Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 John A. Ryan Arena 1 Paramount Place Watertown, MA 02742 Bentley Falcons hockey website John A. Ryan Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 1,250 Hockey in the JAR-o The John A. Ryan Arena, or JAR as it is known locally, is a public skating arena located in the Boston suburb of Watertown, MA. In addition to serving as the home of the Bentley University Falcons, the JAR is home for several local high school teams and local youth hockey teams. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small snack bar located near the entrance to the Ryan Arena. Only your basic items are available here, with the menu consisting of pizza slices ($2.50), nachos ($4.00), and hot dogs ($2.75). Fans looking for snacks will be happy to find pretzels ($3.50), cotton candy ($3.00), candy bars ($1.50), and fried dough ($4.00) available. Cans of Coca-Cola products ($1.50) are available for purchase, but most fans choose coffee or hot chocolate ($2.00) to help deal with the very cold temperatures inside the JAR. Many fans in attendance opted to bring in their own hot drinks from the local Dunkin’ Donuts. As you might expect from a small snack bar, the food offerings are chosen for their value, not their quality. Atmosphere 1 The atmosphere inside the JAR is about what you would expect when you attend a game at a local rink. Standard arena rock plays over a tinny PA system during play stoppages, not one, but two mascots roam around, and there is a decent turnout from the student body. Unfortunately, for the most part, students do not sit in an organized section, gathering in small groups to watch the game. As a result, their cheers and taunts tend to be disorganized, and fall flat. For most of the game, the crowd is rather quiet, making for a lifeless experience. In fact, despite the fact that I was seated three sections away, I could clearly hear Bentley’s play-by-play commentator describing the action on the ice. Neighborhood 3 The town of Watertown may be best known today as the site of the gunfight and apprehension of the Boston Marathon bombers that effectively shut down greater Boston for the better part of 24 hours in April 2013. When not in the news, Watertown is a working class suburb known for its quiet neighborhoods, diverse population, and good public schools. The JAR is located in a commercial area in downtown Watertown. Within a short distance are several grocery stores, shops, and places to stop and grab a bite to eat. While Watertown is hardly considered a destination city, there is more than enough to keep local fans happy and occupied. Given Watertown’s proximity to Boston, most fans from out of town should choose to explore the nearby city rather than remain in Watertown. Fans 2 Crowds for Bentley hockey games average somewhere in the range of 400-600 per game. Shuttle busses are available to bring students to the JAR from the nearby campus, and there is usually a decent turnout from the student body. The student section at the JAR is known as the “Falcons’ Nest”, but unfortunately most students seat themselves in small groups throughout the seating area. As a result, there is no cohesive voice coming from the stands. What chants and taunts that students do try and muster up end up disorganized and flat. There does not seem to be a lot of representation from the greater Boston hockey community at Bentley games, as crowds lag greatly behind other area programs. For the most part, Falcon crowds appear to be of the “friends and family”variety. Access 3 While the Bentley University campus is located in Waltham, MA, the Ryan Skating Arena is located in the neighboring town of Watertown, MA, a short ten minute drive from the Bentley campus. The town of Watertown is located six miles outside of Boston on the northern bank of the Charles River. Being this close to Boston, Watertown has several public transportation options. While the Boston subway system, known locally as the “T”, does not serve Watertown directly, Falcon fans looking to use public transportation to get to Ryan Arena will find several MBTA bus lines serving the area around the arena. In fact, Bus 558 has a stop at the corner of Paramount Place, just a short block away from the Ryan Arena. Other busses are available to transport people to and from downtown Boston. Fans driving to the arena (which is not recommended in the narrow, congested streets of most Boston suburbs) will take Interstate 90, also known as the Mass Pike. Exit 17 will deposit you about a mile from the arena. Return on Investment 3 A trip to the Ryan Arena will certainly not break the bank. Free parking is available in the small lot adjacent to the rink. Be sure that you actually park in the Ryan Arena lot, as several other lots near the rink belong to local businesses, and they advertise an aggressive towing policy. Tickets to Bentley games are affordably priced at $7 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Concessions are reasonably priced, and fans have the option to bring in their own beverages if they choose. Extras 0 The hockey experience at the JAR is as bare bones as you will find anywhere in Division One. Final Thoughts Given the amount of top-notch college and professional hockey available in the greater Boston area, Bentley has a hard time attracting a whole lot of attention for their program. Fans who travel to the Boston area with limited time and resources would be well advised to concentrate their efforts at the other wonderful arenas in the area. Those fans who enjoy traveling to many different arenas will find the Ryan Arena a serviceable, no-frills facility. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Columbus Civic Center 400 4th St. Columbus, GA 31901 Columbus Lions website Columbus Civic Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 7,573 It's Football Time in the Civic Center The state of Georgia is well known for its love of football – from Friday nights under the lights at high school fields around the state to Saturdays on college campuses or Sundays at Mercedes Benz Stadium , there is no denying Georgia’s love of football. While Georgians have a deep love affair with the game in its traditional form, the alternative forms of the game have found a niche audience in the west central Georgia city of Columbus. Columbus, Georgia has been a fixture on the arena football landscape since 2007, when the initial incarnation of the Lions would play in the World Indoor Football League. Since that time, the Lions have played in seven different indoor football leagues, finding their most recent home as members of American Indoor Football (AIF). Over the years Columbus has shown itself to be one of the more formidable teams regardless of the league they played in – the Lions have made the playoffs in all but one of their seasons, and have won four league championships. Arena football’s core rules are similar to typical football, but the limited size of the playing surface (50 yards long and just over 28 yards wide) calls for specialized rules to compensate for the restricted space the game is played. Some rule differences are evident right away, such as 8 players per side and different pre-snap motion rules. Other rule changes regarding defensive stunts and blitzing might not be as obvious right away, but overall the rules here are designed to emphasize scoring, to create an exciting game experience.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Columbus Civic Center are a mix of traditional stadium fare and a touch of local options. The basic concession stands have a limited menu that includes nacho chips with cheese sauce, popcorn, bottled Pepsi products, and Gatorade. Pepsi vending machines are also widely available around the concourse. The line at Chester’s BBQ & Grille should be a good sign that it is probably the best bet when it comes to concessions here; Chester’s has a wide selection of chicken tenders, wings, BBQ sandwiches, and just good old scoops of meat (yes, this is an actual menu option). Chester’s is the best bet to get a decent arena meal at a fair price, including several combo meals that offer a well-discounted price. Besides Chester’s, a combo concession stand serves a limited menu from Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, while the other side serves cones from ice cream chain Bruster’s.  Pizza is also served at The Pizza Place, but $7 for a slice does seem a bit steep. Full-service bar stations are set up on the exterior concourse on each side of the arena and offer fans domestic beers, mixed cocktails, wine, Nutrl vodka seltzers, and cans of Cutwater premixed cocktails.   Atmosphere   3 The exterior of Columbus Civic Center has a rather modern feel to it, utilizing a great deal of windows to the curved entry point of the arena. Once inside the entry foyer is reminiscent of a smaller version of Gas South Arena , with bookending stairways that curve up to a second level. The arena itself has the feel of Macon’s Centreplex , where the seating bowl horseshoes into a wall of what appears to be either offices or suites. A small, four-sided scoreboard hangs over midfield, but the center sideboards either do not work or are just not used for whatever reason. While the enjoyment of the game is not impacted by the lack of a video board, there is nowhere for fans to get down-and-distance information. Stoppages in play are typically accompanied by music rather than ad reads, which fans appear to enjoy, as they are quick to their feet to dance along with the music. Players also frequently take notice of the music being played and are excited to join the fans in dancing. Throughout the game the team mascot, Leo, makes his way around the arena, taking pictures and interacting with fans. There is a lot to make the Columbus Lions experience an exciting one for both those who are there simply to be entertained, and those who are there more for the competition on the field.   Neighborhood   3 Columbus Civic Center is part of the larger complex that sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, just across the state line from Alabama. The complex is home to several of Columbus’ athletic facilities, including R.G. Jones Field and the accompanying softball complex, which hosted softball during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, as well as A. J. McClung Memorial Stadium, which once hosted the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry” between Georgia  and Auburn  – today McClung Stadium hosts the “Fountain City Classic” between Albany State and Fort Valley State. On the western edge of the complex is Golden Park, the one-time home of the Columbus RedStixx, and following major renovations, this venue will become the new home of the Atlanta Braves AA affiliate in the Southern League when the Mississippi Braves relocate following the 2024 season. Though not directly on site, the Civil War Naval Museum neighbors the athletic complex. Just a short drive from Columbus Civic Center, downtown Columbus has a concentration of restaurants, brewpubs, and lodging. The Columbus Riverwalk along the Chattahoochee River also provides access to the Civic Center from downtown, while just across Chattahoochee is Phenix City, Alabama, with more eateries and hotels.   Fans   4 The Lions give their fans a lot to get excited about through their performance on the field, and their fans reciprocate with a great deal of support. Columbus Civic Center typically sees a few thousand fans fill the seats of the arena, and they play a big part in setting the tone for a fun indoor football experience. Columbus players are very interactive with their fans – it is commonplace for players to celebrate by giving fans high-fives as they return to the bench area, or for a fan to help a player tuck his shoulder pad back into his jersey. The Lions have a long history in Columbus, and it has paid off in a symbiotic relationship, where the team is part of the Columbus community and a source of local pride.   Access   3 Columbus is located in west central Georgia, approximately an hour-and-a-half from Atlanta’s southside. Visitors from Georgia’s largest city can access the area via I-85 to I-185. If coming to Columbus from any other direction, be prepared to use US or state highways. Columbus Civic Center is surrounded by a great deal of parking, close to the front entrance to the arena. The layout of the entrance is a bit strange in that the box office is not accessible from the outside, so visitors will have to enter the arena to purchase tickets. This line might be a bit delayed once security checks are set up. Once in Columbus Civic Center, curved staircases lead to a concourse that horseshoes around the back of the arena. There is not an inner walkway that passes fully around the seating bowl, but several entry portals allow visitors to easily access their seats. While the concourse continues completely around the arena, security does not allow access to the back hallway, so fans can’t walk fully around.   Return on Investment   3 General admission tickets start at $15, which might seem a touch high, but when considering there are no parking fees, it does make the general admission ticket price a bit more reasonable. Concessions are a bit hit or miss. Pizza prices do seem to be rather expensive with a slice going for $7. On the other hand, Chester’s prices are very reasonable, and they do not shy away from serving good-sized portions.   Extras   4 Columbus Civic Center is also home to the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame – th ree of the most notable enshrined athletes come from the world of baseball: Walter Alston, Enos Slaughter, and Frank Thomas (all three are members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame). If you look close enough at the end zones, through the black paint, you will notice the logo of the LA KISS of the Arena Football League; the KISS was owned by band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Like other indoor football leagues, fans are free to keep game balls that enter the stands. Players are also rather generous in tossing touchdown or turnover balls to kids, or to some of the more passionate adult fans. Following the game, fans are invited onto the field for 30 minutes for a player meet-and-greet to get autographs, take pictures, or just interact with players.   Final Thoughts The Lions play a fun, high-speed, high-scoring style of football – the problem is they might be too good, making many of their games not very competitive. It’s a good problem to have, though; no one wants to be on the other end of that equation. American Indoor Football seems to be struggling to establish a competitive balance and sustainability for its league. The 2024 season started with plans for seven teams, but one folded midseason, another moved to a non-league schedule, and a third never got operations off the ground. Games have been so lopsided this year that the playoff format was even changed midseason. The instability of the league does not seem to hurt the Lions as an organization, however, as they appear to be head and shoulders better than the rest of their competition in the league. Regardless of what the future holds for AIF, Columbus appears to be on solid footing when it comes to the stability of their franchise and should continue to prosper regardless of what the 2025 arena football season might bring.

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Roy Stewart Stadium 1401 North State Route 121 Murray, KY 42071 Murray State Racers website Roy Stewart Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 16,800 The Track Roy Stewart Stadium, built in 1973 and named for the former long-time football coach and athletics director, is affectionately known as “The Track” to long-time fans and alumni. The Track holds a respectable 16,800 people. The largest crowd to see a game since 2000 is 11,276 on October 28, 2000 versus Tennessee Tech. The largest crowd to see a game at The Track is 16,600 on Halloween versus Eastern Kentucky in 1981 (Frank Beamer was Murray’s head coach). A couple of high-profile coaches have paced the sidelines of Roy Stewart Stadium before becoming the household names we know today. Houston Nutt was head coach at Murray State from 1993 through the 1996 season before leaving for Boise State for one year and heading to Arkansas in 1998. Frank Beamer began coaching the Racers in 1981 and left Murray State after the 1986 season to take over at his alma mater, Virginia Tech. In other words, Frank Beamer’s last job before taking over at Tech was Murray State. Sure, that was 26 years ago, but you see me working over here. The playing surface was AstroTurf from 1996 through the 2006 season. FieldTurf was installed in 2007, and continues to be the artificial grass of choice for the Racers. 2007 also brought a new surface for the track that surrounds the field, new play clocks, and new goal posts. The first year of football at Murray State was 1924 and the first game was played on September 15th of that year, with the Races eking out a 27-25 win over Western Carolina. The Racers have won eight OVC titles to go along with five NCAA playoff appearances. Food & Beverage 3 Concession prices are very affordable. Don’t expect to pay any less for concessions at The Track than you would at your local high school game. On the other hand, don’t expect to find a selection any greater than a high school game. I still say the low cost outweighs the lack of snacking options: Soda: $2.50 (Regular), $3 (Large) Hot Cocoa/Coffee: $2 Water/Gatorade: $2 Chips: $1 Candy: $1.50 Popcorn: $2 Nachos: $3 Racer Dog: $3 Hamburger: $4 Atmosphere 4 Considering the skyline from your seats consists of breathtaking views of Cracker Barrel, Goody’s, Home Depot, Qdoba, Subway, Radio Shack, Big Lots, among other great American franchises, the atmosphere still has the charm of a small college football town. Racer One, the official horse of Murray State football, running around the track after each Racers touchdown is unique and adds a great amount of pageantry to the afternoon. Another plus — some may call it a minus — is there is no replay board and/or Jumbotron anywhere in sight. Some may say it would resemble a high school atmosphere. In my opinion, it resembles what college football was 15 years ago, at even the highest level. There was no need for huge high-tech ribbon boards, high-def screens the size of a city block. The only thing needed for a great college atmosphere was a cloudless blue sky, colorful leaves falling on crunchy grass, and an air temperature that is neither too cold nor too hot. Speaking of beautiful leaves, I give yet another nod to Murray State for the path of trees along the back of one end zone that provides an autumn backdrop that assures you that the pageantry of college football is served well in Murray, Kentucky. Neighborhood 3 You won’t be deciding on where to eat with much excitement, but you won’t be relegated to just fast food, either. The Cracker Barrel across the street is probably not the worst place in the world to eat, but if you’re in the mood for something unique, you will have to drive about 40 miles to Paducah. If you are looking for the standard fare of chain restaurants, you are within walking distance to most. Qdoba, Captain D’s, Subway and Burger King are also available for a quick bite before or after the game. Murray State’s campus is safe, welcoming, and a nice place to take in a college football game. Again, you won’t be blown away by any hipster coffee shops or a strip brimming with nightlife, but you will find a college campus full of proud students and alumni who are ready to welcome you to a college football Saturday at The Track. Fans 3 The Track is far from a sold-out house, but the fans that come out to watch a game are there to actually watch the game, not to be seen. Nothing stands out as far as gameday traditions — not counting the horse, but this is about the fans and I don’t believe I’m allowed to count the horse — or mass amounts of tailgating, but the fans in attendance don’t let the surrounding empty seats keep them from cheering for their Racers. Access 5 The Track is right in the heart of Murray, Kentucky. Driving in the from the east, the stadium comes into view to the right at about the exact same time Kroger and Burger King become visible on your left. There’s a good chance you could watch the Racers in action on the field from one of the Hinkle Chair rocking chairs on the front porch of Cracker Barrel, as the only set of seats stands behind the north sideline. Return on Investment 4 If buying from Ticketmaster, the most expensive ticket is $25.50, with the cheapest ticket being $12.50. If you are traveling to see your team play at Murray, or if you are in the area and looking for a game to attend on a fall Saturday, you can do so without spending an arm and a leg. This isn’t an SEC Saturday atmosphere, but it does football Saturdays justice. Extras 4 I think the lack of extras give Murray State a few bonus points. Some people want the creature comforts of a modern stadium like the Jerry Dome in Dallas, while some people are Wrigley Field/Fenway Park types. Both types of stadiums are great in their own way, so long as you know what you’re getting into before you arrive at your venue of choice. It’s no different if you are visiting The Track on a given autumn Saturday. Final Thoughts If you are looking for the theme park shopping mall feel of a Cowboys Stadium, a Murray State game will leave you very disappointed at the end of the day. On the other hand, if you go to Murray, Kentucky expecting a campus and stadium overflowing with a throwback charm that has recently faded from the college game, you will be very pleased with your visit.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bradner Stadium 550 East State St Olean, NY 14760 Olean Oilers website Bradner Stadium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 2,400 Olean's Bradner Stadium is Quite the Ballpark The Olean Oilers are members of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. They began to play in 2013 and have called Bradner Stadium home since 2015. The summer-collegiate club returned organized baseball to the historic stadium that served as home to the original Oilers from 1939 to 1962. The new Oilers hit the ground running, capturing the league championship in 2015 and then a record 24 games in a row the following year, en route to another title. The Oilers made it back to the championship series in 2018 but fell to Onondaga. The club would go on hiatus for two seasons but are back in 2022. The original Oilers were members of the New York-Penn League, and Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York League from 1939 to 1962; and affiliated with numerous major league teams, most notably the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1939 to 1948. Oiler clubs captured four championships (1939, 1940, 1951, and 1961). Food & Beverage 3 The traditional items of hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and nachos are served at the stadium. They are enough to keep fans satisfied for the duration of the game, and there are also plenty of cold drinks to wash it all down with during the hot summers in upstate New York. Atmosphere 3 Bradner is on the list of the country’s quirkiest venues for baseball. The venue is historic and has been the home to baseball for over 90 years, but it looks more like a football venue than one for baseball. However, that has not changed the fact that folks enjoy an Oilers game. Let’s look at some of its features. The grandstand is no more than 10 feet deep, and the last rows of seats on the first base side are even with the main street. You will also find a tunnel underneath the street that provides safe access from the parking lot to the ballpark. There is a raised press box is also in this area, instead of being behind home plate. There is also netting behind the seating bowl to protect motorists from a foul ball crashing into their car window while passing through. The third baseline has a field goal post even with third base and field-level dugouts with bus-stop-like coverings for the visiting players. The seating curves away at an angle in this area and is separated by a large concrete area. The distance to left field is not shortened as with other football stadiums that have served as baseball venues , since Bradner was built with extra room to accommodate baseball. Needless to say, the best seats are down the first side, and there are a lot of them to find throughout the 4,000-seat stadium, but listed as 2,400 for baseball games. The concourse is directly behind the last rows of seats and features a hub of activity from concession stands, merchandise tables, restrooms, and the main entrance to the stadium. Neighborhood 3 The small town of 13,437 is worth a visit before or after an Oilers game. There are a few local restaurants that are of interest to any visitor. Angee’s Restaurant serves Italian dishes, sandwiches, burgers, and beer. The Old Library Inn is in a class by itself that offers chops, seafood, and homemade pasta. The Prohibition Bar is worth a visit for its specialty cocktails. Mickey’s and Century Manor Grillhouse are ideal for steak, while the Spot 2 Be Restaurant and 3rd Base Bar & Grill are perfect for traditional pub food. Outside of the restaurants, visitors can visit Rock City Park for hiking the trails through the beautiful rock formations. The Cutco-Ka-Bar Visitors Center makes for a great visit to one of the most durable collections of knives in the business. Learn about the company and its tools that are also available for purchase. Four Mile Brewing is the town’s microbrewery with sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and flatbreads. Fans 3 During the week, crowds can be light at the game and total around 300-500; however, weekend games can attract crowds between 1,000 to 2,000 spectators. You will find the usual mix of supporters from ardent fans, casual onlookers, and host families. It’s a nice mix that also results in conversation throughout the 9-innings of play. Access 4 The ballpark is easy to spot from East State Street. A large parking lot at War Veterans Park provides ample space, while a tunnel leads fans directly into the stadium on the third-base side. There is plenty of room to move around, but when fireworks take place, it could get a lot more cumbersome. The large concourse on top of the stadium provides all the essentials from bathrooms, guest services, concessions, and merchandise sales. Return on Investment 4 The price of admission is dirt-cheap, with anyone under the age of 18 allowed free of charge. A season ticket package is only $35, but if anyone older than 18 wants to see a game, the cost is $5. Concession items are inexpensive, and parking is free. This might help when deciding to purchase a cap or t-shirt at the concession table. . Extras 3 Bradner Stadium earns a few points for its quirkiness, including the tunnel that leads into the seating bowl, the goal post behind the third-base bag, and its netting up above the grandstand. Another point is awarded for free admission to anyone 18 and under. Final Thoughts Bradner has a lot of quirks, and sometimes the focus is on the design and aesthetics of the structure. However, it is another spot for small-town baseball in New York state; the town of Olean is better for having the Oilers playing during the summer months. The town is not too far away from other ballpark destinations, and if you can fit it in during your traveling plans, you’ll enjoy some of those quirks as well. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and on Instagram .

