Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Crypto.com Arena 1111 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Los Angeles Clippers website Crypto.com Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 19,060 L.A. Our Way The franchise that is now known as the Los Angeles Clippers began existence in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves. The team spent eight seasons in upstate New York, where they played third fiddle at the old Buffalo Memorial Auditorium behind the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres and the Canisius Golden Griffins basketball team. Canisius, who saw the Braves as a threat to their success, would regularly schedule the best dates at The Aud, effectively locking the Braves out. The team enjoyed little success in Buffalo, making the playoffs three times. After a failed attempt to sell the team and relocate to South Florida, owner John Y. Brown transferred ownership of his team with Irv Levin, owner of the Boston Celtics, so that Levin could move the Braves to southern California. In 1978 the team moved to San Diego and rebranded as the Clippers. The team failed to make the playoffs in any of their six seasons in San Diego. In 1984 new team owner Donald Sterling moved the team north to Los Angeles without league permission. The team continued to struggle in their new home, racking up a succession of losing seasons and making more news with off-the-court incompetence than for anything done on the court. In the late 1990s rumors were rampant that the Clippers were looking for a new home to replace the Los Angeles Sports Arena, where attendance had fallen to under 10,000 fans per game. Most reports had the team headed to Anaheim and the Honda Center. However, in 1999 the Staples Center was built, and the Clippers joined the Lakers and Kings as tenants in the new building, located two miles from their previous home at the LA Sports Arena. The Clippers have struggled as the third tenant in the building but have received more favorable scheduling and lease terms in recent years as their popularity has grown. The 2010s have been kinder to the Clippers, as the team qualified for the playoffs seven times in the decade, matching the number of playoff seasons over the franchise’s first 41 seasons. Still, the team has yet to advance past the second round of the playoffs. There is much to be excited about for the Clippers’ 50th season, as the team signed Kawhi Leonard and traded for Paul George. The team is considered among the top contenders for the NBA title. The Clippers have not disappointed thus far in the 2019-20 season, staying near the top of the standings and competing, finally, with the Lakers for top billing in southern California. Note: The Staples Center name changed to Crypto.com Arena in Dec, 2021. Food & Beverage 4 The Staples Center does not disappoint in terms of concessions, offering a wide variety of options for the hungry Clipper fan. Among the offerings are Wahoo’s Tacos, LuDo Bird, Dave’s Doghouse, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Blaze Pizza and Salt & Char Burgers. Mixed in with traditional arena fare are uniquely southern California options such as fish tacos, ahi tuna poke nachos and sushi. Several stands offer kosher, vegetarian and vegan options. A complete listing of concession options at the Staples Center can be found here. Coca Cola products are featured at the Staples Center. In addition to national beer brands, local craft brews from Golden Road and Goose Island Breweries are featured. The Figueroa Bar on the 100-level concourse offers a wide variety of draught beer, signature cocktails and specialty drinks. Atmosphere 4 Visiting fans who come to the Staples Center expecting a Hollywood-style extravagant gameday presentation might be disappointed by the fairly standard atmosphere at a Clippers game. All the typical gameday elements are here, from the dance squad, an energetic PA announcer, mascot and DJ who keeps the building full of noise both during the game and play stoppages. There are fan contests, giveaways, social media promotions and t-shirt tosses throughout the game to keep the casual fan interested. Clippers fans really start to get excited during the fourth quarter, as the team has partnered with Chick-Fil-A to give away a free chicken sandwich if an opposing player missed both free throws. One thing that is very apparent when attending a Clippers game is the fact that they are the third tenant in this building. The statues at the entrances, the murals on the walls and the banners hanging from the rafters all belong to the Lakers and Kings. Hopefully with some success, the Clippers can start to create a presence in the building. Neighborhood 5 Los Angeles is one of the top cities in the nation for tourists, with a seemingly endless list of attractions, things to do and see. In the immediate area of the Staples Center, LA Live is located right across the street from the arena. Located here are several restaurants, hotels and attractions, including the Grammy Museum and the Microsoft Theater. During the holiday season a skating rink is set up in the Xbox Plaza here. On the other side of the Staples Center is the Los Angeles Convention Center. For visiting fans looking for a place to stay while in town for a Clippers game, there are numerous choices within walking distance of the arena. Fans 5 In other parts of the country fans often derisively refer to the late to arrive and early to leave fans of Los Angeles teams. While there is some truth to this reputation, not all fans at the Staples Center fit this description. The Clippers have marketed themselves to the working-class basketball fans of southern California, and the crowd in attendance reflects these efforts. You are more likely to see families and to hear multiple languages spoken at a Clippers game than at a Lakers game. Thus far in the 2019-20 season the Clippers are actually outdrawing their cross-town rivals. The Clippers are operating at 100 percent capacity so as of the writing of this review in early February, placing them solidly in the top ten in the NBA. Access 4 First things first, the mythical Los Angeles traffic is real. No matter where you may be coming from, give yourself some extra time to arrive at the Staples Center. Located adjacent to the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Interstate 10/Route 110 interchange, the facility is fairly easy to get to, traffic notwithstanding. Staples Center’s location downtown ensures that there is plenty of parking nearby. There are over 10,000 parking spots within a ten-minute walk of the arena. For fans looking to avoid the hassle of LA traffic, public transportation is convenient to the area. The Metro Rail Pico Station is a short walk from the facility and several Metro Bus lines have stops near the Staples Center. Complete driving, parking and public transportation information can be found here. There are four main entrances to the Staples Center, all of which empty onto the spacious main concourse. Escalators lead up to the club level and upper concourse. Restrooms are plentiful, clean and spacious. Vomitories lead fans from the main concourse to the seating bowl. Fans in the 100 level walk down to their seats, fans in the 200 level walk up. On the 300 level, fans enter near the bottom of their sections. As is the case in many arenas, the seats in the upper level are very tight. If you are of a large frame, be prepared to have to squeeze into these very narrow seats with poorly positioned cup holders. Even though some of the upper level seats are far from the action, all seats have good views of the court. Return on Investment 4 The Clippers present themselves as a more affordable option to the Lakers. Still, this is Los Angeles, which means that you may have to pay to get the seats you want. The Clippers use variable pricing, meaning weekend and marquee games will cost more than weekday games. On average, upper level seats begin at $45 while lower level seats starting at $117. There are bargains to be found on the secondary market. In fact, when Stadium Journey visited the Staples Center on a weekday game against Sacramento, we were able to secure seats in the lower part of the upper deck for seven dollars. Parking in the lots and garages around the Staples Center generally range in price from $15-25. Concession prices are on the high side, but not out of line with other major facilities across the NBA. A great way to save some money on getting to the Staples Center as well as to avoid the hassle of LA traffic is to use the Metro to get to the arena. A one-way fare is just $1.75, with a day pass priced at seven dollars. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the great gameday and other arena staff. The team is clearly trying to present themselves as an alternative to the traditional, stuffy Lakers. Staff members have fun with the gameday presentation, with lots of giveaways and interaction with the fans. An additional extra point is awarded for the Buffalo Braves merchandise available in the Pro Shop. Final Thoughts It’s tough sledding when you’re the third tenant in a facility. Despite the fact that the Clippers are finally achieving some success and are gaining a foothold in the crowded Los Angeles basketball market, the Staples Center does not feel like home to this star-crossed franchise. While they can’t possibly compete with the Lakers in terms of history and tradition, at least for this year, the Clippers are on equal footing with their cross-town rivals on the court. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker & Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey XL Center FANFARE Score: 4.00 XL Center 1 Civic Center Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Connecticut Huskies website XL Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 15,564 The Basketball Capital of the World During the pregame introductions for UConn basketball at the XL Center, the PA announcer calls Hartford “the basketball capital of the world.” Before you dismiss this statement as just hyperbole, consider that the UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams have combined for 15 national championships, 25 final four appearances and 64 NCAA tournament appearances. The birthplace of basketball, Springfield, Massachusetts, is located just a half hour to the north. The men’s and women’s basketball teams both play a portion of their home schedules here in downtown Hartford, 21 miles from the UConn campus. 18 Huskies have been named as All-Americans. 37 UConn alumni have made it to the NBA, and 30 have played in the WNBA. The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is the largest arena in the state of Connecticut. It was originally built in 1974 as part of a downtown project that included an adjacent mall, convention center, office space, hotel and parking garage. Some people still refer to the XL Center as “The Mall,” even though the mall portion of the complex was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a 36-story residential tower. In addition to UConn basketball, the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack and UConn’s men’s hockey team call the XL Center home. Food & Beverage 5 The XL Center offers a menu that balances traditional arena fare with local flavor. Depending on your appetite, you can visit Chicken Fry Fry (featuring, you guessed it, chicken tenders and fries), Fresh Classics (sausage and pepper sandwiches and nachos), Grill Masters (burgers), or hot dog nation (yep, hot dogs). Chick-fil-A operates a cart selling their legendary sandwiches. Dunkin’ Donuts operates a pair of stands featuring their signature coffee and baked goods. Pepsi products are featured at the XL Center. Visiting fans looking for a bit of local flavor should seek out Ted’s Cheeseburgers, which features gourmet burgers cooked in a style unique to Central Connecticut: they are steamed. Steaming the burgers creates a very juicy burger with a taste you won’t find anywhere else. Also, local favorite Bear’s Barbeque operates a small stand selling brisket, pulled pork and their popular mac and cheese. Randy’s Wooster House of Pizza operates a stand serving up their legendary slices. Fans looking for an adult beverage will be pleased to find stands dedicated specifically to alcohol sales. In addition to national brands including Sam Adams, Budweiser, Coors Light and Blue Moon, several local craft brands are featured at the XL Center. Brews from City Steam, Two Roads and Thomas Hooker Brewery are sold throughout the arena. Atmosphere 4 UConn is undoubtedly the premier college basketball program in New England and the game day atmosphere at the XL Center gives local fans a rare taste of big-time college hoops. All the standard college game day elements can be found here, including the pep band, cheerleading squad and dance team. The school’s mascot, Jhonathan, can be found roaming the arena interacting with fans. There is a large video board hanging at center court that is put to good use with replays and game stats. It can be a little difficult to read with all the graphics on the screen. Shout outs to UConn alumni in the stands are guaranteed to whip the crowd into a frenzy. Fans at the XL Center are knowledgeable and passionate about the Huskies. They don’t need a whole lot of encouragement to fill the arena with noise. All the fans in the arena stand until the Huskies score their first basket of the game. There are contests and giveaways during play stoppages and t-shirt tosses, dance cams and the like to keep casual fans involved. Neighborhood 5 Hartford is rarely thought of as a destination city, but the XL Center’s location in downtown Hartford gives it an excellent rating. The area around the arena features numerous restaurants, shops and attractions. Pratt Street, located directly across the street from the XL Center, is lined with many excellent pubs and restaurants. City Steam Tap Room is located a block away from the XL Center on Main Street and features a legendary craft beer lineup. Black-Eyed Sally’s on Asylum Street features live music and excellent barbeque. Hartford suffers from a bad reputation, but the area around the XL Center is safe and walkable. For fans interested in exploring the downtown area, there are some attractions nearby worth mentioning. The Old State House is located a few blocks from the XL Center and contains exhibits on Hartford history. Tours are discounted for AAA members and will cost history buffs a mere $3. The State Capitol and Bushnell Park are popular attractions located nearby. The Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both located just a short drive from the downtown area. Fans 4 The Huskies draw impressive crowds to downtown Hartford. Crowds of over 10,000 are the norm. The school schedules their marquee matchups at the XL Center to take advantage of the building’s capacity, which is larger than the Gampel Pavilion. The crowd consists of a mix of locals and alumni. Despite the fact that there doesn’t seem to be an abundance of younger fans in attendance, parents can feel comfortable bringing the family to a Husky game. The student section is a bit smaller than expected, but with the campus located 21 miles from downtown Hartford, perhaps this isn’t a surprise after all. Despite their best efforts to inject some noise into the XL Center, in an arena of this size, their effect is negligible. Access 3 The XL Center is in downtown Hartford, easily reached via either Interstate 84 or 91. The arena is only a few blocks away from either highway. Traffic in the city is often difficult to navigate, particularly for weekday games. Be sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, as both highways back up regularly around rush hour and beyond. There are almost 50 parking lots and garages in the downtown area, all within walking distance of the XL Center. If you want to plan ahead, the XL Center website has a link to the downtown map here. In addition to these paid spots, on-street parking is readily available around the XL Center. Meters are not in operation on weekends. Once inside the XL Center, fans will enter a spacious lobby. This area was once part of the Civic Center Mall but is mostly empty space now. The ticket office is located here, as well as access to the attached parking garage and the Coliseum Club on the second level. After a brief security check, fans will enter the cramped concourses of the arena. All seats in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum consist of folding stadium chairs. The seating bowl at the XL Center is very steeply pitched, ensuring great sight lines no matter where you sit. Despite numerous renovations over the years, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum maintains its cramped and narrow concourses. There is only one concourse at the XL Center, and the restrooms are on the small side. Getting around can be very difficult, especially during halftime. Plan your trips to concession stands or restrooms wisely. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are very affordable for UConn games at the XL Center if you don’t mind sitting up high in the seating bowl. Select upper level seats are sold for only three dollars. The majority of the seats here range in price from $18-$38. Parking in the lots and garages surrounding the XL Center can be had for ten dollars with on-street parking available for fans wishing to search for it. On-street parking is free after 6 PM on weekdays and all day long on weekends. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area. Extras 3 Banners-if you like banners, you will love the XL Center. Banners honoring the 15 University of Connecticut National basketball champions (women’s and men's combined) hang from the rafters on one end of the arena. On the other end of the arena are banners for the UConn Husky hockey team, the AHL’s Wolf Pack and the Whalers. Whalers-The XL Center doesn’t ignore its past as the home of the Hartford Whalers. Banners honoring Whalers division championships, retired numbers, and the Howe family, who all played together in Hartford, hang from the rafters. In addition, the lobby contains a large mural of some of the highlights of Hartford’s professional hockey history. Free programs are given out to all fans, lineup sheets are available for a dollar and there is an area of the lobby blocked of for the sale of UConn souvenirs. Final Thoughts The XL Center has its share of critics, particularly those who feel that Hartford deserves another NHL team. Countless studies and plans for a new downtown arena have circulated for decades, making this arena a political hot potato, but the XL Center continues on. With the school holding many of their marquee games downtown, the XL Center gives New England hoops fans a rare taste of big-time college basketball. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Rogers Centre 1 Blue Jays Way Toronto, ON M5V 1J3 Canada Toronto Blue Jays website Rogers Centre website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 41,500 Rogers Redo … In Progress In July of 2022, renderings for a massive rethinking of the Rogers Centre were revealed. The announcements of the renovation put to rest, temporarily at least, the talk of replacing the SkyDome, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, with a new stadium. The venerable and iconic domed stadium took the world by storm in 1989 providing numerous state-of-the-art innovations. The stadium landscape in Major League Baseball changed once again with the introduction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 1992, which became the go-to blueprint for most new stadiums. However, Rogers Centre has also been massively influential on future stadiums. With the 2023 season, the renovations at the Rogers Centre are partially complete. With the focus on the upper deck, the fan experience has changed and the benefits are clear with the new areas being well-populated. During the 2023 off-season, the focus will be on rebuilding the entire lower bowl. The Toronto Blue Jays joined MLB as an expansion team in 1977. Currently owned by Rogers Communications, which also owns Rogers Centre, the Jays have carved themselves a rather large niche as “Canada’s” baseball team. The height of their popularity culminated in the 1992 and 1993 World Series Championships. With playoff aspirations in the air, the popularity of the Blue Jays is steadily increasing and optimism has Toronto once again singing “OK Blue Jays.” Food & Beverage 4 Rogers Centre provides a solid culinary experience for patrons. Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and popcorn are all readily available. There are several different hot dog and burger options. Pizza is provided by Pizza Nova and soft drinks are provided by the Coca-Cola family of beverages. The alcoholic beverage and specifically beer options are massive. Fans could head to the WestJet Flight Deck on the second level past centrefield for possibly the best beer selection in the building. For fans who are looking for something a little more unique, grabbing a chicken sandwich at Mary Brown’s, a Canadian chain originating from Newfoundland, or some Apple Brisket or Jerk Chicken Nachos, would be the way to go. The Cubano Panini at the TD Park Social is also a good choice. Atmosphere 3 Being built in 1989, Rogers Centre remains a product of its time. The exterior of the building, although iconic and easily recognizable, is marred by far too much-exposed concrete. There is a lack of a grand entrance that is found throughout Major League Baseball. The northeast and northwest corners of the building feature the bronze statues entrenched into the building, “The Crowd” and “The Fans.” The south side of Rogers Centre has a bronze statue of Rogers Communications founder, the late Ted Rogers. The north side of the building also has the famous Toronto Marriott City Centre hotel which has rooms that face inside the stadium. The inside of the Rogers Centre can be dark. The 100 level is generally the spot to be before the game. The best concessions can be found here and past left field, the pre and post-game show with Jamie Campbell of Rogers Sportsnet can be found. The 100-level concourses are fairly open, considering the age of the building. New for 2022 is even more massive than before the video board, which has engulfed an entire level and taken over where Sightlines restaurant used to be. Above the videoboard are the championship banners of the 1985, 1989, 1991, and 2015 American League East banners along with the 2016 and 2020 Wild Card banners. Nestled neatly in there are the 1992 and 1993 World Series banners. Hall of Fame banners for Pat Gillick and Roy Halladay also hang proudly with the championships. The Jays nod to history continues with the level of excellence, located on the facia of the fourth level and includes Halladay and Gillick, joined by Tom Cheek, Carlos Delgado, Joe Carter, George Bell, Tony Fernandez, Dave Stieb, Paul Beeston, Cito Gaston and as of the 2023 season, Jose Bautista. After an MLB investigation into alleged sexual misconduct and his placement on the ineligible list, Baseball Hall of Fame member Roberto Alomar has been removed from the Level of Excellence and his Hall of Fame banner removed. The renovations for the 2023 season have mostly taken place in the 500 level. All of the seats have been removed and replaced with larger, more modern, plastic blue seats. The right field and left field sides of the Jumbotron each have new social areas. The right field area is where fans will find the Corona Rooftop Patio, a bar area that often features live pre-game music. The left field side is where fans will find the TD Park Social area, which features Muskoka chairs, cornhole, and a huge chalkboard. Each side, although similar, has a different vibe and both have been extremely popular in the 2023 season. The bullpens have been raised and each is well within shouting distance of fans. The symmetrical outfield fence design has been jettisoned for some differing heights and distances, making it a little more unique than previous. The visitors bullpen in right field is also near a new area, the Schneider’s Porch, which is on the 100 level and popular as well. The game day production at Rogers Centre is okay. At one time, the Blue Jays went overboard with sound effects between pitches. That has been toned down a bit. The Jays promotion team does their thing throughout the stands and the Jays mascot, Ace, interacts with fans. Typical baseball promotions and the like are peppered throughout the game, but the highlight of the Jays experience is the Seventh Inning Stretch. Before the seemingly mandated “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” the Jays play their song and the eerily catchy “Okay Blue Jays” is belted out to the delight of the crowd. Neighbourhood 5 As some fans and media clamor for a new baseball stadium, the fact remains that Rogers Centre is not going anywhere. The reason is simple. There is not a better location in the city for the Blue Jays to be. Downtown Toronto is a fantastic spot to make an afternoon, a weekend, or an entire vacation. There are a huge number of locations where one can eat before or after the game. However, as with many spots, the pandemic has changed the face of the city’s culinary industry. Fans looking for a true culinary experience may want to ascend from the top of the CN Tower to the 360 Restaurant. For fans looking for a more traditional pre-game experience then The Loose Moose, The Pint Public House, or Steam Whistle Brewery are good options. Front Street and Bremner Blvd have a plethora of dining options. New to the area is the Sportsnet Grill, which is located inside the Toronto Marriott and offers views of the field where fans can eat and drink and watch the game. An entire vacation can be had in downtown Toronto. The CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada are right there by the Rogers Centre. The Rogers Centre does offer tours, however, they are not nearly as good as they should be. The Theatre District may be second only to Broadway in New York City as far as stage entertainment is concerned. The Eaton Centre is a fantastic place to shop. Right across the road from the Rogers Centre in Toronto Railway Museum. Fans may also want to take the Steam Whistle Brewery Tour, which is also across the road. However, no trip to Toronto is complete without a trip to see the Hockey Hall of Fame. For fans looking for other sports, Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Marlies, and Toronto Maple Leafs all play within minutes of the Rogers Centre. The University of Toronto is just north of the Rogers Centre and the Varsity Blues field football, basketball, and hockey teams among others. A truly unique experience may be to check out Toronto Metropolitan University Bold hockey or basketball at the former Maple Leaf Gardens. Of course, there are a ton of places that you could stay in downtown Toronto. A unique experience would be to stay right in the stadium at the Toronto Marriott City Centre. Another unique experience would be to stay at one of the most significant historical hotels in all of Canada, the Royal York. A little more affordable would be the Delta and Strathcona, however, you are going to pay to stay downtown no matter what you choose. Fans 4 With increased checks in the win column in 2022, there have been plenty more fans going through the turnstiles at Rogers Centre. For the 2023 season, the Jays are averaging over 37,600 per game. This is good for 7th in MLB and an improvement over the 2022 season. Generally speaking, Jays fans are relatively quiet, as are most southern Ontario fans, but they can definitely get loud when the time is right. With the colder months requiring the roof closed, the noise can get off the charts with the noise staying in the building. Access 3 The Rogers Centre can be challenging to get to as downtown Toronto traffic can be difficult. Rogers Centre is located right by the Lakeshore in downtown Toronto. Driving to the stadium will be difficult as motorists must take either the Gardiner Expressway or Lakeshore Blvd. Hitting the road earlier as opposed to later is always the best idea. With the increased attendance due to a more consistent team on the field and the new ballpark features, driving away from Rogers Centre has become increasingly frustrating and time-consuming. The bad traffic downtown is mitigated by the fantastic public transit options. Rogers Centre is just a couple of blocks from Union Station. The TTC subway, GO Transit, and Via Rail are all a major presence in Union Station. Along Spadina, you will find the TTC street car. Any public transit info can be found on the TTC and GO Transit websites. Decent parking can be found downtown, however, depending on the day, it can greatly fluctuate. Most days you can find parking within walking distance of the Rogers Centre for around $15. On one of those special days, the same parking space can go for $40. The face of downtown Toronto is constantly changing and the parking situation becomes more perilous with the increase in condominium construction. ParkWhiz and SpotHero options are now more prevalent downtown and should be consulted. The ticketing windows are outside Gate 9 along Bremner Blvd. There are a huge number of windows, but the sidewalks are not massive and can get crowded very quickly. Increased security combined with the significant increase in fan attendance has made entry a challenge at times. The concourses in Rogers Centre are pretty wide and getting around is not too difficult. The stadium would have benefitted from escalators. The majority of fans will travel up and down with long trips around traditional stadium ramps. The washroom facilities are plentiful and on most days more than adequate. Return on Investment 4 With the return of full-capacity Blue Jay games at the Rogers Centre, the ability to get more economical tickets has returned. Tickets in the 500 level can be found for $21. The outfield and baselines in the outfield will go for under $70. However, tickets between the bases on the 100 level are quite pricey and will normally go for over $100. The renovations have been a positive experience in Toronto, but with that, the headaches of getting away from the park have increased. Once everything is finished, it will be interesting to see where prices settle and whether or not the Jays remain a good return for the sporting dollar. Extras 2 An extra mark for the return of the ORIGINAL Okay Blue Jays. The early 2000s saw the Jays’ anthem “modernized” with a horrible backbeat. There is no doubt the original is better. An extra mark for the innovation that the Rogers Centre brought to Major League Baseball. The huge video board, upgraded luxury boxes, retractable roof, and stadium restaurants were all pioneered in Toronto. Final Thoughts With the renovations long overdue coming to Rogers Centre, it will be interesting to see if, as Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro hopes, the former SkyDome becomes a “ballpark” and not a “stadium.” It remains debatable if the renovations to Rogers Centre will give fans the ballpark experience Shapiro is shooting for, however, it is undeniable that thus far, the renovations have been a success. With the next wave coming in time for the 2024 season, a clearer picture will be on the horizon for the Jays. