Warren Ball Park Bisbee AZ, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Warren Ball Park in Bisbee, AZ (about an hour and a half’s drive southeast of Tucson) is the oldest operational multi-use sports park in the U.S. The first ballgame recorded is June 27, 1909 when the El Paso Browns matched up against the Bisbee Beautiful. And yes, ball park was spelt as two words back in the day. Sitting at the corner of Ruppe Ave and Arizona St, the stadium is not built in the downtown area of Bisbee (now known as Old Historic Bisbee) but in the at-the-time, very affluent Warren District just a few miles south of downtown. Downtown was (and is) just too hilly to build a stadium. When arrangements began in the early 1900’s for a ballpark, more and more copper was discovered when inspection began at other potential sites in the neighboring area. That, due to the financial impact and income, took precedence. Bisbee was once known as the “Queen of Copper Camps.” The ball park, first built of wood, was purposely designed to accommodate baseball, football, and a variety of other sports. Phelps Dodge (a former copper mining company) first owned the ballpark, and after the depression by the mid-1930’s, the park showed its age. In order to get WPA funding, Phelps Dodge sold the then-unused, deteriorating ballpark (it shut down during the depression) to the Bisbee Unified School District for $10. Subsequently, in 1936/37, the venue received a renovation that included adding plumbing, a hot water heater, restrooms, locker rooms and offices enclosed in raw adobe main walls, a concrete grandstand, and a fence surrounding the park. Warren Ball Park Hallway – 1936/1937 Renovation, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Warren Ball Park Urinals – The hope is to one day get these restored and used for museum artifacts Warren Ball Park hosted a slew of teams and leagues dating back to 1909: Arizona State League Bisbee Bee’s, minor league Bisbee Yanks, mining company leagues, town teams, outlaw baseball – known as the Copper League, semipro leagues, spring training/exhibition games, and barnstorming matches. And in addition to baseball, it hosted captivating soccer, football, cricket, rugby, and softball contests. Its last, though unsuccessful, professional team was the Bisbee Blue of the Pecos League in 2014. Warren Ball Park Grandstand – First Base Side, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Deportation 1917 The ballpark was used in a horrific event on July 12, 1917 known as the Bisbee Deportation. Copper mine strikers and their sympathizers were rounded up in the early morning and marched four miles, under armed guard, and held in the ballpark for several hours. About 1200 individuals were then herded into filthy boxcars (the trains tracks ran just behind right field at the time) and deported to New Mexico and were abandoned. Twelve hours later, a nearby army camp provided some water and food was sent from El Paso. Most of the deportees slipped away and never returned to Bisbee. It was a turning event in the town’s history and boosted pro-labor union efforts across the country. Striking miners and others rounded up by the armed posse on July 12, 1917, sit in the bleachers in Warren Ball Park. Armed members of the posse patrol the infield (University of Arizona Library) Performed two years ago, an archaeology dig/undertaking along the first and third baselines took place as part of a community college and high school training project. Amongst other items, recovered and analyzed were mason jars, and based on old photographs, archeologists verified cars used to park along those baselines during Prohibition. That “parking arrangement” allowed fans to watch games from their cars while being able to drink their own moonshine. Cars parked along the baseline during Prohibition at Warren Ball Park, Photo Courtesy of Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum Today, the Bisbee high school baseball and football teams continue to use the field. I’m told the second biggest high school football rivalry played in the U.S. is played here between the Bisbee Pumas and the Douglas Bulldogs. Each season, a crowd-pleasing vintage baseball game, called the Copper Classic, is hosted and proceeds go towards the Friends of Warren Ball Park to help with upgrades and maintenance to the park the school district is just not able to provide. Other successful events the park hosts are Mariachi Festivals, mining safety classes, wild west shows and a circus or two have also been held here. Warren Ball Park View From Home – Football bleachers and goal post are seen in the outfield Bisbee is a quaint, historic town with a thriving arts scene and is well worth a trip. Visit the Copper Queen Mine and the Bisbee Mining & History Museum, have a beer at the Old Bisbee Brewing Company, a cup of specialty coffee at Old Bisbee Roasters, tour the art galleries and eccentric shops, and see the ballpark. The town has a few hotels and visitors will find plenty of VRBO and Airbnb places to spend a night or two. It’s just a day trip to/from Tucson and three hours from Phoenix. Definitely a good get away for some rich history and charm. And the weather is cooler. Special thanks to Mike Anderson, Warren Ball Park Historian, for the tour and the chat.

Just under 100 miles from Orchard Park, New York, in Keswick, Ontario,  football fans eat, drink, and watch the Bills in a backyard, where there's an enormous bright red Bills helmet. Blake Parnham is the founder and host of the Bills Helmet Bar, and he took a few moments to discuss his weekly jamboree. Here's their website:  Bills Helmet Bar . STADIUM JOURNEY: What inspired you to start the Bills Helmet Bar? BLAKE PARNHAM:  The construction of the Bills Helmet Bar happened completely by accident. In the spring of 2019, we decided to build a patio behind the house, adjacent to the deck. This project coincided with the Toronto Raptors 2019 Championship run. Having been confined to the indoors for most of the wet Canadian spring, we set up a television on our new patio and watched the Finals games outdoors. When the Raptors finally won, we looked to the back of the property and considered the possibilities. I’m not sure whether it was the buzz, the hysteria of winning the championship, or the light of the full moon, but our giant football helmet glimmered in my eye. We decided to stand it up on the side of the patio and make a bar out of it. The very next day, we began our new project.  As far as our tailgates, this began in 2020. With the inability of Canadians to cross the border and for fans in general to attend home games, someone reached out to us, asking to attend the Week One Jets game at our bar. He conceded that it was still in the depths of the pandemic, and it was okay if we said no, but he hadn’t missed a home game in eighteen years. We had a family meeting - admitted that it was objectively weird for a stranger to come to our home - and then said, “Hey, why not.” This is really how our tailgates began. STADIUM JOURNEY: What kind of experience can patrons expect at the Bar? Is there food? What kind? BLAKE PARNHAM:  The Helmet Bar tailgate has grown each year. During that 2020 season, it was mostly our family and this one new friend. Since then, we’ve grown to a crowd that almost always eclipses twenty people and often is larger than forty, even in winter. People bring whatever they like to drink, but we always cook enough food for everyone. My friend, “Chef Rob,” and I typically theme the menu to the local cuisine of our opponent. Think Cuban sandwiches for Dolphins games; and Nashville chicken sliders for Titans games. We do put a little donation bin out to help with costs, but that’s not required of people. Photo Courtesy of Bills Helmet Bar/Instagram STADIUM JOURNEY: Can anyone join in the fun? Can someone just show up? Opposing fans? BLAKE PARNHAM:  Everyone can join Helmet Bar tailgates, though they can’t just show up. Since the Helmet Bar is also our house, we don’t publish our address. But people are free to message us on one of our social media accounts. Then, I provide our address and the relevant info about the tailgates.  As for opposing fans, they're welcome. Canada is unique because - since there’s no Canadian team - there are football fans of just about every   team around. If folks like football, they’re good enough for us. Just don’t cheer too loudly. STADIUM JOURNEY: Is the Bar open when it snows or rains? How do you handle inclement weather? BLAKE PARNHAM:  [With exception to the games we attend in person,] we have been open every game since the beginning of the 2020 season, though we haven’t finished every game. During the Cardinals Hail Murray game, a tornado came through and took out our electricity for 48 hours, so we had to scramble to a different location for the unfortunate second half.  As for rain, we have a little pop-up canopy that we put over the patio and a bunch of heavy-duty tarps that we layer across it to keep people warm. But for snow and cold, all bets are off. We’ve been snowed on like crazy, and have sometimes had to put our open drinks on a cooking grate over the fire to keep them warm . Photo Courtesy of Bills Helmet Bar/Instagram STADIUM JOURNEY: Are there any special plans for the championship games this weekend?  BLAKE PARNHAM:  I’m actually grateful that the AFC Championship game is second. The NFC game will be a healthy distraction for us all.  This Sunday, we’ll be doing much the same, on a larger scale. I will set up the Bills Helmet Bar flag in the morning, start cooking, and wait for folks to roll in. Given that it’s a road game, I expect it to be a larger crowd. Several of our regulars are also season ticket holders who don’t come for home games. Given the importance of the game, the fact that it’s on the road, and the fact that it’ll be relatively mild temperatures - -3C - I have no idea what that means in Fahrenheit. It should   be the biggest crowd we’ve ever had. At least, until February 9th. STADIUM JOURNEY: Buffalo is getting a new stadium. Is this a good thing? When you attend games, what happens to the Bar? BLAKE PARNHAM:  It’s been incredible to see the progress of the new stadium. It looks so much different now than it even did at the beginning of the season. However, I'm not super keen on it. The Ralph is home, and much like moving houses, it'll feel weird for a while. I’m going to miss it. But eventually, it’ll feel like it belongs, I’m sure.  We typically attend one or two games a season, and when this happens, we simply close the bar. I put out on social media that we’ll be at the game, so no one comes by. However, this year, when we told all of our friends that we had tickets to the New England game on December 22nd, almost all of them bought tickets to come along. It was a great Helmet Bar takeover of Orchard Park and one of my favorite days yet.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Spartan Bowl 1900 N Grand Ave. Connersville, IN 47331 Connersville High School Spartans website Spartan Bowl website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 5,134 Spartan Bowl is Still a Palace for Basketball Connersville, Indiana, loves its basketball and when its Spartans are playing on top of their game the crowds swell at its home building the Spartan Bowl, one of the state’s most iconic venues that holds 5,134 people and what locals have dubbed “The Grand Palace on Grand Avenue.” The facility opened on November 25, 1958, and was designed by Ralph Legman who also constructed the New Castle Fieldhouse a few miles northwest of town which opened the following season. A recent $300,000 renovation replaced the original gym floor and added sound barriers to its ceiling that give the buildings a unique look. The facility is home to the school’s two state championship teams of 1972 and 1983 and two large team photographs are located on its concourse along with two massive banners hanging from its rafters. The center court logo also acknowledges the school’s accomplishments. The boys’ basketball program has captured 10 Conference Championships, 59 Sectional Championships, and 19 Regional Championships since 1922. The school had an impressive streak from 1922-1997 when it captured 57 sectional tournament championships and only two have come in the current century. The “Grand Palace” begins its 7th decade of use and is still in excellent shape, offering basketball memories to a generation of fans of Connersville High School. The noise barriers that hang from the ceiling, the red coloring on its walls, and its residential location provide an atmosphere that reminds us that Hoosier Hysteria is alive and well. Food & Beverage 3 There are three concession areas located in the gym that offer the standard options at many high school venues across the state. Fans can enjoy hot dogs and chili dogs, nachos with chili, pizza slices, pretzels with cheese, popcorn, and assorted candies. There are additional treats of donut holes from regional chain Jack’s Donuts and walking tacos. Coca-Cola products are available in 20-ounce plastic bottles for $2.The prices range from as low as $1 for a bag of popcorn to $3 for a slice of pizza. Like with many other high school venues the products here are for snacking pleasure and if you are really hungry, it is advised to grab something before arriving at the basketball game. Atmosphere 4 Unlike other gyms that are a connection to the school and are surrounded by a massive parking lot, the Spartan Bowl is tucked in between the residential streets of the town. Fans park their car in a few vacant lots but many parks in front of homes and make their way to the game with fellow supporters on the city’s sidewalks. Like with many of the Legeman-designed gyms, the Spartan Bowl does not stand out since its seating is designed below ground level but the outside support trestles are visible on its exterior. Once inside the building is where one can fully appreciate its design and aesthetics. The gym features an old-fashioned electronic scoreboard that hovers above the center court. The arena floor is built 18-rows deep under the ground incorporating a running track that serves as a concourse on the top. The walls are decorated with championship team photos, small banners, and trophies from the school’s history. The main concourse is a community event where fans mingle, purchase concessions, and frequent various tables selling team merchandise, raffle tickets, and sentiments from glory years past. Basketball is also heavily discussed by long-time fans and season-ticket holders. Up above and hanging from the roof are sound barriers that create a fascinating ambiance and add a nice touch to the facility’s decor. The school’s most cherished accomplishments--the 1972 and 1983 State Championship banners--hang proudly on one side of the venue. There are plenty of more accolades, team photographs, and other memorabilia housed along the vast main concourse to browse before or during breaks of the game. Introductions are led by the cheerleaders and official team mascot. The team band and student section also bring a lot of enthusiasm to the pre-game ceremonies and throughout the contest. Through an impressive light show, the town’s starting five make their way courtside to an applauding crowd that has it pretty good when it comes to high school basketball in Indiana. Neighborhood 3 Connersville is a small town of 13,500 people in Fayette County. There are some great local establishments to try when in town and many are perfect if you are with the family. Kunkel’s Drive-In has been a city favorite since 1954 and has not changed that much in appearance either. Enjoy burgers, tenderloins, chicken sandwiches, and soups. Other items include popcorn shrimp, coney dogs, coney and barbecue fries, and fried pickles. For dessert, the drive-in has homemade pies. A newer establishment, Rip’s Family BBQ might be a hidden gem in the area. They offer 5 different regional sauces including white Alabama sauce, along with a few interesting creations: pulled pork nachos and egg rolls, burritos, giant sandwiches, and rib and brisket dinner plates with sides. Southern Family Dining is another area favorite specializing in southern fare including po’boy sandwiches, roast pork Manhattan’s, walleye, and catfish dinners. They also serve breakfast. Daniel's Girls Farmhouse Restaurant is home to the glazed donut burger. Fans 5 The populace in Connersville is among the most passionate in the state. When the Spartans are on the road in sectionals or regionals, it’s not uncommon for 2,000 fans to travel with the team to see them play. That kind of support can make a difference on the road, imagine when that is at or near capacity at the Spartan Bowl. Access 4 Connersville is located about 12 miles south of I-70 (a little over an hour between Indianapolis and Dayton, Ohio) on State Road 1. There is parking on the residential streets free of charge, but crowds for an opening day can reach capacity inside the gym. For most games, parking is ample but does require searching. Once inside, the main concourse offers bathrooms, concession stands, and easy access to seats. Return on Investment 4 Tickets cost $5 per person and are in line with other high school basketball gymnasiums in Indiana. This is a great value for a simple night of basketball in an iconic facility that still looks sharp. Another interesting keepsake is the 1972 championship magazine sold for also $5. This is a very affordable way to spend a day or night watching basketball with friends or family. Extras 4 The center court features a beautiful logo that lists the school’s two state championships before class play. The dangling sound barriers look as if they have been on the ceiling since the bowl opened in 1958; however, they were installed sometime around 2002. There is a sort of satisfaction in listening to the post-game or highlights of the Spartans game on local radio 106.9 FM/1580 AM WLPK. All home games and worth a listen as you drive through the small towns on S.R. 1 back to the interstate. The building’s location adds to its charm that is tucked away among the residential homes and streets of Connersville. Parking your car along the sidewalk and making your way to the bowl adds a nice touch to the proceedings. A final star is given to the girls’ basketball program which some consider the best in the state for game day atmosphere. Whether it’s the boys or the girls playing basketball, the sport-minded traveler should be in for a treat in Connersville. Final Thoughts Indiana is full of great old-fashioned and important gymnasiums that house high school basketball. Every small town seems to have one that is worth a visit from time to time. In the small town of Connersville, Spartan Bowl is worthy of a day trip to enjoy a day or night of basketball sometime during the season. _______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 The Colisee 190 Birch St. Lewiston, ME 04240 Maine Nordiques website The Colisee website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 4,000 Nordiques of Maine The Colisee is a multi-purpose arena that opened in 1958. Built to serve the local Lewiston/Auburn community, the arena has been the site of countless events over the years, ranging from youth hockey tournaments to professional basketball games and even the World Heavyweight Title Fight in 1965. Artists as noteworthy as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan have performed at The Colisee. The Maine Nordiques began play in the North American Hockey League, a Tier II junior league, in 2019. The team is named for the former professional hockey team that called Lewiston home in the 1970s. The original Nordiques were the farm team of the Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association from 1973-1977. The NAHL Nordiques have made the playoffs in two of their first four seasons of play, reaching the league’s semifinals in 2021. Food & Beverage 3 The Colisee offers a decent variety of concessions for a venue of its size. There is a large cafeteria-style dining room located between the two entrances to the rink. There are also smaller concession stands on either side of the lobby. The menu consists of standard arena fare, with burgers, hot dogs, sausage and pepper sandwiches, and pizza slices anchoring the menu. French fries and, since we’re close to the Canadian border, poutine, can be ordered on the side. Chicken fingers and wings are sold at one of the cafeteria windows. Assorted desserts can be found at one of the stands. Pepsi products are sold at The Colisee. Fans looking for an adult beverage will want to find the full-service bar atop section four. In addition to an impressive roster of spirits, several draft beers, including Budweiser, Bud Light, and Shipyard Export are available. Atmosphere 3 The Colisee offers a pretty standard game day presentation, which is a bit muted due to the age of the facility and the smaller crowds in attendance. All the familiar aspects of minor league hockey gamedays will be found in one form or another. There is a video board that hangs at center ice that is underutilized during game action. Graphics and replays are shown on this board, with game stats displayed on smaller boards in opposite corners of the rink. The fans who come to The Colisee may not be large in number, but those who do attend Nordiques games are passionate about their team. Even though the building is largely empty, the dedicated Nordique fans fill The Colisee with noise from air horns and good old-fashioned cheering. The Nordiques work closely with the local community, with 50/50 raffles held to benefit local organizations and many local sponsors advertising throughout The Colisee. As you walk around the narrow concourses of the facility, you can’t help but notice all the television screens lining the walls playing replays of various games. These must be put to good use when midget teams need a distraction on tournament days. Neighborhood 2 Lewiston is the second largest city in Maine, located 45 minutes northwest of Portland. Its twin city, Auburn, is located across the Androscoggin River, and the two cities are usually linked together as a single entity. The combined population of Lewiston/Auburn is roughly 60,000. The Colisee is located on the outskirts of the downtown area of Lewiston, near the high school. Like many other cities in the northeast with industrial histories, the downtown area suffered from neglect once the economy faded and businesses closed. The area around the arena is mostly residential, with businesses concentrated along the nearby riverfront. Fans looking for dining or lodging options near the Colisee will be disappointed, as there is nothing to be found right next to the arena. Fans willing to take a short drive to the riverfront in Lewiston or across the river into Auburn will be rewarded with several dining and lodging choices. Stadium Journey recommends a visit to Baxter Brewing, located in an old mill building on the Androscoggin River. Most visitors to the area will opt to stay in Portland, where the options are much more plentiful. Fans 2 For the 2022-23 season, the Nordiques averaged 322 fans per game, which ranked them in the bottom quarter of North American Hockey League teams. These attendance numbers have steadily decreased over the team’s existence. As mentioned earlier, the fans that show up at The Colisee are dedicated and enthusiastic. What a Nordiques crowd lacks in quantity, they make up for in quality. Even the small crowds at The Colisee sound much larger than they are. Access 3 The Colisee is located in the small central Maine city of Lewiston, located 45 minutes northwest of Portland. Boston is about a two-hour drive away. Driving is the primary method for arriving at a Nordiques game, as Interstate 95, more commonly known as the Maine Turnpike, runs through Lewiston just a mile or so from the facility. For those taking public transportation, the Oak Street Bus Station downtown offers routes to Bangor, Boston, and beyond. There is ample parking at The Colisee, with three lots surrounding the facility. In addition, there is on-street parking available near the arena. The Box Office is located in an enclosed area at ground level at the front of the arena. From there, fans climb one of two narrow stairways to enter The Colisee’s lobby. This area contains concession stands and a skate shop. Fans can access the seating area by passing through two vomitories, one on either side of the rink. There is a walkway near the front of the seating bowl that runs around the entire rink. Seats in the first couple of rows suffer due to the stream of fans passing directly in front of these seats. Seating consists of individual wooden chairs, except for the four corner sections, which consist of metal bleachers without seat backs. There is a walkway around the top of the seating bowl that offers standing room and access to the bar and lounge with views of the action. Bathrooms are located underneath the seating bowl, accessible by narrow hallways which run along both sides of the rink. There is a men’s and women’s room on each side of the arena. The bathrooms are smallish, but adequate for the size of the crowds at the Colisee. Fans requiring handicapped access will find seating available right on the glass on the northwest side of the ice. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Nordiques games range in price from ten to twelve dollars. Seniors, students, and children receive a two-dollar discount. A complete seating chart can be found here. Parking in the lots surrounding The Colisee is free, and concessions are affordably priced. A night at a Maine Nordiques game is an affordable entertainment option for central Maine sports fans. Extras 2 Extra points are awarded for the history of The Colisee. It may be hard to believe, but this quaint little facility located far from the bright lights of the city once hosted a Heavyweight Title Fight. On May 25, 1965, Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston in the first round of their rematch. The iconic photo from this fight, with Ali towering over the fallen Liston, is one of the most famous sports photos of all time. And it happened here. Photo courtesy of SI.com. A second extra point is awarded for the banners honoring teams from the past and present that have played at The Colisee, including the division title won by the Lewiston Maineiacs from the QMJHL. Final Thoughts This little hockey barn located far off the beaten path was, for one night, the center of the sports universe. While an event of the magnitude of a Heavyweight Title Fight will never grace its doors again, The Colisee remains one of those places where sports historians will gladly visit and soak in the aura of long-gone glory days. ------ Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 TU Field Hockey Complex 7500 Osler Dr Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website TU Field Hockey Complex website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 500 Towson Tigers Field Hockey Built in 2018, the TU Field Hockey Complex is home to the Towson University Tigers field hockey program. Prior to is construction, the Tigers played field hockey in the spacious Johnny Unitas Stadium, also home to the football and lacrosse teams. However, this stadium was far too large for the crowds field hockey attracted, and the bladed turf was not an ideal playing surface, so in 2018 field hockey got its own stadium. The field is located adjacent to the basketball arena and near several other athletic facilities. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concession stand at the TU Field Hockey Complex, although it is actually in the adjacent softball field. Simply go around the corner and you will be there. The only things for sale here are bottled water, soda, and snacks such as candy and chips. At least the prices are affordable. Only credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 3 The TU Field Hockey Complex consists of a few rows of bleachers on one side of the field. Some fans also like to stand or sit in their own chairs along the sideline. No matter where you sit, you will have a decent view of the action, although your view of the corner of the field may be obstructed by the press box. A scoreboard in the corner of the stadium shows the time, score, as well as the shots, saves, and penalty corners for each team. There is really not much going on here other than the game itself as college field hockey is not a huge deal at Towson or most other schools. Neighborhood 3 The TU Field Hockey Complex is located in the back part of campus, behind SECU Arena. There is not much to do in the immediate area, but Towson is a decent suburban area and Baltimore is a short drive away and offers plenty more options. Whether there is anything within walking distance depends on how far you are willing to walk, but there are plenty of options, both chain and local, along York Road. The Charles Village Pub and The Greene Turtle are both local favorites, but unless you’re willing to walk half an hour each way, you will need to drive a short distance. The Towson Town Center shopping mall is also nearby. Fans 3 Towson averages about 100 fans for a field hockey game, sometimes more, sometimes less. Most of the fans are friends or family of the players, though you do get some local Towson fans as well. Given there is the same core group of fans who attends almost every game, they are knowledgeable about the team, the players, and the sport and all seem to know each other very well, although they are welcoming of others too. Access 3 Towson University’s campus is located several miles off I-695, the Baltimore Beltway. Once you arrive on campus, where you will park depends on whether it is a weekday or weekend game. If it is a weekend game, simply park in the lot right next to the field for free. Assuming there is not a football game at Johnny Unitas Stadium, you should be able to do that. On weekdays, you will need to park in a paid visitor lot or garage. The lot next to the stadium is available for paid visitor parking on weekdays, and you can pay on your phone or at the station, although it will likely cost you over $10 to park there. Garage rates will vary depending on where you park and for how long. We suggest visiting on a weekend day when there is no football game for easiest access. Restrooms are available in the softball stadium and are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, and if you visit on a weekend, you won’t pay for parking. We suggest doing so to maximize value, but there ultimately isn’t enough here to earn the highest score. Extras 1 The friendliness of the Towson fans gets them an extra star here. They will not hesitate to explain the finer points of field hockey to fans less familiar with the game or lend you a spare umbrella on a rainy day. Final Thoughts The three major sports at Towson University are football during the fall season, basketball in the winter, and lacrosse in the spring. Anything else really does not get much attention, and that includes the field hockey program. Although they have a nice new stadium, fans with no connection to the program are unlikely to show up to visit it. That being said, if you’re a field hockey fan or have some connection to Towson athletics, a trip here is worth a visit. Just do it on a weekend so you don’t have to pay a ridiculous amount for parking.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Hill Field House 1700 E Cold Spring Ln. Baltimore, MD 21251 Morgan State Bears website Hill Field House website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 4,250 Home of the Bears Morgan State University was founded in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, a Methodist Episcopal seminary. Later it changed its name to Morgan College. The name changed once again in 1939 to Morgan State College when it became a public university. The school was granted university status in 1975, thus becoming Morgan State University. Morgan State is not a part of the University System of Maryland; the school opted out and possesses its own governing Board of Regents. Morgan is a well known Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Famous alumni include actress Mo’Nique, singer Deniece Williams, current Mayor of Baltimore Catherine Pugh and Kweisi Mfume, Former President of the NAACP and U.S. Congressman. Athletically the school competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). MEAC members are HBCU schools located in the Southeastern and the Mid-Atlantic United States. The Bears basketball teams have been in the modern NCAA Tournament twice as a 15th seed (2009 and 2010) and went to the 2008 NIT as an 8th seed. Talmadge L. Hill Field House is named for the head basketball coach and an assistant football coach at Morgan State College, from the 1930s to the 1960s. Food & Beverage 2 A lone concession stand is under the bleachers on the north side of the arena right behind the concourse bear statue. Hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), candy ($2) and chips ($1) comprise the entire menu, along with bottled soda ($3) and bottled water ($2). The prices are excellent and the hot dogs smell great but it is our recommendation that you plan to eat somewhere else before or after the game. Atmosphere 2 Hill Field House is a bit lacking in atmosphere. The arena is fairly big and spacious in the inside, so sound and excitement are not part of one’s experience here. There are seating sections on three sides of the arena, with a large empty area behind the east basket. The cheerleaders do use some of this space for their cheers. The west side stands are smaller than the north and south main stands. The student band takes up part of the lower section of one of the seating areas. They are a very good band and I only wish they played more often. The cheerleaders are very good and try to keep as much excitement going as they can. There is also a bear mascot that roams the stands entertaining kids along the way. The arena does have a simple, basic scoreboard that is underutilized and some nice banners along the one empty wall. There is much excitement at local rivalry games such as with local schools Coppin State, Howard and Delaware State. Neighborhood 3 The area right around Morgan State is essentially residential. It is not a bad area, but neither is it overwhelmingly welcoming. You will probably want to venture away from campus for food, lodging, and entertainment. A sponsor of the team and a personal favorite for food is Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane. They are known for their great breakfast and down-home food. Venturing further from campus, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana and Zia’s. You could also go south from the Morgan campus and check out one of my favorites, the Abbey Burger Bar right near the Cross Street Market. The beer selection is good and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, all that is likely to satisfy. For slightly more upscale cuisine a visit to the 1100-1200 blocks of North Charles Street where The Brewer’s Art and Sammy’s Trattoria offer good food at decent prices. Baltimore is home to many tourist attractions such as Harborplace, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone. Fans 2 Hill Field House is pretty quiet inside. And except for a couple of loud fans overall, there is very little fan engagement. As with many mid-major college gyms, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. Student attendance at games seems to be pretty low, although it is higher when Copping, Howard and Delaware State come to town. Access 3 Morgan is not too hard to find. If on the Baltimore Beltway, I-695, one can take exit 30A (Perring Parkway/MD-41S) south until it becomes Hillen Road. Hill Field House can be found along the first left after the E Cold Spring traffic light. Any trouble in accessing the arena comes once you are on campus. There is a parking garage next to Hill Field House, but you may need to drive around to find it as the signage is not extremely clear. The cost to park there is $10. I also found spaces for free around campus. It was a weekend game so those may be harder to find for weeknight games. Return on Investment 3 The tickets are $10 for all general admission. Youth and senior citizens get in for $5. Morgan students are free to attend games. Extras 2 Make sure to check out some of the history of the school and its athletic programs. Morgan has gone through periods of great athletic success, although not as much lately. The Morgan State University Varsity ‘M” Club Hall of Fame has some cool displays and includes National Football League Hall of Famers Rosey Brown, Leroy Kelly, and Willie Lanier. The student band and cheerleaders do a great job. They are both top notch units that deserve more than they get from the quiet fan base. Final Thoughts Hill Field House is a pleasant enough arena that suffers from being too spacious for its own good, and that means the atmosphere is not as great as it should be. But the low price of admission and a strong caliber of play means it is still a great choice for the local sports fan.

Photos by Andrew Maurins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Lawlor Events Center 1664 N Virginia St Reno, NV 89557 Nevada Wolf Pack website Lawlor Events Center website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 11,536 Wolves of Virginia Street Since 1983 when it first opened, Lawlor Events Center has been the rock of Nevada’s basketball programs. The 11,536-seat oval arena at the corner of Virginia and 15th Streets witnessed the growth of Wolf Pack basketball from the Big Sky to the Big West to the Western Athletic and now the Mountain West Conference. It’s played host to eight different conference championship-winning Nevada basketball teams, ten different conference basketball tournaments from 1986 to 2010, and a plethora of different musical acts and entertainment spectacles. In the program’s heyday of the mid- to late 2000s, the Wolf Pack went on a run of four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and seven straight seasons with 21 or more wins. That era also witnessed a slew of Nevada players get drafted by NBA teams. Since that time, area fans have eagerly awaited the Pack’s return to national prominence. Eric Musselman has re-energized the program with high-profile recruits, and an exciting, fast-paced style of basketball bringing progressively bigger crowds to Lawlor. Fans visiting this 2016-2017 season will find the arena enhanced by a few highly visible new additions. Food & Beverage 4 A surprising variety of food and beverage items of decent qualities await fans at Lawlor Events Center, with fairly reasonable wait times and stands that accept all major credit cards. The only real criticism is a lack of signature items of truly outstanding quality. Standard concession items include assorted hot dogs (regular, Polish, cheddar and spicy Chicago), nachos, pretzels, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, a small popcorn, kettle or caramel corn, churros, cotton candy, snowcones, ice cream bars and assorted boxes of candy ($4-$7), along with a refillable popcorn tub for $10 and select two-item combos of some of the above from $9 to $10. Selections expand as you move to the wheeled carts on the inner part of the concourse, like a “Healthy Options” menu featuring Moroccan meatballs, fish tacos, vegetarian chili, a chicken Caesar wrap and fruit skewers ($5-$8); a Mexican food cart with chips and queso ($4.75) or build-your-own burrito, burrito bowl or nachos for $10; a sandwich cart with select 6-inch subs for $7.50; a cart with hamburgers and a variety of condiments for $10; and a couple of dessert stands offering Dippin’ Dots ice cream ($4.50 or $6.50), various caramel apples ($6-$9) and frozen, chocolate-dipped strawberries, bananas and cheesecake slices ($5-$8). All are of above average quality, and adequately priced by sporting event standards. Drink selections are similarly expansive, with Pepsi (including Diet Pepsi, Mug Root Beer, Mountain Dew and Sierra Mist) available in canned ($3.50), bottled ($4.50) or fountain ($5 for a souvenir cup, $6 for a large cup) choices, and other options like bottled water, Starbucks coffee and hot chocolate ($4-$6) also available. Lawlor does, in fact serve alcohol, like aluminum bottles of Budweiser, Bud Lite and Coors Lite ($8), “premiums” such as Shock Top, Samuel Adams seasonals (both canned), New Belgium, Pyramid, Goose Island and Angry Orchard (poured into a 12-oz. plastic cup for $8.50), and select wines ($8.50 per cup), cocktails ($9 for a regular, $18 for a double) and margaritas ($9). For value, nothing beats a refillable popcorn tub shared with friends, but we enjoyed the ultimate nachos ($10) at the cart outside section six. Atmosphere 3 Lawlor’s recent additions represent a big step forward for a game day experience that was already pretty good, but a few key complaints still keep it from scoring higher in this area. The arena’s 11,536 seats are laid out in a slight oval configuration inside a circular building, with the court running perpendicular to that oval. The upper and lower halves of the seats are divided by an internal concourse, which is free for people to move around in during games, with the one exception being the center court area where TV cameras are placed. The vast majority of the seats are folding, blue plastic with shared armrests that might be a little snug for taller fans, while padded seats on the two sidelines round out the rest. The newest main attractions are a stunning set of four new center-hung HD video boards, a ribbon board with individual player stats below that, and a brand-new playing surface with an equally new design. The picture quality, while excellent on both new boards, has tiny text on the ribbon board that is hard to read in the uppermost reaches of the arena, and supplemental stats like rebounds, blocks, steals, assists and three-pointers are confined to older boards that are almost totally obscured by fold-out seats on the two baselines. In-game promotions run the standard gamut of “tweet your seat” and “upgrade your seat” promotions, shooting contests during timeouts, and different interactive “cam” games (dance, flex, emoji and air guitar, to name a few), while the music is contemporary sporting event fare played at a reasonable volume on the arena’s new sound system. The PA announcer adds to games without distracting from them, while the cheerleaders and mascots could benefit from a little more interactivity with fans. Nevada’s pep band, the Howlers, is frequently the best bunch of student fans at games, in addition to playing a good selection of peppy tunes. The optimum location to take in the game day scene is in section five at center court, but pretty much anywhere in the arena that isn’t directly behind the TV cameras will afford you a good view. That includes the upper reaches, too, though the complaint with the ribbon board text is especially applicable there. Neighborhood 3 The arena is located at the north end of the University of Nevada campus in an area primarily comprised of newish buildings and residential homes. Its immediate surroundings are safe, and a have a few options for pre and postgame activities that get more varied the farther south you go towards downtown. For lunch, one of the university neighborhood’s newest additions is GourMelt off of Sierra Street at University Terrace, specializing in grilled cheese sandwich creations. For dinner or a drink, the area’s most famous watering hole is arguably Red’s Little Waldorf Saloon – “the Wal” to locals – and offers a wide assortment of bar and pub grub a short walk north and across Virginia Street from Lawlor. If you’d prefer to cast a wider net to the downtown area, Campo on Sierra next to the Truckee River is our pick. The National Automobile Museum at Lake and Mill Streets showcases a cool assortment of more than 220 cars from the personal collection of former casino magnate Bill Harrah. West of that is the Riverwalk District and its charming collection of shops, restaurants and green spaces like Wingfield Park, where free outdoor concerts are often played. Casino shows change with the seasons, and they offer tourists an added layer of possible entertainment destinations. A hop in a car for a short drive south can take you to either Lake Tahoe or Virginia City for a day trip. Suggestions on where to stay are plentiful, and depend almost entirely on how much you’re willing to spend and the general area where you’d prefer to stay. A traveler on a small budget could make due with one of the smaller hotels, but we think saving up for either the Peppermill about four miles south of the arena or Whitney Peak next to the Reno Arch will yield a better overall experience. Fans 4 Though it won’t be confused with New Mexico’s Pit or Viejas Arena at San Diego State, Lawlor’s fan support is passionate, engaged in the action, and on the upswing. The main exception to this is a lackluster student section. Nevada’s average attendance increased from 5,496 in the 2014-15 season to 6,554 in Eric Musselman’s first year at the helm. This puts them slightly below the Mountain West’s average attendance of 7,167 at that time, which is still the best among American college basketball’s “non-power” conferences. They’re squarely in the middle of a league with venues both highly attended (New Mexico, San Diego State and UNLV) and sparsely attended (San Jose State and Air Force), but are getting better each year. Though typically not near the arena’s full capacity, the crowds at Lawlor are loud, and engaged in what’s transpiring on the court. They limit their movement during the action, and get especially loud when a series of calls doesn’t go their way, which carries over to other moments when Nevada does something great. They could be even greater if the Blue Crew, Nevada’s student section, were better at filling up their end of the arena, starting chants, and generating noise during important stretches – all of which they rarely do with any consistency. Access 4 Getting to Lawlor is straightforward and hassle-free to the necessary extent. Moving around inside, however, can be tricky under certain circumstances. The Sierra Spirit bus offers an easy public transit option from the downtown area to Lawlor for 25 cents per person per ride on a round that takes about 30 minutes. Commercial flights into and out of the area go through Reno-Tahoe International Airport, a 15-minute car ride away. The majority of free parking for games is located in surface lots north of Mackay Stadium next door. The Whalen parking structure just south of the new campus fitness center also has free spaces, but it’s only available for games that fall on weekends, holidays or days when class isn’t in session. If you can get there early enough and it’s not during normal business hours, we suggest parking at the university post office. Provided you aren’t bringing in any unsealed containers of food or liquids, the security screenings at a typical home game are a breeze. We’ve used the entrances near the West Stadium parking structure, but odds are that none of them will give you any significant problems. The only people who currently have ticketless entry are the students who swipe their IDs to get in. The arena’s main concourse is where the only real criticism crops up, going from comfortably wide along the court’s sidelines to downright claustrophobic behind the baskets. For games that are either highly attended or very close or both, having lots of people moving in one direction at once through those latter areas can be a problem. The lines at Lawlor’s decently clean restrooms are usually fine, but can back up at busy times. Unfortunately, the main concourse isn’t open to the court, and the closed-circuit TVs that used to be at every concession stand are no longer there. Thankfully, there are lots of accessible parking spots in the West Stadium garage, and accessible seating is located in each even-numbered section on the interior concourse. Return on Investment 4 For a program on the rise, the current price to enjoy a basketball game at Lawlor Events Center is just right, with a good number of different options to enjoy an outing there. The majority of the lower bowl is unavailable for single game ticket sales, unless you decide to turn to the secondary market. In the upper bowl, single game tickets start at $16 for the plaza basket area (sections 12-16), $18 for plaza corner seats (sections 1, 9-11, 17-19, 23-25 and 35-36), $20 for plaza center seats (the uppermost reaches of sections 2-8 and 20-26), $30 for the center concourse (the lower half of those same sections) and $60 for lower basket seats (the lower bowl seats in sections 10-18, 28-29 and 35-36). Season tickets for the aforementioned sections range from $179 in the plaza basket area all the way up to $650 in the lower basket sections. For more attractive “premium” home games, these prices are subject to slight increases. We found the plaza center seats to be a good way to take in a single game, while a season ticket in the plaza basket area is an especially great value. Free parking is typically not a problem to find for most games, the cost of a trip on the Sierra Spirit bus is minimal, the programs are free, and a bottomless popcorn or plate of ultimate nachos with a bottled water will set you back $14. Single game discounts of anywhere from $6 to $16 per ticket are available for groups of 20 or more people, depending on where you sit, and there are also bigger discounts available for youth, senior and military guests. Special season ticket discounts are available for University of Nevada staff ($20 off per season ticket for up to two people), four-packs ($596) in select sections for employees of Washoe County School District, the Nevada System of Higher Education and the State of Nevada, and for children eighth grade and younger (a Pup Club membership for $55 that includes free admission to home, regular season games for six different Wolf Pack sports along with several other perks). Extras 2 We like the championship banners hanging from the rafters inside Lawlor, as well as the banners of great past players on the arena’s main concourse. We also liked that the ribbon board that shows individual player stats has the watermarked logos of the two teams playing, though they could stand to be directly underneath their respective team scores rather than in opposite places. There’s also a tribute to long-time booster Link Piazzo on the concourse, and the people at Nevada’s athletic department were courteous and professional with us. Final Thoughts It’s clear the Nevada Wolf Pack is on its way up in the college basketball world, and a game day at Lawlor Events Center is similarly above average. It’s excellent in a few areas, mediocre in others, and only lacks that certain magic that consistently excellent programs carry over from year to year and decade to decade. A few more great seasons strung together could potentially vault a game at Lawlor from “above average” to “bucket list” destination.