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Blundstone Arena 15 Derwent St Bellerive, TAS 7018 Australia Hobart Hurricanes website Blundstone Arena website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 20,000 This is the Story of the Hurricanes The major cricketing venue in Australia’s island state dates from 1914 and has a current capacity of 19,500. Located in the Hobart suburb of Bellerive on the banks of the Derwent River across from the CBD, the ground has undergone a series of upgrades over the past 15 years which has made it a regular stop during Australia’s summer of international cricket. Tasmania wasn’t integrated into regular domestic cricket until the late 1970s but has produced a number of great players and cult heroes such as David Boon and Colin Miller. As well as being the home of the Tasmanian Cricket Association, Blundstone Arena is also a football stadium. The ground is a long time host of the Clarence Football Club from the Tasmanian Football League while additionally acting as a home-away-from-home for the North Melbourne Kangaroos from the AFL. The ‘Roos are one of several clubs who have leveraged the Tasmanian market, with Hawthorn playing several games in Launceston. The Hobart Hurricanes, like all the other Big Bash League Twenty20 cricket franchises, was formed in 2011 as a new identity separate from existing state teams. While their on-field performance is best described as mediocre, their crowds have steadily increased over the years and now average over 16,000. Food & Beverage 3 The food options are mostly as expected at Blundstone, consisting of the usual items such as pies ($5), chips ($4) and burgers ($7) – albeit, slightly better priced than at most major venues around the country. The quality is reasonable so don’t feel too bad about grabbing something to munch on while you enjoy the game. The cheapest beer is $7.50 with wine $6.50 while soft drinks cost $4.50, Atmosphere 3 More than $35m has been spent on upgrading Blundstone Arena since 1999 including on new grandstands, practice facilities, and light towers to enable day-night fixtures. The exterior of the stadium is sleek and modern. The majority of seating can now be found in the southern and western stands, known as the David Boon and Ricky Ponting Stands respectively. For the uninitiated, Ponting is arguably the greatest ever cricketer to hail from the Apple Isle and the only Tasmanian to have captained Australia in test cricket. As well as being the mainstay of Australia’s batting order for much of the late 1980s and 1990s, Boon has become a cult hero; known for his impressive moustache, quiet persona and supposedly holding the beer drinking record for an airplane flight between Sydney and London having consumed 52 cans en route to the victorious Ashes Tour of England in 1989. Behind the stands there stands a statue of both Ponting and Boon, and the western gate is also the site of pre-game fan activation stalls. The remainder of the venue consists of the Members Pavilion at the northern end of the ground, while on the eastern side sits a smaller grandstand, grass hill, and video scoreboard. Tasmania, even in the summertime, can be cold and windy. “Tassie” is of course the southernmost state of the continent and lies in the path of the “Roaring Forties”. While the Ponting Stand now blocks some of the strong southerly winds it can still be cool. Neighborhood 3 Bellerive is predominately a residential area on the eastern shore of the Derwent River. The Hobart CBD lies on the other side of the river, accessed by the Tasman Bridge. Hobart is the capital city of the state of Tasmania. The state has a fascinating history having been founded as a harsh and brutal convict settlement. Tasmania also experienced the worst of the poor race relations between white settlers and the indigenous population, with most accepted accounts noting that a concerted and calculated campaign of extermination by the whites went close to wiping out the Tasmanian Aborigines altogether. The city retains much of its colonial architecture connecting visitors to the past. A must-visit is Hadley’s Orient Hotel (34 Murray St). Originally built by convict labour in 1834, Hadley’s is reportedly Australia’s oldest continually operating pub, and is a Hobart gem. Another good historic pub to visit is Customs House (1 Murray St), which is frequented by sailors after completing the famous Sydney-Hobart yacht race held each year after Christmas. Tasmania is also known for its fresh produce, particularly seafood sourced from the local surrounding waters. Many restaurants can be found in the waterside tourist precinct of Salamanca Place, best accessed by the sandstone built Kelly’s Steps. If you are interested in history then Port Arthur is definitely worth a visit too (90 min drive). Fans 3 Hurricanes fans are strong supporters of their team, but despite the ground announcer proclaiming them as the “best fans in the BBL” they’re a little more subdued than other fans around the country. This is not necessarily a criticism, as from a cricket perspective they are the most attentive fan base in the league. Access 4 There is some parking close by the oval, and many people drive to the game. Free parking can be found at South St Reserve, while there are free shuttle bus services from the city. Best tip is to check the website for the game you plan on attending to ascertain the most suitable option for you: http://blundstonearena.com.au/match-day-information/ Access within the stadium is relatively smooth, and navigation is easy. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices offer value for money with Adult General Admission from as low as $23. The usual discounts for children and families also apply, making entry for most very affordable. As always, all BBL teams tend to offer a good experience for families, and are a sensational way to take the youngsters to experience the fun of a night out at the cricket. With access and refreshments reasonably priced, the Hurricanes are definitely affordable and high quality entertainment. Extras 3 Blundstone Arena offers both tours and a library / museum, although both have limited hours so be sure to confirm on the venue website before you visit. As with most stadiums, tours are not available on game days. Also, be sure to check out the view from The Plumb Café at the top of the western stairs! Final Thoughts The Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena are the perfect excuse for a trip to beautiful Tasmania!

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 All Star Park 200 S Harlan St Lakewood, CO 80226 CCU Cougars website All Star Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 442 CCU Cougars – Keli McGregor Field at All Star Park The Colorado Christian University (CCU) Cougar’s baseball team plays their home games at the almost 20-year old Keli McGregor Field at All Star Park in Lakewood, CO. They play in the RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference), an NCAA Div II league. All Star Park is part of the Gold Crown Foundation, an organization offering youth sports in Colorado and neighboring states. It was built in 1998 and was named in honor of the Colorado’s all-star game that same year. All Star Park was renamed Keli McGregor Field at All Star Park in 2011, a year after Keli’s early passing. Keli was the president of the Colorado Rockies and was a multi-sport athlete at Lakewood High School. Gold Crown Foundation mission is “Educating youth and community through sports and enrichment programs” and its facilities are used by youth groups. The facilities not only include All Star Park, but also Field House (basketball, volleyball, etc.) and golf. The CCU Cougars baseball team began their play in 2006 as part of the RMAC. The team has not had a lot of success in its eleven year history. Food & Beverage 1 Minimal choices are available; just snacks and drinks and are purchased via cash only. The concession stand is located behind the press box and one of three bays is open for a Cougars game. Snacks include peanuts, sunflower seeds, candy, and chips ($2). Ice cream varieties are Snickers ice cream bar, Drumstick, and ice cream cup (vanilla) ($1 – $2.50). Drinks are Coke, Sprite, bottled water, Powerade, and coffee ($2 – $3 – it’s odd the coffee is the higher priced item). The only “food’ is a Hot Pocket ($2) or a Rip n Dip – a stuffed pizza ring ($4). On the day of this review, 11 items were scratched off the menu listing. Outside food and drink can be brought in for a Cougars ballgame and if desiring something of more substance this might be the best choice. Atmosphere 2 Keli McGregor Field at All Star Park has some decent features and there are others that are less desirable. First, it looks very similar to nearby Coors Field where the Colorado Rockies team resides: Intricate red brick exterior and columns, green fold-down stadium seats, a simulated out of town scoreboard in right field, the regular scoreboard has the Rockies logo and branding above the line score, and a similar clock tower architecture like the one at Coors Field’s entrance. The playing surface is real grass and real dirt (yeah!) and with many college ballparks, the home team players help groom the field prior to the first pitch. The seating area is comprised of three sections, six rows each of green fold-down stadium seats (without cup holders) totaling 194 chairs which are placed behind home plate and in front of the press box. Grass berms are down both baselines and fans bring blankets and their furry friends to watch the game. Six metal picnic tables (three on each side of the press box) provide a place to sit. Many fans bring lawn chairs and just watch from the concourse down both baselines. A huge downside to the field is a black chain link fence that surrounds the entire playing surface and it really messes with the eyes when trying to see the ball and the game action. Another downside (especially if sitting in the fold-down chairs) is the music volume is just way too loud as two speakers are placed right on each side of the press box deafening those in the stadium seating area. My recommendation is bring a lawn chair and place it where the concourse meets the grassy berm areas down either one of the baselines. This distances a fan from the extremely loud speakers and makes looking through a black chain link fence a little easier to see the game action. Christian, country, and popular songs are played between innings and as a part of Cougars’ walk up songs. Frequently, music is blared while a player announcement is being reported (boo!) so a fan cannot hear the name of the player. No lights are at All Star Park so only day games are played here. At the game of this review (Easter weekend), a prayer was delivered after the national anthem and before the start of the game. My perception is this is not done at every home game. Neighborhood 3 There’s not much to the area surrounding the ballpark, though it is only 6 – 7 miles to downtown Denver and all that city has to offer. The park is about two miles from the CCU campus. For places to eat, the Panaderia Rodriguez – Mexican Cuisine is a block away and is highly rated. Several other Mexican choices are nearby. Less than a mile away are common fast food joints as well as standard chain eateries like P.F. Chang’s, Ted’s Montana Grill, Olive Garden, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Craft brew lovers might enjoy the Great Frontier Brewing Company (five miles from the ballpark and offers gluten reduced beers) or CAUTION: Brewing Company (two miles from the park). Lakewood City Commons, a shopping center which has basic retail shops and eateries, is just down the road (less than a mile). For history buffs, Lakewood Heritage Center, less than two miles from All Star Park, is worth a visit. The closest hotel (about a mile from the ballpark) is the Hyatt House Denver/Lakewood at Belmar. Not necessarily a vacation destination but a typical suburban area of a major city with some unique attractions of its own, Lakewood has plenty to offer for those visiting and for those living near there who forget to check out their own backyard and neighborhood. Fans 2 Fans mainly consist of family, friends, and some students. Since most of the RMAC schools are within a couple hour’s drive, visiting fans often take up a good part of the fan base. Lots of cheers can be heard throughout the game at outstanding offense and defensive plays. Attendance is decent but the stands are certainly not full on game day; not uncommon in RMAC baseball. Parents of CCU athlete students sometimes greatly over react and get can get vocal at the visiting team. Hopefully, it was just at the game I attended; but I would have expected more civility from parents of a Christian college athlete towards a visiting team. Four-legged furry friends are allowed and are welcome. Access 3 Getting to the stadium via car is relatively easy and the concourse is flat, adequate for those in wheelchairs or parents using a stroller. The availability of handrails in the stadium seating area warrants extra recognition. Plenty of legroom is available in the green fold-down stadium seating areas in front of the press box. The wide concourse wraps the upper area of the ball field running between the foul poles and behind home plate. Restroom facilities are clean and suitable for the crowd at hand for a CCU Cougars baseball game. The closest airport is Denver International Airport, about 30 miles to All Star Park. For those local, the ball field is only a few miles off Interstate 25 (6th Ave exit) not far from downtown Denver. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $5 and include a roster sheet. Parking is free of charge. It’s a good deal for a sunny, spring afternoon. Extras 3 A memorial plaque and columbine art piece is located on the inner wall of the press box remembering those who got killed during the Columbine High School shooting in April 1999. It’s nice to see a Coors Field look alike and kudos to the Colorado Rockies for continuing to sponsor the field and the Gold Crown Foundation. Finally, for the Gold Crown Foundation and the growth and enrichment they offer children and youths in the area. Final Thoughts It is a decent looking ballpark. If it’s one of those warm spring days in CO, grab your lawn chair/blanket, a couple bottles of water and some snacks and head to Lakewood to watch some CCU Cougars’ plays on the diamond.

Photos by Arian Kelly, Special to Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Trask Coliseum 2900 N College Rd Wilmington, NC 28405 UNC Wilmington Seahawks website Trask Coliseum website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 5,200 The Locals Seem To Love It The 5,200-seat Trask Coliseum was built in 1977 and named for Raiford G. Trask a benefactor and former Trustee of Wilmington College. The Coliseum is used by both UNCW’s women's and men’s Seahawk basketball teams. The coliseum had its first major improvements in 2011 and later minor improvements in 2013. In 2011 the coliseum received chair back seats on the lower level, a high-definition video board, and permanent scoreboards, and the scoreboards were upgraded in 2013 with LED lights. In recent history, the UNCW male Seahawks have won multiple regular season championships in the Colonial Athletic Association. The UNCW male Seahawks have also made six appearances in the Division 1 NCAA tournament since 2000. The Seahawk's greatest success in the tournament happened in 2002 when they made it to a second-round loss in the Division 1 NCAA tournament. The Trask Coliseum has been used for other purposes besides UNCW basketball. Notably, in the past, the Trask Coliseum has been the site for the Federation Cup women’s tennis semifinal match between the United States and France in 1998 and during 2001-2003 the Trask Coliseum had the honor of being the pre-season training ground for a somewhat past his prime local native *Michael Jeffrey Jordan* and his fellow Washington Wizards NBA teammates. The Trask Coliseum is functional, well maintained, and does an outstanding job of providing the teams and spectators with the comfort and intimacy that is lost in newer and larger coliseums. Food & Beverage 3 The food at the Trask Coliseum is nothing to jump up and down about but at least the lines move quickly and the service comes with a smile. A few of the small stands only accept cash. There isn’t anything unique about the snacks offered in the Trask Coliseum. Papa John’s drops off pizza to the concession people just before the doors open. The pizza seems to be the most filling thing on the menu. All the usual snacks are there (dry popcorn, salty soft pretzels, nachos with orange cheese, candy, etc.) I had a super salty soft pretzel that was no better or worse than any I’ve had before. Pepsi products are available. Soft drinks are served in bottles but cups are available. The main concessions stand seems to be the best as it offers every available snack. Atmosphere 3 The Trask Coliseum is clean, functional, and a generally well-maintained small coliseum. The Trask Coliseum has an old-school vibe. Nothing in the coliseum is pretty or new age but everything is clean, sturdy, and well-maintained. People of varying sizes seem to fit comfortably into the roomy, hard green plastic seats with armrests. The forward legroom in the upper-level seating is much more than any other venue I’ve visited. Current hits are played on the sound system before the game. During the game, a brass band takes over and plays multiple times throughout the game. This coliseum does the job. The Seahawks mascot Sammy C. Hawk runs about taking selfies and keeping spirits high. The cheer squad does their thing during multiple timeouts and halftimes. T-shirts are tossed multiple times by hand and by air gun and there is a raffle giveaway from one of the team's marketing partners. The size and layout of the Trask coliseum are so cozy and well laid out that even the view from the furthest wall touching the seat would not be an issue. I do recommend sitting in the upper level in one of the midcourt sections to get what I would consider the best perspective view. Neighborhood 5 Although the neighborhood directly around the Trask Coliseum seems not very interesting, overall the city of Wilmington has many great options for food, drink, and sightseeing. There are 20+ chain restaurants and fast food places (such as McDonald’s and Applebee’s) all within one mile of the coliseum. You will need to drive a bit further for more exciting food and entertainment options. The coliseum is located on campus and across a very busy street from the closest food choices. You won’t be at a loss to find something to eat close to the Coliseum. If you don’t mind venturing out away from the coliseum Wilmington will open up to you. There are multiple local hot spots to fill your belly. Wilmington’s downtown area is within five miles of the coliseum and has a little something for everyone to enjoy. The downtown area boasts a comedy club (Dead Crow Comedy Room), live music bars, fine dining, cheap eats, shopping, multiple tours (history, site seeing, ghost walk, foodie explorations), and scenic walks on a dock. Try Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn before the game; it’s within two miles of the coliseum. After the game go five miles away from the coliseum and enjoy food & drinks from Fork n Cork or Copper Penny in Wilmington’s downtown area. Multiple lodging options are not within walking distance and are not high-end. I recommend Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Wilmington-University Ctr. It’s a mid-range chain hotel that’s clean, near food/shopping and within two miles of the coliseum. Fans 3 Multi-generational fans are in attendance. There are more grey-haired fans in attendance than students or young families. The general feel of the coliseum is loud but not overly loud and into it but not overly into it. I was told that most home games are near sold out. The Trask Coliseum seats just 5,200 fans. In a town with no pro sports teams, this is not a high achievement. I got the feeling that no matter who was wearing a Seahawks uniform and how they were playing they were going to get some love from the UNCW fans. The fans are not overly into making noise but they do show their love to the team on every play. The student section is the loudest and most active in showing team support. Access 5 In general, the Trask Coliseum is easy to navigate to, from, and around. I didn’t notice any mechanical means to get to the upper level so that might be an issue for handicapped fans. The Wilmington Wave Transit provides dedicated bus service via the UNCW Seahawk Shuttle for free to UNCW staff and students and $2 for all others. Go to the shuttle website to view routes and times. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is six miles from the Trask Coliseum. Free General Parking is located in the following areas: Greene Track Parking Lot, Alderman Hall Parking Lot, and the Kenan Auditorium Parking Lot. Once on campus, there are parking attendants that will help you get to where you need to be. Parking is free and very easily navigated. There are multiple entrances and ticket handlers. There is no real security to speak of other than taking your ticket and asking if you needed anything. There are no digital tickets but tickets purchased online can be picked up at Will Call at the marked Will Call / Player Pass entrance or purchased at any of the marked entrances. The areas in the Trask Coliseum are closed off via doors that can be closed or staged open. The transit areas are extremely large when compared to what I’m used to from venues that seat thousands more people. Everything about the Trask Coliseum is sturdy and functional. Return on Investment 4 The Trask Coliseum is an upbeat and happy place that will get you feeling like you’re part of the team. Ticket prices are $18/adults, $10/youth (15 and under), and complimentary for the first 1200 UNCW Students. All snacks are under $5 a piece, all 12 oz drinks are $3 and under and parking is free. You will get a lot in this coliseum when compared to other venues. The only discounts are free for the first 1200 students and group tickets are $10/each as opposed to $18/each. Extras 2 It seems that many other venues of this type make fans pay for parking. The Trask Coliseum provides close, free parking that makes the whole experience just that much better. I’ve paid many times to park at live entertainment venues and it felt great when the parking attendant directed me to the free general parking. Last but not least one of the constant issues I find at arenas/stadiums/coliseums is the lack of forward legroom in front of the seats. There is so much forward legroom that other fans were walking in front of me at times and I never had to stand up or pull my knees up not to be hit. I can’t say enough how comfortable extra legroom makes sitting for a few hours. If the Trask Coliseum wanted to I think they probably could fit a few hundred more seats in the building by cutting down on the forward legroom. Let’s hope they never adjust the seats. Final Thoughts This is a nice local venue. If faced with seeing the latest action movie at the theater or seeing a Seahawks game at the Trask Coliseum I would easily choose the movie, but if you are a true sports enthusiast who doesn’t need all the fanfare of big-time pro sports or big-time college sports then the Trask Coliseum fans and team won’t fail to entertain you. The locals seem to love it so you might as well.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Stadio Carlo Castellani Viale delle Olimpiadi Empoli, Tuscany 50053 Italy Empoli FC website Stadio Carlo Castellani website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 15,260 Stadio Castellani Stadio Carlo Castellani is the main sports facility on Empoli and the site of the home match of the Empoli Football Club. Officially opened on September 12, 1965, it is located in the sports area of the city. Over the years, the stadium has undergone many renovations and expansion. “Tribuna Maratona” was made in metal for the Serie B championship in 1983/1984. Then, at the beginning of the ’90s, it was replaced with a cement structure with two floors, which eventually was covered in 2008. The two curves have been added to the Serie A championship in 1986/1987 (although the Empoli F.C. played the first home games of the season in Florence and Pistoia, the Castellani debut in Serie A championship was at Empoli F.C. vs A.S. Roma , November 2, 1986) and modernized about twenty years later. The stadium is dedicated to Carlo Castellani, a player of Empoli F.C., and Livorno, who died in the concentration camp at Mauthausen in 1944. Stadio Castellani is also dedicated to Montelupo Fiorentino, a nearby town. Food & Beverage 2 Prices of the bar located in “Tribuna” are lower than those of many other Italian stadiums. We spent €3.50 on a bottle of water and a sandwich. During the halftime break, we got a coffee for €1. To avoid waiting about 10 minutes for a coffee, it’s better go to the bar before the break. Peddlers of typical sandwiches and drinks are around the stadium before, during, and after the match. Atmosphere 3 The two tribunes are the covered areas of the stadium. For the fans of the visiting team, there is a reserved area called “Curva Sud.” Between the playing field and the stands there is a tartan athletic track. The most awaited match is with Fiorentina , which is entitled “Derby dell’Arno”. Many fans fill the stadium during the matches versus Inter Milan , Juventus , and AC Milan . Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the northeast of the city, not far from the Park of Serravalle. It’s a quiet area of the city surrounded by greenery, and from here, it is easy to reach the center of Empoli. Near the stadium, there are the Palasport Aramini and the municipal swimming pool. Behind the “Curva Nord” there is another football field, the Sussidiario, where in the past the Empoli F.C. played some matches of Serie C (the third series of Italian football championship). Fans 3 The most passionate fans of the Empoli F.C. don’t follow the matches from one of the two curves (as in most of Italy), but from “Tribuna Maratona.” Since October 2008, the “Tribuna Maratona” has been dedicated to Emiliano Del Rosso, a young fan of the Empoli F.C. that was the victim of a road accident. Access 3 Stadio Carlo Castellani is about 1 km from the railway station. If arriving at Empoli by car, you will exit the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno Highway through either tollgate Empoli Est (coming from Florence or highway A1) or Empoli Ovest (coming from Pisa, Livorno or highway A12) and follow the signs for “stadio.” There is ample parking, with some areas reserved for visiting fans. Return on Investment 4 In the 2012/13 Serie B championship season, ticket prices range from a maximum of €40 for “Poltrone,” to a minimum of €7.50, with a reduced rate for the “Maratona Inferiore.” The price for access to the “Curva Sud,” which is reserved for visiting supporters, is €10. Extras 2 Empoli is near Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, and Vinci, the town where the world-renowned artist Leonardo was born.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S Ballpark Way Goodyear, AZ 85338 Map It Cincinnati Reds Spring Training website Goodyear Ballpark website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 10,311 Reds in Goodyear Goodyear Ballpark, opened in 2009, is the spring training home for Ohio’s two major league baseball teams : the Cincinnati Reds  and the Cleveland Guardians .  It is also home to the Guardians and Reds Arizona Rookie Complex League ball teams.   The attractive venue is celebrating its 15th anniversary this 2024 season.   It is an extremely enjoyable, good-looking ballpark. The main home plate entrance is beautiful, with plenty of shaded places to sit and wait for the gates to open.   It has several sculptures, palm trees, and other Arizona landscaping to admire.   The facility also hosts instructional league games in the fall as well as other events like car shows, July 4th celebrations, local and national baseball tournaments, graduation ceremonies, and more throughout the year.   Since 1891, the Cincinnati Reds have had spring training in 24 different cities.   The team moved their spring training site from Florida to Goodyear, AZ, in 2010.  Arizona is delighted to have them as part of the Cactus League. Food & Beverage 4 Baseball fans won’t go hungry at Goodyear Ballpark as there’s a wide choice of refreshments, entrees, and drinks for sale.  The permanent stands (Queen City Grill, Hanger 46, and 1901 Charter Grill) more or less offer the same choices:  chicken tenders, hot dogs, Cincinnati cheese coney, Cleveland Polish boys, cheeseburgers, pizza, and traditional snacks, soda, and beer ($5.99 - $12.99). I find the portable carts along the concourse have a better variety:  Salsa (nachos), Steakadelphia ( Philly  cheesesteak sandwiches), and Burgertopia (hamburgers).  The first baseline has several kiosks (similar to those found in a carnival) selling tacos, kettle corn, ice cream, flavored ice, and more.  The tacos look delicious , and fans can’t go wrong with a Handles (from Ohio) ice cream cone or cup. Good Hops sells adult beverages ( including mason jar cocktails ) , soda (Coca-Cola), water, and snacks.  Other choices for the hophead are the AZ Craft Beer Corner (local AZ brewery beer pints and flights) and Goodyear’s Saddle Mountain Brewing, selling a few choices of their own brewed beers. Fans can bring in a bottle of factory-sealed water and their own food if it fits into a quart-sized clear bag. Atmosphere 5 The staff and game day operations do a fabulous job at making a Reds spring training game leisurely and enjoyable.  And the Cincinnati fans revel in watching their Reds play ball. A single seating bowl descends from a main concourse, which encircles t he entire park.  The seats are standard stadium fold-down seats, are comfortably wide, have cup holders, and the rows have average legroom.  Plenty of wheelchair seats line the top of the concourse. Grass berms stretch beyond the outfield walls.  The bullpens are adjacent to each other in left field in front of the berm area.   The stadium has a Right Field Pavilion and a Party Patio (under the scoreboard in left field); both offer tables for  four on a single-game basis.   Goodyear Ballpark Right Field Pavilion, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The seating areas get plenty of sun, with shade available in the top rows on the third base side and behind home plate .  The third base side has three sections of shaded, cushioned club seating.   Bring sunscreen, though the ladies’ room offers sunscreen for those who forget.      Medium-thick nets extend to the end of dugouts (sections 107 – 117). Sit further  down the baselines to watch the game net-free.  Fans can view the gorgeous  Estrella Mountain Range beyond the first base side. Goodyear Ballpark Mountain View, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The scoreboard sits in left field and shows the starting lineup, photo of the player at bat (Reds players), line score, pitch speed, the current time, and a McDonald’s logo.  Murals and posters of former players and team logos line the outer concourse walls and just inside the home base entrance, boasting the history of the teams who play at the park.   The announcer (female) calls the starting lineups nice and slowly, giving you enough time to complete your scorecard.  Music is never played over any PA announcement.  When played, the music volume is loud enough to enjoy, and still have a conversation with your neighbor without yelling to be heard.  More baseball sports venues should emulate this. S taff throw o ut t-shirts, and a few sponsors have contests.  Kids can run the bases on Saturday games in March.  Check their website for additional promotions.  Game  day is more about the delight of the game, time with family and friends, and the lovely AZ spring weather. Neighborhood 3 Goodyear Ballpark sits across the street from Phoenix Goodyear Airport, whic h handles m ainly general aviation (non-commercial) operations. The city of Goodyear is about 17 miles west of Phoenix, AZ, and like several other suburban areas, is expanding, building, and growing.   