Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Feyenoord Stadium Vam Zandvlietplein 1, Ijsselmonde Rotterdam 3077 AA, Netherlands Feyenoord Rotterdam website Feyenoord Stadium (De Kuip) website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 51,177 Feyenoord Stadium (AKA De Kuip) The Feyenoord Stadion in Rotterdam is one of the most iconic footballing arenas in the whole of Europe. That it is in danger of being demolished should be of concern to all who value such structures over the new and often soulless stadia we’ve seen in recent times. Inaugurated in 1937, the ground is known to all as De Kuip (The bowl) due simply to its attractive curving footprint. It is home to the Dutch footballing giant Feyenoord Rotterdam. Such is the De Kuip’s prestige it has also hosted Dutch national team matches, a European Championship final and many European club finals too. Feyenoord Rotterdam began life as ‘Wilhelina’ became SC Feyenoord before settling on the current name in 1978. They’ve won their domestic league on no fewer than 15 occasions and the KNVB Cup 13 times. In Europe they have also had success, winning the European Cup in 1970 and two UEFA Cup trophies in 1974 and 2002. Whilst plans have been mooted to move away from the De Kuip before, the current iteration, a new 63,000 sports hub on the nearby river bank seems to have traction and could open by 2023. Most Feyenoord fans do not want to leave their current ground, whether they can stop the move seems unlikely. Rotterdam itself is the gritter and tougher sibling of the country’s capital city Amsterdam. Whilst Amsterdam attracts tourists and acclaim from across the world, Rotterdam quietly gets on with its shipping and its finance industries with a stoic outlook, far removed from their ‘flashy’ compatriots up the road. Think Glasgow to Edinburgh or Belfast to Dublin and you get the picture. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium boasts its own restaurant called the Brasserie. Open for drinks or lunches this is an option more if you are visiting on a non-match day as the restaurant closes at 2pm on the day of a game. On match day, on the Olympiatribune side of the ground there are mobile food kiosks selling the usual fayre just outside the stadium itself. Inside, you will need to first purchase your Feyenoord tokens (munts) as the bars do not take cash. These can be bought from a shed within the confines of the stadium, 10 tokens cost 14.50 Euros. A Pepsi will then set you back one token. Heineken Light is served for 1.5 tokens as well as 7-Up, iced tea and Red Bull to name but a few – an impressive array of drink choices! Food wise a small burger cost 2.5 tokens and Kroket (Croquet in a bun) is 2 tokens. Food and Drink Kiosk, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 Raucous and intimidating are two words often used to describe the atmosphere in the De Kuip when it is full. Before kick-off, Feyenoord fans will often reveal tifo style displays and belt out their club anthem. To a certain extent the atmosphere will depend on the competition and opposition. For this visit, a pre-season friendly v Southampton, only 2/3rds full, it was the away fans who made most of the noise. The home fans not particularly pleased with their team’s performance on the day. The ‘bowl’ layout of the stadium and low roof contribute to the noise staying in the ground. The locals normally play their part vocally, no prawn sandwiches and half-time flasks here, Feyenoord fans come to support their team. Due to its shape there are additional ‘temporary’ stands at pitch level on all 4 sides. These ensure supporters are close to the pitch with the main stands themselves a little further back. These stands however are more open to the elements, so you may choose to sit back in the main stands to avoid a soaking. Seats in the main stands are generally tightly packed together with not a lot of leg room. There are scoreboards behind both goals that are not particularly large but display the time and remind you of the latest score line! Neighborhood 3 There is very little of note in the immediate vicinity of the ground. A few restaurants and fast food outlets however have popped up to the north of the stadium such as Hollywood’s, just across the dual carriageway from the ground. This or drinking inside the ground is your main choice locally. For all main amenities therefore, you will need to start and finish your visit in the city centre. The ‘in place’ to eat in Rotterdam is the Market Hall (Markthal). The building itself is a masterpiece of architecture, an arched ‘upside-down’ horseshoe shape with a myriad of market stalls selling foods from across the world. Just wander in and see what takes your fancy! If not head to the Fenix Food Factory if you like your beer, cider and food. You can then jump on a water taxi to the stadium! The central area itself has all the usual museums, cinemas and theatres you’d expect in a modern city. For history lovers, the Pilgrims Fathers Church can be visited, where the intrepid explorers worshipped before setting off on the Speedwell to the USA in July 1620. For stadium enthusiasts you may wish to fit another game in to your trip at the other local clubs Sparta Rotterdam or Excelsior. Tickets are easy to get for either unless it’s a derby match. Excelsior’s ground is to the east of the city and Sparta to the west. Accommodation wise, if you are using the car then the 4* Delta Hotel in Vlaardingen on the north bank of the river has fantastic views and can be booked at a reasonable cost. If not, then any hotel around the central train station would suit. For example, the Grand Hotel Central a 3* hotel is just a few minutes’ walk away. There isn’t a great deal of hotel options near to the stadium, one possibility is the Art Hotel Rotterdam, a 4* which is still a half hour walk away. Fans 4 In the Dutch Eredivisie, Feyenoord’s average attendances are second only to fierce rivals Ajax. Average attendances have fallen in the last few years (16/17 47,500, 17/18 45,588, 18/19 41,771) but the hard core remains as loyal as ever. The main fan group affiliated to the club is ‘The Legioen’ with over 40k members, the equivalent for the young fans ‘Kameraadjes’ has over 25,000 signed up. The club also has a large following from countries across the world. The club anthem is ‘Hand in Hand’ and the fans vocal support comes from all four sides of the ground instead of just one main end that is often the case. Access 4 If you are flying in for a match, use Schiphol (Amsterdam) airport. You can then take a train direct to Rotterdam in just 30 mins. Alternatively, you could fly into Eindhoven. From here you’d need to get a bus (401) to Eindhoven train station then it’s an hour train journey into Rotterdam. Another alternative from France and the UK is to take the Eurostar to Brussels then use a local train from Brussels to Rotterdam which takes around 2 hours. Although the stadium is ‘out of town,’ links from central Rotterdam are good. From Rotterdam Centraal station there are trains to the Rotterdam Stadion which is right opposite the ground. On non-match days, alight at Rotterdam Zuid which is a 20 minute walk to the ground. A cheaper option is to use your match day ticket for free travel on the tram. Jump on the number 23 from right outside Centraal station and be dropped opposite the De Kuip, a stone’s throw from the above-mentioned Hollywood bar. Alternatively, you can use the metro service, bus or even water taxi to get around. The metro was built in 1968 with 5 lines A-E. Take the dark blue ‘E’ line from Centraal station toward the stadium and alight at either Rijnhaven or Maashaven, both are still around a half hour walk from the ground. If you are driving, you can book a parking space at the same time you book your ticket. Car parks around the ground can be expensive…25 Euros being quoted for parking on a piece of waste land just to the northeast of the stadium. Access wise. there is plenty of space around the perimeter of the ground with fans visiting the club shops or grabbing some food from the various food stalls. Signs showing the layout of the whole stadium are on show outside to help you get your bearings. Entry into the stadium is using a bar-coded ticket and like most stadiums these days be prepared to be searched upon entry. Once inside be prepared for lots of stairs! Wheelchair users are given a section behind the dugouts and assistance is available. Return on Investment 3 The Feyenoord online ticket shop should be your first call for obtaining match day tickets. As ever these days, you will need to create an account first. The advice is to book your ticket before travelling, however if the game hasn’t sold out, there will be tickets on sale at the box office on the day of the match. Tickets can obviously also be purchased via third party websites but expect to pay the usual premium. Home match day tickets cost from 38 Euros, the away fans paying as little as 19 Euros (for a friendly). All the usual merchandise is available in the club shops at slightly inflated prices, i.e. a scarf will cost 20 Euros and a cap 15 Euros. For accommodation and food Rotterdam prices are not cheap but the ‘cost of living’ is far lower here than the tourist trap of Amsterdam. A tourist day ticket which allows travel on all the main transport offerings cost €13.50. Alternatively, a Rotterdam Welcome card can be purchased which does the same thing but also offers discounts. Extras 3 The Feyenoord App can be downloaded which provides up to date news and access to tickets and the fan shop. Could only find a version in Dutch however so if it’s not your first language it may not be so helpful! The Feyenoord Museum is only available as part of the Stadium tours , which can be booked in the fan store next to the ground or book in advance over the phone. Prices are from 9.50 Euros with a 1 Euro reduction if purchased online. The match day programme cost just 1.50 Euros and was good value. Two fan shops are located at the corner of the Maastribune and the Willem Van Hanegem Tribunes. Final Thoughts Stadium Journey wholeheartedly recommends a visit to the De Kuip, as soon as you can!

Photos by Meg Minard,, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Laney College Football Field 900 Fallon St Oakland, CA 94607 Map It Oakland Roots SC website Laney College Football Field website Año Abierto: 1962 Capacidad: 5,500 Oakland Roots ¿Crees que los Athletics son el único equipo deportivo en Oakland, CA? Piensa otra vez. Con solo unos pocos años de existencia, Oakland Roots SC atrae grandes multitudes durante la temporada de fútbol. El club es miembro de la USL-C, el segundo nivel de fútbol en los Estados Unidos. Comenzó su notable aventura en 2019 como miembro de NISA (Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Independiente) y se mudó a la USL-C en 2021. Los empresarios de Oakland que se enorgullecen de pertenecer a la comunidad de Oakland son dueños de The Roots. Los camiones de comida son todos locales; los artistas de Oakland realizan entretenimiento previo al partido. Los socios de los pubs de los partidos fuera de casa son los bares comunitarios y las tabernas. Todo es bastante impresionante. Los propietarios y la comunidad deben estar orgullosos de su equipo y organización. Oakland Roots SC juega sus partidos de local en el campo de fútbol de Laney College. El colegio es un colegio comunitario público cerca de Lake Merritt y tiene una reputación de diversidad y capacitación técnica de alta calidad. Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimenticia 4 Las opciones de comida son increíbles. Los camiones locale de comida deliciosa cierran la calle 10th Street. Algunas de las tarifas que se ofrecen son: Mediterránea (giros, arroces y ensaladas) Pupusas, Nachos, Tacos (Guatemaltecas y Mexicanas) Coolinaria (mexicano contemporáneo con ingredientes de origen local) Munchiez (comida reconfortante y dulces) Southern Comfort Kitchen (muchas opciones de pescado frito) Empanadas Argentinas También se instala a lo largo de la calle una carpa que ofrece cerveza enlatada, agua mineral, sidra y vino. No noté ningunas mesas ni sillas para sentarse y comer. Los fanáticos disfrutan de sus comidas poniéndose de pie o llevándolos a sus asientos. Es fantástico ver la variedad de cocinas que se ofrecen y aún mejor que son negocios locales de Oakland. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 4 La mayor parte del área de asientos está en el lado este (más cercano al campus). Consta de 10 a 12 filas de gradas orientadas al oeste. Las gradas no tienen pasamanos instalados; para aquellos que se sienten incómodos, quédense en la sección para discapacitados o en las filas superiores. El club marca algúnas secciones apartadas. Los asientos de “Mosaic” son las tres secciones al centro del campo. Los asientos centrales de las primeras cinco filas, acolchados con cojines multicolores brillantes, se conocen como asientos Mosaic+. Oakland Roots Colorful Mosaic+ Seating, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey La sección de Deep Roots Supporters son las dos últimas secciones en el extremo sur de las gradas. Los graderios están al lado oeste y se usan para el desbordamiento y las familias de los jugadores. El club coloca asientos individuales alrededor del campo, detrás de las vallas laterales, para los fanáticos que desean una experiencia cercana a la acción. Los aficionados no pueden recorrer todo el perímetro del terreno de juego. La sección de la familia de los jugadores está vigilada y bloquea el circuito. El Oakland Roots SC utiliza el marcador del estadio de fútbol que se destaca detrás de la portería sur y muestra el tiempo, la mitad y el marcador. La organización despliega un césped modular específico para fútbol sobre el campo de fútbol para la temporada de fútbol. Siguiendo con el tema basado en la comunidad, los residentes y las organizaciones de Oakland brindan el entretenimiento. En el partido de esta revisión, la Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil de Oakland desempeñó antes del juego, al igual que G-Eazy, un destacado rapero y productor nacido en Oakland. Los clubes de fútbol juvenil patearon la pelota en el medio tiempo. Neighborhood / Barrio 3 El estadio se encuentra en el campus urbano de 60 acres de Laney College, a menos de una milla del Lake Merritt. Para lugares para comer, varios restaurantes vietnamitas y tailandeses están cerca. Más cerca del lago se encuentran Portal (restaurante de brunch) y Tacos Mi Rancho (mexicano). Varias cervecerías están a una milla de distancia: Buck Wild Brewing & Taproom, Oakland United Beerworks, Original Pattern Brewing y Federation Brewery. Jack London Square, un área histórica frente al mar y puerto deportivo con restaurantes, bares, tiendas y entretenimiento, está a solo 1,5 millas del campo de fútbol de Laney College. Un excelente museo para visitar es el Oakland Museum of California, a solo media milla del campo. La mayoría de los hoteles están en el centro de Oakland, a una milla de distancia. Estos incluyen un Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown, Ramada by Wyndham, un Marriott y un Courtyard Marriott. Otros deportes para visitar en el área durante la temporada de fútbol incluyen los Oakland Athletics y los San Francisco Giants . Fans / Fanáticos 4 Con solo dos años en la USL-C, la comunidad de Oakland ha adoptado Oakland Roots de todo corazón. Es un placer ver una variedad de grupos étnicos, familias, niños y adultos jóvenes reunidos en torno a este club de fútbol. Todos los fanáticos se ponen de pie y vitorean (o gimen) ante la acción en el campo. ¡Sin duda son una multitud alegre y bulliciosa! Deep Roots, el grupo de aficionados, crea una atmósfera eléctrica en los partidos con tambores, ondear banderas, vítores y saltos. Una línea de tambores anima a los fanáticos antes del juego con un desfile espectacular a lo largo de 10th St antes del partido. Tambores, bailarines y una persona sobre zancos caminan por la cuadra para que todos disfruten. Durante el concurso, Ryan, un artista local y avido fanatico, se para detrás de la meta y pinta un paisaje del estadio y el partido de futbol. Oakland Roots Local Artist, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey La asistencia promedio es de 4.600, lo que les brinda una multitud sólida para la mayoría de los partidos durante la temporada. Access / Acceso 3 Llegar al campo de fútbol americano de Laney College es relativamente fácil, ya que está justo al lado de la I-880 y a media milla de la estación BART de Lake Merritt . El estacionamiento está en el estacionamiento para estudiantes de Laney College en E 7th St, frente al campus (solo busque todos los autos), y es gratis. La entrada principal al estadio está en E 10th St y 2nd Ave, y los fanáticos pasan por detectores de metales para su control de seguridad. Se permiten bolsas transparentes de hasta 14” x 6” x 14”. La seguridad se toma en serio. Las puertas abren una hora antes del inicio. 10th St entre 2nd y 4th Avenue está cerrada para los camiones de comida y el entretenimiento previo al juego. Los baños están debajo de la cabina de prensa y las gradas; otro conjunto está en un edificio en el extremo noroeste de la cancha. Espere líneas durante los partidos con entradas agotadas. El área de asientos puede llenarse, especialmente durante los juegos que se agotan. Return on Investment / Retorno de la inversion 5 El precio de un boleto para un solo juego para un partido de Oakland Roots es el siguiente: Generalidades – $20 Mosaic – $25 Mosaic Plus – $35 Línea final de asiento de campo – $65 Línea lateral del asiento de campo – $75 Los boletos de temporada y los paquetes grupales reducen ese precio. Los fanáticos no pagan por el estacionamiento. Los precios de los alimentos son lo que se espera en California. Los fanáticos y el ambiente del día del juego son fenomenales. Obtendrá el valor de su dinero de entretenimiento deportivo en un partido aquí. Extras 4 Oakland Roots SC se unió al movimiento Common Goal cuya misión es crear un cambio social positivo. Los participantes contribuyen con un mínimo del 1% de sus salarios para luchar contra la desigualdad social. “El club fue fundado con un propósito; aprovechar la magia de Oakland y el poder del deporte como una fuerza para el bien social”. – tomado del sitio web Oakland Roots La organización está promocionando a su contraparte del equipo femenino, Oakland Soul, que comenzará a jugar en 2023 en la liga USL-W. Estar involucrado en la ciudad e incorporar empresas y organizaciones comunitarias en aspectos del día del partido es profundamente evidente. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos Finales Los fanáticos de los deportes de Oakland definitivamente han abrazado su nuevo club de fútbol, Oakland Roots SC. Encontrarás una casa repleta a menudo durante la temporada con fanáticos apasionados y acogedores. Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 New Holland Arena 23 North Cameron St Harrisburg, PA 17110 Harrisburg Heat website New Holland Arena website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 6,700 Heating things up in Harrisburg The Freedmont Mortgage Field at Farm Show Arena is on one six different buildings that make up the Pennsylvania Farm Show and Expo Center in Harrisburg. It is also home to the Harrisburg Heat of Major Arena Soccer League. In 1917 the first state-wide farm show took place attracting 5,000 visitors and as it grew in popularity a new centralized place was needed to house the event. On January 31, 1929, construction for the $1.4 million farm show complex in Harrisburg broke ground and opened in time for the 1931 Farm Show. By the end of the decade, the Large Show Arena would be built in 1939. Today the Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the world attracting 585,000 visitors to 24 acres of animals, educational encounters, displays, and food. The original Heat were members of the old National Professional Soccer League that began operations in 1991 becoming a popular draw during the decade playing front of crowds that averaged between 5,000-6,000 people to the 7,300 seat arena. However, the team would cease operations in 2003 until being rebooted 9 years later. The current version of the Heat began in 2012 and new ownership plans to restore the club to its glory days in central Pennsylvania. Carl Delmont, CEO of Maryland-based Freedmont Mortgage looks to improve the team by signing international talent in hopes of producing success on and off the artificial turf. Food & Beverage 3 There are multiple concession stands throughout the inner-main concourse with only a handful open, but still, manage to supply customers with food and drink. There is also a beer garden that offers a multitude of beer, ciders, and alcoholic beverages. The prices and selection are reasonable and include chicken tender basket ($6), hot dogs ($3), cheeseburgers ($6), grilled chicken sandwich ($7.25), nachos ($3), pizza ($3.50) and fries ($3.25). There also two types of sausages for $6: Italian and hot varieties. To wash all of these items down, the facility offers Coca-Cola products at $3.25-$4.25 respectively. The beer garden houses 26 different bottled beers ranging from local favorites Tröegs, Yuengling, and Yards to national brands of Bud, Coors, and PBR. There also Jack’s Ciders and Not Your Father’s alcoholic beverages. The prices range from $6.50-$8 a bottle in the beer garden. The concession stands also sell premium and domestic beers for $6 and $7 respectively. Atmosphere 3 The Harrisburg Heat provide a nice way to spend a cold winter’s evening indoors. The facility itself is in surprising sound condition for its age and features a wide concourse to house activities and easy access to the building and seating concourse. The merchandise tent offers t-shirts, hoodies, zip-ups, flags, replica jerseys, and other paraphernalia at reasonable prices-a jersey is a steal at $50. Adjacent to the tent is the official fan club that looks to boost up its membership. There is even an area where kids can get balloon sculptures made for free. The night we visited the arena the Heat were hosting local businesses who were offering free samples of products and information around the curved concourse area. The arena floor is mostly covered in dirt for the Farm Show and the field itself rests on top of it for home games. The dirt creates a track around the boards and field, but also provides a cushy balance for the artificial surface for players. The sightlines are pretty good for games and there is not a bad seat anywhere in the house, even way up on top the view of the field is unobstructed. A simple scoreboard hovers over centerfield that seems somewhat out of date in terms of graphics; however, ownership is looking to install video boards in the future for replays. Neighborhood 4 The Farm Show Complex is a few miles away from downtown Harrisburg by car. The state capital of Pennsylvania offers plenty to do if in town for the weekend along the Susquehanna River. Top tourist spots include the National Civil War Museum, State Capitol, Ft. Hunter Mansion and Park, and Riverfront Park. For nightlife, downtown offers the Susquehanna Ale House, Sawyers, Bourbon Street Saloon, and Appalachian Brewing Company. However, Mr. G’s Sports Bar, the official after game destination, might be a fun way to start or end your night after the game. It’s a simple gather spot a few minutes from the arena offering pub food and music. The players and fans meet up after the game for witty banter and owner Georgio Giannaris might even buy you a drink and talk soccer at your table. I would suggest the Stadium Journey special of Cajun, Garlic, Honey wings Chicago-style (served on top of fries) and a pint of Yuengling. Also, say hi to Sammy for me and tip her well. Fans 2 The game itself is fast paced, easy to follow, and highly entertaining. The collection of fans who gather for Heat games provide a knowledgeable content to the game and a few can be seen sporting the purple and orange colors of the team. There is even a collection of people who are wearing jerseys from the original club from the 1990s. They are a great group to talk to, pick their brains for memories, and share a few laughs; however, there just needs to be a lot more of them inside the building. I am sure that time will come. Access 4 The arena is 80-years-old but very easy to navigate around once inside the building. The bathrooms and concession areas are well labeled and parking is plentiful. The main concourse is where all the bathrooms, concessions, ticket windows, and merchandise booths can be found. Return on Investment 4 There are four price points for single-game tickets for games: $14, $17, $20, and $22. Parking is $10 per car at the complex, merchandise is reasonably low, and food options are fairly priced. A single person can enjoy a game under $50 easily. Extras 2 One point for the team setting up events at each home game. They include Boy Scouts, Girls Got Game, Faith, Heat Give Back Fundraiser, and Bikes, Brews, and Bands Nights. Two points for the 26 different variety of beers at the Beer Garden. You would expect the basics at most venues this size, but 26 is definitely very impressive.