Ben Crenca used to suit for the men's basketball team at the University of Vermont (UVM). These days, he's wearing an entirely different uniform. Often, he's shirtless and in tights. Ben, who dabbled in Australian Rules Football post-college, is now a professional wrestler, and his ring name is Big Trouble Ben Bishop . BTBB took a time out to discuss his unique journey. STADIUM JOURNEY:So what comes first, basketball or wrestling? As a kid growing up in Rhode Island, who were your influences? BTBB: As a kid, pro wrestling was my number one love, but I realized early on that basketball could get me a bit further. So I chose that route, and it got me to prep school at Worcester Academy and then to UVM. I didn't have any Rhode Island-inspired influences, but I was a huge Kevin Nash fan. For basketball, like most back to the basket big men, I tried to model my game after Shaq, without the freak athleticism. So I guess I was more like a Vlade Divac. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's it like to compete in March Madness? What goes down that the television viewer doesn't see? BTBB: For a small school like UVM, competing in the Tourney was a dream. We got the first class treatment that we were not privy to during the regular season, like police escorts and all that jazz. A private plane too. The TVs are everywhere during the tourney, but it's cool to see other teams in the hotels and to interact with each other. We passed by Duke after losing to UNC and right before they got upset by C.J. McCollum and Lehigh. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's more dangerous - pro wrestling or Australian rules rugby? And are you still playing the latter? BTBB: They both have their own elements of danger, but pro wrestling can go wrong in an instant and be drastic. Aussie is mostly just very hard on the joints. I am not built to run long distances. I did have a shoulder separation in Aussie rules. No major injuries in wrestling, fingers crossed.. I no longer play Aussie rules. STADIUM JOURNEY: What prompted you to finally take the plunge and go for it as a pro wrestler? BTBB: I was approached by former WWE wrestler, James Ellsworth, at an indie show, and he asked me if I wanted to start training. The next day I was taking my first bump. I almost didn't go to the show. I nearly stayed home and continued playing Madden. At the eleventh hour, I decided to go. It was fate. STADIUM JOURNEY: How long and rigorous was the training process? What was the toughest thing to pick up? BTBB: Training is tough as the cardio is much different, and pro wrestling has unnatural movements like falling down voluntarily and getting back up quick. But the physical was not as hard as the mental. Wrestling is unlike other sports because we have to also be actors while being athletes. We have to tell a story with our body language. So it can be more mentally draining than physically draining. STADIUM JOURNEY: How is Big Trouble Ben Bishop born? Where does that come from? BTBB: It all comes from the movie Big Trouble In Little China. I love John Carpenter movies, so I decided to mold my character after Jack Burton. For example, he drives the Porkchop Express. That's where I got the moniker "Meatpop Express." STADIUM JOURNEY: And how do you go about getting matches, and what is a typical busy weekend like on the indie wrestling circuit? And have you worked for OVW? BTBB: You just have to network and sell yourself to promoters. You would think it would be easy for a guy like me, but it's difficult. This may be a surprise, but there is not much money in indie wrestling if you are not a TV name. So you have to pay out of pocket to get to some of these shows when you're starting off and handle all your logistics. Legit Planes, Trains and Automobiles. One weekend, I wrestled in Maryland, New Jersey, and then Memphis. Very long weekend. I have wrestled a few times for OVW. I worked Dimes, Cash Flo, and Tony Gunn. It’s not much different than other indies besides that it's televised, so you have to stick to the times. I was asked to be on Netflix's Wrestlers but I couldn’t make it work. Hoping to get back there in 2024. STADIUM JOURNEY: Mick Foley followed Stonybrook hoops somewhat religiously. As far as you know, did he ever see you play? BTBB: He did not, unfortunately. He stopped going to games when his father passed. I have been on shows with him, and we talked UVM hoops though. He was a fan of Taylor Coppenrath and TJ Sorrentine STADIUM JOURNEY: You somewhat recently returned to Burlington to wrestle. What was that homecoming like? BTBB: All I can say is that it was amazing. And it was basketball alumni weekend too. To see my former teammates and fans show up for me was surreal. We had a great time. STADIUM JOURNEY: When you're in Burlington, what are your must spots? BTBB: Burlington seems to have changed a bunch, but when I am there I enjoy going to Akes' Place and Mr Mikes. STADIUM JOURNEY: How often do your basketball and wrestling worlds collide? Do you know of any other former college basketball players who are now wrestlers? BTBB: I don't know many to be honest. I know Kevin Nash and Kane were college basketball players. Currently, I know a wrestler out of Pennsylvania named Pretty Boy Smooth - played a bit at Hofstra. STADIUM JOURNEY: Coolest venue that you ever played hoops in? BTBB: Greensboro Coliseum vs. UNC in the Tournament for obvious reasons. STADIUM JOURNEY: Favorite venue to wrestle in? Why? BTBB: The Mecca - Ridgefield Park, New Jersey - Knights of Columbus. Look it up. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photo Designed Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Several summer collegiate baseball clubs on the West Coast will compete in the Pacific Empire League this summer. The new league will feature a 25-game schedule, culminating in a best-of-3 championship series in late July/early August. Teams will also be allowed to schedule games with nearby teams at home that won't count in the PEL standings. The Healdsburg Prune Packers, Lincoln Potters, Humboldt Crabs, Medford Rogues, Solano Mudcats, and the West Coast Kings will be the six teams that will comprise PEL for the inaugural 2024 season. The league will offer a high-tech partnership with Trackman Baseball and Synergy Sports. It will provide data for college coaches on the analytical side, including exit velocities, spin rate, and pitch speed. Six cameras will be linked to allow college coaches to track their players. The six pre-existing franchises have played in various summer collegiate leagues in the Bay Area and Southern Oregon. The opportunity to compete in the new league with well-established clubs was a pull factor for Prune Packers GM/Head Coach Joe Gomes. “The Pacific Empire League checks all the boxes as a topnotch collegiate baseball league, featuring historic teams with devoted fanbases, and strong ties to college coaches and scouts. Our integrated tech further enhances player exposure and development.” Healdsburg Prune Packers  operated in the California Collegiate League for six seasons and won the last three league championships. Their home ballpark is Prune Packers Stadium. Lincoln Potters  operated in the California Collegiate League and has produced seven winning baseball seasons. Their home ballpark is McBean Stadium. Humboldt Crabs  is the oldest continually-operated summer collegiate baseball in the nation. The Crabs began operations in 1945. Their home ballpark is Arcata Ball Park. Medford Rogues  has been in business since 2013, attracting big crowds to Harry & David Field. Solano Mudcats  have been in business since 1990 and play at Vanden High School baseball field. West Coast Kings  captured the 2021 and 2023 West Coast World Series. The ball club plays at Solano Community College. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Leo D. Mahoney Arena Alumni Hall Sports Arena Loyola Drive Fairfield, CT 06824 Fairfield Stags website Leo D. Mahoney Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 3,500 A Jewel At The Heart Of The Fairfield Campus As fans approach the Leo D. Mahoney Arena, they will be drawn to a beautiful modern edifice yet tastefully designed. Large glass windows allow fans to see inside and get a glimpse of the seating area. Once inside the two-level facility is even more impressive. The project, which took less than three years to complete and cost $51 million all privately funded, opened in November and features 85,000 square feet, 3,500 seats, and multi-use space for basketball volleyball, university events, and concerts. The venue also includes a state-of-the-art broadcast and media center, a lounge on the second floor with a hot buffet, snacks, soft drinks, beer, and mixed drinks. The University partnered with industry leader Daktronics to design, manufacture and install 15 total LED displays for Mahoney Arena. The center-hung system is made up of nine displays – four main video displays, four corner wedges, and a lower ring. As fans enter the arena through the beautiful atrium, eyes are drawn to the court and lower bowl seating which is below the concourse, the massive scoreboard, and the wall of the upper level where it reads “HOME OF THE STAGS ” just under the American flag. Mahoney Arena replaced Alumni Hall which was situated on the same site and existed since 1959. The court was pivoted and is now more of an east-west configuration. The project was completed in under two years. The arena debuted on November 18 as the Fairfield University Women's Basketball team captured a 77-53 victory over Stonehill in the inaugural game. Food & Beverage 4 There are concessions stands in two corners of the lower and upper levels. A hot dog is $3.99 and a cheeseburger is $4.99 and $5.99 for a chicken caesar wrap. You can make it a combo for $7.99 or $8.99 respectively which includes chips and a soft drink. Hot chocolate, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine can also be purchased. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice. Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, High Noon, and White Claw are $9.99 and $7.99 for a glass of pinot grigio, rose, or cabernet sauvignon. The upper level has a beautiful club that can be purchased on a game-by-game basis or included as part of a season ticket plan. There is a full bar and buffet for each game with tables and bar stools for seating. Atmosphere 4 On this visit, the atmosphere was good but not electric as students were away for winter break There were no cheerleaders or band, but the game day staff did a good job using the scoreboard to entertain and mascot Lucas was on hand to meet and greet. The board was used for a couple of T-shirt tosses, the Flex Cam, and in-game contests. The arena is well lit and the public address announcements and music is so clear. Something that often is not the case at Mid-Major facilities. Fairfield Stags Banners, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Fairfield is a beautiful suburban city of about 62,000 residents. There are a number of shops and restaurants near the campus which is situated one mile from downtown. Legendary pizza places Colony Grill and Frank Pepe’s are within a 5-minute drive and solid Italian food options are close by on Route 1 (Post Road) at Centro and Quattro Pazzi restaurants. Fans 4 Fairfield is a small school (about 5,000 undergraduates) but gets good support from its alums and students. The student section is dubbed the “Red Sea” student section and an area on the concourse is appropriately named the Red Sea Pub. The Stags who play in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) have not been in the NCAA Tournament since 1997, but the Arena will provide a huge boost to the program which had to play the past two seasons at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport. Access 5 The campus is easily accessible. It is located just one mile from Route 1 and I-95 and 10 minutes from the Merritt Parkway and is a 5-minute drive to the Fairfield Metro North Station. With the exception of the occasional accident on I-95, getting in and out is easy. There is a garage across from the arena which is free and there are outdoor lots nearby. Return on Investment 4 All the seats offer a great view of the action. Students get free admission. Seats range from $22-$25 on the sidelines. Behind the baskets runs $12-$15 in the lower bowl for bench seating. Upper-level club seats are $75 and the ones located on the opposite side in 210-212 are $22-$25. Behind the baskets in the upper level are $12-$15 for a seat. The upper level has only 4 rows which are nice for families or if you want to be away from the more densely populated sections. The seats have fairly good legroom and the sightlines are fabulous which combined with free parking make a Fairfield game a great value. Extras 4 A Stags Team Store to purchase game day apparel and souvenirs is located on the right side of the concourse upon entering the arena. There are also exhibits dedicated to The Evolution of Lucas, Fairfield Athletics Hall of Fame, and a History of Alumni Hall. Leo D. Mahoney was a co-founder of one of the largest suppliers of road salt in the United States. In the early 90s, Mahoney sat on the University Trustee Advisory Council. His three children are all graduates of Fairfield. In 1948, basketball became the first varsity sport, and students were solicited to pick a school mascot. A vote was taken by the Board of Trustees and Stags (male deer) was chosen over Chanticleers. The previous nickname was Men in Red. Final Thoughts Leo D. Mahoney is a great addition to the campus. The new facility should attract more hardcore and casual fans and enhance recruiting as Fairfield attempts to make its mark on the local basketball scene and in MAAC play.

Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park 2100 Avenue of the Stars Cedar Park, TX 78613 Austin Spurs website H-E-B Center at Cedar Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,800 Austin Spurs in Cedar Park The Austin Spurs (formerly the Toros) are an affiliate of and are owned by the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, and play in the Central Division of the NBDL (National Basketball Development League). Prior to being the Austin Toros, the team played as the Columbus (GA) Riverdragons from 2001-2005. When Austin was awarded the franchise in 2005, the team first played in the Austin Convention Center, and then in 2010 moved to the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park near Austin, TX. The Austin Toros won the NBDL Championship in 2012, as well as the Southwest Division Championship in 2008. As with many NBDL teams, based on roster moves and players, the team’s performance can vary year to year. In October 2014 the team was renamed the Austin Spurs, and began sharing the nickname of their parent club, the San Antonio Spurs. H-E-B Center at Cedar Park is also home to the Texas Stars of the AHL (American