Besides the ballpark (which is a major attraction in Goodyear), the city is home to Luke Air Force Base, a slew of shopping centers, eight golf courses, Estrella Mountain Regional Park (hiking, trails, picnicking, camping, and fishing), and more.   The usual chain restaurants are also a few miles from the park , like Oregano’s, Rubio’s, P.F. Chang’s , etc. For someplace local try Haymakers (breakfast, burgers, beer, bourbon) or Pho House Restaurant (Vietnamese).  Goodyear has over 100 restaurants, so check Visit Goodyear for an up-to-date list of places to eat or drink.   Saddle Mountain Brewing Company, Transplant City Beer Co, and 8-Bit Aleworks provide the local hops in Goodyear. Be sure to check their websites for hours of operation.   Most of the hotels straddle the I-10 interchanges and are three to five miles from the ballpark. The closest is a Comfort Inn.   The Best Western Phoenix Goodyear Inn and Townplace Suites by Marriott Phoenix Goodyear are other choices not too far from the park.  Be aware that hotel prices are exorbitant  during spring training.     For other sporting events, visit the same park and watch the Cleveland Guardians play their spring training games. Camelback Ranch (home of the LA Dodgers  and Chicago White Sox ) is another nearby  spring training facility. Phoenix Raceway is a little over eight miles from the park.  Check their schedule to see if a race or event is being held. Fans 3 Reds fans do a good job at rooting on and cheering their team at spring training.  There are p lenty of Reds’ caps, jerseys, and shirts in the crowds.  While they don’t sell out, a decent number still come out and root for their team.  Crowds are higher on weekends and when the Reds play the Dodgers or Cubs. Access 3 Goodyear Ballpark is located 17 miles west of downtown Phoenix and 22 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. It is about two miles south of Interstate 10.  Public transportation is not an option to get to this ball field.   Parking (free) is mostly on  grass lots.  Common at Cactus League spring training facilities, golf cart-type shuttles are on  hand to bring fans from the parking lots to the home plate entrance, if desired.   The ballpark has four entrances: first base, home plate, third base, and center field, with the home plate entrance being the busiest and most scenic (it’s next to the ticket booth). It can get crowded on the concourse behind home plate. Once inside, except for behind home, the concourse is wide open and is easy to traverse.   Fans walk through a scanner and may or may not get their bags checked.   Guests are welcome to bring small bags and purses into the ballpark, as long as their dimensions are less than 16″ x 16″ x 8″ .     Plenty of serviceable restrooms are spread along the concourse and along the concourse path in the outfield.   Guest services (to the right after entering the home base entrance) offer assisted listening devices for those who are hard of hearing. Return on Investment 4 The Reds spring training home is less expensive to attend than other Cactus League venues. Ticket prices range from $12 (berm) to $35 (club or premium field box).  Tickets are $2 more when purchased on game day.  The ballpark offers a variety of other discounts.  Active military receive a free ticket.  Veterans can purchase outfield tickets at a child’s price.  Seniors received $5 off an infield seat for mid-week games during the early part of spring training.   We recommend checking third-party sites for even better deals. Parking is free, and food and drink prices aren’t as expensive as other Cactus League ballparks.  Plus, fans can bring in their own snacks and water in limited quantities.  Extras 5 A few additional things are worth noting. Goodyear Ballpark does a tremendous job of honoring our military and veterans. Statues, a POW chair, ticket discounts, and more demonstrate the respect and appreciation the city has for those men and women. Goodyear Ballpark POW-MIA Chair, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A merchandise shop sells a nice selection of clothes, caps, and trinkets.  Check the clearance racks for discounted items.  Giveaways are provided throughout the season, though this might be specifically for the facility’s 15th anniversary. Fans can still watch net-free baseball! The team and ballpark have extremely friendly staff, including parking attendants, ticket booth personnel, ushers, security, and concessions personnel.   They are not pretentious and are genuinely nice people, easy to chat with. Final Thoughts Attending a Reds spring training game at Goodyear Park is a pleasurable afternoon or evening out.   We recommend visiting this d iamond if in town for the spring.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Campus Field 5151 Park Ave Fairfield, CT 06825 Sacred Heart Pioneers website Campus Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 3,334 The Independent Pioneers   Sacred Heart University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was founded in 1963 and was the first Catholic school in the United States to be staffed by laypersons. Today, Sacred Heart is the second largest Catholic university in New England, offering 80 degree programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate level to its 10,500 students.   Sacred Heart University has hosted football teams since 1991. The Pioneers originally played in Division III, moving up to Division II in 1993 and then up to the FCS subdivision of Division I in 1999. In 2024 the Pioneers dissolved their longtime membership in the Northeast Conference, joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Unfortunately, the MAAC does not sponsor football, which has forced the Pioneers to compete as one of two independent teams in the FCS. No plans have been announced regarding future affiliation.   Campus Field, which opened in 1997, is located adjacent to the William H. Pitt Center . In addition to hosting the school’s football team, both of the Pioneer lacrosse and track squads call the facility home.   Sacred Heart won or shared six conference championships during their time in the Northeast Conference. They have appeared in the FCS playoffs four times, most recently in 2021, losing in the first round every time. Two Sacred Heart alumni, Jon Corto and Julius Chestnut, have played in the National Football League.   Food & Beverage 3    There is a pop-up tent in the entrance lot run by SHU Dining that handles concessions at Campus Field. The menu offered here is pretty basic, with burgers, dogs, chicken fingers and sausage sandwiches available. Snacks, including fries, nachos, pretzels and assorted candy can also be found here. Cans of Pepsi products are sold. Fans looking for an adult beverage will have to proceed to the Outpost.   The outpost is Campus Field’s beer garden. Located in the southwest end zone, all fans can access this area for an additional ten-dollar charge. A variety of beer and wine is sold here, as well as special menu items. During Stadium Journey’s recent visit, for example, the special item was a loaded baked potato.   Without a doubt, the most popular concession items at Campus Field were the gigantic specialty cookies from Crumbl. Their signature pink boxes could be seen all over the facility.   Atmosphere 3   The game day atmosphere at a Sacred Heart football game is a fun one, but not one that is over the top or overly loud. Fans are into the game and the social activities on tap, but this is not a place where visitors would feel intimidated. The feel at Campus Field is more like a backyard barbeque than a big-time college football game.   The Sacred Heart Marching Band, cheerleaders and dance squad are on hand to perform throughout the game. Party areas at either end of the field add to the atmosphere, and the PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings without being too over the top. The video board in the southwest end zone provides graphics and basic game information, but unfortunately is not utilized for replays.   Neighborhood 3   While Fairfield is a really nice place to live (in fact, towns in Fairfield County are regulars on any “Best Places to Live in the United States” list), it’s not exactly what you would consider a destination location. The Sacred Heart campus is located in a residential area, with few lodging or dining options in the immediate vicinity. The Trumbull Mall is located a mile from campus, complete with the usual chain offerings, such as the Cheesecake Factory.   Adjacent to the Sacred Heart campus is the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. This attraction features rotating exhibits and interactive educational displays. Right next door to Campus Field is JP’s Diner, a 50s style full-service restaurant which is open on game days.   The Sitting Duck Tavern is a popular local watering hole, and there are numerous options in downtown Bridgeport, located just a few miles away. Visiting fans will find no shortage of lodging or dining options along Route One, the main business thoroughfare in the area, and Interstate 95.   Fans looking for sporting options in the area will find plenty of options nearby. Sacred Heart teams play basketball at the Pitt Center , baseball at Veterans’ Memorial Park  and hockey at the beautiful Martire Family Arena . In addition, Fairfield University is just five miles away, with the Leo Mahoney Arena  hosting the Stags basketball team. The Bridgeport Islanders, the top farm team of the New York Islanders, play downtown at Total Mortgage Arena .   Fans 3   Campus Field’s posted capacity is a meager 3,334. Their listed average attendance for the 2023 season was 6,346. Even with these inflated numbers, the Pioneers still rank smack dab in the middle of the nationwide FCS attendance rankings, landing at number 59. Stadium Journey visited Sacred Heart on the school’s homecoming day on a beautiful September Saturday afternoon, with an announced attendance of 4,869. Through three games in 2024, average attendance is 4,025. I’m not saying these numbers are inflated, but there are plenty of empty seats to be found around Campus Field. Something here just doesn’t feel right.   The fans who pack Campus Field week after week are here to enjoy the community feeling cultivated at Sacred Heart. This is a low-key party atmosphere. Fans aren’t going to be overly rowdy, but they will support their Pioneers passionately. The crowd here is small-school football at its best. Party areas such as the Outpost in the southwest end zone and the fancier President’s Tent in the northeast end zone add to the party atmosphere and certainly boost attendance. There’s a good turnout from the student body here, but no organized student section to be found.   Access 3   Sacred Heart University is located in suburban Fairfield, Connecticut, a town of about 60,000 residents in the southwest corner of the Nutmeg State. The campus is situated in the northeast corner of the city, directly across the street from neighboring Bridgeport. Sacred Heart is easily accessed by either the Merritt Parkway or Interstate 95. Traffic in this part of the state is usually quite heavy, so you may have to allot extra time to arrive at Campus Field. Fans using public transportation will be glad to know that the Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT)  number 4 bus routes from Bridgeport’s busy Amtrak station to a stop right at Sacred Heart’s front entrance on Park Avenue.   Parking for Pioneer football games can be a challenge, particularly when a large crowd is present. Most of the spaces near Campus Field are reserved for VIPs and those who pay for the privilege. Free parking is available in the South Garage, about a quarter of a mile from the field, and the North Lot, about a half mile from the field. At least the scenery on this attractive suburban campus is worth the walk. Unfortunately, signage isn’t clear on campus and many of the roads are blocked off. If parking in the South garage be aware that you must enter the garage on the second level on the side of the garage, not the street-level entrance, which is reserved for President Tent ticket holders.   Fans enter Campus Field at the northeast corner of the facility. The concession stand, ticket office and team store are all set up in the parking lot here. Seating at Campus Field consists of metal bleachers on either side of the field. The home (east) grandstand is raised several feet off the ground, allowing fans to look over the mass of people on the sideline. The presence of the track around the field pushes spectators back a bit further from the action. Rest rooms are located in the adjacent Pitt Center and the Bobby Valentine Health and Recreation Center.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Pioneer football games are affordable, priced at $20 for reserved seats and $15 for general admission seating. Fans wishing to access the Outpost beer garden can do so for an additional $10 fee.   Parking is free in the South Garage or North Lot. Concessions are reasonably priced, with most items costing six dollars or less. Overall, a visit to Sacred Heart football is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 1                                                                                                 Banners hang on the exterior wall of the adjoining Pitt Center honoring all the championship teams that call Campus Field home, including the 6-time NEC conference champion football Pioneers.   Final Thoughts   The affiliation shuffle that took place in college football this past offseason also affected teams at the lower levels of the sport. Playing as an independent hasn’t seemed to affect the game day experience at Campus Field. This is a fun place to catch a game that would be a nice addition to any local FCS conference looking to add a team.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Our Lady of the Meadows Field 15926 Kelbaugh Rd Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers website Our Lady of the Meadows Field website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 250 Meadows Field Softball Located in the Catoctin Mountain area of Frederick County, Maryland, in the town of Emmitsburg, Mount St. Mary’s University is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United States. The Mount’s athletic teams are known as the Mountaineers and compete in the Northeast Conference. Most of these teams play at the PNC Sports Complex, which contains several venues – Knott Arena , home of Mountaineers basketball, E.T. Straw Family Stadium , home of the baseball program, Waldron Family Stadium , home of the lacrosse and soccer teams, and Our Lady of the Meadows Field, which Mountaineers softball calls home. Although softball has been played on this site for some time, the stadium has undergone several renovations since 2014 to make it more of a stadium and less of a field in the middle of nowhere, adding a batting cage, bleachers, and a scoreboard. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at Our Lady of the Meadows Field. However, if you go next door to Knott Arena, you can find some vending machines which sell vending machine things at vending machine prices, including bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks. They accept credit cards, $1 bills, and coins. Use the lower entrance next to the field, not the upper entrance on the other side of the building like you would for basketball. Fans are free to bring in their own food and drink as well. Atmosphere 3 Our Lady of the Meadows Field is built into a hill, and you will walk into the stadium at the top. You can then walk down the bleachers to your seat or bring a lawn chair and sit on the grassy part of the hill itself. There are also additional bleachers further up the right field line. These are in the sun, while the other seats are in the shade of the press box, unless you bring your own chair. Which one is better depends on how hot it is that day. The top two rows of seats in the section under the press box are chairbacks, while all other seats are regular metal bleachers without backs. It is general admission, so arrive early if you want a chairback. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the line score, count, and runs, but not hits or errors. As with most college softball programs in the northeast, a trip to Our Lady of the Meadows Field is a very basic experience, with music between innings but not much else. You will hear a lot of the communication that goes on down on the field, which some fans will enjoy, but other fans will be bored by the whole thing. However, one thing that brings this rating up a bit is the energy brought by the players themselves from the dugout. They can get quite loud, louder than the fans at times. Neighborhood 2 Emmitsburg is a small town in Maryland just south of the Pennsylvania border, and there is really nothing within walking distance of campus. If you make the short drive into town, you will find a few places to eat and stay, as well as some interesting sites such as the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and various Catholic shrines. Thurmont is a short drive away, about 10 minutes south on Route 15, and offers more options than Emmitsburg itself. However, this is a very rural area, and while it’s scenic, there isn’t a whole lot to do here. Fans 2 The Mountaineers typically draw 50-100 fans per game, mostly friends and family of the players but some locals as well. Those who do show up are extremely knowledgeable about every player on the team, able to recite their strengths, weaknesses, statistics, and past performances. It is clear that there is a group of regulars who goes to just about every game, though others are made to feel welcome as well. Access 3 The PNC Sports Complex, of which Our Lady of the Meadows Field is a part, is right off US Route 15. The Complex is clearly signed and contains numerous lots which serve the various fields. You will probably have to park on the side of Knott Arena and walk a short distance, but there are a few spots right next to the stadium. These are reserved for rec center staff on weekdays and you will not be able to park there, but on weekends, they are open to anyone. There are no bathrooms at the stadium itself, but if you head into Knott Arena, you can find some in the lobby. As with the vending machines, use the entrance by the field, not the one you would for basketball. Assuming there’s not another event going on in Knott that day, they will be of a more than sufficient size and even though it’s in a different building, the walk takes less time than it would in many large stadiums. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free and parking is free. If you want to buy a drink from the vending machine, you won’t end up spending more than a dollar or two on that. However, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 Free programs are available in a mailbox at the top of the stands by the press box. Final Thoughts In most of the northeast, college softball isn’t a huge deal, and Mount St. Mary’s is no exception. Given the rural setting of the Mount St. Mary’s campus, many fans won’t find this work the trek, but if you’re a fan of college softball who just likes taking in a game no matter where it is, or if you have some connection to The Mount or their opponent, a trip to a game here is affordable and a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Findlay Toyota Center 320a N Main St Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Findlay Toyota Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,100 NAZ Suns Editors Note: The Northern Arizona Suns played four seasons in the G League at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. The Northern Arizona Suns (NAZ Suns) play their home basketball games at the comfortable Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ. They are the minor league affiliate of the Phoenix Suns which makes sense as the two teams are only 90 miles apart. They play in the G-League (Gatorade League) formerly known as the NBDL (National Basketball Developmental League or D-League). The team was previously known as the Long Beach Jam and the Bakersfield Jam; their name changed in 2016 when the Phoenix Suns purchased the team and moved them from California to Prescott Valley. The Findlay Toyota Center hosted the Arizona Sun Dogs from the now defunct Central Hockey League and the Arizona Outlaws from the American Indoor Football League (also defunct). It hosts Monster Trucks, concerts, Cirque Du Soleil, rodeos, ice shows, and more. It is a nice, intimate facility in which to watch an event and basketball. Food & Beverage 3 Depending on attendance, not all concessions are open for Suns’ games. Cinnamon roasted nuts and other nut treats, Dippin’ Dots, shaved ice, kettle corn, corn dog snack bars, etc. dot the concourse. A small bar kiosk is located on the concourse near section 203 selling cocktails, wine, and beer. Beer is $7. Burgers and Brews provides the main nourishment during a Suns’ game offering hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with fries for $8. Snacks such as hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, pretzels, popcorn, nachos, candy, chips can be purchased a la carte ranging from $1.50 – $6.50. Papa John’s pizza has a stand with 8” pizzas running $8. This seems to be the more popular choice for fans. A 32-oz fountain Pepsi is $4 with Arizona tea, coffee, water, Gatorade offered for $2.75 – $4. Small tables with chairs are set up along the concourse to enjoy your refreshments without having to carry it them your seats; a nice feature. Atmosphere 3 Findlay Toyota Center is a comfortable facility in which to watch some hoops. Two entrances are available, one that is wheelchair accessible. The concourse, which houses a respectable merchandise shop, concessions, and restrooms, forms a U around the entertainment floor with no ability to see the court. Only those with access to the premium floor seats and subsequent buffet can enter at the top of the U. After ascending seven or eight steps, fans enter the seating area on row E and rows go up to Q or so and down to A. Plastic maroon fold down seats (no cup holders) are provided and the first four rows (A – D) are cushioned. One level of seating is available with suites on top. The steps have hand rails for those needing a little balance. Half-moon floor tables line parts of the court for fans to get an up-close view of the action while enjoying a bite to eat and drink. The music selection is decent and the level is not too loud and fans can have conversations without having to yell. It is played throughout the game. No center hung scoreboard is in the arena, instead, two video scoreboards are placed on each side of the seating area which show the basic info like score, quarter and time. Dot matrix scoreboards mounted on the stands behind the baskets are actually designed more for hockey than for basketball as they show labels for shots on goal, player penalty, and period but plug in the basketball info where needed. The court is placed on a larger entertainment floor so lots of empty space is behind the baskets. Promotions include the typical fan participation activities at the quarters and breaks like kiss cam, run the court and shoot for a basket. A mascot called Bucket roams around high-fiving fans in attendance. At the game of this review, the Movement Studio dance team performed for the fans during halftime. The temperature is comfortable. Not too warm nor too cold, just right! Neighborhood 3 Prescott Valley has certainly developed since the opening of the event center and quite a few places to entertain oneself are within a mile. Two good places to eat are Susy B’s (a family breakfast/lunch/early dinner family-style restaurant) and Gabby’s Grill (steaks, burgers, sandwiches – an American grill). A Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s Bar and Grill as well as many fast food restaurants are within two blocks if chain restaurants are the preference. Lonesome Valley Brewing is less than a mile away and serves their own brewed craft beer and mead and they serve traditional bar food too. Try the Big Neib if IPAs are your beer of choice. Other things to do when in Prescott Valley might include a visit to the Plum Creek Alpacas farm, taking a hike on the Iron King Trail or seeing a movie at the Harkins Theatre. A little over five miles away is historic Prescott . The closest other sports would be an hour north to Flagstaff where fans can watch an NAU basketball or football game. The parent club, Phoenix Suns , is 90 miles south on I-17. Prescott Valley has several hotels now, including a GreenTree Inn, Super 8, and Hampton Inn & Suites all within a mile of Findlay Toyota Center. Fans 2 The NAZ Suns fans are quite supportive of the team. Lots of families and kids are in attendance as it is designed to be a family friendly entertainment choice. Attendance is generally around 1,000 fans which is on the low end of the G-League, which is kind of a shame as the minor league games are a most affordable exciting game day experience. Access 3 Findlay Toyota Center is 32 miles from I-17 if coming from Phoenix from the south or about 22 miles if coming from Flagstaff from the north. Free parking is on the north side of the arena off Main St. One must pass through a security check but no clear bag policy is in place. A Greyhound bus stop is located two blocks from the arena. Prescott Regional Airport – Ernest A Love Field – is 10 miles away with service via United Airlines to and from Los Angeles and Denver. Public transportation is not yet available in Prescott Valley. Fans must walk up seven or eight steps to get to seating area but I am told there is wheelchair accessible seating for the Suns games. The concourse doesn’t get too crowded at half time but I suspect if there is a full crowd, it could. Bathrooms are clean and sufficient. Return on Investment 4 Spending a few hours watching a NAZ Suns game is well worth your sports dollar entertainment. End zone tickets cost as little as $10 ($9 military) going up to $29 for center court ($22 military). Those with a college ID get in for $9. Floor seating goes from $75 – $124 and includes a buffet. Concession prices are on par with similar sports venues and relatively reasonable. Parking is free. Extras 3 The event center has benches to sit and wait outside for friends or for the gates to open. More arenas should do this. After the game, the NAZ Suns players walk the circumference of the floor and high-five fans providing quite a thrill for the kids. And, player autograph sessions are scheduled after most games. A stocked merchandise shop is just inside the one entrance with plenty of shirts, caps, and trinkets, including hat pins. Final Thoughts Watching an NAZ Suns game is a fun, entertaining few hours. The game day production is not over done, the games are played well, and it is affordable. I encourage Northern Arizona fans or Phoenix Suns fans to take in a few games each season in Prescott Valley.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Hornet Stadium 6000 J St Sacramento, CA 95819 Sacramento State Hornets website Hornet Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 21,195 Stingers Up! The University of California, Sacramento (i.e. Sacramento State) is a member of the California University System and is located in the eastern suburbs of Sacramento, California. It was founded in 1947 and presently has a student body of 29,046. The sports teams at Sacramento State are known as the Hornets. The football program at Sacramento State is relatively young, as it began in 1954. It began as a member of the California Athletic Conference, then moved on to the Western Football Conference and the America West Conference. In 1996 it became a member of the Big Sky Conference at the FCS level of NCAA competition. In recent years the program has been a powerhouse, with conference championships in 2019, 2021, and 2022. The 2022 squad finished at #5 in the end-of-year FCS polls. The team has also posted wins over PAC 12 members Oregon State and Colorado in past years. The rivalry game each season is played against the University of California at Davis. The game is known as the Causeway Classic and the winner takes home the Causeway Classic trophy and bragging rights to their campus for the next year. The on-campus Hornets Stadium serves as the home field for the football program. It opened in 1969 and has gone through numerous upgrades over the years. It has a capacity of 21,195 making it one of the larger stadiums at the FCS level. Food & Beverage 2 The WELL concessions area is located behind the north end zone and is the only place in the stadium that offers food and drinks. The food and beverage selections are sold via food trucks and tents that are set up in temporary tents. We’ve never seen a grandstand for a stadium this big without permanent concession facilities underneath the stands, or at least closer to where fans are sitting. The setup at Hornets Stadium is quite a distance away from the stands and results in the fans missing a great deal of the action while they are waiting in a long line. We do have to admit that the food trucks provide more variety in the items that they sell, but this does not overcome the inconvenience for the fans of missing time from the game. Atmosphere 2 Hornet Field has some oddities to its design that take away from the atmosphere of the game. The track is a necessity for the school’s excellent track and field program. However, anytime a track encircles a football field it places a great deal more space in between the fans in the stands and the action on the field. This makes it harder to hear the game itself and the connection between the team and their fans. The stadium has the Broad Fieldhouse at the south end of the stadium, while the north end of the field is bordered by the WELL Center (Sacramento State’s Wellness facility). Both buildings are a great distance from the stands, depriving fans of being able to see them very well. This breaks down the excitement of seeing the home team take the field as well. The distance between the stands and the WELL Center creates a problem for fans wishing to get a bite to eat and missing the action on the field. Also, the tickets in the west stands (the “home” side”) are all reserved seating, while the west side (the “visitor’s” side) are general admission seats. Why would the visitor’s tickets be cheaper than the home team’s tickets? Neighborhood 4 Hornet Stadium is located on the south end of the Sacramento State campus and is for the most part, surrounded by academic buildings. There are numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels surrounding this end of the campus. The closest hotels to the campus are Hampton Inn and Suites at CSUS and the Comfort Inn and Suites at Sacramento University Area. Giovanni’s Old World New York Pizzeria is a popular eatery on Folsom Street, while Stingers Sports Pub and Bar is a popular watering hole adjacent to the campus. Sacramento offers many things to see and do before or after a Hornets game. The American River forms the eastern border of the Sacramento State campus. It has an excellent hiking/biking trail paralleling the river or offers rafting in season. To the west of campus is downtown Sacramento. Places of interest here are the California State Capitol Building, the California State Railroad Museum, and Old Sacramento. Your game may overlap with a Sacramento Kings NBA game at the Golden One Center . Fans 3 The student section at Hornets games is known as the SWARM and they do a great job at keeping the stands buzzing throughout the contests. They work closely with Herky the Hornet, the school mascot, and with the Sacramento State Marching Band. Don’t be surprised when a cannon goes off after each Hornet touchdown or field goal. Access 4 Hornet Stadium is easily accessed via Highway 50 or Business 80 in the Sacramento area. From Highway 50: Take the exit for Howe/Power Inn Road. Veer right at the California State University, Sacramento entrance onto Hornet Drive. At the traffic light, take a left onto College Town Drive. Hornets Stadium will be on your right. From Business 80: Take for J Street. Make a left on J Street and go 4 miles. Enter the front entrance to the Sacramento State campus. Turn right on State University Drive North. Hornet Stadium will be on your left in ½ mile. Parking areas open four hours before kickoff, leaving you plenty of time to explore the Sacramento State campus or find your seats in Hornet Stadium. Return on Investment 3 Most seats at Hornet Stadium are considered general admission seats. They are priced at $18 for adult seats and $8 for youth (ages 3-12) seats. There is a $2 ticket fee added to that. Section 213 along the 50-yard line is considered premium seating and costs $43 plus a $2 ticket fee. Parking costs $10 on gameday. Extras 3 Hornets Stadium was the site of one of the wildest games in FCS history during the 2022 FCS playoffs. The Hornet's game against the University of the Incarnate Word was marked by countless changes in the score. The game ended in a 66-63 win for the visitors, ending Sacramento State’s dream season. The stadium is heavily used by the Sacramento State track and field program as well. It has hosted numerous major meets, including the US Track and Field Olympic Trials twice, and the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships on two occasions. Hornets Stadium has also served as the home field for two now extinct pro football teams. It hosted the Sacramento Surge of the World Football League (WFL), as well as the Sacramento Gold Miners of the Canadian Football League (CFL). This was the first time that a CFL team was based outside of Canada. Final Thoughts A visit to the Hornet’s Nest will provide an entertaining afternoon or evening for fans in California’s state capitol. After the game check out old Sacramento or the California State Railroad Museum.