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 St. George’s Cricket Club 56 Wellington Slip Rd St. George’s GE 02, GE 02 Bermuda Bermuda Cricket Cup Match website St. George’s Cricket Club website Year Opened: 1892 Capacity: 15,000 Happy Cup Match! If only Bermuda were located 1,200 miles (1,931 km) or so to the southwest, cricket would probably look a lot different here. Instead of being isolated in the middle of the Atlantic, our hypothetical geography would place Bermuda smack in the middle of the Caribbean. It would put Bermuda inside the home turf of the multi-national, international West Indies Cricket Board. And, in our imaginary world, Bermudian cricket would be on the world cricket radar. But it’s not to be. So, instead of being one of the small islands permitted to join forces to compete as a single national team, tiny Bermuda must compete alone in international cricket. And Bermuda’s tiny population means that it just can’t muster the manpower to take on an India or an Australia. Bermuda is doomed to be a minnow in international cricket. For two days every summer, though, it doesn’t matter. With Bermuda relegated to the sidelines of international cricket, it looks inward and nurtures a thriving domestic scene. Every summer, the island’s two biggest clubs, St. George’s and Somerset, face off for Cup Match, a two-day event that is a legal holiday with its own holiday greeting: “Happy Cup Match!” For these two days, the island shuts down for a celebration of all things cricket and all things Bermuda. We attended the 2015 event and came away extremely impressed with St. George’s biannual hosting effort. Food & Beverage 5 Many Bermudian friends and families rent out space for “camps” at Cup Match. These are box seats in the truest sense: fans rent out a box and do with it what they like–including self-catering. Bermudian fans know the drill, and it wouldn’t be unheard of for visitors to the island to score an invite into a camp, but most outsiders will hit the concession stands. Food choices are nearly unlimited, as many families self-cater their own camps. Concession stands are temporary pop-ups along the lines of what you might find at a carnival. Fish dishes are by far the most popular here in the middle of the North Atlantic. As in any one-off annual event, vendors and quality can change from year to year, but overall quality is high. Prices are similar to what one would find at major events on the US mainland. Just as food options are limited only by what people bring in, so are the drinks. Given that Cup Match is just as much of a celebration of Bermuda as it is a sporting event, Bermuda’s trademark cocktails, the Dark and Stormy and the Rum Swizzle are popular beverage choices. Of course, plenty of soft drinks are also available. Fans visiting from off the island should keep their eyes peeled for the Visitors Camp run by the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Although not as large as in previous years, the BTA treated visiting fans to free drinks of their choice. Atmosphere 5 Cup Match is simply one of the most unique events a fan will come across on his or her stadium journey. While Bermuda is a rich territory by all definitions, the stadium at St. George doesn’t hint at this. In fact, the ramshackle semi-temporary structure has a distinct developing-world feel. But that’s part of the fun. Bermuda is a small island with a small population, and a stadium like this is only needed two days per year. So that’s what the stadium is built for. Don’t come here looking for luxury; come here for a chance to experience cricket’s Burning Man. It’s here until it disappears, only to reappear again. And take the opportunity to wander around, because everything about the place changes from one area to the next. The fans brings their own excitement here. The main draw is socializing and simply experiencing Cup Match. Cricket plays second fiddle to many, and perhaps most Cup Match attendees. Mascots, music, and promotions are not even on the radar here. Fans looking for something a bit different can head to one of the Crown and Anchor tents, where Bermuda’s national dice game is played legally and for real money during the only days when it’s legal. Neighborhood 2 St. George’s Cricket Club sits in a quiet residential neighborhood a little over a kilometer (or a little under a mile) southwest of downtown St. George, Bermuda’s second city. Cup Match is a national holiday, and it is no exaggeration to say that the island virtually shuts down for the event. In fact, tourism authorities and even hotels actively discourage visits to the island during Cup Match for those not planning to make cricket a centerpiece of their trip. There is simply nothing else going on. Generally, St. George’s is a high point on the tourist route. But during Cup Match, the neighborhood dies down as everyone and everything moves into the stadium. Fans 4 Cup Match is filled with Bermudians, Brits, Americans, and a handful of other nationalities all at the cricket ground to have a good time. Sports diehards might bristle at the fact that cricket is clearly an afterthought to a significant portion of the crowd here, but this can be a selling point to those who are always up for a party before a game. Cup Match is the sporting and social event of the year in Bermuda. Expect a big crowd and difficulty finding a seat if arriving late in the day. But don’t expect to be turned away. On our 2015 visit, fans were still patiently lining up to enter the venue even after the event ended! Hey, some care more about the party than the game. And frankly, considering that this is a significant step below international cricket in quality, the five-figure attendance numbers are even more impressive. Access 1 Sold on Cup Match? Good, you should be! Sadly, getting here is a hurdle. Even once you make it to this small, expensive, and isolated island, getting to the ground will be a challenge. Cup Match attendees may be best served by a taxi, since public transportation to St. George’s Cricket Club is limited to city bus service. Sadly and frustratingly, buses run on a Sunday schedule, due to Cup Match’s status as a holiday. Even worse, passengers can be left stranded if the bus fills up (and the buses do fill up.) If you are relying on the bus, consider going to the downtown Hamilton bus station to be among the first on as the bus starts its journey to St. George. After the match, physically fit fans might want to consider making the 25-minute walk to the downtown St. George bus stop to get on the bus before the stadium crowd boards a few stops later. For many Bermudians, a parking ticket is simply the price of parking at Cup Match. A small parking lot is available, but it fills up early in the day. Since non-residents of Bermuda are legally prohibited from driving a car on Bermuda, this isn’t a concern for tourists. Many tourists do choose to rent Vespa-style scooters. Parking these can also be a headache during Cup Match, but most riders will eventually find a spot. Made it to the stadium? Congratulations! Things get easier now. Not easy, but easier. Tickets are simply paper wrist bands that are purchased in cash (US or Bermudian dollars) at the entrance on the day of the event. Fans line up to buy a ticket, then proceed immediately to a security check. The line can be long and slow, but it does move–especially early in the day. Cricket is a game that requires patience, and relatively few fans want to get up early and endure the marathon of an eight-hour long session. But once lunchtime rolls around the crowd gets thicker and moving through a few choke points can get tricky for even the most physically-abled fan. Fans with limited mobility will struggle throughout the day. The concourse area is largely unpaved. Many surfaces are uneven. A complete lap of the ground requires moving through some narrow passageways, and entrance to the upper-level camps requires climbing steps that are somewhere between ordinary stairs and a construction ladder. For some, this is part of the charm. For others, these quirks make Cup Match an impossibility. And finally, remember that St. George’s Cricket Club only hosts Cup Match in odd-numbered years. If it’s an even-numbered year, you will have to head to Somerset and learn the unique quirks of that venue. Return on Investment 4 There is no getting around the fact that Bermuda is an expensive destination. In fact, its tourism industry has suffered from declining crowds, as more and more tourists opt for similar vacation experiences in lower-cost locales like Mexico and the Caribbean. But by Bermudian standards, or even by US or European standards, Cup Match isn’t a particularly expensive event. A full day at the cricket ground for Cup Match will cost an amount roughly equivalent to an afternoon at a high-level match in the US or Europe. Admittedly, Cup Match is not the pinnacle of cricket skill. But the quality is good, and this is the best that this territory has to offer. Extras 1 Cup Match in Bermuda is one of the most unique events in sports. Getting to Bermuda, getting to the ground, and getting around the stadium pose significant challenges to significant numbers of people. Many sports travel enthusiasts will find that the reward is absolutely worth the effort. Others will not. But attending Cup Match absolutely warrants consideration.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 J. W. Babb Stadium 1816 Cokesbury Rd Greenwood, SC 29649 Erskine Flying Fleet website J. W. Babb Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 5,000 Erskine Football is Back!!! Erskine’s football program originally began in 1896 but went on a long hiatus starting in 1951. The team was due to begin playing again starting in 2020, but due to the pandemic their first season was delayed until the spring, and the Fleet was only able to play a handful of games that the first season due to cancellations and other restrictions. Now in the Fall of 2021, football at Erskine is back in earnest, much to the delight of fans. Originally known as the Seceders, the Flying Fleet picked up their new name during a game in 1929, thanks to a Greenville reporter who was awed by their passing game. The program currently competes as a D2 Independent but will join the D2 South Atlantic Conference starting in 2022. Erskine is in the process of planning and garnering funding for an all-sports complex on campus in Due West, SC, which will serve as the new home of Erskine football. In the interim, however, the team plays its home games at J. W. Babb Stadium, a high school football stadium in nearby Greenwood, SC. Food & Beverage 3 J. W. Babb Stadium has a decent selection of food and beverages at its concessions stand behind the north end zone, near the main entrance and ticket booths. Hot dogs, bratwurst, nachos, pulled pork sandwiches, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts (boiled or regular), chips, cotton candy, and boxed candy are all available with nothing over $5. You can also find bottled water and Coke products. Atmosphere 2 J. W. Babb Stadium is a fine facility and includes a running track around the field, as well as a large video board for replays behind the south end zone. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of Erskine décor around the facility due to it being a shared stadium – the team does hang a few banners and signs to bring in some of the maroon and gold of the Flying Fleet, but thanks to the ubiquitous Greenwood High School signage and logos, you can’t help but be reminded this is a borrowed stadium. In addition, given the program’s recent re-birth, there hasn’t been time yet for Erskine to build up its football fan base to a high level – hopefully, the new stadium and a few more years to build a following will increase the draw at games. Erskine Football, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 J. W. Babb Stadium has a good number of restaurants in the immediate vicinity if you are looking for a place to hang out before or after the game. Closest to the stadium you can find Lowcountry Grill, known for big portions and reasonable prices, or Mig’s Pizza, whose name is a little misleading given that besides pizza they serve a wide variety of calabash seafood entrees, as well as sub sandwiches and several classic Italian dishes such as different types of pasta and chicken parmesan. There are also plenty of hotels in that same area of town, including local options like Inn on the Square, plus well-known chains such as Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn. If you plan to be in town for the day or weekend, there are several options to keep you entertained during your stay in Greenwood. Besides several parks, there is a Fun Factory complete with rides and arcade-type games for kids, while for history or railroad buffs there is the Railroad Historical Center, which consists of numerous restored, full-size train cars and a locomotive, which you can walk through and/or take a tour of. Fans 2 J. W. Babb Stadium doesn’t draw much of a crowd yet during Erskine football games – the main stands are pretty empty, and the visitor’s side (depending on the game) may not be much better. There is some pretty good crowd noise following large plays though, given the small size of the stadium and the acoustics, and you are close enough to the field to hear the sounds of the game very well. Given time, I expect the crowd size to only grow as Erskine football builds more of a following. Access 4 J. W. Babb Stadium is easy to get to – it is a little off the beaten path given it is not located in a big city, but this also means there is not much traffic to contend with. There are plenty of parking lots around the stadium (Maroon, White, and Gold) so there is more than enough room to accommodate the fans. The Gold lot is the closest to the field, and as such, it costs more to park there ($20 instead of $10 for the Maroon or White lots). The most convenient way to pay for parking is online when you purchase your tickets, but be aware if you go that route you will have to pay a few extra dollars in fees. The only downside concerning access at J. W. Babb Stadium is that the lone concessions stand is behind the north end zone, which is fine if you pick up snacks as you enter, but if you want to pick up anything during the game you have to walk down – not a long walk by any means since the stadium is not that big, but you won’t find anything to purchase underneath the grandstands like at other venues. Concessions at Babb Stadium, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Erskine football games cost $10 plus about $4 in fees for adult general admission (bleacher seats), or you can spend about $10 more for chair backs on the main side; kids’ seats are $5 plus fees. Be aware that all ticket sales at J. W. Babb are online; even if you go to the ticket booth on game day all you will find is a QR code to scan which takes you to the website, so you may as well purchase your tickets beforehand. Parking and concessions are reasonable though, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a nice day of college football watching the Flying Fleet. Extras 2 Erskine does have band performances during halftime, and ROTCs from local high schools act as the color guard during the playing of the National Anthem. Erskine also has a very small band, but not much else in the way of entertainment during breaks in the action. Final Thoughts Erskine fans are certainly thrilled to have football back after almost a 70-year hiatus and are working hard to get their new stadium built. In time I think the Flying Fleet’s football experience will improve a great deal, but for now expect a basic no-frills experience – perfect for those who just love the game and are looking for a relaxed experience, but may not suit those looking for something more over the top.

Photos by Daniel Armstrong, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Sam M. Vadalabene Center Strasen Road & Pin Oak Rd Edwardsville, IL 62025 SIU-Edwardsville Cougars men's basketball website Sam M. Vadalabene Center website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 4,200 The Road to Edwardsville Moving along I-55 towards Saint Louis you will see the sign for the ramp to Edwardsville. Most people won’t give that sign a second look. That may just be their mistake, because in the heart of that city lies the campus of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and more importantly for me the Vadalabene Center. The arena has been the home of Cougar basketball since 1982. Food & Beverage 3 The food is certainly not overpriced. It is one of the most reasonably priced venues I have ever visited. It’s just that there is nothing out of the ordinary, possibly even less than would be expected. The only thing that was worth mentioning is a personal pizza from Domino’s, which was slightly overpriced at $5. The other menu items are a 20 oz. drink for $2, hot dog ($2.50), popcorn ($1.50), and candy ($1). Access to the concession stands is also less than ideal. They are all located in the east lobby, so if your seats are on the other side, you have to walk all the way around. There are three windows, but during my visit, only one was open so the line circled the entire lobby making navigation difficult. They did open a second window, but there still was a line until around the ten-minute mark of the second half. If you ask me it is not worth the wait. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere was the high point of the visit. The arena is smaller than many Division I basketball arenas, and that can be a good thing. It resembles a large high school gym and one thing about high school basketball is the atmosphere is far more intimate than seeing a game at a bigger venue. Even with the renovation of the building before the move to Division I, this is more of a gym, rather than an arena. The atmosphere wasn’t what I would call electric, but it was cozy and you can’t say that about many basketball experiences these days. One high point would be that the building has a nice echo so it can get very loud and exciting after a big play. Neighborhood 2 This was another low point of the visit, being stuffed in the middle of the campus there are not many surrounding restaurants close by. I did notice a few places just out of walking distance but they all appeared closed by the time the game was over. My recommendation would be to go to the center of town where there are a lot of places to grab something to eat. Fans 2 The fans filled two-thirds of the 4,000-seat arena, and probably half of them were the opposing team's fans who were more into the game. I was almost mystified by the fan situation. They were there and all seemed to be paying attention to the game, but they rarely clapped or cheered except for about 25 die-hard fans. After a big play or when the other team called a time they would get up and cheer and clap, but the rest of the time it was like they were in a trance watching the players run up and down the court. One high point would be the previously mentioned echo, as it made those die-hard fans a lot louder and added to the atmosphere. It also worked the other way though making the SEMO fans almost sound like the home crowd. Access 3 The arena itself is easy to find, but hard to get to. It is tucked away in the center of campus surrounded by a maze of one-way streets. For a local, I am sure it would be far easier and I need to factor in my malfunctioning GPS, but it took me 10 minutes to get to the lot. The parking situation is excellent as there are two large lots directly across from the arena both with free parking. Once inside you may have some trouble finding bathrooms. When you do find them, they are large and you shouldn’t expect a wait, but they are in the lobbies on the East and West sides of the arena so you may have to go around. There are also bathrooms in the season ticket club which would be my recommendation for fans in the upper bleachers. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are a little high, but still well within reason with 100-level seats for $15 and 200-level general admission bleachers for $9. The sight lines are good throughout and the bleachers are comfortable. I think they are the best value. The concessions are cheap – so with free parking, a hot dog and a drink, and the price of the ticket – the total comes to about $15 which is about perfect for the experience you will find. Extras 3 I liked the overall feel of the place, it was just something that you seldom find anymore. Eddie the mascot did an excellent job of going around and greeting the kids all around the arena. The cheerleaders and band did a good job of keeping the energy up even with the Cougars being down by quite a bit in the game.

LAST DANCE! The New York Jets have been in the desert for over half a century. They won their one and only Super Bowl in 1968 and haven’t been back since. But back in the 80s, they were legitimate contenders. The centerpiece of those teams was its fierce defensive line. While Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam wreaked havoc on opposing offenses, they bickered amongst themselves like Axl and Slash. Now, ESPN has documented their contentious history in its latest 30 for 30 documentary, “The New York Sack Exchange,” which is the foursome’s nickname. At just under an hour, it’s a quick, compelling watch, especially if you’re a football fan. Back then, the Jets’ home was a dated baseball stadium, Shea Stadium. It was football in an incinerator. Because of the dirt infield, the playing surface was usually a dust bowl or a mosh pit. The portable end zone seats felt on the verge of collapse when fans jumped up and down. Fireman Ed didn’t exist. However, there was a lunatic in the end zone upper deck who mooned the faithful after he led them in the J-E-T-S chant. Concussion protocol? Take two Tylenol. After the Jets drafted Gastineau and Lyons in 1979, the Sack Exchange had its motley line-up. If it weren’t for football, Klecko, a pit bull of a man, says he would’ve been a truck driver. Lyons, the only Sack Exchanger out of a blue blood football power, Alabama, became the philanthropist, raising millions for kids in need. And then there was Gastineau, who came out of nowhere - East Central Oklahoma State. Gastineau was the showman. After sacks, Gastineau would break out into a raucous war dance as Shea played “The Safety Dance” to the delight of the Shea rowdies, many of whom were inebriated on terrible tap beer. Klecko and Lyons wanted Gastineau to stop, deeming the dance poor sportsmanship. But Gastineau persisted, arguing that he just wanted to be himself. With neither side budging, Abdul Salaam, which means soldier of peace, kept the factions at bay. The Sack Exchange couldn’t live together, but they could play together, and their friction made them bring out the best in one another. However, Rams offensive tackle Jackie Slater refused to endure Gastineau’s theatrics. As Gastineau danced, Slater shoved him, inciting a massive brawl. Gastineau seemed to take on half the Rams team. It’s wonderful footage. Meanwhile, the Jets flirted with greatness. However, they always came up short in devastating fashion. First, there was the wildcard loss to Buffalo in the Shea slime, and then they lost “The Mud Bowl,” an AFC championship game, to the Dolphins at the Orange Bowl. In controversial fashion, Miami coach Don Shula didn’t cover the field with a tarp,  negating the Jets’ supposed speed advantage. Following this fiasco, Jets coach Walt Michaels stepped down, Salaam was traded and the Jets wound up in another swamp, this time in Jersey: Giants Stadium. Mooning was no more, however, MetLife did host the infamous butt fumble years later. The Jets did manage one more run, but they collapsed in Cleveland. During this catastrophe, Gastineau was tagged as the goat for a pivotal late quarterback hit. Soon after, the Sack Exchange was history. Klecko, who had battled injuries for years, was released and wound up in Indianapolis. Abruptly, Gastineau, who was injury free, quit. At the time, he cited his girlfriend’s ovarian cancer. Gastineau was dating Sylvester’s Stallone’s ex, actress Brigitte Nielsen. In the doc, Gastineau offers additional reasons for his exit, and he also discusses his turbulent childhood, including his experiences as a rape victim. It's painful viewing. The Sack Exchange were reunited, however briefly, for the doc. It’s the fourth quarter now for these old gladiators. Forgiveness is discussed, and tears are shed. However, old rivalries die hard. For one, Klecko was inducted into the Hall of Fame, but Gastineau hasn’t, something that distresses him. It’s understandable, but considering the recent, too-soon passing of Adbul Salaam, it seems relatively petty. The doc’s ending is funeral somber, but it left me wanting at least one more dance. Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rock Rink @ Pyramid Recreation Centre 317 James St S St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6 St. Marys Lincolns website Pyramid Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 1,400 The Town Worth Living In St. Marys, Ontario is probably best known for being the home of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, however, the hockey tradition in St. Marys is solid as well.  The Junior B, St. Marys Lincolns were founded in 1956 and currently play in the GOJHL.  The Lincolns team name does not come from an assassinated President of the United States famous for wearing a stovepipe hat, but from the automobile.  To finance the entry fee into the Western Junior B Hockey League, a  Lincoln Continental was raffled off.  The Lincolns have enjoyed five league titles and two Sutherland Cups as the top Junior B team in Ontario.  Some of the Lincolns alumni include J.P. Parise, Terry Crisp, Don Luce, Bob Boughner, Dan Bylsma and Steve Shields. Home for the Lincolns is Rock Rink @ Pyramid Recreation Centre.  The Rock Rink has a capacity of 1,400, was originally built in 1977 as St. Marys Arena and a larger community centre was eventually built around it.  Rock Rink is named after the St. Marys Rock, who are the local minor hockey teams.  The Pyramid Recreation Centre offers a second ice surface, meeting rooms and aquatics centre. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession is found in the lobby of the Pyramid Recreation Centre.  Popcorn, caramel corn, candy, chocolat, chips, pizza, hot dogs, pretzels and nachos are on the menu.  Water, soda, iced tea, Powerade, slushies, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cappuccino are the soft drinks available.  The Blueline Club is located above the lobby at the east end and beer and other alcoholic beverages are available. Atmosphere 3 The St. Marys Arena was built in 1977 while the Pyramid Recreation Centre was built around the arena in 2008 creating a dichotomy that is not totally uncommon in lower level junior hockey in Ontario.  There are multiple entry points into the Rec Centre but the main one is probably on the east side of the building.  Light coloured brick gives the exterior a modern look to it.  Entry into the centre brings fans to temporary tables selling tickets in a large lobby.  The St. Marys Sports Wall of Fame is right there to greet fans and features former NHL player, Mark Bell.  Wooden plaques listing Lincoln players who have played in the NHL and Coaches and Management. Upstairs is the entry to the seating area in the arena.  The arena is definitely a throwback to seventies era arenas.  The ice is oriented from west to east and the main seating area is on the north side.  Eight rows of wooden benches comprise the seating with the middle sections featuring arena seas as well as three rows on the south side.  The north side seating area is elevated with the bottom row basically the same height as the glass.  Dark brown brick outlining the top perimeter of the arena drives the seventies vibe.  The rectangular arena has orange truss supports across the ice and a flat, silver insulated roof.  The south side wall is littered with minor hockey banners.  Lincolns banners, including the 1965 and 1976 Sutherland Cups, listed as Ontario Champions, hang to the left of the scoreclock on the west wall.  The Lincolns have further embraced their history with a number of retired number banners for Gerry Seguin, Paul Vanderspank, Glen Coghlin, John Rowland, Jeff Shipley, Tyler Bryson, Brett Petrie and Dan Schiedel.  The Blueline Club is found in a room looking out to the ice above the lobby on the east side of the arena. The gameday production at a Lincs game is fairly simple and not that different from other teams in the GOJHL.  The presentation is classic with a traditional announcer.  The team mascot, Linc, spends time at ice level greeting the players as they take the ice and interacting with ice level fans.  Promotions include a 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck.  One unique aspect of the Lincolns experience is the use of car horns to celebrate everything.  There is one that is part of the official productions and probably a couple brought by fans. Neighbourhood 3 St. Marys is a small town of just over 7,200 people.  The Pyramid Recreation Centre is located just south of city centre.  There are a few places fans can go to get pre and post game food and drink.  Sunset Diner, Grilly’s Public House and Social 31 are good options.  Fans should be aware that places like Tim Hortons and McDonald’s, which in most cities are open 24 hours, do close nightly in St. Marys.  The Lincolns are pretty much the only team in town, however they do have close rivalries with the Stratford Warriors  and London Nationals.  Taking a tour of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame  is a good idea.  Make sure to check when it is open, as regular hours are generally reserved for the summer. Other tourist options include the St. Marys Museum.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Westover Inn and Stone Willow Inn are options. Fans 5 The St. Marys Lincolns enjoy fan support that is near the top of the GOJHL.  For the 2023-2024 season the Lincolns averaged over 700 fans per game, which was the second best in the league.  At the time of writing, in the 2024-2025 season, the Lincs were averaging over 850 fans per game, again ranking second in the league.  The fans in attendance are loud and supportive of the Lincs, louder than many other fanbases in the league.   Access 4 The Pyramid Recreation Centre is located in St. Marys, south of city centre.  It is close to the intersection of Highway 7 and 119.  Getting to the arena from out of town will involve plenty of rural driving through Ontario’s snow belt, so caution on game night is a good plan.  There is plenty of parking on site.  For fans interested in public transit, there is a Perth County Connect route that joins Kitchener-Waterloo, Stratford and St. Marys, however, it may not help on gameday.  