Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 TD Garden 100 Legends Way Boston, MA 02114 Boston Bruins website TD Garden website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 19,580 The Gahden 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. 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. In addition to serving as home to the Bruins and the NBA’s Boston Celtics , the Garden annually serves as host to the Beanpot Tournament and Hockey East Tournament, as well as numerous concerts and other events. Food & Beverage 4 The concession experience at TD Garden has never been at the forefront of the Bruins game day routine. Over the years, the concessions have improved here in both variety and quality. But be warned that concession prices here are among the highest in the NHL. Stands at the TD Garden are organized by their menus, so hungry fans may have to do some searching to find what they want. Vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free items are available throughout TD Garden. Slices from Sal’s Pizza are among the most popular items. For some of the more unique items on the menu, head to the Test Kitchen on Level 4. A more in-depth description of the menu, including a map of all concessions, can be found here. Coca-Cola products are featured at TD Garden. Fans looking for an adult beverage will have no problem finding what they want at TD Garden. As you might expect, local craft beers are abundant. Brews from local favorites Sam Adams and Harpoon Brewery anchor the selections. For a great selection of local brews, head to the Craft Beer Garden between sections 323 and 324. If you prefer the national brands, those are sold all over the arena as well. Atmosphere 5 There just seems to be something special about seeing a game in the home of one of the Original Six teams. The Boston area features some of the rabid fans in the league, and when the black and gold get on a roll, this is one of the loudest venues in the entire National Hockey League. The recent renovations to TD Garden improved the gameday experience here in Boston. The new scoreboard, dubbed “Hub Vision,” is almost double the size of the old one, and features the highest resolution in both the NHL and NBA. A new sound system was also installed for the 2021-22 season. Concourses are wider, more points of sale were installed and more restrooms were added. New social areas such as The Rafters Club on Level 9 and the Back Row Bar at the top of the balcony seating area have become favorite spots to mingle with other fans while grabbing a drink and watching the game. Veteran hockey fans will find much that is familiar here, with hype videos, dance cams, and contests held during play stoppages. 50/50 raffles, silent auctions, and other giveaways ensure that fans have a chance to go home with some mementos of the game. Most of the fans in attendance make sure to stick around after the game when the team celebrations after victories have become a must-see. Punctuating the celebration is the “goalie hug” between Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. In 2022-23 Bruins fans have gone home happy often. Neighborhood 5 The TD Garden is located adjacent to Boston’s historic North End, the city’s version of “Little Italy.” While visiting, hockey fans flock to Bruin legend Ray Bourque’s restaurant, Tresca. Be sure to grab a couple of cannoli from Mike’s Pastry while here, or head to Regina’s Pizzeria, one of the top places to get a slice of pizza in the country. Many visiting fans enjoy walking down Hanover Street, taking in the sights and smells. Table 77 at Tresca, Boston's most romantic table. Photo courtesy of Tresca While the area immediately adjacent to the TD Garden has undergone many changes in recent years with the closure of several legendary restaurants, there are still plenty of dining and lodging options right just steps from the venue. The Harp, Hurricane’s at the Garden, and of course, Halftime King of Pizza are just a few of the many options from which to choose. Fans looking for convenient lodging will find a Courtyard by Marriot, CitizenM Downtown, and Onyx Boston all in the immediate vicinity. Walk a few blocks further south, and you will arrive at Faneuil Hall, a collection of restaurants, shops, and clubs that is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Be sure to check out the Union Oyster House, Boston’s oldest restaurant and home of the city’s best clam chowder. Statues of Celtics legends Red Auerbach and Bill Russell and be found here among all the historic sites. Fans looking to explore Boston’s rich history can follow the Freedom Trail, which passes only a few blocks from the Garden. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long brick-lined route that connects 16 of Boston’s most significant historic sites. This walking tour winds throughout the city and is one of the best ways to explore Boston. Several points of interest are located near the Garden, including the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, and Copp’s Burial Ground. Fans 5 There is an adage in American hockey circles that the most knowledgeable, passionate fans in the United States live in the three “M’s” (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Michigan). Greater Boston is one of the most hockey-crazed areas you will find anywhere, with a dedicated fan base that can rival anything found in Canada. With the incredible season the Bruins are enjoying in 2022-2023, the Garden is once again the place to be in Boston. The Garden becomes a sea of black and gold for every Bruins home game. Keep your eyes open for the “Bruins Avengers,” a group of super fans who have developed their cult following. Even the most casual Bruins fan seems to be louder than your typical fan. The Garden is filled with noise, particularly when the Bruins get on a roll. It provides the Bruins with a significant home-ice advantage and makes the Garden an intimidating arena for visitors. Visiting fans and families can still feel comfortable at a Bruins game, though. Access 3 All tickets for Boston Bruins games are now electronic. The arena practices a bag policy, prohibiting all bags larger than 6” x 4” x 1.5”. The facility is cash-free and provides cash-to-card options for those without plastic. Complete details can be found here . Boston is certainly not an easy city for visitors to navigate. City streets, which date back to colonial times, are laid out in seemingly random directions. Traffic jams and never-ending construction projects are the norms here. While the Garden is located adjacent to Interstate 93, even the most direct route off the highway (Exit 26-Storrow Drive) requires several twists and turns to reach the arena. The best way to get to TD Garden is to take public transportation, known in Boston as the “T.” The arena is located directly on top of the North Station MBTA commuter rail station, bringing in fans from all parts of suburban Boston. For fans taking the subway, both the green and orange lines stop at North Station, right across the street from TD Garden. The $2.75 one-way fare makes the “T” Stadium Journey’s recommendation for avoiding the hassle of driving. Although there are many options for parking in the area around the Garden it can be quite expensive to park here. There is a 5-level garage located directly underneath the Garden which charges $54 for event parking. There are several surface lots and garages in the immediate area which range from $30-$50 on game night. Despite the Garden’s downtown location, there is little on-street parking to be found. Over the years the TD Garden has undergone a great deal of renovation designed to improve flow into and around the venue as well as the creation of several new social gathering areas throughout the Garden. Some of these areas, such as the Rafters on Level 9, are among the most coveted tickets in the building. Return on Investment 2 Going to a game at TD Garden is one of the most expensive in the National Hockey League. The Bruins utilize variable pricing, placing a premium on weekend games and matchups with traditional rivals. With the success the Bruins are enjoying this season, the demand for tickets has never been higher. The least expensive tickets on the secondary market have been going for over $150 for much of the season. Adding to the high cost of attending a Bruins game is the cost of parking, which ranges in price from $35-54 and above-average concession prices. For example, purchasing a slice of pizza and a large soda will cost you close to twenty dollars. Stadium Journey’s recommendation for significantly cutting the cost of attending a Bruins game: take the T and eat at one of the fine restaurants nearby before or after the game. Extras 4 “The Goal” Statue – A statue commemorating what is perhaps hockey’s most iconic photograph, Bobby Orr’s 1970 Stanley Cup winning goal, stands at the entrance to TD Garden. Banners – Banners honoring Bruins’ Stanley Cup championships hang from the rafters alongside division, conference, and President’s Trophy banners. Eleven Bruins have had their numbers retired. In addition, there are banners commemorating the annual Beanpot Tournament , held every February, and the Hockey East Tournament, held here every March. There are also all those Celtics championship banners hanging around. The Sports Museum – Perhaps the greatest hidden sports gem in Boston, it’s a must-see for any visiting sports fan. Located on levels 5 and 6 of the Garden, The Sports Museum features items celebrating the city of Boston’s long and storied sports history. Exhibits include the penalty box from the Boston Garden and an open theater with original Garden seats. History – As you may expect from one of the NHL’s Original Six teams, many sporting events of great importance have occurred here. Oversized murals depict iconic moments in Boston Garden and TD Garden history on both concourses. Final Thoughts 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. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Yurcak Field 83 Fitch Rd Piscataway, NJ 08854 Rutgers Scarlet Knights website Yurcak Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 5,000 Rutgers Soccer Located on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey, Yurcak Field (pronounced with a soft c) is a 5,000-seat stadium that is home to the Scarlet Knights men’s and women’s soccer teams. The stadium opened in 1994 and is one of the elite college soccer venues in the country. In addition to Rutgers soccer, the stadium hosted the Scarlet Knights’ lacrosse teams until 2013, played host to NJ/NY Gotham of the National Women’s Soccer League until 2019, and hosted several early-round US Open Cup matches of the team then known as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls) before they got their own stadium in Harrison. This review will focus on the experience at Rutgers women’s soccer games, although it is likely similar on the men’s side. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at Yurcak Field which serves a decent selection of options. The only meals are hot dogs and chicken tenders (the latter of which comes with fries.) Coca-cola soft drinks and bottled water are available, as are chips, candy, hot pretzels, and popcorn. Prices are affordable with nothing costing more than $5 or so, and credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 5 Just walking into Yurcak Field, you will get the feeling that this is a school that really cares about college soccer. Directly in front of you as you walk through the stadium gates will be giant banners honoring great Rutgers players and teams of years past. The bleachers will be straight ahead or to your left depending on how close to midfield you want to sit, and concession stands and restrooms are to your left as well. If crowds get large, there may be additional lawn seating on the berm area on the far side. There is a large scoreboard behind the left goal which also shows other statistics, but it was for some reason not in use during the game Stadium Journey attended. Instead, there was a small portable scoreboard below it which was clearly not designed for soccer as it purported to show the “quarter” (soccer uses halves) and the timeouts remaining for each team (which isn’t a thing in soccer.) As is typically the case in soccer, much of the energy here comes from the fans themselves due to few breaks in the action and lack of opportunity for the PA announcer or others to get the fans pumped up. The Scarlet Knights fans create a wall of red that can be quite imposing for visiting teams, and it enhances the atmosphere tremendously. While driving to Rutgers, keep in mind that the “campus” is actually five separate campuses throughout Piscataway and New Brunswick, College Avenue, Busch, Livingston, Cook, and Douglass. (This should not be confused with the two regional campuses in Newark and Camden which are completely separate institutions.) Just set your GPS to “Rutgers University” and hoping to find the field from there can put you on the completely wrong campus. Neighborhood 5 Piscataway is a sleepy college town in northern New Jersey and you will find a few options here such as Henry’s Diner near the basketball arena and some of the best pizza places in the country. No reason to get Pizza Hut or Papa John’s here, it’s far better to pick up a real Jersey slice. Fans may also be interested in grabbing a Fat Sandwich from R U Hungry at the corner of Hamilton Street and College Avenue in New Brunswick. While the grease trucks serving these legendary sandwiches once dotted Rutgers’ College Avenue campus and they were thought of as the school’s quintessential food, most of these trucks have been shut down as the university constructed new buildings, relocated the trucks, and ultimately declined to renew their permits. R U Hungry, which was the original fat sandwich vendor, now serves them out of a more traditional storefront location. Fat sandwiches consist of sub rolls topped with seemingly random combinations of toppings. The original Fat Cat has a double cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, French fries, mayo, and ketchup, and the combinations just get weirder from there. For example, the Fat Elvis comes with gyro meat, mozzarella sticks, lettuce, tomato, French fries, and white sauce, certainly a bizarre combination. There are many others with fun names such as the Fat Darrell, the Fat Koko, and at least one whose name violates the editorial standards of this website. As you can probably guess by the name, these sandwiches are loaded with calories and are not for the faint of heart (figuratively or literally.) Fans 5 As mentioned above, the red wall of Scarlet Knights fans at Yurcak Field creates a tremendous, lively atmosphere. For a typical home game, the stands will be packed with fans wearing scarlet and silver and cheering Rutgers on to victory. The crowd is boisterous and passionate and it can get quite loud at big moments or after Rutgers scores a goal. At many schools, college soccer does not have a huge following, but here at Rutgers, it has a dedicated and loyal fan base that is one of the best in the country. Access 1 This is the only area where Yurcak Field does not excel. Parking is in a large dirt lot (not even gravel) next to the stadium. However, there is nobody directing traffic and no marked spaces so fans basically park wherever they want. This can create chaos after the game as drivers return to their cars to find themselves boxed in, often with multiple cars on either side of them, and have to wait for others to come out and move their cars. The parking situation here needs significant improvement, unfortunately. Getting around the stadium itself is easy enough, with wide concourses and ample restrooms, but just getting into and out of the stadium is a giant mess and brings this rating down significantly. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Scarlet Knights soccer games at Yurcak Field is free. Considering this is a tremendous atmosphere and one of the top college soccer venues in the country, this is a great value. Parking is free, even if it is chaotic, and concessions are affordable too. Note that there may be a charge for admission for Big Ten and NCAA Tournament games as this is set by the organizers, not the school. Extras 3 The giant banners as you enter the stadium are definitely worthy of an extra here. Rutgers soccer has some of the best fans in the NCAA and that is worthy of a star as well. A third and final star for the various promotions and giveaways the Scarlet Knights have throughout the season, ranging from Disney Day, where fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Disney characters, to giveaways such as mini soccer balls and headbands. Final Thoughts Yurcak Field is an elite college soccer venue, and the best part is, that attending a game here is totally free other than whatever you spend on concessions. With great crowds, great fan experiences, and a whole lot of effort put into making a great atmosphere, a Rutgers soccer game at Yurcak Field is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Timmons Arena 1250 Duncan Chapel Rd Greenville, SC 29617 Furman Paladins website Timmons Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 3,500 Furman Once, Furman Twice, Furman Three Times… On February 20, 2024 it was announced that Timmons Arena would undergo a $40 million renovation  following the season, as part of Phase II of the “Timmons Arena Project”. Renovations will include adding donor suites, premium seating, and hospitality amenities; an enhanced student experience; improvements to concessions and merchandise areas; and redesigned entry points. The most important need though is for improved flow for fans around the arena . Renderings courtesy of Furman Athletics The Paladins moved to the on-campus Timmons Arena in 1998, after leaving their previous home of 38 years, Memorial Gymnasium, which had been lovingly nicknamed “The Brown Box”. Furman has been a member of the Southern Conference since 1936, which is only equaled by The Citadel Bulldogs, who also joined the conference the same year. During that time the Paladins have won seven Southern Conference regular season titles and seven conference tournament championships, to go with seven NCAA Tournament appearances – their most recent appearance in 2023 saw the 13-seed Furman knock off the # 4 seeded Virginia Cavaliers .   Food & Beverage   4 The upper-level concessions offer various combination platters served with an entrée, fries, and a drink; these platters include chicken fingers, a burger, or a hot dog. The menu’s inclusion of fried mozzarella sticks, fried pretzels, and even fried Oreos and funnel fries might make fans feel as if they are at the state fair more so than at a college basketball game. Concessions on the court level of the arena are a bit more limited to hot dogs, sausages, pizza, candy/snacks, and soft drinks. The lines here get rather backed up, especially during the half time break. Alcohol is sold at Timmons Arena; selections include personal-sized bottles of white and red wines, hard seltzer, domestic beers, and craft beers from Sierra Nevada and Wicked Weed.   Atmosphere   3 Timmons Arena in its current appearance blends in nicely with the campus architecture, but it doesn’t stand out as the school’s basketball arena. Its elongated, hexagonal shape provides several logistical challenges when it comes to housing basketball and navigating the facility. Given the interesting design of the arena and the unbalanced arrangement of banners in the rafters at each end of the court, it makes the court itself seem to not be centered on the floor – viewed from the baselines, the scoreboard is actually centered above the floor, but the optics of the off-balance banner alignment certainly doesn’t make it appear that way. Throughout the game the in-game host, who doubles as arena DJ, does a good job trying to keep the interest of fans in the game. Between the on-court contests, the cheer and dance squads, the Furman Paladin mascot, and a pep band, the Timmons Arena basketball experience does offer fans a great deal of entertainment to complement the game. Given the size of Timmons Arena, every seat is close to the action, but structural support beams do block the view of the scoreboards for fans seated in the upper reaches of the seating across from the benches. While the scorer’s table does have basic time and score information, the main scoreboards do provide a bit more of a look into the stats. Going forward, artist renditions of the future of Timmons Arena show that the game experience will change a great deal, and the experience will never be the same as it was before. While the arena will be completed on the same footprint as Timmons Arena, it will not simply give the facility an updated look, but it will without a doubt create a new facility all together.   Neighborhood   3 Located on the northern reaches of Greenville, Furman is roughly where the city turns into suburban neighborhoods, before becoming more rural as the suburbs give way to the mountains of South Carolina. Furman’s campus covers a sprawling 750 acres. Beyond the academic, residential, and athletic facilities, Swan Lake, a walking trail around it, and even a golf course open to the public are all within the campus confines. If approaching Furman from the back side of campus, Highway 25 has several food trucks serving various types of Latino food, and the approach from Highway 276 has a higher concentration of chain restaurants. Furman’s campus is just over 6 miles from all that downtown Greenville has to offer. Options in the are a bit limited, however, when it comes to the immediate vicinity of the arena. Downtown Greenville provides visitors with numerous points of interests, including scenic Falls Park and Liberty Bridge skywalk, or Main Street Greenville with several restaurants, shops, and a handful of breweries. The downtown area also has a strong concentration of hotels for visitors. Early afternoon games at Timmons Arena could pair nicely with an evening watching the Greenville Swamp Rabbits  of the ECHL, at nearby Bon Secures Wellness Arena.   Fans   3 Furman basketball fans turn out to the tune of about 2,100 per game, but tend to be more reactive to plays rather than creating an atmosphere that might be considered a home court advantage. Fans do get loud for runs that the Paladins go on, but it just seems as if there really needs to be a spark lit under them for the fans to get loud. Also, while students make up a large section across from the visiting team’s bench, they do not seem to make much of an impact on the game’s atmosphere until a turning point might present itself – it just seems that, as intimate a setting as Timmons Arena is, the student section should jump out at you, but instead it does take a moment of searching. Fans on the whole are into the game and support the Paladins, especially through cheers and holding their “FU” towels, but as a whole, they seem to be more waiting for something to happen in the game to collectively get loud about, rather than making it the norm for the arena.   Access   2 Furman is north of downtown Greenville; it can be a bit of a challenge to get to as there is no direct interstate access to the facility. Two major throughfares, US Highways 25 and 276, run along either side of campus; the challenge is even after exiting I-185, there are still 10 miles of surface streets and traffic lights to contend with. Parking at Timmons arena is free, but it might take a bit of guidance to get to. Much of the parking immediately surrounding the arena is composed of donor lots, but additional parking can be found in the area closer to Paladin Stadium  – shuttle trollies take fans to the Poinsett Parking area on the far side of the football stadium. The doors on either side of the front of Timmons Arena lead fans to a security check before they can pass into the main lobby area, for tickets to be scanned for entry into the playing area. The lobby can be a bit tight, and the configuration requires fans to have tickets re-checked if passing between the two sides of the arena via the main lobby. Navigating Timmons Arena can be a bit of a challenge. Seating on the near side of Timmons is easy enough to access, but if sitting in the stands across the arena, it requires going to the floor level, navigating around the back side of the social gathering areas, then along the sideline of the floor to get to your seats. This does create some uncertainty about how to get to your seats if the ball is in play; there is not direct access to seats on this side of the floor. Rather than a natural flow for fans to follow, ushers and other arena personnel are strategically positioned to direct fans away from restricted team areas and toward the locations accessible to fans.   Return on Investment   4 Get in the door prices run $18 for seats in the upper section of sideline seating. What is a relief is that, despite using Ticketmaster, a promotional code is automatically applied to the order which avoids service and convenience charges. When factoring in free parking with an $18 ticket and reasonable concession prices, fans are definitely getting their money’s worth.   Extras   3 Furman does a good job recognizing the historical achievements of the program – the lobby area proudly displays trophies earned by the program over the years, and also serves at the Furman Athletics Hall of Fame. The rafters specifically honor the six players who have had their numbers retired, along with recognizing the 46-year career of Coach Lyles Alley. Banners also display Southern Conference regular season and tournament championships alongside NCAA tournament and NIT appearances. Both scoreboards pay tribute to Frank Selvy’s 100-point game against Newberry College in 1954; the All-American Selvy would go on to be the #1 draft pick in the NBA’s 1954 draft by the Baltimore Bullets, where he would garner NBA All-Star honors in 1955 and ‘62.   Final Thoughts During the upcoming construction, the Furman’s men’s basketball team will play their home schedule at Bon Secours Wellness Arena , just a few hundred feet from where The Brown Box once stood, playing a major role in the history of Furman Basketball. The Paladins are no strangers to Bon Secours Wellness Arena, as it has served as a secondary home in the past, as part of Furman’s Weekends at the Well. Timmons Arena is definitely an arena full of quirks and oddities, the kind that only alumni and Furman fans can appreciate – it is typically those unique features that make it such a special place for so many. When fans return to Timmons Arena at the start of the 2025 season, it appears that it’ll be a completely new facility both aesthetically and emotionally. There can be no replacing something that so many have grown to have deep emotional ties to, but the updated version will gives fans an opportunity to appreciate the work and generosity of all those involved in creating a new experience, while bringing the basketball experience for fans, players, and coaches alike into the 21st century.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Formerly the home of the Texas Rangers, who moved to newly built Globe Life Field next door in 2020, Choctaw Stadium is home to soccer, rugby, and now the XFL – the Arlington Renegades kicked off the 2023 season on February 18th with a 22-20 win over the Vegas Vipers. In fact, so far this season the 3-3 Renegades have notched all three of their victories by 2 points or fewer. The naming rights for the stadium were acquired in 2021 by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts – one of the most unique features of the stadium is Spark Arlington, a 2-level, 30,000-square-foot coworking space inside the facility, complete with balconies that give occupants a view of the playing field. The coworking space opened just 3 days before the Renegades home opener, and was followed on March 3rd by the grand opening of Hearsay, an upscale restaurant and speakeasy featuring Southern cuisine and a rooftop cigar patio. The Renegades open every home game with representatives of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association leading the team onto the field. You will also find plenty of concession stands inside, as well as a full-size Arlington Renegades team store at the main entrance – note that the facility is completely cashless, including the parking lots outside the stadium.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Showgrounds Church Hill, Knappagh Beg Sligo, County Sligo Ireland Sligo Rovers website The Showgrounds website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 5,500 The Bit O’ Red Set in the northwest of Ireland is the scenic town of Sligo, a popular tourist area and home to Sligo Rovers FC, who currently play in the League of Ireland Premier division. Known as ‘The Bit O’Red,’ the club have played at The Showgrounds stadium since their formation in 1928, when two local junior teams Sligo Town and Blues merged. The club are unique in that they have been fan owned by the local people of the town since 1968 and that they have only ever played at The Showgrounds throughout their history. They have no direct neighbours to share a derby fixture with, but enjoy jousts against the two northern clubs – Finn Harps from Donegal and Derry City. Sligo Rovers are very much a community club and you will see advertisements for home matches and kids’ training camps in a lot of the local shops. Walking around town there are people of all ages wearing the team’s colours, whether it be home kits, jackets, or stickers in windows and cars. The club’s halcyon days are oddly recent having come in the last decade and under the stewardship of two English managers in Paul Cook and Ian Baraclough. Since 2010, Sligo Rovers have won the League Cup, the FAI Cup three times and the Premier League title in 2012. This gave the club an opportunity of some European competition, though their forays in both Europa League and Champions League qualifying were short lived, with early exits on each occasion. With more disposable income generated through these successes, along with the backing of local sponsor Connolly’s Volkswagen, Sligo made some alterations to The Showgrounds, some of which were compulsory to comply with UEFA regulations. These included some new seating, a new club shop location and the waste land where the old ‘Shed End’ behind the goal at the Church Hill side getting a modern tarmac surface. The Church Hill End was an old enclosure area and was demolished in 2006. It now has a neat, open space that includes a large club shop, ticket office, food outlet, toilets and an annex type building which acts as the club offices. The Main Stand, rebuilt in 2001, runs the length of the pitch and has a capacity of 1,800. It has a floodlight pylon either side of it, has no supporting pillars and has the players tunnel and dugouts in the centre. The Jinks Avenue Stand is the oldest part of The Showgrounds, also running the length of the pitch and has seating for around 850 spectators. It has a low, narrow roof, four floodlights and a couple of supporting pillars. In the centre it has a television gantry with the club’s name emblazoned on it. The last upgrade here was in 2009 and this was to ensure the club met the minimum seating requirements for participation in the Europa League. Food & Beverage 3 There is no alcohol sold in the ground, but there are plenty of options for hot and cold drinks, with a variety of food too. A large portion of chips, either on their own, with curry sauce or cheese, will cost between €3 and €5. Fish is €5, burgers and cheeseburgers are €3, chicken burgers are €4 and jumbo hot dogs are €3. Confectionary is available from €1-€2, while soft drinks, tea and coffee are €2. Atmosphere 3 Both home and away supporters occupy the segregated Jinks Avenue Stand and this is where most of the atmosphere is generated. There is a good vibe generated at The Showgrounds in general, but throughout the ninety minutes most of the singing and drumming emanates from this end, orchestrated by the colourful, flag waving ‘Forza Rovers’ group, as both sets of fans try and make the most noise. Some away contingents are larger than others and this only adds to the occasion. Three stands are seated; the Main Stand, the Jinks Avenue Stand, while the Railway End has uncovered seating. The Church Hill side is open and has a standing area, though the view is somewhat limited from behind the goal. The Railway End was an old open terrace which was upgraded in 2012 with new elevated seating, and resembles a terrace similar to that of St. Patrick’s Athletic and Longford Town. The seating is comfortable and you can get a good unobscured view of the pitch regardless whereabouts you sit in this area, though it is still uncovered. There is also plenty of space at either side of this area, which is ideal for moving round the ground and for wheelchair access. With nothing to obscure your view, the best place to watch the action is from the Main Stand. However, it is very popular and fills up a good twenty minutes or so before kick off, so you would need to be in early to get a good seat near the centre. Neighborhood 4 The Showgrounds is located up on a hill in among some modern and modest looking housing, a mere ten minute walk from the town centre. Sligo is a very active, scenic town, with a river running through the centre, and plenty of shops, cafes and bars. The Great Southern Hotel is five minutes walk from the Showgrounds and the floodlights are visible from the lounge. They also do food and drink at very reasonable prices. Fans 3 Sligo fans are vocal, colourful and supportive of the team, singing for the majority of the game. Locals of all ages come out to support the club and it has a welcoming feel, with helpful, friendly staff and stewards. Away fans are searched thoroughly for missiles on entry. Tickets for some games are sold at the gate, while other matches are all ticket events. Sligo play to crowds of anything between 1,500 to 2,500 depending on both how the club are doing in the league and the opposition. Access 4 Sligo train and bus stations are located next to each other just a few yards down from The Great Southern Hotel. The train station is on the main line to and from Dublin with regular stops throughout the day. From here to The Showgrounds it is less than ten minutes’ walk up the hill. Parking is difficult due to the housing surrounding the ground, but can be found a few streets back. Once inside the ground you have access to just about every end. The only part you cannot access is through the Jinks Avenue Stand past the away fans to the Railway End. Return on Investment 3 The price scheme for The Showgrounds is similar to other Premier league clubs, with tickets sold at the competitive rate of €15 for adults, €10 for concessions and €5 for children. The improved facilities make a visit more comfortable than before, with the added bonus of greater recent success on the pitch leading to a higher standard of opposition. Extras 1 Much as the camaraderie from the staff and the local people in the town make a visit to Sligo highly recommended, match days don’t offer a great deal of enhanced experience for fans. Final Thoughts Sligo is accessible travelling down on the bus from Derry and Donegal, or the train from Dublin in the east, due to the good transport links in place. On a sunny day, sitting outside a cafe or having a beer outside is a very relaxed, pleasant experience. Getting a good game of football into the bargain is a bonus!