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stegeman Coliseum 100 Smith St Athens, GA 30605 Georgia Bulldogs website Stegeman Coliseum website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 10,523 Glory, Glory to Old Georgia Mention of the University of Georgia almost instantly conjures up images of barking fans celebrating the Bulldogs’ gridiron successes , most recently back-to-back football national championships claimed in 2021 and 2022. And while Georgia Football without a doubt is the flagship program on the Athens campus, the Georgia Athletic department boasts outstanding fan experiences across many of its athletic programs. First sponsored as a varsity sport in 1978, volleyball at Georgia was played at the Women’s Physical Education Building until 1994, when it moved to the Ramsey Center from1995 until 2017. The program would begin transitioning out of the Ramsey Center into Stegeman Coliseum for matches in 2018. As members of the Southeastern Conference, the Bulldogs experienced most of their success in the 1980s, claiming conference titles in 1985 and 1986.   Food & Beverage   3 Food at Stegeman Coliseum uses a self-serve, grab-and-go model. Items sit under heat lamps waiting to be picked up and taken to checkout stations. Options include hot dogs, burgers, and chicken or BBQ sandwiches. While most options are typical stadium quality, the burgers are from local boutique burger purveyor Grind House Burgers. Even though the food is fine for stadium fare, the fact that items are left out under heat lamps does seem to impact the quality. Besides the above main dishes, other concession items include peanuts, popcorn, candy, and various other snack foods. There is also the ever popular Dippin’ Dots cart in the main lobby area. Soft drinks include items from the Coca-Cola line of products. Though beer is sold at campus events, it does not appear to be available for volleyball matches – information on the volleyball website suggests it is available for select matches, however.   Atmosphere   3 Stegeman Coliseum is a great example of an arena from a previous generation that was given a highly modern feel, with a renovation of the east and west entry ways using large walls of glass. The interior of the arena complements the modernized feel of the exterior and fits right into the red and black color scheme of the Bulldogs. Also, in coming years the massive UGA mural at the south end of the arena will be replaced with the largest indoor collegiate video board in the country. There is not a lot of debate that Stegeman Coliseum is a very comfortable venue for all of Georgia’s programs that use it. The University of Georgia Athletics Department does a good job creating an atmosphere where its brand is consistent throughout all its programs and with the prideful spirit of all things Bulldogs. Throughout the match, cheerleaders, backed by a pared-down collection of the Red Coat Band, lead fans in familiar Georgia chants that have been engrained in Georgia fandom. Timeouts and changeovers are filled with singalongs, both of popular music and Georgia fight songs, as well as interactive scoreboard fan cams and games that entertain attendees, along with t-shirt tosses just prior to the ball being served back into play. Even when the in-game entertainment is focused more on popular music than on UGA favorites, fans are quick to their feet to sing and dance along. The most impressive part of the experience is the re-creation of the “Light Up Samford” with a down scaled “Light Up Stegeman”, where the lights are turned down as the Georgia band plays “Krypton Fanfare”, as the flashlights of cell phones begin to sparkle, then bob up-and-down throughout the stands. Even with the high level of support from those in attendance, one of the issues with using a facility such as Stegman Coliseum is that much of the excitement of the fans ends up dissipating into the emptiness of the second level seating. Regardless of the size of the crowd, the fun nature of the traditions of Georgia’s athletic programs are consistent and go a long way in establishing a fun college volleyball environment.   Neighborhood   5 Athens is everything that could be asked for in a college town – far enough from Atlanta to remove the breakneck pace of a major city, but brimming with enough of the hustle-and-bustle of a college town to create a perpetual buzz of excitement in the air. Georgia’s athletic facilities are spread out, with concentrations of both on and off campus facilities. Stegeman Coliseum is part of an on campus cluster which includes baseball’s Foley Field , the outdoor track, football’s practice and training facility, and the Butts-Mehre Building, the hub of University of Georgia Athletics. The epicenter of Athens and the University of Georgia culture can be found along Lumpkin Avenue and Broad Street – this area has nearly an endless number of shops, bars, restaurants, and music joints, providing seemingly endless options to fill time at any time of day. New in 2024 are the Athens Rock Lobsters, who will call the newly completed Akins Ford Arena in downtown Athens home; adding in one of their games could certainly help make for a full visit of sports during a weekend in Athens.   Fans   3 There are a handful of colleges and universities at which being a fan transcends just one program. While football  will always be the premier program at Georgia, the passion that is shown to the Dawgs on the gridiron bleeds over to other sports, and volleyball is no exception. Fans are extremely responsive to the chants and cheers that are consistent across all of Georgia’s athletic teams. Even though much smaller in size than their football and basketball counterparts, the UGA “Spike Squad”, a collection of fans clad in red shoulder pads with spikes protruding from them, is ever present. This season saw two of the volleyball Dawgs largest attendance figures, with more than 4,000 fans against rival Georgia Tech  and a Stegeman Coliseum volleyball record 8,376 for their match against the South Carolina Gamecocks, as part of their “10K Day” promotion – the promotion encouraged Dawgs fans in town for the weekend’s football  game to come out the night before to support the volleyball team. Typically, though, past history has shown attendance numbers here will fall within the mid-1,000 and creeping over 2,000 range against the rival Yellow Jackets  and Florida Gators.   Access   3 It is no secret that getting to Athens from the metro Atlanta area on a weekday can certainly test one’s patience. While Athens is just 70 miles from Atlanta, getting there for a weekday match typically takes in excess of two hours. The most direct route is via Interstate-85 to Georgia 316, which leads to Athens. Fans coming from the north on I-85 will have a bit less traffic coming through Jefferson, while from the east, accessing Athens is most convenient on I-20 to US-441N. Just south of Stegeman Coliseum, the Carlton Street Parking Deck is the most conveniently located parking location to the arena. This parking deck does charge a metered rate, payable at kiosks around the garage. Concrete information about parking, and whether or not there will be a cost during certain matches, seems to be difficult to come by, but all indications point to the East Deck providing free parking for volleyball. This lot is not as close to Stegeman Coliseum, however, so it leaves a bit of a walk. Once inside, Stegeman’s outer concourse makes navigating the coliseum relatively easy, but the concourse doesn’t wrap completely around the arena. A secondary, interior concourse does fully encircle the playing area, and for volleyball matches is easy enough to move around to access seating.   Return on Investment   5 Free admission and free parking in the East Campus Deck goes a long way in giving fans a reason to come to matches beyond simply supporting Georgia volleyball. Concession prices are slightly higher than anticipated, especially considering portion sizes are a touch on the smaller side.   Extras   4 Stegman Coliseum doesn’t have a lot in the way of recognition of Georgia’s volleyball history, but one display pays tribute to all the Dawgs SEC volleyball championship teams; included in this recognition are the 1985 and ‘86 conference champions. Georgia volleyball also does a good job at rewarding its most loyal of fans – the first 30 fans receive bracelets, allowing them access to floor seating. The scoreboard at the southern end of the floor displays detailed statistics of individual players, along with running team statistics. The Butts-Meher Building holds a place of high regard in the Georgia Bulldog community. Not only is it the center of Georgia Athletics, but also home to a museum of Bulldogs athletics history. The Butts-Meher Building is open for tours until 5pm Monday through Friday, making is a real option to visit prior to a volleyball match at Stegeman.   Final Thoughts The use of a venue such as Stegeman Coliseum makes a lot of sense from a logistical and operational standpoint, but it does significantly impact the game experience. When considering that Georgia’s largest volleyball crowds still leave over 8,000 empty seats, this really dissipates the volume and energy created by the fans, and all those who work so hard to create what actually is a decent college volleyball atmosphere.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Convocation Center 1 UTSA Cir San Antonio, TX 78249 UTSA Roadrunners website Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,650 UTSA Roadrunners – Convocation Center Founded in 1969, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is the largest in South Texas. Nearly from the outset, the university has fielded numerous athletics teams, including one of their most successful program: women’s volleyball. Since their inaugural season in 1983, the UTSA Roadrunners have been a consistent force on the court – they won conference titles in 1999, 2000, and 2010 as members of the Southland Conference and in 2013 and 2014 as part of Conference USA. From the outset, the volleyball team has called the historic Convocation Center, located on the UTSA campus, their home court. Affectionately known as the Bird Cage, the facility is known for its brutalist-style architecture and glorious rust-colored exterior. The venue is also home to UTSA’s basketball programs and some athletics offices and was the former home for decades worth of graduation ceremonies. Read on to learn more about the historic Convo.   Food & Beverage   3 The Convocation Center has, for the bulk of its lifetime, maintained and operated one concession stand. Located near the main entrance, this stand serves up basic stadium fare such as hot dogs (or chili dogs, if that’s your preference), nachos (which can also be topped with said chili), and Frito pie (my personal favorite), as well as bags of chips and popcorn, boxes of candy, bottled soda, bottled water, and sports drinks. Two factors keep this section’s score from being lower – first, fans can purchase beer and wine during Roadrunners volleyball games at the Bird Cage. Second, the costs for everything are very affordable. Aside from the alcohol, the cost for most of your food and drink options is less than $5 each; your wallet is safe when you watch the Roadrunners play volleyball.   Atmosphere   3 Inside the Convo, it still feels very much like a high school gym. Fans are just mere feet away from the court and all the action, especially on the student’s side of the court. This allows fans to really get a sense of the on-court action and to get a sense of the energy of the crowd. It had been quite a few years since I last attended a UTSA volleyball game, so I was pleasantly surprised at how engaged and excited fans were (more on them shortly), as well as how much this engagement enhanced the overall atmosphere. Other than the above, there is not much else at the Convo for fans to take in. There is a small merchandise area inside near the main entrance, and there are also trophy cases touting the success of Roadrunners teams of the past near the staircases inside. Championship banners for the men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams also hang from the rafters over the court – it’s pretty bare bones, which is to be expected for a utilitarian facility like the Convocation Center.   Neighborhood   4 The Convocation Center is located right in the middle of the UTSA campus, which is on the far northwest side of the Alamo City. As such, the facility is pretty removed from most of the attractions that visitors usually come to San Antonio to see. However, that doesn’t mean there is nothing for fans to do and see before and after UTSA volleyball games. Directly across from the campus, separated by Loop 1604, is Six Flags Fiesta Texas . The largest theme park in this part of Texas, it draws millions of visitors a year who come to catch the shows, ride rollercoasters, and visit the adjacent water park. It’s open year-round, and the bulk of the volleyball season offers up some of the coolest weather, so you won’t mind waiting in line to get on the rides here. Also across the highway from campus is La Cantera Resort & Spa  – this four-star resort features world-class golf courses (it was the longtime home of the PGA’s Valero Texas Open ), a truly upscale spa, and some of the finest restaurants in the city, as well as a host of high-end shopping options. It is arguably the nicest place to stay in the city and is probably the best place – if your budget allows – to stay near campus. Since this is a college campus, you can expect fast-food restaurants to make up the bulk of the dining options nearby. However, there are still a few spots worth noting, the first being Smokey Mo’s BBQ . If you’re in Texas, you’re going to need to get some barbecue at some point. Smokey Mo’s would be considered a fast-casual style of the joint, but what it does offer will satisfy you. I would personally recommend getting the turkey, along with one of the traditional Texas trinity options. Also, who doesn’t love a good burger? Bunz Handcrafted Burgers is very close to UTSA’s campus. The massive burgers you can get at Bunz can be topped with something as simple as bacon and pepper jack cheese or with something as outlandish as a crab cake and Korean-style barbecue or ribs. For lodging options, in addition to La Cantera Resort, there are also a couple of choices within five minutes of the Convo, including DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest  and Spark by Hilton San Antonio Northwest near Six Flags . San Antonio is abundant with dining and lodging options – it will all depend on your taste, your budget, and how far you’re willing to travel.   Fans   3 Last season was UTSA’s first as a member of the American Athletic Conference. Not so coincidentally, this year’s volleyball team set the all-time attendance record for the program, with over 11,000 fans attending home games at the Bird Cage – four games against a longtime rival, as well as newer conference foes, each saw over 1,000 fans attend. That is a far cry from what I have been accustomed to here; during the most recent game I attended, the Convo was virtually packed. Fans got here early, and they were decked out in Roadrunner orange and blue, and they were loud. The energy was palpable, which greatly added to the excitement and enjoyment of the experience. I think if UTSA volleyball can maintain this type of growth in the program, the attendance numbers will continue to rise.   Access   4 UTSA’s campus and the Convocation Center are housed between two major highways in San Antonio, the aforementioned Loop 1604 and Interstate 10. The campus is a 20-minute drive from downtown San Antonio and a 15-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. The Convo is visible from Loop 1604, and exit signs mark the way off I-10. This highway intersection has become one of the most congested in the city, however, so consider that if you’re driving to the game. Once onsite, parking is plentiful – just take care not to park in any restricted areas. The city’s mass transit option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , also has several bus routes to and from campus if that’s the direction you want to take.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for UTSA volleyball start at $10 for general admission seating. When you couple this with the low cost of concessions and the free parking, you’re getting a great bargain. The American Athletic Conference offers up quite a few quality volleyball programs, all of which will make an appearance or two at the Bird Cage throughout the season – it’s a fun experience and is easy on your bank account.   Extras   3 UTSA offers up a lot of the traditional pageantry that most schools have for their volleyball games – the UTSA Cheer Squad mans the area along the baselines and tosses t-shirts to the crowd after big set points, while beloved UTSA mascot Rowdy can be found interacting with fans and taking photos all throughout the game. The Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA) Marching Band  can also be found in the stands, performing the fight song and the alma mater. It’s not a lot, but it all adds to the atmosphere and energy of the crowd.   Final Thoughts Even though I’m an alum and a fan of all things UTSA, I haven’t been to many volleyball games over the years. My knowledge of the sport is admittedly limited. However, I had a fun time on my most recent visit, though I admit that a lot of my good feelings toward the historic Convo are tied to memories of the good old days. Pulling off my orange and blue tinted glasses, however, my opinion of the Convocation Center doesn’t change – it’s got charm, it’s got history, and when it’s got fans in the stands, it gives off great energy. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it needs to belong on anyone’s bucket list, you could do a lot worse than taking in a volleyball game at the Bird Cage. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stephen B. Dolny Stadium 419 Montague Avenue Greenwood, SC 29649 Lander Bearcats website Stephen B. Dolny Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 750 Lander Bearcats Established in 1872 as Williamston Female College and later renamed Landers College in 1907, athletics at what is now Lander University would not start up until 1968 with the men’s and women’s basketball programs. Initially a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Landers would become a charter member of the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference, formed in 1990. The Peach Belt Conference stretches along the southern coast with teams in North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Lander University is about 30 miles north of the South Carolina border with Georgia in the small town of Greenwood. While relatively small in population (approximately 22,000), the city of Greenwood has an impressive list of notable one-time residents including Benjamin Mays, former mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Hootie Johnson, past chairman of the Augusta National; former Wichita State men’s basketball coach Gregg Marshall; and a slew of NFL players, most notably Ben Coates, Super Bowl champion tight end with the New England Patriots.   Food & Beverage   4 The concession stand here is located outside of Dolny Stadium, centrally providing concessions for baseball along with the nearby venues. The lodge-style building stands separate from the baseball and softball stadiums; the building housing the concession stand features a deck that overlooks the softball stadium, offering fans the chance to check out the action before returning to the baseball game. The concessions offer many options from Chick-fil-A sandwiches and hot dogs to chili dogs and nachos with a choice of cheese, chili, or both. Candy, chips, and other snacks are also available. The beverage options at Dolny Stadium are extensive, including bottled and fountain Pepsi products and Aquafina water. For those looking for alcoholic beverages, the stand offers Michelob Ultra, White Claw, and bottle-poured wine. Also, Lander University has its own branded golden ale, Bearcat Brew, from the Greenwood craft brewery Good Times Brewing.   Atmosphere   3 Dolny Stadium has a rather open feel to it, with only a small brick press box around the top of the seating bowl – the field is pretty much visible from any vantage point around the concourse. Chairback seats run 5 to 7 rows deep from the cut of the outfield grass. For those who might prefer to spread out a bit, or for kids to run and release a bit of pent-up energy, a small grassy berm of seating runs down the first baseline. In addition, a handful of picnic tables dot the concourse that runs behind the seating bowl. Dolny Stadium uses brick support columns and a brick backstop, which seamlessly complement finished wooden support beams in the seating behind the home plate. The combination of wood, brick, and blue stadium seats makes for a nicely presented facade. A chain link fence, with fence supports framed with padding, creates the wall from left field around to center. The wall is a bit short of the standard dimensions with left field at 325’ and 365’ to the left-center power alley; the center field runs at 401’. The outfield wall from the center around to the right is more of a typical padded fence backed with a large retaining wall. With a road that runs atop the wall, the right field distances are a touch short at 355’ to the right center power alley, while the right field goes 320’. A typical inning-by-inning scoreboard sits atop the retaining wall beyond the right-centerfield fence. There are not a lot of distractions by way of sound effects, other than some quips interjected during mound visits from the press box. Inning changes are kept simple, typically filled with either rock or country music as the pitcher comes out to warmups to begin each half-inning. When it comes to the seating at Dolny Stadium, there isn't a bad seat in the house. The seating bowl is right on top of the action, allowing fans to almost feel as if they are part of the game. The seats behind the home plate provide the most shade and cover from any potential sun or rain in the forecast. Several fans also choose to bring their foldable chairs, to sit along the back of the last row of stadium seats.   Neighborhood   4 Dolny Stadium is part of Jeff Mays Sports Complex which also includes Doug Spears Softball Field and Van Taylor Soccer Stadium. The proximity of these facilities allows fans to check out other games that might be going on. The Mays Sports Complex is located just off the Lander campus, under a mile from the oak-lined Main Street that runs through downtown Greenwood. Visitors will find several shops and restaurants along Main Street – Mill House Pizza, Howard’s on Main, Kickers Takeout, Buenavista, Montague’s, and Southern Soul on Main all come highly recommended. Those looking for a taste of the local microbrew scene might find Sled Dawg Brewery or Good Times Brewing of interest, both just off Main Street. Closer to May Sports Complex, visit the Dixie Drive-In for a throwback burger dive experience.   Fans   3 Lander University ranks in the top half of the Peach Belt Conference in attendance, with just a tick under 200 fans per game .  Fans are vocally supportive of the Bearcats, but in all appear to be on the same side.  As expected, borderline calls can create a bit of a buzz in the stands, but it is nothing that would not be seen from any typical fanbase.   Access   3 Without direct interstate access to Greenwood, visitors heading to Lander’s Dolny Stadium face a bit of a drive. The most traveled roads in the area, I -26 to the east, I-85 on the west, or I-385 coming from the north, leave at least an hour’s drive on state or US highways. Once at Jeff May Complex, most parking is toward the back of the facility, which should suffice if there is just one event going on, but with multiple fields hosting events simultaneously, there might be some competition for prime parking spots. Lots are near Dolny Stadium, so other than navigating the stairs leading to the front entrance, accessing the stadium is straightforward – those needing the assistance of ramps will want to look to the sloped area along the first baseline for easier entry into the facility. The concourse of the stadium runs behind the seating bowl and is reasonably easy to get around, but does not continue around the whole field; rather it horseshoes around home plate and up to the cut of the outfield grass. Since the concession stand and restrooms are shared with the other facilities within the complex, fans do have to exit the stadium to reach them. The field is visible the whole time, however, so the amount of the game missed is minimal.   Return on Investment   5 Admission to Lander baseball games is $5 for fans 13 and up, with kids 12 and under free. Concession prices are very reasonable as well and will not break the bank; even alcohol prices are more in line with what would be paid at a pub, more so than an inflated stadium price. And with free parking, Bearcat baseball is an extremely affordable experience.   Extras   3 The outfield wall recognizes the Bearcat’s Peach Belt regular season championships and NCAA Division II tournament appearances in 2012, 2014, and 2016, as well as their 2014 and 2016 trips to the D2 College World Series. With Dolny Stadium’s proximity to the softball and lacrosse fields, it is easy to come for a baseball game and stay for a lacrosse or softball game. The Capsugel walking/jogging track runs 4/5ths of a mile through and around Jeff May Complex. Not only does this give fans a bit of an opportunity to get some exercise in, but fans can do so while keeping up with the scores of the various games around the facility – the track is open year-round for community members to take advantage of.   Final Thoughts Dolny Stadium gives fans a comfortable baseball experience in an intimate setting, at a wonderful complex that promotes the simultaneous support of multiple Lander University athletic programs. Baseball at Lander University can be much more than just a baseball experience. Jeff May Complex brings together an entire community and athletic department and gives fans an easy opportunity to check in on the status of other games going on, and possibly stick around a bit longer than planned for tight games that might be reaching their conclusion.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 HSR Classic 12 Hours website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 Pistons and Props in Sebring Far removed from the chaos of the annual IMSA race weekend in March , the HSR Classic 12 “Pistons and Props” event features a whole different atmosphere. Held each year in late fall, this race showcases Sebring’s history and mixes in a little bit of air show with race cars. Food & Beverage   4 There is no shortage of food vendors around the track at Sebring – from the main paddock and the ever-popular Track Shack (get The Beast for $15…it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and used to be only known on the secret menu at Sebring) to the various drink and snack stops around the track, you never have to go too far to get something to quench your thirst or ease the pain of hunger. The cost of everything is also what one may consider being moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. The event also invites several food trucks to the event as well, which are set up near the paddock area.   Atmosphere   4 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. The HSR weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours , and everyone here seems to be there to have a great time. The track lacks many conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level race facility, but makes up for it with viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is also included all weekend, something not always open to smaller events. Perhaps the highlight of the event is the historic warbird fly-in on Friday night – vintage warplanes arrive from Sebring Airport and taxi down the track’s backstretch before being staged for the weekend in the pre-grid area. After this, fans are allowed into the grid to check out the planes up close until they leave Sunday morning. Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying the whole weekend.   Fans   3 The fans at HSR weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including IMSA  and the SVRA & Trans-Am SpeedTour events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it.   Access   3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams help take you from parking lots farther away from the main grandstands and paddock to points of interest around the track. You never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to points of interest throughout the weekend. Also, any fan can come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars who are in attendance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to the HSR event here are much less expensive than IMSA’s 12 Hours in March   – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of the race cars of yesteryear without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, this is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access is much more up close than traditional races you may go to. Single day tickets (Saturday $30, Sunday $20), 2-day tickets ($45), 3-day tickets ($55), and 4-day tickets ($65) are all available for purchase. Unreserved RV parking is also available for $100 for the full event.   Extras   4 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the race weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for one of the year's biggest races. Also, before the main event on Saturday, all the teams bring their cars out to the false grid before the race starts, so fans can come and see the cars and drivers up close, next to the vintage planes, before the racers head out onto the track. Final Thoughts The Pistons and Props event is a highlight of the Sebring calendar, and many local race fans show up to watch vintage racing at its best; the bonus of vintage warbirds only amplifies the value of this event. Like the HSR Classic 24 at Daytona , racecar fans of all ages can no doubt find something to get excited about here.

