Photos by David Welch and Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Pete Mathews Coliseum 775 Park Ave NW 735 Jacksonville, AL 36265 Jacksonville State Gamecocks website Pete Mathews Coliseum website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 2,300 Fear The Beak! Roughly halfway between Birmingham, AL, and Atlanta, GA lies the campus of Jacksonville State University, a school in northeast Alabama with an enrollment of over 9,000 students. The athletic teams are known as the Gamecocks and while football gets the most notoriety, the basketball program is also a proud program with a Division 2 national championship in 1985 as well as a couple of March Madness appearances in 2017 and 2022. The Gamecocks moved to Conference USA in 2023 after being in the Ohio Valley Conference for many years as well as a brief stint in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Gamecocks basketball program hopes the move to C-USA will improve their prestige as well as make them more competitive. Food & Beverage 2 The food options at the Pete only include stadium basics such as hot dogs ($4), chili dogs ($5) nachos ($4), chips ($2), popcorn ($3), candy ($2), peanuts ($3), and pretzels ($4). Beverages include Coke branded 32oz. soft drinks ($4), Gold Peak sweet tea ($3), and Dasani bottled water ($3). Alcohol is not sold at the venue and the concession stand is cashless. I would recommend stopping by a local restaurant before or after the game rather than getting any concessions. Atmosphere 4 When entering the main entrance of the Pete you walk into a lobby with a wall showing a mural about the history of the Gamecocks basketball program and a trophy case containing the 2017 OVC Championship trophy. The hallways leading to the seating area have images of Gamecock players and a picture of the Gamecocks' appearance in the 2022 tournament. The seating areas by each sideline only have 16 rows total so a seat in the last row is relatively close to the court. The first 12 rows are chairback seats while the last 4 rows and each baseline section is bleacher seating. One baseline is reserved for the band and student section.  There is a lot of red in the venue due to the fact that the Gamecocks' primary color is red. The out-of-bounds area on the basketball court is red, the scoreboard that hangs over the midcourt line is red, and most of the seats are red. Two of the corners have a classic scoreboard while the other two corners have video boards.  I want to give a shout-out to the pep band for keeping the energy up throughout the game. They had chants reminiscent of European soccer matches going, their music was loud, and they gave the Pete an intimidating atmosphere. The cheerleaders also did their part and Cocky the Gamecocks mascot made sure everybody had a great time. Neighborhood 3 Jacksonville, Alabama is a very beautiful town to visit if you are looking to get a bit off the interstate. If you are in Jacksonville in the evening take a short drive up Mountain Street to the Chimney Peak Lookout Tower to see amazing views of the area. For dining in the area, I would recommend Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack, The Rocket for burgers, or Yamato Japanese Steakhouse for Hibachi. If you are staying in the area overnight Jacksonville lodging is limited and I do not recommend staying in Anniston. Instead, I would find a hotel in Oxford which is right next to the interstate and about a half hour south of Jacksonville. Fans 4 Jacksonville State fans are passionate about their Gamecocks and while it’s not the largest fanbase it is certainly an intense one. The Pep Band does an amazing job at leading the charge in making life difficult for any opponent that challenges the Gamecocks.  Access 3 From I-20 you would get off on exit 185 and drive north for about a half hour to the campus of Jacksonville State University. Turn left onto Nisbet Street and the Pete Mathews Coliseum will be on your left with a large and free parking lot. If you are coming from the north you are taking some backroads to Jacksonville State. Use a GPS to make your way to the Pete. Once inside there are enough restrooms but the concession stands are only on one side of the arena and the hallways get cramped during halftime. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $10 for General Admission seats by the baselines or the top rows of the sidelines. You could upgrade to a reserved seat for just $13 which I think is a great deal. With free parking and $10 for a meal combo, you are only dropping $20 for decent D1 basketball and a great Pep Band. Extras 3 In the lobby is a mural about the band Alabama (Randy Owen, the lead singer, attended JSU). They performed a concert for JSU after a tornado in 2018 ripped through the heart of the campus damaging the roof of the arena and destroying the business building.  The lobby contains murals commemorating other Gamecock sports achievements, not just basketball. There is a banner in the rafters commemorating Danny Willett’s Masters golf tournament win in 2016. Final Thoughts Jacksonville, Alabama is a beautiful college town that is a bit out of the way. Jacksonville State has come a long way on both the academic and athletic sides. I have a feeling you are going to keep healing about Jacksonville State University for a lot of years to come. Fear the beak! While Jacksonville State’s game presentation is a more traditional experience than most schools are putting on today, there are just enough of the bells and whistles to keep fans from having a feeling that the evolution of the game experience has passed them by. Anyone going to a game at The Pete will be hard-pressed to say that it isn’t an exciting college basketball experience.

Author:   Jimmie James Publisher:   Simon & Schuster Copyright: 2024 The best stories about sports are, far more often than not, deeper than the game itself. The best sports stories are those of individuals overcoming obstacles, conquering personal demons, dealing with social inequities, or finding redemption.   On its surface, Playing from the Rough  by Jimmie James is the story of a man’s Odysseus-like quest to play the top 100 golf courses in the U.S. in one year.   However, each course on James’ journey brings with it insight into himself as a black man in modern society, as well as reconciling his past growing up in poverty with a single mother in East Texas. By the end of his journey James has accomplished a goal that few not only have ever attempted, but completed, and also found some solace in his current life through the journey.   Unlike most sports biographies, James was never a professional athlete, nor a celebrity of any stature. He is an everyman, which makes what could be a very stuffy topic – playing an exclusive sport at some of the most exclusive places in the world – relatable.   You don’t find yourself rooting so much for James, who retired relatively young as an engineer and executive at a very large energy company, to complete his quest, but rather you feel as if you are a buddy on the journey with him.   It was also very interesting to see someone give their impressions of those legendary courses that most golfers will never get the chance to set foot on. Reading James describe with reverence courses such as Augusta National , Merion , and Riviera  is refreshing. His love for the sport of golf, its history, and the deep meaning that players attach to it is evident and much appreciated.   My one critique is the speed, if you will, with which James goes through some of the lesser-known courses on the list. I understand, however, that both for the length of the book and the amount of time James spent on the road going from course to course, not everything could be included. Some details might even have already been lost to memory – James grouped many of the courses on his quest by state, so we truly only get brief looks at quite a few courses.   Where the book really shines, though, is when James becomes introspective. He speaks about the shame of the poverty of his youth, about feeling like an outsider in certain work situations, and even writes lovingly about the time he first met his future wife. Throughout the book James is reminded of how much his past has shaped the man he has become. The following passages are especially poignant:   “Though I was willing to spend whatever it took on things that mattered to me, I was pretty frugal about things that didn’t. Yet when those things were pointed out to me, I’d be instantly embarrassed—not by my cheapness but by the fact that somebody had noticed. It’s an involuntary response that goes way back. In the eighth grade, my reading teacher often brought me her son’s hand-me-downs. I was grateful, but embarrassed by the fact she recognized I needed them.”   These kind of moments are deftly woven into the rounds that James plays at the 100 courses, and are the true star of this book.   Overall, I think the book is well done. While it doesn’t tread on new ground, what it does do it does very well. It won’t reach the canon of great golf books, but it is nicely done. It is relatable, easy to read, and doesn’t get bogged down in the minutiae of the sport. Fans of golf will enjoy getting a peak at these legendary courses, while non duffers will appreciate the internal battles and the personal stories.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TPC Sugarloaf 2595 Sugarloaf Club Dr Duluth, GA 30097 Mitsubishi Electric Classic website TPC Sugarloaf website Year Opened: 1997 Where Legends Play Located in the northeastern Atlanta suburb of Duluth, t he one-time Rollins family cattle and horse farm Sugarloaf Farms  was transformed into the Greg Norman-designed TPC Sugarloaf. The 7309-yard, par 72 Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens of TPC Sugarloaf have played host to both PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions events since its opening in 1997, when the club hosted the Bell South Classic. The PGA Tour stop would last until 2009 when it was renamed the AT&T Classic, but then TPC Sugarloaf would go without professional golf until the PGA Tour Champions added it to their schedule in 2013, with two-time Masters champion  Bernhard Langer winning the inaugural event. The PGA Tour Champions is comprised of golf legends aged 50 and above; most tournaments on the tour are 54-hole events with no cut.   Food & Beverage   4 Starting with the first hole, concession tents are stationed every three holes and serve a full food and beverage menu  – snack tents are also set up around the course and offer a hefty selection of choices.   On course Gourmet to Go tents sell a wide variety of high-quality sandwiches, including the Georgian classic Pimento cheese, and Tuscan grilled chicken salads are also available from the tents. On course concessions also serve a wide selection of candy, chips, and other snacks. The Fan Expo area behind the 18th green offers a wider selection of foods – in addition to the standard grab-and-go set up, local pizzeria Johnny’s New York Style Pizza provides three different options, while the neighboring Snack Attack! tent serves more typical stadium type concessions such as hot dogs, pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, and nachos with cheese sauce. Another favorite during the event is Atlanta popsicle producer King of Pops, with their hand crafted, all natural popsicles, which can be found at the trademark rainbow umbrella among the vendor tents at the exposition center. When it comes to beverages there is a little bit of something for everyone; non-alcoholic beverages include Coke, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero, Sprite, PowerAde and Dasani bottled water, along with hand-squeezed lemonade. For adult beverages, attendees can choose from Michelob Ultra, Corona, and Modelo beers, with mixed drinks and wine available in the premium access areas.   Atmosphere   4 Made up of three individual 9-hole tracks, the original “Stables and Meadows” courses are used for tournament play – the courses are a nod to the history of the land upon which the community was built. The front 9, the Stables course, does have some forgiving landing areas, but the greens are well protected either by bunkers or Singleton Creek, which meanders through the front side. There is little opportunity to land a shot short and run it up close to the pin. On the other hand, precision is the name of the game on the back 9, the Meadows course. Greens here are a bit less protected, but fairways are tighter, putting a premium on keeping the ball on the short stuff. In addition, Rollins Ranch Lake, centrally located on the Sugarloaf property, comes to play on the par 3 11th hole and on the closing 18th. The palatial lake front estates across the water also provide a beautiful backdrop for the 12th hole, though the lake itself doesn’t come into play on this one. The benefit of golf tournaments is that there really is no best way to take in the action – several holes have foldable lawn chairs set up around the green, for spectators to watch approach shots or to see players putting out. Some patrons enjoy following their favorite around the course for all 18 holes, while other fans take the strategy of finding a comfortable spot on the course and watching each group pass by, before heading to the 18th hole to catch the leaders finishing up their round.  For those wanting a bit of it all, walking the course backwards will provide a look at each group as they come through the course.  The Saturday pin placement on 18 is typically just beyond the water hazard on the front of the green, and thus makes for some thrilling high risk/reward situations. If looking for the excitement of a possible hole-in-one, the 144-yard par 3 second hole is known to surrender more than its fair share. Whatever strategy is implored, just make sure to head to the 18th green toward the end of the day for the excitement of players making one last gasp to pick up a stroke on the leader.   Neighborhood   3 TPC Sugarloaf is on the backside of the Gas South District in the Sugarloaf neighborhood of Duluth, a northeastern suburb of Atlanta, about 30-minutes from downtown. Sugarloaf is a private neighborhood, so typical access to the club is restricted. The surrounding area is where commercial properties and office parks begin transitioning to residential housing and subdivisions. The area is full of additional entertainment, restaurants, and lodging. The front gate of TPC Sugarloaf is less than a quarter mile from the back access road to Gas South Arena, which is home to the Atlanta Vibe  (Pro Volleyball Federation), Georgia Swarm  (National Lacrosse League), and Atlanta Gladiators  (ECHL). The arena also hosts numerous concerts year-round, and Duluth is also just a town over from Lawrenceville, which is home to the Gwinnett Stripers , the AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves .   Fans   4 The Friday round is rather lightly attended, but as the tournament progresses to the weekend rounds, the gallery swells to where each grouping has a solid crowd following. By the time Sunday’s final groups are starting their rounds, the course is abuzz with excitement for the leaders heading out. With the course situated amongst private residences, a handful of homes around the course host tournament watch parties from their backyards or decks; these gatherings tend to grow in size and exuberance as the leading groups come through on Sunday’s final round. A few of the patrons do tend to get a bit overly enthusiastic in trying to score an autograph or selfie from the golfers as they exit the 18th green, to make the trip to the clubhouse to sign their scorecard. These autograph seekers end up blocking the area for players to access the green and their carts. Also, a nearly unavoidable issue with a handful of patrons are those who have been overserved on the course, who can then become a bit obnoxious on the shuttle back to the parking lot. This is mostly a case of a very minimal number who can easily ruin the experience, making it an uncomfortable ride back at the end of the day. On the whole, however, the patron involvement at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic is a supportive and respectful group. There is a bit of playful banter between the golfers and the gallery, with an occasional call of “GET IN THE HOLE!” for a tee shot on a 600-yard par 5, as well as a few screams of “BABA-BOEY!”   Access   4 With PGA Tour Champions events running Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, getting to Duluth is not as much of a challenge as it might be for midweek or evening events. Patrons park at the nearby Gas South District to be shuttled to the course, which once wheels are moving is no more than a 10-minute ride, mostly due to the 20 mph speed limits within the Sugarloaf neighborhood. The shuttle drops off just before the clubhouse, leaving patrons with just a short walk up to the 1st tee box on the Stable Course (or the 10th tee on the Meadows Course) – one of the drawbacks of the course layout is that each of the three 9-hole courses creates a loop around the outside of the property, making it difficult to join a passing gallery. The course does have a decent amount of elevation change, so patrons with mobility issues might find accessing parts of the course difficult. There are ADA carts available to assist in accessing the course, though.   Return on Investment   4 Daily grounds passes start at $20 per day, with passes for all three rounds going for $54 – Ticketmaster service fees are kept reasonable at under $4. For those wanting more comfortable amenities, clubhouse access runs $75 per round, while passes to access some of the on-course club seating options do start to get a bit expensive. Veterans and active, along with first responders, can attend the tournament free of charge. Also, in a way to grow the game, children under 15 are free with a paying adult. Parking does add an extra $10 to the cost, but considering the typical prices to park at professional sporting events, this cost does seem reasonable. Concessions around the course and in the golf expo are what might be expected at sporting events, but rates are kept a bit lower than what fans may have become accustomed to – with a menu full of items costing less than $11 each, there doesn’t seem to be the same stadium sticker shock here that fans have started to become accustomed to.   Extras   4 In a bit of a reflection of southern charm, rather than the typical “Quiet Please” signs held up by the course marshals as players address their ball, the signs have been altered to say “Hush Y’all, Please.” The Mitsubishi Electric Classic implements and sponsors several activities and initiatives that reach out to golf’s next generation, including a 9-hole miniature golf course set up at the tournament expo, giving kids an opportunity to hone their short game as part of their tournament experience. Also, the Georgia State Golf Association sponsors a junior chipping and putting skills competition on Saturday afternoon. As players exit the 18th green, an Autograph Station has been set up for the tournament’s youngest patrons to try to get a quick photo or autograph from their favorite golfer after the round; the Autograph Zone has even been designated for those under 60” in height or under 15 years of age.   