Photos Courtesy of Elizabeth Hensley Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 J.P. Riddle Stadium 2823 Legion Rd Fayetteville, NC 28306 J.P. Riddle Stadium website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 4,000 Exciting SwampDogs Baseball One of the multiple NC towns in the I-95 corridor, Fayetteville is a town most famous for its military base, Fort Bragg. Fayetteville is also home to the SwampDogs, a team from the Collegiate summer league, the Coastal Plain League. J.P. Riddle Stadium, or “The Swamp”, was originally built as a temporary stadium for the Fayetteville Generals, the Class-A affiliate for the Detroit Tigers. Talks of a new stadium ran around for years but nothing was ever finalized. Unfortunately, the team took a path similar to other teams in their league and folded in 1996. Now that the professional team was gone, this temporary stadium would become permanent. While it may never again house professional baseball, this stadium serves as an adequate home to the SwampDogs. The team has a favorite phrase around the ballpark: “Exciting SwampDogs Baseball”. While the game may not be exciting for everyone, there are plenty of promotions, games, and other fun things to do that will keep even non-baseball lovers in the game. Food & Beverage 4 There are hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and your other basic stadium foods available. It might not be much to write home about until you read the menu again and notice the unique offerings. You may not notice them the first time, but Riddle Stadium has some of the more unique offerings in the CPL. First is the Junkyard Dog which costs $9.50. This may seem a lot for a specialty dog, but the Junkyard Dog is TWO foot-long hot dogs topped with chili, cheese, peppers, onions, bacon, and fries. I’m assuming that it is meant to be shared, but this is still a monstrosity of a dish. There is also a nacho version of this which costs the same price. If toppings aren’t your thing, then you can always go for the big dog which is simply 1/3-lb. hot dog. As far as beverages, Riddle Stadium serves Pepsi products and offers refills for any size for just $1.50. For beer, the SwampDogs operate on the wristband system. You can obtain a wristband at the entrance that allows you to purchase alcohol. It’s a quicker way to ID fans for the purchase of drinks. With its variety and uniqueness, it’s safe to say that Riddle Stadium features some of the best concessions the CPL has to offer. Atmosphere 2 The stadium was simply not meant to last as long as it did. The portable metal bleachers accompanied by its metal-walled press box and its broken scoreboard seem to be begging for a new stadium. On the bright side, the SwampDogs really do a great job of engaging the fans. After every between inning contest, the announcer leads with “Now back to more…” and the contestant always answers with “exciting SwampDogs baseball!” While the on field product may not be as exciting as the kids keep telling you it is, the staff really knows how to make the ballpark experience exciting by getting those young fans involved. There are several promotional nights such as Duck Dynasty night as well as plenty of creative between inning games. The promotions are embraced by the staff in the outfits and sometimes the games are even themed for the night. You have two options for seating. One is an $8 “box” seat which is a “lower level” seat with a metal chair back and handles. On the other hand, you can spend $6 ($5 for kids) for an “upper level” seat on a metal bench. The two levels are separated by a small concourse and any seat has a decent view of the action. The atmosphere varies game to game. At its best, Riddle is packed with families who know appropriate times to cheer but are mostly there for a night out. At its worse, the stadium is nearly empty with a few locals just looking to watch a ball game. Either way, the atmosphere would be seriously lacking without the exceptional on field staff. Neighborhood 2 Unless you want fast food from a strip mall down the road, there is nothing in the area. There are plenty of places to hang around closer to the downtown area of Fayetteville, but that’s all about 10 minutes away. There just isn’t a lot going on the in general area of the ballpark. Fans 2 There is not a huge interest in the game from the fans. The attendance fluctuates game by game, but no matter how many fans are there, the diehards are few. Most families are just there for a day at the ballpark, which is fine, but it does not help in creating a baseball atmosphere. Most fans know when to cheer, the same as it is at many small ballparks. The difference is that there aren’t enough diehard fans to create any serious noise. Normally at these parks, you can find a small base of season ticket holders who know every player by name and can be easily heard. While it’s possible these fans exist, I have never found them during my visits to Riddle Stadium. Access 4 While the neighborhood isn’t the most exciting, at least finding your way to the park is quite easy. Roughly 15 minutes from I-95, Riddle Stadium isn’t hard to find and has plenty of free parking options right next to the stadium. On the way in to the stadium, you will notice that the only thing on the ground is the field and concessions. All the bleachers are elevated a considerable distance from the field. This can probably be contributed, again, to the fact that this stadium has lasted much longer than initially intended. Regardless of the reason, the number of stairs up to the seats can make transporting concessions a challenge. Return on Investment 3 $6 general admission tickets ($5 for students, soldiers, and seniors) along with adequate concession prices create yet another good value on the CPL circuit. While it isn’t the best value I’ve seen, this is yet another example of the CPL doing what it does best: creating a family baseball experience that is not hard on the wallet. Extras 3 I always make an attempt to recognize mascots because there is a certain element of creativity involved in creating one. The SwampDogs mascots are Fun-Go and Cookie, two costumed dogs that actively participate in the between inning games and are always around to greet kids. Fun-Go also has a “Homerun Haven” which features inflatable play houses. Let me again emphasize the amazing job done by the SwampDogs’ on-field staff. They really try to keep fans into the game in all kinds of creative ways. Finally, if mascots and children aren’t your thing, you can appreciate the CPL leaderboard posted at the entrance. Updated daily, it is very helpful to the fan who may not attend every game. Final Thoughts J.P. Riddle Stadium is a peculiar stadium. It was obviously meant to be improved but never has been. That being said, the SwampDogs use it to its fullest extent. They take the ballpark that they have, put in a catchy slogan and some between inning games, and it becomes a great place for a family night out at a baseball game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Don '63 and Chris '88 Cook Field 1073 North Benson Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Fairfield Stags website Cook Field website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 350 The More Things Change   Baseball has been played at the site of the Alumni Baseball Diamond since Fairfield University first sponsored a varsity team in 1951. Aside from renovations completed in 2017, the facility has remained largely the same over its 70-plus years of use. However, big changes were announced in 2024.   In January it was announced that the facility had been renamed the Don ’63 and Chris ’88 Cook Field in honor of former Athletics Director C. Donald Cook. The elder Cook served as Director of Athletics from 1971-1986. He was the first President of the MAAC and is a member of the Fairfield Athletic Hall of Fame. Cook was co-captain of the Stags baseball team in 1963 and served as head coach from 1966-1984. The field’s new name also honors Cook’s son, Christopher, who died in 2014 after a long illness. The younger Cook also played on the baseball team while a student at Fairfield.   Fairfield competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, which consists mainly of teams located in the metro New York City area. The Stags have qualified for two NCAA Tournaments, in 2016 and 2021. One Fairfield alumnus, Keefe Cato, has played in the Major Leagues.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at Cook Field. Veteran Stag fans will bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the game. During Stadium Journey’s latest visit, a food cart was parked outside the entrance to the ballpark, but it was not open. It looks like it’s only there for lacrosse games.   Atmosphere 2   Baseball at Cook Field is a baseball purist’s dream. There are not a whole lot of bells and whistles here to distract from the action taking place on the field. The solid PA system at Cook Field is put to good use for between innings music and lineup announcements. A basic scoreboard in left field displays game information.   For a more unique perspective at a Fairfield Stags game, take in all or part of the game from the outfield. Some dorms overlook Cook Field in right-center field, and you can find students enjoying the action on a nice spring afternoon, heckling visiting outfielders and unwinding from their studies with a few beverages. Mixed in with these students are several family members of Stag ballplayers. It’s a good-natured, fun time, and a much different experience than what you will find in the grandstand.   Neighborhood 3   Fairfield University is located in affluent Fairfield, CT, a town with a population of about 60,000 located on Connecticut’s “Gold Coast” in the southwest corner of the state. Forbes Magazine rated Fairfield as the ninth best place to live in the United States, and the best place in the northeast.   Fairfield University is a typical northeastern campus with lots of green space and a great college vibe. The University is located in a largely residential area, with not much for visitors to do in the immediate vicinity. Just a mile or two south of the campus is Route One, which is a commercial zone filled with restaurants and lodging options. Visitors to Fairfield will likely search out this area before or after the game.   Within walking distance of Cook Field is The Levee, Fairfield’s on-campus sports bar. Serving a limited menu of basic Italian fare and beverages, it’s a decent option right after a Stags game. Also within walking distance of Cook Field are Fairfield’s other athletic facilities, including Leo Mahoney Arena and Rafferty Stadium.   Fans 2   Crowds at Cook Field can be classified as “friends and family”, as attendance generally ranges from 100-250 people. Many of the fans in attendance have some kind of connection with the players on the field, and as a result are quite knowledgeable about the team and enthusiastic in their support of the Stags.   Access 4   Fairfield University is located on a beautiful wooded campus in suburban Fairfield, in a region known as the “Gold Coast” of Connecticut. The campus is easily reached from Interstate 95, which travels just a few miles to the south of the university.   Driving is the primary method for arriving at the Fairfield University campus.  Visiting fans will simply take exit 22 (North Benson Road-Route 135) off of Interstate 95 and head north for about a mile on North Benson Road. Fairfield University will be on your left. Be warned that the traffic in this part of Connecticut is often heavy, and traffic jams are routine. Out of town fans looking to avoid the legendary Connecticut traffic with alternative methods of transportation can take an Amtrak train to the Fairfield train station. From there, shuttle busses arrive regularly to transport students (and Stag baseball fans) to the campus 10 minutes away. More information can be found here .   While Fairfield is a wonderful place to live, it’s not exactly a destination location. Fans coming to the area will most likely continue on to New Haven, located a half hour north on I-95, Hartford, an hour north on I-91, or New York, an hour south on I-95. The casinos of eastern Connecticut are located about 90 minutes to the east.   The Cook Field’s grandstand seats 350 fans with a combination of chairback and bleacher seating. Fans who do not want to sit for the entire game can stake out some standing room along the top row of the grandstand. Additional vantage points are located along various points of the outfield. As mentioned above, many students will hang out here, where the dorms are located.   There are plenty of parking options a short walk from Cook Field. A small lot adjacent to the ballfield and Rafferty Stadium fills up quickly, so it’s probable that you’ll have to park in either the lot beyond the left field fence, the lot on the opposite side of Lessing Field, or the garage across the street from the Leo Mahoney Arena. All are a short walk from the Cook Field grandstand. There are no bathroom facilities at the ballfield, but fans in need of rest rooms will find clean facilities at the neighboring Walsh Athletic Center, just on the other side of Rafferty Stadium. Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for attending baseball games at Fairfield University. Parking in the lots nearby Cook Field are also free of charge. Fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments into Cook Field, meaning that an afternoon of Stags baseball won’t cost visiting fans a cent.   Extras 1   There isn’t a whole lot going on at a Fairfield baseball game that can be considered extra. We’ll award one extra point for the beautiful Fairfield University campus, including the area around the ballpark. Tree-lined streets, interesting backdrops beyond the outfield fence, and Rafferty Stadium located beyond the right field foul line ensure that there is plenty to look at in Fairfield.   Final Thoughts   Cook Field is one of those simple, yet picturesque little ballparks that dot the college baseball landscape across the country. While not a fancy or enormous ballpark, it suits this small college perfectly.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Setzler Field 2300 College St Newberry, SC 29108 Newberry Wolves website Setzler Field website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 4,000 Newberry Seeing Red Setzler Field is home to the Newberry Wolves of NCAA D2 Football. The stadium opened in 1915 and is named after a Newberry professor who is known for bringing football to Newberry and intercollegiate sports to the state – Setzler helped found the Intercollegiate Athletics Association of South Carolina, as well as helped convince the Newberry Board of Trustees to allow football at the college. Newberry College is a private Lutheran college located in Newberry, SC that has an enrollment of around 1,250 students. The Wolves currently compete in the D2 South Atlantic Conference. Food & Beverage 3 Setzler Field is unique in the fact that its concessions include food trucks both inside and outside the stadium – there is a food truck outside the stadium (which I don’t think you can visit during the game, however, as there is no re-entry allowed) that sells items such as shrimp wraps and gyros, and another food truck inside the stadium which sells gourmet ice cream selections. Besides these food trucks, there is also a Chick-fil-A stand that sells chicken sandwiches or 8-piece nuggets for $5 each, as well as a few other items; there is also a tent operated by the women’s soccer team which sells soda and bottled water for $2 each. Atmosphere 3 Setzler Field has a pretty good atmosphere for college football and gets pretty full for home games. There is a good tailgating atmosphere outside the stadium and a Georgia Tech -esque vintage automobile (painted Newberry red of course) that leads the team onto the field. The band is a little on the small side given the school’s size, however, and there is no video board on which to watch replays – just a static scoreboard attached to the front of the athletics center in the south end zone. One interesting thing about the stadium is that there is a graveyard within sight of the venue, visible from the main stands when facing toward the southeast corner. I would also mention that the stands require some updating – the main grandstand is a little wobbly in certain places, and you can see some of the metal struts attached to the front of the benches are starting to come off. Graveyard Beyond Setzler Stadium, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Newberry, SC is a small town of about 10,000, but there are plenty of options near the stadium if you plan to be in town for the day or weekend. There are several restaurants near Setzler Field such as Summer’s Restaurant, Cabana Café, and Steelhorse Smokehouse (for BBQ) if you are looking for a bite before or after the game, although hotels are a little more scarce – there are only two options that are actually in town, i.e. Rodeway Inn and Hampton Inn, but if you go a little further out you can find Days Inn and Holiday Inn. In terms of attractions, there is a Japanese garden nearby as well as the Newberry Arts Center, plus several parks and other outdoor attractions, such as a winery, if you are into those types of activities. Fans 4 You wouldn’t be able to tell at kickoff, but by the beginning of the second quarter you can expect the visitor and homestand at Setzler Field to be pretty full for games – I wouldn’t call it a sellout necessarily, but it is hard to say that any of the seats are empty. Part of this is a testament to the great tailgating atmosphere outside the venue, which you can see from the top of the stands, so many people are just late coming inside, taking their time in pre-game celebrations. The stadium also generates a high level of crowd noise, more than you would expect for a facility of this size. Newberry Wolves Tailgating, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 3 Setzler Field is easy enough to navigate and easy enough to get to, but there are some challenges in terms of access. In terms of parking, you can park right next to the stadium for $20, and for that grass lot the staff will even put out metal ramps so you won’t damage your car driving over the curb. Alternatively, you can park a block or two away for $10, or possibly find free on-street parking in the surrounding area. In terms of bathrooms, however, there is only one set of “real” bathrooms inside Setzler Field, which are on the west end of the athletics center in the south end zone; there is a gate there but it is unlocked during games, so the bathrooms there ARE open, although that is a little bit of a walk from the stands. The only other option is the port-a-johns in the north end zone. Return on Investment 4 Like a lot of other venues lately, tickets to Newberry Wolves games at Setzler Field can only be purchased online – even if you show up at the stadium ticket booths on game day, all you will find is a QR code to scan that takes you to the website, so you may as well purchase them beforehand. General admission tickets are $15 but there are a couple of dollars in fees added to that. On the plus side, parking can be had pretty inexpensively and depending on how crazy you want to go with concessions, a sample meal can be had in the stadium for under $10, so all in all you don’t have to break the bank for games here. Extras 3 Setzler Field doesn’t have much in the way of Extras – I already mentioned the Georgia Tech -esque mascot that leads the team onto the field, the band, and the food trucks – beyond that there isn’t much else to call out at Newberry. The team does have a pretty cool logo (a howling wolf superimposed over the letter “N”) and plenty of signage around the field, but otherwise, you will find about the same amenities here as you will typically find at a college football game at this level. Final Thoughts I think the number one thing to recommend at Newberry is the fans – there is a great tailgating atmosphere and a great crowd, so if you are in the area during football season, visiting Setzler Field is a great way to spend a day or evening.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Sun Life Financial Arena at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex 101 Father David Bauer Dr Waterloo, ON N2J 4A8 Wilfrid Laurier Athletics website Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 4,400 The Return of Hawkey It is hard to argue that there has been an organization harder hit by the Coronavirus pandemic than university sports in Canada. USports saw the championships in 2020 cut short and the entire 2020-2021 seasons cancelled across all sports. The 2021-2022 seasons have been modified and quickly changed to adapt to various provinces adapting measures to combat the virus, which include pauses on sport and reduced capacity at sporting events. After battling with the Ontario government over “elite” status in the early months of 2022, the Ontario conference of USports, Ontario University Athletics (OUA) is continuing their sporting seasons in February, heading towards provincial and national championships. Among the men’s hockey teams that are taking the ice again are the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. Established as the Golden Hawks in 1973, they were previously known as Waterloo College and Waterloo Lutheran University. Their moniker, the Mules, or Ice Mules in the case of hockey, was retired in 1960. Hockey history can be traced back to the 1920’s and Waterloo Lutheran entered conference play in the 1960’s. The Golden Hawks began playing hockey in the venerable Waterloo Memorial Arena, which would eventually be condemned due to structural issues and replaced with a temporary bubble behind the original facade. In 1993 the City of Waterloo opened a new 3,400-seat arena as part of a new recreation complex. The arena is currently named the Sun Life Financial Arena, after the insurance company with a huge presence in Kitchener-Waterloo and is part of the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. Food & Beverage 3 One of the measures for combating COVID-19 in Ontario has been the restricting of selling food in public venues, such as hockey arenas. The rating for the FOOD category is based on the concession options of years past and what is currently advertised as being on the menu. The two concession stands in the Sun Life Financial Arena have changed since the Golden Hawks played previous to the pandemic shut down. Usually only the east side concession is open. There is also a concession in the concourse that services the pool as well. Items that are advertised for sale include fruit and fruit cups, hummus, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and sandwiches and wraps. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Gatorade, milk and bottled soda are also advertised. In previous seasons, beer was available that could be consumed in a designated area. Prices are not overly expensive as advertised. Atmosphere 3 The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is currently experiencing a significant renovation and there is plenty of construction at the facility. The exterior of the complex is attractive with light coloured brick. The main entrance features plenty of windows and leads to a vast lobby which divides the Sun Life Financial Arena with the Swimplex. Fans are greeted by the unique art in front of the box office, “Etched In Memory”. The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, like the Waterloo Memorial Arena before it, is a living memorial to those Canadians who gave their lives in the service of their country in both of the World Wars. Past the box office, down the concourse there is a display commemorating this memorial. Upon entering the Sun Life Financial Arena, fans will immediately notice the running track that surrounds the seating bowl. This is perfect for young children who are unable to sit still through an entire hockey game or for those fans who feel the need to walk around during intermissions without the hassle of crowded concourses. The ice surface is Olympic-sized, which offers the Hawks a bit of a home ice advantage as not all OUA hockey facilities have the width of an Olympic ice surface. The seating bowl is simple and surrounds the north-south ice surface with 12 rows of plastic stadium seats. Above centre ice is a simple score clock and to either side are the championship banners of both the Golden Hawks men’s and women’s hockey teams and the banners of the Waterloo Siskins Junior B team, which date back to 1945. The single men’s banner shows Queen’s Cup victories as OUA champions in 1983, 1989 and 1990. The north end of the arena features the original Memorial Arena sign from the old Waterloo Memorial Arena to go along with a historical plaque. The Waterloo Hockey Wall of Fame is right beneath the Memorial Arena sign. Local legends like Don Beaupre, Bill Goldsworthy, Ron Smith and Steven Rice are joined by Hockey Hall of Famers Bobby Bauer and Father David Bauer. Former Laurier coach Wayne Gowing is also a member of the Wall of Fame and a banner commemorating his 25 years coaching the Hawks hangs at the north end also. The gameday production is fairly simple. The expected music is played before the game and during breaks. The production is primarily student run. The on ice shootout happens during the first intermission and chuck-a-puck happens during the second intermission. The Laurier PA announcer, Chris Povey, has a massive voice and does a phenomenal job. Not much in the way of excess at Laurier. Neighbourhood 4 The immediate neighbourhood around the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is fairly residential. A short walk will provide access to some food and accommodation options, however, hopping in the car for an extremely short drive is what most will do. The closest food options are the Proof Kitchen and Lounge and Sole Restaurant and Wine Bar. Both are more on the upscale side and can be found on Erb St. W. However, a two minute drive will bring fans to Uptown Waterloo on King St. S., which includes a plethora of options. Famoso Pizzeria, Beertown Public House McCabe’s Irish Pub, The Huether, The Works and the new location for the Duke of Wellington are all excellent choices. There are a number of other sporting options in the area for fans wishing to take in more options. Sun Life Financial Arena is shared with the Golden Hawks Women’s Hockey team and the Junior B, Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins. Laurier also fields other teams, including the football team, which plays at Knight-Newbrough Field and the basketball teams which play on campus at the Athletic Complex. The neighbouring rival Waterloo Warriors also play hockey at the Columbia IceField Arena, basketball at the Physical Activities Complex and football at Warrior Field. Fans can also head across town to Kitchener to take in the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium or the NBL Canada’s Kitchener-Waterloo Titans. Waterloo Park can be found immediately on the opposite side of Father David Bauer Dr. Although many of the park’s features are closed for the winter months, there are plenty of walking trails available for a little exercise. The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery is also on Father David Bauer Drive. In Uptown Waterloo, Waterloo Square has an ice rink for skating in the winter months and a large gathering space is there also. For a little night life, The Jazz Room at the Heuther and the Duke of Wellington provides weekend live music. Fans who wish to stay near the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex can choose the Delta by Marriott Waterloo, which is a short walk away. Fans 2 Although the pandemic has kept students away from campus, the effect on Laurier Hockey attendance has been minimal. In 2021-2022, the Golden Hawks have continued to draw between 100 and 200 fans per game. With the removal of special events for the season, like the Battle of Waterloo, usually played at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, attendance figures have not received their usual bump. Getting students to Sun Life Financial Arena has consistently been a challenge since the venue is off campus. Combined with the fact that the venue is significantly oversized, Laurier does not overly benefit from a home ice advantage. Access 5 Getting in and around the Sun Life Financial Arena is not very difficult. The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is located on Father David Bauer Drive, just off of Erb Street. This is significantly southwest of highway 85. If you are coming to a game from out of town, you will have to do a bit of driving through the city. Usually this is not a huge issue, but Waterloo is full of construction due to the new light-rail transit and can cause some travel issues. Although there is no public transit that runs on Father David Bauer Drive, the Grand River Transit Authority does offer buses on both Erb Street and Westmount Road which encompass both ends of Father David Bauer Drive. The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is also nestled between the Waterloo Square and Laurier/Waterloo Park stops of the ION light rail system. A short would be necessary to get to either of these stops from the Rec Complex. Check out the GRT website for schedules and maps. Construction continues at the Rec Complex to add different features. As a result, the main entrance may not be in service, however, the construction is not a huge hindrance to accessing the Rec Complex. The box office in the Rec Complex is in the main lobby. There are rarely lineups and there is plenty of room. Tickets are not sold at the top of the stairs entering the arena, so make sure you purchase your tickets before heading up to the seating bowl. Getting around the arena is no problem at all considering the number of fans in attendance. The track is very spacious and washroom facilities are more than adequate for the number of fans at the games. With the pandemic protocols in flux as the City of Waterloo and the Province of Ontario continue to make changes, it is important for fans to make sure they check the Laurier Golden Hawks website before heading to the game to be completely up to date on what is expected of fans. Return on Investment 5 Taking in a hockey game at Sun Life Financial Arena is an extremely affordable endeavour. Adult tickets run for $10 a piece and students and seniors go for $7. Laurier students get in for a mere $2 and children under 12 are free. Parking on site is free and concessions, when available, are very affordable. The oversized arena for the crowds does take away from the atmosphere and Laurier not having that rabid fanbase can leave a bit of a flat experience, but the reality is that there are few things possible for less money. Even a movie at the theatre is more expensive. Laurier hockey is the perfect experience for young children. There is plenty of space to be able to spread out and the cost is so low that an early exit does not feel painful. The running track is the perfect outlet for kids with way too much energy and doesn’t disturb fans watching the game. Extras 3 An extra mark for the maintaining of the heritage of the Waterloo Memorial Arena with the original sign still hanging. An extra mark for the event being run by students, including the video production for streaming complete with play by play, colour analysis and camera work. An extra mark for the family friendly nature and the perfect opportunity to introduce young children to spectator sports. Final Thoughts Laurier Golden Hawks hockey is a great way to spend an evening, offering high quality hockey action on the ice at an extremely affordable price. Hawkey live may not be the most well-known sporting endeavour, but it is well worth the time and money. It is a great way to spend an early Saturday night, leading right into what could be an excellent Waterloo night! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stevenson-Pincince Field 235 Hope St. Providence, RI 02906 Brown Bears lacrosse website Stevenson-Pincince Field website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 3,500 Brown Bears Lax Stevenson-Pincince Field was named in honor of longtime Brown men’s soccer and lacrosse coach Cliff Stevenson, who was instrumental in establishing the soccer program at Brown in the 1960s as well as giving the sport a foothold in many schools around Rhode Island at this time. In 2015 the facility was rechristened to also honor longtime women’s soccer coach Phil Pincince. In 2020 the old bleachers and press box that made up the stadium were torn down and replaced with a new three-story, 22,500-square-foot facility complete with dedicated team locker rooms, training facilities, coaches' offices, public restrooms, and concessions. The “Center for Lacrosse and Soccer” opened in time for the 2020 lacrosse season. The Brown Bears have a storied history in the sport, as the men’s team began to play in 1926. The Bears have claimed 10 Ivy League championships, have qualified for 15 NCAA Tournaments (most recently in 2022), and have reached a pair of Final Fours (in 1994 and 2016). Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand on the concourse of the grandstand. There’s not an overly fancy menu here, but you should be able to find something if you need a snack during the game. Hot dogs and pizza slices anchor the menu, with pulled pork sandwiches serving as a special item during the day of Stadium Journey’s visit. In addition, there’s a selection of chips, pretzels, candy, and cotton candy available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stevenson-Pincince Field. No alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the facility. Atmosphere 4 As a rule, the atmosphere at a college lacrosse game is a bit more lively than you may expect with the smaller crowds on hand. Lax fans are generally louder and more boisterous than fans of the other “minor sports” at most colleges. Brown is no exception. Fans are into the action, knowledgeable about the sport, and connected to the players. Stevenson-Pincince Field features a video board in the southwest corner of the field that is put to good use with replays, highlights, graphics, and game information. Another, the smaller scoreboard is located in the northeast corner of the field. It displays basic game information. Music plays over a quality sound system during play stoppages and the PA announcer adds some energy to the proceedings. During halftime, youth teams take the field, and there are other contests and giveaways scattered throughout the game. Keep your eyes peeled for Bruno, the school’s mascot, who may be participating in a favorite giveaway at Brown, the chocolate bar toss. Digital programs are available for all fans. Neighborhood 5 Stevenson-Pincince Field is located in Providence’s affluent East Side, adjacent to many of the school’s other athletic facilities in the Erickson Athletic Complex. Also located in the complex are Meehan Auditorium , the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center , and Murray Stadium, among others. Brown Stadium is located about a mile away. Just a couple of blocks from the Athletic Complex is Thayer Street, the East Side’s main commercial drag. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops can be found here, including Brown’s bookstore and the Avon Cinema, which dates back to the early 20th century. Other notable areas in the East Side a short walk or drive from Brown University are Hope Street, Wayland Square, and Wickenden Street. All have their bohemian vibes and feature great local restaurants, shops, and bars. Of course, downtown Providence is located just at the bottom of College Hill about a mile away from Brown. If you’re visiting Providence from elsewhere, this is likely where you will find lodging options in addition to numerous additional dining choices. Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest small cities in the country for foodies. Visitors to the area will find more than enough choices to satisfy even the most adventurous of palates. If staying in Providence isn’t appealing enough, Boston is an hour’s drive to the north, with the mansions and beaches of Newport about 45 minutes south. Fans 4 Brown Lacrosse enjoys strong support. Stadium Journey visited Stevenson-Pincince Field on a beautiful April Saturday afternoon, and the main grandstand was packed with fans. The announced attendance of over 1,100 seems representative of a typical Bears crowd. Remember, the college lacrosse season stretches from February to May. Crowds generally increase throughout the season as the weather warms. Lacrosse fans are more than just fannies in the seats. They are among the most loyal, dedicated, enthusiastic sports fans you’ll find anywhere. A lax crowd is certainly a case of quality over quantity. Brown lacrosse fans are no exception. Sitting in the stands you’ll come across a more rowdy game day experience than you’d expect (not in a bad way). The fans are loud and enthusiastic. Perhaps this is due to the personal connection many fans have with the players on the field, but it creates a fun atmosphere to be a part of, even as a visiting fan. Access 3 The Erikson Athletic Complex is located on the eastern edge of Brown University’s urban campus. While Interstates 95 and 195 both run close to Brown, there is no direct way to access Brown from the highway. One must navigate the East Side’s crooked, crowded streets to arrive at the complex. Luckily, parking is plentiful around Brown’s athletic facilities. There are a pair of smallish lots within the complex, adjacent to Stevenson-Pincince Field. Unfortunately, since there is generally a lot of activity in the complex on the weekends, you may not be able to find a spot here. There is abundant on-street parking in the area, which is free on the weekends. Seating at Stevenson-Pincince Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in a grandstand that runs the length of the field. This grandstand is built into the Lacrosse and Soccer Center, with a concourse at the top of the seating area. Handicapped seating and standing room are located on this concourse. Also located on the concourse are the concession stand and restrooms, which are new, clean, and large enough for a typical Bears lacrosse crowd. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Brown lacrosse vary in price depending on the opponent. Ivy League games top out at $15 for general admission seating. Non-conference games vary in price depending on the opponent and day of the week. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. Cash and cards are accepted at Stevenson-Pincince Field. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to Stevenson-Pincince Field, as well as on-street should these lots be full. Be sure to check signage if parking on-street for neighborhood and/or time restrictions. Concessions are reasonably priced, making an afternoon at a Brown lacrosse game an affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans. Extras 2 On the south end zone fence are displayed Brown Ivy League titles, tournament appearances, Final Four berths, and a graphic honoring the two Bears to receive the Tewaaraton Trophy given to the nation’s outstanding players, Darren Lowe, and Dylan Malloy. Final Thoughts Renovations to Stevenson-Pincince Field have taken what was formerly just a set of bleachers surrounding a grass field to one of the more outstanding facilities in the area. Brown typically fields a competitive Ivy League team and the fan support they receive is outstanding. It all adds up to a great place to spend a spring afternoon in Providence. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown & Marc Viquez Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Climate Pledge Arena 334 1st Avenue North Seattle, WA 98109 Seattle Kraken website Climate Pledge Arena website Year Opened: 1962 / 2021 Capacity: 17,100 Seattle’s New “Green House” 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. One of the first ways the arena approached the reconstruction of the former Key Arena (built in 1962) structure was to retain its roof. This reduced the need to produce new steel for the structure. Secondly, the roof will play a major part in capturing the frequent rain in Seattle and transferring it to underground cisterns. In turn that captured water is converted into the playing surface for the Kraken. The secondary reason for the retention of the original roof is that it qualifies the building as a National Register of Historic Places site, as the roof was the same one used for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. The preservation of the roof and its sharply pitched eaves presents one major drawback for this venue. Seats in the 200 level on the Puget Sound or western side of the building are faced with an obstructed view. This is due to the press box being designed as a bridge-like structure that hangs down into the viewing field for fans in the 200 level for the length of the rink on that side of the venue. The playing surface is visible, but only the base of the two video boards can be seen from the upper deck. Climate Pledge Arena holds 17,100 in its NHL capacity. Energy to power the arena comes from a nearby solar farm…. Even the Zamboni operates on electricity. No fossil fuels are used in the generation of any of the energy. The arena is “green” in more ways than one. Real plants such as ferns line the walls while nearby portals will have images featuring nature scenes such as waterways, mountains, and woodlands projected onto the walls. This brings nature inside creating a much nicer and less sterile environment than is found in most sports venues. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage offerings at Climate Pledge Arena also play a significant role in reducing waste and the carbon imprint of the venue. Seventy-five percent of the ingredients are sourced from within a 300-mile radius of the arena. This reduces the carbon produced by long-haul trucking. The craft beers and wines are also sourced from local farms and wineries. The seafood used in the kitchen meets Sustainable Seafood Watch Ratings. Coffee is purchased through the Rainforest Alliance and is Fair Trade certified by the USDA. Excess food is donated to area homeless shelters or is sent to be composted and the concession stands have done away with individual use plastic containers Seattle has long been known as a “foodie” city, drawing offerings from diverse cultures. As a port city, it draws much of its food from the sea. Among the restaurants and concession stands that service the arena are local favorites Ballard’s Pizza, Din Tai Fung, the Metropolitan Grill, Elliott’s Oyster House, Lil Woody’s Burgers, and Shakes and Just Poke. Four concessions utilize scanning technology that allows customers to shop and pay for their items without dealing with a line. When an item is removed from a shelf sets off a sensor. The fan will then go to a checkout area at the front of the store to have their palmprint scanned. Their palmprint will have a credit card identified to it, as users will have pre-registered this information into the system. Stores utilizing this system include Starbucks, Lil’ Woody’s Burgers, Big Chicken, and 14 Islands from Saint Michelle. The cost of food is quite high at Climate Pledge Arena due to its policy of ordering all ingredients within a three-hundred-mile radius of the arena. This, in turn, drives the price of food beyond a regular sports facility’s normal price range. A sampling of locally sourced food offerings includes Bristol Bay Alaskan Pride which offers Wild Alaska Cod Fish and chips ($16), Grilled sockeye Street Tacos ($15), and clamor Bering Sea Wild Alaska Cod chowder for $9. Seattle’s Mercer Street offers bacon mac and cheese ($16.50), regular mac and cheese ($14), and pulled pork sandwiches ($14). The Pacific Northwest is known for its large number of craft breweries and they are well represented at the PNW Crafts stand. Brews include Manny’s Pale Ale, Mac and Jack’s Amber, Tropic Haze IPA, Lush IPA, Kraken Hazy Pale Ale, Squeezy Rider IPA, and West Coast IPA, all of which cost $15. Beverages run from coffee ($10), bottled water ($7), tea ($8) and Pepsi brand sodas are $8. Snacks include peanuts, popcorn, and candy, which all sell for $6. Most national beers run $12 for domestic beers and $13 for premium beers. Atmosphere 5 The population of Seattle played a key role in the choice of Seattle as an expansion franchise. More than 32,000 people bought either partial season packages or season tickets before the announcement of the team’s arrival was confirmed. The expansion draft enthused the population as much as an NFL Draft. The naming of the franchise also created great interest throughout the city, as more than 100,000 people voted for the eventual winner, the Kraken. The Kraken fits right in with the lore of a city with a long maritime heritage. The Kraken is a mythical giant octopus who lives in Puget Sound and has magic powers. The team has incorporated the octopus into a stylized blue S logo with a single red eye staring out for you. Sales of Kraken merchandise are flying off the shelves at NHL arenas across the country just because it is such a cool logo. The full hockey uniforms are many shades of blue with the chest plate area featuring the stylized “S”. Neighborhood 5 Climate Pledge Arena is located within the Seattle Center, home of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Its neighbors include the iconic Space Needle, which has a revolving rooftop restaurant, as well as the glass artistry found at the Chihuly Garden and Glass, or the musical artistry found at the futuristic Museum of Pop Culture (also known as the Experience Music Project). The monorail system comes through the museum on its way to its final stop at the Space Needle. The area around the Seattle Center offers hotels and motels at a wide variety of rates. Any of these lodgings would be within walking distance of the Climate Pledge Arena. One place you will want to check out either before or after the game is The Angry Beaver Pub. It is the only pub in Seattle that is strictly devoted to hockey. The Angry Beaver has been in business since 2012 and has a large following amongst Kraken fans. They have some terrific hockey memorabilia on the walls. Fans 5 In many expansion cities, it takes fans a while to learn the game and the players. Seattle has a very educated fan base, as the city has had the Seattle Thunderbirds team playing in Kent, a Seattle suburb, and the Vancouver Canucks are located just up I-5 about two hours from Seattle, and Seattle fans have been making weekend trips to Vancouver to catch a game or two for years. Another example of Kraken fever is the fact that the team was able to sell more than 25,000 ticket packages in 10 minutes. This occurred before the NHL had even granted an expansion team to the city. Aside from hockey, fans in the Pacific Northwest are traditionally great environmentalists. They treasure the clean waters, the clear views of the surrounding mountains, and the fresh air they breathe. They are more than buying into a new NHL franchise, they also wholeheartedly buy into what the Climate Pledge Arena is trying to do. Access 4 To be honest, Seattle has some of the worst car traffic in the country. Part of this is geographical, as the city is bordered by a body of water to both its east and west, with I-5 running through the middle of town. The good side of this is that Seattle and its citizens use public transportation every day and see no stigma about using it. Sound Transit offers an excellent light rail service that runs from the SeaTac Airport to the University of Washington campus. Riders going to a Kraken game would simply exit at the Seattle Center Station and cross the street to the monorail system. The monorail runs directly to the Seattle Center, where it is a leisurely walk over to the Climate Pledge Arena. Your game ticket allows you free rides to and from the game on the public transportation system. Bikers can also make their way to the new arena where the management has bike valets to check in and watch your bike while you enjoy the game. For those who still want to drive, there are three main parking garages nearby. They are located on 5th Avenue, Mercer Street, and First Avenue North. Each garage has electric vehicle charging stations. Return on Investment 3 Kraken games, especially in their first season, are not pocketbook-friendly. For instance, when the team was seeking pre-orders for tickets as an indication of the city’s interest in having a franchise, it received more than 32,000 season applications on part-season deposits from more than 32,000 fans. With a rink that holds just over 17,000, demand exceeded supply, resulting in higher-priced tickets for a visiting fan trying to purchase a single-game ticket. On the secondary ticket market, the prices for a Kraken game often exceed $140 for a fifth-level seat. Seattle’s emphasis on farm-to-table food at its concession stands also drives up the concession prices. Extras 4 Seattle won a Stanley Cup before the inception of the Kraken. In 1917 the Seattle Metropolitans defeated the Montreal Canadians to win the Stanley Cup. Ironically, Seattle was competing for a second Stanley Cup in 1919, when the series was canceled…. due to the breakout of the Spanish Flu pandemic. The Kraken has one of the most diverse front offices in the NHL, as Everett Fitzhugh is the first African American to serve as the team’s main TV/radio announcer. The team has also hired the first female head of scouting in the league. The Kraken will share the Climate Pledge Arena with the WNBA Seattle Storm, which has won several championships. City leaders are hopeful that the NBA will once again award the city with another NBA franchise to replace the Seattle Supersonics, who left town over a decade ago, to become the Oklahoma City Thunder . Final Thoughts 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. Minimizing the carbon footprint can also serve to minimize operating costs, leaving more money to be invested in the team. 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. Then our entire planet becomes a winner.

