addition to hosting these two teams, Capital One Arena plays host to Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball.

All my life, I believed in a sports legend that never existed. What I thought was the name of a vintage minor league baseball team—The Asbury Park Sea Urchins—was actually a clever ruse crafted by early 20th-century sports editors. The Sea Urchins weren’t real; the true team name was the Asbury Park Sea Gulls. ​I know it seems silly, but in New Jersey, we take pride in our quirky traditions and local teams. Honoring old baseball teams like the Sea Urchins feels like part of our identity. ​The Sea Urchins spent one season in the 1914 Atlantic League, their name fitting perfectly with today’s trend of creative minor league branding. A team named after a Jersey Shore creature could easily sell merchandise. ​However, the history books and online media databases have all been a lie. The real team name was the Sea Gulls, and they won through a name-the-team contest through the Asbury Park Press. The manager of the ball club, Andy Coakley, created the contest and awarded the winner with two season passes to games at the home ballpark. ​The winner was a gentleman named Mr. William Lyon on June 25, 1914, and was deemed the “best of the bunch”. The other names tossed away in favor of Sea Gulls were Breakers, Serpents, Sand Fleas, Shore Landers, Divers, Travelers, and Beach Babies. (Baseball fans have always been at the cutting edge of naming their baseball clubs with interesting names.) ​Coakley’s team had been playing games in town since May 20, after relocating at the last minute from Bloomfield, NJ, and wouldn’t play their first game at home until July 2. However,  even before the contest-winning announcement, the ball club was referred to as the Sea Urchins. On July 6, a reader sent a letter to the sports editor of the Asbury Park paper. The response was the following. ​“Sea Urchins” is just a name applied by an out-of-town correspondent. Andy Coakley is going to give two season passes to the fan who sends in a nickname, to be judged by three of Asbury Park’s leading citizens.” ​This was in an area where baseball teams went through nicknames like a sick person through Kleenex. Depending on the year, the newspaper, or manager, a ball club could have various names, sometimes multiple ones in the same year.  Apparently, the Sea Urchins name was created by a crafty writer chomping on a cigar, wearing a pillbox hat, and stamping down on his typewriter in the press box.  The Sea Urchins name would be used in newspapers in Brooklyn, Perth Amboy, and Poughkeepsie. The Sea Gulls name was used in the Asbury Park and Long Branch newspapers. However, when baseball returned in the spring of 1915, neither the Sea Gulls nor the Sea Urchins returned; in fact, neither did the Atlantic League - it ceased operations. Whatever the team was called, it was soon forgotten. Asbury Park High School and its football stadium were built on the site of the old athletic grounds, and minor league baseball never returned to the city. Soon, anyone who attended a game that year, which reports said were quite good on weekdays, would be no more. ​Today, there’s a market for these old teams, and one such outlet is Moonshot, a website with an entire section devoted to vintage baseball t-shirts—some authentic, others up for debate. Among them are the Sea Urchins, featuring a sharp faux-back design that mimics the style of classic throwback emblems. ​The list includes the Shenandoah Hungarian Rioters, Sheboygan Chairmakers, Santa Cruz San Crabs, Paris Bourbonites, Hannibal Cannibals, Marquette Undertakers, Cairo Egyptians, and the Muncie Fruit Jars. Many of these team names did exist, but some have been questionable. ​Maybe this was for the best, the Sea Urchins name has a better ring to it than Sea Gulls, which has been used to name other sports teams. The Sea Urchins, to the best of my ability, have never been used and stand out well eleven decades later. What history tells us of this era of baseball is that not one nickname was alike and could change depending on the local newspapers. Perhaps the Asbury Park Ball Club went by a different name in other cities around the loop, but the name was used several weeks before the official name, Sea Gulls, was ever introduced. Who was the person who first coined the phrase? He has been lost to history. The Sea Urchins name has stood the test of time. Sorry, Mr. William Lyon. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com