Fans should consult the Perth County Connect  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around Pyramid Recreation Centre is not difficult and the washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 5 GOJHL hockey is amongst the most affordable sports experiences in Ontario.  Tickets for the Lincolns are $12 with $10 for students, seniors and children.  Cash, credit and debit are available and tickets are only sold at the door.  There is plenty of free parking on site and concession prices are decent.  The product on the ice is solid and the Lincolns are normally a competitive team.  The environment for hockey is excellent in a unique facility with a very strong fanbase.  A great return for the investment. Extras 4 An extra mark for the unique penalty boxes in St. Marys, which are just at the end of the bench, with a low divider wall for separation. An extra mark for the unique and historic Lincolns name. An extra mark for the Pyramid Recreation Centre as a community hub. An extra mark for the longevity of the Lincolns franchise. Final Thoughts The St. Marys Lincolns are amongst the best supported teams in the GOJHL and the Rock Rink is a unique throwback venue to the 1970s.  The Lincolns lean into their history and St. Marys celebrates their roots in the Pyramid Recreation Centre.  Taking in a Lincs game in “The Town Worth Living In” is a great plan. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Dan Magill Tennis Complex 518 D W Brooks Athens, GA 30605 Georgia Bulldogs website Dan Magill Tennis Complex website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 5,000 Tennis In The Classic City Many outside the college tennis world do not know that the University of Georgia has a rich tennis history. The university consistently produces ATP and WTA talent and has accumulated two women's and six men's national championships. The Dan Magill Tennis Complex itself has hosted a total of 24 men’s championships and three women’s championships. This 12-court outdoor court and 6-court indoor court facility is the crown jewel of the collegiate tennis landscape. Food & Beverage   3 One cashless concession stand serves the main outdoor court and one serves the indoor courts. Expect the basics of small stadium foods like hot dogs, burgers, chips, and candy. In terms of drinks, water and Coca-Cola products, including PowerAde, are all provided and bottled. Domestic beer and imports can also be purchased at the concession stand. They are also served with a UGA-branded souvenir cup.   Atmosphere   4 The outdoor complex hosts six courts: courts 1–3 are covered by the main stand, and courts 4–6 run along a grass terrace. The main stand is split into two levels: the lower level has chairbacks, and the upper level has bleacher seating. Every ticket to the main stand is general admission, so it is first come, first served for the chairbacks. Across from the main stand appears to be a terrace with shaded, high-top seating, presumably reserved for team dinners. To the left of the main stand, parallel to court one is the player clubhouse with more exclusive shaded seating. The concourse in the main stand splits the two levels and holds the concession stand along with restrooms. Outside the concourse, little gardens and flowers are sprinkled throughout the complex, creating a pleasant atmosphere.   There is a scoreboard slightly past court 3 that gives the scores on all six courts as well as the total team scores. Those unfamiliar with the college game will be surprised to learn that fans can make noise during the game. While the umpires may tell the fans to relax if it gets excessive, the students like to get into the action, occasionally engaging in some banter with the opposing team and some instigation from the Georgia players. This intimate environment also allows fans to hear back and forth between players and their opponents, players and the umpire, and players talking to themselves.  The entrance to the indoor facility sits right across the street from the Carlton Street Parking Deck adjacent to the outdoor courts. These courts will only be used if weather forces the event to be moved inside. It consists of a much smaller capacity than its outdoor companion, with three humble rows of supported bleachers running along all six of its courts. Each court contains its scoreboard located on the wall across from the bleachers, and a master scoreboard sits at the head of the building.  Neighborhood   4 The tennis complex is located in the same lot as Stegman Coliseum (men's and women's basketball and gymnastics) and Foley Field (basketball). It is an on-campus facility, so if it is your first time visiting UGA, be sure to take a stroll around a campus that is regarded as one of the most beautiful ones in the country. Popular on-campus attractions include the athletic facilities, Tate Student Center, the UGA bookstore, and North Campus, which holds the oldest buildings of the first public university in the country.   Athens is regarded as one of the best college towns in America. With downtown being adjacent to the north campus, students and visitors are steps away from local shops, restaurants, and bar options. The best time to stroll downtown Athens for the first time would be during the day before the nightlife crowd hits downtown. The Five Points neighborhood holds some great, quitter food options like Sakura Hibachi and Sushi Bar, Pine Bar, and Loaded Pizza, and is also within a walkable distance from the tennis complex. There is one hotel on the UGA campus in the convention center, but there are loads of options outside of campus that you may want to investigate. Many visitors also prefer to book an Airbnb, as Athens is home to many affordable ones.     Fans   3 The University of Georgia tennis fans are very knowledgeable of both their men’s and women’s tennis teams. Attendance can vary greatly, as marquee night and conference matches will have much better attendance numbers than the random noon midweek nonconference match. When the SEC championship is hosted, many of the non-UGA matches will have only a handful of patrons and family in attendance. Student turnout also varies depending on the stakes of the match, the quality of the promotion or giveaway, and the time. If it is a good opponent on the weekend, student turnout is very good by college tennis standards, and they give the atmosphere as well as the usual student section banter to opposing players, occasionally sneaking under the skin of the opposing team. It is a usual occurrence for the umpires to calm the crowd when the student turnout is in full force. As for the rest of the crowd, it tends to be the families of the athletes and local families getting out of the house on a nice day. Access   3 Getting to Athens is not always the easiest experience. There is not a direct highway to Athens, but the most common way to get to Athens from Atlanta is I-85 to Exit 106, which will put you on GA 316, otherwise known as University Parkway, and it runs directly to Athens. There is also a world where it ends up being faster to take I-20 from Atlanta. This will take you to Conyers, GA, and put you on a combination of countryside highways to Athens. If coming from Lake Hartwell or South Carolina, it is best to take I-85 to Commerce, Georgia. From Commerce, you can take GA 15 south directly into Athens.   Once in Athens, the tennis complex is located directly behind the Stegman Coliseum on the campus of the University of Georgia. The Carlton Street parking deck is free to park on event days, and it is situated right across the street from the indoor complex and approximately a mere 200 feet from the outdoor entrance. The outdoor concourse is simple and easy to navigate, but there is only one set of restrooms, which may get crowded at highly attended matches. The indoor concourse is impossible to get lost in, and it is simply a hallway with a concession stand that takes you straight to the main courts.    Return on Investment   5 Admission to UGA Regular season matches is free, and every event is general admission, so it is hard to complain about that. On top of free admission, parking on the Carlton Street Deck is free as well. For non-UGA events, like the 2024 SEC Women’s Tennis Championships, the price per day was $5, and an all-sessions pass was $15. Concessions are on par with every UGA athletic event, which is a more than reasonable price. $2.50 for hot dogs, $5 for hamburgers, $7-$8 for beer, $5 for a pretzel, and $2 for water.   Extras   4 The Dan Magill Tennis Complex offers a sense of natural beauty with the garden-like features it incorporates into the complex. Inside the main stand is a long timeline and tribute to the Georgia tennis greats. The grass terrace along courts 4-6 also gives a very green feel to the complex. Outside the outdoor courts is also the ITA Tennis Hall of Fame, which was unfortunately closed for our visits, but when it opens, it will add some more character to this historic complex.   Final Thoughts The Dan Magill Tennis Complex provides a quality atmosphere with quality tennis for a non-existent dollar amount. No matter what you are in Athens for, it is more than worth checking out both the men’s and women’s tennis schedules.

Photo Courtesy of Northwestern State Demons Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Brown-Stroud Field Central Ave Natchitoches, LA 71457 Northwestern State Demons website Brown-Stroud Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 1,200 Brown-Stroud Field, Home of the Northwestern State Demons Attending a Northwestern State baseball game in Brown-Stroud Stadium affords baseball purists an opportunity to take in a traditional baseball atmosphere in a historic ballpark hosted in one of Louisiana’s most charming cities, Natchitoches. Located on the campus of the Northwestern State University, Brown-Stroud Stadium (nicknamed the BStro ) has served as home to Demon baseball since 1939 and features a seating capacity of 1,200. Highlights of the stadium experience include grassy berm seating, shaded grandstand seating under an overhead awning, and a competitive Southland Conference baseball on-field product. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions experience at Brown-Stroud Stadium covers the basics and provides the expected ballpark staples for an affordable price. There is a single concession stand located on the hill behind the press box and main grandstand. Quality and Variety of Food Options . The concessions at the BStro offers up ballpark favorite entrees including hot dogs ($2), nachos ($3), and Frito pie ($3). Snacks include sunflower seeds ($1), peanuts ($2), and cracker jacks ($2), among other items. While there isn’t a popcorn machine, you can get a full bag of popcorn for $2 if you’ve got 3 minutes to spare for it to be popped in the microwave. The BStro features specials on various game days where you can get an off-menu item such as the Southern Slaw Dog (premium hot dog covered in coleslaw). While these specials help improve the concessions experience, it would be nice to see a BBQ pit fired up and serving some freshly grilled items like sausages and hamburgers. This could probably be done without much of a financial investment. Variety of Drink Options . The BStro concessions serve bottled Coca-Cola products. Soft drinks and water are just $1.50 and Powerade is $2.50. Coffee and hot chocolate are available for cold weather games. Recommendation . When there’s a game day special at the concessions stand, it might be worth checking out. Otherwise, I recommend a tray of nachos and a pack of sunflower seeds to hold you over until you get to one of the restaurants mentioned in the neighborhood section below. Atmosphere 2 Brown-Stroud Stadium provides an historic home for Northwestern State baseball in a traditional baseball atmosphere. If you love minor league antics, the BStro isn’t for you. If you are a college baseball purist that loves older venues, the Demon baseball atmosphere will be the perfect fit. Stadium Aesthetics . The BStro might not come with the bells and whistles of many newly constructed stadiums, but it does provide a traditional baseball setting with the major benefit of covered seating (which comes in handy on hot Louisiana days). Having served as home to Demon baseball for over 60 years, the ballpark honestly has aged well considering the many years of usage. There is a single grandstand which consists of both bleacher and chair back seating. There are two rows of chair back seating located just behind the backstop. The remaining seating under the awning is bleacher style. Grassy berm seating is available down both the first and third baselines. Be sure to throw a blanket at the top of the berm so the dugouts don’t block your view of the field. The playing surface provides a synthetic turf infield combined with a natural grass outfield. The scoreboard is located beyond the right field wall and features a small video panel that is utilized to display the name and number of the player at-bat. While the awning providing shade to the grandstand is certainly a plus, there are many additional features which could be added in to improve the overall experience. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment . In keeping with the traditional baseball atmosphere, there’s not much going on at the BStro outside of the on-field action. At the conclusion of the game, fans are allowed to run the bases (young and old). The music selection between innings ranges from country to oldies and sports stadium classics. The Northwestern State mascot, Vic the Demon, is typically not in attendance at baseball games nor any other student spirit groups. Seat Location Recommendations . It’s hard to beat shaded seating behind home plate, especially when general admission is only $8. If you prefer to soak in the sun, throw a blanket or bring a tailgate chair to the top of the grassy berm seating down third baseline. Neighborhood 4 Brown-Stroud Stadium is located on the campus of Northwestern State University in charming Natchitoches, Louisiana. While there isn’t an endless supply of attractions in the immediate area, you’ll fall in love with Louisiana’s oldest city and Bread & Breakfast Capital. Where to Eat . The unique regional dish of Natchitoches is the meat pie. While in town, you definitely have to try one. Your best bet for a great meat pie is Lasyone’s (622 2nd). However, like many things in Natchitoches, Lasyone’s has limited operating hours and is closed on Sunday, so be sure to plan ahead. The Pioneer Pub (812 Washington St) is a nice place to grab a local brew and pub fare. Try a glass of the Shreveport-based Great Raft while you’re there. And then there’s the unique pairing of Mama’s and Papa’s. The two restaurants are located next to each other on Front Street but have two separate menus and atmospheres. Check-out Mama’s for some good fried seafood. The French Market Express (5109 University) is a gas station and food market located on the route out of town that’s a nice last stop for meat pies as before you make the trek home. Attractions & Entertainment . I’m not usually one to talk about the beauty of a place, especially in a sports review, but the historic downtown area in Natchitoches is truly beautiful. Bring a blanket to picnic in the grassy area between Front Street and the Cane River. Take a stroll along the bricked walkway on Front Street which is lined with pots of tulips and assorted flowers, as well as ironed chair seating. If you are looking for a place to kick back and relax, Natchitoches is it. You can also enjoy your stay by taking a tour of one of the many historic plantation homes in the area. Other attractions in the area include the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (500 Front) and the Bayou Pierre Alligator Park (380 Old Bayou Pierre). Where to Stay . Known as the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Louisiana, skip the traditional hotel experience and book a stay at the Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast (320 Jefferson). This is the actual location where the famous Steel Magnolia’s movie was filmed. For a stay in the downtown strip, book a room in the historic Church Street Inn (120 Church St). Also, check-out the Best Western Natchitoches Inn on University near I-49. Fans 2 Demon baseball fans range from long-time supporters to families and friends of the ballplayers. Typical crowds are small and loyal. The overall Demon baseball experience at the BStro could certainly use a shot of energy from larger and more active crowds. Typical Attendance . Expect an average crowd of about 250 – 400 for the usual Southland Conference weekend series. While the Demons still regularly feature competitive teams, some luster has certainly worn off since the championship years of the 90’s and early 2000’s. Crowd Noise & Engagement . The regulars are engaged during the game and knowledgeable about the sport of baseball. Don’t expect much in terms of crowd noise or excitement. Outside of big plays and closing out the game in the ninth inning, the noise level is fairly low throughout the game. Traditions and Chants . Despite being in a historic city and ballpark, there’s not much in regards to fan traditions or chants. The fight song is played after the Demons score a run and the fans typically clap along. Access 4 One of the highlights of the Bstro experience is access to and from the stadium as well as inside the ballpark. Transit to and from Stadium . Located a few miles off I-49, you’ll quickly make your way to the Northwestern State University campus via University Parkway (unless you’re heading in from the east). There isn’t a specific address listed for Brown-Stroud Field, so you’ll want to aim to get behind the east side of Turpin Stadium (home to Demon football). From University Parkway, take Central Avenue onto the Northwestern State campus. Veer to the left to cross over Sam Sibley Drive and follow until you reach Prudhomme Hall and the Turpin / Brown-Stroud Stadium area. Parking . Parking is free around the stadium. Though there isn’t an obviously dedicated lot for baseball parking, you’ll notice a couple of spots you can park in nearby. There is a small lot between the east side of Turpin Stadium and Prudhomme Hall that’s a short walk down to the ballpark. A little further down, there’s also parking down the road to the right leading to the fieldhouse. Ticketing & Gate Entry . From Central Avenue, there is a main entrance and ticket booth located on the exterior of the ballpark. Look for a pair of bricked columns with a black iron cast sign overhead featuring the Northwestern State logo in the center. You shouldn’t run into any lines here and the stadium staff are both friendly and helpful on your way in. Moving Around the Stadium . There is plenty of room to get around the BStro. Walkways and aisles are wide. The main issue you’ll notice, however, is the extremely small restrooms. Both men’s and women’s restrooms can only fit two people max, which can certainly be an inconvenience between innings. Return on Investment 3 The cost of attending a Northwestern State baseball at Brown-Stroud Stadium is very affordable and similar to what you’ll find at other Southland Conference venues. Tickets start as low as $8 for general admission. Chair backs are available for $10. Knowing that you won’t have to pay for parking and that concessions will be reasonably priced is a plus as well. Northwestern State offers several ticket packages that can help make the experience even more affordable with Family Saturdays which provides 4 tickets, hot dogs and drinks for $26 and Vic’s Kids’ Club Sundays where children 12 and under can get in for $4 (a $2 discount). While the price is right, there are several upgrades needed to make the overall game day experience worth the investment. Extras 2 Each venue typically has a few “extras” which contribute to the overall game day experience. One such extra at Brown-Stroud Stadium is memorializing past accomplishments by listing conference championships and regional tournament appearances along the outfield wall. The Demons enjoyed a decade of impressive success through the 90’s and early 2000’s which is featured in the stadium. Another unique feature for the BStro is the grassy berm seating on both the first and third baselines. Whether you throw out a blanket and enjoying some family time or soak up the sun, the berm seating is definitely a plus.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Petersen Events Center 3719 Terrace Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261 Pittsburgh Panthers website Petersen Events Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 12,508 Pitt Loves the Pete The University of Pittsburgh’s athletic program gets most of its attention for football, but basketball is also a marquee attraction. Unlike the football team who shares their home venue, Heinz Field, with the Steelers, Pitt basketball has its own venue, Petersen Events Center. Named after its main contributor, former Erie Insurance executive John Petersen, the Pete, as it’s nicknamed, has been home to Panthers basketball since 2002. While not quite as successful as their gridiron counterparts, the Panthers under head coach Jeff Capel are a force in the ACC, led by stars like Ithiel Horton and Femi Odukale, and the Pete’s a pretty fun place to watch them. Food & Beverage 4 An advantage of an on-campus venue such as Petersen Events Center is that it keeps relatively poor college students in mind. To wit, the arena has a food court that’s open every day. Not all the stands will be available for a Pitt basketball game, but Chick-fil-A is the exception. Better yet, this isn’t a situation where the prices are jacked up to Big Sports level; they’re the same as in a regular CFA. Three more traditional concession stands offer hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and sandwiches. The arena began serving beer at games this year (2022) in another unusual move, which is not often seen on college campus venues. Beers like Coors will run you ten bucks, while premium stuff like White Claw is a dollar more. You’ll pay $17 at most for a dog and beer. The concession stands also have QR banners–scan, order, and pay on your smartphone, and you’ll be notified when everything’s ready, a boon to those who hate long lines. Atmosphere 4 Petersen Events Center has a 12,508-seat capacity for basketball on three levels, with club seating on the second level. It’s also the only Division 1 venue with luxury courtside suites. Seats are comfortable with excellent sightlines. The center court console has four substantial LCD screens, topped with a gold-colored bridge (remember, this is Pittsburgh) and a crawl screen around the second level. Two giant screens above the student seating show stats for each team, as well as a stylized figure of the Cathedral of Learning, Pitt’s most prominent landmark. Student seating, aka the Oakland Zoo (Pitt’s located in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood), curves around the right side of the venue, with the pep band right next to them and Pitt’s mascot Roc the Panther and various cheerleaders roaming around. The Zoo is very involved in the game, from pretending to read newspapers while the opposing team is announced, lowering them to yell “SUCKS!” after each name, to throwing blue-and-gold confetti when Pitt scores for the first time in the game. Also, when singing the Star-Spangled Banner, make sure you yell HAIL because #Hail2Pitt, after all. The pep band’s pretty good, playing everything from Ed Sheeran to Skid Row to Led Zeppelin. They’re all having fun, which spreads to the crowd. The PA announcer is relatively low-key, and when the band’s not playing, you can hear some interesting remixes of current and classic pop hits. Neighborhood 4 Petersen Events Center is in the heart of Pitt’s campus, with two of the city’s main drags, Fifth Avenue and Forbes Avenue, only a couple of blocks away. Because Pittsburgh’s main hospital campus is here as well, there are hotels such as Residence Inn by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn. Restaurant chains like Five Guys and Panera Bread abound, but those in the know hit up Las Palmas two blocks off Forbes for the best tacos in Pittsburgh or Hunan Bar for great Chinese food. As for bars, you better believe there are some good ones around here, including an outpost of local Irish favorite Fuel and Fuddle, Thirsty Scholar, and Hemingway’s Pub, all featuring excellent bar munchies and tons of beers both mainstream and craft. Of course, it’s an urban neighborhood, so it’s always a good idea to pay attention to your surroundings here. Still, it’s not an unsafe area by any means, being patrolled by both city and university police. Fans 4 Right now, Pitt’s not that good, so attendance is on the low side; the game I attended was roughly 60% capacity. However, the crowd was attentive and involved outside the Zoo, particularly as Pitt pulled away from its opponent in the second half. It should be noted that the loudest cheers during the game were reserved for the Pitt football team, who were on the court receiving some national individual awards during a media break. They did win the ACC, so maybe that’s understandable. ESPN the Magazine once rated Petersen Events Center as the sixth loudest venue in college basketball. Judging by the volume at this game, it’s a well-earned reputation, even with a relatively small crowd. The Pete may also be the only sports venue in Pittsburgh where most of the crowd isn’t dressed in black and gold, favoring Pitt’s royal blue and gold. Access 4 Interstate 376, aka the Parkway, is the easiest way to get to Petersen Events Center if you’re driving; from either direction, follow the signs for Forbes Avenue, which in turn will have signs for the arena. Numerous parking garages surround the area, with an average price of $10, and there are several Port Authority bus lines that run from downtown to campus. Pitt has its own intra-campus bus system, but it’s not available to the public unless you’re a Pitt student or with one. If you need wheelchair access or just don’t want to go up and down stairs–the arena is, for lack of a better term, located in a valley–make sure you utilize the lobby entrance and the adjacent parking lot. Once inside, you’ll find broad concourses and easily visible direction signs. The Pete offers wheelchair seating. Restrooms are large and clean, with wheelchair-accessible stalls. Return on Investment 4 Pitt’s a big-time Division 1 school no matter its record, and tickets are priced according to who it’s playing. You could get $13 upper-level seats for the Georgia Tech game at the time of writing, but when Pitt plays Duke, that same ticket will start at $49. If you don’t have a preference about seeing a particular Pitt opponent, tickets, along with concessions and parking, can be pretty reasonable. Since Pittsburgh doesn’t have an NBA team, Panthers basketball is about as close as you can get, and taking in a game can be a fun and not hugely expensive part of a Pittsburgh visit. And let’s be honest–it’s a rarity for most Pittsburgh visitors not to see some type of sporting event during their stay. Extras 4 Those looking for souvenirs will love the Pitt store at Petersen Events Center, aka the Pitt Shop at the Pete, which has a wide array of clothing for men, women, and kids, as well as some cool novelties–at the time of my visit, there was even Pitt football stuff. The arena also acts as a student center of sorts, with a comfortable lounge near the food court and an absolutely massive fitness center (sorry, only for the students). The McCarl Hall of Champions is a small, well-designed museum dedicated to Pitt basketball and Pitt’s broadcast studios are here too. Tours of the venue are available. Final Thoughts Pittsburgh as a whole has excellent sports venues and Petersen Events Center, home of the University of Pittsburgh basketball programs, is no exception to that rule. Its location on Pitt’s campus in the heart of Pittsburgh makes it a great place to see a game, and the lively neighborhood is a draw for locals and visitors alike. Pitt loves the Pete!