Photos by Will Halern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Kenan Memorial Stadium 78 Stadium Dr Chapel Hill, NC 27514 North Carolina Tar Heels website Kenan Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 50,500 Carolina Blue Beacon on the Hill The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, founded in 1788, was the first public university in the United States to enroll students, doing so in 1795. Exactly a century after its founding, UNC launched its football program. The Tar Heels is a state nickname dating back to the Civil War. North Carolina is now known as the Tar Heel State, and with the Chapel Hill campus being the state’s flagship university it only made sense to adopt the nickname. From 1888 until 1921 the school competed independently, after which they spent the next three decades as part of the Southern Conference, before becoming a charter member of The Atlantic Coast Conference in 1953; the Tar Heels are ACC members to this day. The Tar Heels first played at Emerson Field, about a half-mile from Kenan Memorial Stadium, on the site of what is now Davis Library, which is UNC’s main library. The stadium only held 2,400 fans and it was clear the team needed a bigger place to play, so in 1927 Kenan Memorial Stadium opened. The stadium has been renovated and updated over the years, most notably in 2011 when the stadium was enclosed, and in 2018 when most of the bleacher seats were replaced with individual seats, dropping the capacity from 62,582 to 50,500. The stadium is now close to a hundred years old, but still looks modern, while at the same time keeping some of the original charm. Food & Beverage 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium offers a variety of food and beverage choices to keep everyone attending a Tar Heels Football game happy. The main concessions stands offer a Chick-fil-A sandwich and chips combo for seven dollars, a Hunt Brothers pepperoni or cheese pizza for six dollars, a Backyard Bistro Half Pound Angus Cheeseburger and Chips combo for seven dollars, or a Kayem Jumbo Hot Dog for five dollars Pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, and candy are also offered, and you can get a regular fountain Coca-Cola for five dollars, with a souvenir cup for just a dollar more. If the lines at the main concessions stands are moving slowly, then Hunt Brothers Pizza and Chick-fil-A also have their own stands offering the same items, with the addition of a full Hunt Brothers Pizza for twenty dollars if you are feeling especially hungry. There is also a Gourmet Pretzel stand, and if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, check out Trash Talk Food Truck, which offers Trash Plates for twelve dollars, where you can pick a cheeseburger, hot dog, or both on top of macaroni salad, home fries, and topped with mustard, onions, and Trash Meat Sauce. The truck also offers chicken sandwiches and burgers or hot dogs with various toppings. Frozen Minute Maid Lemonade, Dippin’ Dots, and Ben and Jerry’s with six different ice cream choices are offered for dessert. The trend in some college football stadiums recently has been the introduction of adult beverages, and Kenan Memorial Stadium now offers domestic beer including Bud Light and Coors for eight dollars, and premium beer including Corona and Blue Moon for ten dollars. Atmosphere 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium has always had great views of the field, as the front rows of the stadium are only a few feet from the field, and even in the nosebleeds you get a great view of the action. Beginning last season Kenan Memorial Stadium eliminated all bleacher seating except for the student section behind the West End Zone, and replaced them with individual chairback seating, making for a more comfortable game day experience. The North Carolina Cheerleaders, Rameses (the Tar Heels ram mascot), and the Marching Tar Heels band also add to the energy in Kenan Memorial Stadium. In addition, there are two decent-sized rectangular video boards, hanging behind each end zone, which is a nice touch to give fans on either side of the stadium a chance to view promotions, contests, or instant replays. There is a large amount of premium seating, with some behind the south stands (on the side with the UNC logo facing the correct way), but the majority are in the Blue Zone area behind the East End Zone. The only downside is getting up to the second levels, which requires a walk up a couple of flights of narrow stairs to a narrow concourse, which is divided into sections and does not go all the way around the stadium, so make sure to read the signage so as not to climb up and down the stairs multiple times to find your section. Neighborhood 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium is located right in the heart of UNC’s campus. Chapel Hill is a college town in the truest sense of the definition, as the town of Chapel Hill and UNC are interwoven. A few blocks from the stadium you will find Franklin Street, Chapel Hill’s main drag, filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. The first place to grab a bite would be Top of the Hill, a great combination of local southern cuisine with a twist – they offer Chicken and Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Edamame Burgers, and Cajun Pork Benedict, which you can top off with a Crème brûlée Cheesecake for dessert. Sutton’s Drug Store is another place to check out – opened nearly a century ago they offer breakfast, hot dogs, sandwiches, and milkshakes, all at a great price in an old-time friendly setting. Chapel Hill offers a number of bars as well, including He’s Not Here, Goodfellows, and Boxcar Barcade, so you’re never too far from a place to grab a drink or a fun spot to hang out before or after the game. Chapel Hill may be a college town, but there is more within the town limits than the university. For those who enjoy being outside on a late summer or crisp fall day, take a stroll around the Coker Arboretum or the North Carolina Botanical Gardens, or catch a show at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center – this is among the oldest and largest planetariums in the country, and has been a fixture on the UNC Campus for seventy years. The Tar Heels also have a rich basketball tradition, so check out the Carolina Basketball Museum next door to the Dean E. Smith Center , popularly known as the Dean Dome. Or, for those who enjoy shopping head east on Franklin Street to University Place, a small shopping mall with a movie theatre, or for a more hip feel, take Franklin Street going west to neighboring Carrboro, where you can get some breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Elmo’s Diner. You can then explore the rest of Carr Mill Mall, a shopping mall converted from an old cotton mill, or the adjacent Weaver Street Market, a fair trade and organic farmer’s market and Co-Op. Or, perhaps you can catch a show at the Carrboro Arts Center or at Cat’s Cradle, a haven for up-and-coming and/or indie national touring acts – you can do all of this within ten minutes of Kenan Memorial Stadium. There are a couple of chain hotels, the AC by Marriott and Aloft Chapel Hill, both less than two miles from Kenan Memorial Stadium, but if you are looking for something more luxurious, both the Franklin Hotel and the Historic Carolina Inn are located less than a mile from the stadium. These two are likely to fill up fast, however, so make sure to book ahead of time if you know you are going to be in town for a game; there are also a number of other hotels in nearby Durham if you don’t mind a short commute. Fans 4 There is no doubt that Tar Heel fans are among the most passionate in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but in the last few years the Heels have fallen on some tough times, Kenan Memorial Stadium averaged just over three-quarters full during the 2017 season, good for tenth in a fourteen-team conference. However, in 2018 attendance rose dramatically from 76.65% to 86.38%, which happened in part due to the stadium’s capacity going down nearly 13,000 in the off-season. However, with a new coach and a program on the rise, enthusiasm for Carolina Football is going up. The game I most recently attended was the battle for the Victory Bell against hated rival the Duke Blue Devils , and the fans were loud and passionate, and weren’t afraid to let it be known when they disagreed with an official’s or coach’s decision. With a stadium that seems to be at about the right size, and a more comfortable experience now, Kenan Memorial Stadium will continue to assert itself as one of the best atmospheres, and one of the toughest places to play, in the ACC. Access 4 Getting to and from Kenan Memorial Stadium can be a little tricky. There is some heavy traffic, as is only to be expected at a lot of college football stadiums. However, with its location close to the center of UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus, and the large amounts of public transportation, you can park anywhere you want. The closer lots to the stadium on East and West Rosemary Streets will cost you twenty dollars, but you can use the spots the entire day, so you can arrive early and stay late, and take in all that Chapel Hill has to offer. There are also a number of lots around UNC’s campus that will cost you no more than $12.20, and many of them you can pay for in advance, so you don’t have to worry about having the exact cash needed to park. Some of these lots include the Hibbard and South Chiller Lot, with the cheapest being the Cameron-Graham Lot that will only cost you $6.75; handicap parking is available at the Ambulatory Care lot on Mason Farm Road. There are also numerous buses that will take you to the stadium, including the J, A, U, and the Tar Heel Express, all free of charge, like all of Chapel Hill’s Transit buses. Chapel Hill does not have any official bus or train stations, so if you are coming from out of town, you’ll need to take a bus or train to either the Durham Amtrak or Greyhound Stations, or Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Luckily all of those options are within a half hour of the stadium, and you can take a number of Go Triangle Buses from any of those locations. The 400 bus will take you from downtown Durham (where the Amtrak and Greyhound stations are) to Chapel Hill, and if you’re coming from the airport, taking the 100 to the 700 will get you to Kenan Memorial Stadium for $2.25 each way. There are several gates all around the facility, and while lines can be a bit long, you won’t have to wait too long to get into the stadium. Walking around the concourse can be a little bit tight, but not terribly hard. Handicap seating is available in sections 100, 112-119, or 131. The restrooms are showing their age a bit, but are well kept and fairly clean. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for games start at $20-$25 and go up to $50-$55 depending on the game. Food prices and parking aren’t too bad, so depending on where you want to sit, park, and how much food you buy, it shouldn’t cost any more than fifty dollars to attend a UNC Football game, which given the level of competition of playing in the ACC, a Division 1 Power Five Conference, is a good value. Extras 5 The first point goes to the Belltower Tailgating Area, where you’ll find some great tailgaters decked out in Carolina Blue, convening, playing some corn hole, listening to some tunes, and cheering on the Carolina football team, all under the beautiful Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower. Speaking of which, a second point goes to the bell tower being lit up in Carolina Blue after a win. Another point goes to the Victory Walk, where fans can cheer on the team as they walk with the Marching Tar Heels band and the cheerleaders to Kenan Memorial Stadium – the walk starts at the bell tower two and a half hours prior to kickoff. A fourth point is for the playing of AC/DC’s Hell’s Bells and Eric Church’s Carolina before the start of the fourth quarter, bringing more energy to an already energetic Carolina fan base, and finally a point for the large Tar Heel Team Store located inside the stadium, where you can get all your Tar Heel apparel without having to leave Kenan. Final Thoughts Kenan Memorial Stadium has been home to North Carolina Football for the past ninety-two years, but it would be easy to forget its age due to the recent renovations, including its new chairback seats and its two new large video boards. Mack Brown’s return to the program has given new life to Tar Heel Football after a recent dry spell, and in playing in a division as wide open as the ACC’s Coastal, the hope of competing for the ACC Championship as they did in 2015 could soon be on the horizon. Chapel Hill may always be known for basketball, but Kenan Memorial Stadium should be the backdrop for many future Carolina football victories, and put the program back on the map.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 NOW Arena 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 Windy City Bulls website NOW Arena website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 8,700 Bulls at Now The NOW Arena (originally known as the Sears Centre, Sears Centre Arena) is a multi-purpose 11,800-seat arena (8,700 for basketball) in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Hoffman Estates is a northwest suburb 25 miles (40 km) from Chicago (approximately a one-hour drive from downtown Chicago). The land formerly contained the former Poplar Creek Music Theater. Since 2016, the arena has been home to the Windy City Bulls, the Chicago Bulls affiliate in the NBA G League. The arena has a horseshoe-shaped seating area (seating on three sides of the court). Food & Beverage 2 The arena has two main concession stands in the building. One on each side of the arena. Prices at the stands are reasonable for arena fare. There is not much of a selection here. A review of the prices for the most popular items includes chicken tenders with fries ($7), Italian beef ($6), nachos ($5), pizza ($5), cheeseburger ($5), cotton candy ($7), pretzel ($5), Vienna beef hot dogs ($4), Dippin Dots ($5 or $7), popcorn ($5), and candy/cookie ($3). The arena carries Coca-Cola brand beverages including bottled sodas ($6), lemonade ($5), and bottled water ($4). The best of this limited menu is the beef sandwich. Alcohol choices are pretty good in the arena. Domestic beers are Coors, Miller and Leinenkugel ($7), 3 Floyds Zombie Dust ($10), and Blue Moon ($8). Mixed drinks are $10, hard seltzers are either $7 or $14 depending on the brand. Note, buy your food early or wait until after the game starts because the lines are long and don’t move fast. Atmosphere 2 The inside of the arena is bland. In the concourse area, no paintings or references to former teams who played there on the walls. However, there are a couple of banners hanging from the rafters for events held there. The concourse area is wide so you are not bumping into people as you navigate to your seats. There is nothing to get excited about in here. The seats are close to the court and there is not a bad seat in the house. A “lounge” area (with no concessions) is open to the public if it is not rented out for the night. This is a good place to watch the game. There is a kid’s area on the open end of the arena which has a blowup pop-a-shot and slide and other activities, which is a delight for the young ones. Kid's Area at NOW Arena, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The “gift” shop is a pop-up area that is bigger than I expected. They have a great selection of t-shirts and hoodies (from about $25 to $75), etc. There is not much in small stuff like magnets, cards, etc… One interesting item I saw was game-used basketballs ($100). If you are looking to get a picture or autograph of “Gus T. Bull,” the mascot, you can pretty much forget it. He doesn’t go into the crowd much. There is a selfie station which is cool. You get to choose your background and then the picture will get e-mailed to you. Oddly, one of the backgrounds is not the Windy City Bulls court. One scoreboard is on the open end of the arena. The size is normal for this sized arena and the information displayed on the board during the game is informative. The activities between time outs are the usual stuff like a local cheer / dance team doing a routine. Of course, the game day operations provide some basketball related contests too. Neighborhood 2 There is not much of a neighborhood near the arena. A couple of strip malls are a few blocks from the arena that has a few restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Coopers Hawk, Kyoto Japanese, Pinstripes, and Rookies Bar and Grill. If you are looking for food and drink before the game the place to go is Rookies . They have a diverse menu at reasonable prices. The closest hotel is a Holiday Inn Express , about a half mile from the arena. Fans 2 The fans there are mostly parents with their young kids. While the place was about half full at the time of this review, the crowd was dead. Very few people are “into the game.” There is little excitement about the product on the court. Access 3 The arena has more than 4,700 parking spaces around the facility. It is very easy to access the Now Arena from I-90 via exits at Sutton Road or Beverly Road. If you arrive later, the parking lot lines can be long. Walking or taking public transportation, rail or bus, to the arena is not a viable option as the public transportation spots are far from the arena. Parking is $12 which is steep for developmental league basketball. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for Windy City Bulls games are $10 in the sections at the end of the courts and $20 for the sections even with the court, which is the majority of the seats. Floor level tickets range from $50 to $100 depending on the location. . Extras 2 An extra point is for the Spin the Wheel game. Though it is pricey at $10 a spin. There are some really good prizes such as a bobblehead, t-shirts, scarf, foam finger, ticket vouchers, and a “mystery box” (which on this night included a t-shirt and fitted hat. Spin The Wheel at NOW Arena, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The arena gets an extra point for having two banners for the All-Elite Wrestling All-Out events held there. The pro-wrestling company had its first pay-per-view event in this arena. Final Thoughts While the atmosphere is not very exciting, based upon reasonable pricing and decent basketball, if you are a basketball fan, this is a good night out. Just be prepared to run into and hear a bunch of kids.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena 25 Hester St. Hamilton, ON L9A 2Nc Hamilton Kilty B's website Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 2,500 The Kilty Buzz On the Mountain in Hamilton, there is a little shrine to one of their favourite hockey sons. Dave Andreychuk was a star for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams. In his final season in the NHL, he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win their first Stanley Cup. Andreychuk is a product of his hometown Hamilton hockey system, and the Mountain Arena now also bears his name. A hockey hub for the “Mountain,” the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena was built in 1966 and boasts a capacity of 2,500.  Renovations have been completed on the arena over the years, including replacing the old wooden seats with plastic stadium seats salvaged from Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, former home of the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Blue Jays.  One of the additions includes a figure skating rink. The Junior B level of hockey in Ontario has a presence in Hamilton.  The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League has the Hamilton Kilty B’s, a traditional Hamilton hockey name, as part of the league.  The arena was also the home of the Hamilton Fincups and Hamilton Steelhawks of the OHL and Hamilton Red Wings of the OJHL.  The Red Wings began as a Junior B team in 1973 and played as the Kilty B’s from 1977 to 2002.  The current Kilty B’s organization began as the Junior C, Stoney Creek Warriors.  They earned four titles and moved up to Junior B in 1994 and were renamed the Stoney Creek Spirit.  After returning to the Warriors moniker, they moved to Ancaster in 2013 and then to Hamilton in 2015, just after the departure of the Hamilton Red Wings.  The Red Wings franchise held the rights to the historic Kilty B’s brand and was sold to the current owner to bring the buzz back to Hamilton. Food & Beverage 2 A small snack bar can be found on the south side of the arena, behind the seating bowl. Simple options include chips, chocolate bars, and popcorn. Coca-Cola products are available, as well as a small selection of mainstream domestic beer. Vending machines are also available in the halls at ice level.  Concession prices are very good as compared to major sporting venues. Atmosphere 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is a throwback from a different time with a few comfort upgrades. It is part of a larger complex with a figure skating ice surface.  The main entry for the arena is on the parking lot side behind Hester Street.  The exterior is low profile with tan brick with light accents.  Both the front and rear have Kilty B’s markings, alerting fans that this is the home of Hamilton’s Junior B squad. Upon entering the building from the east side, fans enter a small lobby that is a shrine to Dave Andreychuk.  The lobby is littered with pictures of Andreychuk from different teams, a collage outlining his journey to the Stanley Cup, and some of his career stats.  Another collage outlines his experience playing youth hockey in Hamilton, and a framed jersey from his number retirement by the Oshawa Generals is also prevalent.  Temporary tables welcome fans for purchasing tickets and 50/50 tickets.  Fans must ascend the stairs to reach the seating area, which is made up of up to seven rows of older blue stadium seats. The seats themselves have repurposed seats from the former Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, the former home of the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts. The repurposing is similar to what was done at Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto and the fields at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ontario. The ice surface runs from east to west, with the best spot for the center ice logo picture on the north side. The love for Dave Andreychuk continues inside the arena with his honored number 8 from Hamilton Youth Hockey, as well as highlights of his NHL career.  The west side of the arena features Kilty B’s logo and the 50th anniversary logo.  The arena has a low profile ceiling with trussed support beams across the building, painted black.  In each of the four corners, the top rows still have the original seats, and behind the wooden seats are small replica boards with class, perfect for playing mini-stick hockey on the other side.  Above centre ice is the skinniest four-sided score clock ever seen in a hockey rink, designed to minimize pucks hitting scoreboards.  The PA system is pretty good, and the announcements are clear to understand. The gameday production is fairly simple, but not unlike other Junior B teams.  The Kilty mascot, Stinger, traverses the crowd and attempts to lead some cheers with the aid of a small drum.  Kilty B’s goals are marked with a fog horn, similar to the one used by Andreychuk’s Buffalo Sabres.  Simple promotions like a 50/50 draw are part of the game. Neighbourhood 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon Neighbourhood on Hamilton’s Mountain.  It is south of Central Hamilton.  There are a few spots for food and drink in the immediate neighbourhood.  