If you follow lacrosse, you’ve probably come across writer Kyle Devitte’s work. He’s currently the managing editor of New England Lacrosse Journal, and he’s also the host of their fun podcast, Chasing The Goal , which is a must listen if you want to get inside the heads of high school and college coaches. While it’s informative, Kyle also makes it fun with his wonderful, often self-deprecating, sense of humor. Kyle also writes a newsletter called LacroCity, and he recently launched a recruiting and development consultation firm, Framework Lacrosse. If that weren’t enough, he’s the assistant varsity coach and head JV coach at Hopkinton High School in New Hampshire. Kyle took a few minutes away from his many duties to answer a few questions.    STADIUM JOURNEY: How'd you get into covering lacrosse? What was your career path? Who gave you a break?  KYLE DEVITTE: I went to a liberal arts school, and I loved to write. However, I wasn't the biggest fan of constantly writing about Victorian era novels and semiotics. I loved lacrosse, so I tried my hand at writing about the sport for a local publication in Worcester called The Pulse . They sort of let me go nuts with all sorts of subjects, but I remember writing this piece on another college team in the region that was struggling for numbers that struck a chord with me. After that, I started writing for a few now-defunct sites like LaxNation and AllLacrosseAmerica before I got the courage to ask to cover the 2006 MLL versus Team USA All Star game for Inside Lacrosse . They said, "sure, why not," and I managed to parlay that into being employed by the MLL while I was coaching lacrosse at Emerson College. Eventually, IL asked me to be full time a few years after that and now I'm very happy at New England Lacrosse Journal (NELJ).    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's the best career or life advice you got along the way? KYLE DEVITTE: Great is the enemy of good. I was obsessed with crafting long and meandering epics when I started, then I moved into more of a let's-entertain-the-reader style before settling in on a more concise style that I have now. Along the way, I could be stubborn about what I wanted each piece to be. But at NELJ, I didn't have time to be stubborn, there's too much churn, so I had to shift my focus to telling other people's stories their way instead of my own. That was a very powerful lesson. Writers wear the mask of arrogance to conceal our abject dread of being told we suck. The best way to combat that, for me, was to focus less on what I could do to put my spin on something - usually in the form of some sort of pithy quip or absurdist imagery - and look for a positive through line.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So you interview a lot of high school coaches, public and private. How much do high school coaches recruit? Are the private schools offering scholarships or defacto scholarships and just referring to it as financial aid? What's the deal? KYLE DEVITTE: Public school coaches can only recruit in their own school, so you're just trying to get kids from the baseball team to stop being bored. There is some financial incentive to go to a private school, but it's very, very rarely a full-ride situation, especially in lacrosse.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So how is a New England lacrosse player different from one in say Long Island, upstate New York or the Maryland area? KYLE DEVITTE: I talked about this on a recent podcast. New England players do not have the heritage, or even lineage, yet to get to the levels those other hotbeds are at. There are a lot of coaches in New England who are fundamentally awesome and qualified, but they're first or second-generation lacrosse players. Those other areas have guys who are third and maybe even fourth-generation players and coaches who fundamentally understand and teach the game on a different level. I do think New England is in the conversation as the next area that will adopt that sort of history and ability, but we are still a generation or two away from it.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You're a born and bred New Hampshire guy. How is the lacrosse scene there? What are the positives? Roadblocks? KYLE DEVITTE: Technically, I was born in Bloomington, Indiana, but I was raised in New Hampshire. This is my home. The funny thing is that I used to hate it here and did everything I could to leave when I was a teenager. But I've since come to appreciate the beauty, kindness and spaciousness of this state. The lacrosse scene is still very much developing. We are ahead of Vermont and Maine. Maybe even Rhode Island. But we are way behind Connecticut and Massachusetts. There just aren't enough quality coaches here. And I mean, across the board. We need kids who grew up playing here to come back and work with this next generation of kids so badly. It's really the only thing holding us back. Now that the NHIAA (New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association) recognizes us as a sport and way more kids are playing it, the last obstacle is coach volume. And maybe some more turf fields and/or fieldhouses that don't cost thousands of dollars to rent for town programs.   STADIUM JOURNEY: The University of Maine, UNH, URI and UConn do not field D-1 lacrosse teams.  Why is this? Is this going to change any time soon? I know that UNH used to have a team. KYLE DEVITTE: UNH cut lacrosse my senior year of high school to throw all their money into football. As a result, I legitimately hate UNH athletics. They didn't just cut lacrosse, they cut baseball and a bunch of other sports just to invest in hockey and football for the last 30 years. I have zero respect for that kind of thinking, and I don't blame title IX, either. I think those other schools either don't have the facilities, the budget, or the vision to have a competitive D-1 lacrosse program. UNH has no excuse, they have the America East right there, and they have a women's program as well. To say that it's a budget thing is a copout. Public universities have plenty of money, they just choose to invest it in other arenas. The one domino everyone has been expecting to fall is Boston College bringing back their men's program to D-1, but I'll believe it when I see it.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Since we're on the subject of New Hampshire, what are some places to hit, lacrosse-related or not? And something you've touched on in the podcast, how is New Hampshire different from Vermont? KYLE DEVITTE: Well, I think everyone would say that you have to visit the Tuscan Village in Salem. It's a new development with all sorts of shops and restaurants. A lot of it is outdoors and you can spend a whole day there at a firepit or an outdoor bar talking with friends, even when it's freezing outside. But, southern New Hampshire gets too much burn and it is currently infested with Massachusetts transplants, so I would also recommend a visit to Main Street in Concord. It's one of those rebuilt project main street small towns with restaurants, coffee shops, and little nick nack stores. Standouts for me are Hermanos, Revelstok Coffee, Brothers Cortado, and the Concord Co-op. I actually like Vermont. My first college was St. Michael's, and I really think that area of the state is special. Burlington is criminally underrated and worth a visit for anyone passing through to Canada or upstate New York. There's a lot to do downtown, but wear good sneakers. The cobblestones will break your ankles and then your face.    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's a must-visit lacrosse venue in New England? Why? KYLE DEVITTE: Okay, to be charitable, I'm going to split this up to places that I have actually been to. Public: My team won a state championship at Exeter in 2023, but we also lost a state championship in 2022. But I also enjoyed watching the MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) state championship at St. John's Prep, who play in the MIAA, a public classification - don't ask - in Danvers, Mass. Prep: Brewster's field literally overlooks Lake Winnipesaukee. Can't beat that.  D-1 College: Dartmouth is my favorite place to watch a game. I don't care that it's cold, I don't care that it's out of the way. I care that I don't have to deal with the hell that is Boston traffic to get there. And it's a very relaxing jaunt up I-89. D-2 College: It used to be Merrimack just because you could see a fight in the parking lot after a game, but now they're D-1 and have a much nicer set up. So I have to go with the only D-2 school with a big stadium set up with concessions - Southern New Hampshire University. It also happens to be an 8-minute drive from where I live, so that's an added value.   D-3 College: I have to say that it's Wesleyan for me. Watching a game in the "birdcage" as they call it is surreal. There is one big stand on one side of the field, and that is surrounded by a series of class buildings that look like concrete blocks that a giant placed there by hand. There is one entrance and one exit on the stadium side corner where both teams come in. It's really a lot of fun to see a rivalry game there.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Why is Clark University is so close to your heart? KYLE DEVITTE: Playing lacrosse at Clark taught me how to be a leader. Clark's classrooms taught me how to work. Let me tell you this: English Majors across the world are a much-maligned group. We did/do more work than you. Maybe the Bio and Chemistry people have 3 and 4 hour labs, but we have stacks and stacks of books that we have to read, retain and interpret into 20 page-plus papers every week. We can't fake our way through it. All of those books have to be read. They have to be understood. Then we have to try and spin our thoughts into a trivially different skew just to get a decent grade. Clark taught me that shortcuts - unless you make them yourself - will get you got. My professors never expected me to make a career in this space. I didn't take any journalism classes. But what I did was learn how to do written work with speed, efficiency and bite. I am forever in Clark University's debt. Literally and figuratively.      STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your book about and when can we expect it? KYLE DEVITTE: The book has gone through many iterations. Right now it's a treatise on the value and experience of D-3 lacrosse. I have a treatment, but I need to dedicate a lot of time to interviewing all the people who want their stories told, good and bad. I know that's vague, but it is intentionally so. I'll probably just drop it on Amazon one day without any warning. Related: I am bad at making money.    Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Deering Memorial Field 129 Ludlow Street Portland, ME 04103 Maine Footy Tide website Deering Memorial Field website Capacity:  5,200 Tide’s Rolling In The summer of 2023 saw semi-pro soccer come to Portland, Maine’s largest city – the Maine Footy Tide of United Women’s Soccer looks to fill the gap  in the development of female soccer players, from collegiate soccer and the professional ranks both stateside and overseas. Since its inception, the Tide has looked to make an impact both on and off the pitch. Not only has Maine Footy strived to put a highly competitive team on the pitch, but also to provide training opportunities for girls in Portland and the surrounding community.   Food & Beverage   4 Portland has an active food truck scene, which extends to the food options available at Maine Footy matches. Just inside the gates, numerous food trucks offer a wide selection of culinary delights. The Mainely Burgers truck offers eight different burger options, served on a choice of a potato bun, gluten-free bun, or bed of lettuce with beef or veggie patties. The truck also offers chicken and gourmet hot dogs, with sides including various types of fries, buffalo cauliflower, and onion rings. The PB & ME truck puts a creative twist on the childhood classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich; their PB tacos are a unique take on Uncrustables, made with flour tortillas. They also offer several grilled cheese and other grilled sandwich options. Local coffee shop Aroma Joe’s serves a variety of cold drinks, while other trucks provide seltzers, frappes, floats, root soda, and the uniquely Maine soft drink, Moxie. With food trucks, it is not uncommon for the selection to change throughout the season, but visitors can count on a well-rounded number of options when it comes to food here.   Atmosphere   3 Maine Footy has played both their seasons at Deering Memorial Field (also called Memorial Stadium), which is a no-frills public high school sports facility that has hosted high school football, soccer, and lacrosse over the years. The venue was also home to the Portland Phoenix of United Soccer League 2. Seating here consists of aluminum bleachers on each side of the field; the once well-manicured grounds now seem overgrown with trees and shrubbery, however, rendering one of the entrances nearly unusable. The far side bleachers offer relief from the setting sun behind the west-side (home) seating. Downtimes in the match, such as when the ball is out of play, when players are setting up for a corner kick, or when a player might need to be tended to by a trainer, are often filled with ad reads, acknowledgments of Maine Footy supporters, and announcements of post-match activities. Tide goals are celebrated with the familiar blast of a lighthouse foghorn, accompanied by Kernkraft 400’s Zombie Nation . As the summer sun sets behind the homeside stands, sitting in the nearside bleachers becomes nearly impossible. However, while the larger home bleachers provide relief from the setting sun, the swampy pond behind the main seating area harbors many mosquitoes as dusk turns to night.   Neighborhood   3 Memorial Field is located in Portland’s Deering Center neighborhood – mostly surrounded by single and multi-family homes, as well as the neighboring high school’s athletic facilities, it does not lend itself to many major points of interest. However, there are a few local restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance where you can grab a quick bite or drink; Quality Shop, Pat’s Meat Market, and Rosemont Market and Bakery are all excellent options for a quick sandwich. Downtown Portland, the center of the city's attractions, is roughly three miles away on the Portland peninsula and features boutique shops, restaurants, and a handful of Maine’s renowned craft breweries and seafood dining spots. For craft beer enthusiasts, the epicenter of Portland’s craft beer scene can be found in the Riverside neighborhood on Industrial Way, which boasts no fewer than six breweries on its industrial loop.  For family-friendly entertainment, the Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine is located at nearby Thompson’s Point. Considering the overlapping seasons of Maine Footy and the Portland Sea Dogs , both can be easily paired for a weekend of sports in Portland.   Fans   3 Maine Footy draws a decent-sized crowd comprised of both families and community members. Portland has a strong soccer following, recently strengthened by the future United Soccer League member, Portland Hearts of Pine . Fans enthusiastically support the Tide, cheering for strong defensive plays, shots on goal, earned corners, and saves. However, the lack of a supporter group is somewhat disappointing. However, with the formation of Hearts of Pine  came its supporters group, Dirigo Union – it would be nice to see that group supporting soccer across the city, including Tide matches, to create a truly special atmosphere at Deering Memorial Field. The Tide’s youngest fans might be the most dedicated, bringing homemade signs to encourage their favorite players, and staying well after matches for pictures and autographs.   Access   3 With many homes around the stadium, Memorial Field is truly a neighborhood facility, easily walkable for many fans. As much as Portland tries to be bike and public transit-friendly, it just is not there yet (although they do at least try). For those arriving by car, there is ample street parking and a parking lot available at the north end of the stadium. Although the parking is far from optimal, given the seating is on the opposite side of the facility from the parking lot, at least the area around the field is paved, which does make traversing much easier. A wheelchair ramp adjacent to the fieldhouse makes the bleachers accessible for all, as well.   Return on Investment   2 Admission to Maine Footy matches costs $20, with the profits “supporting scholarships, community outreach, and other initiatives that benefit the Tide and the community”. Even with proceeds going to worthy causes, the price of admission can be a bit tough to swallow. For comparison, tickets to local summer collegiate baseball in the area run $5, and minor league baseball in the city starts at $15.   Extras   3 Flags representing the countries of origin of Maine Footy’s players are displayed at the entrance to the field. Fans are allowed to vote for the player of the match by scanning the QR code in the program to register their vote. Following the match, Maine Footy players host a meet and greet with their youngest fans; this goes a long way in establishing a strong connection with the community, and with those who come out to support the team and its players.   Final Thoughts The impact that teams such as the Maine Footy Tide can have on a community like Portland’s can never be underestimated. Maine Footy had a successful first season in Portland, building strong community support and furthering that success in its second season. Mainers are a highly dedicated group of backers of their own, and with a roster comprised of several former Maine high school stars, it is easy for the community to get behind the team. The Tide’s primary goal is to provide a platform for women to showcase their soccer talents, either to improve for their upcoming collegiate season or to use the experience as a stepping stone to a professional soccer career. In addition, however, Maine Footy also looks to play a role in inspiring and supporting the next generation of female soccer players in their soccer journeys, and all signs point to a strong future for both the team and its community impact.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Scottsdale CC Baseball Field 9000 E. Chaparral Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85256 Map It Scottsdale Fighting Artichokes website Scottsdale CC Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2010 (a guess) Capacity: 300 (approx) Go Chokes! The Scottsdale Community College Fighting Artichokes baseball team plays on its on-campus baseball field.   The school’s entire sports facility is called the Arthur W DeCabooter Athletic Complex, named after a respected city leader and former long-time school president.  The athletic complex houses football and soccer fields, two baseball and softball fields, racquetball and tennis courts, a fitness center, and more.  The Artichokes are members of the NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC).  The team’s name was first intended to be an embarrassment, but the students, athletes, and staff embraced it; they now proudly honor the moniker.  Food & Beverage 0 Like most ACCAC ball fields, the venue does not offer concessions.  I did see a Coke vending machine outside of the building next to the field.  Fans are welcome to (and should) bring their own snacks and beverages (especially for those double headers).  Atmosphere 3 Scottsdale CC Baseball Field offers a basic game day outing.  The ballpark provides one set of shadeless bleachers (nine rows) with a handrail up the middle.  The first two rows are shortened to make room for wheelchairs and strollers.   One side of the bleachers has a ramp; the other side has steps.  A light-thickness net protects the fans from foul balls.  The stadium does not have any net-free seating.  The field is a plush green (at least at the beginning of the season) with grass between the bases (common for ACCAC ball fields).  The outfield wall ornaments are the batter’s eye, the American flag, and the scoreboard.  The best part is looking beyond the outfield wall and gazing at the distant mountain ranges. Mountain View in the Distance at Scottsdale CC Baseball Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The scoreboard is a green dot matrix board showing the traditional line score.  Depending on where the sun is, it may be difficult to read.  The stadium does not have lights, so the Artichokes only play day games at home. Music is played pregame and between innings at an acceptable volume (a level where you can still have conversations with your neighbor without yellin g to be heard ).  Players groom the field – spray it down, replace (or clean off) the base pads, rake the infield, chalk the batter’s box and baselines, etc. Artichoke Players Grooming the Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 2 Though Scottsdale has one of the finest downtown areas in the valley, the school is three and a half miles away from that bustling downtown.   Farmland still surrounds the plot of land where the college sits.  The only place to eat nearby is a Wendy’s (about a half-mile walk).  Two exits north on Loop 101 (Talking Stick Way), you’ll find Chili’s, Red Robin, and Babbo Italian.  Talking Stick Resort (also the same exit) has more than three restaurant s for eating, imbibing, and losing y our money at the casino.  That same exit gets you to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, spring training home for the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks . Across Loop 101 from Scottsdale Community College is a Residence Inn by Marriott.  Keep in mind that when spring training is in session, hotel prices almost triple in cost.  And, of course, downtown Scottsdale shouldn’t be missed if in the area.  Recommended places to eat in downtown Scottsdale are Karsen’s Grill (an exceptional small bar/eatery), Los Olivos Mexican Patio (Mexican and margaritas), and The Mission Old Town (modern Latin cuisine).  For many other restaurants and bars in the neighborhood, check here for a directory to find ones that might suit your tastes. If in Scottsdale during spring training, the San Francisco Giants home field is adjacent to the downtown area. The city has provided many upgrades t o this stadium in the past 12 months (2023-2024), and it just might be worth checking out.    For more affordable baseball (free), the Mesa CC Thunderbirds Ballpark is nine miles south, and the Paradise Valley CC Field is nineteen miles west. Fans 3 Fans are mostly friends and family of the players.  Parents, grandparents, siblings, girlfriends, and wives are in the stands.  Many seem to know each other.  Since many of the teams the Artichokes play are close in distance, fans of opposing teams are often in the stands. They all root on the players, regardless of team affiliation.  Often, the most vocal fans are the ones in the dugout. Access 2 The university and its ball field sit on the northeast intersection of Loop 101 and Chaparral Rd, about 3 ½ miles from downtown Scottsdale.  Finding the school is easy, but finding the ball field once on campus is not as easy (at least the first time there).  I recommend turning left at the school’s fourth entrance off Chaparral (from the 101).  Then make a right and then a left into the parking area and head towards the Scottsdale School of Film and Theatre.    The ballpark is to the right of that building, with plenty of free parkin g available.  Look for signs for parking lot J, the Film School, or follow the lights for the football field. Valley Metro Bus Route 50 stops at Chaparral Rd and Pima Rd.  From there it’s a half-mile walk to the ball field.  Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport is 12 miles southwest of the school.  Unfortunately, restrooms are not available.  Instead, the venue has icky-looking porta potties near the entryway.  Return on Investment 5 The only expense of attending an Artichokes baseball game is the travel costs and what you bring to eat or drink.  That’s right, no charge to watch players bunting, stealing bases, making double plays, pitching, and just playing hard to make a difference for  themselves and their teammates. . Extras 3 Scottsdale Community College is the only public community college located on Native American Land. The college’s nickname, Fighting Artichokes, deserves an extra mention for its creativity and making something that was supposed to be a disgrace into something to be proud of.  Love it! The Oakland A’s held spring training games and/or workouts at Scottsdale Community College in the early 1990s. Final Thoughts Pack some bottles of wate r, sunscreen, and a snack, and head to Scottsdale Community College Baseball Field for a fabulous mountain view and to wa tch some Artichokes baseball.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Galt Arena Gardens 98 Shade Street Cambridge, ON N1R 4J7 Cambridge RedHawks website Gait Arena Gardens website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 1,100 Classic … What is in a name?  What is in a label?  When it comes to labeling something as the “oldest” there is always a bit of debate In 1973, the City of Galt, and the Towns of Preston and Hespeler were amalgamated to form the city of Cambridge.  Long before this, the Galt Arena Gardens opened its doors for the first time in 1922.  Debate remains as to if it is the oldest hockey arena in North America or not.  Matthews Arena  in Boston makes a claim.  However, officially, Galt Arena Gardens is considered the “Oldest Operating Arena in the World” meaning, it has continuously operated as a hockey arena for over 100 years.  Owned and operated by the City of Cambridge, Galt Arena Gardens is undeniably a gem and in one word, classic. Galt Arena Gardens is the current home of the Cambridge RedHawks of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.  Playing at the Junior B level, the RedHawks began their existence as the Hespeler Shamrocks in 1960.  Later renamed the Cambridge Shamrocks at the time of amalgamation, the Shamrocks would eventually head east and settle in Guelph to become the Guelph Platers, among other monikers.  Upon the departure of the Shamrocks in 1982, Cambridge would welcome the expansion Cambridge Winter Hawks that would play south in Galt.  The Winter Hawks would remain until 2017 when their owner made a push to move up to the Junior A level and eventually withdraw from the Ontario Hockey Association.  The Winter Hawks would fold and Scott Hunter would purchase the Guelph Hurricanes, formerly the Shamrocks, and move them to the Galt Arena Gardens in an act that would bring the franchise full circle.  Many who would take the ice at the Gardens would go on to play in the NHL, however, none has put a stamp on the hockey world more significant than Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howe.  The 1944-45 season for the Galt Red Wings saw a young Mr. Hockey entertain hockey fans from Galt just prior to him heading to Detroit. Food & Beverage 3 The concession experience at Galt Arena Gardens is not unique for the GOJHL.  There are two main stands on the two separate levels.  Whether they are both open depends on the size of the crowd.  The menu includes what one would expect at this level including hot dogs, chicken strips, poutine, fries, onion rings, nachos, candy, chocolate bars and chips.  Pepsi products are the soda of choice at Galt Arena Gardens and coffee, tea and water are all available.  In the upper east end of the Gardens fans will find Alumni Hall.  This enclosed area is licensed and alcoholic beverages can be purchased, but must be consumed within. Atmosphere 5 Galt Arena Gardens remains truly unique in the hockey landscape.  Built in 1921, it enjoys Heritage Status.  The City of Cambridge, however, has gone beyond to provide upgrades and renovations to retain both the classic feel of the building and modernize it to ensure its functionality for years to come.  The journey back in time begins with the exterior.  Galt Arena features a gorgeous brick exterior with multiple shades of brown.  The design almost gives it a remparts look to it.  The wrot iron marquee awning welcomes fans to the main entrance.  An added bonus is the stone pillars that are to the north and mark the entrance to Soper Park. After entering the main gate, fans are welcomed into a modestly sized lobby.  The history begins there and fans are welcome to discover the artifacts in numerous trophy cases.  The prevalence of former Red Wings Kirk Maltby and Gordie Howe are immediately felt in the trophy cases.  There are a few articles on Mr. Hockey and his time in Galt that have been plaque mounted as well as a portrait of Howe standing outside the arena.  Jerseys and other artifacts from Kirk Maltby are predominant in the cases as well.  Fans can traverse the stairs to reach the upper level, where a full 360 degree loop is possible on the upper concourse.  The interior of the ice surface is striking.  The peaked hardwood ceiling with iron supports gives that barn-like feel to the arena, however rather than the expected triangle peak, the summit of the ceiling is recessed and has small windows at the top to allow natural light in.  The ice surface runs from east to west with five rows of elevated seating around three sides.  The east end has rows of plastic benches and the remainder of the seats are updated, plastic arena seats.  Getting the centre ice logo picture is from the south side.  Fans should consider choosing their seat so that they are situated under one of the gas heaters above the seating bowl as the arena is quite cold.  History continues to flow through the arena.  There are murals at the west end and two large portraits of Kirk Maltby and Gordie Howe.  The portrait of the Queen is at the opposite end above Alumni Hall.  Old pictures can be found throughout the arena, mostly on the west side.  Fascinating artifacts from a time gone by are found in the northwest and southwest corners behind the seats including old zambonis, doors, ticket booths, signs and even a phone booth.  Even the concession stand on the top level has old soft drink signs.  Hanging throughout the arena, above the ice, are various championship banners, mostly from the Cambridge Winterhawks and the Senior A Cambridge Hornets.  The lone Cambridge RedHawks banner for the 2022 Conference Championship hangs on its own and the retired number 91 of Ryan Clarke from the Winterhawks also remains. The gameday atmosphere is fairly simple at a RedHawks game, not dissimilar to any other GOJHL experience.  The PA system is decent and the announcer does a good job, however his excitement often results in buzzing through the speakers, making it a little more difficult to understand the announcements.  The RedHawks do have projectors that are used during pregame to project images on the ice.  The mascot, Rowdy the Redhawk, can also be found traversing the crowd and interacting with fans through the game. Neighbourhood 4 The Galt Arena Gardens is located in the East Galt neighbourhood of Cambridge.  There are a number of places for pre or post game food and drink within a very short drive.  Some options include Q BBQ, Alberts Doughnuts, EVO Kitchen, Thirteen, The Black Badger, Voodoo Wingz and Capri Pizza.  Fans can head to downtown Galt, a short drive from the arena, to take in the Gaslight District, Hamilton Family Theatre and Cambridge Community Theatre.  For other sporting options, fans can head north to the Hespeler area and catch some Junior C, Hespeler Shamrocks  hockey.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, The Laundry Rooms are a close option. Fans 4 The Cambridge RedHawks have a solid fanbase.  Typically, Saturday Night is RedHawks night and the biggest crowds are drawn then.  In the 2023-24 season, the RedHawks have averaged over 540 fans per game, an improvement of nearly 100 fans per game from the previous season.  This has Cambridge ranking fifth in the GOJHL in attendance and third in their conference.  Although the average doesn’t seem like a lot, the capacity of the Galt Arena Gardens is only 1,100 and there is a significant difference in attendance from a midweek game versus a Saturday.   