Final Thoughts The Mitsubishi Electric Classis at TPC Sugarloaf serves at a wonderful backdrop for an entertaining weekend of golf for all ages, and the Tour has done a great job promoting the game to everyone, from the first timers who might only understand the game in its miniature form to those who have already found a love for the game. Golf is unique in that as players age, there is still a viable option for them to continue playing at an elite level, which few other professional sports offer – the PGA Tour Champions is a wonderful opportunity to watch and showcase the talents of the PGA Tour’s stars of the previous generation.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Dub Herring Park Poplarville, MS 39470 Pearl River Wildcats website Dub Herring Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 400 Welcome to 'The Dub' at Fabulous Pop Vegas Pearl River Community College is one of 15 schools that make up the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) for baseball. Located in the small town of Poplarville, MS in Pearl River County, the school opened in 1911, making it the oldest community college in the state. Nicknamed the Wildcats, the baseball program has become a powerhouse in recent years, winning four MACCC State Championships since 2018 and two Region 23 Championships. Prior to 2018 the Wildcats had only won two State Championships, in 1939 and 2004, but the school's greatest feat occurred in 2022 when the Wildcats advanced to and won the NJCAA College World Series, the school's only national championship in baseball. The Wildcats play at one of the finest ballparks in all of Juco baseball, Dub Herring Ballpark. After the 2018 season the school knocked down the old ballpark and built what you see today, including a new press box and 400 chairback seats with a shaded canopy. Re-dedicated after Dub Herring, a local RV and car dealer and longtime supporter of Pearl River athletics, The Dub has a homefield advantage unlike any other, and remains one of the most intimidating places to play in all of Juco baseball. Food & Beverage   3 There is one small stand under the pavilion separating The Dub from PRCC softball stadium. The usual fare is sold here, with hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, nachos, pulled pork nachos, boiled peanuts, popcorn, chips, and candy rounding out the menu – expect small town prices here, as everything is under $5. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with 20 oz drinks selling for $3, and you can also purchase Pearl River baseball and softball shirts, along with hats, at the concession stand.      Atmosphere   4 Dub Herring Park is located on campus, as part of PRCC Sportsplex, which also includes Dobie Holden Stadium  and the softball facility. The Dub has a unique and interesting design, making it stand out among normal looking ballparks. The grandstand is basically concrete steps that go up, with rows of chairback seats in the Wildcats color of maroon – there are 6 rows of 400 chairbacks separated by a walkway. The exterior of the ballpark is designed with brick, including a brick press box behind home plate. As part of the second phase of the recent renovation, two luxury suites were added down the first baseline prior to the 2023 season. In addition, the great thing about The Dub is that the entire ballpark is shaded, as the first and third baselines are covered by a tin awning held up by three brick columns; the only areas in the sun are the first two rows. Pearl River also does a great job utilizing the maroon color scheme throughout the ballpark, as the entire outfield wall is made of maroon wall pads. There are also no advertisements or sponsor banners along the outfield wall; instead, banners honoring the Wildcats lone national championship, as well as banners honoring the Wildcats MACCC state championships wins cover the wall. The Dub is not a hitter's friendly ballpark due to the "Maroon Monster", an 18-foot-high part of the left field wall, similar to Fenway's  Green Monster. The centerfield batter's eye is quite high as well, making this a hard ballpark to hit it out of the park in. A state-of-the-art videoboard scoreboard sits in left center field; this is quite large for a Juco facility. An elevated party deck with two rows of chairback seats also overlooks right field, where you'll find a few of the hardcore fans grilling out and drinking a few beers. The Dub is built into a grassy hill on the first base side, and students will sometimes come and sit on the hill and watch the game. Behind the third base side is a covered pavilion with a concession stand, plus more picnic tables with bench seating. Down the left field line is the Artigues Family Clubhouse, housing the locker rooms and batting cages for the Wildcats – the clubhouse is named after former coach and current Southeastern Louisiana AD Jay Artigues. Lastly, on the outside of the clubhouse is a banner listing all the former Wildcats who have gone on to play at the professional level.   Neighborhood   3 As you enter town, you'll see signs welcoming you to Fabulous "Pop-Vegas". The small town has really worked hard in recent years trying to boost the local economy, centered on the local community college and its thriving blueberry industry. You can park on campus and walk a few blocks over to a lively and pleasant downtown area – start the morning at Popa's Donuts or Main Street Coffee for some delicious brew, and then if you want to do some shopping walk across the street to Apple Ltd, the oldest locally owned clothing store in town, open since 1968. Later, walk next door to Pearl River Drugs and sit down at the old soda fountain for some ice cream, or for other restaurants in town there is Wild West Grill, Deb's Pasta and Pizza, and Fiorella's, which sells seafood. Pop Vegas is also home to hundreds of blueberry farms, and the town is nicknamed the Blueberry Capital of Mississippi. Every June they host Blueberry Jubilee, attracting thousands of people to the small town – if in town during this weekend there are several blueberry farms which offer tours, as well as samples of some of the best blueberries in the world. In downtown there is a blueberry-themed water tower next to an old, abandoned water silo; this makes for a great photo op. Also before you leave town make sure you fill up your gas at Hall's Service Station; this vintage station is a throwback, so much so that a gas station attendant actually pumps your gas for you. There is no alcohol sold in Poplarville, as the county is a dry county. Pop Vegas also doesn't have any hotels; instead I would recommend staying about 30 minutes south in Picayune. Or, Poplarville is also about 30 minutes south of Hattiesburg and an hour north of New Orleans, where there are plenty of additional hotels and better food options.   Fans   4 With baseball powerhouses Southern Miss  and even NAIA William Carey  up the road this area of Mississippi loves their baseball, and just 30 minutes down the road it's no different here in Poplarville. Fans show up on gamedays and are quite into the game. Each game averages a couple hundred people spread out throughout the chairbacks – the Dub only has seating for 400 people so expect a sellout, but many of the fans are scattered around, which helps. You'll find fans standing under the pavilion and on the berm area down the first baseline. There isn't a whole lot to do in town at night either, so many of the local residents are ardent supporters of the Pearl River baseball program. It also helps that the baseball program is consistently ranked in the top 10 of the country, not to mention the MACCC schools have a passionate fan base when it comes to baseball, so expect a decent turnout from away fans as well.        Access   4 Getting to PRCC’s campus shouldn't be too hard; Poplarville is located right off Interstate 55 about an hour northeast of New Orleans and about 30 minutes southwest of Hattiesburg. Exit 29 to Highway 26 will be your best bet, as it is the main road that heads into town – the school is located a few minutes down 26 just north of downtown. The Dub is kind of hard to find, as it is located on the far north side of campus. If you’re having trouble finding it just go to the north side of the football stadium  and it's right there. Once inside the ballpark there are no obstructed views, and it is perfect size for a Juco facility.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets are $7 and allow you to sit anywhere you want inside the facility. PRCC has also become a Juco powerhouse in baseball in recent years, so expect a high level of competition between schools. During my most recent visit # 3 ranked Pearl River played # 5 ranked Meridian Community College – a lot of these players will sign with D1 colleges after PRCC. In fact, Pearl River had four sign with D1 baseball schools after the 2024 season, including two who signed with SEC schools.   Extras   4 One extra for the Wildcats winning the 2022 NJCAA World Series, capturing the school's first national championship in baseball. A huge banner commemorating that feat sits behind the scoreboard, and is the first thing you’ll see when you come to the ballpark. People in South Mississippi may not be familiar with the name Dub Herring, but I guarantee you they'll be familiar with Paw Paw from Paw Paw's Camper City. Dub Herring is the namesake behind Paw Paw, and since the 1970s has owned car dealerships throughout southern Mississippi. In 1992 Paw Paw entered the RV business and opened Paw Paw's Camper City in Picayune, now known as Paw Paw's Campers and Cars – for the past 30 years everybody with a television on the Gulf Coast has been greeted to the words "That's a good RV Paw Paw" coming through their TV sets. Thanks in part to his famous commercials, Dub Herring holds a special place in the pop culture of the Gulf Coast. Paw Paw did not attend Pearl River, but his grandkids did, and Herring was the one who raised the funds to build the new baseball stadium that now bears his name. Another extra for all the famous baseball players to come through here – Pearl River has had over 20 players get drafted into MLB, with four players making it to The Show. Perhaps the most successful player to ever come out of here is outfielder Wendall Magee, who had a seven-year big league career with the Phillies and Tigers, from 1996-2002. Pearl River has a few famous alumni, but perhaps the most famous alum is Jimmy Buffett, who attended for one year (1966-67). Buffett hated Poplarville, as there are no bars in town to play music in, so he resorted to playing his guitar from his Huff Hall dorm room, which is still standing at the entrance to campus. Another extra for the Wildcats Den, the official on-campus store for Pearl River athletics. Located at the main entrance to the sports complex, this bookstore rivals some of the nicest bookstores you will find at four-year colleges. You can find all the latest Wildcats merch and even some items on sale, and the baseball game is usually playing on TV for those who want to get some A/C during the game. There is also a pretty cool little history museum right across the street, honoring all the school’s past achievements and housing old memorabilia from Pearl River athletics.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Plumeri Park 221 Ironbound Rd Williamsburg, VA 23188 William & Mary Tribe website Plumeri Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 1,000 Baseball In the Colonial Capital Plumeri Park is the home of the William and Mary baseball team that plays in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) and is located in beautiful Williamsburg, VA. The facility is named after alumni Joseph J. Plumeri II who gave a generous donation to build the ballpark. The ballpark seats 1,000 and it opened on March 20, 1999, when the Tribe defeated Penn State 16-10. Food & Beverage 3 Plumeri Park offers standard concessions in its single concession stand dubbed Rosy’s Café. Food selections include cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. Snack items include nachos, bottomless popcorn, candy, chips, peanuts, and kettle corn.  Beverage items offered are fountain Pepsi products, bottled water, Gatorade, craft/domestic beer, hard seltzer, and wine. While this is a good selection, we recommend eating before or after if you are attending a game where there is a large crowd expected. When we attended a sold-out game, the concession line was insanely long and folks around us were gone 2-3 innings before they came back with concessions. While the facility will sit 1000, the concessions are not enough to handle nearly that many! Atmosphere 3 The exterior of Plumeri Park is a nice brick façade that looks impressive from the outside. Inside the ballpark, there are two types of seats: reserved chairback seats between the dugouts and two sections of metal bleachers above each dugout. Only the top row of these bleachers has a bench back to these benches. The chairback seats are nice but be warned that they are severely obstructed due to the screen that is hard to see through and the poles holding it up. The bench seating above the dugout offers a much better view of the playing field. This area also enables you to spread out as the chairback seating is pretty tight. There is a single suite adjacent to the press box behind the plate, which also has eight private seats outside the suite. A single scoreboard is located in left field that only provides basic info such as line score, balls, strikes, and outs. The playing surface at Plumeri Park is natural grass; the word “Tribe” is painted on the artificial surface behind home plate, while CAA is painted on the natural grass surface in front of each dugout. Neighborhood 5 If you are looking for other things to do while in town for a William and Mary baseball game, there are many options in the Williamsburg area. Colonial Williamsburg has many colonial-style homes, shops, restaurants, and attractions in the downtown area. One interesting restaurant with great food is Food for Thought, which has a menu as diverse as the minds of great American thinkers. Food for Thought’s d écor features biographical pictures of inventors, scientists, and social leaders while the walls display thought-provoking quotes used to set the tone for a positive and enjoyable dining experience. Just down the street from William & Mary is Meadows Original Frozen Custard, which offers some of the best custard and concretes you can find anywhere. Also, nearby is the Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement on the east coast; and Yorktown, the site where the British surrendered and the Revolutionary War ended. There also many other resorts and attractions nearby including theme parks Busch Gardens and Water Country. Fans 3 During our visit, there was a sold-out crowd of 1000. However, this was due to playing nationally-ranked East Carolina. At least half of the crowd were cheering for the Pirates and not the hometown Tribe. For most other games the Tribe averages 400-500 fans per game. Access 3 Plumeri Park is easily accessible from US 60 is Williamsburg, and is located just off of Ironbound Road. However, you must turn right as soon as you see the sign for Plumeri Park. If you wait to you see the ballpark itself at the corner of Ironbound Road and DePue Drive, there is no access the ballpark. This can be confusing if it is your first time, so be alert. If using a GPS, use 221 Ironbound Rd. Williamsburg, VA. Parking is free but is somewhat limited. When we attended a sold-out game, it was an adventure to find a spot. There was no parking attendant and people pretty much parked wherever around the outfield wall and the neighboring soccer stadium.   There is a single entrance to Plumeri Park along the first base side that is easily noticeable by a free-standing brick-building ticket booth. Tickets can be purchased here, and just beyond the stadium gates. Entrance is easy and there is no security; they just check your ticket. There are two “concourses” at Plumeri Park: an upper one above the seating bowl and a lower one underneath the stands. Directly behind the concession stand and press box is a brick tower with steps and an elevator that goes to the upper concourse. There are also steps on either side of the stands near the dugouts. Restrooms are on the lower concourse and are spacious and clean. Handicapped seating is plenteous on the upper concourse. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are $10 for reserved chairback seats and $8 for general admission bleacher seats. With free parking and affordable concession prices, this is just about right as far as pricing goes for a day at the ballpark. Extras 1 An extra point for the friendly ushers who came up and told us that we could sit in the chairback seats, even with bleacher tickets on a previous visit. Final Thoughts Plumeri Park is a nice little ballpark that is perfect for a program like William and Mary. If you’re ever in the Williamsburg area and are looking to catch some good college baseball, Plumeri Park is just the place for you!

Photo courtesy of Getty Images The WNBA  recently began its 28th season in mid-May. Enthusiasm for the league is at an all-time thanks to an influx of exciting rookies, led by number one overall draft pick Caitlin Clark . Across the league, interest has been at its highest since the WNBA’s inaugural season. For fans looking to take part in the action, they are going to have to pay a price, literally – the increased excitement has brought with it a surge in season ticket and merchandise sales across the league. Along with that surge has been an increase in costs for tickets, team apparel, concessions, and more. The online wagering site Bookies.com  has calculated what the average cost for a family of four would be to attend a game for each of the league’s 12 teams. This analysis factored in the cost for the lowest-priced tickets, parking, two beers, two sodas, and four hot dogs; on average, fans can expect to spend $274.04 for a game during the 2024 season. According to Bookies.com ’s research, this cost is still far lower than the $308.64 needed for the same family of four to attend an NBA game. However, the cost for the most to least expensive WNBA team is wildly disparate. Taking the number one spot for the most expensive team would be a game in the nation’s capital, with the Washington Mystics at Entertainment and Sports Arena – the average cost was determined to be a whopping $418.20, which is somewhat surprising as the Mystics have not won a WNBA title since 2019. The Chicago Sky  and the Atlanta Dream  round out the top three in terms of most expensive teams to see, with average costs estimated at $378.40 and $356.80, respectively. Perhaps the biggest surprise turned out to be the least expensive team to see; that would be the team who drafted Clark this year and had the number one overall pick last year in Aliyah Boston , the Indiana Fever – to see a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis the average cost is just $180.64, which is quite a bargain, but Fever fans should not expect it to stay this low for long. Image courtesy of Bookies.com ----- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477 .

