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

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Miami-Dade Arena 601 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33132 Miami Heat website Miami-Dade Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 19,600 The Heat Is On This 2019-2020 season marks the 20th Anniversary of the Miami Heat (or HEAT as preferred by the team) in their present home at AmericanAirlinesArena (that is the official stylized name and not a misspelling on our part) along Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami. The arena opened on December 1999, with a concert by local star Gloria Estefan. The arena has a capacity of 19,600, including 2,105 club seats, 80 luxury suites and 76 private boxes. The arena seating bowl has a definite Heat theme, as it features a cascade of red and orange colors. The scoreboard is also very distinctive, not for its size, but for its interpretation of the sun with rays of light extending from the interior. Note: The arena name changed to Kaseya Center in April 2023. Food & Beverage 5 Miami is a melting pot of cultures with a heavy influence of Latin and Caribbean populations. This is certainly reflected in the food and concessions program at AmericanAirlinesArena. The facility offers 36 different vendors with 77 locations spread out through the arena. Several stands offer the standard arena fare. These include Chicken Ciao (chicken tenders), Prime Grill (burgers, grilled chicken), Papa John’s (pizza), Downtown Dogs (hot dogs), Family Fare (typical arena fare in child size portions) and Healthy Fit (veggie burgers, salads and gluten free foods). Local and more ethnically diverse dishes are available at PB Burgers (gourmet burgers), Bodega Taqueria y Tequila (Mexican street food), Sergio’s Cuban Café’ and Grill (Cuban Cuisine), Miami Smoker’s BBQ, The Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, Kuenko (salmon, tuna and veggie bowls) and Baja Bao (Asian fusion). AmericanAirlinesArena is experimenting with cashless commerce in certain areas of the arena. Purchasers can use their credit or debit cards only at these sites. It is hoped to speed up the lines. Atmosphere 5 The HEAT is by far the most successful franchise in South Florida since the club was founded in 1988. They have won the NBA titles on three occasions (2006, 2012 and 2013), been Conference Champions five times and Division Champions 13 times . Today they are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the NBA. Attending a HEAT game is as much of a social occasion as attending a basketball game. While seeing the red-hot HEAT compete on the court, you are just as likely to be seeing an “A List” of celebrities sitting courtside. While the sight lines to the court are excellent, the social amenities offered at AmericanAirlinesArena are just as impressive. There is a plaza located on the east side of the arena, which overlooks Biscayne Bay and features a bar and plenty of tables and chairs to enjoy socializing before, during and after the game. You will feel the Miami vibe before you ever enter the arena, as it features the white exterior and large amounts of glass that are so prevalent in the architecture in the South Florida area. Its location overlooking Biscayne Bay also adds to the uniqueness of the space, as very few NBA arenas feature a waterfront view. AmericanAirlinesArena features seating for the general public in the 100, 200, and 400 levels of the facility, with the 200-level serving as the club and luxury suites level of the seating bowl. The 400 level of seats are only found in the end zone area of the seating bowl. Neighborhood 4 The home of the HEAT is in downtown Miami along beautiful Biscayne Bay. It is surrounded by several developments such as the Bayside Marketplace entertainment and shopping complex and a wide variety of hotels featuring dramatic views of the bay. The Frost Museum of Science is located virtually next door. South Beach and its lively club and bar scene are just a short drive across the causeway from the arena. Speaking of driving, traffic is also the main drawback to the area, as it is congested night and day, regardless of whether there is an event going on or not. The city’s MetroRail system can help you avoid the gridlock and will also allow you to avoid the high parking fees in the area. Fans 5 South Florida sports fans have been starved for a winning program as the Dolphins, Marlins, Panthers and the University of Miami programs have been a disappointment in recent years. They have found a consistent winner in the HEAT and support the team with a passion. They are loud, and they proudly wear the HEAT colors to every game. The noise in the arena can be deafening at times, as the crowd becomes the “sixth man” on the court during scoring streaks or when the team needs to make a defensive stand. In addition to the game, fans come for the social aspect of the event as well. HEAT games are a party, with DJ’s on hand to keep the music going, celebrity sightings abound, and high fashion is the dress code for the night. The fans love to mingle in the many social areas built into the arena. Access 3 While there is a Biscayne Boulevard exit directly off I-395 near the arena, an automobile is typically the worst way to access AmericanAirlinesArena. The arena itself only has parking dedicated to season ticket holders. The nearest large lot to the arena is found at the Bayside Marketplace, which charges a small fortune for its spaces, as do the other lots in the area. Traffic is always heavy on Biscayne Boulevard, as the presence of Biscayne Bay on its eastern side rules out any other routes to reach the arena from the east or the south. For more info on MetroRail go to www.8.miamidade.gov/trainspotation/metrorail.page . Fortunately, the city of Miami offers a public transit system designed to get you to the AmericanAirlinesArena both swiftly and economically. Simply take the MetroRail train to the Government Center Station ($2.25 fare) and transfer to the MetroMover Omni Loop (free of charge) taking it to the Park West Station. From there, simply cross Biscayne Boulevard to the arena. The HEAT also has a partnership with the Uber ridesharing service. Return on Investment 4 There are general pricing ranges for each level of the seating bowl. The HEAT uses a dynamic pricing program that changes for games featuring the more popular opponents. The 400 level seats list price at $15 – $30, the 300 level seats go for between $50 and $80 and 100 level seats go for $80 or more depending on location near the court. Concession prices are above average for an NBA arena. The parking situation makes this an unattractive option, as the parking lots surrounding the arena can charge $40 or more on event nights. A much cheaper option is to take the MetroRail / Metromover combo which will cost you only $2.25 each way and deliver you a block from the arena. Extras 5 AmericanAirlinesArena is the correct spelling of the arena’s name. This is to set it apart from several other arenas that have naming rights with the airline, such as the arena in Dallas that serves as the home of the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars. Among the other events that have taken place at the AmericanAirlinesArena are both WCW and UFC matches, the MTV Video Music Awards and concerts by Cher, Britney Spears, Shakira, Adele, Katy Perry and many more. AmericanAirlinesArena only trails the Staples Center in LA and Madison Square Garden in New York City for the number of celebrity sightings in its courtside seats. The team holds a Noche Latina Night and dons their El HEAT jerseys each season in recognition of the support it receives from the Hispanic community. The rafters of the arena are filled with banners recognizing the team’s various championship years, as well as celebrating the careers of Chris Bosh, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning with their retired jersey numbers. Banners also recognize HEAT players who have won gold medals in the Olympic Games. Final Thoughts American Airlines has decided not to renew their naming rights agreement which expires December 31, 2019. At the time of this review the arena was still known as AmericanAirlinesArena. A new naming rights partner has not been identified yet. Regardless of the name on the building, the facility is one of the most unique arenas in the NBA, both architecturally and its promotion of the local team’s brand. It embraces the Latin heritage found in the Miami area, both through its concessions program and the music played during lulls in the action. The HEAT are the most successful sports franchise in the South Florida area and a trip to a basketball game at the facility makes a great evening addition while vacationing in Miami.

Photos by Dennis Morrell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Angel of the Winds Arena 2000 Hewitt Ave Everett, WA 98201 Everett Silvertips website Angel of the Winds Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 8,149 Everett Tips *Editor’s Note-This review originally appeared on Stadium Journey in 2014. Since that time, the Silvertips’ home arena has been renamed Angel of the Winds Arena. At the time of this review, the arena was named Comcast Arena, and will be referred to by that name throughout this review. Just 30 miles north of Seattle, a burgeoning community sits just off the eastern shore of Possession Sound. With a population of 105,000, Everett supports both an AquaSox baseball team (class A short season) and Silvertips major junior hockey club, members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), part of the top major junior circuit in the world. While the Silvertips continue to garner strong support, attendance has slipped since their first six season where figures topped 6,000 per game regularly. For the 2013-14 season, the team is averaging 4,664 a game, still good for 8th in the 22-team league. Comcast Arena is the home of the Silvertips and offers an experience worthy of a visit. The intimate setting and sightlines provide for an enjoyable outing and having a competitive team helps bring the entire package together. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few neat treats to enjoy at Comcast Arena, but most everything you would expect to consume at a sporting event is here. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice with fountain variety at $4 for regular size and $4.50 for a large size. For just $8, though, you can get an All-You-Can-Drink cup. Bottled soda, water, and Monster Energy drinks are $4. For beer lovers, Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, Molson Canadian for common selections and some local brews such as Kokanee and Scuttlebutt Power Play Ale are on hand. Draft beer is $8 while regular bottled beer is $7 and large bottled beer is $11. Even more beer options can be found at the Ice Box Lounge behind section 113. I had an oversized hot dog at $5.50, which was not as tasty as anticipated. Regular sized hot dogs are $4 with a kiddie dog for $2. Regular nachos are $4.25 while nachos grande are $5.75. A large soft pretzel is $3.75 and an accompanying cup of cheese is $1.50. Pizza slices are $6.50 and $7 depending upon the type. Near section 118, there is a concession area featuring seafood and Mexican food. Make sure you take a peek at the menu here. Among the offerings are a pulled pork sandwich or salmon burger (both served with fries) or fish & chips, each of the three at $10. A bowl of clam chowder is just $6. Burritos and quesadillas are $9 while a taco salad and three tacos are $10. There are a few additional special items which caught my attention. They include Fruit-on-a-stick for $6-$7, Mini Donuts (18 of them) for $5.50, a caramel apple for $5, and stir fry for $10. Most food and drink stands only accept cash (such as fruit-on-a-stick). Generally, concession prices are a little higher than expected for a minor league hockey venue. The Ice Box Lounge, located behind section 113 on the other side of the concourse, provides plenty of standing areas and high tables to accommodate at least 100 patrons. As for finer dining choices inside the arena, there are two options. The Arena Grill is a table-service venue located near sections 205 and 206 and available exclusively to suite holders and those with club seats. Reservations can be made at (425) 322-2726 or online. The Octane Lounge provides a contemporary bar atmosphere with full cocktail service. It is located at the 200-level at the southeast corner of the arena near section 210 and 211. It is available to the public 90 minutes before game time (unless being rented for the night). Atmosphere 4 The arena is nestled in the heart of downtown at 2000 Hewitt Avenue, the north edge of the block bordered by Oakes Avenue to the west and Broadway to the east. The corner of Hewitt and Oakes provides the facility’s most grand entrance. It is arguably the epicenter of activity in this quaint community. From the outside, the building does not look like much, but get inside and it has some character. It is intimate with sections close together and built nearly on top of the ice instead of spread back. This is likely due to the small footprint the building has in a city block. Built into part of a steeply-graded hill, of which you will see several throughout downtown, Comcast Arena’s main entrance is on the northwest side of the arena at Hewitt Avenue and Oakes Avenue. There is a bit of a downward grade with steps from the street to get you to the front door. A secondary entrance is along the south side of the arena along Wall Street. Inside the main entrance and to the right is the pro shop, across from section 105. The main box office is to the left of the entrance. There are two bowls of seating, the 100 level and the 200 level. The main concourse feeds to both with entrances to the sections leading to steps which take you to the 100 level seats and stairwells which take you up to the 200 level seats. The 100 level has approximately 15 rows while the upper level has about 18 rows on average. If you are sitting in the 200 level near the top, there are walkways behind the last row which include restrooms. This nice feature prevents the need to descend down the stairwell and then back up wasting time and energy. The main concourse is appropriately marked and not too cluttered with signage. Directional signs are clean and simple and guide you to where you want to go. Elevators are available in several areas to take patrons who need them to the upper levels. If you are concerned about missing the game while in the concourse, know there are a few televisions above and within some concession stands. These are not plentiful though. As for choosing where to sit, consider the following layout as if you were sitting at the center red line, across from the team benches and behind the penalty boxes. You would be sitting in section 108. These tickets are known as the lower club and are $29 for regular games, $34 for premium games (not for every one of the games against the following opponents, but mostly for games when the Silvertips face Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Moose Jaw, and Victoria). Check the website to see the premium game schedule. More on sections and pricing can be found at the end of this section. While sitting in section 108, look to your left behind the goal. Section 103 is found there, the end where the Silvertips shoot twice. The sections at this end surround the glass rising upward to a high 200 level and a full second level of seats. Look to your right behind the goal and section 100 is where you can sit directly behind the net where the opponent shoots twice. While there is a full 100 level with multiple sections of seats, the concourse is at the top of the 100 level and is the only area of the concourse where you can view the ice and the action on it. Across the concourse in this area is The Ice Box Lounge, a place to stand and talk to other fans while listening to the game. This area also provides a view (separated by glass floor to ceiling) of the activity at the adjacent community rink. Both benches are in front of section 118 with the home team bench adjacent to section 117 while the away bench is adjacent to section 119. Penalty boxes are in front of 108 for both teams. Regular single ticket prices for Silvertips games range in price from $10-$29 for regular opponents and increase to a range of $10-$34 for premium games. 200 level, upper bowl seats on the corners and ends are $10 and $14 respectively for all games regardless of a premium night or not. The only exception is the upper club level in part of section 205 and all of section 206. These two areas are $22/$24 and are in the upper corner across from the benches and closest to the penalty boxes, both of which are to the ticket holder’s right. The benefit to these seats involves access to the Arena Grill during the game, it has food and drink service and slightly wider and more comfortable seats than the majority of the sections. The real benefit for these seats probably comes by being a season ticket holder with parking pass, team merchandise discounts and ticket exchange benefits. The red seats are the three sections on each side of the ice in the upper level parallel with the side boards. I believe these are the best seats for the money at $16/$19, particularly like section 208 as the best section to view a game. Consider getting a first row seat in this section as the sightlines over the ice are best from this spot. The remaining price levels are all 100 level, lower bowl seats. Most of the seats are green seats surrounding the rink at $19/$22 with two exceptions. The first row of seats around the glass are silver seats priced at $24/$29 with just two sections reserved for lower club and all seats including the first row price at $29/$34. Sections 108 (behind the penalty boxes) and 118 (behind the team benches) are lower club or blue seats. There is excellent pitch in the rows on both levels, but there are particularly better views from the upper level where you can see more of the ice without feeling too removed from the action. Aisles are wide and seats are comfortably padded with cup holders down below and in front of each seat. Concourse width is narrower than expected at the longer sides of the rink, but opens up nicely in the corner and on the end behind section 113. Keep in mind, before the game when fans are entering, the entrances are jammed full of people trying to decide which way they want to go. Once the game begins, things are less cluttered. Once in your seat, you will notice an appropriately-sized scoreboard with video capabilities for live action and replays. A loud foghorn lets you know a home goal has been scored. Banners recognizing team accomplishments are hung above the goals on both ends of the ice denoting the team’s regular season and playoff accomplishments. During the game you will enjoy the nice mix of popular canned music and organ music with an appropriate volume level. There is something to be said for the right level of music and the Comcast Center does a good job of maintaining this. Along where you might expect to find messages boards and game information there are static advertising signs throughout, almost overwhelming above what one might expect. I get the team looks for as many revenue streams and opportunities as possible. Seems this element is a little overdone at Comcast Arena. As with most venues, promotions to generate interest in fans showing up early and engaged during the game are plentiful. There seems to be some sort of promotion at every game. Neighborhood 4 Comcast Arena is in the heart of downtown Everett, just a few miles east of Possession Sound. There are many options for shopping and eating near the arena. For the eats and drinks, consider the following choices: The Austin Bar & Grill for great steaks and burgers, Port Gardner Bay Winery for wine tasting beginning at 4:30 Tuesday through Saturday, or Sidekicks for burgers, sandwiches and a variety of brew choices. Also worth visiting is Cask & Vine, featuring beer and wine accompanied by food pairings, Brooklyn Brothers Pizzeria for excellent pizza selections, Ynot Sports Pub & Grub for great burgers and an upscale pub atmosphere, and Fish Tale Brew Pub for great seafood choices. Fans 3 Fans are proud and supportive of their team and it is shown both in how they dress for the game adorned in their favorite Silvertips jersey or hat and in the volume with which they express their support. Access 3 Like most downtown arenas, street and garage parking are plentiful, but at a price. You can park for $5 at a garage just across and down the street from Comcast Arena along Oakes. The closer to game time, the deeper into the underground structure you will need to drive for your spot. There is a smattering of surface lots within walking distance, some as much as $10. Street parking is available and is free after 6 PM during the week and all day on the weekends. If you have to get there early on a weeknight game, you will pay $2 for up to two hours of street parking or $5 for up to four hours of street parking. Streets are in good condition and provide access to the wonderful shops, restaurants, and bars surrounding the arena in areas north and west of the arena. As for bathrooms, there are a total of eleven (11) and they seem to be congested far more than they should be. Lines extend well outside the restrooms at intermission, but far more problematic and for a longer period of time. It seems they have a shortage of facilities and have not managed the queue well as it inhibits those fans walking the concourse at intermission. Line queues at concession stands also contribute to the congestion. The message is consider this when determining when to go to the restroom or getting food or drink. You might have to miss some of the game to do either in order to avoid long waits. The area behind section 113 at The Ice Box Lounge is particularly crowded during breaks. Return on Investment 3 The food and drink prices are a little high in many cases, but there are some reasonably priced options. If spending money on food and drink is a staple of your evening at a hockey game, consider promotions with special pricing. Tickets are also a little on the high side. In being one of the top draws in the WHL, getting tickets in advance through the team website will cost you in ticket processing fees. Merchandise is on the fair to high side with many items being under $10, but authentic jerseys at $225 with personalization for another $60. Extras 4 Game Program: For $3, fans can pick up a game program on the way in the arena at the entrances or at the team shop. This is a must buy for information on the match and a cheap souvenir to take home with you to remember the evening. Mascot: The Silvertips mascot, Lincoln, plays a major role in each event and is integral in getting fans up for the game ten minutes prior to puck drop. About ten minutes before puck drop, the arena goes dark and Lincoln orchestrates a rumbling cheer. He initiates a sequence which gets one side of the arena yelling “GO” while the other side then yells “TIPS”. It may not sound like much, but it was pretty impressive to hear the crowd-coordinated chant build to a loud crescendo leading up to the home team stepping onto the ice. His antics throughout the game involve shooting t-shirts into the crowd, participating in on-ice contests, and riding along the “Fanboni” between periods with groups of Silvertips supporters. He is entertaining. Merchandise: The range of prices and variety of options is plentiful and in this jam-packed store most if not all of the inventory displayed makes the store incredibly small. It is to the point it is uncomfortable to walk around without brushing into the clothing racks and displays. Maybe it is a lack of a stock room or perhaps they choose to display so much to show they have plenty of stock, but it is uncomfortable and cluttered. The team could do a better job of merchandising appropriately instead of showcasing just about every item they have including back stock. Pucks are available for under $5, cowbells for $9.20, adult t-shirts from $15-$29, replica jerseys for $70-$100. While there are some good price points, there are some prices which are way out of line. Website: The Silvertip website is pretty comprehensive which is good in many ways, but it can be a little overwhelming at the home page. Still, you will find good information there including details on the special nights where ticket prices are a little higher for premium opponents and dates, views of the each from each section and the array of merchandise available at the game. Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame: Behind section 115 and 116 along the main concourse is this tribute to local amateur and professional sports figures. Even though football coach Dennis Erickson was the only inductee I recognized, the number of artifacts and stories accompanying the exhibit was enjoyable to visit. Consider at least a walk-by before the game.

