Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Grand Park Events Center 19000 Grand Park Blvd Westfield, IN 46074 Indy Eleven website Grand Park Events Center website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 2,000 Indy XI Women Take the Game Indoors Indy Eleven of the USL Championship purchased a club in the USL W League to kick off its inaugural season of 2022. The 44-team league was created to provide opportunities for girls and women to play, coach, and work in soccer. The Eleven play in the Great Lakes Division and call the Grand Parks Events Center home for its matches. The building is the centerpiece of the Grand Park Sports Complex, which features 26 baseball and softball diamonds and 31 multipurpose fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse spread out over 400-acres 20 miles north of downtown Indianapolis. The Events Center features 3-full-size synthetic fields, 4-locker rooms, office space, a restaurant, and a sports pub. It is the second attempt of the USL to establish a women’s league. The original W-League operated from 1995-to 2015. None of the teams from the original loop have returned, with many operated by USL Championship clubs. Food & Beverage 4 There is plenty of food to choose from at the venue that includes a full-service restaurant and pub with food and drink, along with a concession stand with snack items for the younger fans. The pub has a full-service menu that includes starters (nachos, fried pickles, chicken wings, loaded tots, and cheese curds), entrees (burgers, tenderloin, chicken sandwiches, buffalo chicken wrap), pizza, and salads. The prices range as low as $9 for a starter, $12-14 for a sandwich, and 22-25 for a 16-inch pizza. There is an impressive selection of beer that costs $8 a pint and includes varieties from Three Floyd’s, Sun King, Upland, along with Yuengling Lager, Blue Moon, and Stella Artois. Canned beer is available for $6-$8 from Budweiser, Coors, Guinness, Rhinegiest, Modelo, and Sun King. Coors Seltzer, White Claw, and Hard Cider are also available for purchase at the game. The concession stand is downstairs and features nachos, hot dogs, pretzels, candy, pop, hot chocolate, and coffee. The price of a hot dog is $4, a 32-ounce Pepsi product is also $4, and combos can be made with a hot dog, bag of chips, and soda for $8. A few reminders when ordering from the pub, the crowds get long during half-time, and it might be better to place a food order before or after this time. It is fun to have a drink with a few fans during this time, but not when you are hungry. Also, the building only accepts credit cards at this time. It may change in the future, but you have been warned. Atmosphere 4 The game-day atmosphere is electric during a soccer match. Fans pack in both sides of the grandstand and watch from above the action on the pitch. The same can be said for fans in the pub who have a great window view of the game from their seats. The Brickyard Battalion occupies one end of the venue and generates a similar frenzy pace as they do at Carroll Stadium downtown for men’s games. Fans have to walk upstairs to purchase a ticket and have an open view of the pitch from both sides, along with a possible youth game taking place on one of the two adjacent fields. A merchandise booth is installed with caps, scarves, and t-shirts, and a match poster is available for free to take home to hang on your wall. The club’s official mascot, Victorio, can also be found greeting fans young and old. Neighborhood 3 Grand Park is 20 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis in the suburb of Westfield, a sprawling community in recent years. Grand Park is near a collection of chain restaurants, hotels, and local restaurants and establishments. If you are with the family, a few national and regional chains: McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, Culver’s, Portillo’s Hot Dogs, Chick-fil-A, and Chipotle. There are also local restaurants: Grindstone on the Monon, I Heart Mac & Cheese, Union Jack Pub (fantastic deep-dish pizza), Los Agaves, Ben’s BBQ, and Wolfies Grill. Another fun spot for the family is Urban Vines. The winery/brewery serves up wine slushies, bottled wine, beer, and pizza, along with a giant grass area with benches, fire pits, and a kids’ play area – it’s family-friendly. If you are without the kids, 1205 Distillery North often has live music along with a couple of other breweries – Field and Grand Junction. Fans 4 The inaugural match was sold-out for the first game of the club. A frenzied crowd took to the indoors at the Event Center and welcomed the ladies to the Indianapolis area. The Brickyard Battalion was seated at the far end of the grandstand and made their presence known with drums, chants, flag-waving, and feet stomping on the aluminum bleachers. The rest of the stands were filled with fans cheering on the side throughout the match. Access 3 There is plenty of signage to the complex but not any reference to the Indy XI club. The team also had to remind people that the venue was indoor at the Event Center (it could probably use a better name or a corporate sponsorship for easier identification), but there is a vast parking lot that is free of charge and directions inside to lead fans upstairs to the seating bowl. I would say that someone could access the game free of charge since there seemed to be a few entrances that were not checking tickets Return on Investment 4 A ticket is $8, the same for a pint of beer at the pub, merchandise is $25-$30 for a shirt or cap, and the parking is free. One could grab something to eat in the pub, watch the game from there, and perhaps make your way to the stands for the second half. The area is perfect for families with hotels and retail chains nearby to satisfy their cravings. Extras 3 A point for the pub that is packed during half-time with fans exchanging stories over a pint of beer and mingling with players from the men’s side. A second point is for the BYB, who show their support for the ladies and bring a welcome presence to the match. A third point is for the set up of the game-day experience by the staff. It is run on a professional level with members available for questions when applicable. Final Thoughts It is not my first time watching a sporting event for Stadium Journey at the Events Center, the Indy AlleyCats of the AUDL also call it home, but I was impressed with what I witnessed. I don’t think every game will be a sell-out, but even half the audience would be a welcome presence. It is also an ideal spot for the folks in the northern suburbs of Indianapolis to have a sports option for the family. I would prefer the game outdoors at a soccer-specific venue, and perhaps that day will come, but they are off to a great start.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Tankersley Field 100 Stadium Dr Prairie View, TX 77445 Prairie View A&M Panthers website Tankersley Field website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 512 Prairie View A&M University - Tankersley Field Prairie View A&M University is one of the oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the state of Texas. The Panthers have a long history of excellence in all athletic fields. They began playing games on the baseball diamond in 1970, led by their legendary Head Coach John W. Tankersley. He would lead the team from 1970 to 2002, before passing away in 2003. The Panthers would find success in the coming years, winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship in 2006, 2007, and 2012, and subsequently appearing in the NCAA Tournament in those years. After renovations beginning in 2013, Prairie View A&M would rechristen their ballpark after their late, legendary coach: John W. Tankersley Field. It would open in time for the 2014 season. One of the smaller Division I stadiums in the country, Tankersley Field is not without its charms and its fans. Read on to learn more about the pride of the Panthers baseball team. Food & Beverage 3 In any other circumstance, this rating would be much lower because there is only one concession stand at Tankersley Field. However, the sheer diversity of the menu offered at the stand brings this rating up to what it currently is. The stand has the standard fare, to be sure, such as hot dogs ($5, or chili cheese dogs for $7), popcorn, ($3), and nachos ($6). Also on the menu are sausage buns ($6), boudin ($6), and wing baskets (fries plus a dozen wings, with your choice of sauces, for $12). They also sell bottled soda, water, and sports drinks ($5 and $6), as well as bottled and canned beer. Even with only one stand, the lines never get too long (and the most recent game I attended was a rivalry game with a decent-sized crowd). This is always crucial if you don’t want to miss any action on the field. It’s also worth noting that fans can bring in their food and beverages (within reason when it comes to alcohol) to games if they choose not to partake from the concession stand. Atmosphere 2 Overall there is a nice aesthetic to Tankersley Field. The facades on the dugouts are a pleasing old-school brick design. They also have – very much needed – shaded seating in the bleachers behind home plate, to keep out as much of the southeast Texas sun as possible. On the home team dugout, there are markers highlighting the team’s past accomplishments. Aside from this, that is pretty much all there is in terms of highlights. It is small, but that does work in favor of adding to the energy that we’ll discuss shortly in the “Fans” section. Neighborhood 2 For the most part, the bulk of the city life in Prairie View is centered around Prairie View A&M’s campus. Tankersley Field sits right on campus and rests in the shadow of nearby Panther Stadium, home to the football team. The William Nicks Building (the “Baby Dome”) , home of the Panthers basketball team, is also nearby. In terms of dining options, you are mostly going to be limited to fast food options in town, which cater to the college crowd. The nearby city of Waller, Texas (which is just a 10-minute drive from PVAMU’s campus) has far more options, both in terms of dining and lodging. Some highlights include the Waller County Line Pit BBQ , known for its pit-smoked ribs and chicken, and the Hedgehog Grill , a traditional American-style grill that serves up chicken fried steak, burgers, and homemade desserts. When it comes to attractions, this will probably be the first time I’ve gotten the chance to write about the experience that is Buc-ee’s . For Texans, especially those that travel the endless miles up and down Interstates 10 and 35, Buc-ee’s is an oasis, a safe haven, and quite frankly a best friend. Waller has a location, and it is tough to put into words what this hybrid megastore/gas station/rest stop is like until you’ve experienced one in person. A Buc-ee’s has to be seen to be understood. For lodgings, you are going to have to venture outside of Prairie View to find somewhere to stay. Some nearby options include Best Western Plus Waller Hotel and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waller – Prairie View . If you’re looking for more to do or other food and lodging options, the Houston metroplex is just about a 30–45 minute drive from Prairie View. Fans 2 As previously mentioned, Tankersley Field is what would generously be described as “small”. With a capacity of 514, you will never have a super large crowd at Panthers games, especially as the weather starts to warm up during the summer months. The game I most recently attended was a weekend game against a traditional rival, and it appeared there were equal amounts of visiting fans as there were home fans filling the stands. While this made for a lively crowd, it was a bit unexpected. Access 2 Quite frankly, unless you live in the Houston area it’s not easy to get to either Prairie View A&M or Tankersley Field. It’s a 45-minute drive from downtown Houston and a three-hour drive from San Antonio. Also, there isn’t anything in the way of public transportation in the area, unless you’re a student and can hop on one of the shuttles on campus. Luckily, once you’ve made your way to campus, parking is plentiful and – best of all – is free for all Panther games. Return on Investment 3 In addition to the free parking at Panthers games, they have free admission as well. For any Division I sport, anytime you can count “free” among the costs is a great day for the sports fan. While the bulk of the Panthers non-conference schedule is played on the road – including their marquee non-conference games – it is still DI baseball that you get to see for free at Tankersley Field. This includes at least one homestand against some of the most legendary HBCU programs of all time. Couple that with some affordable and out-of-the-box concessions, and this all adds up to a pretty good time at the ballpark. . Extras 1 In terms of Extras, you really will be hard-pressed to find anything to write home about at Tankersley Field. The main draws are what is put out there on the field. There are no bells and whistles, no frills, and nary any pomp and circumstance to be found. If you’re a baseball fan though, what Prairie View A&M offers will be enough for you. Final Thoughts All in all, it is a fun experience at Tankersley Field taking in the Prairie View A&M Panthers. The field, as they say, is what it is. The stands are nice, and the field is nice, but there just isn’t much to it beyond that. If you’re looking for a bucket list experience, this probably isn’t that for you. However, if you’re not a diehard fan of an alum and are just looking for a way to catch a ballgame for a bargain-basement price, then this is what you’re looking for. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 John Hunt Park Sand Volleyball Complex 2295 Airport Road Huntsville, AL 35801 John Hunt Park Sand Volleyball Complex website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 500 North Alabama Beach In 2019 Huntsville Alabama opened a state of the art beach volleyball complex called the John Hunt Park Sand Volleyball Complex. The 17-acre complex has 15 Sand Volleyball Courts, LED lighted courts, a cooling room to keep players from overheating, and full locker rooms with restrooms, showers and dressing rooms. The Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) is an NCAA Division I college athletic conference that started as the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association by the ASUN Conference, Big South Conference, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and the Southern Conference to create a centralized home for their members with swimming and diving programs. In October 2015, the CCSA added the newly recognized NCAA sport of beach volleyball and rebranded itself the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association. CCSA beach volleyball went through major changes in 2021. The CCSA entered into a beach volleyball partnership with Conference USA (C-USA) under which the 2021 CCSA championship in that sport was split into two groups, with the six full C-USA and Sun Belt Conference members playing in one group. Following the 2021 championship, those six schools—C-USA members Florida Atlantic, FIU, Southern Miss, and UAB, plus Sun Belt members Georgia State and Louisiana–Monroe (ULM)—formed a new C-USA beach volleyball league, with another Sun Belt member, Coastal Carolina, joining them. At the same time, Charleston and UNC Wilmington (UNCW) left CCSA beach volleyball for the ASUN. The CCSA now has 17 member schools. Food & Beverage 3 There is a simple food stand and a few various food trucks over the life of the tournament. The options are limited for a large meal, but it will do for quick bites. Atmosphere 4 There is a wonderful festive atmosphere to the joint volleyball championships here at John Hunt Park. There are no regular seats unless you pay for the VIP package, but you may not mind. Sit along the beach courts, take your shoes off, and enjoy the great action. Neighborhood 4 Huntsville is now the largest city in Alabama (Birmingham has a larger metro area) with a population of 194,585 people. The area is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command nearby at the Redstone Arsenal, and the state-owned US Space & Rocket Center. The replica Saturn V at the center can be seen quite aways away, especially on the nearby UAH campus. Nearby University Drive going west towards Madison has a plethora of food options, from both chains to small operations. Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurante, Shaggy’s Burgers and Tacos, ChopChop and TopGolf are some of the best options in that area. One should also look at the numerous brewpub options around the area. Downtown Huntsville is also becoming a nice quaint place for a stroll. There will be a few food and drink options down there as well. The Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment complex is an old factory and mill that houses numerous small artist studios as well as food and drink from options like Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea Company and Alchemy Lounge. Fans 4 The fans are extremely knowledgeable and well engaged with the action. Many are family or friends, but they are good, loud and supportive fans. With this many schools participating you will see many fans wearing school colors. Access 5 Huntsville is served by several U.S. Highways, including 72, 231, 431 and an Interstate highway spur, I-565, that links the two cities of Huntsville and Decatur to I-65. The John Hunt Park is off of Airport Road and near Memorial Parkway. Return on Investment 4 The games are free to attend unless you are paying for the VIP tent area. Extras 3 The John Hunt Park is a a 428-acre site offering many sports options. There are fields for various sports, bike trails, tennis courts and many other options for entertainment. The north part of the park holds the remains of the Joe W. Davis Stadium, former home of the Southern League’s Huntsville Stars. The John Hunt Park was the location of an earlier airport for the city. That is why the road near the park is called Airport Road although the regular airport is located quite away from this location. It used to be that you could see some items from the old airfield, but that is getting harder and harder as time goes along. The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, also located within the park area, is about the only remnant of the old air facility. Final Thoughts Northern Alabama may not be an area you consider a beach volleyball hotspot, but the John Hunt Park Sand Volleyball Complex is a great facility for an upcoming college sport.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Charger Park Baseball Field 851 John Wright Dr NW Huntsville, AL 35805 Alabama-Huntsville Chargers website Charger Park Softball Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 500 Charging Softball The University of Alabama in Huntsville, or UAH to locals, is a state university that is part of the University of Alabama System. The school began in 1950 as an extension of the University of Alabama, but drastically changed in 1960 when Wernher von Braun, a German rocket scientist brought to the United States under Operation Paperclip, after working for the Nazi regime, helped create a research institute to provide advanced engineering and science curricula to NASA scientists and engineers. This set forth a more scientific path for this institution. UAH offers 89 degree-granting programs, but Engineering is the largest college program at the university. UAH is known for engineering and science programs, including astrophysics, atmospheric science and aerospace engineering. It is a Space Grant university, and has a history of cooperation with NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center, and the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal. UAH is a member of the NCAA Division II. In most sports they are a member of the Gulf South Conference. Unlike many southern schools, there is no football team at UAH. UAH began softball play in 1996. Charger Park Softball Field was integrated into Charger Park, built in 2010, which is also the home of the soccer, lacrosse, and baseball teams. Food & Beverage 2 For many games there may be no food stands in operation. If the small stand is in operation expect a very simple menu with very good prices for hot dogs and similar items. Atmosphere 3 The field is a simple softball field with a few grandstands located around home plate. The stadium is a pretty normal setup for a college team of this level and is pretty much a mirror version of the nearby baseball stadium. Neighborhood 4 Huntsville is now the largest city in Alabama (Birmingham has a larger metro area) with a population of 194,585 people. The area is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command nearby at the Redstone Arsenal, and the state-owned US Space & Rocket Center. The replica Saturn V at the center can be seen quite aways away, especially on the nearby UAH campus. Nearby University Drive going west towards Madison has a plethora of food options, from both chains to small operations. Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurante, Shaggy’s Burgers and Tacos, ChopChop and TopGolf are some of the best options in that area. One should also look at the numerous brewpub options around the area. Downtown Huntsville is also becoming a nice quaint place for a stroll. There will be a few food and drink options down there as well. The Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment complex is an old factory and mill that houses numerous small artist studios as well as food and drink from options like Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea Company and Alchemy Lounge. Fans 3 The fans are also very knowledgeable about the game and action. Many of the fans in attendance will be family or friends of the players. Access 5 Huntsville is served by several U.S. Highways, including 72, 231, 431 and an Interstate highway spur, I-565, that links the two cities of Huntsville and Decatur to I-65. The UAH campus is off of Sparkman Drive, just south of I-565. There should almost always be plenty of parking found by the soccer field. Check the signs for games that happen during normal class times. Return on Investment 4 The games are free to attend as a local credit union is sponsoring games. Extras 2 Drive around the campus of UAH and check out the beautiful surroundings, as well as the intimidating nature of the learning what happens in places such as the Optics building and the Von Braun building. See if you can see the Saturn V rocket from the soccer pitch. Final Thoughts The University of Alabama in Huntsville has managed to make a very basic, although pretty, setting into one of the better softball fields in the area. If in the area, make sure to stop in and see if you can catch a match.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Union Home Mortgage Park 1625 Ivy St. Waynesboro, VA 22980 Waynesboro Generals website Union Home Mortgage Park website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 350 Generals In Waynesboro Founded in 1923, the Valley Baseball League contains 11 teams playing up and down Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. One team, the Waynesboro Generals, was founded in 1950 and plays their home games at Union Home Mortgage Park, formerly known as Kate Collins Field. The stadium is located on the grounds of Kate Collins Middle School and is home to the local high school baseball team during the spring. During the summer, when school is not in session, the Generals call it home. Waynesboro has been home to several players who would go on to play in the majors, including Mike Lowell and Brandon Inge. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located behind home plate. Although the menu is pretty basic, the prices are extremely affordable. Barbecue sandwiches are only $3 (an extra 50 cents for slaw) while hot dogs are only $2 (an extra 50 cents for chili or slaw). Fries cost just $2, popcorn just $1.50, and drinks (soda, Water and Gatorade), chips, and candy are just $1. Blow pops are two for $1, although you can’t just get one for 50 cents, you have to get two. Bubble gum is four for a dollar, though again, you have to buy four, you can’t get one for a quarter. Keep in mind the concession stand closes at 9 PM for games which start at 7, so plan accordingly. For Sunday doubleheaders which start earlier, the closing time may vary. There is a “combo deal” available for $7 where fans can get their choice of barbecue or two hot dogs, fries or chips, and a drink, but if you do the math, it costs the same or less to buy these items individually, so this is a waste of money. Atmosphere 3 Union Home Mortgage Park is a pretty basic stadium, with some bleachers on either side of home plate and a scoreboard in left-centerfield showing the linescore and other basic information. Many fans like to bring their own chairs and either set up directly behind home plate, further down the lines between the bleachers and the dugouts, or on the large hill down the first base line. Many kids will also hang out on that hill playing catch with their friends while their parents watch the game. As in most of the Valley League, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls but can return them to the concession stand for a free freezie pop. However, this rule seemed to be ignored by many kids, who happily picked up and kept foul balls hit onto the hill. Neighborhood 3 As is typical of the Valley League, Waynesboro is a small city nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. Downtown Waynesboro is just a short drive away from the field down Ivy Street. Take that to Main Street and you will find many options, ranging from chain restaurants to local eateries like the Green Leaf Grill and cuisines ranging from Japanese to Mexican to Salvadoran. Seven Arrows Brewing company is nearby as well. Waynesboro doesn’t have all the glitz and glamor of large cities, but like elsewhere in the Valley, it does have that small town charm. Fans 5 Generals fans pack the bleachers night in and night out to watch their team. Whether they sit in the bleachers or in their own chairs throughout the ballpark, they show up in good numbers to watch their team. Many of them go to most or every home game here. As is typical of the Valley League, the crowd represents a good cross-section of the Waynesboro community, ranging from young families with small kids to older people who have been following the team for a long time. Whatever brings them out here, they cheer on the players loudly and passionately and are not afraid to heckle the umpires when they feel they have made a bad call. Things don’t get too out of hand though, and certainly not profane. This is a family-friendly environment for all fans. Access 2 If coming from the south, east, or west, Waynesboro is located directly along I-64, and the stadium is a couple miles off the highway. If coming from the north, you can theoretically take I-81 south to I-64 east, but you can save about five to ten minutes off your drive by exiting I-81 at Exit 225 and taking State Route 262 east. Route 262 actually ends just east of the interchange, and traffic continues straight onto State Route 254. This will take you right into town and you won’t need to turn again until you reach the stadium about ten miles ahead on your left. Once you arrive, there is ample parking available in the school parking lot although the traffic patterns are quite confusing. Although it is not signed as such, you enter the lot at the top, and drive down on either side to park. Going out, you don’t drive back up, but drive all the way down to the back of the lot and exit through a path there. While technically there is no prohibition on driving the “wrong” way in the lot, and thus no signs advising against it, the lanes are not wide enough to accommodate two-way traffic so you will cause people a lot of problems if you do this. There are restrooms located around the corner from the concession stand, and while they were of a sufficient size for the crowd, the men’s room was in terrible condition. The door to the stall was hanging off the hinge, exposing the user for others in the restroom to see. Additionally, as the toilet paper was hanging on a hook on the door, which was swung open and barely attached, it was impossible to reach the toilet paper without getting up off the toilet. We cannot speak for the quality of the ladies’ restroom but expect it to be similar. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $5 for adults, and $3 for seniors, children 8 and under, and military/veterans. Concessions are pretty affordable as well, as long as you don’t waste your money on the meal deal. However, you can pay the same amount elsewhere in the Valley League for a better experience, so this cannot earn the top score here. Extras 2 There are free roster cards available by the concession stand. A second and final star for all the unique vantage points to watch the game from. Final Thoughts Although Valley League venues in general are not known for their flashiness, and Waynesboro certainly is no fancy venue either, most stadiums in the league manage to put on a great atmosphere and make up for their lack of flash with lots of charm. Unfortunately, the experience here in Waynesboro will seem like a major disappointment if you’ve been to other Valley League venues. The Generals have a great and loyal fan base and could be doing so much more here than they are. Fans who are passing through Waynesboro will certainly want to pay Union Home Mortgage Park a visit, and it is a decent enough stadium if you are able to pay it a visit, but if you have limited time in the Valley, you may want to check out other teams in the VBL instead.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park 270 Veterans Memorial Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Harrisonburg Turks website Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,200 Harrisonburg Baseball Is No Turkey With 11 teams nestled up and down Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, the Valley Baseball League is one of the oldest collegiate summer wood-bat leagues in America. The Harrisonburg Turks have been playing in the Valley League since 1950 and play their home games at Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park on the campus of James Madison University. Although baseball has been played here since the 1940s, the stadium was completely rebuilt and the new stadium opened in 2010. The stadium is also home to the JMU baseball team and is part of a shared complex that includes the Dukes’ softball stadium as well. The Turks’ nickname is short for “Turkeys” and alludes to the thriving poultry industry in the area. Food & Beverage 4 There is one concession stand located on the concourse which serves a decent range of options at affordable prices. Hamburgers are $4, cheeseburgers are $5, grilled chicken sandwiches are $6, chicken strips are three for $3.50, hot dogs are $3, fries are $3, pizza (cheese or pepperoni) is $2, nachos are $4, popcorn is $2, candy is $2, and freezie pops are 25 cents each. Soda (Pepsi products) are $3, Gatorade is $3, and bottled water is $2. Cash and credit cards are both accepted. Atmosphere 5 Unlikely most venues in the Valley League, Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park is quite the modern facility. Walking through the gates will put you on a spacious concourse. The restrooms will be on your left and the concession stand on your right. You will then walk up a flight of steps to the top of the seating bowl and back down to your seat. There are some chairbacks behind home plate and bleachers with backs down the lines. All seats are general admission so arrive early to sit where you want. A scoreboard in the right-centerfield shows the linescore and other basic information. The Turks do a great job of promoting an exciting atmosphere here. In addition to the game on the field, fans can enjoy between innings contests ranging from a smoothie chugging race for a chance to win another free smoothie to a race where fans dress up as food, and whoever wins gets a free item they dressed up as from the concession stand. A couple of Valley League traditions are worth noting here. Your game ticket doubles as a raffle ticket for a chance to win various prizes throughout the game, so be sure to hold onto it. Additionally, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls but can return them to the concession stand for a free freezie pop. You will often see kids running down to the concourse every time a ball is hit out there. Neighborhood 5 Harrisonburg is a beautiful college town nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Although it is not large, there is a lot to do here. Macado’s is a regional restaurant chain with several locations in the Valley and surrounding area, including one right here in Harrisonburg. They are known for their burgers, wings, and delicious hot sandwiches, as well as their large collection of local sports memorabilia. Kline’s Dairy bar also has several Valley locations including two in Harrisonburg and is known for its ice cream, banana splits, and delicious milkshakes. The Magpie Diner on West Gay Street is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favorite. Fans 5 The Turks consistently rank towards the top of the Valley League in attendance, and the stands at Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park can get pretty full. The fans cheer on the Turks, and it can get very loud here at times when the Turks make big plays. The fans are also not afraid to get on the umpires’ case when they feel they have made a bad call, although it will never get so outrageous as to not be family-friendly. There are a wide range of fans in attendance, including young families with small children watching in wonderment of it all and older people who have been following the team since they played in the old version of the stadium, and possibly much longer. Many students studying at JMU over the summer will also make the short trip over to the ballpark to take in a game. Access 4 Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park is located a few miles off Interstate 81 via exit 247B. After exiting onto Market Street, continue a short while before turning left onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Continue for about a mile and a half before the road ends at High Street. Continue through the light and you will be in the parking lot. You will need to navigate a roundabout in the middle of the parking lot to wind up in the lot nearest the stadium – other areas serve the Veterans Memorial itself or other parts of the park, although you can park there if the stadium lot fills up. Getting around the stadium once you get inside is easy enough, although it is a bit confusing to have to walk up and back down. Foul balls regularly fly onto the concourse so be careful while you are walking down there. Someone member will normally shout “Heads up!” when a ball is heading that way but be alert yourself anyway. Restrooms are located directly to the left of the entrance and are of a sufficient size for the crowd. When getting out of the stadium, you may have to wait at the traffic light for a few minutes as the timing of the cycle was not designed for such traffic patterns as occur postgame, but once you get out, you should not encounter any problems. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Turks games is only $5, while senior citizens will pay only $2, college students with ID will pay $3, and children 12 and under will pay $1. There are many opportunities to pay even less than that. Church youth groups with their pastor get in free on Sundays. Fans who dress up like a turkey get in free on Turkey Tuesday. College students get in for just $1 on Mondays. Select games even have free tickets available with a coupon in the local paper. Extras 3 There are free programs available at the entrance. A team store is located on the concourse next to the concession stand and sells Turks gear at great prices. Finally, there is a monument to veterans from Rockingham County located near the entrance to the stadium. Final Thoughts It is indisputable that Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park is the most modern facility in the Valley League. While the older venues certainly have their charm in their own way, the Turks manage to create the same great atmosphere there is elsewhere in the league in a more modern stadium with all the amenities that comes with. This could easily be a minor league stadium if not for the fact that the capacity is far too small. This may very well be the best stadium in the Valley League, and that’s saying something since there are a lot of gorgeous venues here. On a warm summer’s night in Harrisonburg, a Turks game at Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park is well worth a visit.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Gulf Place (Gulf Shores Main Public Beach) 101 E. Beach Blvd Gulf Shores, AL 36542 NCAA Women’s Beach Volleyball website Gulf Place website Year Opened: 2016 A National Championship comes to the Gulf Coast Every year since 2016 the top Beach Volleyball teams in the country meet up on the beautiful white, sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championships. Beach Volleyball is the NCAA’s newest sport, having been officially sponsored by the NCAA since 2016. Before that sand volleyball had been a part of college sports, but only at the club or intramural level. When the NCAA took over in 2016 they changed the name from Sand Volleyball to the more official Beach Volleyball. As of the 2022 season there are 64 Division I, 16 D2, and 6 D3 schools with Beach Volleyball programs. With only D1 having enough schools to support a championship, all three divisions are eligible to participate in the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship. The California schools dominate the field every year, with USC taking home four titles (including the 2022 tournament) and UCLA taking home two titles. For the first five years only 8 teams were invited, but for 2022 the field was expanded to include 16 teams with a different format than in years past. There are currently eight D1 conferences for Beach Volleyball, so the winners of the conferences are invited to participate. In addition, two teams from the East Region and two teams from the West Region are given bids, while four at-large schools are also selected. The at-large teams selected could be D2 or D3 schools, making Beach Volleyball the only NCAA sponsored sport where schools from different divisions compete against each other. Food & Beverage 3 The Beach Volleyball National Championships take place in a temporary area literally right on the beach. Because of this there are no permanent concessions on site. However, there are several tents on site selling drinks and snacks, and there are also two food trucks on property selling food – an acai bowl truck called Sowl Bowlz and a Chicken Shack truck. The tents basically sell cold beverages like bottled water ($2), Powerade ($3), bottled sodas ($4), and 12 oz. canned beer ($6) available in Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, and Bud Light. They also had a bartender who was making mixed drinks at one of the tents. There are also a ton of restaurants within walking distance of the venue, so since you are free to come and go as you want my recommendation would be get something to eat at one of the many local seafood restaurants in Gulf Shores. Atmosphere 4 The scene here is pretty cool, as they literally just fence in a wide area of the beach and set up 11 temporary beach volleyball courts, with 5 being used for match play and the other 6 being used for practice. This is the first year since 2019 that the tournament has operated with fan attendance. With 16 teams being invited for the first time ever, the tournament has expanded to five days. The event kicks off Wednesday morning at 9 am with the first round, and all 16 teams playing in a single elimination format. All matches are contested under five sets, with the first team to win three sets advancing. The early rounds of the tournament will start at about 9 am and go until it gets dark. Thursday is a practice day for the teams, as the tournament switches to double elimination on Friday. The teams then play back-to-back all day on Friday and Saturday until there are only two teams left, which play for the National Championship on Sunday, as well as the third-place game which is also played on Sunday. When the schools play, they use all five different courts, so it can get kind of confusing to know which one to watch, as there will be five different matches going on at the same time. Since there isn’t an official game day program or anything to familiarize you with any of the players, your best bet is to just walk from court to court. The official grounds are blocked by two large fences to the east and west, but to the south there is a small three-foot wooden fence, so people walking the beach are able to stop and view the action as the venue is a part of the public beach. They even have a large videoboard visible from the water. The waves were calm during most of the tournament, so it is possible to float in the water and watch the action as it is shown on ESPN. The area where the matches take place is directly outside The Hangout, a popular beach-side restaurant best known for hosting the Hangout Fest every year. The grounds around The Hangout have a pretty cool set up with all kinds of banners and signs welcoming you to Gulf Shores and the Beach Volleyball Championship. The NCAA does a good job at making this a pretty cool event – they have a giant blown up Beach Volleyball with all the team logos, and they have a giant sand sculpture created on the beach. Also, around the beach outside the official grounds there are over 60 beach volleyball nets set up on the beach, hosting over 900 beach volleyball players for a junior tournament, the largest such in the country. There are all kinds of tents set up around the nets with different groups playing. I saw people from different beach volleyball clubs around the country, and they were even doing beach volleyball camps run by different organizations. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) even had a tent set up, and it looked like they were doing some sort of tryouts – they were even giving away free koozies and I saw perhaps the best beach volleyball player to ever play the sport, three-time Olympic gold medalist Misty-May Treanor. There is one main gate where they take your ticket to the east of the entrance to The Hangout. Once inside the grounds it is relaxed and you are able to walk from court to court to view the action. Each court has a five-row metal bleacher setup surrounding the court, and in front of the bleachers are three rows of chair back seating using the types of chairs you would find at the beach; these seats are first come first serve and probably about 10-15 feet from the actual court. They have a rather large merch stand located around the courts selling t-shirts and memorabilia, and also have cabana-style seating under a giant elevated air-conditioned canopy tent called the NCAA Experience, where they have a full spread of food and drinks and TVs to watch. This is where the ESPN broadcasters sit during the match as well. Everything is laid back here and as the event is all day, you are free to come and go as you please. Neighborhood 5 There are several bars and restaurants in the immediate area for you to watch the matches from, one being The Hangout of course, but another is the famous Pink Pony Pub, which at over 50 years old is Gulf Shores’ oldest bar. This cool dive bar is located right on the beach, and you can get a perfect view of all the courts from the front deck of this bar. There is also a Hooter’s next door as well, though you can’t see the sand courts from there. The Hangout is located right where the main road into town (Hwy 59) meets the beach. Around this intersection you will find a ton of restaurants, as well as tourist and souvenir shops along this little stretch. Popular restaurants in the area include mostly seafood with my favorites being Sea N Suds, Gulf Islands Grill, Mikee’s Seafood, Steamed Oyster Bar, Shrimp Basket, King Neptune’s, Oyster House, Tacky Jack’s, Lulu’s, and Starlight Diner. The town of Gulf Shores is a little more developed than neighboring Orange Beach, so you will find a lot more restaurants and shopping in the beach community. You can also find the Tanger Outlets and a decent-sized strip mall just north of city limits. You can also venture into Orange Beach and shop at The Wharf as well; this upscale shopping center is located right on the back bay. You could spend weeks in Gulf Shores and still have plenty to do. The main attraction is the beach and the water, but there are other things to do as well. For families the Gulf Shores Zoo is located nearby, and Waterville USA is a popular water park with a few roller coasters. For outdoor lovers Gulf State Park is nearby and features over 30 miles of trails through various sand dunes and woods; they also have cabins for camping and a pier for fishing as well. In addition there is Fort Morgan, a popular Civil War fort located about 20 miles to the west of Gulf Shores, which makes for a great day to explore the ruins of an old fort. Fans 4 This was the first year since 2019 that fans were allowed to attend the tournament, and they showed up setting an NCAA beach volleyball attendance record. Over 10,000 spectators showed up over the five days, marking a 7% increase in attendance over the 2019 event. The beaches were packed with people, and the roads headed into Gulf Shores were lined with people, as it was a typical summer beach day on the Gulf Coast. Just because there weren’t many area schools participating doesn’t mean there wasn’t a mix of fans who traveled from out of state. LSU and Florida State had the largest group of fans who traveled, but I also talked to some UCLA fans who had traveled from California, some Georgia State fans from Atlanta, and some TCU fans from Texas. So it was a cool mixture of all these school’s different fan bases gathering together on the beach. It is also possible to watch some of the tournament from outside the fence, as the wooden fence is only about waist high. There is about a 100-foot section of the beach open to the public to the south of the grounds where people were walking; I saw many people with tents set up, playing cornhole and drinking a cold beverage while watching the beach volleyball action unfold. You could also watch the action from the water as well. The weather was excellent during this week, and I took a dip in the ocean and could get excellent views of the courts and the videoboard. The Pink Pony balcony has excellent views of the court as well. A tournament like this is also more of a spectator sport, as most people will not be familiar with many of the beach volleyball players or teams playing in the tournament. An event like this doesn’t make a great event to watch on Tv either, but the party and festive atmosphere, along with the beautiful beach setting, makes attending this event worth it. Access 2 The one bad part about coming to this event is just getting here. Gulf Shores is located on the far southern end of the state about 60 miles southeast of Mobile. If coming from out of town I-10 will be your best bet – just take the Highway 59 exit (Exit 44), then go all the way south (about 35 miles) and you will pop out right on Beach Blvd. Be warned though this highway can be a nightmare this time of the year with traffic, and it can take upwards of over an hour just to get from the interstate to the beach. You could instead branch over to the next exit and take the Baldwin Beach Express, which is a little less traveled but means driving a longer distance, as well as paying a toll. But there is a giant Buc-ees on this road, and the gas station superstore makes for a great pit stop for people coming to the beach. After fighting the beach traffic and getting down here you will still have to find somewhere to park, and as there is no public transportation in Gulf Shores, parking and walking will be your best option. There are several pay lots around The Hangout, including the main parking lot that charges a whopping $20 a car to park. However, there are several pay lots a couple of blocks to the west. The 4th and 6th street public beach access points charge $5 per car but have plenty of parking; you will just have to walk a couple of blocks. I was lucky enough to have a friend staying at a nearby condo, so I was able to park there and ride my bike over. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are priced as follows: General Admission Day passes for all day are $25, with courtside tickets selling for $35 a day. You could also purchase the four-day General Admission pass for $55, or courtside for all four days at $85. The NCAA Fan Experience tickets sell for $250, and that grants access to the large A/C hospitality tent for all five days. Looking at the ticket prices, tickets may seem kind of high to an average person, but you are getting to see some of the top beach volleyball players in the country. Some of these players have competed at past Olympics, so you are getting to see the best beach volleyball players. You are also getting to see an NCAA National Champion get crowned, which regardless of the sport is always pretty cool. Also just being able to come to the beaches of Gulf Shores for the weekend is worth the trip alone. The hardest part is just getting here, but once on location you can enjoy the day walking the beach free of charge, and you can’t beat that. Extras 3 One point for the number of sporting events held in the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area. Gulf Shores-Orange Beach Sports and Events partnered with UAB to host this tournament. Besides the NCAA beach volleyball championship, the two towns host tons of different sporting events and tournaments throughout the year, ranging from youth to college sports. The nearby Orange Beach Sportsplex hosts the SEC Soccer Tournament for nine days every November, bringing fans from all 14 SEC schools to the area. The sportsplex also hosts the NAIA Soccer National Championship every year, and multiple D1 and D2 men’s and women’s tournaments. With championship golf courses, beautiful water for fishing, and countless tournaments every weekend, this area of south Alabama is living up to its name as a national sports and recreation hub for the Gulf Coast region. Another extra for the Hangout Fest which takes place generally the weekend following the Beach Volleyball Championship. They do an excellent job at breaking down the volleyball courts and constructing multiple stages to host the notable acts who play during the three-day music fest. Past performers at the Fest include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Widespread Panic, Tom Petty, Foo Fighters, the Dave Matthews Band, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Fall Out Boy, Kendrick Lamar, Outkast, Paul Simon, The Weekend, and more. Lastly an extra point for the setting itself, as you cannot pick a more prime location to have an event like this. I can’t think of any sport where you can sit in the ocean and still watch the action as it happens right in front of you. This is a really cool event to attend, and one of the more unique sporting events I’ve ever attended. In fact there are only a couple more years for you to experience the Beach Volleyball Championship here, as the tourney will move to Huntington Beach, CA in 2025.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jack Adam Stadium 1915 Quebec Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45205 Cincinnati Steam website Jack Adam Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 300 Full Steam Ahead in Cincinnati The Cincinnati Steam are members of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League; the team began operations in 2006 in the league. The organization plays at three different venues in Cincinnati, including the Reds Youth Academy, a couple of games at Xavier University, and Jack Adam Stadium, the home of the Elder High School baseball program. However, this is not your typical high school baseball field. The $ 500,000 stadium was funded entirely through donations, including Elder alumnus Jack Adam who covered half the cost of its construction. The ornate brick venue opened in 2014 and is part of the Panther Athletic Complex that includes practice facilities for the high school soccer, golf, tennis, and track and field programs. The stadium features an arched entrance and towers to resemble the design of nearby Elder High School. The Steam has played at other locations in town but feels that the Elder ballpark is their most prominent home. The club won championships in 2008 and 2009 and was named after Queen City’s riverboat heritage along the Ohio River. However, in a city where “red” is the color of baseball, how does “Steam blue” compare as an option for the baseball dollar? NOTE: In September 2023 the Steam announced via Twitter that it would be on hiatus for the 2024 Great Lakes season to return to play in 2025. Food & Beverage 3 There are food and drink options available at the ballpark. Hot dogs, sausages, and burgers are fresh off the grill and cost $1 each. Small packs of potato chips are included with your purchase, and you can wash them down with cans of Pepsi-Cola varieties. Since it’s a high school venue, alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the grounds. It’s not a lot of variety, but it makes up for the cost and taste. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark seats 300 people and includes bucket seats behind home plate with bleacher seating down each baseline. There is giant netting that protects fans, while an operational press box handles game-day announcements and broadcast operations. The seating behind home is colored purple after the Elder and packed with fans from both ball clubs-the opponent Hamilton is 29 miles north at Foundation Field. The brick facade is tastefully decorated with a giant arched entrance with the name of the school etched on top. The stadium feels more like a castle than a place for baseball and includes the state championship of the high school’s past. There is also a bench with a replica of Mr. Red to pose with pictures. The smell of the grill, banter from both benches and the cheering from the crowd complement the atmosphere. However, there are no on-field promotions, team mascot, or overly-hype PA guy. Here, the focus is on the game on the diamond; something that should please the baseball purist, but there are no rosters, scoresheets, or game-day programs for those such purists. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is in the Price Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati in the city’s southwest corner along the Ohio River. It is one of the oldest outlying settlements of the city; it has gone through a revitalization that includes renovated older homes and the promotion of commercial and artistic opportunities in the region. The best options for eating include the Incline Public House, Nation Westwood, Primavista, and Incline Smoke Shack. Tacos El Joven and Veracruz Mexican Grill are two other options for authentic cuisine. Price Hill Chili has been in operation since 1962 and is one of the city’s local chili parlors, but offers breakfast all day, double-decker sandwiches, pasta, entrees, and burgers. A few miles down the Ohio River is Great American Ballpark , the home of the Cincinnati Reds and the club’s hall of fame. Across the river is the Newport Aquarium in Kentucky, and a mile up from the Great American is Rhinegeist Brewing. Two great attractions in the area include the Cincinnati Museum Center and the American Sign Museum. Fans 4 The Steam attracts an enthusiastic crowd to the ball game, although having the local Hamilton Joes added a few more fans in the seats. The crowd concentrated on the game and remained focused throughout the nine innings. Due to the rather small size of the venue, the stadium felt much fuller than normal. Access 3 Jack Adam Stadium is more than a mile away from Elder High School. It caused a little confusion, as I had to ask twice how to get to the ballpark by a security guard at the football stadium on campus. He nicely pointed out that there was an address at the entrance to the football stadium, but type in Panther Athletic Complex into your GPS to find the ballpark without a problem. Once at the complex, the ballpark features ample parking, easy access to the concourse and bathrooms, and more than enough room to move around. Signage off the main road is also visible for the first-time visitor of a Steam game. Return on Investment 4 This is where the ballclub excels in terms of return on investment. All games are free, food options are a buck, and merchandise ranges from 10 to $15. In this day and age, at any level of Summer collegiate baseball, these prices cannot be beaten. Hot dogs and burgers are a dollar, fresh off the grill, New Era caps are $15 in three varieties, and drift t-shirts are a bargain at $10. To say that a Steam game won’t break your wallet is an understatement. It is how a game at this level should be done. Extras 3 The Cincinnati Steam earns points for one-dollar concessions and $15 ballcaps. The club gets another point for free admission to all home games. The final point is for the brick facade of the stadium and the arched entrance that stands out among the better high school ballparks in the area. Final Thoughts There is nothing truly fancy about the game-day operations for Steam in terms of gimmicks and promotions. Oh, that makes up for the cost and fan appreciation during the game. I have to say this is one of those small little ballparks that’s worth checking out that’s easy on the wallet and enjoyable at the same time. --------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Bart Wilhelm and Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 ISG Field 601 Reed St Mankato, MN 56001 Mankato MoonDogs website ISG Field website Year Opened: 1961 (renovated 2018) Capacity: 1,500 Everyone’s Gone to the MoonDogs Playing their home games in the city of Mankato in south-central Minnesota, the Mankato MoonDogs are a summer collegiate baseball team in the Northwoods League. The MoonDogs play their home games at ISG Field, which has been home to several different teams since opening in 1961, ranging from minor league to high school to its current summer collegiate tenant. It was originally known as Key City Park, was renamed after local sportswriter Franklin Rogers in 1977, and was renamed again in 2021 thanks to a naming rights deal with local business ISG. In addition to the MoonDogs, it hosts numerous high school games as well as Bethany Lutheran College, a Division III school. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different concession stands at ISG Field. The main one is located right in front of the entrance and offers a wide range of options. Main meals include hot dogs ($3), brats ($4), hamburgers ($6, extra 50 cents for cheese plus another dollar for bacon), veggie burgers ($6), and veggie cheeseburgers ($6.50), and grilled chicken sandwiches for $6. French fries are $3, chicken strips are $5, mini donuts are $5, and local favorite fried cheese curds are $7. Chips are $1.50, while soda, water, Gatorade, and energy drinks are available for between $2.50 and $3.50. There are several additional stands further up the right field line or on the berm in right field which sell snacks, nachos, tacos in a bag, and more. Beer is available at a table behind home plate for those of age. Just be sure to pick up a wristband first to prove you’re 21. Atmosphere 5 Although the players are in college and the league is only active for about two months a year, don’t let that fool you into thinking this isn’t a great stadium. It is divided into several different sections – reserved chairbacks behind home plate, bleachers further up the lines, berm seating in right field, suites beyond the right field fence, and The Dog Pound near third base, which comes with all-you-can-eat food and soft drinks. Every seat offers a great view of the game. There are scoreboards, a large one in right field which shows player stats and occasionally video, and a smaller one in left field which just shows the linescore and other basic information. The MoonDogs put on a great show here. The PA announcer does a great job of engaging the crowd without being too over the top, there are between-innings contests during many breaks in the action, and a 50-50 raffle gives fans the chance to win a cash prize. The Moondogs have a dog mascot named Muttnik who can be seen on the field and roving the stands interacting with fans throughout the game. From the moment you walk into the stadium until the moment you leave, you will find a great atmosphere here in Mankato. Neighborhood 3 Mankato is a typical mid-sized Minnesota city. The Madison East Center shopping mall is a short drive or even a walk away from the stadium and offers many options for visitors to the area. Tav on the Ave is a nearby pub and local favorite as well as a sponsor of the team. There are plenty of other options nearby ranging from Mexican restaurants to taphouses to pizza and gyros. Ultimately what you’ll find here in Mankato is typical of other cities in the area. While it’s not the most exciting place to visit, you certainly won’t be bored here either, and it’s not like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Fans 5 The MoonDogs draw very well to their home games, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. In a stadium that officially seats 1,500, the crowd will often exceed that number and sometimes goes over 2,000. Fans will pack the grandstand, the bleachers, and the berm and cheer on their MoonDogs. You will occasionally get fans from visiting teams as well, particularly if it is a relatively close team like Rochester, but most of the fans are here to cheer on their beloved MoonDogs. If you are a fan of the visiting team, you can expect nothing worse than some good-natured joking, so that is not a problem, fortunately. That being said, in addition to being large in numbers, MoonDogs fans are passionate, knowledgeable, and supportive of their team. You’ll hear them cheering throughout the game if the action on the field merits it. You will find a great crowd here at ISG Field and that’s one of the reasons the MoonDogs have been so successful over the years. Access 2 There are several roads into Mankato depending on where you are coming from, including State Route 60, US Route 14, and US Route 169. Although none of these are expressways, at least not for their whole length, you can usually make good time on them. Once you get to the stadium, parking is available at a lot right outside it, but it fills up quickly, forcing fans to park on the street or the nearby shopping mall if they do not arrive early enough. The outer concourse behind the seating area is more than wide enough, but getting around the inner concourse between the 100 and 200 levels of the grandstand to get to your seat can be cramped and difficult, especially if kids are running around, which there usually are. If you are seated in the front rows of the 200 level, your view will often be blocked by fans walking by. There are restrooms located down the first baseline, and there can occasionally be a bit of a line for them but nothing too outrageous. Getting from one seating area to another can also be complicated to those unfamiliar with the stadium, although it’s well-signed what is where. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $8 for general admission bleachers seating, while seating in the grandstand is $10 for reserved seats. Dog Pound seating is $30 for adults and $15 for kids and comes with unlimited food and soft drinks plus three beer vouchers for those of age. If you don’t get the all-you-can-eat package, concessions are still somewhat affordable, although some items seem to be priced more affordably than others. All in all, a visit to a MoonDogs game won’t break the bank and is an affordable way to spend a warm summer night taking in a ballgame. Extras 4 There is a team store at a table on the concourse which sells a wide selection of MoonDogs gear. Visitors should check out the banners on the concourse behind home plate with images of each year in MoonDogs history. There are programs for sale for $1 near the entrance. A fourth and final star for all the unique vantage points to watch a game from. Final Thoughts Like many Northwoods League stadiums, ISG Field is old, but it still has its charm. The MoonDogs promote a trip here as a “nine-inning vacation” and it certainly lives up to that billing. While other parts of the country cheer on their local minor league team, a trip to Mankato and ISG Field proves a summer collegiate game can be just as good an experience as a professional one, if not even better. Baseball fans visiting Minnesota in the summer should be sure to check out a MoonDogs game while they are in the area.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mayo Field 403 E Center St Rochester, MN 55904 Rochester Honkers website Mayo Field website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 3,570 A Mayo Clinic Mayo Field was built in 1951 on land donated to the city of Rochester by the Mayo Brothers, founders of the world-famous Mayo Clinic. Specified in that donation was that this plot of land must be used for baseball. For a time the Rochester Royals played here as a Kansas City Royals affiliate. When they left, the local town ball team took the name “Royals” and continues to play at Mayo Field today. The Honkers have been members of the Northwoods League since their founding in 1994. They have won five championships over their history, most recently in 2009. Eight Honker alumni have reached the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions at Mayo Field are impressive for a ballpark of this size. The majority of the stands are located underneath the grandstand. Visitors to Mayo Field will be pleased with the diverse options available here. The main stand offers your basic burgers and dogs, with some interesting options thrown in for good measure. The Angry Goose Burger adds pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, Holy Smoke BBQ sauce, and spicy pickles. You can amp up your nachos by adding shredded chicken, jalapenos, and Holy Smoke BBQ sauce, creating “Goose Pit Nachos.” Other items you may be surprised to find at this small stand are bratwursts, plant-based burgers, and cheese curds. Fans looking for a snack should check out the Sweet Shop, where different flavors of gourmet popcorn, Dippin’ Dots, ice cream novelties, and other sweet treats are sold. Check out the Apple Nachos, which are apple slices doused in caramel sauce, sweet cream, and crushed butterfingers. Pepsi products are featured at Mayo Field. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose between Bud Light, and Michelob Golden Light ( a favorite in the area), along with craft brews from Castle Danger and Broken Bat Breweries. Atmosphere 3 At a smaller, older park like Mayo Field, you wouldn’t expect an elaborate game day presentation, and you won’t get one. That doesn’t mean the Honkers staff don’t put on a nice show, because they do. They do a good job of mixing in some modern entertainment with traditional touches. The Honkers mascot, Slider, basically a person with a giant baseball on his/her head, roams the ballpark interacting with fans, presenting sponsor ads, and helping with the typical on-field shenanigans. The guys in the booth get in on the act by playing silly songs for every opposing batter. There’s also a “Beer Batter” and “Root Beer Batter.” If the designated batter either strikes out or gets a hit, beer or root beer is half price for the rest of the inning. The root beer batter had a good night during Stadium Journey’s visit, as virtually every kid in attendance seemed to have a root beer in hand. There’s a party deck down the left field line available for groups along with the Grand Slam Patio, a beer garden available to all fans. Both areas were packed during our visit. The Honkers run the usual array of between-inning games, including the water balloon home run derby, dizzy bat race, and the like. A scoreboard in right-center field shows basic game information. Neighborhood 2 Although Mayo Field is located close to downtown Rochester, there’s not a whole lot near the ballpark to attract visiting fans. The nearby downtown area does offer numerous options for eating and drinking before or after a Honkers game. “Historic Third Street” contains a bunch of options packed together in a small area. For fans of craft beer, be sure to check out Forager Brewery and Café for great beer, excellent food, and live music. With the legendary Mayo Clinic located in town, there is no shortage of choices in terms of lodging. The twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are about an hour and a half drive to the north. Fans 3 Even though Rochester is a decent-sized city, there’s a real small-town vibe going on at Mayo Field. Perhaps it’s due to the presence of families and kids running around the grandstand throughout the game. Perhaps it’s due to the groups in attendance and the fans who have been sitting together for years. Whatever the reason, Mayo Field is a place where you can feel comfortable bringing the whole family. The Honkers draw a shade under 1,000 fans per game, which is a bit under the Northwoods League average. Stadium Journey recently attended a Sunday evening game that drew a crowd much larger than average, so plan accordingly. Access 3 Mayo Field is located near downtown Rochester, MN, a small city of just under 120,000 residents located in southeast Minnesota. Routes 14 and 52 serve the area, but the ballpark is located a couple of miles from the highway. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the field, but it’s dangerously close in terms of the potential for a foul ball to come crashing through your windshield. Visitors are better served to park a little farther from the field. Should this lot be full, additional parking is located on the other side of the Zumbro River. If you arrive early, there’s a nice river walk that runs next to the ballpark down to Silver Lake. It’s worth a look on a nice summer day. Once inside Mayo Field, there’s not a lot of room to roam. Concession stands line the area underneath the grandstand and you may find yourself navigating your way through the lines that form in the area. The ramps up to the seating area are incredibly steep, so be careful if you have mobility issues. The first two rows of seating are individual stadium seats, which are sold as box seats. They come with a wait service. The rest of the seats consist of metal bleachers with backs. There is a small group area at the top of the grandstand and a pair of party decks down the left field line. Some of the best seats in the place belong to the residents of the condo complex next door, whose balconies hang over the right field wall. The bathrooms are incredibly small (the men’s room consists of two stalls), but no lines were noticed during Stadium Journey’s visit. Time your trips to the concession stands carefully, as lines do form throughout the game. One note to team management: a coat of paint would go a long way towards improving the look of the old place. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Honkers games cost $15 for box seats (which feature wait service), $12 for reserved seats, and $10 for general admission seating (the last section of the grandstand). Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the park, and concessions are affordable. Overall, a night at a Honkers game is an affordable entertainment option for local baseball fans. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for some of the small, but nice touches to be found around the ballpark. A free roster sheet/game notes are available to all fans, and the entire Northwoods League standings are posted on the side of the grandstand (no small feat in a league with 24 teams). A banner hangs on the fence commemorating Honkers championships, but this was blocked by equipment. Final Thoughts When the Mayo Brothers donated the land that Mayo Field stand on to the city of Rochester, they specified in the deed that this plot of land had to be used for baseball, so you know that baseball is intricately tied to the community. Mayo Field has that nice old-timey feel to it that fits this level of baseball perfectly. If you find yourself in southern Minnesota, this is a worthy Stadium Journey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 York Lions Stadium York University 4700 Keele St Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 York Lions football website York Lions Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 4,000 The New Pride of the Lions For five years, the York Lions looked across campus, longing for better days. In 2015, York University in Toronto opened York Lions Stadium for the 2015 PanAm/Parapan Games which were taking place in the GTA. The former CIBC Pan Am and Parapan Am Athletics Stadium was the home for athletics and would end up also hosting the 2017 North American Indigenous Games and 2017 Invictus Games games. The Lions were a stone's throw away at Alumni Field @ York Stadium , a far less comfortable or modern stadium. The question always seemed to be why could York Lions Stadium host the York Lions football team. Renovations to the stadium would take place including a new turf field and the removal of the running track to make York Lions Stadium an appropriate facility to host USports football and Canadian Premier League soccer. In 2021, the Lions would play their first home game at their new home against the Toronto Varsity Blues in somewhat of a downpour. The York Lions, formerly the York Yeomen, have fielded a football team since 1968. The last two decades have been particularly tough for the Lions who have not made the playoffs since 2004. The Lions remain one of only two USports football programs to never win a conference title. Hopefully, the new home of the Lions can help change their fortunes and greater success can be found on the gridiron in North Toronto. Food & Beverage 2 The concession options are pretty limited at York Lions Stadium. During the game that was reviewed, there were three food trucks parked behind the south endzone which provided food for patrons. There is a regular concession stand in York Lions Stadium, but for the game reviewed, this is where the team branded clothing was sold. Keeping in mind that the game that was reviewed was the first of the season and before the vast majority of students are on campus and before regular classes have started, it is possible that the concession situation is different for games later in the season. Atmosphere 4 The York Lions have gone from one of the worst facilities in USports to one of the best. York Lions Stadium provides a modern, single grandstand on the west side of a brand new field-turf field which is oriented from north to south. There is no real main entry as the main structure on the west side offers two gate entries at either end. For Lions games, the south entry is unavailable and fans must enter on the north side through Gate 1. As compared to other USports football venues, the main grandstand is a skyscraper and can accurately be described as tall and skinny. Outside of Gate 1, where the ticket booth also stands, is an Indigenous piece of stone art which is unique and catches the eye. The exterior of the main grandstand is more functional than beautiful, but the materials and colours used are not eyesores. It is clear by the size of the main building that there is more going on than just a simple set of seats for football. Past the south endzone stands a videoboard that is the best in the league and the Lions gameday staff use it well for the video feed and the display of minor statistics. Once past the ticket entry, fans are to ascend two flights of stairs to the main, outdoor, concourse behind the seating. Nine sections of plastic, traditional stadium chairs make up the seating area, which sits on a significant slope, keeping fans as close to the action as possible. There are no bleacher seats, other than those above the press box, which are not in use for Lions games, which is a massive upgrade over other OUA facilities. The press box and suites give the Lions opportunities to host media and VIPs that are not available around the league. Overall, the physical building offers a host of possibilities, and is the class of the conference. The gameday atmosphere is run by students and is fairly simple. Fans ascending the grandstand from the north end are met with a double line of cheerleaders welcoming them to the game. Players enter the playing field from the southwest corner through a large, inflatable Lion, and a smoke machine. The sound system at York Lions Stadium is top notch and does not provide annoying echo often found in other stadiums. The Lions cheerleaders cheer from the stands, which is unique, and the mascot, Yeo, can be found participating in promotions and roaming the sidelines. Neighbourhood 4 York University is located at the north end of Toronto, in what was formerly the city of North York before amalgamation. With Steeles Ave. at the northern border of the Keele Campus, where York Lions Stadium is located, there are a few pre and post game food and drink options available. The York Lions field a full complement of athletic teams including basketball, which plays at Tait McKenzie Centre and hockey at Canlan Ice Sports York , both of which are on the Keele Campus. York United FC of CPL and Toronto Arrows of MLR also share York Lions Stadium with the Lions football and soccer teams. Sobeys Stadium is also on the Campus of York University and this is the home for the Canadian Open tennis tournament. There are other major sports in Toronto, but all are at the southern end of the city while York is located at the extreme north. The Toronto Blue Jays , Toronto Maple Leafs , Toronto Raptors , Toronto FC , Toronto Argonauts , and Toronto Marlies all play close to Lake Ontario in the south. The University of Toronto fields Varsity Blues football , basketball and hockey among other teams and Toronto Metro hosts basketball and hockey in the former Maple Leaf Gardens. There are plenty of other tourist options in Toronto. At the north end of the city, fans are just minutes away from the City of Vaughan, which is home to Canada’s Wonderland and Vaughan Mills Shopping Mall. Also, up the street from the campus gate is Black Creek Pioneer Village. Further south, the theatre scene is among the best in North America and in the late summer the Canadian National Exhibition is on at Exhibition Place. For visiting fans, there are plenty of places to stay. Fans may want to consider Best Western Toronto North York and Staybridge Suites Toronto-Vaughan which are very close to York University. Fans 3 A York Lions football fan is the definition of diehard. For those who have followed the program for many years, there has been little to cheer about. It is difficult to assess fans in OUA football as attendance figures are not always published. The game that was reviewed did have an estimated 800 to 1000 fans in attendance. It must be noted that this game was scheduled before classes began and the majority of students had yet to make their way to campus. It is expected that more fans would be in attendance later, but there was a surprising number of York supporters inhouse to mix with visiting fans. Access 4 York Lions Stadium is located near the Black Creek neighbourhood of Toronto. It is not difficult to get to, however, Toronto traffic, even in the north end, is significant. Steeles Avenue, the northern border of campus, is among the busiest streets in the city. However, proximity to Highways 400 and 407 is very close. Fans traveling should be aware that Highway 407 is a toll road. There is sufficient parking on campus and fans will be required to pay a nominal parking fee. York utilizes the Honk app for ease in paying for parking. For fans wanting to take public transit, the Pioneer Village station is at the north end of campus, near the stadium. Fans are able to take the TTC from here down to Union Station if they wish. There are also York Region Transit buses that stop at the Pioneer Village station. Fans should check the TTC or YRT websites for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around York Lions Stadium does come with plenty of stairs. Those challenged with mobility difficulties may find some challenges here. There is plenty of space behind the seating area for fans to stand or sit with wheelchairs if necessary. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the York Lions are just $10 for adults. There’s a $2.50 discount for seniors and youth and York University students and kids under 12 are free. This is a terrifically low price for any kind of sporting event. The only thing keeping this score for ROI from being perfect is the lack of success the Lions have shown on the field. With better facilities, perhaps a better product will show up. Extras 2 An extra mark for York University investing in their football program by completing the renovations to York Lions Stadium and inviting the football team to play there. An extra mark for the Red and Blue Bowl, which is a rivalry game York plays in every season against the Toronto Varsity Blues. In some cases a victory in the Red-Blue Bowl is the only victory either team will achieve during the season. Final Thoughts The longing has ended and the York Lions are secure in their new den. York Lions Stadium provides the Lions with one of, if not the best football facilities in the conference. It will be interesting to see if this can translate in recruiting better talent on the field and a few more checkmarks in the ‘W’ column. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Joe Faber Field 5001 Veterans Dr St Cloud, MN 56303 Map It St Cloud Rox website Joe Faber Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 2,000 Granite City Baseball The St Cloud Rox baseball team is a member of the wood bat collegiate Northwoods League. They came to St Cloud MN in 1997 as the St Cloud River Bats. After being sold in 2012, the league changed the team name to the Rox. The St Cloud Rox were a team in the former Northern League who played in St Cloud from 1946 – 1971. The name Rox represents the quarry (mining) industry in St Cloud (also known as Granite City), which has over 30 granite quarries in the surrounding area. The team plays their home games at Joe Faber Field, a stadium in the Municipal Athletic Complex. The complex has two baseball fields, two hockey areas, a golf course, and a Veterans Plaza. Joe Faber Field opened in 1998 and sits just 200 feet from the other ballfield, Dick Putz Field. Winning the Northwoods League championship as the River Bats in 1998, 2000, and 2007, the Rox entity won their last league championship in 2017. Food & Beverage 3 Joe Faber Field sells traditional stadium fare at reasonable prices. Entrées run $4.50 to $7 and comprise burgers, dogs, and tasty brats. Fries, chicken tenders, spicy chicken sandwiches, pizza, pulled pork bbq sandwiches, and taco in the bag round out the entrée menu. For snacks, expect to find nachos, candy, popcorn, pretzels, mini donuts, cookies, peanuts, ice cream, etc. You know … all that healthy stuff. Snacks cost $1.50 to $6. Sodas are Coke products ($3.50). Domestic ($5.50) and craft beer ($6.50), as well as wine ($6.50), are the adult beverages. Miller is the popular domestic beer. Hard Lemonade, White Claw, Leinenkugel, Hop Valley, and local Beaver Island fall under the craft beer menu heading. Uncommon at other Northwoods League stadiums, Dan the Beer Man roams the stands. Atmosphere 2 Except for a very few ‘prime seating areas,’ all the seats are uncomfortable narrow, cramped bleachers with backs with no room to move. Most of the seating area is behind home plate; fourteen rows of grandstand seating. A busy party deck is on the third base side, while bleachers in the sun occupy the first base. Grandstand seating in the shade, and we recommend those seats on those hot sticky Minnesota days and evenings. A thick netting is suspended in front of the seating areas to prevent foul balls from injuring fans. The MAC installed a brand new video board in center field before the 2022 season. It shows the lineup of the team at bat, the player at bat’s name, number and season stats, and advertisements. A separate dot matrix scoreboard in center field shows the traditional line score by inning. The game day staff posts the starting lineup in the entrance lobby. All that makes it easy to keep track of the goings on in the game. The field consists of natural grass and real dirt. Pretty pine trees border the outfield wall making for an attractive backdrop. Joe Faber Field Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The game day operations play incessant, painfully loud music/noise between each and every pitch. Fans are not able to talk with their neighbors nor can Dan the Beer Man hear you when ordering a brew. Ear plugs are suggested. The game day staff provides entertainment between every half inning, many of which involves fan participation. These include trivia questions, the dirtiest car in the parking lot, hometown hero recognition, and more. A mascot ‘Chisel’ roams the stands as kids clamor to meet him and get a photo or an autograph. The music is just too loud and the seating too narrow for this to be an ideal place to watch a game. Neighborhood 3 Joe Faber Field is one of the venues of the Municipal Athletic Complex 3 ½ miles northwest of downtown St Cloud MN. A shaded golf course is adjacent to the ballpark, as are the other sports facilities of the MAC. Restaurants and hotels are not within walking distance, but visitors can find many downtown or two miles south near Heritage Park. We suggest eating or drinking at Olde Brick House (Irish) and 7 West Taphouse (American). For local craft beer, visit Beaver Island Brewery (no food), where the staff makes customers feel comfortable and welcome. Beaver Island Brewing St Cloud MN, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Almost every chain brand hotel, low-end to high-end, is within five miles of the ballpark; the closest a Hampton Inn & Suites about 1 ½ miles away. Be sure to visit the Munsinger and the Clemens Gardens when in the area; two very different gardens in which to admire plants and fountains, and stroll along the Mississippi River at a very reasonable price of zero. Other places for a stroll are Beaver Island Trail and the Downtown River Walk. For an indoor activity, visit the Stearns History Museum, whose interesting and educational exhibits change periodically. Take a drive through St Cloud State University Campus and see if Herb Brooks National Hockey Center is open. For other sports in the area, St Cloud is about an hour from Minneapolis, so a visit to the MLB Twins , MLS Minnesota United FC , or the MiLB St Paul Saints are options. The closest Northwoods League team is the Willmar Stingers , 60 miles to the southwest. Fans 3 Most fans are local families or groups out for an enjoyable evening. Fans of the St Cloud Rox averaged just over 1,500 fans per game in 2022, making it 75% full on most evenings. Most are there to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the game on the field. Access 3 If you have a vehicle, getting to the ballpark is relatively easy. It is located in the Municipal Athletic Complex off State Route 15, about three miles northwest of downtown. St Cloud does have buses that go to Joe Faber Field, but the buses don’t run late enough to take fans back after the game so that’s not an option. The closest commercial airport is Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP), about a one and a half hour’s drive. Once getting to the ballpark, plenty of parking is in the lot surrounding the MAC ice arena building. If you get there early, some spots are available right in front of the only stadium entrance. Have no worries about your car being dinged with a foul ball as the parking is too far for that to happen. Gates open an hour before the first pitch. The team has no rules on what type of bags are allowed in. Fans walk into a lobby that contains the team store, the concessions, and the restrooms. And then walk either left or right down hallways to get to the stadium and field. The hallways show the many players from St Cloud who have been drafted by MLB. Joe Faber Field Hallway MLB Drafted St Cloud Players, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Traffic is a mess getting out after the game. Wait twenty minutes for the parking lot to empty. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are comparable to other Northwoods League venues. General admission (bleachers on the first base side in the sun are $10 and reserved seats are $12. Tickets for the third base party deck, which includes all you eat and drink (soda), are $30. Season tickets are available, as are 7-day game plans. Food prices are similar to other parks in the league and parking is free of charge. Extras 3 Several additional items are worth noting when visiting Joe Faber Field. First, the organization features an elaborate and enjoyable fireworks presentation after all Friday home games. Next, the Rox Report , a game day program, is handed out before each game. It contains rosters for both the Rox and the visiting team as well as player stats, the team schedule, and Northwood League standings. Extremely well done. Finally, be sure to visit the Veterans Plaza outside the entrance which showcases plaques that honor men and women veterans from Minnesota who served in wars and conflicts from the Spanish-American War to recent times. Final Thoughts Joe Faber Field and the St Cloud Rox game day staff, and the baseball team do an adequate job at providing an entertaining evening out. With the beautiful setting and providing important play of game information, all they need to do is turn the music volume down to make it an even better game day experience.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Villanova Stadium 185 Ithan Ave Philadelphia, PA 19010 Villanova Wildcats website Villanova Stadium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 12,500 Football on The Main Line Although Villanova is most known for its basketball program which is one of the top teams in the country, the school also has a football program that is one of the elite schools in Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Since football was reinstated in 1985, the Wildcats have won seven conference titles and made the playoffs 14 times, including a national championship in 2009. The Wildcats call Villanova Stadium home. Located on campus in Villanova, PA adjacent to Finneran Pavilion, this stadium was built in 1927 and has undergone several updates since then. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands at both ends of the stadium serving food from local favorite Chickies & Pete’s. The menu is limited but high-quality. Boneless wings are $12 (with buffalo sauce absurdly being $2 extra) and Chickies & Pete’s signature crab fries cost $12. Despite the name, these fries contain no actual crab, but are topped with crab seasoning and served with cheese sauce. The portion is large, and if you want to share or just really like the sauce, you can get an extra thing of cheese sauce for $2. Hot dogs are $7, popcorn is $5, candy is $4, pretzels are $4 (plus an extra $2 to get the cheese sauce with it), and soft drinks and water are $5. While the prices are a bit high, they’re better quality than you get at most stadiums. Still, it is absolutely ridiculous that you have to pay extra to get sauce with your wings. Atmosphere 3 Villanova Stadium is an old stadium and does not have a layout to befit a top FCS program. Walking inside the stadium, you will walk down a narrow passageway which will put you right at the bleachers. Seating is general admission, although the seats closest to midfield are limited to season ticket holders and other VIPs. Some seats on the north side of the stadium are reserved for students and the band. Your ticket should explain where you are allowed to sit. All seats except for a few small VIP areas are uncomfortable metal bleachers without backs. The field is surrounded by a track, which means the stands are set further back than they otherwise would be and creates weird sightlines. There is a small scoreboard behind one end zone and a larger video board behind the other. The Wildcats have a small marching band, cheerleaders, and a costumed wildcat mascot. During breaks in the action, there will often be contests going on, although they do not happen on the field but in an area behind the end zone. Villanova has a loud, imposing student section that takes up almost a quarter of the stadium which significantly adds to the atmosphere here but it is still a pretty basic stadium. Neighborhood 4 Villanova Stadium is located on Lancaster Avenue on the Villanova campus in suburban Philadelphia. There are a few options along that street within walking distance or a short drive away depending on your tolerance for walking. The Refectory is a popular restaurant within easy walking distance, Campus Corner is a popular pizza place with local students, and there are numerous other options a short drive away including Minella’s Diner. There is really no need to deal with traffic and city parking to head into Philadelphia. Fans 4 Villanova typically averages about 8,000 fans a game although the attendance can range from about half of that to over 12,000 depending on the usual factors. The fans who do show up are passionate, loyal, and knowledgeable about their team. This stadium can get loud at big moments in the game. The student section is especially boisterous. They will stand, cheer, and shout throughout the game and will often sway in unison or wave their towels. They make the stadium an imposing place for visiting teams to play. Although Villanova Stadium will rarely sell out, the crowds here usually are pretty good and help create an electric atmosphere. Villanova Wildcats Student Section, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Access 2 Villanova Stadium is located just off of I-476. Parking is available at an hourly rate in the I-1 garage across the street from the stadium. Take a ticket as you come in and pay as you leave. If paying with cash, you will need to pay at the station, if paying by credit card, pay the attendant as you go. When arriving, exit the garage on the second level and cross the street to the stadium. Entering the stadium can take a while, especially as game time approaches, so make sure to leave yourself plenty of time if you want to see the kickoff. Getting around the stadium involves walking through some narrow pathways and can be tricky, especially if there is large attendance. Bathrooms are located under the bleachers by the entrance and are fairly small, so this could be a problem if it gets crowded. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth (ages 3-12). Kids two and under get in free, as do Villanova students. As mentioned above, certain sections are excluded from general admission and your ticket will tell you where you can sit. Concessions are a bit pricey but high-quality for the most part. However, as noted in the food section, it is ridiculous that you have to pay extra to get sauce with your boneless wings. Extras 2 There are free programs available in a box by the entrance. A second star for the Villanova student section, which adds tremendously to the experience here. Final Thoughts Villanova is definitely a basketball school first and foremost. However, their football team has enjoyed considerable success as well and has a loyal fan base and passionate student section. Unfortunately, they do not have a stadium that is befitting of such a strong program. Villanova Stadium is almost 100 years old and while it has undergone some renovations, it is showing its age. That being said, a trip here can still be enjoyable for college football fans in the area.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Ben Cohen Field 2083 Lawrenceville Rd Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Rider Broncs website Ben Cohen Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: N/A Cohen To Rider Soccer Located towards the back of the Rider University campus in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, Ben Cohen Field is home to the Broncs’ men’s and women’s soccer and field hockey teams. The turf field opened in 2010 and is named after Rider graduate Benjamin Cohen, whose parents David and Rhonda donated to build the field. This review will focus on Rider women’s soccer. The experience may be similar for other sports played at the field. Food & Beverage 1 There is a tent located to the left of the bleachers where food and drink is available for purchase. The only meal option is Jersey Mike’s sandwiches for $6. Various snacks such as candy and chips as well as soda, water, and Powerade, are available for $2 each. Fans may also bring their own food and drink into the stadium. Atmosphere 2 Ben Cohen Field has a pretty basic atmosphere, with a few sets of bleachers on one side of the field near the parking lot that fans can sit in. These bleachers have no aisle so fans need to climb over the seats to get to higher rows. Everything is up very close to the action and provides an excellent view. A small scoreboard is located in the near right corner, which shows the score and other basic information. There really is not much going on here other than the game itself. If you come here, you come to watch a soccer game but that’s about it. Some people will like that, others won’t. Neighborhood 3 As Ben Cohen Field is located towards the back of the Rider campus, there is not much else to do in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head back to the main road, you will find several places to eat, hang out, and more. Varsity Pizza is a short drive away and sells great pizza by the slice or as whole pies. The Tastee Sub Shop also seems popular. If you drive about ten minutes into Trenton, you will find many more options as well. Fans 3 Rider typically draws a couple hundred fans a game for women’s soccer, and while this may not seem like a lot, remember how small the bleachers are. It can get pretty full here. The fans are a mix of friends and family of the players, Rider students, and a few locals who just want to cheer on the Broncs in any sport. The crowd makes its presence known and can get loud at big moments in the game, but there are other times when it is pretty quiet and all you can hear is the action on the field and the occasional side conversation between fans. While students do attend in decent numbers, they tend to hang out with their friends rather than sit in any organized section. Access 3 Ben Cohen Field and the Rider University campus are accessible via I-295 (formerly I-95 until a few years ago when the designation changed to resolve the infamous gap in the latter.) There are signs directing you to the field once you get on campus if you do not have a GPS. There is a spacious lot in between Ben Cohen Field and the Broncs’ baseball field that fans can park in. There are no real restrooms on site but there are a few port-a-potties. Getting up the bleachers can be complex as noted above, since there is no aisle so you basically have to climb over the seats. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Broncs’ soccer games is free. However, there is not enough here to earn the top score. Note that admission policies may vary for MAAC and NCAA Tournament events. Extras 1 Look for the banners honoring Rider’s conference championships in women’s soccer and the other sports that are played here. Final Thoughts There is no hiding the fact that Ben Cohen Field is small and doesn’t have the capacity of many other college soccer venues, yet alone soccer venues at a higher level. However, the stadium seems to the right size for the crowds that show up as the bleachers will be fairly full for a typical Broncs home game. While college soccer isn’t the most popular sport at most schools, a trip to Ben Cohen Field can still be enjoyable for those who want to check it out.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.71 Shepherd Soccer Complex 675 University Dr Shepherdstown, WV 25443 Shephard Rams website Shepherd Soccer Complex website Opened: 2013 Capacity: N/A Rams Soccer in Shepherdstown Shepherd University is a small college located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia in the eastern panhandle of the state (This is not a typo. Look at a map.) Athletic teams are known as the Rams and compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) at Division II NCAA level. Since 2013, the Rams’ soccer teams have called the Shepherd Soccer Complex home. The field is located in the northwest corner of campus and is adjacent to a practice field. Food & Beverage 0 There is no concession stand at the Shepherd Soccer Complex. Fans are free to bring in their food and drink, except alcohol. On hot days early in the season, you will want to bring your water if nothing else. Atmosphere 2 The Shepherd Soccer Complex has an extremely basic layout. There are two sets of bleachers on one side of the field, one on either side of the small press box. Many fans also bring their chairs and place them down right next to the field, providing an up-close view of the action. Other than the occasional PA announcement, there is not a lot going on here. Even then, the PA announcer when Stadium Journey visited did not seem to know who Shepherd was playing, referring to their opponent by multiple incorrect names. Neighborhood 2 Shepherdstown is a friendly town but is not a particularly large one. There are a few restaurants and such in the immediate vicinity, but ultimately this is a sleepy small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains with not much to do. That being said, there is a lot of natural beauty in the area. Despite the popular John Denver song, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River are mainly associated with Virginia, not West Virginia, but Jefferson County, where Shepherdstown is located, is the one place in the state you can experience them. Civil War buffs can also take a short drive across the Potomac River to visit the historic battlefield at Antietam, Maryland. Fans 3 Shepherd only averages about a hundred fans per game, and while that may not seem like a lot, remember that this is a very small stadium. The bleachers will be mostly filled with many more fans lining the field in their chairs. Most of the fans are friends or family of the players but some are just fans of Shepherd athletics, plus a few Shepherd students from time to time. They tend to be knowledgeable about the team and it can get fairly loud here at times. However, the unfortunate reality is that college soccer is just not a big deal for fans at most schools, and Shepherd is no exception. Access 3 Shepherdstown can be tough to access and will require at least some travel on local roads. State Route 9 and U.S. Route 340 can get you close, but then you will have to do some driving on back roads to get to campus. Once you enter the university grounds, the soccer complex is in the back corner close to some on-campus apartments and the tennis courts. You will park in an unpaved gravel lot. In the highly unlikely event that fills up, or if you want to park on the pavement and don’t mind walking a bit, parking is available elsewhere on campus as well. Just make sure to obey all posted signs, particularly if attending a weekday game when many lots are restricted. Restrooms are available in a small structure across the street from the parking lot, about a two to three-minute walk from the bleachers. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are $5 for adults, with children in eighth grade and younger getting in for free. This is a bit disappointing as most college soccer at this level, and even many Division I games, are free for all fans. Considering how basic the stadium is, there is not a whole lot of value here. That being said, $5 isn’t going to break the bank for anyone. Extras 0 There are no real extras here. There was a bin on the side of the press box that said it held programs, but it did not. Perhaps it does at some games. Final Thoughts Even at a Division, I level, college soccer isn’t nearly as big a deal as other college sports like football and basketball, at least at most schools. Once you get down to the Division II level where Shepherd plays, there are even fewer people interested in it. That being said, there isn’t much other high-level soccer around here, so if you’re in Shepherdstown, you might as well check out a Shepherd soccer game. That being said, there is no reason for the school to charge $5 for admission here.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Cary Street Field 1106 West Cary Street Richmond, VA 23220 VCU Rams website Cary Street Field website Capacity: 1,200 Rowdy Rams on Cary Street Located in the middle of the urban campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in downtown Richmond, Virginia, Cary Street Field is home to the Rams’ field hockey program. The field is located next to the Cary Street Gym at the intersection of Cary Street and Harrison Street and can hold approximately 1,200 fans. Its most memorable moments came when it hosted the 1992 NCAA Field Hockey Championship, which saw Old Dominion defeat Iowa 4-0 before a capacity crowd. Despite hosting the finals, VCU would not actually participate in the tournament until 18 yeas later, when they qualified for the 2020 tournament (actually held in the spring of 2021 due to the COVID pandemic) but were eliminated in the first round by Bucknell. Food & Beverage 1 There is no food or drink for sale at Cary Street Field on a regular basis, although fans are free to bring their own. The reason this score earns a point is that VCU will occasionally bring in a food truck or have other food-related promotions, although this does not occur on a regular basis. Be sure to check the promotional schedule for more details if this matters to you. Atmosphere 2 Cary Street Field is, as its name implies, more of a field than a stadium. There is a small press box and some bleachers set back from the field, but the layout here is nothing fancy. The bleachers are spread out quite a bit away from each other rather than there being a single, larger set, and that hurts the atmosphere here with the fans not being together like that. In any case, there isn’t much going on here other than the game itself – college field hockey simply isn’t a huge deal here, nor is it at many other colleges across the country. A small scoreboard is located across the field and shows only the most basic information. The PA announcer announces not just substitutions and goals but also things like penalty corners, which can be useful if fans new to the sport don’t fully understand what is going on. However, beyond that, the atmosphere is pretty basic. Neighborhood 5 Cary Street, which lends its name to the field, is one of the core streets of downtown Richmond. If you head just a little bit west, you will find the bustling Carytown neighborhood and everything it has to offer. Carytown Burgers & Fries and the Galaxy Diner are local favorites, but you can also find coffee shops, Thai, pho, and more. There are a few places closer to the stadium – this is downtown after all – but we recommend heading into Carytown if you can. Fans 4 VCU draws between 100 and 200 fans per game, which is typical for the sport. While the fans are passionate, the layout of the bleachers makes it harder for them to bring the energy they otherwise would when they are sitting in several groups so far away from each other. This is not really their fault, but nonetheless it hurts the energy here. While the fans do what they can to cheer on their team, and truly earn their Rowdy Rams moniker, it would be a lot better here if they were seated closer together. Access 3 Parking for Cary Street Field is available in the West Cary Street Garage across Harrison Street for $2/hour. The stadium is directly across from the garage, but you will have to walk a bit to find along Cary Street to the actual gate, which is hidden away near the Cary Street Gym. There are restrooms available in the far corner of the stadium, which are fine, but there seems to be a lot of unnecessary walking to get anywhere here. While the parking charge is not too outrageous, it does add expense for a sport which is otherwise free to watch at almost any college. Return on Investment 3 Although admission to Cary Street Field is free, the parking will run you about $6 depending on how early you arrive and whether you stay until the end of the game. As there are no concessions, you will not pay for them unless you bring your own or decide to buy something from a food truck if it’s there that day. While the price will certainly not break the bank, as noted in the previous section you will wind up paying more than you would almost anywhere else. Note that the free admission applies to regular season games only – Atlatnic 10 and NCAA Tournament games may charge for admission. Extras 2 There is a marketing table by the entrance with programs and other giveaways. A second star for the various promotions VCU has throughout the season to entice fans to come, such as International Day, Food Truck Day, and Stick it to Cancer. Final Thoughts The middle of downtown Richmond is an odd place to play field hockey, but VCU makes things work in this environment. This location has its benefits and its trade-offs, you will have to pay for parking, but it’s also close to a lot of other neat places to explore if you’re interested in that sort of thing. That being said, when you look at the kind of field hockey stadiums that host the national championship today, it is hard to believe VCU was among them at one point. While the Rowdy Fam fans are top notch, at least to the extent the layout allows them to be, the rest of the experience at Cary Street Field is significantly less impressive.