Peter Kravitz has worn many hats in the sports world. He grew up a Philadelphia sports fanatic. He was the spring training bat boy for the Phillies. Then, he was a Blue Hen, a wrestler at the University of Delaware. Following graduation, he coached wrestling at Haverford College. After a stint as a sports writer, Kravitz switched gears entirely and became a high school teacher. For twenty-nine years, he taught English and coached sports teams at Wantagh High School on Long Island, where he was simply known as KRAV. Recently, Krav wrote about his experiences in his memoir,  So You Wanna Be a Teacher . He took a few moments to discuss his book and epic teaching career, as well as some of his most memorable sports adventures, including hallway wrestling.     STADIUM JOURNEY: So, what inspired you to write  So You Wanna Be a Teacher ? KRAV: I tried to write it several times while I was teaching but never got anywhere. Then, I retired and found a different starting point. I had a breakdown at 20, landed in a mental hospital, and started telling  that  story, which flowed easily into teaching.     SJ: A lot of people have preconceived notions of what it's like to be a teacher. Positives? Negatives? Would you do it all over again? KRAV: It’s a very difficult, exhausting job, not just teaching five to six classes a day but all of your interactions with the kids, colleagues, and administrators. I tried to say hello to so many of the kids and see how they were doing. You grade papers at home, eat dinner, and pass out, as you have to be up very early. But it’s also very rewarding. You feel like you’re making a difference in kids’ lives. Also, being around kids can be uplifting. They’re young, and their lives are ahead of them. Would I do it all over again? Knowing how hard and exhausting it was, I’m not sure. Journalism or broadcasting might have been interesting, but it wouldn’t have been as rewarding.    SJ: When you were teaching, how did you handle phones? How much of a problem was it? KRAV: I wasn’t a very good disciplinarian. If kids were disruptive with the phones, I’d tell them to put them away. The rules were always changing regarding whether we could confiscate them. With a bad class, however, phones were good. The obnoxious kids would get distracted with them and not disrupt the class. I’d let those kids disappear into their phones.     SJ: In addition to teaching, you coached a lot of high school teams. Which was your favorite sport to coach?  KRAV: I coached varsity wrestling, and I still coach varsity golf and middle school baseball. I enjoyed coaching high school wrestling. Frank Muzio and I built up the program at Wantagh. In Frank’s final match as coach, several years after I stepped down, a freshman named Paul Liguori won Wantagh’s first state title in over three decades at Nassau Coliseum. After Frank left coaching, national wrestling hall of Famer Paul Gillespie took over and turned the program into one of the best in New York State.   SJ: Is the Bethpage Black Course all that?   KRAV: I probably played the Black about ninety times. I first played it in the late 80’s when it was a complete mess. Once they decided to host the U.S. Open, they put a lot of money into it. It’s a great tract. There’s water in only one hole. The course’s protection is thick and rough. You can be two yards from the fairway, and all you can do is advance a wedge forty yards. The best round I ever had there from the white tees was eighty-three in April at age 49. The rough wasn’t thick and gnarly yet.   You need to be in shape to play the Black. There are no carts allowed. It’s an eight-mile, hilly trek. I remember playing with one guy who ate up the front and was even par. He said it was an easy course. You don’t let the golfing gods hear you say that. He became exhausted and shot like ten over on the back. There’s one spot on the back, this one tree on the par five 13, on the right side, where a lot of golfers have supposedly had heart attacks. I once played with a random teenager who had an albatross, a double eagle, on 13. SJ: Backtracking, you grew up in the Philadelphia area. What was your favorite stadium venue to attend as a young Krav?   KRAV:  Connie Mack Stadium was great. My grandparents had seats on the field between the third base dugout and the screen. Balls would get fouled up on the roof behind home plate, and you never knew when they’d come crashing down. Sometimes they’d make their way down five minutes later. One almost killed my grandfather. I saw Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente play there. I was at its last game in 1970. I wanted to grab a base or something. I was 10. But   fans were ripping seats out, and my grandparents rushed me out of there before the game ended. But my best Philly sports moment came at the Vet. I was at the Vet’s first game in 1971, and we thought it was a technological wonder with its dancing fountains, big scoreboards, and Astroturf. My grandparents had another box on the field, one box away from the Phils’ dugout on the first base side. My college buddy Jeff Gowan, a New Yorker, and a Yankees fan, bugged me to ask them for tickets to Game Six of the 1980 World Series. Jeff went on to a legendary career as an NFL and MLB producer for Fox. He produced the Bartman game and the Jeter-flip game. As Tug McGraw came off the mound after escaping the eighth inning, he looked over at Jeff and me and pounded his heart. We were about ten feet from Bob Boone when he dropped a foul pop-up in the top of the ninth, and Pete Rose backed him up and snatched it before it hit the turf. That was one of the most incredible and clutch plays I’ve ever seen. And I got a foul ball at that game, which I still have. When the Phillies finally won, I thought I’d get a base, but Philadelphia mayor Frank Rizzo had cops on horseback circle the field, so there’d be no souvenirs. But my grandparents didn’t try to beat the crowd, so I witnessed a Philadelphia miracle championship win.    SJ: You wrestled for the University of Delaware. How'd you get so good and what makes wrestling different from other sports in college? KRAV: I started wrestling very late, as a high school sophomore. In Pennsylvania, the best wrestling state in the country, you don’t stand much of a chance if you don’t start young, but I was obsessed. I lifted, ran, and wrestled in summer tournaments across the state in places like Shamokin. My high school program was led by a great coach, Bill Zimmerman, and some great wrestlers like Billy Pincus, who went to nationals for William and Mary and then became the head coach there. My wrestling partner in Delaware, Don Philippi, became the winningest wrestler in Delaware history for a brief time. Wrestling him every day made me tough. You improve in wrestling when you have partners who either beat you up or battle you. We wrestled at the Delaware Fieldhouse, a huge indoor facility but never got big crowds. What makes wrestling different from other sports? It’s not about athleticism. It’s about training, repetition, and quick thinking. It’s like chess with attacks and counters. You’d think it’s about brute strength, but it’s very tactical.    SJ: So let's talk about your great contribution to Wantagh High School: hallway wrestling. Explain. What were the rules? How intense did it get? KRAV: It was probably a stupid thing to do, but I would grab a wrestler in the hallway and battle him. I would usually go after the little guys because I could tie them up. I often had a 70-pound advantage. There were no rules. They wouldn’t be able to get away from me, and I’d tell their class that I’d beaten a county or state champ. I made the mistake of going after a kid my weight at 50. He was a state champ, one of Wantagh’s all-time greats. Maybe I did it because he was my student in three classes, and he drove me a little crazy. He was great at throws, but for some dumb reason, I thought I could toss him. He hurled me into a wall. I retired from hallway wrestling after that ignominious defeat.    SJ: Favorite sports venue to attend?  KRAV: Two of my children went to Wisconsin, so I went to a bunch of college games at Camp Randall. I love college football with the bands and traditions. I saw Russell Wilson’s first Big Ten game. The Badgers battered Nebraska at Camp Randall, which is famous for its third-quarter jump around. It’s a little scary because the whole stadium shakes. The governor of Nebraska told the Nebraskans to wear black, as both teams’ colors were red. Everywhere you went, there were folks in black shirts. Most of them didn’t even go to the game. They just wanted to soak up the atmosphere.    SJ: And the most important question for last: best bagel on Long Island? KRAV: Well, I’ve tried to go all healthy in my golden years, but I still eat bagels, so I’ll go with House of Bagels in Commack. And don’t forget New York has the best pizza in the world. You can’t get bad pizza here, but my favorite is Villa Monte in Old Bethpage. I love the vodka grandma slices. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 St. Anne's-Belfield Stadium 799 Faulconer Drive Charlottesville, VA 22903 Charlottesville Blues website St. Anne's-Belfield Stadium website Capacity: 1,800 (estimated) A Sea of Blues in Charlottesville The Charlottesville Blues are one of the newest soccer teams to join USL League Two, having been founded just this year, in 2024. USL League Two, confusingly, is the fourth division of American men's soccer and is a semi-professional league played over the summer consisting mostly of current and recently graduated college players. Pay is structured in a way that allows athletes to retain their amateur status. The Blues play their home games at the St. Anne's-Belfield School, a private boarding and day school in Charlottesville. Although their stadium is officially known as Frank G. Addonizio Field (after Howie Long's father-in-law), the Blues' marketing materials simply refer to it as St. Anne's-Belfield Stadium, so that is the name we will use as well. In addition to the League Two team, a women's team in the USL W League competes under the Blues' name. This review will focus on the League Two experience, but the two teams regularly play doubleheaders. Food & Beverage 5 There are several food and beverage options to choose from at a Charlottesville Blues game. A small concession stand is located at the top of the seating area and offers bottled water, soda, chips, candy, and other snacks, including Honey Stingers, an energy waffle that also sponsors the Blues' kits. A Honey Stinger is like a stroopwafel, only with the added "energy" of an energy bar. Pizza slices are also available here. Prices at this stand are very reasonable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars. However, there are better options, sold out of tents from local vendors (which the Blues refer to as "food trucks" even though there are no trucks.) A local barbecue place sells freshly made pulled pork, barbecued chicken, and steak and cheese sandwiches as well as homemade sides of mac and cheese and cole slaw. Another stand sells ice cream bars in unusual flavors like raspberry cheesecake. Prices here are on the higher end but not too outrageous - a meal and a side at the barbecue place will cost about $15 for a large amount of very good food. Beer is also available from local Three Notch'd Brewery for $8 a can to those of age. Atmosphere 5 Seating at a Blues game mostly consists of bleachers with backs, located underneath some trees. You will have a great view of the action from here as there are only a few rows. There are some seats on the field in what is called the "Fox Hole". These are flimsy plastic chairs that are not any more comfortable than the bleachers and, while they offer a great view, you are far removed from the energy of the stands as there is a literal brick wall in between. Therefore, we recommend you save money and just get general admission seats. That being said, a Blues game is an excellent atmosphere, which is often not the case at this level. The PA announcer is enthusiastic and entertaining without being too over the top. There is a section behind one goal known as the Fox Den which serves as a Supporters' Section. We will have more on this in the Fans section but this is where the Blues' most loyal and passionate fans stand and cheer on their team for the entire game. This is open to all fans regardless of what ticket they hold, but there are no seats, so you will be standing the entire game. Additionally, as this is a section for Blues fans, soccer etiquette dictates that if you are a fan of the visiting team, you do not go in here. There is no reason you would want to as a fan of the opponent except to cause trouble. Although soccer provides few breaks in the action, the Blues do have some on-field activities during halftime. Kids compete in contests such as bouncing a soccer ball on their feet as many times as they can for the chance to win prizes from local merchants. Neighborhood 4 Charlottesville is a beautiful college town known mostly for the University of Virginia. Once you head into town, you will find many options to choose from. Boylan Heights is a popular bar just off the UVA campus and serves up good food as well. It is just one of many places to eat, drink, or have fun along University Avenue ranging from bagel bakeries to bars to sushi restaurants. History buffs may also want to check out Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Keep in mind that many of the places near the University may offer limited hours during the summer when the Blues play, as the UVA students are not on campus. Fans 5 Although St. Anne's-Belfield Stadium isn't large by any means, the Blues have mostly filled it during their first two games. Despite being a new team, the Blues already have a large, loyal, passionate fan base who comes out to their games decked in blue and cheers on their team for 90 minutes. As mentioned above, the Supporters' Section is known as the Fox Den and consists of the Blues' most loyal, passionate fans. They stand behind one goal for the entire game, cheering, shouting, and banging upside-down buckets as improvised drums. After the Blues' goals, they set off blue smoke in celebration. The section is small in number for now, but even in the game Stadium Journey attended, it grew throughout the night as more fans decided to head down there, so it should continue to grow during this inaugural season and beyond. You don't usually see this kind of dedication down in League Two, which makes this all the more impressive. Access 2 Unfortunately, this is the one area where the experience at a Charlottesville Blues game isn't so great. To the stadium, you will take US 29 or I-64 to US 250, and the campus and stadium are a short distance away. Make sure you are setting your GPS to the Belfield campus of St. Anne's-Belfield and not the original St. Anne's campus that may come up if you just enter the St. Anne's-Belfield School. There are signs directing fans to the general vicinity of the stadium, but none directing them where to park. There is a VIP lot right next to the entry gate, but most fans will not be able to park there. Instead, you will turn down an unmarked gravel road next to the soccer stadium (this is the soccer stadium where St. Anne's-Belfield plays - the Blues play in the football stadium) and then park along the side. If this fills up, fans will park on the other side of the school and walk around. If you miss the turnoff and head to the stadium, you will then have to drive around the school as there is a one-way loop; After the game, getting out of the gravel area can be difficult with cars and pedestrians going in every direction. There is staff directing traffic at the end of the path, but they can only do so much. Fortunately, you will not need to drive around the loop to get out, as a small portion is two-way. Restrooms are located at the top of the seating area behind the concession stand, and there are also some port-a-potties at field level by the entrance. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $10 for general admission seats or $20 for Fox Hole seats pitchside. As mentioned above, the Fox Hole seats are not worth the extra $10, but the general admission seats are a great value. Concessions are affordable as well. With the fan experience here, a Charlottesville Blues game is an affordable way to spend an enjoyable evening watching soccer, and the return on investment is high. Extras 3 There is a merchandise stand at the top of the seating area, in the same area as the food and beer tents. A second star for the Fox Den and the energy they bring. It is rare to see any kind of Supporters Section at the League Two level, and the Fox Den is passionate and rapidly growing. A third and final star for partnering with local businesses on concessions, promotions, and giveaways. In an era where sports have become increasingly corporatized, it is good to see local vendors being given attention over multibillion-dollar corporations. Final Thoughts Despite being a low-level soccer, a Charlottesville Blues game is a great experience. Soccer fans in the Charlottesville area will want to make the trip to St. Anne's Belfield over the summer to check it out - a Blues game is fun for everyone, adults and children alike.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 McManus Family Field at Carlo Crispino Stadium 8102 Lasalle Rd Towson, MD 21286 Putty Hill Panthers website McManus Family Field at Carlo Crispino Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 300 Panthers Pride The Maryland Collegiate Baseball League is a summer collegiate league with players from many colleges but mostly from regional colleges and universities, such as Towson, Maryland, Penn State, UMBC, and Mount St Mary's. The Panthers play at Carlo Crispino Stadium at Calvert Hall College High School. The school is a Catholic high school for boys, located in Towson, Maryland, and was started in 1845. Famous alumni include filmmaker John Waters, A-Team actor Dwight Shultz, and ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. The field itself is named for the McManus family. Carlo Crispino was a former Calvert Hall player, and Phillies minor-leaguer, who donated money for the new stadium to be opened in 2008. The stadium has been named by the National Baseball Coaches Association as its field of the year at least twice. Food & Beverage 0 A small permanent stand is located down the first baseline but does not seem open for Panthers games. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is small and compact. This means that the fan noise will be pretty high even with a small crowd. It is also covered making visiting on hot, sunny days a pleasure. There is also a nice picnic area down the right field line. Just be careful entering the stadium as there is no net right as you come up the steps. If one was not paying attention as a player is batting it could end badly. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is located in the busy Towson area of Baltimore County. Towson University and Goucher College are located nearby. Across the street from the field is a large big-box retail shopping center with various options. Gino's at 8600 Lasalle Road is also very close by. This local legend has some good burgers and chicken options. Try the Gino's Giant. If you wish to venture further, you are in luck as Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Fans 2 The crowds are similar to a northeastern college baseball stadium. The fans consist of mostly family and friends of the players on both teams. The  Maryland Collegiate Baseball League gets players from colleges throughout the area so that you may have some nice variety in terms of fans at the ballpark. Access 4 Towson is the county seat of Baltimore County and always seems to be in the center of everything. It is at the crossroads of the busy Baltimore Beltway, Jones Falls Expressway, and Harrisburg Expressway. I-95 is also relatively close by. Calvert Hall College High School is also easy to find at the busy intersection of Putty Hill Avenue and Goucher Boulevard. There should be plenty of free parking in the school's lots. If you use the lots off of Lasalle Road, near the baseball stadium, watch out for the signs designating foul territory. Return on Investment 4 Games are free, and so is the parking. The level of college ball on display makes this a great value for fans. Extras 1 Walk the grounds of Calvert Hall to see how they abide by their mission of making their students "men of intellect, men of faith, and men of integrity." Final Thoughts A strong level of baseball for free makes a visit to a Putty Hill Panthers game a good way to spend a few innings.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Rickwood Field 1137 2nd Ave W Birmingham, AL 35204 MiLB at website Rickwood Field website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 8,300 It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham Professional baseball returned to Birmingham’s Rickwood Field in 2024 as part of Major League Baseball’s Tribute to the Negro Leagues. Previously the field has hosted the Rickwood Classic , an annual minor league baseball game between the Birmingham Barons and a Southern League opponent, from 1996 to 2016. After a hiatus in 2017 for stadium maintenance, the Classic resumed from 2016 to 2019. Following the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season, Rickwood Field would not see professional baseball again until MLB announced that 2024 would feature both minor league and major league games to pay tribute to those who played in the Negro Leagues , as well as to honor the career of Willie Mays – Mays, from neighboring Fairfield, Alabama, began his professional career at Rickwood Field as a member of the Birmingham Black Barons.   Food & Beverage   5 MLB’s use of Rickwood Field to showcase minor league baseball includes a full production effort, with concessions being no exception. MiLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues highlights some of Birmingham’s local staples. Fans can still enjoy ballpark classics like hot dogs, burgers, and nachos, but with a local twist featuring some of Birmingham’s well-known eateries. Dreamland BBQ offers smoked pork and chicken sandwiches with classic Alabama white sauce, nachos, and smoked sausage on a stick. Eugene’s Hot Chicken provides jumbo chicken tenders with signature sauce and loaded “chix fries”. Local food truck Awww Shucks serves gourmet roasted corn on the cob in three styles. Alcoholic beverages include common national brands, along with selections from Alabama breweries Yellowhammer and Cahaba, featuring Groovy Dan’s West Coast IPA and Blonde Ale, respectively. What Rickwood has done is take the basics and simply make them not so basic any more, just by partnering with some of Birmingham’s more notable establishments to add their own touches.   Atmosphere   4 One of the most beautiful aspects of Rickwood Field is that it has retained much of its original charm. The cupola on the tiled roof remains consistent with the original design, and additions such as the fully covered grandstand reminiscent of the 1920s, and the reconfigured main entrance reminiscent of the 1930s, are very similar to their original forms. With MLB's decision to play at Rickwood, the stadium required upgrades to meet major league standards, including minor adjustments to home plate positioning, field angle, and bullpen relocation behind the outfield fence. What is a bit disappointing is with MLB’s oversight of stadium upgrades, some of the classic signage throughout the field’s confines was replaced in favor of MLB’s sponsors – gone is the Alabama Power Company mascot holding electric bolts and the “It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” signs, which have been replaced by current MLB advertisers.  The saving grace is the new signs were designed in a historically accurate representation, but it’s just disappointing that some of the classics are no longer there. Another casualty to the upgrades were the in-ground dugouts that you often saw players sitting on top of during the game, due to the coziness of the original dugouts. Keeping with the kitschy-ness of minor league baseball, the Rickwood game utilizes interactive games with fans throughout the stands to fill the time between innings. A temporary video screen was also installed in right-center field for the MLB game to broadcast mid-inning contests, replays, and serve as an auxiliary scoreboard alongside the manual scoreboard in left field. When choosing seats, it's tough to go wrong – seats around home plate and up the lines keep fans close to the action, while the covered right field area provides great views of the stadium. However, be mindful of the steel support beams used for the roof, as they can create obstructed views.   Neighborhood   2 Rickwood Field is located in the Rising-West Princeton neighborhood of Birmingham’s west end. The area presents a mixed impression, characterized by a combination of residential and industrial zones, but with a notable number of abandoned and decaying homes and businesses – the neighborhood may elevate visitors' situational awareness rather than create a sense of immediate intimidation. Food options in the vicinity are predominantly chain restaurants, though there are a few independently owned establishments as well. One nearby option is Southern Caribbean, which serves Jamaican cuisine and might be worth a visit. Birmingham holds significant historical importance in the civil rights movement, particularly during the 1950s and 60s. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located about four miles from Rickwood Field, is in an area rich with historical landmarks – the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and the marked routes of protestors through the streets of Birmingham highlight the pivotal events that occurred during the city's fight for equal rights.   