Photos by Lloyd Brown Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Charles Koch Arena 1845 Fairmount St Wichita, KS 67260 Wichita State Shockers website Charles Koch Arena website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 10.506 Shockers Shocking Success At Home Wichita State University is a 15,000-student mid-major university founded in 1895. Basketball has been played at the school almost since its inception, as the first team was started in 1905. The team is known as the Shockers and for most of its history, they were members of the Missouri Valley Conference. In 2017, the school joined the American Athletic Conference, which includes such traditional basketball powers as UConn, the University of Memphis, and Temple University, as well as the University of Tulsa, the longtime rival of WSU. The home of the Shockers began its life in 1958 as the WSU Arena, then the Levitt Arena for the next 47 years. When it was built, it was considered to be ahead of its time due to its circular seating bowl around the court, earning itself the nickname “The Roundhouse”. The arena went through expansions in 1966, 1967, 1977, 1980, and 2002. Finally, the aging arena went through a near-total teardown and rebuild in 2002-2003, costing more than $25 million. It emerged as the state-of-the-art Koch Arena, with a seating capacity of 10,506. The basketball team’s success rate since the renovations has been astounding. The Shockers have a home winning percentage of .847 since 2003 and won 43 straight home games in the period of November 2013-February 2016. They have also posted nine seasons with 25 or more wins and four with 30 wins or more. In 2013-2014 the team went undefeated throughout the regular season, compiling a 30-0 record. They were derailed by eventual national champion Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament. Since moving into the Koch Arena, the Shockers have been the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) regular season champions six times and the MVC Tournament Champion twice. They have been to the NCAA Tournament seven times with one Final Four and three Sweet Sixteen appearances. In addition, they have gone to the NIT five times, bringing home one championship. Food & Beverage 4 Koch Arena offers a better-than-average number of food and beverage selections. Due to the arena’s history of sellouts, the renovations made in 2003 put a priority on having enough concession areas to serve more than 10,00 people on an average night, so you should not encounter any long lines. Televisions at each service point will insure that you do not miss any of the games. The Koch Arena concession menu includes steak subs ($9.50), steak burritos ($9.50), pork sandwiches ($7.50), nachos ($9), chicken salad wraps ($7.50), hot dogs ($5), corn dogs ($4), fries ($4), candy ($4), peanuts ($5), pretzels ($4.50) and popcorn ($4). The facility sells 20 oz. Pepsi products ($4), 20 oz. bottled water ($4), 18 oz. teas ($4.50) and 16 oz. coffee ($2.50). Beer is sold to persons 21 years of age and older, with a 2-beer limit per customer. Brands available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Corona Extra, and of course…. Shock Top! Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at WSU games can easily be described as electric. When you enter the arena, you can always expect it to be a full house. The gold and black color scheme of the seating bowl is very eye-catching and the court with the huge wheat shocker logo is dramatic. The major renovation in 2002-2003 and succeeding minor renovations have resulted in a first-class facility. Some of the elements that add to the atmosphere are the 270-foot-long mural atop the concourse that depicts Shocker sports history, a basketball hall of fame, luxury suites a brand new HD scoreboard, and LED lighting throughout the arena. In recognition of its excellent facilities, Koch Arena has hosted the NCAA Tournament at the Regional or Sub-Regional level seven times since 2003. Neighborhood 4 Wichita State is on the northeastern side of Wichita, the largest city in Kansas. While a population of 550,000 may not qualify as huge, it does mean that the city offers many of the amenities found in a metropolitan area. Amongst its main attractions are the Old Town entertainment district, and the INTRUST Bank Arena…. Home to the Wichita Thunder AHL hockey team and the Wichita Force Indoor Football team and Botanica, the premier public garden in the state. Keeper of the Plains, a major sculpture saluting the Indian tribes who inhabited Wichita, is also found in the downtown area along the river. Fans 4 The state of Kansas is a basketball-crazy state and the Shocker fans easily hold their own with their Jayhawk brethren. Through the 2017-2018 season, WSU has had 197 straight games with more than 10,000 fans in attendance and has sold out all but 3 games since 2013. The fans are loud and proud, as basketball is the premier sport on campus. It is hard to miss a WSU fan as they are decked out in every combination of gold and black available. The favorite cheer at games is WUUUUU- SHOCK, which is also the name of the wheat shock mascot for the team. The student body is known as the Shocker Maniacs and they do their best to distract the opposing team throughout the game. The fans play a major role in the arena’s reputation as one of the top home-court advantages in college basketball. Access 3 Wichita State University and Koch Arena are easily accessible via I-135 by taking the 21 Street exit. You will then head east on 21st Street until you reach Hillside. The school will be on your right. Free parking is available on campus near the Levitt Athletic Complex. It is located adjacent to Eck Stadium (baseball) and Cessna Stadium (track and field). Koch Arena has several entry points, so you should not experience any bottlenecks. The widening of the concourses encircling the arena was widened was a major priority in the 2003 renovations. Aisles within the seating bowl are wide and provide plenty of room to pass and seating allows extra leg room. Return on Investment 3 The cost of attending a Shockers game is a mixed bag. While parking is free, and the concession prices are reasonable, the cost of a ticket to a WSU game can be sizeable due to the team’s lengthy history of sellouts. You will almost always be buying your tickets off the secondary market, where they will be priced considerably higher than face value. Tickets fall within the $140- $256 range depending on the location in Koch Arena. Another consideration is the cost of a flight into Wichita, which traditionally is one of the most expensive airports in the country. . Extras 5 Before the INTRUST Bank Arena was built in downtown Wichita, Levitt Arena/Koch Arena was the primary concert venue in town. Among the artists who have performed on campus are Elvis, Chicago, Rick Springfield, Willie Nelson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Ray Charles, Neil Diamond, and Eagles. On a more somber note, the facility hosted a telethon in 1970 to raise funds for the family of victims of both the WSU and Marshall football teams who perished in separate airplane crashes. A staple of most college students’ diets got its start on the Wichita State campus. Two brothers who were students at the university started Pizza Hut in 1958 to pay their tuition. The Shocker's primary opponent is the University of Tulsa. Each academic year the two schools compete in Havoc in the Heartland, where each school accumulates points for a victory over the other in all intercollegiate sports. Wichita is known as the City of Aviation due to the numerous aircraft companies that call it home. Wichita State University has benefitted greatly from these companies’ philanthropy, as facilities on the campus bear the names of Learjet, Cessna, and Bombardier. Final Thoughts A trip to Koch Arena in Wichita will reward you with one of the top mid-major basketball experiences in the Midwest. The team’s move to the American Athletic Conference will only heighten the level of competition moving forward.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Red Rolfe Field at Biondi Park 10 North Main St. Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green baseball website Red Rolfe Field at Biondi Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 2,000 Big Green Baseball Team The first baseball team to represent Dartmouth College played in 1866. In 2008, Big Green alumni Mike and Cindy Biondi donated $5.2 million to the school for improvements to the ball field. Their donation funded renovations that included the installation of a new FieldTurf synthetic surface, new permanent seating for 650 spectators, dugouts, batting cages, bullpens, a new scoreboard, press box and landscaping. Mike Biondi had played baseball during his undergraduate days at Dartmouth in the late 1970s. Unfortunately he passed away suddenly just before the start of the renovations he funded. The ballpark was dedicated in his honor. The baseball field at Dartmouth College is formally known as Red Rolfe Field. Robert “Red” Rolfe was a 1931 alumnus of Dartmouth who went on to play for the New York Yankees for ten seasons and who served as the school’s athletic director from 1954 to 1967. Rolfe made four All-Star teams during his time in the Major Leagues. The Big Green have qualified for seven NCAA tournaments over their history, making it all the way to the College World Series in 1970. Thirty Dartmouth alumni have appeared in the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 0 In a departure from prior visits, there is no food available at Red Rolfe Field. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during a Big Green game. You’ll be sure to see lots of hot coffee in the grandstand on chilly New Hampshire spring afternoons. Atmosphere 2 If you enjoy a laid-back, relaxed experience at the ballpark, where you can hear the chatter of the players on the field, talk comfortably with your neighbors, and roam around a ballpark to take in the action from a variety of spots, you will love your time at Red Rolfe Field. This is an old-timey, bare-bones game day presentation that traditional baseball fans will love. Red Rolfe Field is a comfortable place to catch a game, with a nice little grandstand, an excellent sound system, and easy accessibility. The PA announcer does his job in an unobtrusive manner, with little going on to distract one’s attention from the action on the field. Music is not even played between batters at Red Rolfe Field. Between inning announcements are kept to a minimum, in keeping with the overall aesthetic. Neighborhood 5 Red Rolfe Field is located southeast of the Dartmouth campus, nestled snugly behind Memorial Field and adjacent to Leede Arena . Dartmouth’s other athletic facilities, including Thompson Arena and Scully-Fahey Field , are located across South Park Street. Hanover is a quintessential New England town, with the Dartmouth Green acting as a central focal point for all town activities. Just a five-minute walk from Red Rolfe Field, Main Street features a bunch of shops and restaurants to explore during your visit. Highlights include the Dartmouth co-op, where you can pick up your Big Green gear, Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery for a snack, and Murphy’s on the Green for a traditional pub experience. There are a good dozen eateries located within a couple-block span on this stretch of road near the ball field. Should you wish to stay in Hanover, there are lodging options located in this area as well, including The Hanover Inn and Six South Street Hotel. Visitors looking for other things to do in the area will find a wealth of outdoor options, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through Hanover. Fans 2 When the weather breaks in northern New Hampshire and people start to come outdoors after a long winter, downtown Hanover comes alive. While you will find larger crowds at Red Rolfe Field than at other New England college ballparks, they can still be properly described as “friends and family.” The fans who do show up at Red Rolfe Field are dedicated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Many seem to share a personal connection with the players on the field. As you would expect in a small town like Hanover, visitors can feel comfortable and you may find yourself chatting up the locals over the course of the game. There’s even a respectable, if small, turnout by the student body, eager to get outside after a long winter indoors. Access 4 While Dartmouth College is far off the beaten path, that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get to. Located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstates 89 and 91 on the New Hampshire/Vermont border, Red Rolfe Field is located on the southeast edge of campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities. Driving is easily the most efficient method to arrive in Hanover, but there are bus and car services that run from Manchester, located an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston. You can get more information here . Also, Amtrak has a train station just across the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. There is on-street parking available all over downtown Hanover, but the easiest option is to park across the street in the Thompson Arena lot and walk to the ball field. Once at the ballpark, fans will be greeted by a modest, attractive grandstand featuring individual stadium seats behind home plate and metal bleacher seating further down the lines. Additional bleachers set up down both foul lines that allow for movement and alternate vantage points. There is some room along the lines for standing room. Restrooms are located in the adjacent Memorial Stadium grandstand. These restrooms are new and clean, and more than adequate for a typical Big Green baseball crowd. All seats in the small grandstand feature excellent views of the action, even with netting protecting the entire grandstand. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Big Green baseball game. Parking in the lots near the ballpark is also free. With no concessions at Red Rolfe Field, attending a Dartmouth baseball game will not cost you a cent. Free programs featuring lineups, schedules and more are available to all fans in attendance. Extras 3 For a small ballpark like Red Rolfe Field, there are a lot of things to look at as you wander the grounds. Plaques honoring Red Rolfe, Mike and Cindy Biondi, Tony Lupien, Jeff Tesreau and Peter McKernen are mounted around the back side of the grandstand. Check out the folksy sayings on Coach Lupien and Tesreau’s plaques (“do the best you can with what you’ve got”, “all he ever asked was his share of the close ones”) and interesting placements (one plaque is mounted on a large rock) Dartmouth’s NCAA Tournament and College World Series appearances are commemorated on the outfield walls. Flags representing all eight Ivy League schools fly beyond the outfield fence. Final Thoughts Hanover isn’t a place you’ll find yourself in accidentally. If you do head to northern New England for a college baseball game, you’ll be rewarded with a ballpark that is consistently rated as one of the nicer small parks in the country. Baseball fans looking to experience that small-town relaxed vibe along with a small-park relaxed game day experience will find Red Rolfe Field to be as nice as any ballpark in the country.

Photos by Richard Smith , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Charger Park Baseball Field 851 John Wright Dr NW Huntsville, AL 35805 Alabama-Huntsville Chargers website Charger Park Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 500 Charging Baseball The University of Alabama in Huntsville, or UAH to locals, is a state university that is part of the University of Alabama System. The school began in 1950 as an extension of the University of Alabama but drastically changed in 1960 when Wernher von Braun, a German rocket scientist brought to the United States under Operation Paperclip, after working for the Nazi regime, helped create a research institute to provide advanced engineering and science curricula to NASA scientists and engineers. This set forth a more scientific path for this institution. UAH offers 89 degree-granting programs, but Engineering is the largest college program at the university. UAH is known for its engineering and science programs, including astrophysics, atmospheric science and aerospace engineering. It is a Space Grant university and has a history of cooperation with NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center, and the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal. UAH is a member of the NCAA Division II. In most sports, they are a member of the Gulf South Conference. Unlike many southern schools, there is no football team at UAH. UAH began baseball play in 1996. Charger Park Baseball Field was integrated into Charger Park, built in 2010, which is also the home of the soccer, lacrosse, and softball teams. Food & Beverage 2 For many games there may be no food stands in operation. If the small stand is in operation expect a very simple menu with very good prices for hot dogs and similar items. Atmosphere 3 The field is a simple baseball field with a few grandstands located around home plate. The stadium is a pretty normal setup for a college team of this level. Neighborhood 4 Huntsville is now the largest city in Alabama (Birmingham has a larger metro area) with a population of 194,585 people. The area is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command nearby at the Redstone Arsenal, and the state-owned US Space & Rocket Center. The replica Saturn V at the center can be seen quite aways away, especially on the nearby UAH campus. Nearby University Drive going west towards Madison has a plethora of food options, from both chains to small operations. Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurante, Shaggy’s Burgers and Tacos, ChopChop and TopGolf are some of the best options in that area. One should also look at the numerous brewpub options around the area. Downtown Huntsville is also becoming a nice quaint place for a stroll. There will be a few food and drink options down there as well. The Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment complex is an old factory and mill that houses numerous small artist studios as well as food and drink from options like Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea Company and Alchemy Lounge. Fans 3 The fans are also very knowledgeable about the game and action. Many of the fans in attendance will be family or friends of the players. Access 5 Huntsville is served by several U.S. Highways, including 72, 231, 431 and an Interstate highway spur, I-565, that links the two cities of Huntsville and Decatur to I-65. The UAH campus is off of Sparkman Drive, just south of I-565. There should almost always be plenty of parking found by the soccer field. Check the signs for games that happen during normal class times. Return on Investment 4 The games are free to attend as a local credit union is sponsoring games. Extras 2 Drive around the campus of UAH and check out the beautiful surroundings, as well as the intimidating nature of the learning what happens in places such as the Optics building and the Von Braun building. See if you can see the Saturn V rocket from the soccer pitch. Final Thoughts The University of Alabama in Huntsville has managed to make a very basic, although pretty, setting into one of the better baseball fields in the area. If in the area, make sure to stop in and see if you can catch a match.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Rogers Stadium East River Rd Ettrick, VA 23806 Virginia State Trojans website Rogers Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 7,909 Trojan Explosion The Virginia State Trojans football team competes in NCAA Division II and currently plays in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association for all 14 varsity sports. The CIAA includes member schools from six states, spanning from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. The Trojans home football and track venue is called Rogers Stadium – the facility includes both a turf football field as well as a running track around the field. The facility is located just south of Richmond in Ettrick, VA (or some mapping apps may place it in Petersburg). The venue opened in 1950 and currently seats 7,909 fans.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Rogers Stadium include fixed stands on both the home and visitor sides, as well as two food trucks in the plaza next to the home side. Like many HBCUs, you can find chicken wings and fried fish, as well as soul food, in addition to more traditional fare such as BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, potato wedges, candy, and chips. Drinks include bottled water, bottled Pepsi products, Frappuccino, and energy drinks.   Atmosphere   3 The atmosphere at Virginia State football games is solid, although attendance can be a bit lackluster (more on this later). As with most HBCUs, a big emphasis is placed on the marching bands – the VSU marching band is called the Trojan Explosion, and you can expect to see them sashay as they march into the stadium, and they do a great performance during halftime. You will also see a lot of moving and swaying by the band as they play from the stands during the game. As is typical at HBCU football games, the opposing team’s band will usually also be invited to play during halftime, and the PA announcer will rib them good-naturedly as not being quite as good as the home team’s band, of course.   Neighborhood   4 Rogers Stadium is located in what you might perhaps call a run-down area, but there are plenty of things to see and do nearby, given its proximity to Richmond and its suburbs. While technically about 25 miles south of Richmond proper, the facility is only about 3 miles from the I-95 corridor, and there are all manner of restaurants, hotels, and attractions to be found next to the freeway. Colonial Heights is probably the closest “town,” where you can find restaurants such as Olive Garden and Denny’s, and if you are looking for something to do before or after the game, the Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum is less than 3 miles from the facility and is filled with modern and antique tractors and other equipment. The museum is open from 9-5 daily, so depending on what time the game starts, you should be able to plan a visit before or after.   Fans   2 The fans at Rogers Stadium cheer pretty loudly for their Trojans, but there just aren’t that many fans in attendance – the facility may only be one-third full at a typical football game if that. Depending on the opponent, you might even see more support and more fans cheering for the visiting team than for the home team.   Access   4 It is pretty easy to get in and out of Rogers Stadium – the drive isn’t bad, and since the venue is less than 3 miles from I-95, it doesn’t feel like you have to drive much out of your way. Also, the traffic in the area isn’t bad this far south of Washington, DC. When you get to the stadium, the first parking lot you see might be a long, narrow one with a few tailgaters – that parking lot is next to the visiting side, so you might prefer to follow the road further in, where you will find a much larger parking lot that is closer to the home side. The cost is $10 either way, but you may prefer not to have to walk as far. Either parking lot would be fine in any case, however, as the stadium isn’t that big. There are three entrances into the venue, one next to the visiting side and one on each end of the home bleachers. There is a ramp on both ends of the home side that leads up into the seats, or you can get to your seats from the back – the concessions and restrooms are behind the home grandstand, and there are staircases at a few places in the stands that take you up to them.   Return on Investment   3 Parking is $10, which seems reasonable, but tickets are $20 each for general admission, which seems a tad high for the experience you are getting here. Also, concessions are a little on the high side for certain items - $3 for a bottled soda or water seems reasonable, but $5 for a hot dog or $14/$16 for chicken wings and fried fish seems pretty steep.   Extras   3 The Trojans have two mascots, one male and one female in costume, and they have field-level seating if you are part of an alumni group (tents set up behind one end zone). While the scoreboard isn’t a real video board that can show replays, it does have some basic capacity to show video. However, it doesn’t include enough information – for example, you can’t tell how many timeouts each team has. There are some nice pops of color from the orange and blue; however, and the cheer squad runs around with V-S-U banners every time the home team scores. There is also really no shade in the stands to protect you from the sun during a hot day game.   Final Thoughts A Virginia State Trojans football game at Rogers Stadium is a pleasant experience – it has all the basic amenities a football fan would like to see, if not providing anything over the top. If you are looking for an enjoyable time for friends and family, you couldn’t go wrong by planning a visit here.