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium 707 Mount Cross Rd Danville, VA 24540 Averett Cougars website Campbell Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,200+ The Cougars of Virginia Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium was built in 2000 and has permanent bleacher seating for over 1,200 fans, with plenty of additional seating in the form of berm seating along the hill on the east and south sides – bring your own blanket, of course. There is a fieldhouse behind the north end zone, and a static scoreboard behind the south end zone (the scoreboard does have a small section for video, but it is only used for graphics and logos, not replays). Food & Beverage 5 Campbell Stadium has great concessions options for fans at low prices – drinks are only $2 (bottled water, soda, and Powerade, as well as slushies and hot cocoa during some contests), and you can also get candy bars, chips, granola bars, Slim Jim, or nuts for $1. There is a grill in front of the main entrance, which even lets students use their meal dollars, as well as the main concessions stand under the press box which sells burgers (including turkey burgers), Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and nachos, in addition to the items mentioned earlier. There is also a Kona shaved ice food truck. The best thing about the concessions at Campbell Stadium is the condiments table to the right of the main concessions stand, which offers fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, pickles, and banana peppers, as well as the traditional relish, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise – you rarely see this level of condiments offered at sports stadiums, and it really ups the taste and quality of your burger, dog, or chicken sandwich. Note the lines might seem long at times, but they move super-fast, as there are actually four cashiers taking money (either cash or card). Atmosphere 5 Averett football (pronounced ‘Ave’ as in cave + ‘rett’ as in Brett) has a great atmosphere, which starts in the parking lot with tons of tailgaters out in front of the stadium, set up under brightly colored yellow and navy tents, with food grilling and families playing cornhole. There are two different team gear stands set up once you enter the stadium proper, and several different concessions stands as well. Before the game begins, you will see the cheerleaders and dance team performing on the field, followed by prayer and the singing of the National Anthem. The cheerleaders will then hold up a large Averett banner, which the team runs through as they come onto the field, and the Cougars mascot can be seen prowling the stands. The crowd is loud, overflowing the stands and spreading all the way around the grassy hill on the east and south sides. Overall, a great time to be had for all – you can really feel the energy emanating from the fans. Averett Cougars Team Gear Store, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Averett University has a couple of campuses in Danville, VA – Main Campus (near Main St) is where most of the classrooms are, as well as the dorms, dining halls, and administrative buildings. The athletic facilities, including Campbell Stadium, are located on North Campus (Mount Cross Rd), so be sure to take note when putting the address into your GPS. There are some great restaurants in Danville as well, including Kickback Jack’s which sponsors the Cougars – Kickback Jack’s is a popular local sports bar with locations in NC and VA only, making it a great option for out of town visitors looking for something unique – the multiple TVs inside let you catch all the days’ sports action, and the steak, seafood, burgers, and other pub fare (plus the alcohol selection) makes for some good eats and drinks. Other great restaurant choices in the area include Golden Leaf Bistro and Mucho Taqueria . Another unique option for visitors to Danville is the AAF Tank Museum – located about 15-20 minutes from Campbell Stadium, this kitschy attraction includes a large collection of tank and cavalry artifacts dating all the way back to the 1500s, including battle-captured tanks from the Gulf War. The museum also hosts radio-controlled tank battles in November. Fans 5 The fans at Campbell Stadium are great – the stands only hold around 1,200 and are packed out, with tons of additional fans set up on the grass berm around the field. You will also see some fans sitting at the numerous patio tables set up around the inside of the stadium, most within sight of the field, eating and enjoying themselves underneath colorful umbrellas. The fans are loud and proud, and you can hear their roar, especially during 3rd downs by the opponent, or on big plays made by their Cougars. A lot of them are showing off their team spirit with Averett shirts and hats, and the two team gear stands out front do a brisk business. Fans Fill the Stands at Campbell Stadium, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 4 Danville, Virginia is located at the intersection of Highway 29 (running north and south) and Highway 58 (running east and west), a few miles north of the NC-VA border and probably a good hour from major freeways like I-40/85 (to the south) or I-81 (to the west). That said it might take some time to get here, depending on where you are from, but the traffic is pretty light in and around town, which is a major plus. Once you get to Campbell Stadium, there is a large parking lot right in front of the main entrance, as well as an overflow lot nearby if the main lot fills up; there is no cost to park in these lots. The main grandstand is underneath the press box and offers plastic chairback as well as non-chairback seats, while the visitor’s section on the opposite side of the field features a much smaller quasi-temporary looking set of metal bleachers – there is also plenty of additional capacity in the form of berm seating along the hill on the visitor’s side (east side) and behind one end zone (south side). There is an asphalt walking path around the stadium that allows you to move around from section to section. As mentioned before the concessions lines might seem pretty long, but they move so quickly there is not much of a wait. There does seem to be a little bit of a wait for the bathrooms, however, especially for the women’s room. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Campbell Stadium cost only $10 (cash or card), which is pretty much as low a ticket price as you will find for almost any level of football. The concessions are also very low cost, and parking is free, so this represents a fabulous return on your sports dollar. If you are anywhere near Danville, VA, I recommend you stop by Averett University to take in a game here. Extras 3 A big plus for all the patio tables dotted around the stadium, complete with umbrellas in Averett’s colors, which you can use to sit and eat while watching the contest. The Cougars also have an award-winning pep squad, and a mascot which can be seen roaming the stands revving up fans during the game. The practice field, next to Campbell Stadium, is also open during Averett football games – kids can be seen over there tossing footballs around and enjoying themselves while their parents take in the action on the gridiron.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 First Security Field @ Estes Stadium 201 Donaghey Ave Conway, AR 72035 Central Arkansas Bears website First Security Field @ Estes Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 9,000 Purple Reign The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is in Conway, Arkansas. The school was founded in 1907 and has a student body of over 10,000 students. It offers 162 different academic programs. The UCA football team is known as the Bears. The school has fielded a team since 1908. The Bears were members of the Southland Conference for many years, before moving to the ASUN Conference in 2021. They compete at the FCS level of NCAA football. Over the years, the Bears football program has been a small college powerhouse, as it has won 22 championships while competing in the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC), went on to win three national championships while competing at the NAIA level, then won four Southland Conference Championships at the FCS level. They have gone on to play in the FCS playoffs five times. The Bears call First Security Field at Estes Stadium their home field. The on-campus venue opened in 1939. It features a large grandstand on the west side of the field and a smaller seating area on the east side of the field for the visiting team. The large grandstand stood until it was torn down in 1998, to enlarge the seating capacity to its present 10,000 seats. This renovation also allowed the program to move its locker rooms, coach's offices, training facilities, and the UCA Sports Hall of Fame to an area beneath the grandstands. In 2007, a second renovation added a new videoboard to the field and a new press box, along with VIP seating at the base of the westside stands. It was not until 2011 that the field was outfitted with what has become its claim to fame. In 2011 the natural grass field was in terrible shape and needed to be replaced. It was decided that artificial turf would be the most cost-effective solution due to its much lower maintenance cost. A member of the athletic staff noted that Boise State had installed their new “Smurf Turf” and had received a great deal of exposure for what was a little-known school at that time. The UCA administration saw this as a great way to heighten awareness of the school. However, UCA one-upped other schools by installing a turf field with alternating panels of gray/purple (the school colors) every five yards. They refer to games taking place at the stadium as “playing between the stripes.” Since 2011 the school has seen a great increase in exposure, and it also has improved its athletic recruitment efforts, as many athletes want to play on that unique field. Today, UCA is one of only nine colleges in the country with a uniquely colored field. Food & Beverage 2 When it comes to food and beverage operations, Estes Stadium operates a bear-boned operation, as there are only three concession stands at Estes Stadium. They serve the regular standard stadium offerings, including hot dogs ($3), Polish dogs ($4), nachos ($3), popcorn ($2), candy ($1.50), and Coca-Cola brand sodas and water ($3). Beer is not available at Central Arkansas games. Atmosphere 4 When you arrive at the UCA campus it is very easy to find Estes Stadium, as it towers above the surrounding academic buildings. The stadium consists of two major grandstands. The larger of the two is on the west side of the stadium. This grandstand includes the press box, as well as the locker rooms for both teams, and the football operations of the school, which are located underneath the seating bowl. The seating bowl has a unique structure, as the club seating section is located at the base of the grandstand. It is shielded from the elements, as it is partially covered by the main seating area. Seating in the west stands is primarily for alumni, parents of team members, faculty, and local townspeople. The east stands are much smaller than the west stands. This side of the stadium features seating for fans from the visiting team, the Bears student section, and the UCA band. There is a unique feature to this side of the field, as there are 12 luxury boxes above the grandstand that are located on top of the athletic building that sits behind the stadium. The south end zone is populated by ten corporate tents that are referred to as “suites.” These tents feature inclusive food and beverage service, and television hook ups so that the fans can catch other games and other benefits. They share the area behind the end zone with a large inflatable Bears helmet. The north end zone does not have any unique operations for the stadium. However, this end of the field has a great deal of activity just outside of its small metal fence. There is a hill overlooking the playing surface, which is filled with non-paying fans, as well as the Greek organizations, who have separate tents set up for each individual fraternity house. The exterior fencing for Estes Stadium is so low that it offers an unobstructed view of the action on the field. Neighborhood 4 The University of Central Arkansas is in Conway, AR., a city of 65,000 located 30 miles northwest of Little Rock along I-40. Conway is known as the City of Colleges, as it is also home to Hendrix College and Central Baptist College. Due to this large presence of educational institutions, it should be no surprise that Conway is the home of the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. UCA’s Reynolds Performance Hall is the major concert venue in the city and hosts some of the top music talents in the country. For more information on the city of Conway and all it has to offer, go to www.conwayark.com . Fans 4 UCA Bear fans like to make football days a full-day adventure. The tailgate areas along Bruce Street at the north end of the stadium open six hours before kickoff. This gives them plenty of time to set up their grills and socialize with the other fans. The pregame Bear walk featuring the team, the spirit squads, and the University marching band takes place 2.5 hours prior to the kickoff. Joining in the festivities are UCA mascots Bruce D. Bear and Sugar Bear. Once inside, the UCA fanbase goes to its designated seating areas. The student section, known as the Bear Den, is seated on the east side of the stadium along the 50-yard line. This is strategically important, as this is directly behind the visiting team’s bench. The Bear Den makes as much noise as possible to hamper the visitor’s communications from the sideline to the field. Access 4 The University of Central Arkansas and Estes Stadium are easily reached via Interstate 40. From I-40 take exit 129 and go west on Dave Wood Drive for two miles. Turn left at the stop light onto Farris Road and go ½ mile to Bruce Street. Turn right on Bruce Street to the Farris Center and Bear Stadium parking lots. Once you reach Estes Stadium, the gates open two hours prior to the kickoff, allowing you plenty of time to get to your seats. Return on Investment 5 Attending a University of Central Arkansas football game will certainly not leave your bank account “bear.” The price of taking your whole family to a Bears game is a relative bargain compared to what it would cost to take your family out to a movie/dinner. Tickets are available at several price levels: Lower Level Reserved (field level at 50-yard line) seats are $25, Upper-Level Reserved (second level at the 50-yard line) seats are $20, General Admission seats are $15 for adults and $10 for Youth/Seniors. Parking is free in lots next to the Bear Baseball Stadium and the Farris Center . The concession stand prices are very reasonable. Extras 4 In addition to the unique colors of the turf, the field at Central Arkansas has the largest school mascot logo in the country behind the south end zone. The Bear logo measures 61 ‘X 50’. The turf at Estes Stadium is also environmentally – friendly. It is made of recyclable material that is non-toxic. The turf also eliminates the need for watering the field, applying fertilizer to the field, or the use of paint to apply markings to the field. NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen is the most famous athlete to go to the University of Central Arkansas. A children’s area is available as part of the tailgating offerings. It is known as Bruce’s Battle Station. Activities included in this area include face painting, coloring books, tailgating games, and visits from the cheerleaders and Sugar Bear and Bruce D. Bear. Final Thoughts Estes Stadium at the University of Central Arkansas offers a unique playing surface, as its artificial turf includes alternating panels of purple and gray every five yards. It is one of only nine college stadiums that offer a uniquely colored field of play. The school refers to game action as being “played between the stripes.” The Bears also offer a high-scoring offense that is sure to entertain both visiting fans and the home crowd.

Photos by Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 UNI-Dome 2401 Hudson Rd Cedar Falls, IA 50614 Northern Iowa Panthers website UNI-Dome website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 16,324 Dome Sweet Dome Rising out of the Northeast Iowa corn and soybean fields like a mountain peak on the horizon, the UNI-Dome (pronounced You-neh Dome) provides an easily found landmark used year-round for a plethora of activities, including the Northern Iowa Panther Football Team. The UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa is a multi-use facility, but not in the cookie-cutter image of say old Three Rivers in Pittsburgh or the former Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. For over 45 years, it has been home to concerts, conventions, and special events. For athletics, it has hosted NCAA Wrestling Championships, college basketball conference championships, annual Iowa High school football championships, and regular season softball, volleyball, and basketball. The field is called Sheriff Field, named after former head coach and athletic director, Stan Sheriff. The late coach also has an events center at the University of Hawaii named for him after spending 10 years as their athletic director until his passing in 1993. The dome has changed over the years. It was once air-filled until a collapse from a 1994 snowstorm. At that time, it did have a more bag-like appearance. It has since been replaced with a more permanent metal roof. Food & Beverage 3 Once inside the dome, concessions are on each side. Choices are simple but plentiful. “Dome Dogs” are $4.50 and provided by Smithfield. The Dome Dog has improved over the years. Klement’s bratwursts are $5. Papa John’s Pizza is also $5 for a slice. There are two different sizes of popcorn ranging in price from $4.50-$5.50. Nachos ($5), and pretzels for snacking. A regular soda (Coca-Cola products) is $4.50 and a souvenir cup of soda is $5.50; water is $4. For the sweet tooth, candy, cotton candy, and caramel corn are all available in the $4.50-$5 range. Like many venues in the state of Iowa, soft serve Ice cream is a fan favorite for $4.50. Beer sales began a few years back and are $7. There are beer stands both on the north and south side of the dome. Atmosphere 4 The Panthers football team has had a long stretch of success and the fans certainly are proud of that heritage. Students have prime seating on the partisan side of the field, but in moving around, sight lines are solid and there is not a bad seat in the house. Being an enclosed venue helps the dome get loud. Crowds can make a difference during the game and are boisterous during pivotal sequences. In 2008, an HD video board was installed. In 2014, this was replaced by a 100×27 foot video board overlooking the south end zone. The existing HD board replaced a quaint scoreboard. This adds immensely to the experience. The marching band warms up the crowd before kicking and performing at halftime. Neighborhood 3 Want a little ambiance pre or post-game? The College Hill section of campus is about a five-minute drive northeast and is a good place to spend some time. The area also offers a few bars like the Library. Mohair Pear, an eclectic gift shop is a fun place to visit. The official college bookstore is also located in this area for those wanting a larger variety of school gear. Outside of campus, an excellent restaurant that is a fan favorite is Peppers. Fans 4 Tailgating lots are packed at least three hours before kickoff. Inside, the fans are knowledgeable and passionate. UNI is behind the spotlight of Iowa and Iowa State and plays in the FCS, but the fans show immense loyalty. The home winning percentage is annually high. The dome gets very loud and it echoes up by the concourse just about as well as it does on row 1 by the field. Many fans line up viewing sections in the end zones for an even closer to-the-action experience. Staff and security are quite friendly and do a great job with the lively fans. Access 4 Access is gained most easily through the gates on either the west side or south side of the facility. Tickets can be purchased online or at the main ticket booth at the Dome. These games have sold well in the past and buying tickets early is recommended. Doors open 60 minutes before kickoff. Depending on the direction you are traveling from, the UNI-Dome is relatively easy to spot and get to. Highway 20 is the east-west way of choice, while Highway 218 is the north-south thoroughfare. If coming from the west, there are signs and a back route marked that helps during Iowa Construction season. Past that is Hudson Road, a north-south connector that is used by the students and fans making the walk in from campus. Public Parking is free just to the South. The lots are easy to both get into and depart from. Inside, the venue is fairly handicap accessible. The concourses are spacious. There are plenty of security guards and attendants to ensure a pleasant experience. If you are a smoker, then you are allowed to leave and re-enter by showing the hand stamp. If you are leaving the Dome itself, re-entry is not permitted. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices do vary from around $10-$40 depending on what seat one wants. The price is extremely reasonable for a corner seat with a good view. Whether you are attending the game for a family outing, a parent-child trip, as a football fan, or as the biggest of Panther boosters, the memories made are quite cost-effective. Extras 3 One point for the programs. They are free, full-size, informative, and chocked with color photos. Stacks are available by the entrances. One point for the available merchandise. Not always do venues have a lot of options for those in attendance. Outside in a trailer, and above the north end zone is a very large supply of Northern Iowa Panther merchandise in many styles and sizes to choose from. One point for Northern Iowa celebrating their past stars. Kurt Warner along with others has found NFL success and they are celebrated within the dome. Final Thoughts The UNI-Dome is a great resource within the state of Iowa. It is easy to get to and very affordable compared to the larger state schools. If you’re in the area on an autumn weekend, then this is a great destination.