Access 4 Galt Arena Gardens is located in the East Galt neighbourhood of Cambridge.  It is east of Highway 24 and significantly south of Highway 401.  Getting to Galt from the 401 can be a bit of a challenge and the lasting effects of the city amalgamation can still be felt when driving from one end of Cambridge to another. Highway 24, Hespeler Road, can be very slow going at times.  There are large parking lots on the north and south sides of the arena that offer free parking, which should be sufficient for fans who get there with enough time to spare.  Fans wishing to take public transit to the game can find bus stops on nearby Beverly and Dundas Streets.  Fans interested in public transit should consult the Grand River Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. The lobby of the Galt Arena can get a bit congested, but getting around isn’t too difficult.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the arena. Return on Investment 5 Junior B hockey offers tremendous value for the sporting dollar.  Cambridge RedHawks tickets are sold for $12 for adults, with students and seniors going for $10 and children for $6.  Parking is free and concession prices are about what one would expect.  The product on the ice is solid and worth the price.  However, the opportunity to take in all that is the Galt Arena Gardens itself is worth the price of admission alone. Extras 4 An extra mark for the extra attention paid to the 1944-45 season that saw Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, call the Galt Arena Gardens home as he played one season of Junior Hockey with the Galt Red Wings. An extra mark for Galt Arena Gardens as the longest running, continued use hockey arena in the world. An extra mark for the excellent job the City of Cambridge did modernizing Galt Arena Gardens.  They have kept all the charm and history of the arena while making it functional and modern. An extra mark for the full circle journey of the Cambridge RedHawks having been founded as the Hespeler, and later Cambridge, Shamrocks. Final Thoughts A trip to see the Cambridge RedHawks is a must for all true hockey fans.  Taking in the majesty and history and sheer force of the Galt Arena Gardens is where fans will truly be awed.  Not the most high profile of cities or leagues, a trip to Cambridge to the Galt Arena Gardens is worth every cent.  It is just Classic. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey & Scott Fosdick Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jim Mann Green Dome 4590 Sarah Myers Dr. W. Terre Haute, IN 47885 West Vigo Vikings High School website Green Dome website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 2,600 Green with Envy at West Vigo The Jim Mann Green Dome has been the only home to the West Vigo High School Vikings since the school’s inception in the fall of 1959. The fieldhouse would open later that school year in 1960 and for nearly 60 years has been the state’s most striking facility with the school colors of green in almost every portion of its interior The 2,600-seat venue is of the “sunken gym” style that was popular at many gyms around the state during the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, it's the hues of green that make it stand out undeniably as the home of the Vikings. The gym was renamed after longtime Athletic Director Jim Mann 2011 who spent 30 years at the school. The Vikings boys and girls basketball teams captured six sectional championships during his tenure from 1969-1999. Another interesting note is that Larry Bird did his student teaching at the high school following the 1978-1979 season with Indiana State University. That year Bird guided the Sycamores to a Final Four appearance in the championship game. He would spend the rest of the school year at West Vigo before signing with the Boston Celtics and NBA stardom. Food & Beverage 3 The gym offers a collection of familiar concession items found at most high school gyms and field houses. A small concession window is open at one corner of the building offering hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and fountain drinks. On certain nights the school features various money-raising efforts that include pulled pork dinners for $10 and baked goods for $.50. The pulled pork is the real deal and not the type found in a tube container or drenched with barbecue sauce. Atmosphere 4 The parking lots surrounding the gym are usually filled before most weekend games and the gym does not stand out from its exterior to most passersby, but once you walk in through the double-door entrance, you know you are somewhere much different. The colors of green smack you in the face and run up your nose. A large concourse surrounds the upper portion of the gym that also serves as a walking track during gym class and the walls are decorated with almost 60 years of school memories from old photos, sweaters, team photos, and news clippings. A few interesting clippings and photos hang on these walls giving the gym a classic fieldhouse atmosphere. However, it’s the color of Kelly green that makes this gym stand out from most venues in Hoosier State. The colors are splashed in almost every point of the building from the backdrop of the walls, the area behind the benches, and railings up above the court on the roof. To many, it’s The Green Dome, and it’s easy to see why. Neighborhood 3 West Terre Haute is a short few miles from Terre Haute and the campus of Indiana State University. The major chain restaurants can be found near the I-70 interstate exits, but there are more than a few ample places to visit in downtown Terre Haute. Moggers has been a staple for casual dining in town for many years and across the street from the building is the Terre Haute Brewing Company. The Verve is a nightclub offering live entertainment and J. Gumbo’s offers affordable cajun and creole-style meals in both traditional and non-traditional ways. The Clabber Girl Museum is worth a visit to one of the country’s oldest brands. It also features glimpses into the history of Terre Haute and the evolution of American baking over the past two centuries. The Sycamore Winery is one of the newest editions in town located on a scenic property overlooking two lakes. Visitors can taste both homemade wine and beer at the picturesque building. Fans 3 West Vigo fans love the Green Dome and many who move away enjoy a stroll down memory lane with a visit to their favorite place. A few in attendance took me around to show me a few names of people they went to school with or once played on the court. Access 4 The simple design of the gymnasium makes getting around rather simple. The bathrooms are located outside of the seating area in the main lobby and when the game is over, multiple doors open up directly to the parking area. Return on Investment 3 The price of an adult ticket is $5 and is in line with other basketball venues in the state. The pricing of concessions is also affordable with most items well under $3. If you are here with former alumni, the game might be more interesting due to the history lesson you may receive about the gym and its former occupants. Extras 3 The gym receives one star for the school colors of green everywhere in the gymnasium; from top to bottom any visitor or opponent knows they are in Viking Country. A second star is for ticket raffles throughout the game which adds a little bit more sense of community during the game. A third star for the entire crowd singing the school fight song to the tune of the Wisconsin Fight Song. A nice way to begin the game. Final Thoughts The Green Dome is a very striking facility in West Terre Haute, an interesting field house that includes itself in the list of great, small gyms in Indiana. In a state that prides itself on its field houses, The Green Dome is among the best of the smaller-sized schools.- ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Berglund Center 710 Williamson Rd NE Roanoke, VA 24016 Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs website Berglund Center website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 8,672 Skates and Sticks in Star City In 1971, three premier sports venues were constructed throughout Virginia, including the Norfolk Scope, Richmond Coliseum, and the Berglund Center in Roanoke. The latter, as the premier sports and entertainment venue in southwest Virginia, has hosted several hockey and basketball teams over the years. Today, Berglund is currently the home of the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the independent Southern Professional Hockey League. It has a capacity of 8,562 fans for hockey and features eight restrooms and six concession stands at the arena. The building received $6.2 million in renovations that included a new heating system, an upgraded electrical system, and, the replacement of all of its seats. The building had hosted hockey in the past that included the Roanoke Express (ECHL) and the Roanoke Valley Vipers (UHL). The Yard Dawgs entered in 2016 and its nickname and logo pay tribute to the region’s railroad heritage. The city has a long history as a railroad hub and the arena is near the nearby Roanoke Shops and train lines operated by Norfolk Southern Railway. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of options at Dawgs games to satisfy a variety of appetites. Cheesy favorites seem to be the best-selling concession item, from mac & cheese ($4) to grilled cheese ($5) to fried cheesecake ($7). There’s also a cheesy hot dog, cheese curds, BBQ mac & cheese, and finally, cheese sticks. Of course, the classics are still up for grabs as well. They include pretzels ($5), popcorn buckets ($10), nachos ($5), Polish sausages ($5), jumbo hot dogs ($4), chips ($2), candy ($3), and sodas for $4.50 each. Bottled water is $4. Alcohol is also on tap, ranging from domestics for $7 to crafts for $9. The Big Lick Brewing Company, a local joint, has a special “Paws & Pucks” beer available for $7. Last but not least, stop by Gate 3 for a breakfast treat – you can get a delicious waffle loaded with the toppings of your choice for just $8. Atmosphere 3 A railroading town through and through, Roanoke is undoubtedly proud to have a hockey team that capitalizes on the city’s Steamtown lore. The Rail Yard Dawgs tend to put on a good show for their crowds, beginning with the blue smoke that pours into the seating bowl during the Dawgs’ entrance. Enter Sandman , whether an ode to nearby Virginia Tech or not, is still good listening and accompanies the team onto the ice. Speaking of the ice, it’s a bit swampy and watery – but what sheet in the South isn’t? Another potential detractor is the noise level of the PA announcer. No, he’s not too loud; rather, he’s much too quiet and is often drowned out by the crowd, the game, or both. But don’t let any of that stop you from getting up and getting loud when the home team scores – an electric diesel horn sounds when the Dawgs find the twine. It’s a very slick sound that’s apt for a locomotive-minded city such as Roanoke. Neighborhood 4 The Berglund Center is located near downtown Roanoke and all that the city has to offer. Two main attractions are located here and are worth a visit if you have time. Railroad geeks will want to stop at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, which only seems fitting if you’re also visiting for a Rail Yard Dawgs game. This large station contains over fifty pieces of rolling stock, including two Norfolk & Western Engines, along with many other steam and electric trains. There are also wings dedicated to both automobiles and the aviation industry in the state of Virginia. A few blocks from this gem is the Taubman Museum of Art, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2008 and contains ten galleries showcasing primarily 19th- and early 20th-century art. Downtown Roanoke is also home to a plethora of dining options, from laid-back burgers and barbecues to fancy steakhouses and fine dining establishments. It all depends on your tastes, but it’s rarely necessary to wander into the suburbs for a meal at a national chain. Fans 4 There aren’t many fans to pack Berglund Center during any given home game, but the loyalists who stick around are amongst the most engaged in the SPHL. From the typical “you suck!” chants to jeering the opposing players that find themselves in the penalty box…er,… dawg pound , there’s never really a dull moment on hockey night in the Star City. Access 3 Roanoke is the cultural and commercial hub of Southwest Virginia, nestled along Interstate 81 in the Roanoke Valley. I-81 begins at the Canadian border and passes through four states before stretching across western Virginia, ultimately terminating near Knoxville, TN. I-581 provides direct access from the interstate to the downtown core and the Berglund Center is conveniently located just off this spur. The center is surrounded by a massive parking lot, and there’s a $5 charge to park here. If the parking lot sells out (or if you’d just like to nab some free parking), you can park for no charge at a few downtown garages and take the complimentary shuttle bus to the arena. The arena itself is interesting to navigate. Fans aren’t able to walk around the concourse, as it’s closed off at Gates 1 and 12. This is because part of the concourse is used as a non-ticketed lobby of sorts, housing the box office and ticketing windows. Return on Investment 3 The cheapest seats in the coliseum start at $11 and go up to $24. It’s recommended to buy your tickets on the day of the game since they never sell out. By purchasing them online in advance, you’ll be subject to lots of additional fees. The Dawgs occasionally hold $7 discount days, which is an absolute bargain that you should take advantage of. Parking is $5; or, if you’re willing to walk or take the free shuttle from downtown, it can be free. Combined with concessions, a family of four is looking at spending approximately $150 for a hockey outing in Roanoke. Extras 2 The Star City’s most famous landmark, the Mill Mountain Star, is featured on the underside of the center-hung scoreboard – a simple, yet nice touch. The Dawgs have their very own mascot (or perhaps, conductor?) named Diesel, a loveable railyard dog. What else would he be? Final Thoughts It’s a bit pricey to see independent hockey in Roanoke, but if you love old barns and quality gameplay, then it might just be the place for you. Consider chugging on down to the Star City and stationing yourself at the Berglund Center.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Dick’s Sporting Goods Park 6000 Victory Way Commerce City, CO 80022 Colorado Rapids website Dick’s Sporting Goods Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 17,424 Dick’s Sporting Goods Park: An Uncertain Future When Dick’s Sporting Goods Park opened in 2007, it provided a new, cozy home for the MLS’s Colorado Rapids after having played the first decade of their existence in cavernous NFL Stadiums (Mile High Stadium from 1996-2000 and Empower Field at Mile High from 2001-2006). DSG Park, as it’s come to be known, promised to be a long-term home for the Rapids, with empty acreage surrounding the facility to be developed into just about anything in the suburb of Commerce City, north of downtown Denver. The ensuing 16 years have seen that acreage sit mostly empty while the MLS’s expansion boom has brought with it a proliferation of new soccer facilities aimed at providing great fan experiences. DSG Park now sits at a crossroads. The City of Commerce City owns DSG Park, leasing it to the Rapids’ ownership group, Kroenke Sports Enterprises (“KSE”), for $1 per year over 25 years. The City has accused KSE of failing to keep promises to develop the 917 acres appurtenant to the stadium. With the City’s recent rejection of a land-swap proposal, KSE and the City have ponied up $25,000 apiece to fund a contest sponsored by the Commercial Real Estate Development Association in which Colorado college students will submit proposed plans to develop the land around DSG Park. The stadium itself has what the real estate industry calls “good bones” but, after 16 years, could use significant updating and attractions around it. This comes at a time when the Rapids have a strained relationship with their fan base. Centennial 38, the franchise’s official supporter group, wrote an open letter to the Rapids’ front office in October 2023, taking exception with KSE’s management and operation of the team and facilities. DSG “has been neglected, and without proper maintenance and periodic upgrades has become tired and run-down,” the group wrote. “While there are plans to address the stadium’s condition, these measures are long overdue and taking far too long to implement.” Centennial 38 appears to be correct. DSG Park has lost its new-pitch feel and needs updates. Until the surrounding land is developed, soccer will be the only reason to come. Unless KSE significantly upgrades existing facilities at DSG Park, soccer alone likely won’t draw fans. Food & Beverage 3 DSG Park’s dining and drinking options are in line with what a fan would expect to find at a professional sports stadium: burgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, and nachos. Freddy’s has a location in the northwest corner of DSG Park, offering familiar items off its menu. Biker Jim’s Dogs, a very good local hot dog stand, has a restaurant in Dale’s Bar at the stadium’s south end (along with a good selection of craft beer from the eponymous Colorado brewery). The Rapids serve Coca-Cola products in plastic bottles for those eschewing alcohol for aspartame and sugar. Additionally, a small food truck area is just outside Dale’s Bar, with a projection screen TV and picnic tables. All in all, DSG Park’s menu is about what you’d expect to find at an MLS venue. Atmosphere 2 DSG Park has entrances on the east, south, and west sides. Just inside, the concourse encircles the seating bowl below. Sight lines are good, as the facility was designed for watching soccer. Concourses are sufficiently wide to accommodate concession stand queues and fans finding their seats. The stadium’s primary video board sits above and behind the north goal. However, the picture is noticeably poor; several squares in the video screen appear to be broken. The public address system might also need an update because there are several locations around the stadium in which that system is inaudible. The stadium could use a new coat of paint in several conspicuous places, as well. The closer your seat to the centerline, the better. Corner seats do not offer good perspective when play happens at the far end of the pitch. Centennial 38 provides strong vocal and musical (drums and vuvuzelas) support. Visiting teams’ support groups take up the northwest corner of DSG Park, in Section 135. Neighborhood 1 The surrounding neighborhood has all the charm of a government campus – because that’s exactly what the surrounding neighborhood is. Commerce City’s town hall, fire department, and police station all sit just to the west of DSG Park, neighbored by the United States Postal Service’s Denver Bulk Mail Center. In other words, DSG has a great location for pulling a building permit, reporting a crime, or mailing merchandise catalogs, but not necessarily for a great fan experience. Additionally, 23 full-size soccer pitches surround DSG Park. These serve national soccer and lacrosse tournaments well but to the exclusion of restaurants and bars for pre- or post-game meetups. If the Rapids can properly develop some of the surrounding acreage and provide reasons for fans to come to games early and stay afterward, this rating will improve. Fans 2 The fans have stopped coming to DSG Park. In 2023, the Rapids ranked 28th out of 29 MLS teams in both average (15,409 per game) and total (261,953) attendance. Thus, only about 85.3 percent of the stadium is filled for the Rapids 17 home games. And when MLS enjoyed a 5 percent attendance jump from 2022 to 2023, the Rapids saw their home attendance remain flat. Nonetheless, true dedication and a love of the beautiful sport still draw fans to DSG Park. Those in attendance are loud and enthusiastic. As Centennial 38’s open letter to KSE shows, the Rapids’ fan base is a spirited yet disillusioned one. Without upgrades to DSG Park, the Rapids may well lose that fan base to apathy. Access 2 Because of DSG Park’s location, most fans coming from in and around Denver will take Interstate 270. By any reasonable estimation, I-270 is a pothole-pocked, concrete ribbon that was designed and built by a misanthropic public works department. It’s that bad. Parking is free – a good thing. But returning to the car after dark presents a challenge, as fans may have to navigate through unlighted fields. Much of the signage in and around DSG Park has faded in the Colorado wind and sun. Public transportation could be an option, albeit a limited one. The nearest bus stop is approximately one mile away, at 56th Avenue and Quebec Street. Using public transportation to make the 10.3-mile trip to DSG Park from the Capitol in downtown Denver takes almost 90 minutes because of transfers and lengthy walks. The Rapids do provide bike parking on the exterior of the stadium’s west side, in the Burgundy Bike Lot; however, only two bikes were parked there on a recent visit. A Rapids game at DSG Park requires both a ticket and an automobile. Return on Investment 4 Statistically, a Rapids game is one of the most affordable in the MLS. The Athletic’s 2022 MLS Fan Cost Index rated the Rapids as the league’s fifth-most affordable experience ($264.22), comparing the costs of four weighted, non-premium tickets, combined with the lowest stadium pricing for four sodas, four hot dogs, two beers, two supporter scarves, and parking. Only FC Dallas ($201.44), Orlando City ($251.14), Vancouver Whitecaps FC ($253.64), and CF Montreal ($261.54) were more affordable than the Rapids. Parking is free at DSG Park. So too are game programs. Hot dogs ($3), popcorn ($6), basic nachos ($3), and fries ($5) are surprisingly well priced. Premium beer cans, canned cocktails, and hard seltzer cans sell for $14. Domestic beer is $12 and wine is $10, while bottled soda is available for $5.50. Ticket prices average between $25-$39, a very good price range in the MLS. Extras 1 Check out the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, located just to the north of DSG Park. It’s a three-minute drive, just over a mile away. It’s also free. The 25 square-mile refuge has more than 330 species of wildlife that include bison, deer, black-tailed prairie dogs, and raptors (many of whom like to dine on black-tailed prairie dogs). An 11-mile paved loop enables visitors to enjoy the arsenal without having to leave their cars and expose themselves to aggressive bison. Final Thoughts Right now, Gertrude Stein’s “there is no there there” seems an apt description of DSG Park: a pitch, without much else. DSG Park has great potential. Realization of that potential will require a vision, time, and money. The Rapids’ ownership needs to give fans a reason besides a game to come to DSG Park.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Loek Loevendie Ballpark Herman Bonpad 5, 1067 SN Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam Pirates website Loek Loevendie Ballpark website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 500 Corporate Pirates The baseball roots in the cultural capitol of The Netherlands go back to 1938 when football (soccer) club S.V. RAP opened a “baseball department.” They played as the RAP Pirates for several years, before conforming to more traditional baseball naming as the “Amsterdam Pirates” when the baseball club separated from their parent sporting club in 1974. Advancing through the divisions of Dutch baseball, they cracked the top-level Honkbal Hoofdklasse for the first time in 1982, and despite some relegations, managed to capture two Holland Series and make it to international play in the European Cup. In 2000, they moved into their new digs at Sportpark Ookmeer, west of Amsterdam city center. The 500-seat main baseball stadium became known as the “Pirates Playground,” and remained that way until 2019, when it was renamed Loek Loevendie Ballpark to honor a local baseball great. The Pirates also inked a sponsorship deal with human resources and training company L&D Support, now going under the moniker “L&D Amsterdam.” Overall, Loek Loevendie Ballpark is a solid Honkbal Hoofdklasse entry, not standing out in many areas except its fans and values. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 The standard in Honkbal Hoofdklasse is to have all the food and drinks available at the park on offer in the team’s clubhouse. Amsterdam follows this lead, but their clubhouse is the only in the top league where it overlooks the field with large, sliding-glass doors, letting you eat and drink while still watching the game below. The standard fare for Dutch baseball games are available at the bar grill, including hot and cold sandwiches, sausages, Dutch meatballs, and (of course) a big selection of frites, all for €4.00 and under. You can argue the selection, but not the prices. The erstwhile Pirates also have a healthy selection of beer to choose from. Choices change, but include Liefmans, Leffe Blond, LacHouffe, Palm, and Veltins, as well as Corona. All are €3.60 or lower, so drink early, drink often (unless you’re driving). Coca-Cola is the non-alcoholic drink family of choice, as it is across the league. As for drinks, pick your favorite Belgian beer (or a Corona if you’re homesick). For food, you can try a hot Dutch sandwich, such as the chicken (“kip”), or be more adventurous and grab some tasty Dutch meatballs. But whatever you get, you have to get some frites with it (bonus points for mayo). You are in The Netherlands, after all. Atmosphere 3 Loek Loevendie Ballpark is in the standard location for a Dutch ballpark (a suburban sportpark), with the same overall configuration (laid out like a US Spring Training facility with multiple fields), but it has a rather unique structure. As with most Dutch ballparks, it is on the level of a nice Rookie League or low A-ball field in the American minor leagues. You enter behind the main grandstand, a large building with a flat, sloping roof, with access from stairways on either side. The team has large solar panels on the roof to power the building, and even sells power to the local area. At the top of the stairs is a large plaza, with the team clubhouse and offices at the back. The plaza houses several picnic tables with ash trays (to accommodate the high population of Dutch that still smoke), along with some low benches and high tables with bar chairs, both by the clubhouse and scattered around. The main seating area is down concrete steps from the landing, with eight rows of molded plastic chairs running from about halfway to third base to about half to first base. You can walk around behind home plate, but fans can go no further than the dugouts on either side of the field. There is a large digital scoreboard in the right field corner, giving out the by-inning score, basic stats, and player name and number. It rests above a standard outfield wall with some ads against an unbroken background of trees. A canal circles the park, and often home runs are “splashdowns” in the water, so take that, San Francisco. The clubhouse also houses the bathroom facilities and in one wall, there is the entrance to the small team store, featuring general baseball equipment (hard to come by in The Netherlands), as well as a small selection of team gear (almost indistinguishable from the MLB Pirates). The Amsterdam three-X flag flies several places in the park, but not the Dutch flag. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the Seventh Inning Stretch, period. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming to the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Sit where you want. The seats all offer a great view of the field. If you want more space to spread out, grab a picnic table (away from the smokers, if that is a problem). Like your baseball with a beer? Watch the game from the clubhouse, as this is the only park in the league where that is an option. Neighborhood 3 Although technically in the largest city in the country, Loek Loevendie Ballpark is tucked away in a suburban sportpark because… well, I can’t imagine what the rent would be to build a ballpark in the canal zone, but it is more than a fringe sport such as baseball can afford. There are still some okay amenities around, but it is slim pickings compared to the city center. The residential neighborhood works from the food side of things, as there is a decent clutch of local restaurants just to the south of the park. Turkish Turks Restaurants Eethuis Cesme, Chinese Kwun Wah, Italian Pomdori, French Brasserie De Serre, Dutch Meram Osdorp, and Turkish Restaurant Sahan are across the street. To the northeast is Greiks Restaurant Plato. If these don’t tickle your fancy, east to the tourist areas will yield uncountable other options. One downside is there is not a lot to do in the immediate location directly around the park. The Street Art Museum Amsterdam to the north is the only museum in the area, and there’s some shopping at the West Mall to the southeast, but that’s about it. The short ride to Amsterdam city center will offer you more of whatever you want than you’ll be able to fit into one vacation. The stadium is in more a residential area, so there isn’t much in the way of hotels nearby. The budget New West Inn is just across the street from the park, while the mid-range Citiez Hotel Amsterdam is just to the southeast. Upscale B&B Sloterpark is a bit to the northeast, and that’s about it. Ten minutes away to the northeast is Sloterdijk Station, with over a dozen hotels in different ranges to choose from, as well as Rembrandt Park a short distance to the east with even more choices. Fans 4 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semipro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. The big-city team seems to draw on the high end of the average for most Dutch baseball games (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out of the ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Unlike other parks in the league, there is no definitive “home” and “away” cheering sections, and everyone pretty much congregates in the one seating area, or in the clubhouse overlooking the field. There also are a smattering of ex-pat Americans who seem to come to games, as well. The crowd, both home and visiting are quite into the game and its proceedings, definitely more than average for the league. Access 3 Loek Loevendie Ballpark is located west of the Amsterdam city center in “New West Amsterdam,” just west of man-made Sloterplas lake. Thankfully, there are public transit and other options available to get there, and the park itself is quite easy to navigate. There are two bus options from Amsterdam. From Centraal Station, GVB Stadbus 21 (€2.66) will get you to the Holensstraat stop, a short walk from the sportpark. A better option is leaving from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station, where the GVB Stadbus 69 (€1.86) will drop you off at stop Bonpad, right across the street. Car, cab, or ride share is about 20 minutes from the heart of downtown. It is about an hour to get to Amsterdam from Rotterdam and 45 minutes from Utrecht, and then the bus or drive to the park. There is a large parking lot for the sportpark, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the park entrance, right next to the field. The stadium just has one entrance leading to the stairs up to the seating area on each side of the grandstand. The stairs are the only pinch point, and the wide plaza makes walking around easy and hassle-free. Return on Investment 4 There’s no charge to get into the park, so you can’t really argue with that. Everything is €4.00 or under, including alcohol, so you can’t quibble on the prices. . Extras 2 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has the usual selection of baseball memorabilia (both Dutch and MLB), as well as club trophies and awards. The stadium is dedicated to local Dutch baseball great Loek Loevendie. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts Loek Loevendie Ballpark is middle-of-the-pack in most areas, but it is a good atmosphere to watch a game for a good value a short distance from the largest city in the country.