Hockey League), the Austin Aces (tennis), and the University of Texas Men’s Hockey team (ACHA Divison II). It also hosts wrestling matches, Cirque Du Soleil performances, and other concerts and events. Food & Beverage 3 Though some concession stands are closed during Spurs games, there are plenty of food and beverage options for a fan at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. There's the Pizza Hut (Personal Pan Pizza $7.50), Tortilla Fresca (Monster Chicken Nachos $8.50, Nachos Grande $6.25), Top Dog (a variety of hot dog offerings), and Grille Works (Buffalo Chicken Tender Basket $8.75, Double Cheeseburger Basket $11). All the stands offer some variety of your standard fare (regular hot dogs, hamburgers and such; as well as basic snacks like popcorn, pretzels, cotton candy, peanuts and the like ranging from $4 - $6.25). The two food specialties at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park are Amy's Ice Cream (a cart on the concourse) and Smokey Mo's BBQ concession (unfortunately Smokey Mo's is closed for Spurs games) and that's too bad. Coca Cola products are offered as well as Snapple beverages. Beers offered include Blue Moon, Budweiser, Bud Light but no local brews are offered here. Wine is also available at some concessions stands. Drinks range from $4 to $8 depending on what you order. There is a Coors Light Club Lounge which provides other alcoholic drinks but this area is only for those fans that purchase tickets in the club lounge in sections 106 and 107. Atmosphere 3 The Spurs do a great job at a game day presentation. The building temperature is a comfortable for a Spurs game. If you're one who gets warm easily, wear a t-shirt; if you're one who tends to get chilly, bring a long sleeved shirt, just in case (but you probably won't need it). The seats are cushioned and most have cup holders. The scoreboard is clearly viewable from all seats and provides the score, TOL (time outs left), number of team fouls and a clear, live video board. Stats of the players on the floor are shown above the suite level on a banner display. The PA announcer is clear and calls all plays with no music disruption. There are two levels of seating with the top level being the suites (most of which are empty during a Spurs game). All seats seem to have a good view of the basketball game. The seats in the general admission area (sections 122, 101, 102) are a bit of a distance from the court but one can still watch the game with ease. Center court sections are 106 and 107 (facing the player benches and logo) and sections 117 and 118 (behind the benches). There are tables and chairs behind each end zone for patrons to watch the game at floor level. And there are courtside floor level seating options, as well. Fans are allowed to visit the floor level areas prior to game time and take photos, visit the merchandise table, and talk with the DJ. The ability to do this is very accommodating and delightful for a visitor. Two things that I'm not a fan of occur at this arena during basketball games: One, during the player introductions, the lights are turned down (almost off) so a fan can't see who the players are and what they look like as they make their way onto the court. The other, they play music during the play of the game. It's quite distracting. Neighborhood 2 There are no restaurants or places of entertainment within walking distance. There are a few popular hotel chains and restaurants a little over a mile away from the area. I can recommend the Best Western Cedar Inn and the LaQuinta Inn both on E. Whitestone Blvd (aka 1431). If taking train rides is your interest, consider the Austin Steam Train Association located next to the Best Western Cedar Inn. This attraction offers a variety of train excursions on vintage train passenger cars. Twenty or so miles away is downtown Austin, the capital of Texas. There are plenty of things to see, do, eat, and drink in that city. Fans 3 The average attendance at a Spurs game is between 1,000 and 1,500. Given a stadium capacity of 6,800, this makes the stadium seats feel a bit barren at a game. Seating in sections 109 - 115 behind the one end zone is closed off for fans during basketball games. Those seats are not covered with plastic tarp and that suits the arena well. There are lot of kids in attendance at Spurs games, so kudos to the organization for promoting basketball among the youth. Many of the children perform on the court between time outs and at half time. This entertainment includes Kung Fu presentations, Pep Squad cheers, and other dance treats. The children's ages range from five to young adult. Although there is a strong Spurs fan base, much of the fans are families of the children performing during halftime and between time outs. The cheers are there at the appropriate moments of scoring a basket and free throw. Nothing more. Access 3 The H-E-B Center at Cedar Park is easily accessible right off Route 183A (toll road) via automobile. There are no noticeable public transportation options to get to the arena. If flying into the area, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the closest airport and is about 30 miles from the arena. Parking, although plentiful, is $10 which is highway robbery for an NBDL game. There is no noticeable street parking options so one is kind of stuck with this fee. There are three gates at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park but only the main entrance, near the ticket booth and flags, is open for a Spurs game. Security check is painless and there are tables in which to place your bag for the security folks to search. More arenas should do this. The concourses are sufficiently wide for pedestrian traffic flow (even if there is a full house). Restrooms serve their purpose and are plentiful and clean throughout and after the game. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets range from $5 - $25. There are all kinds of promotional nights so be sure to check their website before heading to a game. Every Sunday home game is a Family Fun Day where a fan can get a game ticket, a hot dog, and a soda for just $11. And there is the traditional Thirsty Thursdays where beers are just $3. I'd recommend getting the $5 general admission ticket and then roam around the seating area during quarters to get different views of the game play. Concession prices are on the high side for an NBDL game. The real killer is the $10 parking charge. Extras 4 The Spurs provide extraordinary customer service at the game. The security check individuals, the concession folk, the staff, all make visitors feel warm and welcome. The staff shows genuine interest and appreciation in why you are attending a game here and they interact well with fans. Having the ability to enter the floor level pregame and being able to roam around the seating area to view the game from different perspectives is always a bonus. There are three banners displayed: One for the 2012 NBDL Championship, one for the 2008 Southwest Division Championship and one retired number honoring Dennis Johnson, NBA hall of famer, who coached the Toros from 2005 till his death in 2007. Free programs and rosters are handed out upon entry to the arena. Final Thoughts If you're in the Austin, TX area and you like the sound of squeaky sneakers on a hardwood court and the game of basketball, I'd recommend attending an Austin Spurs game. The customer service will astound you.