Some options include La Spaghett Pasta House, Charlie’s Chopsticks and Garden Kitchen. There are other sporting options in Hamilton, most notably the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.  The McMaster Marauders field football and basketball teams among others and the Hamilton Cardinals of IBL play in the summer months.  Hamilton’s main arena, FirstOntario Centre, is closed as of 2024 for a year or two for major renovations.  Other tourist options include Upper Chedoke Falls, Royal Botanical Gardens and Canadian Heritage Warplane Museum.  Mountain Arena is located in a fairly residential area.  Fans wanting to stay near the arena may select the Courtyard Hamilton. Fans 3 The Hamilton Kilty B’s have shown some improvement in fan support.  In the  2023-2024 season the Kilty B’s attracted an average of 470 fans per game.  This was an improvement from the previous year and the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs moving to Brantford may be a partial explanation for the increase.  The Kiltys ranked 7th in attendance in the 20 team OJHL.  Thursdays are typically Kiltys night.  However, with a building capacity of 2,500 it will take more than 400 fans to make a positive impact on the atmosphere.  The fans in attendance are pretty quiet and reserved, similar to most other Ontario fans.   Access 4 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon neighbourhood on the Hamilton Mountain.  It is less than 1 km north of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway and east of Highway 403.  It is on the north side of Hester Street between Upper James Street and Ronald Shay Avenue.  Getting to the arena is not too difficult, however, traffic on Highway 403 near Highway 6 can be busy during the post work hours.  There is plenty of parking onsite that is free.  For those fans interested in public transit, there are Hamilton Transit buses that travel Upper James. Fans should consult the Hamilton Transit website for maps, fares and schedules.  Getting around the arena comes with the challenges of any older venue and the washrooms are pretty small, although that should not be a big issue given the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment at a Hamilton Kilty B’s game is very high.  Adult tickets go for $10 each, cash at the door.  Students and seniors are only $5 and kids under 7 are free.  Concession prices are low and parking at the arena is free.  The on ice product is strong and fans will have a good time at the game, especially if they like Dave Andreychuk.  The history and old school feel of the venue is a bonus. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena as a shrine to this Hamilton hockey product. An extra mark for the repurposed seats from Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium. An extra mark for the ownership group rescuing the traditional Hamilton Kilty B’s brand. Final Thoughts Taking in some GOJHL hockey at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is not only a great opportunity to check out some history at a classic venue, but also getting to see a strong hockey program with a traditional brand.  It seems that the Hamilton Kilty B’s may just have the Steel City buzzing! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photo courtesy of Tulane Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Yulman Stadium Ben Weiner Dr New Orleans, LA 70118 Tulane Green Wave website Yulman Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 30,000 Waving At Yulman Stadium New Orleans has long been known as a party town, a foodie’s heaven, and a jazz lover’s nirvana. It is quickly becoming a sports town as well, with the Saints, Pelicans, and the Tulane all on the upswing. Tulane has gone to bowl games for three years straight… a first in the school’s history. Tulane is a private university located in the Uptown New Orleans neighborhood, near to the Garden District, located 3.5 miles from the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. It was founded in 1834 and today more than 14,000 students take classes on its lovely tree-lined campus. The sports teams are known as the Green Wave, made famous by a song that appeared in the Tulane student newspaper back in the 1920s. Since it is impossible to depict a wave as a mascot, Tulane has Riptide the Pelican to roam its sidelines. The pelican is the state bird for Louisiana. Tulane football games returned to the campus in 2014, after playing for 40 seasons at the Superdome. Tulane’s original on-campus football stadium was Tulane Stadium, informally known as the “Sugar Bowl,” which held more than 80,000 fans and served the school from 1925- 1974. It also served as the site for the Sugar Bowl postseason bowl game. It was torn down in 1975 and replaced by student housing. Tulane has a long history in football as it first fielded a team in 1893. Tulane’s present stadium, Yulman Stadium, opened in 2014 with a capacity of 30,000. Richard Yulman, a Tulane alumnus, donated $15 million towards its construction cost. Tom Benson, the late owner of the New Orleans Saints, also contributed $7.5 million to the building of the facility and the playing field bears his name. Tulane is a member of the American Athletic Conference, which includes teams like SMU, Memphis, UCF, and Cincinnati. Food & Beverage 5 New Orleans is very proud of its reputation as one of the gastronomic capitals of the U.S., if not the world. This is quite evident in the food available at Yulman Stadium. The Glazer Family Club has its own menu for the more monied alumnus of the school, but students and the general public are not slighted in the offerings at the Tailgate Village, Athletes Plaza, or inside the stadium. The concessions goal at Yulman Stadium is to “provide game fare, with a focus on local specialty flavors.” This means you will have an opportunity to enjoy dishes including fried chicken with Louisiana Pepper Butter Sauce, Petit Po’Boy sandwiches, red beans and sausage with white rice, and mini muffulettas or crawfish meat nachos. In addition, Yulman Stadium does allow the sale of alcoholic beverages. Choices include both domestic, craft, and international beers, as well as wine. Of course, if you want a hot dog and a Coke… that is available as well. Atmosphere 4 Yulman Stadium provides fans with a much more intimate atmosphere than was possible at either the Sugar Bowl or the Superdome. The stadium’s capacity of 30,000 was necessary as neighborhoods have replaced the open fields that existed in earlier times. In order to be a good neighbor, the stadium is designed as a low-profile structure so that it does not tower over the surrounding residential streets. Special lighting standards were followed so that the neighborhoods were not impacted by the tremendous lighting towers found at most stadiums. The venue offers several unique features designed to please the deep-pocketed alums as well as members of the public and the student body. The top of the line Glazer Family Club features 1,500 chairback seats with two club rooms that overlook the 50-yard line. Membership in this area of the stadium includes a sports bar and an enhanced menu of food on the buffet. The Westfeldt Terrace is a roof-protected open-air section with 3,000 seatbacks which provides a panoramic view of downtown New Orleans. There are also party decks that are open to anyone with a ticket. The outside of Yulman Stadium features the Athlete’s Plaza, which hosts both pre and post-game celebrations with music provided by a live jazz band. Neighborhood 4 Tulane is located in the Garden District of New Orleans. It is known for its beautiful houses, which typically have courtyards filled with beautiful gardens. Many of these homes are available for tours. Another major attraction in the Garden District is the Audubon Park and Zoo. This is the New Orleans version of Central Park and is well worth the visit. There are numerous art galleries in the area as well as many smaller restaurants. Fans 4 The return to campus has resulted in the rebirth of the Tulane football fan. It has allowed students, alumni, and parents to gather together for a day-long social celebration followed by the football game. This has resulted in increased interest in the program and a sea of green, blue, and white in the stands, instead of empty seats. Fans begin a game day more than four hours before kickoff under a sea of tents known as the Tailgate Village, The Village is located on the Newcomb and Berger Family Lawns (actually quads on the tree-covered campus). Set-ups can be as plain or as fancy as a group wants them to be. We’ve been to The Grove at Ole Miss, and take it from us, the Tulane tailgate experience is in the same league. In addition to eating, drinking, and just enjoying each other’s company, Tulane provides plenty of amenities. The Tulane band stops by to serenade you. Local jazz bands play a set, the cheer squad leads some warmup cheers to build spirit and there is a family fun zone for the kids. A team store is also on-site to provide you with whatever Green Wave spirit supplies you may need. There is usually a theme to each game (i.e., Kids day, senior day, homecoming, etc.). Access 3 Parking is quite limited on the Tulane campus, and game day parking is prohibited on the neighborhood streets around the campus. Tulane has set up a system utilizing the parking lots at surrounding schools, churches, shopping centers, and private businesses with a free shuttle service providing rides to and from the campus on game days. This serves as a fundraiser for the sites providing parking and helps maintain good relationships between the neighborhoods and the school. If you are not toting a lot of tailgating supplies with you, a great New Orleans way to get to the game is via the St. Charles Streetcar. This allows you to view the many beautiful homes in the Midtown and Garden Districts as you make the trip from downtown New Orleans to the campus. The streetcar has a stop located directly in front of the Tulane campus and costs only $1.25 (correct change only) each way. After the game, you can stay on the streetcar on your return trip to check out other New Orleans hot spots like the Riverwalk and Bourbon Street. Return on Investment 3 New Orleans is a city that is heavily dependent on tourism, and as a result, it can be an expensive place to visit. Many B&Bs in the Garden District will have much less expensive rates than a downtown hotel would charge. Use public transportation to reach most of the big tourist attractions and save a bundle on parking. Museums in New Orleans are quite unique and often are free or have lower costs than other tourist attractions. The Tulane aspects of ROI are quite reasonable. With the exception of the Yulman Club seats, tickets are not expensive. Tickets behind the end zones are $5. If you want to sit on the side at the goal line, expect to pay $10. Tickets between the 40’s on the visitor’s side go for $35. The tickets on the home side of the field are predominately for season ticket holders. However, you can find upper deck seats on that side for $50 or you can splurge and pay $200 for lower-level seats. Parking varies from $10-$25 for lots surrounding the Tulane campus. The closer to campus, the more you will pay for parking . Extras 3 During the 2021 football season, proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test is required for admission. Tulane has revived an old tradition in covering the end zones with a green and white checkerboard design. This was one of the original elements the old Sugar Bowl Stadium was known for. Tulane games, especially early in the season, are held in the evening in order to beat the heat. This allows you plenty of time to visit the sites around the New Orleans area. Check out the Jax Brewery, Jackson Square, Mardi Gras World across the Mississippi River and then stop off at Café du Monde for one of their fabulous beignets. Final Thoughts New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the USA, with a decidedly European feel. A visit to a Tulane football game and the Garden District is a great way to get a feel for the sports side of the city. However, you are really cheating yourself if you come only for a game. Immerse yourself in all that New Orleans has to offer… you will feel it is money well spent.Laissez les bon temps roler!

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Taylor Stadium 181 Research Park Dr Columbia, MO 65203 Missouri Tigers website Taylor Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 3,031 Mizzou’s Tigers……. They’re Grrrrrrreat! The University of Missouri has a storied athletic history with the very successful Norm Stewart years in basketball to the most recent championships in the form of the Missouri Tigers football team and their early success as the newest member of the SEC’s eastern division. The move to the SEC not only meant tougher competition on the field, but off the field as well. Four SEC baseball stadiums including Carolina Stadium (South Carolina), Dudy Noble Stadium (Mississippi State), Baum Field (Arkansas), and Alex Box Stadium (LSU) were rated in the top ten college baseball experiences by Stadium Journey. The Mizzou Tigers call Ralph and Debbie Taylor/ Phi Delta Theta Stadium at Simmons Field (whew!) home. Most of the locals call it the Taylor for short. Taylor Stadium was built in 2002 and has a seating capacity for 3,031. It features a natural grass playing surface and has dimensions of 340 feet down the lines and 400 feet to straightaway center. In preparation for its move to the SEC, the stadium underwent a massive renovation in 2010. Amongst the improvements are increased seating capacity (with 537 seat back chairs), an expanded concession area and improved restroom facilities. Fan comfort is also taken into consideration as the updated design even cut down on the heavy crosswinds that are common in the Midwest. The exterior of the stadium also has a new look with red brick walls, green metal roof and black steel supports which compliment the surrounding MU athletic facilities. The baseball Tigers have a long history of success, with one National Championship, three appearances in the College World Series finals, six College World Series Tournaments and 22 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. They also have 20 conference championships from their years in the Big 8 and the Big 12. More than 40 Tiger baseball alums have made it to the MLB, including such familiar names as John Dettmer, Ian Kinsler, Max Scherzer, Art Shamsky, Mike Shannon, and Sonny Siebert. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions area is one of the areas where major renovations have been made and it shows. There are a large range of foods to pick from, including hot dogs, brats, burgers, pretzels, sunflower seeds, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, and soda. The prices are somewhat high, but the portions are huge. The checkout is centralized which makes a much more steady flow as the counter workers can concentrate on getting the food to you fast. The Tiger memorabilia and spirit shop in the stadium is also well stocked with a broad selection of merchandise. Atmosphere 4 Baseball in any part of Missouri is an event, and the same holds true for the atmosphere at Taylor Stadium. A nearly full house generates a lot of energy and the Tigers deliver. They even have their own chant, when a run scores, as the announcer goes M…I…Z and the crowd responds with a thunderous Z…O… UUUUUU! The folks at Mizzou also hold numerous promotions. My most recent visit was the last home game of the season and it was MU’s Baseball Alumni night with more than 50 former Tigers in attendance. It was also a “Girls Night Out” with sorority members given discounted tickets. A Friday night at a Tigers baseball game is something to remember! Neighborhood 4 The Taylor is located just off of the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Missouri. The campus of 35,000 students is designated as a botanical garden and the grounds are spectacular. The school was founded in in 1839 and was the first public university west of the Mississippi. It is known internationally as having one of the best Journalism Schools in the world. Taylor Stadium is located within the MU Sports Park, which includes the basketball, football, track and field and softball facilities. Columbia is a city of 115,000 people and is home to both Stephens College and Columbia College in addition to the University. As would be expected in a college town, the music and club scene is quite active. Among the more popular clubs in town are the 1839 Taphouse, Bengals Bar and Grill, and Harpo’s. Local restaurants favored by the locals include Shotgun Pete’s BBQ, the Flat Branch Brewery, and Addison’s American Grill. Also as a school with an agriculture program, Mizzou has an on campus dairy bar. Be sure to get a couple of scoops of the Tiger Stripe (vanilla ice cream with Dutch chocolate stripes running through it). Fans 4 One of the reasons that Missouri was accepted into the SEC is due to its rabid fan base. No matter what the sport, and no matter how far they have to travel for conference road games, Tiger fans will be there. The baseball stadium is usually 80%-100% full for every game. Fan support financially has also allowed the university to upgrade its sports facilities to be competitive with those available at their conference rivals. The stands are full of gold and back, and you will frequently see Truman (named for a certain Missouri-bred president) the Tiger mascot up in the stands and leading cheers. Access 4 Columbia is located in the geographic center of Missouri, halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City. It is easily accessible from I-70. Columbia Regional Airport is serviced by American Eagle, with flights to both St. Louis and Kansas City. Parking for baseball is free and is available in the General Public Lot between the football stadium and The Taylor, off Stadium Boulevard. Accessibility within the stadium is excellent thanks to the renovations of 2010. Return on Investment 4 Hotels in Columbia run from $72-$130 a night during non-event (graduation/football home games) dates. Tiger baseball tickets are $5 ($3 for children/seniors) and parking is free. The restaurants in Columbia run gamut from pizza palaces to fine dining and can cost between $5-$50. You are paying college town prices, not big city prices, when you visit Columbia. Extras 3 Due to its equidistant location between St Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is a great midway point in doing a 3-game baseball weekend. Many people have seen an afternoon Cardinals game, hopped in their cars to catch a night game in Columbia, spend the night and then head over to Kansas City for a Royals game on Saturday. Columbia also has a very active cultural district with plenty of museums, concert facilities, and art galleries to visit. An extra point is also awarded for the event staff at Mizzou games. The night I attended there was a baseball game, a women’s softball game (versus defending national champion, the University of Florida) and a track meet all being held within the Missouri sports complex. The event staff handled this with a professionalism you do not often see at the college level. They are friendly, welcoming and are great ambassadors for the university.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Duane Stadium 315 Turnpike Ave North Andover, MA 01845 Merrimack Warriors football website Duane Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 4,000 Warriors, Come Out and Play   Merrimack College is a private Augustinian college in the Boston suburb of North Andover. Founded in 1947 by the order of St. Augustine to educate soldiers returning from World War II, the school now boasts an enrollment of over 5,600 students in over 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Among Merrimack’s alumni is Charlie Day, best known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.   Duane Stadium is named in honor of Ken and Jincie Duane. Ken is a class of 1980 alumnus and was a member of the school’s hockey and lacrosse teams. Mr. Duane served on the school’s Board of Trustees for several years. A contribution from the Duanes was instrumental in making the building of the facility possible.   The football program at Merrimack began play in 1996, competing at the Division Three level for one season before moving up to Division Two. In two-plus decades in D-2 the Warriors made the playoffs one time, advancing to the second round. In 2019 the entire Merrimack athletic program moved up to Division One, joining the Northeast Conference. When the Warriors moved to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in 2024, the football team was left without a conference, as the MAAC does not sponsor football. Merrimack is currently one of two independents competing in 2024. Over their first five seasons in Division One, Merrimack has posted a record of 24-23.   Food & Beverage 3   Merrimack Dining operates a food truck in the north end zone of Duane Stadium. A basic menu is available, consisting of burgers, dogs and nachos. Assorted snacks and beverages are also sold here. Pepsi products are featured, with coffee and hot chocolate popular items later in the season.   Seaboard Products runs a beer truck for Merrimack football games. They serve a selection of local craft brews, including “Together We Can,” a New England style IPA. The beer is the result of a collaboration between Merrimack and Riverwalk Brewing in Newburyport.   There’s a Dunkin’ Donuts in the nearby Merrimack Athletic Complex next door to Duane Stadium. It appears that fans can bring items from the Dunkin’ into the stadium.   Atmosphere 3   The game day atmosphere at Duane Stadium is fairly typical of other small college facilities in the northeast. The party starts in Lot M, directly behind the main grandstand. This lot is the only one on campus where tailgating is allowed. While there’s not usually a huge party scene here at Merrimack, if you visit during homecoming weekend, you can expect a great time.   Inside the stadium, all the usual elements can be found. The Merrimack band, cheerleading squad and dance team perform throughout the game. Mack the Warrior enters the game along with the team and spends his afternoons mingling with the fans. Music plays over a good sound system with a PA announcer who keeps fans informed of game information with a dash of personality. The scoreboard in the south end zone is put to good use with videos, graphics and replays.   There’s normally not a huge crowd at Merrimack football games, so this is hardly a loud and rowdy place. But many of the fans who do show up here have a personal connection with the players on the field, so they are enthusiastic in their support of the Warriors. Fans are friendly and you’ll feel welcomed even if wearing the opposing team’s colors.   Neighborhood 3     Merrimack College is located in North Andover, Massachusetts, a town of almost 31,000 residents located 25 miles north of Boston. North Andover is your typical bedroom community, with plenty of shops and restaurants for locals, but nothing that would classify the town as a “must see” destination.   While there are many options for lodging or dining within a short distance of the Merrimack campus, out of town visitors will most likely head towards Boston after the game.  Fans looking to avoid the big city price tags will find numerous choices within a few miles of the Merrimack campus along nearby Interstate 495.   Among the highlights near campus is Burton’s Grill & Bar and The Friendly Toast, a brunch spot featuring adult drinks and a creative menu. There’s a Holiday Inn Express on I-495 just a couple of miles from campus.   