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Principal Park 1 Line Drive Des Moines, IA 50309 Iowa Cubs website Principal Park website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 11,500 Principal Park: Home of the Iowa Cubs Located at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, Principal Park, then Sec Taylor Stadium, opened in 1992. Principal Park replaced the outdated Sec Taylor Stadium. The new stadium was also named Sec Taylor Stadium until 2004 when the Principal Financial Group bought the rights to the name and Principal Park was born. Through the years, upgrades have been made to the stadium, including adding sky boxes in left field. In 2006, new seats and a new video board were installed along with a fountain beyond right field. Before the 2013 season, the locker rooms were upgraded along with a small patio area beyond left field that now plays host to musical acts prior to and after selected games. In 2015, a brand new video board replaced the dated video board. The new Daktronics video board measures 64x24 feet and allows for far more statistical information to be displayed for fans. Due to safety concerns around baseball, the nets behind home plate were extended to the far ends of the dugouts prior to the beginning of the 2016 season. Principal Park hosted one of the most famous (or infamous) games in Pacific Coast League history on June 14, 2008. Torrential rains caused the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers to overflow, flooding a portion of downtown Des Moines. With the ballpark surrounded by water, the game that day was played in an empty stadium, to an official attendance of zero. In order to avoid having any fans show up, the game began at 4 P.M., was not broadcast, and was announced as postponed. Josh Kroeger’s seventh-inning home run was the winning run in Iowa’s 5-4 victory. The stadium played host to the 1997 Triple-A All-Star game and hosted the Iowa state high school baseball tournament for many years. In 2021, longtime owner Michael Gartner sold the team, which is now owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings. While there is new ownership, the front office has remained intact and, as always, the Iowa Cubs primary focus is presenting a fun and safe atmosphere for the fans. Food & Beverage 4 A wide variety of food options are available. Iowa is the biggest pork-producing state in the country and that fact is reflected here. The pork tenderloin sandwich, an Iowa staple, is available in two sizes. The large is enormous. Make it a basket if you want fries. Several items are available at the bacon stand, including the bacon explosion basket (bacon sliders w/fries) and bacon-wrapped hot dogs can be had. Stu’s BBQ serves up a great brisket sandwich and BBQ nachos. Other typical ballpark fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, chicken sandwiches, etc. are all available. Being a Cubs affiliate, you can pick up a Chicago Dog or Italian Beef sandwich at the Lil Chicago stand. You can also pick up an Old Style at this booth to go along with your food. Coke products are sold at Principal Park in three sizes. For soda enthusiasts, you can buy a bottomless Coke. Be sure to check out the Coors Light beer box in the concourse. It’s a walk-in refrigerator full of beer. Inside are different sizes of cans and brands for about the same range of drafts. Craft beer is big in Iowa and Principal Park celebrates it. In the concourse behind home plate is the Iowa Craft Beer stand. You have your choice of a whopping 32 local brews, so bring your palate and enjoy! Atmosphere 4 Upon entering the seating area, it is impossible to miss the stunning view of the Iowa Capitol Building over the center field wall. The building sits atop a hill and as beautiful as it is during the day, it is even better at night when the numerous domes are lit up. There is also a tremendous view of the Des Moines skyline looking over the left field corner. If you have visited Principal Park before the 2015 season, the biggest noticeable difference is the video board over the right field wall. The upgrade makes a world of difference and allows for fans to get much more information, including current stats, the pitcher’s pitch count, etc. A new batter’s eye was installed prior to the 2023 season, but the views remain. The seats are comfortable and are all stadium seats in the infield seating bowl. General admission is down both lines and in right field, but the small added cost of a reserved ticket is well worth it. The bleachers under the video board can be particularly hot during day games and are best avoided unless there is a full house. In the right field corner (Schaal Chill Zone) is a fountain that runs during the game and is great for kids (and some adults) on particularly hot days. The fountain shoots water after Iowa home runs and other exciting plays that benefit the home team. Inside the concourse is a large play area for kids including batting/pitching games and a large climbing/jungle gym-type structure. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Des Moines has anything and everything you could desire. There are plenty of places to have a drink before or after the game and a litany of different food options. Just down the street from the ballpark is the High Life Lounge. Obvious by its name, the High Life Lounge serves Miller but, not to fear, plenty of other options are available. The High Life, with its shag carpet and old neon beer signs throughout, is worth a stop. It has been featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” show. The bacon wrapped tater tots are quite popular. Also the broasted chicken which customers rave about is some of the best chicken around. Buzzard Billy’s is another great option. They have plenty of drink choices and good food. Buzzard Billy’s serves many traditional bar foods but they are known for their Cajun and do it well. The catfish dinner is outstanding. The newest option will be particularly popular on nights with great weather. In 2016, the 300 Craft and Rooftop bar opened across the street from Principal Park. Take a two minute walk after the game and enjoy a few drinks on the 3,000 square foot outdoor patio atop a building that also includes a couple other restaurants and a gym. There are many options for lodging in the area although pricey with it being downtown. Two options are the Hyatt and Holiday Inn downtown. You can save a few dollars staying farther out. With the stadium being close to the interstate, it’s easy to get in and out of downtown. If traveling with family, the Iowa History Museum and Science Center of Iowa are great places to take the kids. When visiting Des Moines, a visit to the Capitol is a must, built in 1886 it is an amazing building. The view of the Capitol building from the stadium is outstanding and the inside is just as impressive as the outside and admission is free. Fans 3 Like at most minor league stadiums, the fans are a mixed bag. With the longevity of the team being affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, there are many diehards that you can count on seeing nightly. The fans have been spoiled with the amount of prospects that have played here the past few years. Kris Bryant, Javy Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras, and others have made the team even more popular. The regular fans follow the game pitch-by-pitch and can tell you all you need to know about the team. There are also those that appear to be there more for the social aspect, to see fireworks, or that come with a group and don’t pay much attention to what is occurring on the field. Access 4 Principal Park is easy to get to and you can access it directly from I-235. Parking is steep at $13. You can park a little farther away, across MLK Parkway, and save a buck. You will have a little bit of a walk but that is recommended on nights where the occasion dictates large crowds such as fireworks nights. There are limited exits leaving the main parking area at Principal Park. One of those exits is blocked on fireworks nights because they close the bridge on MLK and use that bridge to shoot off the fireworks. As such, lines are long and slow moving when leaving. Inside the park, the concourses are wide and easy to maneuver. Restrooms, concessions, and handicap seating is sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 3 Depending upon your preference, tickets generally range from $10 for general admission to $40 for home plate club seats with wait staff. General admission for children (13 and under) is $7. In 2023, the team went to dynamic pricing for tickets. As such, the tickets prices will vary but they won’t drift far from what was the normal pricing. For those that plan on consuming a lot of food and drink, perhaps your best bet is a table in the Budweiser Club seats. Located down the left field line, you can purchase a table for 4 in the Bud Club for $250. Included is admission to the game and all you can eat and drink. Food is about what you would expect to pay at a ballgame and you can get a decent seat, a beer, and something to eat for less than $30. The only drawback here is the parking cost. The recommended spot to sit is over the visitor's dugout on the first base side. In addition to great seats, you have a great view of the capitol building and the Des Moines skyline. Extras 5 An extra point for the amazing view of the capitol building. It is certainly one of the better views around. The Iowa Cubs have a really neat tradition every year prior to the July 4th (or 3rd) game. In addition to the traditional fireworks, a group of individuals from around the globe give their oath and are sworn in as citizens of the United States, in what is always a very popular citizenship ceremony. The walk-in beer cooler is a rarity and definitely worth a look. For history buffs, be sure and take a look in the north parking lot, near MLK Blvd. A preserved fort is on the ballpark’s property. The fort represents the birth of the city of Des Moines, Iowa. The team does a great job of celebrating its long-time affiliation with the Chicago Cubs. The ballpark has reminders of this affiliation everywhere you go. Final Thoughts Des Moines is an underrated city with a great downtown scene. The location of the ballpark is in a perfect location for entertainment before and after the game. Inside the gates is a great place to sit back and watch a game while taking in some great views and a litany of good food and drink options. Principal Park isn’t the newest stadium around, but it still provides a quality time for baseball fans of all ages. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram: @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Alumni Stadium 2604 Beacon Street Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 Boston College Eagles website Alumni Stadium website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 44,500 For Boston Boston College fielded their first football team in 1893. They played at the original Alumni Stadium beginning in 1915. As the team grew in popularity through the 1930s and 40s, the Eagles called Boston’s two major league baseball fields (Fenway Park and Braves Field) home. When the Red Sox decided in 1957 that they would no longer allow football to be played at Fenway Park, Boston College built a new on-campus home in just 156 days at a cost of $250,000. With a capacity of 26,000, the new Alumni Stadium’s first game was a match against the Naval Academy arranged by then-Senator John F. Kennedy in 1957. Renovations in 1971 and 1988 have expanded the facility to its current capacity of 44,500. Alumni Stadium also served as home to the New England Patriots in 1969. The Eagles have a storied history, with 28 bowl game appearances and an unofficial national championship in 1940 on its resume. Two Boston College alumni (Art Donovan and Ernie Stautner) are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Seven former players and three former coaches are enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are not a particular point of emphasis at Alumni Stadium. The majority of the stands feature only stadium basics, such as hot dogs and nachos. The menu at these stands do not offer much in the way of variety. Portable carts along the concourse sell chicken tenders and meatball subs. However, if you head to the stands at the south end zone, you’ll find some welcome variety. Dubbed “Alumni South,” this area features portable carts offering burgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches and since we’re in New England, clam chowder and lobster rolls. These items cannot be found anywhere else in Alumni Stadium. Coca-Cola products are featured at Alumni Stadium. Fans looking for adult beverages can purchase Budweiser and Bud Light at several portable stands. Again, for some variety, head to Alumni South, where brews from local breweries Harpoon and Cisco are sold. Atmosphere 3 There have been many changes in recent years aimed at improving the game day atmosphere at Alumni Stadium. If you haven’t visited Chestnut Hill in a while, the biggest change you’ll notice is the increase in tailgating near the stadium before the game. The school allows the purchase of tailgating permits for games, and fans have responded by filling up seemingly every possible nook and cranny on campus with tailgates. The creativity shown by the fans is impressive. Fans will find much that is familiar during an Eagles football game. What noise there is inside Alumni Stadium comes from the student section in the south end zone. Filled with maroon and gold clad fans every Saturday, the students lead the cheers and are a popular presence on the stadium’s two video boards. Eagles fans have a reputation for being a bit too laid-back much of the time. Unfortunately, this reputation is really very accurate. Even though the pep band, cheerleaders and dance squad do their best to keep the energy up, this is definitely not a rowdy place to catch a game. When a top-ranked team visits Chestnut Hill, you are likely to find as many visiting fans as Eagles fans in attendance. Neighborhood 4 The Boston College campus is located in Chestnut Hill, a village in the suburb of Newton, Massachusetts. Downtown Boston is located about six miles to the east. Newton is a very well-to-do town which frequently ranks near the top of many “best place to live in America” lists. While the area does have some places to shop or eat, they are a bit of a walk or drive from the Boston College campus. A popular destination on game days is Cleveland Circle, about a 15-minute walk from campus, where you will find, among other places, Eagle’s Deli, which is known for its massive hamburger challenges. This no-frills diner is a favorite of Boston College students. As is the case in Greater Boston, streets in this area are frequently congested and busy, so be careful navigating the area around campus. Fans visiting the area during months when the weather is cooperating may choose to spend some time down at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir right behind Alumni Stadium. From the shores of the reservoir you get a view of downtown Boston in the distance. For those fans interested in seeing the best of what Boston has to offer, head towards those tall buildings, you’ll find what you’re looking for there. Fans 3 Eagle football fans have a reputation for being a fickle lot, with a reputation for showing up in big numbers when Notre Dame and other big-name opponents are in town but avoiding Chestnut Hill en masse when other teams visit. Boston College averaged only 26,000 fans per game in 2021, well down form their average attendance in recent years. This figure places them far below the ACC average. True to their reputation, Eagles fans are not the most rowdy you’ll come across, but the team does have their share of devoted fans, and the student section is packed, no matter who is visiting Alumni Stadium. Access 3 The Boston College campus is located in the Chestnut Hill section of the suburb of Newton, Massachusetts, about six miles west of downtown Boston. Despite its location in the suburbs, this area shares the same access issues as downtown Boston. Anyone who has tried to navigate the crowded, crooked streets of Greater Boston by car can tell you how difficult driving in this area can be. If you are visiting from out of town, your best bet is to find a copilot who knows their way around town. Stadium Journey recommends leaving the car at home and using public transportation to arrive at Alumni Stadium. Boston’s subway system, known as the “T,” has several stops that access the Boston College campus. The green line’s B train terminus is located on Commonwealth Ave., right across the street from campus. From here, it is a short five-minute walk to Alumni Stadium. In addition, Boston College operates free shuttle busses that stop at several points around town. The complete route schedule can be viewed here. If driving to Boston College, it’s easier to avoid the city and come in from the western suburbs. Take exit 24 (Commonwealth Ave.-Route 30) off Interstate 95 (also known as Route 128). Follow Commonwealth Avenue for about 5 miles, and you will find the Boston College campus on your right. The area around Boston College is quite scenic, with a nice suburban feel, but traffic can be very heavy at times. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive on campus. Complete driving directions can be found here. Space is at a premium at Alumni Stadium, and the precious parking near the facility is reserved for Flynn Fund donors. Other fans will be resigned to parking at one of the satellite lots, from which they can take complimentary shuttle busses to Alumni Stadium. More information on the parking situation can be found here. Once arriving at Alumni Stadium, fans will find a basic, no-frills facility that is absolutely a product of the time it was built. There is a single concourse that runs below the seating bowl around the entire facility. Getting around the stadium is fairly easy, although passage can get difficult at halftime. All seating consists of aluminum bleachers without chairbacks. Sitting behind the BC bench on the west side of Alumni Stadium will allow you to see the Eagles logo right side up. Restrooms are adequate for a typical Eagles crowd, although lines do form at halftime. Be aware that Boston College practices a clear bag policy for football games. There is a rather large construction project going on at the adjoining Conte Forum, but this does not significantly affect access to the football stadium. Return on Investment 3 The Eagles utilize variable pricing for their games at Alumni Stadium. Tickets start as low as $10, increasing to a maximum of $150 for marquee conference games. For most Eagles football games, ticket prices max out at about $60, with many seats priced even lower. Nationally ranked teams regularly visit Chestnut Hill, as do the Notre Dame Fighting Irish every other season. As mentioned before, fans looking to park on campus should reserve their spots well in advance, as space on campus is extremely limited. Many of the available spots are reserved for donors to the Flynn Fund and season ticket holders. Parking must also be purchased in advance at the satellite lots, with prices beginning at $30. Some parking spots come with tailgating privileges, some do not. It can be pretty confusing, but all the needed information can be found here. Concessions are a bit on the high side but are in line with other facilities in the area. Extras 3 Even though he graduated over thirty years ago, Doug Flutie still casts a giant shadow in Chestnut Hill. A statue commemorating his famous “Miracle in Miami” Hail Mary stands outside Gate D. You will be sure to see plenty of number twenty-two jerseys at Alumni Stadium. Conte Forum, home to the Eagle basketball and hockey teams, is attached to the west grandstand, and the two facilities share a bank of luxury boxes. It is open during Eagle football games so that fans can use the indoor bathrooms or concession stands. Take a walk around Conte Forum and check out the Varsity Club, the Eagles Hall of Fame and the many championship banners won by the hockey and basketball teams. Boston College’s long and storied football history is on display all over Alumni Stadium. Honored players have their numbers posted on the southeast corner of the stadium in a nice new display. Eagles players who were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft are displayed in the other corners of the stadium. Notable players in Boston College football history have their pictures wrapped on posts throughout the concourse. Final Thoughts College football just isn’t a big deal in New England. However, local pigskin fans can get a taste of the big-time at Alumni Stadium. Boston College’s membership in the ACC and longstanding rivalry with Notre Dame guarantees that nationally ranked opponents come to Boston regularly. A fall trip to Boston is certainly a Stadium Journey worth taking. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter or Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Gutterson Fieldhouse 97 Spear St Burlington, VT 05405 Vermont Catamounts men’s hockey website Gutterson Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 4,035 A Punch in The Gut Gutterson Fieldhouse, also known as “The Gut,” is the largest indoor arena in the state of Vermont. It is named for Albert Gutterson, class of 1912, who was the school’s first Olympian. He set a record in the long jump beating the legendary Jim Thorpe. After winning back-to-back Division Two titles in 1972 and 1973, Vermont moved up to Division One in 1974. The team competed in the ECAC until 2005 when they moved to the Hockey East Conference. The Catamounts have qualified for the NCAA Tournament six times, reaching the Frozen Four twice (1996 and 2009). 18 Vermont alumni have played in the National Hockey League, including Hockey Hall of Famer Martin St. Louis. Food & Beverage 3 There are several points of sale in the main lobby as you enter Gutterson Fieldhouse. The menu doesn’t stray too far from arena basics, but hungry Catamount fans will find what they need. Stadium Journey does recommend heading downtown before or after the game to satisfy those hunger pangs. Maybe just stop here for a snack or drink. The snack bar at Gutterson Fieldhouse features Leonardo’s Pizza and McKenzie Hot Dogs. All your standard snacks can be found here, from pretzels and popcorn to nachos and chili. Fans looking for healthier options can choose tossed or chicken Caesar salads, along with assorted pieces of fruit. Fans looking for decidedly unhealthier choices can add some chili to their nachos or hot dogs. Coca-Cola products are featured at Gutterson Fieldhouse. In keeping with the university’s green policies, bottled water is not sold here. There are no alcoholic beverages sold at this on-campus facility. Fans sitting on the northern side of the building who do not want to navigate their way around the arena to the snack bar (more on that later), can make do with a small stand at the top of the stands. Assorted snacks and drinks can be purchased here. Atmosphere 4 Hockey is the top sport at the University of Vermont, and tickets can be hard to come by. You can’t help but be struck by the nostalgia and old-school feel of Gutterson from the moment you walk in the doors. The old curved wooden roof, the bleachers, and the tiny scoreboard at center ice all harken to days gone by. The students pack the sections at the far end of the fieldhouse along with Vermont’s pep band. While this isn’t the loudest or most organized student section a college hockey fan will come across, they get the job done and create a lively atmosphere at The Gut. In a different twist, the school utilizes the school’s ice skating team, dubbed the “Ice Cats,” not only to perform before the game but to act as the ice crew, scraping the ice during play stoppages. The remainder of the crowd consists of locals, some of whom have been coming to UVM games for decades. Vermont hockey fans know their stuff, but as may be expected, they take in the game in a more reserved fashion than fans elsewhere. Neighborhood 4 Burlington is a fantastic city with a real bohemian vibe, known for its microbreweries and excellent dining options. Located about a mile and a half from Gutterson Fieldhouse, it’s worth a visit, even in the harsh Vermont winter. The only thing keeping this neighborhood from a perfect score is that it’s rot walkable from campus, particularly in colder months. The Church Street Marketplace is the hub of the downtown. Filled with notable pubs, breweries, and eateries, it’s the place to be in Burlington. Visiting fans flock to American Flatbread, The Farmhouse, and Leunigs for local food and drink. As mentioned before, Burlington has a thriving microbrewery scene, with notable breweries including Zero Gravity, Queen City, Switchback, and Magic Hat all operating pubs downtown. Fans 5 The Catamounts annually average over 90 percent capacity at Gutterson Fieldhouse, ranking in the top 20 nationwide in attendance. Not bad for a school that plays in an older building with a capacity of only about 4,000. Hockey is the premier sport in Vermont, and the fans who pack Gutterson oregularlyknow their stuff. It’s not unusual to find yourself sitting among fans who have been coming to games for decades. The students at the University of Vermont pack the old barn as well, filling up the sections at the far end of the arena. While not the loudest or most organized section you’ll come across in your college hockey travels, they add a bunch of energy to the building. When the Catamounts get on a roll, the noise generated in the cozy rink can become quite intimidating. Access 4 Gutterson Fieldhouse is easy to find, located just off Interstate 89 on the southern edge of the University of Vermont campus. The school’s other athletic facilities, including Patrick Gymnasium, are located here. Parking is located in a small lot and a parking garage next to the building. Plan to get here early, because once the lot fills up, you will be forced to park in lots some distance from Gutterson, and take shuttles to and from the game. Also give yourself extra time after the game, as the garage takes a while to empty Fans will enter into Gutterson Fieldhouse into a decent-sized lobby, which houses the ticket booths, team store, and concession stands. Now, here’s where things get interesting. Depending on where you sit, you will have to enter the arena in though a specific side of the lobby. Fans sitting in sections 1-14 (the bleachers on the south side of the fieldhouse and the student sections on the far end) will enter the arena on the left. A walkway passes in front of these bleachers to these sections. If sitting on this side of Gutterson, you may want to avoid the first few rows. Fans sitting in sections 15-28 (the bleachers on the north side of the fieldhouse and the reserved seating on the near end) will climb a set of stairs to the Hall of Honor and proceed down the concourse to their seats. Yes, you have to go up to the top of the seating bowl and then back down to your seats. If you are sitting down low on this side of the arena, there will be no obstructions to your view. Return on Investment 3 Vermont utilizes variable pricing for its home games, with prices ranging from $23 for most bleacher seats to a maximum of $40 for individual seats for premium games. Children under 17 receive a five-dollar discount. Parking is free in the garage and lots around the fieldhouse. Concessions are reasonably priced, making a trip to a Catamounts hockey game an affordable option for Vermont sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the banners hanging inside the arena. Tournament appearances are recognized here, as is every Catamount player to represent his or her country in the Olympics. The school’s all-time team is honored, and there is a banner for the school’s only retired number, Martin St. Louis’ number nine. Be sure to check out the Vermont Hockey Hall of Honor, located on the second level above the main lobby. Photos of every Catamount to play in the NHL or NWHL line the walls, as do pictures of every All-American. Plaques honor Vermont Olympians and captains. Every Vermont alum to have their name on the Stanley Cup is honored, as is every Catamount draft pick. Banners hang from the roof, and the floor is painted to resemble the ice surface. It’s a great place to look around as you wait for the traffic to lessen after a game. Final Thoughts Gutterson Fieldhouse is a quintessential old-school hockey barn. Everything about the place screams old-time hockey. Vermont displays its history throughout the facility, and it’s easy to see that hockey is king here at UVM. Renovations are planned for “The Gut” as part of a $95 million improvement project, which will include a new events center next door to Gutterson Fieldhouse. Here’s hoping the renovations don’t change too much of the old-school aura here. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Fifth Third Field 406 Washington St Toledo, OH 43604 Toledo Mud Hens website Fifth Third Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 10,025 Toledo’s All in With the Mud Hens The Toledo Mud Hens are members of the International League. The Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers began to play in 1965 at Ned Skeldon Stadium before relocating to Fifth Third Field in 2003. The downtown ballpark revamped the neighborhood that is now called HensVille. Just like many ballparks of its kind, it stands out among others in the league. The MudHens name dates back to 1896 and has been used for a majority of minor league clubs in Toledo until 1953 when new management went with the Glass Sox, later shortened to Sox, the name for three years. When baseball returned in 1965, the Mud Hens name was properly brought back. In the 1970s, native Jamie Farr commonly wore Mud hens gear on the TV show M*A*S*H that was provided by the team. Having your team showcased on one of the biggest shows of all-time increased awareness among millions of people. Perhaps that is the reason behind The Swamp Shop which offers a cavalcade of team merchandise from old-school t-shirts and caps to current team gear. FifthThird Field also offers a wraparound concourse, several rooftop suite areas, and various restaurants and bars available before the game to create a minor league baseball experience that few can rival. Food & Beverage 4 Fifth Third Field offers an array of typical ballpark food, frozen treats, and adult beverages. It may not be as outrageous as other AAA ballparks, but there is more than enough to satisfy the palate during a Mud Hens game. Gilhooley Sports Bar and Grill is named after former Hens broadcaster Frank Gilhooley who broadcast games from 1953-2010. There are photos of his career plastered on the walls in a spot that resembles a restaurant. Burgers are grilled in front of the customers and have names such as the “BacHen” Burger and the Bloomin’ Onion Burger. You can also order an all-beef hot dog or grilled chicken sandwich. A few other areas include a few more areas for traditional and non-traditional ballpark cuisine. Suds & Wieners offers beer and hot dogs but is home to the mac and cheese dog, Polish sausages, and the Sudzie Weiner (brat cooked in beer with grilled onions). The Hen & Hound offers chicken tender baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches, and the Muddy Dog The latter has chicken tender baskets, spicy chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese hot dogs, brats, corn dogs, Polish sausages, and the Muddy Dog with cheese, chili, and onions. Where the ballpark goes above and beyond is in the dessert category. Far Out Funnels is a psychedelic area that offers funnel cake sundaes, cookie and cream funnel cakes, and the more traditional kind. Frozen usually has long lines serving ice cream in various styles and flavors served in a cone, bowl, or mini-helmet. They also have frozen cocktails mixed with vodka with flavors ranging from blue raspberry, lemon, and margarita. Budweiser and Pepsi products are the drinks of choice at the ballpark. However, various kiosks service craft beer from regional breweries: Warped Wing, Maumee Bay, Platform, Saugatuck, Columbus Brewing, and a little bit further in Atlanta, SweetWater. The Holy Toledo patio is an ideal spot for having a beer or frozen drink at the game. Atmosphere 4 The construction of Fifth Third Field looks like a typical Triple-A ballpark with red brick and gray stone. It blends in well with the surrounding buildings, which have been converted into party decks and team store. It might just be the place to have a quintessential minor league experience. Toledo’s ballpark does not stand out from the unique interior concourse, but it does provide all the essentials fans would want at the ballgame. The concession stands are properly spaced-out, there are various kiosks for quick purchases, and there are plenty of nods for over three centuries of baseball. Mudonna is the club’s official mascot and offers plenty of joy for fans of all ages; she even has a giant bobblehead in the right-field corner of the ballpark. The Roost is a popular seating area incorporated into a century-old brick building with open floor space for groups. The searing provides fans a corner view of the diamond from a few feet above the concourse, similar to the porch seating at old Tiger Stadium. Another nice angle is down the right field wall where bar stools and stadium seating are available. The concourse offers patio suite seating with old-school Astroturf seating, a rustic wooden bar sponsored by local breweries, and a children’s play area behind the batter’s eye. Outside the concourse gates are bronze statues entitled “Who’s Up?” which features three kids peering through a knothole, and “I Got It” which features three kids going for a fly ball. The ballpark and the surrounding HensVille establish it from many others in their league. A destination that begins well before the game and perhaps after that offers a variety of activities for families, late-night revelers, and the random ballpark hunter passing through town. This includes the small square behind the home plate, Moses Fleetwood Walker Square, which has also been named for Walker was the first African-American Major League player and played for the Toledo Blue Stockings in 1884. Neighborhood 4 Fifth Third Field is located in what is dubbed HenVille and it’s splattered all over the exterior walls of the ballpark. There are various places within a few steps and blocks to grab dinner or a drink before or after the ball game. Poco Piatti is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers small and large plates. It includes seafood, vegetarian, and meat dishes, along with pizza and salads. Fleetwood’s Tap Room is a social hall that carries 48 craft beers and smoked items that include chicken, ribs, and brisket. There is a rooftop bar for large groups. There are more than enough other areas within walking distance of the ballpark including Home Slice Pizza, Fricker’s, The Alleyway, Earnest Brew Work, Ye Olde Durty Bird, and Tony Packo’s at the Ballpark, where one can enjoy a Hungarian-style hot dog and bring home a can of chili at the gift shop. Perhaps the most exciting part of the neighborhood is Maumee River which offers a riverwalk, sculptures, a kid’s splash zone, and an outdoor amphitheater. HensVille Park, adjacent to Fleetwood’s at times, has children’s inflatable rides and concerts as well before the game. Fans 4 Mud Hens fans are among the best in the minor leagues. They are focused on the game and cheer when their club scores a run, makes a great play, or gets out of a jam. Yes, there are many there for the social aspect, but crowds are in their seats as well watching the action on the field. Access 4 The ballpark is downtown and sandwiched between I-75 and the Maumee River. There is plenty of signage directing visitors to the ballpark and it’s advisable to arrive early to enjoy pre-game activities in HensVille and the surrounding district. Once inside, Fifth Third is easily accessible as it offers a wraparound concourse and easy access to concession stands and exits. Return of Investment 4 A ticket for most games is between $13 and $15, but the prices go up $3 on Friday and Saturday night games. The downtown stadium is surrounded by individual lots and parking garages that cost $10 per car, but there are meter parking spots available as well for much less. It is the case on Sundays when all meters are free of charge. The merchandise is abundant and offers various designs for all ages. The food is not as varied, but proper for an afternoon or evening at the ballpark. Extras 3 The Mud Hens earn a point for the downtown setting that has become HensVille. The district offers restaurants, bars, a riverview park for kids, and much more for fans to enjoy before and after the game. The second point is for The Roost, a little nook in the right-field corner that provides upper views of the game behind the foul pole. A third point is awarded to The Swamp Shop, which offers one of the largest selections of team merchandise in baseball. Final Thoughts Fifth Third Field is a wonderful example of a Triple-A ballpark. The history of the club, the HensVille setting, and the atmosphere make it a great visit when in town or while on a ballpark trip. You would be remiss not to walk away with team gear from the store. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by James Hillchen and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allianz Field 400 Snelling Ave N St. Paul, MN 55104 Minnesota United FC website Allianz Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 19,400 United in Minnesota Opened in 2019 at a cost of $200 million, Allianz Field is a soccer-specific stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. Home to Minnesota United FC and Minnesota Untied FC 2, the stadium holds a capacity of 19,400. Though relatively new, Allianz Field has become known as one of the premier soccer stadiums in the country. The stadium has hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup games, a World Cup qualifier, and most recently hosted the 2022 MLS All-Star game. Among the features at Allianz Field are an 88,000 square foot translucent stadium skin, a 360-degree canopy, and a heated playing surface. For cycling purists, there are accommodations for 400 bikes to be parked should you choose to ride to the game. There are also 280 seats for ADA guests and their companions. Food & Beverage 5 NOTE: Like many other stadiums have done, Allianz Field does not accept cash, so bring a card when attending a game here. There is no shortage of whatever food you are looking for here. It would take forever to list what it on the menu. All the basics are covered, but among the other items available are: chicken masala bowls, chicken tinga, beef or chicken kafta, Swedish meatballs, and much more. The layout allows you to easily find whatever you are looking for and one of the nice features here is that if you don’t want to wait in any potential line for an entrée, they have what are basically small convenience stores where you can buy drinks, candy, etc. Pepsi is the soda of choice here. As for adult beverages, wine, mixed drinks, and domestic, import, and craft brews are available with a litany of different choices. For the widest choice, head over to the north side of the stadium and go in the Brew Hall. Atmosphere 5 There is a clear bag policy in effect here. The stadium is situated nicely and upon entering from any gate (there are gates at all four corners of the stadium), you immediately see the pitch. There are two main seating levels and all seats are easy to get to and sections are clearly marked. Concession areas surround the entire field with restrooms also interspersed throughout. Both ends of the stadium have scoreboards, with one being a manual board (north) and the south side having a video board. Ribbon board runs throughout and it’s easy to find the score and time from anywhere. As the fans gather, chanting begins in the supporter’s section, which is on the south side of the stadium. For those that haven’t attended an MLS game, the atmosphere is different than the “big 4” sports in that the fans are constantly chanting and making noise. It’s quite a fun event to attend. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in a business/retail area. As such, your main restaurants in the area are relegated to fast food and pizza with a few exceptions. For fans of Thai food, On’s Kitchen is a few blocks north on Snelling at University. A couple more options north on Snelling include an Ethiopian spot and a Checker Board Pizza. A few other places worth visiting while in the area include both the Bell Museum, which is Minnesota’s official natural history museum and planetarium. A few miles east of the stadium is the Minnesota Transportation Museum which is a great option for those interested in locomotives. There are numerous lodging options a few miles east of the stadium in downtown St Paul. We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton. The hotel was clean and the rates were reasonable. Fans 5 Minnesota United fans are a passionate bunch. They arrive early and are engaged throughout. The chanting only stops during halftime and even then, there is generally singing going on. This team has one of the best fan bases I’ve seen in my years of stadium traveling. Access 3 The stadium is located just off I-94. Parking here is less than ideal as there simply aren’t many places to do so without a little walk. I’d highly recommend purchasing a parking pass far in advance, or taking public transportation, which includes options of the Green Line light rail, A line bus rapid transit, or the city bus. Getting through security and ticket scanning is a quick process. Once inside, the concourses are generally sufficient to get easily. At halftime, they may become congested but still flow without too many issues. There is plenty of ADA seating available. Return on Investment 4 The average ticket price to a game is $49, but you can find tickets for as low as $17. Parking will run anywhere from $10 up and concessions are around the going rate for professional sports or a little below. There aren’t any bad seats, so there’s no need to break the bank to get in. All things considered; Allianz Field gives you a really good bang for your buck. Extras 3 Be sure and check out the team store. The Black & Blue store has everything a soccer fan would want. Allianz Field was built to be as eco-friendly as possible. The Great Lawn on the north side of the stadium is the primarily watered with rainwater captured by the stadium’s roof. This can add up to 2 million gallons per year. Final point simply goes to the overall experience of attending a game here. The staff is great, and the atmosphere is something to experience. Final Thoughts This stadium was the author’s first foray into MLS soccer. While I didn’t expect much, I came away knowing I will return to future MLS games. Allianz Field is a great venue to watch a game. It’s very comfortable, easy to get around, and well worth a visit.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Target Field 1 Twins Way Minneapolis, MN 55403 Minnesota Twins website Target Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 38,649 It’s a Beautiful Day for Baseball in the Twin Cities From 1982 until 2009, the Minnesota Twins played their home games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, widely regarded as one of the worst stadiums in baseball. The place was cramped, the roof frequently collapsed, and nobody wanted to be indoors during the two or three months that Minnesota actually has nice weather. In 2010, the Twins moved into their new home, Target Field, in downtown Minneapolis. This jewel of a stadium has a gorgeous limestone exterior and every modern amenity a ballpark can offer. The Twins won the AL Central in their first season in the new stadium and have made the playoffs three other times since then. Food & Beverage 5 Target Field offers just about any food one could want, ranging from ballpark classics like burgers, hot dogs, and pizza to more unusual items like burritos, Aussie Pies, and Tony O’s Cuban Sandwich, which honors Twins legend Tony Olivo. The Truly on Deck area by the right field gate offers additional unique offerings such as Italian grinders, Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches, and a more extensive burger selection than you can get at other concession stands. Prices are expensive but on par with what they’d be at any other major league stadium. You certainly won’t go hungry at Target Field, and you’ll have a lot of food to choose from. Atmosphere 5 Target Field is a modern stadium that was built to create a unique atmosphere for fans. Walking into the stadium will put you on a concourse above the 100 level and you can take escalators up to the 200 and 300 levels. If you are seating in the field box seats, which have single or double-digit section numbers, you will walk down the steps past all the 100-level seats before your section starts. It can be a bit confusing but ushers are happy to help you out. There are many unique visual aspects scattered throughout the stadium. There is a neon sign in right-centerfield featuring twins Minnie and Paulie, in honor of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The sign lights up at night and flashes when the Twins make a big play. There are two main scoreboards at Target Field – a large one in left-centerfield which normally shows player stats and a line score but can also show animation and replays, and a smaller one in right-centerfield which shows a more detailed box score normally, but, like the other one, can and does display other things as well. Ribbon boards line the field which shows more detailed stats, including sabermetrics like exit velocity and the vertical and horizontal break on pitches. The Twins have a mascot named TC Bear who appears on the field before the game and interacts with fans throughout. During the fourth inning, the team has a mascot race on the field featuring Minnesota-themed characters Louie the Loon, Wanda the Walleye, Babe the Blue Ox, Skeeta the Mosquito, and Bullseye the Dog, the mascot of corporate sponsor Target. While it is disappointing to see the corporate image thrown in there, this is still a fun tradition that always excites fans. Neighborhood 4 Target Field is located in Downtown Minneapolis, in a complex that also includes the Target Center, home of the Minnesota Timberwolves. There are many options just on the other side of Interstate 394, including local favorites such as Pizza Luce, The Loon Café, and Dulono’s Sports Bar. There are many options here – you’ll certainly find something you like. Fans 3 When Stadium Journey visited on a Monday night, the stadium was just about half full, but even on a Saturday night, the Twins rarely draw more than 30,000, meaning there are about 10,000 empty seats in the stadium. (And that’s the official attendance, the actual turnstile count is likely lower.) Despite the Twins being in first place, they still don’t seem to be drawing particularly well. Part of that is because Minneapolis is a small market, but the Twins built an appropriately small stadium and still don’t come close to selling it out. Fortunately, the fans who do show up are passionate and loyal. From the moment you approach the stadium gate, you will be surrounded by fans wearing their Twins gear and getting ready to cheer on their beloved team. It’s just a shame there aren’t more of them. Access 3 Target Field is located in Downtown Minneapolis, which is a mixture of road work and light rail tracks that make it hard to drive around. If coming by light rail, the station is right outside the stadium, which is easy enough, but if coming from someplace that isn’t on the light rail, it can be significantly more challenging. Parking is available on several ramps near the stadium which are connected to the entrances by skyway. To those who don’t understand the unique Minnesota terms in the previous sentence, there are several parking garages near the stadium which are connected to the entrances by the elevated enclosed walkway which links the core of Downtown Minneapolis. There are signs directing you to the Ramps, but they will often stop functioning and leave you on your own to find your way. Prepaid parking ranges from $12 to $14. Be sure to scan your pass from your phone when you enter the garage rather than taking a ticket or you will have a lot of trouble when you get out and the gate does not recognize it. It can sometimes take a while to exit the garage but it will put you right on the highway and then you’ll be fine. As a modern stadium, Target Field has wide concourses and ample restrooms for the crowds. Lines at concession stands generally move quickly and you can save even more time by pre-ordering on the Ballpark app from your phone. Return on Investment 5 Like many teams, the Twins use dynamic ticket pricing, so the exact cost will vary by opponent. Weekday games against unattractive opponents early or late in the season start as low as $9. Even for a top-tier opponent, you should be able to get tickets for under $20 if you want. Upper-level seats behind home plate start at $33 on average, while good lower-level seats inside or near the bases can be had for as little as $49 for a typical game. As noted above, parking ranges from $12 to $14, and concessions are reasonably priced for a major league stadium, so a Twins game is a great value. Extras 5 There are many, many extras here but we can only give it five stars in this category. The Minnie and Paul sign and mascot race are both worthy of an extra star here. There are extras both inside and outside Gate 34, the main gate in right field. As you approach this gate, you will find Target Plaza, containing statues honoring Twins greats as well as a giant baseball glove. The glove is a popular photo opportunity and people love to sit or stand in it and take their pictures. Just keep in mind the glove can get hot on summer days. While those extras alone would be worthy of five stars, there is more. A model train is located on the outfield concourse, retired numbers hang in left field, and championship banners for the Twins, as well as the first incarnation of the Washington Senators that moved to Minnesota, fly in right-centerfield above the stands. Final Thoughts The difference between Target Field and the old Metrodome is like night and day. While the Twins previously played in one of the worst stadiums in Major League Baseball, they now play at one of the best. Just walking up and gaping at its gorgeous exterior, you get the sense that this place is different, and once you get inside, you will not be disappointed. From the Minnie and Paul sign to the unique concession items to all the other extras here, a trip to Target Field for a Twins game should be on every fan’s bucket list.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Acrisure Stadium 100 Art Rooney Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Pittsburgh Panthers website Acrisure Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 65,050 Hail to Pitt In a football-crazy city like Pittsburgh, it stands to reason that its stadium would be top-notch. However, the University of Pittsburgh raised eyebrows in 1998 when it announced that instead of going to the expense to renovate the on-campus Pitt Stadium, the Panthers would align with the NFL’s Steelers and play their home games at the stadium under construction on the North Shore of the city, roughly four and a half miles from campus. Built in conjunction with PNC Park, home of the Pirates, and named for the Pittsburgh condiments giant, Heinz Field welcomed the Panthers in 2001. The Panthers are one of the oldest Division 1 football teams in the country, with nine national championships and illustrious alumni such as Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett, Mike Ditka, Larry Fitzgerald, and Aaron Donald. Under current head coach Pat Narduzzi, the Panthers have some top players in Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison and a devoted fanbase outside just students and alumni. Note: Heinz Field’s name changed to Acrisure Stadium in July 2022. Food & Beverage 4 Tailgating is a big thing at Heinz Field, and fans can bring in their food and drinks. But since it’s not a visit to Pittsburgh without a Primanti Brothers sandwich, if you can’t make it to a city location, you can get one here, as well as wings from the oddly-named Quaker Steak & Lube. French fry fans will want to try Chickie’s & Pete’s Old Bay seasoned spuds, a Pittsburgh sports venue staple. Beer lovers will enjoy a large number of brews available, from Bud and Bud Light to local favorites like Iron City. For the minimalists, you’ll find plenty of hot dogs, burgers, pizza, nachos, and Pepsi products. Heinz Field isn’t a foodie destination, but fans will find lots to suit their tastes. A hot dog and a beer will run you roughly $17. Note that due to the pandemic, all concession stands at Heinz Field are currently cashless. Atmosphere 4 No matter where you sit at Heinz Field, you’ll have a great view of the field. Seats are wide and comfortable, with handy drink holders. However, if you’re sun-sensitive and Pitt’s playing during the day, bring sun protection because there is next to no shade unless you’re sitting in the back of the lower bowl under the upper deck overhang. The scoreboard is giant, crystal-clear, and easily visible (unless you’re sitting below it). As is typical for Big-Time College Football, Pitt’s got a large marching band and lots of cheerleaders, and mascot Roc the Panther is the most enthusiastic cheerleader of all. When Pitt scores a touchdown, the Gateway Clipper ships passing on the Allegheny River just south of the stadium will blow their horns, loudly enough to startle. During game breaks, things like current Pitt players up on the scoreboard lip-syncing and dancing to The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” happen, which is funnier than you might expect. Neighborhood 4 Heinz Field is at the western end of the North Shore neighborhood, which means that it’s not immediate to restaurants and hotels and is essentially surrounded by parking lots. Nevertheless, an easy five-minute walk will get you to the (smallish) restaurant district and hotels like Springhill Suites, Hyatt Place, and Holiday Inn Express. Burger fans won’t want to miss Burgatory, which offers every kind of burger you can imagine and a couple you haven’t, and North Shore Tavern is famous for its “steak on a stone,” where you can cook your steak on a super-heated stone. The area has a lively bar scene at night and is clean and well-lit. The neighborhood connects to downtown via the Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street) Bridge, where you can find more restaurants. The famous Strip District is about a twenty-minute walk away from the stadium over the bridge, with an eclectic array of restaurants and shops. Fans 5 Pitt games are populated mainly by its students and alumni, but the crowd will vary depending on the Panthers’ opponent. The stands at Heinz Field are much fuller for games against rivals Virginia Tech, not so much for one-off teams like Western Michigan. You’ll find the students in the northern end zone, and the most popular side of the stadium for non-students is the western side behind Pitt’s sideline. Even when the crowd is small, though, they are loud and engaged all during the game, to the point that it can be surprising how loud a relatively small crowd can be. Expect lots of HAIL TO PITT and LET’S GO PITT chants, and it’s a good idea to learn the words to “Seven Nation Army” and “Lose Yourself,” because you’ll hear them sung a LOT. Even when Pitt is losing, the crowd is into it–no fair-weather fans here. Also, singing along to “Sweet Caroline” at the end of the third quarter is a thing, and no, you didn’t suddenly get transported to Fenway Park as a result. Access 5 No matter how you choose to get there, Heinz Field is exceptionally reachable. If you’re driving, the stadium has its exits from Interstates 376 and 279 and local routes 28 and 65. Parking passes for immediately adjacent lots can be bought when you purchase tickets, but they’re not cheap, starting at around $20 and going significantly up from there. If you don’t mind a little walk, you can find much cheaper parking via ParkingPanda.com and SpotHero.com around the neighborhood and across the river downtown. Port Authority buses have several routes to the stadium, and the Allegheny light rail (T) station is a half-block away, with fares starting at $2.50 one way. The T is free if you stay downtown, so keep that in mind when making lodging reservations. Inside the stadium, wide concourses and ramps abound, with plenty of escalators and elevators as well. Restrooms are clean and in good condition, with wheelchair-accessible stalls. Return on Investment 4 If you enjoy Division 1 college football or just football in general, going to a Pitt game at Heinz Field is a cheap good time. Even when a top school like Clemson is in town, you can get excellent seats in the lower bowl for less than $60. Unlike the Steelers, Pitt doesn’t have any ticket-related promotions for non-students, but it doesn’t matter with prices like these. Also, the team is pretty good, so that means a fun game. If you want the whole tailgate/good college game experience, a Pitt game at Heinz Field is very reasonable compared to other big football schools. Add in the ease of getting there and general good ticket availability, and if you’re around when Pitt’s at home, it’s well worth your time to attend a game. Extras 4 Heinz Field’s Great Hall, sponsored by FedEx, has a great display of Pitt memorabilia and is worth checking out. Those not familiar with Pitt football will marvel at the number of not only NFL players but Hall of Famers that came through Pitt, otherwise known as “I Didn’t Know (Name) Went Here!” If you want to pick up a souvenir, there’s a well-stocked team store on site for all your Panther needs. Heinz Field staff members are pleasant and helpful, and like its baseball brother PNC Park, fans get an excellent view of the Pittsburgh skyline from numerous vantage points throughout the stadium. On early game days, go check out the Carnegie Science Center directly across the street from Heinz Field after the game since there’s always something going on there. Final Thoughts Yes, Heinz Field is primarily associated with the Steelers, but it’s the royal blue-and-gold home of the Panthers on Pitt game days. With easy access, reasonable prices, and fun fans, those who want to experience a big-time Division 1 college football game with all it entails would do well to check out Pitt games at Heinz Field. Add in all the other Pittsburgh amenities, and this should be a legitimate road trip idea.