The Royal Oak Leprechauns will become members of the Northwoods League for the upcoming 2024 season. The ball club will call #TheLuckyCorner - Memorial Park in the Detroit metro area their home. This increases the number of teams in the Northwoods League to 26. The move to the Northwoods League comes on the heels of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, the club's former home, dropping from a 13-team to a 7-team league. Five clubs announced they would be on hiatus or not playing next season. The Leprechauns will now be in the Great Lakes Division, along with three other Michigan-based teams in Traverse City, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek. Mark Sackett, Owner and General Manager of the Royal Oak Leprechauns, is excited about the challenge of the new league and the competition and benefits of joining the Northwoods League. “For the past three seasons in Royal Oak, the Leprechaun organization has grown, and our fan base continues to expand. By joining and competing in the Northwoods League, we’ll have more games for our fans, more opportunities to partner with businesses and nonprofits, and create new rivalries with well-established Michigan and surrounding Midwest state teams.” DJ LeMahieu is taking a more active role as president of the organization. The current New York Yankee and partner with the Leprechauns know the higher level of competition will bring an elite tier of players to Royal Oak. “My vision with this team is to continue to provide a unique opportunity for players and coaches to improve their baseball skills and keep moving up. Partnering with the Northwoods League will provide that and give fans a great night out at the ballpark with our players and partners.” The organization will focus on the fan experience with improvements to the ballpark that include new bleacher seating, a press box, suites, and other fan amenities. The Leprechauns have made more than $500,000 in improvements since moving to Royal Oak from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan, in 2018. Stadium Journey visited #TheLuckyCorner - Memorial Park in July of 2022 and was impressed with the game-day atmosphere and environment at the small ballpark about 20 minutes northwest of downtown Detroit. The stadium earned a 3.43 out of 5 on the FANFARE Scale. You can read more about it in the following link. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 McWhorter Stadium 114 Baseball Dr Clemson, SC 29634 Clemson Tigers website McWhorter Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 2,116 The Orange and Regalia Softball at Clemson debuted in 2020, and the Tigers got off to a strong start with a 5-1 record – unfortunately the season was cut short by COVID-19, limiting the Tigers’ inaugural season to just 6 games. The abrupt end to the 2020 season did not seem to adversely impact Clemson, however, as in their first full season in 2021 they went 44-8, winning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season championship with a 22-5 conference record. Since that time Clemson has firmly established itself as not just one of the top teams in the ACC, but also one of the top teams in the national scene.   Food & Beverage   4 McWhorter Stadium has one main concession stand located on the upper level of the concourse, directly behind home plate. It has somewhat of a condensed menu, but does offer a bit more than just hot dogs and typical snacks. Entrees include hot dogs, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and BBQ sandwiches. Nachos, peanuts, and chips are also available, along with an assortment of candy. Frozen Fanta is also a popular choice at this stand, and chili can be added to any of the entrees. A second concession stand, dedicated to snacks, is tucked under the concrete walkway along the third baseline – while this stand sell snacks and Coke products, it is the shaved ice that is the featured item here, where fans can add their own flavoring. Alcohol is not served at Clemson athletic events. There is not much that will blow your doors off, but concessions at McWhorter Stadium do offer more than the typical ballpark choices.   Atmosphere   4 McWhorter Stadium has a very open, modern feel to it. The large press box is topped by a massively large canopy that provides a great deal of shade for the area behind home plate. The stadium’s purple hued seats are also perfectly complemented by the orange trim of the dugouts and the Clemson trademark paw prints. The immediately recognizable paw logo is also prominently displayed on the natural grass in short center field. The in-game presentation is as would be found at many other softball and baseball stadiums around the county; despite there not being a designated stadium host, there are a handful of interactive games such as the cap shuffle, as well as reminders of fan promotions on the scoreboard. When it comes to seating options it largely depends on your desired experience – seats in the grandstand tend to hold the Tigers most ardent supporters, who hang on every out as possibly the most important at bat of the game. The outfield berm, on the other hand, has more of a social atmosphere, but fans there are still into the game, and roar in approval for Clemson hits, runs, and big plays. Despite the large awning there is not a lot of shade at McWhorter Stadium, but fans looking to get out of the sun often find themself standing along the walls of the softball facilities on the first base side of the field, or on the concourse behind home plate.   Neighborhood   5 Clemson, South Carolina is a quintessential college town, where the university is the center of most of what goes on in the area. College Avenue, the hub of activity on weekends, and the scene of much of Clemson’s nightlife, is located just about a mile from McWhorter Stadium. Situated near the northern edge of campus, this area is heavily populated with an array of bars and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both pre and post-game gatherings. During the spring, as days lengthen and temperatures rise, College Avenue buzzes with visitors exploring its shops, bars, and dining spots. While College Avenue has the highest concentration of popular establishments, The Esso Club, a renowned Clemson watering hole, is just a short stroll from Clemson’s athletic neighborhood, which McWhorter Stadium is part of – the rest of the athletics complex includes baseball’s Doug Kingsmore Stadium  , directly behind the softball stadium’s grandstand, while just across the street are both Littlejohn Coliseum  and Memorial Stadium .     Fans   5 Clemson softball packs the stands with standing room only attendees, averaging over 1,800 fans per game, which is impressive given McWhorter’s stated capacity is just a touch over 2,100. The 1,800 fans per game puts the Tigers in the Top 10 nationally in attendance, and nearly double that of the next closest ACC rival. However, it is not just that the seats and concourse are full, but a sea of tailgating chairs also surrounds foul territory, from left field around to the scoreboard in right field. And if that was not enough, a pair of rambunctious fan groups, “Cagle’s Corner” and “The Deep End” , are there keeping the tailgating going throughout the game, taking down celebratory beers and rattling cowbells in response to big plays. It is not just their boisterous nature, but also their unwavering support of Clemson softball that adds so much to the atmosphere here at McWhorter Stadium; these two groups also fly several boat dock flags in support of Tigers players. Clemson softball fans definitely comes with passion and an enthusiasm to get behind their Tigers, which helps create a top-notch experience.   Access   3 Located just about 15 minutes off I-85, Clemson’s campus is easily accessible for fans traveling from Charlotte or Atlanta, with a drive of about 2 to 2.5 hours from each. Once on campus parking is readily available around the stadium. There is plenty of free parking in the lot just outside the main gates for fans with mobility challenges, with additional general parking in Jervey Meadow, just beyond the right field confines of the stadium. McWhorter Stadium has two entry points: a main gate at field level just to the third base side of home plate, and a second, more discrete entrance through a gate and up a short flight of stairs. However, if traversing the stairs to the main concourse is too much, or the long ramp too far out of the way, there is also an elevator at the base of the press box that fans can use to access the top of the seating bowl. Attendees will also find a rather wide walkway that runs from just beyond first base down the third baseline. Several of Clemson’s games are standing room only though, so even with a wide walkway navigating can get a bit crowded. And while the concrete walkway ends as it nears the outfield wall, the grassy outfield berm has been well worn down so much that there is a path. Take caution, though, as the hillside is rather steep, and the large crowd there can make it a bit of a challenge to navigate.   Return on Investment   4 Walk up tickets for general admission start at $10, which is consistent with ticket prices for many other of the higher-level collegiate softball programs in the county.  However, when factoring in free parking, $10 to get in is a pretty reasonable rate; tickets on the secondary market might even be available for $1 before fees are added. Even if tickets do not appear to be available online, berm seating is typically available on a walkup, day of game basis. Concession prices are also kept pretty well in check to where it encourages fans to buy food, rather than simply lament the inflated stadium prices.   Extras   3 Given the popularity of the outfield seating and berm, inclines have been placed at the base of the fence, to allow fans who want to watch from that vantage point a bit of a boost to peer over the top of the outfield wall. The ambiance outside the stadium is every bit the top-notch college sports experience as you will find anywhere else in the country – the hoots-‘n-hollers big rig whistles from the two fan support groups especially add a lot of festivity to the atmosphere, playing off the idea of baseball’s “Cheap Seats” and “The Cajun Café”. In an ode to their university and in unison with the fanbase, the entire team lines up along the first baseline following the game to sing the school’s alma mater with the fans in attendance.   Final Thoughts The Clemson softball program, athletic department, and the Tigers fan base all deserve a lot of credit for where the softball program stands today; the fans for their undying devotion to Clemson athletics, the athletic department for investing seemingly unconditionally into the program, and the softball staff and players for growing a culture that has translated to such a high level of success on the field in such a short amount of time. When looking at both conference and national rankings, it is hard to believe that Clemson softball is a program still in its infancy – walking into McWhorter Stadium it would feel as if the Tigers have been fielding a softball program since the ACC started crowning a champion in 1992. What Clemson has done in establishing itself as a perennial Top 25 softball programs in four seasons is nothing short of amazing.

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia Viale Giulio Cesare, 18 Bergamo, Italy 24124 Atalanta BC website Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 26,562 The Nerazzurri The Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia is located in the Northern Italian city of Bergamo at the Viale Giulio Cesare. This elliptical stadium is the home of Serie A team Atalanta Bergamo, and since 2003 also the home of Serie C team UC Albinoleffe. The Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia was built in 1928 and until 1945 it held the name ‘Stadio Mario Brumana.’ The stadium originally had a capacity of 12,000 seats and was opened in two separate ceremonies. The first (and unofficial) opening took place on November 1, 1928 with a match between Atalanta Bergamo and Triestina. The second (and official) opening took place on December 23, 1928 in the presence of many authorities. At that time the complex was situated on an area of ​​35,000 square meters and included the playing field for football of 120 x70 meters (with just two stands on the long side of the pitch, only the west stand was covered), surrounded by a track for athletics, swimming pools, and tennis courts. Over the years the stadium has undergone numerous renovations. First, two curves (in Italian: curvas) were added along with a roof on the East stand. In 1960, there was a cycling track built inside in the stadium to hold cycling events. The most famous annual cycling match was for the Trofeo Baracchi. This phase ended in 1983. Of great importance for the current structure of the stadium were the works carried out during the summer of 1984. This year Atalanta Bergamo returned to the Serie A. The athletic track was demolished and metal temporary stands were added. These stands increased the capacity, which reached the historical record on September 16, 1984 when more than 43,000 spectators passed through the gates of the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia. Nowadays many people think that the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’ Italia is too old and not Serie A worthy anymore. When you compare the Atalanta Bergamo stadium with the World Cup 1990 grounds of, for instance AC Milan or Genoa CFC, it’s absolutely outdated, but nevertheless it still holds its charm. After the latest renovations, the capacity of the stadium has been brought back to 24,726 seats. I’m quite sure that within 10 years Atalanta Bergamo will have a new stadium to give their supporters all the comfort they need and to meet the demand for business units and business seats. One of the last traditional elliptical Serie A grounds is unfortunately about to disappear, making this a great spot for groundhoppers in the coming years. Food & Beverage 2 At the concession counters there is a very poor choice of food and drinks. The counters are too small and too understaffed to serve many people during the half time break. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola and 7Up are served in plastic cups (25cl) and cost € 1.50. Instant coffee also costs € 1.50, and a small espresso is served for € 1.00. Candy bars, chips, and home prepared sandwiches are also offered. Though the variety is lacking, the prices are more than reasonable. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere is what one would expect in a stadium that is almost 100 years old. The facilities inside the ground are poor, many seats are uncovered and there are a lot of high fences separating the different blocks of the stadium. Whilst empty you can see that only the main stand has decent seats. Those seats are in the club colours of black and blue. Behind both goals there is a lot of space before the curves actually begin. This is of course due to the athletic track which was surrounding the pitch before the redevelopment in the mid 1980’s. The old façade of the stadium helps to give the ground its charm. Neighborhood 1 The neighbourhood around the stadium is not really spectacular. The stadium is located in a suburb of the city of Bergamo. In this area there are no pubs. There is one Japanse restaurant about a five minute walk from the ground (it is called ‘Ristorante Giapponese Suzuran Di Chen Zhebing’ at the Via Tremana 20). For a good drink or a different taste of food you need to go to the old town. Fans 4 Most of the Atalanta Bergamo fans which visit a match of their team are dressed in the black and blue club colours. The nickname of the team is the ‘Nerazzurri,’ which means ‘black and blues.’ Most of the most fanatic supporters (the Ultras) are housed in the Curva Pisani. They bring flags, banners and sometimes also fireworks and smoke bombs to the matches. The Atalanta Ultras give their team good support for almost the whole 90 minutes. Access 3 The Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia is located in the northwest of the city of Bergamo. It is situated just over two kilometres from Bergamo’s old town and just over two kilometres from Bergamo’s railway station (Stazione Bergamo). At the train station you will find frequent train services to Verona, Brescia, and Milan. The stadium is easily accessible by car as well. Return on Investment 4 Atalanta only sells out their stadium two or three times each season so it possible to buy your tickets at a stall at the Via Giulio Cesare on the day of the match. This ticket office is located close to the entrance of the East stand just across the road. The ticket prices start from €14.00 for a seat at one of the ‘curvas.’ A covered seat at the long side of the pitch will cost you between €20.00 and €34.00. Please note: Bring your ID when buying tickets as this is mandatory in Italy! Extras 3 The old façade of the stadium is really magnificent, and there aren’t many left like those in Italy. The statues in the façade show the ‘Atleti d’Azzurri.’ This feature gives an extra to the stadium experience. Another extra is the location of the ground. When the weather is bright you can see parts of the Dolomite mountains from the stands. Final Thoughts If you like old grounds, then Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia is certainly worth a visit. If you like the more modern stadiums then go to Milan, just 70 kilometres away from Bergamo.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Walter M. Katz Field 160 Atherton St. Milton, MA 02186 Curry Colonels football website Walter M. Katz Field website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 1,000 Curry College Colonels   Curry College is a private college located in Milton, Massachusetts, just seven miles from downtown Boston. Founded in 1879 as the School of Elocution and Expression, it was renamed in 1943 to honor its founders, Anna Baright and Samuel Silas Curry. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, served as the school’s first Chancellor. Curry was the first school to offer a degree in Radio Broadcasting, starting the program in 1932. Today, its 4,700 students pursue studies in 25 undergraduate and 4 graduate programs.   Football has been played at Curry College since 1965. The Colonels, named in recognition of Samuel Curry’s birthplace in Tennessee, compete in the Conference of New England alongside several other small colleges throughout the area. The Colonels have qualified for the NCAA Division Three Tournament six times, with all their tournament appearances happening in consecutive seasons from 2003-2008. Curry reached the second round of the tournament twice. In addition, Curry has played in three postseason bowl games, most recently in 2017. New England Patriots legend Steve Nelson served as Curry’s head coach from 1998-2005, guiding the team through some of their most successful seasons.   Curry’s home field is Walter M. Katz Field, named for the Curry College class of 1989 alumnus. The facility serves as home to the school’s football, soccer and lacrosse teams. The New England Patriots used the field as their practice facility in 1967, while they played their home games at Fenway Park.   Food & Beverage 3    Fenway Park vendor The Sausage King runs a portable cart during Curry football games. They serve up some of their legendary sausage and pepper sandwiches, chicken teriyaki and footlong hot dogs along with a selection of cold drinks. Trust me, you’ll want to try one of these sausages at the game.   Just be warned, you’ll be paying Fenway Park prices for food at a Curry football game. Atmosphere 2   The game day experience at a Curry football game is a basic one. The highlight of Katz Field is undoubtedly the video scoreboard in the northwest end zone. It’s used throughout the game for player photos and game information. The cheerleaders set up shop in the same end zone, leading the crowd in cheers throughout the game and performing at halftime. Unfortunately, there’s no pep band in attendance, and the subpar sound system ensures that Katz Field doesn’t get too loud, so it’s usually a pretty quiet  afternoon here at Curry.   What energy is present at Katz Field is almost entirely generated by the fans in attendance, who are very much into the game and are supportive of the players on the field. There’s a good turnout from the student body, but no organized student section to speak of. Going to a Colonels game will feel very familiar to fans who have experienced other small college football games.   Neighborhood 3   Despite Curry College’s location just a few miles from downtown Boston, there’s more of a suburban feel to the area around the school. With the Blue Hills Reservation right across the street, there’s nothing in the immediate area of Curry to attract visiting fans besides the gorgeous fall foliage.   However, fans wanting to venture out into Milton will find a few spots worth a visit, including Roundhead Brewing Company. The nearby Fairmont Hill neighborhood in Hyde Park has several dining options within a few blocks. Fans looking to stay close to Curry will find some lodging options closer to I-93, including a Homewood Suites by Hilton and a Hilton Garden Inn. The Blue Hills Reservation is a popular place for hiking and other outdoor activities for those so inclined.   Of course, with Boston being so close, most out of town visitors will likely opt to head downtown rather than stay in the immediate area.   Fans 3   Curry College football crowds can be a bit on the larger side, especially when compared to other Division Three schools in the area. Although there is a lot of variance in the reported attendance, the average crowd numbers just under 1,000 fans. There’s a good turnout from the student body, but the majority of the crowd is made up of families of the players on the field. As a result, the crowd is knowledgeable about the Colonels and enthusiastic in their support.   With the majority of the Colonels’ schedule consisting of other New England teams, you’ll be sure to find a good turnout from visiting fans here at Katz Field. This is small college football, so fans are welcoming to each other, even when they are longtime rivals. You can feel comfortable sporting the opposition colors at Katz Field.   Access 3   Curry College is located in the Boston suburb of Milton, just seven miles from Downtown. Adjacent to the Blue Hills Reservation, the campus has a rustic feel despite being located very close to a bustling urban area.   Driving is the primary method for arriving at Curry College. Interstate 93 is about 3 miles from campus, and Route 138 will bring visitors directly to the school. Just remember that Curry is located just to the south of Boston, and traffic can be heavy, even on a fall Saturday. The MBTA’s number 716 bus  has a stop at the entrance to Curry College, and the school operates a shuttle to the nearby Mattapan T station.   Katz Field is located alongside several of the school’s other athletic fields on the western edge of campus. Parking is available near the football field, but be warned, this small lot fills up quickly. Later arriving fans will have to park a distance away, over near the tennis courts on Blue Jay Way. The walk is about a half mile from the satellite lot to the football stadium, but it does avoid the big hills that surround the athletic fields. Fans trying to access the Visitor’s tailgating lot aren’t so lucky, as that lot sits at the top of a steep hill.   Seating consists of metal bleachers. The home (west) side of the field stretches from one 20-yard line to the other, while the visiting side features a much smaller set of bleachers that sits between the 40-yard lines. A third set of bleachers is tucked over by the goal line. There is plenty of standing room in either end zone, while some fans choose to sit on the hill behind the north end zone while taking in the action.   There are no permanent restrooms at Katz Field. Fans will have to make due with three port a johns located by the entrance to the stadium.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Colonels football games are sold as general admission for just five dollars. Seniors and visiting students receive a two-dollar discount. Children 12 and under are admitted at no charge. Parking on campus, either in the lots adjacent to the field or the ones a bit farther away, is also free. While grabbing a sausage from The Sausage King may be a bit more expensive than your typical D-3 fare, an afternoon at a Colonels game is a very affordable entertainment option for Metro Boston sports fans.   Extras 1   Look for a rebranding to happen in the near future here at Curry. The old Colonel logo, featuring a man with a bushy moustache and beard wearing a white suit and purple cowboy hat, was retired in 2020. The school is evaluating whether or not the name “Colonels” is appropriate moving forward, although no announcement has been made yet.   Final Thoughts   Katz Field is a solid small-college facility featuring affordable prices and a laid-back atmosphere close to the attractions of Boston. It’s a fine place to take in some quality football on a lovely New England fall afternoon.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo Courtesy of GoBearKats.