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Angel Stadium 2000 Gene Autry Way Anaheim, CA 92806 Map It Los Angeles Angels website Angel Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 45,050 Calling All Angels Opened for service in 1966, Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest active yard. Still nicknamed The Big A, the moniker came about due to the A-shaped scoreboard topped with a “halo” that was originally placed behind the left field fence. Many greats have donned an Angel uniform:  Nolan Ryan, Don Baylor, Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson, Tim Salmon, Vladimir Guerrero, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. The stadium’s expansion in 1980 to accommodate the arrival of the Rams would find the Big A moving to the parking lot by the 57 Freeway. The stadium’s return to its baseball-only format brought about fan sentiment returning the Big A to its original left field location. Team officials also considered but cited costs for not moving back the Big A. The Big A remains in the parking lot by the freeway and continues providing passing vehicles information and advertisements. Food & Beverage 4 If you arrive hungry at Angel Stadium, there are ample options though uninspiring. Cheese and pepperoni pizza slices from Oggi’s Pizza and other options from Chronic Taco, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Crafty Dogs, and fan favorite Cathy’s Cookies are among the options available .  Cathy’s Cookies. There will be a huge outrage if they ever get rid of her cookies! Another solid stop on the food exploration tour is La Rotisserie, featuring their famous herb rotisserie half-chicken meals. Various bars are located around the stadium, including the Ketel One Botanical Bar along the outer concourse, featuring drink specials throughout the season. Standard beer options range from Coors and Budweiser brand drinks. Traditional ballpark favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, peanuts, and Coke brand soft drinks round out the complete list of options throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 4 As fans approach the home plate entrance, they are greeted by two oversized helmets complimented with oversized player banners hovering above them.  In between the helmets are bricks outlining a regulation-size infield with a pitcher’s mound exactly 60 feet 6 inches from home plate. 2025 L.A. Angels. Anthony Rendon nowhere to be seen. The walls inside Angel Stadium are adorned with various images of Angels players, both present and past. Fan shops are located throughout all the various sections of the stadium, and the main concourse wraps around the outfield as well, offering fans a great view of the action from the outfield. In the center field, the waterfall feature, when operable depending on the local water situation, flows during games over a rock formation in the shape of an “A” that harkens to California’s natural wonders. During late-game situations when the team needs to rally, the ever-infamous Rally Monkey appears on the big screen to get fans pumped up.   The monkey is out ! It’s RALLY TIME for the Angels ! A frequent sight for Angels fans over the years…  Neighborhood 3 While the area around Angel Stadium isn’t exactly known for stellar pre-gaming, it has evolved over the past few years into a place that fans can go to and still have a good time. Nearby on State College, a TownePlace Suites is there for fans who are traveling just for the game and want to stay close to the action. Golden Road, Karl Strauss Brewing Company and Lazy Dog are located nearby for pre or post game dining. Downtown Disney is a short drive from the stadium offering a variety of dining and shopping options. Inside Downtown Disney guests can also view the nightly fireworks display that takes place inside Disneyland during the summer months. Fans 4 The fans at Los Angeles Angels games are among the most welcoming in baseball. Times have been rough for fans under the halo. With the team not experiencing a post-season win since 2009, a playoff appearance since 2014 and a winning season since 2015, Angels fans have not had much reason to come out in droves as in seasons past. With a much improved team in 2025, Angels attendance has hovered close to the top 10  averaging just over 32,000 a game. Access 4 Angel Stadium is located off the 57 Freeway connecting with most major freeways and the nearby 5. While traffic in and around the stadium isn’t as bad as the famously terrible traffic jams in Los Angeles, it helps to be prepared for the worst. If driving from Los Angeles you may want to leave at least three hours before the first pitch. Southern California traffic is brutal, particularly during rush hour. Once you get to the stadium, parking is plentiful all around the venue, and fans can also take advantage of the transportation options from the nearby Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) .  As you prepare to enter the stadium, you will be happy to know that advanced metal detectors have been installed outside each entrance that allow fans to walk through without having to stop to empty their pockets or have other belongings checked unless you hear the warning sound go off. This is a much-welcomed convenience that every major venue should utilize, ESPECIALLY YOU, Dodger Stadium ! Return on Investment 4 As the Halos struggles continue, tickets can be found on 3rd party sites such as TickPick for as low as $5. Otherwise, box office prices are still a bargain starting at $7 for upper deck sections. For games that may include specific giveaways such as bobbleheads, tickets are still a bargain starting at $17. Expect a hike in prices when prime teams such as the Dodgers or Yankees are in town with prices starting at $60 on various sites. Even with the occasional price hike, the price value for an Angels game among the three Southern California MLB venues is the most economical for the traveling fan. As for the on field quality, we’ll let you - the fan - decide. Extras 4 Fans entering from the main gate behind home plate can catch a glimpse of the team’s 2002 World Series trophy on display inside the entrance to the team store behind the field-level seating.  Other exhibits featuring individual and team accomplishments over the years can also be viewed in the field and terrace level concourse behind home plate. The center field waterfall also features pyrotechnics that go off during player introductions and after home runs scored by the Angels. The newest addition to Angel Stadium this 2025 season is the "Level Up"   arcade. Located under the right field pavilion, presented by Bandai Namco, this fun filled arcade is free of charge and features classic video games including PAC MAN.  Welcome to PacLand 80s kids ! Anyone want to Take On Me? Final Thoughts Welcome to Anaheim. That’s a Lot of History Along Katella Avenue! Due to recent issues between the City of Anaheim and Angels owner Arte Moreno, plans to turn over ownership of Angel Stadium to the team owner are dead. With Angel Stadium now scrapped from the OC Vibe project , do not expect any entertainment and housing developments surrounding the Big A in the foreseeable future. Despite the differences between the City of Anaheim and the Angels , the Angels will remain at Angel Stadium through at least 2032 . Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest yard in the bigs behind Fenway Park , Wrigley Field , and Dodger Stadium . It has gone through its share of changes. From being enclosed in 1979 to accommodate the Rams to its return to its current form as a baseball-only park, compared to other yards of the post-Camden era, Angel Stadium could use some updates. Though showing its age, Angel Stadium is still quite serviceable. Yes, it lacks the bells and whistles of most present-day yards and you won’t find any pre and post-game entertainment options within the vicinity such as those in Atlanta and St. Louis. While Angel Stadium lacks most of the present-day amenities beyond the on-field action, its size makes sure that you’re never too far from the action. An outing at an Angel game will almost certainly be much more budget friendly for your wallet than that of that other Anaheim attraction down the street. If you’re fortunate, you may even be witness to some historic Baseball History… Chasing History! Mike Trout 3 away from 400 Home Runs, 7/27/2025