Photo Copyright Coni Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Stadio del Tennis Foro Italico 00194 Roma Italy Internazionali BNL d’Italia website Stadio del Tennis website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 10,584 The Stadio del Tennis in Rome The Stadio del Tennis in Rome was inaugurated on April 27, 2010 with the presence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, respectively number one and number two in the ATP rankings during that period. The 2010 opening occurred 80 years from the creation of the International of Italy and the 100th anniversary of the birth of the FIT, the Italian Tennis Federation, founded on May 18, 1910 in the building of the Tennis Club of Florence. The facility is on the site of the old Campo Centrale, which was used from 1996 to 2007. The Stadio del Tennis construction took two years of work and is made of concrete, steel and glass. It can hold up to 10,584 spectators on three rings (for the musical events, the stage is positioned on one of the short sides and the capacity is reduced to 7,000 persons). Since 2011 the International of Italy holds the status of a “combined event,” meaning men and women play during the same period and on the same courts. The roll of honor of the winners of the tournament since “Stadio del Tennis” was inaugurated is a “who’s who” of tennis greats: Rafael Nadal in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2018, Novak Djokovic in 2011, 2014 and 2015, Andy Murray in 2016 and Alexander Zverev in 2017 along with Maria Sharapova in 2011, 2012 and 2015, Serena Williams in 2013, 2014 and 2016, and Elena Svitolina in 2017 and 2018 in the women’s field. The stadium was also used for beach volleyball, volleyball and boxing. In addition, each summer, it is home to the entertainment event “Il Centrale Live.” Stadio del Tennis is part of a large complex, the Foro Italico, which hosts many elite sporting events. Food & Beverage 4 Italy is considered by many as the home of great food, and even in this area of Romethere are many restaurants. Among the first dishes to be tried are “bucatiniall’amatriciana,” “penne allacarbonara”and “spaghettialla gricia.”For the main course, try the lamb or “coda alla vaccinara.” Finally, spending an entire day in the sun can be exhausting. Between the various tennis matches we recommend a “grattachecca,” a crushed ice combined with large pieces of fruit, specific to the city of Rome and unavailable elsewhere in Italy. During the International of Italy, in the Foro Italico, there are several dining areas where you can find different types of foods. On the first floor of Stadio del Tennis there is the hospitality area that, depending on the event, can be reserved for athletes, press or guests. Atmosphere 4 Visibility is excellent from every area of the grounds: Tribuna Tevere, Tribuna Monte Mario, Tribuna Internazionale Nord and Tribuna Internazionale Sud. The sound of the blows that are produced from the racket on the ball are amplified by the shape of the structure and by the placement of the court below ground level. But what makes the atmosphere of the International of Italy so unique is the beauty of the other courts on which the tournament takes place; the buildings around them that bring to the spectator’s mind the greatness of ancient Rome. Even for this, the most prestigious Italian tennis tournament, part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and with Monte Carlo and Roland Garros is the so-called “Red Slam,” only on three occasions has the event not been played in Rome. Neighborhood 4 Stadio Olimpico (in the same complex in which the Stadio del Tennis resides) is home of AS Roma and SS Lazio . It was also the facility that hosted the 1960 Olympic Games, the final of the FIFA world Cup 1990 and, finally, is home to major athletics meetings. Stadio dei Marmi is also in the complex and is known for its beautiful statues. Stadio del Nuoto expanded on several occasions and is the venue of the many aquatic world championships. Farnesina houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic. These are just some of the beauties present at the Foro Italico. Fans 4 It is typical at Monte Carlo or at Wimbledon to have members of royal families in attendance. In Rome, which is a major film production center, it is not uncommon to see famous actors and actresses. Also, many football players visit Foro Italico during the International of Italy. The fans are very noisy when Italian athletes play in the Stadio del Tennis. Access 4 Getting to the Foro Italico is very easy. For those coming from outside Rome, once you exit from the A1 or A24 highways, just take the ring road and follow signs to Stadio Olimpico. All around the Foro Italico are many car parks. There isn’t a subway that leads directly to Stadio del Tennis, but with line A, you can get off at Flaminio and take a bus or a tram to Piazza Antonio Mancini. From there, just walk across the Ponte Duca d’Aosta over the Tevere River. Return on Investment 4 Online tickets are already available for the 2019 edition of the tournament. Prices range from 17.60 euro for a seat in Distinti Tevere for the first round, to more than 500.00 euro for the Exclusive Suite for the finals. There is also the opportunity to buy the ticket package with hotel. If buying a package, there are additional benefits in the stands of Villaggio Commerciale that will be prepared during the tournament. Extras 4 Roma caput mundi (Latin). These three words are sufficient to anticipate all the extras that spectators of the International of Italy can discover. The event is very close to the Colosseum and the Vatican. Then it depends on how long you stay in the capital of Italy. Final Thoughts Stadio del Tennis in the Foro Italico provides an impressive venue in which to visit and watch high-level tennis matches.

Photo Courtesy of Stadiumconnection.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Rice–Totten Stadium 14000 Hwy 82 W Itta Bena, MS 38941 Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils website Rice–Totten Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 10,000 The Legacy of Jerry Rice If you are looking for a passionate fan base and a fun environment to watch a football game, Rice-Totten Stadium is definitely a good place to start. Itta Bena, Mississippi is what you may expect from a small southern town, and in many ways it protects a gem in the Delta Devils. With Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones as their most well-known athletic alumni, the Delta Devils bring a proud football tradition to the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Rice-Totten Stadium seats approximately 10,000 fans, and provides a fun small school feel. Food & Beverage 2 There is nothing wrong with the food and beverage choices offered in the stadium. In many ways, it is what you would expect for a small Southwestern Athletic Conference school. You are not going to pay a lot, and in return the variety is not all that great. The few tailgates set up around campus do have some unique food choices, and the fans are definitely friendly. Atmosphere 3 With numerous alumni in the National Football League, the Delta Devils fan base has high expectations for their team. They are passionate and interested in the game. They are also very proud of their team, no matter how it happens to be doing that Saturday. Overall it is an enjoyable venue to watch a football game. It is small enough to give you that personal feel, while still being at a college environment. Neighborhood 3 Itta Bena is a nice small southern town. It is proud of being home to the Delta Devils, and openly shows its pride. But Itta Bena is probably not a place where you are going to go to spend a weekend, as there is little to see besides the University. Greenwood is just about ten miles east on US-82, and there you will find a few hotels and a few chain restaurants. But visits to Memphis, Tennessee (two hours to the north) or Jackson, Mississippi (one hour and forty five minutes to the south) both provide plenty of entertainment if needed. The trip is definitely going to show you what the Mississippi countryside has to offer from either direction. Fans 3 The fans know their football, as they have seen some of the best in college and professional history play at Rice-Totten Stadium. The passion is definitely evident when you arrive and continues until you leave the campus. While not as large as some Southwestern Athletic Conference schools, Mississippi Valley State can definitely hold its own when it comes to loyalty amongst its fan base. Access 2 Once on campus, finding parking is not difficult, nor is finding the stadium. The drive in is a bit of a drain, with few close places to stay. The best bets are either Memphis, TN or Jackson, MS if you are looking to spend time in a larger city, both which leave long drives in on game day. The drive is definitely worth the experience overall. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices run $20-$35 on game days, with a discount for buying them early. The food is affordable, and the fans are passionate. Plus any place that has hosted Jerry Rice has to be worth the trip. On this, the Delta Devils do not disappoint. Extras 1 The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils and Itta Bena, Mississippi provide a fun and worthwhile journey into the small town south. Any fan of college football, or of greats like Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones definitely need to make the trip to Itta Bena. The fans will welcome you with open arms, and at the end of the drive, you will be glad you went on the journey.

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Madison Square Garden 4 Pennsylvania Plaza New York, NY 10001 New York Rangers website Madison Square Garden website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 18,006 Madison Square Garden Continues To Flourish Madison Square Garden, or MSG as the locals often call it, has finally completed its latest transformation. After the inside was refurbished from 2011-2013, the outside and main entrance were revived over the past 5 years. The 7th Avenue entrance is now majestic and grand and offers a little pedestrian courtyard with seating on 33rd Street. The Garden is home to the New York Rangers of the Metropolitan Division of the National Hockey League and the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association. Just to the right of the new entrance is a Los Tacos No. 1 and Anita Gelato and a modern gateway to the subway and Penn Station. Fun fact: How did Madison Square Garden get its name? Answer: The Garden was originally situated at Madison Square Park at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway at 23rd Street) and was named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. Two venues called Madison Square Garden were located just northeast of the square, the original Garden from 1879 to 1890, and the second Garden from 1890 to 1925. The third MSG moved to a new location from 1926 until 1968 on 8th Avenue between 49th and 50th streets. In 1969, the 4th and present location was born between 7th and 8th Avenue from 31st to 33rd Streets. Madison Square Garden is the last of the NBA and NHL arenas not to be named after a corporate sponsor. In recent years, there has been pressure on building owner Jim Dolan (who also owns the Rangers and Knicks) to relocate MSG and make way for a new, vibrant, and massive Pennsylvania Station that sits underneath the Garden. The city council approved a special permit of only five years in 2023 to allow Dolan to remain until 2028. The move attempts to have Dolan commit financially to the expanded train hall before granting a longer special permit to keep MSG at its present location. The Garden received a much-needed facelift from 2011-2013. The inside of the arena was upgraded to include new seats and bathrooms, wider concourses, new luxury suites closer to the ice, club seating areas with high-end food, and a Bridge Level with seats that provide a great aerial view and some bar stool seating. The West Balcony was also added which replaced the old skyboxes. There are six entry points - four on 8th Avenue and the main entrance on 7th Avenue which leads to the lobby and box office. There are also 2 VIP entrances. Food & Beverage 5 In addition to traditional fare, the lower bowl includes Lavo Meatballs, Avenue Cantina, Carnegie Deli, Mike’s Hot Honey (chicken), Fuku chicken sandwiches, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Paulie Gee’s Pizza, Rock Lobster, and Tao Sushi. Other choices include Daily Burger, Garden Market, and Chicken and Things. On the 200 level, there is Dunkin Donuts, Bar at the Garden, Pat LaFrieda Prime Rib, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, and 7th Street Burger. There are also vegan and gluten-free options. For beverages, there are craft beers on tap (Blue Point, Shock Top, and Goose Island) and mixed drinks. A 24-ounce draft beer is $16. Pepsi products are the beverage of choice. A 20oz soft drink is $20 and Aquafina is $5.50. Many of these options are on the 200 level with less of the high-end fare. The Bridge Level includes Daily Burger ($16 for a cheeseburger), Chicken & Things ($17 tenders and fries), Bar at the Garden, and Fratelli’s Pizza. Remember to have your Chase Card handy as a 20% discount is offered for fans who spend $30 or more. The lines get extremely long at the end of the period. Two tips: head to the concession stands before the horn sounds or if possible wait for the end of the second period as lines are not as long during the second intermission. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere and game day production are solid. The Rangers hype video leads into the intro of The Who classic Baba O’Riley and then the voice of PA Announcer Joe Tolleson blares “Here they are: The New York Rangers” and up comes the Who as the players hit the ice. Then operatic tenor John Brancy is sure to enliven the fans by singing the national anthem. Brancy does about half of the Rangers games. MSG Ceiling, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Madison Square Garden is special, from the lobby to the box office, the team store, and the exhibits that commemorate special events. The inside features the iconic ceiling with a cable-supported roof. The 28’ x 57’ scoreboard (which displays the names and numbers of all skaters on the ice throughout the game) over center ice is riveting and then your eyes are drawn to the Chase Bridges which cross the ice at the top of both sides of the upper bowl. A new banner 2023-2024 Regular Season Champions was added to the rafters to start this season but that will not impress most Rangers fans. Four banners commemorating the Rangers’ four Stanley Cup wins (yes only 4) also hang over the Club Lounge seats. The lower bowl is located on the 6th floor and the upper level is on the 7th floor. The lower concourse is fairly wide but gets jammed quickly right before the game and at intermissions. The upper concourse is extremely narrow in spots and lines back up for food and bathrooms causing sporadic traffic jams in between periods. Fans can take escalators to the seating areas but check with Guest Services and they will direct persons who need assistance to elevators and can call for a wheelchair if needed. The arena is divided into Sections 100 through 400 and in addition, there are 96 suites on the Club Level. The sightlines have been much improved since the more than $1 billion renovation that was completed a decade ago. On the negative side, legroom is at a minimum. The current building pays homage to the old Blue Seaters who were the raucous backbone of the Rangers in the 70s and 80s. The 400 Level features blue seats and is appropriately named ‘’The Blue Seats’’ for the former Garden faithful. Neighborhood 5 The area around MSG, located in midtown Manhattan, is busy and boisterous. Pedestrians, taxis, trucks, cars, and buses flood 7th and 8th Avenues and 34th Street even late at night. Penn Station is situated beneath the building and the new bold and beautiful Moynihan Train Station is directly adjacent to MSG on 8th Avenue. The building is 255,000 square feet, housing both Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road ticketing and waiting areas, the unrivaled design includes state-of-the-art security features and a contemporary, digital passenger experience. Macy’s, Empire State Building, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center are within walking distance. There is the Molly Wee Pub, Stout, and Mustang Harry’s for pre-gaming. For food there is Koreatown and NY Pizza Suprema (413 8th Avenue) is often rated one of the best pizza places in Manhattan. There is a bevy of lodging options including The New Yorker Hotel, Fairfield Inn and Suites, the Renaissance New York, and Courtyard New York Manhattan/Chelsea. Fans 4 New York Rangers fans are more reactive than proactive. The days of cheerleading and rallying the team when the home team is down in professional sports are over for the most part and fans tend to wait for something to happen to cheer. Prices have forced loyal fans to watch more games from home as MSG has catered to the rich and famous. Despite the outrageous ticket prices, the Rangers sell out almost every game and are averaging 17,975 so far this season. Blueshirts fans enjoy wearing their Rangers sweaters to the games and it’s common to see many women in the crowd. The Garden still erupts for goals by the home team as they break into the Goal Song (Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey!!) with the horn blaring and the red lights swirling under the Jumbotron. The song called Slapshot, which debuted in 1995, was written by Rangers organist Ray Castoldi. The favorite chant is the fans’ rallying cry “Let’s Go Rangers” and also ”Igor, Igor!” after a great save or saves to salute All-Star goalie Igor Shesterkin if he happens to be manning the net. The ultimate Rangers fan is Larry Goodman (aka Dancin Larry) who dances to Strike It Up at almost every game during the final TV timeout of the third period with the Rangers cheerleaders encouraging his act. Larry has been doing his thing since 1996. The Rangers are the only team in the league without a mascot. Maybe it’s time has come. The Garden does a good job of displaying plenty of crowd shots on the scoreboard during breaks in the action. MSG does three T Shirt Tosses which get the joint jumping and adds a few celebrity sightings. The sound system is clear and music is a mix of pop and organ and played at a good decibel level. Access 5 Access is a plus except for traffic around MSG. The Path Train from New Jersey, subway stations on 6th (B, D, F and M and N, Q, R, and W) and 8th Avenue (A, C and E and 1, 2 and 3), LIRR trains from Long Island and Queens underneath at Penn Station, and Grand Central Station (serving Westchester and Connecticut) is about a 15-20 minute walk. Driving to MSG can be problematic coming in from the West Side Highway or East River Drive. There are plenty of parking facilities nearby so check SpotHero or ParkWhiz to prepay for parking which runs about $30-$45. The doors open 90 minutes before the event and security scanning is fairly efficient. Return on Investment 2 The investment for one event at MSG is costly. If you can find a ticket for under $100 consider yourself lucky. The only time to get in for less is for early-season weeknight games in October and November or if the Rangers fall out of playoff contention. The lower bowl will run $150 or more for behind the goal (not including TicketMaster fees) and much more to sit at center ice ($350 and up). Food and beverages are pricey but much more options are available and the quality has improved. For the most part, steer clear of souvenirs and look for less costly options online or in local sporting goods stores. Extras 4 One point is for the Theater at Madison Square which features Annie presently starring Whoopi Goldberg. Another point is the diversity of MSG which offers in addition to the Knicks and St. John’s basketball, concerts, and comedy shows. Avril Lavigne, Mary J. Blig,e and Dua Lipa are three headliners set to perform in 2025. Billy Joel, who holds the record for the greatest number of appearances at the Garden with 150 shows stated that "Madison Square Garden is the center of the universe as far as I'm concerned.” A blue banner honoring Joel’s 150 hangs from the rafters. The third point is for tradition: the classic Rangers sweater has been in use since the franchise's birth in 1926, with several alterations along the way. Tex Rickard was the first owner of the Rangers, one of the Original Six teams that competed in the NHL before its 1967 expansion, along with the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The fourth and final point is for the impressive new main entrance on 7th Avenue. leading into the lobby. This area was covered by scaffolding for a few seasons and now is wide open with the marquee flashing upcoming events. This is an entrance worthy of its moniker “The World’s Most Famous Arena”. Final Thoughts MSG is always deserving of a Stadium Journey and not just for hockey. The Arena is vibrant and exciting but don’t forget the plastic. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Facebook

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Van Andel Arena 130 W Fulton St Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids Griffins website Van Andel Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,834 As Good as it Gets in Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan is a true gem and it is getting even better. The home of the Detroit Red Wings’ AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins is an excellent place to enjoy hockey as well as many top name entertainers. Due to the close proximity to the parent club in Detroit, Griffin fans enjoy the chance to see future NHL players sharpening their skills and hoping to move 180 miles southeast to play in Little Caesars Arena. Considering the population of Grand Rapids (second largest city in Michigan – metropolitan population is over 1,000,000), the number of choices to eat and drink in the downtown area is amazing. A wide range of quality allows everyone to find their niche. The city has been named “Best Beer Town” by national publications, morphing from its former “Furniture City” designation. Thanks to Amway corporate leaders, the downtown has revitalized itself in recent years. It is a true destination location for travelers. Food & Beverage 4 Hockey fans can find copious food and drink options at Van Andel. On the lower level, the Intermission Restaurant and Bar is a full-service dining room open two hours before the puck drops. A wide range of concession stands offer the traditional options such as $4.50 hot dogs, $7.25 nachos, $5.50 cheeseburgers, $5 brats and combo baskets. One cost saver is the $10.50 refill cup with unlimited refills of soft drinks during the event. Pepsi products are offered along with national and craft beers from $7.25 to $9.25. Cocktails vary from $6.50 margaritas to $10 for the whiskey plum, while wine goes for $6.50 to $10. The Valley Cattle and Fry Co. stand provides burgers along with chicken wings and tenders. Peppino’s has a whole pizza for $25 and slices for $4.50. The Fulton Bar features Hudsonville Ice Cream options. Various Mexican food items are “custom made” as the customer chooses what goes into his/her burrito; I really enjoyed this opportunity. Atmosphere 4 Van Andel Arena opened in 1996 and has played a significant role in downtown revitalization. Sports, concerts, and plays are of high quality for all audiences. An HD video board on the south wall is a great addition as replays and lots of fan shots are shown. An LED lighting system was installed in 2016, along with free public Wi-Fi. There are apps available for the Griffins and Van Andel Arena that link the customer. The arena displays Calder Cup Championship banners honoring the 2013 and 2017 teams. The sight lines from the seats are quite good. However, the seats are relatively narrow by today’s standards that provide moderate leg room; all seats are padded and have cup holders. The seating areas and ceiling have a dark motif; the new lighting draws the fans’ eyes to the rink. Short stairways lead from the seats to the main concourse. Team mascot Griff the Griffin is a lively character who roars around the ice before the puck drops and meets/greets the fans. Neighborhood 5 The variety of choices available in downtown “GR” is great for hockey fans and event goers. Highly rated restaurants within easy walking distance include San Chez Bistro for all three meals serving small plates/tapas, Wheelhouse Kitchen for contemporary dining and the Bistro Bella Vista offers Italian fare. The Grand Rapids “BOB” (Big Old Building) has several dining and drinking alternatives in a lively atmosphere. Nearby downtown establishments I have enjoyed are the Butcher’s Union on Bridge Street and The Chop House on Monroe. Choosing a brewery in GR is a challenge: there are many high-quality options. Near the arena are Hop Cat and Grand Rapids Brewery Company. In the surrounding city areas, consider Founders Brewing, Mitten Brewing Company, Brewery Vivant, and Railtown Brewing Company. Attractions abound in and around GR: the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on the east side are excellent, the Gerald R. Ford Museum just west of downtown honors our 38th President, and the Public Museum and Art Museum are also great choices. Fans 4 Over the last five years, the Griffins’ average attendance is close to 8,000 which places them about #6 in the 31-team AHL. The team appears to do a very good job with group and family sales and they have added some suites. “The Corner Office” is a group area featuring food and drink along with luxury recliners. One great policy is the ushers holding up signs asking fans to wait until a stop in the action before returning to their seats – this should happen at all parks in my opinion. Fans are given a free “Griffitti” program when they enter. The fans are knowledgeable of the game and make noise for shots on goal, and the arena staff is very friendly and helpful as they welcome the fans. Access 5 Driving to Van Andel is quite convenient even though it is in the downtown area as two freeways have nearby exits. That said, fans should allow some time for parking and walking to the game. Parking lots/ramps are run by the city and cost $12 for events. Some metered street parking is available; if fans get to one of those spots at the right time, they could save some money. Fans enter the arena on the north side. Public transportation is widely available. The arena concourse is a good size, yet can get a little tight with large crowds. Handicapped fans are accommodated well with elevators and many seating locations available. Return on Investment 4 Tickets vary from $19-$40 at the gate; fans can save $3 per seat if purchased in advance. Check the team website and app for special offers; “4-pack” deals for family and the D-Zone are examples. The team offers lots of promotions/giveaways for most matches. Winning Wednesday events include free tickets if the team wins that night. Food and beverage pricing is typical for this level of play, and the variety is a plus. Extras 4 One point for the active downtown scene which can be enjoyed before and after the game. Another point for the excellent production provided by the Griffins staff throughout the game: excellent sound system and music; lively announcements; items dropped from the catwalks down to the fans (including a parachute drop with pizza boxes for free pizza). They make it an enjoyable experience. One point for excellent and friendly customer service. One point for the Grand Rapids Hall of Fame plaques throughout the entire concourse where they recognize players (including President Gerald Ford who played football at U of M), coaches and media favorites. Final Thoughts This is a great minor league hockey venue! Hockey fans might consider getting tickets for a weekend of fun: they offer a number of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday games on the schedule, so fans could stay downtown do it up right! Even casual fans will enjoy a match and families are very well served.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Duncan Field 601 East South St Hastings, NE 68901 Hastings Sodbusters website Duncan Field website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 1,317 Historic Duncan Field Built as a public works project in 1940 and dedicated in 1941, Duncan Field is known for its massive outfield dimensions and its iconic red brick outfield wall. The baseball field was originally called Pershing Field and was renamed Duncan Field in 1948 after Robert Duncan, an avid Hastings baseball fan. Duncan Field was used by the class ‘D’ Nebraska State League (baseball) from 1956 – 1959. It hosted the American Legion National Baseball Championships in 1959, 1960, 1961, and 1969. Today, the field continues to host Legion baseball, Hastings College baseball, Hastings Senior High baseball, and Hastings St Cecilla football. 