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

“A baseball team of which we are proud and which we will continue to boost,” said city chairman John Pfeiffer on the creation of the Pacers in 1914. ​ The Perth Amboy Pacers have not played a game in well over a century, but for one brief year, they were members of the Atlantic League, a professional loop that operated for one season with teams in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. ​No photos of the team, their uniforms, or the ballpark have ever been found. Within a generation, local fans had already forgotten the Pacers. Like many other clubs, they faded from memory, leaving almost no trace. Local businessmen Max Gibian and William Pfau operated the ball club; they opened the first public car garage in the city in 1905, and Pfau moved from Newark for the venture. They formed the Greater Amboy Amusement Company, which operated the ballpark and entered a team into the Atlantic League. ​ The name Pacers was associated with the city’s Board of Trade prize contest the previous year. A competition was held to adopt a new slogan for Perth Amboy, one that would rival nearby Trenton’s 1910 contest-winning slogan “Trenton Makes, the World Takes”, and Newark’s long-forgotten nickname “Newark Knows How”. ​ The city adopted the slogan 'The Pacemaking City' in November 1913. Perth Amboy was one of the fastest-growing cities in the state at the time, rising 81.5 percent since 1900. The board created and distributed 25,000 buttons with the “snappy phrase” on them. When it came time to name the baseball team, the Perth Amboy Evening News was ecstatic in its April 17 edition. ​ “Here in Perth Amboy, it looks as though we will stick to the name of pacers. This city is known all over as the “Pacemaking City”, and the baseball club is known as the Pacers. The city will be advertised better than if the team were known as the Braves." Unlike Trenton’s famous moniker that adorns the Lower Trenton Bridge, Perth Amboy’s slogan would largely be forgotten by 1923. ​The front page of the Perth Amboy Evening News on November 8, 1913. A newspaper article describes the home white uniforms as having blue trimming, blue caps, blue stockings without stripes, and a blue P.A. monogram on the left side of the shirt. The Pacers also wore heavy Mackinaw jackets made of wool. Sadly, no illustrations of the uniform or jacket have been found. ​ The ball club played at Amusement Park grounds, situated on 21 acres of land. It opened in 1904 and was 300 feet from the city limits in Keasbey in Woodbridge Township and bordered Smith Street and the Lehigh Valley train track. It sat on a hill that gave spectacular bird's-eye views of miles of beautiful country. The Raritan River was to the south, and the city skyline was to the east. ​ Gibian and Pfau signed a three-year lease and spent $5,000 refurbishing the fixture to make it one of the best in the league. The grandstand and field were renovated in time for the arrival of the Pacers. A modern 2,000-capacity grandstand colored in crimson and white with a covered backing was constructed, six high rows of bleacher seating were added down each baseline, and an entrance on the left field line. ​ Cinder paths were located behind the grandstand and at the back of the third baseline, which also included an automobile park outside of the stadium and a refreshment stand near the entrance to the grandstand. The diamond was arranged so that it would lie on a stretch of ground higher than the outfield, which would slope off the same as the outfield at the Polo Grounds. ​ The Perth Amboy Evening   News  said the following in their May 1, 1914, edition: “The fans in this vicinity have been clamoring for real, dyed-in-the-wool baseball for many years, and local rooters are enthusiastic about the prospect of the realization of their wishes.” ​Max Gibian (left) and Billy Pfau (right) help run the Pacers. Local businesses throughout the city supported the new venture. The White Shoe Company offered a new pair of shoes for every home run. While another businessman offered $50 for the best hitter on the team, later won by Vic Shankey. It is unknown what the dimensions of the ballpark were, but due to the dead-ball area and several stories, few (if any) balls left the stadium in fair territory. ​Connie Mack announced he would bring his World Series champions, the Philadelphia Athletics, to town on May 10. A crowd of 2,000 packed the new grandstand to see the home team lose to the Athletics 4-3. The season opened on May 23, preceded by a brass band and automobile parade. A crowd of 1,500 fans watched the Pacers lose 7-6 to the Danbury Hatters. The Perth Amboy Evening News  printed the following in the April 16, 1914 edition. ​ “Every baseball fan in the city of Perth Amboy in Middlesex County, whether they follow the Pacers of the Atlantic League… or any other sports team, should learn to bear the old sports' motto in mind. No harm will ever come to anyone who boosts, while the knockers create soreheads, bad friends, and make the joys of living worthless.” ​ However, by late July, rumors were circulating that the Pacers had dropped out of the league and forfeited their $1,000 bond. Both Gibian and Pfau denied the story, blaming it on other teams in the league. Pfau indicated that the team was hurt by slanderous stories and fights with reporters. Things were settled, and the club finished the season with a 44-49 record, 19.5 games out of first place. ​At the end of the season, every team in the league lost money. The Pacers lost about $3,000, and Gibian's financial support alone kept them from folding mid-season.  The Atlantic League would cease operations after one season, but it was not the end for the Pacers. ​The club returned with an independent schedule hosting games on Saturday and Sunday, including an impressive list of opponents: New York Giants, New York Yankees, and the Negro League Baltimore Giants and Royal Colored Giants. The Pacers lost to the Giants 7-6 and fell to the Yankees 15-10, which featured a “bounce” home run (a ball that bounced over the fence from fair territory was counted as a home run before 1929). In April 1916, Gibian sold out his interest in the Greater Perth Amboy Amusement Company, and Pfau became the sole owner of the baseball team. There was interest in joining a proposed Atlantic League, but they opted out due to the distance of the clubs in Pennsylvania and the doubt that the loop would be affiliated with major league clubs. ​ The team would remain independent, playing a schedule against local teams. However, the Pacers name was discontinued, and the ball club would be referred to in print as the Amboys. A crowd of 800 people witnessed opening day at the Amusement Park, a 5-3 victory over the Passaic team ​ That summer, attendance dropped as low as 200 fans per game, while Pfau needed 400 to break even. He was left to handle everything himself, from paying players and coaches to hiring painters and scheduling games. The expenses were ply too much for one person. Pfau hoped that 10 to 15 local businessmen might each invest $100 to help cover the costs. After losing money every season, he needed both financial support and help promoting the team. Pfau was set to have two teams for the 1917 season in the Middlesex County League, with 20 home games and a goal of selling 1,400 season tickets at $0.10 each. That proved almost impossible when the Amusement Park property was sold, demolished, and set for redevelopment. However, one club did play and carried on the Amboys name. ​ Plans were to remove the grandstand and outfield fence and relocate it to another property in town, most notably Wonderland Park. However, it does not appear that it happened. There was a little sadness about its demise, according to the Perth Amboy Evening News: “The passing of Amusement Park marks the disappearance of a fixture in Perth Amboy sport. For years and years, a ball field of one description or another has stood on the hilltop, the first stands and fences having been gradually dismantled by firewood seekers and the latter standing in good condition, but useless.” ​ Without a place to play, the Pacers folded, and minor league baseball disappeared from Perth Amboy. Both their legacy and the location of their old ballpark were soon forgotten. It would be decades before the Pacers were mentioned again in local newspapers, a faint reminder of their short time in the spotlight. ​ Pete Urban, a former sportswriter for the Evening News, and probably the last known person who attended a Pacers game. He was quoted in a Home   News  & Tribune  article in 1997 on his first baseball game at the Amusement Park grounds at age 7. He attended the game as a member of the knothole gang when the Pacers played the Giants. He viewed the game through a peephole in the left-field fence. ​ Pfau and Gibian worked hard to bring professional baseball to Perth Amboy in the early 1900s, but in the end, it was more than either of them could manage. They hoped to leave a lasting baseball legacy, but what they got was a brief moment in the city's history. Their story is similar to those in many other towns across the country. No matter the decade, running a baseball club is never easy. ​ There is still one small link to the past—a piece of history you can hold. One of the 25,000 Pacemaking City buttons turned up for sale on eBay. The seller didn’t know its exact age, only that it was 'very old.' It’s a tiny piece of Perth Amboy’s history that has survived all these years. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 J.L. Johnson Stadium 81st St & Lewis Ave Tulsa, OK 74171 Oral Roberts Golden Eagles website J.L. Johnson Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 2,418 J.L. Johnson Stadium J.L. Johnson Stadium is the home of the Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles baseball program in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The ORU Golden Eagles are an NCAA Division 1 program and a member of the Summit League Conference. J.L. Johnson Stadium was opened on March 6, 1978, as Oral Roberts defeated Southeastern Oklahoma 7-6. The ballpark has an AstroTurf infield with a natural grass outfield and a seating capacity of 2,418 spectators. The ballpark dimensions are 330ft down both lines, with 375ft power alleys and 400ft to centerfield. The ballpark has made improvements over the years such as in 2008 when a 20,000 square-foot facility was added, including offices for coaches and workout facilities for players; the following year, the outfield wall was replaced with the current wall. In addition, J.L. Johnson Stadium features the Grand Slam room, which is an air-conditioned room on the right field foul line where members can watch the game. The park has hosted three NCAA Regionals and 18 conference tournaments, including the last 3 Summit League Tournaments. Food & Beverage 2 J.L. Johnson Stadium has one concessions outlet for the entire park, but it is enough for small crowds. However, any large crowds will make this one stand keep fans spending more time at the concessions than in their seats. However, being the only concessions option inside J.L Johnson Stadium, the variety of the food is non-existent – this will help process fans through the line faster, as the only options are beverages, popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, and nachos. The prices aren’t outrageous, though, as hot dogs and nachos are $4, pretzels cost $3.50, popcorn is $3, and the candy is $2.All Pepsi product beverages cost $3, while bottled water and Gatorade are $3.50.There are no alcohol sales inside J.L Johnson Stadium. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere can be tricky when it comes to evaluating these small enrollment schools. There isn’t a must-see atmosphere at ORU games; the crowds just aren’t large enough to create that type of excitement. And while the fans that are in attendance here are very good, they can only be labeled as family, friends, or alumni. These fans are baseball fans that create a good atmosphere, but by the good atmosphere, I mean a basic baseball atmosphere of cheers when appropriate, and boos when necessary. The in-game entertainment is as simple as any baseball game played across the country. There are music and games played between innings, the famous 7th inning stretch, and Sweet Caroline being played on the PA system in the 8th inning. The scoreboard and field are perfect, but the rest of the ballpark is just basic. The ballpark could use a little upgrading, but then again, the problem being the lack of fans doesn’t help. The overall experience is a basic baseball atmosphere on a beautiful campus, creating a relaxing way to spend the day. Neighborhood 3 Oral Roberts is a private Evangelical liberal arts university that has an enrollment of just under 4,000 students. The campus is in a neighborhood 6 miles south of downtown Tulsa. The immediate area surrounding ORU’s campus has various restaurants, such as Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Johnny Rocket’s, Thai Village, and Tres Amigos Mexican Grill and Cantina being the closest places (on the south side of campus). First Watch-Tulsa is also an interesting brunch place off South Lewis Avenue, and if you travel on the north side along 71st Street there is Cajun Ed’s, Hebert’s Specialty Meats, Mazzio’s, and Kai Burmese Cuisine, as well as plenty of fast food restaurants. Lodging near the campus can be found across the street at the Crowne Plaza-Tulsa Southern Hills or the Marriott Tulsa Hotel-Southern Hills, or the River Spirit Casino-Resort. Speaking of the resort, the casino is the main attraction near campus, but another is the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, located on 71st Street. For avid golf fans, ORU is near the Southern Hills Country Club, host to 15 major championships since 1946. ORU’s campus itself has a beautiful setting, surrounded by grass, trees, and fountains, and the distance from downtown Tulsa is only 15 minutes, which opens up more restaurants, lodging, and attractions while you are in town. For any craft brewery fans, one place in downtown Tulsa that I enjoy is the Prairie Brewpub. Fans 2 The fact that Oral Roberts is a small university means that their alumni base is relatively small compared to the larger division 1 baseball programs. The attendance seems to be listed at 600 on average, but at the most recent game I attended there were closer to 200 fans. The fans were spirited and loud given the size of the crowd, however, and they showed that they were into the game by rising to the occasion several times during the contest. The visiting contingent had an impressive showing as well, and both teams’ fans seemed to feed off the other group. Golden Eagle fans are dedicated, but the issue is that there were too few of them to fill up the 2,000-seat ballpark; the crowd here is made up of about 90 percent of families, friends, alumni, and children. Access 4 J.L. Johnson Stadium is on the campus of Oral Roberts University; Oral Roberts University is located east of the Arkansas River between East 81st Street South and South Lewis Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The stadium is across from the Learning Resources Center behind the school’s basketball arena, Mabee Center. There is plenty of free parking around the stadium, but the ORU campus is a bit difficult to navigate, so it’s best to enter on University Drive off East 81st South. The campus is about 6 miles from downtown Tulsa, so the best way is to take I-75 South to the 71st Street east exit, then follow 71st for approximately 3 miles to the intersection of 71st and Lewis. Then turn right at the stoplight onto Lewis, and follow Lewis for 1/4 mile until you come to 81st Street. Take a left onto 81st, then another left onto University after the Mabee Center, then follow that road around to J.L. Johnson Stadium. Or, another way to find the ballpark is by a line of sight – University Ave off 81st South is across from the 2 tall towers of the Oklahoma Surgical Hospital, which was once operated by Oral Roberts University. Once at the stadium access is easy, as the walkways and the two ramps are big enough to support the crowd size; the seating areas are at the top of the ramps. Return on Investment 4 The overall return on investment is top-notch , as a trip to J.L. Johnson Stadium won’t be heavy on your wallet. The free parking and programs, along with the low concessions prices, would seem to offset any ticket prices. Yet, Oral Roberts ticket prices are well within the price of top Division 1 Baseball programs. At the cheapest end, the general admission price is $9 and located along the baselines, while the reserved is $13 behind home plate, and the couple rows of box seats are $16. A game at J.L. Johnson Stadium would be a good return for fans looking for an affordable sporting event. . Extras 1 The overall setting of the ballpark is simple, yet the talent of Division 1 baseball gives fans a great way to see top talented baseball players. Final Thoughts The recent trend of having the Summit League Tournament held at J.L. Johnson Stadium shows that the ballpark is highly thought of as a college baseball destination in the post-season. In addition, the ballpark is close to several lodging options, has easy access, and can be a perfect setting for baseball. Lastly, Oral Roberts has a competitive baseball program that can pique a baseball fan’s interest – combine these elements, and a trip to Oral Roberts University to watch baseball at J.L. Johnson Stadium is well worth the visit.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Harper Davis Field Millsaps College Jackson, MS 39202 Millsaps College Majors website Harper Davis Field website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 3,000 Millsaps Football Millsaps College is a small private Methodist college located north of downtown Jackson, in the historic Belhaven neighborhood. The college is small by most standards with an enrollment of just over 900 students. Millsaps opened its doors in 1890 when Confederate veteran Major Reuben Webster Millsaps donated $550,000 and the land for the university. Named after Millsaps, the Majors compete at the Division III level in the Southern Athletic Association, and with their enrollment of 900 are currently the smallest school in the conference. Since first fielding a football team in 1920 the Majors have accumulated a record of 380-356-14 (.516). In the 1920s and 1930s the Majors regularly scheduled match-ups with Mississippi State , Ole Miss , and LSU . Millsaps has posted two undefeated seasons (1980 & 2008), three D3 playoff appearances (1975, 2006, & 2008), and six conference titles, with the most recent one being in 2009. The Majors originally competed as a D3 independent before joining the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1989. Difficulties in travel distances led Millsaps and six other members of the conference to leave in 2012 and form their own separate conference, the Southern Athletic Association (SAA). The Majors currently compete on campus at tiny Harper Davis Field. Named after former Mississippi State and Green Bay Packer Running Back, Davis was also Millsaps' all-time winningest coach, who coached the Majors from 1964 to 1988. The stadium was originally known as Alumni Field, and football has been played on the site since 1920. There wasn't much to the tiny field until 2004 when it was upgraded and renamed after Harper Davis, with the addition of a 3,000-seat grandstand, eight-man working press box, and a newly installed artificial turf surface. Food & Beverage 1 There are two tables set up under tents as soon as you enter the main gate; one is the concessions stand and the other sells a small selection of various Millsaps Majors gear. The concessions stand sells the basics like hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn, and everything is under $5. Canned soft drinks are sold for $1. The burgers and hot dogs are cooked fresh on a large grill outside the main gate. The concessions are fairly limited, but cheap at the same time. However, I would recommend getting something to eat at one of Jackson's many restaurants. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere is pleasant; outside the stadium there is a small number of fans tailgating all throughout campus. The campus itself is a very scenic campus, with many of the buildings being over 100 years old. There are civil war cannons, a clock tower you can climb, and you can also visit the tomb of the college's founder Major Millsaps. If you’re into history, I highly suggest walking around the campus before the game. The stadium is kind of in a secluded area on campus, right next to the Hangar Dome , which houses the Majors basketball team and the school's recreation and fitness center. There's a large fountain outside the gate with one main entrance into Harper Davis Field. There is another entrance into the stadium from the basketball arena, but the football teams use the arena for their locker rooms, so they use this entrance on game days. The Hangar Dome is a part of Maurice Hall Activities Center, which houses the school's fitness and recreation facilities. Inside the building is a beautiful hallway lined with an impressive display filled with trophies, banners, programs, old game balls, etc. from all the past athletic feats at Millsaps. You can view football artifacts dating back to the 1920s, and you can view former quarterback Juan Joseph's Conerly Trophy. Joseph, a former CFL and Arena Football quarterback, won the award in 2008; the prize is given out annually to the best college football player in the State of Mississippi. Past winners of the award include Deuce McAllister, Eli Manning, Patrick Willis, and Dak Prescott. The field faces north and south with the main stands being located on the west side of the field. The east side stands consist of 3 sets of temporary metal bleachers that extend about 15 rows up. The stands on the west side are metal bleachers as well but extend only 5 rows back, with the seats in the middle being purple chair back seats. There is a small press box with a pretty cool looking observation platform for filming games. The scoreboard is located in the south end zone, while trees and the practice fields take up the view in the north end zone. The big stadium off in the distance to the north is Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium , home of the Jackson State football team . Neighborhood 3 Millsaps’ campus is located in a mostly residential area north of downtown. While there is nothing within walking distance of the college, just a short drive north will take you to the Fondren District – located near the Ole Miss Med School, this is Jackson’s nightlife area, and you will find numerous restaurants and bars on this one block strip, my favorite being Fondren Public. You can play all sorts of games such as bocce ball, corn hole, shuffleboard, and over-sized jenga, as well as multiple board games so this bar has a really cool feel to it. There are numerous other bars and restaurants located in Fondren as well, however, such as Pig & Pint (known for its BBQ), Walker’s Drive Inn, Babalu Tapas & Tacos, and Sal & Mookie’s Pizza. But another bar in the area I suggest checking out is Brent’s Drugs – from the outside it looks like a regular pharmacy, and with the soda fountain inside it’s very reminiscent of 50’s style diner. However, in the back there is a speakeasy style bar that was used during prohibition – it’s a very interesting bar that gets pretty packed at night. There are also numerous bars in the downtown area as well, a couple of miles south of campus, such as Hal and Mal’s, Fenians, and Old Tavern on George Street. In addition, Underground 119 is a cool underground blues bar located in downtown. However, the downtown area is not exactly the safest area, so use caution when walking here after dark. Lakeland Drive is located about a mile north of Belhaven’s campus and you can find all the usual chain restaurants and lodging in this area. For attractions, I recommend checking out the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, which is a very nice interactive museum that doesn’t get too packed during the week, and you could spend hours just walking through all the different exhibits located in the museum. The Hall of Fame is located on Lakeland Drive, right next to historic Smith-Wills Stadium, former home of the Minor League Jackson Mets/Generals and the current home to the Belhaven baseball team. Fans 3 The Majors are averaging about 1,700 fans per home contest this 2019 season, which is down from the 2,300 fans they averaged last year. This is about on par with what most of the other schools average in the Southern Athletic Association. Many of the students at Millsaps stay on campus, and Millsaps has a pretty big Greek life program for a such a small school, so many of the students show up on game day. There is not an assigned student section, but there were a large number of students sitting on the east metal bleachers at the game of this review. The atmosphere in the west chair back bleacher section is much more relaxed, with a bit of an older mix of alumni and players' parents. The fans here seem very knowledgeable and into the game; there is not a large tailgating scene but there are several fans sitting on the berm in the north end zone. Access 3 Millsaps’ campus is located north of downtown Jackson, just west of I-55 in the Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson. The college is located in a residential area of town, a couple of blocks west of another school named Belhaven University ; the Blazers are D3 as well and share a fierce rivalry with the Majors. When coming to the campus, the Woodrow Wilson Drive exit off I-55 is your best bet; just take rush hour traffic into account, as the interstate tends to back up especially on the north side of downtown, so plan accordingly. The campus can be easy to miss as it is pretty small, but just follow Woodrow Wilson Drive until you get to the State Street intersection. Because of the size of the campus, finding a parking spot can be difficult. There is a small parking lot located right outside Harper David Stadium, but it fills up quickly because so many students live on campus. Instead you can park across the street or you can park in the campus parking garage on the south side of campus – just take State Street until you get to the Park Street intersection, and the parking garage is on the right. Return on Investment 3 General admission seating is $5; the GA seats consist of any seats on the metal bleachers on the east and west sides. To purchase tickets for the 300 or so chair back seats on the west side the cost is $10. Factor in the concessions prices and a beautiful setting on a beautiful campus, and I consider this a good return on investment – Harper Davis Field is kind of an underrated venue, and one that not a lot of people know about. Extras 4 A play that some consider the greatest play in sports history happened at Harper Davis Field on Oct 27, 2007. Late in the fourth quarter, with Millsaps leading Trinity College 24-22, Trinity would get the ball back on their own 40 with two seconds left on the clock. What would proceed next would make the 1982 Play between Cal and Stanford , and the 2003 River City Relay between the Saints and Jaguars , look like “conservative play-calling”. Trinity College quarterback Blake Barmore would complete a short pass up the middle to receiver Shawn Thompson; Thompson would lateral the ball to another receiver Riley Curry. The ball was then lateraled 14 more times between 7 different players, en route to the 61-yard touchdown and the 28-24 win for Trinity College . The play was dubbed the Mississippi Miracle and was voted ESPN's 2007 Pontiac Game Changing Play of the Year, as well as nominated for the 2008 ESPY Award for Play of the Year. In addition, the 15-lateral play has the record for longest time for an individual play in football history – it lasted 62 seconds from the time the ball was snapped until it finally crossed the goal line (you can see the video of the Mississippi Miracle below). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7oF4ZDigjM The Majors were also coached during this time period by former Alabama head coach Mike DuBose, who coached at Millsaps from 2005 to 2009. Also, from 2006 through 2008, the New Orleans Saints used Millsaps College as their training camp home, and practiced at Harper Davis Field. In fact, some could argue that the Drew Brees-Sean Payton era began right here at Millsaps, as the two would join the team for the 2006 season. You can also still walk around the old soccer practice field on the north side of campus, and still find old tackling dummies bearing faded Saints logos. During the 2006 pre-season the Indianapolis Colts came to town for a series of pre-season scrimmages against the Saints at Harper-Davis Field; they would meet up that weekend in an official pre-season game across the street at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Field . It would be the only time in his career Peyton Manning would play a game in the city of Jackson, and it would mark a Manning's return to Jackson for the first time since Archie dominated so many Egg Bowls here in the 1960s. Though some may not realize it, there is a lot of big time college football history that happened in Jackson. Millsaps has two main rivals; Mississippi College from nearby Clinton and Belhaven University from just down the street. The rivalry with Mississippi College , nicknamed the Backyard Brawl, originally stretches back to the 1920s – the two teams met up every year (except during World War II) for 39 years until the series was discontinued in 1959. The rivalry was a fierce, heated rivalry where students would often cause extensive damage to each other’s universities. In fact, the reason the series was discontinued in 1959 is because there was rumor that students from Mississippi College broke into Major Millsaps tomb on campus and stole his body. However, the series was restarted in 2000, and the two teams began meeting every year across the street at The Vet , which at the time was the largest stadium in the state. Another fierce rivalry for the Majors is their neighbors from right down the street, the Belhaven Blazers . Though the two schools have been playing each other for years in different sports, it wasn't until 2014 that the two schools would face each other in football for the first time. Nicknamed the Riverside Rumble, the atmosphere definitely increases a notch when these two teams meet up. Both teams usually start off the season facing one another, and both teams are currently tied at 3 wins apiece as of this season. Another extra for the number of college football games one could attend while in the area. Millsaps, Belhaven , and Jackson State's football stadium are all located within blocks from each other. I recommend checking the schedule for when all three teams play on the same day, which happens at least once or twice a year. On my most recent visit I was able to check out a noon game at Belhaven , walk two blocks and watch the Millsaps game at 2:30, and then walk across the street to watch the Jackson State Tigers play. You could also venture about 30 minutes west to see Mississippi College play in Clinton, or drive 90 miles south to catch Southern Miss play in Hattiesburg. Final Thoughts Football in the South in huge, and when most people think of football in the South they think of the SEC. In Mississippi most people think of either Ole Miss or Mississippi State . However, much like its neighbor and rival to the east Belhaven , there remains a nice little football stadium off the beaten path, on a nice, quaint little campus. If in Jackson on Saturday in the fall I definitely recommend a trip to Harper Davis Field.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Eugene B. Depew Field 19 Bucknell West Dr Lewisburg, PA 17837 Bucknell Bison baseball website Eugene B. Depew Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 1000 Historic Town, Modern Turf Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, PA. The baseball stadium here is named after Eugene Depew, who coached Bucknell’s baseball squad for thirty years in the 80s, 90s, and 00s, and is the longest serving baseball coach in the history of the program. Bucknell currently competes in the Patriot League in NCAA Division 1, which only has 6 baseball schools including Bucknell. The stadium was formally dedicated in 2003 as Eugene B. Depew Field, so Depew actually coached here for almost a decade while it was named after him. Food & Beverage 3 Like many smaller schools, Bucknell offers concessions from a mobile trailer, so the selection is a bit limited, but there are a few unique items, including soup, iced tea, and hot tea, and the prices are low. Hot dogs are $2.50, peanuts are $2, pretzels are $1.75 (note that they are smaller however than the ones you usually find at stadiums), candy is $1.50, chips are $1, and soup is $2 – different varieties are available on different days, including chili on some days, clam chowder on others, etc. There are actually more drink options than food options, including iced tea for $2-$3, PowerAde, bottled water, or soda for $2, hot cocoa for $1.50, and coffee or hot tea for $1.25. Atmosphere 2 The playing surface itself at Eugene B. Depew Field is state of the art due to recent renovations, but the facilities and amenities leave a lot to be desired (one could even say they are rustic). First of all there is not even an actual grandstand, just several sets of low metal bleachers (without chair backs), so while you are technically closer to the action it is a little difficult to see. In fact, a lot of fans don’t even sit on the bleachers, but instead bring chairs and sit farther back on the sidewalk or on the hill overlooking first base. The second issue is that there is not a real press box, just a mobile wooden trailer. This may not seem like an issue to some, but the impact to fans is that one set of bleachers is pushed further away from home plate than would be ideal, because that space is taken up by the trailer. There are also batting cages and such along that same side, which force the bleachers even further to the left; the training paraphernalia at least should have been located elsewhere, and will have to be moved in any case if Bucknell ever builds a grandstand at Eugene B. Depew Field. It is interesting that the visiting fans tend to cluster on that more distant set of bleachers, and not the home crowd – perhaps this placement was intentional. Neighborhood 3 In the immediate vicinity of Eugene B. Depew Field are several other athletic fields, including the soccer field, the football stadium, and the softball field, as well as several small dorms. Therefore, if you are looking for something to do before or after the game, nearby Market Street is the place to be at Bucknell. Located about a mile from the baseball diamond, Market is your classic college strip replete with restaurants and bars, a movie theater, and of course shopping. The Smiling Chameleon offers 30 drafts on tap, as well as sandwiches, sliders, several pasta options, and a variety of seafood dishes. The Towne Tavern is another good option, albeit a little more expensive, but with more typical bar fare including burgers, bar plates, and several dessert options. Probably the best thing about Market Street, however, is the architecture – Lewisburg is a historic town, and the architecture on Market reflects that. The buildings and homes tend to be row style, but with facades that vary in color and material (some stone, some brick, etc.) so it offers some nice variety while still providing a pleasing aesthetic. If you plan to stay for the weekend, and maybe take in a whole series, there are several hotels within a few miles of the field, including Days Inn, Best Western, Comfort Suites, and the Lewisburg Hotel. In terms of local attractions, the Little League Museum in nearby South Williamsport (about half an hour or 40 minutes north of Lewisburg) is well worth a visit. Completely redone in 2012-13, the artifacts and interactive displays powerfully showcase not only the game but also its impact on US and world history, as well as its influence on sports safety for baseball and numerous other sports as well. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids 5 and older (free for younger children). The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Fans 3 Bucknell draws a good crowd, although not many of them tend to wear team gear, and there is none for sale at the field. The fans do come prepared for the game; as I mentioned earlier many of them bring their own chairs and sit further back than the stands, so while the bleachers themselves may not be full there is still some pretty good crowd noise. Of the 3 sections of bleachers, the one nearest third base seems to be unofficially reserved for the visiting fans, and most of them do wear gear, and don’t bother to bring their own chairs since there is no higher ground over there to occupy. Access 3 Lewisburg, PA is not hard to find – it is located in a rural area a few miles south of I-80, or west of I-180, but not so far away you have to be on local roads for too long. There is plenty of free parking all around the field, although most of it is fairly close to the fence so beware of balls hitting your car. There are bathrooms near the stadium, but not on-site per se – they are located in a separate building behind the outfield so there is a little bit of a walk to get to them; not the kind you probably want to send your kid to unescorted since he or she would be well out of sight. Return on Investment 4 As with many smaller parks they don’t sell tickets to baseball games at Bucknell, so admission is free, as is parking. Concessions are on the very cheap side, so a pretty cheap date to take in a game here. There is some decent crowd noise, and you can get very close to the action if you are into taking pics to slap on Facebook, so certainly worthwhile in terms of value for the money. As I mentioned the Little League Museum is nearby, so for the true baseball fan this is a great choice for a weekend trip to see some games and immerse yourself a little in the history of the game. Extras 3 One point for the Little League Museum since it provides a related attraction that perfectly complements the action on the field. A second point for the state of the art field – even though it contrasts a bit with the lack of amenities at Eugene B. Depew Field, it is a nice playing surface with modern fences, dugouts, and backstop. A third point for the architecture on Market Street. Nothing to do with baseball I know, but it adds to the beauty of the campus and makes for a more interesting trip since a lot of your time during a visit will be spent off the diamond. Final Thoughts A good place to see a game – while it lacks the amenities of many of the larger parks, if you can overlook that you will find a great playing surface, and there are a lot of cool things to do in the area before or after the game.

Photo Credit Spatms Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 David R. Stopher Gym Nicholls State-Acadia St. Thibodaux, LA 70310 Nicholls State Colonels website David R. Stopher Gym website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 3,800 Nickel’s Worth at Nicholls When you go to south Louisiana, you have to go all the way down to the bayous to find a city named Thibodaux where the Colonels of Nicholls State University reside. Nicholls is probably the southernmost university in the state and as the campus sits across from Bayou Lafourche you know you’re down with the gators. If you’re ever down at Nicholls State for a basketball game you should know that the teams play in David R. Stopher Gymnasium, which opened in 1970. The Stopher caps out at 3,800 fans but for a small D-I school, there are some perks about it. Food & Beverage 2 Concession stand? Let’s just call it a snack bar. In Stopher Gym, there is one snack bar area where you can get hot dogs and nachos for $3 each. However, the beverage prices are set pretty high. PowerAde ($3), bottle of water ($3), and the soda is $3. And the snack bar is located as soon as you walk in the door of the gym. I thought I was arriving at a packed game when I walked in, but it was the snack line mixing with the ticket line. Atmosphere 1 The atmosphere was very high school like, having the few loyal fans who dress up and then the older crowd who is just spectating. One thing I was really impressed with was the upper section of the seats that were upstairs. They looked to be regular bleacher seats and could be used as such, but there also were mini seatbacks that could fold up and give you some back support. I did expect a more rowdy atmosphere since the Colonels are the only school in this area of the state and it was a conference game, so the atmosphere overall was a disappointment. Neighborhood 3 Thibodaux is a pretty small college town, which means you won’t find a whole lot to do in the area. If you’re into history though then you’ve struck gold here. There is a sugar plantation that has been running since the late 1800s in the area and the downtown area seems to have a nice taste of history behind it as well. Other than that, you’ll find your ordinary small college town, which includes fast food chains and a shopping strip about a mile away from the campus. However I must add that there are a few restaurants there that you must visit. One is called Politz’s Steak and Seafood; remember you are in the south along the bayous so the seafood is what you want to concentrate on experiencing. Fans 1 The fans weren’t in abundance for whatever reason – maybe the students go back home on weekends – but the fans that were there made sure you knew they were in the building. There wasn’t much chanting going on and the only noise really was that which came from the band members. I thought for sure all colleges had a fan base and student section; that was until I arrived at the Stopher. When you talk about student support, you can count on one hand those who showed up for the Colonels. The band did the best it could along with the cheerleaders and dance team, but the fan element definitely was missing and the school needs to find a way to get fans in the stands. Access 2 Access to the college and gym wasn’t the easiest thing, being that there isn’t a major interstate to take to just get off and make a few turns. You get there through the highways and the way I went I just followed the Bayou Lafourche, that way I couldn’t miss it because the campus is located directly across from it. To make things trickier there aren’t any signs that say arena or sporting complexes once you’re on the campus. Once you get to the back of the campus, Stopher Gym doesn’t stand out at all from the other building of the school, so it’s confusing as to where the gym is. I wasn’t particularly happy with riding around the campus hoping to stumble upon it because I like to know where I’m going. But once you’re in, the Stopher is easily accessed. As soon as walk in you get tickets, concessions, you look to the right you see bathrooms, you look straight ahead there’s the court – very high school-esque to say the least. Return on Investment 3 Here’s what I consider to be the only treasure you’ll find for watching the Colonels basketball. With ticket prices ranging from $5 – $12 and free parking, you will not find a much cheaper basketball experience. The concessions aren’t worth the time, but if you hold out on the food there, you’ll notice on the back of your ticket a free McDonalds Big Mac coupon. And yes, it works in the surrounding McDonalds in Thibodaux – I know from experience. If you’re looking for the best of college basketball this definitely isn’t the place, but if you’re looking for a cheap game to attend and a free Big Mac, here’s where you need to be. Extras 1 The only treasure is the ticket to get in because you get a free Big Mac after the game – win, lose, or draw. Other than that, the Nicholls experience didn’t quite give me my nickel’s worth. Luckily I’m a Big Mac fan though.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Oriel Park Carrickmacross Road Dundalk, County Louth Ireland Dundalk FC website Oriel Park website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 4,500 Vibrant and Lively Venue in Dundalk Dundalk FC were founded in 1903, nicknamed ‘The Lilywhites’ for their predominantly white kit. The club have been playing at Oriel Park since 1936. The town of Dundalk is located in the east of the country, in County Louth which is close to the border with Northern Ireland. The club’s nearest rivals are Drogheda United. Oriel Park is an old fashioned stadium with a mixture of new and old features, with a capacity of 4,500. This includes a traditional Main Stand, a new covered enclosure opposite, standing areas behind both goals, and open area corner seating added at either side of the Main Stand. Under an experienced manager in Stephen Kenny, the club have won the league title in 2014 and 2015. This has ensured qualification for the Champions League Qualifiers, elevating the club’s profile, while providing extra income for the club, which in turn has enabled the club to make improvements both on and off the pitch. The club have been playing on a synthetic surface since 2005 and were the first to do so in Ireland. This also allows the Dundalk teams of all ages to train on it along with local teams getting to use it; again enhancing income streams. Food & Beverage 3 The refreshments options are very limited, with a couple of burger and ice cream type vans offering hot and cold drinks, burgers, and hot dogs. If that’s not what you are after, then you will have to wait until after the game and treat yourself at a local shop or a take away/fast food outlet. The majority, if not all clubs in the League of Ireland are part time, so the funds to improve specific areas like designated eating areas are limited. Bringing in third party companies and vans is convenient for them. That being the case, it may prove beneficial to bring in vans that offer more (dare I say) healthier options, for both hot and cold foods. I suppose from experience the people who run the vans will know what is popular, and know their market enough to make changes based on supply and demand. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Oriel Park is excellent and the locals really embrace the team. Walking around town you will see people wearing the kits, badges, stickers and pennants hanging in shops, cars, and house windows. For bigger fixtures like European games or derby matches against Drogheda there are organised marches from the town centre to the stadium. With flags, banners, drums, singing and pyros it certainly adds to the atmosphere, more so if you are visiting. Even throughout the game, the main area where the singing emanates from is the enclosure on the far side, which at certain points encourages others to join in and get involved. The stadium entry is down a lane off Carrickmacross Road which takes you down to the Main Stand. This is the main hub for office use, dressing rooms, and club shop with the turnstiles on the left and right hand side. The away fans are situated on the right and will get limited use of both covered and open seating areas. Behind the left hand goal is a slightly sloped grass embankment for standing, which is known as ‘the Town End’ and it is a popular area for league matches. Behind the other goal at the Carrick Road end, there is limited standing space due to a large green net to catch stray balls, and that’s due to there being nothing there apart from a narrow road and wasteland. The Main Stand is quite small and does not run the full length of the pitch. It has had a roof replacement in the last decade and has open seating on either side and this is to increase capacity due to the UEFA restrictions for European ties. Opposite is ‘The Shed’ which is an old small terrace that has had seats fitted and a roof to cover it in recent years. It also has open seating on either side of it, which isn’t ideal for the average winters day in Ireland. The best view is from the Main Stand as it is elevated from the rest of the ground, providing the best vantage point to see the action, though there are a couple of supporting pillars, but doesn’t impede your view too much. Neighborhood 4 The local people in the shops, pubs, and hotels, as well as club staff are very friendly and welcoming. They are often keen to ask why you are visiting and to tell you about Dundalk. The personal touch certainly adds to the experience and helps you embrace the town. There are a number of take away places for chips, pizza, Chinese, and Indian food which are on the main road and are within walking distance from the train station, Oriel Park, and The Imperial Hotel. Some of the local pubs will do food until 9pm. There are a few hotels in town, but the closest to the stadium and best value is at: The Imperial Hotel which is very friendly and comfortable, and only about a five minute walk from Oriel Park. A twin room costs 70 Euros which includes breakfast. Fans 5 The fans are very passionate, creating noise and singing their heart out before, during and after the match. Dundalk have one of the higher average attendances within the League of Ireland, with an average of 3,400 for home fixtures. The problem with higher profile games like a European tie, UEFA regulations mean the standing areas cannot be used which reduces the capacity. One song that tends to get all supporters involved is the tune of ‘When The Saints Go Marching In,’ when one section starts with “Oh when the whites,” and another replies “the Lilywhites,” both then join in singing “go marching in, oh when the whites go marching in!” Access 4 Entrance to all of the stadium is next to the Main Stand and the approach is from turning left, just off Carrickmacross Road. The area is well stewarded and the queues at the turnstiles move quickly. Oriel Park is ideally situated, a few minutes walk from the town centre, train station and is also on a regular bus route. For anyone taking the car, parking is limited at the ground, but street parking is available. It is busy on approach and may be worthwhile taking one of the side streets before it, as this will allow you an easier exit too. Tickets can only be bought directly from the club and the pricing is certainly fair enough. If you wish to sit in the Main Stand it is 20 Euros and 15 for a concession. For the rest of the areas within the ground it is 15 Euros for an adult, 10 Euros concession and 5 Euros for U12s. There is limited movement once you are inside the stadium as each designated area is monitored by stewards. I am assuming this is to prevent people paying the lower admission price from getting into the Main Stand. Return on Investment 4 Overall, Oriel Park offers a good return on your investment for sporting entertainment. With the hotel location in close proximity to the train station, stadium, pubs and food outlets, this is possibly one of the best venues you can get. With the price of juveniles being 5 Euros, it is exceptional value if any adult wished to take along their kids. Extras 4 The club shop offers the current kit and there are special deals on polo shirts, a book on the previous season’s title win and some stationery. The match programme is also well produced and good value at 4 Euros. Final Thoughts There are not many grounds or stadiums that will have a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with all you need merely minutes away as Oriel Park. The town is easily accessible by train or bus travelling from Dublin in the south or from Belfast in the north.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Penny J. Fall Gym Cain Athletic Center 300 Washington Ave. Bldg# CACATH2 Chestertown, MD 21620 Washington College Shoremen website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 500 To The Shore Washington College is a college in Chestertown, Maryland which was granted its charter in 1782. It is the 10th oldest college in the United States and one of the few to have received support from George Washington to honor him. The original desire was to have this college as the Eastern Shore Campus of a public “University of Maryland” with Annapolis’ St. John’s College the Western Shore counterpart. That obviously did not happen. Each year, Washington College awards the nation’s largest undergraduate literary prize. Since 1968, the Sophie Kerr Prize has been presented to one graduating senior who demonstrates the greatest literary promise. Washington has had sports since the 1800s. Men’s teams are known as the Shoremen; women’s teams are known as the Shorewomen. Many of the men's games here at Penny J. Fall Gym are doubleheaders so if you get there early you may want to catch the women's team in action as well. The Penny J. Fall Gym is the home playing venue for Washington College's volleyball and men's and women's basketball teams as well as the location of many athletic offices, the athletic training room, the equipment room, and several locker rooms. Penny J. Fall played an integral role in physical education instruction and the development of women’s athletics at Washington College. The gym was named in her honor in 2021. The gym is located within the larger Cain Athletic Center. Washington College participates in Division III sports as part of the Centennial Conference. Food & Beverage 1 There is no permanent food stand or any other options for sale at the gym. There does look like a former food stand is used just for storage now. There may be small options for sale in the lobby as well as there being a vending machine location. Atmosphere 4 This is a small typical gym for the schools of the Centennial Conference. Think of a high school type gym with two main bleachers and a smaller set along one of the baselines. There are some offices above the action with windows down to the floor. We did see some people watching the game from up there. Because of the small size, the gym can fill quickly and get loud. It has a nice vibrant atmosphere for a small college program like this. Neighborhood 4 Chestertown is a town and county seat of around 5,000 in Kent County, Maryland, and is located on what is known as Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is 1.5 hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia. The nearby downtown district of Chestertown is full of history and sites for visitors, along with some nice shopping and dining. BAD Alfred’s Distilling, the Evergrain Bread Company, and Play It Again Sam are good spots for dining. Check out the High Street Town Dock and see if there are any charter boat trips through companies such as the Chester River Packet Company. Wilmer Park and the nearby area around the Hodson Boathouse at Washington College make for some nice waterside walking on a nice day. Fans 4 The fans fill the small gym well and create a good atmosphere for small college sports. Access 3 The actual town of Chestertown is not an issue getting around and accessing, but the problem is how isolated from major urban areas the town and college are. You will have to go way out of your way to visit Washington College. There may also not be much parking on campus as it is a historic campus and if there are many events going on, the available spots could be hard to find. Leave yourself plenty of time to find a good spot. The North Commons area may be a good place to start, but make sure to follow parking guidelines, especially for weekday events during regular school semesters. Return on Investment 5 Games are free, so the value is very good. Most of the games, such as the one we attended, are men's and women's doubleheaders so you get twice the action for that free admission. Extras 1 Not many extras, but the athletic hall of fame in the lobby offers some interesting reading at halftime. Final Thoughts The Penny J. Fall Gym is a small place but offers a nice sporting atmosphere for fans who are in the area.