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Willett Hall 201 High St Farmville, VA 23909 Longwood Lancers website Willett Hall website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 1,900 Go 'Wood! Willett Hall is located in Farmville, Virginia, on the campus of Longwood University, and is home to the Longwood Lancers’ men’s and women’s basketball teams. It opened in 1980, shortly after the Lancers made the Division III Final Four. That same year, they moved up to the Division II level, before making the jump to Division I in 2004 to join the Big South Conference. Willett Hall served as host for the 2016 Vice Presidential Debate between Mike Pence and Tim Kaine and underwent major renovations to prepare for that. However, it is set to close no later than 2022 and be replaced by the Joan Perry Brock Center . Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand located in the lobby of Willett Hall, offering only the most basic options. The good news is that the prices are affordable. If you want a main dish, your only options are Chick-fil-A sandwiches ($4) and hot dogs ($3). Other options include pretzels ($3), candy ($3), and chips and popcorn for $2 each. Drinks include soda ($2, or $5 for a souvenir cup), Powerade ($3) and bottled water ($3). The soda is Coca-Cola products, and includes Mello Yello, which is not typically found at arenas. Atmosphere 4 For a small college, Longwood puts on a good show at their basketball games. There are only a few rows of reserved chairbacks on one sideline, with the other seats being bleachers. Willett Hall has two scoreboards, one behind each baseline. The one closest to the entrance has a video screen, while the one on the other side does not, but shows player stats. The Lancers have a dance team and cheer squad that keep the crowd engaged and throw t-shirts into the seats after every three. Before the game, there are impressive player introductions involving music and flashing, colorful lights. The Lancers mascot is a horse named Elwood who looks similar to the horse in the Longwood logo. 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 arena. In fact, everything in Farmville is very close to the arena, because it’s a very small town. Just head off campus and turn left on Main Street and just about everything will be right there. Fans 3 Although Willett Hall is a small arena, seating under 2,000 fans, the Lancers rarely come close to filling it. Most games draw just over 1,000 fans. The nice thing about small arenas is that they’re usually quite full, and it is disappointing that Longwood can’t seem to pull it off here. That being said, the fans who do show up are engaged, cheering and even waving Longwood flags at times. They stay until the end, even if the game isn’t close, which can be a problem at some other places. Unfortunately, they do have a tendency to wait to show up until right as the game is tipping off, which can be distracting if you have to keep standing up to let people in right as the game is starting. 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. Once you’re on campus, there is a parking lot next to the arena, but that is reserved for season ticket holders and those with handicap permits. Everyone else can park anywhere else on campus except in lots reserved for residential students, which are pretty far from the arena and would be bad places to park anyway. The restrooms in the arena are located around the corner from the main lobby and up a small flight of steps. Although they are small, they are sufficient for the crowds typically. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $7 for general admission seats in the bleachers, while reserved chairbacks are $12. However, the chairbacks are only sold the day of the game and are reserved for season ticketholders up until that point. Regardless, this is a good value, especially with the affordable concessions and free parking. You may have to spend a bit of gas money to get to Farmville given how far away it is from just about anything, but that will vary depending on where you live. Extras 3 Free programs are available at a table in the lobby. There are jerseys painted on the back wall honoring Lancers men’s and women’s basketball greats as well as a sign honoring former women’s basketball coach Shirley Duncan. The Lancers have many intricate and entertaining contests during timeouts and at halftime, including a bizarre version of musical chairs with exercise balls instead of chairs where contestants had to dance while blindfolded while the music played then try to find the balls when it stopped. Final Thoughts Willett Hall may be located in the middle of nowhere, which is about what you’d expect from a town called Farmville, but if you’re in town and the Lancers are playing, it is definitely worth a visit. That being said, only the most passionate sports travelers would consider it worthwhile to drive several hours to check out this arena. There is a lot of potential here, and if the Lancers manage to fill the place up, it could be a spectacular atmosphere, but it seems a lot the effort to make that happen is going to be deferred until the new arena opens in a few years.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Desert Financial Arena 634 E Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona State Sun Devils website Desert Financial Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 14,198 Forks Up Volleyball Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils volleyball began play in 1973.  The team has made 20 NCAA appearances, the last in 2023.  They play in the NCAA D1 Big XII conference. The Sun Devils play volleyball at both Desert Financial Arena and the recently built Mullett Arena, depending on schedules and other activities on campus.  Desert Financial Arena is home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams.  It serves as the home arena for the ASU wrestling and gymnastics teams, as well.  Concerts, graduations, and shows also fill the stands at the venue. Food & Beverage 2 A few concession stands serving traditional stadium food dot the concourse at Desert Financial Arena.  Be sure to walk the concourse as each stand sells different meals and snacks. Fare includes loaded cheese fries, regular fries, chicken tenders, cheesesteak, value dog, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and peanuts.  Prices run from $6 up to $13.50.  Coca-Cola is the soda provider ($6/$8).  Cans of beer (Coors Light, Lagunitas IPA, Dos Equis, Hard Seltzer, and Spiked Lemonade) cost $15. It’s nothing out of the ordinary but enough to satisfy a hungry fan.  Visitors can bring in a bottled water.  The venue has water fountains designed for easy bottle refill. Atmosphere 3 The arena provides two levels of seating with a walkway between the two.  The upper level is closed for volleyball matches.  The lower seating extends up to 20 – 22 rows. Twenty-two is closest to the concourse.  The venue does not have handrails for climbing up and down. Handicapped seating lines the walkway with banquet-type chairs and extra room for wheelchairs and walkers.  The interior highlights maroon-colored seats accented with gold walls and facade facing, portraying the ASU school colors well. Desert Financial Arena, ASU Sun Devils Volleyball, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Customer service is excellent, with friendly, helpful staff.  They play the music loud, sometimes painf ully loud, and drown out th e prematch PA announcements.  They do not play music while the sets are in process but during time-outs and stoppages.  The volume is lower then, but still too loud to talk with your neighbor without yelling.  If you’re sensitive to loud music, bring earplugs. Game day operations turn the lights off during the Sun Devils’ introductions.  Fans cannot see the players as they are introduced.   This baffles me. The temperature in the arena is comfortable.  Not too cold, not too hot.  Bring a long- sleeved shirt if air conditioning chills you.  It’s an enjoyable few hours out and pleasantly different if you’re more used to watching the traditional Big Four U.S. sports.. Neighborhood 5 Desert Financial Arena is near Arizona State University’s other sports venues in Tempe, AZ, and has plenty of places to eat, drink, and sleep.  Downtown Tempe  is just a short walk away and is the place to go pretty much all the time when you’re at ASU, especially on match days. Whatever kind of food, atmosphere, or price is desired, downtown Tempe has it. It’s one of those places where one could go to a different restaurant or bar before every ASU volleyball match and still not see everything by the end of the season. Snooze an AM Eatery is always a good place for breakfast/brunch, as is Chompie’s Restaurant. A Buffalo Wild Wings is close by. Devil’s Advocate Sports Grill is certainly one of the more popular options among ASU fans. Less than a mile away (or one light rail stop) is Mill Ave, home to all varieties of restaurants and bars. Four Peaks Brewing, The Beer Shop, Hundred Mile Brewery (women-owned), and Pedal Haus Brewery are 1 ½ – 2 miles from the arena. About a mile northeast of Desert Financial Arena is Tempe Marketplace , which has even more restaurants and shops, plus a movie theater. Hotels within walking distance of the arena include Hyatt Place Tempe / Phoenix / University (right across the street), Residence Inn by Marriott Tempe Downtown/University, or Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. There’re plenty more to choose from, just a light rail stop or two away. Other things to see or do in Tempe include the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens, and the Arizona State University Art Museum. Other sports to enjoy during volleyball season in Tempe include Sun Devil football, basketball, and ice hockey. A little farther away, basketball fans can visit Footprint Center to watch the Phoenix Suns  or the Phoenix Mercury or catch an MLB Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field.  Just a tad north, visit Grand Canyon University Antelopes volleyball at Grand Canyon University Arena.  Fans 3 Sun Devils fans always root their teams on well, including volleyball.  The volleyball fans are welcoming and supportive of both teams on the court.  Some fans bring banners and all cheer for good plays and long volleys.  At the match of this review, fans initiated several crowd waves during the sets. Access 5 The arena’s East, West, and South doors are open for ASU Volleyball matches.  Getting to and around Desert Financial Arena is relatively easy and it is close to the interchange of Loop 101 and Loop 202. Take the Rural/Scottsdale exit on Loop 202. A parking garage and parking lot are off Packard Dr (northeast side of the arena). An excellent option is to take the Valley Metro Light Rail  ($4 for an all-day pass/$2 for seniors) and get off at the Veterans Way/College Ave stop. Walk three blocks east past Sun Devil Stadium to the arena. An Uber/Lyft drop off and pick up is at the west entrance on E Veterans Way, the same side as the light rail. The City of Tempe offers free rides via their Orbit Shuttle  or FLASH service with stops near Desert Financial Arena.  The nearest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about a 15-minute drive to Desert Financial Arena. Fans can take the Valley Metro Light Rail directly from the airport to the arena and downtown Tempe. Concourses are plenty wide and do not get congested during sets.  Clean restrooms are on the north and south sides of the concourse, with a family restroom on the southwest side near sections W and V. Security requires adherence to the clear bag policy  at all ASU sports facilities. Return on Investment 3 I paid $15 for a single match at Desert Financial Arena, which seems high.  It looks like some matches are $10.  Fans purchase tickets via a stand-alone kios k, and the kiosk sends tickets via text to your phone.  The traditional ticket booths are used for will-call only.  Parking is free; concessions prices are decent.  Desert Financial Arena Ticket Kiosk, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Extras 1 Arizona State University Sports Hall of Fame – Photos are affixed to the concourse walls honoring all ASU athletes who made a difference. Trophy cases adorn parts of the concourse featuring the many accolades of the ASU sports teams. Final Thoughts Fans at ASU volleyball matches are engrossed in the action and cheer the team on enthusiastically.  Although reaching its 50th anniversary, Desert Financial Arena still offers a good game day event. Sun Devils Logo on Desert Financial Arena Court, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Mohegan Sun Arena 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd Uncasville, CT 06382 Connecticut Sun website Mohegan Sun Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 9,323 The Sun Is Setting in Connecticut   The WNBA has seen an unprecedented increase in attention in recent years. But even before this, there were areas of the country that could have truly been called women’s basketball hotbeds. Back in 2003, the league took advantage of the rabid following for the UConn Huskies women’s team and moved the Orlando Miracle franchise to the Nutmeg State.   The franchise, which was unsuccessful in Florida, was purchased by the Mohegan tribe and moved to their casino, Mohegan Sun, located in Uncasville, CT. The team’s nickname is derived from its affiliation with the casino, and its logo is an interpretation of an ancient Mohegan tribal symbol. At the time of their debut the Sun were the first professional sports franchise to be owned by Native Americans.   The Sun have qualified for the WNBA playoffs in 16 of their 22 seasons in Connecticut. They have made the league finals on four occasions, most recently in 2022. The Sun have yet to win the WNBA championship.   At the conclusion of the 2024 season, the Sun traded away or lost via free agency their entire starting lineup, as well as their coach. Reports also surfaced that team ownership was exploring options to sell and relocate the team to a larger market in New England. Visits to Hartford, Providence and Boston were reported. The team currently sits in last place in the WNBA standings.   Food & Beverage 3   At a venue like Mohegan Sun Arena, where there are several world-class dining options just steps from the entrance, it would stand to reason that the concession options inside the arena wouldn’t try to outshine these options. And that is certainly the case here. While the concession menus do have highlights, they do not stray far from arena basics.   Stands line the inner edge of the concourse as well as the atriums on either side of the facility. Arena standards such as hot dogs and nachos highlight the selections, along with a selection of snacks. Fans looking for something a bit more substantial will find subs and wraps available.   The most popular concession item at Mohegan Sun Arena is undoubtedly the oversized slices of Frank Pepe pizza. Individual slices or entire pizzas can be purchased. Unfortunately for apizza connoisseurs, the slices here are a pale imitation of those found at the original restaurant in New Haven.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Mohegan Sun Arena, offered in both bottles and fountain cups. Adult beverages are sold at Roadies Taphouse stands in both atriums as well as several concession stands. All stands feature an extensive selection of local beers, craft beers and canned cocktails, giving patrons plenty of quality choices. Atmosphere 4   The Sun do their best to put on a family-friendly game day experience in a location that may not be considered family friendly. As you enter the arena, you are likely to be greeted by Blaze, the team’s fuzzy orange mascot, who spends the beginning of its evening interacting with fans. Members of the Sun’s dance squad, Solar Power, also greet fans at the entrances.   Local organizations line the concourse running raffles and offering giveaways. Feel free to sign up for contests and pick up a free roster sheet while you circle the concourse. The interior of the arena has been designed to mimic the overall esthetic of the casino and evoke the look of the local forest.   As you enter the seating bowl, you’ll notice the scoreboard. While it’s got a crystal-clear picture and is put to good use with hype videos, replays and promotions, it’s absolutely tiny by today’s standards. On either end of the seating bowl are additional video boards that display game stats.   The Sun staff do their best to keep everyone entertained during their visit to Uncasville. From pyrotechnics during player introductions to music played during the action to the presence of dance teams and an emcee who doesn’t stop exhorting the fans to make noise all night long, there’s plenty to see and do. Throw in fan contests during play stoppages, t-shirt tosses, and other giveaways, it’s almost sensory overload at Mohegan Sun Arena.   Neighborhood 5    Eastern Connecticut is an area full of small towns and wooded countryside removed from the urban areas of southern New England. Still, Mohegan Sun Casino is centrally located within the region, and is located roughly an hour from Providence, Worcester, Hartford, and New Haven. Neighboring Foxwoods Casino is just over 10 miles to the east.   Mohegan Sun is one of the largest casinos in the United States, with over 364,000 square feet of gaming space. For fans who come to Sun games and do not want to gamble, the casino also contains theaters, night clubs, 44 different restaurants with enough variety to satisfy any appetite, and 130,000 square feet of retail space, all located just steps from the arena’s front entrance. While the casino may not be your traditional neighborhood, the number and variety of entertainment choices available before or after a Sun game are impressive. More information about Mohegan Sun’s dining, entertainment and lodging options can be found here.   Fans visiting the area during the summer months of the WNBA season may wish to visit nearby Mystic, a seaside town and tourist attraction known for its historic seaport, maritime museum, preserved sailing ships and aquarium. It's a popular destination for travelers in the area. The Norwich Sea Unicorns of the summer collegiate Futures League play at nearby Dodd Stadium .   Fans 3   Throughout much of their existence, the Sun ranked in the top half of the WNBA’s attendance rankings. Over the past couple of seasons, the Sun have dropped to the lower third of the league in terms of attendance, despite the fact that their attendance continues to rise. Thus far in 2025, the team is drawing over 9,200 fans per game. These numbers speak to the quantum leaps that the WNBA has experienced in support this year.   Even though the Sun play in a casino, where you wouldn’t figure to see a whole lot of younger fans, you will find a good mix of families here at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Sun’s staff do their best to create a family-friendly atmosphere, and their efforts show in the stands.   Access 5    Mohegan Sun Casino is located just off Interstate 395, which runs north-south through eastern Connecticut. Interstate 95, which runs east-west parallel to the Connecticut shoreline, is just a few miles away. Route 2A (Exit 9) off of I-395 will deposit fans right at the Casino.   There are several free parking garages surrounding the casino, none of which are more than a 10-minute walk to the arena entrance. If you can resist the bells and lights of the casino floor, you will be at the game in no time.   Once inside the arena, fans will enter into a clean, attractive concourse that is more than large enough to handle a typical Sun crowd. Lines are a constant presence at the concession stands throughout the game, particularly at the Frank Pepe pizza stand. Restrooms are clean and more than large enough to handle a typical Sun crowd.   The steeply-pitched seating area is octagonal and separated into upper and lower levels. All seats are individual padded stadium seats, colored maroon in the lower level and blue in the upper. The view from all seats is excellent.   Return on Investment 3   Ticket prices to Sun games fluctuate wildly, depending on the day of game and opponent. Weekday game tickets start at $25 and top out at $110 for center court seats. The Sun offer deals and giveaways for games throughout the season. Follow the team’s social media pages and check in on the Sun website for flash sales and other deals.   Parking is free in the garages that surround the casino. Concessions at the arena are priced similarly to other venues in the area.   If you can resist the siren call of the gaming floor, you will find your visit to Mohegan Sun Arena to be a very affordable evening of entertainment. Who knows, you may even end up leaving the place with more money than you had upon arrival!   Extras 3                                                                                                 An extra point is awarded for the overall visual appeal of the Mohegan Sun Arena. The facility was designed to evoke the surrounding forests of eastern Connecticut and to fit in with the overall style of the casino. The muted colors and Native American decor are not often seen at a sporting facility, and make for a very visually pleasing venue. Just outside the entrance to the arena visitors will find an indoor waterfall, as well as several mechanical wolves atop faux stone towers. These wolves will sit back, wag their tails and howl from time to time.   Just outside the Arena is a Walk of Fame which honors some of the bigger acts to have played at the arena. Also, just steps from the arena entrance is the Wolf Den, where up-and-coming artists, as well as some well-known names, play free concerts. Acts as diverse as Queensryche, Maxi Priest, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Los Lonely Boys have played free shows in this intimate, 300-seat setting.   Hanging from the rafters at the Mohegan Sun Arena are several banners honoring the team's conference championships, Billy Joel's ten consecutive sellouts at the facility, and the “Fight of the Century” between Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti, which took place here on May 28, 2002. Other banners contain several Sun retired numbers and commemorate Mohegan Sun Arena’s “Venue of the Year” awards.   Final Thoughts   While the Mohegan Sun Arena is a fine facility, it seems like the rapid growth of the WNBA has rendered it obsolete. With its smaller capacity, lack of premium amenities and location far from a major city, the Sun have been put up for sale and have been searching for a new home. It seems the Sun is setting on the Mohegan Sun Arena.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Hadlock Field 271 Park Ave Portland, ME 04104 Portland Sea Dogs website Hadlock Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 7,368 Baseball the Way it Should Be Minor league baseball returned to Portland, Maine in 1994 after a 44-year absence. The addition of the Florida Marlins to Major League Baseball in 1993 created the need for new affiliates, and Portland was awarded the Double-A franchise. Portland’s previous minor league team, the Pilots, briefly known as the Gulls, played from 1946 to 1949 at neighboring Fitzpatrick Stadium as a Phillies  affiliate. Before the Sea Dogs, the most recent affiliated baseball in Maine was played in Old Orchard Beach by the Triple-A Maine Guides and Maine Phillies, but lasted just six seasons. The field at its current location dates back to the 1930s, giving the stadium a deep tie to the city’s long baseball history. During the early years of the Sea Dogs, the ballpark was often abuzz when President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara were in attendance as guests of team owner Daniel Burke – they regularly sat beside the Sea Dogs dugout, never in a suite, and created an air of excitement in the stands when they attended. The Sea Dogs quickly became a point of pride for Mainers, so it came as no surprise that the 2025 decision to sell the naming rights, rebranding Hadlock Field as Delta Dental Park, sparked debate among locals.   Food & Beverage   4 The concessions menu is largely what would be expected at a minor league ballpark . Fenway Franks, nachos, and pizza slices are all on the menu, but a handful of higher-end options help set it apart; these include steak and cheese subs, grilled sausage with peppers and onions, chicken Caesar wraps, and even veggie burgers and gluten-free hot dogs. One of the most popular items, however, remains the Sea Dogs Biscuit, which is two chocolate chip cookies with Gifford’s vanilla ice cream in-between – this has been a staple here since day one. Portland’s reputation as a craft beer haven is well reflected in the ballpark’s drink selection – ne arly twenty locally brewed beers are available, from brewers such as Nonesuch River Brewing, Orono Brewing Company, Allagash, Bastin Brewing Company, Baxter Brewing, Rising Tide, Brickyard Hollow, Oxbow, Geary’s, Bunker Brewing, and Eighteen Twenty Brewing Company. If beer is not your thing, there are also local wines from Blue Lobster Urban Winery available. Though the concessions here are not overwhelmingly unique to Maine, the sheer variety of local, quality beer options is tough to beat.   