2018 sees a new tenant at Duncan Field – the Hastings Sodbusters of the Expedition League, a summer collegiate wood bat league. The first ever Expedition League All Star Game was held in 2018 at Duncan Field. The stadium will host the 2019 and 2020 American Legion Central Plains Regionals (baseball), the first regionals in the state since 2004. Watching a Sodbusters game at this classic venue is a family friendly, affordable way to spend a summer evening. Food & Beverage 3 Standard ballpark food is available for Sodbusters games with the one main concession stand just to the right of the entrance down the first base line. Offerings include hamburger, cheeseburger, hot dog, pulled pork sandwich, nachos, and pizza and are priced from $3 – $5 (quite affordable). Snacks consist of pretzels, cookies, candy bars, chips, seeds ($1 – $5). The concession stand is cash only. Drinks are $2 (Pepsi, Gatorade, bottled water, tea/sweet tea, and bottled lemonade). An adult beverage cart is to the left of the entrance that has Coors, Bud, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Goose Island IPA, Goose Island 312, and Leinenkugel. It also serves mixed drinks such as vodka and lemonade, rum and Coke, whiskey or Jack Daniels and Coke, etc. All drinks are $5, cash only. For most Sodbuster games, a small snack-only concession stand is open on the upper third base seating level and sells salty popcorn, chips, and other goodies. Lines can, and do, form at the main concession stand so plan accordingly. Atmosphere 3 Seating runs from a tad beyond first base to a bit beyond third base. The reserved seating (from dugout to dugout) has wonderfully, enormous amounts of leg room and are the standard green, fold down stadium seats. There’s absolutely no leg room in the general admission / bleacher sections nor are their backs on the bleachers. Spend the extra $2 and get a reserved seat. The first base side gets the shade first during evening games. A kid’s covered play area beyond the first base line contains an elaborate, colorful jungle gym. A bouncy house for the young ones to enjoy is past the third base line. An electronic scoreboard is located in right-center field and provides basic game information: runs per inning, total runs, hits and errors, the balls, strikes, outs, and the # of the player at bat. Roster sheets are not provided. A train track runs just past the stadium and freight trains can be heard rumbling by throughout the game (as well as the trains’ loud whistle). The PA announcer does not articulate well; is difficult to understand what he’s trying to say; music is played while he’s talking which doesn’t help. “Noise” is broadcast/played after every pitch which is annoying to me but the crowd seems to like it. The staff works hard providing the innocent, between-inning entertainment which includes matrimony game, dizzy bat race, trivia contest, and more. Neighborhood 3 One of the great things about stadium journeying is the ability to visit many large and small towns across the country and the world that a traveler would not normally visit. Surrounded by corn fields, Hastings, NE is one of those small towns that provides an interesting mix of commerce and industry, restaurants and bars, and cultural and sports opportunities and it grows on you after spending some time there. Downtown Hastings is only about a mile from Duncan Field. Spend a couple hours visiting the Hastings Museum, which includes a planetarium that offers a several shows daily. Did you know Hastings is the birthplace of Kool-Aid? Visit the Farmer’s Market, take in the latest film at the historic Rivoli Theatre, stroll downtown and tour many of the locally-owned shops, or hike/bike the paved trails at Heartwell Park and feed the ducks. For delicious sandwiches, a Big Dally’s Deli is directly across the street from center field. Other recommended dining choices include Odyssey Downtown (casual and fine dining – considered the best dining experience in central Nebraska), Murphy’s Wagon Wheel (burgers, BBQ, and beer), and Bull Eye’s (a traditional bar that has good weekend breakfast choices). A most comfortable and welcoming brewery downtown is the First Street Brewing Company or stop by Steeple Brewing Co for other varieties of craft beer. Several hotels are within a few miles of Duncan Field, though none within walking distance. They include Super 8 by Wyndham Hastings, C3 Hotel & Convention Center, Comfort Inn and a few more. Most of these run between $60 and $80 a night. Fans 3 Locals are delighted there’s an additional form of entertainment in town. The Sodbusters are in the middle of the pack of attendance rankings in the Expedition League with an average of 641 fans per game during the 2018 season. The fans are versed in the rules of the game and applaud at all the appropriate times. They appreciate good plays made by not only the Sodbusters but the visiting team as well. The beer batter of the game (buy one; get one free Bud or Bud Light for the remainder of the inning if the identified batter gets a strike out) is an appreciated promotion. Access 3 Hastings is a little over 100 miles west of Lincoln, NE. The town is surrounded by farmland so one will be making a pleasant drive through the Heartland of America on their way to Duncan Field if coming from out of town. Once in town, it’s quite easy to find Duncan Field as it sits just off County Road 6, south of Hastings College on Elm Ave. Public transportation is not available for Sodbusters games. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are of service in the city. A small airport is in Hastings but no commercial flights arrive or depart from that air field. A paved parking lot is adjacent to the stadium (no charge for parking) and there is plenty of free parking along the neighborhood streets. The ticket booth is located down the first base line next to the only gate entrance. Ramps and wheelchair accessible spaces are plentiful. The concourse is really the entrance plaza, a small walkway is in front of the seating area (and behind the grandstand where the restrooms are located). Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $5 (student), $6 (general admission – bleachers), $8 (reserved – sections 101-102, 103-105), and $10 (premier – first three rows of 103-105 – right behind home plate). Concession prices are very affordable and parking is free. The team provides various fireworks and theme nights throughout the season. Every Tuesday is $2 Tuesday with deals at the already inexpensive concession stand. It’s a great affordable place to take the family, a date, or friends on a summer’s evening out. Extras 3 Duncan Field has several unique and interesting points. In addition to baseball, Hastings St Cecilla football is also played in the outfield (there’s a separate football-only scoreboard down the third base line). The original brick outfield wall built in the 1940’s still looks fabulous. No advertisements and no separate batter’s eye is in place as the dark red brick does the trick. It provides that ‘old time baseball feel’ when attending a game at Duncan Field. Kudo’s to the 2014 renovations and to all of those who donated to help keep this historic field state-of-the-art while maintaining its history. Final Thoughts If in town, I recommend conversation and a craft cold one at First Street Brewery, then head east a mile to Duncan Field and catch a Sodbusters baseball game for an enjoyable afternoon/evening out.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Eastwood Field 5555 Youngstown Warren Rd Niles, OH 44446 Youngstown State Penguins website Eastwood Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 6,300 Behind the Mall for Penguin Ball Secluded behind the Eastwood shopping mall in Niles, Ohio sits Eastwood Field, home of the Youngstown State Penguins baseball team. It is a unique position for a stadium and is also home to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers , an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. There are some minor league amenities in a college environment that are fun to explore. Eastwood Field was constructed in 1999 with an $8.3 million budget and has been home to baseball ever since. Even though the games here are enjoyable, being 12 miles from the YSU campus severely takes away from an authentic college baseball experience. A seating capacity of around 6,000 allows the possibility for some good crowds, but the distance makes it difficult for the casual fan to make the trip. Food & Beverage 2 The variety at the ballpark is great, but there’s nothing that stands out from the rest. Plus, some of the specialty stands they use for minor league games are closed during the college games. It’s never good to be informed on what you’re missing from the experience. The quality of the food is average. You can grab a hot dog ($3), burger ($6), grilled chicken sandwich ($6), or nachos ($4). For some added variety you can purchase chicken fingers, buckets of fries, pizza, or boneless wings. The essential snacks are there as well including sunflower seeds ($1.50), cracker jacks ($3.25), chips ($2), and peanuts ($3.25). There are plenty of drink options including bottled soda, Aquafina, Gatorade, and Mountain Dew ($3.50). Also, since the stadium is not on a college campus they are allowed to sell draft beer ($6 for a 20 oz. $9 for a 32 oz.). Atmosphere 2 If you are adventurous on your stadium journeys, you might just arrive at the YSU campus without a map looking for the baseball stadium. After all, they advertise the games on the marquees all over campus. Plus, the campus has been around for a long time so there is a lot to see. However, once game time comes around you’re going to have to make a trip to Niles about 20 minutes away. This really takes away from the experience when you’re expecting a college atmosphere. The stadium itself is fun, but not overwhelming. It is hidden behind a shopping mall of the same name and only has a view of vegetation beyond the outfield wall. It kind of makes you feel boxed into a corner. The environment really resembles minor league baseball more than college baseball. Everything from the music to the entertainment in between innings puts you right in the middle of that feeling. This keeps the stadium from achieving a more enjoyable experience for baseball fans looking for the college game. Neighborhood 2 The feeling of the neighborhood is literally nonexistent. That atmosphere is 20 minutes away on campus. However, there are some places to spend some time before or after the game. The most popular restaurant is Bill’s Place just off of Mahoning Avenue in Austintown. Located just about 10 minutes from the stadium, this is a great place to grab some decent food and play some pool and take advantage of the drink specials. The highlight of your trip will be Stambaugh Stadium, if you decide to spend some time on campus. The football program has enjoyed notoriety and success over the years. The stadium is a mammoth concrete structure located just off the highway. The location is really neat and a must see for any college football fan. Fans 3 Youngstown has some good fans that mostly come from a strong college football following. The distance from the campus seems to keep any kind of student attendance to a minimum. The crowd is mostly filled with families looking for a night out as opposed to a true college community. The fans that do show up are highly supportive of the team and come decked out in Penguin apparel. If you can, try to make it to the stadium when a big time school is in town, especially if it’s another Ohio school like Ohio State. This will increase chances of a bigger and louder crowd. Access 3 The stadium is really easy to get to, but it is hidden behind the shopping mall and located 20 minutes down the highway from YSU. Those factors can make it a bit tricky to find. The parking is only $3 and there’s plenty of room in the lot to find a good spot. The lines for concessions can get a bit long, but you can just find a smaller service station down the first base side instead of in the main concourse if you want to avoid standing in line. Once inside the stadium, you’ll find the area is quite spacious. The seating is general admission so you’re free to explore the different views of the ballpark. The best view is in the bleachers on the third base side, about 30 rows up. From there, you can see everything including the bullpen and all of the game action. Return on Investment 3 The tickets will only cost you $8 per person and are general admission. The prices at the concessions are respectable and the parking is cheap. Overall, this makes for an affordable night out with the family in a fun environment. Just make sure to prepare for the cold weather, even in the month of May college baseball can be a cold game. Extras 2 One point for all of the different views you can get from around the stadium, especially the best view from the bleachers down the third base line. Another point for the nice lawn area in right field, a great spot to enjoy some beverages. Final Thoughts The trip to Youngstown, Ohio can be enjoyable if you want to bring along the family or a best friend, but the stadium experience is not on par with premier college atmospheres. The campus and stadium are just too spread out and nothing seems to be within walking distance. There aren’t that many places to enjoy a good meal or to experience some entertainment outside the baseball game. But, if you happen to live in Northern Ohio, Eastwood Field makes for a decent night out.

Photo Courtesy of MLB Get your tickets while you can. The MLB Speedway Classic will be at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee on Saturday, August 2, 2025. The baseball game will feature the hometeam Cincinnati Reds hosting the Atlanta Braves at the 150,000-seat race track. It will be the first Major League Baseball game held at an auto racetrack, with the goal, of setting an attendance record at the oval-shaped facility.  The attendance record was for an MLB exhibition game of 115,300 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox in 2008. "We look forward to celebrating our game with a wide array of fans, both on and off the field throughout the weekend, and highlighting the rich traditions of sports, music, and community in Tennessee and across the region," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. The Bristol Motor Speedway was built in 1961 and is known as “The Last Great Coliseum”. It is not the first time the facility hosted a non-NASCAR event. A college football game between Virginia Tech and Tennessee saw an NCAA record crowd of 156,900 fans in 2016. The price of tickets, packages, and other events will be released in the coming months. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE Calgary, AB T2G 2W1 Canada Calgary Roughnecks website Scotiabank Saddledome website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 19,289 Back in the Saddle The Calgary Roughnecks are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the National Lacrosse League. Since they started playing in November, 2001, they have only missed the playoffs once (their first year) and they have won two championships (2004 and 2009). This makes them the winningest professional sports franchise in the city’s history. Needless to say, their standards for performance are high and their fan base is dedicated and enthusiastic. The Scotiabank Saddledome is the home of the Roughnecks. The ‘Dome has been open since 1983 and is also host to the NHL’s Calgary Flames , and the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen . Conveniently, the Flames own all three franchises, so it’s very much an All In The Family situation at the Saddledome. While the Saddledome was state of the art when it opened for business, it is starting to be a little long in the tooth more than 30 years later. Consequently, the Flames have begun talking about building a new facility in the not-too-distant future, although their CalgaryNEXT proposal may never come to fruition. Talks of building a new arena aside, the Saddledome remains a solid structure that has seen a number of renovations over the years to keep it fairly modern, and is still a good place to watch an event. Food & Beverage 4 For the most part, there are the standard concession stands selling the standard selection of soft drinks, hot dogs, popcorn, etc., at fairly typical prices (hot dogs are $4.75, popcorn is $5.75). You’ll also find Budweiser on tap at all the regular concession stands ($8.75). There are also a few specialty locations around the concourse. For instance, at Flame Broiled BBQ locations you can get yourself an excellent hamburger or cheeseburger made of delicious Alberta Beef (cheeseburgers are $7). In addition, there are Pizza 73 stands, Italian ice kiosks, little doughnut stations and Good Earth Coffee available for fans who want something a little different than cola and popcorn. There is also a Jugo Juice stand on the east side which offers some healthier choices with their yummy juice concoctions and wraps. On the west side of the concourse there is a kiosk called the Mac Shack which sells mac and cheese as well as sandwiches with a strong cheese theme. The Sicilian Grilled Cheese ($8.50) is excellent (and probably about a day’s worth of calories). Disappointingly, a number of concession stands remain closed during Roughnecks games due to the smaller crowds in attendance as compared to Flames games and this means some food options you get at Flames games are not available. Dutton’s Lounge, a sports bar downstairs under the west entrance, is open for ticket holders before games for a tailgate party as well as after games for postgame revelling, and has a fully stocked bar for those looking for a more sophisticated adult beverage. Likewise, there are several other spots around the concourse with a selection of highballs, bottled beer, and wine. Atmosphere 4 Box lacrosse, as the indoor game is known, is the best spectator sport in the world in my humble opinion. It is fast and furious, full of strength, finesse, speed and grace. I have never yet taken a sports fan to a game and had that person say they didn’t enjoy the experience. The atmosphere, not surprisingly, is pretty fired up. Music is played throughout the game (some people like this; some not so much) and fans are encouraged by the announcer to cheer their team and taunt the opposition. As a result, the fans at Roughnecks games are quite boisterous. The Roughnecks have won two league championships in their 10 seasons in the NLL and have earned the Champion’s Cup both times at home in the Saddledome. Consequently, the energy and sense of pride the team brings to the stadium is very strong and the entire building and the people inside seem to feed off it. It is infectious and makes for an entertaining, exciting event. The lacrosse community in town is 10 times larger now than it was when the Roughnecks arrived here, so the audience has a significant group of younger fans and their parents. The powers that be within the organization do a good job of appealing to them with meet-and-greet opportunities after games, youth-oriented events between quarters and at half time, etc. The net result is that kids of all ages are likely to have a great time at a game. Adding to the overall atmosphere are the championship banners displayed in the rafters, giving a sense that the Roughnecks are indeed home. The downside is that attendance at Roughnecks games is usually around half of the Saddledome’s capacity. In spite of the energy in the occupied parts of the stands, it still at times can feel pretty empty, although crowds of 10,000 or more are becoming more and more frequent. In fact, in the 2016 regular season only three of the team’s eight home games had fewer than 10,000 fans in attendance. Neighborhood 3 The Saddledome is situated on the Calgary Stampede Grounds, located on the southeast edge of the downtown core. There isn’t much happening in the immediate neighbourhood, but it is slowly becoming more and more gentrified, which means more dining and entertainment options in the immediate vicinity are popping up. One of the relatively new locations is the Cowboys Casino, just north of the ‘Dome on the Stampede Grounds. The Casino now features no fewer than four different restaurants. The Zen 8 Grill in the casino offers a great meal. Across the street from Cowboys Casino is Vagabond, which has a menu with something for everyone on it, a wide variety of beers (50-plus listed on their menu), and which seems to have made a special effort to cater to pre and post-event crowds. Just across Macleod Trail from the Stampede Grounds, on 14th Ave, you will find Loungeburger. It is a more upscale gourmet burger place, with burger selections running from $10.50-$17 (a la carte), but they’re well worth it. I recommend the Black and Blue ($12.25). Just a few blocks due west of the ‘Dome lies the heart of what has come to be known as “The Red Mile,” a string of nightclubs, bars and restaurants that gained a certain amount of notoriety during the Flames’ Stanley Cup run in 2004. There you’ll find places such as the Ship and Anchor Pub which has been named Best Neighbourhood Pub in Calgary several times by local publication, “Fast Forward Weekly.” Fans 4 Roughnecks games generally draw between 10,500-12,000 fans to the Saddledome, which fills it to about half or two-thirds. Calgary has sold the ‘Dome out twice in past years, however, including the 2004 Champion’s Cup game, which the ‘Necks won. The fans are fiercely loyal and very enthusiastic, resulting in lots of noise and great energy during the game, especially in comparison to the relatively quiet crowds you might find at a hockey game in the ‘Dome. With the explosion of interest in lacrosse within Calgary, the crowds have become more stable and have seen gradual but steady growth over the years. Access 3 Located downtown, the Saddledome is relatively easy to get to, aside from the traffic woes that are par for the course in the inner city. Expect stop-and-go traffic and delays getting to and from the facility, which can be anywhere from distracting to downright irritating. Calgary is one of the most expensive places to park in North America and consequently parking on the Stampede Grounds will run you $15. The lot also fills up fairly quickly, especially if there are other events happening around the Grounds. There are other alternate off-site parking options at similar or slightly lower rates, but plan for a bit of a walk after that. The other option is to take the city’s Light Rail Transit system to the game. The “C-Train” has a stop on the west side of the grounds, making it easily accessible from all over the city heading north, south or west. This can be a much more convenient option for fans not wanting the hassle of driving downtown, although the trains can get pretty crowded after events. An adult fare for Calgary Transit is $3.15, youths are $2.10. The concourse itself is spacious enough for a typical Roughnecks crowd on the east and west sides, but gets pretty narrow to the north and south. This isn’t too much of a problem at Roughnecks games where the building is only at half capacity, but it can get badly crowded when the house is full. Return on Investment 3 Compared to the price of a Flames game, the cost of a Roughnecks game is a bargain. Prices start at $21.99 for upper bowl end zone tickets (these passes are available at local Safeway stores); tickets at the door go for anywhere from $25.50 for the higher rows of the upper bowl to $64.50 for the Avison Young seats in the lower bowl. With as good a price as this is for a professional sporting event, coupled with the entertainment value provided by box lacrosse, this is a pretty good deal. Extras 5 The Saddledome provides a good environment for enjoying sports, with good sight lines for everyone. There are a number of points of interest along the concourse walls, including 1988 Olympic displays and Alberta’s inductees into the NHL Hall of Fame. Virtually every concourse wall has something to look at. There is always a memorabilia auction held in the main concourse for collectors who are interested in bidding on autographed photos and jerseys. Several times during the game, the Drill Crew dance team makes appearances on the floor to wow the fans with their award-winning moves. When they’re not center stage performing, they can be seen in the concourse and the stands selling their always-popular calendars. In my opinion, the Drill Crew are arguably the most talented dance team in the NLL and certainly no worse than top three. The Roughnecks also have a mascot, Howie the Honey Badger. Howie helps entertain the kids in the crowd and also helps out with giveaways and promotions during the game. There are two locations of the Flames Fan Attic on the premises, on the east and west sides of the concourse. In either of those stores you can stock up on all the Roughnecks, Flames and Hitmen merchandise you can carry, from shirts and jerseys to hats, mugs and key chains. The players stick around after games to sign autographs on the field for dedicated fans. This is a really cool feature of attending one of the smaller scale pro sports and really helps get the fans in touch with the athletes they’re supporting. Final Thoughts When you put it all together, attending a Roughnecks game, or any NLL game, is almost guaranteed to be a fun and entertaining experience. The game itself is more than worth the price of admission and there are any number of other excellent reasons to make the visit to the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Mississippi Coliseum 1207 Mississippi St Jackson, MS 39202 Dixie Nationals Livestock Show and Rodeo website Mississippi Coliseum website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 6,500 Greatest Show on Dirt For 10 days every February some of the best cowboys in the world come to Jackson, Mississippi. The State Fairgrounds are transformed into the Rodeo Capital of the U.S., as the Dixie Nationals Livestock Show and Rodeo takes over the city. The idea for the Dixie Nationals began in the early 1960s when then Mississippi Agricultural Commissioner Si Corley and three Jackson businessmen took trips out west and saw the different livestock shows and rodeos that took place. By 1966 the first Dixie Nationals had begun, and by the third year the event turned a profit. Nicknamed the 'Greatest Show on Dirt' and the ‘Biggest Rodeo East of the Mississippi’, the Dixie Nationals, now entering its 57th year in 2023, is one of the premiere rodeos in the country and one of Mississippi's largest sporting events. The month-long livestock show and rodeo attracts more than 200,000 visitors to the State Fairgrounds, for an estimated economic impact of more than $20 million. Food & Beverage 4 Food is plentiful at the Dixie Nationals, so much so that you could fill yourself up before you even step foot inside Mississippi Coliseum. It is a carnival-like atmosphere on the grounds, with different food trucks and different food booths open during the event. The typical fair food is here along with seafood and gumbo. The Mississippi Cattleman's Association also has a giant barn set up called the Beef Barn – if it has meat in it you bet you can find it at the Beef Barn; they even have a "Hot Beef Sundae" which looks just like an ice cream sundae, but instead it's a cup of mashed potatoes and roast beef, topped with sour cream and cherry tomatoes. Another option is the Mississippi Trade Mart Building, a convention center-style building attached to the coliseum which has that building's regular concessions open inside, so you can find the usual fare there as well. For upscale food check out the Dixie National Steakhouse inside the Trade Mart Building; some of the best chefs in the Jackson area partnered together to create their own steakhouse. Inside you can get expensive sirloin, ribeye, and everything else before heading into the coliseum to watch some rodeo action. Once inside Mississippi Coliseum there are four concession stands, each with the regular ballpark fare. Chicken tenders, hot dogs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and nachos round out the menu with prices from $4 to $9. Several pop-up bars round out the concourse as well, serving a wide selection of alcoholic drinks. Atmosphere 5 The Dixie Nationals is more than just a rodeo – it is an event in itself. The Dixie Nationals unofficially begins the first week of January, with various judging competitions and showmanship awards for different animals. There are also livestock auctions taking place throughout the grounds almost every day in the weeks leading up to the official start of the rodeo. The main rodeo takes place for ten days in the middle of February inside the 6,500-seat Mississippi Coliseum on the grounds of the State Fairgrounds, but there is so much more to see and do here, with events going on at all times in the other buildings on the fairground's property. The rodeo starts on a Friday and ends the following Sunday, and they really go all out here bringing a taste of the wild west to Mississippi for those ten days. On the first Saturday morning of the Rodeo they do a giant parade through the streets of downtown, but instead of floats it is all covered wagons and horse-drawn carriages. Cowboys ride on their horses and parade from the fairgrounds to the State Capitol; it really is a sight to see. Once at the State Fairgrounds there are also various events taking place every day, for example the Mississippi Agricultural Commission Fan Expo goes on all day in the Trade Mart next to the coliseum – this expo has everything from mechanical bulls to petting zoos for the kids. You can even sit on Wilbur the Famous Rodeo Bull and get your picture taken. It is also a farmer's dream here at the expo, as you can find anything farm related here. They have interactive displays on the different soils and crops in Mississippi, and everything is interactive and touch-based to make it interesting, like the poultry exhibit where you can touch chicken eggs and watch them hatch. All the Mississippi-based industries had booths set up, as well as about 15-20 local colleges where they were trying to recruit prospective farming and agriculture majors. They even have about 100 different kinds of John Deere tractors on display, and you could climb into the tractors as well. The blacksmith booth set up was also a big hit, as I saw many people getting belts, boots and cowboy hats made. After spending hours at the fan expo you will spend even more time in the parking lot checking out the different barns and stables on the property – there are hundreds of stables and several livestock arenas with different livestock shows and auctions going on. All the farmers and ranchers have their prized livestock on display in the stables, and you can go right up and touch some of the bulls and cows that are being sold and competing at the rodeo. I talked to some farmers and ranchers who had come all the way from Canada, Wyoming, California, and Colorado with their horses and cattle. The Dixie Nationals consist of 10 rodeo shows that take place inside the coliseum over the course of the ten days, with two shows on Saturdays. Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gibson makes an appearance before each show, giving a speech about the history of the Rodeo. Mississippi Coliseum is over 70 years old, but surprisingly is aging quite well for an old building. The whole building is glass covered from the outside, and the concourses are quite clean, having been renovated several years ago. Once in the seating bowl there is not a bad view from anywhere in the building, with the 6,500 seats close enough to the action so you can see everything, with a large temporary videoboard hanging in the center. The Dixie National Rodeo is part of the Southeastern circuit of the Professional Rodeo Circuit of America (PRCA), so you will see the top cowboys in the country compete. You will see seven rodeo events contested each day of the competition, namely bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. A popular country music concert ends each night of the rodeo action, and after the final event of each show fans are invited to come down to the dirt, where they construct a stage for the concert. Neighborhood 4 The State Fairgrounds are located in the middle of downtown Jackson, the capital and largest city in Mississippi. In recent years Jackson has gained a reputation as a not-so-safe city, but as long as you are aware of your surroundings and don't venture too far away from downtown, especially after dark, you should be fine. Downtown is filled with historical sites and beautiful scenery, and within walking distance to the fairgrounds you can see all the tourist sites that make Jackson so special. If you are interested in the state's rich history, then visiting downtown Jackson is for you. Located two blocks from the fairgrounds is the state capitol, which was built in 1903 and is available for public tours. Pay attention to the beautiful stained-glass windows at the top of the capitol building; it is quite impressive with the intricate designs. Also across the street from the State Fairgrounds is the old capitol building, which served the state from 1839 until 1903 – the old capitol is available for tours as well, and is one of the few buildings in Jackson to survive the Civil War. Next to the old capitol is the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, which just opened and is a popular spot for tourists. Other popular museums downtown include the Museum of Art, Children's Museum, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, a must visit for anyone who visits Jackson. For the night life scene of Jackson check out the Fondren District, about 4 miles north of the State Fairgrounds. You will find lawyers, politicians, doctors, and college students from one of Jackson's three universities mingling together in the bars and restaurants that line Old Canton Road into the district; near the fairgrounds there are also a few bars worth checking out as well. For the live music scene check out Hal & Mal's, or if you are into craft beers, try the hip Tavern on George Street. Fenian's Pub also remains a popular spot among locals for its dark and rustic setting. Fans 5 The Dixie Nationals is a huge event that attracts fans, cowboys, cowgirls, ranchers, and farmers from all over the country. For the 2023 edition fans will get even more events and live interactions with animals, as well as top-tier country music acts each night of the rodeo action. Mississippi native Randy Houser, former All-Pro bull rider turned country singer Chancey Williams, Mark Chestnutt, Diamond Rio, and Lainey Wilson are just some of the country acts that have performed for the Dixie Nationals. Lainey Wilson is the star of the popular show ‘Yellowstone’, so her show was a favorite among the fans, with that night's showing of the rodeo selling out as soon as tickets went on sale. Between the fan expo, vendor booths, exhibits, and livestock auction/displays, fans could spend hours walking around the grounds before even walking inside to watch the actual rodeo; I spent about 3-4 hours just walking the grounds, and I could have easily spent more time. Even if you have no knowledge of rodeo terms or rodeo culture, famed rodeo announcer Mike Mathis keeps fans informed of the action on the dirt, and Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gibson makes an appearance before each rodeo giving a speech about the history of the event. A pretty cool 'Welcome to Mississippi' video also plays on the videoboard at the start, signifying that this is a statewide event. In addition, rodeo clowns entertain the fans during the competitions, with announcer Mike Mathis cracking jokes and playing games with the crowd and the clowns. The clowns definitely keep the crowd entertained through various prizes and bringing fans down to the dirt – the favorite among kids was when they threw the wheezers, a.k.a. boomerangs, into the crowd. Access 3 Mississippi Coliseum and the State Fairgrounds are conveniently located right off I-55, the main north and south corridor through downtown Jackson. Jackson is located at the halfway point between New Orleans and Memphis, about 3 hours from each. The best exit to take when getting off I-55 is Exit 96 at High Street, and the fairgrounds’ parking lot is located right there. Once on the grounds there is enough parking for over 20,000 cars, so even though the parking lot is full of vendors and livestock auctions going on, you shouldn't have any trouble finding a parking spot. The coliseum opens about an hour and a half before each show, and traffic through the concourse runs smoothly. Mississippi Coliseum doesn't look as old as it is, and the concourses are clean and wide enough for people to get to their seats easily. Return on Investment 4 As one of the biggest rodeos in the country, tickets are easy to come by and relatively cheap. The coliseum really has just one level of seating, with general admission at the top and in the end zones, costing between $25 and $30 depending on fees, while lower-level seats are $40 to $45 depending on fees. Parking is surprisingly free, which is always a plus. Factoring in the plethora of concessions and food options you get access too once on the grounds, I consider this a good return on investment – you are getting to see some of the best cowboys in the country and some pretty impressive livestock if you walk the grounds. The Dixie Nationals is a cool event that I recommend everyone check out, even if you have no interest in rodeos. Extras 4 Mississippi Coliseum is also Jackson's largest indoor sports and entertainment venue; the coliseum opened in 1962 and attracts a whole host of acts and sporting events to Jackson each year. Some of the top-named acts to perform at the facility over the years include Aerosmith, AC/DC, BB King, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Eddie Murphy, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Jimmy Buffett, Kiss, Guns N' Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, Prince, and many more. The coliseum was also home to the Jackson Bandits of the ECHL from 1999-2003, and hosts one Mississippi State and Ole Miss basketball game every year. Another random fact about the State Fairgrounds is that it sits 2,900 feet above an extinct volcano. Nicknamed the Jackson Volcano, it is one of four volcanoes located within city limits in the U.S. The volcano was discovered while drilling for oil in 1917, and is believed to been extinct for over 65 million years. Another extra for the concert that is held every night after the Rodeo – as soon as the final event of the night concludes (bull roping), fans are invited down to the dirt as a stage is built in about 20 minutes for a popular country music act. There is just something about being able to stand on the actual dirt just minutes after one of the largest rodeos in the country just finished, and factoring that in with the country music concert just sets the mood, and sends the crowd home happy from the rodeo. Popular trick roper and rodeo entertainer Rider Keizner and his wife Bethany Idles also make an appearance every year at the Dixie Nationals. Rider Keizner has been called a modern-day Will Rogers, and he delights the crowd with his different rope tricks and the gunslinging he does. His wife will come out on her famous white bronco and do handstands on the back of the horse, as the horse cuts in and out of different obstacles placed on the course.

Photo Courtesy of Murray State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 CFSB Center 1401 State Route 121 North Murray, KY 42071 Murray State Racers website CFSB Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 8,602 A Hidden Gem in Basketball’s Heartland It’s hard to deny the state of Kentucky’s richness when it comes to college basketball, and Murray State's CFSB Center shouldn’t be lost in the shuffle. It’s tucked away near the Tennessee border, and is absolutely worth the scenic drive to witness a game. Completed in 1998, the Racers have enjoyed a distinct home-court advantage in this venue for nearly 20 years. It embodies everything that mid-major basketball is all about, which is passionate fans to go along with a loud atmosphere. The building itself is impressive for a program out of the Ohio Valley Conference, and the interior has the perfect layout for its capacity crowd of over 8,000. The Murray State basketball program usually gets lost among the more traditional Kentucky powerhouses like the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats. Once you get past those two elite programs, Murray State makes a great case for the being next in line. If there’s a big conference matchup on the docket, or an in-state rival, then you better expect a packed house at CFSB Center. Food & Beverage 4 There is more than the just ordinary offered at the concession stands, which is always nice to see at smaller venues. Drinks are all fairly priced at $3, with choices including bottled water, Pepsi products, and even Starbucks coffee. You can also indulge yourself with “bottomless” soda for $7. As for the food, there are several options that go beyond the usual. You have your classic hot dog for only $3, and add chili and cheese for 50 cents more. You can go with a bratwurst for $3.50. You can get the classic soft pretzel for $5. The lower priced items include a box of popcorn ($2.50) and wide variety of candy ($1.50). The cinnamon bites, which are offered by Culver’s restaurant, are $4.50 and an interesting alternative. There are also a couple separate food and beverage carts with nachos and lemonade. All of the choices are great and anyone should be able to find something they can enjoy. The only qualm is that the concession stand ran out of hot dogs right before tip-off during my most recent visit, so there was a delay to having more available. Atmosphere 5 This experience lives up to the hype of experiencing some excellent mid-major basketball in a basketball-rich state like Kentucky. You instantly feel the intimidation that the home crowd can generate in this building. It almost has a vertical feel to it, putting the fans right on top of the court. I certainly witnessed how loud this place can get, and it wasn’t even at capacity during my visit. There really isn’t a bad view of the court no matter where you sit. However, the television cameras can block your sight line if you’re sitting too far towards the front in the upper bleachers. Since it is general admission seating up top, you shouldn’t have a problem moving to another seat to get a better view. Perhaps the best view is from the concourse area, if you don’t mind standing. The lower sections have chair back seats, while the upper sections are bleachers. You get to see all of the banners hanging from the rafters, and the CFSB Center has a lot of them. There are several retired numbers and championship banners spanning back to nearly a century ago. It reminds you that you’re seeing a program with a lot of history and tradition. Neighborhood 3 You have to realize that Murray is located in a rural part of the country where you can drive 20-plus miles between towns. The city of Murray has plenty of fast food dining options, but not much after that. There are a few casual dining restaurants available, and most of them are located near the CFSB Center. Your best bet to try something new would be Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill and Margarita Bar. It’s within walking distance of the CFSB Center exits. In terms of bars or nightlife, there isn’t anything noticeable in the immediate area. Additionally, there is an Applebee’s nearby to the arena. This is a gorgeous part of the country when it comes to national parks and other outdoor activities. If you like doing things in nature, then check out Land Between the Lakes. It’s a massive recreational area that offers boating, walking trails, camping, and wildlife. It is a pretty decent drive away from any major cities, with Paducah being the closest at approximately 45 miles, and Nashville being over 100 miles. Fans 5 You would have to be wearing some serious blinders not to notice the extreme passion that Murray State fans bring with them to support their Racers. The home fans always cheer for a made basket, but these particular fans are alert and make their presence known on a whole other level. Virtually every fan is wildly into the game from start to finish. The building is also small enough to voice your displeasure to the referees, and there are several fans who take on the role of heckling them. The majority of the fans stay for the whole game, or at least until less than two minutes to go when the game is out of reach. They are loyal and create a lot of momentum when the Racers make their runs. Additionally, they are friendly and welcoming to visitors. Access 2 There’s no easy or direct way to get to Murray. It’s not located off of any interstates, meaning you have to use state highways for a good 30-40 miles, depending on which direction you’re coming from. If you’re coming from the Nashville area, then I recommend coming down Interstate 24, leaving you with a few state highways to make the rest of your journey. You can use Interstate 40 if coming from the West, and then go North on Highway 641. Just be prepared to use some highways that don’t have a lot of gas stations, so plan accordingly as this area can get desolate. As a first-time visitor, it is somewhat confusing on where to park. The construction surrounding the area in 2016 makes it even more confusing, but there are helpful staff that direct fans to park next to the football stadium. There are two sets of restrooms in the lone concourse area, and they are kept very clean with plenty of space. Return on Investment 5 You can’t beat the bargain of attending a game at CFSB Center. The product on the court really helps this score, and you can’t ever argue with free parking. The concession prices are less than expected, further helping the overall return on investment. Ticket prices basically come in two forms; general admission is a mere $10, with reserved seating in the lower bowl at $16. It’s a great value for some quality mid-major basketball. You can take the family out for an enjoyable evening at a very fair price. Extras 3 The hospitality of the fans and staff is an excellent bonus. You shouldn’t worry about bringing the family to an event here as the environment is family friendly, presented by a courteous staff. I wasn’t sure what the attendance would be on a weeknight for a team that isn’t performing at its usual high level. Despite the circumstances, the fans showed up in impressive numbers and supplied a strong home-court advantage. There were multiple occasions when the fans literally had the place at a deafening level, and that earns them an extra. Another extra goes to the quality of the band. They are involved in the game with chants, while playing some great tunes to feed into the college basketball atmosphere. Final Thoughts It is a very positive experience at CFSB Center that may exceed your expectations. You should certainly plan a visit if your team has an upcoming game here, or if you’re just in the area and enjoy seeing high quality basketball in an intimate college basketball arena like CFSB Center. Just plan accordingly as CFSB Center is nestled away in the rural area of southern Kentucky.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 William H. Greene Stadium 2400 6th St NW Washington, DC 20059 Howard Bison website William H. Greene Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 10,000 Home of the Howard Bison Located on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Greene Stadium is home to the Bison’s women's lacrosse, soccer, and football teams. The stadium opened in 1926 as the home of Bison football, although the lacrosse program was not founded until much later. Howard's women's lacrosse program is among the lowest-ranked of all teams in the country and has not defeated a Division I opponent in almost ten years. Howard does not have a men's lacrosse program. In 1977, Howard Stadium was expanded to 9,000 seats and the Bison moved back on campus. In 1986, the stadium was renamed Greene Stadium in honor of William H. Greene, who was a doctor and donor to Howard. There have been several proposals for a new stadium to replace or renovate Greene Stadium, which is aging and of poor quality, but none have come to fruition. Howard is one of the oldest and most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country and competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with many other HBCUs. However, the MEAC does not sponsor women's lacrosse, so the Bison compete in the Northeast Conference for that sport. In addition to this review of women's lacrosse, Stadium Journey also has a review of the football experience at Greene Stadium. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale in Greene Stadium. A food truck is available just outside the stadium for Howard football games, but is boarded up and not in use for lacrosse. There is a drink machine inside Burr Gymnasium next door, or you can bring in your food and drink. Atmosphere 2 All seats at Greene Stadium are uncomfortable metal bleachers on both sides of the stadium. However, accessing the far side requires walking down to field level and around the track, so most fans choose to sit on the near side. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. The PA announces starting lineups before the game but does not even announce goal scorers or penalty cards. The scoreboard is designed for football and does not show the time remaining on penalties, so you just have to keep track of it yourself. From the stands, you will be able to hear a good deal of the action on the field, although the running track that surrounds the field means you probably won't hear all of it despite there being almost no crowd noise or anything else going on. Neighborhood 5 Howard University is located amidst several historically African American neighborhoods in Washington. Shaw, U Street, and Columbia Heights, each of which have their history in the African American community, surround the college. Ben’s Chili Bowl, located about a 20-minute walk away in the U Street neighborhood, is not just an outstanding restaurant but a historic landmark as well. The chili, hot dogs, half-smokes, and burgers are renowned throughout the area, but keep in mind there is often a long line to order due to their popularity. And, of course, you’re in Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, and there’s plenty to do throughout the city. The best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the many monuments on the National Mall or visiting one of the numerous museums, there is so much you can do here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, but some of the privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 2 The crowd at a Howard lacrosse game is mostly friendly and family of the players, and there will be as many cheering for the visiting team as the Bison At most, they'll get about 100 fans and often much less. In a 10,000-seat football stadium, this is quite noticeable. Even if the fans try to make noise, they're so spread out, that it has little to no effect on the atmosphere. Access 3 Howard University is in a tricky spot to get to. It’s just far enough from the heart of downtown that it isn’t easily accessible via public transportation, and just close enough that it’s hard to drive there. The closest Metro stops are Shaw and Columbia Heights, but each is about a 20-minute walk away. There is some street parking available relatively close to the stadium, but much of it has a two-hour limit, which is likely too short if you are attending a lacrosse game. There are some paid lots, but you may have to walk a bit to get to the stadium from there. Your best bet, if you are not coming from too far away, is to take an Uber or Lyft to the stadium, but even then, depending on traffic, it may be quicker to get out and walk the last block or two. Once you are inside the stadium, it is still difficult to get around. There is a narrow pathway behind the bleachers on the near side, although this is less of a problem for across than football since the crowds are so small. To get to the other side, you have to walk down to field level and around the track. There are a few port-a-potties located on the track, or you can walk next door to Burr Gymnasium and use the restrooms there. Return on Investment 3 Admission to Howard lacrosse games is free, and you won't spend anything on concessions since there aren't any. However, the barebones experience and high cost to get here take this score down a couple of notches. . Extras 0 There are no real extras at a Howard lacrosse game, although you may be able to walk around Burr Gymnasium before or after the game and see some of the basketball history there. However, as that is a different facility and a different sport, we are not counting it as an extra. Final Thoughts Howard women's lacrosse is as barebones as it gets. With extremely small crowds and Howard on a decade-long losing streak versus Division I opponents, a trip here for lacrosse is only for extremely dedicated fans of the sport or fans of one of the programs. Everyone else interested in checking out the stadium should consider doing so for football, where the experience is significantly better.

Photos by Gregory Koch , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park 270 Veterans Memorial Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22807 James Madison Dukes website Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,200 Diamond Dukes Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley town of Harrisonburg, Virginia is the campus of James Madison University. JMU’s athletic teams, known as the Dukes, compete in the Colonial Athletic Association, although they will be moving to the Sun Belt Conference in the 2022-23 season. The Dukes’ baseball team plays at Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park, an artificial turf stadium that opened in 2010 and seats about 1,200 fans. Veterans Memorial Park also includes the Dukes’ softball stadium, which is located right next door to the baseball field, as well as an art complex and a memorial to veterans that gives the park its name. Food & Beverage 3 A concession stand is located directly to your right as you come in and offers a good range of options. Cheeseburgers and hamburgers are available for $4.75, hot dogs are $3.50, sausages are $5, and chicken tenders are $7.50 and come with fries. Fries by themselves are $4, while hot pretzels, candy, nachos, chips, blow pops, sunflower seeds, and peanuts are all available as snacks. Soda is $3.50, while hot chocolate and coffee are $3.50, or $6 in a souvenir mug. Bottled water is $5, and due to recycling efforts by public universities statewide, comes in an aluminum can rather than the typical plastic one. Atmosphere 4 Walking into Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park will put you on a concourse. The restrooms will be to your left, the concession stand will be to your right, and straight ahead you will find marketing and giveaway tables, signs honoring the accomplishments of Duke’s baseball, and stairways that take you up to the top of the seating area. From there you will need to walk back down to your seat. The three sections closest to home plate are chairback seats, while the others are bleachers with backs. Although some of the chairbacks used to be reserved, all seats are now general admission. The chairbacks are likely to be in the shade for most of the game, while the other seats will be in the sun. Which one is better depends on personal preference and when you go to the game – on a cold day in February or early March, many fans will opt to forgo the seatbacks to sit in the sun, but once it starts to warm up, you’ll appreciate the shade. A scoreboard in the outfield shows a linescore as well as runs, hits, and errors. Scoreboard at Eagle Field, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey The team does a lot to keep fans engaged, throwing miniature foam baseballs into the stands after every Duke’s home run, plus the usual t-shirt toss at some point during the game. The spacious concourse dedicates a significant amount of space to the history of JMU baseball, with banners and signs showing Dukes All-Americans, major leaguers, and appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Neighborhood 3 Harrisonburg is a quaint town in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Although this doesn’t have the excitement of the big city, there is plenty to do here, including the Virginia Quilt Museum. For meals, there are plenty of options depending on your budget. The famous southern chain Cook Out has a location five minutes from campus, which serves up burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other options. Try one of their trays for a great value, as it comes with two sides and a drink for around $8. If you’re looking for something more upscale, or at least something with table service, the Magpie Diner on West Gay Street is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favorite. There are many hotels to stay at in Harrisonburg ranging from budget hotels to a Doubletree. Note that at the time of writing, many dining options in Harrisonburg are limited to takeout or unavailable entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this article is written to reflect the “normal” state of things. Fans 4 Although Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park is a small stadium, Dukes fans do their best to fill it. Expect to see hundreds of fans decked out in purple at any given game. The fans are passionate and extremely loud, especially when the Dukes have big plays. You would not be able to tell how small the crowd is by the sound of it. Part of that is due to the compact space of the stadium, but most of it is due to how they are such great fans. Access 3 Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park is located a few miles off Interstate 81 via exit 247B. After exiting onto Market Street, continue a short while before turning left onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Continue for about a mile and a half before the road ends at High Street. Continue through the light and you will be in the parking lot. You will need to navigate a roundabout in the middle of the parking lot to wind up in the lot nearest the stadium – other areas serve the Veterans Memorial itself or other parts of the park, although you can park there if the stadium lot fills up. Getting around the stadium once you get inside is easy enough, although it is a bit confusing to have to walk up and back down. Foul balls regularly fly onto the concourse so be careful while you are walking down there. A staff member will normally shout “Heads up!” when a ball is heading that way but be alert yourself anyway. Restrooms are located directly to the left of the entrance and are of sufficient size for the crowd. When getting out of the stadium, you may have to wait at the traffic light for a few minutes as the timing of the cycle was not designed for such traffic patterns as occur postgame, but once you get out, you should not encounter any problems. Return on Investment 4 JMU used to charge for baseball tickets, as is evident by the ticket window that is still outside the stadium but switched to free admission a few years ago. This was the right decision as it significantly enhances value. Concessions are affordable, parking is free, and this is a very nice stadium, all of which combine to make a trip to a JMU baseball game top value. Extras 2 One star for all the banners and signs on the concourse honoring Duke’s baseball history, which have already been discussed above. There are free programs available at the marketing table. While they’re not too extensive, you can’t really argue with the price. Final Thoughts When thinking of the top college baseball experiences in Virginia, fans will think immediately of the University of Virginia, which is home to one of the top college baseball programs in the country. However, while the JMU baseball program isn’t nearly at the same level as the Cavaliers, Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park is a hidden gem here in the Shenandoah Valley. With free admission to a beautiful baseball stadium, a trip here is a great experience for college baseball fans across Virginia.