Long before Paddy Boom ( @pboomnyc ) drummed for the Scissor Sisters, he was a diehard Red Sox fan. Paddy took a few minutes away from his record emporium in the Catskills ( @ boomandbloomrecords ) to talk about his favorite baseball team. STADIUM JOURNEY: You were a Westchester, New York kid in the heart of Yankees territory. How'd you start rooting for the Sox? Did other kids give you a hard time?  PADDY BOOM: I was born in Boston, so by default, I was rooting for the Red Sox. We moved to Chappaqua, New York, when I was a toddler. At the time, I didn't get much flack. It was playful ribbing. I was extremely passionate about baseball for a period of about five years. STADIUM JOURNEY: What do you recall about those 70s Sox teams? What memories stand out? PADDY BOOM: When I was deep into the game, I knew what time games were on TV, and I often rushed home to get sucked into the adrenaline buzz of live action. I was a big fan during the mid to late 70s.  Don Zimmer was coaching the Bosox. As a kid I was fascinated how Zim had a metal plate in his head. I recall the stoic-poker-faced Zimmer was a stark contrast to the bratty ways of Yankees coach Billy Martin, who seemed to always be bouncing out of the dugout to scream at an umpire at the drop of a hat. At the time, Boston had Jim Rice, Dave Evans, Carlton Fisk, Carl Yastremski, Louis Tiant, Dennis Eckersley, to name a few. I was a pitcher and tried to copy pitcher Tiant’s classic, unorthodox, swivel-pivot windup. As per the Yankees, Reggie. Jackson was huge, Roy White, Dave Winfield, Craig Nettles, Willie Randolph. I recall Dent hitting a crucial home run over the Green Monster in 1978 to put Boston out in an afternoon playoff game. I vividly recall the game when Reggie Jackson’s new Reggie Bar was given out free at entry and thousands of the candy bars were thrown on the field, delaying the game when Reggie hit a homer. I was super bummed when Yankees catcher Thurman Munson died in that plane crash in August 1979. Oddly enough, my swim team coach at the time at the Boys Club in Mount Kisco, New York, was Dennis Munson, Thurman’s cousin. So when Thurman died, it really hit home as the swim team was connected to the incident. My stepfather had season tickets to Yankees games for a few years, so we checked out as much as we could. On one occasion, the well-dressed guys in front of us at the stadium were firing up a bowl of ganja and offered it to my dad to pass around. He declined, but I was curious. STADIUM JOURNEY: What do you recall about the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry? How intense was it? PADDY BOOM: The classic Boston, New York rivalry was going strong in the late 70s. I saw a Red Sox-Yankees matchup in which Boston upset the Yanks in extra innings. That night my dad had bought me a Boston pennant, and I was waving it around in the back window of the car as we were slowly making our way out of the packed parking lot. My father flipped out and said, “stop waving the pennant and put it away. Someone’s gonna smash the window”. It was that fierce. STADIUM JOURNEY: Did you make any treks to Fenway?  How about the House that Ruth Built? PADDY BOOM: Sadly to this day, I have yet to go to Fenway. It's a real travesty. The closest I’ve been to the Green Monster is just outside Fenway on Lansdowne Street. That’s where the music venues line the street on the backside of the Green Monster. I played Mama Kin, owned by Aerosmith, and Bill's Bar back in the 90’s. My stepfather had Yankee season tickets for a few seasons, and it was a pretty quick 45-minute drive to Yankee Stadium. I went to the original stadium a whole slew of times before it was torn down. The area around Yankee Stadium, in the late 70’s Bronx was super seedy. It felt like another world compared to suburban Westchester. All sorts of sketchy bootleg vendors were hawking game merchandise. I had a thing for the fake autographed balls. The awe-inspiring feeling of walking into the stadium and finding my seat amidst all these strange faces was an education in the power of the spectacle of the game. Seeing the trajectory and arcs created by the balls flying through air in person is no comparison to TV. The glow of the field during night games, and the 3D action on the field was mesmerizing. Getting autographs during the pre-game warm was thrilling too. It didn't matter who the player was but just getting their attention to get an autograph felt like magic. STADIUM JOURNEY: Did you play a lot of baseball growing up or were you strictly an enthusiastic spectator?PADDY BOOM: I loved playing baseball and did it for a whole bunch of years, starting in little league. My stepfather was a coach for one of my teams in middle school. I was a decent pitcher and played second base but never star material. I was a late bloomer and was quite small for my age for years. I'm lefty, but bat righty and throw righty too, which is weird. In seventh grade, I had a really bad accident while pitching a game. I had a head-on collision with the catcher going for a pop-up foul ball in which I lost a few teeth and had 17 stitches in the roof of my mouth. He was wearing the mask, so when our faces collided, the bar protecting his mouth went right through mine. The ball goes up and next thing you know, lights out. I see one of my teeth fall on the ground and my mother screaming, blood everywhere. I get whisked into the back of my mom's friend's suburban wagon, and I can just remember looking out the window, staring at the trees going by and wondering what the hell just happened to my face. I was in tons of pain. I had to wait in an emergency room for hours. I looked like the villain "Jaws" from the James Bond Moonraker movie. My face swelled up really bad. Sophomore year I tried out for the baseball team but didn't make the cut. That was the end of my interest.   Stay tuned for Part 2 of Paddy Boom Loves The 70s Red Sox.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 CHI Memorial Stadium 1 Stadium Way Chattanooga, TN 37412 Chattanooga Red Wolves website CHI Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 5,500 Defend the Den Chattanooga joined USL League One (USL1) at the start of the 2019 season with the debut of the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, the city’s second professional soccer team after Chattanooga FC , now a member of MLS Next Pro. In their inaugural season, the Red Wolves played at David Stanton Field on the campus of Chattanooga Christian School, on the city’s south-side. That same year plans were announced to build their own new stadium and surrounding development in East Ridge, Tennessee, just outside Chattanooga. After delays created by Covid-19, CHI Memorial Stadium opened in August 2020. The venue now serves as the home of the Red Wolves men’s team, their USL W League women’s side, and will also host a USL Super League team, part of a new tier-one women’s league launching in the coming seasons.   Food & Beverage   3 Food and drink options are clustered near the stadium entrance. There is space for several food trucks, but during my most recent visit, only one was present, resulting in long lines. Available food is of high quality with apparent variety, but it seems as if the consistency of the options is hit-or-miss. A popular stop is Pelican’s Snoballs, which has a “create your own flavor” setup. For those looking to grab a drink, there are several beer and cocktail stations around the stadium. The two-level Howl Bar in the northeast corner primarily serves from its upper level, and a beer trailer with multiple taps is also set up in the main plaza. Beer selections include Corona, Outlaw Light, Five Wits, Pacifico, Modelo, Blue Moon, and Miller Lite. Cutwater canned cocktails and White Claw seltzers are also available. A separate stand under the seating area offers mixed cocktails. In all, the food and drink options at CHI Memorial Stadium are fine, but it seems an inconsistency in the food truck turnout negatively impacts the eating experience.   Atmosphere   3 CHI Memorial Stadium offers a mix of seating: traditional reserved seating along the near side touchline and general admission bleachers at the north end, along with a safe standing section in the supporters' area and a grassy berm at the south end. There is also a smaller section of seats across the field, but access there does seem to be restricted. One of the more interesting viewing spots is the field-level drink rail, which allows fans to get close to the action. The stadium has one large scoreboard at the south end of the field that predominately shows a feed of the game, but also has a bar across the top of the screen with match time, score, and shots for each team. The stadium itself is a beautiful place to watch a game, though it does have the feel of a venue where they just put up fencing around an open lot.   Neighborhood   3 Located just outside Chattanooga in East Ridge, Tennessee, CHI Memorial Stadium sits beside I-75 just over the Tennessee-Georgia state line. The site was once forested, but in 2019 a $125 million mixed-use development was proposed, which was to include townhomes, apartments, retail space, and a hotel, with the soccer stadium as the center piece of the development. To date though, only a cluster of townhomes has been completed; the rest remains a gravel lot with minimal evidence of further progress beyond earthmovers parked nearby. Across I-75 is Camp Jordan, one-time farm land that has been converted to a multi-sport complex with baseball, softball, and soccer fields, as well as beach volleyball courts, a fishing pond, disc golf course, kayak launches, and a multi-purpose arena that is used for many civic events. The surrounding area has begun to develop with the addition of restaurants, hotels, Topgolf, and Bass Pro Shops. The drawback of the location is its distance from downtown – downtown Chattanooga is just under 10 miles away. While still accessible, it is not the most convenient for visitors seeking a broader urban experience just steps from the stadium.   Fans   3 Attendance numbers may be modest, but Red Wolves fans are loyal and welcoming and quick to compliment the opposing side following the mach. The supporters’ group, while smaller and more subdued than most, brings flags, drums, and smoke bombs to celebrate goals and wins. Whereas some supporter groups can really create a special air in the stadium, the Red Wolves supporters are not able to set that same tone, mostly due to their smaller size.   Access   3 The stadium sits directly off I-75 near the I-24 split. This area can experience heavy traffic, especially near the Ringgold Road exit. GPS often routes drivers to Spring Creek Road, a less direct access point at the rear of the property. However, North Mack Smith Road, although it seems uninviting, is the most straightforward approach. There is a single entrance to CHI Memorial Stadium near the ticket office, leading to a central plaza flanked by food and merchandise areas. A concrete walkway runs behind the main seating area and continues around to restrooms and the grassy berm on the far side of the field. While most pathways are spacious, the walkway atop the touchline seating can become congested with even light foot traffic. The aluminum walkways can also get slick if wet.   Return on Investment   3 Parking costs $13, while tickets range from $14 (supporters’ section) to $21 (general admission). With little difference between seating areas, the supporters’ section offers the best value. Overall, it is an affordable outing, especially for families or casual fans.   Extras   2 Red Wolves mascot Rusty, makes brief appearances before matches and at halftime, but is not a central part of the game-day experience. Postgame, players often stay for 15 to 20 minutes to thank fans, sign autographs, and take photos. This is a small touch that strengthens the club’s community connection.   Final Thoughts The arrival of the Red Wolves introduced new professional soccer energy to Chattanooga, but also sparked some rivalry with the established Chattanooga FC . The Red Wolves provide an entertaining on-field product backed by a loyal and hospitable fan base. However, future growth and sustained success may depend on whether Chattanooga can support two professional soccer teams, and if the progress of the long-promised surrounding development finally materializes, elevating the stadium experience from solid to standout.

Photos Courtesy of Lethbridge Pronghorns Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 1st Choice Savings Centre 4401 University Drive W Lethbridge, AB T1K 6T5 Canada Lethbridge Pronghorns Men’s Basketball website Lethbridge Pronghorns Women’s Basketball website 1st Choice Savings Centre website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 2,000 U of L Hoops The University of Lethbridge opened its doors in 1967. Its athletic program, competing in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) league, were originally known as the Chinooks; the teams are now known as the Pronghorns. In spite of being a fairly small campus, with around 8,500 students, the sports tradition runs deep at the U of L. Among the most popular teams are the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Southern Alberta is a hotbed for basketball fandom in Canada and so the Pronghorns draw consistently good crowds, as good or better than what comes out to watch the game at Canadian universities much larger than this one. 1st Choice Savings Centre began operations in January, 2007 at a cost of $31 million. The building is still shiny and modern inside and makes for a nice place to visit. Food & Beverage 2 In the lobby outside of the gymnasium you’ll find a Tim Hortons, which is your only option for real food at 1st Choice Savings Centre. Of course, you can also load up on famous Timmy’s coffee and donuts, but they also make a pretty decent sandwich and their soup is also usually pretty tasty. If you’re looking for something a little less ordinary, however, you’ll be out of luck. Through the glass doors that lead into the gym you’ll find yourself on an indoor running track. To your right, on the far north end, is a long row of tables set up as a concession stand full of your garden variety treats. Pop, chips, and candy bars are all available for a couple bucks each. On the other end of the running track, in the far southwest corner, is a podium selling adult beverages. Cash only, this stand has a surprisingly good selection—better even than some bigger, fancier stadiums I’ve been in. For $6 you can choose from Kokanee, Bud Light, Big Rock Traditional, Coors Banquet, Palm Bay Key Lime Cherry, and a couple more options as well if you’re looking to get your drink on. Atmosphere 3 In an arena that holds 2,000 people, the Pronghorns typically draw about 800 fans, which is a decent turnout for CIS basketball. Typically in the CIS, both the women and the men play in back-to-back games, so you’re getting two games for the price of your game ticket. People tend to file in over the course of the women’s game, so the early game tends to be quieter than the late game. There isn’t a lot of energy in the stands in either the women’s or men’s game, with people content to sit back, relax, and enjoy the action on the floor. Eyes tend to be on the game, though, so people appear engaged and there are appropriate cheers and boos for big plays. Because 1st Choice Savings Centre is such a new building it looks beautiful and clean inside. Clusters of lights near the rafters keep the court area brightly lit without being intrusive. Also up near the rafters, on the east and west ends of the court, are the championship banners the Pronghorns have earned over the years, including the Canada West Division championship banners won by the men’s basketball team (1985-86) and the women’s team (1992-93). The retired jersey number of local great Danny Balderson is also hanging alongside the banners. The seating area features comfortable plastic seats and plenty of leg room, making this quite a pleasant place to watch a game. Neighbourhood 3 West Lethbridge is mostly a residential area, with a smattering of commercial buildings, especially to the north end, and the University campus situated at about the midpoint and overlooking the coulees that separate West Lethbridge from the rest of the city. You are probably out of luck if you are looking for some entertainment options on campus. There is a single campus bar, The Zoo, located upstairs in the Students Union Building. The Zoo is open before and after Friday games (until 11:00 pm), but it is closed on Saturdays. You have no better than a 50/50 shot of visiting this place as a result of the conservative hours of operation. A better bet is the West Village Mall which is about two blocks west of the U of L campus and features several spots where you can grab some food before or after the game. For conventional fare, there’s a joint KFC/Taco Bell on one corner and a Dairy Queen on the other. There are also two pubs in the mall: Pop’s Taphouse and Backstreet Pub and Pizza. I recommend trying the Jamie Sandwich at the Backstreet; it’s a sandwich made of pizza fixin’s, and delicious. If you’re willing to take a bit of a drive, there are a number of other dining options to the north along University Dr. My favourite is Mojo’s Pub and Grill, which has more of a family-friendly atmosphere than Pop’s or Backstreet. The burgers there are very good and the sports pub atmosphere is comfortable and pleasant. Overall, there’s probably enough local entertainment to meet the needs of the few hundred people in attendance at Pronghorns games. But ultimately, if you’re looking for the heart of Lethbridge’s entertainment scene, you’ll be taking a drive down Whoop-Up Dr. to either the downtown core or all the way out to Mayor Magrath Dr. S. While this actually isn’t that long a drive in the grand scheme of things (10-15 minutes), it does mean that you’ll be crossing the city to get to other interesting places. Fans 3 A crowd of 800 to a Canadian university basketball game is a pretty good turnout so that’s pretty encouraging. On the other hand, in a venue with more than double that capacity it still seems somewhat sparsely populated. A fairly sedate crowd adds to this sense that the place is on the empty side. Nevertheless, looking around the stands, it is clear that the audience is engaged with the action on the floor, even if they aren’t as demonstrative as I would like. Folks in southern Alberta are basketball fans; they understand the game, they enjoy the game, and it isn’t just a handful of friends and family of the players, as you sometimes see at CIS events. While I would love there to be a little more energy in the stands, it is nice to see a healthy-sized crowd in attendance that cares about their team. Access 5 West Lethbridge is a bit of a drive away from the rest of the city, separated as it is by a deep valley of coulees and the Oldman River, but in a city of about 100,000, nothing is really that far away from anything else. I guess it’s all relative. Parking in Lot E is your best bet. Situated right next to 1st Choice Savings Centre, parking here after business hours and on weekends is free. Lethbridge Transit also has a stop to the immediate south of the building, so a $3 bus fare can get you right to the door of the facility from just about anywhere in the city. Inside, the facility’s main concourse is clean and spacious and features a glass wall looking through to the campus climbing wall. Passing through the glass doors into the running track above the court area puts you in a very roomy area, with a significant number of fans staying up top around the perimeter of the seating area to watch the game from that higher vantage point. Getting in and out of the building and the parking lot take no time at all as there is ample space to move around and get to where you’re going. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for all Pronghorns games are $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for youths, and free for kids under four years of age. University students can get in for $3. Considering that your price of admission gets you in to see both the women’s and men’s games, that’s great value for your entertainment dollar. Pronghorns basketball, with the possible exception of the Lethbridge College Kodiaks, is the highest-calibre basketball in southern Alberta. Getting to take in two games for the price of one at this level is pretty much the best deal in town. Extras 4 The U of L has its championship banners hanging above the gymnasium, reminding fans and players alike of the team’s proud history. The concourse of 1st Choice Centre also features display cabinets with photos and memorabilia from Pronghorn’s history, adding to the sense of history in the building. Just inside the gym doors is a Pronghorns gazebo setup where tickets are taken and where you can grab a selection of Pronghorns souvenirs. Shirts, sweatshirts, stadium clappers and a few other items can be picked up here. At halftime there are a few audience participation activities to keep the crowd’s interest and entertain the youngsters. At the game I attended there was also a big bouncy castle in the north west corner of the running track up top for kids who are a little too young to stay focused on the game for that long. The Pronghorns also have a cheerleader squad that performs routines on the sidelines during stoppages in game action and that comes out onto the floor to do a few routines over the course of the evening as well. I’m always happy to see recycling bins at a stadium and 1st Choice Savings Centre does. You’ll find bottle and can recycling in several locations, keeping the world a little cleaner and tidier. Final Thoughts Overall, this is a pretty nice atmosphere to watch some quality basketball. The Centre itself is a lovely building, the competition on the floor is great, and the audience is pleasant to be around. If you enjoy getting out to see the kids toss the rock around, as I do, this is a solid, cost-effective option.

Photo Courtesy of the Thetford Blue Sox Some sports teams move out of a city and a stadium but can a whole stadium move out of the city? In some cases, this has happened, and one of them is Stade des Caisses Desjardins in Thetford Mines, Quebec, which was once part of Autostade in Montreal, perhaps one of the most infamous stadiums in Canadian Football League history. Thetford Mines is located 141 miles northwest of Montreal and is known mostly as the asbestos capital of Canada but for some time it was home to minor league baseball in both the Provincial and Eastern Leagues from 1953 to 1975. However, within a few years, the old wooden stadium would be razed and a CFL stadium in Montreal would be disassembled with parts sent to town to form a new baseball stadium home to softball and amateur baseball. Autostade opened in 1966 and was composed of 19 identical prefabricated seating stands. It was constructed using prestressed columns and beams. The grandstand had wide gaps between each seating section, which not only separated fans but allowed for chilly winds to sweep through the facility during late fall games. The Alouettes became the primary tenants in 1968 after moving from Percival Molson Stadium. Due to its distance from downtown Montreal and the frigid winds of the nearby St. Lawrence River, crowds were fleeting at the mod facility. The club would average around 18,000 fans per game during its eight-season tenure.  File Photo The 33,000 seats sloped towards the field level promising great views anywhere in the stadium. Unfortunately, its oval design seemed better suited for Australian Rules Football than the Canadian version. Two-thirds of the stadium's seating was located behind the goal line, and the venue was accessible only by car. Its biggest moment might have been the 1969 Grey Cup where a record of 33,172 watched the country’s biggest football game. The game was played under truculent conditions due to ongoing concerns over the FLQ separatist terrorist bombing activities in Quebec. Police officers in full riot gear secured the stadium and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau participated in the ceremonial opening kickoff without incident. During the Als seven seasons at the stadium, attendance would range from an average of 12,169 per game in 1969 to close to 25,000 during the team’s 1970 Grey Cup championship campaign in what Glen Cole of the Canadian Press referred to as “one of the worst football stadiums in North America.”     Attendance was bleak enough that team owner Sam Berger relocated the Larks back to their original home in 1972. The plan soon proved disappointing with attendance dropping by 60,000; the team would return to Autostade the following season.  “The worst place I ever played in all my years of football. It was always windy, usually colder than most places in the fall, and just plain ugly,” said late Ottawa Rough Rider and CFL Hall of Famer Moe Racine in his memoir “Never My Dream”. Photo Courtesy of Bill Dutfied ( billd@acm.org ) In 1975, nearly half of the seats at the stadium were discounted in hopes of increasing attendance; it was the third time in three years that prices were lowered and attendance increased by 26 percent. The next year the Als would play the first professional event at the brand new Olympic Stadium in front of a record crowd of 68,505, and many including  Montreal Gazette journalist Earl McRae would not miss the vapid facility. “...the miserable, mournful stadium on a desolate section along the St. Lawrence. Rats scurried brazenly throughout the structure, mousetraps were scattered by the hundreds to catch them, lousy food was served by concessions, and rainwater poured through the ceiling of team offices..” Interestingly, Autostade was almost home to the National League expansion Montreal Expos in 1969. The plan was for the stadium to serve as a temporary venue for the club before a $35 million, 55,000-seat domed stadium would open in time for the 1971 season.  The plan was also to expand the seating from 25,000 to 40,000 and cover it with a domed roof. Initial costs were estimated to be $5 million but quickly swelled to $7 million, a pricey sum for a temporary ballpark that included a paved track around the field. The choice was then made for the Expos to convert Jarry Park into a temporary major league ballpark and would use it for the next 9 seasons. The dimensions and location close to downtown made it the most logical choice for the baseball club. By 1977, football and baseball were attracting huge crowds to Olympic Stadium, leading to the eventual closure of Autostade. Around the same time minor league baseball in Thetford Mines was coming to an end after two seasons. The old wooden ballpark was home to the Thedford Mines Miners from 1953-1956 in the Provincial League but had been absent for almost two decades until the Pittsburgh Pirates placed an Eastern League franchise in the city in 1974.  The placement was temporary but the club captured the league championship and featured future All-Stars Willie Randolph and Tony Armas. Randolph, who had played in sunny Charleston, South Carolina, the year before was shocked by conditions in Thetford Mines as he recalled in Yankee Magazine in 2016. " It was kind of a makeshift situation because the team wasn't planning to play there, but they were forced to. It was really cold, and the ballpark we were playing in didn't even have clubhouses. We had to get dressed at a hockey rink and walk over to the ballpark. Randolph added that the field was so bad that the team manager Tim Murtaugh--who  said in the book Beating the Bushes that “an empty lot was cleared, a canvas backdrop was tossed up and someone hollered, "Play ball!"--  would not allow his players out on the field. He would recant in 1989 to the Los Angeles Times "It was so bad they had to condemn it. There had been a lot of rain, and they had these big steamrollers on the field. Well, in short, center field, one of the steamrollers sank down about 10 feet, leaving a big crater. The Bucs drew a season crowd of 22,516 for an average of 322 fans and would leave town at the end of the year. The Milwaukee Brewers replaced them but attracted a dismal 16,000 fans for the final season. Soon, the old ballpark was razed and just an empty grass field remained. The city, needing a new ballpark, went the unconventional route--they bought themselves pieces of a football stadium. They then reassembled into what would be used as a 5,000-seat baseball stadium that included three sections and a press box from what was once Autostade. In February of 1978, the City of Thetford Mines handed a memorandum to the Minister of Urban Affairs to purchase five sections of Autostade to replace the old stadium park and revive the land. Five months later, the sections were purchased and construction began in August 1979. A cost of $350,000 was made to acquire, transfer, and reconstruct the bleachers to its new home.  The park would be home to softball for the next 33 years, hosting the 1982 Senior Men's Canadian Fastpitch Championships that attracted large attendance figures. Then in 2010, Francois Lécuyer, a local businessman, brought baseball to the stadium with the Thetford Blue Sox, a semi-professional team in the Ligue de Baseball Senior Élite du Québec.  Photo Courtesy of the Thetford Blue Sox To prepare for baseball, fences were reinstalled, locker rooms were built, and team headquarters were established beneath the stands. Since 2012, the Sox have won six league championships and draw between 500 and 1,000 fans per game. Professional baseball returned in 2014 for one game when the city hosted the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am League for an exhibition game, and 5,000 spectators filled the stands on Canada Day. Baseball is thriving once again during the summer months in Thetford Mines, but one has to scratch their heads and wonder why its existence appears to be an enigma to most people. It appears to many that the remnants of Autostade make up Stade des Caisses Desjardins but perhaps there is a reason for it. There was little fanfare in Montreal when the CFL stadium was torn down; the stadium was in service for a decade and was quickly put out of mind once Olympic Stadium opened. Also, the ballpark was never to be converted into a temporary baseball facility for the Expos. This could have thrust the venue’s attention to major league cities and with copious video footage and former players' testimonies, might have left a little more resonance on the public's attention in Montreal. Photo Courtesy of Google Sure, it looked decorative for visitors during Expo ‘67; however, there was not too much time for anyone to reminisce or become teary-eyed about the place, especially when the Alouettes averaged over 54,000 fans per game during the first two seasons at Olympic Stadium.  