Fans 3   Crowds at Warrior football games generally run between 2,000-3,000 fans. If you visit Merrimack during Homecoming weekend, however, you can expect a standing-room only crowd. It was reported that on Homecoming Weekend 2024, over 15,000 people visited campus, filling Duane Stadium to capacity, with overflow crowds continuing the party in nearby Lot M.   As mentioned earlier, the fans at Duane Stadium are very supportive of the Warriors, if not overly loud and rowdy. It’s a fun place to take in a game. With the bulk of Merrimack’s schedule consisting of games against other New England teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans, who all sit on the same side of the field in the big grandstand.   Access 3     The Merrimack campus in North Andover is located 25 miles from downtown Boston near the intersection of Interstates 93 and 495.  While traffic can be heavy in this area, driving is the easiest way to get to Merrimack. There is an MBTA train that stops at the Andover station about four miles from campus. Once in Andover, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority  offers bus service to many local spots, including Merrimack College. Complete directions to Merrimack, including local dining and lodging options, can be found here .   Duane Stadium is located on the southern edge of campus, adjacent to Lawler Rink , Hammel Court  and the other Merrimack athletic facilities. Lot M adjacent to the facility allows tailgating for a fee, with other lots located just a short walk from Duane Stadium. Most fans will find nearby parking in Lot H. A criticism of the accessibility of Merrimack is that the college blocks all entry points into the campus except for the one on Rockridge Road, forcing fans to circle the campus before entering, then making them wind their way through campus to find the stadium.   Fans entering Duane Stadium will find plenty of room to roam. Most of the seating is in the grandstand on the west side of the stadium. Seats in the grandstand between the forty-yard lines consist of individual stadium seats, with the remainder consisting of metal bleachers without backs. There is a walkway across the front of the grandstand, so it is recommended you avoid the first couple of rows. Standing room is available at several spots around Duane Stadium, primarily in the north end zone. There is a small observation deck on the east side of the stadium, which is reserved for VIPs, but this area was accessible for everyone on the afternoon of Stadium Journey’s visit.   Concession stands and rest rooms are located in the north end of the facility. Lines are generally not an issue at Duane Stadium.   Duane Stadium is a busy place, used for football, lacrosse, soccer and field hockey. Lines for all sports are on the turf and may be distracting for fans. The presence of the track around the outside of the football field pushes the seating further from the field than it would be otherwise.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Merrimack football games start at $20 for general admission or standing room tickets, maxing out at $30 for reserved chairback seats. Members of the military, senior citizens and youths under 12 all receive a five-dollar discount. Tailgate passes, which allow you to park in lot M adjacent to the stadium (the only lot where alcohol is allowed) can be purchased for $30-$50 depending on the game.   Other parking is available on campus at no charge. Concessions are reasonably priced, making an afternoon at Duane Stadium an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 1                                                                                                 There is a pop-up tent in the north end zone selling a variety of Merrimack merchandise, and a 50/50 raffle held to raise funds for the program. Fans may also want to check out the dedication plaque to Duane Stadium located on the east side of the stadium near the entrance.   Final Thoughts   Duane Stadium is a basic facility that is similar to many in the northeast. It suits the needs of the growing Merrimack football team well. While you won’t get the big-college experience here, what you will get is an affordable, fun place to watch some quality college football.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Josh Eastern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 ShoWare Center 625 W James St. Kent, WA 98032 Seattle Thunderbirds website ShoWare Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,500 T-Birds The Seattle Thunderbirds are a junior hockey league team that plays in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League. They play in the ShoWare Center located in Kent, WA which is about 30 minutes south of Seattle. It was opened in January of 2009. The Thunderbirds played at Mercer Arena before moving to Key Arena. In 2009, the T-Birds moved south to the ShoWare Center. It is a multi-purpose arena that is mostly used for hockey. It is a great setting for hockey. Food & Beverage 4 If you are thinking about having dinner at the ShoWare Center, you will be well off. The food selection at the ShoWare Center has a good mix of food. They have their regular concession stand food along with more unique stands. In the regular stand you have your basic hot dog, Coke products, popcorn, etc. What is a major turn-off are the prices. At a minor league hockey game I would expect the prices to be a little more reasonable, but they are very similar to prices at say Safeco Field in Seattle. Along with the regular concession stands, they have mini vendor stands that have more exquisite offerings. An example of this is at one stand they have a sliced beef sandwich that is a more gourmet offering compared to a hot dog. In addition, a mini coffee shop is offered with small snacks and coffee as well. Lastly, beer stands are offered all around. The downside to these small stands is that they are much more expensive. A sandwich is $10, which is definitely more than the regular stand. One thing that stands out is there are no in-seat vendors. During the intermissions, this makes the concourse very busy and makes for long lines. Atmosphere 4 The ShoWare Center is an ideal place to watch a WHL game. Because it is fairly new (opened in 2009), the amenities and the seats are all very comfortable which helps you to focus more on the game. When walking to the game, it isn’t a very long walk from the public parking lot (which is free), but it is across train tracks and past a long grassy “park” area. There isn’t a backdrop when looking at the stadium from the outside. When you get to the entrance, there are many doors that let you in, but there is only one way to get in and it is through the doors you see from the street. Inside the arena, the concourses are plenty big to navigate around. When I attended the game it was probably three-quarters full which gave zero issues when I was walking around the concourses. The lines for concessions do usually cut into the walking areas. All of the seating areas have their own separate tunnels and to get to the suite level, you ride the elevator or walk the stairs. About 80% of the stadium has regular nice, cushy seats. The other 20% is part of the retractable bleachers and those seats are very uncomfortable to sit in (sections 108-112). Otherwise, you are right up next to the glass on the ice. The bowl of the stadium is built a little steeper so you are closer to the action. The ShoWare Center does offer club seating across from the team benches. In addition, suites are at the top and range from goal to goal on either side of the ice. The scoreboard is nice and has a fairly good-sized video screen on all four sides. It does show the penalty time, shots on goal, time, and score. They show replays of key plays along with live game action. During breaks in play, there are mascot appearances and games/interviews with fans to keep them interested. After the second period there is the ‘Chuck the Puck’ game where you can throw 3 rubber pucks that you buy in the concourse and can try to win a car or other prizes. All in all, the atmosphere is a great one for WHL hockey. Neighborhood 3 The ShoWare Center is located in Kent, Washington, which is about 30 minutes south of Seattle. About 5 minutes walking distance from the arena is an area called Kent Station. Located here are lots of shops and restaurants where a lot of fans head to before the game. It is perfectly located and provides a great pregame location for food. Outside of Kent Station, Kent isn’t a hub for much else. Because of its proximity from Seattle, there isn’t much else going on during game nights other than the event at ShoWare. Some restaurants in Kent Station that are good eats are the Ram, Johnny Rockets, and Chipotle. There are plenty of restaurants so on a regular game night you’ll definitely get in somewhere and make it to the game on time. They tell you not to park at Kent Station, but I saw plenty of people walking to the game from there. Safety wasn’t a concern for me walking from the parking lot located within 2 minutes of the ShoWare Center. Fans 2 The T-Birds fans are definitely a wild bunch. They can get restless very quickly and at the game I attended, the refs and the fans weren’t best friends. The fans are spirited throughout, but there is definitely a lot of explicit language and it even got to a point in the game after a bad call where fans threw things onto the ice. This probably doesn’t reflect all of the fans, but there are some knuckleheads for sure. Other than throwing things on the ice, the fans are knowledgeable about hockey. They are, for the most part, just normal hockey fans. During a part in a song they yell “(blank team) sucks” which is totally normal for any fans to do. They have kept the same intro since they played at the Key Arena before they moved in 2009. The fans really like to have fun and they joke around a lot and it is a friendly atmosphere for the most part. The only reason I rate them a 2 is because they threw food on the ice. Access 3 Because the ShoWare Center is located about 30 minutes south of Seattle and its suburbs, it is very out of the way for people coming from Seattle or the Eastside. This can make getting to the game during the week and rush hour very difficult. When the Thunderbirds played at the Key Arena located at Seattle Center, it was perfect for people from Seattle or just outside of the city. Now, located in Kent, it is really only convenient for people that live in the areas of Renton, Kent, Auburn, etc. But, if you are coming from near the airport, it should only take around 15 minutes. When you get to the area around the arena, there is plenty of parking. If you have a parking pass you can park in the arena lot. Otherwise, you will have to park in the lot to the west just across the train tracks. It is a walk that is 5 minutes at most and totally flat. Parking in this lot is complementary as well. Public transportation is also available on Sound Transit. ST Express route 566 takes you directly to Kent Station, which is a very short walk to the arena. As you walk in, there is the normal bag check. It wasn’t too out of the ordinary of any other stadium’s bag check procedures. Once inside the stadium, the concourse is plenty big for traffic. The lines for concessions do sometimes leak out into the walking area, but for the most part it is not bad. When walking to your seats, there are some steps you have to walk up for the main sections. If you need assistance, there are ramps at a few of the sections to help. Return on Investment 3 All in all, my experience at the ShoWare Center was fairly good. Second hand tickets can be had as low as $15. In my opinion, I wouldn’t spend too much more than $20 for these tickets. If you buy tickets off of the Thunderbirds website, you will pay $24 to sit in between the benches or $40 to sit in the club sections. Because parking is free, that is a major bonus that increases the ROI of the ShoWare Center. But, the concessions aren’t cheap. In the end, the game is fun and they have good ways to keep the fans in the game. I am a light hockey fan and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Extras 1 Located inside the stadium is a team store where you can buy all of your T-Birds apparel. Also, if you are interested in listening to the game on the radio, you can hear it on 1090am The Fan. There are people around the stadium to assist you with whatever you may need. I recommend playing ‘Chuck the Puck’ during the second intermission. For only $3, you get 3 rubber hockey pucks to try to throw into a sunroof of a car. This is just one of many ways the T-Birds get the fans into the game.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jones AT&T Stadium 2526 Mac Davis Lane Lubbock, TX 79407 Texas Tech Red Raiders website Jones AT&T Stadium website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 60,454 Texas Tech Red Raiders – Jones AT&T Stadium Originally founded as the Texas Technological College in the bustling West Texas town of Lubbock, the now Red Raiders (then known as the “Matadors”) first took the field in 1925, and have since captivated the hearts and minds of Wreck ‘Em Nation. Throughout the team’s history, the Red Raiders have won 11 conference championships and have had scores of All-Americans, All-Conference players, and College Football Hall of Famers including Donny Anderson , Zach Thomas , Michael Crabtree , Gabe Rivera , Kliff Kingsbury , and Patrick Mahomes II . In 1947, the Red Raiders moved into their current home, the then Clifford B. and Audrey Jones (named for a former President of Texas Tech and his wife who had established a trust to fund the construction of the venue) Stadium. It was renamed after undergoing renovations and receiving a significant donation from the then SBC Communications, now AT&T. The facility would undergo another renovation in 2014 which has brought Jones A&T Stadium up to its current look and feel, and made it a true palace of football out on the West Texas Plains. Food & Beverage 4 One area where Jones A&T Stadium truly excels is in the sheer amount of available concessions stands that are available to attendees on game days. On the field level, there are dozens of options available to fans. As the Red Raiders tend to draw pretty large crowds, having a lot of open options is essential – most stands are dedicated to offering all of your traditional game day fares, including hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soft pretzels, sodas, bottled water, hamburgers, etc. Some items go beyond the norm, like deli sandwiches, turkey legs, and chopped barbecue nachos. Jones AT&T Stadium is also the first one that I have visited that has hopped on board the train/fad of selling alcoholic seltzers ($9). One innovation that I found particularly refreshing is that some stands offer “Fan Friendly Pricing” on select items, like hot dogs, small fountain drinks, small boxes of popcorn, bottled water, and select candies. These are all $3 each and, for those on a budget or those attending as a family, this can be helpful for your wallet. Also, one last spot to be on the lookout for is the HTea0 kiosk. Serving fresh-brewed “traditional” and flavored iced tea, this is a true Texas original and a fan favorite. Atmosphere 4 Make no mistake about it, a Texas Tech Red Raiders game at Jones AT&T Stadium is big-time college football at the highest of levels. Once you head into Lubbock and you get near the campus, there is a palpable energy in the air. As you head towards the stadium down University Avenue, your senses will be completely overwhelmed by the sea of red and black. This town lives and dies for the Red Raiders and on game days. Once you get to Jones A&T Stadium, the entire area surrounding it is abuzz with the sights, smells, and sounds of the greatest of all football/sports activities: tailgating. As you walk through the parking lots, you start to see all the elaborate setups that college football is known for: tricked-out RVs, giant smokers, tent cities, etc. It’s a carnival-like atmosphere and it’s great. Inside the stadium, it gets even better. From the Saddle Tramps ringing their cowbells and the Masked Rider to the fireworks after touchdowns and the tortilla toss after the opening kickoff (all of that and more will be covered in the Extras section), all add to one of the best college football atmospheres that I have personally experienced in my journeys. Neighborhood 4 Lubbock itself was founded on the high plains of West Texas in 1890. Currently the 11th largest city in the state, it has become a hub city for many of the communities out west. Above all though, Lubbock is a great college town. The neighborhoods surrounding the campus have the look feel, sights, and sounds of any typical college town, and that is a good thing. There are bars, trendy eating spots, and cool hangouts, which are all great places to stop in before and after Red Raiders games. When it comes to attractions, there are quite a few things for you to do before and after Tech games. If you’re looking for sports, your options are limited to Red Raider athletics, so plan accordingly for that. Otherwise, some spots to look for including the Museum of Texas Tech University , a diverse museum housing over eight million objects ranging in subjects from anthropology, art, clothing, and textiles to history, paleontology, and natural history. It is also home to the Moody Planetarium. You can also take in exhibits on one of Lubbock’s favorite sons at the Buddy Holly Center . The Center “collects, preserves and interprets artifacts relevant to Lubbock’s most famous native son, Buddy Holly, as well as to other performing artists and musicians of West Texas”. Featuring the West Texas Walk of Fame and statue of the Lubbock Flash himself, Buddy Holly, the center offers exhibits on music and art and is open year-round. Let’s talk about eating spots first and foremost. The previously mentioned University Avenue fronts the stadium and has a ton of options. Two spots that aren’t of the chain variety to be on the lookout for are One Guy from Italy and Spanky’s . One Guy from Italy, as its name might imply, sells pizza (which you can also get by the slice, which I always appreciate), subs, and legendary calzones. Spanky’s has been serving up some of Lubbock’s old-style hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and onion rings since 1982 and is a primo spot before and after games. When looking for places to stay when attending Red Raiders games, Lubbock has lots of options available to you. If you want to stay near campus, however, a vacation rental site may be your best bet as the stadium is right on campus and there aren’t many options within walking distance. However, close by there are some manageable ones within driving distance – these include Overton Hotel & Conference Center and Hyatt Place Lubbock . Fans 4 As they are pretty much the proverbial only game in town, the Red Raiders consistently fill Jones AT&T Stadium and are also consistently near the top of the conference in average attendance – the parking lots surrounding the stadium are filled with revelers in red and black hours before games. Inside the stadium, the fans are engaged from the opening tortilla-toss kickoff and chanting and cheering to the very end (this, of course, is always contingent on the team being competitive). College football tends to lend itself to breeding this type of fanaticism, and it does not seem out of place in Lubbock. The fans love the Red Raiders and it shows every Saturday in the fall at Jones AT&T Stadium. Access 2 If there is one area where Jones AT&T Stadium is lacking it is in this area. Lubbock itself is over five hours by car from both San Antonio and Dallas. By air, it is a lot shorter, at three hours from the Alamo City and a hair over an hour from DFW to Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport . Once you get to Hub City, as Lubbock is affectionately known, the stadium is located between state highways 84 and 82, off of University Avenue and Mac Davis Lane. While it is easy to find, it is not easy to get to, if that makes sense. The access is pretty much limited to two main entry points if you’re going to try and park near the stadium. Parking for those that don’t have passes ranges anywhere from $15 to $55 depending on how close you want to get or how far you want to walk, so, bear that in mind. Another option is taking public transportation; Lubbock’s Citibus does make frequent stops in and around the Texas Tech campus, even on game days. Again, one final caveat. Since there are just the two main entry points, these tend to get severely backed up the closer you get toward game-time – especially the one on University Avenue – so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Individual tickets for Texas Tech games at Jones AT&T Stadium range from $35 to $150 per person. This does tend to fluctuate depending upon the opponent that comes into Lubbock, but it is pretty much the average. For a Big 12 school that faces some top out of conference foes, this could be a pretty good bargain for some top-level competition. As mentioned, concessions have reasonable prices and even better ones with their Fan Friendly Pricing options. This is great for the budget of families and large groups attending Red Raiders games at Jones AT&T Stadium. The one area where you will have to spend a penny or two is parking if you’re planning to drive. Still, when you factor it all together and couple it with the atmosphere of the stadium, it all makes for a great time in Hub City. Extras 5 Another area where college football truly sets itself apart from other sports is in the extras you get on game day. The pageantry, the revelry, the pomp, and the circumstance all add to the excitement and energy of the on-field action to make college football games unique across the sports landscape. Texas Tech games have traditions unlike any other in college football; sure they have their cheerleaders and dance team; they also have a costumed mascot patrolling the sidelines in Raider Red , and they also have one of the best marching bands in college football in the Goin’ Band from Raiderland . The Red Raiders also shoot off fireworks every time the offense scores a touchdown, and the fans sing the school song “Matador” before and after every game. All of these trappings are great, but they can be found in some form or another across most college football stadiums in the country. But in Lubbock, they also have traditions all their own – this starts with the Saddle Tramps , a student organization that paints the campus red with crepe paper the night before games and constantly rings cowbells during the game. They are also sponsors of Bangin’ Bertha , a large railroad bell that rings loudly throughout the game. Tech games also start with fans flinging tortillas out onto the field with the opening kickoff; you can read about how this bizarre tradition started here . Lastly, perhaps no tradition is more important to Texas Tech than their mascot, the Masked Rider . Looking like Zorro come to life, the Masked Rider sits atop a beautiful black steed and not only leads the team out onto the field before each game but rides after each Tech touchdown. It is truly something to see. Final Thoughts I have been to quite a few college football stadiums in Texas in my years; again, while it is nowhere near the biggest, I can honestly say that this was one of the most fun experiences that I have had. The atmosphere and fans are incredible; I would recommend any college football fan out there add Jones AT&T Stadium onto their bucket list of stadiums to visit. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

There is no place quite like FirstEnergy Stadium and no MiLB experience quite like the Reading Fightin Phils. It is usually one of the favorites. Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave and find out why! You can find Stadium Journey's review of FirstEnergy Stadium and the Reading Fightin' Phils gameday experience here.