Photo by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sportpark Pioneers Nieuwe Molenaarslaan 10, 2134 AS Hoofddorp, Netherlands Hoofddorp Pioniers website Sportpark Pioneers website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,000 Fit for the Majors The Pioniers don’t have as long a pedigree as some other Dutch baseball teams. The club was founded in 1966, a relative latecomer, but they quickly picked up a corporate sponsor, Konica Minolta, in 1969 and were known as the Konica Minolta Pioniers until as recently as 2010, when the sponsorship ended. Looking to bounce back after the separation–and returning to their original name of Hoofddorp Pioniers–the Pioniers started an ambitious new stadium project that looked to lure the MLB to Dutch shores. The 1,000-seat Sportspark Pioneers opened in 2014, but it is extendable to seat over 30,000. The $13-million stadium is the newest in the league and the only one to compete with Rotterdam for title of the best in the country. They went all-in on catering to the MLB, even going so far as shipping in tons of American clay for the playing surface foundation. Sadly for them, London won out for the 2020-1 MLB series, but they still hope to attract the MLB in the future. Sportpark Pioneers is the newest and best baseball facility in the country, but it both benefits and suffers from its location in a suburb right next to Schiphol Airport, though it is an unbeatable value. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 Even if this ballpark is designed to attract the MLB, the food and drink options are on a small scale. All the consumables are found in the “DuckOut,” the bar/lounge on the second floor of the clubhouse. The food selection is a little limited, but it is cheap and tasty. There is a wide selection of cold and hot sandwiches and sausages (€3.50 and under), as well as small, medium, and large pizzas (€3.50/€6.50/€8.50). There is a requisite selection of frites (€2.30 and under, a gigantic “team-sized” basket is €16), as well as Dutch meatballs in 10, 20, and 30 pieces (€4.95, €9.95, €15.00). Beer is served up at the large U-bar in the DuckOut. There is a small selection of mostly regional brews (Hertog Jan, Jupiler, Corona) as well as wine, but for alcohol prices topping out at €3, you really can’t complain too much. Coke rules the roost for your non-alcoholic beverages. Take your pick of local beers and try some Dutch meatballs (€4.95 for 10). Popping these while watching the game may make you a convert from corn dogs. Atmosphere 4 Sportpark Pioneers is one the premiere baseball facilities in The Netherlands, with only Rotterdam to contest them for the title. Most of the Honkbal Hoofdklasse stadiums are about the level of Rookie-level ball in the American minors, but this stadium is easily on the AA facilities level. The seating area of the park is located behind a three-level building that serves as the stadium facade. An automatic rotating door provides access. On the ground floor are the small team store, restrooms, and access to the player areas. Getting to the second level, there is a long corridor, holding the “business lounge” and patio, and further down the hallway, the DuckOut clubhouse bar and grill. Doors lead out onto the main deck overlooking the field. The third level is taken up by a professional announcer’s booth that has the best view of the field. Smoking is still quite popular in The Netherlands, and the patio overlooking the seats has several picnic tables with ashtrays built in, as well as two small plazas at either end of the building, to accommodate smokers. Stairs run down at intervals to the one row of seats that runs from about first base above the home dugout to about third base above the visiting dugout. The seats themselves are modern fold-down models, a rarity in a league with mostly molded plastic monstrosities. A digital scoreboard sits in left-center above the outfield wall, against the backdrop of trees and a few buildings. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment you will have come to expect in all levels of American baseball. Sportpark Pioneers goes further than most, for in addition to the batter walk-up music and Seventh Inning Stretch, the press box will also throw in minor league standard sound effects, such as breaking glass when a foul ball heads towards the parking lot, for example. The Dutch don’t even play the national anthem before games or fly their flag. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. You can sit wherever you want except in the dugout, so choose what suits you best. Spread out on a picnic table on the plaza or grab a seat behind home plate so close you can have a legitimate beef with the umpire. Neighborhood 3 There are the good and the bad with being right next to the airport. On the one hand, you do okay with restaurants and really well with hotels. On the other, it is a bit of a cultural wasteland. There are a good number of restaurants a short distance from the park, mostly in central Hoofddorp. Right by the park is the hip eatery Toolenburg Restaurant Long Island. In Hoofddorp itself, there is the Trattoria Buoni Amici, Arabesque, Restaurant Elders, PLEIN 14, Da Rosario, and Nooristan Restaurant. The locale by the airport doesn’t provide much for attractions. There are a couple of minor historic sights nearby, but all your points of major interest lies in Haarlem to the northwest and Amsterdam to the northeast. Being this close to the nation’s major airport means that there are hotels aplenty. Closest to the park is the Floriande Bed & Breakfast, and just to the north are Courtyard by Marriott Amsterdam Airport, Bastion Hotel Schiphol Hoofddorp, B&B Schiphol Airport, and the Hotel Restaurant De Beurs. There’s a dozen more slightly further to the east and perhaps a hundred within a short drive, so take your pick. Fans 3 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semi pro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. The Pionier’s regular season games get the average Dutch crowds across the league (between 100-250 people per game), but on the higher end of that range. After games and practices at the surrounding ball fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Those fans that are there (both home and visitor alike) are into the game. A small fan base is generally a dedicated one, and they are into the action as the game went on to conclusion. Access 3 Although it is only a short distance from the nation’s main airport, it is pretty hard to get to Sportpark Pioneers unless you drive. Given the overall efficiency of Dutch public transit, it is difficult to get to Sportpark Pioneers, even from the airport. You have to use two buses (Connexxion Bus 300 to Connexxion Bus 169 to Sportc. Kon. W-Alexander stop, €3.51) taking over a half hour and for a relatively expensive price. You’re better off driving or taking a cab or ride share from the airport, which is only a 10-15 minute trip for not a lot more money. The stadium has its own parking lot attached to the stadium, there is plenty of free bicycle parking, and cabs and ride shares can drop off right at the front gate. The only entrance to the stadium is the main gate outside the parking lot. Entrance to the seating areas are either through the main building grandstand or stairs at the end of either terminus. There is a large plaza outside the park that lets you walk around and access the other fields in the complex. There is a spacious walkway at the top of the grandstand leading down to the seats and ending in two raised plazas at either end of the clubhouse. Return on Investment 5 There is no admission fee for Sportpark Pioneers. (They’ll need to fix that situation if they want the MLB to show up.) Most of the food and drinks are €3.50 or under, including alcoholic drinks, and only the larger, shareable food items are more than that (and well worth the cost for what you get). You simply can’t beat those prices. Extras 3 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has a selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards. The team store in the first level sells a selection of generic baseball merchandise and a small set of team and league goodies. There is a small playground outside the park for kids, and the main facade of the stadium has a whimsical giant bat column holding it up. There are several memorials, including five retired numbers on the outfield wall, the plazas on either side of the grandstand named in memory of local baseball luminaries (Van Zullien and Fysio Cura), the plaza in front of the park named for another local baseball legend (Koene), and two plaques in the building honoring softball sponsors and the Club of 100. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts Sportpark Pioneers was built to attract the attention of the MLB, and it certainly can turn heads with its new, modern facilities. As with most Dutch baseball, it has an unbeatable value, but it is hard to get there without driving, and it must content with the double-edge sword of being right next door to a major airport.

Photos by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Eddy D. Field Stadium 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu, CA 90263 Pepperdine Waves website Eddy D. Field Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,800 A View of Malibu It doesn’t always take a new and beautiful stadium to make baseball experiences good. Sometimes all it takes is a hot dog, a game, and a view. And at Eddy D. Field Stadium, oh! what a view it is. Situated in Malibu overlooking the Pacific Ocean, sometimes it’s hard to focus on the game in such a calming setting. The stadium itself doesn’t hold much in terms of glitz and glamour, but when you’re based in Malibu, who cares? The stadium was built in 1973 and renovated in 1980 and again in 1999. The 1,800-seat stadium is named after longtime university benefactor Eddy Field. And with a plethora of stadiums in the LA area, this one is worth the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. Food & Beverage 2 Well, the good news is the food is dirt cheap. Almost everything on the menu is under $4.25, which makes for a very affordable experience. If you’re looking for a variety of local food options to chow down on though, you’ll have to go somewhere else. Fortunately, all that a good baseball experience requires is a couple of $3 hot dogs and a $2.25 soda with the ocean in the background. There’s only one small concession stand behind the first baseline here. The menu is short and includes hot dogs, peanuts ($2.50), frozen lemonade ($3.50), an STG sandwich ($4.25), PB&J ($2), and a few other miscellaneous items. Drinks include coffee ($2), Dasani bottled water ($2.25), and soda. Again, the selection is sparse but mildly sufficient. Atmosphere 4 The crowds aren’t raging, the stadium isn’t shiny and the park isn’t top of the line. But, there’s no disputing the setting. There are plenty of parks around the country that bring a lot more in terms of passionate sports atmospheres and state-of-the-art facilities, but Eddy Field Stadium is the anti-atmosphere in those regards. The facility itself is nice enough for a college stadium. The outfield wall runs evenly around the park with a pretty basic scoreboard in right. The left-center field is part of the field that could be classified as “intimidating.” Despite only two College World Series appearances, Pepperdine’s wall proudly displays that they were 1992 National Champions. The stadium bleachers are all seat backs in 11 sections from first base around to third base. The crowd is generally sparse (Pepperdine is much more of a basketball school) and very laid back. The real showstopper here is the view. Palm trees line the outside of the outfield fence, hills rolling up to the Santa Monica Mountains draw your eyes to the right, and a campus full of what looks like luxury condos is all around you. The Pacific Ocean in the distance over left field will steal your eye line for all nine innings if you’re not careful. Everything about this park is relaxing and well worth the trip. Neighborhood 5 Pepperdine’s campus overlooks Malibu and the Pacific Coast Highway from the hills below the Santa Monica Mountains. Is there a better neighborhood than Malibu and a better drive than the Pacific Coast Highway? Sure, there’s not a bar and restaurant scene in the area, but who needs that when you have a beach, mountains, and mansions? The area is absolutely beautiful and will expand your relaxing experience well beyond the nine innings of the game. There are several beachside restaurants in Malibu worth checking out. My first recommendation would be Duke’s Malibu for some seafood and beautiful ocean views. Paradise Cove Beach Cafe and The Sunset are also beach side options. Hotels in the immediate Malibu area aren’t particularly cheap, but they are plentiful. If you’re looking for less expensive options, you can head 20-30 minutes down the road toward LA and have easy access to both Malibu and the Hollywood area for considerably cheaper rates. And of course, the drive can be right down the 101 along the ocean. There’s no reason to complain about that. Fans 2 There are a mighty few Waves faithful in attendance at the game, but in general, attendance will be pretty sparse. At a basketball-first school in a city full of money, there’s just not much support for the baseball team. It’s a shame because it is a great place to view a game. Although as peaceful as it is, it might lose some of its relaxing lusters with truly large crowds. Access 4 The Los Angeles area isn’t particularly known for its ease of access, but when you’re driving along the ocean it’s easy to not mind. Pepperdine is about a 45-minute drive along the coast from LAX on an easy day, with a good portion of that drive following the PCH west along the ocean. If you’re coming from that direction, leave a bit early because LA traffic is unpredictable, to say the least. Once at Pepperdine, you’ll check in at the campus checkpoint and they’ll direct you up the road to the stadium. There is a parking lot behind the center field wall and street parking in the immediate area. Because of the sparse attendance, traffic will generally be light and parking is easy. Entry into the stadium can come from just about any direction via stairways among the hills, but to avoid stairs there’s a road that comes down the first baseline hill. You’ll pay your $8 almost on the honor system at a table set up behind the first base dugout stands and have free roam of the area. The game is visible from all areas of the concourse with seating below, so walking it is easy. Return on Investment 4 Everything here is inexpensive. From the $8 ticket to the $3 hot dog, this is an excellent value. Take into account the beautiful view and the above-average baseball, and it’s quite a deal. Short of an elite baseball atmosphere, you can’t beat putting your feet up on the seat in front of you and catching a game with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Extras 3 The first obvious unique factor of Eddy Field Stadium is the view. This has to count as an extra when it’s something that very few stadiums can match. Add into it the equally beautiful Pepperdine campus, and you’re surrounded by a slice of heaven. But be sure to look down just long enough to notice the unexpected “National Champions” scrolling across the outfield wall, and you’ll realize this is more than just pretty scenery. Final Thoughts You’ve heard about the great parks of college baseball in the southeast or nearby Los Angeles. But don’t overlook the hidden masterpiece of serenity that is Eddy D. Field Stadium. If baseball was life and you had to take a vacation, this would be your vacation spot.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Reisterstown Sportsplex 401 Mitchell Dr Reisterstown, MD 21136 Stevenson Mustangs website Reisterstown Sportsplex website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 1,500 Hockey Horses Stevenson University was originally known as Villa Julie College. It has always been a bit of a quirky place. Originally located in the Greenspring Valley of Baltimore County and its Stevenson neighborhood, the college was an all-women college until 1972 and did not even offer bachelor's degrees until 1984. It also was entirely non-residential. Eventually, the college desired to add housing and more of just about everything, so a new campus was added in Owings Mills. This expansion dramatically increased the college’s offerings and student population. In 2008, they decided they needed a new identity and changed their name to Stevenson University. That new Owings Mills campus just happened to be right next door to the old Baltimore Colts training facility. The Mustangs are a NCAA Division III hockey team that plays as part of the 5-team Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC). Normally the MAC is an umbrella organization of sub-conferences, with 16 member colleges, but with some sports, they combine into a single entity. Stevenson has also participated as part of the United Collegiate Hockey Conference at the same time, but the MAC is becoming an automatic qualifier conference in 2024 so the team will be competing solely under the MAC banner. Stevenson also fields a women's ice hockey team. The Reisterstown Sportsplex is a Baltimore County-owned sports facility that houses a 200 x 85 foot NHL size ice rink and a 180 x 80 foot indoor soccer/lacrosse field. Food & Beverage 1 The facility does have a snack bar but it was not open at the game we attended. The other option is vending machines, so it is best to eat before coming to a game. Atmosphere 2 For a recreation facility, the ice rink has two fairly large grandstands with nice seating that makes for great watching angles. Many fans also stand along the glass right inside the entrance of the rink. The arena is filled with Stevenson banners and colors so it seems like a Mustang-specific arena, although it is not. UMBC, as well as various youth teams, play here as well. The arena is also used for ice dance teams, competitive ice skaters, and general ice skating open hours. Neighborhood 4 Resitertown is a suburb of Baltimore, so there are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants in the area. Kecco's Woodfire Kitchen is right nearby and could be a good food stop before or after a game. The Cow is a fun ice cream shop located close by. Somehow we always end up north in Westminster and one of the few Roy Roger's fast food restaurants around. Fans 4 The fans are loud and make for a great environment for hockey. They seem to be quite knowledgeable. Access 4 The Reisterstown Sportsplex is at the junction of I-795 and State Route 140 so it is easy to access. There is a large parking lot at the facility, as well as other parts of the surrounding Reisterstown Regional Park. People in the area likely know of the Mitchell's Golf Complex, and the facility is located right next door to that establishment. That is a nice wayfinding point for people who have never been to the Reisterstown Sportsplex. Return on Investment 5 Games are free, as is parking, and the Division III level of play is fairly good so the return on investment is strong. Extras 2 There is likely to be an indoor soccer game playing next door, so it may be worth watching some of that action when in the building. The Sportsplex is located within the greater Reisterstown Regional Park, as well as next to the Mitchell's Golf Complex, and both are great places to stop in and check out. Final Thoughts There are no other NCAA ice hockey teams in Maryland, so a visit to see a game, especially one with no cost associated with it, is a great reason to watch a Stevenson Mustangs game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mayser Gym Squash Courts 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Mayser Gym Squash Courts website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 100 A Diplomatic Court Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836, it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. The squash team participates in the Mid-Atlantic Squash Conference, the first-ever squash-specific collegiate athletic conference in the United States. The Mayser Gym Squash Courts features five ASB international squash courts. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food offerings in the squash area. Atmosphere 3 The venue may be small, but the atmosphere is pretty fun, with much more cheering and support than expected. There is not much seating, and expect the competitors to take up much of the main viewing areas. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. The Mayser Gym Squash Courts are located in the basement of the building. Find the main entrance and take the steps in the corner to the lower level. Then, you will need to wander around until you see the courts. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 2 Stop in the gym upstairs and see if any other sporting events are going on at the same time. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Squash may not be on the top of anyone's list of sporting events to attend, but this cute little venue will give you a great option to check it out.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02035 New England Revolution website Gillette Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 20,000 So You Say You Want a Revolution? The New England Revolution are one of the ten charter members of Major League Soccer. Owned by Robert Kraft and family, who also own the New England Patriots of the National Football League, the team shares their home, Gillette Stadium, with the Patriots. The Revolution actually predate their home venue, having played in Foxboro Stadium for their first six seasons before Gillette Stadium opened in 2002. Throughout the team’s history calls for a soccer-specific stadium have been made, but despite an abundance of rumors popping up over the team’s quarter-century history, no plans have come to fruition. Team owner Robert Kraft has repeatedly stated that he would like to build a soccer-specific stadium in or around Boston. The Revolution have won the 2007 U.S. Open Cup, the 2008 North American SuperLiga and the 2021 Supporters Shield. The Revs have participated in five MLS Cup finals, most recently in 2014, losing each time. They have the most MLS Cup appearances without winning a title. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions at Gillette Stadium lack a signature item but hit all the bases. Even though the stadium renovations have removed all stands in the north end zone, there is a good variety of food available in the stands that circle the pitch. Stands are organized by the type of food sold at each, so you may need to do some searching to find your desired items. Local Street Kitchen (gourmet burgers and specialty sandwiches), Tenders and Wings, Italian Sausage, Sideline Favorites and the Tailgate Grill highlight the offerings. Portable stands ring the inner edge of the concourse providing drinks and snacks to hungry Revolution fans. Pepsi products are featured at Gillette Stadium. As you might expect, the craft beer game is strong at Revolution games, with a particular emphasis on New England brews. Beers from local breweries including Wormtown, Lord Hobo, Harpoon, Long Trail, Timberyard, Mighty Squirrel, Exhibit A, Battery Steele, Lawsons and Fiddlehead highlight the selections at the Beers of New England and Ale House stands. In addition, national brands are also sold throughout the stadium. Be warned, you will be paying NFL prices for concessions at a Revolution game. A complete guide to Gillette Stadium concessions can be found here . Atmosphere 4 The Revolution have created a family friendly atmosphere at Gillette Stadium. The vibe begins in the parking lots, where you can find groups of kids kicking around soccer balls throughout the lots. Once inside the stadium, the energy continues, as Gillette is filled with movement and noise. The focus of the younger fans may not always be on the game, but that’s part of the fun. The Revolution game day staff put on a professional show, utilizing the one existing scoreboard to good effect with slick videos and promotions. Once the new scoreboard (which will be the largest outdoor scoreboard in North America) is installed, this will be a most impressive sight. The biggest drawback to the experience at Gillette Stadium is the sheer size of the facility. Even with a full lower deck, the large empty upper deck tends to dampen the overall noise in the facility. The team’s two supporter clubs, the Midnight Riders and The Rebellion, share space in the northern end zone of Gillette Stadium and create much of the noise at a Revs game. These general admission sections have been dubbed “The Fort” during matches. Also in keeping with the Revolutionary War theme are the End Zone Militia, made famous by their 21-gun salute during Patriots games. The Militia are present at Revs games, too, although in a smaller group. Neighborhood 4 For a long time, there wasn’t much around the Foxboro/Gillette Stadium that would be an attraction for visiting fans. That began to change in 2007 when the Kraft Group started development of Patriot Place, and open-air shopping center and entertainment complex located primarily on the site of the old stadium. Patriot Place, which went up piecemeal over the years, now consists of 1.3 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Included amongst the stores and restaurants are a nature trail, cranberry bog, four star hotel, outpatient health care center and the Patriots Hall of Fame. While this may not be an organic neighborhood, this live/work/play type of development has become a standard feature in the construction of many new facilities. Fans looking for an alternative to stadium fare will find a plethora of choices at Patriot Place, from the upscale (Davio’s Steakhouse, Skipjack’s) to sports bars and pubs (CBS Sporting Club, Wormtown Brewery) and national chains (Five Guys, Red Robin). With over a dozen eateries in the complex, there’s something here for everyone. While stores such as Bass Pro Shop and Olympia Sporting Goods feel like they belong in a shopping center located at a stadium, there are many more options if you feel like a shopping spree before or after a Revolution game. Or, you can check out the bowling alley, movie theater or concert venue while you are visiting Gillette Stadium. Fans 4 The Revolution generally average a shade under 19,000 fans per game, which ranks them in the middle of the overall MLS attendance rankings. This figure represents about 95% of capacity and is just under the league average. A typical Revolution crowd is a good mix of die-hard fans, families out enjoying the game, and youth soccer groups. Gillette Stadium is filled with energy and motion throughout the game. Of course, the supporter groups create much of the noise in The Fort throughout the game, singing songs, waving flags and doing what supporter groups do. Access 3 Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough, MA (also spelled Foxboro), a small town of about 19,000 residents located halfway between Boston and Providence, RI. With only one road leading to the stadium from both directions, getting to Gillette Stadium can be a struggle. While getting into Gillette Stadium is much easier at a Revs game than at a Patriots game, it seems much more complicated to get here than it should be. Parking lots closer to the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders, pushing single-game ticket holders to the furthest lots on the opposite side of Route One. It can be a walk of over a mile to get from your car to the stadium. A major complaint regarding Gillette Stadium’s suburban location is the lack of any type of public transportation access to the facility. There is an MBTA train stop behind the stadium, but that is only operational for Patriots games. The only way to get to Gillette Stadium for a Revs game is to drive. Given that a significant number of the team’s fanbase comes from the urban areas of Boston, this has been a driving force behind the push for a new stadium. Once at Gillette, the stadium can be accessed via one of three entry gates. The upper level is closed off for most Revolution games, but the lower concourse is more than wide enough to accommodate the typical Revs crowd. Lines at concession stands or rest rooms are not an issue at all, except sometimes at halftime. While the construction in the north end of the stadium has closed much of that area, access throughout the grounds have not been overly affected. Be aware that Gillette Stadium practices a clear bag policy. More information can be found here. Starting in early 2022, the Kraft Group began a project to transform the northern end of Gillette Stadium (the end with the bridge and lighthouse). Included in these renovations will be the installation of the country’s largest outdoor high-definition video board, new hospitality and function spaces, a re-envisioned entry plaza, and enhancements to the lighthouse. The project is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2023 NFL season. Gillette Stadium North End Construction, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Tickets to a Revolution game start at $35 for general admission in The Fort and top out at $73 for center sections down near the pitch. Discounts are offered for multi-game packages. Family four packs include tickets, food and beverage coupons. Parking in the lots around Gillette Stadium are free of charge. I know many Patriots fans just became faint reading that. The concessions menu is identical to full-stadium events. You’ll be paying NFL prices for concessions at a Revolution game. Extras 2 Banners honoring the Revolution’s Supporter Shield, U.S. Open Cup and SuperLiga Championships hang throughout the stadium. An additional extra point is awarded for the Revolution-specific traditions present at this football facility, including the Flag of New England flown in The Fort. The growing presence of the End Zone Militia deserves a mention, too. Final Thoughts While being the little brother sharing a facility with a National Football League team is a less than ideal situation, Gillette Stadium provides the Revolution with a world-class home. Still, the calls for a new soccer-specific stadium continue in New England. With the World Cup coming to Boston in 2026 and the Revolution coming off a successful season, the time for that new home may be coming soon.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 KeyBank Center 1 Seymour Knox III Plaza Buffalo, NY 14203 Buffalo Bandits website KeyBank Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,070 The Crown Jewel of Banditland The year was 1992. The Buffalo Bandits were founded in what was then the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. The fledgling league was only five years into their existence and four from being the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. Of that group of seven teams from the 1992 season, only the Bandits remain, uninterrupted and undeterred. The Bandits even predate the current National Lacrosse League, which is what the MiLL would eventually become. Since then, the Buffalo Bandits have been the crown jewel of the league, which has seen plenty of change, strong years and lean years, and looks currently to be stronger than ever. Home for the Bandits since its opening in 1996, is KeyBank Center. Located at Canalside in Buffalo, New York, KeyBank Center is the latest in a long line of corporate names which has coincided with a number of bank mergers. The Bandits are owned by the Pegula Sports & Entertainment empire, which also owns the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Rochester Americans and recently also the Rochester Knighthawks of the NLL. The success of the Bandits on the floor and at the gate can be attributed, in part, to the stable ownership the team has enjoyed under the Pegulas. Ultimately, what has made the Bandits so successful, has been the warm embrace that the fans in Buffalo have wrapped around lacrosse, the Bandits and the legends who have walked through the door over the over twenty-five years of Banditland. Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene at KeyBank Center is about as good as anyone out there. There are plenty of Buffalo favorites for sale at KeyBank including Perry’s ice cream, pizza logs and Beef on Weck. Pizza, hot dogs and other expected arena fare can be found as well. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice and Tim Hortons coffee can also be found in the arena. Local brews like Genesee and others are available for those who wish a beer with the game. Fans should keep in mind that there are many stands that are not open due to the lower numbers at Bandits games versus Sabres games. One spot that should be considered is the Blue Light Zone, which is a great spot to meet and hang out before the first faceoff. Atmosphere 4 There is no question as to whom the main attraction at KeyBank Center is. From outside the arena with Alumni Plaza and the French Connection Bronze statues, it is very clear to all that this is preeminently the home of the Buffalo Sabres. The exterior of KeyBank Center does have a bit of a flying saucer look to it with the light coloured, oval shaped roof. The main atrium is not unattractive, but from the exterior, with the building up of the area with HarborCenter and other large buildings, it can be a little hard to find amongst the downtown. Inside the main atrium at the northeast side of the building, the large Sabres banners and markings do not give much indication of a lacrosse game any time soon. The concourses are similar in this regard. Inside the seating bowl, fans will find terrific sight lines in most any seat in the three levels of seating. The new turf for the 2019 season has the main Bandits logo on it and can be best seen from the southwest side of the arena. The south corner of the ceiling is where fans can find the retired numbers of Bandits legends Darris Kilgour, Rich Kilgour and John Tavares. Alongside the retired numbers are the championship banners from 1992, 1993, 1996 and 2008. Hanging above the center of the floor is a four sided video board with ribbon rings above and below it. A full 360 degree ribbon board on the fascia of the luxury box level is also used throughout the game. The game day presentation at an NLL game is unlike any other. The game on the field resembles a cross between hockey and basketball and the game day presentation does the same. Many purist sports fans do not enjoy the consistent rock music throughout the play but the fans in attendance dig it. Public Address announcer Chris Swenson also interacts with the fans in a way that is unique in sports. Swenson acts as announcer, cheerleader and fan all wrapped up in one package. The Bandits also feature one of the best entrances in sport as a piper enters the field from the top of the southwest lower level and walks down the stairs to the center of the field. The Bandettes cheer team dance during breaks and the Bandits mascot, Rax, makes his way around the arena, interacting with fans and participating in promotions. Overall, the Bandits do a great job of putting on an entertaining show. Neighborhood 5 It is fair to say that Buffalo would not be considered a premier tourist destination compared to other NLL cities like Toronto, Philadelphia or New York. However, fans in attendance at a Bandits game will not be at a loss for eating and drinking establishments in the immediate neighborhood. This is to be expected which is renowned for its various additions to the American cuisine scene. A trip to Buffalo without sampling some Buffalo Wings or at least a Beef on Weck is really a shame. Pearl Street Grill, Washington Square, Cobblestone, (716) Food and Sport, Panorama on Seven, The Draft Room and Labatt Brew House are among the best and closest. Fan favorite, Dinosaur BBQ is a short drive or train away in Downtown Buffalo proper. There are plenty of other sporting options available in the immediate vicinity of the Bandits. The KeyBank Center is, of course, shared with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL. Right across the street is HarborCenter , which is where the Canisius Golden Griffins hockey program can be found. Also, just up the street at Sahlen Field is the home of the Triple-A baseball Buffalo Bisons . Canisius College is a short drive from KeyBank Center and the Golden Griffins basketball team plays on campus at the Koessler Athletic Center . New Era Field, home of the Buffalo Bills , is found just outside the city at Orchard Park and is a unique experience itself. Finally, the University at Buffalo is located in nearby Amherst, where the football team plays at UB Stadium and the basketball team calls Alumni Arena home. Other entertainment options in the area would include the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino and the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum. A trip to Canalside and the Buffalo Naval and Military Park is also fun. There are a couple of hotels that are within a few steps of the arena. Courtyard by Marriott and the Buffalo Marriott HarborCenter are good choices that are very close. Fans 5 Buffalo Bandits fans are truly the class of the National Lacrosse League. The Bandits are consistently in the top two franchises in average attendance. The 2018 and 2019 seasons saw Buffalo hold down the number two spot and they led the league in 2017. Each year they average more than 13,000 fans per match. In addition to having just about the most fans in the league, Bandit fans are also amongst the loudest. The little sayings and traditions that the fans bring to the table give the Bandits almost a college hockey feel to the game. Fans in Buffalo love the banter back and forth with Public Address Announcer Chris Swenson and enthusiastically respond to a big save when Swenson questions aloud “What’s he got?” The fans respond with a boisterous “NOTHIN!” Bandit fans may even enjoy an opponent penalty more than a goal as they will blast out the “B-O-X” chant to the delight of all. Access 4 Getting to the KeyBank Center is not too difficult. Located in Downtown Buffalo, KeyBank Center is right at the Buffalo River, east of the Buffalo Skyway and south of I-190. Access to the arena right off of the highway is solid. There are plenty of parking options in the immediate area and prepaying for parking is easy through the Bandits, KeyBank Center or a third party app like ParkWiz or Parking Panda. Public transit is pretty decent near the arena. The best bet is to take the Buffalo light rail, which is free when it is above ground and has a station just to the west of the arena. Buses are also available right along Perry Street. Check out the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority website for public transit details. The main atrium is the main entry to the arena. It can get pretty crowded just before the game begins. The concourse level is also up a flight of stairs or escalator. There are a number of ticket windows on the west side of the atrium. Getting around the arena is not too difficult. The concourses are fairly wide, although a little more crowded around the bends. There are also ample washroom facilities. The KeyBank Center offers a “soft opening” with concessions and security opening 1.5 hours before and the full arena opening an hour before the game. Return on Investment 5 The National Lacrosse League provides great value for the sporting dollar and the Buffalo Bandits are in the forefront of that category. Tickets for the Bandits run from $25 to $60 with many seats available, including some in the 100 level, for only $30. Add affordable parking and decent concession prices compared to top notch sporting entertainment, and a formula for an amazing time is at the fans’ fingertips. Extras 3 An extra mark for the rivalries the Bandits have developed and maintained with the Rochester Knighthawks and Toronto Rock. An extra mark for the longevity of the Bandits, now the longest running franchise in the NLL. An extra mark for Bandit superfans. Final Thoughts Since 1992 the Bandits have represented Buffalo in the National Lacrosse League. Over that period of time they have solidified Banditland and become the premier franchise in the league, having success both on and off the turf. With franchises like Buffalo, the NLL looks to continue to grow and improve its position in the sporting market. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Sean Rowland Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Lynah Rink 536 Campus Rd. Ithica, NY 14850 Cornell Big Red hockey website Lynah Rink website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 4,267 Home of the Lynah Faithful Few college hockey programs have a history to match Cornell, and the start of success begins with the opening of the James Lynah Skating Hall in 1957. After decades of occasionally playing on an outdoor rink, Lynah gave the Big Red a permanent home. However, it was not until the Harvard game in 1962 that the sport became popular on campus. Success followed as Cornell won a pair of National Championships in 1967 and 1970. A total of 19 NCAA Tournament appearances and 12 ECAC Titles have since followed, though recent success has eluded the Cornellians. All through this time, the cramped and tiny Lynah Rink has been a beacon of noise with an atmosphere that is idolized in the sport. Though Lynah is not as raucous as it used to be, the traditions are still there and this is a fun place to enjoy a hockey game. Food & Beverage 2 Food items are what you would expect at a small rink with snack varieties and small meals. From the grill, fans can grab a cheeseburger ($4.75), hot dog ($3), sausage ($5), or slice of pizza ($3). A cup of chili is a nice option on the typically cold Ithaca nights. One of the more unusual things being sold: Gum. I never thought at a game that I needed a piece of gum, but hey, it’s here if you want it. Beverage choices are from Pepsi. Atmosphere 4 Lynah Rink is a cramped place to watch a game as seating is made up of around 14 rows in a squared-off horseshoe design. Most of the seats are on wooden bleachers, though there are a few areas that have padded or individual chairs. The surface area on the inside is so small that it almost feels claustrophobic, primarily because of the low roof held together by wooden boards and wires. A scoreboard would not fit over center ice, so a basic board is located only at one end of the rink and it features an old-school, dot-matrix message display. Despite a decent pitch to each row, sight lines are not the best as it is common to have heads in the way of the ice or to strain to see what is going on at the other end. By no means is this a comfortable hockey rink, but sometimes these are the places that lend to the best game day atmosphere, and that is the case at Cornell. The design allows for lots of noise reverberation and when a goal is scored, a deafening roar follows. The “Lynah Faithful” create an awesome hockey environment and they have several traditions and chants throughout the game that make this a fun atmosphere for first-time neutrals. “Let’s Go Red” is the most frequent chant, while the loudest is probably “It’s all your fault,” pointed at the opposing goalie after he lets one in. The game starts with fans reading newspapers during the visiting team introduction, followed by chucking them onto the ice. The band keeps things entertaining and the numbers they play throughout add to the atmosphere. Throughout the game, other common chants include the Dragnet theme for each visitor penalty and the Tuba players hiking to Section A for a rendition of “Swanee River” during the first whistle in the third period. While this is a great college hockey atmosphere, all of this should be noted with an asterisk as I have to say that the chants and traditions are somewhat muted. Aside from the full and loud student section, only some in the crowd muster a half-hearted effort to participate. This has been noted by longtime fans that Lynah is not what it used to be as only one game (Harvard) gets the full-on craziness that made Cornell one of the top places to watch college hockey. Spontaneous cheering is surprisingly lacking as a good hockey crowd should salute their goalie at the next whistle after a series of stops or turn up the applause after a great penalty kill, neither of which happened during my most recent visit. Lynah is a great place for hockey and the traditions are enjoyable, but it does not live up to the high expectations and historic reputation. Neighborhood 4 The small city of Ithaca sits right at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, within the Finger Lakes region of New York State. This part of the country is quite beautiful as wineries, waterfalls, and gorges make for a great outdoor excursion. However, given that Cornell Hockey is a winter sport, the outdoors may be less desirable to explore. A visit to downtown Ithaca is a better way to spend the day and there are plenty of hot spots to check out. Beer lovers will find several great establishments and the Ithaca Ale House is an excellent choice as craft beers abound. Near that same area around Ithaca Commons, several other places beckon for those looking to eat, drink or hang out. Before heading to the arena, be sure to walk around Cornell’s hilly campus as the diverse building architecture provides a classic Ivy feel. Fans 4 The Lynah Faithful often fills most of the arena on game nights and the Friday Night mid-November contest that I saw featured 85% of the seats filled at puck drop and that increased to about 95% ten minutes into the game. Crowds are respectable and support is in the top third of college hockey programs. However, there are more signs of “not what it used to be” as only the Harvard game is a guaranteed sellout. The 2016-17 season opener against a Top-5 team only had a crowd of 3,767 and an ECAC playoff game the season before failed to bring in more than 4,000. Those are disappointing figures for a school that has a high reputation in the sport. Access 3 Both Ithaca and Cornell can be challenging to reach from any direction and it certainly can be a nerve-wracking ride given the proficiency of snow in this part of the country. The closest interstate (I-81) is over 20 miles away, so country roads are needed. The most direct route is Exit 12 from I-81 as this leads to Route 79. Meanwhile, from the NY State Thruway (I-90) it takes almost 45 minutes of two-lane rural roads to reach Ithaca. Once on Cornell’s campus, the small streets and busy pedestrian traffic can make things a little confusing for visitors, but thankfully the athletic section is not far from the campus entrance. The Hoy Road parking deck a few buildings down from the arena is sufficient for fans attending the game. Expect the exit from the parking deck to take about 5-10 minutes. Lynah Rink features three tight hallways to navigate, however, the nearby and much more modern Bartels Hall makes up for it. This foyer that connects with other indoor sporting facilities allows for some breathing room at intermission, along with additional food stands and bathrooms. Return on Investment 4 Parking is free and the tickets cost $20. The price is higher than most schools but on par with those that have popular programs. Most seats are reserved for students and season-ticket holders as limited sections are left for the public, although those tickets are not as hard to get as they used to be. Cornell games at Lynah are an event that sports fans and especially hockey fans need to check out. Extras 3 Cornell does an excellent job honoring its hockey program, especially along the hallways where there is a plethora of trophy cases and wall displays for both the women’s and men’s teams. Additional visuals include yearly team pictures, portraits of Cornellians in the NHL, and plaques for statistical titles. A good amount of team color (red and white) enhances the arena and that also can be seen inside the rink. Banners in those colors hang from the low ceiling and the honors include the year of each conference title and NCAA appearance. Numerous former players have gone on to play in the NHL and the most noteworthy are Ken Dryden and Joe Nieuwendyk. Both had their numbers retired and raised to the rafters during a ceremony in 2010. When people think of rivalries, Harvard-Yale is a popular tandem. However, when it comes to college hockey, it is Cornell that has a rivalry with Harvard and it makes for one of the best games in the sport. Lynah Rink in particular becomes a cauldron of noise and chants with the event getting kicked off by the throwing of fish onto the ice as the Crimson arrives. If there is one game to try and attend, the Harvard game is it, if you can get tickets. Final Thoughts Lynah Rink is a cramped and uncomfortable place to take in a hockey game, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. Within college hockey circles, it is highly regarded and often mentioned as one of the top places to see a game. The students, band and chanting traditions are great, even if the participation and fan support has taken a step back in recent years. ----- Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Stadium and Arena Visits