Photos by Richard Smith, Jennifer Smith, and Emmy Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Tiger Field Auburn Dr Towson, MD 21204 Towson Tigers website Tiger Field website Year Opened: 2007 (Renovated 2020) Capacity: 600 Soccer With Tigers Tiger Field opened as the Tiger Soccer Complex opened in 2007 and is the home to the Towson Tigers women’s soccer team as well as the women’s lacrosse team. This location, adjacent to Johnny Unitas Stadium and SECU Arena , was home to earlier versions of soccer fields for the school. In 2011 a more permanent set of bleachers was added, but it was in 2018 when a more substantial renovation started. Finally, in 2020 a new grandstand was added as well as permanent concessions, restrooms, and a press box. The Tigers have had moderate success as a women’s soccer program. Towson has not had a men’s program since the end of the 2012 season, when the program was controversially discontinued, in part due to Title IX regulations. Food & Beverage 2 The new permanent concession stand is an improvement over the temporary one located here previously. The options are still quite simple and like many Towson athletic facilities do not offer a great variety. The prices are decent. Atmosphere 4 The hill between the pitch and the SECU Arena is a nice place to watch the matches and also provides a nice atmosphere. The “new” facility creates such a warm and comfortable environment to watch soccer matches. The permanent grandstand is not large but is much nicer than the older stands. Doc the Tiger, Towson’s mascot, is often in attendance at matches. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and SECU Arena, nothing is right by the field. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill and Sushi Hana. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 4 For many years, Towson was known as a commuter school. But in the last couple of decades, there has been an increase in residence students. Students are starting to come to games in more significant numbers. There are also many other fans who appear to be either locals or family of the players. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, but be careful to check regulations for weekday matches. Return on Investment 5 There is no admission charge and the food is reasonably priced so the return on investment is quite good. Extras 3 Free programs are available for the matches. Doc is a great mascot who makes the atmosphere better. The hill overlooking the pitch is a great extra. Final Thoughts The changes to Tiger Field have taken a good location for soccer and made it into a very special soccer experience.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field 275 Tennis Ct Williamsburg, VA 23185 William & Mary Tribe website Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,000 Home of the Tribe Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, the College of William & Mary is one of the oldest universities in the United States. Founded by King William III and Queen Mary II of England in 1693, William & Mary predates the founding of the country by almost a century. Only Harvard University is older. W&M’s athletic programs are known as the Tribe, and they compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Tribe’s soccer teams play just off campus at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field, which is located in a complex that is also home to Plumeri Park, home to Tribe baseball. The stadium opened in 2004 and was named after men’s soccer coach Al Albert and women’s soccer coach John Daly. It was upgraded significantly in 2011 following a sizeable donation from Eff and Patty Martin and their children. Their names were then added to the stadium. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand available at a table on the concourse near the entrance. Grilled items such as burgers and hot dogs are for sale, as are assorted snacks such as chips, cookies, and Welch’s Fruit Snacks. Bottled soda and water are also available. Prices here are reasonable so you shouldn’t have to pay too much for anything. Atmosphere 4 When you walk into Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field, the first thing you will notice is the banners hanging on the back of the bleachers showing the Tribe’s soccer achievements over the years. The brick exterior of the stadium and the back of the bleachers make you think this stadium is a lot older than it is – it was only built In 2004. Of course, the college as a whole is much older and this is likely intended to emulate that. From the concourse, you will walk up a flight of stairs or a ramp to the bleachers. The bleachers are not that large as the stadium only seats a thousand people, so you should have a pretty good view of the action no matter where you sit. None of the bleachers have backs, although some fans like to bring portable chairbacks. There is also a standing room area next to the bleachers, although fans are not permitted to stand in the front aisle of the bleachers and watch from there. A scoreboard at the stadium shows shots and corner kicks in addition to the score and game clock. Neighborhood 4 The good news is that Williamsburg is a great city. The bad news is that Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field is far removed from most of the best parts. Colonial Williamsburg is about a ten-minute drive away while the Busch Gardens amusement park is 15 minutes away. Williamsburg seems to have an inordinately large number of pancake houses for its size, so if you come in the night before, you will certainly find somewhere to grab breakfast. Originally, hotels catering to tourists did not serve breakfast and would instead recommend nearby pancake houses. While many hotels do now have restaurants, the pancake houses remain. Fans 5 According to the official attendance numbers, William & Mary draws 100 to 200 fans a game, but the stadium seems more full than that. When Stadium Journey visited, the ticket takers were having a confused discussion with each other over who to count as they entered the venue, so perhaps some fans are not being counted for some reason. In any case, the fans who do attend come decked in William & Mary gear and rocking the green and gold. They are loud, passionate, boisterous, and knowledgeable about their team. There are some friends and family of the players, but there are also longtime William & Mary fans who are just looking to cheer on the Tribe. The off-campus location of the stadium means there are almost no students in attendance, but the rest of the crowd makes up for the lack of a student section with their energy. Access 2 The athletic complex that houses the soccer stadium is located a few miles off Interstate 64. There are a few small lots located within where fans can park, but they will fill up at which point fans park haphazardly anywhere they can find room. It can be a tight fit getting out at the end of the game because of where all the cars are parked. Parking is free on weekends but you will need to pay with a smartphone app on weekdays. It will start at $3 and go up depending on how long you stay. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $10 each, which is at the high end for college soccer. Some top-tier programs charge that much, but most schools of William & Mary’s caliber charge less or even have free admission. That being said, discounts are available to the military, seniors, and youth, and even $10 certainly won’t break the bank. Concessions are affordable, and we recommend going on a weekend to avoid having to pay for parking. Extras 2 One star for the banners on the back of the bleachers honoring all the history of William & Mary soccer. A second star for the marketing table which gives away free programs and other items. Final Thoughts Although college soccer doesn’t quite have the appeal of college football in the fall, Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field is a gorgeous venue that feels modern while at the same time having a rustic appearance. This is emblematic of William & Mary, and the City of Williamsburg as a whole. On a crisp fall afternoon, spending a couple of hours taking in a soccer game here can be an enjoyable experience for any fan.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Longwood Soccer Field 1500 Johnston Dr Farmville, VA 23901 Longwood Lancers website Longwood Soccer Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 350 Small Town Soccer Opened in 2006, the Longwood Soccer Field is part of the Longwood Athletics Complex, which also Is home to Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field, the home of the Lancers’ field hockey programs. The two fields share a concourse that runs behind the bleachers and it is possible to walk from one to the other without leaving the facility. The stadium has a unique press box made from recycled freight containers and seats approximately 350 fans. Longwood’s men’s soccer team has won two conference titles since joining Division I, but has never made the tournament since the Atlantic Soccer Conference did not have an automatic bid. Since joining the Big South in 2012, Longwood has not been as successful in soccer. For Stadium Journey’s visit, we attended a doubleheader featuring the Lancers’ women’s and men’s soccer teams. The experiences were roughly comparable, so this review is applicable to either one. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Longwood Soccer Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Some fans set up outside with tents and food before the game, but this is for particular groups who know each other. Atmosphere 3 When walking into the Longwood Athletics Complex through the main gate, you will have the option of walking to your right to the soccer field or to your left to the field hockey stadium. Both fields are visible throughout most of the complex, so if there are games going on in both places, you can easily watch them both at the same time. The soccer field has a few rows of bleachers beneath the concourse. Smaller fans can lean against the press box in the back row, but these bleachers have less depth than the rest so it will really only be possible for kids and small teens as attractive an option as it may seem. Many fans also choose to bring their own chairs and sit alongside the concourse or bring their blankets and sit on the hill that runs down from the concourse to the left of the bleachers. Wherever you sit, you will be up close to the action and able to hear the players, referees, and coaches chattering. Of course, due to the lack of stoppages in soccer, much of the atmosphere at any game is going to come from the crowd. The fans who attend can be quite involved at times and it can get quite loud after Lancers goals, but there are also moments when it is dead quiet. Nonetheless, the fans do contribute to the atmosphere here so it bears mention in this section. Neighborhood 3 Farmville is a quaint, small town, and while it’s in the middle of nowhere, there is still plenty to do here. Although there are typical chain places, your best bet is to check out the local color at places such as Walker’s Diner or Riverside Café, both of which are very close to the stadium. In fact, everything in Farmville is very close to the stadium, because it’s a very small town. Just head off campus and turn onto Main Street and just about everything will be right there. Fans 5 Longwood draws a few hundred fans to a typical soccer game, which may not seem like much until you realize the capacity is only 350. This means that the bleachers are packed, fans line the concourse in their own chairs, and many sit on the hill as well. While you don’t have the constant chanting you will get at many professional and a few college venues, those in attendance are often boisterous, particularly after big Lancers plays or goals. They are not afraid to get on their own team’s case after bad plays, but when the Lancers are playing well, or even just have one big moment in an otherwise poor game, it can get loud here. The fact that the fans are packed so close together really contributes to the energy as well. Access 2 There are a few roads into Farmville, but regardless of how you get into town, you are going to have to drive quite a bit. Most likely you will end up taking either State Route 45 or U.S. Route 460, but if you’re coming from any sort of populated area, Farmville probably isn’t close to you. Lynchburg is the closest remotely large city, and it’s a full hour away. Richmond is about an hour and 15 minutes, while Washington, D.C. is about three hours. The Longwood Athletics Complex is not actually located on the Longwood campus but rather a short drive from it. Although students will often make the walk over, if you’re driving in you will be able to park right there at the stadium. There is a small lot adjacent to it, and if it fills up, which it will if you don’t get there early, you can park on the grass behind the lot. If parking on the pavement is important to you, make sure to get there at least 45 minutes to an hour before the first game of the day, or you will be parking on grass most likely. Restrooms are available in the back of the concourse, with additional ones in the adjacent field hockey stadium that are usually open during games. However, barring unexpected plumbing problems, you have no problems using the ones in the soccer stadium as there are never any lines. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Lancers soccer games is free, and you won’t pay for concessions or parking either. With a great atmosphere for a college soccer game, this is an excellent value. Extras 1 There are often multiple games per day in the Longwood Athletics Complex, whether that’s a women’s and men’s soccer doubleheader or a soccer game plus a field hockey game at the adjacent field. This gives fans the opportunity to see more while they are in town, and of course, it’s all free. Final Thoughts Although Farmville may not be the most attractive tourist destination, and Longwood may not be the most well-known university, vWhile the crowds may not be large in absolute numbers, they pack the small stadium, and often less is more. This is one of those cases – if this stadium held even a thousand fans, it would be a much different atmosphere than it is right now.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Southern Miss Wellness Center 105 M. K. Turk Circle Hattiesburg, MS 39406 Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles website Southern Miss Wellness Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 1,000 To the Top The Southern Miss Volleyball program is one 15 sports sponsored by the University of Southern Mississippi. Since the first year of volleyball in 1979 the Golden Eagles have not had much success on the court. After 44 seasons the Golden Eagles are 599-788 and have never been to a conference tournament, nor the NCAA Tournament. However, the 2022 season marks a new beginning for Southern Miss Athletics, as the Golden Eagles have joined the Sun Belt Conference. Before that Southern Miss competed in Conference USA (1995-2021) and the Metro Conference (1982-1995). The Golden Eagles will have one of the nicest facilities in the Sun Belt for the 2022 volleyball season, namely the beautiful and spacious Southern Miss Wellness Center, which opened in 2020 and is now entering its third year hosting volleyball matches. Previously the Golden Eagles played at Reed Green Coliseum next door, which also houses the basketball teams. Because of scheduling conflicts with the men’s and women’s basketball programs at the Coliseum, however, the University opened the new volleyball-only venue – entering the 2022 season Southern Miss is 16-11 at home since the opening of the Wellness Center. Food & Beverage 2 The Wellness Center features one concessions stand in the lobby at the main entrance. The basics are sold and are fairly cheap; hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos at $4, with popcorn, pretzels, and assorted candies at $3. Coke is the official soft drink provider of Southern Miss Athletics with a souvenir cup costing $5, or you can get a 22 oz soda for $4 or Smartwater for $3. Alcohol is usually sold at Southern Miss sporting events, but not at volleyball matches. Atmosphere 3 The opening of Southern Miss Wellness Center has brought a revitalization to the lowly volleyball program and brings a much more intimate atmosphere than the Coliseum did. The main problem with Reed Green Coliseum was that it is just too large to host the volleyball program. Matches were often played with fans spread out throughout the building, and the volleyball program was secondary to the men’s and women’s basketball teams. From the outside Wellness Center is a large barn-shaped brick and tin structure located right next to the Coliseum . There is one main entrance on the west side of the building with a ticket booth. As soon as you enter there is a small lobby with one concessions stand and restrooms, as well as stairs that go up to a suite and to the coaches’ offices. The open-area suite area is quite large for a volleyball-only arena, but features a TV and several chairback seats overlooking the court. The suite area is open to members of the Eagle Club and season ticket holders only. Inside the building you can definitely feel the newness here as the court is well glossed with the giant Southern Miss logo at midcourt. The acoustics are really nice, as the music and sound echo off the tin roof pretty nicely – it can get quite loud in here and you can actually hear the music from the parking lot as you walk up to the building. The court faces east and west with 11 rows of black plastic chair seating on both sides of the court. On the east far end of the court is a rather large videoboard that shows replays and promotional videos. The team benches and scorer’s table are located on the south side of the court with a pretty cool LED board that runs in front of the scorer’s table. Neighborhood 3 Hattiesburg (a.k.a. the Burg) is a decent-sized city of about 50,000 people, so it has everything you could want in a city and still retains that college town feel. The Burg has a wide selection of bars and restaurants, but unlike most college towns they are not located near each other – instead they are spread out all over town. Within walking distance of the Wellness Center you’ll find places like Patio 44, Brewsky’s, and 4th Street Bar – if you’re looking for vintage Southern Miss memorabilia on the walls of a hole in a wall then 4th Street Bar is your place, while Keg & Barrel, Porter, and Nostalgia are all popular places closer to downtown. As a southern city Hattiesburg has its fair share of restaurants centered on the local fare; other popular spots include Crescent City Grill, Brass Hat, Midtowner, Chesterfields, Ed’s Burger Joint, Stricks, and Murky Waters BBQ. As one of Mississippi’s largest cities there is plenty to do for all ages. For families there’s the Hattiesburg Zoo and the Pocket Museum, which is located in an alleyway next to the Saengar Theatre downtown. The Pocket Museum is Mississippi’s tiniest museum, and each month the museum changes to a different theme. If you come to a volleyball match during October make sure you check out the spooky Halloween display that is spread out throughout the alley and at the Zoo. For shopping there are plenty of chain stores as well as the Turtle Creek Mall. Or, if you are into the outdoors there is the Long Leaf Trace, a 44-mile bike trail that runs right through campus right next to the Wellness Center, while Paul B. Johnson State Park just south of Hattiesburg is an excellent place for camping. Fans 2 The fan base at volleyball matches is mostly a mix of friends and families, but with a small student section located behind the scorer’s bench. Also with many of the Sun Belt schools located within a few hours driving distance of Hattiesburg, expect a small group of visiting fans on the north side bleachers. The Golden Eagles average about 300 fans per match which is about average for this level of college volleyball, but 300 fans at a small venue like this looks a lot better than when the volleyball program played at the cavernous Coliseum where the venue would look completely empty. It’s also a lot more of an intimate setting here, as all the seats are much closer to the court, with the furthest row being about 20 feet from the playing court. Access 4 There is a reason Hattiesburg is nicknamed the Hub City, as it one of the most accessible cities in the state. Conveniently located about an hour and a half from the Coast, New Orleans, Jackson, and Mobile, Hattiesburg sits right in the middle of it all. You will not miss the campus as you come into Hattiesburg as it is located on the corner of Highway 49 and Hardy Street, two of the busiest roads in town. The Wellness Center is located on the north side of campus right next to Reed Green Coliseum and the beach volleyball facility, and directly across the street from Pete Taylor Park , the school’s baseball stadium. For some of the Friday afternoon matchups, make sure you park in the public lots to avoid getting a parking ticket if you park before 5 pm. The public lots for parking are located to the west of the Wellness Center, or you can use the large parking lot across the street at Pete Taylor Park. Or, if you come on a weekend you should have no problem parking at any lot on campus. The Southern Miss campus is also one of the smallest D1 colleges in the country, only one square block, so you should have no problem parking anywhere on campus and walking to the Wellness Center. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are sold for $5 from the ticket office at the main entrance. You can also purchase season tickets for $30, which is considered a great deal since during the 2022 season the Golden Eagles played nine home games, which would save you $15. You also have access to the suite area with a season ticket purchase as well, so I considered this a great return on investment. Extras 3 Southern Miss is one of two Sun Belt programs that play in buildings specifically built for volleyball. The rest play either play in the school’s basketball arenas or at old basketball arenas on campus. Another extra for the Eagle Club suite located on the second level overlooking the court. The Eagle Club is a membership-based scholarship fund whose mission is to provide scholarship funds for the nearly 400 student athletes at Southern Miss. There are different levels of the Eagle Club, each with their own perks depending on how much you donate. The school also has a beach volleyball team that began its first season in 2019, and plays right next door to the Wellness Center during the spring months. Many of the same girls who play regular volleyball also play beach volleyball as well. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the building of the Wellness Center regarding where the funds came from to build it. With a reported cost of $7 million to build the facility, the Wellness Center allegedly received at least $5 million from the State of Mississippi’s welfare funds. Regardless, the Wellness Center remains an excellent place to watch a college volleyball match, if not one of the finest volleyball-only arenas in the country. With a new coach, new conference, and a new facility to call home, big things are on the horizon for the Southern Miss volleyball program.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Biddle Field 610 W High St Carlisle, PA 17013 Dickinson Red Devils website Biddle Field website Year Opened: 1903 The Red Devils Of Carlisle Dickinson College is a private liberal arts college in Carlisle, Pennsylvania which was founded in 1773 and officially chartered in 1783. This means it is the first college to be founded after the formation of the United States. Dickinson’s campus is not far from the nation’s second oldest military base, Carlisle Barracks, which is now used as the U.S. Army War College. The Dickinson Red Devils play at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the Centennial Conference. Biddle Field is part of the larger Biddle Field Complex. The complex is home to the college’s football, field hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s track & field, and men’s and women’s tennis. The stadium and turf surface was renovated recently in 2019. There is the Durden Athletic Training Center, which opened in 2014, that added locker rooms and a varsity weight training facility. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand located behind the main stands that sells pizza, chips, candy, Gatorade, water, and soda. Prices are cheap and the pizza was tasty, but if you want more please plan on eating before or after the game. Biddle Field Concessions, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 2 We get the feeling that Dickinson is not a big football school. The stands are lightly filled by fans, with more fans in the visiting stands for the game we attended. There are cheerleaders, and that is about it in terms of atmosphere. High schools will be more boisterous than the fans at Biddle Field. Neighborhood 4 Carlisle is a pleasant town in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania. In 2010, Forbes rated Carlisle and nearby Harrisburg, as the second-best place to raise a family. This is evident in the beautiful area. The U.S. Army War College, located at Carlisle Barracks, is close by so you may see high-level military personnel preparing for their strategic leadership responsibilities. If you are coming to a game at Dickinson, you can venture east down High Street and find quite a few small-town dining options. Fans 2 There was not a large number of fans at the game we attended. The visiting team brought a more visible and loud bunch, even though the home team was the far superior team that day. The fans who did attend were not very loud. Access 3 Dickinson is located west of Harrisburg along a major Interstate highway, I-81. There is not a lot of parking right at Biddle Field, but there is enough street parking and other campus lots that can handle the small crowds. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Red Devil’s game is free. There was also no charge for parking. The concessions are very decent in terms of pricing, so with all of that, the return on investment is pretty good, even if the level of play is fairly low. Extras 2 The campus is one of the nation’s oldest and the stadium is also very old. There are a few plaques and interesting, historic entrance gates that one should spend some time checking out while attending a game at Biddle Field. The college has gone digital with its game programs. Some may find this annoying, but we find it refreshing to see an official statement about that. Final Thoughts Biddle Field and Dickinson Red Devils football is not going to be a place for all kinds of fans, but it is a pleasant and cheap place to enjoy a college football game.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium 2531 N State St Jackson, MS 39216 Jackson State Tigers website Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 44,215 This is SWAC The Jackson State Tigers football program is one of the more prestigious HBCUs in the country. Since joining the SWAC in 1958 the Tigers have won 18 SWAC Championships, 3 HBCU National Championships, and sent over 90 players to the NFL including 16 Pro Bowlers and six College Football Hall of Famers. During the 1960s and 1970s the program gained exposure on a national level. The JSU program produced four players enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame during that time period, when some of the best black football players in the south, names like Walter Payton and Jerry Rice, were attending HBCUs. In fact only 13 other schools have more players enshrined in Canton than Jackson State – Walter Payton, Lem Barney, Robert Brazile and Jackie Slater are the four players from JSU who are currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Tigers play off-campus at Historic Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, which opened in 1950 just north of downtown Jackson. The Vet, as it’s known by locals, is perhaps the Mecca of College Football in the State of Mississippi. The historic structure has played host to some of the greatest college football games in the state, and even the South for that matter. With a capacity of 60,000 seats, the Vet remained the largest stadium in the state until 2014, and because of its large capacity, over 100 neutral site college football games have been played here during its 70+ year history. The stadium served as the neutral site for all of Mississippi’s Big 3 teams, and at one time in the 1970s Ole Miss and Mississippi State played more games here than in Oxford or Starkville. The Tigers began playing here in 1970. Though there is a lot of history at The Vet, in the past 20-30 years the stadium has fallen on hard times. The large concrete structure hasn’t received many renovations over the years and thus is quite too large for a school the size of JSU. Because of its location on the property of the Ole Miss Med School, there has been talk about knocking the stadium down to expand the Med School and build a smaller stadium on JSU’s campus. However, that all changed in 2020 thanks to the hiring of Head Coach Deion Sanders. Coach Prime has completely changed the face of the SWAC and the way people look at HBCUs. Coach Prime has also brought prestige and fan support back to Jackson. Now on Saturdays Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is packed out once again, something this stadium hasn’t seen in over 30 years. The rebuilding at Jackson State would reach the ultimate pinnacle in October 2022, when the stadium was selected to host College Game Day – it was the first time the popular College Football pregame show made a trip to an HBCU home football game, and was only the third time the show has broadcast from the state of Mississippi. Food & Beverage 3 The Vet has 16 permanent concession stands scattered throughout the concourse. In years past rarely was every stand open during games, and each stand that was open would only sell the basics. However, the increase in exposure has also brought better concessions. In 2021 JSU partnered with Sodexo Magic, an F&B company co-owned by Magic Johnson, to revamp the concessions from the basic fare they had in the past. There are stands on both sides of the concourses now with every kind of food imaginable, as each stand has a unique menu centered on a particular theme. It’s almost a carnival atmosphere on the concourse with vendors in tents selling items, and concessions stands on both sides of concourse. You’ll find a pretzel stand on the east side that sells pretzel dogs and bites, while the Not Just a Burger stand sells burgers and fries ($15), a fish plate ($16), a chicken plate ($13), or gumbo ($16). The Smokin’ 7 stand sells ribs and fries ($19), pulled pork nachos ($14), wings and fries ($14), or egg rolls ($14), and there is also a wings only stand where you can order 10, 20, or 50 pieces. they even had a guy cooking up the wings behind the counter adding his different sauces. It can be kind of confusing, because each stand doesn’t sell the basics in addition. For instance the only place to get a hot dog would be the Taste of Detroit stand on the north concourse, which sells a broad mix of items such as Philly cheese steak ($15), a hamburger and fries ($14), a popcorn chicken combo ($11), or a hot dog and fries ($11). Alternatively if you want popcorn you have to walk around until you find the two stands that sell it, which happen to be on the far west side and the far east sides of the concourse, but it is cool because you can get unique items you wouldn’t normally find at a sporting event, like fried gizzards and green tomatoes, which you can get as Sha’s Kitchen stand. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider at The Vet, and there are several pop-up bars set up on the concourse selling alcohol – they sell four different kinds of 16oz beers (Modelo, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, and Yuengling), ranging from $8-$10 each. Atmosphere 5 When The Vet is full this place rivals SEC schools when it comes to atmosphere – in 2022 The Vet is packed out for almost every game, and coming to Jackson for a JSU game is as close to big time college football as you can get. You’ll also get A-list celebrity sightings, as Snoop Dogg and The Rock have all been spotted at The Vet for games. You’ll also see former football players in attendance, as Coach Prime has been known to bring in some of his former teammates and friends like Troy Aikman and Michael Strahan. All this in front of a sold out crowd of people, and even more people in the parking lot tailgating, while the greatest band in college football plays so loud you can’t even hear, and 4 and 5 star recruits play on the field. You will think you are at a power 5 conference game or an NFL game, but this is SWAC. The first thing you’ll notice when arriving at a game here is a ton of people tailgating. The Vet sits in a massive parking lot that holds over 80,000 cars, and all throughout the parking lot you’ll see a sea of grills and tents. Jackson is nicknamed the City with Soul, and with a nickname like that you’re bound to find somebody to let you come get a bite to eat. And of course, as this is the South, you’ll find people cooking and grilling all kinds of food, from southern fried foods to BBQ and many different seafoods, the people at Jackson State know how to tailgate. Tailgating at JSU, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey When Jackson State purchased the stadium from the city in 2013 they added the huge words across the top of the stadium that said Home of the JSU Tigers, but other than that you would have a hard time telling who the main tenant of the stadium is. But you will notice just how large Mississippi Veterans Stadium actually is – the large horseshoe-shaped structure is open on the southeast end zone so you can see inside the giant stadium from the parking lot. I’d imagine The Vet to be a pretty intimidating place for visiting teams to play in, as it is by far the largest stadium in the SWAC. There are 12 gates for entry, with the two main entrances on the east and west sides. As you approach the gates the first thing you’ll hear from the grandstands is the JSU marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South. Probably the most famous marching band in all of college football, the Sonic Boom of the South has to be seen to be believed. The band will play a broad range of music genres, all while dancing and moving in unison, which is quite a sight to see. During pregame they will rarely play music over the loudspeakers because the band will play continuously while the teams warmup. A JSU game is also one football game where people don’t go to the concessions during halftime, as the Sonic Boom of the South puts on probably the best halftime show in all of college football; if you come to a JSU game if nothing else you have to stay for the halftime show. The Vet is a large concrete structure, typical of stadiums of that time period and shaped like a horseshoe bowl built inside of a hill – the stadium is one big bowl with over 60 rows of metal bleacher seating. The Vet sits sunken into the hill, so you enter from the concourse and walk up and down the bowl depending on which level you are sitting in. Once in the stadium you really get a sense of the feel of the history and aura that surrounds The Vet; the place has remained virtually unchanged from what it looked like 50 years ago. The only additions the stadium has received over the years are the addition of the fieldhouse and videoboard in the southeast endzone and 10,000 additional seats added in 1981. Other than that there are no special suites, club levels, nor the amenities found at other stadiums. In this case it works as there is a real old school gritty feel here, and during the 2022 season with attendance at an all-time high again, combined with the Sonic Boom of the South playing, I almost felt like I was transported back to the 1970s with Walter Payton going to run out of the tunnel. Neighborhood 3 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is located north of downtown Jackson, and about 4 miles away from the JSU campus. The Vet is located directly across the street from the University of Mississippi Medical School in the popular Fondren District. This is the nightlife area for Jackson, and you will find numerous bars and restaurants on this stretch of street. Fondren Public is my favorite, with shuffleboard, cornhole, beer pong and all kinds of games and craft beer – I definitely recommend checking this place out. Another one of my favorites is Brent’s Drug, which is an old soda fountain diner from the 1950s. But in the back down some stairs is a hidden bar called the Apothecary, which is an old speakeasy from the prohibition days. Other popular places and restaurants include a bowling alley called Highball Lanes, Capri Theatre, Pig & Pint, Walker’s Drive In, Saltine’s Oyster Bar, Barrelhouse Bar, Rooster’s, and Sal & Mookies. The Vet is also located about three miles from downtown Jackson, and there are plenty of attractions downtown from the current Mississippi state capitol to the old capitol, both of which are open to the public. You also have the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Mississippi Art Museum, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, which is located on Lakeland Drive. One bar worth checking out downtown is Underground 119, an underground blues club with excellent live blue music. Or, Hal & Mal’s is another famous spot known for its live music, in addition to the Tavern on George Street, a hole-in-the-wall pub. You are also in the capital and largest city in Mississippi, so you should be able to find plenty to do for all ages. There is plenty of shopping on Lakeland Drive about a mile from the stadium, and if you are into the outdoors you have LaFleur’s Bluff State Park and Natchez Trace Parkway, as well as plenty of boating activities on the Ross Barnett Reservoir, a large lake in the center of Jackson. Fans 5 JSU has always had a pretty dedicated and supportive fan base. In past years they would still get 20,000 fans for any given game, in which they would most always lead the SWAC in attendance. Unfortunately The Vet is so large that the stadium was still half empty during games. You’ll still find the dedicated fans who have been coming here with their families for generations, by the way – they can remember watching Walter Payton run the ball here and then coming back 50 years later with their grandkids to watch Coach Prime. In years past you would see fans who would only come to watch the bands, so they would leave after the halftime show. Not so now; Coach Prime has JSU fan support at an all-time high, and fans are into the game from start to finish now. When the Sonic Boom of the South plays the fans will dance and sing to the songs that the band is playing and chanting. The electricity on gamedays that Coach Prime has brought is pretty cool, and something the SWAC has never seen before. JSU also has heated rivalries with other SWAC schools, with each game given its own name and special theme. For instance JSU’s game with Southern is called the Boom Box Classic, while its game against Alcorn State is called the Soul Bowl, so whenever these games are played expect lots of visiting fans. The Tigers also set record numbers in attendance during the 2021 season – the Tigers averaged 42,000 per game for the season, which led the FCS in attendance. JSU also packed 58,000 fans for the game against Alcorn State, which ranks second in program history. In 2022 they average even more fans than they ever have. Access 2 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is located north of downtown Jackson. If coming from out of town I-55 will be your best bet as it travels right through downtown, and as you roll through on I-55 you’ll get fabulous views of state capitol to the left. The Vet is right off the interstate; just take Exit 98A onto Woodrow Wilson Ave, then travel past two giant hospitals and the Ole Miss Medical School, and the stadium is right there in the Fondren District. The stadium is located in a huge parking lot, but more than likely this lot will be full with people tailgating as well as hundreds of RVs. This lot will start filling up on Friday and will be full by early Saturday morning, or if you can snag a spot on the stadium grounds you will be paying $20 to park. Unfortunately street parking may be your best option as there isn’t any public parking nearby. Many people park on the median on Woodrow Wilson Avenue to the south. Murrah High School also has parking on their school grounds, or you could park on campus at Belhaven University and make a long walk to the stadium. Once inside the stadium getting around could be an issue – there are 16 separate entrances, but with the increased attendance and fan support the lines in the stadium back up substantially. It can take over 30 minutes to get into the stadium once you arrive. Once on the concourse it isn’t much better, as there is no traffic flow and tons of people, not to mention the long concession lines. If you try to walk around the concourse before the game it will take a while, and you will be shoulder to shoulder with people (you enter the venue at mid-level and then have to walk up or down a steep set of stairs). The whole stadium is very large so there is plenty of room to move around once you get to the grandstand, however, and you can sit wherever you want except in six specific sections (three on each side), which are reserved for season ticket holders and sell out well before the season starts. Return on Investment 4 You can expect to pay more for tickets here than you are used to paying at FCS schools, but coming to a Jackson State game is unlike most FCS games. General admission tickets will go for $30, and the majority of the stadium is GA, as the entire upper deck and all the lower level, except 6 sections, are considered general admission. The good thing is you can sit wherever you want too, that is if you can get a seat. The stadium usually opens two hours before game time and people start filling up at the stadium. It is not uncommon to find the entire lower level already filled over an hour before game time. Also you better get your tickets ahead of time, as JSU has been known to sell out most of their games ahead of time. Don’t let the fact that this is an FCS football game fool you, because this is a top-level experience on the same level as attending an SEC game. From the countless celebrities and rappers in attendance to the greatest band in all of college football, this is a premiere experience in one of the South’s most historic venues. Extras 3 One extra for the signing of Deion Sanders to be the 21st Head Coach in program history. Though the Tigers have always brought a nice crowd to The Vet, it was nothing like the crowds that turned out during the 2021 season, thanks in part to the publicity that Coach Prime brought to the program. With ESPN broadcasting games from inside The Vet, and film crews filming reality shows on campus about the program, Jackson hasn’t experienced this level of publicity for college football since the days when Egg Bowls were played here. Coach Prime coming to JSU also bought along with it lots of D1 transfers from other schools and big time commits, including flipping the number 1 commit in the country for 2022 from Florida State – it cannot be said enough how much Deion Sanders changed the entire Jackson State program and HBCUs in general. Another extra just for all the historic college football games these hallowed grounds have seen. As mentioned from the 1950s to the early 1990s The Vet was the neutral site home for all the Big 3 Mississippi colleges. Mississippi State and Ole Miss played in over 80 games here over the years, including every Egg Bowl from 1973-1990. During the early days the place was also nicknamed the ‘House that Archie Built’, as Archie Manning set numerous records here while playing for Ole Miss from 1968-1970, and held a 9-1 record as a starter in games played in Jackson. During those days it was not uncommon for The Vet to host a Saturday doubleheader of games between different schools. Some of the more notable games include a 1977 game in which an unranked Ole Miss team gave eventual national champion #3 ranked Notre Dame its only loss of the season, and a game in 1980 when an unranked Mississippi State team beat a Bear Bryant coached #1 ranked Alabama team, or the 1983 Egg Bowl when a 40 mph gust of wind magically appeared and blew the football away as Mississippi State was about to kick the game winning field goal. Southern Miss also played in ten games at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, including a notable game in 1988 in which a young sophomore named Brett Favre led the Golden Eagles to an upset win over Mississippi State. The stadium has also been the site of several NFL preseason games, most recently a 2006 game when Peyton Manning returned to the place his dad made famous almost 40 years earlier, leading the Colts to a victory over a Drew Brees-led Saints team. The Saints also held training camp at Millsaps College across the street for three years (2006-08), and would hold occasional scrimmages at The Vet as well. The Vet also serves as a neutral site home for Jackson area high schools, and is used almost every Friday in the fall for high school football. From 1992-2013 and in 2020 the stadium hosted the MHSAA high school football state championship, playing host to a wide selection of future NFL stars while they were still in high school; South Panola has won the most state championships at the stadium with 10. Another extra for the Sonic Boom of the South, the greatest band in college football. The band was formed at Jackson State in the 1940s, and adopted its nickname of Sonic Boom of the South in 1971. The band is a cool experience and if you are a college football fan, the band has to be seen to be believed – once again if you come to a football game at The Vet, you have to stay through the halftime show. Sonic Boom of the South, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts There is so much college football history in this city. Now, thanks to Deion Sanders the City of Jackson is getting the recognition it deserves as a major college football town in the South. From names like Archie Manning to Walter Payton, and now Coach Prime has added another chapter to Jackson’s storied football history. I highly recommend a visit to a Jackson State game to all college football fans.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium 4301 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 Incarnate Word Cardinals website Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 6,000 UIW Cardinals – Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is the largest catholic university in Texas. In 2009 the university fielded their first-ever football team. Starting out as an independent program, the UIW Cardinals moved steadily up the proverbial ladder before landing in the Southland Conference in 2014. As members of the FCS the Cardinals have found success in recent years, winning their conference championship in 2018 and 2021 and making the FCS playoffs in both of those seasons. Since the start of their program the Cardinals have called Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium home – the on-campus stadium was renovated in 2010 to double its capacity to its current level, as well as add luxury suites and a press box. With the program currently riding high after a playoff run, UIW is looking to build momentum for another run at a conference title. The enthusiasm is palpable at Benson Stadium these days. Read on to learn more about the Cardinals nest. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage scene at Benson Stadium is in the category of being ‘just fine’. They have the traditional lineup of game day favorites with three locations for eats and drinks – two on the home team side and one on the visitors side near Sullivan Field . Manned by the local group Just Smash’em , these three stands offer up nachos ($8), hot dog and chip combos ($9), sausages ($9), and their signature line of fresh-squeezed lemonades ($7) in a variety of flavors. There are also free-standing stands on the home side, with one selling beer, one selling hamburgers, and one food truck outside the entry gate on the south end of the stadium, which sells Just Smash’em lemonade and kettle corn. Again, it’s all perfectly fine; in fact, I have to say that the lemonade is quite good, if a little on the high side in terms of cost. I think anyone going will find something to snack on during Cardinals games. Atmosphere 3 I had the good fortune to have my visit to Benson Stadium during UIW’s homecoming celebration. With that in mind, I will say that the atmosphere for the game was especially good in comparison to past visits. The parking area – aka the fan zone – in front of the stadium was filled with tailgaters and revelers. The home stands were packed with Cardinals fans (more on them shortly) and they helped add to the energy and excitement of the game. The stadium itself is a typical college multipurpose, multi-sport facility. As such, the field is ringed by a running track, which pushes fans and the stands a little bit further away from the on-field action. Not a huge complaint, but it is noticeable compared to larger stadiums. With UIW the main draw will be the gorgeous campus – it has numerous tree-lined walking paths throughout campus, many leading toward the athletics complex. Noted for its architecture and public art, visitors should take some time before or after Cardinals games to take in the sights. Neighborhood 5 Located near San Antonio’s popular and vibrant downtown, UIW and Benson Stadium are in a prime spot in the city, a 15-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport, and 10 minutes from virtually all the city’s main tourist attractions and some of its best dining and lodging options. In terms of attractions, the San Antonio Zoo , Witte Museum , McNay Art Museum , Doseum , and Historic Pearl , with its multitude of attractions, dining options, and world-class hotel , are all within 10 minutes of the stadium. For dining options, I have a couple of suggestions for some local favorites that are not too far from the campus. First off, Cheesy Jane’s Big Malts is a retro-inspired joint serving up some of the best burgers, malts, and shakes in the city. Be on the lookout for the bean burger and the choco-banana shake; just a tip from me to you. Next up is an Alamo City institution, Good Time Charlie’s Bar & Cafe – this is Texas-style comfort food (think chicken fried steaks and chalupas) at its highest, and in a funky setting to boot. I recommend it if you have time. Fans 3 For home games at Benson Stadium the Cardinals are averaging just under 2,500 fans per game. This usually means the home team stands are packed, while there are slim pickings on the visitor’s side. This isn’t an indictment of the school, the team, or the program – it’s just a reality of FCS-level play. The student section is consistently packed for home games, which is a great boon to the atmosphere of games here. My last visit was also the most people I have ever seen at UIW tailgates, which is always great to see; a really good tailgate scene really adds to the energy of college football. Access 4 As mentioned the UIW campus and Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium are located near the city’s downtown area, which is the main tourist hub in San Antonio. It is a short, 15-minute drive from the airport, and conveniently located off Interstate 37/U.S. Highway 281, as well as one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, Broadway Street. That is all a long way of saying, it’s easy to get to the campus, and it’s easy to get there from pretty much any spot in the city. The Alamo City’s public transportation option, VIA, also runs several bus routes to the campus for those who wish to go that route. Once on campus parking is ample, however, those wishing to park in the athletic complex will need to obtain a parking permit. If you don’t have one, again, you can park for free in open spots on the campus, which will give you a chance to take that tour I was talking about earlier. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for UIW football start at $15 per person. This is, quite frankly, an incredible bargain for a team and program that look poised to make continuous playoff runs over the coming years. The staff here brings in an exciting mix of non-conference opponents and play at a high level. You get a lot of bang for your buck at Benson Stadium. While the concessions might cost a little more here than in similarly-sized venues, the prices still pale in comparison to those at much larger venues, so you’re still getting a good bargain, especially when coupled with the free parking. Extras 2 In terms of Extras, UIW offers up the standard pomp and circumstance that are found at most college games. The UIW band, the Marching Cardinals , perform throughout the game and during halftime. It’s also pretty fun to watch them march into the stadium before games, so get to your seat early. Other extras include the schools cheerleaders and dance team , who all perform throughout the game and help get the team fired up during lulls in the action. There’s also the team mascot, Red the Cardinal , who patrols the sidelines and interacts with fans in the stands. Final Thoughts Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium is a really nice venue, especially for a school that has only had a football program for just over a decade at this point. It can’t really compare to some of the grand football palaces in the sport and, quite frankly, it is smaller than a good number of high school venues in Texas. However, I think visitors to the stadium will enjoy themselves. If you find yourself in the Alamo City during the season and are looking to get your college football fix, take in a UIW Cardinals game and enjoy the ride. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.25 Glenn Ray Gymnasium 300 Main St. Whiteland, IN 46184 Whiteland Warriors website Glenn Ray Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 4,649 Whiteland’s Home for High School Hoops When the Glenn Ray Gym opened in 1958, it was known as the Whiteland Gym and sat 4,649, making it easily the largest high school basketball gym in Johnson County. The gym was built before the new high school building and constructed for sectional tournament play. The home of the Whiteland Community High School Warriors cost around $500,000. In 1965, Clark High School and Whiteland High School united to form one high school, Whiteland Community High School. That same year the building was renamed in honor of long-time coach, teacher, and principal Glenn Ray during a half-time ceremony. Ray coached the team from 1925-1939 and had a 43-year connection with the school. During the summer of 1979, ventilation grids, a drop ceiling, and insulation were added to cut heating costs to the tune of $115,737. The hangar-like ceiling was now covered, but construction costs were recouped a few months later due to improved heating bills. The renovations also included re-wiring and hanging of lights along with a new sound system. The Warriors have competed in the Mid-State Conference of the IHSAA since 1968 and have captured conference championships in 1979, 1993, and 2002. The team competed in the Mid-Hoosier Conference from 1965-1968. The school was known as the Wrens for most of the 1930s decided to change it to Warriors during the 1939-1940 school year. The Wrens name had been chosen by Ray but scrapped after he stepped down as head coach. Food & Beverage 3 There is a double-sided concession stand located outside the entrance to the gym. The options include the usual: hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and soda. The extra-large windows provide better service and are enough to satisfy any hunger for the fans. The average price ranges between $2-$3. Atmosphere 4 The Glenn Ray Gym is a sneaking-good venue for high school hoops in the Indianapolis area. The wrap-around concourse, pre-game promotions, and community involvement make a great night out for the basketball fan. The framed pictures of past basketball glory and teams make this a gym worth visiting during winter months. Glenn Ray Gym allows fans to enter via courtside and make their way up the permanent grandstand seating that envelopes the seating bowl. A wide concourse wraps around the upper level, providing standing-room-only areas when applicable. The drop-down ceiling is almost reachable with a stretch of the hand and offers various vantage points of the court 14 rows below. The interior is white with blue bleachers, the way it has always been, according to former head coach and athletic director Butch Zike, who states that there is no better high school gym in the state. He helped add a collection of framed photographs and portraits to the vomitorium that had remained hidden in boxes for decades in a storage closet. The photographs date back to 1904 and illustrate a history of the sport in Whiteland. "The Glenn Ray Gym is a sneaking-good venue for high school hoops in the Indianapolis area." Multiple banners are hanging from the rafters of the gym that display championships won in various high school sports. They include titles from the Johnson County tournament, a tradition for many years. The court features an oversized Native American head with plenty of room for movement on all four sides for players, cheerleaders, spectators, and officials. The student cheer block welcomes the team through one of the entrances with the Atlanta Braves-style tomahawk chant under dimmed lights. The school band sits close, providing music during the ceremonies and throughout the game. Cheerleaders entertain the crowd throughout breaks. Tip-off takes place at the center court above an oversized school logo. Neighborhood 3 The high school is on US-31 and close to various chain restaurants and retail shopping points. El Abuelo and Kacey’s Twin Eatery are two spots in town worth checking out, but just 4 or 5 miles north is downtown Greenwood which includes Hoosier and Planetary Brewing Company, which are across the street from one another. HBC offers chicken wings and pizza by the slice and an ax-throwing area where the axes replace the darts on the board. Main Street Grille and Revery are two fine eating establishments worth checking out. A few miles away from the high school is a rather interesting tourist spot that is open all day and free of charge to visit. The Garden Of Gas Station Signs is a collection of 36 gas station signs from the past that makes for an interesting little spot in Whiteland to visit before or after the game. Rascals Fun Zone features a 1,000-foot track, blaster boats, and an 18-hole mini-golf course of US-31. Fans 4 There is a nice collection of fans cheering on the Warriors, from fans in the seating bowl to the rowdy student sections that did their best to compete with their rivals who brought in a group of students as well. These types of games are rather exciting since the school spirit is strong, and even though the away club dominated from the start, school pride was evident. Access 4 Glenn Ray Gym is located on US-31 and 3 miles west of the Whiteland exit off of I-65. There is plenty of parking on the school’s campus, and the gym is easy enough to get around once inside. The only thing a visitor needs to do is locate the high school on GPS, and they will find the basketball gym. Once inside the gym, there is plenty of room to move around on the wrap-around concourse at the top of the 14 rows of seats and at the bottom around the court itself. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $6 and falls in line with other high school gyms in the state. The cost of a hot dog is $3, and nachos are $3, also in line with other high school gyms. Extras 3 Glenn Ray Gym earns a point for its visual display of team memorabilia that includes photos dating back to the early part of the 20th century. The gym provides more history with an area dedicated to alumnus Ray Crowe who captained two Wrens teams from 1934-1936. Later, he would coach Crispus Attucks High School to back-to-back state titles in 1955 and 1956, the first state undefeated team, with a teenage Oscar Robertson as his center. The gym earns a second point for its low ceiling, which gives the venue a distinct look from other buildings for hoops. The gym had high arched ceilings until renovations in August of 1979. The final point is for the hallway that displays every student-athlete college they attended after playing in Whiteland. The large display near the entrance is something not normally seen at other high schools in Indiana. Final Thoughts The Glenn Ray Gym is a sneaking-good place for high school hoops in the Indianapolis area. The wrap-around concourse, memorabilia, and community involvement make a great night out for the basketball fan. The framed pictures of past basketball glory and teams make this a gym worth visiting during cold winter months.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hawkins Arena 1400 Coleman Ave Macon, GA 31207 Mercer Bears website Hawkins Arena website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 3,200 Home of Mercer Bears Basketball Mercer basketball was one of the darlings from the first round of the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament when the #14 seed upset the #3 seed Duke Blue Devils. That upset and the publicity Mercer received following that win is predominantly displayed at the home of the Mercer Bears, Hawkins Arena. Hawkins Arena, originally opened as the University Center on January 8, 2004, with the Bears playing their first game in their new home game against Gardner-Webb. The Bears’ new basketball facility replaced the 500-seat Porter Gym, which had been Mercer’s basketball home for 70 years. Food & Beverage 3 Hawkins Arena features one concessions stand tucked into the corner, next to the main entrance. The food available is what you’d expect from most any basketball concessions stand, e.g. hamburgers, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and candy. One item that is a bit unique to appeal to the vegetarian/vegan crowd is the veggie burger. Unlike Mercer’s football stadium, though, alcoholic beverages are not available for purchase at Hawkins Arena; non-alcoholic beverages include Coca-Cola products. While there is just one concessions stand, there are two areas set up around the concourse where fans can grab either Marco’s Pizza and a drink or Zaxby’s chicken tenders. One of the unique benefits of having the arena as part of the University Center is the food court that is a short walk down the hallway from the basketball arena. It’s nice to have so many options, just steps away from the arena. Atmosphere 3 Hawkins Arena is a part of the beautifully designed University Center building. Twin spires bookend the entryway where fans are welcomed into the Mercer Sports Hall of Fame. The interior of the foyer is walled with large windows that look out into the venue. Fans enter above the orange-clad seating and make their way toward court level to their seats; the black-perimetered court compliments the orange seating. A wide walkway rims the seating bowl but does not completely encircle the arena. Premium court side seating is also available, as is a grouping of suites along the roof line. Dead ball timeouts are filled with entertainment – most have either an on-court competition or fan interaction shown on the scoreboard. While it is fun and does keep fans engaged, at times it is also nice to be able to have a break from the constant sensory input. Neighborhood 4 Even though Mercer is situated in a city of over 150,000, it still has a college town feel to it. Downtown Macon is adorned with Mercer Bears banners from many of its light posts, and features several billboards promoting Mercer athletics. Around campus there are two separate areas where fans can grab a meal or drink on their visit. Mercer Village is a small area just north of Hawkins Arena that offers several choices of food – Margaritas Mexican Grille, JAG’s Pizzeria , Nu-Way Wieners, and Francar’s Buffalo Wings are all options in Mercer Village, while just south of campus there are Amici Pizza and the Library Taphouse. All of these choices are less than a half mile from Hawkins Arena. Those coming to town for an extended stay are in luck with two hotels, Courtyard by Marriott or TownePlace Suites, right at the south end of campus. Fans 3 While early season, non-conference games tend to be lightly attended, conference games typically have Hawkins Arena close to two-thirds to full capacity. Fans are actively engaged in the game and respectfully jeer opposing players. The students section seats have an “Assignment Sheet” taped to them that encourages students to “give the other team a hard time, but to be cool with it.” Students, along with the band members, do keep their rowdiness civil. One of the fun things to see are the oversize props used to attempt to distract opponents while they shoot free throws. The cheer squad has a clever promotion during free throw attempts, as they entice the crowd to “get loud” in exchange for a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts for the loudest fans. Fans at Mercer basketball games do a great job remaining in the game and making things as uncomfortable as possible for the visiting team. Access 4 Located less than a half mile from Interstate-75, getting in and out of the Mercer campus is pretty simple. The parking lot is a little bit of a walk, but there is a shuttle bus if you choose to use it. Otherwise, while the lot is not directly next to the arena, the walk is not significantly further than it would be at a large university. As fans approach the arena they are greeted by a large inflatable Mercer bear tunnel at one of the entry ways. Other points of entry into the arena are located just around the side of the building, in proximity to the ticket office. Return On Investment 4 With free parking and ticket prices as low as $10 for general admission, the cost of tickets is extremely affordable. Mercer also does a good job at enticing families to come out to the game by offering children’s tickets for just $5. Concessions prices are very affordable as well – none of the entrée options, i.e. burgers and hot dogs, cost more than $6 while all the snack foods like popcorn, candy, pretzels, frozen lemonade, and sodas are available for $4. Nacho chips are $5, but they do come with cheese or jalapeno cups, which frequently cost extra at other venues. Much as other sports at Mercer, tickets and concessions are both very reasonably priced, and they do a good job at making it affordable to bring a family to games. Extras 3 Mercer does a great job at highlighting not just their basketball history, but the history of their entire athletics program throughout Hawkins Arena. From the Mercer Sports Hall of Fame in the main lobby, portraits and banners of the men and women who have had their numbers retired, along with banners of the NCAA and conference successes of both programs, Mercer takes visitors on a walk through the history of their athletics programs from their very early days up to the present. The role the pep band plays in helping to create that college basketball atmosphere, to the feel of a collegiate event, is the role the pep band plays at games. During pre-game, timeouts, and halftime, the band does a great job at bridging the gap between not relying on piped in music while still playing current, popular music. The ticket offers that Mercer provides for $5 are great offers; it’s not just the price but the conscious effort to make the game accessible to kids and families. Final Thoughts Hawkins Arena is a beautiful facility and does a great job at showcasing not just the Mercer Bears basketball and volleyball programs, but they do a great job at telling the history of Mercer athletics – the athletics history walk in the lobby gives a fascinating look at the Bears programs. It does feel, though, as fans are constantly being asked to have their attention focused on either the game or what ever in-game contests or activity is happening.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Grand Canyon University Arena 3300 West Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 Grand Canyon University website Grand Canyon University Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 7,000 Purple Party The Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a Christian-based university in central Phoenix. Its spirited athletic teams are the Antelopes (Lopes), proud members of the NCAA D1 WAC (Western Athletic Conference). GCU Arena , which opened in 2011 and expanded in 2014, is a mid-sized indoor arena . It is home t o the GCU Antelopes (Lopes) basketball and volleyball teams, as well as other university-sponsored events. While the men’s basketball team draws the larger crowds, the women’s basketball games are enthusiastically attended, especially when they play their in-state rivals, the AS U Sun Devils. The GCU women’s basketball team began in 1988 in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (small college athletics). They moved to NCAA D2 in 1991, then transitioned to D1 in 2013 as a member of the WAC (Western Athletic Conference). While in D2, the team made the NCAA tournament six times. Team colors are purple, black, and white, and it’s a purple party pre, during, and post game. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has five concession stands. The number of them open during an event depends on the expected crowd. Two (on the second level) were operational at the game of this review, which was plenty. The food stands are nicely arranged in the corners, and each has tables and chairs to sit and enjoy food and beverages. One stand even has an outdoor patio deck which is great for warmer Arizona days and evenings. GCU Arena Concessions, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Food choices are the traditional stadium fare: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, walking taco, and chicken sandwich ($4.50 - $7.50). Snacks include pretzels, popcorn, nachos, ice cream, and more ($3.50 - $6). The menu lists the calories next to the food choices; you can decide if that’s a good thing or not. Drinks are Pepsi products, bottles of water, and Gatorade ($3.50 - $4). GCU Arena does not serve alcohol. It’s a decent variety, enough to hold you over for a basketball game. Atmosphere 3 GCU Arena provides an outstanding game day presentation and venue for Lopes women’s basketball games. Cushioned purple seats (somewhat narrow) with cup holders surround the court on three sides. Legroom is adequate. The Thundering Heard Pep Band has a full bleacher section behind one of the baskets. Section 113 is center court facing the logo, though most presentations face the opposite section, 103. A crisp, clear video board is in one corner. Another corner board displays the players’ game day stats and game score. Ribbon boards behind each basket also present the game score. The arena does not have a center scoreboard which fits in perfectly for this intimate arena. The ribbon board displays the players’ names and photos when the team takes the court. The boards do not offer closed captioning. The very end sections (115 and 101) face the bleachers. Don’t sit there. The students, cheerleaders, dancers, and Thundering Heard Pep Band provide most of the fantastic in-game promotions and entertainment. The dancers and cheerleaders number more than 25 and provide energy and enthusiasm throughout the game. Individuals do backflips across the court; they perform jumps, moves, and routines that layer up to three high! The Thundering Heard members dress in purple and white overalls with one arm sleeve undone. The sound booth and the pep band orchestrate a perfect mixture of canned music and pep band music. The volume level is perfect. A prayer is said before the game. On the day of this review, one of the cheerleaders gave the prayer. Neighborhood 3 Grand Canyon University is in central Phoenix. The area around the university is not considered the safest in the metropolitan area. The campus is perfectly harmless, comfortable, and pleasant. Several fast food places are within 1,000 feet of the arena. The Quad Kitchen (across a grass area in front of the arena) just recently opened selling BBQ items. The university is planning to open an on-site restaurant called the Havoc House in the near future. Off campus, we recommend visiting other neighborhoods for a bite to eat before or after the game. The Cracked Egg is a decent restaurant for breakfast or brunch just a few miles from the arena. Huss Brewing has a taproom and kitchen about three miles from campus. When on campus, visit the Jerry Colangelo Museum right next to the arena. Jerry Colangelo was very influential in moving the Grand Canyon Antelopes from D2 to D1, as well as introducing and promoting other sports in the Phoenix area. Hotels are not close to the arena. We recommend driving four or five miles to mid-town where a Hilton Garden Inn Midtown or a Hampton Inn are affordable places to stay. Other nearby sports to see during basketball season include Milwaukee Brewers spring training at American Family Fields. And, of course, visit other Lopes teams like men’s basketball and baseball. Fans 3 For crowd enthusiasm and a packed house, the best games to attend are those against in-state rivals ASU Sun Devils. Over 6,000 fans pack the house for those games, and the environment is electric. The biggest fans are the cheer dancers, cheerleaders, and Thundering Heard Pep Band. Other fans include alumni and student Havoc fans. Everyone stands until the Lopes score. It’s loud and there are not even a lot of people there. Before a Lopes foul shot, the crowd shouts “GCU Forks Up.” The place goes dead silent and fans raise their arms above their heads with index and pinky fingers raised. The women’s basketball team generally draws less than 1,000 fans a game. Access 4 GCU Arena is less than a mile off Interstate 17. Depending on the time of day and what road construction is taking place, you may hit some local traffic. Park in the garage at N 33 rd Ave and Camelback Rd. You’ll pass through security before parking. Tell the guard you’re going to the game, and they’ll direct you to the garage. GCU does not charge parking fees. The current rideshare lot is at the corner of Colter and 30th Drive for drop-off and pick-up, a few blocks from the arena. The arena is about 10 miles from Sky Harbor Airport. Valley Metro provides public transportation to the venue. Bus route 50 has a stop right outside the building. Fans pass through metal detectors prior to entering the facility. Clear sports bags (12” x 12” x 6”) are allowed. It’s painless, and the security staff is quite friendly and welcoming. Fans enter a large lobby area and then take steps up a grand staircase to the second level. Fans can also enter on floor level and walk up to their desired seating area. The venue is not the greatest for those needing handicapped seating or access. The facility has two elevators. One was closed at the game of this review. The escalators only go up. Handicapped/wheelchair seating seems to be only available at the very top of the second level. This may be one area to look at if the university ever decides to do another renovation. The arena has plenty of restrooms which are sparkling clean. Return on Investment 5 The price of attending a women’s basketball match can’t be beaten -- f ive dollars. And, it’s general admission, so you can sit wherever you desire. And move around. All GCU students with a valid student ID pass get in free. Free parking and affordable concessions make this a fantastic game day or evening out. . Extras 3 Outside the arena is a grassy area called the Quad that usually has some event occurring before a basketball game. At the game of this review, a Mahalo Market was assembled which included tables and tents of many international crafts, wares, and food. The Quad Kitchen just recently opened and sells yummy BBQ and all the fixings. It is open weekdays 11am – 7pm. Be sure to step into the Jerry Colangelo Museum and visit a statue of him just outside the entrance to the arena. Lastly, all the staff are extremely helpful and make you feel welcome. Final Thoughts While the women’s team doesn’t draw the crowds the men’s team does, it’s a fun, affordable afternoon or evening out. Come join the purple party!

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Macon Coliseum 200 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217 Macon Mayhem website Macon Coliseum website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 9,000 Macon Mayhem – Southern Professional Hockey League Montreal, Toronto, Boston, the entire state of Minnesota – these populations are often instantly associated with hockey. Macon, Georgia on the other hand, not so much. “The Heart of Georgia” has a modest, yet very passionate hockey fan base. The Macon Mayhem are the fourth organization to play at Macon Coliseum. Hockey at the Coliseum dates back to 1973 with the Macon Whoopees, and has been the home to two other hockey organizations, the similarly named Macon Whoopee and the Macon Trax. One thing to keep in mind – when it comes to a facility such has Macon Coliseum, the team is leasing the facility and does not have control over some aspects of the overall experience. Food & Beverage 3 Food at Macon Coliseum is not going to be one of the more memorable parts of the visit. It’s not that it would be classified as bad; it’s just what you’d get at any stadium event you’d go to (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, popcorn, candy, nachos, and fountain drinks). These entrees can be combined with a drink and chips for a combo meal. Prices range from $13 for chicken tenders or bratwurst, $11 for a burger, or $9 for the hot dog combo meal. Cocktail stands are also located on the concourse; well drinks can be had for $10 while premium cocktails start at $15. Wine and 16 oz domestic beers are also available for $8. Local brewery Fall Line has a selection of their line of beers, but one of the most unique beer options is Dry County Brewing’s Macon Mayhem branded beer, Mayhem Lager. Atmosphere 4 From the outside the Coliseum has the appearance of a pyramid under construction. The main building looks similar to what it did when it was first built in 1968, but a more modern entryway was recently added, which uses a cradled M as part of the architecture. Once inside, the soaring roofline creates a very open feel to the arena. Within this vast openness an updated video scoreboard hangs over the playing surface where a much smaller one had previously been. The larger videoboard does a much better job at filling the void created by the very high roof. Seating is divided into rink side and an upper tier of seats. The far end of the arena provides for some group seating at ice level. The most popular seats appear to be toward the front of the second level of seating – these seats provide for a view with limited obstruction from the glass along the side boards. During the game the in-house MC does a good job engaging the crowd following penalties or other stoppages in play. He also provides commentary on the ebbs-and-flows of the action on the ice to help keep the fans energy up. Mac, the team mascot, is also very active throughout the game, either interacting with fans throughout the stands or riding his three-wheeler though the lobby area. While the Coliseum defiantly is not packed, there is a fun hockey atmosphere throughout the venue. Neighborhood 3 Macon Coliseum is located just across the Ocmulgee River from downtown Macon. Downtown Macon has several restaurants for many different tastes; just over a mile from the Coliseum is Cox Cafe. While the area is more industrial than a restaurant district, the food is undeniable. A bit closer to downtown is the locally renowned Rookery which is known for its burgers. Also, local brewery Fall Line Brewing Co. is just a 5-minute drive from the Coliseum. If looking to make a stay in Macon the most convenient location is the Macon Marriott at City Center. The hotel is located directly next to the coliseum and makes for a short walk. If proximity from the venue is not a priority, either the Hilton Garden Inn or Courtyard by Marriott adjacent to the Mercer campus would be good options. There is plenty to make a full sports experience from a visit to Macon. Mercer University is within a 10-15 minute drive, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is just 5 minutes away, as is Luther Williams Field, the current home of the Coastal Plain League’s Macon Bacon . History buffs may find the Harriett Tubman Museum of interest, while music enthusiasts can find museums for local artists The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding, or Little Richard. Fans 4 Hockey is not typically associated with being massively popular in the southern states, and might even take a backseat to soccer. Despite the level of statewide interest in hockey, there is a very passionate fanbase for the Mayhem in Macon; many of fans come clad in game used Mayhem sweaters. Mayhem fans defiantly make their presence felt throughout the game. Many of them come equipped with cow bells that they rattle following each save from the goalie, or each time the team kills off a penalty. Even though the Mayhem’s attendance does rank toward the bottom of the league, it does not impact the overall excitement. While larger attendance numbers defiantly would increase the positive atmosphere, the current smaller crowd doesn’t create the feel of an arena lacking interest. Instead, the passion shown by the fanbase paired with the lower attendance numbers makes visitors feel as they are part of a special group of fans. Accessibility 3 The coliseum is located directly off I-16, with just one turn to make within a quarter mile of the parking lot. The area is currently undergoing major construction, however, which can make navigating the highway a bit challenging. Making your way around the venue can be a bit of a challenge at times. The walkway is a bit narrow and can be a bit confusing to navigate once the game has started, since the handicap seating area gets blocked off. The arena is set up to encourage fans making their way around the arena to use the inner concourse, but this area does not provide views of the game. Return On Investment 4 Taking the family to a Macon Mayhem game is definitely an affordable event. Parking at $5 is comparable to what you’d pay for parking at most minor league sporting events. Most tickets range from $9 for upper-level seats to $14 for the lower level. Tickets against the glass are a bit more on the higher end at $34. Pricing is also dynamic, though, so it is all subject to change. Where affordability is lost is with the food prices – while prices are pretty much in line with what you’d expect to pay at most sporting events, the cost for what you’re getting just doesn’t seem to match the expense. This though is not on the Mayhem, as they are not the ones setting prices. Extras 3 It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what it is that makes a Macon Mayhem game such a good experience. The fans who would be considered regulars show a great deal of passion for the team and the game. Players fight tooth and nail, figuratively and literally, which goes a long way in sustaining the support and admiration from the regulars. The organization also has a great mix of entertainment to complement the game; all these factors combined create a feel for visitors that many organizations miss on. The Mayhem have specialty nights for each home game, so every visit should have a certain theme or special event associated with it. Also, over the course of the season there are 7 jersey auctions, which is part of what creates a great connection between fans and players. The Mayhem Lager adds a small, but special touch to the experience. While specialty branded beers have started to become more popular, there are not a lot of organizations who have their own brew like the Mayhem have with Dry County Brewing. One thing that seemed to be missing was any acknowledgement of the teams from the past. There are no banners to recognize any of the teams who had previously played and won championships. Part of this might have to do with recent ceiling renovations the venue underwent during the summer of 2022. Final Thoughts It’s understandable why some would be skeptical about hockey in Central Georgia. The reality though is it’s difficult to go to a Mayhem game and not have a good time. There might be some shortcomings as it relates to the arena, but the entertainment the Mayhem provide combines with the game and fan involvement, create a fun evening of hockey for all.