Stadium Info FANFARE: 4.29 PPG Paints Arena 1001 Fifth Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Pittsburgh Penguins website PPG Paints Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 18,087 The House That Mario Built When the Pittsburgh Penguins began back in 1967, they played their games in the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, known as the Igloo. The team was very low on the list of Burgh sports fandom until 1984 when it drafted a kid from Montreal named Mario Lemieux. Even with lengthy breaks due to health issues, Le Magnifique racked up not only Hall of Fame numbers but captained the team to two Stanley Cup victories. However, the team was still in a lot of financial trouble in the late 1990s, to the point that serious discussions ensued about moving the team to Kansas City. Lemieux discovered that he was the Penguins’ biggest creditor, so he came up with a unique solution–create some equity, make deals with local media, and become the Pens’ majority owner in 1999. In 2005, he drafted Nova Scotia native Sidney Crosby, who almost immediately became an NHL superstar. With the team’s popularity skyrocketing, particularly after its 2009 Stanley Cup win, the team worked out a deal for a new arena to replace the Igloo. Opening in 2010 as Consol Energy Center, it was renamed PPG Paints Arena in 2016, the same year that the Pens won the first of their back-to-back Stanley Cups. Eleven years after its opening, the Pens’ continued success means a packed house at the arena just about every game. Food & Beverage 4 Whether you just want a snack or a full-on meal, you can satisfy just about every craving at PPG Paints Arena. Of course, it contains Pittsburgh favorites like Burgatory and Primanti Brothers, but you can also get Smith’s brand hot dogs at the Butcher’s Dog and good barbecue from Smokehouse BBQ. All the arena favorites like nachos and popcorn are well-represented too. A unique feature is an in-house outpost of the GetGo convenience store, where fans can pick up subs, snacks, and drinks. Sadly, arena inflation prevails here, so those $4 mac and cheese bites you get while you’re filling up the car are going to cost $9 here. A hot dog and a domestic beer will run you about $28, but there are so many food options here that you can get something a little more interesting for the same price or less. Atmosphere 5 PPG Paints Arena holds 18,187 for hockey, with great views from every seat, which are all comfortable and well-spaced. Those with balance or mobility issues should note that the upper bowl is very steep, although there are handrails on the staircases. PPG has an excellent HD center-ice screen and two LED ring displays for replays and score updates. Club and loge seats are available, as well as party suites. The Lexus Club is accessible for a $25 fee, offers a buffet for an additional $57 for adults and $28.50 for kids, and gives fans a great view of downtown Pittsburgh. The Penguins’ mascot, Iceburgh, roams through the stands, beating his drum or blowing his horn in time to the LET’S GO PENS chant. Unless the Penguins are getting routed, which doesn’t happen often, there’s always a fun buzz in the building. Neighborhood 3 The area around PPG Paints Arena has some smaller restaurants, but Penguins Fan Central is Souper Bowl on Fifth Avenue, a block away on Fifth Avenue. While there’s some question about why “soup” is in the name when the restaurant doesn’t have it, it does offer burgers, sandwiches, and other pub food. The honey mustard chicken sandwich is not to be missed, nor are the bacon-and-cheese-loaded Souper Fries. On game days, there’s a ton of drink and food specials. There seems to be an article in Pittsburgh media every week about plans to develop the area around PPG to entice people to hang around. Still, government vs. development is a long-time battle that doesn’t look to be won by anyone any time soon. Because Pittsburgh’s downtown is so compact, though, it’s an easy walk to the Strip District a few blocks away, where there’s something for every taste. Fans of Thai food should check out Little Bangkok, home of the best Thai cuisine in the city, and seafood lovers shouldn’t miss Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille, owned by a scion of the famous Wholey Fish Market family. Fans 5 The Steelers may reign supreme in the Pittsburgh sports hierarchy, but the Penguins aren’t too far behind and have had the most recent championship parade (2017), which means that PPG Paints Arena is always well-populated for home games. The stands will be awash in black and various shades of gold, depending on the era a fan’s jersey is representing, with some old-school sky-blue sweaters popping up too. Penguins fans are knowledgeable and welcoming to opposing fans, with the possible exception of Philadelphia and Washington fans since the Flyers and Capitals are the Pens’ main rivals. However, seeing a Pens fan in his Jaromir Jagr sweater being companionable over a beer with someone in an Eric Lindros jersey gives hope for possible future world peace. Access 5 No matter how you choose to get here, PPG Paints Arena is exceptionally accessible. Interstate 579 runs right past it, with a dedicated exit. Parking garages and lots surround the arena, with an average cost of $20. Pittsburgh’s Port Authority offers numerous bus lines that will drop you right in front. If you want to use the light rail system, aka the T, the nearest stop is Steel Plaza, a five-minute walk, but the First Avenue and Wood Street stations aren’t that much farther away. In fact, if you’re staying downtown, all hotels are at worst a twenty-minute walk from PPG, a favorite stroll among visitors. The arena itself features wide concourses and aisles, so it’s easy to move around even if a game is sold out. Restrooms are clean and well-maintained, with wheelchair-accessible stalls. Right now, ticketing is mobile-only, and unless it’s a diaper bag, you’re not going to get a bag of any size into the arena. PPG does have a holding area for oversized bags if you need it. Return on Investment 3 Going to Penguins games at PPG Paints Arena is not an inexpensive proposition. An upper-bowl seat will cost you a minimum of $75, more if the game features a rival like the Washington Capitals or Philadelphia Flyers. Add in food, drinks, and souvenirs, and … well, yikes. Also, the Penguins are good enough to regularly fill the arena, which means the team offers next to no breaks on single-ticket prices. However, the nearby Strip District is full of Penguins merch and good restaurants, so if you don’t have your heart set on authenticity, you can go out there and save some money on food and souvenirs. People complain, but they still come, so there’s that. Extras 5 The 4,000 square foot PensGear store in PPG Paints Arena is open year-round and is a go-to place for unique Penguins gifts as well as the usual clothing and knick-knacks. The set for pre-and post-game shows broadcast by AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh is located by the Highmark Gate entrance, making it a popular gathering/meeting spot (no heckling the hosts, though). I don’t know who’s in charge of the music in the arena, but they go beyond the usual chestnuts and seem to be a big fan of mid-nineties rock. The Penguins also have an excellent goal song in Andrew W.K’s “Party Hard,” which was brought back by popular demand after it was abandoned in 2019 in favor of House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” If you go to a Saturday game, expect a live band like local favorites the Clarks to entertain you. The Penguins really do go to lengths to make sure fans have a good time–or party hard, as you will. Final Thoughts As far as NHL venues go, PPG Paints Arena gives hockey fans a top-of-the-line game experience. Due to its semi-northeastern location, it attracts hockey fans from all over the U.S. In the waning years of its stars’ careers–Crosby, center Evgeni Malkin, and defenseman Kris Letang are all in their mid-thirties now–it’ll be interesting to see if the arena will still hold the same attraction once they’re gone. The Pens, though, have a knack for finding star replacements, and forwards Jake Guentzel, Bryan Rust, and Kasperi Kapanen, along with dynamic young goalie Tristan Jarry, look to step up and keep PPG Paints Arena one of the most entertaining venues in the NHL.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field 615 Silver Lane East Hartford, CT 06118 Connecticut Huskies Football website Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 38,006 Husky and the Jets The proposed relocation of the New England Patriots was a bit of a tease for Hartford. The Connecticut government was prepared to build a new, downtown stadium appropriate for the NFL's Patriots and the University of Connecticut Huskies football program. History would teach us that the Patriots would be unwilling to leave Massachusetts and the dream of the NFL in Connecticut would die. However, a stadium was still needed for UConn, and the former airfield for Pratt and Whitney, manufacturer of fine jet engines, in East Hartford, would be the location of a scaled-down football stadium. Originally named Rentschler Field after Frederick Rentschler, who founded Pratt and Whitney and its parent company United Technologies, Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field opened in 2003 with a modest capacity of over 38,000. The University of Connecticut began as the Storrs Agricultural College in 1881 and would begin playing football in 1896. Eventually becoming the University of Connecticut, the Huskies would play Division 1-AA when they made the jump to Division 1-A, or FBS as it is currently known. UConn has had a bit of a love/hate relationship with football. Widely regarded as a basketball school, UConn has a 3-3 record in six bowl appearances as of the 2022 season. Hope is on the horizon with a 2022 appearance in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Food & Beverage 5 Considering that UConn is not a traditional football power that has a massive draw and the stadium is not on campus, Pratt and Whitney Stadium has a surprisingly strong concession scene. All of the expected stadium food is available at a variety of concession stands. Some spots that may pique the interest include the Sausage Guy, Fresh Classics, Chick-fil-A, Chicken Fry Fry, Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza, and Dude’s Donuts. Bears BBQ has an excellent BBQ selection for New England, but the spot to choose may be Ted’s. The famous Ted’s Steamed Cheeseburger is a Connecticut original and a must-try for the uninitiated. The beer selection at Rentschler Field is among the best in all college sports. Two Roads Taproom provides local brews from their brewery and the Sam Adams Brewhouse also provides the staple New England suds. Tito’s Stillhouse provides other drink options also. Considering that there is pretty much no neighborhood around the stadium, fans do not have to worry about having to go hungry at the game or being satisfied with simply hot dogs and popcorn. Atmosphere 3 Pratt and Whitney Stadium is a fairly simple design. There is plenty of exposed concrete in the stadium. The south side of the stadium provides the best exterior view with the ticket windows and large glass and siding structure that houses the pressbox and suites. There is nothing really around the stadium other than areas for parking. Inside, the stadium is very open and, as mentioned previously, there is plenty of exposed concrete. Various points in the stadium have murals to make it more attractive including the “Welcome to The Rent” mural. The astute explorer will find the history of Pratt & Whitney and Frederick Rentschler available in the stadium. Small historical tidbits can be found on each of the columns around the main concourse right when fans enter the seating bowl. The field runs from east to west and the south side is the place to be for that perfect center logo picture. The south side also has the pressbox and suites and features banners for the Huskies’ Bowl appearances and Big East championships. The southwest corner features a banner commemorating all of the championships UConn earned before moving to FBS, most of which were in the Yankee Conference. The east end concourse has an attractive memorial to Jasper “Jazz” Howard, who lost his life in 2009. The gameday production has elements of a typical college production. Gameday begins with the Husky Walk at Gate C, 3 hours before kickoff, where fans can welcome the players to the stadium. The Pride of Connecticut marching band plays outside of the stadium and then welcomes the players to the field before taking their place in the northeast corner of the stadium, behind the endzone. A guest rings the Victory Bell in the northeast corner, which is also rung by a member of the band after touchdowns. The band plays during halftime and throughout the game at key moments. The Huskies have a traditional mascot, Jonathan, who can be found around the stadium taking part in promotions, and a live mascot, Jonathan XIV. Neighborhood 2 Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field is located in East Hartford near the campus of Pratt & Whitney. It is over 20 miles from the stadium to the main campus of UConn in Storrs. There is no neighborhood immediately surrounding the stadium and there is plenty of space. The opportunity for tailgating at UConn is strong and there is a decent selection of fans who partake in the pregame tradition. For fans who wish to find a place to go for pre or post-game fare, heading west, across the Connecticut River, to downtown may be the best idea. There are a few spots on Silver Lane, but not many. Try Toby’s, Malibu Sports Ba,r or Carl’s BBQ and Jerk. UConn fields a host of other athletic teams, of which basketball is the most prominent. Depending on the game, the basketball team can be found on campus at Gampel Pavilion or the XL Center in downtown Hartford. UConn hockey is making the move away from XL Center, back to campus to the brand new Toscano Family Ice Forum. XL Center is also the home of the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL and the shiny, new Dunkin’ Donuts Park, home of the Hartford Yard Goats is nearby for fans looking for some Double-A Baseball. Fans may also want to consider checking out the Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum while in East Hartford. For fans looking to stay near the stadium, the Comfort Inn & Suites East Hartford is very close by. Fans 3 For the 2022 season, there has been a significant increase in fan attendance at UConn games. UConn averages between 22,000 and 25,000 fans per game. There is a solid tailgating scene at the Rent also. The game that was reviewed saw only 15,000 fans come through the turnstiles, but the noise level the fans bring is surprisingly loud considering the number of fans and the openness of the stadium. It is understandable, with over 20 miles to get to the stadium from campus, but the student section, which is in the east endzone, is one of the most invisible in college football. Fans in attendance seem adept at complaining about everything on the field including offensive and defensive play calls and any call made by a referee. More consistency with their attendance and another increase for the next season will push the fan score a little higher going forward. Access 4 Rentschler Field is located just south of I-84 and east of the Connecticut River and Highway 2. It is 22 miles west of the main campus in Storrs, Connecticut. Getting in and out of the stadium is not as difficult as one might expect. The traffic situation has been studied and the stadium operators work hard to keep traffic flowing and lanes marked with pylons. With a greater number of fans in attendance, this could be a different story. Parking will go for $20. For fans wanting public transit, there are buses on Silver Lane, north of the stadium. Fans should check out the Connecticut Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the stadium is easy due to its openness and the number of fans in attendance. Washroom facilities are adequate for the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 4 UConn football provides a surprisingly high return for the sporting investment. Tickets are very reasonable, if not cheap, running from $30 down to $10. Parking will be $20 and concession prices are what one would expect. The product on the field has been suspect for a few years, but the turnaround under Coach Jim Mora in 2022 has breathed new life into the program. UConn does what it can to provide the expected college experience and for fans who like to tailgate, the infrastructure at The Rent is there. Overall, UConn football offers a solid return on a comparatively small investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for UConn to know where their bread is buttered. To put themselves in the best possible basketball situation, UConn left the American Athletic Conference for the Big East. However, the Big East no longer sponsors football, so UConn has become independent. An extra mark for Rentschler Field is the home of Toronto FC of Major League Soccer, during the pandemic. An extra mark for the revival of the UMass-UConn football rivalry. Final Thoughts When it comes to College Football, UConn may not be the program that fans think of right away. However, the Huskies have only a couple of BCS rivals in New England and put together a strong gameday package that fans will enjoy. A trip to The Rent willl surprises fans and has them considering a return trip. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Houston Field House 1900 Peoples Ave. Troy, NY 12180 RPI Engineers men’s hockey website Houston Field House website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 4,780 Warehouse Hockey Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute played hockey as far back as 1901, but it was World War II that may have had the biggest influence on the NCAA hockey program. As part of the Veterans Educational Facilities Program where the United States military sold off various pieces of war surplus equipment and other assets, RPI would get in on the action. Led by RPI president Dr. Livingston Houston, the Troy, New York engineering school would purchase a Navy Warehouse located in Davisville, Rhode Island. The building was deconstructed and shipped to Troy and reassembled on campus. That warehouse became the Houston Field House, the current home of the RPI Engineers hockey program. The doors opened on the new facility in 1949 and the rest is history. At one point, the Houston Field House was the main civic arena for the Albany area and would even host the 1959 Frozen Four. RPI has a long history in college hockey. Playing in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), essentially the Ivy League of college hockey, RPI has enjoyed National Championships in 1954 and 1985 as well as graduated several players to the NHL including Hockey Hall of Fame member Adam Oates. RPI is similar to several other programs where the hockey team plays at Division I and the other programs play at Division III. A trip to see the Rensselaer Engineers will bring a smile to the face of fans who love the uniqueness and coziness of College Hockey. Food & Beverage 3 Houston Field House does not have an exemplary culinary scene. There is one simple concession that serves pretzels, chicken tenders, curly fries, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, and popcorn. Soft drinks of choice are Pepsi products and bottled water and coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also available. There is a Ben and Jerry’s stand on the opposite side of the arena for those wanting a little something extra, and several vending machines around the arena. A private club sits at the west end of the arena and it appears, food-wise anyway, membership has its privileges. Atmosphere 3 Considering the Houston Field House is a former military warehouse, the exterior of the arena is quite attractive. The main entrance is on the west side of the building and features a rounded entry with bay windows at the top that leads into a small atrium where the ticket windows can be found. Passing through the second set of doors in the atrium, fans are brought right into the concourse to the west side of the ice, behind the net. It is immediately noticeable that the floor is higher than the ice surface, which although may be trivial at best, does give the fan a feeling that there is something slightly different here. With an interior very much like the North Bay Memorial Gardens, the Houston Field House feels long and compact and the aesthetics of the concourses are a secondary concern at best. The east side of the arena is open and houses the Zambonis and other maintenance items for the arena. Although there is a long, blue curtain on the east side, little effort is done to hide these items. With no seats behind the east glass behind the net, a long “Engineers” sign is on the glass. A unique feature. RPI does what it can to make the Houston Field House as homey as possible. Several murals depict great Engineer moments in hockey as well as large team pictures of the 1954 and 1985 National Championship teams. The exterior of the private club boasts a huge number of photos of former Engineers who have gone on to play professional hockey including Brad Tapper, Marty Dahlman, Darren Puppa, and Kevin Constantine to name a few. In the rafters, above the ice, banners proudly hang for NCAA tournament appearances, ECAC Championships, and the 1954 and 1985 National Championship banners. At the east end of the arena banners honoring players and coaches who have provided a significant contribution to the program hang. These include Joe Juneau, Frank Chiarelli, Bob Brinkworth, John Carter, Jerry Knightley, Adam Oates, and coaches Ned Harkness and Garry Kearns. The video board that hangs at centre ice does the job but will not blow fans away. The seating area is fairly straightforward and the higher fans sit, the more likely the massive beams running east to west will interfere with the view. The west end looks to have been renovated at some point as the corners are rounded in the seating area. The east end of the north and south side seats are not great for the view and should be avoided. Pillars in each of the four corners hold up the large beams and should be considered when choosing seats. Many of the red or blue seats in the Houston Field House are wooden and a definite throwback to a past era. Fans who want the perfect center ice picture with the logo should sit on the north side of the arena. The gameday production at RPI is what one would expect for college hockey. The pep band is great and they play throughout the game from the top of the northeast corner of the arena. Students in attendance are normally found around the band. The Rensselaer mascot, Puckman, can be found traversing the crowd throughout. On an Engineers goal, a member of the band runs the entire perimeter of the arena carrying an RPI flag and getting high fives from all who are passed. Neighborhood 3 The Houston Field House is located on the east side of the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute near the rest of the school’s athletic facilities. The immediate neighborhood of the arena does not offer much in the way of pre and post-game libations. Heading west, towards the Hudson River to downtown Troy is a much better option. Their fans can find several good options including Brown's Brewing Company, the Whistling Kettle, The Ruck, Nighthawk, Sea Smoke, and the Stadium Journey favorite, Dinosaur BBQ. As far as other sports go, the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Frontier League is also located in Troy. However, nearby Schenectady and Albany offer other options. The Union Dutchman are rivals of the Engineers and they play at Achilles Center in Schenectady. The Albany Firewolves of the National Lacrosse League are found at MVP Arena and Siena Saints and Albany Great Danes basketball are also in the Tri-City area. Fans wishing to stay in Troy can try the Hilton or the Best Western Franklin Square. Fans 4 The Engineers enjoy a solid fanbase in the ECAC. For the 2022-2023 season, RPI has averaged over 2,000 fans per game. Compared to other programs, that is in the top 4 in the conference. Still, under 50 percent capacity, there is plenty of room to grow. The fans that are in attendance are loud and engaged and bring that college hockey atmosphere to the game. The band leads the students in fan participation and RPI fans declare how each player “sucks” from the opponent when they are introduced. A humorous tradition at RPI comes during an opponent’s penalty where the fans belt out that the offending player “sucks” and is receiving two minutes for “sucking.” Access 3 RPI is located on the east side of Troy. It is easily accessible from Highway 7 from the north and Highway 4 from the east. There is parking available in the general area of the athletic facilities, but the terrain is not overly flat, and getting from Houston Field House to where parking is in the east can be a trek. For those fans wanting to take public transit to the game, some buses run on Peoples Dr to the south and Burdett Ave to the west. Fans should check out the Capital District Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Houston Field House can be tight. The concourses that run under the grandstands are not very wide and the arena is not accessible for the entire 360 degrees. The seating is fairly old, with wooden seats, however, they are plenty wide enough. The washroom facilities are good for a small crowd but would be taxed with a big group. Return on Investment 4 NCAA hockey has tremendous value. Tickets for the Engineers go for $15 each with discounts for kids and seniors. There is a $3 surcharge for games that are considered premium. Concession prices are good and parking can be found for free. As for the product on the ice, RPI provides a decent team. The gameday atmosphere is excellent and a whole lot of fun when combined with the band, students, and the uniqueness that is NCAA hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Big Red Freakout. It is the biggest game of the year and essentially part event and part reunion. Students camp out to get tickets and it has put RPI on the hockey map. An extra mark for the part of the Harlem Shake video being recorded at Houston Field House. An extra mark for the tremendously unique history of the Houston Field House and its origins as a military warehouse. Final Thoughts There seems to be something special about a Division III school that plays Division I hockey and the Rensselaer Engineers fit the bill. The Houston Field House is a unique facility, with a tremendous history that hockey fans should take in. Troy is the place to be for some Saturday night RPI hockey! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Matthews Arena is the oldest hockey arena in the country, but is it the Palestra of Boston? Is there a difference between the hockey and basketball experiences? Grab a good beer and join Dave and Paul as they head WAY back in Boston sports history to discuss the venerable Matthews Arena and Northeastern Huskies. 🏒🏀 You can find Stadium Journey's review of Matthews Arena and the Northeastern Huskies hockey game day experience here. You can find Stadium Journey's review of Matthews Arena and the Northeastern Huskies basketball game day experience here.