Atmosphere   4 At first glance, Delta Dental Park may not seem especially remarkable. The stadium’s current and original names both hang above the entrance, and an eight-foot fiberglass statue of beloved mascot Slugger greets fans and serves as a popular photo spot. The stadium’s footprint is constrained by the adjacent Portland Exposition Building, railroad tracks and Fitzpatrick Stadium , resulting in a seating area that is relatively compact. Seating includes field-level box seats, reserved chair backs, and general admission bleachers. A group picnic area sits beyond right field, and high-top tables have been added along the right field line, mirroring Fenway’s  Monster seats. Around the outfield, a mix of scoreboards displays pitch speed, exit velocity, and provide real-time Red Sox  game updates, while a larger video board sits in the frame of the original scoreboard. Similar to Fenway’s Green Monster, an inning-by-inning line score screen has been integrated into the wall; its smaller size in comparison to the large wall does make it seem a bit awkward, however. The stadium lacks some modern features; there is no major kids’ zone, no dedicated social gathering area, and only limited premium seating. Still, the experience remains one of the most enjoyable in the minors, in large part because the focus remains on the game. Fans are not bombarded with sound effects throughout the game, for example. Mid-inning activities tend to take common ballpark contests and add a bit of a local flair to them, such as the lacrosse (rubber) lobster toss, a variation of a shuttle run contest, or a simple race between kids from point A to point B with some sort of theme accompanying the race. When choosing seats, the first base side faces the sun and shade is limited, especially during afternoon games. The third base side of the stadium does get some relief for evening games, however, and on specifically hot days, the Expo’s basement offers a cooling room.   Neighborhood   4 Portland is a well-known summer destination, attracting visitors heading to nearby beach towns, inland lakes, or to any of t he several cruise ships that come to port. Margaritas, located in the nearby St. John Street plaza, has been a local go-to for Mexican food for over 30 years. Around the corner, Amato’s, a Portland staple, offers a wide menu of sandwiches and Italian-style fare. For early games, fans might enjoy a quick trip across the street to Holy Donut, known for its signature potato-based doughnuts. Thompson Point is home to Bissell Brothers brewery and the Maine State Children’s Museum. Thompson Point also hosts several national music tours, if a Sea Dogs game is just part of a longer stay in the area. In addition, the largely popular Portland Hearts of Pine play at neighboring Fitzpatrick Stadium , and occasionally have a match the same day as the Sea Dogs game, or at least during the same home stand.   Fans   4 The Sea Dogs have long enjoyed strong support from the Portland community; in their inaugural 1994 season they averaged nearly 5,500 fans per game in a stadium that seats just over 6,000. They’ve remained one of the top draws at the Double-A level ever since, frequently landing in the top 20 for minor league attendance across all levels. The Sea Dogs drew well enough during the team’s early years as a Florida Marlins affiliate, but really surged when the Sea Dogs joined the Red Sox  system in 2003. While Portland fans may be more reserved than rowdy, they know the game and reward good baseball with appreciative applause. One lasting tradition from the inaugural season is the collective stomping on the aluminum bleachers, creating a thunderous rumble that has become part of the park’s personality.   Access   4 There is no dedicated stadium parking beyond a small ADA-accessible lot adjacent to the field. However, a few city-owned lots sit beyond right field, and several private lots are located nearby. Street parking is hit-or-miss, though Deering Avenue and Washburn Street, just across the I-295 bridge, are usually decent bets. Parking along St. James Street at Daugherty Field is also a popular option for those willing to walk about a half mile. For fans arriving from out of town, Portland is served by the regional rail connecting Boston to Brunswick, Maine. The Amtrak station is about a mile from the stadium and is also accessible via public transit. Delta Dental Park is also located between the Parkside and Libbytown neighborhoods, making it a reasonable walk from many parts of the city. The ballpark has one primary point of entry, which can back up slightly before the gates open, but lines move quickly once the initial rush subsides. Inside there are two main walkways, one that runs under the  stands and another on the field concourse. Most of the seating above the walkway is elevated, which limits obstructions by passersby.   Return on Investment   4 Ticket prices are in line with what would be expected for most Double-A stadiums. General admission is $15 (fees included), reserved seats run $18, and field box seats are $26. Box seats may be on the higher side for this level, but the baseline price of entry is reasonable. Prices align with what fans would expect at a comparable sporting event, and the variety and quality – particularly in the local craft beer selection – help justify the cost.   Extras   5 The Sea Dogs Hall of Fame is located along the concourse under the stands, along the first base line. Among the 24 inductees are names like Josh Beckett, Kevin Millar, Adrian Gonzalez, Livan Hernandez, Hanley Ramirez, Edgar Renteria, and Anthony Rizzo, players who passed through Portland on their way to storied MLB careers. Just next door, the Portland Room honors the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame – anyone who grew up playing baseball in Maine is likely to recognize several names enshrined there. Slugger, the Sea Dogs beloved mascot, puts on a series of well-produced skits throughout the season. Slugger is not the only mascot, though; the stadium also has “Trash Monsters” who wander the stands during the game, encouraging fans to clean up after themselves, but in a creative way. Inside the stadium, jersey cutouts and banners highlight Sea Dogs alumni now playing in the majors, while other signage celebrates the team’s division and league championships. Since becoming a Red Sox affiliate in 2006, the stadium has attempted to take on some of the characteristics of Fenway Park . Most notably, in what has been dubbed “The Maine Monster”, a 37-foot-tall wall was built to replicate the Sox’ famed Green Monster. Perhaps the most uniquely Maine feature of all is the centerfield lighthouse; after Sea Dogs home runs, or following a win, it rises to the blast of a foghorn while shooting sparks into the air.   Final Thoughts Portland Sea Dogs baseball is quietly one of the best minor league experiences in the country, whether you are a baseball purist or a family looking for a fun, affordable outing. The experience is refreshingly straightforward, focusing on the game without losing its sense of fun for fans of all ages. Much of the franchise’s longevity can be traced back to the strong foundation laid in their inaugural season. Longtime president and general manager Charlie Eshbach deserves much of the credit for shaping the Sea Dogs’ identity; his influence on the team continues to be evident in their Portland ballpark experience today.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Goodall Park 38 Roberts St Sanford, ME 04073 Sanford Mainers website Goodall Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 950 Antlers Up The Sanford Mainers have played in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), a summer wooden bat league, since 2002, calling Goodall Park in the small southern Maine town of Sanford their home. Built in 1915, Goodall Park predates Fenway Park and has hosted some of baseball’s biggest names. In 1919 Babe Ruth visited here as a member of the Boston Red Sox, hitting three home runs in an exhibition game against the Sanford Professionals, his final appearance in a Red Sox uniform. In addition, in 1922, following his MVP season, George Sisler was part of a barnstorming tour that played a local team here, headlined by Sanford native and Red Sox shortstop Freddy Parent. The park’s original grandstand stood for over 80 years before it was destroyed by arson in 1997. Recognizing its place in the community, Sanford rebuilt the grandstand, reopening it in 1998 with its classic charm preserved and modern updates added. While there is a tie to the legends of the game, the venue has also been the starting point for Major League careers; Mainer players Jason Mott and Adam Duvall are just two of the players who have gone on to enjoy careers in Major League Baseball. Sadly, in 2018 Goodall Park was also the site of a tragedy, when Douglas Pankhurst was struck and killed by a woman experiencing a mental health crisis, who had driven onto the field – the incident and its backstory were chronicled by ESPN’s E:60, The Hero of Goodall .   Food & Beverage   4 There are several concessions options at Goodall Park, including the traditional stand under the grandstand that offers much more than most. Main food items here include slices of cheese and pepperoni pizza (the kind with crispy, cupped pepperonis), along with sandwiches like meatball and chicken parm subs, ham and turkey, and pulled pork. Fans can also choose from classic hot dogs with natural casings, or Maine’s own signature red snapper dogs. A food truck also often provides more elevated options beyond the typical ballpark fare. For something sweet, there is no shortage of choices – in addition to the always-popular Kona Ice truck, the concessions stand serves a fan favorite, namely strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, as well as locally made Moose Pies from Shaker Pond Ice Cream. Beverage options include Coca-Cola products, pink lemonade, raspberry tea, Gatorade, and Celsius energy drinks, in addition to specialty offerings like slushies and the park’s own Moose Juice, which is Red Bull mixed with peach or raspberry syrup. Alcohol is available as well, though the selection is somewhat limited. Fans will find Bud and Coors Light, Blue Moon, Baxter Coastal Haze, White Claw seltzers, vodka iced tea, and a house drink known as the Mainer’s Margarita.   Atmosphere   4 Goodall Park is a throwback in the best sense, being a stadium that captures everything nostalgic about old-school ballparks while mixing in a few modern comforts. The covered grandstand seating keeps fans protected from the elements, and the quirky field dimensions add to the park’s character; at 321 feet the left field line is on the short side, while dead center is a deep 404 feet. Thanks to the nearby Goodall Brook that borders the outfield wall, right field is a snug 283 feet. In true summer league fashion, players not in the lineup walk the stands selling 50/50 raffle tickets, a small gesture that goes a long way in connecting the team to the crowd. In-game promotions, usually held at the bottom of each inning, are simple but fun, tied into an ongoing raffle throughout the night. On-field events are kept minimal, but favorites include kids racing to dress in oversized uniforms or getting a ride onto the field in the fan-favorite Mainer Mobile.   Neighborhood   3 The town of Sanford, Maine, is a recovering mill town that was once a hub of industrial production. Like many towns along the Mousam River, it faced a difficult transition when the mills shut down. Today, Sanford is in the early stages of a rejuvenation effort, with signs of revitalization visible throughout the community. Goodall Park sits just a short walk from Central Park in the heart of town, making it easy to pair a game with a local meal or stroll. Nearby dining options include Azul Agave, Moe’s Italian Sandwiches of Sanford, and Richie’s Jerk & BBQ, all highly rated. While Sanford’s entertainment options remain modest, visitors will find a few laid-back ways to spend time, including Pine Hollow Little Par 3 golf course and several scenic walking trails that wind along the river and past the town’s old mills. If you are looking to explore beyond town, Sanford is just a 30-minute drive from Maine’s southern coast, making it a convenient home base for a weekend of baseball and beach time.   Fans   3 Maine’s local communities by nature are a supportive bunch, nearly unconditionally, and even more so when it comes to its small-town teams. For example, b anners touting the Sanford Mainers hang along Main Street, celebrating the town’s pride in the team. The Mainers average just over 500 fans per game, putting them in the lower half of the league. Fans for the most part remain engaged, but are more on the quiet side, creating typical stadium murmurs. A closer listen to the chatter, however, reveals that much of the talk centers around the frustration of the play of the Red Sox .   Access   3 The town of Sanford can be a bit of a trek to get to; it is most directly accessed by US route 202 that feeds into town from the north and south, or State Route 109 that runs east to west from Interstate 95. Parking is available in a lot across the street from the facility, but it fills quickly, meaning late arrivals may need to park along nearby streets. Fans enter through the main gate along Rogers Street to the ticket booth, before arriving at a paved plaza area where they will find souvenir and community outreach tents, a food truck, and inflatable games for kids. A single access point at field level behind home plate includes space for wheelchair/companion seating.   Fans can reach the upper walkway via stairs located behind home plate and at the end of the first-base grandstand. An elevator behind home plate is also available for those needing assistance. The walkway above the seating area is wide enough for two people to pass comfortably, though it can become congested when fans stop to socialize or linger during the game.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets cost just $7, or $5 for children, and parking is free. Concessions are kept affordable as well, so even grabbing a bite to eat is not going to put a major dent in the wallet. Overall, prices for an evening with the Sanford Mainers is an extremely affordable night out.   Extras   2 Boomer, the Mainers friendly moose mascot, roams the stands during games, interacting with fans and posing for photos. A display on the back of the grandstand shows photos of the aftermath of the fire that destroyed the original grandstand, as well as the process to rebuild it.   Final Thoughts Summer nights at Goodall Park are a community tradition, where young and old come together to enjoy America’s pastime. It is everything you want from small-town baseball: simple, welcoming, and full of character – the perfect mixture of college athletes chasing their big-league dreams while kids chase foul balls, and fans in the stands chasing their baseball memories of the past.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Bramall Lane Sheffield, England S2 4SU United Kingdom Sheffield United FC website Bramall Lane website Year Opened: 1855 Capacity: 32,702 Steeped in History Bramall Lane is arguably the most historic stadium in the sports world nowadays. Why? Because it is the oldest major football stadium still hosting football matches. Bramall Lane plays home to League One club Sheffield United or locally known as “The Blades” because of its worldwide reputation for steel production. Opened in 1855, Bramall Lane has seen record attendances of over 68,000; however, the current capacity is 32,702. Until 1973, Bramall Lane played host to not only Sheffield United, but Yorkshire County Cricket Club during the summer. The Blades were a fierce English club in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when they were winning the league and FA Cup in successive years. Nowadays, United has seen a bad downfall, though nothing like that of Wimbledon (now the Milton Keynes Dons because of that downfall) or Portsmouth . They’ve floated in and around the Premier League, most recently in 2006, but they have since dropped two tiers down to League One, where they have been since the 2011/12 season. Food & Beverage 3 The food at Bramall Lane is exactly how I expected it to be, hence why the average rating. Like all other football stadiums in England, there’s not a great range of hot food and snacks, and the main purchase is beer. The prices are quite expensive, with a burger being £3 ($4.60), a pie for £3 ($4.60), and a hot dog for £3.50 ($5.30). Alcohol-wise, 500 ml Carling plastic bottles are on sale for £3.50 ($5.30), which is expensive compared to other grounds. Atmosphere 5 Although “The Blades” have seen a bitter decline in recent years, the fans have kept loyal, bringing a new atmosphere to League One. When I say new, I mean a “Premier League”-esque atmosphere. This is because the fans chant away all game, unlike other lower-tier clubs, and there are many more fans in attendance. United stormed the Npower League One average attendance table for yet another year, setting the mark at just under 19,000! The atmosphere created is remarkable, and as the stadium is tightly compact and old, the noise stays trapped. In addition to this, when the team scores, the roar made by the fans is unbelievable and motivates the team to victory. When I visited Bramall Lane, I was thoroughly impressed with how loud the atmosphere was, which gave the game a tenser, more competitive edge. Bramall Lane gets a ten on my “Noise-o-meter” scale! The stadium is at its best, however, when the “Steel City Derby” takes place. This is when bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday visit Bramall Lane, which results in a packed house and ferocious atmosphere. It’s a real spectacle and grabs the eye of the nation when the game is televised. Neighborhood 5 I really can’t complain about the surroundings of Bramall Lane. When arriving at the stadium, you can just feel its history. This is because the stadium is surrounded by old-fashioned terrace housing, which I thought was that extra touch on my stadium experience. Also, it’s just minutes away from the city centre, meaning you have the option of making a day of your trip to Sheffield. The city itself is known for one of Europe’s best shopping malls, Meadow Hall, so if you’re trying to persuade your other half of coming along, it shouldn’t be a problem. Around the stadium, it’s extremely safe, and there is nothing to worry about as an away fan. Fans 4 The reason I have graded these fans so highly is that they are so loyal and loud. Yes, they may have a big stadium, but the amazing support Sheffield United receives is because the fans are true to the club, and it runs through their blood. The fans have stayed passionate, even after two relegations in four years. Without the huge average attendance, Bramall Lane would be a terrible stadium to visit, because it would be mostly empty and just have no noise generated. The noise made when The Blade's attack is intimidating for away supporters and makes Bramall Lane an absolute fortress. The fans are a friendly bunch and play the role of the crucial 12th man. The hardcore fans pack into the “Kop Stand”, and they are the heart and lungs of the songs/chants sung at each game. Access 3 Sheffield is an easily accessible place. However, like most other cities, it can be very busy at times. Around the stadium, the traffic is dealt with very well and doesn’t cause any problems. Parking-wise, there are a couple of official car parks near the Kennedy Kop and South stands, but if you want to avoid the high prices, there is a lot of street parking available – which I advise. If you’re not going by car, get off at the Sheffield Mainline station, where it’s a ten-minute walk to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The pricing structure at Bramall Lane is that of many Premier League teams. They rate games in category A, B, and C (A being the highest quality). The ticket prices for an adult are £29,£35, and £40. The Blades are a top team in League One, with a lot of young talent, and really should be in the Championship aiming at Premier League status. The quality of football is of a very good standard, and although the prices are quite expensive, you get your money’s worth. Extras 5 Bramall Lane is a stadium that can boast so many different things, it’s quite fascinating. Firstly, the away stand is dedicated to Sheffield-born, Olympic hero, Jessica Ennis-Hill. As an away supporter, it gives your stadium experience just that little extra touch, which I find very cool. The historical impact always plays in the back of your mind, as after all it is the oldest major football stadium in the world and once a county cricket stadium. In addition to this, another key extra is that it’s just minutes away from the city centre, which is a must-see.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Estadio Antonio Escarre Av. 22A San José, San Cayetano, Costa Rica Asociación Deportiva Beisbol Master website Estadio Antonio Escarre website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,800 Costa Rica Baseball When you think of baseball in Central America, Costa Rica does not come to mind. However, there is a ballpark worth visiting when in San Jose. Estadio Antonio Escarre is the largest baseball stadium in the country. Built in 1955, the stadium holds 4,000 with a covered roof, bleacher seating on each foul line, and a manual scoreboard in a mixed-residential neighborhood of San Jose. Baseball has been played near the ballpark’s site since 1921 when the city’s first official baseball field was dedicated at nearby Plaza Gonzalez Viquez. In 1941, a new ballpark was constructed 300 meters away that would later bear the name Antonio Escarre, the General Director of Sports. The ballpark would be remodeled in 1955, with lights added in 1961. The stadium would be heavily renovated between 2012-2013, seeing improvements to the concrete stands, seats on the second floor, new lights, and a dressing room. During almost 70 years of operation, the ballpark has hosted two World Championship series (1961 and 1973) and two Central American Championships (1972 and 2013). The stadium is home to numerous amateur leagues. The Asociación Deportiva Beisbol Master (Master Baseball Sports Association) offers two levels: a 7-team league of 40-year-old players from April to September and a 6-team circuit of younger talent that operates from October through April. No matter when you are in San Jose, there is more than likely a game on a Saturday afternoon starting at 1:15 PM. Costa Rica is not known for its baseball; there hasn’t been a player from the country to make it to the major leagues. Most players in this league are from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. However, how does a sport thrive in a soccer-mad country? Keep reading to find out more about Estadio Antonio Escarre. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand near the entrance of the ballpark offering inexpensive items: hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, and local dishes that include salchipapas (fries covered with slice sausage and topped with ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise) and vigoron  (cabbage salad, boiled yuca, and chicharrones, all wrapped in a banana leaf). Also, empanadas are sold and are filled with chicken, cheese, or beef and cheese. The stadium does not serve alcoholic beverages but offers Coca-Cola, Fanta, Gatorade, coffee, and tea. Local sodas include Jet, Big, Raptor, and Jugo. Items are served in combination platters, and some of the bottled drinks come in two sizes. Some of the food items sell out towards the end of the game. Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 The ballpark’s main entrance has a distinct look that feels like it's frozen in time from another era of the game. The colors and texture would look right at home along Miami Beach’s Art Deco hotels and buildings. The stadium sits on the main streets and avenues with little room for moving cars zipping by the outside of its doors. Most stadiums of its era have a main concourse directly underneath the seating bowl; however, Le Escarre has five rows of plastic seating that provide a unique view of the game. The first few rows are as close as the suite-level seats at the   Jimmy John’s Field   outside Detroit. These seats are ideal since it rains frequently during June and early July. The upper deck of the stadium is fully covered. The individual seats offer comfortable views of the game down below. There is a large netting that protects fans from foul balls or thrown bats during the game. Upstairs are views of the surrounding neighborhood. There is a manual scoreboard in left field, two seats of small bleacher seats down each foul line, and a small general store that sells gear to the players. The concession stand offered tables and chairs, but most fans enjoyed their food and drink from their seats. The majority of the noise comes from the players on the field or the dugouts. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is in the San Cayetano neighborhood, boarding Barrio La Cruz, a few miles south of downtown towards the west side. The ballpark is between Avenida 22A and Calle 7. The mixed residential and business district houses many local businesses and a few fast-food restaurants. The small restaurants include The Baseball Player Soda across the street from the main entrance. They offer hamburgers, nachos, burritos, empanadas, and traditional dishes served cafeteria-style with rice, beans, potatoes, chicken, beef, and maduros (fried sweet plantains). Huaraches offers Mexican cuisine, while Pollo Granjero is a local fried chicken chain.  Don Cleto Gonzalez Viquez Statue, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey On Saturday mornings, there is a farmers market that takes place near the stadium with street vendors and fresh produce for sale. Plaza Viquez also houses a small soccer field that is home to Esuadran FC, a lower-level football club, 300 meters away from the baseball stadium. Downtown San Jose is filled with many places to see including the Children’s Museum, National Museum, Museo del Jade, Central Market, and pedestrian-only streets that are filled with shops, restaurants, and street vendors. A bit outside of town is Irazu Volcano National Park offers close-ups of a dormant volcano. Fans 2 Sadly, only a few people attend games at the ballpark. There were 50 people in the 3,800-seat stadium cheering on family members and friends on the field. You could always tell who's family member was up at the plate due to the loud screech in their voices. The atmosphere is similar to a small college ballpark or Limeport Stadium in Pennsylvania. Access 3 The stadium has two levels with staircases on the outside of the main grandstand. There is also bleacher seating down the foul line that has walkways behind the dugouts. There is plenty of seating on the first level and much more on the second level. Parking is available on the streets around the ballpark’s perimeter. If driving, or taking Uber or DiDi, use Waze to access the streets to arrive at the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 The price of admission is free and menu items are extremely affordable. The price of a burger, fries, and a drink is 2,000 Colones ($3.82 US dollars). An empanada is 1,000 Colones ($1.91 US dollars) and some of the smaller drinks are under a dollar. The stadium does not offer programs, or merchandise, or have many fans in the seats. However, the price of admission and food items is hard to beat. Extras 3 The stadium earns a point for its variety of food, and affordable prices. The food is tasty and offers traditional and local fare for the customer. The stadium earns a second point for its seating structure. There are seats underneath the main grandstand, and a roof covers the grandstand seating structure.  The final point is for the ballpark’s asthetics. It does not look quite like other buildings I have been to in my life. It has a style that has been captured in time. Final Thoughts I was unaware of a baseball stadium in San Jose until recently, but it is worth grabbing something affordable to eat while watching the game. It makes for a great way to spend a few hours on Saturday in between travel plans in and around the city.  _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.42 Credit Union 1 Arena 525 S Racine St Chicago, IL 60607 UIC Flames website Credit Union 1 Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 8,000 Sparking A Flame in Chicago The UIC Flames are members of the Missouri Valley Conference and play their home games at the Credit Union 1 Arena. The building opened on campus in 1982 as the UIC Pavillion but changed names in 2018 after a $9.3 million naming agreement of 15 years. It is a multi-purpose venue with lower and upper bowl seating, but only the lower level is open for Flames games. The horseshoe-shaped concourse does not allow fans to walk around the entire arena, but it does offer a majority of unrestricted views of the court from the lone concourse. The building features a distinct halo-shaped ribbon board that displays the score and a video screen at the open stage end of the building for player stats and other information. There are also ribbon boards above the lower seating bowl. This venue has been home to the team for over 40 years, and it has hosted the NCAA Tournament three times in 1998, 2002, and 2004. The school's best years were when the late Jimmy Collins guided the Flames to 9 winning seasons between 1996-2010. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand open called the Racine Street Grill. The food offerings include hot dogs, fries, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, pizza, nachos, pretzels, and popcorn. Ice cream and cotton candy are available for the sweet tooth, and Pepsi products are sold in 24 and 32-oz sizes. In a separate beer kiosk, Goose Island 312 is available in 20 oz cans. The hot dogs appear to be boiled but are quite large. The Prices range from $5 to $7 for food options, while beer prices fetch up to $12 apiece. There is not a lot of variety, but more than enough to satisfy a craving during a game. Atmosphere 3 The Flames do a nice job providing a collegiate atmosphere for its fans. It includes a court area dressed up nicely with school imagery, Chicago city images, and player introductions surrounded by sparklers. Cheerleaders and a dance team entertain fans during breaks in the action, along with a small band behind the net. Sparky is the team’s mascot, and he is very entertaining, shaking hands with fans and doing backflips on the center court with the cheer team. Fans are provided comfort with movie-style recliner seats at one end, along with three rows of court-side seating. The Impact Courtside Club, located in the open area courtside, provides fans with catered food, a bar, comfortable cushioned seating, and flat-screen televisions. This area also features retired jersey numbers and past championship banners. Neighborhood 4 Little Italy is only half a mile from the campus but not within walking distance of the arena. However, they are worth visiting before or after the game for a meal. They include Tuscany on Taylor’s, The Rosebud’s, and Conte Di Savio deli and Italian market. The Haymarket Pub & Brewery is on the other side of I-290 and offers pub favorites, a wide variety of craft beers, pizza, and regional favorites. There are a couple of small, local favorites south of the arena: Al’s #1 Beef for Italian beef sandwiches and Jim’s Original, which is home to a Maxwell Street Polish with grilled onions. Busy Burger is a trendy spot for burgers and sandwiches. Fans 3 UIC Flames games don't sell out, and fan interaction depends on the score of the game. If it is a blowout, there is not much noise, but if it's back and forth (especially against an in-state rival or cross-city foe), there’ll be plenty of chatter. The game we attended saw the Flames build a 14-point lead and be in full control until midway through the second half. This is when Illinois State mounted a comeback to cut the deficit to 4 points. The result was the ISU fans making more noise, but it quickly shifted to the UIC crowd once the Flames pulled away. Access 5 The Credit Union 1 Arena is near the intersection of I-90 and I-290. The parking deck is adjacent and an east walk to the entrance. Inside the building, the concourse offers fans access to the seating bowl, concession stands, bathrooms, and the main lobby. The arena is on campus and accessible by CTA buses, rapid transit trains, and the Dan Ryan Expressway. The Union and Northwestern commuter train stations are also nearby. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets is $15 per game, and parking is $5. However, concession prices are a bit high for the MVC, but that is no fault of the university. A beer is $12, and a hot dog is $5, perhaps a tad high for a Flames game, but perhaps prices are established for all events held at the former UIC Pavillion. Extras 3 Sparky is the official mascot and is active, social, friendly, and energetic. There is an open view of the court from the concourse, so fans won't miss any of the action. For an event in Chicago, the parking garage costs $5, an amazing deal. Final Thoughts There are many options for college basketball in Chicago. A UIC Flames game at Credit Union 1 Arena is an affordable experience and offers enough amusement. It is worth a visit when in town. --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Somewhere along an old state road in the Hoosier State, miles away from the closest interstate, is Newtown. There are 200 people in the town, intersected by State Roads 341 and 55. However, don’t blink because you might pass some of the best bourbon whiskey. It's made in what was a former high school basketball gymnasium. Old 55 Distillery opened for business on Labor Day 2017 in the former Richland Township High School gymnasium that graduated its last class in 1965. The gym itself was last used by grade school children in 1973. The old gym and its classrooms underneath began deteriorating until the Fruits brothers began using it to age its bourbon barrels about five years ago. The opening of the distillery has drawn interest from around the world, with orders and visitors from Japan, Canada, and Australia. The brothers had no prior experience with making bourbon but submitted a business model to their father after lengthy research and travel to various bourbon distilleries around the country. “Jason did a lot of the research,” said Aaron Fruits, whose family has deep farming roots dating back many years in the area. “He showed up one morning and drove up to Michigan to look at a craft distillery to see what the operations were all about, then Chicago, and a few other places. When we got back, we asked Dad if we could do this, and he said yes.” The brothers produce clear corn whiskey, single-barrel bourbon whiskey, and 100% sweet corn bourbon whiskey. Old 55 is the only distillery in the world that produces sweet corn bourbon. The unique concoction is labor-intensive and costly, but the brother’s grandfather grows corn on the cob on his farm, helping reduce the cost of production. A bottle sells for $120 at the tasting room but doubles in price in retail shops throughout the state. “In the retail business, you have two chances, is what you get,” says Fruits as he holds up two fingers. “If they go the store looking your product and it’s not in stock, they’re done. They tell you in economics to have two chances, and then you’re done. The new lease on life of the former basketball gymnasium is somewhat bittersweet. It was the home to Red Devils teams for only 22 years before the high school consolidated with Wallace, Kingman, and Veedersburg High School to become Fountain Central High School. Before the distillery opened, the building was storage space for different grain and machinery parts. Construction of the gym began in 1941, and there was a shortage of laborers due to World War II. The WPA hired high school boys, who were excused from several classes, to help with the building’s construction. Richland Township alumnus and former boys basketball coach, the late Bob Quirk, stated in his book Real American Stories . “When they poured cement, we high school boys would come to school in work clothes, and instead of going to class, we were hired by the WPA to help pour cement; we got paid 40 cents an hour.” Construction of the gym and school began when two other local high schools, Mellott and Newtown merged. Classes began that academic year in September, but it would not be until 1943 when basketball was played at the gym. The reasoning annoyed Quirk many years later. “The thing that I am still mad about was that they said the gym was not finished and that they couldn’t find a coach, so we couldn’t have a basketball team. They said they could not find a coach because the war had started, and we had no place to play our games since the gym was not ready. Can you imagine today announcing that there would be no basketball team this year?” The gym was one of the finest in the area and soon became the gathering spot for many in the surrounding community. On a cold winter night, the facility would be packed for home games, but it was not necessarily much warmer inside. “It was the only thing to do in town,” said Carla Knecht, who remembers cheerleading in the gym. “The place would be packed for every game, but it would always be cold. We always had a great time watching games or cheering with the crowd.” The gym featured seven rows of wooden bleacher seating on both sides of the court, a hangar-shaped roof, a performance stage, and concession and ticket booths on the north side of the gym. The handsome-looking building was located in the back of the school and offered additional classrooms underneath the playing surface in the basement. Today, the original ticket booths are still there but rotted away, the performance stage has been sealed, and only one strip of wooden bleacher remains inside the building. The roof caved in several years ago and was replaced, and the additional classrooms downstairs are now home to bourbon barrels aging whiskey. The place is dusty and could use a little clean-up, but its dank conditions are perfect for distilling barrels of bourbon. There is no sunlight reaching into the basement of the former high school hoops gymnasium. The Old 55 Distillery isn't a novelty in repurposing the gym. There are copious other former basketball palaces that are barely standing. In Newton, the gym is finding new life even though many don’t see this side of the distillery. There will always be a reminder of its athletic past inside its walls, from the grandstands to the ticket booths and the wording on the exterior of its walls. The front of the gymnasium that once was the school is now a modern building that houses the distillery's tasting room. Visitors come in and sample bourbon whiskey or perhaps enjoy it straight from a glass with a few friends. One of the Fruits brothers will gladly take you back to the former gymnasium. You will find several barrels aging the next best batch of bourbon for consumption. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 DeGol Field 172 St. Catherine St. Loretto, PA 15940 St. Francis (PA) Red Flash website DeGol Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,450 Flashy Football In between Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, you will find the small town of Loretto, home to the campus of St. Francis University. Hidden among the pines on the SFU campus, you will find DeGol Field, which is home to the Red Flash football team as well as several other teams. Although sports have been played on this site for quite some time, the current incarnation of DeGol Field opened in 2005 and was named after donors Bruno and Lena DeGol. The stadium is located in a scenic setting known as the Pine Bowl for the surrounding trees. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand set up at a table by the entrance selling basic options such as cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and walking tacos, as well as snacks such as chips and candy. Bottled water and soda are available, but alcohol is not. The prices are all very affordable with nothing more than $5 or so, and the selection is decent but not as extensive as at larger venues. Keep in mind the stand only takes cash, so come prepared. Atmosphere 3 As noted, DeGol Field is located in a scenic setting among pine trees, but that does not mean it is a calm atmosphere here. A marching band plays before the game and at halftime as well as sometimes in between plays during the game. There is a mascot named Frankie the Friar who has a rather creepy-looking grin on his face but always keeps the crowd engaged. St. Francis has cheerleaders as well. Frankie the Friar Mascot, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey As for the stadium itself, there are two sets of bleachers, one on each side. Most fans sit in the larger set of bleachers on the home side, but some sit on the visiting side, mostly fans of whoever the Red Flash are playing that day. There is a small scoreboard on one end which shows only the most basic information, while the other end just has a play clock. This means that if one team is driving down the field late in the half, you may need to keep switching your attention from the action to the clock as it winds down. Neighborhood 2 Loretto is a small town with not much going on. There was a pizza place directly across from the stadium, and signage is still there, but it has closed. Downtown Loretto, if you can even call it that, is a short walk or drive off-campus, but there are only a few options. Spanky’s Tavern and Loretto Pub and Grill are right across the street from each other at the intersection of St. Mary Street and St. Peters Street, and there are a couple of small hotels in town, but if you want anything more, you will have to drive 25 minutes to Altoona or 35 minutes to Johnstown, both of which have significantly more options. Fans 4 St. Francis fans pack the home side of the bleachers every game and cheer on the Red Flash. They are active and loud and seem to really enjoy the game. Many of them arrive hours early to tailgate and make it a full-day experience. The away bleachers are rarely close to full, but the fans on the home side of the stadium are active and engaged and the stadium is a sea of red on game day. Access 2 St. Francis is located 25 minutes from Altoona and 35 minutes from Johnstown via U.S. Route 22. Once you get off Route 22, you still have to drive a few miles to get to campus along rural back roads. Most of the streets in town are named for Catholic saints in connection to the university, which amusingly confuses some GPS apps which can’t handle “St.” standing for two different things in the same name. Some apps will attempt to refer to the streets as, for instance, “Street Catherine Street” or “Saint Catherine Saint.” Once you are on campus, parking is available in two lots by the JFK student center for $5, cash only. From there, it is a short walk down a hill to the stadium. There is a very limited amount of parking available right next to the stadium for $25, which must be reserved well in advance by calling the ticket office. However, it is not worth the expense as the $5 parking is very close as well and the lots shouldn’t fill up. There are real restrooms available in one corner of the stadium, plus random port-a-potties scattered throughout for some reason. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are only $10, or $5 for children, and concessions are very affordable. That is a great value for Division I football, even if it is at the FCS level. The $5 for parking is disappointing but not outrageous, and when you consider the overall value, it is still a great deal to go to a Red Flash football game. Note that the ticket window, concession stand, and parking are all cash only, so be prepared. Extras 2 There are free programs available at the entrance to the stadium. A second and final star for the extremely affordable prices here, it is truly a great deal. Final Thoughts DeGol Field is a great chance to see affordable Division I football in a bucolic setting. Although the stadium is small, it is still a great experience here. Loretto isn’t really close to anything, so you will have to drive a bit to get here, but it is well worth it.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hughes Stadium Morgan State Campus Rd Baltimore, MD 21251 Morgan State Bears website Hughes Stadium website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 10,000 Old Line State Football Home of the FCS’ Morgan State Bears of Baltimore, Maryland, Hughes Stadium opened in 1937 and seats 10,000 fans. Unlike many sports venues, the facility is not named after a sponsor nor a donor, but is named after a former student – William Hughes, Sr. was an 1897 MSU alumnus who introduced football to the university by organizing a team that played in a nearby vacant lot. Hughes later became a prominent Methodist minister while his son, William Hughes, Jr., negotiated the sale of the school from the Methodist church to the State of Maryland. The Bears went 7-0 in their first season at Hughes Stadium, and have since won 21 conference championships, most of them in their CIAA days, but 3 since they moved to the MEAC. The Bears utilize an orange and blue color scheme, and their main rivalries are against two nearby schools, the Howard Bison and the Towson Tigers. Food & Beverage 3 Hughes Stadium has two concessions stand on each side of the field, serving up pizza, nachos, chicken tenders, hot dogs, fries, pretzels, candy, and chips, as well as bottled soda, water, and Gatorade, plus cups of hot cocoa – prices range from $2 (chips, bottled water) to $8 (chicken tenders with fries, small whole pizzas). No alcohol is sold inside the stadium, and note that the concessions lines are shorter on the east end of the visiting side, and the west end of the home side if you want to use those stands instead. Atmosphere 3 While the stands may be a little empty here (more on this later), there is a ton of activity at Hughes Stadium during football Saturdays. Out on the quad (behind the west end zone), there are tons of inflatables set up for the kids, including jousting and football tosses, and Morgan State students can even get free burgers and hot dogs out in front of the food court (other fans are welcome to partake as well). There are also vendors on hand giving out freebies, such as popcorn and Pepsi, while inside the stadium there are additional giveaways of mugs, footballs, pencils, koozies, etc. from tents set up by the US Army, Morgan State ROTC, and other groups – you can even play cornhole with the Army recruiters. The school also hands out rally towels to fans in attendance, and the MSU mascot prowls the stands taking photos with the Bears faithful. There is also a DJ out on the quad playing music for the fans during the pregame. Like many HBCUs, the highlight of the day just may be the halftime show – the Morgan State marching band puts on a great show with flag twirlers, dancers, and drum majors, and besides the halftime show it is a lot of fun to watch the band come onto the field before the game, swaggering in a long line as they make their way up to their seats in the stands. Neighborhood 3 Located in northeast Baltimore near a hospital and a cemetery, there is a slew of restaurants 2-3 miles to the southwest of the stadium, including Boz’s Burger Bistro with a huge range of burgers to choose from, with many unique options such as the Caesar, Kim Chi, or 3 Cheese Fondue burgers. Another interesting option in the same area is Busboys and Poets, known more for its coffee and lunch/brunch offerings, but which also has dinner options including lots of great seafood. Also being in Baltimore, further to the southwest near the Harbor there are plenty of entertainment options, such as tours of historic ships, and the National Aquarium , or if you pick the right weekend, you may even be able to take in a Ravens game the day after you watch the Bears. Fans 2 Unfortunately, Hughes Stadium is pretty empty of late, mostly due to the team’s record on the field, even on special occasions such as Senior Day or Military Appreciation Day – you may only see the facility one-quarter to one-third full during a typical game. I also didn’t see much of a student section on my most recent visit – at a lot of sports venues the student section is so loud and prominent you can’t miss it, but here I couldn’t even tell if there was a specific section assigned for them. The crowd does seem to get larger as the game progresses, however. Access 3 Hughes Stadium has a traditional layout for stadiums of its era, with grandstands only along the two sidelines and no seating behind the end zones. The home side has blue plastic chairback seats in the center with metal bleachers on the ends, while the visiting side has metal bleachers all the way through. There is a walking path around the stadium once you enter, so you can move from side to side during the game, but the staff outside the facility are sticklers for the right ticket type – meaning they won’t let you enter through the wrong gate (based on your seating assignment). Depending on where you are coming from, traffic could be pretty hairy – certainly, if you are coming from the south thru Washington D. C. you will struggle with it, or when driving thru parts of Baltimore over the many bridges or via the several tunnels in the area. Note that a lot of the bridges and tunnels, and the roads, around here are toll only, so an E-Z Pass is a godsend. However, once you get inside the stadium itself it is pretty easy to move around; there are plenty of restrooms, the concessions lines are short, and there is plenty of room on the concourse. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to football games at Morgan State are $18 if you purchase online beforehand, or $20 at the gate. This may be a little higher than other FCS schools, but I chalk it down to big-city pricing – it seems like you will pay less in more rural settings. The concessions prices are typical (think $4 for a hot dog), while parking is $15 in the garage right behind the stadium, or you can park for free further away if you don’t mind walking – I would recommend paying the $15 and parking close; rarely have I been able to park this close at a football game. That said it may cost a little to see a game here, especially if you are bringing a large group. While this gets you a lot of fun activity outside the stadium, and a good number of freebies, if you are looking for a high-energy experience this may not be it right now – however, it should get better over time as the Bears start to win more games and start drawing bigger crowds. Extras 3 The Bears radio announcer, LG, is great – a laugh riot with all the colloquial phrases and (perhaps a little too) honest reporting on the game he throws out, throwing shade at both the home team and their opponent. They also play a lot of great music during the game, which gets some of the fans up and dancing, and you get a great view of the trees and the campus buildings (most notably the clock tower) during the game – from the rural feel inside the facility you can’t even tell you are smack dab in the middle of a large city. Final Thoughts Despite its age, Hughes Stadium looks great on the inside and offers a lot of entertainment for fans. While the Bears don’t have the best record of late, a day at the stadium could be a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon if you are in the Baltimore area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Truist Stadium 951 Ballpark Way Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Winston-Salem Dash website Truist Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 5,500 Twin City Baseball: A Century-Long Dash To Success Minor League baseball has been played in Winston-Salem in various forms since 1905. The franchise that is now the Dash began play in the Carolina League in 1945. While it has been affiliated with several teams over its history, the Dash have enjoyed a stable relationship with the Chicago White Sox since 1997. The team has sported many nicknames over the years, including the Twins, Cardinals, Red Birds, Red Sox, Spirits and Warthogs. The team was rebranded as the Dash in 2009. The name “Dash” refers to the city of Winston-Salem’s nickname, “The Dash.” Please disregard the fact that the dash is actually a hyphen. The club originally played at South Side Park. That ballpark burned down and was replaced with Ernie Shore Field near Wake Forest University. Ernie Shore Field served as home field for Winston-Salem teams from 1956-2009, when the team moved into the new BB&T Ballpark. The new ballpark was originally planned to open for the 2009 season, but various delays pushed the opening back an entire year. When BB&T and SunTrust Banks merged to form Truist in 2019, the ballpark’s name was changed to Truist Stadium. Food & Beverage 5 For the most part, the concession stands at Truist Stadium offer the same menu of hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders and nachos that you’ll find at every ballpark. Domino’s pizza operates a stand on the first base side of the stadium. Chick-fil-A sandwiches are sold on selected game days. But the main stands are not where the action is. The Sausage Works stand offers several different varieties of sausage, including the Texas Pete (infused with cayenne hot sauce), the Holy Smoke (a beef/pork mixture) and the Cheeseapeno (pretty self-explanatory). Also available here are hot dogs with a variety of toppings, including nacho cheese and pulled pork. The South of Downtown stand on the third base side of the ballpark offers Tex-Mex cuisine. The most popular item at Truist Stadium is undoubtedly the Cheesy Pig Dog. Found at the Big Dog stand, it’s topped with mac & cheese, pulled pork and cheddar cheese. The Cheesy Pig Dog has become so iconic that the team store sells t-shirts honoring the tasty treat. Pepsi products are featured at Truist Stadium. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a wide variety of national brands plus several craft brews from local favorite Foothills Brewery. Childress Vineyards sells their fine wines here. For something a little different Stadium Journey recommends checking out the lemonade stand, where many different flavors of the thirst quencher are prepared to order in both adult or non-alcoholic versions. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Truist Stadium is pretty standard for minor league baseball. Big crowds are likely on Friday and Saturday games. The left field patio is the place to be, as bands play pre or post game, there’s a bar here (with an accompanying hilariously placed port-a-john), and plenty of room to mingle. The team’s mascot, Bolt, is entertaining and the team engages fans with between inning t-shirt tosses and other contests and games. There’s a large video board in right-center field that is put to good use throughout the game with graphics, stats and more. The ballpark is open and airy, with plenty of room to move about, different vantagepoints from which to take in the action and a nice view of downtown. Neighborhood 4 Truist Stadium is located on the edge of downtown Winston-Salem. While there are not many dining, entertainment or lodging choices right next door to the ballpark, the downtown area offers a great variety of choices. Among the many places to eat in the downtown area is Dash sponsor Foothills Brewery. One of the largest breweries in the southeast, their impressive menu of food and craft brews make this a great pre- or postgame spot. Visiting fans looking for things to do in Camel City may wish to check out the Old Salem Museum and Gardens, which is a nearly perfectly restored Moravian Village from the 1700s. Other local choices include the Reynolda Museum of American Art and gardens and the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem and Sciworks museum. Lodging options near Truist Stadium include The Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center, Hotel Indigo Downtown, and for those who prefer to stay away from the chains, the Historic Brookstown Inn located about a mile to the east next to Old Salem. It was established in 1837 and prides itself as “A Living Museum of History Art and Treasure in Winston-Salem, NC.” Fans 5 During their time in the Carolina League, the Dash regularly ranked at or near the top of the league’s attendance standings. Now that they are in the newly reorganized High A East League’s south division alongside regional rivals Greensboro, Hickory and Asheville, those numbers may even go up. The crowd you’ll find at a Dash game are typical of what you’ll find throughout the minor leagues, with a mix of hardcore fans and families looking for some affordable entertainment. Southern hospitality is in full effect here at Truist Stadium, both from the staff and fellow fans. Access 4 Truist Stadium is located right off of Route 421, not far from Interstate 40, Wake Forest University and downtown Winston-Salem. With large parking lots located adjacent to the ballpark entrance, a walkable concourse and a prime location, you would think Truist Stadium would rate a perfect score. But wait, there’s a blemish here. On most days parking at Truist Stadium is not an issue. However, when there’s a large crowd in attendance (think Thursday-Saturday games) the lots right near the ballpark fill up quickly. If you get shut out of these lots, you must search the downtown area for garages and lots scattered around the downtown area. The team does offer a shuttle van to and from these spots, but it sounds rather inconvenient. Your best bet is to use the Pay by Phone app to reserve your spot close to the ballpark in advance. Details about parking and the Downtown Dash Shuttle can be found here. Most fans will enter Truist Stadium via the entrance plaza in center field. Located in this plaza are the ticket booth and the iconic “Home Run” statue, depicting three young fans competing for a long ball. Once through the gates fans will enter onto a wide 360-degree concourse. The team store will be immediately on your left in a dedicated building, and to your right will be the Foothills Brewery Outfield Bar. The seating bowl stretches from shallow left field around to shallow right field. The ballpark is standard early-2000s design, with the field visible from most spots on the concourse and a level of luxury boxes raised above the concourse. There is a berm and party deck in left field and a bridge in right field, which gives the ballpark some interesting angles. The party deck behind the left field berm features a party deck with bands playing on selected days and most importantly, a mister for those hot North Carolina summer nights. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Dash games are priced at $17 for most seats, with a $13 charge to sit on the home run deck and $9 for berm seating. Purchasing on the day of the game adds an additional dollar to all prices. Parking is $10 for the onsite lots, $5 in offsite lots and free in the Center City Garage on Fourth Street on Thursday-Saturday. The shuttle from the garage to the ballpark is free of charge. Concessions, while not inexpensive, are in line with other minor league venues in the area. Extras 4 An extra point is awarded for the history of Winston-Salem baseball, which shows uniforms from various city teams throughout the decades. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Notable players to have played in Winston-Salem are honored in displays throughout the concourse. Among the players to stop in Camel City are Carl Yastrzemski, Barry Bonds and Albert Pujols. Since it was well over 90 degrees during Stadium Journey’s visit, I am tempted to award an extra point solely for the mister in the left field party area. But instead we’ll award the point for the entire area, with bandstand, artwork and bar. It’s a fun space from which to catch the game. A final extra point is awarded for the fact that you can pick up Warthogs gear in the team store. Final Thoughts North Carolina is a state which contains no shortage of minor league ballparks, some of which are undoubtedly among the best in the country. While Truist Stadium is not as new and shiny as some of the other ballparks in the state, it remains a fantastic place to take in a ballgame and should absolutely be on your to-do list should you find yourself in the Tar Heel State. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 William I. Jacobs Recreational Complex 4400 Massachusetts Ave Washington, DC 20016 American Eagles website William I. Jacobs Recreational Complex website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 500 Fly, Eagles, Fly The William I. Jacobs Recreational Complex is located on the campus of American University in Washington, D.C. and is home to the Eagles’ field hockey and women’s lacrosse teams. The stadium opened in 2005 and was renovated over the summer of 2018. Although field hockey doesn’t get as much attention as sports like basketball and football, it does have its fans, and those fans may find the Jacobs Complex an enjoyable experience. Food & Beverage 1 There is no food or beverage for sale at the Jacobs Complex. Officially, outside food and beverage are prohibited, but this is not generally enforced unless you are getting it on the turf. For those who desperately need something to eat or drink during the game, there are vending machines next door in the Watkins Building, but fans are best advised to eat before arriving or to bring something with them (just be neat if you choose the latter.) Atmosphere 3 The Jacobs Complex has four small sets of bleachers, all on one side of the stadium. The good news is you’re very close to the action – the stands are located right on the turf itself, separated from the players only by a barrier that stops balls from rolling into the seating area. The bad news is the bleachers are very uncomfortable. There are no backs, and not much legroom, especially for fans of above-average height. Many fans elect to stand on the turf area rather than sit in the bleachers. There is one scoreboard which shows shots, saves, and penalty time in addition to the score and game clock. There is also a small video board above it which mainly shows graphics, but these can be hard to read due to the small size. A PA announcer announces substitutions, goals, and cards, but can be difficult to hear as the sound system is not the greatest. Due to field hockey not being considered a major sport, there simply isn’t that much done to keep fans engaged. Music is played over the PA system before the game and at halftime, but beyond that, there simply isn’t much to offer other than the game itself. Neighborhood 5 American University is located in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This is several miles from the center of the city, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting. There are several restaurants nearby, including local favorites Z Burger and District Taco, and several chain restaurants. Tenleytown is a safe neighborhood to walk in, but due to its distance from downtown, you may be better off driving. Of course, this being the nation’s capital, plenty is going on elsewhere in the city as well, and the great thing is that most of it is free. The National Mall and all of its monuments and memorials are gorgeous on a November afternoon, and if you’re visiting later in the season and don’t want to deal with the cold, you can stop into one of the many museums. All government-run attractions are free of charge, though some privately-owned ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to schedule that in advance. Hotels are extremely expensive in DC itself, at least the ones of decent quality, so if you’re staying overnight, your best bet is to stay in the Virginia or Maryland suburbs and drive over. Fans 3 As with many minor sports, the fans in attendance are mainly friends and family of the student-athletes as well as some former players. Although the crowds aren’t large, the fans who do come cheer their team and stay until the end regardless of the score. The small bleachers are mostly full and create a better atmosphere than you’d get by spreading the same number of fans out over a larger area like you see at some places. Access 3 Although the Jacobs Complex is located in a major city, it’s far enough away from downtown to make driving relatively easy. For games on weekends, free parking is available in the garage above Bender Arena, which is about a five minute walk away. On weekdays, this garage requires a permit, so your options will be significantly more limited. (This is only the case until 5:00 PM, but as the Jacobs Complex has no lights, few if any games will start after that time.) If space is available, your best bet is to park in the School of International Service Garage, but this will cost you $2 per hour and is a slightly longer walk. Keep in mind that under the “Good Neighbor Policy,” visitors to the American University campus are prohibited from parking on public streets in the area. The nearest station on the Washington Metro is the Tenleytown-AU station on the Red Line, but this is about a 30 minute walk away. Restrooms are available in the Watkins Building and there is generally no line, even at halftime. After the game, you should have no issues getting out of either the stadium or the parking garage. Return on Investment 3 Admission is free, so it’s hard to argue with that, but there simply isn’t that much to offer here unless you’re a field hockey fan or a fan of one of the two schools. If you do visit, come on a weekend if possible to avoid paying for parking. Extras 2 One star for the free program. Although it’s basically just a sheet of paper containing rosters, standings, schedules, and game notes, it’s helpful to fans who may not be familiar with all the players. Just be sure to pick one up from the bin by the entrance, as there’s not always someone there to hand them out. A second star for the helpful gameday staff, who were available to answer any questions anyone had in a friendly manner. Final Thoughts The reality is that college field hockey is just not very popular among most sports fans. However, if you’re a fan of the sport, are a supporter of American University, or are one of those true sports fans who will to go any sport, anywhere, anytime, a visit to the William I. Jacobs Complex is well worth your time.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 XLLease Park Dorrestein Dorresteinsesteeg 2, 3817 GC Amersfoort, Netherlands BSC Quick website XLLease Park Dorrestein website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 1,000 Quick Success Organized baseball in the central Netherlands’ city of Amersfoort started in 1961 as an offshoot of the Quick football (soccer) club. Four baseball fields were cut out of an area just to the north of the main football pitch at Sportpark Dorrestein, and in just a decade, the team had worked its way up to the top level of Dutch baseball, Honkbal Hoofdklasse. Due to the whims of a football-like relegation and elevation system, the Quick were in and out of the top-level of competition several times, but they have been back in the Honkbal Hoofdklasse since 2014. Just before their last call-up, they had to give a baseball field back to their parent football club, but were compensated in modernizations to the main baseball field, including lighting for night games and other improvements, sponsored by the parent sporting club and an agreement with a Dutch car rental service for the newly renamed XLLease Park. XLLease Park is a stand-out in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, a small, recently updated facility with better than average food options in an active area with good access all-around. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 4 In nearly the entire Dutch league, the only food and drink concessions in the ballpark are in the team’s clubhouse, where a bar and grill and perhaps a small separate food kiosk serve up the goods. The Quick not only have that, but also a separate food grill concession that sets it apart. There’s a normal selection of Dutch sports food on offer in the clubhouse, including hot dogs, frites, toasti sandwiches, and Dutch meatballs (all €2.50 and under). There is also a stand-alone concession behind home plate on the third base side for the Quick Big Burger, a large fresh-grilled burger with all the trimmings, €4 without cheese and €4.50 with. The Quick have some of the widest alcohol choices in the league. Various iterations of Heineken and Amstel (€2.50 and under, pitchers for €11) are available, along with wine (€3.50) and various hard liquors (€2.50 small/€3.50 large). Coca-Cola is the non-alcoholic drink family of choice. You’re in The Netherlands. Grab a Heineken. Or a pitcher if you’re really thirsty. Since it is one of the only specialty concessions in Dutch baseball (not to mention a pretty tasty burger), snatch up a Quick Big Cheeseburger to chow down on while you watch the game. Atmosphere 4 As with many ballparks in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, XLLease Park is located in a suburban “sportpark” where there are fields for many sports. The Dorrestein park is right next to a farm, and a short walk can have you looking at cows and livestock before or after the game. XLLease Park is one of the most recently updated and nicer parks in the league. While most of the ballparks are about Rookie-level in the US minors, this certainly reaches A-ball levels. The main entrance is right by the small parking lot, leading out to the plaza behind the field. In a unique look, several stacked shipping crates form the backdrop to home plate, with the top levels opened up for the press box and a VIP area. Four rows of wooden bleachers run behind home plate from about halfway to first to halfway to third base. A second, separate bleacher is located by third base and the visiting dugout. The simple electric scoreboard sits in right-center field, and the outfield wall topped with advertisements looks out over a green treeline for its length. The clubhouse is located beyond third base and solidly in a foul ball zone, so the entire clubhouse and deck outside are covered in netting to prevent injuries. On the patio are the small team store, selling general baseball merchandise, and picnic tables with ashtrays to accommodate the many active smokers who still populate The Netherlands. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the Seventh Inning Stretch, period. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming to the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Grab a seat wherever suits you. There is some shade in the seats behind home plate on the first base side, so if you’re looking to escape the summer sun, that is your best bet. Neighborhood 4 The central Dutch city of Amersfoort, as the name implies, is a former medieval fortified city. Unlike many Honkbal Hoofdklasse ballparks, XLLease Park is quite close to the city center, with a wealth of activities for history and art lovers, as well as many tourist amenities. There are a few restaurants close to the park, with dozens more in the city center, especially in the northwest district. Bindicafe vega(n), Dutch Tollius, and Sally’s Indonesian Kitchen are to the west of the park, and just down the street is Cafetaria Desmond. The short drive to downtown yields many more choices. Art lovers are in for a treat near the Quick. Right by the park is the National Gallery The Netherlands, and nearby are the SMAAK Foundation, Musiom, and The Mondriaan House. History buffs will have plenty to do in the old medieval fort city, especially at the Museum Flehite, Muurhuizen, and the Koopelport City Gate. And with a little bit of a drive, kids will love the Amersfoort Zoo. Most of the hotels are at the city center under ten minutes away, but there are a couple closer to the park. Van der Valk Hotel Leusden is just to the northeast, and the Best Western Plus and Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant are to the west. Northwest in the center of town are over a dozen more hotels to pick from. Fans 3 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semipro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. The Quick returned to top-level Honkbal Hoofdklasse five years ago and seem to draw the average Dutch baseball crowds (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Local fans fill the stand behind home plate, and the visiting fans (of which there are a healthy number given the ease of access to the park) tend to congregate on the benches down the third baseline. Access 5 XLLease Park is quick and convenient to get to from most of the main cities in the country, and it is a snap to get around once you arrive. The park is a short bus ride from Amersfoort Centraal Station. Syntus Stadsbus 17 will get you to stop Haydnstraat, Amersfoort (€1.54) in about ten minutes. Car ride, cab, or ride share from the city center is just about 6 minutes. Utretcht to Amersfoort is about 15 minutes by train, Amsterdam is about 45 minutes away by train, and Rotterdam an hour. It is just under an hour’s drive from Rotterdam, a half-hour from Amsterdam, and 20 minutes from Utrecht. There is a small parking lot by the ballpark, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the park entrance. You can enter the park through one of two gates, and there is no problem getting in, since there is no ticket line. Once inside, the park is wide walkways with few choke points, making it quite easy to get around. Return on Investment 4 There’s no charge to get into the park, so you can’t really argue with that. All the alcoholic drinks (with the exception of pitchers) are €3.50 and under. All the food is €2.50 and under, except for the Quick Big Burger (at €4.50). You just can’t beat these prices. . Extras 3 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has a selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards. There are also a selection of bar games (foosball, darts) not found in most other clubhouses in the league. A mural on the side of one of the buildings has the team’s two retired numbers (11 and 33), and the park name is in a mural on the back of one of the dugouts. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts While you will never confuse it with an MLB facility, XLLease Park is a gem in Honkbal Hoofdklasse, a great value that checks all the boxes for an enjoyable baseball experience with plenty of amenities and things to do in the area after the game.

The New York Yankees are the Evil Empire, and take plenty of flack for being that. Their home, Yankee Stadium, is much maligned, and receives plenty of criticism. Is this view accurate? Are there redeeming qualities for the House that Jeter built? Grab a brew and join Dave and Paul for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views! ⚾⚾🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of Yankee Stadium and the New York Yankees game day experience here.

Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey On June 20, 2023, Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner Rob Manfred announced that MLB would be coming to Birmingham, Alabama’s Rickwood Field for a regular season matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants . The latter team’s involvement in the game pays tribute to Giants legend Willie Mays, who grew up just four miles from Rickwood. Willie Mays not only grew up in Birmingham's surrounding neighborhoods but also made his professional baseball debut at Rickwood Field. At age 17, Mays played for the 1948 Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Southern League. In 2024, a year after MLB announced the matchup, the Giants  will play at the same stadium, honoring Mays' legacy and that of the Negro League’s players. Older than both Boston’s Fenway Park (1912) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (1914), Rickwood Field opened in 1910 and is currently the oldest baseball stadium to currently host professional baseball . Ironically, the first game was played between the Birmingham Barons and the Montgomery Climbers – these same two cities will be represented 114 years later for a Southern League (AA) matchup between the Birmingham Barons  and the Montgomery Biscuits . The four-day recognition of Willie Mays and the Negro Leagues aims to shed light on a league that remained in the shadows for far too long; the events begin Monday evening with a screening of the HBO documentary, Say Hey, Willie Mays! Tuesday will feature events across Birmingham, including a 24-foot-tall Topps card of Willie Mays  displayed outside the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – the card was created by former Birmingham Baron  and MLBer Micah Johnson and is part of a six-card set honoring the heroes of the Negro Leagues, which will be on display from Tuesday through Thursday with special guests in attendance. Regions Field, the current home of the Barons, will also host MLB’s Play Ball  youth initiative. The day will conclude with “MiLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues ”, as the Barons and Biscuits  play as the Birmingham Black Barons and the Montgomery Gray Sox , respectively, representing the teams from the 1920 Negro Southern League season. This will mark the first minor league game at Rickwood Field since 2018 when the Barons hosted the Chattanooga Lookouts . Much of Wednesday’s events will focus on the Birmingham community, including visits to Children’s of Birmingham, a reception for former Negro League players and their families, and the dedication of a Willie Mays mural  at 1801 1st Street South. The day concludes with “Barnstorming Birmingham”, a celebrity softball game at Rickwood Field featuring former major leaguers CC Sabathia and Ryan Howard, along with native Alabamans Jameis Winston, Terrell Owens, University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, and others. Thursday will feature the main event of the week, “ MLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues ”. The teams will represent Black baseball from their cities, with the Cardinals  wearing jerseys representing the Saint Louis Star, and the Giants  donning the jerseys of the San Francisco Sea Lions. Tickets for this game have been limited, with Alabama residents given the first opportunity to purchase tickets, and 26% of the 8,300 tickets reserved for the Birmingham community and youth groups, at no cost. For those unable to secure tickets to Rickwood, watch parties are planned at several locations around the city. MLB partnered with Friends of Rickwood,  dedicated to preserving the park's legacy, and the City of Birmingham to transform Rickwood Field from an aging relic into a historical gem able to host Major League Baseball. Upgrades included expanding the dugouts, adding handicap-accessible seating, upgrading the playing surface with new drainage and sod, installing padding on the outfield walls, and improving the lighting while preserving the iconic light stations. Overall, Rickwood Field has benefited from $7.5 million in upgrades. Baseball history permeates the atmosphere at Rickwood Field – as of the 2023 induction class, more than half of all National Baseball Hall of Famers have graced its grounds. Mays will be a featured player, but Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Roy Campanella, Larry Doby, Josh Gibson, Monte Irvin, Satchel Paige, and Jackie Robinson also started their careers in the Negro Leagues before moving to Major League Baseball. Many other stars of the Negro Leagues, such as James “Cool Papa” Bell, Oscar Charleston, Rube Foster, Walter “Buck” Leonard, John Henry “Pop” Lloyd, Norman “Turkey” Stearnen Taylor, Willie Wells, and Smokey Joe Williams also left their indelible marks on the game, despite never getting the chance to play in the major leagues. At the press conference held at Rickwood Field to officially announce the game, Harold Reynolds, former MLB player, and current MLB Network commentator, shared a text message from Willie Mays. In the message, Mays hoped the spotlight on Rickwood “will be a chance to remember so many really good ball players from the Negro Leagues who played at Rickwood Field, but never got the chance to play in the big leagues”.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bentley Arena 440 Beaver St Waltham, MA 02452 Bentley Falcons men’s hockey website Bentley Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 1,917 Taking Flight at Bentley Bentley University is a private university with an enrollment of 4,200 undergrads located in suburban Waltham, nine miles from downtown Boston. Founded in 1917 as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, the school was located on Boylston Street in Boston until it became a four-year college in 1968. Today Bentley is best known for its business programs and is annually ranked among the nation’s best by Bloomberg Businessweek and U.S. News & World Report. Bentley’s sports teams all compete in Division Two, except for its hockey team, which competes at the sport’s highest level. The Bentley Arena, which cost $45 million to build, is part of the university’s comprehensive 10-year capital plan to modernize and expand the campus. Designed to be a “living lab”, the arena provides hands-on experience for students across many majors, with the gameday presentation run almost entirely by Bentley students. The arena replaces the Falcons’ old home, the John A. Ryan Arena , a community rink in nearby Watertown which consistently landed at the bottom of Stadium Journey’s NCAA arena rankings throughout its use. Varsity hockey teams have represented Bentley since 1977, initially competing at the Division Three and Two levels. In 1999 Bentley moved up to Division One, becoming an inaugural member of the Atlantic Hockey Conference in 2003. The Falcons have yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament. Food & Beverage 4 There is a small concession stand at the east end of the arena. The menu isn’t the most extensive you’ll come across, but the staff at Bentley Arena have all the bases covered with the menu. Fans looking for a bite to eat can choose between hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, chicken tenders, and pizza slices. Nachos are served with cheese and chili if desired, and those looking for a healthier alternative will find a garden and chicken Caesar salads available. Snacks sold at the stand include pretzels, popcorn, and cheesesteak egg rolls. Fruit cups are sold for those looking for something a bit healthier. Pepsi products are featured at Bentley Arena. Hot chocolate is a popular choice in the cold winter months. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a selection of beers and wines sold in “The Cube,” the arena’s VIP club. Cloud Candy IPA, brewed at local favorite Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company, highlights the offerings. Atmosphere 3 Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Bentley Arena occurred over the 2021 Thanksgiving break, so the crowd may not have been fully representative of the Falcon experience. Still, the Bentley staff put on an entertaining show for visiting fans. There are promotions geared towards the younger fans in attendance, including several t-shirt tosses, a youth hockey game during intermission, and a post-game autograph session. Bentley’s mascot, a blue falcon named Flex, roams the rink throughout the game interacting with fans. A crystal-clear video board hangs at center ice, which is well-utilized for highlights, crowd shots, and arena information. With a large number of families in attendance, the younger fans bring some excitement and energy to the arena. The Bentley student section christened the “Top Shelf”, and sits behind the visiting goalie for two periods at the east end of the arena. During previous visits, these sections have been packed with excited Bentley students. Despite their large numbers, there wasn’t a lot of noise coming from the student body. Likewise, the pep band felt underutilized, as the arena played piped-in music over the loudspeakers during many play stoppages. As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey last visited during Thanksgiving break, without students in attendance. Hopefully, the student body has settled in and become a larger part of the Falcon hockey experience. Neighborhood 4 Waltham is a city of just over 60,000 located 11 miles northwest of downtown Boston and three miles from Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. The city was a leader in the American Industrial Revolution and a prototype for early industrial city planning. It’s a decidedly blue-collar community surrounded by affluent, white-collar towns. Given Bentley’s location in a residential neighborhood, visiting fans will not find much to do near campus. Fortunately, there are several dining and lodging options located just a couple of miles away on Main Street near Interstate 95. Mighty Squirrel Brewing is located just a mile from the arena. With downtown Boston located a short drive from the Bentley campus, many out-of-town fans will likely want to head in that direction while visiting Waltham. Fans 4 The building of Bentley Arena has elevated the program from an afterthought in the Boston hockey scene to a popular destination for local hockey fans. From the old days of the JAR, when attendance could be counted on fingers, Bentley has steadily climbed the national attendance rankings since the opening of the Bentley Arena. Average attendance over the first half of the 2021-22 season is approaching 1,400 fans per game. The turnout from the student body is strong and the building is filled to the brim with suburban hockey fans night after night. One notable difference in a Bentley hockey crowd is that it seems to be more family-oriented than other local schools. Perhaps this is due to the school’s location outside of the city, where it is more accessible to families of hockey fans. Access 4 Greater Boston isn’t the most accessible area for motorists to get around. Traffic jams, construction projects, and detours are a way of life in this part of the country. The Bentley campus is located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstates 90 (the Mass Pike) and 95 (also known as Route 128). Detailed driving directions to Bentley Arena can be found here . Boston’s subway system does not serve Waltham, but the MBTA 554 bus reaches the Bentley campus. The arena’s 1,917 seats (a number chosen to represent the year the college was founded) are blue, black, and gray plastic stadium seats. With the small size of Bentley Arena, all seats have excellent views of the action. There is ample room in between rows to stretch out, and you will not feel cramped while at a Falcon hockey game. An open concourse encircles the rink, containing in-demand standing-room views of the action. Lining the concourse are the concession stand, history displays, murals of Bentley students and staff, and The Cube. Take a peek into the operations center, staffed entirely by students learning the trade. Lines at the concession stand can get long during intermission but move pretty quickly. The restrooms are new, clean, and ample for a typical Bentley hockey crowd. Parking may be the biggest negative mark against the Bentley Arena. There is a small lot for prepaid and handicapped parking, but this fills up fast. If you want the convenience of this lot, reserve your spot early. Otherwise, you will have to scramble for limited areas around the school’s other athletic facilities, on Access Road, or the main campus. Bentley provides shuttles for fans parked away from the arena. More parking information can be found here . Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Bentley hockey games cost just ten dollars. Purchasing a parking pass in the reserved lot across the street from the arena will run you another ten dollars. Otherwise, parking is free for games at Bentley. Concessions are very affordable, with most menu items priced at six dollars and under. A night at a Falcons game is a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the Bentley hockey history display. Located on the north side of the concourse, several panels chronicle important persons and events in Bentley’s 50 years of hockey. Another extra point is awarded for Bentley’s efforts at sustainability and environmental friendliness. The building was designed to meet the United States Green Building Council’s LEED Certification Standards. The arena has 1,400 solar panels on its roof, which produce half the energy used by the facility. In addition, high-efficiency LED lighting installed throughout the arena and efficient water-saving fixtures ensure that the arena uses half the power and water that similarly sized buildings would use. Bentley Arena proudly displays its green efforts on several panels in the downstairs lobby by the arena’s entrance. A statue of Bentley’s legendary baseball coach Robert DeFelice stands in the entry plaza to the arena. The statue was erected to honor DeFelice’s 50th season as coach of the baseball team. The statue depicts “Coach” gazing in the direction of DeFelice Field, located across the street from Bentley Arena. Final Thoughts The trend of Atlantic Conference teams moving away from local community rinks and into cozy on-campus arenas is a welcome one. Bentley Arena, with its intimate, eco-friendly design, is a great place to catch a game and a hidden gem in the crowded Boston hockey scene. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram

Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Newman Outdoor Field 1515 15th Ave N Fargo, ND 58102 North Dakota State Bison website Newman Outdoor Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 4,690 Bison on the Basepaths Located along the state line of Minnesota and North Dakota, Fargo, North Dakota is home to the North Dakota State University (NDSU) and its Bison athletic teams. The Bison name was chosen due to the fierce and powerful nature of the animal, and the fact that the prairies of the north central U.S. were the home grounds of these magnificent beasts. The baseball Bison call Newman Outdoor Field their home. They share the facility with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks minor league team of the independent American Association. Newman Outdoor Field was completed in 1996 and has a seating capacity of 4,419. Among the amenities offered at Newman are 12 luxury suites and a large LED video board. The out of town scoreboard in left field is hand-operated as a nod to old-time baseball. In baseball, NDSU competes in the Summit League, which includes IPFW, Oral Roberts University, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Western Illinois and South Dakota State. The Bison’s primary rival however, is the University of North Dakota, which is located just 50 miles up I-29 from NDSU. Games between these two state schools are always sellouts. They have appeared in three NCAA regionals. This review will focus on Newman Outdoor Field as it operates for NDSU games. For a look at the stadium in its minor league role, please see the review for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. Food & Beverage 4 During NDSU home games only one concession stand is open on the concourse. The hot drinks offered are coffee, hot chocolate and cappuccino, which each sell for $2. (It is important to note that weather in this area of the country can be cold well into the baseball season, especially at night.) A large soda will cost $3.50, while a small soda goes for $2.75. Food selections include hot dogs ($1.50), brats ($3.75), sausage ($3.50) and a pulled pork combo plate (includes chips and a drink) for $5. The merchandise store in the stadium carries only Red Hawks memorabilia and is not open during NDSU games. Atmosphere 4 The friendliness and laid-back nature of a basically rural and farming community are evident at Bison games. The fans are here to have a good time, but do not live or die by the number of wins and losses the team has. The Summit League is made up of very similar communities, and there is a good-natured rivalry between the towns. Newman Outdoor Field also realizes that baseball is the star and does not blast theme music for every player as they come to bat or constantly try to sell you something during every break in the action. It is a very pleasant place to enjoy a game. Neighborhood 3 Newman Outdoor Stadium is located on the campus of North Dakota State University, next door to the Fargodome . The school has an enrollment of nearly 15,000 students, with the largest majors being Agriculture, Business and Liberal Arts. The immediate area around the field is filled with academic buildings, as well as restaurants that cater to the large student population. Some of the more popular ones are JL Burgers, Sammy’s Pizza, Lucky 13 Pub and OB Sports Zone, and the Fargo Brewing Company. As far as the overall town, Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, with a population of more than 113,000 people. Because of its size in a sparsely populated state, Fargo is a major destination for North Dakota residents, as far as retail, medical facilities, education and cultural offerings. West Acres Mall is the largest shopping mall in the Dakotas and is located just over two miles from Newman Field. Fargo also is home to many music and art venues, including the Plains Art Museum and the Fargodome for major concerts. Fans 3 Though far north of most Midwestern cities, NDSU and Fargo area residents do share in the Midwestern love of baseball that is so evident in places like St.Louis, Chicago, Kansas City or Des Moines. Being a smaller city, there is a family feel between the university and the residents of the city, and they are mutually proud of each other’s accomplishments. The fans are very knowledgeable about baseball, and the various Bison team members and are happy to share their knowledge with you. The fans around me gave me some great suggestions on where to eat and attractions I should see. The turnout at the games is excellent, as Fargo residents celebrate the end of the often frigid winters with the arrival of baseball season. Access 4 Newman Outdoor Field is easy to get to, as it is just off the interstate (I- 29) and is located right on the North Dakota State University campus. Parking is plentiful, as it shares parking lots with the adjacent Fargodome, a multipurpose facility that hosts Bisons football, trade shows and concerts. Fargo’s Hector International Airport is located across the street from the campus, with multiple flights a day between Fargo and the Twin Cities or Chicago. Due to the airport’s proximity to the campus, there are a number of hotels nearby, so you do not even need a rental car or a cab to get to the games. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Bisons games are $5 for adults and $3 for youth under 16. The nearby hotels run an average of $80-$100. Parking is $2.00, but if you are staying at one of the nearby airport hotels, you can simply walk to the park and avoid this cost. The concessions are very reasonably priced.Attending a game here is not going to cost you a lot of buffalo bills! . Extras 3 Even though you are in the typically frozen North Country, there are several interesting things to do in Fargo: 1) a top attraction is the famous wood chipper from the movie “Fargo,” which is on display at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor’s Center…and yes, the foot is still protruding out of it. Have your photo made with this classic prop…you betcha! The next two attractions both center on baseball and Fargo. 2) Roger Maris was a lifelong resident of Fargo and never forgot his roots. The town is very proud to have had him as a native son and sponsors the Roger Maris Museum at the West Acres Mall. Always humble, Maris first declined the idea, but finally approved the idea after making the stipulations that it be accessible to the public and that no fee be charged for persons to visit it. 3) Maury Wills, baseball’s premier base stealer, also has his own museum, which is located inside of Newman Outdoor Field. Though not a Fargo native, Wills has been part of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks minor league organization since 1996.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Wisdom Gym 1333 W. Washington Stephenville, TX 76401 Tarleton State Texans website Wisdom Gym website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 3,000 Tarleton State University Women’s Basketball Stephenville is a city of approximately 20,000 people located in north central Texas. Known affectionately as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Stephenville is home to numerous world-renowned horse trainers and top-level professional rodeo athletes, most notably Ty Murray. Murray is a nine-time PRCA world champion cowboy and co-founder of the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR). In 2023, no less than 42 (31%) qualifiers for the National Finals Rodeo came from the Stephenville metro area. In addition to professional level cowboys, Tarleton State University sponsors championship level rodeo, stock horse, and animal judging teams to solidify the town’s claim to the western-themed title. Not just a one-horse town, however, Tarleton State University also provides NCAA Division I athletic competition in multiple sports as well. Women’s basketball is such a sport, competing in the Western Athletic Conference since moving up from Division II in 2020. The Tarleton State Texans women’s basketball team has 14 conference championships and multiple regional tournament appearances in their history – their best national finish was reaching the NAIA finals in 1991-92. Tarleton plays its home games in venerable Wisdom Gym, which opened in 1970 as a multisport facility; the gym seats 3,000 including pull-out seats on each side of the gym. The seating in the lower section has been updated with seatback chairs on the home side of the court, but the upper seating is the original wooden pull-out bleachers, which takes fans on a trip down memory lane. With a modern video scoreboard and a live DJ pumping music, the setting is upbeat and energetic. This season will be the last for basketball in Wisdom Gym, however, as it will become a volleyball-only facility in the future, with basketball moving to a new facility.   Food & Beverage   3 All the normal concession stand fare is available at Wisdom gym, but there are no specialty items. Snacks include candy, chips, popcorn, and pretzels, while the drinks are Pepsi products, including Pepsi, Dr Pepper, Starry, and Tropicana Lemonade. Heartier food choices include hog dogs, nachos and pulled pork sandwiches. At the game I last attended, pretzels with a side of cheese were very popular – I personally chose a pulled pork sandwich, which was above average.   Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere for Tarleton Women’s basketball is well above what you might expect – the presence of a live DJ, DJ Quan, playing before the game and during dead ball periods give the game an NBA feel. There is also an emcee, as well as games between quarters that include fan participants, keeping the crowd involved and helping avoid dead time. In addition, groups attending games get special recognition, and also can participate in some of the on-court games and other activities; all of these fan-friendly activities create an environment where fans enjoy themselves and want to come back again. Even though the most recent game I witnessed was an early fall Saturday non-conference game, there was a mixture of fans that included a preteen birthday party, a high school basketball team, several Tarleton students, and a healthy section of older adults. The crowd was active and involved with the game.   Neighborhood   4 Tarleton is set in the center of Stephenville, which is a small town of approximately 20,000 people. The area around campus is mostly residential with many restaurants and fast food choices within a few minutes’ drive. The best options nearby include Hard 8 BBQ , Grumps Burgers , Don Nico’s Mexican Food , Newton's Saddlerack , and Caam’s Pizza . Or should you prefer an old school diner experience, Jake and Dorothy’s is a locally owned joint that dates back to 1948, the place waffle cut fries were invented and where chicken fried steak is their calling card – just carry cash as they do not accept credit or debit. There are plenty of hotels to choose from in town; some of the more highly rated choices include Hampton Inn and Suites , La Quinta Inn and Suites , and Best Western Plus among others. If you prefer short term rental options, there are several small houses and cabins available in and around Stephenville. On busy weekends, availability can be an issue, however.   Fans   5 Tarleton fans are loud and loyal. They show up early and support their team without negatively cheering against the opponent. Students are also loyal and support the team loudly. The Texans are also supported by their cheerleaders and a mascot, the Texan Rider, who is fully adorned in Cowboy attire including leather chaps, silk cravat and black hat. Other student groups at Tarleton include the Plowboys, as well as the state's oldest spirit organization, The Purple Poo. The Purple Poo is a secret society of males and females who are charged with keeping the spirit of John Tarleton and Oscar P alive. This special group posts signs of support weekly on campus and shows up at most events involving Tarleton teams. When they arrive, they lead the crowd in a special cheer for Oscar P and the Texans. Charged to wear disguises in public throughout their entire time on campus, the identity of each member of “The Poos” is only revealed at the end of their senior year. At the game last I attended there was a large crowd – the student section was nearly full, while the reserved sections were over fifty percent capacity. For a football Saturday morning, such a large crowd is evidence that the basketball program is well supported by fans of all ages.   Access   4 Stephenville is approximately three and a half hours north of San Antonio via US-281, and three hours from Austin via Interstate 35. From the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex it is only a little over an hour’s drive. Once in town, the university is easily accessible and ample parking near the gym is available. There is no commercial air travel into town, however, and public transportation is rideshare only, which is limited at best. The best option if flying into the region is to fly to DFW, Love Field-Dallas, Austin-Bergstrom, or San Antonio airport and rent a vehicle to drive from there.