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Don Sanders Stadium 620 Bowers Blvd Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State Bearkats website Don Sanders Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,163 Eat ‘Em Up Kats! Located about 70 miles north of Houston, the city of Huntsville is home to Sam Houston State University and Don Sanders Stadium. Bearkat baseball has called the stadium home since 2006. The facility is fairly new and offers a cozy atmosphere for college baseball. Visiting fans will generally enjoy their overall experience with very affordable prices and great matchups against Southland Conference opponents. Food & Beverage 2 Located in the concourse behind the press box, the concession stand at Don Sanders Stadium offers your ballpark favorites. Be sure to take some cash out before heading to the park because the concession stand is cash only. Your main options will include hot dogs ($3), sausage ($4), hamburgers/cheeseburgers ($5), nachos ($3.25) and super nachos ($5.25). I recommend keeping it simple and grabbing a burger, dog, or sausage. The super nachos are a decent option and come topped with chili, cheese, picante sauce, and sour cream with jalapenos optional. The stand lacks a signature item and it would be great to see a grill offering some Texas BBQ. Snacks include popcorn ($3-$4), pickles ($1.75), and assorted chips ($1.50) and candy ($2.25). Your drink options are headlined by Coca-Cola products served fountain style ($2.50-$3.50), bottled water ($3), bottled Powerade ($3.50) and coffee ($2.25, when available). Atmosphere 3 Don Sanders Stadium is a classic small college baseball stadium. Opened in 2006, the Don has a capacity of 1,163 and at a construction cost of approximately $5.5 million. Chair back seats are located between the backstop and press box with bleachers making up the rest of the seating areas on both the first and third baselines. Unofficial seating is located on a hill just beyond the right field fence looking back in. The playing surface features natural grass with a small strip of light green turf surrounding the home plate area. Artificial turf is nothing new in this area for many ballparks, but it’s a bit of an eyesore at the Don with the light color of the turf standing out and the Bearkat logo fading from wear. Though the natural grass is kept in pretty good shape, there are signs of wear visible with spots of dirt in the infield and some discoloring in the outfield. The backstop is covered by a green padding which matches the outfield wall. From dugout to outfield fence on both sides runs a line of green chain link fence. The top of both dugouts features the Bearkat logo and Don Sanders Field name. Beyond the left field fence sits the scoreboard. At the time of this review, the stadium did not feature video boards but a recent announcement was made that this will soon be a thing of the past. The field dimensions are as follows: left field foul line – 330 feet, left center – 375 feet, center field – 400 feet, right center – 375 feet, and right field foul line – 330 feet. The overall atmosphere is cozy and laid back. Fans are supportive but don’t generate a lot of noise except after big plays. The athletics department staff puts a good bit of effort into developing a fun atmosphere with several activities during breaks in play and the Bearkat Pride Patrol rewarding enthusiastic fans with prizes. A Texas favorite, Deep in the Heart of Texas, is played in the middle of the 5th inning. Neighborhood 2 Sam Houston State University and Don Sanders Stadium are located about 70 miles north of Houston in a small country city known as Huntsville. The city is best known in Texas for two things: Sam Houston State University and the Texas State Prison. If you’re looking for a vast variety of options while in town, you’ll be a bit disappointed but there are certainly enough stops to keep you busy while in town. For one, be sure to stop and say hello to the first president of Texas and the University’s namesake, Sam Houston. The 67 foot statue welcomes all visitors to the area just off I-45. Though an unexpected visit to the Texas State Prison isn’t advised, a trip to the Texas Prison Museum is. The campus is quite a sight with tall rolling hills and sharp architecture. Be sure to budget some time to take a stroll. There’s a few decent eats around town. A unique place not far from the stadium is Carbonero Rotisserie Charbroiled Chicken and Steak. It’s located in a small strip mall so it doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the food inside is great. Carbornero specializes in Salvadorian cuisine with other Latin American dishes. The #5 is absolutely wonderful with a serving of rotisserie chicken and tacos. Other solid options in the area are the Farmhouse Cafe and New Zion Missionary Baptist Park BBQ. For some additional options, check out our review of Bowers Stadium, home to Bearkat football. Fans 3 Bearkat fans are a loyal and passionate bunch. Though they don’t generate much noise from the stands, they are generally knowledgeable and supportive during big plays. The grand majority of folks in attendance are either long-time fans or families of baseball players. That makes for a pretty knowledgeable bunch. Average attendance for Bearkat baseball ranges around the 700 mark. The experience sure could benefit from a few more butts in the seats, especially students. Access 4 Huntsville is about an hour drive from downtown Houston. Depending on the timing and direction of your trip, it should be an easy drive into town. If you’re heading in from Houston, I-45 is a notoriously clogged interstate during rush hour on weekdays. Once in Huntsville, traffic is sparse and the city is easy to navigate. The university and stadium are just a couple miles from the interstate. Plenty of free parking is located close to Sanders Stadium. The ticket lines are short, if there are any at all. You’ll breeze through the gates and collect a free program on your way in. The concourse is perched at the top of the seating areas with the field level at the bottom of the hill. There’s plenty of room to move about and the seating aisles are spacious as well. The restrooms are very clean and modern and there’s plenty of room. Depending on your timing, you could hit a line at the concessions as they are slim-staffed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bearkat baseball game at the Don start as low as $6 and go up to $8 for a reserved chair back. That’s a great deal for high quality Southland Conference baseball. Your parking will be free as well as the game day program. Concessions are a bit overpriced but not excessive. Overall, the return on investment is very high. Extras 2 Every great live sports experience is highlighted by certain ‘extra’ features which are unique compared to other venues or make the overall experience memorable. For Sam Houston State baseball at Don Sanders Stadium, be sure to consider the following during your stadium experience: It’s hard to beat paying $6 for a good quality NCAA Division I baseball game. The new video scoreboard will be a welcomed addition and great compliment to the Bearkat baseball experience.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum 1964 Bobby K. Marks Dr. Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State Bearkats Website Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum Website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 6,110 East Texas Bearkats Nestled among the lush greenery of the foothills of the Piney Woods area of East Texas is the city of Huntsville, Texas, home of Sam Houston State University. The university bears the name of one of the great heroes in Texas history. The school’s athletic programs, the Bearkats, have seen an extraordinary amount of success since they began. The men’s basketball program began in 1917 and would go 43–11 during their first five seasons, including an unblemished 24–0 record during the first three. They have 14 regular season conference titles, five postseason conference tournament appearances, and made the NCAA Tournament twice since becoming Division I participants (in 2003 and 2010) as members of the Southland Conference. The team is currently a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and has seen runs recently to the NIT (in 2019) and to the CIT. Sam Houston State moved into their current home in 1976. Originally known as University Coliseum, it was remodeled in time for the 1986-1987 season and rechristened the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum after an honored member of the school’s Board of Regents. It is also home to both the Bearkats women’s basketball and volleyball teams. The classically designed coliseum has a devoted following among the Bearkats faithful. Read on to learn what makes it special. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Johnson Coliseum are pretty much what you’d expect to find at a mid-major collegiate program. There are three main stands that you can find near the entrance areas, and they all serve the same items. The three stands allow fans to get their food and beverage pretty quickly, and not miss much of the on-court action. The items the stands offer include hot dogs (regular for $4 and Bearkat, a.k.a. jumbo, for $4.50), nachos ($7), bottled and fountain drinks ($3.50 and $4), and Domino’s pizza, either cheese or pepperoni by the slice or as a whole medium pizza ($3.50 per slice or $14 for the whole deal). The stands also offer candy and popcorn. The one caveat to be aware of is that Sam Houston State does not sell any beer or alcoholic beverages at their games at Johnson Coliseum – keep this in mind if that’s something you traditionally like to imbibe during games. Atmosphere 3 The architectural design of the Johnson Coliseum is a great throwback to old-school round arenas, which you don’t see much of anymore. The walls are decorated with the banners of all the Bearkats tournament appearances, championships, and conference titles. Sam Houston State also completed their latest round of renovations to the coliseum in 2016, where they installed a 31-foot videoboard and upgraded the seats in the lower courtside level. Outside the coliseum near the main sign there is a marble statue of the team’s namesake bearcat, as well as a life-sized statue of the mascot, Sammy Bearkat. Another point of interest to be on the lookout for is the team store – this is located near the box office entrance and sells the traditional team paraphernalia if you’re interested in stocking up on Sam Houston State gear for the game. Neighborhood 3 Johnson Coliseum is located right in the middle of the Sam Houston State University campus. It also shares a parking lot with Bowers Stadium, home to the Bearkats championship-winning football team. It’s a typical college town, with one notable exception. For the sake of transparency, the city is the headquarters of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (it has been since Texas was founded as a Republic in 1836) and there are several prisons throughout the area. If you travel into Huntsville on Interstate 45, the prisons are unavoidable. However, as you move into the city and towards the university, there are no reminders of that part of the city at all. In terms of attractions, Huntsville has a lot to offer visitors looking to do something before or after Bearkats games. For history buffs make sure to visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum; this 15-acre complex is located on the site of the former homestead of Sam Houston, and is dedicated to telling the story of the first President of the Republic of Texas. Not too far from the museum you can also visit the Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center. At 67-feet tall, it is the largest statue in the world of an American hero. For outdoor enthusiasts, Huntsville State Park has all the amenities you could hope for. Again, the city is the gateway of the Piney Woods region of the state, and the park is a perfect example of this type of environment. Covered by a canopy of Texas pine trees it offers a year-round mild climate that is perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. There is also canoeing, fishing, and swimming allowed in certain areas of Lake Raven; check their website for hours and camping site availability. When it comes to dining there are also a lot of great options, many of which are close to campus. One I would highly recommend is Farmhouse Café & Bakery – offering blue plate specials, specialty sandwiches (the double-decker BLT is a fave), and homemade baked good and desserts (I couldn’t stop eating the broccoli cheddar cornbread), the Farmhouse is a favorite among locals, visitors, and Bearkat students. Or, for something off the proverbial beaten path, Carbonero Rotisserie Charbroiled Chicken & Steak serves up a unique taste of El Salvadoran cuisine. Diners can get rotisserie-style chicken quarters, steaks, or tacos, all served Salvadoran style. When it comes to lodging, you are more than likely only going to be able to find a place to stay at a lower-level hotel or a motel, as that’s all that’s available in the city outside of an Airbnb. The two spots closest to Johnson Coliseum are the Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville and Super 8 by Wyndham Huntsville; both are less than a 10-minute drive to the coliseum. If you don’t want to stay in Huntsville proper, Houston is an hour’s drive away. Fans 2 One thing you notice immediately about Johnson Coliseum is how big it feels on the inside. Being a circular coliseum, you feel how enormous it is once you find your way to your seat; it is also very noticeable when you take in the crowd size. On most game nights, the Bearkats average less than 1,000 fans in the stands. In all fairness, those who do show up are passionate about their team – it is just hard to ignore how empty much of stands are. Access 3 As mentioned, Huntsville is just about an hour-long drive from Houston and just a shade under four hours from San Antonio or Austin. From the Dallas/Fort Worth area, it is about two and a half hours. Once you get on site, parking is ample and free, which is always appreciated. Huntsville doesn’t currently have anything in the way public transportation. So, unless you plan on utilizing a rideshare service, you’re pretty much locked in on driving to and from games at Johnson Coliseum. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for Bearkats games at Johnson Coliseum range from $8-$15. This is a good bargain right now, but it’s not clear if this will hold up after the team’s move to Conference USA in time for the 2023 season. However, for now this is highly affordable – with concessions on the low end of the scale and free parking, you get a pretty good bargain at Sam Houston State games. Extras 3 Sam Houston State brings a lot of pomp and circumstance to their basketball games at Johnson Coliseum. The Bearkat Marching Band sits in the stands beneath the giant videoboard, and leads the crowd in the school fight song, raising the bearcat hand sign, and razzing the opposing players. Also on hand are the Bearkats’ cheerleaders, Orange Pride dance squad (who perform at half time), and the costumed mascot Sammy Bearkat. Fans can count on seeing Sammy patrolling the stands and sidelines, leading in cheers, tossing out t-shirts, and being around for random photo ops. All in all, these combine for a great college atmosphere that helps ramp up the crowd energy. Final Thoughts All in all I had a fun experience at Johnson Coliseum taking in Bearkats basketball. Fan attendance aside, the energy from those who are in the stands makes up for that. The coliseum itself is a good experience; it is a bit of a throwback to the way basketball arenas used to be made and I appreciated its aesthetics. For college hoops fans, I think you’ll enjoy the experience. For sports fans, it’s an inexpensive way to catch a basketball game in a fun setting in a really nice college town. It’s not a bucket list stop, but if you find yourself in Huntsville, you should make a visit. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Drass Field 401 Clara St Dover, DE 19904 Delaware State Hornets website Drass Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 2,500 Hornet Lacrosse in Downtown Dover Drass Field is the former home of several Wesley College athletics teams, including football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. In June of 2021, Delaware State University purchased Wesley and turned it into its DSU Downtown campus, thus ending the Wolverines' athletic programs. The deal was notable as the first instance of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) purchasing another school. Delaware State did find use for Drass Field, as its women's soccer and lacrosse programs moved there from Alumni Stadium, which remains home of the Hornets' football program. The stadium is located next to Bob Reed Field, former home of Wesley baseball and current home of Delaware State baseball. Delaware State women's lacrosse has not enjoyed much success recently and has consistently ranked as one of the worst teams in NCAA Division I. However, it did receive one honor following the 2022 season, as student-athlete Sydney Anderson received the Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (WLCA) Advocacy Award after she spoke out following a high-profile police search of the team bus on the way back from the final home game of the season that saw allegations of racism levied against a sheriff's department in Georgia. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Drass Field but fans are free to bring their own. There is a water fountain that trickles out water if you are desperately thirsty. Atmosphere 2 There are three sets of bleachers at Drass Field, one on each sideline and a smaller one behind one of the goals. However, the set of bleachers on the far side of the field from the entrance is not in use during DSU lacrosse games. A few fans sit behind the goal, but most sit in the stands on the near sideline. All seats are bleachers, though some are divided into individual seats and others are not. While music is played over the PA system before the game and the announcer introduces the starting lineups, almost nothing happens after that besides the game itself. There is no music during breaks in the action and the announcer does not even announce goal scorers and penalty cards issued to players. The scoreboard also does not show which quarter the game is in, although it is equipped to do so, and showed four timeouts remaining per team for the entire game when Stadium Journey visited even though teams only receive three to begin with. Although the scoreboard was designed for football, it is capable of handling lacrosse without an issue other than not showing the time remaining on penalties, so there is really no excuse for this. Neighborhood 3 Although Drass Field is supposedly located on the DSU Downtown campus, there is not really anything in the immediate vicinity of the stadium other than some houses, a church, a synagogue, and a school bus depot. Your best bet will be to head towards DuPont Highway (US Route 13) which is lined on both sides with restaurants and hotels. Most of the places are chains, but you will find a few independent eateries such as the Speedway Cafe and Wolfie's Grille. The Dover Motor Speedway is also located along DuPont Highway and you can sometimes hear the cars revving their engines as you stand outside. Fans 4 Delaware State averaged about a hundred fans a game last season, but drew over 400 for the home opener in 2023 when Stadium Journey visited. It seems there is a new-found interest in the program and there is excitement in the air. Hornet fans come early decked in blue and red and cheer on their team. While 400 fans may not seem like a lot, this is a loud and rowdy bunch. They cheer following big plays, support their players, and are not afraid to yell at the refs when they feel a bad call has gone against their team. It is good to see the team getting the attention they deserve,, and one hopes the larger crowds will continue throughout the current season and beyond. Access 3 If coming from the north or south, US Route 13 (DuPont Highway) runs right through Dover, but if coming from the east or west, you will have to take a series of local roads to get into town. Once you get to the stadium, street parking is available on Clara Street and the other nearby roads, or you can park in a grass lot across the street from the stadium. Restrooms are available to the left of the bleachers, behind Bob Reed Field. They are small and the men's room was being used as storage for football down and yardage markers, but they should suffice for the needs of the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Delaware State lacrosse games are free, parking is free, and you won't spend anything on concessions because there aren't any. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. . Extras 1 Look for the "Welcome to Drass Field" sign honoring Wesley College athletics. Although the Wesley Wolverines are no more, their history is becoming Delaware State's future. Final Thoughts It would be inaccurate to call the excitement around Delaware State lacrosse a resurgence, since the team never really received the interest it deserved. However, if the attendance and atmosphere for Stadium Journey's visit are any indication, this is a program on the rise with a passionate and rowdy fan base, and there is really no way for them to go but up. While there is certainly room to improve the experience here at Drass Field in many respects, it looks like that is going to happen. It will take some time, but this is a program and a fan experience on the rise, and there will be better days ahead in Dover.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Clinton Gym 710 William Carey Pkwy Hattiesburg, MS 39401 William Carey Crusaders website Clinton Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 1,300 The Crusaders' Cathedral William Carey University originally opened in Poplarville, MS as the Pearl River Boarding School in 1892. After a fire destroyed the school in 1905 the campus was rebuilt in Hattiesburg as South Mississippi College, before changing its name to Mississippi Woman's College in 1911. The college became co-ed in 1954 and changed its name to William Carey College, named after the Protestant Missionary. In 2006 the college changed its name to William Carey University. Nicknamed the Crusaders, the small school currently competes in the Southern State Athletic Conference of NAIA. The Crusaders athletic programs have become a powerhouse in the NAIA in recent years with two soccer national championships and one baseball national championship within the last 5 years. Despite the small school nature of the college, it is quite large compared to most of the schools in the conference, with an enrollment of 3,200 and spread out over 120 acres in a neighborhood in south Hattiesburg. The basketball team began in 1963 and plays on campus at the Historic Clinton Gym. The 1,300-seat gym has seen its fair share of great basketball moments – the gym is where from 1968-71 a left-handed shooter named Mike Necaise scored more than 2,100 points, and went from the NAIA to the NBA in less than a year as he got drafted by the Seattle Supersonics. The gym is also where head coach Steve Knight's 723 career wins make him Mississippi's all-time winningest college basketball coach. But for every great moment comes a not so many great moment – in the early morning hours of January 21, 2017, an EF-3 tornado ripped through the William Carey campus, ripping the roof off the gym and obliterating the small campus. Now six years later walking the campus, you will notice many of the buildings seem quite new, and that is because many of them have been rebuilt over the past six years, including a completely renovated Clinton Gym. Now it looks like a brand-new college at William Carey, with new buildings and new athletic facilities. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand located in the lobby as soon as you enter the building. Nothing stands out as just the basics are sold here, but prices are reasonable if you have to get something to eat. You can get hot dogs and nachos for $2, or popcorn, candy, pickles, and chips for $1. Getting a drink is the most expensive item on the menu with a $20 oz. bottle (Coke products) costing $2.50. You could also get a hot dog, drink, and chips combo for $5, which saves 50 cents. However, my recommendation would be driving a little bit further into town and getting something to eat at one of Hattiesburg's many restaurants. Atmosphere 3 The new Clinton Gym is built almost exactly like the previous version of the gym. It is basically a large brick building at the front entrance of campus. Attached to the gym is the Gym Annex that was built in 2017 and houses the team locker rooms, weight rooms, and practice courts where the volleyball team plays. The building is shaped with the court facing east and west, with one main entrance on the east side that opens to a small lobby which houses the ticket booth and concessions. On the wall as soon as you enter is the game-worn jersey #24 of Mike Necaise. When the tornado hit it completely ripped out the east side entrance and sucked the jersey out into the air; luckily they found the jersey during the cleanup, and now the school's most decorated player's jersey sits proudly displayed at the main entrance. Once you enter the spacious and small gym the layout is like a typical high school gym – 12 rows of plastic bench seating line both the north and south sides of the building. The floor at the gym is named Steve Knight Court, after the Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer who has been coaching here since 1982. High above the seating area are banners of various local sponsor businesses, while above the end court on the east side are banners representing the achievements of different sports at William Carey; you'll see the soccer and baseball national championship banners, as well as all the feats of the men's and women's basketball programs. The far west side of the court features a basic-style scoreboard, as well as another banner of the retired number 24 of Mike Necaise, the only retired number at William Carey. Neighborhood 3 The William Carey campus is located about three miles south of the Southern Miss campus, in a residential neighborhood right down Highway 49. There is one small bar called Shenanigans located on the corner of Highway 49 about a mile away from Clinton Gym, but other than that, there is nothing within walking distance of the college, so you'll have to go into town to see anything. Hattiesburg is a typical larger college town with plenty to do for all ages. There is a zoo nearby, a mall with plenty of shopping, and plenty of restaurants spread out throughout the city. If you are into the outdoors the Okatoma River provides an excellent place for canoeing, while the Long Leaf Trace is a popular 44-mile trail that runs through the city. For places to stay there are a ton of hotels located closer to the interstate. In addition, Paul B. Johnson State Park and the Elks Campground nearby remain popular spots for camping, if you are coming to town for the weekend in the spring. Fans 3 William Carey has an enrollment of 2,800 and many of these students live on campus, or in the apartments right off campus. The Crusaders are also very competitive in all sports, with the multiple banners of all the sports hanging above the gym – this turns out great as students living in close proximity, plus the school winning a lot of games, definitely brings out lots of fans. Clinton Gym holds about 1,300 and I would say there were probably 800-1,000 people at my most recent game, with lots of students; I would say 90% of the people at the game were students. In fact the entire north side bleachers was filled with students, and almost all of them were into the game. William Carey also has a small pep band that tries their hardest to make it a rowdy atmosphere inside the building. During timeouts they have different giveaways and have people compete in games for prizes, which was definitely surprising for an NAIA basketball game. Access 3 Hattiesburg is conveniently located less than an hour and a half from New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, Mobile, and Jackson, so getting here should be no problem. William Carey University is located right off Highway 49 about 3 miles from Southern Miss – the small campus is located in a neighborhood east of the main highway. You should have no problem finding a parking spot on campus, as there are plenty of parking lots available. Return on Investment 3 Tickets were free for the most recent game I attended. However, I have been to games here in the past where they have charged for tickets – it's always hit or miss if they are going to be taking tickets or not; sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. When they are taking tickets they usually charge $7 each, and you are free to sit wherever you want. I consider the return on investment about average for this level of basketball; they have really cheap concessions so you can get in, eat, and watch a game for around $10-$12. Extras 3 One extra for some of the more memorable games and moments that have taken place inside this small gym. As mentioned earlier Mike Necaise scored over 2,000 points during his career here, and he would have scored more, but that was all years before the 3-point line was created. Also mentioned was head coach Steve Knight's becoming Mississippi's all-time winningest basketball coach. The small gym was also home to the many "Holy War" matchups in the 1960s and 1970s – it was the Baptists vs. Presbyterians as William Carey took on Belhaven University from Jackson in many memorable matchups. Two things were always certain in the Holy Wars; a prayer before the game and a fight during the game. Clinton Gym also played host to some historic matchups with Jackson State, as William Carey was one of the few places in Mississippi that allowed blacks to play with whites. Jackson State was led by a pair of Hattiesburg brothers, Eugene and Purvis Short, who grew up in the neighborhood near William Carey. Both brothers would later play in the NBA, with Eugene being taken number 9 overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, and Purvis being drafted number 5 overall in 1978 by the Golden State Warriors. Clinton Gym also had another notable instance happen in recent years – during halftime of a 2013 game, cheerleader Ashlee Arnau performed a halftime time stunt that became famous. With the ball placed at midcourt, Arnau approached with a running start, did a front-flip, grabbed the ball while upside down and then launched the ball towards the basket…and the ball went!!! The crowd of 1,000 or so people went crazy, and the play was featured on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays that night. In addition, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Fox News, and CNN all covered the stunt and interviewed her – see below for a video of the famous play:

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Community Bank Park Ellisville, MS 39437 Jones College Bobcats website Community Bank Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 520 Baseball at The Bank Jones College is one of 15 junior colleges in Mississippi that makes up the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) for baseball. Like most of the schools in the conference, the college originally opened as an agricultural high school in 1911, before starting to offer junior college classes in 1927. The MACCC is considered part of the larger Region 23 of NJCAA, which includes five Louisiana junior colleges. Nicknamed the Bobcats, the first year of athletics at Jones began in 1927, and since that time the Bobcats have experienced some success. However, it was just recently that the program began its winning ways. The Bobcats have won six MACCC Championships, with the first two championships being won in 1941 and 1952. After that it would be another 50 years before the Bobcats would win a Division Title, when they won in 2002. The Bobcats made two trips to the NJCAA Division II World Series in 2011 and 2016, and in 2016 would capture the NJCAA National Championship. The Bobcats play at one of the finest facilities in all of Juco in Community Bank Park, which opened in 2011 and has seating for 520 fans. Nicknamed "The Bank", the stadium replaced an older stadium located on the same site that had been here since the 1950s.   Food & Beverage   2 There is one small concession stand attached to the ticket office at the main entrance of the complex. Only the basics are sold here – hamburgers, pulled pork, hot dogs, and popcorn round out the menu, with the most expensive item being the pulled pork sandwiches and pulled pork nachos at $4 each. Bottled Coca-Cola products are available for $3, as well as coffee/hot chocolate for $2. As usual alcohol is not sold at MACCC conference schools. The concession stand here is the same one used for the softball team, so when the Bobcats softball and baseball teams have games on the same night, there can sometimes be a backup at the concession lines.   Atmosphere   3 The ballpark is a part of a complex that also includes the school's softball stadium, Gwen Magee Field; with seating for 260 the softball field is built as a mirror image of the baseball stadium. From the outside, Community Bank Park is a beautiful facility, with a brick facade and a black iron fence that wraps around the complex. There is one main entrance into the complex, where you enter onto a concrete walkway that extends down the first baseline and on toward the softball field – if you veer right you can go to the softball field, while steering left gets you to the baseball stadium. Down the first baseline walking toward the softball field, you will find the team offices and batting cages, which are used by both the baseball and softball teams. There is also a small picnic area outside the team offices with a few picnic tables and drink rails; the rails have barstool seats that overlook the field. The walkway grounds are well maintained with landscaped bushes and small trees, and there are banners on the light poles showcasing all the baseball and softball teams' conference championships. The Bobcats baseball team has one National Championship that is featured prominently throughout the ballpark as well. Dark green is the color of the interior of the ballpark, with about 120 green chairback seats behind home plate and nine rows of dark green metal bleachers extending down the first base and third baselines. The press box is quite lively, shaped liked a brick house with a green slanted tin roof. Along the outfield you will find wall pads advertising local businesses, as well as a small line scoreboard in left field. Beyond center field sits the Sim Cooley Stadium at Bobcat Field, home of the Jones College football team.   Neighborhood   3 Jones College is located in the small Mississippi farm town of Ellisville, which has a population of 3,400. As one of Mississippi's oldest towns you can find plenty to do here – Jones College is located just a few blocks away from downtown Ellisville, which features a historic town square centered around the local courthouse, with many of the buildings still looking the same as they did 100 years ago. A few popular places to check out downtown include KaRock’s, which is a roadside chicken and BBQ shack, as well as the upscale Bosun Suns, a popular seafood restaurant located in an old historic hotel. After you are done eating you can walk across the street to finish off your night with some ice cream at Bennie & Mae's ice cream shop. Another interesting place to check out downtown is the Carpenter Bros. Emporium of Wonderful Whatnots, which is a two-story antique thrift store open only on weekends. Vintage records, antiques and other rare finds are just some of the items you will find here – this popular store has been featured on the HGTV TV series "Home Town", which is based in nearby Laurel. Another cool place to check out near campus is the Amos Deason House; the house was built in 1845 and gained historical significance because of the Civil War skirmish that took place here in 1863, which resulted in the death of the house's owner. The house is considered one of the South's most haunted places, and has been featured on numerous TV shows. If in town on Saturdays, they give free tours of the home – the events that unfolded in the house were also adapted into the 2016 movie 'Free State of Jones' starring Matthew McConaughey.   Fans   4 The Bobcats average a couple hundred fans per game, which is about average for this level of baseball. You will find a mix of students, friends and family, scouts, and the old-timers who just want to come out to watch a baseball game. Ellisville is a small town, so there is not much of a nightlife except Jones College athletics. Many of the students will take up the chairbacks behind home plate, while the rest of the crowd is spread out among the bleachers. Even though The Bank has seating for about 520 fans, the ballpark can hold so many more if you take into account the fans standing down the first baseline and in the picnic area. Many of the players here later sign with some of the local four-year schools, so it's not uncommon to see Southern Miss  and William Carey baseball players in attendance if they have an off night. They also have a few unique promotions and giveaways between innings to keep fans involved, including t-shirt tosses and giveaways, between innings entertainment, and unique contests such as the first person who takes out a $50 bill and brings it to the press box getting a gift card to a local business.   Access   4 Getting to Ellisville is very simple; the small town is conveniently located off Interstate 59 about 20 minutes north of Hattiesburg, and 5 minutes south of Laurel. The campus is located off Exit 85, a few miles past the interstate on Highway 590. Getting to campus can be quite easy, and finding Community Bank Park is even easier, as the sports complex will be the first thing you see when you arrive on campus if you take Exit 85 off the interstate; if you take Exit 88, which is the main exit through downtown Ellisville, you will have to navigate your way through the winding campus to the get to the ballpark, so I recommend taking Exit 85 off I-59 instead. There is plenty of parking on campus, although the lots closer to the ballpark behind home plate often fill up pretty quick if there is a softball game going on the same night. However, there are plenty of parking lots beyond the outfield wall closer to the football stadium.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for Bobcats games are $8 if purchased online, or $10 if purchased at the front gate. I consider this about average for this level of baseball; you also never know what future big league player you may be watching play here. Much like Division I college baseball being a big deal in Mississippi, Juco baseball is also pretty popular, with the Jucos being a major feeder system for the bigger schools in the area. Parking on campus is free and you can't beat the cheap concessions, so I recommend making the trip to Ellisville if you enjoy watching baseball.   Extras   4 One extra for the National Championship the Bobcats won in 2016, and the two appearances the Bobcats made to Enid, OK for the NJCAA College World Series – the Bobcats softball team has also won one national championship in 2018. Most nights the softball team is playing on the same night as the baseball team, so it is possible to walk back and forth between the two venues. Jones College has had 10 players drafted by MLB teams, with one player advancing to the big leagues in infielder Trent Giambrone, who played in 2021 for the Cubs. Perhaps the greatest ballplayer to ever play at Jones ended up becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time in Canada – in 1951 and 1952 Parker pitched the Bobcats to the MACCC State Championship, which they won in 1952. He was also a two-sport athlete as a quarterback who later set numerous records at Mississippi State in baseball  and football  en route to a College Football Hall of Fame induction. He also played for the New York Giants  for one season, but his greatest success happened in Canada when he played for the Edmonton Eskimos and Toronto Argonauts from 1954 thru 1965, winning three Grey Cups – Giambrone was named the third-greatest Canadian Football player ever in TSN's Top 50 CFL Players of all-time. Another popular name to come out of the Jones College baseball program is current Southern Miss  head coach Christian Ostrander, who coached here for seven years (2009-2015). Coach Oz led the Bobcats to two MACCC State Championships and a runner-up in the 2011 NJCAA World Series, along with a .701-win percentage. He would later be the pitching coach at Louisiana Tech (2016-17) before joining Southern Miss  in 2018 as the pitching coach; next season he takes over for the legendary Coach Scott Berry, who retired at the end of last season. Community Bank Park has also hosted the 2011 MACCC Tournament, which Jones ended up winning. The NJCAA Region 23 Tournament was also held at The Bank, and every summer Community Bank Park is also the home to the Pine Belt team of the Southeast Collegiate Baseball League. SECL features teams in eight different regions of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee – each team plays 16 games over 6 weeks, featuring some of the collegiate players who did not play much the previous season getting some much needed quality at-bats.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Surprise Stadium 15930 N. Bullard Ave Surprise, AZ 85374 Map It! Kansas City Royals Spring Training website Surprise Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 10,714 Royals Spring in AZ After the MLB Kansas City Athletics moved west to Oakland CA in 1968, the Kansas City Royals began play in Missouri in 1969. That team’s first spring training home was Terry Park Field in Ft Myers FL; the Royals played there till 1987. After that, they moved north to the now defunct Baseball City Stadium, part of the financially disastrous Boardwalk and Baseball theme park in Haines City FL. When their contract expired at the end of the 2002 season, the Royals packed up and moved to Surprise Stadium, a brand new $20-million park in Surprise AZ. The Royals share their spring ball stadium with the Texas Rangers . The Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League play their home games at the venue. Owned and managed by the city of Surprise Sports & Tourism, the stadium is celebrating its 20th season in 2022. It boasts wide open concourses and plaza areas, and is shared equally between the two teams. It’s a comfortable facility to catch a Royals spring training game in February or March. Food & Beverage 4 Surprise Stadium provides a considerable number of refreshment choices for the baseball fan. Offerings are in permanent stands, others in carts, trucks, and kiosks along the concourse and the plazas. The latter always tastes better, and that’s what we recommend checking out. Fans can purchase juicy Italian sausage, bratwurst ($9.25), meat burgers, portobello burgers, and hot dogs ($9.25 – $11). Top Taco on the third base side sells tacos trays at $15 – $16 (enough for two or more people) or a Desert Cactus margarita at $19. For snacks, carnival-like lemonade, funnel cake / elephant ears, fries and curly fries, corn dogs, etc run $9 – $10 at several kiosks. Best of all is a red Sweeties ice cream truck on the third base concourse plaza; a nice treat for those warm spring days and evenings in Surprise AZ. Most concession menus have a calorie count listed. The stadium serves Coca-Cola brands of soda ($5.50/$10) or bottles ($6). A good variety of craft and domestic beer is on sale, including Boulevard Beer – a brewery based in Kansas City, and Huss Brewing – based in Phoenix. Be sure to check out the Huss Brewing Container Bar area on the first base plaza. Concession areas serve traditional domestic brands like Bud Light, Coors, Michelob Ultra, Hard Seltzer and the like. Beer prices cost around $13 or $14; wine and cocktails cost $9 – $17 depending on choice. Surprise Stadium allows fans to bring outside food in so long as it is in a clear Ziploc bag. Atmosphere 4 The Royals offer a fine afternoon or evening of spring ball. The Surprise Sundancers – a spring training volunteer services group – extend heartfelt warmth, greetings and assistance to all visitors to Surprise Stadium. They run the 50/50 raffle each game and host a charity game each spring. All proceeds go to youth-related programs and scholarships. The Royals side of the stadium is third base with the team offices in the left field corner and Royals banners down the third base concourse. Fans can walk the entire concourse and watch the play of game. The sun sets behind the grandstand; infield seats get the shade. Seats down the baselines get the sun, so there’s enough variance to suit everyone’s preference. Berm seating is available in the outfield (but not directly in front of the batter’s eye). Royals fans can peer over the bullpen in left field and watch pitchers warm up. Protective netting extends to the end of the seating area with only the last two sections on each baseline net-free (sections 121-124). Fans like to congregate here pregame in hopes of receiving an autograph or two. The scoreboard is in left field and has two unique features: one, it has an analog clock at the top (nice touch)!, and two, colored circles indicate the balls, strikes, and outs with green for balls, red for strikes and outs. Surprise Stadium Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The music volume is perfect with even some moments of blessed silence. Game day staff does not play music at all during the starting lineup announcement. Sweet! More stadiums should take note of this. And, music is only played between innings, the way it should be. Neighborhood 3 Surprise AZ is known for having many active adult communities and residences. Many northerners migrate south for the winter or relocate permanently to the area for its warm weather. Surprise does not have a ‘downtown’ area and is more piecemealed with communities and strip malls. Construction crews are building more and more structures as the city grows in popularity. Across the street from the stadium is the city-owned and operated tennis and racquet courts, the Surprise Community Park (walking trails, fishing pond, picnic area), an aquatic center, and the library. For places to stay near the ballpark, a Residence Inn , Holiday Inn Express , and a Hilton Garden Inn are about ½ mile from the stadium. Places to eat and drink before or after the game require a vehicle. Many chain and fast food places are along Bell Rd. For non-chain suggestions, try Bonfire Craft Kitchen and Tap House , Saigon Kitchen (Vietnamese) or Irish Wolfhound Pub . State 48 Brewery has a brewpub a little over two miles from the stadium. If outdoor activities interest you, at least eight golf courses dot the Surprise landscape or take a hike at the White Tank Mountain Regional Park (17 miles from the ballpark). The closest spring training venue is Peoria Sports Complex, home of the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners , 10 miles east. Fans 3 The crowds at Surprise are usually on the sedate side more than the boisterous side, which is exactly what makes a Royals spring training visit an enjoyable one. They realize spring training does not have a pennant race and is a time to try out the prospects from the minors. This past 2022 spring training season, the fans were eager to see touted prospect and now rookie, Bobby Witt Jr, in the game. Access 3 Surprise Stadium is the farthest spring training facility in the Cactus League from downtown Phoenix, about a 45+ min drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. If coming from the south and west, we highly recommend taking the 303 Loop even though it’s longer in mileage. That route has far fewer traffic lights and congestion than other choices. Public transportation is not available to Surprise Stadium. Gates open 1 ½ hours before the first pitch. Parking is free, always a welcome feature. Three gates are open, all in the outfield. It’s one of the rare spring training venues where the ticket booth is outside center field, behind the batter’s eye. After getting through security, fans walk down and around the wide-open plazas and concourse to get to the seating area. Sundancers are readily available with wheelchairs to assist anyone who might have difficulty with the walk to their seats. Clear bags are allowed though the signs indicating such are not easy to read and do not make fans feel welcome. Surprise Stadium Unfriendly Bag Sign, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Clean restrooms are available behind the batter’s eye and along the inner concourse. Return on Investment 4 As with all Cactus League stadiums, spring training tickets have increased dramatically. More affordable tickets may be available on third party sites. Check those first before purchasing from the team site. The free parking and the team allowing fans to bring in food and bottles of water help reduce some of the costs. Extras 3 Several team stores and tents line the concourses and plazas, each with a good variety of clothing and merchandise. The stadium features a Hall of Fame highlighting plaques honoring both Royals and Rangers players and managers, as well as local community role models. In addition, the field is named Billy Parker Field. Billy Parker was a former MLB and MiLB player and the City of Surprise Director of Parks and Recreation. Final Thoughts Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, Surprise Stadium is a pleasant venue for faithful Royals fans and residents of the West Valley to enjoy a few hours of spring ball.

Photo Courtesy of EIU Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 O’Brien Field 600 Lincoln Ave Charleston, IL 61920 Eastern Illinois Panthers website O’Brien Field website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 Deep In the Heart of Illinois The history of football at Eastern Illinois University dates back to when the first classes opened in the fall of 1899. It was one of the first extracurricular activities on campus; in within 45 days of the schools opening it played its first intercollegiate football game. Throughout its history, the program has seen its ups and downs but for the last 45 years, it’s been one of the more consistent brands in college football. In 1970 O’Brien Field opened as the new home for both the football and track and field teams. Known as Lincoln Stadium at the time, the 10,000-seat facility would be later renamed in honor of Maynard O’Brien who coached both sports during his tenure at the school. The stadium has seen a few improvements during its history that included a $2 million renovation project in 1999 that featured new offices for coaches, meeting and video rooms, and locker rooms, expanded weight room and athletic training facilities. A decade later a modern video and audio scoreboard was added to the north end zone. The program has been one of the most successful of its kind winning 60 percent of its games since O’Brien opened and appearing in 16 NCAA FCS playoffs since 1981–tops in the state of Illinois of all college football programs. The program also boasts a national championship that was won in 1978 and was a finalist in 1980. The school has also produced three NFL coaches: Mike Shanahan, Sean Payton, and Brian Childress and two quarterbacks in Tony Romo and Jimmy Garoppolo. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers basic varieties of food choices at the games that include nachos, hot dogs, fries, and popcorn at the concession stands. The facility offers Pepsi products. The best options are located outside the venue at portable concession stands that are set up before each game. This area is named Vendors Row and offers County Catering, Smoky’s House BBQ, and Kettle Corn and Dirty’s. Smoky’s House BBQ has pulled pork sandwiches and smoked Polish dogs, and they are both terrific choices. There is a Papa John’s pizza stand offering 10-inch pizzas. There is a stand offering shaved ice, or kettle corn if you are looking for something cool. Atmosphere 3 The excitement begins early with some of the better tailgating at this level of college football. There are also inflatables for the kids and a live band to add to the revelry 2-4 hours before kickoff. The Panther Walk begins with the EIU Marching Band leading the football team to the stadium from the library performing the school’s fight song and other traditional songs. The stadium itself is rather simple and offers metal bleacher-style seats with plenty of legroom. The seating features no covering and blankets and jackets can become common in mid-October. A smaller visitors’ seating area is at the opposite end of the stadium. The ends of the stadium are open allowing for views of the surrounding area. A bright blue track circumnavigates the football field and retired numbers of Tony Romo and Sean Peyton are also on display along with the Panthers 1978 national championship. The marching band, rather large and impressive, entertains patrons at halftime and throughout the game. Neighborhood 2 Charleston, Illinois, has a population of 21,838 and EIU has an enrollment of around 7,800. The town offers quite a few local establishments to grab a bite or drink before or after the game. Pagliai’s Pizza, Roc’s Blackfront Restaurant, Brick House Bar & Grill, Dirty’s Bar & Grill, and Smoky’s House all provide great prices and atmosphere. A few tourist attractions include the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, part of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, which preserves the 1840s home of Abraham Lincoln. Fox Ridge State Park provides rolling hills, lush valleys, and scenic hiking trails. The Dudley-McFarland House was built in 1892 by the architect Charles D. Mitchell, a native of Charleston. A few of the museum artifacts are stored there, including period furniture, art, and fixtures. Fans 4 The stadium offers seating for 10,000 and most crowds are nearly half-full but there is a lot of energy and passion from the fans to create a pleasant ambiance. The student sections cheer, the locals applaud for positive gains on the field, and everyone seems to enjoy the Panthers add another win on the season. Access 5 O’Brien Stadium is small enough that getting around is rather simple during the game. There is plenty of signage on campus to direct motorists to the venue and there is plenty of parking in the lots adjacent to the stadium. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to an EIU football game is $20 for all seating in the stadium. The price to park is $5 in the surrounding lots adjacent to the field and concession prices are reasonably priced for an inexpensive day of college football during the season. Extras 3 O’Brien Field earns a point for the retired jersey numbers that hang on the stadium’s walls and the multiple banners of former Panthers who have made a name for themselves in the NFL. The list is impressive from Superbowl winning coaches to All-Pro quarterbacks. O’Brien Field grabs a second point for Vendors Row outside the stadium that offers an array of great food from local establishments. O’Brien Field earns a third point for the PMB that kicks things off with the Panther Walk before the game. They lead the football team, cheer team, and Pink Panthers to the game along with fans playing a list of music en route to the stadium. Final Thoughts O’Brien Field is a rudimentary facility that is fixed up with enough history to create a pleasant environment at the game. The crowds are large enough to provide a backdrop any football player would want during the season. The small-town setting makes it a small oasis in the state of Illinois.