Today, Stade des Caisses Desjardins is the home of amateur baseball during the summer months in Thetford Mines. When fans take in a Blue Sox game, they are sitting in stands that were once created to watch professional football in Montreal more than 55 years ago. Who knew the legacy of Autostade is still alive and well in Quebec? --- Follow Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 A.E. Wood Coliseum S Capitol St Clinton, MS 39056 Mississippi College Choctaws website A.E. Wood Coliseum website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 3,400 Choctaw Basketball If you drive from Jackson to Vicksburg on I-20 chances are you’ve seen it, a large, very non-descript structure that resembles a giant golf ball. As you take exit 35 it greets you just off the exit ramp and you’ll think you’re pulling up into the parking lot at Epcot. But this isn’t Disney World – this is the A.E. Wood Coliseum, home of Mississippi College Choctaws Basketball. Situated about 15 minutes west of Jackson, Mississippi is the nice quaint, picturesque town of Clinton, home of the Mississippi College Choctaws. MC, as locals call it, opened its doors in 1826 and is Mississippi’s oldest college, along with being the second-oldest Baptist affiliated college in the world. A.E. Wood Coliseum opened its doors in 1977 and currently seats 3,400. The Choctaws currently compete in Division II as part of the Gulf South Conference. Food & Beverage 1 There is one small stand located to the right as soon as you enter on the south side of the building. The concessions are limited to hamburgers, hot dogs, and nachos ($3 each), as well as bottled soft drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Dr Pepper at $2 each) and bottled water ($1). Be prepared to have cash ready, as the stand does not take cards and there is not an ATM in the arena. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere is interesting to say the least. The first thing you notice when entering the seating bowl is its impressive roof. The roof is made of thousands of glass octagon-shaped tiles, so it looks like you’re sitting under a giant golf ball – it’s quite visually impressive to say the least and is the most distinctive feature of the building. In addition, the way the roof is made with the white tiles illuminates the court very well, making the building seem very well lit. In fact, during night games you may forget it is dark outside – after sitting in A.E. Wood Coliseum for several hours your body becomes accustomed to the light, so you may think it is daylight outside. Top of the Dome, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey The venue is octagon-shaped with the court facing southwest to northeast. There is one main entrance on the west side of the building with a small concessions stand located right next to it. There is also a small concourse on the southwest side of the building near the concessions stand which has four entrances up to the seating bowl. The stairs leading up to the seating area are basically a spiral staircase that has a neat retro feel to it, and the seating bowl itself is set up with wooden bleacher-style seats in an octagon-shaped configuration, with the first few rows featuring chair back seating. The northeast end of the court consists of the athletic department offices and a giant (for D2 standards) scoreboard. The board measures 16 ft. tall by 26 ft. wide and reaches across nearly the entire right side of the wall behind the basket. It is quite impressive to see this size scoreboard in this small of a facility, although it would be nice if the video showed something besides just the MC logo moving around at the center of the screen. There is also a smaller sized scoreboard on the southwest side of the building, but it just shows the basic information. Along the back side of the east end court are 12 banners representing conference championships and tournament appearances by Mississippi College. There is one set of restrooms in the arena with the women’s restroom on the southeast corner and the men’s on the west side. All in all A.E. Wood Coliseum is very nice and the court is well lit, though the acoustics in the building seem off – the speaker went in and out several times and there is an obvious echo that drifts throughout the arena. Neighborhood 3 The town of Clinton was founded in 1823 with Mississippi College being founded three years later. The town was overrun with Union officers during the Civil War which destroyed much of the town, however, in the years after the war the college and the town underwent a massive reconstruction phase that resulted in hundreds of new antebellum homes, most of which are still standing. Most of the buildings on campus were built in the years following the war, and they are made with beautiful white marble columns. Perhaps the most historic building on campus is the Provine Chapel; opened in 1860 it is the only building on campus that predates the war, and was used as a Union hospital as well as the first floor being used as a stable to house future president Ulysess S. Grant’s horses. I recommend getting to the game early and giving yourself ample time to walk around the campus – it is very small, but scenic. Historic Olde Town Clinton is just a couple blocks north of campus, and is Clinton’s downtown area. I suggest walking from campus to the downtown area, as it is just a couple of blocks north along Jefferson Street. This street is lined with many antebellum homes, and with its brick-lined streets provides a very picturesque setting. In addition, there are numerous mom and pop shops and small art galleries in the downtown area; a majority of the shops are closed on Saturday nights but there is one sit-down restaurant called 303 Jefferson (the name is the same as its address) which would be a good place to get a drink or get a meal. There is also a large bookstore with a café attached to, but that is also closed on Saturday nights – it would be nice if more of these shops and eateries were open later. However, the road headed into campus (Highway 80) has all the regular fast food chains, so you should be able to find plenty to eat. For lodging, the area south of campus has several hotels (Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, etc.) and you are only a short 15-minute drive from Jackson where additional lodging and restaurants can be found. For something to visit while in the area I recommend making the 30-minute drive to Vicksburg, which is also a very historic town, so history buffs can spend a whole weekend walking around the downtown area and the Vicksburg National Military Park, which was the site of one of the most important battles in the Civil War. You pay per vehicle and can drive around all the different historical areas of the park, so one could spend hours here and I highly recommend it. Fans 2 Due to the fact that school was out for Christmas break there were not a lot of students present at the most recent game I attended. The Choctaws are averaging just a little over 400 fans per home contest this 2018-19 season, and the announced attendance at the most recent game I saw was 302. With the majority of the players from Mississippi, it seemed like most of the fans in attendance were either related to the players on the team or had some sort of relation to the university. The lower sections were pretty full while the upper wooden style bleacher seating was rather empty, with fans scattered throughout. On the most recent night I attended MC played in state rival Delta State from nearby Cleveland, Mississippi – a lot of Delta State’s fans made the trip although I didn’t see a lot of college-aged students. Access 5 You will not find a more accessible college anywhere in the state than Mississippi College. Conveniently located in the center of the state you are within a 3 or 4-hour drive to anywhere in Mississippi. The main road into Clinton is I-20, and you would take this road if traveling east or west. I-20 can have bad traffic especially at the I-55 junction, so if you take 1-20 around 5 pm on a weekday you are going to be stuck in traffic. Mississippi College’s campus is located on the far west side of town, so take Exit 35 and you will see the giant golf ball-shaped dome ahead of you, right next to the football and baseball stadium. Highway 80 runs from Jackson right into campus, but it takes you through a rough section of town in the south Jackson area, but if you want to take the scenic route the historic Natchez Trace Parkway also runs right through Clinton. This two-lane road is very peaceful and void of red lights and any commercial traffic. The Trace has tons of areas you can pull off the road and visit such as Indian mounds, old cemeteries, historic houses, nature trails, campgrounds, etc., so if you have time I suggest just driving down The Trace just for its scenic beauty. Just make sure you go the speed limit though – the whole parkway is administered by the National Park Service and the speed limit is between 40 and 50, and you will have to pay a pretty hefty fine if you are caught speeding. Return on Investment 3 I was pleasantly surprised to see that A.E. Wood Coliseum has a small ticket office set up selling tickets as you enter. A lot of smaller colleges do not require purchase of a ticket to attend a game, but the prices here are reasonable ($5 admission) so it will not break the bank. Combining the ticket and the low concessions prices you are looking at spending $10 to $15 tops, but my recommendation would be to get something to eat before you come to the game and just pay for the ticket. Extras 3 Located right under the large Mississippi College banner on the south concourse is a small kiosk which serves as the Mississippi College Athletics Hall of Fame – this interactive display is a touch screen where you can view all the different athletes in the Hall. For a school as small as Mississippi College it is nice to see that they have a nice setup where fans can familiarize themselves with some of the athletes that came from the school. Before visiting A.E. Wood Coliseum the only notable athlete I knew of who attended Mississippi College was former New Orleans Saints pro bowl kick returner Fred McAfee, but after leaving the arena I knew about some of the other athletes who attended the school, so one extra point for that. Another extra point goes to the campus itself – I recommend just walking around the campus and the town of Clinton before the game as the area is very pretty. The campus and downtown area cover just a couple of blocks, so you could easily walk around for 30 minutes or so before the game. Mississippi College Campus, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Another extra goes to for accessibility; Mississippi College’s campus is one of the most convenient campuses I’ve ever visited. You could go from driving on the interstate to parking to sitting down in your seat in less than 10 minutes, as A.E. Wood Coliseum and the parking lot are located literally less than 100 feet from the interstate. Final Thoughts There are tons of elaborate basketball venues in the country these days and most of them, with all their bells and whistles, are more to just experience the atmosphere of attending the game. At A.E. Wood Coliseum you will not find any Cameron Crazies or Bleacher Creatures , but instead you get to see a basketball game in its purest form, the way it was meant to be played. There are no t-shirt tosses during timeouts, there’s no halftime show, no cheerleaders, no promotional contests, etc., so as long as you understand that going in you will be satisfied.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 AVEVA Stadium 2055 Mowery Rd Houston, TX 77045 Houston Sabercats website AVEVA Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 4,000 Sabercats' New Era at AVEVA Stadium The close of the 2019 season for Major League Rugby’s Houston Sabercats saw the beginning of a new era for the still fledgling team. After a series of delays due to Houston’s famously fickle weather, the second to last game of the season was witness to the grand opening of the team’s brand-new facility, AVEVA Stadium. With its opening, the venue becomes only the second in the United States to be built solely for Major League Rugby. The opening brought with it tons of pomp and circumstance, including a speech from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and a flyover by the United States Coast Guard. As it goes forward, what will AVEVA Stadium look like on the Houston sports scene? Read all about it from my visit. Food & Beverage 3 As it currently sits, there is one main concessions area for fans at AVEVA Stadium which offers much of your traditional stadium fare, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, popcorn, and soft pretzels – all of these options are available for $5 to $8 each. The stadium also offers some upgraded items, such as fish and chips baskets and personal-sized cheese and pepperoni pizzas ($10). In terms of beverages, AVEVA Stadium offers bottled soda, water, and sports drinks ($4). The concessions stand, which does have multiple windows, is located directly behind the west grandstand. Because of where it is situated, this does tend to be a high-traffic area and there are bottlenecks throughout the game. However, the staff does a good job of cycling people through fairly quickly. There are also two full bars at AVEVA Stadium, offering mixed drinks as well as beer and wine. One of the bars is located behind the team store on the north end of the field, while the other is on the south end of the field under the jumbotron in the stadium’s Party Zone. Both of these bars are, obviously, very popular and tend to be busy throughout the game. You should plan your visits accordingly to mitigate missing the action on the pitch. Atmosphere 4 As was to be expected for its grand opening, the atmosphere at AVEVA Stadium was pretty electric during my visit. There was a live band performing before and after the game, and the staff also had members of the armed services in attendance for Military Appreciation Night. The venue also had fireworks going off before the game, and it was a virtual sellout for opening night – it will be interesting to see how well the Sabercats can keep the momentum going moving forward. Overall, this is a really well-designed facility. It has a very industrial look and feel to it, with many of the buildings – including the team store and one of the bars – looking like modified shipping containers. Steel and concrete abound, and this seems to fit with the general aesthetics of the sport of rugby. In certain spots, especially the south end, you are virtually right on top of the action. The fans seated on both ends, in fact, are apt to find themselves on the lookout for a falling rugby ball that has sailed through the uprights on a try. Of course, there are still some bugs to be worked out and some finishing touches to be added, but one game in, AVEVA Stadium looks great. Neighborhood 2 Houston is the fourth largest city in the country and is one of the premier tourist spots in all of Texas. It has a metropolitan air to it – the Theater District, Museum District, and Chinatown neighborhoods are attractions not seen anywhere else in the state – that adds to the city’s overall charm. When attending games at AVEVA Stadium, this is something you should keep in mind before and after games. The Sabercats new home is located about 15 minutes east of Houston’s downtown, near the campus of Houston Community College and the Houston Sportsplex, which is the training site of the MLS’s Houston Dynamo – if you plan your visit right, you might be able to catch one of the Dynamo’s practices. Other than that, there is really nothing else to see or do in the area immediately around AVEVA Stadium; it is in a still relatively undeveloped part of the city. While this area is within eyesight of NRG Stadium and the Astrodome, and you can’t miss the Houston skyline, there is a distinct lack of activity in the immediate neighborhood. Fans 3 The Houston Sabercats first took the pitch in 2017, and in that time they’ve developed quite a rabid fan base. At their former home, Constellation Field in Sugar Land, the team averaged just under 1,000 fans per game. For a niche sport in a still growing league, that’s not a bad number. But at their new home in Houston proper, you can expect this number to rise significantly. For this first game the stands were jam packed – tailgaters littered the parking lots and there was a surprisingly large amount of yellow and black Sabercat gear in the stands. Houston, with the multinational and diverse makeup of its citizenry, is the ideal spot for a team like the Sabercats; I expect as they find success on the pitch, you’ll see their fan base get even larger. Fans in Stands at a Houston Sabrecats Match, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey On a related note, I freely admit that I don’t have the depth of knowledge of the sport of rugby to be considered anything near being called an expert – the rules of the game, let alone the nuances, are something that I am woefully under-educated on. With that said, I was glad to have true fans of the game in the stands, to educate fellow novices, like myself, on the finer points. Access 3 You can get to AVEVA Stadium fairly easily from downtown Houston via Highway 288. While there isn’t much in the way of signage yet marking the way – there are signs for the Houston Sportsplex, though – I expect that will come with time. The parking lot at AVEVA Stadium is one of the areas that still wasn’t quite ready yet on opening night, but there was still ample parking to accommodate the large crowd. The fee to park at the stadium is $10 per car, but down the road at the Sportsplex there is parking for $5, with a “valet shuttle” to take you to the game. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets for the Houston Sabercats start at $15 per person, which is a pretty spot-on price point for a growing sport in the U.S. like professional rugby. This is especially a good deal for a brand-new facility like AVEVA Stadium, and a great way to introduce new fans to the sport, especially if you want to bring in younger fans to introduce to the game. Couple the ticket cost with the relatively low concessions and parking costs, and you can take a large group or family to a Sabercats game and not have to worry about spending the proverbial arm and a leg. I think fans should get in early on the sport, as it seems poised to take off in the coming years. Extras 2 For their first game at AVEVA Stadium, the Sabercats brought out a ton of extras, but I don’t believe the flyover, the live band, and the vintage military vehicles that were seen this first night will be a regular part of the game day experience going forward. With that said, I think you can still bank on a couple of things to be there every night. Near the main entrance, for example, there were quite a few sponsors and vendors with booths offering games and giveaways to fans. You can also bank on the team’s cheerleaders, the Houston LadyCats Spirit Squad , to be delighting the fans on the sidelines and at halftime during every home game. The team also brings in junior rugby teams to take the pitch during the intermission, which is a great way to cultivate young fans of the sport and of the team. Final Thoughts There is still room for improvement at AVEVA Stadium, but even without all the polish being applied, you can see that this is going to be a great facility. It seems truly designed with the rugby fan in mind – the sight lines are spectacular, you feel like you’re on top of the action from every seat in the building, and the Sabercats have done a great job in educating fans about the team. I expect by the time next season (2020) rolls around, AVEVA Stadium will be the talk of the league. Houston has it all when it comes to sports, so I think it is only fitting that the Sabercats be included in the mix. If you have even a passing interest in the sport of rugby, you should make a visit to catch a Sabercats game. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 AZ Ice Arcadia 3853 E Thomas Rd Phoenix, AZ 85018 GCU Antelopes men's hockey website AZ Ice Arcadia website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 500 Lopes on Ice The Grand Canyon University Antelopes (nicknamed Lopes) Team 1 hockey club plays in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. The team moved from the Div II level to the Div I level this 2019-2020 season. So far, they’ve struggled a bit but it’s still early in the season. They play their home matches in the AZ Ice Arcadia, an off-campus rink in Phoenix, AZ. The rink features an NHL-sized ice surface, LED lighting, dedicated locker rooms, showers, and offices. It also serves as a community rink/rec center. Junior and kid’s rec leagues play and practice here too. Food & Beverage 3 A small snack bar area offers coffee, packaged snacks, and vending machines. The main draw for food is the Ice House Tavern (a restaurant and bar that overlooks the ice). The Ice House Tavern offers craft and bottled beers ($5 – $6) with pitchers available and a happy hour at select times. It sells traditional bar food such as wings, chicken strips, burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, etc. with prices ranging from about $6 – $12. There’s enough to keep a fan satisfied throughout the game. Atmosphere 3 As with many smaller rinks, it gets cold; quite frigid in fact. Wear layers – a long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, and jacket; many fans bring blankets. All seating is general admission. Seating is four rows of bleachers with no backs on just one side of the rink. A small set of handrails is in the middle of the seating section. Small tables with chairs are at the far end of the seating area. Player benches and penalty boxes are on the opposite side. The standing room is behind one end of the rink. Being a skating rec center, too, the glass surrounding the rink is quite scratched. A net goes from the top of the glass to the ceiling so no pucks go flying into the stands. Music is played and there is a PA announcer but neither can be understood or heard well at all due to a muffled sound system which fits in perfectly for this club-level team. A center ice, dot matrix scoreboard showing period, time, goals, penalties, and shots on goal hangs from the ceiling. NHL Stanley Cup banners and all kinds of recreational group championship banners adorn the walls. A small souvenir/hockey shop is on-site just upon entry. It provides custom skate sharpening and repairs as well. GCU players climb down a flight of stairs and across the end of the concourse to get to/from the ice, something I have not seen before. Neighborhood 3 The arena is in a commercial neighborhood with lots of shops, strip malls, and small businesses along a busy main road. Plenty of fast food restaurants are within walking distance or a short drive. Helio Basin Brewing (which also serves delicious food) is in the same shopping center as the ice rink. Wren House Brewery is about three miles from the rink. Within the AZ Ice Arcadia, itself is the Ice House Tavern which serves drinks and traditional bar food and burgers. Hotels near the airport on 44th Street might be the best bet for lodging. Try the Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North or Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Airport just about two miles from the AZ Ice Arcadia. Only five miles away are the Desert Botanical Gardens and the Phoenix Zoo if looking for other attractions on a nice Arizona fall/winter day. Other sports during the hockey season include GCU basketball and football, ASU hockey, basketball, and football, Arizona Fall League (baseball), and the Phoenix Suns . An abundance of sports events is available in the fall and winter in the Phoenix area. Fans 3 Plenty of students show up for a Saturday evening match. Interestingly, many female students are there (in packs) watching the game. A few families and alumni round out the fan base. On the game of this review, several dogs were in attendance. All, except maybe the dogs, show a great deal of school pride. Like with most levels of hockey, fans tend to like the fights more than the goals. Access 3 Finding the shopping center in which the rink resides is easy enough; however, finding the rink takes some time as it sits behind some of the shops. If facing the shopping center from Thomas Road, it’s to the left of Walmart down a small alley behind the Sprint store. Parking is in front and behind the shopping center at no charge. A clear bag policy is not implemented. Return on Investment 3 Admission is $8 for the casual fan. GCU students, faculty, and kids under 18 get in free. Visiting team students get in for ½ price. Credit cards and cash are accepted. Parking is free and food and beverage items are consistent with other club-level rinks. Extras 2 The students running the ticket table are extremely kind and friendly, always a good start to a game. The Zamboni is old and rusted and has the Phoenix Roadrunners logo on its side. The Phoenix Roadrunners are a defunct minor league team who played in Phoenix in various leagues until 2009. It’s cool to see it still in operation. Final Thoughts The GCU hockey club is a pay-to-play team. The players certainly look like they are having fun and their classmates enjoy rooting them on. If in town for the weekend, grab a blanket and head to the rink for a game for less than going to a movie

Photos by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Adelanto Stadium 2000 Stadium Way Adelanto, CA 92301 Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 3,808 A Baseball Diamond in the Desert Adelanto Stadium is quite literally in the middle of the desert. This isn’t an expression. Beyond the outfield walls lies a sea of sand and cactus. Adelanto, California does lie just south of the stadium, but even that feels like a small town with a few strip malls stoplights before you’re back in the desert again. To say this is a remote setting for baseball would be an understatement. The stadium opened in 1991 at a cost of $6 million and has a capacity of 3,308 people. It was the home of the High Desert Mavericks of the California League until it 2016 when the club, along with Bakersfield was contracted by the league. The next season the High Desert Yardbirds opened shop in the independent Pecos League capturing a league championship in it maiden season. However, a funny thing happened midway through the clubs third season in 2019 when league commissioner announced that the Yardbirds would be leaving the stadium and operate the rest of the season as a road team. The team attracted a pitiful 40 fans a game and was cited as the main reason for the club’s departure by However, field conditions were also poor that included the dirt infield showing patches of grass and the field being flooded that cause the Birds last game to be delayed two hours begging the question on how you can flood a baseball field in the desert. It is all part of a long history of trials and tribulations of the ballpark and perhaps the Yardbirds or another form of baseball will be back in Adelanto that despite its critics has managed to host pro baseball close to 30 seasons. However, will professional baseball return to High Desert in 2020? Food & Beverage 2 There’s really only one concession stand that serves food here, although there is a kettle corn stand and a shaved ice stand to choose from as well. Stands accept debit and credit and are fairly speedy. The main menu is largely the basic ballpark food with a few upgrades. Specialty items include the SoCal Nacho Dog ($7), Maverick Super Nachos ($7.75), Wooly Bully Burger ($7.75) and Texas Ranger Burger ($9.00). Beyond these items the menu consists of the usual, including hot dogs ($3.50), pretzels ($3.75) and chicken tenders with fries ($7.50). Drink options are pretty basic here. Drinks are primarily can or bottle with Gatorade ($4) and bottled water ($3.50) as options in addition to soda ($4). Beer is available for $6 for 16oz. and $8 for 24oz. cans. Probably the most interesting option is wine for $7. I’d recommend one of the 4 specialty items off the menu, but there’s no real distinguishable choice of beverage here. Atmosphere 2 There really isn’t much at Adelanto Stadium that speaks to any true ambiance beyond the desert wasteland beyond the outfield fence. There is uniqueness in the setting, but not enough else to support it. The stadium itself is as basic as it gets. A grandstand extends from 3rd base around to 1st base with berms in left and right field. These berms may have been grass-covered once, but as will happen in a desert it has largely died. The infield has a visually pleasing circular cut of the grass as well, but again the grass on the field is a bit patchy. There is a cool looking terrace seating section down the left field line, but unfortunately it was not open during my visit. There’s not a lot in particular to speak of in terms of in-game entertainment either. There’s some of the usual minor league promotions on the fields and Wooly Bully (the Mavericks mascot) makes his way around the field and entertains fans. Strangely, the PA announcer often speaks in Spanish, something I had never heard before at a minor league game. Attendance at Adelanto Stadium had waned over the years and reached an all time low in 2015, so seats are abundantly available. The grandstand is elevated and there are field views from anywhere in the concourse, so you have your pick of seats without sacrificing your view. The desert sun can get hot, so during day games you may want to sit further from the field in the last rows of the stands. These seats are the only in the park that receive shade from the grandstand awning. Neighborhood 1 Neighborhood? What neighborhood? The area around the park is completely desert, so I wouldn’t recommend walking anywhere from the game. Adelanto is not far down the road, but it’s mostly chain restaurants and strip malls…and even those aren’t in abundance. The two foods options that show up most when investigating the area are Rubio’s (Mexican food) and Bravo Burgers. Both are very affordable, but if you’re looking for upscale dining expect to be out of luck. While some of the mountain views from the surrounding desert can be stunning, there are no real attractions here to speak of. Adelanto is not somewhere you’re going to spend a vacation. Only 2 hotels show as truly Adelanto local. These are the America’s Best Value Inn and the Days Inn Adelanto. I’d strongly recommend making this stadium a pit stop and not a vacation spot. Fans 1 With attendance figures at 40 fans per game it is easy to understand why this section gets a point. There was a time when this was not the case, even for the Yardbirds first season. Maybe many are bitter for affiliated ball leaving, perhaps there is some bias towards indy ball, but the club posted a 101-71 record and a league championship in three years at the stadium. Apparently the High Desert Mavericks had a once mighty fan base with a strong reputation., but attendance had fallen steadily over the years. The club ranked 9th out of the 10 California League teams in attendance according to during its last several seasons in town. Access 3 The stadium is incredibly easy to access locally, assuming you regularly drive to and through the Mojave Desert. Other than that, you’re going to be driving to the middle of nowhere from just about anywhere you’re coming from. Public transit really isn’t an option, but it doesn’t need to be because of the general ease of entry and exit from the park. If you’re flying in for a game, Ontario Airport is only about an hour south down I-15. There is only one large parking lot around Adelanto Stadium. This is a park where there really aren’t any other options to park because there’s really nothing else around it at all. The only gate for the stadium is right behind home plate. I’d strongly recommend buying tickets in advance, but not because of sellout potential. The ticketing windows are very limited and slow, meaning you might hit a lengthy line despite the lack of overall attendance. Once in the park, it really couldn’t be easier to move around. The concourse is wide and elevated, meaning you’ll have an excellent view of the game from just about anywhere. Restrooms are on the 1st and 3rd base lines and are fairly large for the stadium, although not particularly pleasant. Return on Investment 3 According to the team’s website, all seats are General Admission tickets and cost $8. All seats are first come first serve with the exception of season tickets and skyboxes. This price point was similar to when the California League was in town and is what one should expect from the Pecos League. It is cheap and if you truly love to sit and watch baseball, the value can’t be beat,but if you want more in a stadium experience, this is a pretty low level park. Extras 1 This park is pretty cookie cutter overall, and extras don’t abound. It has the feel of a park that once relied heavily on community engagement, but as that has waned so has the baseball experience. The unusual environment though offers a bit more than a visually unique perk. The elevation, thin air and size of the ballpark means you’re more likely to see home runs here than your average park. When all else fails, we all like the long ball, right? Final Thoughts Far from the nicest stadium in baseball, Adelanto Stadium is long way drive to get to. Probably too long for what you’ll get. This one is for the die-hard baseball fan and the ardent ballpark traveler who happens to be in San Bernardino or Rancho Cucamonga watching affiliate baseball.