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets are $10, and a full meal can be purchased for less than $10, so the ROI of a basketball game at Wisdom Gym is well worth the trip. With the assurance of a quality team, strong crowd support and entertainment during timeouts, the game experience is a bargain in my mind.   Extras   4 The presence of the live DJ takes the atmosphere to a high level, completely unexpected upon entering the gym – hype music is one thing, but with DJ Quan in the stands, the desire to dance during timeouts is greatly enhanced. In addition, the live, in-game emcee and crowd involvement greatly enhances the experience, and help the game not drag. Time goes by fast since there is very little down time during the game. Lastly, the old school feel of the entrance and upper section of the building, combined with the upgraded seating and amenities, create a feeling of nostalgia without losing any of the comforts fans have come to expect in today’s game experiences.   Final Thoughts Seeing a Tarleton Texan women’s basketball game is a quality entertainment option, and Wisdom Gym is a classic setting for such a positive experience. However, this year is the last chance to see a game in this facility, as Tarleton is currently constructing a new multipurpose facility, which will open in time for next season, so get to Wisdom Gym while you can.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Case Gymnasium 285 Babcock St Boston, MA 02215 Boston University Terriers website Case Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 1,800 Up On the Roof   Case Gymnasium, referred to at Boston University as “The Roof”, is the home to the Terriers men’s and women’s basketball teams. The Roof is located on the top floor of the Harold Case Physical Education Center, above Walter Brown Arena , home of the BU women’s hockey team.   The Case Center stands on the site of Braves Field, which served as home to the Boston Braves of Major League Baseball from 1915-1952. The Center is located approximately where the left field pavilion once stood. Many pieces of Braves Field still stand, as the stadium (now named Nickerson Field ) is still used by BU’s lacrosse and soccer teams.   From 2005-2015 the Terriers played the majority of their home games at nearby Agganis Arena . Unfortunately, Agganis proved to be too large for Terrier basketball, so in 2015 it was decided to return all basketball games to the cozy confines of Case Gym.   The Terriers have qualified for the NCAA tournament eight times, advancing all the way to the Elite Eight in 1959. In addition, Boston University has qualified for the NIT six times.  Five Boston University alumni have gone on to play in the NBA.   Food & Beverage 1    There is a small concession stand in the gym lobby that will do the trick if you need a bite to eat during a Terrier basketball game. Hot dogs, nachos and assorted snacks comprise the entire menu.  On the plus side, nothing sold here costs more than six dollars.   Pepsi products are featured at Case Gym. There is no alcohol served at this on-campus facility.   Atmosphere 3   Case Gymnasium has a real old school vibe to it. It’s a simple facility that probably looks much as it did when it was built in the 1970s. There’s no giant, center-hung video board, just a pair of dot-matrix scoreboards at either end of the court that post basic game information.   One of the things that drives the game day atmosphere at a college basketball game is the presence of the pep band, cheerleaders and student section. While there’s not a huge turnout by the student body at Terrier basketball games, the pep band leads the way in creating a lively atmosphere. They play during all stoppages and keep the energy level up. Performances by the cheerleaders and dance team help keep the fans entertained and engaged.   A typical crowd at Case Gym consists of locals, alumni and plenty of youth groups and families. The team keeps the younger fans involved with contests and giveaways throughout the game, including t-shirt tosses, free posters and the very popular pizza giveaway. Younger fans take over the court at halftime. You may even see Rhett, the school’s mascot, roaming the gym and interacting with fans.   As you might imagine, a small gym like Case gets really loud when it’s filled and the Terriers are rolling. Unfortunately, a full gym is the exception rather than the rule.   Neighborhood 4   Boston University is an urban campus, straddling Commonwealth Avenue for approximately a mile and a half on the Boston/Brookline city line. Located adjacent to Case Gym is Nickerson Field , home to BU’s lacrosse and soccer teams. It is also known to baseball historians as Braves Field, which was home to the National League’s Boston Braves from 1915 to 1952. Walter Brown Arena  is located on the ground floor of the Case Center, with Agganis Arena   a block to the east.   Fans coming to the BU campus will find plenty of choices for dining in the area. BU students recommend Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and T Anthony’s Pizzeria, both located within a block of Case Gym. The neighborhood features a diverse variety of dining options, with excellent Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese eateries nearby.   The Paradise Rock Club, known nationally for hosting prominent bands like U2 and REM before they hit it big, is located a block away from Case Gym. It continues to host both local acts and up-and-coming national acts.   If you expand your search beyond campus, Kenmore Square and Fenway Park are just over a mile away. Not far beyond that are the tourist destinations of Copley Square, Back Bay, Boston Common and Chinatown. All are easily accessed by the Green Line, which has stops up and down Commonwealth Avenue.   Fans 2   The Boston University basketball team stands perpetually in the shadows of the school’s very successful hockey team, and the attendance at Case Gymnasium reflects this. Average attendance at Terrier games is just under 900 fans. This figure ranks below the average of the Patriot League, which itself is one of the more sparsely attended basketball conferences in the nation.   Despite the smallish crowds present, Case Gym provides an excellent home-court advantage to the Terriers. With its cozy confines, the place can get really loud when the home team gets on a roll. This is done the old-fashioned way, as the fans in the stands provide the noise and energy here.   Access 4   It can be easy to pass right by Case Gymnasium without even realizing it. Located at the end of a dead-end street, this nondescript building is marked only by a small sign containing the Boston University logo.   Boston can be a difficult city to drive in, with streets laid out in seemingly random directions and construction projects a constant presence throughout the city. However, it’s pretty easy to get to the Boston University campus. It’s located right on Commonwealth Avenue, one of the city’s major drags. Case Gym is located at the end of Babcock Street, right off of Commonwealth Ave. Detailed directions can be found here .    Parking is available in a covered lot located underneath New Balance Field, right across the street from the ground floor entrance to Case Gym. On-street parking is also available in the vicinity of Case Gymnasium but be aware of the times that meters are in operation. Additional parking can be found in the garage underneath Agganis Arena.   The best method for arriving at Case Gym is to take public transportation, known in Boston as the “T”. The Green Line’s B train has a stop at the top of Babcock Street just a short walk from Case Gym.   The main entrance to Case Gym is located on the back side of the Case Center, adjacent to Nickerson Field. Entering into the gym’s lobby, fans will find the concession stand, trophy cases and rest rooms.   Depending on where your seats are, you’ll enter Case Gym through one of two doors. Seating consists of individual red folding stadium seats on both sides of the court with excellent views of the action no matter where you sit. We recommend you sit a few rows up to see over the constant traffic on the floor.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Terrier basketball games cost twelve dollars for all seats. Parking is available in the lot across the street from the Case Athletic Center or in the garage underneath the Agganis Arena for twelve dollars. There is plenty of on-street parking within a few blocks of the gym, but it can be tough to find an open spot when there are several events going on in the area at the same time. If you are lucky enough to find a spot, make sure to check the meters, as times of operation and prices may vary.   To save money, many fans will take public transportation to Boston University. Known in Boston as the “T”, a one-way fare costs $2.75 and accesses most of the city. The Green Line’s B train has a stop at the top of Babcock Street, just a short walk from Case Gym. If you play your cards right, you can watch a Terriers game for under 20 dollars. Even if you aren’t so frugal, you won’t break the bank at Case Gymnasium.   Extras 2   Boston University displays their basketball history throughout Case Gym. Banners honoring conference championships, tournament appearances, and retired numbers hang throughout the gym. A trophy case in the lobby is loaded with mementos from the school’s storied history. On the first floor of the Case Athletic Center is the Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame. BU may not play with the big boys in most sports, but they are certainly a local athletic powerhouse.   Veteran ballpark travelers will want to check out Nickerson Field, originally known as Braves Field, home of the Boston Braves until they moved to Milwaukee in 1953.  The Case Athletic Center is located approximately where the left field pavilion at Braves Field once stood. The grandstand of Nickerson Field is the former right field grandstand, and the former ticket offices are now the school’s security offices.   Final Thoughts   Case Gymnasium, while a fairly basic facility, has many features that make it a unique Stadium Journey. From its location above a hockey rink to its past as a Major League Baseball stadium, there aren’t many gyms quite like this one.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo Courtesy of The State Hornet Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 John Smith Field College Town Drive and Sinclair Road Sacramento, CA 95819 Sacramento State Hornets website John Smith Field website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 1,200 College Ball in Sacramento The Sacramento State Hornets baseball team plays at John Smith Field, an on-campus facility in California’s capital city. It was dedicated to the former manager in 2010 after 32 years at the helm of the Hornets program. Though most of the Sac State programs play in the Big Sky Conference, the baseball team is the only one that plays in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The Hornets appeared in two Division II College World Series in 1986 and 1988. They made their first ever appearance in the D-I NCAA Tournament in 2014 after winning that year’s WAC Tournament. The appearance was short-lived as they beat Arizona State before ultimately falling to hosts Cal Poly in the regional stage. Food & Beverage 1 It’s the bare minimum at John Smith Field. Hot dogs, nachos, bottled soda and a variety of candy are served out of a trailer. A less than appealing prospect on a hot day. Most weekday games start at 3pm, fortunately between meals. Though not encouraged, I’m sure you can bring in water and small snacks as well. Atmosphere 2 There is nothing particularly unique about the Hornets’ home, although it is a clean, updated stadium and a fine place to catch a game. Seating stretches from 3rd to 1st base and is mostly metal bleachers. With no covering, the seats can get extremely hot in the Sacramento sun. There are two rows in front of the bleachers that are reserved seats with flip down chairs. Most of the fans sat in general admission. One added feature is the parking garage beyond the left field fence where some fans park at the top and watch from their lawn chairs. Unfortunately this is not the garage/lot that is free on game days. The sagging “Sacramento State Hornets” banner in right-center field is just sad. The walk up music is loud and clear but is such a contrast to the dead silence of the crowd. Neighborhood 4 The baseball field is a part of the greater sports complex, very near the football, softball and soccer fields. The closest bar is Stingers. It is your typical college bar that serves up food all day long and is within walkable distance to John Smith Field. My favorite nearby bar is the Capitol Beer and & Tap Room, just across the American River. Just a few miles away is my favorite brewery in Sacramento, Track Seven. They have 8 or 10 taps that are constantly changing. They don’t serve food but do have food trucks that rotate; sometimes burgers, sometimes tacos. There are plenty of restaurants nearby serving the college community. Hot City Pizza is the spot for pizza while Evan’s Kitchen is ideal for brunch. Cafe Rolle serves up French-style sandwiches and other cafe foods and Bandera is Capitol Beer’s neighbor, great for a date night. Though you can imbibe nearby the venue, if you have time, a trip downtown might be in order. You can visit the California State Capital, just five miles from the university as well as enjoy the rest of the downtown Sacramento area. As the sixth-largest city in California, Sacramento has nearly half a million residents so it follows that there will be historical and social value in your surroundings. Fans 1 There are plenty of seats available at John Smith Field. The crowd consisted of less than 50 people, most of which were family members of either team. Fans though were engaged throughout even during a hot day. I have to wonder if the 3pm start time negatively affects attendance due to students still in class. Access 4 From Highway 50, exit at Howe Ave/Power Inn and from 80, exit at J Street. The surface streets off of the freeways are easy to navigate. Parking is free in Lot 10 (6-8 minute walk) which is across the street from Hornet Stadium, for games Monday through Thursday. For games held on Friday through Sunday, parking is free on the top level of Parking Structure I (the one right beyond the left field wall). There is one entrance located behind the 3rd base dugout where you can also purchase your tickets. Once inside, getting to your seat is a breeze as there are few fans and plenty of access. The restroom option is a strange one. It looks like a small trailer and is less than appealing. In fact, it was rather spacious and more than served the fans in attendance. The nearest light rail station is the Power Inn station. The light rail serves most of Sacramento and can get you to downtown or Midtown easily. The nearest Amtrak station is downtown at the corner of 5th St and H St. Return on Investment 3 ROI is good considering the free parking and the $8 general admission ticket. Concession prices are reasonable but I’d avoid buying food if possible. With the Hornets being one of the better teams in the WAC, you’d certainly be in for some quality baseball. Extras 1 There are two things of note that create an extra point for me. There is a wall of accomplishments underneath the bleacher seating, complete with pictures and stats of recent conference acknowledgements. Another cool thing is being able to sit right next to the play-by-play announcer as his table is set up near the home dugout.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium 5101 Broadway New York, NY 10034 Columbia Lions football website Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 17,000 Columbia Football in New York City Columbia football’s home field is special. Nestled on the northern tip of Manhattan in a hilly, residential neighborhood, it boasts a wonderful view of the Hudson River and a backdrop of fall foliage from nearby Inwood Hill Park. There’s not a bad seat in the house, whether you sit on one of the bench seats ($12 or $17) or pay a little extra for a chair back ($30). (There are no end zone seats at Wien). Lately, Columbia football has been good, even excellent. Last season (2017), Columbia was in the running for first place in its conference, the prestigious Ivy League. With head coach Al Bagnoli, who previously was very successful at conference rival the University of Pennsylvania, at the helm, Columbia should continue to be successful. Food & Beverage 3 You’re not coming for the food, as it’s typical stadium fare, everything from hot dogs to popcorn to nachos and candy. The nachos seem to be the big seller. The one outlier is churro, a sugary pastry. Just about everything costs $3. However, just outside the stadium prior to the game, there’s complimentary beer, soda and hot dogs. For pre or post-game, there are plenty of neighborhood options. Jake Novak, the team’s unofficial blogger, wrote up this extensive list of dining choices. Atmosphere 5 It’s awesome, very welcoming. Columbia football attracts an eclectic mix of students, alums, friends and family, neighborhood folks and tourists. Again, this is New York City. They take their football seriously but not too seriously. Again, Wien’s view is something to behold. Neighborhood 4 It’s a quiet, residential neighborhood. As Novak mentions in the above link, there are plenty of restaurants. Washington Heights is definitely not Times Square, which is refreshing. Fans 4 As would be expected, homecoming is crowded. Other games are calmer, and they attract an eclectic mix of students, friends and family, neighborhood folks and tourists. In general, it’s a homey atmosphere. Trash talking is almost unheard of. Access 4 Wien is near several major roadways and is accessible via public transportation. Again, Novak touches on just about every transportation possibility in the link above. If you’re not an adept parallel parker, or don't want to pay for parking in a lot, use public transportation, specifically the subway (#1), which has a stop nearby.Inside the stadium, the concourse behind the main seating bowl has enough room to maneuver as long as there isn't a huge crowd at the game. Bathrooms, though small, are sufficient as there are at least a few down the length of the concourse. Return on Investment 4 The football is strong. The stadium is comfortable and homey, and the view is just special. There're relatively cheap or even complimentary treats. Programs are on the house. In this mega town, where professional sports rule but aren't very good, at least these days, Columbia football is a bargain and definitely worth adding to your NYC itinerary. Extras 4 Columbia’s band isn’t your typical band. They’re more of a parody of a band, which is fun and different. When Columbia wins, the players sing their hearts out and the band seems to hit every note. Final Thoughts Columbia football is something to experience. It's the only college football in the borough of Manhattan, and it boasts the intimacy of a high school game, at least compared to what the Jets and Giants offer across the river at MetLife Stadium. Jon Hart is @ManVersusBall

Photos by Aaron Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium 335 S Hollywood St Memphis, TN 38104 Memphis Tigers website Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 61,008 Roar Of The Tiger Note: The Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium's name was changed to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Fall 2022. Opened in 1965, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is home to the Memphis Tigers football team, as well as the annual NCAA football Liberty Bowl, and currently has a capacity of 56,862. The facility is a true bowl design, with an oval-shaped grandstand that rises to a peak in the middle of each sideline, and descends to have valleys behind each end zone. The sight lines here are truly outstanding, meaning all seats have a great view of the action, due to the fact that the grandstand is really close to the field, but also because the seats are very steep, so all of the seats are closer to the action than at comparably-sized stadiums. Food & Beverage 4 Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium has a good variety of food and beverage options available at its concessions stands, including a couple varieties of beer. The stadium is located in Memphis, so the obvious highlight here in terms of concessions is the barbecue from local favorite Hog Wild BBQ. The Hog Wild stand offers barbecue nachos and barbecue sandwiches, as well as cheese nachos and potato salad. Food choices at other stands include sub sandwiches with several different types of meat, regular and foot-long corn dogs, turkey legs, Polish sausage, burgers, pizza, fried bologna sandwiches, deluxe nachos, and barbecue chicken sandwiches. You can also find snack and dessert options such as chips, cookies, boxed candy, and funnel cake. Food items range in cost from $2 for cookies, chips, and boxed candy, $4-$9 for funnel cake and most main dishes, $12 for turkey legs and deluxe nachos, and all the way up to $30 for a whole pizza. Note that each of the concessions stands offers different items, so you may need to walk around a bit if you are looking for a specific thing. Drink offerings at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium include bottled water, Coke products in bottles, iced coffee, lemonade, sweet tea, and a couple varieties of beer. All drinks are $4, except beer, which is $8, but there is a stand near section 104 that offers $4 beers if you buy before kickoff. You can find the same drink options all over the stadium, and there is even a bar inside called Café at the 50. Atmosphere 4 Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is a fun place to watch a game, and offers a couple of cool features that make the experience unique. The absolute best thing about seeing a game here is the live tiger that serves as one of the mascots. During the Tiger Walk, when the suit-and-tie clad players and coaches walk into the stadium before the game, TOM the tiger is with them, but you can also see him right before kickoff, pacing his cage as he is driven around the field. His cage is parked right behind one of the end zones throughout the game, so you can also catch glimpses of him while watching the action. Besides TOM, the staff does a couple other interesting things to enhance the experience, the first a FedEx plane flying over before the game. You may have seen flyovers at other stadiums, but here at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, the plane circles the venue a couple of times, so you can actually get a really good view of it (FedEx is one of the Tigers’ sponsors). You also get to see fireworks after every Memphis touchdown (and after a win), and you will probably even hear real locomotives going by during the game, thanks to the actual railroad line right outside the stadium; you can see the tracks from the nosebleed seats. Besides the live tiger and other great features, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium also has a cool design, with graceful curves that rise or fall depending on which side you are standing on, plus a huge fountain outside the main entrance. And the stadium looks even better at night, when both the fountain and the pillars surrounding the grandstand are lit up in blue. Once you get inside the stadium, you will see some really cool end zones, with black and blue tiger-striping serving as the backdrop for the team names painted there. There are also several giant tarps above one of the end zones, with that same tiger-striping plus the school logo, and most of the seats are painted in the team’s colors; the bulk of the seats are aluminum bleachers, but there are bucket-style chair backs in the 15-20 lowest rows along each sideline. Neighborhood 5 Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is in a great location if you want to come for the day or weekend. Located about 5 miles east of downtown Memphis, the stadium is an easy drive from lots of popular attractions, such as Beale Street or the National Civil Rights Museum (the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was killed). If you happen to be an Elvis fan, Sun Studio is also downtown, and Graceland isn’t much further; you can also drive about an hour and a half south to Tupelo to see his birthplace. There are plenty of great restaurants near downtown, especially on Beale Street, including Hard Rock Café and Hooters; many of the restaurants on Beale Street feature live music. However, if you are looking for something closer to the stadium, you might try Central BBQ or Celtic Crossing Irish Pub. Central BBQ offers Memphis-style smoked meats, and is a good option if you are looking for some local flavors, while Celtic Crossing features traditional Irish fare, and is a great spot for drinks and dancing. Most of the hotels in the Memphis area are near downtown or along the I-40/I-240 beltline; the closest ones to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium are Best Western and Courtyard, the latter which is near the airport. Fans 4 Fans at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium are loud and loyal; at a typical game the stadium will be at least two-thirds full, and during special events like white-out games, nearly all fans wear the right gear for the occasion. You will hear lots of cheering during the game, and loud booing at bad calls, and most fans wear team gear. And as at most big-time sporting events, you will even see fans with chests painted in support of their team. Access 4 Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium is located near the center of the I-40/I-240 beltline, so you have to drive through town a little to get here, since the stadium is not right off the freeway. However, there is plenty of parking on the north and west sides for $15, so you shouldn’t have to walk very far (parking on the east side is harder to come by). There are also gates all the way around the venue, so you can get in on any side; note that will call is at Gate 1. Once you get inside the stadium, moving around is easy, and there are plenty of bathrooms. There are ramps into the stands all around the concourse, and there is also a walkway that fully circles the lower bowl, so you can get to your seat easily no matter which side you enter on. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Memphis football games start at $15, which is already on the low end for major college football, but you can also buy them from scalpers outside the stadium for as little as $5, which is a steal for the experience. Concessions are very reasonable since there are several low-cost options, and parking is certainly fair for a venue of this size. Extras 4 Being able to see a live tiger is definitely a plus, and one of the main reasons you should plan a trip to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Also, seeing a jumbo jet not only fly over, but actually circle the stadium is really cool, and very unique, as is being able to hear real locomotives roll by during the game. You also can’t beat Memphis as a tourist destination. Final Thoughts Football teams in the American Athletic Conference often get overlooked, since they aren’t in the more prestigious Group of 5. However, passing on these schools means you will miss out on some really great college football venues like this one. So, if you are planning to be in the Memphis area anytime soon, look into visiting Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium; seeing a game here will definitely be worth your while.