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 APG Federal Credit Union Arena 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website APG Federal Credit Union Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 2,552 Home Of The Fighting Owl Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly in between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. It was founded in September 1957 as the “Harford Junior College.” In 1971 the name was changed to its current college designation. The Harford Fighting Owls play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. Having played in the antiquated Susquehanna Center gym since its 1968 opening, Harford wanted to update its facilities. So in 2011, the college began an extensive remodel of the facility. As part of the remodel was the addition of this 2,552-seat arena. Aberdeen Proving Grounds Federal Credit Union provided sponsorship in another surprising turn for this community college building. While sponsorships are the norm nowadays in the stadium world, a sponsor program for a small 2-year college building is pretty new on the landscape. The name is often shortened to the equally hard-to-say APGFCU Arena. The arena opened in late 2012 for the men’s and women’s basketball season, as well as a performance of the Harlem Globetrotters. Food & Beverage 1 There is a basic concession stand offering a small array of foods at a decent price. The stand was not open for the game we attended, but we are giving some credit for the soda machines around the arena. If the concession stand is open, you will find the usual variety of arena food offerings. Atmosphere 2 To be honest, the fan atmosphere is not very impressive. A community college audience gets a lot of family members and a few interested community members, but very few students. The game we attended was a bit louder than the usual game as it was a pep rally attended by athletes from other Harford sports teams. The arena staff may try to engage the fans with interactive games and giveaways. It is a basic atmosphere but fair for this level of play. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse located across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. There are numerous options, such as MaGerks Pub & Grill, around the area. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Venture into nearby Havre de Grace, and the options expand dramatically. Try the Tidewater Grille and Vineyard Wines. Washington Street Books and Bahoukas Beer MuZeum are all interesting shopping options in this quaint waterfront town. If you do go to Havre de Grace, make sure to stop at the very pretty Concord Point Lighthouse. Fans 1 The team mascot, Screech The Owl, may also be in attendance and try to get the crowd fired up. A community college audience gets a lot of family members and a few interested community members, but very few students. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to APGFCU Arena. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is an extension campus of the well-established state university that is located across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 4 APGFCU Arena is noted as being the largest arena in northeast Maryland. That is a somewhat silly pronouncement with Maryland being a relatively small state. But the arena is already seeing its schedule filled with various events and concerts. Basketball and volleyball crowds will not be its bread and butter alone. All seats are general admissions seats are a good value at $5. which is priced fairly. Extras 3 The arena staff does do a good job of promotions. They treat your experience here as if you are at a major college. It would be very easy to not do this with the small crowd, but they never give up. The Chesapeake Center is the name for the rest of the building that the APG Federal Credit Union Arena is connected to. Check out the rest of this facility, as the 2011-2012 renovation changed the look and feel of this building dramatically. The rest of the Harford Community College campus is worth taking a look at. The college has added buildings and facilities numerous times over the past 15 years. A small rural college is now a major suburban educational institution. Final Thoughts This is a pretty impressive facility for a community college. It will be interesting to see if other colleges of this size try to follow suit. Otherwise this may just be a quick trip for fans.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 J.L. Grightmire Arena 35 Market St S, Dundas, ON L9H 3B3 Dundas Blues website J.L. Grightmire Arena website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 1,000 Small Town Blues Although it is part of the City of Hamilton, the community of Dundas has a personality all of its own.  The former town was amalgamated into the City of Hamilton in 2001 and currently boasts 24,000 residents.  Dundas is also the home of Canadian icon, Doug McKenzie, of the McKenzie Brothers of SCTV Fame, actor Dave Thomas. One of the staples of Dundas is the Dundas Blues hockey team.  Founded in 1959 as a team at the Junior D level.  It folded after two seasons and was reformed as the Junior C Dundas Merchants.  In 1971, the team was renamed the Blues and moved to the Junior B level.  In 1981, the Blues settled at the Junior C level, where they remain today as part of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) playing in the South Bloomfield Division.  In 2010, Dundas won the annual Kraft Hockeyville contest which brought with it an NHL preseason game and money for infrastructure.  Home for the Blues is the J.L. Grightmire Arena.  Built in 1950 and named after James Louis Grightmire who founded a bus line between Dundas and Hamilton after World War I.  He also founded the Dundas Golf and Curling Club and was involved in building the arena.  Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand in the lobby.  The menu ifeatures typical arena snack bar fare, including hot dogs, popcorn, chocolate, candy sandwiches, wraps and breakfast sandwiches.  Coffee, hot chocolate, tea, smoothies and Coca-Cola products are the soft drink options that are available.  There is a big push in the arena for patrons to bring their own cup to reduce the garbage created.  A separate beer cart is also found in the lobby where Grain and Gut Beer Company products are available for sale. Atmosphere 3 The J.L. Grightmire Arena was built in 1950 and has had a few renovations since then including one that wrapped up in 2023.  The exterior of the arena features light brick and glass and gives it that feeling of an old building with a modern refresh.  The main entry off of Market Street leads into the upgraded lobby which is bright and modern.  The lobby has a number of old photos and framed newspaper articles reminding students of the history of the building.  The original cornerstone delineating the opening of the arena in 1950 is also prevalent near the entry.  Windows from the lobby also look into the arena and allow some patrons to watch from the warmth. Entering the arena shows a cozy, old-school rink where the ice surface runs from west to east.  Fans immediately are aware that the J.L. Grightmire Arena is the home of the Dundas Real McCoys, a senior hockey team that has been an institution in Dundas and previously in neighbouring Flamborough.  The east end of the arena is littered with Real McCoys championship banners that encircle the scoreclock.  Also along the south wall there are a number of Real McCoy numbers that are retired, the most prevalent of which is former Toronto Maple Leafs captain, Rick Vaive, who finished his playing career with the Real McCoys as a player coach.  There are also a number of minor hockey banners around the arena.  Although the centre ice logo, which is oddly best seen from the west end of the arena, is of the Dundas Blues, a moniker shared by the minor teams, the presence of the Blues in the arena is muted.  There are some Dundas Blues banners that get lost in the shuffle on the south side.  There are some old, faded banners from Blues league championships in 1987, 1989, 1991 and 1993.  There are also retired numbers for former blues Ward Batter, Jeff Aglor and Rick Kunc.  The Hockeyville banner hangs prominently in the arena.  The ceiling has a gentle arch with the typical silver insulation.  The long sides of the arena have three rows of arena seats and the ends have six rows.  Although finding a seat under one of the gas heaters hanging over the seating area may be the best choice, the best sightlines are from the ends.  A small track around the arena offers a bit of a path around.  A bit of a unique feature of the Grightimre Arena is that the Blues’ dressing room is behind the seating on the south side of the arena.  At the beginning of the period, players cross the track and step down the stairs into the bench area before getting to the ice.  Probably not the safest of features, but a relatively unique one that has an old-school feel to it. The gameday production in Dundas is what one would expect for Junior C hockey.  Thursday nights are when the Blues traditionally play.  Typical promotions at the arena include a 50/50 draw, various raffles and the chuck-a-puck promotion.  The chuck-a-puck is particularly entertaining as the protective mesh around the rink prevents a simple promotion.  During the second intermission, fans pack on to the Blues bench so that they can throw their puck on the ice.  The mascot, Lo, interacts with, and entertains fans. Neighbourhood 3 Dundas is a community, former town, west of Hamilton proper, that technically is part of the City of Hamilton.  It has an interesting small-town, downtown area that has some options for pre and post game food and drink.  Some options include Shawn & Ed Brewing Co, Thirsty Cactus, Betula, Namu, Valley Charcoal and Collins Brewhouse.  For other sporting options, the Dundas Real McCoys play in the Senior ACH league and share Grightmire Arena.  The Blues own Thursday evenings in Dundas and get a pretty good crowd.  Other sporting options are found in Hamilton proper, including the Hamilton Tiger-Cats , Hamilton Kilty B’s , McMaster Marauders football  and basketball  and Forge FC .  Beginning in 2024, the former FirstOntario Centre, home of the Toronto Rock , is undergoing huge renovations and displacing the NLL team.  The Hamilton Cardinals  may also be an option, but the schedules will probably not align.  Other tourist options include Dundas Museum, the Niagara Escarpment and many of the walking trails in the area.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, there are a number of B&B options or the Barracks Inn.  Finding accommodations in Hamilton may be a better option. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the PJHL is difficult as the league does not aggregate publish and attendance figures.  It seems that the Dundas Blues are among the top drawing teams in the PJHL.  For the 2024-25 season, at the time of writing, the Blues averaged over 400 fans per game.  The game reviewed saw over 500 fans in attendance.  The previous season saw the Blues average 345 fans per game. Fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive of the Blues.  At the game reviewed there were plenty of kids running around, not really watching hockey, but definitely excited about the night out at the arena.   Access 4 The J.L. Grightmire Arena is located in the community of Dundas, west of the traditional boundaries of Hamilton.  It is on the east side of Market Street, two blocks south of Highway 8 or King Street, south of Hatt Street.  Getting to the arena will require driving through Dundas, but that is not a big issue.  The parking at the arena is limited, so getting there on the earlier side is recommended.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there is an HSR transit stop on King Street.  Fans should consult the Hamilton Street Railway  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not terribly difficult, but fans with mobility issues should keep in mind that the arena is of a fifties vintage, and there will be some stairs and narrow points on the track.  The bathrooms are on the small side, but did not seem to have long lineups. Return on Investment 5 Typically, Junior C hockey is among the most affordable sporting experiences there is.  Tickets for the Blues go for $10 with students and seniors getting in for $8.  The large number of kids running around can be explained by the Blues’ policy whereby kids under 13 years of age get free entry.  Blues Alumni also have free entry.  Parking, although limited, is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The product on the ice is decent and the Blues generally have a good team.  The Blues, although technically part of big-city Hamilton, do give off that small town vibe so prevalent through the PJHL. Extras 2 An extra mark for Dundas winning the 2010 Hockeyville contest. An extra mark for the City of Hamilton and community of Dundas restoring a classic arena. Final Thoughts Taking in a Dundas Blues game will give fans that small town feel that the PJHL boasts, in a classic arena for a supportive community.  The J.L. Grightmire Arena is a classic arena that has been given a significant facelift to make it more modern and comfortable.  Taking in a Blues game is an affordable and enjoyable sporting experience fans should consider while in the area. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Messer Street Grounds1879, Photo from Wikipedia Professional baseball was a fledgling sport in the late 19th century, with leagues popping up all over the country. It seemed that every town and city worth its weight featured a team of “professionals.” Even with all these leagues and teams, some leagues were of better quality than others. The best league of the day was the National League, which was founded in 1876. Originally consisting of eight teams, the league lineup changed often due to the folding of insolvent franchises or the movement to new cities. When the Hartford team was dropped after the 1877 season, a team was awarded to Providence, Rhode Island, where semi-pro baseball was successful. The team, called the Grays, played their games at the Messer Street Grounds, also known as Messer Park or Messer Field, from 1878 to 1885. When scouting for a location for their new ballpark, the Providence Base Ball Association identified the old Josiah Chapin farm on the City’s west side (now known as Olneyville) and decided it met their criteria. It was close to level, it was raised up a few feet from the surrounding roads and it was easily accessible by street car. The grounds were also “away from the contamination of rum shops and the attendant loafers.” Construction began on April 1 and took one month to complete. The final nail was hammered into place just five minutes before opening day on May 1. Messer Street Grounds, Photo Courtesy of the Providence Journal The Providence Morning Star declared “the grounds are without doubt as fine as any in the country.” The large grandstand held 1,200 fans and featured the first backstop to protect the fans sitting behind home plate. A twelve-foot fence encircled the entire field. The facilities for press and players were considered among the finest of the day. Capacity of the ballpark is estimated at about 6,000. Messer Street Grounds featured some strange dimensions, with a left field distance of 281 feet and a right field depth of an astounding 431 feet. Straightaway center field was only 318 feet from home plate, while both power alleys stood 356 feet away. The dimensions were a sore spot with reporters, with one complaining “a hit made in Providence near that foul line post is not a long hit; in fact that same hit in the right field seldom gives more than one base.” Despite the short distances, not many home runs were hit at Messer Street Grounds. In fact, only eight home runs were hit in the ballpark’s inaugural season. Compare that to the 200 hit in Chicago that year. A neighbor to the park allowed fans to sit on his roof and watch the game for only 25 cents, which probably didn’t make the Grays’ owners very happy. Providence Grays 1914 Team Photo with Babe Ruth, Photo Courtesy of ProvidenceOnline.com The Grays were successful in their short time in the National League, winning pennants in 1879 and 1884. The Grays won the first World Series (not to be confused with the modern World Series between the American and National Leagues that began in 1903) by defeating the New York Metropolitans of the American Association. Due to financial problems, the team folded in 1885. The team was replaced by the Philadelphia Phillies. Once the Major League version of the Grays moved out of Providence, a minor league team, also called the Grays, moved into Messer Street Grounds for the 1886 season. Unfortunately, the team had trouble attracting fans and the team folded by June. In February of 1887 the property was sold, the ballpark demolished, the land was subdivided, and houses started to spring up where the old ballpark used to stand. Today there are no markers to commemorate the site of Providence’s only Major League franchise. Today the site remains a residential area. Residences Today on Former Site of Messer Street Grounds, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 CarShield Field 900 TR Hughes Blvd. O’Fallon, MO 63366 O'Fallon website CarShield Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 5,150 Good-Old Fashion Fun in River City Note: The River City Rascals ceased operations in 2019. In their place, the Prospect Leagues O'Fallon Hoots began to play at CarShield Field in 2020. --- 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 1900s. 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 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 before the 2016 season. The biggest news recently has been the installation of synthetic turf before 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 include 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 a two-quarter patty burger, 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 to the right field corner, and 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 between three tiers of advertisements. The Party Patio is located in the corner and 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 at 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 are 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 their parents. They consist of a couple of 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 from 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, many 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 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 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. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Prasco Park 6125 Commerce Ct Mason, OH 45040 Cincinnati Spikes website Prasco Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 2,400 Prasco Park: Baseball's Best Kept Secret Prasco Park was created as a ballpark where the community could gather and a facility that could host amateur baseball up to the college level. The ballpark also was envisioned to be the premier destination for amateur baseball in the country. It sits on the campus of Prasco Laboratories in Mason, Ohio, a northern suburb of Cincinnati. Phil Arington was the mastermind behind its creation and conceived the idea as a throwback to another era of the sport where communities had a municipal stadium to host barnstorming teams in the 1930s and 1940s. He also teamed up with local Cincinnati brands, Skyline Chili, LaRosa’s Pizza, and Montgomery Inn to sponsor certain nights during the summer. The idea worked as 50,000 to 60,000 visit the stadium throughout the year. The Cincinnati Spikes 12u and 16u ball clubs are the main tenants at Prasco Park and have been in operation since 1990, well before the ballpark’s construction. Their mission is to create, through Christian influence, the premier amateur baseball environment in the nation physically and spiritually for all the players and coaches, along with their families. However, fans are treated to numerous teams that have included the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League All-Star Game, PBR Top Prospect games, East Coast Pro, Perfect Game Ohio, and the 16u Ascendant Baseball Classic. The stadium hosts the three-day Big East Baseball Tournament, along with various games from local collegiate teams. The Cincinnati Reds used it as an alternative spring training site during the pandemic in 2020, albeit without fans in attendance. The ballpark is known to many for free admission for parking, tickets, and concession items. It offers inflatable rides for the children and features an impressive three-story sky view deck in the right field for a major league baseball view of the diamond. To say that it’s Cincinnati’s best-kept secret, might be an understatement; this might be the nation’s best-kept secret in baseball. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark offers free food and drink to all guests, and there is no limit to the number of times you can wait in line for purchase. The concession stand is behind the sky view deck, and fans can choose from cheeseburgers, hot dogs, cheese-filled pretzel bites, potato chips, and candy. They can wash it down with generic soda pop in various flavors. There is also soft-serve ice cream in chocolate, vanilla, and orange near the main grandstand. All of what I mentioned is free of charge. Yes, it is all complimentary to all fans at every game. No matter how many hot dogs or pretzel bites you desire, they are free of charge. It does not include the special nights where Montgomery Inn offers barbecue pork sandwiches and chips, LaRosa’s pizza slices, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches–all are free of charge. If you are looking for a beer, your best bet is to visit 16 Ton Brewing Company a couple of miles away before the game. You will never find an alcoholic beverage at the ballpark. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot to take in at Prasco Park from its free admission, three-story sky deck that features an old-school Longines clock, inflatable rides for the kids, groups of people walking around the concourse, lines of people waiting for food, and an all-around good vibe. The sky deck is a unique feature at a stadium of this size and offers two levels of seating, plus a covered area with tabletop seating and flat-screen televisions. Fans are afforded an amazing view of the ball field from the right-field corner, and there are even two seats from old Yankee Stadium and Texas Stadium. The grandstand behind home plate was off-limits to family and friends of the four college teams in the tournament but usually opened for business during all games. Many guests line up along the first base side for a glimpse of the action along the fence, but sightlines were limited from this perspective. It probably didn’t matter to the youngest fans who found their entertainment on the giant inflatable rides on the grassy area. Swarms of children wait in line for a chance to climb, slide, or jump up and down in one of the three blow-up rides. There was also a wiffle ball field for older children to test their skills. Tents and tables are set up for guests to sit down and enjoy their food, and a couple of cornhole sets are occupied throughout the evening’s contest. There is also a large group of volunteers who help out with any questions one would have during the game. Neighborhood 3 Mason, Ohio, is known for the home of Kings Island amusement and water park, the Lindner Family Tennis Center that houses the Western and Southern Open, and the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park and resort. These tourist destinations attract massive numbers of visitors to the northeast suburb of Cincinnati. A few miles away from the ballpark is 16 Lots Brewing Company, with multiple craft beers, plus Habanero Latina American Fare and pizza and salads from Mad Monks located inside the brewery. There is still more pizza at Two Cities Pizza located in the old City Hall building that was constructed in 1939. The Mason Grill, Firebirds Wood Fire Grill, and Phonecian Taverna are also other options during your visit. Downtown Cincinnati is a short ride, and must-visits would be a Reds game at Great American Ballpark, the American Sign Museum, and the Cincinnati Museum Center. Fans 4 There was an over-capacity crowd for the game, but many were not there for the game itself. Yes, the ones in the sky view, were focused on the ball game. However, the main objective is to gather the community for a fun night out with friends and family. That has been accomplished quite effectively at Prasco Park. Access 3 The one con against the ballpark is the viewing areas. Fans have access to the main grandstand during all games in a non-covid year, but only friends and family were allowed to watch the game from behind the plate at this game. That is fine since the view from the sky deck is a perfect spot to watch the game from. However, if you have trouble walking, this could be problematic. Also, there is no access or viewing area down the left-field side of the stadium, and the view from the first base side is limited in many sports. Return on Investment 5 It might be the best deal in baseball at any level in the country. Tickets, parking, and concessions are all free. The food is served hot, the drinks are cold, and the ice cream is delicious. The little ones are entertained by the inflatable rides. If you are with the family, this is the place to be without breaking the wallet. Extras 3 Prasco Park earns a point for its sky view deck seats in right field that features an old-school Longines clock. The second point is for the free concessions and admission to all home games. A third point is towards the family-entertainment and community gathering aspect. One cannot fault themselves for having fun during a game, Final Thoughts Prasco Park is one of the best-kept secrets in baseball. When you can allow fans into the facility for free and then offer free food and drink, you have something special. The design or the right-field viewing deck is worth the price of admission if the team charged admission.