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Alamodome 100 Montana St San Antonio, TX 78203 Alamo Bowl website Alamodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 64,000 Remember the Alamo Bowl! The 2019 version of the Valero Alamo Bowl marked the 26th edition of the annual contest held each year at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The annual clash between teams from the Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences saw the Texas Longhorns take on the Utah Utes in only the second-ever meeting between the two schools. Since the inaugural game, the 64,000-seat Alamodome – one of the oldest indoor multipurpose stadiums in the country – has been the home of the Alamo Bowl. Thanks to the association with the largely Texas-centric Big 12, the large and cavernous Alamodome is quite often filled to capacity, becoming a raucous event and one of the biggest social scenes on the San Antonio calendar. With the Texas Longhorns heading down from nearby Austin for a virtual home game, the Dome was especially lively and energetic this season; this palpable energy was largely able to cover up many of the Alamodome’s sometimes glaring flaws. Food & Beverage 4 One thing the Alamodome does not lack is a variety of quality concession items and offerings. What visitors will find is a mix of traditional stadium food and drink options, pared-down versions of national chains, and a sprinkling of local food and drink favorites unique to the Alamo City. You’ll be able to find choices on every level of the Dome. Because of the capacity of the Alamodome, the lines tend to fill up fast depending on what time during the on-field action you head to the lines. However, as part of the recent renovations in 2016-17, all the concession lines were upgraded and updated to now accept credit cards, which significantly speeds things up. There is a wide variety of food and drink offerings at the Alamodome. There are close to a dozen stands that offer your basic game day selections, such as nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, soft pretzels, soda (the Alamodome offers Pepsi products for your soda selection), and candy; these all range between $6 and $12. There are also nationwide chains, such as Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Papa John’s Pizza. The Alamodome also offers two great selections that are the epitome of San Antonio cuisine, namely Tex-Mex and barbecue. Los Barrios Continental Mexican Cuisine and Big Bib BBQ both have multiple stands located throughout the Alamodome. If you’re in the mood for beef or chicken fajita nachos or a pulled pork or chopped brisket sandwich, these two pinnacles of San Antonio have got you covered at the Alamodome. When it comes to adult beverages, the Alamodome has that covered as well. There are hard liquor and cocktail stands, beer stands, wine stands, and frozen margarita kiosks and carts throughout the Dome. For craft beer lovers, two San Antonio pioneers in the field, Alamo Beer Company and the Freetail Brewing Company , have got you covered. Atmosphere 3 The Alamodome – due to its design – is very cavernous. On games where the Alamodome is not filled to capacity it feels conspicuously empty. However, when a team like the Texas Longhorns or someone of that ilk comes to town, you don’t have to worry about it being empty. Built specifically to house football, the Alamodome has a configuration that gives the impression of an over-sized barn. However, because of the space, the seats in the lower bowl, specifically those along the sidelines, have the best sight lines for the on-field action. The two large video boards, one in each end zone, help those in seats which aren’t on that main level. During a game with the magnitude of the Alamo Bowl, all the usually closed off upper sections of the Alamodome are open, which cuts down on some of the emptiness. But those upper seats in particular will need to rely on the video boards to see what is going on during the game. In an effort to keep the facility competitive in the world of big-time sporting events, the Alamodome has undergone near continuous renovations and improvements in the last decade. In addition to the 2016-17 renovations, which totaled over $50 million and included upgrades to the main concourse and the addition of new video ribbon boards, the Alamodome replaced the playing surface in time for the 2019 season. For events like the Alamo Bowl, the teams also each bring in their bands, cheerleaders, dance squads, and mascots. With Texas coming to town, they bring their legendary live mascot Bevo with them. If you’re lucky enough to get down on the field near him, he is an impressive site to see in person. Neighborhood 5 Few big-time facilities can match the setting that the Alamodome has to offer its visitors. The stadium is literally within walking distance of San Antonio’s vibrant cultural hub, its downtown area. A short 15-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport, the Alamodome has proven to be a favorite for large-scale events, specifically sporting events. Fans who annually flock to the Alamodome have frequently commented upon its convenience and location as being a draw. San Antonio’s downtown area is home to the historic and photogenic River Walk , the legendary Alamo , attraction-filled Hemisfair Park , and the most defining feature of the San Antonio skyline, the Tower of the Americas . Each and every one of these are must-see attractions for visitors to San Antonio, and all are within walking distance of the Alamodome. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat before or after the game, the downtown area is crawling with some of the highest-rated restaurants in the city. However, if you’re looking to get a true taste of the city, you need to head down to the River Walk to Casa Rio , a true staple of Mexican food in the city. Another highly recommended spot is The Esquire Tavern – this longtime San Antonio favorite has a history as a former speakeasy, and has upgraded and updated their food and drink menu to feature modern spins on many old-time classics. Another amenity that the Alamodome area has to offer is an abundance of hotel and motel options. Downtown San Antonio is the hub for tourism in the city, and as such has a ton of options where visitors can stay. Historic St. Paul Square, which is (there is a theme here) a less than 10-minute walk from the Alamodome , has two family-friendly spots to stay at: Staybridge Suites Downtown Convention Center and Best Western Plus Sunset Suites. Whatever your budget, you’re going to find something you’ll like. Fans 5 Bowl games are really atypical in terms of sporting events. In theory, both teams competing have had great (or at least good) seasons. For some, the bowl game is the highest achievement a program could have. For fans, the game not only gives them a chance to root on their team in a game of importance, but also gives them a chance to visit a city and have a bit of a vacation built on the football game. The Alamo Bowl is typically one of these types of games. In theory, the second-best program in both the Big 12 and Pac-12 are invited to attend. The 2019 edition of the game saw nearly 61,000 fans flock to the Alamodome; while the vast majority were rabid Longhorns fans, the Utes fan base was also well represented. This falls right in line with the recent trend of the Alamo Bowl, which has averaged close to 60,000 per game since 2010. In terms of crowd noise, the Alamodome was rocking from start to finish. When the fans are engaged, the Dome’s configuration amplifies the noise and it feels and sounds even louder. This adds to the energy of the game. When Texas is involved, the fans are engaged from start to finish, and this year’s game was no exception. Access 4 The Alamodome is in a prime location for visitors to the city. Located directly off Interstate 37, the stadium is also near the crossroads of Interstates 10 and 35. Within walking distance of downtown San Antonio and a short drive from the airport, it really doesn’t get much easier to get into and out of the stadium on game day. The city’s mass transit system, VIA, has a bus stop right at street level at the Alamodome, and is a great option for those looking to avoid the traffic before and after the Alamo Bowl. For those looking to use the park and ride option, there are three locations throughout the city that will cost you $2 to $4 for roundtrip to attend the game. Uber and Lyft are still fairly new to the Alamo City, but both rideshare services are available options as well. In terms of parking, the Alamodome has two main paid parking lots, Lots B and C, for visitors. On game day for the Alamo Bowl these open at 10 am for tailgating, and they fill up fast. The cost for these lots is $20 per car. Behind the parking area is a residential neighborhood; some of the intrepid residents, as well as some of the area businesses, have made parking available for nominal fees on game day. Like most things, it all depends on how much you want to spend. One thing you want to keep in mind is the new security measures the Alamodome has put into place in recent years; in addition to strictly enforcing the clear-bag policy, the Dome has metal detectors/scanners that everyone has to go through before entering the stadium. This does take time, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 3 The cost to attend the annual Alamo Bowl is truly right about what you would expect for a major college football event that’s not part of the College Football Playoffs. It isn’t “cheap” by any stretch of the imagination, but it is well worth the price for those who are fans of either team, or of the sport in general. Ticket prices this year ranged from $85 to $300 per person, depending on where you want to sit. The concessions are also right along what you would pay at any Division I stadium. A premium beer will set you back $11 and food at Los Barrios and Big Bib – the previously mentioned fajita nachos and barbecue sandwiches – will cost you $13. Souvenir soda cups are $9 (you can get a regular soda for $7), and a program is $5. When you factor in these costs plus the $20 for parking, the Alamo Bowl will set you back a pretty penny. Extras 3 There really has been a ton of work put into making the Alamodome an even better facility for games, especially during the Alamo Bowl itself. One of the areas that was really focused on was the main entry way and the plaza on the north end of the stadium. This area is one of the most popular and populated areas of the stadium before the game, as there are games, vendors, concessions, and more for fans. This is also the area where the local sports radio stations set up to broadcast pre-game shows. Inside the Alamodome near the main entrance, a new beer garden was installed as part of these oft-mentioned renovations. With tons of beer selections and high-definition televisions, this is a popular spot during every game at this facility, including the Alamo Bowl. There are also live bands that perform on the main concourse level, adding to the excitement and the energy during games. Not that the Alamo Bowl needs it. Final Thoughts I have been to roughly half of the Alamo Bowls since the year they started, and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed myself every time. Rarely do I have a personal rooting interest in any of the teams playing, but that has not dampened my enthusiasm for what takes place on the field. I love college football unabashedly, and the Alamo Bowl represents the best of what the sport has to offer: it has pageantry, tradition, history, rabid fan bases, and flat out great football virtually every time out. If you too are a fan of the sport, you should add the Alamo Bowl to your bucket list of big games to attend. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Albert Gersten Pavilion 1 LMU Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045 Loyola Marymount Lions website Albert Gersten Pavilion website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 4,156 The Pride of Loyola Marymount In 1987, the Loyola Marymount Lions basketball team began an improbable three-year run to new heights, reaching the NCAA tournament each season. Coached by Paul Westhead, the team featured Hank Gathers, who led the country in scoring and rebounding in 1988-89, and Bo Kimble running a high-octane offense that saw them average 122.4 points per game in 1989-90, a record that still stands today. Sadly, Gathers died after collapsing during a WCC tournament game that season, with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy the cause. Inspired and driven, the Lions went to the Elite Eight that year with Kimble leading the way, but since then, the program has fallen on hard times. Last season, the team made the semifinals of the College Basketball Invitational, so maybe things are looking up at Hank’s House, the unofficial nickname of Gersten Pavilion, where the Lions play. Regardless of the team’s future, Gersten is an overlooked gym in star-studded Los Angeles, and this review is here to show you that should most definitely not be the case. Food & Beverage 3 There is a single concession stand located in the spacious atrium between Gersten and the Burns Recreation Center. In addition to easing the flow inside the facility, having the concession outside allows fans to stretch and mingle during halftime, while enjoying the weather. There is a scoreboard that lets you know how long until the second half resumes, so you won’t miss a second of the action. In terms of food, there is a decent amount of choice here, with a combo (hot dog, beverage, and choice of chips, churro, ice cream, or a candy bar) a good deal at $10. Dogs are $5 otherwise, and there is an $8 featured dog that varies every game, though as I attended during the winter break, they didn’t have one that night. Other options include nachos for $6 ($4 more for the ultimate variety), street tacos for $2 (add a buck for the featured option) and pretzel bites with bacon and cheese for $7, while a regular pretzel is $5. The “Grab and Go” section includes a couple of sandwich varieties (chicken salad, turkey), a chicken Caesar salad, and a ham & cheese sub, each for $7. Snacks are typical, with popcorn, Red Vines, and ice cream at $4, while chips and king-sized candy bars are $3. Coca-Cola provides non-alcoholic beverages, with a bottled soda, PowerAde, or Smartwater all $4. Fountain sodas are a buck less; tea, hot chocolate, and coffee (iced and hot) can also be purchased for $3 or $4. They even sell beer here, with season ticket holders and students getting free suds, with a limit of 2. This isn’t just your generic swill, but craft beer provided by Santa Monica Brew Works. If you are not a member of either group, you will pay $9. Atmosphere 4 Gersten Pavilion is part of LMU’s athletics complex in the middle of campus, right next to the Burns Recreation Center. This is a surprisingly formidable looking combination of buildings, with the space between them an eerie outdoor atrium that looks more like a Star Wars rebel base than a college rec center. Opened in 1981 and named for Albert Gersten, father of LMU regent Albert Gersten, Jr., the facility used to be the occasional practice court for the Lakers and was the site for weightlifting at the 1984 Olympics. It has a capacity of 4,156, which has been exceeded on nine occasions. Inside the main entrance is a long hallway with the Spirit Store the only inhabitant. There are doors directly to the court from here, but those are restricted to courtside seat holders. Other fans will have to choose between the two staircases at either end of the hall. Inside, the gym is quite colorful, with one wall in blue and the other in red. This motif extends to the floor itself, where one key is red and the other blue; a good way to utilize both of the school’s colors. There is a clever transition between the two colors along the sidelines as red stripes get larger and blue stripes get smaller towards center court, and then reverse on the other side. There are also palm trees on the court, making it a unique floor in college hoops. It demonstrates that someone in the athletics department has a good sense of design and that is reflected throughout the venue. Banners are located in the rafters on each side of the court, again in blue and red. Retired jerseys, including Gathers’ #44, are on the north wall. The logos for the other schools in the WCC are tastefully displayed in white against an off-white background on the south wall, divided into two groups of five. In terms of seating, the west side lower level encompasses Sections 101-105 and each seat is a chair back with a cupholder in the armrest. Across the way in Sections 301-305, there are individual bench seats. The upper levels on both sides (201-205 on the west, 401-405 on the east) are wooden bleachers, but all seats are reserved. There are 4 rows of individual benches behind one basket but these are generally not available to fans; there is a DJ who sets up shop here and plays tunes before the game and at halftime. The scoreboard is two-sided and hangs above mid-court, while stats boards can be found directly behind each basket. The visitors are introduced to the Imperial Theme from Star Wars, while there is an inspirational video featuring Gathers before the home team is brought out. There are typical promos during timeouts such as tossed t-shirts and shot contests that keep fans entertained. Neighborhood 3 The LMU campus is located in the Westchester neighborhood, just north of LAX. There isn’t much within walking distance of the venue, though Benny’s Tacos & Chicken Rotisserie is at the corner of Manchester and Loyola Boulevard, and seems like a popular late-night spot for students. Just west of here is Lincoln Boulevard, which has a few chain options, as well as Kanpai, a sushi joint. If craft beer is your thing, try Three Weavers Brewing Company a few blocks east on Manchester. If you are an aviation enthusiast, the in-N-Out Burger at Sepulveda and Westchester is right next to a park where you can watch planes landing at LAX. Across the street is the Melody Bar & Grill. Any of the hotels next to LAX is a good spot to stay if you are only in town for the Lions, but if touring is your goal, you will probably want to stay closer to downtown. Of course, this area will undergo dramatic change over the next few years with the 2020 opening of SoFi Stadium, which lies about 5 miles east of Gersten Pavilion that will be home to both the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams. Fans 4 I attended a weekend game during winter break when only 670 fans showed up. It is not fair to base the ranking on that, so looking at ticket sales for upcoming matches and relying on past reviews, I see that LMU has a strong fan base, and a particularly strong student section, known as The Roar. Toward the end of the game, The Roar chants, “THIS IS HANK’S HOUSE,” another classy tribute to Hank Gathers. Access 4 Most fans drive but be aware that there are parking charges until 8 p.m. on weekdays. The first 40 minutes is $3, and every 20 minutes thereafter is another $3, to a daily maximum of $15, in other words, 6 bucks for the first hour and 9 for the second. You can find street parking in the residential area nearby if you happen to be attending a weeknight game, but as always, check signs. There are transit options: the #6 Culver City Bus costs $1 and plies the route from the LAX City Bus Center to UCLA, dropping you off on Sepulveda, from where you can walk about a mile and a half, or take a #3 bus to Benny’s and walk the remaining 10 minutes. Once inside the venue, there should be no problem getting around, as the atrium allows for fans to move outside during the break. Restrooms are small and there will probably be lineups during a sellout, but there were no issues on the night I attended. Return on Investment 4 Prices for all sections vary depending on opponent, as an example, the cheapest bleacher seats are $9 for San Diego, but these are $24 when #1 Gonzaga comes to town. This is still a good deal and with food reasonably priced, an affordable evening out. Of course, parking can add a bit, but there are options to avoid that charge. Extras 4 These staircases do have a few photos that are worth checking out; I liked how they are cut to match the bannister below. There is a Hank’s House plaque on the south wall, a nice touch for what is an unofficial nickname. A statue is also being funded and is expected to be revealed in the spring 2020 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Gathers’ passing. The overall design of the court deserves a point; it is something that I have not seen elsewhere in college hoops. Final Thoughts LMU lacks the national profile of other LA-based schools, but their gym is creative and different in many respects. Don’t overlook the Lions next time you are in LA, as they provide an equally entertaining alternative to some of the bigger college programs in the city.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium 1 Cunningham Square Providence, RI 02908 Providence College Lacrosse website Anderson Stadium website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,500 Friar Away Anderson Stadium is the new on-campus home of the Providence College lacrosse and soccer teams. Located next to Schneider Arena , the stadium is part of the overall upgrade and consolidation of the school’s athletic facilities. Formally known as Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium, the facility is named in honor of Mike and Maura Chapey, class of 1986, who donated one million dollars, and Board of Trustees member Karl and Kerri Anderson, class of 1988, who donated $1.5 million towards the construction of the facility. Providence College has been sponsoring lacrosse teams since 1980. Competing in the Big East Conference, the Friars have qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times, most recently in 2007. Food & Beverage 2 Anyone who has been to any sporting event at neighboring Brown University is familiar with Frenchy’s catering. They handle concessions at all the events on the East Side of Providence. At Anderson Stadium, Frenchy’s operates a food cart. Hungry Friar lax fans can pick up some snacks while watching the game. Popcorn, hot dogs, nachos and assorted candy bars comprise the entire menu here. Bottles of Coca-Cola products are also available. Atmosphere 3 Fans who have not experienced a college lacrosse game may be surprised by the enthusiasm shown by the relatively small crowds at the games. Many of the fans in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the field, and wear their hearts on their sleeves throughout the action. Lacrosse fans as a rule are enthusiastic. Anderson Stadium is a new facility with state of the art sound and video systems that are put to good use throughout the game with replays, game stats and music during play stoppages. You’re not going to get an elaborate game day presentation at a Friar lacrosse game, but you will enjoy yourself at Anderson Stadium. Neighborhood 3 Anderson Stadium is located at the northeast corner of the Providence College campus next to Schneider Arena. Downtown Providence is located less than two miles away. With the PC campus’ location in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood, there aren’t a lot of dining, lodging or entertainment options right around campus, but visiting fans will find plenty to do in Providence just a short drive away. Providence has a reputation as one of the top small cities in the nation for culinary options. Most fans visiting the area will head downtown for things to do, but fans looking for options near campus will find some pub style restaurants near Anderson Stadium. Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and wide variety of draft beer. Fans looking for something a little fancier should head over to Federal Hill, Providence’s Little Italy, where a concentration of top-notch restaurants can be found. Fans 3 Providence College averages between 300-500 fans per game for lacrosse. Understandably, crowds increase in size as the weather warms over the course of the season. Lacrosse fans as a whole are very enthusiastic and connected to the players on the field, and it can be a fun atmosphere despite the relatively small crowds in attendance. With many games against local rivals on the Friars’ schedule, it’s not unusual to see a significant number of visiting fans in attendance. Access 4 Providence College is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, about a mile from Route 146 and Interstate 95. To reach Anderson Stadium, fans will need to do some driving through the city, but the campus is still pretty easy to reach. Detailed driving directions can be found here . Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s number 55 bus has a stop right next to Schneider Arena, adjacent to Anderson Stadium. With the majority of fans driving to Friar lacrosse games, parking is at a premium. Luckily, there is plenty of parking in the area. There is a two-level garage attached to the west grandstand of Anderson Stadium, as well as several lots within walking distance of the facility. Many fans opt for on-street parking on Huxley and Admiral Streets. Seating at Anderson Stadium consists of bleacher seating in grandstands on either side of the field, with some individual stadium seats around midfield of the main (west) grandstand. There is a berm on the south side of the field, which is a popular place for students to gather. Fans can walk the entire perimeter of the facility, with views of the action available from all points. Restrooms are available in Schneider Arena next door to Anderson Stadium. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Friar lacrosse games is free, as is parking in the garage adjacent to Anderson Stadium. While the food at the Frenchy’s cart may be a little more expensive than expected, it’s not outrageously priced. Fans are able to bring their own snacks into the game with them. In the cold winter months of the season, it’s common to see lots of Dunkin’ coffee in the stands. Extras 1 The game day presentation at a Friar lacrosse game is fairly standard, with not a whole lot going on that could be considered extra. There are free roster sheets available to all fans. If time allows, duck into Schneider Arena next door and check out the displays in the lobby there, including the national championship trophy the school won in 2015. Final Thoughts Providence College is a small school with a big history in intercollegiate sports. In recent years the Friars have experienced success in several sports, including consecutive appearances in the NCAA basketball tournament from 2014-2018, a final four appearance in soccer and national championships in hockey and cross country. They have been working hard to improve their on-campus facilities, and Anderson Stadium is a fine representation of these efforts.