Photos by Dave Cottenie & Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 MVP Arena 51 S Pearl Street Albany, NY 12207 Albany FireWolves website MVP Arena website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 14,236 Albany Fire? In 2021, the National Lacrosse League returned to the Capital Region. From 2000 to 2003, Albany was home to the Attack, who would relocate to San Jose, California, and eventually settle in Vancouver. Albany has been home to several minor league hockey teams, most notably the Albany River Rats. However, the departure of the Albany Devils in 2017 left the area without a professional team to call their own. The Albany Empire would join the Arena Football League and take the area by storm. The Empire would fall in the post-Covid sports landscape along with the Arena Football League, but the idea for Albany as a home to professional sports was rekindled. The New England Black Wolves would relocate in 2021 to Albany and the team would be cleverly named the Albany FireWolves. At one time the Arena Football League’s Albany Firebirds were a popular draw and the wolves' name was kept from the Black Wolves days. The mascot of the old Attack was also a wolf. Home for the FireWolves is the MVP Arena. The main arena in Albany opened in 1990 as the Knickerbocker Arena. Known also as the Pepsi Arena and Times Union Center, the naming rights were picked up in 2022 by MVP Health Services. The arena underwent a significant renovation in 2018 and is the perfect size for the National Lacrosse League. The early days of the FireWolves have left fans looking for more success on the floor and the support in the building has not been over the top to date. Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene at MVP Arena is not too bad. All of the expected arena items can be found including burgers, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn fries, chicken tenders, and pizza. Some other items that may be of interest to fans include cookie dough bites, fried dough bites with toppings, Perry’s Ice Cream, chipotle chicken tacos, beef barbacoa tacos, and loaded nachos. The beer selection is quite solid with several local craft beers available to complement the large national brands. Local favorites include items from Saranac, Brown’s, and Adirondack Brewery. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at MVP Arena. Atmosphere 3 Possibly the most impressive part of MVP Arena is the exterior. Not overwhelmingly high and fitting into the storefront atmosphere on Pearl Street, MVP Arena’s exterior features a sharp and crisp look with some massive video boards and a simple slat design above the main entrance. Passing through the main gate gives fans access to the massive, multi-tier atrium, complete with a translucent ceiling to allow plenty of natural light in. The exterior and atrium give the MVP Arena a look far more modern than its 1990 vintage indicates. The concourse of the MVP Arena harkens back to a design that was prominent in the old Palace of Auburn Hills, which featured one concourse with stairs ascending and descending the seating bowl. The concourses feature a plethora of advertising, which can be seriously overwhelming at times. With the FireWolves as much as an anchor tenant as any other Albany team that calls the MVP Arena home, there are some markings for the lacrosse team in the concourse. A couple of interesting items that fans may want to check out are the Capital District Hall of Fame, which focuses on the basketball history of the area, and the paintings of key Albany spots, like the State Capital. Inside the seating bowl, fans are brought to a two-tier seating area, with the upper deck draped off to make the arena feel more intimate. The green, carpeted floor runs from east to west, with the perfect picture for the center logo coming from the north side. There are only a few banners hanging in the corners. These included banners for the Albany Empire across multiple indoor football leagues in the northwest and a banner hanging for the members of the MAAC, the conference which is home to the Siena Saints, who also call MVP Arena home. The four-sided video board is decent but not overwhelming. There are a few places that feature alternate seating including the Field Zone at the west end and Party Zone at the east end. Both are at floor level and offer a very different perspective. The gameday atmosphere is what one would expect from a National Lacrosse League experience. The block party kicks off the festivities and features a live band and some activities for the kids on Pearl Street, which is closed off to traffic. The pregame entrance has players enter the arena from the west through an inflatable contraption labeled the Wolf’s Den. The Wolf Pack and the Albany FireWolves Dance Team interact with fans at the block party and perform on the floor at various times. Alphie, the FireWolves mascot, takes part in the pregame entrance and takes part in various promotions throughout the game. Music is played throughout the game and during the play, and Mike Falvo seemingly converses with the crowd in an attempt to get them excited for the home team. Neighborhood 3 MVP Arena is located on South Pearl Street in Downtown Albany. There are a few spots where fans can get some pre or post-game food. There are a few restaurants on the ground floor of MVP Arena, on S. Pearl Street. Albany Stadium Restaurant, Pizzeria Sapienza, and Lam’s Chinese Kitchen are options. Other spots nearby include The Spinning Gyro, Maurice’s Pearl Street Deli, The Bull and Bee, The Excelsior Pub, and The City Beer Hall. The MVP Arena is also home to the Siena Saints basketball team and Albany Empire indoor football team. UAlbany offers Great Danes basketball, football, baseball, and lacrosse also. Siena also offers baseball nearby. The Tri-City ValleyCats of Frontier League play in nearby Troy. RPI Engineers hockey can also be found in Troy. Other tourist spots that travelers may want to check out include the Albany Institute of History and Art, the New York State Museum, The Egg, and the State Capital Building. For fans wishing to stay downtown, there are a few options, including the Hilton Albany and Fairfield Inn and Suites. Fans 2 Assessing fans of the National Lacrosse League is difficult as the attendance numbers are not readily published. That being said, the Albany FireWolves are far from selling out the MVP Arena. The game that was reviewed had over 3,600 fans in attendance. This is closer to the bottom of the league rather than the top where teams like Buffalo and Toronto are averaging over 10,000 fans per game. The fans that were in attendance for the game reviewed were much louder than expected. There were plenty of kids in attendance, who bring their kind of energy and offer up plenty of wolf howls during the game. Hopefully, Albany can come out and support their NLL team in stronger numbers and ensure the future of the team in Upstate New York. Access 3 Getting to the MVP Arena is not difficult. Downtown Albany is located just west of I-787 and the Hudson River and getting there by car is pretty easy. There is plenty of parking located near the arena and finding a spot is not a challenge. For those who are looking for public transit to the game, some buses travel along Pearl Street. Fans should look to the Capital District Transportation Authority website for maps, schedules, and fares. Moving around the interior of the arena is more challenging. There are plenty of stairs all over the arena. From the ground floor, fans must head up to the concourse level. There are stairs for entrances to the upper deck and lower bowl. Perhaps the strangest feature of the arena is the washrooms, which are found in the four corners of the arena and are a level below the concourse. More stairs. Stadium Journey recognizes that the security protocols at spectator sports are constantly changing. Stadium Journey strongly encourages fans to consult both the Albany FireWolves and MVP Arena websites for the most up-to-date information on security protocols including prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Albany FireWolves are not expensive. Tickets can be found in the ends for $16. Tickets go up to $45 in the center of the arena and $62 for the party zone. Party Zone tickets include food. Parking can be found for $10 and concession prices are not terrible. The value that fans get from NLL games is very high. The FireWolves do what they can to put together a good entertainment package. Unfortunately, Albany has not enjoyed much success on the floor in the 2023 season. More success on the floor will attract more fans and make the ROI even better in the future. Extras 3 An extra mark for the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, which includes a plaque for legend Bruno Sammartino and is located in MVP Arena. An extra mark for the significant renovation MVP Arena enjoyed in 2018. An extra mark for the Ben Becker memorial. Becker died in 1987 at the age of 80 and was influential in amateur boxing, the Olympics, USA Boxing Commission, and AAU. Becker took a young Cassius Clay to Rome where he won an Olympic Gold Medal at the 1960 Olympics. Becker was born and raised in Albany. Final Thoughts The Albany FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League are continuing to put forth a strong effort to attract fans and strengthen their presence in the Capital Region. The FireWolves play in a good facility and present a gameday atmosphere that is competitive with other NLL programs. With some more success on the floor, Albany will be able to strengthen their position as a member of the National Lacrosse League for years to come. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Polar Park 122 Madison St Worcester, MA 01610 Worcester Red Sox website Polar Park website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 9,508 Worcester’s Blue Bandbox In February 2015 a group of investors, including former Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino, purchased the Pawtucket Red Sox from the family of the late Ben Mondor. The ownership group immediately began a search for a new ballpark, as the Pawsox’ longtime home, McCoy Stadium, was deemed unfit without major reconstruction. After several proposed plans in Pawtucket and Providence fell through, it was announced on August 17, 2018 that the team would relocate to Worcester (pronounced “Woo-stah”), MA for the 2021 season. The new facility would be a part of a proposed live-work-play development. Cost for the ballpark alone would reach $159.5 million, making this the most expensive minor league stadium ever built. Polar Beverages purchased naming rights for the ballpark. The Red Sox, colloquially called the “WooSox,” played their first game on May 11, 2021. Worcester was once home to a Major League Baseball team. The Worcester Worcesters (alternately known as the Brown Stockings or Ruby Legs) played in the National League from 1880 to 1882. The first perfect game in Major League history was thrown in Worcester, by Lee Richmond against the Cleveland Blues on June 12, 1880. The Worcester team was dropped by the league to make way for a franchise in Philadelphia that became the Phillies. Food & Beverage 5 Concessions have become a point of emphasis in all new sports facilitiesas a way to maximize the fan experience. Polar Park is no exception, as there is great quality and variety in the concessions offered. Also, there is a particular emphasis here to use local companies and products (which will be a recurring theme throughout this review). Concession stands are organized by the types of food sold at each, so you may have to search a little to find what you want. Again, I am going to emphasize the local flavor here and encourage visiting fans to try a slice from Wonder Bar Pizza, some BBQ from BT’s Smokehouse, or a hot weiner from George’s Coney Island. If you are looking for a snack, personal-sized Table Talk Pies (their factory is located next door to Polar Park) are sold at all stands for just $2. Be warned that concessions lines are long, although they do move well. The cola wars have skipped Polar Park entirely, as the ballpark sponsor, Polar Beverages, provides the drinks here. All sodas are sold in bottles only. If visiting from out of town, Stadium Journey recommends the orange dry. The best way I can describe this flavor is it tastes like an orange soda and a ginger ale had a delicious soda baby. The craft beer game is strong at Polar Park, and again, local companies are front and center. Drafts from Wachusett, Harpoon, Sam Adams and Greater Good are featured throughout the ballpark. The star of the craft beer show here at Polar Park is Worcester-based Wormtown Brewery, which offers up several of their signature brews, including “Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy,” “Mass Whole,” and a mash-up with Table Talk Pies, “Blueberry Lemon Pie Ale.” If all these choices don’t do it for you, take a walk on Summit Street, open behind the center field stands during games. The Taste of Worcester, featuring local restaurants, and a Wormtown Brewery location are on this stretch of road. Atmosphere 5 While planning the construction of Polar Park, WooSox management hosted many fan forums to solicit ideas from the community. A common theme was to give Polar Park a distinctively Worcester feel and not be a carbon copy of Fenway Park. From the moment you see the blue, industrial-looking exterior of the ballpark, it’s clear they took the community’s recommendations to heart. Instead of Fenway Park’s familiar green coloring, Polar Park is painted “Worcester Blue.” Polar Park is a bandbox, with precious little foul territory and fans right on top of the action. There are numerous social gathering areas throughout the ballpark that all fans can access, giving the park a community feel and a lively buzz during games. The giant, if poorly-placed, video scoreboard in left field is put to good use with game stats, replays, and features throughout the game. The sound system is clear and not overly loud. The team’s unique mascot, Smiley Ball, has been the subject of much derision, but even it has a Worcester-related back story. Harvey Ball, a Worcester native, designed the famous yellow Smiley Face (think “have a nice day”) in 1963. Of course, with Worcester located firmly in Red Sox territory, there’s no doubt that this is a Red Sox affiliate. Replicas of Red Sox championship rings stand in the entrance plaza and Polar Park’s version of the Green Monster, the 22-foot tall Worcester Wall, hovers over right field with a seating section on top. Longtime local baseball fans will recall the strong community connection the Pawsox had in Pawtucket. That connection may be even stronger in Worcester. Fan feedback is not only welcomed, but solicited and utilized. For example, features such as the right field video board and the opening of Summit Street are directly related to fan suggestions. Neighborhood 3 Polar Park is in the Canal District of Worcester, traditionally considered an area to avoid. However, the neighborhood is experiencing a revival, with several businesses moving in, including the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center. The ballpark is planned to be the first part of a much larger live-work-play development, which will include hotels, condominiums, restaurants, and shops. Unfortunately, construction has been slow. For now, the ballpark and a small parking garage are the only pieces in place. The area a few blocks west of Polar Park contains some spots that may be of interest for visiting baseball fans. The Worcester Public Market contains several locally owned specialty shops, regional foods, and vendors, including Wachusett Brew Works. Other spots to check out in the area include Smokestack Urban Barbeque, The Hangover Pub and El Patron. Worcester’s famous “Restaurant Row,” located on Shrewsbury Street, is located just over a mile from Polar Park. With more than 40 restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, diners to brew halls, there is something for all tastes here. With a plethora of shops and eateries, it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll on a beautiful summer day. The DCU Center, home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers, is located just over a mile away in the Central Business District. Fans 5 Worcester couldn’t be more excited to be the new home of the Red Sox’ top farm team. With Fenway Park located a mere 44 miles to the east of Polar Park, Worcester lies firmly in Red Sox Nation. The fans here are as knowledgeable and dedicated as any in the nation. The WooSox are among the leaders in all of Minor League Baseball in attendance. About halfway through the 2023 season the team is averaging over 7,500 fans per game. In a lot of new ballparks, attendance tends to dip once the novelty factor wears off. The bloom still appears to be on the rose in Worcester in Polar Park’s third season. Access 3 Located in Worcester’s up and coming Canal District, Polar Park is just a few blocks from Interstate 290 and a few blocks from Worcester’s Union Station. But somehow, it’s not as easy to get to as you might think. Traffic in the area can be busy, and the notorious Kelly Square does not help matters. For those not familiar, Kelly Square is an intersection a couple of blocks from the ballpark where several of Worcester’s busiest streets come together in the most random way possible. In the past this spot has been the site for lengthy backups and countless accidents. As part of the construction of Polar Park the intersection was redesigned, improving flow, but it is still a bottleneck point when a big crowd meets rush hour traffic. Polar Park is wedged into a small footprint, making for some unique design choices, and space is at a premium. There is a small entry plaza leading to front entrance that screams “warehouse” more than “ballpark.” While this design choice makes Polar Park stand out from the red bricks and green seats that all the new cookie-cutter ballparks possess, it has met with some derision by fans. To reach the concourse and seating area, fans will need to climb two flights of stairs. When leaving the ballpark after the game, this area becomes extremely crowded. It could be a serious concern during an emergency. The concourse is very narrow and is tough to navigate when a big crowd is present. Beyond the seating bowl, fans will find several group areas where fans can congregate and spread out a bit. Polar Park boasts a great deal of standing room and alternate spots from which to catch the action. The team has made a big deal out of the fact that fans can navigate the entire ballpark, a luxury that was not possible at McCoy Stadium. However, while you can indeed circle the entire field, it’s not a smooth 360-degree lap. To completely circle the ballpark, fans must navigate a steep set of stairs by the Worcester Wall (or take an elevator), leave the ballpark proper to walk down Summit Street (where the field is no longer visible), duck in behind the party decks (where you again lose sight of the field), and briefly pass through the players’ parking lot. It’s not a traditional route by any stretch of the imagination. Return on Investment 3 Much has been made of the expense of WooSox tickets, and while yes, premium seats are priced at $42, the vast majority of seats are available for less than $25. Box seats behind home plate are priced at $29, with the cheapest seats in the seating bowl sold for $15. Fans looking for bargains can purchase standing room and general admission seats for between $9-12. Check the WooSox website for complete seating options. Parking is another area where Polar Park has received criticism. While the club boasts of 6,000 parking spots within a half mile of Polar Park, most of them hardly seem convenient. These lots charge between $10-$25 to park and require a walk through often poorly-lit roads in a less than stellar neighborhood. A small parking garage is located right across the street from the ballpark on Madison Street, which charges $21 for a spot. Complete parking information can be found here. There is little to no on-street parking in the area. Extras 5 There are so many special features in the design of Polar Park it would be tempting to give more than the maximum score in this category. As mentioned earlier, the team solicited input from the fans and community in the design of Polar Park, and the results show that they listened. From the inclusion of Worcester native Harvey Ball’s Smiley Face to the artwork produced by local artists and the inclusion of local vendors into the concession menu, this ballpark screams Worcester. The otherwise nondescript entry tower contains a memorial to the Worcester Six, a group of firefighters that perished fighting a warehouse fire not far from the present ballpark site. Uniform number 6 has been retired by the team in honor of these firefighters. Also notable as you enter the ballpark is a display of Ted Williams-themed artwork and the Pawtucket Red Sox Hall of Fame. It’s the only recognition of the franchise’s 50 years in Rhode Island. The many unique vantagepoints from which to watch the game earn another extra point. The numerous social gathering spots, such as the Worcester Wall and The Bridge maximize capacity in this bandbox of a ballpark. Not content to sit on their laurels, the WooSox continue to add more extra features to Polar Park. One of the Duck Boats used in the Red Sox championship parades sits atop the left field berm. On Summit Street fans will find a bench painted bright yellow honoring Harvey Ball and a giant bobblehead decked out in a uniform of the Major League Worcester Worcesters. New for 2023 is the WooSox reward app, which allows fans to earn points at games and participating businesses to redeem for WooSox merchandise and experiences. Final Thoughts Polar Park has proven to be a very divisive ballpark over its brief history. From the relocation of the iconic PawSox to the price tag for the new facility to the unique look and design of the ballpark, Polar Park seems to have created as many critics as fans. But a closer look at the ballpark shows an incredible attention to detail and connection to community. Like the park’s signature beverages, it may not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying the impact this blue bandbox has had on the Worcester community. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Busch Stadium 700 Clark St St Louis, MO 63102 St Louis Cardinals website Busch Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 50,345 Stellar Baseball in St. Louis From time to time, a stadium experience reminds you why baseball is magical. Walking through the gates, being greeted by a friendly ticket-taker, witnessing athletic greatness on the field, and the smell of hot dogs and popcorn filling the air; these things combine to make you take a moment and think how amazing it is to be in the place you are. Some of these awe-inspiring facilities can be found in cities like Cleveland, Boston, and Baltimore, and without a doubt, St. Louis is also one of these places, showcasing all that is great in baseball stadium design. Rising in place of its former namesake, Busch Stadium features stellar food options, a scenic skyline for a backdrop, welcoming and kind fans and staff, and an excellent stadium design for optimum viewing from all angles. Food & Beverage 5 Talking stadium food is a requirement here – St. Louis has no shortage of options for your selection at Busch Stadium. The basics are covered; jumbo hot dog and fry combos ($14.75), cheeseburgers and fries ($18.50), chicken tenders and fries ($17.25), popcorn or peanuts ($5.75), nachos ($8-$21), and the quintessential Cracker Jack ($5) are all available. Drinks range from hot coffee ($4.50) to sodas ($6.50-$9.75) and beer options ($9.75-$15). However, it is the alternate options that are the star of the show here. First, the stadium features several grab-and-go marketplaces – these offer the perfect option when you just need a snack or drink and don’t want to wait in long lines. A fan favorite is the bacon-wrapped hot dog, available at several stands around the main level concourse. BBQ is also popular, being in St. Louis; a BBQ basket will cost you $13.50 but provides you a plentiful helping of top taste. The stadium even features a kosher food stand complete with pastrami sandwiches ($14), corned beef sandwiches ($14), pastrami dogs ($12.50), and knockwurst ($9.50). The upper levels feature a Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers concession stand, a fan favorite, and you can also find the likes of Dippin’ Dots all around the stadium. Atmosphere 5 This facility features everything you need for a great day out watching baseball. First, the stadium is easily walkable, making it possible for fans to circle the whole stadium during the game and watch the action from various angles. Stores are also plentiful for your favorite St. Louis Cardinals gear, as well as having several locations that sell game-used and authenticated autographed equipment. A kid zone with a playground is located in the outfield, as is a Build-a-Bear workshop. Hallways throughout the stadium feature graphics showcasing the team’s storied history, while various display cases house memorabilia doing the same. The stadium itself evokes the architecture of the Midwest in all the best ways – steel beams, throwback pieces of history added throughout the interior brickwork, and lighting features all make this a beautiful stadium. Much like Wrigley Field, the stadium here also features rooftop seating on buildings across the street from the outfield. Neighborhood 4 Located in downtown St. Louis, Busch Stadium puts you near many hotels and restaurants. Shopping and attractions are also nearby. In addition, the famous Gateway Arch National Park is just a few minutes walk away from the stadium’s gates, and adjacent to the outfield is a plaza filled with restaurants, shops, and bars. Here you can see the footprint of the old Busch Stadium, as well as where the field was laid out, thanks to a replica set in the walkways of the plaza. Fans 5 The Cardinals welcomed 3 million fans for the 18th straight season in 2023, a feat they’re quite proud of. When it comes to attendance, the Cardinals average just shy of 40,000 fans every game, putting them in the top 5 for average MLB attendance. Needless to say, the fans here love their Cards, win or lose. Even as the season winds down, the stands are still filled with baseball lovers. The Cardinals atmosphere is also very family-friendly, with young fans packing the seats as much as their parents on game day. Access 4 To get to the stadium you simply must arrive in downtown St. Louis. The stadium quite literally borders I-64 and Old Route 66. The only difficulty here might be parking, though there are plenty of garages and parking lots in the area. Most places with nearby parking are available for purchase before the game, making the planning process of finding a spot much easier. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to see a Cardinals game start at $12 for upper-level-right-field seats, and go up to $500 for all-inclusive Diamond Club seats right behind home plate. This wide variety of options gives all levels of fan budgets the option to take in a game of baseball in one of the best stadiums in the league. Secondary market tickets are also available and plentiful, meaning last-second plans can be accommodated as well. Extras 4 The stadium features a viewing binocular stand in left field on the main concourse, allowing you to get a closer look at the other side of the stadium. The Cardinals also feature numerous giveaways and theme nights. In addition, outside the Gate 4 area, several statues of former players greet fans, making for a great photo spot. Finally, you can check out the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum. Final Thoughts The Cardinals have one of the best fanbases in baseball, and the stadium matches. Without a doubt, this is one of the premier experiences in all of baseball, featuring stunning views, a stellar game day experience, and top-notch food options. If you’re looking for a great experience on par with those of other facilities that are well-regarded, Busch Stadium must be at the top of your list.