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Jack Butcher Sports Arena 201 Brooks Ave Loogootee, IN 47553 Loogootee High School Lions website Jack Butcher Sports Arena website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 4,571 The Lions Roar at Jack Butcher Sports Arena When you enter the small town of Loogootee, Indiana you will more than likely spot the giant water tower that honors its former high school basketball coach Jack Butch. During his 45 years as head coach, he would amass a then-record 806 victories at the time of his retirement in 2002. The water tower sign would remind visitors to town about his accomplishments. Butcher held the title for almost 17 years until Bloomington South High School’s J.R. Holmes captured his 807th victory and eclipsed his record on February 22, 2019. Butcher was there to pass the torch to Holmes, but during his time as head coach, he put the tiny school on the map. Butcher was a 1951 graduate of Loogootee High School and went on to star at Memphis State, leading the Tigers to the 1957 NIT Championship Game before turning down an offer to play for the Red Auerbach’s Boston Celtics in favor of a chance to coach at his alma mater. He would keep the job as the basketball coach for the next 45 years. He would lead the Lions to a then-record 806 victories, 30 sectional, 10 regional, and 4 semi-state championships, plus state finalists in 1975 (the last class-A-sized school to reach single-class state championship game) before retiring after the 2001/02 season. The basketball gymnasium at Loogootee High School was named after Jack Butcher and is also known as The Lion’s Den by the local populace. The building has a capacity of 4,571 and is the largest in Class 1 A, placing it as the 40th biggest building in the state but would easily be the largest in many other states. The arena was dedicated on Friday, November 8, 1968, in a game against Blue Chip Conference rivals Shoal Flat Rox. Almost 50 years later, the Lions have only had 4 losing basketball seasons. It is also the last of the Ralph Legeman-style gymnasiums that were popular in the area from 1949-1968. Food & Beverage 3 The usual array of high school snacks is available at the JBA including pizza slices, nachos, hot dogs, candy, and soda pop. Bags of popcorn sell for almost a steal at just .50 cents per bag and Orange Leaf frozen yogurt is available at $3 in four varieties including birthday cake and salted caramel. Like with most high school gyms the quality of food is for snacking and if you are really hungry it might be wise to eat before attending a Lions game. Atmosphere 4 The parking lot of the school was at capacity with cars parked along the open grass field between the gym and the baseball and softball fields. All was quiet outside 10 minutes after tip-off with a small gathering of people making their way to the school’s main entrance. Once inside the noise began to blossom and as you crept closer to the ticket table, the roar of the fans blasted through the small two-door entrance like a wildfire in a forest. The stands were at around 90% capacity and all around the gym evidence of the gym and the school’s past glory. The sunken gym features a bench seating eleven rows deep, some appear to be the original wood that was installed over 50 years ago, the time has created a distinctive smell that adds to the aurora of the facility. The main concourse wraps around the upper portion of the gymnasium providing great views from an SRO perspective. Interestingly, the gym’s walls are decorated with painted pictures of championship seasons including the 1970 team that was Final Four participants, the 1975 and 2005 teams that were state finalists, and the 2012 team that brought home the school’s first State Championship. In July of 2019, the gym renovated its court complete with a new center logo that replaced the iconic lion character with a stylized L logo. The new-look floor also added the school colors of black and gold to give it a fresh and modern look. The arena stands among some of the great southern Indiana gyms in nearby Jasper, Huntingburg , and Washington . The best crowds of the season are at the first game of the year and both sectional and regional tournament games. You can expect capacity or near-capacity crowds that provide insight into Hoosier Hysteria. Fans 4 The small school with the big gym and the winning records has been dazzling fans for many years, the last 50-plus years at the JBA. Crowds do not usually sell out the arena for regular-season games, but can fill the place up near 50% capacity. Contests against heated rival Barr-Reeve are usually heavily attended and there are more than enough fans who can talk your ear off about Lions basketball. Neighborhood 3 The town of Loogootee features a population of 2,708 people; the school itself has an enrollment of only 284 students. The town is accessible by US-231, US-50, and US-150 and is accessible off the recently completed I-69 from Evansville (73 miles) and Indianapolis (99 miles). There are two restaurants that locals suggest: Stoll’s Lakeview Restaurant and The Lodge. The two local establishments offer scratch-made food in rustic, scenic settings in town. The Lodge prides itself on serving the best-fried chicken in the area but also has steaks, pork chops, chicken parmesan, and fried shrimp on its menu for very reasonable prices. Stoll’s is an Amish restaurant that overlooks West Boggs Lake offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets that depending on the day cost anywhere from $9.89 to $14.49. There are also daily specials served for lunch and dinner. Dairy Master is an old-school ice cream joint offering great cheap eats, including a giant tenderloin that covers the Styrofoam plate that it’s served on. Access 3 Loogootee is located 2 hours south of Indianapolis and an hour north of Evansville on SR-231. The school is easy to find once you cross into town and see the signs for the school. Once inside, the sunken gym feature allows fans access to the main concourse to walk around freely but can become crowded during heavily attended sectional and regional games. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are $5 and they come with one of the better programs in the state that are loaded with the boy's and girls' history season by season with player profiles, records, and championship information. It helped out a lot with this review. Extras 4 One star for the renovated basketball court during the summer of 2019. The new flooring gives The Den a fresh new look with the addition of the school colors of black and gold. Another star for the game day program that is one of the better publications at an Indiana high school gymnasium. The program is packed with historical information, player profiles, records, and photos of past teams. It is not your typical heavily laced program with advertisements. A third star for the water tower that hovers above the town and is scripted with Jack Butcher’s record amount of wins for an Indiana High School Coach. The Loogootee native has cemented his legend in this part of the state and beyond. The fourth star is for the painted designs of past championships on the arena’s walls. Many gyms hang banners (always a plus) or generic posters shaped like the state of Indiana. However, the painted wall designs give the place a nice dose of regional aesthetics. Final Thoughts They say that basketball in the southwest part of the state is much different than in other parts of Indiana. Based on my experience, there is something much different and a game at the Jack Butcher Sports Arena is a fine example. The program's winning tradition, large gymnasium, and friendly staff make it a must on anyone’s wish list of basketball venues in the state of Indiana. The small town of Loogootee stands out at the JBA. ____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Phoenix Municipal Stadium 2010, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix, AZ opened in 1964, was the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants (1964** – 1981) and then the Oakland Athletics (1982 – 2014). It also served as the home of the San Francisco AAA minor league team from 1966 – 1991 (Phoenix Giants, renamed the Phoenix Firebirds). Phoenix Muni (short name) is one of several former Cactus League facilities still in use today, now hosting the Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils baseball team beginning the 2015 season. The Sun Devils, though, have played ball games at Phoenix Muni over the life of the ballpark. It is the second ballpark to be named Phoenix Municipal Stadium, the original one was located a little closer to downtown. The greatest all around ballplayer, Willie Mays, hit the first home run in front of an 8,583 crowd, when the stadium first opened on March 8, 1964. Several things stand out about Phoenix Muni: its history, beyond the outfield, the pedestrian bridge. The stadium oozes with history. Sixteen markers on its concourse portray Phoenix’s baseball past. There’s even a marker commemorating the use of the stadium by the Oakland A’s after the 1989 World Series earthquake in the Bay Area. The light towers at the venue are the original ones from the Polo Grounds. Discovered when the Oakland Athletics took residence in 1982, the stadium clubhouses doubled as civil defense bomb shelters. Phoenix Municipal Stadium Marker, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Papago Park, its trails and butte rock formations, is the backdrop beyond the outfield. The focal point of Papago Parks is “Hole in the Rock,” which is off in the distance, directly behind the batter’s eye. And the Phoenix zoo is next door. It’s been said an occasional early-morning elephant trumpet can be heard. Except for handicapped parking, the parking lot is located across the street and fans must walk over a pedestrian bridge to get to the stadium. For most fans this is fine but for those with a fear of heights, it is awful and not even do-able for some with acrophobia. Phoenix Muni Pedestrian Bridge, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey After the 2003 season, the stadium underwent an $8 million renovation (the stadium originally cost $890,000 to build in 1964). The 2003 renovation included increasing the press box size from 800 square feet to 3,000 square feet and adding a second floor to the A’s administrative offices. Next, the dugouts doubled in size and dropped below ground level. Approximately 150 premium seats were added behind home plate. Finally, the city added two suites and a 75-person capacity party deck which could be rented on a per-game basis. Phoenix Municipal Stadium 2010, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The stadium’s unique accordion-style roof, which leaked frequently, was preserved after initial plans called for its removal. The leaks were sealed using a spray foam. And, this renovation added the historic timeline markers. === When Sun Devil Baseball moved into Phoenix Municipal Stadium following the 2014 season, a number of capital improvements were made to the facility. These included a clubhouse redesign complete with a player’s lounge, an academic center, nutrition room, weight room and training room, and the installation of a video board. The newest improvement in 2018 is highlighted by a state-of-the-art batting facility. It also includes the installation of a new outfield fence, relocating the home and visiting team bullpens behind the new fence, and changing the dimensions of the playing field. Phoenix Muni Sun Devil Baseball 2019, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Here’s hoping for a return of the sport in 2021 and a revisit by Stadium Journey to see the more of the improvements and remodel. **I found a reference in SABR indicating the San Francisco Giants played the 1964 spring training season at Papago Park Baseball Complex just down the street from Phoenix Muni.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Weavers Park Windmill Rd Drogheda, County Louth Ireland Drogheda United website Weavers Park website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,000 Drogheda Delight Note: In 2023, the name of the park changed from United Park to Weavers Park. The famous town of Drogheda is situated on Ireland’s east coast between Dublin and Dundalk, which is in the Boyne Valley between County Louth and County Meath. The local professional football team is Drogheda United, based just outside the town centre at the small, but homely United Park, also referred to as Hunky Dorys Park through a former sponsorship deal. The club have been here since 1979, following the merger of Drogheda FC and the original Drogheda United who were formed in 1919, and are currently playing in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Division 1. At one point the ground had a capacity in the region of 5,000, but presently has a maximum of 2,000, with 1,500 of that figure seated in both covered and uncovered areas. Known as ‘The Drogs’ or ‘Super Drogs,’ the club’s main rivals are neighbours Dundalk and share a link with Turkish side Trabzonspor, due to their club crest and claret/blue colour similarities. Since their formation, the club have regularly found themselves flirting with promotion to the top flight and relegation back to the second tier. Early in the millennium the club went full time and reaped the rewards, with accolades achieved including a Premier League title, FAI Cup and Setanta Cup wins, which also brought qualification for the old UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League) and a fleeting couple of rounds in the Champions League qualifiers. By the end of that decade, and coinciding with the financial crisis in Ireland, the club found themselves in administration, or as the Irish call it, examinership. Full time football is no more and Drogheda primarily now focus on providing a platform to young players to develop in the first team and potentially move on for financial gain. Food & Beverage 3 Standard offerings are sold from a small hatch at the side of the Main Stand. The menu consists of crisps, bars of chocolate, bottled soft drinks, and tea and coffee sold in small polystyrene cups. There may not be a lot, but it’s enough to get you through the match if you’re feeling peckish. Atmosphere 3 With United Park being a narrow and tight venue, it has the potential to have a decent atmosphere depending on the opposition. The club have their own ‘ultras’ group of maybe 50-100, mainly younger lads who congregate in the seated terrace across from the Main Stand. They have their own flags and banners, and start up most, if not all of the chants. Along with having their own drum, it adds to the atmosphere and tends to get a reaction from the opposition support. United Park is an intriguing, but lovable mis-match of stands and terracing, situated on the corner of a busy road, next to a housing estate, a GAA venue and across from a local hospital. There are two entrances to the ground, at the top of Windmill Road and a slightly longer walk round the other side to Cross Lane. At the former it gives you access to the Main Stand (home fans) and to the covered away terrace. The latter is for the seated terrace which is for home fans only. Outside the Main Stand there is VERY limited parking and with local housing next to it, it’s mainly permit holders only. So if you are driving, expect to park a reasonable distance away from the ground. There is a small ticket office situated next to the turnstiles and this area is well stewarded. Once through, you are able to sit in the small Main Stand on your right and if you are a member, you can access the social club on your left. There is a 10-15 foot gap between the Main Stand and a small covered standing terrace which is where the away fans are allocated. In this area is where the food and drink bar is situated. Behind both goals there is a large net to catch any stray footballs during the game and this is due to the houses and main road situated behind both respectively. The seated terrace is partly uncovered at either side, but doesn’t prove to be a problem on a regular match day as it is not always full in this area. Perched on the roof, in the centre of this stand, there is a small television gantry. Due to the limited space behind each goal there is also limited movement round United Park. With only two entry options, whatever side you access, this is the only area you will be able to stand or sit in unfortunately. Half time entertainment is provided by a quick match between two local boys club teams and also the club’s raffle ticket draw, which is a small but worthwhile fundraising initiative. All areas of the ground have supporting pillars of some sort, so regardless where you choose to watch a match from, your view will be slightly obscured. Sitting too far to the right of the Main Stand means you will be looking through a metal mesh fence and won’t be able to see the goal on that side. All things considered, the best view is likely from the centre of the covered terrace at the Cross Lane end, which is also the most atmospheric in any case. Neighborhood 4 Drogheda is a busy, friendly town and offers a variety of good options to stay, visit, eat and drink. The views from high up at Millmount Tower are phenomenal, especially on a clear day, and you will also be well educated on some Irish history from very knowledgeable tour guides. Pubs near United Park that are recommended include Mother Hughes which is five minutes walk away, Windmill House which is next door to the ground, and Gleesons which is between the ground and the town centre. In town, The Grey Goose and JB’s Bar on West Street are very friendly, with a good variety of beers and spirits. Fans 3 With Drogheda United currently in the second tier, crowds have dropped slightly, so the attendances will vary depending on the opposition. A typical match will attract somewhere between 500-1,100 fans. Access 3 The ground is a 15 minute walk from town. If coming from MacBride train station it is potentially a further 15 minutes onto the journey. There are taxis regularly going to and from the station and town. With the ground only having two sides, movement is limited. Any request to get to the other side may be blocked by over officious stewards. Return on Investment 4 Seating on the Windmill Road side costs €15 for adults, €12 OAP/students, and €10 for children under the age of 14. If you choose to sit in the Home Terrace – Cross Lane end, then tickets will cost €12 for adults, €10 for OAP/students, and €5 for children under the age of 14. You can also purchase a ‘family ticket,’ which includes two adult and two children passes for €22. Overall, United Park provides a good value for the cost of a ticket, and is currently priced right. Extras 3 United Park was the site for some of the matches for the 1994 UEFA Under-16 football championships. It has also hosted several Under-21 Irish national team matches. The emblem for the Drogheda United club is adapted from the town’s coat of arms. The star and crescent are symbolic of the support that Ireland received from the Ottoman Empire during the Great Famine during the mid 19th century in Ireland. Final Thoughts If you have any interest in football and particularly Irish history, then Drogheda is a fine destination to visit.