College baseball stadiums and summer wood-bat collegiate baseball teams. You would think they would be a match made in heaven. After all, their seasons don’t overlap, their rosters consist of players from the same pool (and in some cases, they ARE the same players), and there is significant overlap between staffers and fanbases. Having a summer collegiate league team play in a college’s home park could help keep it from being empty during the dog days of summer, providing an extra 20-30 days of use and income. Yet very few college ballparks pull double duty during the summer months. On July 30, one more college ballpark joined the ranks of summer college ballparks when the Futures Collegiate Baseball League announced that they would be adding a seventh team to the circuit. The as yet unnamed team will play at Edward A. LeLacheur Park, home of the UMass Lowell Riverhawks and the former home of MiLB’s Lowell Spinners , beginning with the 2026 season. Leaders from the Futures League and UMass Lowell were surrounded by local and state officials, baseball players and mascots for the official announcement, held on the infield at LeLacheur Park. “We are thrilled to welcome a Futures League team to Lowell that supports the dreams of aspiring professional athletes, provides great baseball for fans to watch and enriches life in Lowell and the Merrimack Valley,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. “We’re eager to work with an ownership group that sees its future backing a team in the Mill City .” The relationship between the Futures League, UMass Lowell and the city of Lowell is strong. Drew Weber, the owner of the Lowell Spinners, was a co-founder of the Futures League. Many players from UMass Lowell have played in the Futures League, which mandates that a percentage of players on each team have New England ties. “The Futures League is keeping the spirit alive from the days of Drew Weber’s beloved Lowell Spinners and continuing the legacy,” Futures League Commissioner Joe Paolucci said. “College baseball is booming like never before, and its fan base just keeps expanding. This is baseball done right—affordable, thrilling, family-friendly, and full of energy, just the way Lowell residents love it.” LeLacheur Park hosted the Spinners, the short-season New York-Penn League single-A affiliate of the nearby Boston Red Sox, from 1998 – 2019. They, along with the rest of the teams in the NY Penn League, were victims of the Great Minor League Contraction of 2020, when 43 MiLB teams were eliminated. Since then, the other two the New England teams from the NY Penn League, the Vermont Lake Monsters and the Norwich Sea Unicorns , have joined the Futures League. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Maybe they tuned into the podcast. A mere week ago, the Stadium Journey podcast delved into the topic of the fresh Los Angeles Clippers logo, suggesting that perhaps reviving the old San Diego Clippers emblem would have been a wiser choice. Surprisingly, that wish manifested itself, albeit in an unexpected manner. The San Diego Clippers are making a comeback, complete with a revamped version of the logo used from 1978 to 1982. However, this incarnation of the Clippers won't be gracing the NBA courts but instead, in the NBA G League, with their new home set to be the Frontwave Arena for the 2024-2025 season. This relocation marks a shift from Ontario, California, where the team had played at the Toyota Center since the 2017-2018 season. The Clippers will notably be the inaugural San Diego team in the G-League, and their new $85 million abode, the Frontwave Arena, will boast a seating capacity of 7,500 upon its completion this summer at Oceanside’s El Corazon Park. Originating as the Buffalo Braves in 1970, the franchise transitioned to San Diego in 1978 before settling in Los Angeles in 1984. Meanwhile, the LA Clippers are poised to move to the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome for the upcoming season. As for the logo, it is great to see the sails back. I am glad we were able to help. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Lamar Cardinals Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Vincent-Beck Stadium Jim Gilligan Way Beaumont, TX 77705 Lamar Cardinals website Vincent-Beck Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 3,500 The Showcase of Southeast Texas: Vincent-Beck Stadium Where Texas and Louisiana meet at the Gulf Coast, you’ll find the oil-town city of Beaumont and the pride of Southeast Texas, Lamar University. Nicknamed the Golden Triangle, the area is known for high school football talent, but Cardinal baseball has built a reputation as a perennial Southland Conference front runner and is no stranger to NCAA Regionals with 13 appearances since 1976. The Cardinals call on-campus Vincent-Beck Stadium home and have since 1969. The ballpark boasts a seating capacity of 3,500. Food & Beverage 2 Vincent-Beck Stadium has your average baseball concession fare offerings. You can grab a hot dog with chili or cheese ($4.50), nachos ($4.75), or a BBQ sandwich ($4.50) as major items. The price is definitely high for the quality as the hot dogs and nachos are nothing special and the BBQ sandwich tastes like someone mixed Sloppy Joe mix with pre-packaged brisket (I was hoping for a little more from a BBQ labeled dish in Texas). Snack items include peanuts ($3), pretzels ($2.75), popcorn ($3), a pickle ($1.50), and assorted candy ($2). Drink options are Coca-Cola products ranging from $3-$4. Concessions are cash only. Being in an area with a unique blend of Cajun, BBQ, and Mexican cuisines, it would be nice to have a unique item like street tacos, jambalaya, or some authentic Texas BBQ. That’s probably asking for a little much from a mid-major program, but the Cardinals certainly have a fan base that could support an expanded concession menu. The stand does not accept credit cards so make sure to take some cash out prior to arriving to the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Vincent-Beck is what you’d expect at a classic small college baseball park. The stadium has undoubtedly enjoyed serving as home to a Lamar Cardinal baseball team which is regularly in the mix for a regional berth. The combination of strong teams and a dedicated fan base adds to the overall atmosphere. The ballpark is one of the largest for Southland Conference baseball and the sheer capacity of the facility is impressive. Chair back seats are available in the section immediately behind home plate and the remaining facility has bleacher style seating. At both ends of the stadium sits a unique