File Photos Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Anfield Anfield Rd Liverpool, England L69 3JF United Kingdom Liverpool FC website Anfield website Year Opened: 1884 Capacity: 45,276 You’ll Never Walk Alone Anfield is one of the most renowned football stadiums in the world. Built in 1884, the ground was actually home to Liverpool’s archrivals, Everton FC, until 1892. The founding of the club resulted in a dispute over rent and beer sales at Anfield between the grounds owner John Houlding and the directors of Everton. The football club opted to play its home games at Goodison Park and Houlding was left without a club. That changed when he formed Liverpool FC on 15 March 1892. Anfield has been the club’s home since its founding and has four stands: the Spion Kop, the Main Stand, the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand and the Anfield Road End. The stadium has gone through a series of renovations including its most recent in September of 2016 when its capacity was increased to 54,074 but has since been toned down to 53,094, making it one of the largest all-seater single stands in European football. Its total capacity ranks it 7th in all of English football. Plans are taking place that will increase the size of Anfield to 61,000 . The development of the ‘away end,’ the Anfield Road stand, would allow 7000 new seats to be added. The increase would see Anfield become the third largest English Premier League ground after Old Trafford (76,212) and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (62,062). The work on the Anfield Rd end would essentially see a new second tier and roof added to the current stand with the road outside re-routed to allow the space to develop. The increased capacity could be available in time for the 2022/23 season. Food & Beverage 2 Like most English stadiums, the food leaves something to be desired. Meat pies and hot dogs are available inside, and it’s much of the same at the food trucks outside the stadium. It’s all a bit pricey for mediocre munchies. It’s important to note that beer is not served during European nights (Champions League and Europa League matches). When it is available, Carlsberg and Guinness are offered at a reasonable price. Atmosphere 5 The streets surrounding Anfield fill up way ahead of the match and vendors are on every corner selling match day programmes, some they produce themselves, merchandise such as scarves, and food from kiosks. There are a ton of pubs to grab a pint and something to eat before the match and it only gets better once you walk under either of the gates at the stadium which are named after former Liverpool managers: Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. Once you are at your seat the Liverpool supporters know how to get behind their side better than most. Be prepared for goosebumps and chills when the crowd belts out, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” prior to kickoff. With that said, the normally outstanding atmosphere will fall off the cliff should the Reds fail to live up to their fans’ high expectations. The Kop is an impressive site. Housing around 12,500 “Kopites,” the south end of the stadium is packed with the most ardent Liverpool supporters, waving their flags and holding up their banners. The passion is so strong in the Kop that it’s been said to have the ability to suck the ball into the back of the opposition’s net. Away supporters are seated on the left side of the Main Stand. Liverpool opened a new superstore situated on the corner of the Kop and the Main Stand. The superstore is a 19,500 square foot space that features 20 short printing machines, a first-floor café, a fan activation space and a VIP area. it is estimated that the store will sell 40 thousand scarves in one year. The space in between the new store and the stadium was developed into a fan zone. There are actually two fan zones: Fan Zone Paisley Square, off Walton Breck Road, and the Family Park which is located on Anfield Road. These two areas are ideal for families with drinks, food, live entertainments, and exclusive content on big screen TVs. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhoods around Anfield aren’t very aesthetically appealing, but the area is generally safe. Be aware that the streets can get very congested during the walks to and from the stadium. Use of common sense will keep fans and tourists safe from pickpockets and troublemakers. There are also loads of pubs around Anfield and each of them offer great atmosphere and memorabilia. The area surrounding Anfield is mostly residential; so don’t count on finding any restaurants or gastro pubs. Home supporters will be right at home grabbing a pint and chatting with mates The Flat Iron, The Park Pub, The Twelfth Man, The Park, or the Albert. The Sandlon is also another ideal spot for Reds fans that holds a lot of history as it was once the place where Everton players changed before a match when they played here. Away supporters will find solace at The Arkles. Liverpool is a tourist destination with plenty to see and do. The cab drivers are typically very friendly, and knowledgeable about the best restaurants and attractions. Some will even offer tours of the city, highlighted by important Beatles sites. Fans 4 Scousers are some of the best folks to watch a football match with. They’re respectful of opposing teams and their fans, as long as that respect is returned. Most everyone in the stands is knowledgeable about the game and will be fairly disciplined as to when it’s appropriate to stand or sit. It’s almost a guarantee someone in your section will have a go at the referee that will cause a roar of laughter. Access 3 Finding parking around Anfield is a crapshoot at best. The only places to park are on the neighborhood streets, but even if you do find a spot, expect a long wait to get out unless you plan on leaving at halftime. The Liverpool website offers specific instructions for all modes of transportation, but the best means is by train via the Lime Street station, Kirkdale Station, or Sandhills Station and catching the bus to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 With the history and atmosphere surrounding Anfield, the trip and match day tickets are worth every penny. There’s enough to do in Liverpool to make a weekend out of the excursion, and the game itself will (usually) not disappoint. Tickets are difficult to come by, but range from £37-£59. Third party websites will charge triple that, but be wary of scams. Extras 4 Walking under the iron gates where the words, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” are inscribed is an inspiring experience. There are one hour stadium tours for £17, and a club museum that charges a £8.50 entrance fee. Outside the ground is a very poignant memorial to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster where fans can place floral arrangements. Most of the staff are friendly and accommodating, but the stewards are not afraid to shout spectators down if they’re standing at inappropriate times. There are some areas where your view can be restricted by a support pillar, so it’s recommended to check the area before purchasing tickets.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Arizona Stadium 540 N Vine Ave Tucson, AZ 85721 Arizona Wildcats website Arizona Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 50,782 Bear Down for Arizona Football Arizona Stadium, the home of Arizona Football, was originally built in 1928 but has been revamped and modernized through recent renovations. The 50,782-seat facility is a historic site on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. The stadium combines old-style charm and modern conveniences due to renovations in excess of $100 million between the 2013 addition of the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility and the 2018 renovation of the east side; the building of the new football facility in the north end zone enclosed the stadium’s seating. The facility now offers suites, improved concessions options, and comfortable seating, but the west side is also about to experience a major renovation with a cost estimated between $120 and $150 million; as of now the west side has only received some minor enhancements like more points of sale for concessions plus more TVs and restroom trailers – basic commodities fans have been wanting for years. Other renovations prior to 2013 included a new artificial surface with the ghost-lettered phrase “Bear Down” running in-between the hashes and over the large Arizona logo. Arizona Stadium has played host to the Arizona Bowl since 2015. Since its inception, that game has been played between teams representing the Mountain West Conference and the Sun Belt Conference. However, the inaugural game was played between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Colorado State Rams, both Mountain West Conference teams, as the Sun Belt Conference did not field enough bowl-eligible teams that season. For movie lovers, the stadium’s parking lot, located on the northeast end of the facility, was one of several filming locations for the 20th Century Fox comedy Revenge of the Nerds; the film’s Adams College Greek Games sequence was shot in the space on Cherry Avenue between East 4th Street and East University Boulevard. Food & Beverage 3 Arizona Stadium covers all the traditional stadium fare; the highest cost regular food item is the Polish sausage at $6 with nachos $5, while Hebrew National hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and soft pretzels cost $4. Coca-Cola products range anywhere from $3 to $7. Some of the other items available are a little more on the pricey side, such as cheesy Philly cheesesteaks, Italian Jobs (a ciabatta sandwich made with Italian salami, ham, Italian mozzarella, pesto, and olive oil), peppered turkey, beefy BBQ nachos, and chicken tenders all at $10. On the west side of the stadium is the Roadrunner mobile kitchen (food truck) that serves crafty burgers and hot dogs for prices between $5 and $8; there are also a couple of money saving combos for families such as the family combo for $32 including 2 hot dogs, 2 orders of nachos, 1 box of popcorn, and a small packaged candy. In an effort by the University of Arizona to enhance the game day experience, beer and wine are now available to all fans of drinking age. The beer selection is Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Light, Corona, Modelo Especial, and Barrio Blond, with prices ranging from $7 for a 16oz draft to $10 for a 24oz premium. The wine selection covers all types at $8 for a 6½oz cup; beer and wine are all sold in plastic cups with sales stopping before the end of the third quarter. The east concession stands are the newest in the stadium and provide tables and TVs for fans to use when they eat their food. And while the alcohol sales may have enhanced game day for fans, the food items are just on par, meeting typical expectations for a major college football stadium. Atmosphere 3 Across the country the college football atmosphere begins long before the actual kickoff, and the University of Arizona begins the night before a home game with something titled Bear Down Fridays, which is a traditional pep rally including the band and the spirit squads. Then, six hours before kickoff on game day, fans begin tailgating along “The Mall” at U of A, which is the long grassy area in the middle of campus along 3rd Street. Tailgating requires advanced purchase of a season or game-specific tailgate pass, and in the event of inclement weather it is possible that tailgating could be canceled. There are other tailgaters in the various parking lots next to the stadium and around McKale Center. Overall, the tailgating scene here is very mild compared to other schools that create a larger-than-life tailgating scene, such as at LSU before a night game in Tiger Stadium . For fans that aren’t into the tailgating scene on the mall they can visit the Jim Click Hall of Champions, which houses Arizona’s achievements in all sports. In addition, four hours prior to kickoff the Coca-Cola Fan Fiesta opens inside the Arizona Football practice facility, the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center. The fan fiesta offers fans a chance to eat and watch other games before the gates open. The next main event would be the Wildcat Walk – two hours prior to the game the Pride of Arizona, the spirit squads, and fans greet the Arizona football team. This takes place on the north side of Arizona Stadium at the corner of University and Cherry Ave. The team walks toward the stadium and the players touch the John Button Salmon statue, which is located just outside the stadium on Cherry Ave, before the team enters the stadium through the north end zone, coming straight out of their new locker room onto the field. Arizona and Salmon are tied together forever with Arizona’s slogan and fight song; Salmon was a former Arizona quarterback, catcher on the baseball team, and student body president, but after the first game of the 1926 season he suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a car accident. During coach Pop McKale’s last visit to the hospital before Salmon died, the quarterback gave his coach this message: “Tell them, tell the team to Bear Down” – Bear Down became the official fight song in 1952 and is played after every Wildcat score. The Pride of Arizona Marching Band’s pregame performance starts about 20 minutes before kickoff, after which the band forms a tunnel in anticipation of the Arizona team’s entrance into Arizona Stadium, after which the visiting team enters through the northwest corner of the stadium. Wilbur and Wilma the Wildcats are U of A’s mascots, and are seen throughout the game, and the Pride of Arizona marching band sits in the southeast corner to add to the atmosphere. There are also fireworks every time the Wildcats score, as well as performances by the Arizona Pom Squad during the game. The atmosphere is always better when the stadium is filled, and this hurts the atmosphere at Arizona Stadium. Overall, the atmosphere is enjoyable and fun; get there early and experience the entire game day schedule that is available when you attend an Arizona football game. The atmosphere might be disappointing to those fans that have visited SEC schools, but then again for some, this smaller version may be just the right atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 The University of Arizona is in Tucson a couple of miles from the downtown area; Arizona Stadium is located on southeastern corner of the campus. The school is a public research university and was the first university in the Arizona Territory, with a current enrollment of 45,217. Tucson is the second most-populated city in Arizona and the 33rd largest in the US. Tucson is more than a typical college town, but the neighborhood around the campus implies otherwise. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops on University Blvd and 4th Avenue that you can enjoy before and after the game. Before the game, the Maingate area on University Blvd would be the better choice, at either Gentle Bens or No Anchovies, both near U of A’s Old Main Building and tailgating scene on the mall. For a place on the east side of campus off Speedway try Dirtbags, or the after party area would be on 4th Avenue at The Drunken Chicken, Bison Witches Bar, or Ermanos Craft Beer and Wine Bar. For fans who are looking more for local craft breweries, the Public Brewhouse is a block from 4th Avenue, behind Ermanos on N Hoff Avenue. Another craft beer find is the Crooked Tooth Brewing Company on 6th Street, just a few blocks from 4th Avenue. The only downside is that these establishments are near the campus, but not very close to Arizona Stadium. Tucson has plenty of hotels for travelers, however, the closest to the stadium is Aloft Tucson-University, on the east side of campus at the corner of Campbell and Speedway. Or, Tucson Marriott University Park is in Maingate Square on the west side of campus; both these hotels are within walking distance of Arizona Stadium. For those that would like a resort vacation with their Tucson journey, I would suggest the El Conquistador Tucson-Hilton in Oro Valley on the side of Mt. Kimball and down the road from Catalina State Park. Fans 3 The Arizona fan base in the last five years has averaged around 48,000 a game, which translates to 86% of Arizona Stadium’s capacity. The average attendance does rank in the Top 50 for FBS schools, but the school lacks a strong football base, and is more nationally known for their men’s basketball and women’s softball programs. This season (2019) Arizona is averaging their lowest home attendance since 1975 at 38,777 per game, despite strong efforts from the university to create a better game day atmosphere. There is plenty of tailgating by the fans, but compared to the top-tier football programs there is a lack of atmosphere/excitement that other schools have just a few hours from kickoff. During the game the fans are routine – they are vocal when expected, but nothing as deafening as their PAC-12 counterparts at Washington or Oregon . The Arizona fan base is dedicated and loyal but small in numbers. I’m not sure what excuse the city of Tucson is using for not being present inside Arizona Stadium; as a matter of Fact, UA athletic director Dave Heeke recently tweeted to the Arizona fans: “It’s time to fill up Arizona Stadium (next Saturday when Washington comes to Tucson). No excuses! Come on Wildcat Fans!” Access 4 Arizona Stadium is located on the southeast corner of campus near the intersection of 6th Street and Cherry Street; Cherry Street is on the east side while 6th runs along the south side of the stadium. There are many parking garages on campus that charge varying rates ($10-$20) depending on the proximity to the stadium. All parking garages can be paid for using either cash or credit cards, while the surface lots are cash only, and cost $10 to $15. Most of the surface lots are restricted to Wildcat Club members, campus permits, or other specific passes. There is possibility of free parking, however, near Arizona Stadium for those early arrivals, or for carpoolers with four or more riders in the Tyndall Ave., Main Gate, Park Ave., and Highland garages. For an alternative means of transportation to the stadium, Tucson’s Sun Link Streetcar is an easy and economical way to reach campus. A one-day pass costs $4 and connects Mercado San Agustin (Tucson’s public marketplace), downtown Tucson, historic 4th avenue, and Main Gate Square to the University of Arizona. Although, the closest drop to Arizona Stadium is a few blocks away at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium (UA’s softball field) on 2nd Street/Cherry. All Arizona Wildcat events support the Clear Bag Policy that has been implemented across the country, and the gates open to the general public an hour and half before the scheduled kickoff time. The mixture of the stadium’s old and new concourse varies on handling the crowds, but overall walking around the stadium is easy. For fans that have lower level seating, a quick trip to the upper deck for a view of Tucson and mountains is well worth the time. However, most games at Arizona Stadium are played at night, and the temperatures during football season drop considerably at night, so it can get very cold sitting in the upper level of the stadium – add the desert wind and it could get uncomfortable, so be prepared. Nevertheless, overall the access is better than expected for a relatively old stadium during a college football game. Return on Investment 3 Arizona football individual game tickets have a wide variety of price levels. The levels range anywhere from $16 to $400 per ticket depending on the opponent and location. The non-conference schedule opponents have cheaper tickets, while the most expensive PAC-12 opponent ticket is the game versus Washington . There are no really bad seats in Arizona Stadium, so a $16 to $55 range for the upper level along the sidelines, or a $23 to $47 lower level end zone are reasonable prices for NCAA PAC-12 football. Keep in mind that the Arizona student section, a.k.a. Zonazoo, takes up the entire lower half on the east side of the stadium behind the Arizona bench, which prevents the general public from buying tickets in these areas. For fans searching for tickets on the visitor side, the visitor section is section 17, which is in the southwest corner of the stadium. The concessions, parking, and ticket prices all contribute to the high average return on investment for Arizona football. Extras 3 Arizona Stadium is nearly a 100-year-old landmark on the campus of the University of Arizona, and the views of the mountains and downtown Tucson from the upper deck seating is breathtaking. Attending a game at this historic venue is a history lesson in past architecture and society. The structure still incorporates the original construction of the stadium in the west side seating, with the first 30 rows of the stadium, and the south end zone concourse are from a time when it was okay to have small access ways and tight passageways when going to the restrooms or concessions. The University of Arizona football program isn’t royalty among the college football scene, as are a few of their PAC-12 counterparts like the University of Washington , the University of Southern California , or the University of Oregon . The football team also has yet to play in the PAC-12’s most iconic postseason bowl, “The Granddaddy of them All,” a.k.a. the Rose Bowl. However, the Wildcats do have some football greats in their ring of honor; Teddy Bruschi, Antoine Cason, Chuck Cecil, Lance Briggs, and Chris McAlister. The Arizona program has also participated in 21 postseason bowl games and has claimed a share of at least six conference titles. Arizona Stadium’s old and new presence creates a special feeling in being able to link the past to the present, from the players to the bowl games, to the years that the Wildcats won the Territorial Cup versus their in-state rival Arizona State ; this feeling is lacking in the strictly new renovated stadiums in some parts of the country. But after each Arizona football victory, at the University of Arizona Student Union Memorial Center, an 1,820-pound bell salvaged from the USS Arizona is rung. Final Thoughts Arizona Stadium combines the past with the present. The old-style charm from the past with an insert of modern conveniences, this historic site has had football played inside the stadium since it was built in 1928. There are always pro and cons, but keeping a historic venue in operation via upgrading and rebuilding is a good thing. The university continues to reach out to football fans in and around Tucson to create an atmosphere inside Arizona Stadium that can rival others in the PAC-12 as well as around the nation. Tucson is a wonderful place to visit during football season – the weather is better than most, there are plenty of things to do, and Arizona Wildcats football is moving upwards both in terms of game day atmosphere and in performance on the field. To continue the Arizona rally cry, Bear Down and make a visit to Arizona Stadium, and be a part of Tucson’s college football experience.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.71 Ashton Field High School Circle Tappahannock, VA 22560 Tappahannock Tides website Ashton Field website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 500 Baseball Returns to Tappahannock The Tappahannock Tides play in the NABA (National Adult Baseball Association) Richmond league. The NABA is an 18 and over wood bat competitive league featuring former college and high school baseball players. The NABA Richmond is comprised of teams throughout the city of Richmond and nearby towns Tappahannock and Deltaville. The typical season runs May through August, and each team plays an average of 15 games plus playoffs. The Tappahannock Tides returned to the NABA Richmond in 2018 after a seven-year hiatus. The Tides play at Aston Field, on the campus of Essex High School. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions of any type available at Tappahannock Tides games. While we understand that this is a small-town team with probably a limited budget, it is somewhat disappointing that not even basic concession items such as soft drinks and peanuts are available. Some fans in attendance do have their own coolers that are filled with various food and drink, a few fans even bring their own “adult beverages.” Atmosphere 1 Ashton Field is similar to many high school fields with a single building directly behind home plate. The top level is for game operations staff and the bottom level is a concession stand (which is not open for Tides games). Between this building and either dugout, there is a set of bleachers five rows high that is broken into three sections. There is a single scoreboard in left center field that only gives the score with balls, strikes, and outs. The two dugouts are small brick structures that are above the ground. Unfortunately, there is no PA announcer for Tides games. If attending an early evening game, be prepared for the sun to be in your eyes until it gets dark. The sun sets directly beyond the outfield and can be extremely hot and uncomfortable on warm days. Neighborhood 2 Tappahannock is a small town in eastern Virginia, and is located on the Rappahannock River about 45 minutes east of Richmond and an hour south of Fredericksburg. There is little to do in Tappahannock unless you have a boat and water sports are your thing. Food options are also limited in Tappahannock; however, one restaurant you cannot miss is NN Burger right next to the Downing Bridge. NN Burger features craft burgers, extreme milkshakes, and live local music. It has been voted the “Best Burger in Virginia” by Virginia Living magazine the last six years. There is also a Holiday Inn Express in Tappahannock, which is our recommendation if you are staying overnight. Fans 1 During our visit, there were very few fans in attendance. There may have even been more players on the field than fans in the stands. Many fans appeared to be friends and family of players as many knew them by their first name. Despite the small number of fans, they were actively cheering and into the game. Access 3 Ashton Field is located on the campus of Essex High School just north of Tappahannock about 1 mile off of US 17. A gravel driveway right before you get to the high school will take you past the softball field and to Ashton Field. There is a large grassy lot with plenty of parking right next to the field. Return on Investment 5 There is no cost to attend a Tides game and parking is free, so we give it a 5/5 for return on investment. Extras 0 There are no extras to note. Final Thoughts The NABA Richmond is a great league that gives former high school and college players the opportunity to continue to play competitive wood bat baseball. Even though the NABA is a pay to play league and teams probably have a limited budget, we came away disappointed with the Tides experience. Without following the team on Facebook, no one would hardly know the team existed or the schedule. Small towns like Tappahannock should embrace a team such as this. It would be nice to see local businesses support and promote the team; and have signage throughout town letting folks know when games are. While the Tides will never be mistaken for the Richmond Flying Squirrels , adding small things such as concessions at games and a little more promotion would make it a nice, fun, small-town, community supported baseball experience for players and fans alike.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Augusta National Golf Club 2604 Washington Rd Augusta, GA 30904 The Masters website Augusta National Golf Club website Year Opened: 1932 The Home of the Green Jacket The Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500 , the Super Bowl, Wimbledon… all events that rank higher than other events in their respective sports. In golf, there is no event equal to The Masters Golf Tournament held in Augusta the first week of April each year. (Due to the coronavirus outbreak the 2020 tournament will be held November 12-15.) The tournament field is limited to winners of tournaments, Olympic Gold medalists, past Masters winners and top amateur golfers from around the world…. all vying to wear the Green Jacket on Sunday afternoon No other tournament can boast such a level of competition. The Masters began in the minds of golf icon Bobby Jones, the first golfer to win the Grand Slam, and his friend Clifford Roberts. They envisioned an annual invitational gathering of golf’s top players on a course they were designing on the former site of an indigo plantation and plant nursery in Augusta, GA. The holes were designed by Jones based on the favorite holes he had played around the world. The inaugural Masters was held in the first week of April 1934. The tournament has been held every year since then except for 1943-1945 due to World War II. Food & Beverage 5 Augusta National strictly prohibits food and beverage being brought in from the outside. Food can be checked at the entry gates and consumed in a picnic area outside the gates and re-entry will be permitted. There are numerous food and beverage stands set up throughout the course. The quality of the food is excellent and is offered at prices that no other top professional sports event can match. One of the traditions since the beginning of the tournament is its legendary pimento cheese sandwich, which is available for $1.50. The recipe for the sandwich is a closely guarded secret and is only offered during the tournament. Other food items offered at the concession stands are egg salad sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, tuna salad sandwiches and turkey sandwiches, all of which cost only $1.50, BBQ sandwiches, the Masters Club sandwich and chicken sandwiches are all priced at $2.50 apiece. Breakfast items are available until 10am for patrons arriving for early tee times. The breakfast menu includes sausage biscuits ($1.50), blueberry muffins ($1), fruit cups ($1) and coffee ($1). Beverage selections include Coca-Cola brand soft drinks ($1), bottled water ($1.50), iced tea ($1.50), domestic beers ($2.75) and imported beers ($3.50). Dessert items include candy, chips, crackers, peanuts and cookies all priced at $1 apiece, as well as ice cream bars for $2. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at The Masters is one of tradition and reverence for both the game and the course itself. The tournament officially gets underway with a set of honorary starters driving the ball off the first tee. Amongst these honorary starters have been golf legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Byron Nelson, Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead. Each hole not only has a number but a name correlating to the flora and fauna lining the hole. There are three stone bridges on the course honoring golf greats… the Sarazen Bridge (hole #15), the Hogan Bridge (hole# 12) and the Nelson Bridge (hole #13). Holes 11, 12 and 13 are known as “Amen Corner” as they are typically the holes where a player wins or loses the tournament on Masters Sunday. The Masters atmosphere includes the anticipation of the unexpected by the gallery. They remember when unknowns have come from nowhere to wear the Green Jacket. They also remember Jack Nicklaus’ unexpected sixth win of The Masters in 1986 at the age of 46 and Tiger Woods dramatic win in 2019 when many thought his career was over. Neighborhood 3 Those who watch The Masters would assume the Augusta National Golf Course is located outside of the city due to its beauty and quiet charm. In fact, the Augusta National Golf Club is located just off Washington Road, one of the busiest roads in Augusta. It is a heavily commercial strip with hotels, fast food restaurants and a church located near the Club. Drivers on Washington Road are unable to see the course, as it is protected by a well-maintained hedge and a chain link fence. We suggest you take time away from the hustle and bustle of Washington Road to see the quieter, but more charming downtown area of Augusta along Broad Street. The Augusta Riverwalk provides a lovely shaded view of the Savannah River, which is the border between Georgia and South Carolina. The Riverwalk features fountains, pocket parks, restaurants and an amphitheater named for the late opera singer Jessye Norman, an Augusta native. Another attraction nearby is the Augusta Canal. It was built in 1845 as a source for power, water, and transportation. The Augusta Canal is the only intact industrial canal in the American South still in continuous use. It now has National Heritage Area status and trips up and down the canal are offered daily. Fans 4 The term fan is not used at the Masters, as the club uses the term patron when referring to their guests. This harkens back to the original days of the event when Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts were establishing the tone of the event. Patrons tend to have a long-term relationship with the tournament often going back two or more generations. Though daily tickets are available for the event through a lottery, patrons hold badges, which are good through the entire tournament. In many ways, patrons are unlike the fan bases found in other sports or even other golf tournaments. Of course, they love the game, just like football and baseball fans, but they truly have a reverence for the Masters itself. They readily comply with the rules of the event, which include the surrendering of any electronic equipment such as cell phones, pagers, or beepers as they enter the event. No photography is allowed on the course on tournament days (they are allowed during practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday). Autograph sessions are allowed, but only at designated times and locations. This does not mean the gallery cannot not express their support of a certain player or in recognition of a great shot… loud applause and cheers are fine, just as long as they do not interfere with the play of other players on that hole. Another thing that separates the Masters patron from other fan bases is the lack of reselling of daily tickets or a badge. Persons found to be reselling their badges face being ejected from the grounds and permanent loss of their credentials. Access 4 Augusta National Golf Club is easily reached via the Washington Road Exit off I-20. Once off I-20 head south on Washington Road for 1.2 miles and the Augusta National Golf Club parking area will be on your right. If this lot is full, there are numerous private lots along Washington Road for a small fee. You will find the Golf Club to be very efficient in nearly every form of access, from placement of concessions, restroom locations on the course and friendly Club members to guide you to the correct area. It is a good idea to go in as light as possible as any electronic devices and cameras will be checked at the gate, causing you a delay. Easy to read maps of the course are provided as you enter the actual golf course area. This allows you to decide what holes you want to stake out for viewing the action during the tournament. After the rounds complete for the day you will find most of the hotels along Washington Road or along Broad Street in Downtown Augusta, which is about 2 miles from the Augusta National Golf Club. Most of the homes available through the Masters Housing Bureau are in proximity of the club. Return on Investment 5 There simply no other golf event during the year that comes close to the pageantry of the Masters. The prices attached to the tournament are not unreasonable. A patron badge for all four rounds is $375. Daily tickets are $115 but are sold through a lottery months in advance of the tournament. What makes the ROI so high is that the gallery size is limited and there is a wait list of thousands to purchase a badge. The prices charged for food and beverages are much lower than any stadium or arena charges for the same item. Parking is available in the Augusta National Golf Club lots for free on a first come, first served basis. The Masters is unique in that it truly pioneered concept of renting out local homes the week of the tournament, as the hotel/motel inventory in Augusta is not large enough to handle the crowds. The Masters Housing Bureau works with local residents who would be interested in renting out their houses during Masters week, as schools and workplaces in the area are closed for the week due to the traffic and crowds. This often saves persons attending the tournament money over a lengthy hotel stay or a long commute from Atlanta or Columbia each day. Finally, ask anyone who has attended the tournament… they will tell you the experience is priceless. Extras 4 The Masters recognizes the course’s origin as a plant nursery by giving each hole a name reflective of the various plants sold at the facility. These holes are surrounded by plantings matched to the hole’s name. A selection of hole names includes pink dogwood, flowering peach, camellia, redbud, and holly. The Masters is best known for the gorgeous azalea plantings throughout the course. Tiger Woods is the youngest player to win The Masters, as he won the tournament at age 21. Jack Nicklaus is the oldest winner of the tournament, winning at the age of 46 in 1986. The Masters pioneered a new scoreboard system that reflected whether a participant was over or under par, rather than a stroke total. The scoreboard is changed by hand with a green zero other number reflecting par or over par and a red number reflecting under par. Augusta’s Class A baseball team is known as the Augusta GreenJackets . Its mascot is a bee wearing the Green Jacket with a coat of arms featuring a crossed baseball bat and golf club. The Augusta National Golf Club has given its blessing for the name and depiction as a matter of civic pride in Augusta. Final Thoughts Attending a round at The Masters is a priority bucket list item for any golf enthusiast. No other event in the world of golf can boast of such a competitive field along with the many traditions the Augusta National Golf Club have enshrined into the event. It truly is the “Tournament of Champions.”