Photos by Meg Minard , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 The Hangar 45116 Valley Central Way Lancaster, CA 93536 Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 4,600 Hanging out at The Hangar The Lancaster JetHawks are the high single-A baseball team (California League) of the Colorado Rockies. They have also been affiliated with the Mariners, D-backs, Red Sox, and Astros since their move to Lancaster, CA from Riverside, CA in 1996. They originated in Reno, UT in 1947 under various names and leagues. The JetHawks are named for Lancaster’s rich history of aerospace engineering. The 23-year-old stadium’s name is called The Hangar. A NASA F/A-18 Hornet jet adorns the entrance of the stadium to honor the history of the aerospace industry. The organization provides best in class customer service and a fan feels warm and welcome attending a game at The Hangar. And, the staff actually appear to enjoy working there and making guests and fans feel good about being there. Food & Beverage 4 Plenty of food choices are available at The Hangar. Depending on attendance, all stands may not be open. The concession stands sell different main choices so look around first. Be aware lines can get very long and move slow so get your nourishment early or plan on missing some of the game. Pizza, chicken Caesar salad, pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, build your own tater tots, burgers (including turkey), spicy chicken sandwiches, and chicken tenders and fries round out the baseball specialties ($6.50 – $16). Traditional snacks like hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, candy, etc. are available at most stands. Down the first base outer concourse is a stand selling burgers, cheesesteaks, and beer brats with chips ($8 – $10) as well as a Budweiser beer stand. Ice cream treats include sundaes, helmet sundaes (to share), cones, dessert nachos, apple pie ala monde, and cotton candy ($4.25 – $18). Coca-Cola is soda provider for the JetHawks ($4 – $6). Domestic beer (Bud, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and the like) runs $6.50 – $9.50 depending on size and brand. Craft beer lovers should head to the Golden Road Brewing Patio near section 113 on the third base inner concourse ($9 for 16 oz of one of their delicious brews – $2 off on Mondays). All–in–all a decent selection, just be prepared for the lines that can form. Atmosphere 4 The JetHawks provide a fabulous game day experience. Fans can get seats right smack in front of bullpens (sections 119 and 121 down the third baseline and 118 and 120 down the first baseline. Row A is the very first row (net-free). The first base side is the JetHawks home side. Fans on the first base side get the sun setting in their face the first few innings. The Hanger Bullpens, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Nets only go to the end of dugouts. Faded, green, stadium fold-down chairs with cup holders make up the seating areas (two levels of seating with a walkway between the two). Seats are wide enough with plenty of leg room. Some suites are above the second level on each side of press box. Two party decks/tents are located down the third base side that can host large events. A highway is beyond the outfield. The kids bounce house and play area are down the first base concourse. A clear, crisp, easy to read video scoreboard is in left field. It shows score by inning, line up, balls, strikes outs, player at bat with his stats, and an analog clock. Even better, a manual scoreboard is located in right field which brings back some of the nostalgia of visiting minor league ballparks 20 years ago. Misters are in the home dugout; not the visitors. Common in minor league baseball, but still annoying – music is played too loud when the starting lineup is announced so one can’t hear to update their scorecard. Just lower the music volume. The rest of the game the music volume is fine. The JetHawks provide many promotional games throughout the season: Harry Potter Night (scarf giveaway), Christmas in July, Star Wars Weekend, Fireworks Nights, and more. In game entertainment includes all the traditional contests, races, trivia, etc. The mascot, Kaboom, is non-intrusive and yet still provides entertainment for kids and adults during the game. Neighborhood 3 Lancaster is a respectable city to visit and while no night life is walking distance to the stadium there is plenty to see and do in and around town. A few regional fast food restaurants are nearby with In-N-Out being the most popular choice, but don’t shun El Pollo Loco which originated in Los Angeles. If you are looking for a few local options, drive the two miles downtown to the BLVD. Here one can find a collection of ethnic cuisine that includes 1800 Burritos & Tacos, Rio Brazilian Grill, Cuban Express, The Tai Restaurant, Cantarito Salvadorean Restaurant, and more. The BLVD has the MOAH (Museum of Arts and History) and Lancaster Performing Arts Center for some cultural entertainment and there’s often some kind of event occurring in the downtown area. Craft beer lovers will enjoy Bravery Brewery (about 5 miles from the stadium) providing a wide variety of excellent brews. And, when in Lancaster, one must drive over the Musical Road at least once. Closer to the stadium, an IMAX movie theater is nearby (just across Valley Central Way). The Lancaster Marketplace (a shopping center) is just behind the next-door hotels. A Homewood Suites and a Hampton Inn are right across the street from The Hangar parking entrance. Just across Highway 14 is a Best Western. So, plenty of places are available within a ½ mile for those spending the night. The Hanger - Hotel Across the Street, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Fans 3 The JetHawks fans consist mostly of families and friends or couples on a date night out. Several groups also attend the games. Die-hard fans are seen throughout the stadium as well as those fans who are simply there for a pleasant evening of entertainment. Average attendance over the last few years run 2,200 – 2,400 and puts them middle of the pack for the California League. Fans cheer when appropriate and express civilized displeasure at disappointing plays and calls. Access 4 Once in Lancaster, getting to the ballpark is extremely easy. It is right off highway 14/138. Lancaster is about 70 miles from Los Angeles. The Hangar is a little further from other South Division California League venues with the Inland Empire 66ers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes the closest each at about 1 ½ hour drive. Remember – it’s Southern California – always add extra time to the GPS drive time. Antelope Valley Transit has a bus stop right near the ballpark (Route 11 – Avenue I and Valley Central Way) though it looks like it is does not operate on Saturday or Sunday evenings so getting back from a game may be difficult. Check their website for schedules, maps, and fares. Parking is available for $5 cash. Some of the parking is covered and those carports also double as solar panels, producing an astonishing 98% of the ballpark’s electricity. Just another cool thing about the park and the JetHawks organization. A friendly bag check is performed on entry (non-clear bags ARE allowed), though outside food and beverages are not. Moving around the seating area and on the outskirts of the concourse is open. The only congestion is in the concourse when the lines for the concessions are tremendous. These lines block ease of pedestrian movement through the outer concourse especially during the middle innings of the game. Return on Investment 5 Attending a JetHawks game is worth every sports dollar penny spent (which is not much – especially with their promotional days). Single game tickets range from $10 – $17; a $1 military, senior, or child discount is offered. Daily deals include Bark & Brews – every Monday bring your dog to the park (dogs get free admission ). And $2 off all craft beer in the Golden Road Patio. Tuesday is Community Hero night – BOGO, every Saturday home game has giveaways (hats, backpacks, cool stuff) and more. There’s something going on every day of the week. Parking is $5 (which is equal to or lower than some of the other California League stadiums). And, it’s just an enjoyable evening out. Extras 2 The program handed out upon entry is produced quite well with articles, advertisements from local vendors, information on upcoming events at the ballpark and in the community, rosters, and a scorecard. JetHawks Hall of Fame (HOF) plaques are posted on the concourse columns. Final Thoughts Visiting The Hangar brings back waves of nostalgia of minor league baseball 20 or so years ago where all staff members greet fans warmly. Where after the first few innings you can move around and not have the staff member tell a fan they can’t sit somewhere because it’s reserved (and stadium is 20% full). Between inning games are goofy but fun and the noise volume doesn’t give you a headache nor is it so loud you can’t talk with your neighbor. Yeah, it’s a bit away from the other teams in the California League and the big boys in Los Angeles and Anaheim but it’s so worth a visit. I’m going back.

Photos Courtesy of the Savannah Bananas Team owner Jesse Cole, who is at all games in a bright yellow tuxedo, believes this was the ideal time to play for the first time in front of a live audience. Due to COVID-19, the club had to become creative with things at the ballpark, even turning away 50,000 fans due to capacity restrictions at Grayson Stadium. “The first time the Bananas played the game with actual players was two years ago against a few different colleges. The college players said it was the most fun ever playing baseball; from that time, we began testing it, and tonight we tested it in front of our fans. When we put the game on sale in May, it shut down our servers and sold out in minutes. They are fired up to see what this game is all about.” Most of the rules would make baseball traditionalists blush with a game prohibiting mound visits and bunting (a player will be ejected), stealing of first base on a passed ball, and if a batter steps out of the box (a strike is called). There are also no walks allowed, which means that on a fourth ball, the player can sprint to as many bases, while the catcher throws the ball to every positioned player. When the last fielder catches it, he can fire it to the proper base to tag the runner out. The rules were developed to help speed up the game and add a little punch to the night’s proceedings. “We played this on Tuesday, and I have never seen the players more into it,” Cole added.” There was a strategy, and it turned into a bang, bang play at third. The catcher fires the ball to first, second, short, and third. The fielders are moving; the runner is rounding second and then throws the ball to the left field, right field, center field, and then to third for a play. It was wild and pretty crazy.” The first game of Banana Ball was an inter-squad game that pitted the Yellow Bananas versus the Green Bananas. The first inning witnessed many of these rules, including the sprint to first on ball four, resulting in a four-base score for the green team. After the inning, the score was 4-1 for the road team, but in this crazy game, a 1-point lead for the visitors. That is because of every inning counting (the first rule in the game). The objective is to be the first team to score five points. It is accomplished by scoring the most runs per inning. If the home team is behind heading into their half of the inning, they can end it with a walk-off victory. If no team reaches the five-point mark by the end of 9 innings or 2 hours of play, it goes into a 1-1 showdown tiebreaker. Cole describes the tiebreaker as similar to penalty kicks in soccer and came up with the idea after stories of Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige ordering his position players off the field in hopes of striking the batter out. “This is one of the wildest things, you have the pitcher versus the hitter, and nobody is in the field; the hitter has to score. The pitcher can strike him out, get him to pop up, or there can be a play at the plate. It’s unbelievably exciting; both teams are standing on top of the dugout going crazy.” Tonight’s game ended in such fashion, with the Green Bananas scoring 4 points heading into the tie-breaker. Needing only one point to secure victory, the green club smacked a liner (after the first batter walked) into the outfield for the walk-off win. Since they were all members of the home team, there was much celebration from everyone at the stadium. With only a few innings of the new rules being implemented, the rest of the game appeared to mirror a regular baseball game at the historic ballpark. The usual pre-game and in-between inning activities were on display from the baby banana ceremony, the Banana Nana's dance team, and the first pitch of a banana instead of a ball. This season, the club added a grandma coach who brings out a tray of tea and cookies, a luchador (professional wrestler) coach, fire breathers, stilt walkers, and a circus performer. Cole added that the club is still putting on a show and, despite the smaller crowd, the atmosphere looked and sounded just as boisterous as any other night where sell-out crowds are the norm. “I wouldn't be surprised if we play again sometime this summer based on the initial response and the buzz. There could be a demand to play the game in the fall or next year. When you tell guys that the game’s going to be fast-paced and within two hours, they're going to be out here. The idea of having an action-packed game with walk-offs and showmanship, the players are fired up about it.” Banana Ball may or may not take over the local ballpark, but it is the type of game that could make for a nice diversion from the national pastime. The Bananas organization is happy to be back playing ball this summer and adding a sense of normalcy to the community, no matter what type of baseball is played on the diamond. Baseball is back. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can also contact him at Marc.Viquez@StadiumJourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ballpark at Harbor Yard 500 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,300 Home of the Bluefish The Bridgeport Bluefish are a charter member of the Atlantic League, considered by many to be the premier independent baseball league in the country. The team has won the most games in the history of the league, and has won one championship in their history, in 1999. In addition, the Bluefish have made four other appearances in the championship series. The land that the Ballpark at Harbor Yard sits on was purchased by the city of Bridgeport from Donald Trump for $1 and the forgiveness of unpaid back taxes. Before the arrival of the Bluefish, the last professional team to call Bridgeport home was the Bridgeport Bees, who last played in the affiliated Colonial League in 1950. EDITOR'S NOTE: The stadium closed after the 2017 baseball season. The venue was converted to an outdoor concert amphitheater known as Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. Food & Beverage 4 A great deal of effort has been put into improving the concessions here in recent years, and the concessions at Harbor Yard are a pleasant surprise. All the ballpark staples are present here, along with cheesesteaks, sausage sandwiches, and pizza from local favorite Massimo’s. Sam Adams American Grill is located down the right field line, and features burgers, grilled chicken, and foot long hot dogs. For something different, check out Uncle G’s Smoke Shack on the right field side of the ballpark, where hungry Bluefish fans can pick up pulled pork or chicken sandwiches, red hots, chili, as well as fixings such as watermelon and fried Oreos. Harbor Yard has a good selection of beers for a park of its size, with choices ranging from domestic (Bud & Bud Light), to imported (Corona & Heineken), to craft beers (Two Roads). There is also a stand offering mixed drinks and wines. For fans looking for non-alcoholic options, Pepsi products are featured here. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Harbor Yard is the typical minor league one, featuring music playing over the loudspeakers at every opportunity, games for the kids between innings, and contests throughout the game. There is an excellent emcee here who brings energy to the ballpark and keeps the crowd involved. Longtime visitors to Harbor Yard will notice that the former play area in right field is gone, replaced by a beer garden that features railing seats right at field level. If you have kids who need to let out some steam, an inflatable play house is located at the end of the left field concourse. Neighborhood 2 The Ballpark at Harbor Yard and its next door neighbor, the Webster Bank Arena, built in 1998 and 2001, respectively, are located in a small neighborhood wedged in between Interstate 95 and the Long Island Sound waterfront. It was hoped that their presence would spur development in the area adjacent to the sports complex. Several buildings were razed to make room for both the stadia and the planned development. Unfortunately, this development has never occurred, leaving only a couple of large unpaved lots adjacent to the ballpark that are now used for parking. Downtown Bridgeport is located on the opposite side of I-95, easily accessible through several underpasses. This area carries a long-standing reputation as an area to avoid, particularly at night. As is the case in many cities, local leaders have worked hard to reverse this reputation, and several businesses have taken up residence in the downtown area. Unfortunately, the area has not totally reached its potential, and many fans come to Harbor Yard solely for the events at the ballpark or arena and leave immediately afterwards. Fans willing to explore the area can find several fine restaurants and theaters in the area, as well as the Barnum and Bailey Museum. Fans 2 The Bluefish averaged just over 2,900 fans per game in 2015, which ranked them last in the 8-team Atlantic League. Crowds are larger on the weekends, where the team has scheduled fireworks shows and family days, but you should have your pick of seats no matter what day you visit. As with most minor league teams, the Bluefish market themselves to families, and the typical Bridgeport crowd does indeed consist mainly of families and groups. Access 4 Ballparks don’t get much easier to find than The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. Located directly off Interstate 95, all one has to do to get to the field is take exit 27A (whether traveling northbound or southbound), follow the signs for a block, and you are there. Parking is available in two lots across the street from the ballpark, or in the garage adjacent to the hockey arena. Additional free parking can be found on street within a short walk of the ballpark. Despite downtown Bridgeport’s less than sparkling reputation, the area around the ballpark is safe. Getting to Bridgeport is a snap, as Interstate 95 passes directly through downtown. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind Harbor Yard, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the ballpark. Harbor Yard follows the typical minor league ballpark blueprint, as fans climb a flight of stairs to get to an open concourse that overlooks the seating bowl and field, except for a section behind home plate that is blocked by the press box. There is a walkway about halfway up the seating bowl that separates the lower blue seats from the upper green seats. Seating in upper sections further down the foul lines consist of metal bleachers. With the small crowds present at Bluefish games, fans will have no problem getting around the ballpark. There is plenty of room at the typical Bluefish game for fans to spread out, and while the restrooms need a little TLC, they are more than large enough to handle the usual Bridgeport crowd. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Bluefish games cost $15 for box seats (lower sections) and $11 for reserved seats (upper sections). These prices feel like they are a bit on the high side for this level of baseball, but resourceful fans can save $2 per ticket with a AAA card. Just remember to ask the person at the ticket booth, as this discount is not advertised. Parking in the dirt lots adjacent to Harbor Yard costs $7, but seasoned Bluefish fans will often opt for free parking on the roads near the ballpark. These spots fill quickly, so arrive early to take advantage of this bargain. Food prices are in line with other venues of this size in the area. Overall, a night at The Ballpark will not break the bank. Extras 2 The Ballpark at Harbor Yard has a couple of touches that are worth checking out. In the plaza outside of the ballpark is a statue of baseball Hall of Famer and Bridgeport resident James O’Rourke, who is credited with getting the first hit in National League history. Located behind the press box is a mural of several area residents who made their way to the major leagues. Another extra point is awarded for the unique, industrial background here at Harbor Yard. With the giant power plant looming beyond the right field fence and the frequent commuter trains passing by throughout the game, Harbor Yard boasts a most unique backdrop. Final Thoughts The Ballpark at Harbor Yard was once considered the jewel of the Atlantic League, being named as the Atlantic League’s ballpark of the year in 2009. Unfortunately, it is not aging well. With small, lackluster crowds and a less than ideal location, relocation rumors have begun to spring up around the Bluefish franchise. With a new Atlantic League team beginning in nearby New Britain, perhaps new life can be breathed into this tired ballpark. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Shuford Stadium 2295 Yost St Salisbury, NC 28144 Catawba Indians website Shuford Stadium website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 4,000 Football Enclave in NC As you drive into Salisbury, North Carolina you might not be able to tell that Catawba College exists except for the signage pointing you there. But nestled among the trees and beautiful old brick buildings you will find Shuford Stadium, home of the Catawba College Indians. Here you will find a venerable stadium that offers a lot more than you might expect from a D2 college football venue. Food & Beverage 3 While Shuford Stadium does not boast a ton of food and beverage options, there is more than enough to keep you from going hungry during the game. There are three identical concession stands, one behind the visitors’ side and two under the home stands, that offer chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and caramel corn, chips, and packaged candy. Nothing is over $5, and you can even get snow cones from a food truck near the visitor stands if you need something to help you beat the North Carolina temperatures. Beverage options at Shuford Stadium include bottled Coke products or PowerAde for $2.50, and bottled water for $2 all of the concessions prices here are very reasonable and cheaper than you will find at most college sports venues. Atmosphere 4 Like many football stadiums at smaller colleges and universities, the multi-purpose venue at Catawba College has a track around the outside, and the field itself is also used for lacrosse. The stands on the home side look very modern and include a press box and suites, while the stands on the visitor’s side are accented with brickwork. The stadium is also partially surrounded by trees, giving a pleasing aesthetic, and there is berm seating behind one of the end zones – you might have to bring your lawn chair if you don’t want to sit on the grass, but the berm seating is very popular with fans, as it lets you sit in the shade under the trees as you watch the action. Sitting in the Shade at Shuford Stadium, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Shuford Stadium does not have a video board yet, but there is a fairly large scoreboard behind one end zone that is easily visible from even the furthest seats to help fans keep up with the stats during the contest. The staff also provides some entertainment at halftime, in the form of the Catawba Indians band and dance team, to keep fans entertained during the break. Except for the ones right in front of the press box, all of the seats here are benches without chair backs, but given the size of Shuford Stadium, you are close to the action no matter where you sit. Neighborhood 3 Salisbury, NC is your quintessential rural small town, with a population of under 34K living in an area of about 18 square miles. Despite its small size the town boasts a theological seminary and three colleges, including Catawba and Livingstone, and offers several options for fans in town for the day or weekend. A few restaurants close to Shuford Stadium include College Barbecue, Romano’s Italian Cuisine, and DJ’s Restaurant, a lounge-style bar that offers live music. For fans of the outdoors, nearby Hurley Park offers gardens and trails for walking or quiet reflection, or those with an interest in history can check out the NC Transportation Museum a few miles to the west. And, if you plan to be in town overnight there are plenty of hotels near the stadium (at the I-85 exit), including a Comfort Suites and a Courtyard by Marriott. Fans 2 Shuford Stadium boasts a really solid fan base for a D2 football school, with plenty of fans showing up to support the Indians during games (though by no means a sellout). The home stands are a lot more crowded than the visitors’ side as you might expect, and you will also see numerous fans sitting on the hill in the berm seating; a few who want an even closer view will even set up chairs almost immediately behind the end zones, which is permitted at this venue. Access 5 Getting to Shuford Stadium could not be much easier – located in Salisbury, NC along with crosstown D2 football rival Livingstone, the venue is only a few miles off I-85 and offers free parking in a large lot right behind the stadium. There is no traffic to worry about as you approach, even if you are arriving within a few minutes of kickoff, and event staff are friendly and courteous in helping you find parking and the entrances. Once you get to the venue, getting in and out is super easy thanks to the numerous entrances and the short lines. The concessions stands are also easy to get to, with plenty of space in front of them so fans trying to find their seats are not blocked by those waiting in line; there are also plenty of napkin and condiment stations, and more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the size of the crowd. Also, while there are a lot of fans in attendance the stands are by no means full, which means you have the option to spread out if you want to. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Catawba Indians game at Shuford Stadium is highly recommended if you can make the trip – tickets start at just $10 for general admission seats (or you can pay $5 more for the chair backs), and concessions here are cheaper than at most of the sports venues you may have visited in the past. Throw in the free parking, ease of access, and beautiful setting, and you could bring your whole crew here for a pleasant day watching football without even getting close to breaking the bank. Extras 3 The beautiful brickwork is a plus, and the Indians have plenty of signage around the stadium promoting the college and its numerous sports programs, including a wall of championship banners behind one of the end zones. The trees surrounding the venue are also a nice touch, giving Shuford Stadium that idyllic setting that should always accompany the best sport there is. Final Thoughts If you have a chance to see a game at Shuford Stadium I would highly recommend it – though it may be overlooked in a state with several other big-time football programs, the atmosphere and setting at Catawba make it well worth the trip.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hillsboro Stadium 4450 NE Century Boulevard Hillsboro, OR 97124 Portland State Vikings website Hillsboro Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 7,600 Hillsboro Vikings The Portland State University 50-acre campus is located in the southwestern portion of downtown Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 1947 to serve the educational needs of veterans returning from World War II. Over the years it has developed into a major educational institution, as it now offers more than 200 degree programs. It is especially known for its programs in the fields of business, social sciences, and computer sciences. It attained university status in 1969. Portland State has a student body of more than 26,000 students. The athletic teams at Portland State are known as the Vikings. The football program also got its start in 1947. At first, the Vikings played industrial league teams, eventually transitioning to teams from the greater Portland area. Over the years Portland State football has been known for high-scoring games thanks to the run and gun offenses installed by former coaches “Mouse” Davis and June Jones. Today the Vikings play in the Big Sky Conference at the FCS level of NCAA play. The Vikings have played their home games at Hillsboro Stadium since 2019. The stadium is located about 16 miles west of PSU’s campus in downtown Portland. The school’s urban location prevents it from having an on-campus venue. Its former home at Providence Park in Portland was much closer to the campus but was no longer available due to game commitments to the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns soccer teams. Hillsboro Stadium is located within the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, which is managed by the City of Hillsboro’s Parks and Recreation Department. The stadium opened in 1999 and has seating for 7,600 fans. Like many Pacific Northwest sports venues, Hillsboro Stadium has a roof protecting most of the fans from the cold and wet elements the area experiences in late fall. The roof protects about 4,000 of the fans, with the remaining 3,000 left out in the elements. The FieldTurf playing surface is updated regularly, as it gets very heavy use throughout the year. Food & Beverage 1 The concession stands at Hillsboro Stadium serve the stadium basics of hot dogs, snacks, and sodas. Atmosphere 3 Hillsboro Stadium received several architectural awards for its design when it opened in 1999. Much of its acclaim was due to the roof canopy over the largest portion of stadium seating. While no longer unique in that respect, it is important for the comfort of the fans, as rain is always a possibility in the Pacific Northwest. The seating in the main grandstand is primarily bench seating, except for the upper middle section of the structure, which consists of seatbacks. Additional bench seating behind one of the end zones accounts for the other 3,000 seats in the venue. The opposite end zone has tents behind it, which function as “luxury suites.” These are typically used by the alumni association, major donors, or corporate sponsors with ties to Portland State. Neighborhood 2 The immediate area in and around Hillsboro Stadium is the 90-acre Gordon Faber Recreational Complex. It includes six natural turf baseball/softball fields, two artificial turf softball/baseball fields, a dog park, and a jogging trail. The area outside of the recreational complex mainly consists of fast-food restaurants, except for McMenamins Cornelius Roadhouse. There are numerous hotels/motels located along Highway 26, a short distance from Hillsboro Stadium. As far as attractions are concerned, the Hillsboro Classic Aviation Museum is located nearby at Hillsboro Airport. At present Tonkin Stadium, home of the Hillsboro Hops minor league team is located adjacent to Hillsboro Stadium. However, the Hops are currently building a new stadium elsewhere and will move into it in time for the 2024 season. Fans 3 Portland State fans get fired up for the Vikings home games through pep rallies held the Friday before the games. Oktoberfest is another addition to the October event schedule. It includes a carnival, inflatables, caricatures, and photos with Victor E. Viking, the team mascot. The school also has VikFest for early-arriving fans, which includes food, drink, and entertainment. Despite these additional attempts to build school spirit and enthusiasm for the football program, the distance from the campus is a major drawback in attracting more fans to Hillsboro. Other sports at PSU can be played either on campus or at venues much closer to downtown Portland than Hillsboro Stadium. Access 3 There are several ways to get from Portland State’s downtown campus to Hillsboro Stadium. You can take the MAX public transportation light rail system to Orenco Station. You would then transfer to the #47 bus, which will take you to the stadium. Students also can take a free shuttle bus to the stadium and back by showing their student ID. The shuttle will bring students back to the campus at halftime or immediately after the game. The third option is to drive your car to the stadium. The driving directions are very straightforward. Take Highway 26 west towards Hillsboro. Go 12 miles on Highway 26 West. Take exit # 62A onto NE Cornelius Pass. Go ½ mile on Cornelius Pass Road to Evergreen Parkway. Turn right on Evergreen and go ½ mile to Century Boulevard. Turn right on Century Boulevard and enter the park. The stadium concourses are the area underneath the grandstand on the backside of the structure. The restrooms and concession areas are in this area. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Vikings home games come at several different price points. Most of the ticket’s price relates to where you are sitting in the roofed structure, which is on the southwestern side of the playing field. Students can attend games for free if they show their student ID at the gate. The student section is located at the base of the roofed grandstand facing the goal line. Seating at the upper section of the grandstand along the 50-yard line goes for $35. These seats feature seatback seats, while all other seats are bench seats. Seats between the 20-yard lines go for $25. All other seats in the stadium are general admission, and they cost $15. Groups of 10 or more get a flat rate of $10, no matter where their seats are in the stadium. All seats in the stands behind the goal line are considered general admission. There are tents set up behind the other end zone to service the major donors to the program. These tents are considered luxury suites, and they provide full food and beverage service throughout the game. Parking is available adjacent to Hillsboro Stadium at $10 cash only on gamedays. Season ticket holders have the option to prepay their parking fee for $60 for the entire season. RV parking is also available at the Gordon Faber Recreational Complex at $25 per day. Extras 5 In 2023 Portland State University opened the brand-new Viking Pavilion on campus. This facility will serve as the home court for the basketball and volleyball teams at the school. In addition to the playing court, the Pavilion will service the locker room, training room, and classroom needs of all the school teams. “Barneyball” luncheons are held on Fridays before each home game. Head Coach Bruce Barnum shows tape from the last game and discusses the keys to winning the game the next day. Portland-based Nike designs the Vikings uniforms for free each year. In addition to Vikings football games, Hillsboro Stadium stays busy throughout the year. It hosts several high school games weekly. It also hosts the state playoffs in football late in the season. The stadium has also hosted marching band competitions, and Major League Soccer matches. The rivalry game for Portland State each year is the Eastern Washington game. The winner takes home the Dam Cup. Final Thoughts Portland State University’s urban campus location rules out a downtown stadium location as impractical. While shuttles and light rail make getting to Hillsboro Stadium easier than you think, it simply does not have the feel or the character of an on-campus venue. This hurts the Vikings in both attendance and enthusiasm for the football program at the school.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Seekonk Speedway 1782 Fall River Ave Seekonk, MA 02771 Seekonk Speedway website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 10,000 The Action Track of the East Seekonk Speedway is the oldest continuously operated family-owned racetrack in the United States. The facility has been operated by the Venditti family since its opening in 1946. The 1/3-mile track is the widest in New England, measuring 72 feet across. The track is sanctioned by NASCAR under the Wheelen All-American Series. After World War II, D. Anthony Vendetti had a dream of owning and operating a racetrack. He built the facility on his family’s poultry farm and was off to the races (pardon the pun). Opening night took place on Memorial Day 1946 when over 12,000 fans packed the quarter-mile oval. Early races featured open-wheel midget racers. There have been many changes throughout the years on the track, but races in Seekonk have remained a constant in southeastern Massachusetts for over three-quarters of a century. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession stands scattered around Seekonk Speedway. There’s a decent menu offered here that hits all the bases. Burgers, dogs, sausage sandwiches, popcorn chicken, and pizza slices are the foundation of the menu. Steak sandwiches are sold at the stands, and fans may upgrade with some peppers and onions to create the “Steak Bomb.” There’s a good selection of sides available, including nachos, “Fast Track” fries, popcorn, pretzels, and fried dough. Hungry fans can combine fries with their burger, dogs, or popcorn chicken to save a few dollars. Pepsi products are featured at Seekonk Speedway. Hot drinks are available should you attend the races on a chilly night. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a beer stand that sells Miller Lite, Coors Light, Narragansett, and White Claw. Local favorite Del’s Lemonade offers their signature frozen lemonade in both lemon and watermelon flavors. If visiting from out of town, it’s a must-have. Fans are allowed to bring their coolers into Seekonk Speedway, providing they do not bring in alcohol. Atmosphere 3 Casual fans and newbies may have some difficulty following what is going on at Seekonk Speedway, but there is plenty of action throughout a night’s program. The night starts with short “heat” races in the different classes scheduled for that night (for example, on the night Stadium Journey visited, there were races for Sport Trucks, Late Models, Sportsmen, and Pro Stocks). After an intermission, the heat qualifiers move on to the longer, feature races. Fans may be surprised at how user-friendly a day at the racetrack can be. The pits are open for an hour before the races begin, so fans can check out the cars up close and even talk to the drivers. During intermission, fans can parade on the track. The PA announcer does play-by-play during the races, which is helpful when you can hear him. This is not a knock on the PA system, just a statement about how loud the cars can be. There is a small scoreboard on the south side of the track which provides very basic race information. Neighborhood 2 Seekonk Speedway is located in Seekonk, MA, a suburb of Providence, RI. The track itself is in an industrial area on Route 6, a commercial thoroughfare that runs from Providence down to Cape Cod. About two miles away from the track is a major commercial area loaded with stores and eateries. Most of the choices in this area consist of chain restaurants and retail stores. If looking for some local flavor, check out Dicky’s Clam Shack or Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille. Among the lodging options nearby are the Clarion Hotel Seekonk and the Hampton Inn Seekonk. Downtown Providence, which offers a great variety of food and lodging options, is a ten-minute drive to the west. The small town of Bristol is a 20-minute drive from the track. It’s a popular summer destination, particularly around the Fourth of July. The town has hosted the oldest Independence Day parade in the nation since 1785. Fans 4 Seekonk Speedway draws good crowds on Friday and Saturday nights. The crowd runs the gamut, from fans who have been spending their weekends at the track for decades to families looking for an affordable night out. Of course, "Thrill Nights," which feature figure 8 races, spectator drag races, and fireworks, draw big crowds. Fans are generally friendly and many of the regulars know their stuff. Access 3 Seekonk Speedway is located in Seekonk, MA, a suburban town of 15,000 residents located on the Massachusetts/Rhode Island state line. Situated on Route 6, a busy commercial thoroughfare, it’s not far from Interstate 195. There are over 3,000 parking spots in the lots surrounding the track. Fans can enter the facility on either side. After a quick security check, visitors will find themselves on a concourse that circles the entire facility. ¾ of this concourse is paved, and there is dirt on the far side of the facility. Seating is available on all sides of the track in the form of metal bleachers without backs. Fans can rent chairbacks for $3 or bring in their own. Lines to concession stands are not an issue. Restrooms are dated, but large enough to handle the typical Speedway crowd. Return on Investment 4 Admission to a night of races at Seekonk Speedway is priced at $18 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, and free for children under 5 years of age. Parking is free in the large lots surrounding the track. Concessions are a bit on the high side, but not outrageous when compared to other sporting facilities in the area. Extras 2 Near the main entrance is Seekonk Speedway’s Wall of Fame, where significant figures in the track’s eight-decade history are honored. Newbies to the racing world may be surprised by how interactive a night at Seekonk Speedway can be. The pit area is opened to fans before the night’s races begin and during the break between the qualifying races and main event races, fans can parade on the track. Final Thoughts Seekonk Speedway is an institution in southeastern Massachusetts that has been in operation for over 75 years. The short track here ensures plenty of action to keep everyone from the veteran to novice fan entertained. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Charlotte Sports Park 2300 El Jobean Rd Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Charlotte Sports Park website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 7,000 Southwest Florida Baseball The Charlotte Stone Crabs are a bit hidden away for a minor league baseball team in Florida. Their stadium is not near the main highway, and it is surrounded by preserve land and neighborhoods. Its location in Southwest Florida means you are likely to see rain clouds on any given day, just as much as you are to experience the stifling heat of Florida in the summer. The home of Tampa Bay Rays spring training isn’t the newest facility but it doesn’t retain the aged look of other minor league stadiums. That said, unique seating opportunities exist here that don’t in other stadiums, even in Florida. For that reason alone, this facility is worth a visit for any diehard baseball fan. Food & Beverage 3 The food options here are fairly standard. Your range includes the typical baseball fare including hot dogs ($2.75-$3.75), burgers ($5), fries ($3.75), peanuts ($4), and a selection of both bottled and beers on tap ($5.75-$6.50). Other drinks include sodas and Gatorade ($3-$4). Ice cream and Dippin’ Dots are also available. Aside from the standard ballpark fare, nothing generally stands out above the crowd. Prices are low, thankfully, meaning you won’t have to break the bank to eat at the game. Atmosphere 3 The stadium itself at Charlotte Sports Park is pretty typical in its layout. It features a main seating bowl that is split into two levels accessible from one main concourse. The outfield features a walk around walkway that is built as a boardwalk one would typically see on the beaches of Florida. Out here you can find seating in the form of high top tables that overlook the outfield. In left field along the foul line, fans can sit and relax on the grass berm seating available. Shade in the outfield areas however is nonexistent. The seating also only features a roof covering the upper seating areas in the stadium, meaning you’re going to get a nice tan during day games. Neighborhood 3 Immediately around the stadium, you will find pretty much nothing besides housing neighborhoods and swamp/woodland. About a mile east of the stadium on Veterans Blvd you can find the closest dining options. Here, near a mall is a Steak N Shake and an Olive Garden. For lodging, you have to drive upwards of 2 to 3 miles from the stadium for the closest hotel (Days Inn Port Charlotte), and even farther for the next closest (Tropical Bay Inn Motel). Visitors to the area enjoy visiting southwest Florida’s beaches, which are a short drive west of the stadium. For nature lovers, Myakka State Forest is just northwest of the facility, featuring numerous hiking trails through Florida woodland. Fans 2 The difficulty of having a baseball team in Florida is dealing with the weather. Any day in Southwest Florida has an equal chance of featuring stifling heat with no clouds or pounding, relentlessly violent thunderstorms. This tends to dissuade fans from attending many regular season games during the week. In addition, Southwest Florida is known for its aging population, many of whom aren’t exactly minor league baseball’s target demographic. These factors put together mean most games feature a sea of blue seats in the stadium that are empty for the majority of the night. The fans who do show up are generally enthusiastic, but the open nature of the stadium tends to let any cheering fade away into the humid Florida air. Access 3 To get to Charlotte Sports Park, one must take a bit of a detour from the main highway. I-75 is the nearest highway, with Exit 179 being your best bet. From here, Toldeo Blade Blvd is your best bet until you reach El Jobean Rd. From there, the stadium is just a mile west. Unfortunately, signage isn’t exactly plentiful around the area directing fans to the stadium. Parking on site is plentiful, and costs $4. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are very affordable, costing just $8.50 for upper box and $9.50 for lower box. The team does offer a $0.50 military discount per ticket for members of the military. That said, the average fan can expect to pay $15 for a ticket and parking on game day. With concessions prices being relatively low, investment for a day at the ballpark is pretty affordable. Unfortunately, the lack of fans in the stands tends to lead to feeling like you have missed out on the stereotypical minor league baseball experience. Extras 2 The team features the starting lineups for both teams in the main concourse on a large board. There also is a kids play area in right field the has several inflatable bounce houses, but is not free. Final Thoughts The Stone Crabs are one of several minor league teams in Florida, and their location away from a major city can mean they are likely to get lost in the shuffle easily. Despite this, their success over the past few years has drawn renewed attention to them, and while they enjoy a small local following among local residents, they are towards the bottom of the Florida State League in attendance every year. This is unfortunate as the stadium is among one of the nicer facilities in the league despite lacking any standout features.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Champion Stadium 700 S Victory Way Lake Buena Vista, FL 34747 Atlanta Braves Spring Training website Champion Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 9,500 The Magic of Braves Spring Training The Braves are finishing up their final season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, but that doesn’t mean the experience has lessened any. A fan favorite destination among spring training sites since it opened in 1997, Champion Stadium is literally on Disney World property in Orlando, which provides travelers the perfect excuse to visit theme parks and take in a baseball game. As the facility frequently hosts baseball games of varying competition levels throughout the year, it doesn’t ever sit in disrepair, and consistently provides a quality viewing experience. Food & Beverage 4 There are a ton of options at Champion Stadium for fans when it comes to food. Everything from cookie dough by the scoop ($5.25), chicken bites ($9 for buffalo or regular), and burgers ($8) is top notch. Each concession stand offers something different, including the popular smoked turkey sandwich ($10.50), applewood-smoked pulled pork ($11.25), and sliced brisket sandwiches ($11.75). The Korean fried chicken ($9) is also a hit among fans, as is the Italian beef sandwich ($12.25). The standards for baseball can also be found in the form of hot dogs with fries ($9.50) and the classic Cracker Jack ($3). Drinks are also varied, from bottled water ($3.50) and sodas ($4.50) to specialty cocktails ($12.50), local specialty drafts ($14, $8 refills) and domestic beers ($12, $7 refills). Atmosphere 4 The spring training home of the Braves sits near the front of the Disney Wide World of Sports complex, so getting into the stadium is easy. Once you are there, the typical Disney charm greets you as Disney Cast Members make up the stadium staff here. This means, you’re destined to experience great customer service. The interior of the stadium itself seems somewhat plain, but at the same time classic and clean. Restrooms are plentiful, as is directional signage. No detail is missed. A fan store in the lower concourse provides a perfect chance for fans to purchase Braves spring training merchandise. The only downside would be some of the side seating in the upper levels that can be obstructed by support pillars. Some of the best seating, however, is the left field lawn and outfield berm seating, as families will frequently spread out blankets and relax under the warm Florida sun while having a great view of the action. Neighborhood 5 The sports complex is located just off of Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Because of this, you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport from the hotels to the starting gates, and then from the finish line back to their hotel. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans 4 The fans still pack ’em in here at Disney World. Certain days are more full than others, but games regularly hover around 70% capacity to the naked eye. Being a big family vacation spot, Braves games are a popular stop for young fans with the families. Kids are all over the stadium, and the ability to purchase cheaper tickets in the outfield, as well as special discounted days for Disney Passholders means local fans are frequently mixed in with those visiting Braves fans. Access 3 Getting to the Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in the farther parking lots, and $10 for lots closer to the main entrance. The big issue here is the ongoing construction on the roads entering and exiting the facility that frequently backs up. The new entrance to the Hollywood Studios theme park is also along Osceola Parkway, the main route that goes to the entrance of Wide World of Sports, so arriving early can be beneficial to avoid missing first pitch. Thankfully, Disney has signs up all over the stadium notifying fans of the potential backup in traffic when leaving as well. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Braves games at Champion Stadium start at $15 for outfield berm seats, and reach into the $27 range for actual seating. Upper level seats also offer a great view. Some games also offer discounted pricing for fans who are Disney Passholders in the form of $5 off their game ticket when pre-purchased. This, coupled with the option for free parking, means fans can take in games at Disney without breaking the bank. Top that with the quality food options and you have yourself an enjoyable experience at the ballpark. Extras 3 The in-stadium host frequently boasts about the Braves having the best giveaways in sports, and he may be right. In-game contests for fans often include prices of name-brand luggage, Disney water park tickets, and sports memorabilia. For fans who enter the game early, you can go behind Champion Stadium and catch some of the Braves spring training warm up action, sometimes even scoring an autograph or two. Finally, the first pitch is unique, as alongside each designate is a Disney character, including the likes of Mickey, Goofy, or Pluto. Final Thoughts The experience at Disney’s Wide World of Sports is amazing for fans of all teams, not just the Braves. The PA announcers applaud great plays by both teams, making games at Champion Stadium a celebration of the sport of baseball and not just the home team. Without a doubt, fans should take the chance to take in a game at Disney World before the Braves move to their new home in Southwest Florida.