strip of bleachers which are designed to allow for fans to plop down a fold-out styled chair and enjoy the game from their personal choice of seating. Just beyond the right field fence is the Lamar scoreboard with includes a small video board with replay capability. Lamar does a great job with honoring the past with large murals listing major accomplishments and another with pictures of Cardinals which have gone pro. There’s also plenty of picnic benches in the concourse which allow you to enjoy your concessions items without having to bring them to the stands. Though the ballpark is clearly one of the better in the Southland Conference, there are many enhancements which could be made to improve the environment. For one, the artificial turf infield just doesn’t sit well. Southeast Texas is a fertile region so the need for an artificial surface just really isn’t there. NCAA baseball seems to be leaning towards a trend of artificial surfaces, but you either need to go all in or stay out. The point where the artificial infield and the grass outfield meets is rather unsightly. Another sore spot is the outdated green painted wood which can be seen throughout the stadium. The press box is covered with it and the fence lines past the dugouts are made from it as well. Though it would take a little money, bricking in these areas would greatly enhance the atmosphere. There’s also a rather interesting trailer office just inside the gate. Though this obviously provides needed office space, it’s a trailer and no attempt is made to blend it in or fancy it up. Something that can’t be fixed is the huge electricity tower which dominates the right field skyline. Neighborhood 3 Beaumont, Texas is the home of Lamar University and the Lamar Cardinal baseball team. Vincent-Beck Stadium is located on the campus of Lamar University which is just south of downtown Beaumont. The locals will tell you that you can only experience the area by going a little off the map. In other words, don’t judge this book by its cover. Some great examples of this are the Big Thicket National Preserve and Neches River Adventures. If you’re into outdoor activities, this area will offer a great time with plenty of space for hunting, boating, fishing, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. A couple of nice attraction areas in-town are the McFaddin-Ward House and Gladys City Boomtown. If you don’t do your research before heading to Beaumont, you’ll be sorely disappointed in the mainstream restaurant options. The areas directly around the university and off the surrounding interstates don’t offer much quality. However, if you’re reading this review, you won’t have to worry about that. A great place for seafood in the Beaumont area is Larry’s French Market. Located about 20 minutes south of the Lamar campus, Larry’s is a Cajun inspired market/restaurant in the Groves area. Be sure to stop in and taste their BBQ crabs. Madison’s on Dowlen and Sugas Deep South Cuisine and Jazz Bar are both good dinner and nightlife options. Try the shrimp embrochette at Madison’s. No doubt the best lodging option in the area is the MCM Elegante Hotel. Fans 3 Vincent-Beck Stadium is one of the largest baseball stadiums in the Southland Conference and Lamar fans do a pretty decent job of showing up here to support their Cardinal baseball team. Attendance has waned a bit over the last few years with attendance figures averaging between 600 and 1,000, but that’s still pretty strong for the level of play. The fans in attendance are fairly knowledgeable about the game and supportive of their team. It’s fun to see fans stand and clap along to a Texas favorite “Deep in the Heart of Texas” during the seventh inning stretch. Access 3 Beaumont isn’t the easiest place to get to. The closest major airport is about 1.5 hours west of Beaumont in Houston, so if you’re flying in, expect to put in a decent drive to get the park. Granted, most of the visitors to Vincent-Beck are likely fans of fellow conference teams so driving in is the more likely mode of transportation. Beaumont is conveniently located off I-10. This strip of interstate is really hit or miss when it comes to seriously bogged down traffic. The greater Beaumont area is pretty well populated, but there doesn’t seem to be an intuitive reason for why they have traffic issues similar to a metropolis city. If you catch it at a good time though, the entry into town and down to the Lamar campus could be a breeze. Free parking is available beyond the outfield fence of the stadium. Ticket lines are usually very short and you’ll walk right in with no problems after that. The concourses are very spacious and the seating area aisles will give you enough room to move around. Access to the restrooms shouldn’t be a problem, but they could use an upgrade. Return on Investment 4 Individual tickets range from $5 (bleacher) to $7 (chair back). That’s an exceptional price for high quality Southland Conference baseball. Add to that free parking and the deal gets sweeter. The concession options and high prices that go along with it bring the ROI down a bit. If you’re a big fan of the aesthetics and landscape environment of the ballpark and surrounding area, this will no doubt be a bit of a negative with the massive power tower out in right field and a facility that is in need of a face lift. However, it’s hard to say $5 is a bad deal for top of the line college baseball action. Extras 3 Every great live sports experience is highlighted by certain ‘extra’ features which are unique compared to other venues or make the overall experience memorable. For Lamar baseball at Vincent-Beck Stadium, be sure to consider the following during your stadium experience: Be sure to take the trek south to the Groves to try Larry’s BBQ crabs. Lamar has a pretty strong baseball history. Expect a pretty entertaining game with quality opponents from the Southland Conference. You can also catch the occasional home game against larger programs like the University of Houston and Rice, who don’t mind making the 1.5 hour road trip east. If you are looking for a fairly inexpensive college baseball experience, this is a great option. If you avoid the concessions and apparel, you’re looking at $5 per person since parking is free. That’s a great deal.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium 145 Lakeview Dr Starkville, MS 39759 Mississippi State Bulldogs website Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 13,000 The Carnegie Hall of College Baseball Mississippi State alum and author John Grisham once said “Great things come from humble beginnings” – nowhere does this statement ring truer than at Dudy Noble Field on the campus of Mississippi State. Opened in 1878 as Mississippi A&M, the school’s location was selected for excellent soil conditions, as the school was a farming and agriculture school. Dudy Noble Field opened in 1967 and was built on a former cow pasture. At one time cows even grazed in what would become the outfield, but this was before the crowds and before the trips to Omaha – in the 50 years after its opening, this tiny little baseball field in the farmlands of northeast Mississippi would transform itself into the Carnegie Hall of college baseball, and the home of college baseball’s greatest fans. Now Mississippi State is the largest university in the state and a national powerhouse in baseball year in and year out. Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium opened its doors in 1967; Noble was a baseball coach at MSU from 1920 until 1946 and was also the athletic director from 1938 to 1959. The Bulldogs have a very historic baseball program dating back to 1909 when they won the first Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAC) Championship – the Bulldogs would win the championship five more times before becoming one of the founding members of the SEC in 1936. Since joining the SEC, MSU’s baseball program has grown into one of the more storied baseball programs in the country, with 13 SEC Championships, 39 Regional Appearances, 12 trips to Omaha, and 14 first-round draft picks, but the pinnacle of Mississippi State baseball occurred in 2021 when the Bulldogs captured their first ever National Championship. This is an elite college baseball program that plays in the finest facility in the country. After the 2017 season, the university decided to strip everything down and re-build the venue – the “new” stadium opened in 2019, and what has transpired is a $50 million renovation that has made Dudy Noble Field a stunning place to watch a baseball game and made it the top-ranked college baseball stadium in the country.   Food and Beverage   4 There are plenty of food and drink options for you to choose from, with 16 points of sale located throughout the ballpark, including three full-service built in stands. You'll find three Hail State Eats stands with one behind home plate, one down the first baseline, and the last down the third baseline. Each of these stands is grab-and-go to speed up the process; you can get the usual fare at Hail State Eats and the prices are quite reasonable. Continuing down the first baseline you will also find a Chick-fil-A stand, two portable beer stands, a gourmet popcorn stand, and a gourmet hot dog stand – make sure to try the Grand Slam Super Dawg if you're on this side. New for 2024, the Super Dawg is a foot-long sausage topped with brisket, pickle slaw, BBQ sauce, and pickles served on a split-top roll. Down the first baseline, besides the Hail State Eats stand you also have options such as a boiled peanut stand, another Chick-fil-A stand, and a Dippin’ Dots stand. Another unique Southern-themed item you can find on this site is pork rinds from Rev's Famous Pork Skins – these are a big hit among State fans. In the outfield you'll find several food trucks lined up in center field; each game the food trucks change, but you are always bound to find something different than you'd find on the concourse. Alcohol was recently made available at The Dude, and you can buy beer at all the stands, as well as a broader selection at the two portable beer stands on the concourse. And of course, if you are friends with or make friends with one of the thousands of people set up tailgating in the outfield you are bound to get extended that Mississippi Southern hospitality, getting invited back to their spot in the outfield for some more delicious food. Mississippians love their cuisine, and in the outfield, you name it you can find somebody cooking it. On my most recent visit, I even saw some people having a crawfish boil out here.   Atmosphere   5 One word can describe the atmosphere at Dudy Noble and that is “electric”. You know you are in a special place, and on college baseball’s most hallowed ground, from the moment you pass the Rafael Palmeiro and Will Clark statues outside the main gate. Collectively known by their nicknames “Thunder” and “Lightning”, Palmeiro and Clark are two baseball legends who’ve achieved folklore status at Mississippi State; the duo led the Bulldogs to Omaha in 1985. Clark, the 1985 Golden Spikes Awards winner, would then have a 15-year career in the Big Leagues playing for multiple teams, while Palmeiro would go on to have a prominent 20-year career with the Rangers  and Orioles . There are three entrances into the stadium – one behind home plate on the southwest side of the stadium and the other two in the outfield. The main gate opens into a spacious and wide concourse that empties into the seating bowl. There are two levels with 20 suites, and both levels are usually packed with maroon and white. The views of the condos in left field, and just the overall surroundings, are breathtaking. The climate-controlled Omaha Club is located on the first base side on the second level, and an LED board also wraps around the ballpark, which makes for quite a surreal experience for those nighttime SEC games. You are free to walk the entire stadium and through the outfield sections. The entrance in right field opens into a plaza area that houses the Ron Polk Ring of Honor; Polk is another revered person at Mississippi State who coached the Bulldogs from 1976 to 1997 and again from 2002 to 2008. Polk’s career coaching record stands at 1218-638-2, which places him 9th all-time among college baseball coaches. His teams have won five SEC Championships, participated in 23 regional appearances, and took eight trips to Omaha. At the entrance behind home plate, you'll find the 2021 National Championship trophy on display, as well as the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Stark Vegas” sign. Then right past the Ring of Honor is some berm-type seating that is usually packed with lawn chairs and general admission ticketholders, but the outfield area is what makes Dudy Noble Field so special. In the 1970s fans started driving their trucks to games and parking in the outfield, and fans began tailgating in the back of their pickup trucks the entire time. Eventually, the trucks were left behind and bleachers were constructed on top of them – for over 30 years this area was known as Left Field Lounge. After the 2017 season, the school began doing an extensive renovation on the stadium that resulted in the removal of the trucks and the makeshift bleachers that had, despite violating many safety standards, been a landmark of the university. Many diehard fans were outraged that this tradition was going to be scrapped, but after seeing the finished product I think most will be pleased with the outcome. This whole area is now lined with one big, elevated party deck with several makeshift bleachers set up. And if you want to watch the game from your back porch you are in luck too, as looming over left field is a 12-unit, four-story condo called the Left Field Lofts – though pricey, the Lofts tower over left field, which only adds to the spectacle that is the Left Field Lounge. Thousands of friendly Bulldog fans young and old can be found there tailgating during games, which creates what is considered the number one atmosphere in all of college baseball; these fans are known as college baseball’s greatest fans, and it shows.   