Photo by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Baylor Ballpark 1612 South University Parks Dr Waco, TX 76706 Baylor Bears website Baylor Ballpark website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 5,000 Baylor Ballpark In 2024 Baylor Ballpark is celebrating 26 years as home of the Baylor University Bears baseball team. The ballpark is located on the campus of Baylor University, and is constructed of red brick and green steel beams, keeping with the décor and architecture found all around Baylor University. The stadium has a capacity of five thousand, but the largest crowd ever (during a game versus Texas A&M ) far exceeded that number, with a record crowd of 5,911 on April 21, 2021. The ballpark’s surface is Bermuda grass with dimensions of 330-400-330. The Baylor program has been successful over the last two decades since the ballpark opened in 1999 – the team has close to a 70% winning percentage over that time period, which has helped Baylor host four regionals and three super regionals during Baylor Ballpark’s history, including a 14-8 record during the post season.   Food & Beverage   3 Baylor Ballpark has the basic fare expected at a sports venue. There are two permanent concessions stands, with one located behind home plate at the entrance of the park, and the other near third base. The concessions stand by third base offers Mr. Beast Burgers and cheesesteaks, with cheesesteaks costing $11 and burgers costing $10. The menu at Baylor Ballpark is limited, but the prices are not outrageous – the most expensive items are the burgers and cheesesteaks. The pricing for some of the other items are nachos for $6 and hot dogs, pretzels, candy, and peanuts at $4. The popcorn might be the best option at $3, but if you want to eat before the game that is also an option, as there are plenty of restaurants in Waco to satisfy any food craving. In terms of drinks, Baylor Ballpark offers fans both Pepsi products and of course Dr Pepper products, Waco being the birthplace of the latter beverage. The largest drink here is the souvenir cup at $6, but unfortunately this 32 oz souvenir is the one sold at Baylor football games , and not a baseball-themed cup. The smaller drinks at Baylor Ballpark are 20 oz of soda for $4, with other choices for the same price, being bottled water and Gatorade. There is also lemonade sold at a mobile stand on the concourse, along with funnel cakes, corn dogs, and fruit ice chills.   Atmosphere   3 Baylor Ballpark is a wonderful ballpark for college baseball fans to take in a game. The ballpark is architecturally simple and complements the surrounding campus. The park seems to be a visit to the past, yet is very well maintained for a ballpark built in 1999. The unique part of Baylor Ballpark is the grass berm along the first baseline, where fans can throw down a blanket or set out lawn chairs, and the berm also provides kids with entertainment as they slide down the grass. The seating area has 3,200 basic green seats, with the box and reserved seating wrapped around home plate from first to third base, with a total capacity of 5,000 fans. There are several access points to the seats, including a walkway between the box seats and reserved seats. In addition, the scoreboard in left center field includes a video replay screen, and the fences are covered with local business advertisements just like you would see at a minor league ballpark. Between innings, the scoreboard will show highlights of Baylor Bears who are currently in the major leagues. The staff also does t-shirt tosses, and music being played can also be expected during breaks in the action. Behind home plate, a strikeout counter is manually kept for fans that want to keep track of how the pitchers are performing that day. The ballpark seating faces northwest to give a view of the Brazos River and McLane Stadium beyond the outfield fence. There are also two bear statues near Baylor Ballpark’s main entrance, which can be a great photo opportunity for fans. Games also feature the typical contests and music between innings, and after every inning, Baylor’s slogan of “Sic ’em” is shown on the videoboard, and Baylor’s song “Baylor Line” is played whenever the Bears have a meeting on the mound. Overall the atmosphere is what is expected for a college baseball game, but the atmosphere can easily be heightened when a rivalry series with Texas  or Texas A&M  comes to Waco.   Neighborhood   3 Baylor Ballpark is part of Turner Athletic Complex on University Parks Drive, next to Ferrell Center and Gutterman Stadium (Baylor softball). Buzzard Billy’s Restaurant is along the Brazos River, near McLane Stadium , and is the closest restaurant. However, the city of Waco has numerous restaurants to enjoy, especially BBQ, while attending a Baylor sporting event – BBQ places to choose from while in town include Rudy’s Country Store BBQ, located off the interstate exit on Circle Drive, and Coach’s Smoke, located in downtown Waco on Austin Avenue; Coach’s Smoke is a good choice for beer as well. However, the most popular BBQ restaurant in Waco is Vitek’s BBQ at 1600 Speight Ave, which is on the south side of Baylor’s campus. Vitek’s BBQ is home of the Gut Pack, a dish which includes brisket, sausage, Fritos, and beans; if you decide on this dish you won’t need to eat for the rest of the day, as it is heavy and filling, as well as delicious. You should plan on arriving early, however – Vitek’s does serve outside as well as inside, but the wait can be long no matter which one you choose. If you aren’t in the mood for BBQ, George’s Restaurant is another popular place to meet before, during, or after the game. This restaurant has been serving Waco since 1930, and the crowds here are large, so be prepared to get there early. But the newest craze in town is Magnolia Table, a lunch spot created by TV personalities Chip and Joanna Gaines. Of course, being in Texas there is also Tex-Mex cuisine, and a strong recommendation in that space would be Trujillo’s Comedor Y Cantina on La Salle Avenue. All these choices mean Waco has great options besides fast food, so you’ll easily be able to find something that suits you. If you’re looking for something to do while in town, Waco is home to the Dr Pepper Museum, which is open on Saturdays. You’ll get to see how the popular Texas soft drink is produced, walk through its history, and even get your own Dr Pepper drink. Or, if you want to stay closer to the ballpark, on campus you can visit the Bear Habitat; this exhibit is home to Judge Indy and Judge Belle, Baylor’s two live black bear mascots. Another option is the Texas Ranger Museum – the Texas Rangers are a law enforcement treasure, and the museum does a great job chronicling their history. And of course, the gift shop has plenty of fun items for the kids to commemorate their visit, from Ranger badges to toy shotguns. If these options do not sound appealing, a short drive west from downtown is the Waco Mammoth Site, a re-creation of an on-site mammoth dig, or you can visit Cameron Park Zoo, either of which would mean a great time for the family and ensure unlimited memories of your trip to Waco.   Fans   3 Baylor Bears fans are what you would expect at a college baseball game – the average attendance at the stadium is about 1,800, which ranks Baylor in the top 50 for college baseball home attendance. The university is a 14,000-student undergraduate private school, and the fan base reflects this, with its makeup of alumni, students, friends, and player family members. The fans can get loud at certain points during the game, especially when Baylor scores or makes a good defensive play.   Access   5 Baylor Ballpark is one of the most accessible stadiums around, with parking available just outside the entrance. Parking is free and the lot is large enough to hold fans for both baseball and softball games being played at the same time. The ticket booth is just outside the main entrance, and buying a ticket is quick to do. There are four entrances into the main grandstand, plus an additional ramp for disabled fans, and all seating has green chairback seats, except for the metal bleachers behind left field. There is also a grass berm hill, on the first base side near right field, where you can have blanket or chair seating (but bring your own). The ballpark does have an awning for protection from the weather, covering the upper portion of the reserved seating, so remember that when choosing whether to sit in the more expensive box seats. The small number of bathrooms at Baylor Ballpark is interesting, but the one set of bathrooms in the main concourse seems to have no issues with long lines. The seating area also has a walkway between the box seats and reserved seating, and the signage is very good around the ballpark.   Return on Investment   5 Baylor Bears baseball single game tickets could be the best bargain in the Big 12 Conference – the closest seats are $20, these being the box seats in the first five rows around the dugouts and behind home plate. However, a better choice is the reserved seating around the infield for $10, which is the upper portion of the seating area. Baylor also offers mid-week game specials on their website. The low cost tickets, free parking, and inexpensive concessions all make a day at Baylor Ballpark a highly scored return on investment.   Extras   4 Baylor Ballpark has a great relaxing setting, with the Brazos River and McLane Stadium  visible just beyond the outfield. The ballpark has been home to Baylor Baseball for the past 25 years, and continues to be an impressive ballpark, with only a few small renovations over the years – the most recent was before the 2024 season, when Baylor installed a 24’ by 68.4’ digital videoboard. This Daktronics videoboard has a 13HD video display on a 560x1596 pixel screen, with capabilities for instant replay and video highlights. Baylor Ballpark is located on the site of Ferrell Field, Baylor baseball’s home from 1977–98, thus continuing the program’s baseball history, as seen throughout the concourse. The remarkable return on investment here provides a wonderful day at the ballpark.   Final Thoughts Baylor Ballpark is certainly a great place to take in some college baseball action. The ballpark is very accessible, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the fans are knowledgeable, respectful overall, and consistently inject themselves into the game; Baylor Ballpark, Baylor Baseball, and Waco combine to make beautiful trip for everyone.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Dom Cardillo Arena at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 400 East Ave Kitchener, ON N2H 1Z6 Kitchener Rangers website Dom Cardillo Arena at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 7,777 East Avenue Blue In 1963, Kitchener, Ontario businessman Eugene George purchased the junior hockey affiliate of the New York Rangers and moved them to Kitchener. The next step for George was to give the team to the season ticket holders and make the newly minted Kitchener Rangers a truly local, community team. To this day, the Rangers remain a not-for-profit organization, run by a board of directors and owned by the season seat subscribers. Eugene George has been honoured by the city of Kitchener with the renaming of the street outside the Aud to Eugene George Way. The mailing address for the team is 1963 Eugene George Way. The Rangers have also become a cornerstone franchise in the Ontario Hockey League. The affiliation with the New York Rangers is long gone, but the moniker and colours have remained in Kitchener. The Rangers have enjoyed a number of league titles in the regular season, four OHL championships and two times been crowned as Memorial Cup Champions, the top team in the entire Canadian Hockey League. Home for the Rangers since their inception has been the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Designed as a mini Maple Leaf Gardens, The Aud remains one of the most unique venues in a league where new venues are becoming increasingly homogeneous. The arena with the main ice is named after former beloved mayor of Kitchener, Dom Cardillo, making the home of the Rangers the Dom Cardillo Arena at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The Rangers provide one of the best experiences in the entire Canadian Hockey League and are a must see for all junior hockey fans. Food & Beverage 4 The concession experience at The Aud is comparable to a professional sports experience. All of the expected items are in attendance including burgers, hot dogs, nachos, chicken fingers, fries and popcorn. Slices from Pizza Pizza are also available. The Candy Corner offers ice cream, sundaes, lemonade and Twizzlers. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice. The newest addition to concessions at The Aud, which is extremely popular, is the Beaver Tails stand, just up the stairs from the concourse. A uniquely Canadian experience, Beaver Tails are fried dough, flat like the tail of a beaver, available with a variety of unique toppings. The difficulty will be choosing which one. Oktoberfest Beer Nuts are an Aud staple and uniquely local. The beer selection is solid with Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Molson Ultra, Heinekin and Creemore Springs available. Local brewery Four Fathers has their Light Lager available in a specially designed Kitchener Rangers 60 Seasons can. The main bar has a number of cocktails available as well as Two Oceans Red and White Wine. Atmosphere 5 In an era where classic arenas all around Ontario are being replaced with shiny new, homogenous arenas, the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium remains a unique standout in the Ontario Hockey League. The Aud, as it is locally known, was built in 1951 as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in World Wars I and II. The East Avenue entrance is the original main entrance to The Aud and maintains the grand, concrete facade with engraved lettering at the top to go with large windows. However, rather than enter at the west, most will enter the complex from the north or south. The ticketing windows are found at the Eugene George Way entrance at the south. Fans heading through the breezeway to the arena will notice the huge, wooden dedication plaque commemorating the memorial nature of the building. Across from the plaque is a poignant display for the Kraut Line. Bobby Bauer, Milt Schmidt and Woody Dumart were a line for the Boston Bruins during the thirties and forties where the Bruins won two Stanley Cups. All three are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame and share German heritage. Also, all three were products of the Kitchener hockey system and were born and raised in Kitchener or Waterloo. There are also a number of wooden plaques commemorating events that the Aud has hosted, including the 1986 Labatt Brier, 2001 University Cup and 1984 and 2008 Memorial Cups. Climbing the stairs in the middle of the breezeway to fans are met with the ticket takers, underneath a large mural for late Mayor of Kitchener, Dom Cardillo, whom the arena is named after. The concourses at The Aud can keep fans busy for hours. Murals for legendary broadcaster Don Cameron and Ranger championship seasons are among the highlights. There are a plethora of photos of local sport teams that fans can sift through as well. The beams in the concourse feature the names of prominent Rangers in the Walk of Fame and include such names as Brian Bellows, Steven Rice, John Tucker, Boyd Deveraux, Derek Roy and Sandy Fitzpatrick to scratch the surface. There are no beams left for newer players so a mural for new members of the Walk of Fame has been created. Team photos for every season back to the beginning can also be found. Inside the team store, Rangers Authentics, fans can find McLelland Hall, which shares a number of Rangers artifacts. There is no arena in the NHL, let alone the OHL that shares the sheer volume of history that The Aud does. When fans enter the seating bowl their gaze will immediately be drawn to the sheer volume of banners hanging in the rafters. The east end of the rink features banners commemorating those Rangers who have played in the World Junior Hockey Championships throughout the years. The honoured numbers of Hockey Hall of Famers Scott Stevens, Al MacInnis, Paul Coffey, Bill Barber and Larry Robinson also hang on the east side. To the north, the top scorers in Rangers history, Dwight Foster and Andre Benoit have banners honouring their accomplishments along with a banner honouring the achievements of broadcaster and local legend, the late Don Cameron. The west side finds the various division, league and conference banners. The Rangers were Hamilton Spectator Trophy winners as regular season champions in 1967, 1968, 1974, 1984, 1989, 2003 and 2008. The J. Ross Robertson banner hangs in the rafters four times as OHL Champions in 1981, 1982, 2003 and 2008. The culmination of the entirety of the history in banners are the 1982 and 2003 Memorial Cup Championship banners, the ultimate accomplishment in Junior Hockey. The north side of the arena features two tiers of seating along with the suites. The west end also has two tiers along with the restaurant. The east end has only one tier along with more suites. The south side is where the majority of seating is with three tiers, including the seating from the latest renovation which raised the roof of The Aud to accommodate more seats. The pitch for the seating is steep and allows fans the feeling of being right on top of the action. The gameday atmosphere is not over the top and balances music from across generations. The videoboard is among the best in the league and the team uses it to its advantage for promotions and information. The Timbits mini-game and prize shootout are staple promos between periods. The Rangers also feature a semi-original goal song, similar to the one used by the New York Rangers. Neighbourhood 3 The Aud is located just east of Downtown Kitchener. For the most part, the Aud is a community arena. There are almost no pre and post game meal options within walking distance. Fans could hike up Ottawa Street to the Tim Horton's or Dairy Queen. Strykerz Kitchen and Bar in the same plaza may be an option, but it is pretty small. The best bet would be to head downtown or take the highway out to Sportsworld. Downtown, fans might want to try The Grand Trunk Saloon, TWH Social, Bobby O'Brien’s or McCabe’s. Out by Sportsworld you will definitely want to hit Moose Winooski's. For a truly genuine Kitchener experience, fans should look into eating a pre-game meal at the Concordia Club or The Metro. Kitchener celebrates the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany in Oktoberfest. The Friday buffet at the Concordia Club is a great way to experience Kitchener’s German heritage before a Ranger game! Other sporting options locally would include hopping over to Kitchener’s twin city, Waterloo to catch some local university action. The Waterloo Warriors call the PAC home to basketball, Warrior Field home to football and Columbia IceField home to hockey. The Laurier Golden Hawks play their football games at Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium , their hockey games at Sun Life Financial Arena at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, and their basketball games at WLU Athletic Complex . Downtown, fans may also want to check out The Museum. Fans who are staying in town overnight should head downtown. The Walper Hotel and Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo are good selections. Fans 5 The Kitchener Rangers are among the elite in the entire Canadian Hockey League with regards to attendance. With one of the bigger buildings in the OHL, the Rangers consistently rank third in attendance behind Ottawa and London, who each have bigger arenas. Friday night is Rangers Night in Kitchener and the biggest crowds can be found then. Sunday afternoons and other mid-week games will find more empty seats which often belong to season ticket holders who decide not to show for those games. Ranger fans are typical Southern Ontario fans who are not too rambunctious but can get very loud at the right time. Access 4 The Aud is located in the Auditorium District, which is east of Downtown Kitchener. Getting to The Aud is not difficult. It is immediately west of Highway 7, which is the main artery through Kitchener. There is plenty of parking on both the north and south sides of the complex, which should be entered from Ottawa Street or Stirling Avenue. For fans wishing to take public transit to the Ranger game, there are buses that travel both Ottawa and Weber Streets. The light rail Ion train is a fair hike from the nearest station, so that may not be the best option. Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Traversing the concourses during intermission is definitely a challenge as the concourses are definitely not large enough for that kind of traffic. Expect long lines at concessions and washrooms around intermission time as well. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Kitchener Rangers have progressively increased over the years. As of the 2022-2023 season, Ranger tickets go for $25 per person with a discount for children available. All seats, regardless of the section, are the same price. OHL hockey remains among the best experiences in sport with a very high quality product on the ice. Concession prices are about what one would expect and parking is free. The end result is an excellent evening of entertainment at a price far cheaper than any professional experience. Extras 5 An extra mark to the City of Kitchener in recognition of the contribution of the late Eugene George. The city has renamed the street travelling to the west of the Aud, from East Ave to Ottawa St, Eugene George Way. His gifting of the Rangers to the subscribers created a unique ownership situation that galvanized the bond between city and team. An extra mark for the special events the Rangers run, specifically Teddy Bear Toss Night and Don Cameron Potato Night. Seeing thousands of stuffed animals strewn to the ice just before Christmas is an experience in and of itself. Potato Night is a unique evening run by legendary retired Rangers broadcaster Don Cameron where fans bring in donations of bags of potatoes. An extra mark for the long and illustrious hockey history of the Rangers and the Kitchener-Waterloo area, and the great job the Rangers do of putting that history on display. An extra mark for the City of Kitchener and the Rangers in not abandoning their classic arena and instead improving upon it to bring it up to today’s technological and luxury standards. An extra mark for all of the Kitchener Minor Sports history on display at the Auditorium Complex. Final Thoughts The Kitchener Rangers remain one of the cornerstone franchises in the Ontario Hockey League. The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium is one of the most unique venues in the league and a treasure for the league. Hockey fans need to make a trip to Kitchener-Waterloo to catch a Friday night in Kitchener at The Aud. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Regency Athletic Complex at Metro State Denver 1600 West Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80204 Metro State Roadrunners website Regency Athletic Complex at Metro State Denver website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 400 Metro Roadrunners Baseball Metropolitan State University of Denver, known as Metro or Metro State in the Denver, CO area, achieved university status in 2012. Their athletic teams, known as the Roadrunners, play in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), NCAA Division II. The campus in the Auraria neighborhood of Denver is a unique one, with three public education institutions sharing facilities and services on a single campus: the Community College of Denver, the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado at Denver. The Roadrunners last RMAC baseball tournament championship was in 2002. The baseball team used to play at Auraria Field across from the Pepsi Center . In 2015, the team moved to the newly constructed Regency Athletic Complex at Metro State University Denver, which houses not only baseball but softball, tennis, and soccer. Food & Beverage 2 The complex offers basic food and snacks; enough to hold you over for two or so hours. One concession stand is located in the plaza area beyond the third baseline. Note: It doesn’t open (at least on the day of this review) until just a few minutes before game time. For snacks, it provides pickles, candy, chips, popcorn, muffins, cookies, and peanuts. For something a bit more substantial, hot dogs and nachos are for sale. Bottled Pepsi and water, lemonade, and iced tea are the available beverages. Prices are reasonable; it is a cash only concession. Signs say no outside food or beverages are allowed in the complex but plenty of folks bring in drinks and snacks; one fan even had a cooler, so that rule is not enforced. The concession stand is also the merchandise stand with a sorry selection of only a few t-shirts and hats on offer. Atmosphere 3 If it’s a nice winter/spring day in the Denver area and one is in need of a baseball fix, attending a Roadrunners game is a good place for just that as it’s about the game without any of the silly antics, blaring music, and advertisements found at minor and major league ball games. Six rows of aluminum bleachers with handrails are behind the home base area. Recommendation: bring a bleacher seat or cushion for better comfort. Another seating area is located after the third base dugout where fans can bring their chairs and watch from behind a chain link fence. This area is more calm and quieter than in the bleachers behind home. There are areas on top of the dugouts that look like they would be a good place to park a chair and watch but those are chained off. The field itself is all artificial turf: infield, outfield, pitcher’s mound, between the bases, warning track, and the area behind home plate and towards the dugouts. I’m not a fan of this, though I completely understand its need as trying to maintain a grass field in Denver when games begin in February would be a difficult endeavor. Lights are available for evening games, though most of the games are played in the afternoon. Music is played between innings and the Roadrunners each have a walkup song played. It is not obtrusive and fans can have conversations with each other without having to yell to be heard. One thing a bit different is where fans and players face to see the flag during the National Anthem; all players, fans, and even broadcast personnel about face away from the diamond as the flags are behind the press box (which is situated above the bleachers behind home plate). From where I was sitting, I looked directly into the press box; no flag in view. It appears the flags are centrally located for all the fields at Regency Athletic Complex. The view behind the outfield walls is not much to write home about but looking behind the third base line will show downtown Denver. A beautiful view of the mountains and Sports Authority Fields can be seen beyond the first base / home plate area. Neighborhood 5 The baseball field is located right next to the MSU campus; just south of downtown Denver; a 1/2 mile from Broncos Stadium at Mile High , a mile from the Pepsi Center , and two miles from Coors Field . All that Denver has to offer is within easy reach especially with the light rail system. A bountiful amount of restaurants, bars, and grills are available in downtown Denver. Less than a mile away from the ballfield is Original Brooklyn’s, a sports bar/tavern with decent beers and bar food and a nice patio for those warmer winter/spring days. Domo Japanese Restaurant is about a 1/2 mile walking distance. This restaurant also provides a traditional Japanese garden and a museum. For those into the local craft beer scene, Strange Craft Beer Company is just a 15 minute walk from the athletic field at Metro. The brewery I recommend in downtown Denver is Wyncoop. Freshcraft is an excellent low-key restaurant/bar in downtown on Blake St. Both places have yummy food and excellent beer selections. For things to see and do near Metro take a stroll along the Ninth Street Historic Park, a tree-lined street of working class Victorian homes and the oldest restored residential block in the Denver community. Be sure to visit the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. And of course, if in town visiting, there’s the plethora of other Denver attractions including the State Capitol Building, the Aquarium, Molly Brown House, Children’s Museum, 16th Street Mall, and more. The closest hotel is the Springhill Suites in downtown Denver, a little less than a mile walk to the complex and perfectly located for visiting many of the attractions in Denver. Fans 3 Many fans show up for Roadrunners games, especially if it is one of those warm winter/spring weekends. Since there are several RMAC schools within driving distance, expect to see fans from opposing teams visiting a Roadrunners game. Some of the fans really get stressed when a call is not made in their team’s favor. It’s a ball game, people; relax and enjoy it. The fans are very familiar with the players and the team. Comments such as, “Hey, we finally got a bunt down,” can be heard amongst the discussions in the stands. No distinct student section is found though students do attend the games. A lot of retirees are in the stands soaking up a game being played on the diamond. Access 4 Getting to and around the Regency Athletic Complex at Metro State is quite simple. The stadium is one and a half blocks from the Auraria West Station of the RTD Light Rail. After exiting the train, just head to 5th St (to the right and across the parking lot), cross over train tracks (no bridge) and under the highway and the facility is right there. For those traveling by car, parking is available at the Beech and Birch parking areas for $3. Parking is free for Sunday games. These lots are just off I-25 exit 210A (Colfax Ave). The closest airport is Denver International Airport (DIA) which is a 40 min drive. Beginning April 22, 2016, the RTD Light Rail will begin service from the airport to downtown so getting to Metro State may just get a little easier. Ramps to the seating area are available as well as wheelchair specific seating sections; those seats are at field level. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for alumni, and $4 seniors, students and kids. Metro State students get in for free. Tickets are cash only; no credit cards. Free parking on Sundays adds to the return. If you like the game of baseball without the frills and don’t mind the clink of the bat (vs the crack of the bat) attending a game at Metro is worth the money spent. Extras 3 Both teams’ rosters can be picked up prior to entry of the venue. The starting lineups are called in a clear voice and not too fast; this is an excellent benefit so for those who keep score. For train buffs, both freight trains and the light rail pass beyond the stadium’s perimeter. Being adjacent to a metropolitan city and all the events and entertainment that offers is worth a mention. Final Thoughts Set in an urban neighborhood, it is worth checking out the venue on a warmer Colorado winter/spring day from February to early May and then spending some time visiting downtown Denver and other sports in and near the city. It’s a decent place to get in a game after the long winter.