Photos by Steven Burke, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 BMO Harris Bradley Center 1001 N 4th St. Milwaukee, WI 53203 Marquette Golden Eagles website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 18,850 Demolished: 2019 A Golden Experience Editors Note: BMO Harris Bradley Center was demolished in early 2019. The Golden Eagles now play at the new Fiserv Forum . When a venue hosts multiple teams it can be difficult to differentiate the atmosphere enough to make it feel like a distinctive home for different tenants. This can be even harder to accomplish when a college team plays in the home of a professional franchise. While the primary tenant of the BMO Harris Bradley Center is the Milwaukee Bucks, it also serves as the home of Marquette Golden Eagles basketball and is that rare arena that provides two distinct game day experiences. Plans for the replacement for the BMO Harris Bradley Center is in the works. The current venue may no longer be a state of the art facility, but remains serviceable and provides a great environment for college basketball. Food & Beverage 4 The BMO Harris Bradley Center has a great focus on food and beverage that just adds to the game experience. The venue has a large selection to choose from and all items are high quality. The carvery is very stereotypical Wisconsin and that is a very good thing. It has a great selection of delicious hand-carved sandwiches all served with chips and a pickle spear. All three offerings cost $14 with your choice of corned beef Reuben, downtown pastrami, and honey roasted ham. The downtown pastrami served on a pretzel hoagie with beer cheese and giardiniera is phenomenal. A unique selection at two of the main concession stands is the chicken waffle cone for $9 with your choice of buffalo style or maple bacon. Another Milwaukee favorite is Usinger’s sausages and the Usinger’s concession stand does not disappoint, with hot dogs and sausages ranging from $7-$10. The price is reasonable and the sausages are delicious. Other stands include Qdoba, loaded nachos, My Greek Gyros, Cousins Sub, and Refuge Cafe. The BMO Harris Bradley Center also has an impressive emphasis on something Milwaukee is known for and that is beer. All stands on the concourse serve the basic Miller products and a wider range is available at the Tap House stand along with the Leinenkugel lounge. Atmosphere 4 The BMO Harris Bradley has once again become an exciting place to enjoy college basketball and the people of Milwaukee are embracing and more importantly attending Marquette basketball. Under young head coach Steve Wojciechowski the Golden Eagles find themselves improving and looking forward to a bright future and the fans are just as excited. The game day staff and ushers are extremely friendly and plentiful. You will never have to look far if you need assistance. Sightlines in the seating bowl are good for basketball all around and in both the upper and lower levels. The student section is always out in full force, filling their section behind the baseline and cheering on their team. Marquette definitely benefits from the large high definition NBA scoreboard above the center court providing video scripts and replays along with all the in-game statistics you could desire. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Milwaukee is a great place with plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance from the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Old World Third Street and Water Street are always busy after games and the streets of downtown Milwaukee provide a safe atmosphere for pedestrians. Many fans end up going out to a local establishment after a game, as many places run promotions in conjunction with each game with deals for a ticket stub postgame. A quick one block walk from the BMO Harris Bradley Center is the Ale Asylum where you can find delicious food and beer brewed in-house. The Asylum Burger is a great choice featuring a beef patty topped with aged cheddar, bacon jam, arugula, a fried egg, and pickled onion. Ale Asylum also has a Wisconsin favorite, fried cheese curds which won’t disappoint. If you are looking for a quick meal pregame or postgame check out Brick 3 Pizza; also just a block from the arena. Brick 3 Pizza is a great place to grab a slice or two. Fans 4 Marquette basketball has a dedicated and interested fan base that begins with an involved student section that shows up to all home games. While the BMO Harris Bradley Center is an NBA arena it provides a distinctively different environment for college basketball and the fans have a significant amount to do with that. The city of Milwaukee has embraced the Golden Eagles as their team and they turn out in large numbers to show support. Between the students and the community, Marquette has an active and involved game day experience. Access 5 BMO Harris Bradley Center is located in downtown Milwaukee and it is easily accessible from all directions with interstate access just a few blocks away. Once in downtown Milwaukee, parking is plentiful with various garages and surface lots within walking distance. You can keep an eye out for street parking as well as the metered spots which become free after 6:00 pm. I recommend arriving early if you want to look for street parking as it may require a search. Return on Investment 4 Marquette has a variety of ticket prices ranging from $10-$50; the Golden Eagles have also implemented a trend that is becoming more popular in all sports and that is prime games. Ticket prices vary depending on opponents with non-conference games being the cheapest, followed by Big East games, and finally, Big East weekend games being the most expensive. There isn’t a bad seat in the BMO Harris Bradley Center, so depending on your budget and preference with a location you should be able to find an affordable ticket. The secondary ticket market can also provide a great value, especially for midweek games. Extras 3 The quality of the game presentation including the video board is always superb. The video board is enormous and very impressive. It enhances the fan experience with HD videos during timeouts and also the best replays. Another extra point for Marquette branding around the building, especially considering the fact that they aren’t the primary tenant, however, their branding is very evident and enhances the atmosphere as a true home for Marquette. An extra mark for a small school (8,000 students) with a big-time following. Final Thoughts With the reinvigorated fan base, the improved performance on the court, and the level of competition provided in the Big East, Marquette basketball is definitely on the way up. This is a worthwhile trip to a great city for any hoops fan.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bank of America Stadium 800 S Mint St Charlotte, NC 28202 Duke's Mayo Bowl website Bank of America Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 75,412 Bowling in the Queen City Note: The name of the Bowl changed from Belk Bowl to Duke's Mayo Bowl in 2020. Played in the same NFL stadium that is home to the Carolina Panthers , the Belk Bowl is an annual college football postseason matchup that features a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference versus a team from the Southeastern Conference. However, while the venue is a great stadium with all the modern amenities, the game is not always well-attended, depending on which teams are invited to participate. Food & Beverage 4 Bank of America Stadium has a decent set of concessions options, covering all the basics but without a lot that is truly unique. In addition, many of the stands are closed off during the Belk Bowl, due to the small expected attendance, but there are still more than enough options to accommodate the crowd. Like several other NFL facilities, Bank of America Stadium recently started offering bottomless refills on popcorn and soda (about $9 each), so for less than $20 you could be taken care of for the whole game. Of course, if you want something more interesting than popcorn, other items can also be added – the best deal on that front is probably the Bojangles’ Chicken Supremes – $8 will get you a box of six, which is a pretty good deal for a pro sports venue – or the two Krispy Kreme donuts for $3. Other food options include hot dogs, brats, burgers, chicken wings, pizza, pulled pork nachos and sandwiches, brisket, mac and cheese, soft pretzels, peanuts, and packaged candy, with prices ranging from about $4 up to $10. Note that unlike most sports stadiums, however, tax is not included, so you will pay slightly more than the price shown on the menu board. They do give a slight discount if you pay cash though, and the discount seems to vary a bit by item, as the cash prices always seem to work out to be whole dollars. The drink selection is probably even better than the food selection – in fact, Bank of America Stadium has a whole craft beer aisle on the lower level, and even a convenience store-type concessions area, which sells snacks and all manner of refrigerated cans and bottles of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. I didn’t see any mixed drinks at the stadium, but besides beer, wine, and soda you can also get Gatorade, coffee, and hot cocoa – drink prices seem to run the gamut from $4 to $9. Atmosphere 3 Bank of America Stadium can be pretty empty during the Belk Bowl depending on which ACC team is invited to play – most of the SEC teams are too far away to draw much of a crowd, and the Belk Bowl tends to take an SEC team that is pretty low in the pecking order anyway. That being the case, your best bet for a solid crowd is to get one of the local ACC teams, like maybe Duke or N. C. State – without a big crowd, the stadium just feels too empty to have much energy. Bank of America Stadium itself is pretty stellar, being a pro venue, with all the seats being chairbacks, and huge video boards to help you see replays. In fact, the videoboards are the best part of the atmosphere – the staff at the Belk Bowl shows replays on the big board using two different angles side by side, one an overhead shot and the other close-in, which really gives you a great view of the play from both angles – I wish more stadiums did this. Neighborhood 5 Bank of America Stadium is located right in downtown Charlotte, so there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance – two of the most popular are Draught Restaurant & Bar and French Quarter Restaurant, which as you might expect offers Cajun cuisine. Both restaurants are only 3-4 blocks from the stadium, but there are a ton of other options as well, if you are in the mood for some other type of cuisine. If you are going to be in town for the weekend (the Belk Bowl is played at 1 pm on a Friday), the most popular attraction in Charlotte has got to be the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which is also within walking distance of Bank of America Stadium – the Hall of Fame is the perfect attraction for the Queen City, given the presence of the Charlotte Motor Speedway nearby. And when you finish your NASCAR experience, there are several other interesting attractions to take in during your stay, such as Discovery Place Science, TransAmerica Square, or the Secret Fountain. There are well over a dozen hotels in downtown Charlotte, just to the east of Bank of America Stadium, plus many more a little further out – two low cost options within walking distance of the stadium are the Hilton Charlotte City Center, and Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown. Fans 2 The fans that do attend the Belk Bowl are solid – they wear team gear and cheer pretty loudly for their team – but the stands just do not fill up in certain years. Again, it probably really depends on which ACC team gets invited; even Wake Forest doesn’t seem to draw much of a crowd, but if UNC , Duke , or N. C. State were invited, you may see a lot more energy. Access 4 Getting to Charlotte for the Belk Bowl is really easy thanks to the small crowd size – there is very little traffic, especially around Christmas when a lot of the downtown businesses seem to be closed. You should be able to park for $15 just a few blocks from Bank of America Stadium in one of the parking garages downtown, and once you park, there shouldn’t really be any lines to get into the stadium. The major downside with regard to access at the Belk Bowl is that all of the stairs inside Bank of America are closed, due to the small crowd, which means you have to use one of the ramps if you happen to be sitting in the cheap seats upstairs. And while walking up the ramps is better on your knees, of course, it takes a lot more time since they are so long and winding. In addition, there are only two ramps (one on each end), so depending on where you come in, you may have to walk pretty far to find one. Return on Investment 3 Thanks again to the small crowd size, you can find tickets to the Belk Bowl very cheaply on third-party sites - face value starts around $40, but you can easily find them for half that. That said, the experience really depends on what level of energy you are looking for – the Belk Bowl won’t have the energy of some Power 5 conference home games, like Michigan or Oklahoma , or even the energy of some of the better bowl games, simply due to the lack of fans. But, if you are just looking to watch some decent football in a hassle-free setting, the Belk Bowl could be just the ticket. Extras 3 The décor around Bank of America Stadium is great, particularly the panther statues out front, which are even adorned with holiday wreaths for the season. The sightlines here are also great, even if you sit in the upper deck, and the seat are very comfortable, and all of them have cupholders too. They did have a jet flyover before the most recent Belk Bowl, and each military jet was flown by a graduate from one of the participating schools. Final Thoughts Thanks to their conference tie-ins, the Belk Bowl will always have some decent teams playing in it, and the pro venue (Bank of American Stadium) is a far nicer facility to see a football game at than a lot of other bowl locations. If you are in the area, this would be a great way to spend some time with family and friends during the holidays, especially if your favorite team happens to be invited to Charlotte.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy Leeds, AL 35094 Grand Prix of Alabama website Barber Motorsports Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 100,000 This is Racing’s Augusta The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama is one of the hidden gems of the racing world. Nestled in the mountains of northern Alabama, just east of Birmingham, is Barber Motorsports Park, a premiere racetrack that rivals any other in the country. Who would have known that a track in the middle of the Deep South not called Talladega would provide fans with one of the best racing experiences in the world of sports? Food & Beverage 5 Soul food and good old-fashioned, homemade cooking is what makes Barber Motorsports Park so brilliant when it comes to feeding the masses. Even if you just want a burger or a hot dog, the price is very manageable (a big, juicy cheeseburger is $6.50). But if you really want to enjoy the local culture’s cuisine, several of the vendors in the fan zone and around the facility provide you with some of the best smoked barbecue in the world. When visiting Alabama, barbecue must be one of the staples of your diet, plain and simple. Even the drivers are known to stop by to grab a bite to eat, which is a true testament to how good the food is. There are also food and drink vendors all over the track, so fans are never too far from their next meal. Atmosphere 5 Alabama in the spring is absolutely beautiful. The track is a natural terrain road course, meaning the track follows the rolls and undulations of the mountains upon which the facility was built. Additionally, the foliage around the track is mesmerizing. The trees are tall, old, and majestic, and the wind blowing through them provides a true bonding with nature feeling. The roses, azaleas, and wildflowers blossom on the hills and fill the air with the scent of clean, fresh, floral greatness. What does this have to do with racing? It puts you in a state of relaxation while watching a race that makes IndyCar even more enjoyable than it already was. Roses in Bloom at Barber Motorsports Park, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 The area around the track has changed drastically of late; literally next door is one of the coolest Bass Pro Shops there is (everyone has to drive along a mile-long nature preserve just to get to the store entrance). The venue is several miles away from Birmingham, and the only hotel next to the track is a new Hampton Inn. However, just across the highway is a giant outlet mall that includes a drive-in movie theater. In addition, down the highway just a few exits away lie several chain restaurants (Hooters, Five Guys, Olive Garden, and more), and more hotels. Not far away is the Birmingham Airport, with a nearby Holiday Inn that has a free airport shuttle and room rates in the low $100s, even during race weekend. For sightseers, Talladega National Forest is only an hour drive away, while The Vulcan remains a popular tourist spot that offers a panoramic view of Birmingham. Fans 5 In the heart of Alabama, you may never expect to find a herd of hard-core IndyCar and sportscar racing fans. Indeed, Barber Motorsports Park is full of fans who are seriously knowledgeable and who are loud and rowdy in support of their favorite drivers. Outside of Indianapolis, Barber Motorsports Park may be home to some of the best IndyCar fans there are. Perhaps this was easy to predict when the simple fact that a pre-season test at the track in 2009 drew a near-capacity crowd. Barber Motorsports Park also allows fans to post their tweets and Instagram photos with the race’s official hashtag for display on the big screens around the property, offering fans a chance to interact like few other sports can. The best part? This is one of the most family-friendly race parks there is, so fans can bring their whole families to the track – Southern hospitality at its best. Access 5 Parking at Barber Motorsports Park is brilliant. There are numerous parking lots all over the property, and none of them are far from the track. Getting to the actual track is easy as well, as the main highway has an exit ramp that is less than a mile from the park’s entrance. Getting around the actual course itself is simple. While the track is large, it is easy to walk around. Seating is also easy, as the main grandstand on the backstretch allows views of all four straightaways and several corners. Or for a more picturesque view, there are several locations in which you can pitch a giant foldable party tent and bring some folding chairs and a cooler to watch the race from the hillside. And as if the relaxing atmosphere couldn’t get any more relaxing, it still does – the track offers fans a free tram service that circles the course, allowing you to view the racing action from anywhere on the track. To get to the track itself, there are now various billboards and signs all over the local highways telling you which exit to use, and what direction to turn to get there. A new feature that opened in 2016 is a beautifully located flat, easy-to-navigate handicapped accessible pathway, which travels through the forest to a lookout point where fans using wheelchairs can watch the race, while also being in the comfort of the trees. This pathway is conveniently located across the street from the handicapped parking area. Return on Investment 5 No bones about it, Barber Motorsports Park is a brilliant race track to visit; the price paid for admission is well worth the action on the track and the atmosphere around the speedway. The fans are top notch, the food is among the best that a sports fan’s money can buy, and it is difficult to imagine a better facility in which to watch an IndyCar Series or sportscar race. Extras 5 Barber Motorsports Park is chock full of extras. First and biggest is the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Billed as one of the largest motorsports museums in the country, this museum shows you some of racing history’s best machines from the past. The museum is currently in the stages of an expansion as well to make it even bigger. And as if the museum itself wasn’t enough, during race weekends the museum staff opens the first floor to the fans, one of only three times a year this is done. Why is this so monumental? The first floor is the restoration floor – who can pass up a chance to see the beautiful vintage race cars and motorcycles being restored to their former glory? Another bonus is the great fan zones around the track – TNT fireworks sponsors the best viewing location in the park, the hillside under the trees on the backstretch. Additionally, the track puts on a great fan activity area where fans can meet drivers and get autographs from IndyCar and IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge drivers, while taking part in contests to win racing-related prizes. If you have a race ticket, you can easily upgrade it to include paddock access, which gets you up close and personal to the action in the garages. If you enjoy camping, you can stay on site with a hillside spot right behind the paddock, which offers some brilliant views of the track from a few spots. Perhaps the biggest extra, however, are the random sculptures scattered throughout Barber Motorsports Park. A giant metal spider on the infield, a zombie trying to swim out of a lake, metal sunflowers, tigers by the scoring tower, a Native American chief on the mountainside, giant ants carrying away a motorcycle, Greek Gods, and more pepper the park’s property, making for a neat hide-and-seek adventure. Final Thoughts If you are looking for a great way to enjoy racing, be it IndyCar Series, motorcycles, or sportscar racing, Barber Motorsports Park is a wonderful track in which to view some of the best racing in America. Add to that a vintage museum that showcases the coolest machines in racing history, and you have a great location in which to watch sports.