Fans   5 One of the beautiful aspects of Rickwood Field games is the fans who use the occasion to showcase their prized throwback jerseys of teams and players that have graced this field. And while you will find jerseys of recognizable teams and players, some represent obscure figures that only well-educated students of the game might recognize. Fans from around the South, and even the country, make a pilgrimage to see a game at the nation’s oldest stadium used for professional baseball. Rickwood games typically see a 4,000 to 5,000 bump in attendance compared to typical weekday games for the Birmingham Barons . Fans are not just there to experience the spectacle of the historic stadium; they also passionately support the Barons and show strong pride for Birmingham. Rickwood itself is also a source of great civic pride for Birmingham natives, who all seem to have a story about playing there.   Access   3 Getting to Rickwood Field is typically straightforward, with just a few turns needed off Interstate 20/59, which bisects Birmingham. However, the high demand for games here can overwhelm the area's parking capacity; as a solution, fans park at nearby Legion Field and are shuttled to the streets outside Rickwood. Accessing the stadium requires patience due to the large crowds. The main entrance along 12th Street can take time to get through, but opens up once you are past the security check. The area immediately outside the stadium serves as an external concourse, allowing visitors to navigate without contending with a crowded internal walkway. While there are limits to how much a historic stadium can be upgraded, Rickwood’s field concourse is designed to allow fans to move fairly easily in both directions, provided there are no obstructions. However, when fans stop to take photos or to simply admire the stadium, it can create significant backups. Additionally, the step up from the concourse to the upper section of seating is substantial, so care is needed when navigating the aisles.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for games at jewel sites like Rickwood Field come at a premium price. For the last MiLB game played at Rickwood in 2019, tickets started at $10. However, with the heightened interest due to MLB's involvement and the game's tribute to the Negro Leagues, ticket prices have significantly increased – for the latest event, prices started at $30 for seating in the sections above the walkway. Although this is higher than typical minor league ticket prices, the historic nature of Rickwood Field and the unique atmosphere of the game make it a reasonable investment. Concession prices are comparable to restaurant rates for similar quality food, though serving sizes on some items could be a bit more generous. However, where prices do seem to be rather inflated are with souvenirs, such as on t-shirts starting at $35. Overall, the inflated prices for games at special locations like Rickwood Field should not come as a surprise given the unique experience and historical significance of both the stadium and the event itself.   Extras   5 Simply walking through the front entrance of the stadium and first laying your eyes upon the field is breathtaking for those who appreciate the historical importance of Rickwood Field. Not enough can be said about how special a game at Rickwood Field is. Rickwood Field itself is a museum of baseball. The thought of being in a stadium that has hosted so many greats of the game is enough to send chills down your spine. The stadium even has both clubhouses set up with lockers adorned with replica jerseys, of players who have graced Rickwood’s field in the past. Additionally, a combination gift shop and museum is located on the first base side of the exterior concourse. When professional baseball comes to Rickwood Field, there is a nod to the stadium's history in the music played before the game – music specific to the era plays over the stadium’s public address system, and is accompanied by a live organist entertaining fans during pre-game. Despite changes over the years, some historical aspects have remained; the manual scoreboard was added in 1928 and the lighting stanchions from 1936 stand out immediately. Rickwood was the first minor league stadium outfitted for night baseball, so the scoreboard and lighting towers are features that just are not seen in today’s stadiums.   Final Thoughts From its early days hosting industrial leagues near the turn of the century, to the Southern League and Southern Negro League until the 1960s, Rickwood Field has been integral to the sport's history. For baseball and stadium enthusiasts, Rickwood Field is a must-visit – it serves as a live action museum. From the moment you pass through the entryway, it is impossible not to feel the history of the stadium and imagine all the greats who once played on this field. Rickwood Field offers an experience where fans forget about the modern comforts of present day stadiums and enjoy the game as the main attraction. Unlike modern day stadiums with social gathering areas and children’s play zones, Rickwood focuses purely on the game on the field. Major League Baseball’s decision to use Rickwood Field for their tribute to the Negro Leagues put a much-deserved spotlight on this historic relic, which had begun to fall into disrepair. The upgrades the stadium received in preparation for hosting Major League Baseball should ensure that Rickwood Field continues to stand as one of the most important baseball stadiums for generations to come.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Circuit of the Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, TX 78617 Circuit of the Americas website SRO America website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 120,000 SRO at the Circuit As if to blast the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas into flat-out appropriateness, Circuit of the Americas (often denoted as COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. Indeed, the site of the annual US Grand Prix for Formula One is also host to a myriad other races throughout the year, including the likes of SVRA, NASCAR, and others. The annual SRO GT World Challenge weekend is also becoming a fan favorite, drawing racing fans with five classes on track throughout the weekend, showcasing the best racing action with some of the biggest stars in sportscar racing.   Food & Beverage   3 The main grandstand features a host of food vendors serving everything from traditional sports fare to southern-inspired dishes, including the Rev Bar. Being in Texas, after all, the food options include Mexican and barbecue dishes, all washed down with some cold beer. In the infield fans can expect a great little hole-in-the-wall (only in size) café in the paddock, featuring a beautiful patio outside surrounded by trees and bushes, giving a great view of the garages and pre-staging area for most of the cars. Here you can find (when it is open) food and beverages to suit your fancy. Pizzas are $8, with a combo running $10 (including a drink), while drinks by themselves are $3 for fountain drinks and $4 for Powerade and Vitamin Water. Chicken tenders and fries are $7, deli sandwiches, hamburger baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches are $8, and black bean burgers, deli wraps, or a trip to the salad bar are $7. On certain days there is a chef’s featured item, such as homemade meatloaf, mac-n-cheese, and a vegetable medley for $10. That said, if you are exploring the far reaches of the facility, you may not have as many options available as you have in the main spectator areas, meaning you will have to walk a while or wait patiently for later, should the hunger bug strike. Thankfully this year (2024), the track added food trucks in the fan area in the paddock to add some variety.   Atmosphere   4 Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the crowds. During fan walks on the pit road grid before races at Circuit of the Americas, it is wall-to-wall fans hobnobbing with drivers, teams, and the cars they pilot on track, complete with a mariachi band and riders on horseback flying Texas and American flags. The track itself is a beautiful facility that lends itself to the fan experience – the main grandstand is shaded from the harsh Texas sun, thanks to a perfectly placed roof over part of the seating. The quality view can also be had for most of the infield stands as well. By far, the coolest thing here at Circuit of the Americas is the giant tower in the middle of the track. The observation platform in the tower is open to all fans for $10 a person, providing an elevator to view the race from over 200 feet above the action. In addition, the floors in the tower are see-through, giving you the feeling of floating on air – no other track has anything as unique as this. Additionally, a theme park complete with roller coasters is being constructed on-site, set to open in time for the 2025 season.   Neighborhood   3 This is a hard section to write about, as the city of Austin itself (a good 15 to 20-minute drive from the Circuit of the Americas track), is a bustling city of music, incredible food, and youthful energy. It is no secret why F1 picked this city, and why the annual SXSW festival is held here every year. However, as the track is on the outskirts of town, the racing can easily feel a bit detached from the city’s atmosphere, despite the ever-growing neighborhoods next door to the facility. There isn’t much else right next to the track – hotels are all about 10 minutes away, at least, as are any shopping and dining options fans would flock to. Thankfully the airport is right near the track, providing easy access to your flight in and out of Austin. For great food, one can’t skip Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas and Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake, and of course, a stop in Austin isn’t complete without visiting the bats under the Congress Bridge.   Fans   4 That good ol’ Texas comfort can be felt through the fans at the track – sports fans can be hard to figure out, but Austin’s motorsports enthusiasts are all about the racing on the oval. They know the drivers, they know the cars, they know exactly what is happening, and are eager to cheer on their favorite drivers all weekend long. In addition, they’re generally a kind and considerate bunch, which makes a day at the races at Circuit of the Americas a family-friendly experience. The SRO America event even set a record in 2023, selling over 10,000 tickets to the three-day race weekend at COTA, and this season those efforts continue to bear fruit, with fans packing in the infield viewing areas once again.   Access   4 Getting to Circuit of the Americas isn’t hard, in that the track isn’t hidden away. In actuality, you can see it from pretty much everywhere, thanks to its giant lit-up tower at night. However, the roads in and out of the venue are only one or two lanes, making a big event hard to reach, thanks to the traffic, though parking is plentiful on-site. The re-paving and expansion of most of the roads in and out of the track in recent years has also eased the ingress and egress at the facility. Once at the track getting around is easy, thanks to the various tunnels, pedestrian bridges, and signage pointing you on your way around the venue. Also, during the event, there are a few fan shuttles that take you from one point to another.   Return on Investment   5 Whether you’re a race fan or not will dictate whether you feel the need to visit this new crown jewel of a race circuit. However, you can see why average fans would want to come – the views are spectacular all around the track, the cost of tickets and flights into Austin are generally low, and the city is a great attraction unto itself. Tickets to SRO at COTA start at just $15 for Friday, with Saturday or Sunday day passes only costing $30. A regular weekend pass sells for $55, and if you want to join one of the car corrals, that weekend pass is $150. Suite upgrades range from $275 to $499. Downtown is full of reasons to visit on its own, so adding a world-class racetrack to the mix makes it even better! In addition, Circuit of the Americas features great fan access, with the paddock easy to find and navigate during race weekends.   Extras   5 Circuit of the America’s big tower is a modern marvel to behold, but did you know there is a world-class concert amphitheater at its base? Another unique feature is the bold American color scheme – all around the track’s run-off areas you can see red, white, and blue, plus star-and-stripe painted designs, making not only for a photogenic track but one that makes you feel very patriotic as well. Outside the track, a large, inclined zip-line is available to thrill race fans with a view of the front stretch. Also, a live driver talk is held during the SRO Motorsports Twitch show with Ash Vandelay, for fans to watch interviews with the drivers. Fans can also take part in the popular go-kart facility, located right behind the main grandstands throughout the weekend.   Final Thoughts Circuit of the Americas certainly is a gorgeous facility that lends itself to the comfortable viewing of some great racing action. Furthermore, placing it next to one of the best up-and-coming cities in America was a genius move. That said, if you want somewhere young and hip to visit that is also home to a quality sports facility, definitely put Circuit of the Americas on your list.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Geodis Park 625 Smith Ave Nashville, TN 37203 Nashville SC website Geodis Park website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 30,000 No Matter How Far for the Gold and Blue Nashville is quickly becoming one of the up-and-coming sports cities in the country, with the high level of support the Nashville Predators receive, the past successes the Tennessee Titans have experienced, and the Triple-A Nashville Sounds routinely in the top 5 of minor league baseball in attendance annually. The city has also received a lot of support to attract a Major League Baseball expansion franchise, and is beginning to establish itself as a soccer town, with the addition of Nashville SC as part of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020. Nashville SC is not the city’s first run at professional soccer – dating back to the early 1980s the Nashville Diamonds played in the American Soccer League. Later, the Nashville Metros and Nashville FC competed in various professional soccer leagues from the late 80s throughout the mid-2010s. Nashville SC first came to fruition as a member of the USL Championship level for three seasons, leading to the establishment of an MLS franchise in Nashville for the 2020 season under new ownership. Initially playing at Nissan Stadium for their first two seasons, the Boys in Gold would move into the soccer specific Geodis Park in time for the 2022 season. As of 2024 the 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States or Canada.   Food & Beverage   5 Geodis Park does well to give fans a wide array of food and beverage options, while keeping wait times to a minimum. Practically every stand also has an additional cart somewhere else on the concourse, providing alternative locations to help keep lines short. Food options consist of Latin America fare at Taqueria Zepeda, with steak or chicken nachos, tacos, and quesadillas, and the Latin flavors continue with three types of empanadas, yuca fries, fried plantains, banuelos (balls of fried dough rolled in sugar and cinnamon), and mango rice pudding. Central BBQ takes care of that southern staple with three types of BBQ sandwiches, while pub grub from Nashville’s Corner Pub focuses on burgers and smoked wings. From pizza to gourmet hot dogs, smash burgers, and the iconic Nashville hot chicken, there are no less than six local food spots featured around the stadium. Lastly, for those seeking a quick snack, Circle K grab-and-go stations offer a variety of snacks and beverages, minimizing the wait time for a small filler. The local offerings also extend beyond food to craft beers and cocktails – the facility features beers from Hap & Harry’s Tennessee Beer, Hub City Brewing, Half Batch Brewing Company, Little Harpeth Brewing, Wiseacre Brewing Company, and the Nashville SC branded Pitch from Music City Beer Co. Ciders and spirits from Tennessee-based Bearded Iris, Diskin Cider, and Sugarlands Shine are also available; fully stocked bars are also conveniently located around the concourse. For non-alcoholic options, Geodis Park offers soft drinks from the Coca-Cola family, cold brew coffee, Body Armor, and Red Bull.   Atmosphere   4 A handful of MLS teams share stadiums with National Football League teams, just as Nashville SC once played in Nissan Stadium . Unlike most NFL stadiums, however, Geodis Park’s design is inspired by the industrial factories that once populated the neighborhood, and features a large canopy that overhangs most of the seating area. Exposed steel beams contribute to Geodis Park's modern feel. The game presentation here is what would be expected from top-tier soccer matches in the United States – pre-match excitement builds with a steady stream of flames, sparks, and yellow smoke throughout player introductions. During the match, however, the focus remains on the game itself, with the chants, songs, and beats from the supporters going a long way in creating a top-notch MLS experience. With just 150 feet between the touchline and the first row of seating, fans are right on top of the action on the pitch. When choosing seats it largely depends on the desired experience – it should be noted that seats in the supports section are standing only, with arched back supports for fans to lean against. That area is definitely a fun place to take the game in from, but it is not for everyone. For example, following goals, drinks are known to be sent high toward the heavens in celebration. There really are not any bad seats at Geodis Park, but the upper level of seating is a bit steep, and traversing the stairs can be challenging.   Neighborhood   4 Geodis Park is the centerpiece of Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. Known for their festive nightlife, Nashville's popular areas "The Gulch" and "Broadway" are both within two miles of Geodis Park; these neighborhoods are well known for their high concentration of restaurants, hotels, and nightlife options. Although Geodis Park is a bit removed from the excitement of Nashville’s Broadway, there are still a handful of points of interest nearby. For example, the renowned Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and the legendary Zanies Comedy Club are both just over a mile from the stadium. While the immediate area around Geodis Park may not offer many pre- and post-match options, the surrounding areas provide nearly endless choices for entertainment, dining, and lodging.   Fans   4 Nashville’s attendance numbers only tell part of the story – averaging 28,000 fans per match, Nashville SC ranks solidly in the top 10 for MLS attendance. With Geodis Park's capacity of 30,000, few other MLS clubs rival the crowd size Nashville sees. For fans, a smaller stadium near full capacity often offers a better experience than a larger stadium with many empty seats, where the passion of the fanbase can dissipate into the empty seats. Nashville SC has several different groups of supporters , collectively known as “The Backline”, who work throughout the match to create a festive soccer experience. They beat drums and other percussion instruments, rattle cowbells, chant, and wave flags, maintaining high energy throughout the match. For the most passionate soccer fans who enjoy diving right into the revelry, "sitting" in this section would be ideal, but for a more reserved experience, fans in the rest of the stadium are also actively engaged in the match, albeit with slightly less enthusiasm than those in the supporters’ section.   Access   3 Geodis Park is conveniently located less than a mile from I-65, a major interstate artery in the Southeast running between Louisville, Kentucky, and Birmingham, Alabama. Nashville SC tries to make getting to the stadium as convenient as possible for fans from around the Nashville area, with buses from the southern reaches of metro Nashville, Antioch, and Murfreesboro transporting fans to matches. Free parking is available at Fort Negley, but that is over a mile away, and there does not appear to be shuttle service there to and from the stadium. Parking in the surrounding neighborhood is discouraged, with signs posted on the streets closest to Geodis Park to prevent game-day parking. Once at the stadium, entrances are located around the perimeter, making entry quick and easy. Despite the numerous concession carts around the concourse, the walkways are wide enough to minimize congestion. The club and suite sections of Geodis Park are restricted to ticket holders for those areas, preventing the stadium from being fully accessible. When leaving the parking lots after the match, pack your patience; the lots are often highly congested. Although attendants are available to help organize traffic flow there is only so much they can do to help, given the restricted movement on the surrounding streets and the number of vehicles from numerous lots trying to leave through a single exit point.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to Nashville SC matches are reasonably priced, starting at around $20 for a spot in the supporters’ section. However, parking rates seem disproportionately high, starting at over $30 per car. There are some alternatives to avoid this price, but those options don’t provide post-games shuttles, and there aren’t many choices near Geodis Park. While free parking is available more than a mile away, the distance may outweigh the benefit for many fans. Concession prices are consistent with those at most other stadiums – the basics are relatively affordable, while some specialty items are a bit more expensive for what you are getting.   Extras   5 Geodis Park doubles as an art museum of sorts, featuring fifty-eight pieces of artwork by local artists displayed around the stadium. The area outside the supporters’ entrance on the north side of the park offers several activities for visitors to enjoy before entering the gates; entertainment includes several soccer skills centers, promotional tents, and live music. The festivity of the supporters’ section contributes significantly to creating an enjoyable soccer experience for all attendees, even those not seated in that section. After the match, the team pays tribute to their supporters by lining up across the top of the penalty area to sing the Nashville SC anthem, “Never Give Up on You”. The song's importance is highlighted as fans pass through the supporters’ gate, with the lyrics printed overhead on the wooden ceiling.   Final Thoughts Sports fandom in most international cities does not get bigger than the passion it shows for its soccer club. Though it might never rival that level of intensity in the United States, it has grown into a major contributor to the fabric of a city’s culture. Geodis Park does a good job at giving visitors an entertaining American soccer experience in a beautiful venue – the facility pulls in the excitement that comes with the city of Nashville and makes it part of the complete experience. What Nashville SC has achieved in a relatively short amount of time is impressive. They have built a top-notch soccer facility and cultivated a fun and exciting stadium atmosphere, laying the foundation for a successful American soccer experience for years to come.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Ozinga Field 14011 S Kenton Ave Crestwood, IL 60445 Windy City Thunderbolts website Ozinga Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,200 A Niche of a Ballpark in the Windy City The Windy City Thunderbolts have been playing baseball since 1995 when it began operations as the Will County Claws in the North Central League. In 1996 the team rebranded as the Cook County Cheetahs (Heartland League 1996 – 1998 and then joined the Frontier League in 1999) and in 2004 adopted the T-Bolts moniker. Its ballpark has been Standard Bank Stadium since the 1999 season. The stadium has a capacity of 3,200, which includes multiple party decks, a beer garden, and its most unique feature, an upper deck on the third base side only. This one-sided upper deck was due to the inability to add a second upper deck along the first base side due to multiple high-power lines that dominate in front of the stadium’s parking lot. The design of the ballpark creates a configuration that includes 6 rows of seating in the lower deck, and upper deck seating that hovers tightly above the concourse. There is not a bad seat in the house, and now that netting extends along the seating bowl in the lower deck you don’t have to pay attention to the game, which many don’t since they are socializing. Though pop fouls can still hit you and you can get hit in the upper deck because the netting doesn’t extend that high. This infrequently happens. The ballpark also features a few distinguishable features with bullpens situated in foul territory and within proximity to the two patio decks. The ballpark has only three skyboxes next to the press box. The stadium has seen a few renovations in the past few seasons including the installation of a 13-foot-high, 22-foot-long HD video board with full video capabilities in 2014, ProGrass synthetic turf in 2015, and a second picnic area on the first baseline in 2018. Food & Beverage 3 The food is standard fare. Prices went up over the year but where haven’t they? Hot dogs ($4.25 regular or 5.75 jumbo), chicken tenders ($8), hamburgers/cheeseburger ($5.75/$6), a slice of pizza from a local restaurant-Beggars ($5.50), nachos ($5.75) and popcorn ($3.50) are among the choices available at the concession stands. However, there are great-tasting appetizers like funnel cake fries ($8.75), french fries, ($6), and cheese curds ($9). The lines for the concession stands can be somewhat long since a few locations are closed for certain games but move fairly quickly. My favorites here are the hamburgers and funnel fries. For the kids or people who choose not to drink, there are bottled soda-Pepsi products ($4.75) or 22 oz fountain soda ($3.75), Gatorade ($5.25), water ($3.25), Root beer floats ($6.50), ice frozen lemonade ($5.50) and 12 oz hot chocolate or coffee for $3.75. There are also some candy/dessert items such as caramel apples ($3.50), caramel pretzel rods ($2.25), and boxes of M&M’s, Kit-Kats, Milky Way, Snickers, and Twix for $2.50. The beer is provided by Budweiser (Bud, Bud Light, Bud Seltzers, Michelob Ultra).  