Photos by Steven Bieniek, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cashman Field 850 N Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89101 Las Vegas 51s website Cashman Field website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 9,334 Winner Winner Chicken Dinner When you think of Las Vegas, baseball is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Glitz, glimmer, neon lights, constant bells and whistles, gambling, expensive steak dinners, cheap steak dinners and anything in between is probably what you think about. Maybe you just think of the Hangover movies. Tucked away past the Strip and past Downtown, yet still on Las Vegas Boulevard is Cashman Field, home of the AAA affiliate of the New York Mets, the Las Vegas 51s. If you still want to associate your ideas of glitz and neon lights with this stadium, I would quickly change your thoughts. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage truly provides the surprise of the venue in both a good and bad way. Being in Las Vegas you may expect something extremely unique and over-the-top just because everything in Las Vegas is over-the-top. While you’re not going to find that specifically, what you will find is an extremely great variety. You’ll find individual stands for hand made tacos, freshly made Philly cheesesteaks, specialty hot dogs, Ben & Jerry’s and Dippin’ Dots. There are two main concession stands that have a very large menu that includes stadium favorites such as a variety of cheeseburgers, pretzels, french fries and loaded tots. Prices compare favorably with other minor league ballparks, especially considering you’re standing in a place where lone properties drop millions a day between gambling and food and beverage prices. The actual quality of everything is the only thing that kind of leaves you wanting a little more. All of the orders seem to just be on the lukewarm side at best; if not just plain out cold. Loaded tots are a fantastic idea; but nacho cheese has to be hot to make it great. Seeing there are a ton of places that you could eat before you go to the game within a few miles radius; eating at this ballpark still holds up considering price and selection. Atmosphere 3 Atmosphere and entertainment is right in the meaty part of the bell curve for a minor league ballpark. The ball club does the normal cute games in-between innings that include some Las Vegas flare, such as using oversized dice for people to try to roll the highest number. There are also a couple slot machines in the concourse where you can take a free spin to try to win prizes. Cosmo the mascot does a great job of keeping fans entertained and really creates a nice family atmosphere. The stadium and concourse is also nicely painted in 51s colors so you know exactly where you are at all times. Lastly, the field is positioned in such a way that you get a great view of the mountains in the distance which is one of the few times you’ll see something other than a ton of neon lights while in Las Vegas. If you’re in Vegas for any extended period of time, Cashman Field is really a great spot to take a break from the Las Vegas norm. Neighborhood 2 To put it bluntly, the neighborhood where the stadium is located is really not great. There isn’t really anywhere you’d want to walk outside of the stadium complex. The stadium is a fairly short drive from both Downtown and the Strip and that’s really the only reason you’d want to give the neighborhood a rating that is more than one star. Once the game starts and once the game is over, there is no reason to hang around the stadium. Fans 3 Las Vegas makes most of the money for the state of Nevada every year through tourism. As a result, you’ll find a lot of tourists at a 51s game. You’ll see plenty of locals that are also die-hard baseball fans and most likely, the tourists are huge baseball fans as well. Let’s face it, when you’re in the City of Sin, you have to be a huge fan of baseball to drag yourself away from the Strip. Since there are many tourists and the rest of the city is such a high energy city, 51s games are somewhat subdued, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The 51s fall into the same category as a lot of other minor league stadiums where many people go to just sit and enjoy the game and not yell and scream as loud as they can. Las Vegas is a city that seems to always try to distinguish between locals and tourists as well, but in this case, if you’re at the ballgame, it probably doesn’t matter which you are. Access 3 The stadium itself is pretty easy to get to. The stadium is just above the strip and downtown so it’s pretty easy to find and easy to park due to the huge parking lot that is accessible for just a small fee. However, if you’re a tourist and you haven’t rented a car in Las Vegas, you’d pretty much either have to take a cab or the bus. For anyone who hasn’t been to Las Vegas, you can get a cab at any hotel in Las Vegas, so getting to the stadium isn’t the problem. Traffic is a problem though so leave yourself at least 20 to 30 minutes if you’re leaving any time around rush hour. Getting back to your destination could be a slight issue though. After the game there are a few cabs waiting as they do at hotels, but once those are gone then there isn’t a lot of natural taxi activity in the area. The team does have a taxi phone outside the stadium, but it’s debatable on how long you have to wait. The stadium is not in the best part of town, so just make sure you know how you are getting back once the game is done. Return on Investment 5 Going to a 51s game is probably the cheapest thing you’ll do in Las Vegas. Tickets max out at $15, so great seats are easily attainable. The food, beer and parking are also fairly cheap considering that you’re at a AAA game and in Las Vegas. The baseball is played at a high level, the entertainment is pretty good and the experience itself could be really relaxing if you want it to be. Making the decision to take a night to go see the 51s is a no-brainer. Extras 2 One extra star goes to the stadium making the best seats in the house somewhere other than the first few rows behind home plate. It’s no secret; Las Vegas gets hot in the summer. The management at the 51s were smart enough to put misters underneath the overhang that is above the top 10 or so rows of the stands. One more star goes to the 51s in general for giving Las Vegas another option of entertainment other than shows and casinos. Final Thoughts Cashman Field is a great place to see a minor league baseball game. It doesn’t have many frills but in a town full of frills, all you really need is somewhere to relax and watch great baseball. This is easily achieved at Cashman Field. If you’re a local or on a prolonged vacation in Las Vegas, it would be one of the best investments you could make to go see the 51s. And to think, you could go see them for what it costs a lot of people to play one hand of blackjack.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 CarShield Field 900 TR Hughes Blvd. O’Fallon, MO 63366 CarShield Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 5,150 Good-old Fashion Fun in River City CarShield Field is the home of the River City Rascals of the Frontier League and is located 40 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis. The ballpark had been known as T.R. Hughes Ballpark up until the local auto protective provider bought the rights in 2016. The simple design, suburban location, and affordable pricing provide for a relaxing day or night at the ballpark. The Rascals and ballpark both opened up for business in 1999 and the team adopted a throwback feel to its games with uniforms that looked proper in the early 20th century and signage that would also feel welcomed in the early 1900’s. The ticket prices were cheap, the food plentiful, and the team played winning baseball capturing five division titles and one championship. The club was among one of the most popular teams in St. Charles County that had not been too kind to lower level professional teams. Attendance crested at 185,333 for the 2004 season and has hovered around 85,000 this past season (2018). The ballpark did receive additions that included a new sports bar and lounge inside the stadium, as well as a remodeled Budweiser Party Patio with new amenities prior to the 2016 season. The biggest news recently has been the installation of synthetic turf prior to the 2017 season that provides for other events to take place during the season including the St. Louis Legends game, outdoor market, and local high school and college baseball. The new turf also allows for fewer rainouts during the regular season for the Rascals. Food & Beverage 4 There is quite a bit of everything at the ballpark. The River City Grill has an abundance of menu items that includes hot dogs, hamburgers/cheeseburgers, nachos, brats, chicken tenders, and personal pizza. The concession stand also serves corn dogs, Italian sausage, walking tacos, buffalo tenders, chili cheese fries, onion rings, and baked cheese sticks. That is quite a bit of ballpark food and if you have a sweet tooth, the team offers funnel cake fries, ice cream, giant cookies, and candy. The soda selection is not your typical Pepsi or Coca-Cola, but RC Cola products featuring Sun Drop, Diet Rite, and Sunkist. The team does have a couple of notable burgers that have gained both local and national attention. The Arch Nemesis is two quarter patty burgers, chicken teriyaki, and four slices of cheese on a pretzel bun. The Brooks Burger is a cheeseburger with barbecue sauce and onion rings. Atmosphere 3 The stadium features a nice main entrance that opens up to the main concourse and the field. The stadium consists of seats from third base all the way to the right field corner, a large grass berm seating area occupies third base to the left field line. Just behind the left field wall is eight rows of bleacher seats and a boardwalk area directly behind it. The red hand-operated scoreboard dominates the right field and is sandwiched in between three tiers of advertisements. The Party Patio is located in the corner as provides the opportunity for fans with an all-you-can-eat dinner option for a low cost of around $30 to $40 a person depending on what package is purchased. The stadium does not feature traditional suites but offers open-air suites, tent suits, and four top terraces for specific groups and prices. The area provides a closer look to the field and is quite popular based on the number of people situated in them during the game. Ruffy is the official mascot of the team and he can be found throughout the stadium entertaining kids of all ages. The picnic area and children’s playground is located in the left field providing entertainment options for the younger fans who might not be able to sit still during a nine-inning affair with the parents. They consist of a couple plastic slides and jungle gyms with padded surface tops. The team store located near the entrance by the ticket office offers team merchandise and at one time, the ball club went with a throwback look, some of that is still available in the team colors. Neighborhood 4 CarShield Field is located in a residential neighborhood a few miles north of I-70 and about 30 minutes from the center of St. Louis. It is close enough that one can enjoy the distinct neighborhoods of the Arch City, but one needs a car to arrive at the stadium for a game. However, both downtown O’Fallon and historic St. Charles (12 miles away) provided a nice diversion to the hustle and bustle of downtown. Ethyl’s Smokehouse & Saloon is minutes from the ballpark and offers a fun and funky vibe that is ideal for families. The smoked pork steak smothered in barbecue is a St. Louis tradition and comes with two sides, but we won’t blame you if you choose the pulled pork or brisket. Turtle Creek Pub and McGurk’s Public House are two fine ways to wash down a few drinks or sit outside on the patio during a summer day. Historic St. Charles offers visitors over 25 restaurants from which to choose from barbecue to casual pub food. Enjoy all of this with great ambiance along the Missouri River at coffee houses, outdoor patios, or riverview walks. Tucanos Brazilian Grill and Hendricks BBQ are two great options when in town. However, you don’t have to ignore St. Louis, you are within 30 minutes of The Gateway Arch, Laclede’s Landing, Soulard Market, Budweiser Tour, and the State Museum. Cap it off with frozen custard from Ted Drewes Frozen Yogurt on Route 66 and you will have a great day. Fans 3 Like with many minor league baseball stadiums, the focus on entertainment is paramount. The opportunity to enjoy a night out with friends and neighbors or entertain the kids comes first than anything on the baseball diamond. Still, there are many who cheer and root for the Rascals from their seats behind the backstop that adds a little hometown cooking to the stadium’s ambiance. Access 4 CarShield Field is a very easy stadium to locate by a car that is a few miles north of I-70. Signs are visible on the interstate and the main street to ensure that motorists arrive efficiently for the game. Is not hard to get around once inside and crowds are never too busy to create any congestion on the concourse during a game. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for games are $8 and $12 and parking can be found for free near the ballpark, but if you are willing to pay $5 to park, that option exists as well. The food is reasonably priced and quite plentiful and tasty. Its location near St. Louis makes for an easy diversion for baseball of when in the city. Extras 2 One point for the St. Charles County Amateur Sports Hall of Fame that honors local athletes who achieved status in softball, baseball, horseshoes, bowling, and dartball. Visitors can enjoy viewing a vintage collection of sports memorabilia, photos, trophies, pennants, souvenirs, records, and awards. A second point is awarded to The Arch Nemesis, a burger that features two beef patties, teriyaki grilled chicken, and four slices of cheese on a pretzel bun. Surprisingly, it tastes great and is a must have when at the ballpark. Final Thoughts CarShield Field doesn’t break the mold in contemporary ballpark design but has served the community well for the past 20 years outside of just baseball. Its location close to the multiple districts of St. Charles, O’Fallon, and St. Louis and 30 minutes from major league baseball, along with fellow rivals Gateway Grizzlies on the other side of the Mississippi River, makes for a nice headquarters for a baseball weekend.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.87 Campbell’s Field 401 Delaware Ave Camden, NJ 08102 Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,700 From a View to a Kill, Campbell’s Field Campbell’s Field debuted in 2001 and served as the home of the Camden Riversharks of the independent Atlantic League. It was the last new ballpark built in the state that began in 1994 with Trenton’s ARM & HAMMER Ballpark. Ironically, it bears a striking resemblance in design and color to Trenton but differs in its spectacular views of the Delaware River, Ben Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline. The ballpark’s construction was designed to spark urban renewal in the city of Camden and along with the aquarium and amphitheater that shares the stadium’s parking lot, this is a pleasant destination to visit. Unfortunately, after the 2015 season the Riversharks ceased operations due to the inability to reach an agreement on lease terms with the owner of Campbell’s Field, the Camden County Improvement Authority. The ballpark would remain vacant of professional baseball for the next four years but was used for the Rutgers-Camden baseball program until the 2018 season. In December 2018 demolition started and the site will be home to a new $15 million athletic complex that will include a baseball and softball field, a turf field for soccer and lacrosse, and an 8-lane track that will be ready in 2021. The demolition of the 6,700-seat ballpark and surface preparations for the new complex was funded by the City of Camden and Rutgers-Camden. Campbell’s Field was the second ballpark built in New Jersey, along with Riverfront Stadium, in Newark that was razed. Both facilities were constructed to spark renewal interest in an urban area but both stadiums failed to draw large enough crowds to spark such interest and Campbell’s (15 years) and Newark (16 years) saw limited time as professional ballparks. Food & Beverage 4 The Riversharks provide a lot of local flavors at the ballpark. The Philadelphia Pretzel Factory offers their famous Philly style pretzels. Chickie & Pete’s, a Jersey Shore tradition, offers a bucket of french fries with Old Bay seasoning for only $7-perfect for families and is the number one selling item during games. Turkey Hill ice cream, which is becoming available in parts of the country at Kroger supermarkets, is served along with another area delicacy, the cheesesteak. It should be mentioned that the cheesesteaks in Philadelphia and South Jersey differ from other locales across the nation. More options include burritos, churros, chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers and a Budweiser bar that features $1 beers on Tuesday nights. Atmosphere 3 If you are not enjoying your day at the ballpark, do not blame the Riversharks. They have made sure that your stay during the game is fun, friendly and safe. First, and foremost, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in the outfield is the star of the ballpark. Its presence is looming, magnificent and one of a kind in professional baseball. It is hard to not stare at this massive bridge that stretches across the Delaware River or take a photo at the ballpark without a portion of it being in the background. It is one of the best outfield views in minor league baseball. The children’s area is another star attraction and if your kids do not enjoy baseball, perhaps they will enjoy the wall climb, bouncy slide, and jungle gym. The carousel on the third baseline and next to the funnel cake stand is another area for your kids to pass the time during the game. Also, when tickets to Monday games for kids are only $3, this might be the best way for your kid to release some energy. Adding to the ambiance is the official team store that features replica jerseys ranging from $20-$30, ball caps varieties and products for the kids. The ballpark features many attributes of ones built in its era with brick exterior and interior, green canopy and seating, and concourse layout. Visitors have to walk up stairs from the entrance to the main concourse, and there is one area that stands out among many other ballparks: South Jersey Baseball Hall of Fame. The small spot is packed with baseball nostalgia from jerseys, seats, photos and buckets of baseball rubbing mud that is harvested nearby in Palmyra, New Jersey. And with Major League All-Star Mike Trout being from the area, the hall of fame could grow in stature in the foreseeable future. Neighborhood 2 Camden, along with other cities such as Newark and Gary, are known as dangerous places to visit. However, one should never disdain traveling to a game at Campbell’s Field, since the ballpark is right off the highway and Philadelphia is located a few miles away. It is not recommended that you walk around the area to find places to eat or drink. However, the ballpark is located along the riverfront and shares a parking lot with the Adventure Aquarium and the outdoor amphitheater Susquehanna Bank Center. These two locations attract large audiences and have brought life back to the city. Also, located outside the ballpark is Victor’s Pub, which is a fast and easy way to enjoy a drink or bite to eat before the game. Philadelphia is only a quick drive over the bridge and once in the city, visit a few places I grew up visiting that include Yard’s Brewing Company, Philadelphia Brewing Company, Tony Luke’s, the best cheesesteaks in town, and Marabella’s Meatball Company. These are just a few of my favorite places, but the city offers endless possibilities of historical venues, museums and other places to wine and dine. Fans 2 There were not a lot of fans at the game that I attended and it was a head scratcher. The game night featured $1 hot dogs, churros, popcorn, sodas and beer and this should have been a slam dunk of night to get the locals out. Do not blame the Riversharks, they have created a great template for fans to venture out for a night of baseball Access 3 The ballpark shares a massive lot with the aquarium and amphitheatre and costs $5 – about $2-$3 more compared to other ballparks in the state. However, since the area outside of the ballpark is somewhat blithe, the price of parking is well worth the peace of mind when heading back out after the game. The ballpark is off of I-676 and easily accessible from the 1-295 and the turnpike in New Jersey. If coming from Philadelphia, cross the Ben Franklin Bridge off of I-95 and the ballpark is visible from the bridge. There is plenty of signage to aid the motorist, but if coming from Jersey, beware of your GPS. It has told motorists to cross the bridge into Philadelphia and that could provide headaches and cost you $5 in tolls. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices on game day are $13 and $14 for the two levels of grandstand seating between the third and first baselines. The family section tickets are a much better bargain at $5. Tickets for seniors and children in the 200 level are $9 and peanut free zone prices are $13. These prices are aligned reasonably with the rest of the Atlantic League, but I would have liked to have seen a $10 price point for at least one section in the ballpark. Extras 3 Campbell’s Field provides one of my favorite views in minor league baseball. The Ben Franklin Bridge is gorgeous to stare at and without, the ballpark would lose a lot of its aesthetics. The variety of food deserves an extra star and so does the kid’s zone, it is one of the best that I have seen in my travels. Final Thoughts It is still shocking that Campbell’s Field was knocked down after only 15 years of being home to professional baseball. The views of the Franklin Bridge were stunning and perhaps possessed one of the best views in baseball but it is a lesson to any municipality looking at spending millions of dollars into funding a ballpark. It has worked in other markets with similar inspirations but those inspirations never materialized and even though baseball will still be played on the same site, it is still sullen to think that a 6,000 plus modern ballpark once stood along the Delaware River.

Photo by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Burlington Athletic Stadium 1450 Graham St Burlington, NC 27217 Burlington Sock Puppets website Burlington Athletic Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 3,500 The Royal Treatment It’s fascinating that one of North Carolina’s most historic baseball venues wasn’t even constructed in the state. Burlington Athletic Stadium, home of the only rookie advanced team in the Tar Heel State, was built across the border in Danville, Virginia and moved to its present location almost 60 years ago. After moving to the Piedmont city of Burlington, the ballpark was historically known as Fairchild Stadium, named after the nearby Fairchild Aircraft plant. The team was known then as the Burlington Indians and saw many future major league stars pass through, including CC Sabathia, Jim Thome, Bartolo Colon, and Manny Ramirez. Today, these players and more are honored on pennants located on the concourse behind the main grandstand. Food & Beverage 3 With old-school baseball comes old-school concessions. That isn’t a bad thing, but don’t expect any over-the-top food items. Traditional fare is offered at several stands throughout the park, at below average prices. Chowing down is even cheaper on promotional nights when select items are just $1 or $2. Ice cream and ribs are probably the most deviant choices, although sno-balls are sometimes available. Pepsi is the main beverage served, primarily due to its popularity and roots in the region. Atmosphere 4 Burlington Athletic received $1.2 million in upgrades and renovations prior to the 2019 season, which helped immensely in improving the game day experience for fans. Despite the changes, Burlington hasn’t lost the old-timey baseball feel that is always front and center in the Appalachian League circuit. While Minor League Baseball in general has earned a reputation for being outlandish and outrageous in team names and promotions, you won’t find any of that nonsense here in Burlington. Things are very laid back on game days; sound effects and on-field games between innings are kept to a minimum. If your seats are located in the main grandstand, be aware of the extremely steep ramps that lead up from the concourse. They’re somewhat difficult to ascend and descend in good weather, so imagine the difficulty level when it rains. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is located in a residential area of Burlington, near the adjacent town of Graham. In fact, depending on how you approach the park from the interstate, you may pass through this quaint town. That being said, there are no walkable options for fans before or after games. Since one would likely be driving to the ballpark anyway, there isn’t exactly a need for amenities in the immediate area. Retail and restaurant chains are just a short drive away, near I-85/I-40. The towns of Burlington and Elon are also close; both are home to local shops and eateries. Skid’s Drive-In, a Burlington staple, is just a few minutes from the stadium and worth a stop. Fans 3 Burlington typically draws in the upper echelon of the Appy League. It’s not clear whether this is due to the team’s performance (the Royals advanced to the Championship in 2019, losing to Johnson City in 3 games) or the dedication of baseball fans in the area. Regardless, folks show up to support their Royals. Sellouts don’t happen often, but the house is usually packed with a decent number of fans, depending on the night of the week and the opponent. Most fans who show up to games are knowledgeable and involved, but there are a select few who are just there to socialize and aren’t engaged with the action on the field. Access 5 The ballpark is surrounded by parking lots, all of which are free. There is a massive lot directly adjacent to the park; when it fills up, there is a secondary lot not too far away. Note that there’s a bit of a walk involved if you park in this alternate lot, so arrive early if you want to park close. Interstate 85/40 is the main route used to get to the stadium and there are several exits and approaches that can be used depending on the direction that one comes from. Burlington itself is located approximately halfway between the Triad and Triangle regions of North Carolina, meaning the city is almost equidistant from Greensboro and Durham. Within a short drive, there are at least 4 other minor league teams, as well as a multitude of college baseball programs. The region is served by two airports and five major interstates. In the Appalachian League, the Royals might be considered the geographical outlier. The nearest team is in Danville; together, the two clubs are somewhat isolated from the extremely compact league footprint in southern West Virginia, southwest Virginia, and the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee. Return on Investment 4 Tickets on the day of game are between $7 and $10, depending on where you want to sit. This is just a shade higher than the league average, but still extremely affordable and well worth the price. Tickets and concessions for a family of four will run approximately $70. One person can enjoy a solo night out for around $15. Remember, parking is free. Extras 2 One point for the updated ticketing system, which has made significant strides in recent seasons. Today, the simple and easy process for purchasing game tickets is on par with the rest of the minor leagues. A second point is awarded for the rich history of the stadium. The park appeared momentarily in the famous movie Bull Durham and was home to a 27-inning contest in 1988 that lasted more than eight hours, setting the record for the longest continuous single-game solo broadcast in baseball history. Final Thoughts Burlington Athletic Stadium is small-town baseball at its finest. The quaint grounds on which the Royals play almost transport you back in time to the golden age of baseball. While it’s not a modern venue in a vibrant downtown as is the case in other Carolina cities, this Field of Dreams should be on your ballpark bucket list.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 JMU Convocation Center 895 University Blvd Harrisonburg, VA 22801 James Madison Dukes website JMU Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1982 (original)/2023 (renovated for volleyball) Capacity: 1,118 Return to the Convo The JMU Convocation Center on the campus of James Madison University first opened in 1982 as the home of the Dukes' men's and women's basketball programs. Following the 2019-20 season, The Convo closed as the team moved into its new arena, the Atlantic Union Bank Center. However, it would soon find a new purpose. The interior of the arena was completely renovated and turned into a new home for James Madison's women's volleyball team, which had previously played in Sinclair Gym. In 2023, the Convocation Center reopened, pretty much the same on the outside but entirely different on the inside. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at the JMU Convocation Center, located right next to the entrance. The menu is pretty simple. Hot dogs and nachos are the only meal options, while soft pretzels, popcorn, chips, and candy are also available. Soda and bottled water are sold as well. As at all Virginia public universities, the water comes in aluminum cans rather than plastic bottles, but this should not cause any problems. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than $6. Atmosphere 4 Although the JMU Convocation Center looks pretty much the same on the outside as it did during its first life as a basketball arena, it is completely different on the inside. Walking in will put you in an open area with an indoor track and purple carpet. JMU athletics banners line all the walls, and purple chairback seats slope down towards the hardwood floor. James Madison's athletic department puts significant effort into promoting its volleyball program. The cheerleaders stand along the baseline, as does the school's mascot, Duke Dog. The PA announcer encourages fans to get loud and support the Dukes, and they answer his call. The Convocation Center is a sea of purple on gameday, with a great atmosphere to keep the fans engaged. Neighborhood 4 Harrisonburg is a beautiful college town nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Although it is not large, there is a lot to do here. Macado’s is a regional restaurant chain with several locations in the Valley and surrounding area, including one right here in Harrisonburg. They are known for their burgers, wings, and delicious hot sandwiches, as well as their large collection of local sports memorabilia. The Magpie Diner on West Gay Street is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favorite. There are several hotels in the area along Route 33, including a Doubletree, a Clarion, and a Candlewood Suites. . Fans 4 The renovated Convo seats only about 1,100 fans, and it is mostly full for a typical home game. "Start Wearing Purple" is a theme song of JMU athletics, and the fans take it to heart, coming decked out in the school color. They are loud and boisterous despite the large amount of open space on each sideline which reduces the crowd noise. Every time the Dukes have a set point, the crowd rises to its feet and cheers as loud as possible to urge the team to finish the task at hand. Access 3 The campus of James Madison University is located just off Interstate 81. Several exits will ultimately get you where you're going - although the sign on the highway says to use Exit 245 to access the JMU campus, Exit 243 works better in most cases. However, it is not a huge enough difference to worry about it too much. Once you get on campus, parking is available in spacious lots next to the arena that were designed when the Convo had a much larger capacity. While parking was a problem when the arena was drawing 6,000+ fans for basketball, fans should have no problem parking close by for a volleyball game. There is one men's restroom and one women's restroom at The Convo, plus a single-person gender-neutral/family one. They are of a sufficient size for the crowd. However, there are a couple of issues here that bring this score down somewhat. A clear bag policy is in effect at JMU volleyball games, which seems unnecessary given the size of the crowd. Additionally, to get to the seats on one side of the floor, fans have to walk down to floor level and then back up. Most fans choose to sit on the other sideline for this reason. Return on Investment 5 There is no cost for admission to JMU volleyball games, and concessions are affordable as well. This makes a game at the Convo an excellent value. Keep in mind there may be an admission charge for Sun Belt Conference or NCAA postseason events. . Extras 2 One bonus star here for the murals and other displays honoring JMU athletics. There are free roster cards and other items available at a marketing table by the entrance. Final Thoughts When the JMU Convocation Center closed in 2020, it seemed like it was gone for good. Basketball had moved to its shiny new arena, and there was nobody left to play there. However, JMU has not just renovated but rejuvenated the Convo, and volleyball has made it its new home. Dukes fans have embraced the return, and instead of playing in an aging and cramped gym, the volleyball program has a home befitting of its excellence.