Photos by David Berger & Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium Bodenheimer Dr Boone, NC 28608 Appalachian State Mountaineers website Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 1,000 Appalachian State Baseball Appalachian State has been rising in national visibility over the last few years, primarily through the visibility of its football team. In 2007, they received national recognition for upsetting Michigan while still an FCS school. Since graduating to the FBS level for football in 2013, they’ve continued a string of athletic successes. Most recently, in 2018 Appalachian State football was ranked in the Top 25 for the first time, after narrowly losing to Penn State in overtime. The groundswell of support and visibility has helped App State (as they are known locally) make strides across a number of its athletic programs. Although baseball has not made the NCAA tournament since 2012, it’s not due to a lack of facilities. Beaver Field and the accompanying Jim & Bettie Smith Stadium complex offer a first-class operation set beautifully into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Built in 2007, Beaver Field has 827 stadium seats with backs, as well as grass seating down the right field line that accommodates overflow crowds over 1000 for their “Pack the Park” promotions. Seating is divided into just three sections, and all seats are between the dugouts and protected by safety netting. The press boxes sit directly behind the concourse at the top of the sections, and the concession and ticket booths are behind the press box. Due to unpredictable Blue Ridge spring weather, the playing surface is Field Turf, which can allow for a late Spring snow removal in the morning, with a game still playable in the afternoon. The complex also includes an indoor hitting and pitching facility, as well as a clubhouse and lounge for players and coaching staff. Food & Beverage 3 Options are generally limited at small college baseball, and that’s true here as well. The cooler is well stocked with drink options (When ordering a “blue Gatorade,” we were asked “which blue?”). Hot dogs ($2 – $4), nachos ($3), and s’mores ($4) are your primary options, along with candy ($2), popcorn, and chips ($1 each). Prices are very reasonable, and fans can also bring their own. During our visit, there were a handful of tailgaters in the parking lot as well. People who bring their own have use of a handful of picnic tables as well. The major drawback is the concession stand is out of view of the field. However, even with a decent crowd during our visit, the lines were never long. Atmosphere 3 The primary attraction is the setting. Looking out into the surrounding mountains on a sunny spring day is a better-than-average way to see a baseball game. For our visit, while there was a nice crowd, it was split fairly evenly between home and away supporters (arch-rival Georgia State). With a crowd under 1000, you can’t expect it to get loud. You can hear every heckler individually. That said, the crowd is engaged and supportive. The stadium staff does a nice job of mixing in music and announcements to keep the game moving along without being overbearing. There are promotions nearly every day to entice return visits, including $2 tickets on Tuesdays. The crowd is a mix of students and local supporters and players' families that makes for a welcoming environment. Neighborhood 5 Boone, NC is one of the great little college towns in America and has been growing and improving exponentially over the last few years. Anyone who has spent time here loves coming back, and while it’s still very small (about 17,000 permanent residents), the community still has all the conveniences of a city twice as large, plus all the charm of a small mountain town. King Street is the primary thoroughfare through Boone and rests along the northern edge of the campus. Highway 321 runs north-south along the Eastern edge. These two roads are your primary options for retail and restaurants. Anything you could want is available, from primary chains to local breweries. The Come Back Shack is popular for burgers, as is The Cardinal. New hotels have been popping up over the last few years, making it a little easier to stay in the area. There are multiple skiing hills in the winter, including Appalachian Ski Mountain, and easy access to the Appalachian Trail only a few miles from campus. Any number of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or whitewater rafting are nearby. Blowing Rock National Park and Tweetsie Railroad (a theme park, skewed towards younger kids) are nearby as well. Fans 3 As App State becomes more and more of a “football school,” general interest in baseball is lukewarm. While they draw a nice crowd on a warm Spring day, those fans fall into one of three categories: students looking to enjoy the sunshine and some sports who don’t have a lot of competitive options, friends of the program, like players’ families and a smattering of locals. Ron Hodges was a catcher in the majors in the 1970s, and is their most prominent baseball alumnus. There is one active major leaguer with an App State pedigree currently (Jeff Springs with the Texas Rangers), and five more in the minors – none of whom were picked in the first 10 rounds. There’s not a lot of reason beyond a love of the game or school pride to be a rabid fan of the baseball program yet. Access 4 Attending a game is simple. Interstate 40 is the closest, but your trip to Boone will eventually take you to either highway 321 (N/S) or 421 (E/W). Both are multi-lane highways and very easy to drive. As remote as Boone can be, it’s still just two hours from Charlotte. Once on campus, parking at the stadium complex is plentiful and free. There are also campus shuttle buses that will take you to the field. Return on Investment 4 A game at Beaver Stadium could be the centerpiece of a very enjoyable weekend getaway filled with all sorts of outdoor activities. Parking is free, and tickets are typical $5, with discounts on Tuesdays and other promotional days. Hotels in the area are reasonably priced, and the entire area is family-friendly, with low-cost and free options for things to do. Just walking around campus will offer some tremendous vistas of the surrounding landscape and can make for an enjoyable day by itself, capped off with lunch or dinner on King Street. Extras 5 Boone is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. In any direction, you’ll find a mix of attractions for the whole family. A drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway will have you making multiple stops along the way to gaze out over the mountains and ravines of the area. There’s plenty of fishing and hiking available in parks around the area as well. Just walking and browsing on King Street can be a fun afternoon. King Street has the feel of a mountain town, but it is just a few blocks from shops and restaurants. Nearby Blowing Rock is a little more commercial and has the Tweetsie Railroad and Blowing Rock monument. The Cherokee National Forest is also just to the West. In less than 90 minutes you can also continue west to the Northeast corner of Tennessee, where you’ll find four affiliated minor league ballparks (Johnson City, Kingsport, Elizabethton, and Bristol). Final Thoughts Though baseball is not the primary sport at Appalachian State, a visit to Boone, NC and Beaver Field is an enjoyable way to spend a sunny spring afternoon.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Belhaven Bowl 1500 Peachtree St Jackson, MS 39202 Belhaven Blazers website Belhaven Bowl website Year Opened: 1950s Capacity: 1200 D3 Football at Belhaven Belhaven University is a small private Christian university located in Jackson, MS. The college was founded in 1883 through the merger of two schools, Mississippi Synodical College & McComb Female Institution. The school's current location opened in 1894 in the mansion of former Confederate Colonel Jones S. Hamilton. The mansion was named Belhaven, and hence is how the university got its name. In 1927 a lightning strike destroyed the mansion, which housed the university's only classrooms – the columns that stand today on the west side of the campus are the only remnants of the old college. The college was originally an all-female institute, however in 1954 males began being admitted to the school. The college has a current enrollment of a little over 4,200 students and fields 15 different sports, which since 2015 have competed in Division III's American Southwest Conference (ASC). The Blazers are the only team in Mississippi that competes in the conference, with 7 out of 10 schools in the ASC stationed in Texas. The Blazers originally were members of NAIA Mid-South Conference and played at H.T. Newell Stadium located just north of campus, but in 2015 the Blazers began the transition to NCAA Division III, and to accommodate these changes opened the brand new state-of-the-art Belhaven Bowl in 2016, located on campus. Since first fielding a football team in 1998 the Blazers have not had much success, compiling an 82-125 (.396) overall record, and not making any playoff appearances in either the NAIA or D3. Despite that fact Belhaven has had a few notable names come through the program. Former Kentucky Head Coach Hal Mumme was head coach for the Blazers from 2014-2017, and in 2009 current Tennessee Titans cornerback Tramaine Brock finished out his collegiate career here after a standout career at the University of Minnesota . Food & Beverage 1 Belhaven Bowl does not have a concessions stand on site, however, if you walk next door to the Heidelberg Gymnasium there is stand open in there. You should be able to make it to the gymnasium and back to your seat in about 5 minutes. Food options are pretty limited with only hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, popcorn, peanuts and candy listed on the menu. They also sell canned Coke products for $1, and as usual there is no alcohol. My suggestion would be to get something to eat anywhere in Jackson. Atmosphere 3 The whole setup for the Belhaven Bowl is quite impressive for this level of college football, and stands out compared to most college football stadiums in the south. The field the stadium was built around was originally known as “The Bowl,” and was just a big field that hosted football practices; the Blazers men's and women's soccer teams also used it for select games. The Bowl sits in the center of campus surrounded by beautiful campus buildings, and underwent a $4 million renovation at the end of the 2015 season, including chair back seating for 1200 and a state-of-the-art video board. The chair back seats with cup holders are an added touch here, and something you normally wouldn't see at the D3 level, but here every seat is a green chair back. The press box is unique as well as instead of a normal singular press box, Belhaven Bowl has their press box separated into 3 boxcar style buildings. There is no concourse but more of a walkway that surrounds the Bowl, and the field slightly below ground level so you walk down to your seats. The field faces north and south, with the home side located on the west side with the visitors on the east. The home side is much longer stretching the length of the field, while the visitor side only stretches from the 15-yard line to the 45-yard line. There are a few people tailgating around the stadium, and a unique thing here is that you can actually watch the game on the field while tailgating outside the stadium. The Blazers football program is young and has been notoriously bad in recent years, so there are not a lot of achievements. But the atmosphere is pretty good and more than makes up for the lack of wins. Coupled in with the cozy chairback seats, Belhaven Bowl is a pretty comfortable place to watch a football game. The old stadium H.T. Newell Field was definitely larger and held more fans, but Belhaven Bowl is much more comfortable and fits the program much better.Fans are free to walk up and come and go because there is no admission cost for tickets, so it is hard to take to count how many people actually show up on game day. Every seat is usually taken, but there are also a couple hundred or so people standing around the field watching. The atmosphere increases a point when the Blazers play Millsaps College. The Millsaps Majors are not part of the ASC conference but are still the Blazers' fiercest rivalry. Millsaps is located in the same neighborhood about two blocks west of Belhaven. Nicknamed the Riverside Rumble, these two teams usually face off every year to start the season. Fans from both schools pack the stadium and it becomes not so much a home game for Belhaven but more of a neutral site because of so many visiting fans. Neighborhood 3 Belhaven's campus is located in a mostly residential area north of downtown. While there is nothing within walking distance of the college, just a short drive north will take you to the Fondren District – located near the Ole Miss Med School this is Jackson's nightlife area, and you will find numerous restaurants and bars on this one block strip, my favorite being Fondren Public. You can play all sorts of games such as bocce ball, corn hole, shuffleboard, and over-sized jenga, as well as multiple board games so this bar has a really cool feel to it. There are numerous other bars and restaurants located in Fondren as well, however, such as Pig & Pint (known for its BBQ), Walker's Drive Inn, Babalu Tapas & Tacos, and Sal & Mookie's Pizza. But another bar in the area I suggest checking out is Brent's Drugs – from the outside it looks like a regular pharmacy, and with the soda fountain inside it's very reminiscent of 50's style diner. However, in the back there is a speakeasy style bar that was used during prohibition – it's a very interesting bar that gets pretty packed at night. There are also numerous bars in the downtown area as well, a couple of miles south of campus, such as Hal and Mal's, Fenians, and Old Tavern on George Street. In addition, Underground 119 is a cool underground blues bar located in downtown as well. However, the downtown area is not exactly the safest area, so use caution when walking here after dark. Lakeland Drive is located about a mile north of Belhaven's campus and you can find all the usual chain restaurants and lodging in this area. For attractions, I recommend checking out the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, which is a very nice interactive museum that doesn't get too packed during the week, and you could spend hours just walking through all the different exhibits located in the museum. The Hall of Fame is located on Lakeland Drive, right next to historic Smith-Wills Stadium, former home of the Minor League Jackson Mets/Generals and the current home to the Belhaven baseball team. Fans 4 This season marks the fourth year of football at Belhaven Bowl, and the new venue has already proven to be a success, as more fans have turned out than when games were played across the street at Newell Field. Because fans are free to come and go as they please there is not an official way to accurately determine just how many fans come out for games, but as the majority of the seats are filled, and with many fans also standing around, it looks to be in the 1200 to 1500 range. Many of the schools in the American Southwest Conference are in Texas, and unfortunately there is not a large turnout from visiting fans except when they play Millsaps. Because of the closeness of the field to the stands everything looks packed out and looks pretty cool. At the farthest away you are still only about 15 to 20 feet from the actual playing field. There is also a mix of all types of people including lots of player's parents, alumni, and students – there is no official student section so most of the students seemed scattered out between the grandstand and the tailgating lots. In addition, from Peachtree Street there is a clear view of the playing field, so you will see some fans driving down that road who pull off to stop. Access 3 The campus is located north of downtown a couple of blocks west of Interstate 55. If coming from any direction I-55 will be your best option – just take the Fortification Street exit and then turn north onto Greymont Street, which will run you right into campus. The field is located on the north side of campus right next to Heidelberg Gymnasium , home of the Blazers basketball program . Even though many of the seats are taken on a first come first serve basis, the place is spread out enough that you should have no problem finding a place to either stand and watch the game, or you can sit on the berm in the south end zone which a lot of fans do. So you should have no problem finding a seat, and even though you have to walk to the gymnasium next door to get food, it shouldn't take any longer than 5 minutes. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are free, concessions are limited but cheap, and you’re not going to see many future NFL stars on the field, but the overall atmosphere makes this a good return on investment. It makes for a great stop if in Jackson, MS on a Saturday in the fall. Extras 3 Belhaven can be considered the Oregon Ducks of D3 football, as they are known for numerous different uniform combinations. Almost every home or away game expect the Blazers to wear a different jersey and a new helmet design that was not used the previous week. Belhaven's colors are similar to Oregon as well, except the green is a little lighter in Belhaven. Expect the Blazers to wear bright green, yellow jerseys, or charcoal grey with a bright green or yellow helmet, but they'll switch it up and wear any color pants from gray to bright green to black to bright yellow. It's definitely a sight to see and something to look forward to if attending a game. Though the Blazers don't win much they still look good while trying. Another extra for the amount of college football games one could attend while in the area. Belhaven, Millsaps College, and Jackson State's football stadium are all located within blocks of one another. I recommend checking the schedule for when all three teams play on the same day, which happens at least once or twice a year. On my most recent visit I was able to check out the noon game at Belhaven, then drive two blocks over and watch the Millsaps game at 2:30, and then I walked across the street to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium to watch the Jackson State Tigers play at one of the most historic college football venues in the south. Another extra point for the World's Oldest Singing Christmas Tree, which is performed at Belhaven Bowl every December. A singing Christmas tree is exactly what it sounds like – a giant Christmas tree with platforms where people stand and sing. When the Singing Christmas Tree started in 1933 it was a first of its kind, and today the wood and metal structure can hold over 100 people. Over the years the candles have been replaced with LED lights that change colors in various patterns and sequences according to the Christmas carol being sung, which creates a visual spectacle. The tree is set up on the football field and there are two performances each year, so if in the Jackson area on these particular dates I highly recommend checking out the tree. Final Thoughts When people think of great college football venues and traditions in Mississippi, for most people in the state Belhaven University does not come to mind. Many people think of Davis-Wade Stadium’s cowbells and The Junction, The Grove in Oxford, The Rock in Hattiesburg, or The Vet in Jackson. But what many people don't know is that there is a small D3 college in downtown Jackson that has created its own unique identity to stand out, with an atmosphere and fan engagement that rivals the bigger schools in the state. I have been to and experienced most every college football stadium and arena in the state of Mississippi, and perhaps one of my absolute favorites has to be Belhaven Bowl. The Bowl has everything from the tiny grandstands to the campus buildings overlooking the field to make it unique and stand out amongst other venues in the state. After four years Belhaven Bowl still retains that new feel to it, and it remains a true hidden gem and something all college football fans in the Jackson area should visit at least once.

Photo Courtesy of TexasBob.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bernard Birkelbach Field 2275 N Austin Ave Georgetown, TX 78626 Southwestern Pirates website Bernard Birkelbach Field website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 11,000 Pirates Hoist the Flag at Birkelbach Field Located less than 30 minutes north of the capital city of Austin lies one of its most picturesque suburban towns, Georgetown. The rapidly growing “village” of 55,000 – whose motto “Sincerely Yours” gives visitors a glimpse at its charm – has become a popular commuter town for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Austin. However, since 1840, students at Southwestern University have known all about what Georgetown has to offer. The school first fielded a football team – the Pirates – as early as 1908. They earned a reputation as a “little program that could” by often tangling with and beating some of the biggest and best programs in the country. They won the Sun Bowl twice in the 1940s, but the war took a toll on the program and the school shut it down in 1951. The Pirates returned to the field in 2013 as part of the Division III American Southwest Conference. They have set up home at Bernard Birkelbach Field at the Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex, one of the best high school stadiums in the area. Both good and bad, that is the key thing to remember about attending a Pirates game. Food & Beverage 2 First things first, the food and drink amenities are what you could expect to find at any upper-level high school football stadium. For those who generally expect more from their college athletics experiences, this is going to be a significant drawback. There are just two concession stands (one under the home bleachers and one under the visitors) open during games and no vendors hawking in the stands. The food and drink options are pretty basic and bare bones. You’ll find your $2 hot dogs and $3 bottled sodas, sports drinks, and water; there is popcorn and candy and that omnipresent specialty of Central and South Texas Friday nights, Frito pie (for the uninitiated, think corn chips, chili, and shredded cheese; it’s a delicacy). You can however get a Chick-fil-A sandwich (one of the school’s local sponsors) and cheese and pepperoni pizza by the slice; both are $5 options. This is a nice option if you are looking to get something just a bit “extra” for the game. Also, I personally was delighted to see another drink option at the game and that would be sweet and unsweet iced tea from local favorite, Bush’s Chicken . If, for some reason, you simply cannot find anything you would like at a game, you are allowed to bring in your own fare – within reason. Atmosphere 2 In spite of playing football at the level that they do, the Southwestern Pirates have a lot of buy in from their fan base. Tailgaters show up several hours before the game – the lot opens three hours before kickoff – and the student section does show up in droves and fills the lower sections of the stands. However, there are still some elements missing from the game experience. Namely a mascot and student band. These staples of college football are noticeable at times, but they do not take away from the on-field action. Also, fair warning, seating is all on bleachers – e.g. there are no seats. Bring cushions if you have access to them. Neighborhood 3 Georgetown is truly a beautiful example of small-town Texas. Its downtown is famous for its architecture and tourist sites, namely restaurants and boutique shops. Speaking of restaurants, when you are in the area, you have to visit the Monument Café . The restaurant has been a favorite of locals for over 20 years – including one of the area’s favorite sons, Matthew McConaughey. For culture, check out the Williamson Museum, the official county museum, which tells the story of the area and is located in an historic building on the square. If you’re there overnight, the Palace Theatre offers performances of all kinds throughout the year. If you’re looking for outdoor fun, Blue Hole Park has everything you’re looking for – kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, etc. And, if you’re still looking for more, Austin is less than 30 minutes away. Fans 4 The fans come out in droves for Pirates games. You’ll see most wearing black and gold. Trailers and RVs dot the parking lot and you can see Pirate flags from the road as you make the drive toward the stadium. In the stands they cheer boisterously for the home team from the opening whistle to the final seconds. It is in this area that games at Birkelbach Field truly feel like a college game as opposed to a high school one. Access 3 Getting to Georgetown is really as simple as it gets in Central Texas. It is located just under 30 minutes from Austin, north along Interstate 35. That puts it just a hair under two hours from San Antonio and around five hours from Dallas/Fort Worth. Once you get into Georgetown proper, it does get a little tricky to get to the games. Signs clearly mark where the Southwestern University campus is, however, that is not where the stadium is. The athletic complex is located right behind Georgetown High School. You need to pay extra close attention for signage for that. Return on Investment 3 If you’re looking an affordable college football experience, Southwestern is the way to go. Parking is free; you can eat your fill for a very affordable price at the concession stands (seriously, try the iced tea), and single game tickets can be had for as little as $10. If you’re going by yourself, with a buddy, a date or the family, you won’t break your wallet. You’ll get the chance to experience some quality college football action in a decent venue for an affordable price at Birkelbach Field. Extras 1 There aren’t many frills, bells or whistles at Southwestern University Pirates games. As mentioned, there is no marching band or mascot, nor are there a high-tech jumbotron or activities during the timeouts. The cheerleaders and pom squad (traditionally the halftime entertainment) can be seen on the sidelines and do add to the atmosphere. Final Thoughts Birkelbach Field is a top-notch facility for high school games. While it does somewhat detract from the atmosphere of the typical college experience, there is enough to keep attendees entertained. Georgetown itself is a great place to visit and is great venue for football. If you’re in the area, plan to attend a Pirates game. You’ll be surprised at how much you enjoy yourself. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos Courtesy of theralph.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Betty Engelstad Sioux Center One Ralph Engelstad Dr Grand Forks, ND 58203 North Dakota Fighting Hawks website Betty Engelstad Sioux Center website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 3,140 Betty Engelstad Sioux Center The University of North Dakota men’s basketball team has one of the most beautiful and original college basketball venues in the Midwest. The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center is home to men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and women’s soccer. The facility opened its doors in August 2004 and continues to provide an elaborate home game experience for both players and fans alike. The outside of the building is encased in gorgeous brick and is attached to The Ralph Engelstad Arena, home of North Dakota Hockey. The sheer beauty of the venue can be felt as soon as the building is in view. The $8 million dollar facility offers a number of amenities for both athletes and fans including the “high quality spring loaded floor, power operated basketball standards and divider curtains, four regulation size basketball and volleyball courts, 2,600 padded seats that include armrests, a club lounge, and a hospitality room that can fit up to 200 people.” (Betty Engelstad Sioux Center Quick Facts) Food & Beverage 4 The Betty has a variety of food items for a college basketball facility. These items include popcorn ($4), soft pretzels ($4), Dippin’ Dots ($4.50), the classic hot dog ($4.50) as well as bottled Pepsi products ($4). While there are other options available, these are definitely some of the biggest fan favorites. All of the concession items can be found on the main level which has three separate areas for fans to purchase their items of choice. While there isn’t anything that stands out to me about the concession options, I do have to comment on how organized and easy it is to get to each location. This makes for a great fan experience whether you are there with your children or your grandparents. The lines are short and move quickly, making it easy to get in and out of your seat at any point during the game. Atmosphere 5 The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center has a capacity of 3,140 for basketball games (men’s and women’s) that includes both padded chairs with armrests and classic bleacher seating. The padded individual seats are constructed of leather and cherry wood and are quite elaborate for a college athletic setting. The facility recently got an upgrade in scoreboards, which make for a very professional experience. The digital boards are constantly showing replays, interactive fan games, and video clips of the players. There is a video board on each end of the main court, making it easy for fans to catch all of the action from any seat. The fans are up close and personal with the game, which makes the atmosphere exciting and exhilarating. The entire crowd gets into the games; leaving nothing to be desired. The facility’s size and layout give the fans a very authentic feel. The passion for the game and North Dakota makes itself very apparent from the first steps inside. Neighborhood 3 The Betty is situated right off of the University of North Dakota campus, next to the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The facility is also located just over a mile off of interstate I-29 making for easy access for out of town fans. The venue is surrounded by actual neighborhoods, the UND Student Wellness Center, the UND medical school, and a small number of businesses. There is not any food or hotel options directly next to The Betty, but the city of Grand Forks offers plenty of eatery/hotel options all within a four mile radius of the venue. Fans 5 The University of North Dakota fans are energetic, determined, and devoted. While the student section is filled for every home game, it is very encouraging to see a wide variety of fans ranging in age. The season ticket holders have some of the best courtside seats available, making for a perfect view of the digital video boards, cheerleaders, and interactive fan games. The Betty seats 3,140 and is often filled to the brim with enthusiastic fans. Many of the younger fans can be seen with fatheads of the players, and are jumping up and down after each and every play. The sincere “hometown” feel you get at a North Dakota basketball game is unlike anything else. Access 5 The Betty is just over a mile off of I-29, with four big parking lots and plenty street parking. The parking lots that surround the building all offer free parking for afternoon games, and $5 for evening games. There is often multiple events going on between the three different venues that are connected, (The Betty, The Olympic Ice Arena, and The Ralph Engelstad Arena) which can make parking a little troubling at times. There are two locations that fans can enter the facility through; making for easy access to escape the cold weather that often plagues North Dakota. There are four bathrooms located at each corner of the court, making them very accessible for each and every fan. The main concession area is located behind one of the bleacher sets, creating a large gathering area for fans. The facility itself is large but has strategically placed everything a fan could need all within steps of their seats. While there isn’t a “lack” of a concourse, it is different from some facilities in the fact that most everything is situated on the same level as the court. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for adults can run anywhere from $10-$20, and are free to UND students. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office inside the lobby, by phone, or online. The ticket prices for college basketball are very reasonable, and do not waiver from game to game. There are multiple ticket options for families, season passes, and variety game packages. The atmosphere alone is enough excitement for anyone, but there is just something about going to a great facility that makes for a great basketball game. The venue itself is world class, and is something that should be seen by many. Extras 3 The Betty doesn’t offer many extras, but fans certainly do not seem to notice. The moment they enter the venue, they are greeted by the players doing their warm-ups, loud pump up music, and the great smell of popcorn. There are quite a few interactive fan games that take place throughout the game, a live pep band, and a “human t-shirt cannon” that is constantly throwing out shirts to fans when UND makes a particular play. The entire experience is interactive and does a fantastic job of bringing the game up close and personal. Final Thoughts The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center is truly a work of art that deserves to be recognized. College basketball is often a tradition for families and friends and this location does not disappoint. The ticket prices are hard to beat, the parking is easy and priced appropriately, and the in-game experience is second to none. I would definitely recommend checking out The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center if you find yourself in Grand Forks.