Photos by Jason Bartel, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fowler Park and Cunningham Field 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego Toreros website Fowler Park and Cunningham Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,700 Fun Times with the Toreros and Fowler Park Since 2013, one of the top baseball programs in the West Coast Conference, the San Diego Toreros, has called Fowler Park and Cunningham Field their home. Located on the hilly USD campus, the stadium is designed to take advantage of the local topography, filling in a cliff with a state-of-the-art baseball facility. The Toreros have found recent success in college baseball, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in about half of their seasons since 2002. Moving into Fowler Park was a big step for the program, adding a brand new clubhouse, training area, and batting cages, all right there next to the playing field. It also adds to the overall architecture found on the USD campus, with its Spanish mission-style buildings, and a dorm located beyond the right field that adds to that. Fowler Park is part of the USD Sports Complex, which also includes basketball’s Jenny Craig Pavilion , football’s Torero Stadium, along with the school’s soccer field and other facilities. In the San Diego sports scene, Fowler Park probably goes under the radar compared to, say, San Diego State’s facilities. But it should not go overlooked with what it offers baseball fans of all ages. Food & Beverage 4 With Fowler Park’s homey feel, there is just one concession stand location that’s needed, and it is behind home plate along the main concourse. It has a ton of options to offer fans though. Of course, you’ll be able to find your typical ballpark fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, pretzels, and sodas (Coca-Cola products). All of these run anywhere from $3-$6. For these, you can combo them with a side of fries for an extra dollar. The BAT sandwich, which includes bacon, avocado, tomato, and lettuce is probably the signature item of the ballpark. You can get that for $8. For the same price, you could go for the pulled pork sandwich, which also has slaw. When in San Diego, one might feel the need to get some fish tacos ($9 for two). Or since this is California, there are a couple of salad options available for fans as well. You really can’t go wrong with any of the options available, and it’s such a diverse selection for a college ballpark that only has one concession stand. Atmosphere 4 Fowler Park, just like the rest of the University of San Diego campus, is an artistic masterpiece when it comes to architecture. The ballpark is built into the side of a cliff, giving fans a perspective they can’t get at many other college ballparks. And on clear days, you’ll be able to peer out over the hills into Mission Bay. All fans enter from above the stadium, right next to the basketball arena, Jenny Craig Pavilion. There’s a standing area when you walk in, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the action below. Stairs and elevators lead down to the main concourse and suites, where all the seating is located. USD’s dugout and clubhouse are located down the third base line, with the visitors calling the first base dugout home. Right above the clubhouse is a mini field where kids can go play a game of kickball or something during the game. The seating area is very comfortable. Each seat has its cup holder and a ton of legroom. USD has protective netting in front of all the seats, which feels like it gets in the way of the view a little bit. There are a couple of suites available as well, which have box seats plus a lounge area in each one. One scoreboard looms beyond the left field wall. It can show live action and replays, along with stats and other things that you would expect at a baseball game. The PA system is perfect, not too loud, and not too quiet at any location in the ballpark. And then the final touch is having posters of famous alums Kris Bryant and Brian Matusz pinned up on the face of the cliff behind home plate. Neighborhood 3 The biggest thing the University of San Diego has going for it is its proximity to the ocean. Mission Bay and Fiesta Island are about a mile away, which also means that SeaWorld San Diego is the closest attraction to the campus. USD uses Mission Bay as the training area for its rowing teams and lists Mission Bay as a university facility on its website . There aren’t a ton of local establishments to grab a bite to eat in the area. Tio Leo’s Mexican is probably one of the more popular places in the immediate area and offers some happy hour specials you can take advantage of before a night game at Fowler Park. Not too far away is Old Town San Diego , which offers a ton of options in the form of restaurants, shops, a theater, hotels, and events throughout the year. Old Town is a great place to visit and spend some time walking around, taking in some of the San Diego histories. As far as places to stay, USD is fairly close to San Diego’s Hotel Circle . This offers just about every major hotel chain, and is in a very convenient location, as it surrounds I-8 right in the center of San Diego, allowing access to just about everything you would want to see in the area. Fans 2 For a program that has seen consistent success and a relatively new park, the attendance leaves a little bit to be desired. The Toreros draw well for postseason and rivalry games, but other than that, there aren’t a ton of people at the games. The ones that are there also stay pretty quiet during games. There aren’t a lot of cheers or anything going on to get the team hyped. Access 4 The University of San Diego is located just north of I-8, and just east of I-5. With two major highways feeding into the area, getting to Torero games is fairly easy. When you do get to USD, there is a free parking garage located just down the street from the ballpark. The garage has an entrance right when you enter the USD campus at Acala Park, or you can enter it down near the football stadium on Torero Way. Exiting the garage is easier going up to the top, and having it feed you right out of campus. It is a hilly walk from the garage to the stadium, so if you have issues with that, you might want to try and park in the small lot across the street from Fowler Park’s main entrance. All fans enter the stadium at the very top of it. You can either stay here and watch as you would from a balcony at a theater, or take the stairs and elevators down to the main concourse. Clear signs point you in the direction you should go to get to your desired location. The walking areas throughout Fowler Park are very spacious, and lines for the bathrooms and concession stands don’t impede a person’s ability to get from the first base side to the third base side. The concourse also has plenty of handicapped seating all around the park. Return on Investment 4 With ticket prices between five and ten dollars, free parking, and reasonable concession prices, Torero games are certainly worth the monetary cost. The stadium is fantastic. The views are impeccable. And the baseball is usually pretty good too. USD is worth a trip during college baseball season, especially if you’re going to be in San Diego during the spring anyway. Spend the day at the ocean, and spend the evening in the hills. Perfection. Extras 3 The standing areas all around allow for unique perspectives you may not be able to experience at most other ballparks. The first baseline has a meandering pathway where you can stand and watch the game. The third baseline has a mini-diamond for kids to play games on. USD’s campus is the other extra here. Fowler Park fits right into the mission-style architecture and views found throughout. I recommend getting to campus well before the game and taking a stroll around just to see all the different buildings, plus the views of the surrounding areas and the bay. USD is a beautiful place, but with it nestled away just off the freeways, it may go overlooked by some. Be sure to change that and experience it once for yourself.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Kibler Field 108 Gibson Ave. Chestertown, MD 21620 Washington College Shoremen website Kibler Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,000 On The Shore Washington College is a college in Chestertown, Maryland which was granted its charter in 1782. It is the 10th oldest college in the United States and one of the few to have received support from George Washington to honor him. The original desire was to have this college as the Eastern Shore Campus of a public “University of Maryland” with Annapolis’ St. John’s College the Western Shore counterpart. That obviously did not happen. Each year, Washington College awards the nation’s largest undergraduate literary prize. Since 1968, the Sophie Kerr Prize has been presented to one graduating senior who demonstrates the greatest literary promise. Washington has had sports since the 1800s, with the baseball team dating back to the 1870s, likely the oldest team on campus. Men’s teams are known as the Shoremen; women’s teams are known as the Shorewomen. Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium has been named by Lacrosse Magazine as one of the top 10 venues for collegiate lacrosse. The current stadium was built in 2006, but the location has been the site of lacrosse at Washington for many years. Food & Beverage 2 There are only simple food options at the stadium, but you can expect temporary options on occasion. Atmosphere 4 A few years back Lacrosse Magazine mentioned this stadium as one of the “Ten Best Venues for Collegiate Lax” and was the only Division III venue on the list. Their quote was: “Traditionalists may still call it Kibler Field. It was one of the coziest places to see a game. The school modernized the facility, building an impressive grandstand that includes an indoor dining/viewing level above the bleachers.” This is one of those special sports locations that a fan of any sport should attend, even if not a lacrosse fan. The simple grandstand is nothing special, but it still exudes a special atmosphere. There is a track around the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Chestertown is a town and county seat of around 5,000 in Kent County, Maryland, and is located on what is known as Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is 1.5 hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia. The nearby downtown district of Chestertown is full of history and sites for visitors, along with some nice shopping and dining. BAD Alfred’s Distilling, the Evergrain Bread Company, and Play It Again Sam are good spots for dining. Check out the High Street Town Dock and see if there are any charter boat trips through companies such as the Chester River Packet Company. Wilmer Park and the nearby area around the Hodson Boathouse at Washington College makes for some nice waterside walking on a nice day. Fans 3 Washington College has many fans who gather for lacrosse games. The college teems with them and they bring their cheers and support to great levels. Access 3 The actual town of Chestertown is not an issue getting around and accessing, but the problem is how isolated from major urban areas the town and college are. You will have to go way out of your way to visit Washington College. There may also not be much parking on campus as it is a historic campus and if there are many events going on, the available spots could be hard to find. Leave yourself plenty of time to find a good spot. The North Commons area may be a good place to start, but make sure to follow parking guidelines, especially for weekday events during regular school semesters. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend unless it is an NCAA tournament event. For the low cost of attendance, the return on investment is great. Extras 2 There is a multi-purpose room on the skybox level of the stadium that is used for various events. Just the fact that this is one of the top 10 venues for collegiate lacrosse, makes it special and is extra. Final Thoughts Lacrosse is a popular sport in Maryland, and at this oldest college in the state, lacrosse is king, so a visit to Kibler Field At Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium is worth a visit.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Budweiser Gardens 99 Dundas St London, ON N6A 6K1 London Knights website Budweiser Gardens website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 9,036 Knightmare to Knightsdream Editor's Note: Naming rights to the former Budweiser Gardens were obtained by insurance company Canada Life, with the arena taking on its new name in October 2024. This review, written in 2019, refers to the facility by its former name. It is amazing to consider where the London Knights have been versus their current standing. In 1996, the Ontario Hockey League team toiled in the decrepit London Ice House, played with the confusing and un-London “Spiderknight” jersey, and amassed a record low three wins in a season. Fast-forward to the current Knights. They are the envy of the larger Canadian Hockey League, of which the OHL is a member. The Knights have solid ownership in Dale and Mark Hunter along with Basil McRae, a beautiful, modern, trend-setting building in the Budweiser Gardens, Memorial Cup Championships in 2005 and 2016, and the best season in CHL history with 59 wins in 2005. The ownership situation has become trend setting in junior hockey with former NHL players playing owner, GM and coaching roles. The London Knights were founded in 1965 as the London Nationals in the OHA. Their colour scheme and logo mimicked the Toronto Maple Leafs and their blue and white. In 1968 the Nationals would be reborn as the London Knights. The Hunters purchased the Knights at the perfect time as the City of London agreed to build a downtown arena to replace the London Ice House. The John Labatt Centre opened in 2002 and helped usher in a new era in the OHL of new or renovated facilities and quickly became the gold standard in arenas in the league. Since the opening of what was later renamed the Budweiser Gardens, success at the turnstile and on the ice coincided and the Knights, who were also-rans, in the OHL for years enjoyed their best seasons ever. Going from a nightmare to a dream come true has been an amazing ride for the fans in London and there are no signs of slowing down. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Budweiser Gardens are fairly average for the OHL. Item variety and pricing is decent. Candy, pizza, popcorn, hot dogs, sausage and nachos are all readily available. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice and draught beer is also available at all stands. There are other stands in Budweiser Gardens that specialize in suds. As expected, Labatt and Budweiser products are readily available with a few craft options also. A couple of bars can be found as well. Atmosphere 5 Budweiser Gardens is located in downtown London. The original name, the John Labatt Centre, had strong links to the community as Labatt Breweries was founded in London. The exterior of the building is quite attractive, fitting right into the downtown ambience. The north side of the building is a little more inconspicuous, using some of the original building as part of the facade. The main entrance and square can be found at the south, by King Street. Inside, there is no doubt that this is the home of the Knights. The team store is pretty expansive and also features posters of a number of recent former Knights greats. The concourses are attractive and offer a clear path to the seating bowl. Unlike most junior hockey facilities, Budweiser Gardens has two levels of seating, split by luxury boxes. This gives the Gardens, one of the largest capacities in the entire Canadian Hockey League. The ice surface runs from west to east with the perfect view of the centre ice logo from the south side. The upper deck is horseshoe like, with the higher end of seating on the east end. Sight lines are terrific from pretty much everywhere. The recent success of the Knights is evident, as the rafters are littered with banners. The retired numbers of Dino Ciccarelli, Rob Ramage, Brad Marsh, Darryl Sittler, David Bolland, Rick Nash, Brendan Shanahan and Corey Perry hang proudly on the north side of the building. The south side of the building has the division, conference and other championship banners. The highlights would include 2005, 2012, 2013 and 2016 J. Ross Robertson Cup banners as OHL Champions and the 2005 and 2016 Memorial Cup banners as Canadian Hockey League Champions. The game day production at a Knights game is fairly simple and trends to a “hockey first” mentality. The game is not over-produced and has the right balance of music, promotions and action. Scorezy, the Knights mascot, participates in the opening of the game and can be found interacting with the crowd around the arena. A great atmosphere for hockey for sure. Neighbourhood 4 Unlike many OHL venues, Budweiser Gardens is located in the downtown core. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the immediate area to satiate the fan looking for a pre or post game experience. Right across Talbot Street from the Budweiser Gardens is the former farmers market building, which is still used for a number of different businesses. Olive R Twist, Waldo’s On King, Petit Paris Creperie, Kleiber’s Deli, The Chocolate Factory and The Salad Bowl can all be found in the Covent Garden Market building. The Squire, Abruzzi, The Works and Michael’s on the Thames are all easily within walking distance of the Gardens. There are other sporting options in town as well. The London Lightning of the CBL also play in Budweiser Gardens. There is still baseball at the historic Labatt Memorial Park with the London Majors of the Intercounty League. Western University, formerly the University of Western Ontario, also fields a full slate of athletic programs which have a solid following. Football is played at TD Stadium , hockey is played at Thompson Arena and basketball is played in the very unique Alumni Hall . Checking out Covent Garden Market or Fanshawe Pioneer Village is also a decent idea. The London Music Hall is a couple blocks north and may have an interesting show. For fans who wish to stay near the arena, the Delta London Armouries and Holiday Inn are both close by and good options. Fans 5 Since the Knights have transitioned from the Knightmare and moved into Budweiser Gardens, fans in London have turned out in droves to support the team. The Knights enjoy some of the best support in the entire Canadian Hockey League. They average just a hair under 9,000 fans per game, which is consistently tops in the OHL. In the CHL, the only teams that enjoy a larger per game attendance are those that play in NHL sized arenas and have a larger population base. The fans that are in attendance are knowledgeable and loud. The crowd is fairly intense into the game and mature enough, with enough hockey IQ, that over-promotion is not necessary. Access 3 Budweiser Gardens is located between Dundas and King Streets at the corner of Talbot Street. This is the heart of downtown London. It is a pretty fair distance from Highway 401, which runs east-west across southern Ontario. If you are heading in from the highway, make sure that you give yourself enough time to make it downtown. For fans interested in taking public transit to the game, there are buses that run along King Street among others. Fans should check out the London Transit Commission website for fares, maps and schedules. Conversely, after the game, getting out of downtown London can take some time as well. There is parking around downtown, but you will pay for it, which in the world junior hockey, is not a plus. Inside, the concourses on the main floor are a pretty good size and travel is pretty good. However, the upper deck concourses are quite small and get congested easily. The washrooms are also pretty small and lineups are common during intermissions and peak times. Return on Investment 4 Junior Hockey offers terrific value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Knights run between $22.50 to $36.75 for VIP seating. Parking can run between $5 and $20 which is definitely high for the OHL. Concession prices are about what one would expect for a junior hockey venue. On the flip side, the action on the ice is top notch and the Knights seem to be competitive every single season. The experience is a solid one for hockey veterans and is definitely not over-produced. Extras 4 An extra mark for the unprecedented success that the Knights have enjoyed since moving to the Budweiser Gardens. An extra mark for the Hunters’ ownership of the Knights, which has become the gold standard in the OHL and CHL. An extra mark for London hosting the 2014 Memorial Cup Tournament. An extra mark for London incorporating the existing architecture on the north side of the building on Dundas Street. Final Thoughts The London Knights are one of the elite junior hockey programs in all of the Canadian Hockey League. Mark and Dale Hunter have forged a program that is the envy of many markets. Budweiser Gardens is among the best venues there is and London is one of the best markets in the league. A trip to see the London Knights is well worth the trip and should be on the bucket list for all. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Scott Bultman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Dr Pasadena, CA 91103 Rose Bowl game website Rose Bowl stadium website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 92,542 Rose Bowl The Rose Bowl is called "The Granddaddy of Them All" for its pomp and circumstance each year. From the parade each morning that is nationally televised to a big game in the afternoon, this is a must see for sports travelers and fans. Fans in and around the Rose Bowl last year were in for a treat as this would be the first ever playoff semifinal game under the newly formed college football playoff system. This game featured the #2 high flying Oregon Ducks vs the #3 unbeaten Florida State Seminoles . As if this game needed anything else special, it would showcase the previous two years' Heisman trophy winners taking each other on. This sidebar matchup between Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota would be only the third game in college football history featuring two Heisman trophy winners facing each other in a game. The site is a National Historic Landmark as even the United States has recognized it as an important part of this country's history. The stadium now has a capacity of over 92,000, and year after year those seats get filled (and then some) because the Rose Bowl Game is an experience like none other. Below is commentary on the 101st edition of the game in a Stadium Journey language. Food & Beverage 4 While the food and beverage vendors are not in typical form (all are on a single concourse with no sightlines of the action), there is plenty of room for temporary food vendors, similar to what you will find at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum . Many of these stands had televisions behind the counter, allowing fans to continue to watch the game while standing in line. The variety of food stands at the stadium was vast and anyone with a specific appetite could walk away happy. One stand offered Fan vs Food Italian Beef & Sausage Sandwich ($30 for a whole sandwich, $15 for a half, and $10 for a third), and beef or pork ultimate nachos ($10). Some of your more typical food items found at most permanent stands included hot dog ($5), french fries ($5, get them "Texas Pete" style for the same price) bratwurst ($8), cheese or pepperoni pizza ($5 slice), popcorn ($5), Red Vines licorice ($5), M&M's ($5), or peanuts ($5). Some of the more exciting food options included beer brats, tri-tip sandwich, garlic fries, sweet kettle popcorn, bacon cheeseburger, bacon & cheese dog, nachos, teriyaki chicken and rice, quesadillas, burrito, tacos, or the famous El Cholo bowl (chicken or beef, with mixed with rice, beans, onions, cilantro, and salsa). The normal fare that you will find at most stadiums was prevalent as well. I had a foot long hot dog and a pretzel for eleven dollars and it hit the spot. For dessert, you may want to try the frozen lemonade ($5) or Lindes glazed almonds (sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon). The almonds are delicious, but do come at a premium. Small packs started at $8. The beverage options included Coke products in a souvenir cup for $10 (or bottled option for $5), bottled water ($4 & $5 sizes for Sparkletts and $5 & $6 sizes for Fiji), coffee ($3), Rock Star energy drink ($4), and regular, strawberry, or cherry lemonade ($5). I am a collector of souvenir cups but was not willing to shell out ten dollars for one. Especially since I got some free cups outside the stadium from a sponsor. In a contrast from when the UCLA Bruins play their home games here, the Rose Bowl did serve alcohol, which consisted mostly of Budweiser products. Draft beers ran for the hefty price of $10 for a 16 oz. cup. Bottled beer was also available for $9, Wine (chardonnay, white zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon) was available for $10 and margaritas for $10. Atmosphere 5 Without even setting foot into the state of California, most college football fans understand how meaningful the Rose Bowl game is. Simply driving into the parking lot or walking around the stadium area is sure to give all of the fans the cliché excitement term: "goosebumps." Never have I seen so many people taking pictures of the stadium as was witnessed before and after the game. Seeing a sun kissed stadium on TV turn into a beautiful sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains has to be seen in person at least once. On this particular day, close to record cold temperatures did not put a damper on the festivities. Rarely will you see a more passionate outpouring of school support than at the Rose Bowl game as it seems almost every fan was wearing yellow, green, or maroon on this particular day. When the team buses arrive to the stadium, one would think that riots are beginning to occur as all fans rush to the barriers to scream their support and get photos of their favorite players entering the stadium. I was fortunate to catch the Oregon Ducks escort and what a sight it was to see the designs on the buses and fanfare rolling through. You'll want to pay close attention to the national anthem as shortly after completion, fireworks are set off from mid-field and a flyover occurs, this year being a stealth bomber. Neighborhood 4 As the Rose Bowl is often part of a larger trip, many fans stay in Los Angeles for the week leading up to or following the New Year's holiday. Fans can also knock off many other venues on their list as the Los Angeles Kings , Lakers , Clippers , and Anaheim Ducks are all likely to host a home game during the week. Before or after the game, you can visit the Hollywood Boulevard, any one of the studio tours, Griffith Park, the Getty Museum, Venice Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, the Orange County beaches, or any one of the other sites in Los Angeles. On most reviews, the neighborhood is characterized mostly by the local bars and restaurants, however for this venue; you must first consider the surrounding scenery. Just outside the stadium, you'll find two 18-hole golf courses nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. You'll find the typical Southern California palm trees as well as over 30 species of other trees surrounding the stadium. Once you arrive at the stadium, take a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and many of the beautiful homes constructed upon them. While in Pasadena, be sure to check out the magnificent structure that is City Hall, the neighborhood known as Bungalow Heaven with its small craftsman homes, or the Norton Simon Museum, complete with sculpture garden. If you are looking for some stops before or after the game, be sure to head down to Old Pasadena, or "Old Town." This revitalized area spans 21 blocks and has a variety of shopping, dining, and beverage options. If you are more concerned with just drinks and fun, perhaps you should check out the Old Towne Pub. You can expect to find live music here most nights of the week, so don't show up expecting to engage in conversation. Who could forget some of the classic beverage options such as "PBR" and their specialty shot, "the Loch Ness," for a rather inexpensive price. Lastly to be mentioned here is The 35er. This spot is located on the historic Route 66 and has a variety of fun beyond the beverage menu. Here, you'll find pool tables, a jukebox, and foosball in addition to approximately 20 beers on tap. This place is known to have some of the best specials in Pasadena and all-you-can-eat free popcorn. Weekends provide some extra fun as they have a DJ and dancing on the lower level. Fans 5 Both fan bases gave each other some good-natured ribbing but nothing seemed excessive or over the top. There seemed to be a 60-40 split in favor of Oregon supporters vs Seminoles faithful. Most of the chants and ribbing were directed at either Jameis Winston or the lack of national titles won by Oregon . Oregon fans populated the western and northern parts of the stadium while Florida State fans were in the eastern and southern portions of the stadium. My tickets were in the Florida State cheering section despite being a neutral fan. The marching bands for both schools were lively and kept the crowd enthused during the game. Due to the one sided game in the second half, many Florida State fans left at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Though they were disappointed on this day, they could take solace in the fact that they had won a national title the year before. Access 3 I was impressed with the transit options to and from the Rose Bowl. I took the metro gold line to Pasadena and took a free shuttle to the game. The wait times looked scary leaving the train station as everyone was going to the same place. However, the shuttle area was well marked and I was on a bus in under 15 minutes. Leaving the stadium and taking the shuttle is something I wouldn't recommend. The wait times were anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. Take the mile and a half walk to the gold line station instead and skip the line. The area is well lit and there were police along the way to help with questions. I was able to get right onto a gold line train without waiting. Police and security at the train station help keep the lines and crowd flowing well both to and from Pasadena. My only quibble was the lack of signage on my walk to the station. Luckily, I followed the crowd and asked a friendly officer along the way. Getting there by car is not so easy. Located in Pasadena (found a little more than 15 minutes (13 miles) northeast of downtown Los Angeles), the city is easily accessible from the 110 or the 210 freeways. Unfortunately for the traffic flow, or fortunately for the scenery, the stadium is located in a mostly residential area with many small roads. There are limited entrances in and out of the Rose Bowl, so do provide yourself with at least an extra hour in advance of the desired arrival time. Rarely do you see traffic congestion as significant as you will see here. With well over 1 million individuals attending the Rose Parade, traffic from the parade route can cause a five minute trip to take well over an hour. As you approach the lots closest to the stadium, you can expect standstills of 10 minutes or more trying to get to your parking spot. Parking is a bit of a wildcard with spots going as low as $15 and as high as $80, with most spots somewhere in the middle. Many fans will park on residential lawns and walk down to the stadium to avoid the congestion getting out. While many of these spots are cheaper and offer easier exits, they are not sponsored by the Rose Bowl and there is no security in these lots. Some of the parking is immediately surrounding the stadium and other parking options are actually on a fairway of an 18-hole golf course. With so many vehicles on the property, there is staff on hand to help you locate your vehicle. If any given fan can still not locate their vehicle after the game, there are individuals nearby to help them locate it. There seems to be plenty of room at all spots for tailgating fun and there does not seem to be all of the severe restrictions that so many LA-based sporting events enforce. My most important piece of advice to anyone going into the game would be to begin making your trek to the stadium early and make sure you are headed to the appropriate gate number. As most fans begin to head to the gates 30 minutes before kickoff, it creates backlogs like many have never witnessed before. Depending on the integrity of the security guard checking bags, it can take 20 minutes or more from the time you get in line to the moment you step through those gates. Once inside the stadium, the single concourse seems to be fairly sizable and fans can get around rather quickly. Unfortunately, the small tunnels leading to the seating area often get very congested when trying to get to or leave your seats. Again, significant congestion will occur, preventing fans from quickly getting to seats. Speaking of seats, there are often 20 or more in a row, so those in the middle can expect a difficult journey to land in their bench seats. The aisles are pretty tight and not conducive to quick entry or exit. Most seats do not have cup holders and there is extremely limited space under your seats to place any belongings, so pack light. On many occasions, the beverage under my seat has spilled due to the limited space and curved concrete. There are three scoreboards in the stadium, but I found that all three left something to be desired in terms of the stats they provided. I did, however like the Rose Bowl highlight clips from games past during television timeouts. The restrooms are small, but there is a reasonable quantity and the lines do seem to move particularly fast. Due to the congestion of the seating aisles/tunnels, I would recommend heading for the restrooms at first thought as it could be a long journey. Return on Investment 5 During years where the new college football playoff games are at the Rose Bowl, $150 and up for a game ticket seems like a bargain compared to getting them online. In years where it will be host to a regular but major bowl game, the price may be a bit excessive. However, they have sold out every game since 1957. The atmosphere, a classic stadium, and a great warm weather setting make this a must see game at least once in your lifetime. For a major event, I thought tickets, food, and souvenirs were priced fairly. Some of the shirts were overpriced a bit but this writer needed one to proudly wear. As with any game, you can choose to indulge or be frugal so return on investment for a big event like this is what you make of it. If you factor in the price for a flight and hotel for out of town fans, the expenses add up quickly. Not driving and taking transit can save a lot of money. Indulging in free samples during the pregame tailgate can save you some on food costs inside the stadium. Most seats in the stadium are close to the action. Fans can live like kings in the new box seats which give you more leg room and an actual seatback. Or you can spend ten dollars for a nice souvenir seat cushion and sit in a regular seat. Extras 5 The Rose Bowl itself warrants some extra points. It is known affectionately as "The Granddaddy of Them All." With a nickname like that, you can't go wrong. It was the home of the first ever bowl game, played back in 1902. The Rose Bowl holds many prestigious records. The stadium set a record for attendance at a bowl game in 1973, when 106,869 saw USC and Ohio State play. Not bound to college, it holds the record for an NFL Superbowl at 103,985. This game was played in 1980 and featured the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Los Angeles Rams (Superbowl XIV). Since its inception, this venue has hosted 5 NFL Super Bowl games. It is now part of the college football playoff rotation. The parade prior to the game, beginning at 8 AM Pacific time, is seen by approximately 40 million individuals every year. Witnessing the parade and its floats made from flowers is just as much a part of the experience as the game itself. Be sure to make the parade part of your experience, but plan ahead as parking and a spot on the route is challenging to come by. Since its beginning, the Rose Bowl has hosted 19 Heisman Trophy winners (Reggie Bush also played here), 29 National Championship teams, and featured countless consensus All-Americans. The contest typically features the winners of the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) and Big 10 (with 12 teams) conferences. This agreement to feature these conferences began in 1947 and is currently the oldest intercollegiate postseason bowl agreement between two major conferences. During your visit, take a few moments to take in the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. Leading the way is a statue of an "anonymous" football player. The anonymity is an interesting touch, as there isn't one player who defines the venue and fans can wonder who is next to make their mark on the Rose Bowl. Behind the statue is a large wall that plays home to the Chrysler Corporation Court of Champions. Plaques from each year show the final score, the names of the head coaches, and the outstanding offensive/defensive players. Almost hidden in the bottom left corner of the wall is the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, where it lists the name and school from where the individual hails. Unfortunately all these Hall of Famers receive are small plaques with no real explanation of why these individuals are in the Hall of Fame. I imagine that there is somewhere else where the contributions of these individuals are a little more extravagantly noted? Final Thoughts Going to a Rose Bowl is big enough but the added bonus of the college football playoff semifinal made it a must see game. While it isn't in the rotation each year, the regular bowl game will always feature a great game involving two high ranking teams. The renovations to the stadium did not compromise the classic look or feel to the stadium. The experience, the parade, and the pomp and circumstance make it a must see for any sports fan.