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 LECOM Park 1611 9th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 Bradenton Marauders website LECOM Park website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 8,500 Marauders Home Turns 100 Minor League Baseball’s second-oldest ballpark celebrated its 100th anniversary during the 2023 season. LECOM Park, home of the Bradenton Marauders, opened its doors in 1923. The ballpark opened as City Park and has gone through five name changes during its one hundred years of use. It was known as McKechnie Park from 1962-2017, becoming LECOM Park in 2018 as a part of a naming rights agreement with the Bradenton-based Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, or LECOM for short. As you can imagine, the ballpark has gone through numerous renovations over the years. When it opened, it only had 1,300 seats and cost $2,000 to build. Today it holds 8,500 and includes amenities that could not have been dreamed of a century ago. Major renovations were required after a hurricane hit the park. Lights were added to the ballpark in 2008. The other two renovations took place in 1993 and 2013. The earlier renovation replaced the seating that had been in the park for 70 years and replaced many of the mechanicals that had become obsolete over that period. The 2013 renovation enhanced the fan plaza and completed a boardwalk beyond the outfield walls that allow 360-degree access for fans around the playing field. Even though the ballpark has been used for a century, the Marauders are only the second minor league team to use the facility, and the first to use it since 1926. The Marauders became the Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010. The team has won two league championships during its existence, with a Florida State League Championship in 2016 and a Low A Southeast Championship in 2021. One of the nice things about LECOM Park’s location is its proximity to Florida State League parks in nearby Dunedin, Tampa, Sarasota, and Clearwater. Food & Beverage 4 LECOM Park offers a wide range of food and beverages at its concession stands. The concession stands under the grandstand are open for every game at LECOM, while many of the plaza spots open only on Friday/Saturday/Sunday when attendance is larger. Here is a brief overview of each stand: Pirates Cove is along the first base concourse. It offers pulled pork sandwiches, jumbo hot dogs, cheeseburgers, brats, fried fish sandwiches, and Italian Ices. The Home Plate Express offers pizza slices, nachos, popcorn, chips, and pretzels. The Hot Corner Deli is on the third base side of the field. It offers a wide variety of deli sandwiches, garden salads, and chef salads. The Snack Station is located at the base of the video board in the center field area of the boardwalk. This stand offers BBQ pork fries, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches, and cracker jacks. The Craft Beer Corner offers a wide selection of craft beers and mixed drinks. All stands offer Pepsi brand products and bottled water. Atmosphere 5 It is immediately apparent that you are at one of the most historic venues in baseball when you arrive at LECOM Ballpark. The exterior skin of the stadium is constructed in the Spanish Colonial style that is so classic in Florida. Most of the stands offer shade from the Florida sun under roofs or canopies. The steel girders of the stadium are exposed, showing you how the ballpark was built. The first area you enter after you pass through the ticket gate is the Fan Plaza. It is filled with booths offering a wide selection of food and drink. Make sure you check out the historical exhibit that shares the story of LECOM Park on a decade-by-decade basis. The plaza also offers several lawn games on its grass surfaces. If you just want to relax, there are several Adirondack chairs under the shade of a palm tree. Make sure to allow enough time to check out the Marauders team store, which is also on the Plaza. As you head into the seating bowl, you’ll notice that shaded seats are covering both the home plate area and down each of the baselines. The largest of these is the grandstand behind the home plate, which is covered by a steel roof. The press box sits high above these seats. After visiting the infield sections of the seating bowl, take the time to head out to the outfield seats via the boardwalk. This allows you to circle the stadium and check out the different angles to watch the game. When you reach center field, you’ll be entering the Boardwalk BBQ area, which handles groups of 25 people or more. The large videoboard towers above this section of the boardwalk. As you head towards the right field, you’ll come to the Kona Tiki Bar. There are also drink rails along the boardwalk in this section of the boardwalk. The Boardwalk at LECOM Park, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Marty the Marauder is the team’s swashbuckling mascot. He roams the stands throughout the games and is very happy to pose for a selfie with your family members. Neighborhood 4 LECOM Park is located at the corner of 17th Avenue West and Ninth Street West. This site puts you right in the middle of a city neighborhood in Bradenton. There are plenty of things to do before or after the game within walking distance of the stadium. The Village of the Arts is located next door to the park. It is a cottage-like neighborhood filled with galleries, studios, restaurants, and shops. The Bishop Museum offers you a unique opportunity to learn about the manatees that inhabit the wetlands surrounding Bradenton. If you would like a cold beer after a humid night at the ballpark, you can’t go wrong with Darwin Brewing. It is across the street from LECOM, and it offers a wide selection of craft brews. Fans 4 Like most Florida State League franchises, the Marauders have a very loyal fan base. Bradenton has a very large retirement population, and many of these seniors are season ticket holders. They are very knowledgeable about the game, and they love to share the history of the stadium and of the many players who have passed through Bradenton on the way to the big leagues. They tend to be more traditional in their enjoyment of the game, and you’ll notice that there are fewer loud songs and gimmicky activities on the field as a result. Access 3 LECOM Park is easy to get to from I-75 via State Route 64 West. Getting to the park is easy, it is a little more difficult to find parking once you get there. There are two dedicated parking lots for the ballpark that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are the Outfield Lot and the Home Plate Lot. These lots fill very quickly. However, many local businesses, churches, and charities will allow you to park in their lots after hours for the same price charged by LECOM Park in its lots. Once you are at the ballpark, the stadium gates open one hour before the first pitch. This allows you plenty of time to check out the team store on the Fan Plaza or to get something to eat at one of the concession stands. Return on Investment 4 You won’t need a dead man’s chest to pay for a day or night out at a Marauders game. Tickets are $12 for seats in the infield and home plate grandstand areas. Outfield seating is $8. Parking at Marauders games is free on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. Saturday games cost $5 for the Outfield Parking Lot and $8 for the Home Plate Lot. Prices are quite reasonable for food and beverage items. Drink discounts are available on Thirsty Thursday games. Extras 5 Games were suspended during World War II. The ballpark was used to store military equipment during those years. Make sure to say “Thank You” to the ticket takers, ushers, and concession workers as they are all volunteers. During the spring, LECOM Park serves as the Spring Training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates . Among the former Marauders who have gone on to play in the major leagues are Gerrit Cole, Josh Bell, and Gregory Polanco. Fireworks follow the games on Saturday nights throughout the season. Final Thoughts LECOM Park offers you a unique opportunity to check out a ballpark that has seen players like Willie Stargell, Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron, Bill Mazeroski, and Ted Williams play on its field. Its Spanish Colonial architecture, and the roof-protected shade over much of the grandstands all bring you back to baseball as it used to be.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Whiting Oilers 1751 Oliver St. Whiting, IN 46394 Whiting High School Oilers website Whiting Memorial Gym website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 2,400 There are many great high school gyms in the state of Indiana. However, many of them in "The Region'' sometimes get overlooked. One of them is the Whiting Memorial Gymnasium. It is close to 75 years old and has the aesthetics of an old hockey barn that transports the audience to another era of high school hoops in the Hoosier State. Whiting High School built the gym for its basketball team. The dedication game took place on November 20, 1951. The gym had been in the planning stages for three years by the board of education to replace the school’s former gym, which held only 500 people.  The Oilers were somewhat of a powerhouse over a century ago, with three sectional championships between 1921 and 1924. It would take almost 60 years to win another one when the school finished the 1980-1981 school year with a 16-4 record before capturing the sectional tournament title. Food & Beverage 3 The gym has a concession stand that offers hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, candy, and soda pop (can or bottle). There is a spot where fans can top their hot dogs or nachos with jalapenos. The prices range from $2 for a pretzel to $3 for a hot dog or a pretzel. However, customers should bring cash since the building does not accept credit cards. Atmosphere 4 The gym looks old, feels old, and smells old. That is a good thing because there’s something about this place that sets it apart from other gyms in the state. The arena’s ceiling features exposed steel trusses, and all of the seating is on the upper balcony of the building, which features hand railings and color-coded sections.  The majority of the seats are painted red, white, and blue (even though some of the colors have faded). The paint was donated by Mobil Oil in time for the Bicentennial in 1976 and never repainted almost 50 years later. However, they add a unique aesthetic to the old-school fieldhouse. It has created a debate on whether the colors were for the Mobil or our country. The seating puts fans in a unique perspective on the action on the court. The theater-style seats offer a bit of comfort compared to collapsible bleachers, and one feels like they have stepped back in time when watching a basketball game.  There are multiple banners of school championships on the walls, the concourse floors and walls have the same design they had in 1950, and old signage directing fans to the bathrooms, seating, and concession stands also add to the nostalgia. The gym was constructed as a memorial to fallen soldiers with the respect of removing one's hat in their honor. That rule is no longer enforced, according to the principal.  Neighborhood 4 Memorial Gym is located in a residential neighborhood a block from downtown and a few miles further away by car on US-41.  There are many regional and independent restaurants, bars, shops, and coffee shops to choose from before the basketball game. There are many Mexican restaurants, including San Luis, La Michoacana (ice cream), Dos Sabores, and The Taco Dive. Beggars Pizza is a regional chain that specializes in Chicago thin-style pizza, and Center Lounge and Grillers are ideal spots for pub food. The Bulldog Brewing Company and The Standard Taproom are great places for a drink or two.  Whiting is home to the Mascot Hall of Fame, which honors the sport's best mascot and offers interactive exhibits for children. Oil City Stadium is the home of the NW Indiana Oilmen of the Northern League, but they are off until the beginning of June. The city is only 16 miles from Chicago. Fans 2 Whiting High School has an enrollment of 420 students, and it shows in the stands. There is only a sprinkling of people for the game, with students hanging out on the pullout bleachers. According to the school principal, there hasn’t been a packed house in about 30 years.  Access 3 The gym is next to the high school, a block from downtown, but not visible to first-time visitors. A small parking lot directly outside the school’s doors. Four main staircases lead fans to the seating on the upper level. There is seating on the main floor for fans, with plenty of room to enjoy the game. There are additional bathrooms and a concession stand on the main floor.  Return on Investment 3 The gym itself is worth the price of admission, but there is not a lot of other excitement beyond that. The crowds are small, the cheer block is missing, and it can be a very soundless game from a crowd perspective. Fans will enjoy the banter from the players and sidelines, cheerleaders make their presence felt, and concession prices are reasonable, but it is cash only. Extras 3 Whiting Memorial Gym earns a point for its design, which features theater-style seating on the upper balcony level, an arched roof, steel trusses and beams, and color-coded seats. The gym earns a second point for its jalapenos that fans can add to their nachos at the concession stand. Final Thoughts Whiting Memorial Gym is one of those arenas that is a time capsule. It does not look like other current high school gymnasiums. It offers fans a chance to watch a basketball game in a special setting with theater-style seating and views that are on top of the court.  It might be one of my top five fieldhouses in the state. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Shaw Park One Portage Avenue East Winnipeg, MB R3B 3N3 Canada Winnipeg Goldeyes website Shaw Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 7,481 Shaw Park - The Standard of Winnipeg Shaw Park, also known as “The Fishbowl,” opened in 1999 as the home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The 7,461-seat capacity stadium has been a major draw in town, and the club has been one of the more successful independent teams in North America. The ballpark helped revitalize the downtown, attracting 6,048 per game during its first year of operation. Before Shaw Park opened, the Goldeyes played in Winnipeg Stadium, a football field that was at one time home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. The team gets its name from the original Goldeyes, who were a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate in the Northern League from 1954 to 1964, before being resurrected in 1969 as an affiliate for the expansion Kansas City Royals. The franchise captured three titles during its stay in town in 1957, 1959, and 1960. Professional baseball had been played in town last in 1971 when the Montreal Expos operated the Winnipeg Whips of the International League. The team relocated from Buffalo midway through the 1970 season and were 1,100 miles from its nearest rival in the league; however, the plan was to place the Whips in the American Association, a Triple-A operation at the time, but the move never materialized, and the team relocated to Hampton, Virginia for the 1972 season. The current Goldeyes first played as the Rochester Aces in the Northern League in 1993. The next season, the team moved to town and won the championship, and the love affair between the city and the team began. There have been two expansions to Shaw Park to add more seats to answer the demand for tickets. The team is constantly near the top in attendance numbers in the American Association, mostly at number two behind the St. Paul Saints. Food & Beverage 5 Shaw Park has improved its menu options lately with a variety of options that should satisfy the taste buds of every customer who enters the ballpark. Goldie’s Grill offers the typical ballpark fare of hot dogs, nachos, chicken fingers, and soda pop. The Goldie Dog is split and served with grilled onions, real bacon bits, and nacho cheese. Poutine is available at the stand as well. Pepsi products are served at all the stands. Danny’s Barbecue and Smokehouse serves pulled pork and beef sandwiches, Subway has six and 12-inch sandwiches, and Boston Pizza offers $5 slices and the Boston Brute, a French bread sandwich stuffed with salami, pepperoni, smoked ham, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Little Bone Wings serves up three sizes of wings covered in up to 14 different rubs and sauces. A few nice surprises include Mr. Perogie, who offers individual sizes of 7 perogies, either boiled or deep fried. You can also order them with a few kielbasa links or serve poutine-style with gravy and cheese. There is also Asian influence at Mooshiro Japanese Cuisine and Bodegoes Noodles by the Box, Korean fried chicken is recommended. Finally, Taco Time offers a wide range of tacos, burritos, and Mexi-fries. The Craft Beer Corner is a 1,400 square-foot deck extending across the tops of sections A and B down the left field line featuring two Labatt Breweries (Mill Street Organic Lager and Goose Island IPA), two from Fort Garry Brewing, and one rotating local craft. Wine and mix drink options are also available if a beer is not your choice of beverage. Atmosphere 4 Shaw Park features a wide-open concourse that is covered and provides views of the field. It does not wrap around like many current venues but offers views of lush forestry beyond the outfield walls. Probably the best views might be from the outfielders who enjoy the city skyline just above the suites and press boxes above the concourse. The Goldeyes have made improvements in recent years with the inclusion of the Field Patio in 2016 and Craft Beer Corner Story in 2018. The Field Patio is the perfect space for your group to mix & mingle while enjoying exciting Goldeyes baseball. The two-tiered space features comfortable seating for up to 100 guests with a mixture of standard and pub-style tables & chairs, on-location food and beverages, dedicated service staff, and a fantastic field-level view on the first baseline. The Craft Beer Corner Story is a 1,400-square-foot deck extending across the tops of sections A & B down the left field line. The area offers five drafts that include products from Mill Street, Goose Island, and Fort Garry Brewing, along with a local Manitoba beer. This marks the first time in a decade that craft beer has been sold at Shaw Park, and the response has been a hit with fans and local breweries, where there is a waiting list to get into the ballpark. The official mascot is Goldie, and he entertains the fans throughout the night. The Dugout Store offers a selection of team gear, and the crowd is quite into the game, much more than what you might expect. The Fish have captured 10 division titles and four league titles in their first 25 years of existence; the team has only had three losing seasons in its history. Neighborhood 4 Shaw Park is located in the heart of the city, just down the street from Portage and Main, and a short (less than five minutes) walk from The Forks – one of the city’s largest tourist attractions. The park has also been credited with the revitalization of downtown living in the area, with many new condo developments located on the street along the river, creating a vibrant area with low crime, making for a safe venture home for the fans. A few restaurants to visit before or after the game include Earls Kitchen + Bar and Carnaval Brazilian BBQ. Torque and Half Pint Breweries are two noted local establishments that have a following. The Manitoba Museum, Canadian Museum for Equal Rights, and Living Prairie Museum make for a great way to spend the day before an evening game. Fans 4 The fans of Winnipeg have always supported the club well since its first season in 1994, the average size crowds were well above 5,500 as recently as four years ago but have slimmed down to around 4,500 as of this 2018 season. However, the team has always been either ranked number one or two in the league, and fan support at the ballpark is one of the best in baseball. Access 5 Five lots within two blocks of the ballpark charge $7 to park your car. There are some spots downtown at the meter, which expires at 5:30 pm during the week but is not as easy to find on busy game nights. Winnipeg Transit offers routes to many key locations downtown, including Shaw Park, for a fee of $2.95. Return on Investment 4 The price of tickets starts at $11 in advance for grand slam seats (section A-C) in the left field corner. Deck and Prime Seats cost $17 and $20 in advance between the left to right field line. The Club seating sells for $23 in advance and is between the home and away dugouts. If you happen to purchase your tickets in advance, you will be able to save $3 on each ticket. Extras 3 The Craft Beer Corner Story is a welcomed addition to the ballpark. A display of the Goldeyes history on a street-level rotunda between the box office and team store. It is worth perusing. The Path of Dreams is a pathway with personalized messages on bricks that lead to the main gate of the stadium. Final Thoughts The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a class act in the world of independent league baseball. The crowd support, enthusiasm, friendly staff, and all-around great time are what visits Shaw Park a great investment with your ballpark dollar.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Ball Diamond 3031 N Tillotson Ave Muncie, IN 47306 Ball State Cardinals website Ball Diamond website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,500 Chirp Chirp at the Ball Diamond Baseball has been played at Ball State University since 1920. The Cardinals are members of the western division of the Mid-American Conference and have captured eight division titles, four regular season titles, and one tournament title. There have also been three trips to the NCAA regionals in 1965, 1969, and 2006. A new era for the program began in 2016 when the university completely renovated its 45-year-old Ball Diamond. The results feel more like a brand new facility since the new ballpark bears little resemblance to the previous stadium. A $20 million fundraising effort renovation included new dugouts, modernized press boxes, grandstands, and concession stands. The field has a capacity of 1,500 and has added a FieldTurf surface to the infield and outfield that allows the Cardinals to compete in nearly any weather condition. The locker room has also been upgraded and features individual wood lockers for each player plus a team area with large screen television and computer workstation. The benefits of the new stadium help assist Ball State in recruiting as other schools in the region have also upgraded their ballparks. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand underneath the grandstand and outside of the playing area. The lines can get long during heavily attended games, but the crowds move swiftly. You will find your basics such as hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, nachos, peanuts, candy, and Pepsi products. It is enough to keep you satisfied during the game, but not fill you up. It would be recommended to enjoy dinner somewhere else in town before or after the baseball game. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark provides great seating that is up close and personal. The field is always in pristine condition and there are various spots down the right and left field lines to enjoy the game while hunched over the fence with plenty of space to have the kids run around. The atmosphere will depend on the weather, opponent, and promotion. When it’s Senior Day the crowd is rather large and boisterous, but when commencement is taking place down the street, the crowds are somewhat tepid. The customer should expect a somewhat relaxed atmosphere with baseball being the number one factor for why people are there. If you enjoy baseball without all the noise and gimmicks of the minor leagues, then a Ball State game will satisfy your old-school needs. Neighborhood 3 There are not many options to choose from within walking distance, but Muncie is a small town and your best choices for nightlife or dining would be downtown or near the shopping center to the north. A few downtown options include Scotty’s Brewhouse, Savage’s Ale House, and Cleo’s Bourbon Bar. Amazing Joe’s offers giant tenderloins and steak dishes. Savage’s Ale House is your typical brewpub that features juicy burgers, chicken wings, and a bevy of fried appetizers. Try the aloha burger. Downtown Muncie features Elm Street Brewing Co, The Guardian Brewing Co, Heorot Pub and Draught House, and the Fickle Peach. You will find great beers, pub food, and a college atmosphere during your visit. Muncie is a nice-sized college town. There are more than enough hotel options, including the Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, Courtyard, Best Western, and Holiday Inn & Suites. Fans 3 Most of the fans in attendance are diehard Cardinals fans. Many of the supporters can be heard talking about the fundamentals of the game, errors that the players made on the diamond, and past stories of former greats. Ball State has a friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated fan base, a nice little touch to this small-town ballpark experience. Access 3 The ballpark is located north of the main campus off Tillotson Avenue, directly across from Scheumann Stadium, home of the Ball State football team. Parking is free, available, and plentiful on-site. Once inside the ballpark, it is easy to get around and bathrooms are located adjacent to the concession stand. Arriving at the game can be a little tricky since the baseball field is not identified on most GPS systems. I would suggest searching for the football stadium and you will easily find it across the parking lot. There are various ways to enter Muncie off of I-69, but make sure you take Exit 241 onto IN-332 towards town; it is the easiest and most direct way to campus and only eight miles away. If you decide to follow other routes to town, you may find yourself waiting at a train crossing or two on your way to the game. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free to baseball games, much like many other small collegiate ballparks in the region. There are many new and modern baseball facilities in the state and each one is a vast improvement over its predecessor. They are worth a visit and affordable on anyone’s budget. Extras 2 One extra point for the modern facility that is perfect for collegiate baseball during the truculent Indiana spring season. A second extra point for the synthetic field will hold up quite nicely during wet March and April games during the season. It may take a little getting used to watching from a baseball purist, but the college kids seem to enjoy the playing field. Final Thoughts The original baseball field was quite charming and had a very unique aura about it. The wooden grandstand creaked, seemed a bit off-center, and the faded lime green paint added a little character to the rickety structure. The new ballpark is nothing like that and is quite an impressive-looking facility. The stadium fits in very nicely with the other athletic fields at Ball State University and should provide an excellent day of watching college baseball for anyone in attendance. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com .