Domestic draft beer is either 16 oz cans ($6.50 domestic or $7.75 premium), 16 oz draft ($5.50) or 32 oz draft ($9).  There are also local Goose Island favorites and a few craft beers of the Midwest ($6.25) and Michelob Ultra Seltzers ($6.25).   There is also wine ($7.50) and some mixed drinks ($8.50 for 16oz.).  The mixed drinks have either Old Smoky Moonshine (Tennessee Whiskey), Tito’s Vodka, Rum (spiced or regular), or Jose Cuervo.  On Thursday nights, the prices start at $1.75 for “Retro” beers and $2.75 for domestic cans. Atmosphere 2 The T-Bolts have a niche market on the southside attracting a majority of its fan base from the local area. The size of the ballpark also lends to the atmosphere because it rarely feels empty. Inside the facility are two concourse areas on the third base side. The inside area is tight but never really a problem with access from one end to the other.  Fans can also get a good look at the field from this area. The outer area is located outside of the seating area and away from the field of play. You can’t see the field from here. Behind the first base side is a raised party area that offers sit-down picnic tables and open spacing. If this area is not rented, anyone can sit up there. The sight of fans commencing in large groups with a beer in hand and enjoying the festivities of the game is very common, especially on the weekends. In addition, there is another party area down the right field line again, anyone can sit there if the area is not rented. The kids love the mascot, Boomer; he is very accessible during the times he is not on the field for the between-inning entertainment. The between-inning entertainment is the usual minor league theatrics of quick contests (do kids know more than their parents, match game, etc.) and t-shirt tossing. After each game, kids get to run the bases. On Sundays after the game, the players are available for autographs and pictures. If you are a White Sox fan,  this season the manager of the team is former White Sox Pitcher, Bobby Jenks. He also comes out for autographs. My favorite between-inning promotion is the horse race. There are three wooden horses (yellow, red, and zebra) cutouts attached to a pole.  An intern runs with each horse outside the park from the video board behind the batter’s eye to another advertisement board. There are fans at the ballpark that bet on the race and the Thunderbolts bring kids down to the field to pick “horses” to win prizes. The Thunder Store (gift shop) is a separate building within the confines of the park. It is not very big, but they have a decent selection of hats, t-shirts, sweatpants, game-worn uniforms, and broken bats. There is a kids’ play area near the store which has a jungle gym. Neighborhood 2 The village of Crestwood is 22 miles south of downtown Chicago and is within one hour of five (5) independent and two major league clubs. The surrounding suburban neighborhood is a mix of residential and retail. A parking lot surrounds the ballpark. Around the parking lot are residential apartments, high power lines, and an elementary school with a recreational park and football field. Driving there is everything you want within five minutes; a few neighborhood-type bars and plenty of fast-food choices and chain restaurants. If you get there early enough there is Louisa’s (Italian) which was voted one of the best pizzas in the Chicagoland area. Fans 3 The fan base is friendly, and many know a lot about the team and league. The Thunderbolts average about 1,800 people a game. Of course, the weekend games are better attended than weekday games. The mix of fans is the same as any other ballpark: families, baseball purists, casual baseball fans , or others out there for a specific promotion / or outing. The Thunderbolts have a group of regulars at the ballpark who are called the “Pole Guys” because they stand in the concourse by the light pole on the first base (visitors) dugout. They have a good time and raz the umps, opposing players, and even the home team when there is a bad call or play. An example of their razzing is when there is an error you will hear “That is why you are in this league.” It should be noted that the Pole Guys do not curse and follow the strict rules of the game, but they can be loud. If you don’t like this sort of thing, sit on the third base side. At most games, some fans tailgate in the parking lot well before the gates open at the ballpark. Access 5 Qzinga Field is located to the east of the intersection of 141st (Midlothian Turnpike and S. Cicero Avenue). The ballpark is a few miles from I-294 and/or I-57. There is also bus access to the area with a short walk from Cicero Avenue if needed. However, driving will be your best option for this ballpark. Return on Investment 4 Going to a T-Bolts game is worth the price and time. The cost of a ticket is either $10 or $12 on game day (you get $2 off if you buy in advance). A bonus is that parking is free, and concession prices are reasonable. The team does have various promotional nights throughout the season. On most Thursday nights the stadium hosts professional wrestling matches by a local wrestling company on the concourse. Every Friday and Saturday are fireworks directly after the game. These games attract the largest crowds of around 2,500 or more a game during the season. Sunday is family day, you get 4 tickets, 4 dogs, 4 chips, 4 sodas/water, 4 ice cream cups, and 4 souvenirs for $45.  It’s a great day to bring the family out for the game. Extras 2 The Thunderbolts have three retired numbers: Dylan Axelrod (#23) who would make it to the majors with the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds and former manager Mike “Kash” Kashirsky (#1) who led the club to its second championship and two division titles. He is now the left-handed batter practice pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. Lastly, there is (#3) Michael Torres a Frontier League Hall of Famer. The Park gets an extra star because of the upper deck and the “horse” race. Final Thoughts This ballpark is one of the best-kept secrets on the south side of the Chicagoland area. The design of the ballpark, the local fans who tailgate, the support of the club, and the affordable pricing should make Ozinga Field a can’t miss for any baseball traveler.

Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views hits the BIG 5-0 and Dave and Paul are celebrating with a trip to one of the most iconic venues in the world. Grab a beer and join the boys as the get off the L-Train on the Northside and hit Wrigleyville for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field! Thanks for joining us for 50 episodes and cheers to the next 50! You can find Stadium Journey's review of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs game day experience here.

The Olympic Games from Paris are the topic this week. Do you look forward to the games, what is your favorite sport, and what happened with the Paraguayan swimmer? __________________________________________________________________________________ Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Few stadiums throughout CONCACAF have the reputation of Estadio Saprissa. Known throughout the region as La Cueva del Monstruo or The Monster's Cave, the 24,000-seat stadium, which serves as the home for Deportivo Saprissa and the Costa Rican National Team, is one of the most intimidating venues in CONCACAF.  I was there during the winter months of June and July, a few weeks before the Costa Rican Premier Division (Liga FPD) season. The winter is not like that back home in the Midwest; it's 70 degrees with rainfall during the day, but that rain clears up quickly, opening up to blue skies. Saprissa Stadium has a reputation as one of the most intimidating soccer grounds in the Americas. The home of Deportivo Saprissa is known throughout Costa Rica as La Cueva del Monstruo (The Monster’s Cave), and the club itself is known as the Purple Monster.  The team has called the site home since 1972 after a six-year process that saw the planning and construction of the stadium. Its location in the San Juan de Tibas neighborhood was chosen for its proximity to the capital and other cities in the league of Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia.  It is a neighborhood stadium that is easily accessible by the interstate that runs beside it a few yards away; once in front of the venue, the narrow and small streets of Tibas are flooded with thousands of fans embarking on it for game day, transforming the streets to a sea of purple. Once inside, the proximity of the stands to the pitch can be daunting. Former United States men’s national soccer player Alexi Lalas stated that it was one of the most “intimidating” and “difficult” places to play. Landon Donovan mentioned that you could hear the fans stomping their feet above the dressing rooms. “It felt like an earthquake for a half hour while you’re changing.” The stadium was open, and employees and delivery services walked in and out of the main entrance. I held up my cell phone to the security guard and said "fotografias" in the best Spanish I could muster. After he replied with a few words and concluded with the word "rapido" I knew I had to make the most of my time inside the venue. “La Cueva” is not the most picturesque soccer grounds in the world, but when it’s packed with thousands of fans in purple, that would be a different story. I walked up the main concourse in the seating bowl and envisioned what that would look like. I took in a match around 25 years ago, and it was nothing I have seen before or since.  The supporter group moved up and down like a monster’s tail, and smoke, sparklers, and paper littered the area throughout the match. There appeared to be two standing-room-only sections behind both goals. It was calm today, but a full house would make a great video. I took several photos and videos and walked around a bit more. I then snuck inside the concourse underneath the stands to see what kind of food one would eat at a Saprissa match. One of the stands sells pupusas, empanadas, vigoron, and palmitos (pop corn).  There was also chifrijo, a local Costa Rican dish with rice and beans topped with chicharrón (pork belly), a little bit of chimichurri, and chili peppers, served with tortilla chips. The stadium is not fancy, and parts were under construction during the visit. A few workers were taking a break in the club seating area and were puzzled by my appearance and my English narration. I am sure that is not something that they see every day. A few of the railings on the aisles needed a paint job, and a few seats needed to be bolted back into place. However, I am unaware if there are major renovation plans for the stadium at this time. As I write this article, the Liga FPD is four weeks into the season, with Saprissa sitting in fourth place in the standings behind Cartagines, Alajuela, and Sporting San Jose. However, the season is young in the Torneo de Apertura, what we would call the Opening Tournament, which will conclude in December. The league is split into two seasons, with the Torneo de Clausura (Closing Tournament) lasting from January to May. One day I will be back for a match, but for now, it will have to be a tour. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 900 Convention Center Blvd New Orleans, LA 70130 Nola Pickle Fest website Ernest N. Morial Convention Center website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 1,000 Pickleball takes over the Big Easy There's been a steady rise in pickleball in recent years, with some saying it could be the country's fastest-rising sport. In 2023 there were an estimated 36 million people in the country who played pickleball, a mixture between ping pong and tennis. Part of its appeal is its easiness of learning and low startup costs, making it a popular sport for all age groups. Pickleball is an extremely popular sport among the retirement community, with over 52% of the players being 50 and older. One such person who is enjoying his retirement years playing pickleball is former Saints  quarterback Drew Brees, whose first experience with the sport was as a kid at summer camp in Texas – he continued to play throughout his NFL career, even building a court in his backyard in 2018. After retiring in 2021 Brees has become sort of an ambassador for the sport, joining the ownership of Major League Pickleball's Los Angeles Mad Drops. Brees is also involved as a partner with The Picklr, a chain of indoor pickleball facilities, and will be behind a brand new Picklr facility that is scheduled to open in nearby Biloxi, MS, in the fall of 2024. In 2023 Brees took his love for pickleball and began hosting his annual Nola Pickle Fest – held inside Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, it is a four-day festival-style event filled with food, music, vendors, and of course, pickleball. The event benefits the Brees Foundation, which aims to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, as well as provide care, education, and opportunities for children and families in need; Drew Brees and his wife Brittany have raised over $50 million for cancer research since launching the foundation in 2003. Nola Pickle Fest is operated by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, whose mission is managing sporting events that have a positive impact on the greater New Orleans area.   Food and Beverage   3 A festival in New Orleans is bound to have plenty of food options – they bring in three food trucks for the event, as well as have several different pop-up bars. Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar, a popular New Orleans eatery known for its beach theme, brings their coastal beach vibes to Pickle Fest with their food truck, where fish tacos, shrimp po’ boys, and shrimp and grits are just some of the items available for sale. Right next to that, Lillie's Cajun Kitchen food truck is set up offering additional selections of po’ boys and gumbo; make sure you try their signature Cajun Philly Po’ Boy. Everbowl also has a food truck set up selling different acai bowls and smoothies. The food trucks are located towards the back of the hall, however, so are kind of hard to find. Besides the food trucks, Drew Brees-owned Small Sliders, a Louisiana burger chain, also has a tent sent up where they give out samples of their small slider burgers, which are must-haves. There are also several bars scattered around the exhibit hall set up selling cold drinks and beer, and Smirnoff Lounge, a lounge area built in the exhibit hall, even has a table set up selling and offering different Smirnoff products.   Atmosphere   4 The event takes place in the large exhibit halls E & F inside Morial Convention Center – over 30 pickleball courts are brought in and scattered around the floor. The whole event is laid back and relaxed, and on one court you may even see a beginner's class taking place. On another, you may see a match going on between some pros from Major League Pickleball. They have open courts for free play, and they have various tournaments you can sign up for based on various skill and age levels. Drew Brees is also here all day during all four days, walking around mingling with people and taking photos. If you're lucky he may even jump in and play a few pickleball matches with you. Anything pickleball related you'll find it here, as it is one giant pickleball convention. Around the exhibit hall are various vendor booths set up; pickleball companies from all over the country have booths set up where you can try out and buy the latest pickleball products and merchandise. Over on the far east side of the hall is Smirnoff Club, a bar area complete with TVs and couches. In front of that is a large stage for bands, as it wouldn't be an event in New Orleans without live music – the cool thing about the stage is it had a Saints  theme, backdropped with various images of Drew Brees throughout the years. The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation even had a booth set up promoting the upcoming Super Bowl LIX and recruiting workers for that event, which will be held in New Orleans in February 2025. On the back side of the exhibit hall is a silent auction with assorted sports memorabilia, as well as food trucks, plus a large gaming station where you can play the new NCAA '25 and the new Madden on a big screen. At the center of the exhibit hall is an impressive makeshift pickleball stadium with bleacher seating for 1000, constructed around a professional pickleball court. The court is a Saints -themed black and gold custom set up, with the Saints logo at midcourt – if you want an elevated view of that court, just climb up on one of the three Mardi Gras floats that are brought in to provide seating at one end, while a replica New Orleans streetcar provides the seating on the other side. This is where the big matches are held during the week, and if you make it very far in any of the bracket-style tournaments, you'll get to play a match on the main court. The biggest match that takes place on the main court is the Drew Brees Celebrity Match, held on Saturday afternoon – make sure you get to your seats early for this, as they fill up quickly. For this match Brees will bring out some special guests and play a couple of matches; John McEnroe and Keegan-Michael Key are a few of the special guests he's played with over the two years (so far) of the festival. In 2024 the celebrity match featured Brees and Keegan-Michael Key, playing a few matches and providing live play-by-play of some of the action. There were also a few professional matches as well as some comedy matches, such as when one of the pros played a 90-year-old lady, or anytime Keegan-Michael Key was out there.   Neighborhood   5 Morial Convention Center is located right on the Mississippi River in New Orleans' Warehouse District, just blocks from the French Quarter and the rest of the tourist sites in New Orleans. There's too much to see down here for me to name, but there's so much more to the French Quarter than just Bourbon Street. You'll find some of the best restaurants, off-the-wall museums, and some of the oldest buildings in the country. From Jackson Square to live music on Frenchmen Street and art shops on Royal Street, there truly is not another place like it. I recommend not driving to the French Quarter, as it is close enough to walk to from the convention center, and you could also take a streetcar if you want to venture anywhere outside the Quarter or the Warehouse District. A short 20-minute streetcar ride up the river to the Garden District/Uptown makes for a great visit as well, if you have time. For those who want the authentic New Orleans jazz experience from the neighborhood where jazz music was born, then Treme/Lafitte makes for a great adventure too. In the Warehouse District there are a few attractions worth checking out, some within two blocks of the convention center. For families, there's the Aquarium of the Americas, while for history buffs you can check out the World War II Museum, the largest collection of World War II memorabilia in the country. Or, if you’re into gambling there's a Caesar’s Casino across the street. Also, make sure to take a stroll through Fulton Street Alley to view all the outdoor restaurants and giant bowling alley. The RiverWalk Marketplace, an indoor shopping mall with over 100 different stores, is located on one side of the Morial Convention Center, while on the other side is the famed Mardi Gras World – inside this giant warehouse, you can get a look at how Mardi Gras floats are built. Visitors can walk around the warehouse and view the hundreds of different floats being designed year-round. Mardi Gras World also holds an after-party each night after the pickleball action wraps up, complete with more live music and special guests.   Fans   4 Nola Pickle Fest averages about 1,000 people per day with over 4,000 people attending the four-day event. Saturday draws the biggest crowd during the week, with people wanting to see the celebrity match. The event is also purposely held during August, as it can get unbearably hot here during the summer, so the event occurs during this time as there is not a lot else going on during the summer months. There are competitive bracket-style tournaments taking place, as well as free play on any of the open courts – this event attracts a wide range of people. You'll find the diehard pickleball players who play competitively, as well as the locals who just play for fun. I saw different pickleball groups and people of all ages, from all over the country. The whole event is laid back, as anybody can sign up to play. Saturday is always the most popular day when you'll get professional pickleball players, as well as the people who just want to see Drew Brees and his special guests. As usual, you'll also hear plenty of ‘Who Dats’, as there is a big Saints  theme here. Nobody does festivals like New Orleans, so you'll also find tourists and locals, the latter who just come to Pickle Fest simply for something to do. Even if you know nothing about pickleball, this event makes for a great place to get some air on a hot August day in the French Quarter.   Access   3 Getting to Morial Convention Center may be a little difficult if you are not familiar with navigating the anxiety-driven streets down here. Located near the Mississippi River on the outer edge of the French Quarter, you will have to navigate the many one-way and narrow streets. The best way to get here if coming from out of town is to take I-10 to the I-910 interchange like you are headed to the West Bank, which is across the river. Then take Exit 11 at Tchopitoulas Street, and the convention center is right there. The official parking lot for the event is Lot F, located at 411 Henderson Street – for $23 you can park in this lot all day. If you are staying in the French Quarter or anywhere downtown I would recommend walking to the convention center instead of driving. Once inside the facility for Pickle Fest, you are free to come and go as you please.   Return on Investment   4 The best thing about Nola Pickle Fest is it is free to attend on any of the days, except Saturday, which is the biggest day of the Fest – on Saturdays, it is $10 admission to enter, but you are given a wristband and free to come and go all day. All proceeds go to the Brees Foundation, so you know it's going to a good cause. The official parking lot at the convention center is $23, and you are allowed to park all day. You may also be able to find some cheaper lots in the city, but you'll have to walk longer to get here. I considered this a good return on investment – though the main focus of the event is pickleball, it is so much more than just that, and you are guaranteed to have a good time regardless of whether or not you like the sport. You'll also get to come into contact with one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play football, as well as see some special guests and celebrities. It's a unique event, one that hopefully will continue in New Orleans for many years to come.   Extras   4 All proceeds from the event benefit the Brees Foundation – since its inception in 2003, the foundation has contributed over $50 million to various causes. You can make donations to the Brees Foundation at a table at the front of the main entrance, on any of the days of the tournament. Morial Convention Center covers almost 11 blocks, with over 1.1 million square feet of space, making it the seventh largest convention center in the country. The building opened as part of the 1984 World's Fair, which was held in New Orleans and was the last World’s Fair to take place in the United States. Ernest M. Morial was the mayor of New Orleans at the time, and if you walk around the grounds you may see some remnants of that world’s fair, such as an old gondola you can eat it in, that once took visitors across the river, located outside Nesbit's Poeyfarre Market across the street from the convention center. You can also see the giant King Neptune sculpture located at the main entrance to Mardi Gras World next door. Another extra for the challenges the building would face after Hurricane Katrina after it was used as a shelter of last resort for over 30,000 refugees who lost their homes in the storm. With limited food and resources, the scene here in the weeks following Katrina was apocalyptic, with robberies, looting, shootings, and assaults taking place inside and outside the convention center. This area has long since recovered, however, and there is a cool little art sculpture of a house in a tree called the Katrina tree, located across the street from Hall F, the main exhibit hall where Nola Pickle Fest takes place.