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Stadio Luigi Ferraris Corso A. De Stefanis Genoa, Liguria 16139 Italy Genoa CFC website Stadio Luigi Ferraris website Year Opened: 1911 Capacity: 36,599 Luigi at the Ferraris From 1911 until 1933, the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris in Genoa, Italy, was known as the Municipal Stadium. The Luigi Ferraris has a capacity of 36,599 seats. It is the oldest stadium still in use in Italy. The stadium hosts the home matches of both Genoa CFC and UC Sampdoria, and the stadium is owned by the city of Genoa. Besides football matches, it also has hosted Italian national rugby matches and some concerts. The fans of both clubs refer to the stadium as the Marassi Stadium, named after the district where it is located. Unlike other historical Italian grounds, though, this was never the official name of the stadium. The highest attendance at the Luigi Ferraris was recorded on 27 February 1949, when 60,000 fans attended an international match between Italy and Portugal. The stadium was completely rebuilt for the 1990 World Cup, and the capacity was brought back to its current capacity of 36,599 seats. The stadium was also equipped with two giant screens for this event. Those video screens are still there, but are a bit outdated. During the World Cup, Stadio Luigi Ferraris hosted three Group C matches (between Costa Rica, Scotland, and Sweden) and one round-of-16 match between Ireland and Romania. All four stands of the stadium are covered and have two tiers. The Distinti Stand is the only stand of the ground which has three tiers and is the most impressive stand of them all. With no running track and stands so close to the pitch, the atmosphere is fantastic. The most fanatic supporters of UC Sampdoria are housed in the Gradinata Sud (Italian for “South Grandstand,”) the stand behind one of the goal ends. For Genoa CFC games, the Gradinata Nord (“North Grandstand”) is the main section for the home supporters. Probably unique in the world, Stadio Luigi Ferraris has two away sections inside the ground. Away fans are located in one of the corners on both the first and second tiers of the Main Stand (“Tribuna”); which away section depends on if Genoa or Sampdoria is playing their home match. On 29 February 2012, Team USA played a friendly against Italy in Stadio Luigi Ferraris as a preparation match for the European Football Championship in Poland and Ukraine. It ended 0-1 in favour of the USA, thanks to a goal by Clint Dempsey. It was a historic victory, as this was the first time Team USA beat Italy in a football (soccer) match. (Note: exchange rates are current as of the time of this posting, March 2014.) Food & Beverage 3 There are a few counters underneath the stands where you can buy drinks and food. I wish I could say there was a large variety to choose from, but unfortunately the counters are so ’90s. We bought a couple of beers (€2.50/£2.00/$3.50), a cola (€2.00/£1.65/$2.75), a coffee (€1.20/£1.00/$1.65), and two bags of 100 grams of chips (€1.50/£1.25/$2.00). For all of this, we paid only €11.20 (£9.25/$15.50), which is a more than a fair price inside a stadium. Though the choice of food and drinks is poor, the price is rather cheap. Besides the cheap price, there is another big plus: unlike the regulations governing the grounds in England, in Italy you are allowed to bring alcoholic drinks into the stands. So, we enjoyed our beer in the stands while watching the game. Atmosphere 5 The stadium is very compact, and the stands are very steep and close to the pitch. The proximity to the pitch makes this my favourite ground in Italy. This makes the Luigi Ferraris an impressive stadium. Everyone inside the ground is close to the action. The four terracotta-coloured corners at each side of the stands gives the stadium a really unique feature. All the seats inside the ground are coloured blue and have a backing. At the lower tiers of the Gradina Sud and Nord, the spectators stand during the whole match. Neighborhood 4 Luigi Ferraris lies about two kilometres northeast of the city centre in the district of Marassi. This district is built against a couple of hills, and the stadium is situated in a valley. From inside the stadium, you have a good view of the houses on the hills during the daytime. Marassi is quite a busy area. Many important roads (the Via Bobbio and the Corso Alessandro di Stefanis) that get you out of the city, pass alongside the stadium. In the area around the stadium, there are plenty of restaurants where you can eat. There are a couple of Chinese restaurants and some good Italian restaurants (O Sole Mio, Pizzeria Da Carlo, and Al Rustichetto), are all within five minute walking distance of the ground. We decided to try the restaurant O Sole Mio at the Via Feraggiano. That turned out to be an excellent choice! The restaurant serves various kinds of pizza (prices range from €6/£5/$8.25 to €11.50/£9.50/$15.85), various pastas, and even fresh fish. Fans 5 The Genoa and UC Sampdoria fan base is pretty loyal. In the Serie A (top of Italian League football), they fill their stadium each match with an average of over 25,000 fans. Both fan sites make a very tough atmosphere for their opponents. The Italians fans, called Ultras, are very vocal and support their teams for the whole 90 minutes with (large) flags, banners, and even pyrotechnics. Access 3 There are two large train stations in Genoa (Stazione Principe and Stazione Brignole). Stadio Luigi Ferraris is about a 10 to 15 minute walk from Stazione Brignole. Just walk along the banks of the Bisagna River, you will find the stadium on your right hand side. Keep in mind that the Brignole station is mostly used by regional trains, while intercity trains from Milan or Rome will stop only at the Stazione Principe. From this station, you can get a train to Brignole or take a city bus towards the stadium. When walking towards the stadium, keep in mind that the streets from the Brignole station are overcrowded with traffic (mostly scooters). Return on Investment 5 We bought our tickets for the match against Juventus via Listicket.it. This is an Italian version of Ticketmaster. Of course, we had to create an account first before we could order our tickets online. Tickets for Genoa CFC and UC Sampdoria home matches are categorized in A, B, and C-level matches. For A-matches, you pay more than for a C-match. Tickets in the Gradinata Nord and Sud (stands behind the goals) are sold for €20 (£16.50/$27.50), Distini €40 (£33/$55), Tribuna Laterale (side) €60 (£49.50/$82.65), and Tribuna Centrale €100 (£82.65/$137.75). (I took a photo of the stadium plan.) The stadium itself and the atmosphere inside the stadium made the €20 I paid for my ticket really look like a bargain. Extras 3 Both clubs don’t offer stadium tours, which is very unfortunate when you are in Genoa and there is no match day and you still want to visit the ground. The good news is that every weekend there is a match to be played at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. One week, there is a home match of Genoa CFC, while the other week, UC Sampdoria is playing at home. Besides plenty of restaurants in the area of the stadium, there are many small bars to get a beer as well. Final Thoughts The Luigi Ferraris is a one of a kind stadium in Italy. If you like to visit football grounds, this stadium should be high on your list. The city of Genoa is worthwhile to visit, too. There are a lot of museums, churches, and at the port, there is a large aquarium. In the historic centre (centro storico) the narrow alleys are really a must see attraction. We have spent two days in Genoa and saw most of the highlights. I will certainly come back to this city one day!

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Wilson Park 1007 Solano Ave Vallejo, CA 94590 Map It Vallejo Seaweed website Wilson Park website Year Opened: 1975 (an educated guess) Capacity: 900 Exploring Pecos League Baseball in Vallejo CA The Vallejo Seaweed are a member of the independent Pecos League and play their baseball games at Wilson Park in Vallejo, CA (a little over 30 miles northeast of San Francisco).  Wilson Park is city-owned, and the Greater Vallejo Park, Recreation, & Open Space Foundation maintains the park.  The park also has youth ballfields, a children’s play area with a jungle gym, and shaded picnic areas.  You will frequently see dog walkers along its paths.  The Babe Ruth League (youth baseball) also plays games at Wilson Park. The Vallejo Seaweed played as the Santa Cruz Seaweed in 2021 and 2022.   They moved to Vallejo in 2023 and are playing their second season at Wilson Park in 2024.  The Vallejo Seaweed has not yet been in the postseason.  They battled for a spot in the conference finals this 2024 season but didn’t quite make it. Food & Beverage 2 One sad-looking concession stand sells basic stadium fare:  hot dogs, nachos, chips, ice cream, and sunflower seeds ($2 - $5).  Canned beer (Coors Light, Bud Light, Modelo, Michelob Ultra, and Heineken) sells for $5.  Canned Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and bottled water costs $2.  It’s enough for a snack. Atmosphere 3 The stadium has three sections (14 rows each) of old dark blue wooden bleachers with two sets of handrails in the main seating area behind home plate.  The venue has a welcome feature - some portable seatbacks for fans.  The steps are very steep.  Those uneasy on their feet should choose the first or second row.  Additional sets of bleachers  lay  beyond each dugout.  The grandstand is covered, though you will get some sun during the first few innings. A thick chain link fence surrounds the entire field.  A simple dot matrix scoreboard in left field displays the line score, balls, strikes, and outs.  Trees adorn the outfield.  The batter’s eye is trees. Wilson Park - Vallejo Seaweed, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The announcer calls the starting lineup nice and slow.  Fans keeping score can complete their scorecards unrushed.  Irritatingly, the music person plays tunes over the PA announcements, so those who keep score must strain hard to hear the names. The home side is third base. The Pecos League has two umpires.  It has a ‘pass the hat’ for fans to drop in a few bucks after a player hits a home run.  Players in this league get paid a pittance.  All the funds from the ‘passing of the hat’ go to the player to help with expenses.  One unique aspect of a Pecos League game is that the pitchers bat. Remember to bring a sweatshirt or jacket as it can get chilly when the sun sets. Neighborhood 3 The baseball park is two miles from the downtown area of Vallejo.   You can enjoy a meal at Provisions (breakfast, lunch, and California beer - this restaurant closes at 4 pm except on Fridays when it stays open until 8 pm) or Bambinos Vallejo (Italian).  A mile north of downtown, on the Napa River, enjoy The Sardine Can (seafood). Try the Mare Island Brewing Co. – Ferry Taproom or the recently opened Vallejo Brewing Company (open for business Thurs – Sun) for local breweries. The biggest tourist attraction in Vallejo is the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.  Visitors can experience the educational Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum , right downtown.  The San Francisco Bay Ferry (passengers only) stops in Vallejo.  If you like ferry rides, this activity is something to check out.  Vallejo is on the southern border of Napa Valley and Suisun Valley.  Many vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms are within a 10-mile drive.  I went to the Wooden Valley Winery , and it was delightful.  The staff even enjoy talking baseball!! There are no hotels near the ballpark.  You’ll find plenty along I-80 over a mile away.  Other sports to see when in the area include the San Francisco Giants , Oakland Athletics (until the end of 2024), and other Pecos League teams (the San Rafael Pacifics and the Martinez Sturgeon ). Fans 2 Attendance is small but mighty.  About 35 – 40 fans (including dogs) attended the game of this review.  The fans (human) heartily cheer on their team. The crowd is fun.  There’s a good rapport between the PA announcer and the regular fans.  He calls on regular visitors by name to ring their bell.  Access 3 There is no need to get to a Seaweed game early, as the team operations are still in the process of setting up 30 minutes before the first pitch. The closest commercial airport is San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK), about 35 miles south.  Fans in the Bay Area can take the BART (red line) to El Cerrito Del Norte, catch the El Cerrito Del Norte BART Express bus to Curtola Park & Ride, and walk ½ mile to the park. Upon entry, the team does not have a security check or bag rules.  Coolers are not permitted. The stadium has bathrooms.  Bring some extra tissues, in case they’re out. I learned the hard way. The steps are steep; the facility does not look that conducive to fans with physical impairments. Return on Investment 3 Parking is free; entry is $10 for general admission (sit wherever you like).  Concessions are an affordable $2 - $5.  It is an inexpensive evening out.  . Extras 1 The Pecos League is the only league that does not use a designated hitter, following the 2019 National League rules with the pitcher hitting. Final Thoughts It’s mostly about the baseball game in Vallejo, not a lot of other bells and whistles.  It’s an affordable night out to hear the crack of the bat and see the rise of dust as an infielder fields a ground ball or when a player slides into base.  Veteran purist baseball fans should enjoy the experience at Wilson Park.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Haymarket IcePlex 15155 Washington Street Haymarket, VA 20169 James Madison Dukes hockey website Haymarket IcePlex website Year Opened: 2011 Hey, Hey, Haymarket The James Madison University club ice hockey team represents the school and competes in Division 2 of ACHA. Through 2018, the team played their home games at Main Street Arena in Charlottesville, about an hour’s drive from campus, but the arena closed over that summer, forcing the team to find a new home. Now, the Dukes play their home games at the Haymarket IcePlex, about an hour and a half from campus. The IcePlex is a small municipal rink located about 45 minutes outside Washington, D.C. There are two rinks in the IcePlex, the North Rink and the South Rink. When we visited, the Dukes were playing in the North Rink, but they play in the South Rink sometimes as well. There are minor differences between the two, but none that would impact our review significantly. Food & Beverage 1 There are vending machines in the IcePlex which sell snacks plus hot and cold drinks. Many fans can be seen sipping on coffee and hot chocolate during the game. However, that’s all there is here. Atmosphere 2 There isn’t much going on here other than the game itself. There aren’t even seats. Rather, fans stand on the other side of the glass from the ice. The good news is you get to be close to the action at all times, though some fans were flinching or even turning and running a few steps away every time a puck or player bounced off the boards. It can also be kind of tiring to be on your feet for hours at a time. There is a scoreboard and a public address announcer, but that’s about it otherwise. What you think of the atmosphere will very much vary depending on whether you’re a hockey purist or looking for a more intricate experience. Neighborhood 3 Haymarket is a typical suburban town and the area around the IcePlex tends to reflect that. Giuseppe’s is a popular Italian restaurant right across the street, and after you eat you can head down the street to Cookies & Cream for some fantastic homemade ice cream. You can also head down Route 55 to Lee Highway where you will find some more shops. History buffs may also want to make the short drive up the road to tour the Civil War battlefields in Manassas. The First and Second Battles of Bull Run were fought here and were two of the major battles during the war. Fans 3 The fans at JMU games tend to be mostly family and friends, but those who do show up are active and know their stuff. They know all the players by name and cheer them on throughout the night. Unfortunately, IcePlex policy prohibits “excessively” banging on the glass, so fans who are looking to pound the boards will be out of luck here. Access 3 The Haymarket IcePlex is located right off Interstate 66. There are several exits for Haymarket, and any one of them will eventually get you to the arena. The parking lot is small but sufficient for the crowds. However, the entrance is not marked. Confusingly, you do not enter through the door by the giant sign that says “Haymarket IcePlex.” This leads to a private office that is not accessible to the public. Instead, you will use the only door that is not explicitly marked as not being an entrance, which will put you in the small lobby of the rink. Once there, be sure to check the whiteboard to see if the Dukes will be playing in the North or South Rink. The South Rink is directly through a set of glass doors, but to get to the North Rink, you will have to walk through part of the South Rink, then turn right and go through a door marked only by a small overhead sign. There is no place to sit during the game, so expect to be on your feet for several hours. There is also no point in getting here early to watch the players warm up, as another group will have the ice until only a few minutes before this game starts, so you might as well wait in your warm car where you are capable of sitting down. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, and you will not pay much if anything for food as there is not much here to buy. However, there is not enough offered here to merit the top ranking. Extras 1 There are dozens of banners on the walls of the IcePlex honoring the myriad of teams that call it home. That’s about the only extra here. Final Thoughts Club hockey usually does not draw huge crowds, to begin with, and even less so when it’s being played an hour and a half from campus in a municipal rink with no seating. However, James Madison has managed to make the most of that experience here at the Haymarket IcePlex. While some may not like standing on their feet for hours just to watch a low-level hockey game, there are others out there who feel the hockey experience is at its best when standing right up against the boards. This is hockey at its purest right here – no distractions, just the action on the ice up close and personal. For a hockey purist, this is a dream come true. On the other hand, casual fans expecting all the sideshows they’d get at a professional rink may wonder why they even bothered to come out. It will all depend on their perspective.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Schout Performance Arena @ Wilmot Recreation Complex 1291 Nafziger Road Baden, ON N3A 0C4 New Hamburg Firebirds website Wilmot Recreation Complex website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 750 Wilmot Fire Junior C hockey is just a bit different.  Whether it is the small towns or the cold arenas or the local advertisement on the jersey where the player’s name would traditionally be found, hockey at the Junior C level in Ontario is an animal unto itself.  One of the oldest hockey franchises in the Junior C, Provincial Junior Hockey League is the New Hamburg Firebirds.  Founded in 1953 as the New Hamburg Legion Jrs, the Firebirds spent time as the CL RothsHahns and the Spirit 83’s before settling on the Firebirds in 1997.  The Firebirds currently play in the South Doherty Division of the PJHL.  The Firebirds have enjoyed some success over the years, bringing home seven league or conference titles as well as the ultimate prize, the Schmalz Cup as champions of Junior C hockey, on two occasions. Home for the Firebirds is the Schout Performance Arena @ Wilmot Recreation Complex.  Built in 2007, the Wilmot Recreation Complex is located in Wilmot Township, between the towns of New Hamburg and Baden.  Previous to moving to the Rec Complex, the Firebirds played in the town of New Hamburg, proper, but have retained the New Hamburg moniker even after moving out of town.  The Wilmot Recreation Complex acts as a community hub for the entire township with a pair of ice rinks, a swimming pool, community rooms and sports fields. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession at the Wilmot Recreation Complex is found on the main floor in the lobby and not only services Schout Performance Arena, but the entire complex.  Traditional snack bar fare is found here including hot dogs, burgers, fries, onion rings, chicken fingers, candy, chocolate, popcorn and nachos, along with bagels, fruit and Kraft Dinner.  Beverage options include soda, water, slushies, milk coffee, tea and hot chocolate.  In the upper lobby on game days, the Blueline Club offers a limited selection of beer options. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Wilmot Recreation Complex has a modern, attractive look with brown brick, light siding and glass at the main entry.  The arena area has a curious blue on the moderately sloped arch roof.  Fans entering the main entrance on the hockey side of the building, will be brought into a bright, attractive, modern lobby.  Walking into the lobby, fans pass right under the “Wall of Fame” which features team pictures of minor hockey championship teams.  The lobby has a number of interesting nuggets for treasure hunters to peruse including plenty of old photos and trophy cases for the Firebirds and other local sports.  Entry to the Schout Performance Arena is found up the stairs and an upper lobby welcomes patrons with more historic nuggets.  Of note upstairs are the trophy cases dedicated to local historic spots in New Hamburg, complete with historic timelines and artifacts.  The New Hamburg Arboretum and Movie Theatre are presented here. Although the Complex services the entirety of Wilmot Township, including the communities of Baden and New Dundee, it seems very New Hamburg centric.  The upper lobby also has windows that look out to the ice surface.  Firebirds merchandise and 50/50 tickets are sold from temporary tables in the upper lobby. Inside the Schout Performance Arena, fans will be welcomed to the ice surface which is southeast-northwest oriented.  Seven rows of blue arena seats are found on the northeast side with one row of benches at the top and small counters behind, perfect for the very popular standing room.  A path behind the standing room also offers a peek into the other rink.  Above and below the windows on the southeast end that look in from the upper lobby, are two rows of minor hockey championship banners.  On the northwest side, the Firebirds have created an impressive, neat and concise display of championship banners from the franchises different eras, complete with dates for each team era.  At the end of the championship banner is the retired number 5 of Firebird Brad Roote, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1990, while still a player.  The gameday production at a firebirds game is very simple, including the steadfast promotions found in seemingly every Junior C hockey experience, the 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck.  The PA system is decent and music is played during the warmups and stoppages in play. Neighbourhood 3 The Wilmot Recreation Complex is located in a rural area between the communities of Baden and New Hamburg.  There is not much of anything within walking distance of the complex so using the car and heading east or west for pre or post game food and drink is a necessity.  The Baden Hotel is a decent spot in Baden and some options in New Hamburg include Scam & Dram, The Old Country and Mother Flockers in New Hamburg.  The Firebirds are definitely the top draw when it comes to sports in Wilmot Township.  The beauty of the Doherty Division is the extremely close proximity of the rivals and trips to see the Wellesley Applejacks, Woodstock Navy Vets and Tavistock Braves  are just a few minutes in the car.  As far as other sporting options, heading west to Stratford or east to Kitchener-Waterloo is necessary.  Other tourist options include Castle Kilbride and Moparfest.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, Puddicombe House and Newburg Inn are options, otherwise KW or Stratford will be necessary. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the PJHL is challenging as attendance stats are not published or congregated by the league.  The Firebirds normally attract over 400 fans per game.  The 2024-25 season has the Firebirds averaging 446 fans per game, at the time of writing.  The previous season saw the Firebirds attract 408 fans per game.  Firebird fans are knowledgeable and supportive and louder than other fan bases, but not over the top.   Access 4 The Wilmot Recreation Complex is located between the communities of New Hamburg and Baden on Nafziger Road.  The complex is easily accessible from Highway 8, which is the largest highway in the area.  There is plenty of free parking on the premises for patrons.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there is a Grand River Transit link to Wilmot that stops at the Recreation Complex.  However, it may not be feasible to rely on transit for Firebirds games.  Fans should consult the Grand River Transit website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the Wilmot Recreation Complex is not too difficult, however there are plenty of stairs getting to the upper lobby and then the Schout Performance Arena.  Washroom facilities are adequate for the facility.  The entry system is a bit convoluted as patrons must purchase a ticket, and are handed a “beer” ticket, which must immediately be turned in for a paper bracelet which allows entry to the Schout Performance Arena. Return on Investment 5 Junior C hockey is definitely a bargain.  Tickets for the New Hamburg Firebirds can be had for $10.  Students and seniors get in for $7 and children are only $5.  Parking at the complex is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The Firebirds are usually competitive and the product on the ice is good. Extras 2 An extra mark for the embracing and display of history at the Wilmot Recreation Complex. An extra mark for the Wilmot Recreation Complex as a community hub linking the communities of Wilmot Township. Final Thoughts Taking in some Junior C hockey at the Wilmot Recreation Complex is not a bad idea at all.  The New Hamburg Firebirds ice a good product and provide a good, comfortable atmosphere for Junior C hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.