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Cheel Arena 8 Clarkson Ave. Potsdam, NY 13676 Clarkson Golden Knights website Cheel Arena website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 4,200 A Golden Night of College Hockey I crossed the border from Ontario to New York after leaving that morning from Ann Arbor, Michigan and the border guard asked again, “You’ve driven all this way to see a game at Clarkson?” I can understand his skepticism. Three days prior I wasn’t sure exactly where Clarkson was located. Somewhere in either New York or New England, I would have told you. Well, for the record, Clarkson can be found in Potsdam, New York. It’s a town of about 17,000 founded in 1806 and named after the town of Potsdam in Germany. If you travel to Potsdam, you are either a hardcore fan of hockey or college hockey, or you are following your team on the road. The Clarkson Golden Knights are one of the 12 teams in the East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC). The conference tends to be broken into pairs of teams that are geographically close to one another. This makes weekend travel easier as teams will make one trip, and play two games in two different venues. In this case, the neighboring St Lawrence University Saints are located in Canton, New York, just a 15-minute drive down the road on US-11 at Appleton Arena . The history of Clarkson hockey runs deep, and you’ll find photos of each team in the school’s history dating back to 1906 along the concourse inside Cheel Arena. Entering the 2013-2014 season, Clarkson has produced 36 All-Americans, participated in 20 NCAA Tournaments, and won 10 ECAC regular season championships. The school has appeared in the National Championship on three occasions but has not yet won a national title. Dave Taylor, current Vice President of Hockey Operations with the St Louis Blues, is the all-time leading scorer at Clarkson with 251 career points. Taylor went on to 18 illustrious seasons in the NHL. Over the years, Clarkson has also produced six Olympians, and banners hang in their honor on the rafters along with conference titles and national championship appearances. The Golden Knights men’s and women’s hockey teams play in Cheel Arena, a building that opened in 1991, seating 3,000 fans for hockey. It is a very intimate environment, which helps to demonstrate just how wonderful college hockey can be to see in person. Food & Beverage 3 Outside of the seating area of the arena, you may consider making a stop in at the Main Street Cafe, where you’ll find a Subway, Smokehouse BBQ, and Main Street Grill burgers. This is the equivalent of a student union, so you’ll find Clarkson students here who may or may not be going to the game, getting some grub to fuel their weekend studies. Inside the seating area of Cheel Arena, there are three concession stands located in three of the four corners of the open concourse. The food is cheap (both in price and quality). You’ll find hot dogs ($2), pretzels ($2.50), popcorn ($1), and nachos ($2.50). There is also an assortment of baked goods, which may be your best bet if you’re feeling peckish. Pepsi products are available ($1.75), as are coffee and hot chocolate ($2), or Gatorade ($2). As is the case for most on-campus facilities, there is no alcohol available for sale. If you want to get a full meal before the game at the arena, then you also have that opportunity. Before every home Clarkson game, there is an all-you-can-eat buffet located in a large room overlooking the ice. The buffet is frequently attended by the players’ out-of-town families, and also fans of visiting teams who know the “secret” to a great meal at the Arena. Atmosphere 4 When you enter the arena, you are immediately greeted by 13 NHL jerseys worn by former members of the Clarkson Golden Knights. This is the first of many displays along the concourse that helps you appreciate the history of the program, and it sets a nice tone for the visit. You’ll also find a team photo of every squad dating back to 1906 and a wall with photos of each All-American for the men’s and women’s hockey teams. As you walk around the concourse, you’ll always be able to keep an eye on the ice, a nice feature for those fans who may be too restless to sit still for a game, but want to watch every second. You may also notice the avocado green banks of seats through the seating area. There are individual backs for each, but they appear pretty uncomfortable, especially with no armrests other than on the aisle. Surprisingly though, once you find your seat you’ll find that the legroom is better than average, and the seats are fairly comfortable, although there are no cup holders. Team benches are on opposite sides of the ice, so if you want to sit near the visiting team side, then choose Section 11. If you want to sit near the home side, then choose Section 25 (and vice versa if you want to be able to face the team you’re rooting for). Many fans choose to stand around the concourse at the top of the seating areas. It’s a great view of the ice and is popular enough that if this is how you choose to watch the game, then you will likely have to stake out your spot before the puck drops. What amps up the atmosphere is the pep band, which is one of the best in all of college hockey. They are attentive, and they are talented. I especially enjoy the Oompa Loompa Song from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is played every time the referees make a warm-up skate before a period. It is the perfect accompaniment. Beyond that interlude, the band plays more than most pep bands, and it is welcomed by the fans. Not only are they a wonderful pep band, but while the puck is in play, they become the most fervent part of an excellent student section. There is a center-hung four-sided scoreboard at Cheel Arena, with a pixilated screen. It gives fans the basic information that you would expect at a hockey game. In opposite corners, there are also projection screens that provide live game action. They are an inexpensive way to provide video to the experience but don’t add much for the spectator. Kudos to the friendly ushers and staff at the ticket window. The ushers are amicable, but also make sure that there isn’t foot traffic in the aisles during games. The person working the ticket window was flexible enough to allow me to purchase a ticket, then refund it when another fan offered me one of theirs. Neighborhood 4 It’s just over a mile, across the Raquette River, and you’ll be in downtown Potsdam. It’s a nice little town with some restaurants that are worth visiting before or after the game. Between the Buns seems to be a popular destination with a short wait before games on Friday and Saturday nights. They have a good assortment of bar food favorites like wings, ribs, burgers, and sandwiches. There’s also a decent selection of craft beers. Mama Lucia’s is also nearby if you are in the mood for Italian food before the puck drop. If you like to sample local beers when you travel for sports, then make the drive over to Canton and stop at St Lawrence Brewing Company. They have limited hours, so check their website before you go. My highest recommendation is to make the five or so-mile drive to 1844 House. They are located about halfway between Potsdam and Canton on US-11 (about a five-minute drive from Cheel Arena). If you are seated between 4:30-5:30, then you can choose from the “Early Dining” menu and get an appetizer, entree, and dessert for only $20. The food is fantastic, and it is one of my favorite restaurants that I have encountered on my travels. It’s perfect timing to make it for a 7 pm hockey game. Fans 4 A good pep band can make or break a college hockey arena’s overall atmosphere. Not only because the pep band provides the soundtrack for the game, but also because they are often the hardest-core fans of the student section. When you combine a good student section with a good pep band, then you’re in for a treat. When that younger crowd is joined by ardent hockey fans of all ages in the rest of the arena, then you’re in for something special. All that’s good with college hockey is true at Cheel Arena. You will be swept up by the passion and pride of the Golden Knight fans. Access 3 There is a very large parking lot outside of Cheel Arena, and there is no charge for hockey games. The open concourse makes it easy to get around while still keeping your eye on the hockey game. The restrooms are clean and large enough to accommodate the Golden Knight faithful. The Clarkson University campus is easy enough to find along Highway 11. Just turn in when you see the gates for Clarkson and follow the hill up to the athletic complex. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are very reasonably priced for the great atmosphere you get at Cheel Arena. Reserved seats are $13, and general admission tickets are $10. Clarkson students can get in for free with their ID cards. I know if I were a student at Clarkson, I would be at every game. Be sure to check the schedule to see if the women’s hockey team is playing on the same weekend. They have an excellent women’s hockey program, making an appearance in the 2014 Frozen Four, and tickets are only $4, or $2 for children. Although the concessions are uninspired, they are also inexpensive, and parking is free, so overall this is a very good value. I would gladly pay more for this overall experience. Extras 2 One extra point for what may be the best-dressed Zamboni driver I have ever seen, sporting a suit and top hat. One extra point for having two programs available. One is free and gives you the basics on who is playing and what is going on with the team. It is very well-written and informative. The second program is much more in-depth and makes a nice keepsake for $5. Final Thoughts The ECAC is a wonderful hockey conference, and the way that they pair their member schools makes traveling to all of the arenas that much easier for fans. You could easily see every venue in the conference in one season, and it would be well worth your time and effort. The combination of St Lawrence and Appleton Arena, and Clarkson and Cheel Arena makes for an outstanding hockey weekend. If you’re in the area though, and can only attend one venue, then a game at Clarkson’s Cheel Arena is the way to go. — *Additional tips provided by Ray Cramer

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Battleground Athletics Complex Hanover Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Mary Washington Eagles website Battleground Athletic Complex website Fly Like an Eagle Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the University of Mary Washington plays its soccer games at the Battleground Athletic Complex. Located just off campus, the Battleground is home to several of the Eagles' athletic teams. In addition to soccer, the field hockey, baseball, softball, and track teams play at the various fields here. Typically, the soccer team plays on the grass field at the Battleground, which has no special name, but they will occasionally play on the turf field. Check the schedule or website before the game to confirm. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at the Battleground Athletic Complex. When Stadium Journey visited for homecoming, they had a tailgate area with food in the parking lot behind one of the goals. This is only a feature for homecoming, not every game, but it is still worthy of a star here. Atmosphere 3 The Mary Washington Eagles put a decent effort into the matchday experience at what is a pretty basic stadium. Bleachers line one end of the field, putting fans close to the action, with a small scoreboard located at one end. As mentioned above, homecoming at Mary Washington revolves around soccer, something that you don't see at most other schools even those, like the Eagles, with no football team. Homecoming has a tremendous atmosphere with a tailgate area a dance floor and mascot appearances, but even if you don't go to homecoming, you will still get a chance to watch soccer up close and personal. Neighborhood 4 The Battleground is located just off I-95 in Fredericksburg. It is in a residential area near the UMW campus, but if you head back towards Route 3, you will find many options. The Metro Diner is a local favorite, and Cook Out serves up burgers and more at a great value. There are many other options up and down Route 3 from Mexican to Salvadoran to Thai to Mediterranean cuisine. However, you may have to drive a bit to get there. Fans 5 UMW is one of the top teams in Division III in attendance, regularly drawing several hundred fans a game and sometimes drawing over a thousand. The fans are loud, passionate, and knowledgeable of their team. The crowd extends beyond friends and family to alumni and locals. Although UMW is a small school, they have a mighty fan base. It is rare in college, especially Division III, to see a fan base that cares about soccer like this, but the Mary Washington Eagles have some of the best fans in the country, not just at Division III, but at any level. Access 4 The Battleground is just off I-95 in Fredericksburg, so it is easy to get to. However, keep in mind the portion of I-95 between Washington and Fredericksburg is one of the most congested stretches of highway in the nation, so allot extra time. The extension of the Express Lanes to Fredericksburg will help alleviate traffic if they are running southbound at the time of your trip, but if you want to use them to speed by traffic, expect to pay a massive toll unless you have at least three people in your vehicle and the EZ-Pass Flex transponder set in the right mode. Once at the Battleground, parking is available in a lot in the back of the complex. This costs $20 on Homecoming but is free on all other days. You can also park on the street - this is free even on Homecoming but can get crowded fast. There are no permanent restrooms at The Battleground, but Port-a-Potties are available behind both goals. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all UMW soccer games, with the possible exception of conference and NCAA tournament matches, is free. Parking is free except on homecoming, and there are ways around even that if you want. The only cost will be the gas to get here, and the toll if you choose to take the Express Lanes on I-95 without being eligible to take them for free as an HOV. Extras 2 One star for UMW revolving around their Homecoming activities around soccer. This shows they truly care about the sport, something few colleges do. A second and final star for the energetic fan base. Final Thoughts Most schools, especially at Division III, do not consider soccer to be a major sport. The University of Mary Washington is the exception to that rule. With a party-like atmosphere, large crowds, and great energy, a UMW soccer game is well worth checking out for any fan in the Fredericksburg area.

After a bit of a hiatus, Paul and Dave are BACK to take a look at some college football. The New England Patriots once thought Hartford would be home, but the backup plan was a new stadium for UConn Huskies football. Grab a beer and tune in for all the details! You can find Stadium Journey's review of Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field here

Photos by Meg Minard and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sloan Park 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy Mesa, AZ 85201 Mesa Solar Sox website Sloan Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 15,000 Solar Sox at Sloan The Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League play their home games at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ. The Arizona Fall League is a developmental instructional baseball league played in various spring training complexes in the Greater Phoenix area. The season lasts a little over a month during October and November. Major league teams send some of their most highly touted prospects to play in the league for additional practice. The 2023 Mesa Solar Sox has rookies from the following MLB teams: Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros. The Solar Sox began play in 1992 (the founding year of the AFL) as the Sun Cities Solar Sox; they played at Sun City Stadium for their first two years. They moved to the new Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, AZ in 1994 and played there till 1996. After that, the Sun Cities Solar Sox played at HoHoKam Stadium from 1997 – 2013. In 1999, they changed their name to the Mesa Solar Sox to represent the city they play in. The 2014 season saw the Solar Sox begin playing their games at Sloan Park. Sloan Park is best known as the spring training facility for the Chicago Cubs. It is owned by the city of Mesa and named after the Sloan Valve Company, an Illinois-based leading global manufacturer of water-efficient solutions. Food & Beverage 2 One concession stadium is open during an AFL game at Sloan Park with decent choices at average AFL prices. Offerings include chicken tenders, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, fries, and nachos ($6 - $10). Snacks for sale are peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, chips, and candy ($3 - $8). Bottled sodas (Coca-Cola brands) are $6, while bottled water is $5.50. I had a hamburger, and it was tasty. The selection of beer is not that great. Choices include Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob, Modelo, Corona, and Estrella Jalisco ($10), all available in cans only. It’s enough for a snack while watching a game. Fans can bring their snacks and bottles of water into the stadium. Atmosphere 3 Most seats have shade, needed for a 2:30 pm start time. One section down the first base side gets the sun if you’d prefer to get some rays. Seats are first come, first served, so pick your preference as less than 1,000 fans or so attend AFL games. The inner concourse is wide open; a fan can see all the playing action while walking the concourse. Medium-thickness nets run down to the foul poles; there is no place to sit and watch net-free baseball. One level of seating is available for Fall League games. The second level holds the press box, announcer, and suites. Seats are the traditional green stadium fold-down ones and have a comfortable width, decent legroom, and cup holders. The grassy berms and other seating areas in the left and right outfields are closed for Solar Sox games. The organization has improved the readability of the scoreboard considerably. The lighting engineers adjusted the background color and numbers, making it so much easier to read. Well done! The scoreboard provides the line score and a photo and number of the Solar Sox player at bat. Game day staff writes the starting lineup on a whiteboard located on the third base side concourse. The merchandise tent (just upon entry to the stadium) has rosters and lineup sheets, too. Sloan Park Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The PA announcer does a competent job calling the starting lineup and player/pitcher changes (no music is played – YEAH!). They do not play music between pitches and batters, only pregame a nd between innings, a pleasant delight. A Solar Sox game here is for those interested in watching the game and the player s. Neighborhood 4 About a mile northeast of Sloan Park is the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center . This center contains several places to eat, a movie theater, and many stores including a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Restaurants include Cracker Barrel, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Henhouse Café (good for breakfast), Papago Brewing (beers), and plenty more. A little over a mile west of Sloan Park (make a right on Rio Salado Pkwy out of the ballpark) is the Tempe Marketplace , an even larger shopping area. This contains 26 restaurants/places to eat including the Thirsty Lion and Kings Fish House, a multitude of shops, and another movie theater. If shopping is your thing, this might be the place to go. For places to stay near the ballpark, the Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West and a Courtyard by Marriott are just beyond the right field. The Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa is adjacent to the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center (about 1.2 miles from the ballpa rk). A Hilton Garden Inn and a Homewood Suites are a mile the other way (west) of the ballpark. Hotel rooms in the area are about 1/3 the price for Fall League games than they are during spring training. On-site at t he ballpark is Riverview Park which offers a fishing lake, playground, and picnic area, and water fountains to enjoy pre or post-game. For other sports in the area, visit the other two East Valley Fall League Stadiums: Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River Field . ASU (Arizona State University) football , basketball , or soccer games are about three miles from the ballpark. Or sports fans can go downtown Phoenix and see an early-season Suns game. Fans 3 Fans who attend AFL games are the fans who like baseball for the game, not ‘the event.’ They are purists, especially those fans who travel or fly in to watch the games. Yes, fans do travel in for the season, for a week, or for a few days to get just a little bit more of baseball before the three-month hiatus till spring training. Many fans are those who are retired or those wishing they could be retired. During the weekday afternoon games, expect minimal children. A few more families are at the evening and Saturday games. Expect to see lots of scouts sitting behind home plate. Expect to see a lot of autograph hounds with their binders, player cards, balls, and Sharpies. Since most fans have a common interest in baseball, expect to meet, share stories, and make friends with those who sit around you. The fans cheer for all the good plays regardless of the team or player. Access 4 If flying in for a Mesa Solar Sox AFL game, the closest airport (about seven miles from Sloan Park) is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Public transportation is somewhat available – from the airport, it’s a combination of using the Valley Metro light rail, transferring to a bus, and taking a short walk. Since there are under 600 fans or so attending a game, traffic access is not the nightmare it is for a Cubs spring training game. Plenty of parking is available for no charge. Massive numbers of handicapped parking spaces are available. It is easy to get to the area by driving, as it is located near the corner of the Loop 202 Red Mountain and Loop 101 Pima Freeways. If driving for night games, allow extra time due to rush hour on those freeways. Only the first base gate is open for Fall League games. Bag rules baffle me here. Signs and security folks say one thing, but it’s very inconsistent. My best recommendation is to bring any items in a clear sports bag (16” x 16” x 8”) or less. Restrooms (including family restrooms) on the first base side concourse are open for AFL games and serve their purpose. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices have increased, although it’s still a good deal for seeing professional baseball: $12 for adults, $10 for kids over 12 and seniors (55+), and children under 12 get in free. Fans can sit anywhere they want. The AFL sells season ticket packages (single or double), worth the investment if you and/or a friend plan on attending more than 10 or 15 games. Parking is free; food prices are not too bad for a sports venue (and you can bring in your own ). Seeing a ball game for the game itself is worth the investment. Extras 3 The field looks a lush green, not easy to do after an Arizona summer. Kudos to the city of Mesa for its maintenance and care. Having the starting lineups written on a whiteboard is worth an extra mention, especially for those who keep score. Upgrading the scoreboard to make it readable deserves additional acknowledgment. Starting Lineup at Sloan Park, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Not playing music while the PA announcer calls the starting lineups or player changes, and only playing between innings makes the game more enjoyable. It gives fans the ability to have conversations with their neighbors. Final Thoughts MLB changed the Fall League schedule format this 2023 season. The season has fewer afternoon games. Those games now start at 2:30 pm (the hottest part of the day) vs 12:30 pm in previous seasons. Evening games still start at 6:30 pm. This schedule makes attending a double header difficult because of travel during rush hour. I hope they consider reverting the afternoon start time to 12:30 pm next season. Attending a Mesa Solar Sox game at Sloan Park is a much more relaxed, uncongested game day experience than seeing a Cubs spring training game. When coming to the area during the fall season, it is worth visiting some AFL games.