Photos by Ashvin Lad, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Grayson Stadium 1401 E. Victory Dr. Savannah, GA 31404 Savannah Bananas website Grayson Stadium website Year Opened: 1926/1941 Capacity: 5,000 Welcome to Bananaland The Savannah Bananas have taken the country by storm with their brand of baseball called Banana Ball. They incorporated 11 distinct rules that allow for a fast-paced game, fan interaction, and a 2-hour time clock to set it apart from a traditional game. Historic Grayson Stadium becomes Banana Land on game days. The stadium opened in 1926 and was the home to multiple minor league teams until 2015 when the Savannah Sand Gnats relocated to a Segra Park in Columbia, South Carolina. The Bananas moved in the following year as members of the Coastal Plain League, hoping to bring fans back to the stadium. The club soon began developing quirky gimmicks and promotions during home games. Owner Jesse Cole donned a yellow tuxedo and top hat and interacted with the crowd through song and dance.  Soon, the Bananas added a grandma coach who brings out a tray of tea and cookies, a luchador (professional wrestler) coach, a fire-breather, a stilt walker, a breakdancing coach, and a circus performer. Banana Ball was developed in 2018 and played in front of a home crowd in 2020 , soon it was what the fans expected to see at games. The team would play its regular summer collegiate schedule with a mix of Banana Ball but opted with the latter when it left the CPL and began barnstorming full-time for the 2023 season. The Bananas have not looked back since. Food & Beverage 4 The Bananas offer an all-you-can-eat with the purchase of a ticket to a game. The food options are served grab-and-go in three locations: main concession, right field concession, and open container concession booths. The entrees include hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and veggie burgers. The snacks include cookies, chips, and popcorn; while the drinks include bottled water and Coke products. The three concession areas also provide additional menu options such as nachos, chili cheese dogs, soft pretzels, roasted peanuts, French fries, and garbage can nachos.  If you have room for dessert, local Leopold’s ice cream offers flavors of vanilla, chocolate, mint chocolate chip, bananas foster, and banana split. There are also seven varieties of Dippin’ Dots for the little kids. Garbage Plate Nachos, Photo Courtesy of the Savannah Bananas The ballpark has multiple areas to purchase an alcoholic beverage from canned drinks, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, and draft beers. At the game, you can grab beverages from various spots including Split’s Bar, Left Field Landing Bar, Thirst Base Beer, Top Deck Bar, and the Craft Corners. The Top Deck Bar features an assortment of canned drinks that includes the common Bud Light, Corona Extra, Modelo, and Michelob Ultra, but also the local Classic City Lager, Cutwater Margarita, 3 Taverns Rapturous, and Service City Banana Beer. Mixed drinks include Jack & Coke, Gin & Tonic, Moscow Mule, and Titos & Lemonade. Based on the team’s official website, the three signature items to try at a game are the Banana Beer, Banana Split Soda, and the Slippery Banana.  Banana Ball Rules, Photo Courtesy of the Savannah Bananas Atmosphere 5 When minor league baseball left Grayson Stadium, they left it in good condition for a future team. However, what the Bananas have been able to create was beyond anyone’s expectations. The only way to describe the atmosphere is one big party with 5,000 friends. Fans line up outside the main entrance in the party plaza three hours before the game. The pre-game entertainment features a parade, music, games, and opportunities to interact with the players. Once inside, the party continues, including the stadium’s host, The Young Professor. He engages with the audience, introduces players, and commentates on several activities before the game. There is also the throwing of the first banana (instead of the first pitch) from a lucky fan. It is then a 2-hour party, featuring a combination of choreographed dancing, scoring celebrations, fan involvement, and trick plays. The bottom of each inning is played as if it were the bottom of the 9th. You might witness multiple walk-off celebrations by the Bananas, or instances during the game where the umpire, the infield players, or both teams join together in dance.   Speaking of dancing, there is plenty of that from the Banana Nanas (a senior citizens dance team), the Man-Nanas (the dad-bod cheerleaders), and the “Hey, Baby” dance where Cole leads the entire stadium in a choreographed dance that lasts for 90 seconds.  Neighborhood 4 Grayson Stadium is located in Midtown, about 6 miles from the Historic Landmark District that is the hub of Savannah. The district offers 22 park squares, museums, monuments, restored 18th-century homes, shops, and over 100 restaurants. Visitors can take a ghost tour, take a ferry ride on the Savannah River, or stroll down the cobblestone streets of River Street with an open container. The Eastern Wharf District is a vibrant waterfront neighborhood with stunning river views. The Victorian District is a 50-block neighborhood of Victorian homes and beautiful grounds and fountains, and the Canal District is home to the Emarket Arena and the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECH L. Ferry Boat Ride on the Savannah River, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Southern hospitality can be found everywhere in town, along with homemade Southern cuisine, fresh seafood, and live music. The Shrimp Factory, Vics on the River, The Olde Pink House, Alligator Soul, and Tubby’s are recommended. Various rooftop bars, including Electric Moon, Rocks on the Roof, and Top Deck, highlight the nightlife in Savannah. Fans 5 Grayson Stadium seats 5,000 people and is sold out for every Banana game during the season. The fans attend early for pre-game festivities outside the ballpark and are decked out in team gear from head to toe. The fanbase is impressive with a wait list that could fill the ballpark double its size. The Bananas are not just loved in Savannah but have become a national brand with fans across the country. Pre-game festivities in the party plaza, Photo Courtesy of Ashvin Lad Access 3 Grayson Stadium has two main entrances: the third base gate and the first base gate; the latter also serves as the VIB entrance.  The main entrance party plaza is behind the backstop, with open seating areas in right and left field, on the right field deck, and behind the reserved seats behind home plate. The games attract 5,000 fans and lines for concessions and merchandise will be long. However, concourse areas in the seating bowl allow for movement during the game and several seating areas are properly spaced around the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 An open seating ticket costs $35, and a VIB Experience ticket is $75 when purchased from the team's official website However, tickets sell out fast due to demand if purchased on a secondary website, expect to pay double to triple the price. Children under 3 years old are admitted free to games. VIB tickets are available to everyone through the K-Club, group open seating, and the ticket lottery system. Fans get early entry and the best seat in the ballpark. They will also get to greet Bananas players before they take the field. There are multiple free parking areas around the stadium including the grass lot behind the ballpark, Daffin Park Drive (street parking), Fresenius Kidney Care (Victory Drive and E. 42nd St.), and the grass lot between the tennis courts and soccer field on Victory Drive. Extras 5 The garbage can nachos are served on top of a garbage can that can feed a whole family of four. It includes nachos topped with cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken, jalapenos, and cheese.  The Bananas have plenty of traditions, including throwing out the first banana and honoring the Banana Baby to the tune of The Lion King. You can see the influence at other sporting events throughout the nation. Every game the ball club honors the Banana Baby, Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you like to dance, this is the place to be from the Banana Nanas, the Dad Bod Cheerleading Squad, and Banana Splitz, a youth dance team. There is also plenty of dancing by the coaches and players during the game.  The cast of characters includes Maceo Harrison, a breakdancing base coach; Dakota Albritton, who bats on stilts; DJ The Invader, who wears a space helmet; Mat Wolf,  the Rodeo Clown; Cowboy Kyle, who’s the one with the yellow cowboy hat; and Zach Phillips who tears his sleeves off his jersey. Final Thoughts A Savannah Bananas game is unlike any baseball event in the world. The team has taken the baseball world by storm and can be seen on their barnstorming tours from coast to coast. However, if you can grab a ticket to see them at Grayson Stadium, it is worth the price of admission. ----- Follow Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Daniel S. Frawley Stadium 801 Shipyard Dr Wilmington, DE 19801 Wilmington Blue Rocks website Daniel S. Frawley Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 6,404 Blue Celery in the First State Minor League Baseball returned to the largest city in the First State in 1993 when the Peninsula Pilots were relocated to a brand new ballpark in Wilmington, Delaware.  The team was named the Blue Rocks after the blue granite found along Brandywine Creek.  The Blue Rocks initially began in the Carolina League as the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.  The Blue Rocks would be affiliated with the Royals until 2004 and from 2007 to 2020 until the reorganization of Minor League Baseball.  In 2021 Wilmington was moved to the South Atlantic League and affiliated with the Washington Nationals .  Successful on the field, the Blue Rocks claimed five Carolina League titles. The home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks is Judy Johnson Field @ Daniel S. Frawley Stadium.  Opened in 1993 to coincide with the new team, the stadium is named after the Mayor of Wilmington from 1985 to 1993 Daniel Frawley, who was integral in getting Minor League Baseball back in Wilmington.  The field is named after Judy Johnson, a Negro League star and Hall of Famer who lived in Delaware for almost 75 years.  One curiosity of the Blue Rocks experience is the fans' fascination with Mr. Celery, a stalk of celery mascot who emerges to celebrate each Blue Rocks run to the tune of “Song 2” by Blur. Food & Beverage 3 The culinary experience at Frawley Stadium is decent.  The main concession stands offer popcorn, Cracker Jack, peanuts, pretzels, hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, and fries.  A couple of other note spots include Grotto’s Pizza and the first base side Chickie’s and Pete’s stand.  A Philadelphia staple, Chickie’s and Pete’s offers cheesesteaks and their famous Crabfries.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at Frawley Stadium.  The beer selection in Wilmington is decent and includes Coors Light, Miller Light, Heineken, and Yuengling.  Local brewery Wilmington Brew Works also offers a team-branded beer, Woo-Hoo Brew complete with the image of Mr. Celery on the can. Atmosphere 4 Frawley Stadium has an attractive exterior and looks more modern than its 30-year age.  Brown brick with light accents and blue trim make for a smart-looking color scheme.  The main entrance behind home plate is up a set of stairs and directly above the ticket window, which would be directly behind home plate.  Blue Rocks markings are tastefully added to the exterior and a photo of the 2019 Carolina League Champions highlights many photos in recessed arches on the exterior.  A bronze statue of Judy Johnson with a dedication plaque is a perfect meeting place for fans before the game.  Also of note, two dedication plaques for pitcher Vic Willis and umpire Bill McGowan, both born in Wilmington and members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, sit in the flower beds outside the main plaza. Inside the park, the main concourse is covered yet open.  Unfortunately, Frawley Stadium does not offer a 360-degree path around the park.  The seating bowl is a split level with an exterior walkway.  There are several different seating options.  There is bar seating by the Chickie’s and Pete’s along the first base side and the Picnic Pavilion is in leftfield. The seating bowl does not offer much in the way of shade.  Views of the Wilmington skyline and I-95 can be had from the main grandstand.  The suite level to either side of the pressbox and behind the main seating bowl is full of blue highlights and has large baseballs and pennants as recognition for the championship teams and the retired numbers of Mike Sweeney, Johnny Damon and Robin Roberts along with Jackie Robinson.  A display list of Blue Rocks players who have played in MLB is of note in the concourse. The game day experience in Wilmington is what one would expect in Minor League Baseball.  There are plenty of on-field promotions between innings and promo items thrown into the crowd at times.  Rocky Bluewinkle, the Wilmington mascot, interacts with the crowd and participates in the pregame activities.  The most unique feature of a Blue Rocks gameday is the presence of Mr. Celery.  A secondary mascot for the team has taken on a bit of a life of its own in popularity.  The main appearance of Mr. Celery comes after a Blue Rocks run when he comes out of a gate behind the plate and celebrates Blur’s “Song 2.” Neighborhood 4 Frawley Stadium is located in the Riverfront neighborhood of Wilmington between I-95 and the Christina River.  There are a few options for pre or post-game food and drink within walking distance of the ballpark.  Some options include Iron Hill Brewery, Big Fish Grill, and Del Pez.  Immediately southeast of Frawley Stadium is the Chase Center on Riverfront, which is the city’s event center.  Further away, and across the Christina River, is the similarly named Chase Fieldhouse, home of the Delaware Blue Coats , an affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA G-League.  From the exterior of Frawley Stadium, fans can enter the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.  Donations are accepted and there are several terrific displays, including an excellent Judy Johnson display which tells his story in his own words.  Other tourist options include Nemours Estate and Hagley Museum.  For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Westin Wilmington and Hyatt are just steps away. Fans 3 In the 2023 season, the Wilmington Blue Rocks averaged over 2,500 fans per game.  This ranks 87th in the 120-team MiLB.  The Blue Rocks are also 8th in the South Atlantic League out of 12 teams.  There is plenty of room for improvement here.  At the game being reviewed, fans in attendance were very quiet and reserved.  Interest in the game seemed waning.   Access 5 Frawley Stadium is located in the Riverfront neighborhood of Wilmington, east of I-95 and west of the Christina River.  The park is encased by Shipyard Dr., Matt Minker Way, Judy Johnson Dr., and Frawley Dr., nice nods to some of the important figures in Wilmington Blue Rocks history.  Getting to the ballpark is very easy with I-95 located very close.  There is plenty of parking on site both north and south of the ballpark and the majority of it is free.  For fans wishing to take public transit, some buses stop on Judy Johnson Drive.  Fans should check out the Delaware Transit Corporation website for fares, maps and schedules.  The Amtrack station is also about a mile away.  Getting around the ballpark is easy and the washrooms are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 4 Blue Rocks tickets start at $13 for General Admission and go up to $15 for a box seat and $18 for field-level box seats.  Parking is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The gameday experience in Wilmington is solid and fans will have a good time.  In the end, the value of a Blue Rocks game is strong. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame and the excellent Judy Johnson display. An extra mark for the seemingly organic popularity of Mr. Celery, who has permeated much of the Blue Rocks promotion. An extra mark for the success the Blue Rocks have enjoyed on the field with five league titles, including four in their first eight years. Final Thoughts With an excellent acknowledgment of Delaware baseball and sports history, the Wilmington Blue Rocks have put together a good presentation of Minor League Baseball.  Judy Johnson Field @ Daniel S. Frawley Stadium is a solid home for the team and offers plenty for fans.  The popularity of the Mr. Celery character is curious and seems pretty organic.  It is just something that needs to be seen in person to fully understand. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey This past Labour Day weekend in Canada marked the CFL’s first ever visit to Vancouver Island, when the Ottawa RedBlacks took on the BC Lions at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria. Touchdown Pacific follows past successes with Touchdown Atlantic, the CFL pre-season and regular season exhibition games held in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, which have occurred every few years since 2005. The CFL game in Victoria follows a recent trend of different leagues scheduling their football contests in faraway locations, for example the NFL hosting games in England, Germany, and Brazil in the past few years, and United States college football hosting games recently in Australia and Ireland. Touchdown Pacific, presented by WestJet, was more than just a football game, and included 3 days of fun for the whole family – the festivities included a BC Lions open practice, the Touchdown Pacific Festival at Ship Point Inner Harbour on Thursday and Friday, and of course the game itself on Saturday, August 31st. The game itself, won by the Lions 38-12, broke a 5-game losing streak for BC, who came into the game 5-6; the game served as a sort of revenge for BC, who lost by 7 to the same RedBlacks one week earlier in Ottawa. The Lions dominated in all phases of the game during Touchdown Pacific, outgaining the RedBlacks by almost 200 yards, and going into halftime with a 31-6 lead. The RedBlacks came into the game 7-2, 2nd in their division behind Montreal, while the Lions came in tied for 1st place in their division with Winnipeg. The game in Victoria was covered by TSN and had a reported attendance of 14,727. It is not yet known whether there will be additional Touchdown Pacific games in the future.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Buckley Field 4300 Powelton Ave Philadelphia, PA 19104 Drexel Dragons website Buckley Field website Year Opened: 2017 (renovation) Capacity: 500 (estimation) Roar Like a Dragon Located about a mile from Drexel University’s main campus in Center City Philadelphia, the Vidas Athletic Complex consists of several fields that are home to several of the Dragons' athletic programs. In the back of the complex is Buckley Field, home of Drexel field hockey. This stadium was extensively renovated in 2017 and is named after Bob Buckley, a member of the Drexel Board of Trustees. Elsewhere in the complex, you will find Vidas Field , home of Drexel soccer and lacrosse, as well as a softball field, tennis courts, and a practice field. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Buckley Field, but fans are free to bring their own. There are plenty of places to buy food nearby. Atmosphere 3 The seating area at Buckley Field consists of one set of bleachers along one sideline. These seats put you pretty close to the field and you will have a great view of the action. Many fans also choose to stand along the fence surrounding the field. Keep in mind that depending on how close you are, you may be within range of the water cannons, so be sure to move away when they turn them on before the game and at halftime unless you want to get wet. (This is not such a bad thing on a hot day early in the season, but if it is a cold, windy, 40-degree day in late October or early November, you will regret it.) A small scoreboard on the right side shows the score, clock, and time remaining on penalty cards. For the most part, there is little going on here other than the game, but there is one unique tradition. Before Drexel penalty corners, the sound of a dragon roaring is played over the PA system, an allusion to Drexel's nickname. This gets the crowd fired up for what is typically a big moment in the game. Neighborhood 5 Buckley Field is located about a mile from Drexel’s campus in the Center City area of Philadelphia. Just within a few blocks of the stadium, you will find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to Jamaican to Indian to Ethiopian and many others. Of course, every Philadelphian has their favorite place to get a cheesesteak in the city. For other entertainment, the Philadelphia Zoo is less than two miles away and history buffs will want to check out the Liberty Bell and other historic sites while they are in town. Fans 3 Drexel draws about 100-200 fans a game for field hockey, many of them friends and family of the players. Although this is a typical crowd in numbers, it is a more passionate bunch than at most places. The crowd can get rowdy at times, such as during penalty corners or scoring opportunities for the Dragons. They come decked in Drexel gear and seem dedicated to supporting the team for the whole game. Access 4 There are many highways into Philadelphia although you will have to do the last couple of miles of driving on city streets which can have heavy traffic at times. Once you arrive at the Vidas Athletic Complex, you will drive through the gates into a parking lot in front of the soccer stadium. Parking here is free, a rarity in a major city like Philadelphia, and if the lot fills up, street parking is available nearby. Once you park, you will walk around the corner to the right, past the soccer stadium, and go back past the field house and restrooms to get to Buckley Field. The lot may fill up, especially if there is another event in the complex before the field hockey game. Restrooms (real ones, not Port-a-Potties) are located behind the field house in between Buckley Field and Vidas Field, and are of sufficient size for the crowds, even if multiple events are going on at once in the complex. If arriving by public transit, the 46th Street metro station on the Market-Frankford Line (currently rebranding as the L) is only a few blocks away from the complex. You will enter through the same entrance as vehicles and follow the same directions as above. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Drexel field hockey games is free, parking is free if you manage to snag a space in the lot, and you won't pay anything for concessions because there aren't any. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Keep in mind that free admission applies to regular-season games only. For conference and NCAA tournament games, there may be an admission charge. Extras 4 There is a merchandise table selling Drexel athletic gear between Buckley Field and Vidas Field. The hats that look like Drexel mascot Mario the Dragon are especially popular. A second star for the dragon roar during penalty corners, a unique sound effect. On the far side of the field, look for the flags honoring Drexel's appearances in the NCAA tournament. A fourth star for the chance to see multiple games in the Vidas Athletic complex in one visit. If you time things right, you can easily see a soccer and field hockey game back to back. Final Thoughts With the roar of the dragon and the passionate crowds, a Drexel field hockey game can be a fun way to spend a fall afternoon or evening if you follow the sport. In any case, it's hard to argue with the chance to see a sporting event completely for free, especially in a major city like Philadelphia.

Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The 2024 NFL season is upon us, with the season having kicked off on Thursday, September 5th – it’s an annual rite of passage for fans to plan out their season, look at schedules, book trips, and shop for tickets. However, it’s also a reality that the current state of economics in the country is due to inflation. In the past decade, the cost of attending NFL games has skyrocketed, outpacing even the rate of inflation in most teams’ home markets. This phenomenon, known by economists in the entertainment sector as “funflation”, was recently analyzed by the experts at Freebets.com . Tracking ticket costs and food and beverage pricing among other metrics for the past 10 years, the results found that: •         NFL attendance costs have risen at 142% of the rate of inflation since 2015. •         The average cost of attending an NFL game increased by 44% from 2015 to 2024, which significantly outpaces general inflation of 31% during the same period. •         NFL teams who have most increased the overall price of attendance include the Las Vegas Raiders  (+129%), Cleveland Browns  (+112%), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers  (+88%). At the other end of the spectrum, the New York Jets  (+5%), Dallas Cowboys  (+8%), and New York Giants  (+14%) have gone against the trend of overinflated costs – while their costs have gone up, they are significantly lower than most teams in the NFL. However, in the decade that was analyzed, the gap in prices between general admission and premium tickets has continued to widen; this seems to indicate a growing disparity between the types of game experiences that fans can take part in. Many factors have contributed to the rising costs, which at some point could challenge the average fan’s ability to attend games in person. However, attendance rates show no sign of slowing down in the interim, proving the NFL is still the king of pro sports in the United States. Click this link to read the full report from Freebets.com . ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Minor League Baseball has returned to Columbus, Georgia, and the franchise will be known as the Columbus Clingstones. The franchise introduced its branding and uniforms at an event in town on Friday afternoon. Team colors are black, peach, yellow, and Kelly green.  However, what is a clingstone?  Diamond Baseball Holdings explained in a press release that it is “one of the most popular varieties of peaches, named for its flesh that stubbornly clings to the pit, signifying the grit and determination the team will display on the field as well as an unyielding commitment to the community.  The name and the logo embrace the peach as an iconic representation of the state of Georgia.” Photos Courtesy of Diamond Baseball Holdings The roundel primary logo features a smiling, anthropomorphic clingstone peach holding a bat at his side and wearing his cap backward. Secondary logos include a scripted wordmark of the city, an inaugural season patch, a peach headshot, and a baseball bat tree, including peach-colored baseballs. The Clingstones revealed three uniforms: all white with a script Clingstone wordmark with a black and green bill cap, a black top uniform with the team logo on the right chest, and white pants, but the third uniform stands out. It is a peach-colored chromo look with a green wordmark script, along with an all-green cap.   Photos Courtesy of Diamond Baseball Holdings The Clingstones also opened up a team shop that includes a collection of merchandise in various colors. The ball club will debut in April 2025 at the newly renovated Synovus Park, formerly Golden Park, which opened in 1926.  Final Thoughts It's a fresh new look for the world of minor league baseball. The primary look of the clingstone peach is a home run, along with the unique color combination of black, peach, and Kelly green. It is what a minor league baseball should look like. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McGonigle Hall 1800 N Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19121 Temple Owls website McGonigle Hall website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 3,900 Give a Hoot for Temple Volleyball Located on the campus of Temple University in the heart of Philadelphia, McGonigle Hall is home to the Owls' volleyball program, as well as the gymnastics and fencing teams. The 3,900-seat arena opened in 1969 and served as the home of Temple men's basketball until 1997 when the Liacouras Center opened down the street. Women's basketball continued to play in McGonigle until 2022 when they joined the men at Liacouras. The volleyball arena itself is part of a larger complex that includes the full McGonigle Hall building as well as the connected Pearson Hall. These buildings include practice facilities, athletic offices, weight rooms, and classrooms. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at McGonigle Hall at the back of the concourse behind the baseline. Only a basic menu is served here, with hot dogs, soft pretzels, and popcorn the only hot items. Candy, chips, bottled water, and soft drinks are also available. The concession stand will not open until close to game time, if not later. There are other options inside the larger McGonigle Hall building as well. Vending machines are available in the lobby, which sells what you would expect from one, and there is a Panera Bread location that sells its usual menu, which fans can bring into the stadium. The Panera Bread caters to the whole Temple student body, not just fans attending a volleyball match, so the lines can get long. If you go this route, we recommend buying your food before the game. Fans are also free to bring their food into the arena. Atmosphere 4 Walking through the front doors of McGonigle Hall will put you in the lobby of the larger building. The volleyball arena itself is through a set of glass doors to your right, and you can then walk up or down to your seat, as all seating is general admission. The lower sections are plastic bleachers with seatbacks, and are not much different from regular seats, except that there is one continuous bench to sit on, instead of individual seats. The seatbacks in the lower level fold down from the back, and fans will often stomp on empty ones during the game to generate noise. Two scoreboards in the corners show only the basic information, while two video boards are in the other two corners. Keep in mind the part of the basic scoreboard that purports to show team fouls (a holdover from McGonigle's days hosting basketball) shows how many sets a team has won. The points total shows how many points they have won in the current set. Before a Temple volleyball game, the lights go out in the arena and a hype video plays on the videoboards to get the crowd ready. A spotlight shines on the players as they are introduced, and then the announcer shouts "Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Owls," holding the O in "Go" for an impressively long time. During breaks in the action, the videoboards can be used to display trivia or other interactive content. Neighborhood 3 Temple University is located in North Philadelphia near the intersection of Girard Avenue and Broad Street. Although this was once a very bad neighborhood, it has improved somewhat. There are multiple chain restaurants within a block of the arena, including the always-popular Raising Cane's. Other restaurants are located nearby along Girard Street, including John's Seafood, Crown Fried Chicken, and Angie's Vietnamese Cuisine. The Met Philadelphia, a prominent concert hall, is a short walk away on Broad Street. You will find other options nearby as well, including Larry's Steaks, serving up the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak. Fans 4 The Owls draw a good crowd for volleyball, and while the upper sections will the pretty empty, the lower sections will be mostly full. While the crowd may not be as big in numbers as some schools, these fans are loud, passionate, and rowdy. They shout, scream, and stomp on the seats or the ground. Temple students show up in good numbers as well, which helps the atmosphere here. Interest in college volleyball seems to be on the rise, so the experience could be even better here soon. Access 5 If driving to McGonigle Hall, you will park either in the lot right next door or in the Liacouras Center Garage about a block away. Either way, parking is $22, payable by credit card on exit. If coming from within Philadelphia, you can use the Cecil B. Moore metro station on the Broad Street Line (currently rebranding as the B), which is about a block away. Parking in the adjacent lot may be difficult, especially on weekdays, but you should have no trouble parking in the Liacouras Garage. If there is an event going on there, parking may be more expensive, but you should still find a spot. Restrooms are available in the lobby of the McGonigle-Pearson Halls complex. To get there from the arena, exit through the glass doors and turn right. Walk to the back of the lobby under the staircase, and turn left. The restrooms are in an alcove up ahead. If this sounds complex, the good news is the way to the restrooms is signed, but the bad news is the way back is not. Make sure to turn left out of the restroom into the alcove, then right into the main part of the building. Then head straight ahead to the arena doors. There is very little legroom in the seating area, so getting to and from your seat can be difficult, as can getting up to let others in. Return on Investment 3 Admission to Temple volleyball games is free, and concessions are reasonably priced, but paying over $20 for parking brings this score down significantly. . Extras 2 A graphic featuring pairs of owl eyes overlooks the court at McGonigle Hall, glaring down from above, as a reference to Temple's unique athletic nickname. A second star for the pregame introductions, complete with hype video and spotlight. Final Thoughts McGonigle Hall may not be as modern or fancy as the Liacouras Center down the street, but Temple volleyball has a good home here. With rowdy fans and a stadium setup that seems to suit them, a Temple volleyball game can be quite an exciting experience.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL)  announced on September 12th that they will return to familiar surroundings in time for the 2025 season. After spending the 2024 season at historic Rice Stadium , the Roughnecks will return to TDECU Stadium in 2025.   “In an exciting new chapter for the Houston Roughnecks , we're thrilled to return to the University of Houston’s newly renovated TDECU Stadium ,” said UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon. “Our partnership with the University of Houston has been a highlight in our spring football journey, and we can’t wait to build on the electric atmosphere we experienced in 2020 and 2023 at TDECU Stadium. Their state-of-the-art venue will surely elevate our game-day experience and deepen our connection within the Houston community.”   TDECU Stadium , on the campus of the University of Houston, was the home for the Roughnecks during its 2020 and 2023 seasons as members of the XFL. In 2023, the Cougars were accepted into the Big 12 Conference.   To keep up with promotion to a Power Four conference, the university began significant renovations to the stadium and its surrounding facilities, including added premium seating options and new video boards. Because of the work done on the stadium, the Roughnecks were forced to relocate for their maiden season in the UFL.   “We are excited to welcome the return of the Roughnecks to TDECU Stadium and the campus of the University of Houston,” Houston Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Eddie said. “It is a thrill for us to showcase football year-round inside TDECU Stadium while sharing the latest in fan-focused facility upgrades with the Roughnecks and their passionate supporters.”   “This relationship with the Roughnecks and United Football League not only enhances our mission for Houston Athletics to be a centerpiece within the community but also creates valuable opportunities for monetary growth and investment in our department.”   The 10-game regular season schedule for the Roughnecks and the UFL has yet to be announced, but games are slated to kick off in the spring of 2025. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Donnie Wise "The Mayor" joins us this week to discuss Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) and its impact on Minor League Baseball (MiLB). DBH is a group that has acquired 35 MiLB teams, and its presence marks a significant shift in how minor league teams are owned and managed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 New Jersey Motorsports Park 8000 Dividing Creek Rd Millville, NJ 08332 SpeedTour website New Jersey Motorsports Park website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 New Jersey’s Place to Race Taking over part of a historic WWII airfield, New Jersey Motorsports Park is a unique facility. Featuring two race circuits, condos on site, and historic landmarks, this is definitely a track that sets itself apart from the rest. Having hosted the likes of Indy NXT and IMSA in years past, the current marque event is the annual Summer SpeedTour round. Featuring SVRA, FR and F4, and Formula Race Promotions, this event offers lots to see in a state that doesn’t have much when it comes to motorsports.   Food & Beverage   2 There isn’t much for concessions at NJMP – aside from a few food trucks, the offerings are slim. There is one concession stand at the bottom of the main paddock building next to the track store, but some days it isn’t even open for fans. There is, however, a full-service restaurant on premises that is open during race weekends called The Finish Line Pub, that is always popular among crews and drivers.   Atmosphere   3 The track itself has undergone some significant renovations in recent years – a full repave of the track, as well as upgrades to the viewing grandstands, are just a few of the changes. There are also the new trackside condos that are under construction, which should add to the quality of the experience at NJMP. While no large single grandstand exists for the track, multiple small general admission grandstands are placed around the circuit, meaning you can watch from numerous angles around the course to catch the action all day. The main paddock also features a two-floor building with a second-level patio that overlooks the back straight, as well as a track team store downstairs where you can pick up NJMP merchandise.   Neighborhood   3 The town of Millville is uniquely located just outside the famous Jersey Shore area of Cape May. Located in the southern portion of the state, this quiet town doesn’t have much in terms of attractions outside of the track and the Airport Museum next door. There are several restaurant and hotel chains nearby that can satisfy your needs, but this area is kind of out of the way from most other parts of the state that would be more attractive to tourism.   Fans   3 The fans at NJMP don’t have many large events at the circuit anymore, meaning the SpeedTour weekend is the biggest race of the year. With that said, while they don’t come out in droves for the race, they still make their presence known with a respectable crowd on race day. Add to this the car shows that are scheduled during the event, and you have solid attendance when looking down from the rooftop viewing platform.   Access   3 To get to New Jersey Motorsports Park, take route 55 south from Highway 40 or the greater Philadelphia area. Then, just follow all signage to the Millville Airport – there is plenty of signage taking you to the track once you get closer. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find, and a large track map helps you find your way once you get inside the main entrance. However, once off route 55 most of the roads are small town roads with plenty of stop signs and traffic lights, leading to a slower drive into the facility.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SpeedTour weekend at NJMP are very affordable; a one-day ticket is just $20, and a three-day pass only costs $40. Parking on site is free and plentiful – add to this the ease of getting around the circuit to view multiple locations from various general admission grandstands, and you have a great race value for the whole family.   Extras   4 The track was once part of a WWII fighter training field, so you can see various artifacts from that era around the circuit. The biggest attraction is the gun sight test range, where bullet holes are still visible in the concrete bunker right next to the track. The track also has a rooftop terrace on the main tower, giving you views of practically the entire circuit. Finally, autograph sessions are held for FR and F4 drivers during the weekend, giving you a chance to meet some of the brightest stars of racing before they make it to the big time.   Final Thoughts Though not the most spectacular or special circuit around, New Jersey Motorsports Park fills a need in the region. Not much is available for motorsports enthusiasts in New Jersey, so this circuit offers something not found elsewhere nearby. If you’re looking to check a track off the list, a swing through the Garden State may be in the cards if you’re here during SpeedTour weekend.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 East Lake Golf Club 2575 Alston Drive SE Atlanta, GA 30317 TOUR Championship website East Lake Golf Club website Year Opened: 1904 It All Comes Down to This East Lake Golf Club was established at its current location in 1904. One of its early members was Atlanta lawyer Robert Jones and his family, which included his young son, Bobby. At just six years old, Bobby won East Lake’s children’s tournament, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most successful golf careers in history. Jones went on to win thirteen major tournaments, including the U.S. Amateur, which was considered one of the Grand Slam tournaments until the 1950s. In addition to his skill on the course, Bobby Jones was a talented golf course architect, most notably designing Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. Since 2005, historic East Lake Golf Club has hosted the PGA Tour’s season-ending event, the TOUR Championship. The top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings qualify for the first of three playoff events, the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The field is then narrowed to 50 for the BMW Championship, with the top 30 advancing to the TOUR Championship at East Lake in Atlanta. The tournament starts with the leader in FedEx points at 10 under par and a two-stroke lead over number two in points, who starts at 8 under – this continues to the golfers in positions 26-30, who begin the tournament at even par.   Food & Beverage   5 Food and drink options are abundant at nearly every turn at East Lake during the TOUR Championship, with more than fifteen general food and beverage vendors available. Patrons can enjoy local favorites such as BBQ from the highly regarded Fox Bros. BBQ, sandwiches from Oakhurst Market, and pub fare from Universal Joint and Poco Loco. One of Atlanta’s most popular boutique burger spots, Farm Burger, also offers a variety of choices. While the classic burger is on the menu, the focus here is on sliders, which come with toppings like caramelized onions, fried jalapeños, or a turkey burger. For a taste of New England, patrons can visit Cousins Maine Lobster, where two styles of lobster rolls are available: the Maine style served cold with mayo, or the Connecticut style served warm with drawn butter. Other offerings include lobster grilled cheese, lobster quesadillas, and the Maine whoopie pie—a unique treat of two chocolate, cake-like biscuits with a sweet cream filling. Beverage choices are equally abundant at East Lake. It would be nearly sacrilegious if anything other than Coca-Cola products were served at an event this size in Atlanta, but along with Coca-Cola being prominently featured, a variety of sports drinks, energy drinks, and iced tea are also available. For those seeking something a bit stronger, there are numerous locations on both the front and back nine offering mixed drinks, seltzers, and wine, as well as craft and domestic beers. Guests are also allowed to bring reusable water bottles, which can be refilled at several water stations throughout the course. There are so many various food options here, ranging from meals to quick bites, to snacks and sweet treats, that visitors would be hard-pressed to not find something to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.   Atmosphere   4 Much has been made of the LIV Tour’s impact on the PGA Tour, and its effects are evident in the field of the TOUR Championship, where some of golf’s biggest names are absent – names like Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm are noticeably missing. It’s somewhat disappointing not to see all the top stars competing for the $25 million prize. Nevertheless, despite the absence of some fan favorites, the field remains strong, featuring previous FedEx Cup champions like Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Xander Schauffele. The 2024 TOUR Championship saw nearly a completely new course – following the 2023 tournament, East Lake Golf Club underwent a year-long renovation to restore the course closer to its 1949 Donald Ross design. The result is a nearly new layout that emphasizes ball control, precision off the tee, and accuracy on approach shots. In the first tournament post-renovation, the greens were firm, making it challenging to hold approach shots. Expanded chipping areas were also added, funneling shots that couldn’t hold the green. The TOUR Championship ensures a first-class experience for patrons. Public-access tee and greenside lounges provide comfortable spaces to get out of the sun and grab a bite or beverage while watching the action, while higher-end clubs and lounges provide more of a social setting as part of the tournament experience. Regardless of the setup, public, credentialed, and on-course gathering areas are outfitted with televisions showing live tournament coverage, as well as college football during Saturday’s round. Digital leaderboards and stat boards keep patrons updated with the leader, and also provide advanced analytics on hole performance; it is nice to be able to get a bit more than Greens in Regulation, driving distance, or driving yardage. When it comes to watching golf in person, there is no single right way to enjoy the tournament. Some fans prefer to camp out at a par-3, hoping to witness a hole-in-one, while others choose to follow their favorite golfer throughout the course. For a well-rounded experience, arriving early at the public bleachers on the 1st tee to watch each pairing start, then walking the front nine backward allows spectators to see each group twice. As the final pairings tee off, the early groups will be coming through the par-3 9th hole. On the back nine, holes 10 through 13 are clustered together, providing a great vantage point to catch plenty of action without having to cover much ground. Regardless of the approach, getting to the 18th green early, especially on Sunday, is a must to catch the tournament’s conclusion. Space here is limited, and fans often set up tailgating chairs on the grassy hill behind the green to secure their spot and follow the action before the final moments.   Neighborhood   4 East Lake Golf Club is the focal point of the East Lake neighborhood, located just under six miles east of downtown Atlanta. Once one of the city’s most troubled areas, plagued by crime and dilapidated buildings, the neighborhood has seen significant revitalization thanks to investments by the East Lake Foundation. New schools and a community center have contributed to the area’s transformation. Just a mile north of East Lake is the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur, which neighbors Atlanta. Oakhurst offers a variety of restaurants, many with patio seating, as well as shops and Scepter Brewing Arts. Dining options range from Mojo’s Pizza and Mezcalito Cantina to Steinbeck’s Pub, Ford’s BBQ, and Paolino’s Italian, among others. However, given the proximity to downtown Atlanta, if the surrounding neighborhood does not have enough to interest you, there are nearly endless dining, shopping, and entertainment options a short trip away from the course.   Fans   4 With the field whittled to just 30 golfers for the PGA Tour’s finale, galleries can swell remarkably, especially around the leading pairings on Sunday afternoon. It was at East Lake where one of golf’s most iconic recent moments occurred, during the 2018 TOUR Championship, following Tiger Woods’ tee shot on the 18th hole a massive crowd surged onto the fairway behind him. It was a genuine, organic display of fan excitement on the course. Despite the high stakes of the season-ending purse, patrons generally maintain a respectful golf atmosphere. Aside from a few isolated instances, there is not a large issue with nonsensical utterances that’s sole purpose is for someone to say, “You think they heard that on TV?”.   Access   4 By their nature, golf clubs typically lack expansive parking lots, so parking is provided off-site with patrons shuttled to the venue. Two primary locations for this service are the Georgia World Congress Center, near Mercedes-Benz Stadium , and Center Parc Stadium in the Summerhill neighborhood, home to the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia State Panthers football, respectively. Rideshare drop-off and pickup are located along 2nd Avenue, providing direct access to the 13th hole and ticket windows for walk-up patrons. Another possible option might be using Atlanta’s MARTA rail system, whose East Lake station is just a five-minute ride away. Additionally, the MARTA bus routes have stops along the perimeter of the venue. Golf courses can be difficult to navigate, but the PGA accommodates patrons with mobility challenges by offering ADA shuttle locations throughout the course.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets for Wednesday’s practice rounds start at $30, providing a great opportunity to experience the course in a more relaxed atmosphere with much smaller crowds. However, grounds passes increase significantly starting Thursday, the first day of competition – entry begins at $75 on Thursday, rises to $85 for Friday’s round, then goes up to $97 on Saturday, and is even higher for Sunday’s final round. The best bet is to purchase tickets as early as possible, as they typically go on sale in the winter months at discounted rates. There are also several premium ticket options for clubs and suites around the course, starting at a few hundred dollars. These areas provide a more comfortable viewing experience, with some packages including food and drink. The PGA Tour recognizes the importance of engaging the next generation of golfers, offering free admission for children 15 and under with each paying adult. Additionally, complimentary passes and discounted tickets are available for active military personnel and veterans. While ticket prices can be a bit pricy, it is important to keep in mind that the TOUR Championship is the culminating event of the PGA Tour season, with $25 million at stake. Though not one of golf’s major tournaments, it holds considerable significance as it in essence crowns the season-long champion. Concession prices are generally in line with what would be found at most major sporting events – while some items might raise an eyebrow, substantial food options are typically priced as expected.   Extras   5 The Tee Up Atlanta event kicks off the week on Monday night, with a concert to raise funds for local charities. In previous years the kickoff event has featured a red carpet at the College Football Hall of Fame, while for 2024 the event was a concert headlined by Atlanta native, 2 Chainz. Golf offers patrons unparalleled access to players that is rarely seen in other professional sports. The walkway from the parking lot to the clubhouse is often lined with fans seeking autographs, those seeking a pre-round selfie, or simply looking to wish golfers well on their rounds. Special accommodations are made for golf’s youngest fans with designated autograph areas, ensuring they are not pinched out by more aggressive adults who might also be looking to secure signatures. The SO COOL Pavilion provides an inviting space for patrons to grab a bite, relax at picnic tables, or cool down with misters. The area features a massive TV screen showing football games on Saturdays and live tournament coverage on other days. Several vendors are also present, along with a large PGA shop stocked with souvenirs and tournament apparel. The First Tee Center also provides virtual and other interactive golf experiences. The area neighboring the 16th green, which seems to be the course’s nursery, has been transformed into the USGA’s Junior Pitch, Chip, and Putt compilation site, as well as a general patron putting area sponsored by PGA Superstore, where visitors can try out various putters. While the view from the 5th tee box has a picturesque look at Atlanta's horizon, it is the walk down the 7th fairway that has amazing views of the Atlanta skyline, and the buildings that seemingly are growing out of the city’s thick tree canopy.   Final Thoughts Despite not being one of golf’s four major tournaments, the TOUR Championship comes with a great deal of excitement and prestige as the season’s final event. To be part of the tournament that crowns the PGA season champion comes with a lot of excitement, and can produce some of golf’s most memorable moments. While the tournament itself would be entertaining on its own merits, tournament organizers have done a fantastic job combining the tournament with an outstanding fan experience. If catching professional golf is on the annual sporting “To Do List”, the TOUR Championship definitely should be in consideration.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Haynes Family Stadium University Dr Northfield, VT 05663 Norwich Cadets website Haynes Family Stadium website Year Opened : 1921 Capacity : 3,000 On the March in Norwich The Norwich Cadets football team competes in the NCAA’s Division III as part of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference, aka NEWMAC. Their home football field is Sabine Field at Haynes Family Stadium, which is also used for the university’s soccer and lacrosse teams, as well as occasionally for rugby. The facility was dedicated in 1921 and is named after a former alumnus who donated money to purchase some of the land the university sits on.   Food & Beverage   1 There is a food truck behind one end zone, with only four items on the menu – hot dogs, smash burgers, fries, and canned sodas. The fries are $4 and taste great (they are the thinner, crispy kind), but the hot dogs are overpriced at $7, and the burgers are pre-made, so they are not the best.   Atmosphere   5 This section is where Norwich football stands out – the school is America’s first private military college, and the student body of cadets makes its presence known at football games here. For starters, you can watch the cadets march into the stadium by company, with company banners held high, after which they participate in the pre-game festivities. The march-in is something to see and is just as spectacular at Haynes Family Field as it would be at any other military school. It might even be better here, as the cadets at Norwich wear white, which pops nicely against the backdrop of green. But the military fanfare does not stop there – not even close. The area around the field is also decked out with military paraphernalia, including a small F-16 overhanging the team gear tent. But by far, the most impressive sight is behind the far end zone, where you can find a propeller from the WWII Flying Tigers, an anchor, and a full-size (yes, you read that right) Sherman tank! What could be better than that? Fans are welcome to walk up and get a closer look at the tank and other items and can enjoy snapping some photos. Note that these mementos are not just for fun; they are here to honor Norwich cadets who moved on to serve in the Air Force, Navy, and Army Armored Corps.   Neighborhood   2 Norwich is confusingly not located in the Vermont town of Norwich but instead is in Northfield, which is about 50 miles north of Norwich. The campus and football field are a bit off the beaten path, being a few miles from Interstate 89, the closest major highway. There are a few small restaurants in town – an ice cream food truck down the street from campus seems to be pretty popular, but there are no hotels in town (the closest is probably 8 or 9 miles away, near the aforementioned interstate). There also aren’t any attractions nearby, mostly parks and waterfalls, although there is a history museum about 10 miles away. And if you are looking for something a little kitsch, you can find North America’s largest zipper in Barre, VT, about 14 miles from Norwich University.   Fans   2 The stands are pretty empty at your typical Norwich Football game, although the fans who are there cheer loudly and try to will their team to victory. I didn’t notice much traffic at the team gear stand, however.   Access   4 Depending on where you are coming from, it might be a bit of a trek to come to tiny Northfield, VT. However, once you get to the facility, the access could not be easier – there is a parking lot right next to Haynes Family Stadium, and you are allowed to re-enter the venue at your leisure if you need to walk out to your car, for example. Note there are no tickets, digital or otherwise, just hand stamps for all entrants. There is also plenty of room to move around the plaza where the team gear store and concessions are, and fans are welcome to walk around the stadium to sit on either side or to take pictures of the tank or other military items on site. Note there are no bathrooms inside Haynes Family Stadium itself, but there are bathrooms just behind one end zone in the armory building, less than 50 yards from the main stands.   Return on Investment   4 Norwich football is a pretty no-frills sort of experience, but they do have cheerleaders and a great mascot (he even has a saber). The cost is only $6 to get in, which is as cheap a price as you will probably ever see for a sporting event – this cost is well worth it for the military memorabilia alone, especially the full-size Sherman tank. My best advice, though, is you might want to eat before you come if you are looking for more variety or something more filling than what the food truck has on offer.   Extras   2 I mentioned the cadets and mascot already, as well as the military memorabilia, but another great plus is how close you can get to the action here. Some fans watch from the grassy area behind the end zone or stand along the fence that surrounds the field – either of these locations can make you feel like you are really in the thick of things.   Final Thoughts Though a football game at Haynes Family Stadium is a no-frills type of experience, it is cheap and low-harassed as well – there are no big crowds to fight, and it is easy to move around. Some fans might miss the energy of 50,000+ of your closest friends cheering along with them, but if you simply love the game of football, you can have a great time here and see some great military artifacts to boot.

You would think changing a pejorative team name is a 21st-century issue, but that may not be the case. It is not a new phenomenon; one would have to go back to 1907 when a baseball team in Jacksonville, Illinois, was scrutinized to make a name change. That team was the Jacksonville Lunatics. It was not a decision made by team owners to adopt the Lunatics nickname but by the newspapers of the late 19th century who linked the players to the Jacksonville Developmental Center, which opened in 1851. It would be called the Jacksonville State Lunatic Asylum in the newspapers.  Its creation was to shift the economic burden of the mentally ill onto the state, which paid all of the patient’s expenses. Newspaper articles referring to the asylum described the residents as raving maniacs, insane, crazy, and lunatics. Other stories reported on residents escaping, locals committing, and former residents committing suicide in a fit of insanity. Not surprisingly, when the Jacksonville team took the field in the Illinois-Iowa League for the 1892 season, the cigar-chomping sports writers couldn’t wait to slam down on their typewriters about the boys from Lunatic Town. All through the season, visiting newspapers added mischievous jests at the town known for its state hospital and residents. One would only have to look up the first month’s stories from April and May to see the descriptive words used to describe the ball club. It did not take the local Jacksonville newspaper, the Illinois Daily Courier , long to notice what the other league cities were printing in their papers about the Jacksonville Ball Club. “Nulton was the next man to face the twirler from lunatic town ” “As he stood eyeing the pitcher from insaneville a few in the grandstand who hadn’t got their money’s worth began to give him a little roast by calling him baby.” “The Lunatics got the way the insane asylum at Jacksonville operated.” “When the demented creatures attempted to strike back their poor, weak efforts showed the lack of proper nourishment…” “When the demented creatures  attempted to strike back their poor, weak efforts showed the lack of proper nourishment  and indicated that the good things of life were for the managers only” “Eight of them wildly beat the ambient air and went back to their benches, not particularly wiser but considerably madder men. ” Much of this research was conducted by the University of St. Mary, Dr. Joe Squillace, associate professor at the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas. He conducted extensive research on the baseball club that resulted in his journal entry entitled “Changing Community Perceptions of Baseball Team Names: The Case of the Jacksonville Lunatics” .  He joined me on a recent  episode of the Ballpark Hunter Podcast  to discuss the history of the club and its peculiar nickname. “If you are a sportswriter, you are all about sarcasm, quips, and jabs at the enemy team. It was no different than what you see at the high school level between two football teams on a Friday night. You always want to take a jab at the opposing school.” The team would cease operations after three seasons and return for a brief  7-week period in 1900. In 1906, a new Jacksonville team joined the Kentucky- Illinois-Tennessee League (Kitty League), returning the Lunatics name used 12 years earlier. The following year, the local newspapers began thinking about using the name. Right before the start of the 1907 season, Jacksonville joined the Iowa State League, and the Jacksonville Daily-Courier  newspaper opted for a new name, referring to them as the Kittens due to many players being on last year’s Kitty League team. The paper issued the following words on May 7, the opening of the season. “By the way, don’t you think that Kittens is a much nicer name than the Lunatics? And besides it’s much more appropriate, as we are former Kitty leaguers and youngsters, and then it seems real horrid to call the boys Lunatics. We’ve promised never to do it again, so there.” Jacksonville Lunatics team photo from 1908 when they joined the Central Association. It would lead to the Waterloo Courier agreeing to call them the Kittens since “the Jacksonville Courier is not in favor of having the baseball team from that city go through the summer with the Lunatic attached to them.” The Quinc y Daily-Herald , Burlington Evening-Gazette , and the Waterloo Daily-Courier  also agreed to print the new name in newspaper articles. However, the Oskaloosa Daily-Herald , Waterloo Times-Herald , and Jacksonville’s second newspaper, the Daily-Journal,  continued to refer to the ball club as the Lunatics throughout the season.   “What you see by 1907 is the town struggling with the name Lunatics,” added Squillace. “They were trying to respect the medical community, and clearly, the language was becoming more pejorative. People in the community did not want to use that name anymore, but in the same year, other newspapers still called them the Lunatics. It is clear that the community wanted a change.”   To add further confusion, the papers from Marshalltown and Ottumwa referred to the club as the Jacksonville team. Does this sound like a particular NFL team from Washington?  By the end of the year, the Quincy paper began calling the ball club the Lunatics. Quickly, the old nickname fell back to fold, and the team went back to it in 1908. That’s the way it would be until baseball folded in town in 1910. Minor league or summer collegiate baseball would not return to Jacksonville, and the Lunatics name is long forgotten, along with a list of other former names, but what if baseball had persisted and the town grew? How long could the name have survived in the following decades? Could the name be used today for a new ball club?  Squillace added that a   name lasts as long as the community or culture lets it or until there is enough outcry for a change: “The Lunatic name would be shunned today by many due to the language and things we associate with the word from the past. It is not sports writers embracing the names; it is the corporate end that asks for input from the community. Language does change over time.” ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com