Neighborhood   4 Mississippi State is unique in that it is a big SEC school in a really small town, void of many attractions, as the college itself is the main attraction in town. Because there are not a lot of big cities nearby, Starkville has kind of developed its subculture, lacking a lot of national chains and malls – many of the restaurants are local to the area and use local farms instead of big-name producers. The Cotton District is the main area of town for nightlife; located just off campus within walking distance of Dudy Noble Field, “The District”, as it’s known, is home to multiple bars and restaurants. The Cotton District is unique in that many of the neighborhood’s buildings resemble those you’d see in New Orleans and Europe, as the developer of the neighborhood traveled there for ideas during the mid-1990s – some of the better-known restaurants and bars located here are Bin612, Drifters, Bulldog Burger, The Fountain Bar, The Klaassroom, Two Brothers Smoked Meats, and StaggerIn. The Bin is a late-night favorite among college students who flock to the bar for its famous cheese fries – when the bars close around 1 am you can find a huge line of college students stretched around the whole block waiting to get the famous fries. In addition, Two Brothers Smoked Meats has really good smoked wings and its signature white BBQ sauce, while Bulldog Burger has a huge selection of different burgers. The Cotton District is a small one-block area that gets packed with a lot of college students, especially on weekends, so the older crowd of alums may want to venture more towards downtown if they want to avoid hanging out with the younger crowd. Just a short walk down University towards downtown you’ll encounter more bars and restaurants, such as Little Dooey – this BBQ joint prides itself on its smoked BBQ, fried catfish, and other Southern favorites. Right next door to Little Dooey is Stromboli’s; this tiny rinky-dink-looking Italian eatery doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the pizza being cooked can be smelled from across the street. Right behind Stromboli’s is Central Station Grill, which is built into an old milk plant – the Grill is known for its brunch and drink specials, while yet another favorite in this area is Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern, a pub-style bar famous for its pizza, located on the side of a sketchy looking motel. If you come in on your birthday you get a free 24-inch pizza for every fourth person you bring. This dimly lit tavern also has really good live music and is the place that attracts the mid to late-20s crowd. Besides the above, a couple of bars and restaurants downtown I recommend checking out are The Beer Garden at Hotel Chester, which is an outdoor bar in the courtyard of a historic hotel, and the State Theatre, which is a 3-story club-type bar. Restaurant Tyler is my favorite restaurant for lunch, however, as it has a cheap seafood blue plate special, and in its basement, there is a bar called Downstairs at Tyler, located in a former speakeasy that was used during prohibition. Oby’s is another favorite of mine that features some of the best seafood, sandwiches, and po’ boys in Starkville. A popular Sunday morning tradition in Starkville is to have breakfast at Starkville Café – this tiny cafe located downtown often has a long line wrapped around the building on Sunday mornings, filled with people wanting to get the best southern homestyle breakfast in the area. After breakfast make sure you walk upstairs to Hobie's on Main; owned by Hobie Hobart, a diehard Miss State baseball fan, Hobie's bar has a lot of vintage State memorabilia on the walls. Hobie also owns the famous Right Field Tiki Hut located in right field at Dudy Noble Field, which is a notable fixture at State baseball games.   Fans   5 You will not find a more faithful or loyal fan base than the fans at Mississippi State – on any given weekend expect to find packed crowds for all three games of the series. State fans are passionate about the program, and it shows here at Dudy Noble Field, which currently holds the NCAA record for single-game on-campus baseball attendance at 16,423, set when Ole Miss visited here in 2023. In addition, the top 19 of the top 20 largest crowds in college baseball history were all seated right here. Fans have also created some traditions such as the playing of Garth Brooks’s “Friends in Low Places” during the 8th inning, and of course, there are the cowbells – fans here are allowed to bring cowbells to the game, and though not as loud as the cowbells at a Bulldog football game , they still create a raucous and intimidating atmosphere. Fans along the outfield have also been known to feed the outfielders in between innings. On any given weekend expect close to 12,000 in attendance for each game – most of the seats are packed and it’s standing room only on the concourse and in the outfield deck. A good thing about coming to a big game here is that they won’t sell out, though; they may have every seat in the stadium filled, but fans are still able to purchase tickets and find somewhere to stand. There are also multiple TVs spread out around the concourse to watch the game on as well.   Access   3 The one drawback to coming to a game in Starkville is that the city is located in kind of a secluded area of the state. The closest major cities of Tupelo and Meridian are both located over an hour away, and the closest major airport is over an hour and a half away in Jackson (although there is a smaller Golden Triangle Regional Airport located nearby in Columbus). Only two roads are coming into Starkville, which are Highway 82 which runs east to west, and Highway 25 which runs north and south. Starkville has recently become more accessible to other areas in the state thanks in part to the upgraded Highway 45, which is located just outside of town, and is the main road you would travel on if coming from the coast or central Mississippi. Make sure you fill up on gas before embarking, however, as there aren’t many stations on the roads heading into Starkville – it’s more of a peaceful rural drive through the backwoods. Once in Starkville prepare for lots of traffic congestion, as the town is small and the roads are not exactly the nicest. Parking around the stadium can also be a nightmare as the lots fill up quickly; my suggestion, if you are in town for a weekend game, would be to park at one of the lots on the south side of campus and walk from there. There are usually several lots open just south of Davis Wade Stadium , and you can even cut through the famous football tailgating spot The Junction on your walk to The Dude.   Return on Investment   4 It is extremely hard to get chairback tickets, as they have sold out every year since 2019 – most of these are reserved for season ticket holders, or there is a waitlist to get tickets. Your best bet when coming to a game here is to purchase the general admission ticket for $15; you will not get a seat for this, but you are free to roam anywhere in the concourse or the outfield, and you are free to bring a lawn chair and sit wherever you want. Concessions prices are fairly cheap here as well. Because the level of SEC baseball is so high, almost any weekend you attend a game during conference season is going to be a ranked matchup. So, for less than $20 you usually get to see a top-10 matchup at one of the top-rated college baseball stadiums in the country, and most of the on-campus parking is free as well.   Extras   4 Super Bulldog Weekend is a big event for the community during the spring, with hundreds of food and arts and crafts vendors lining the streets of the Cotton District. Usually held during the Spring Football Weekend , this event always coincides with a big SEC baseball series. The games during this weekend usually attract a higher crowd than usual as well – in fact, most of the attendance records at Dudy Noble Field have been set during Super Bulldog Weekend. One extra for the Left Field Lounge and the overall atmosphere and game day presentation that the Bulldogs present – everything is top-notch here and it shows. There truly is not a better atmosphere for a college baseball game in the country, save for the College World Series. Another extra goes to the university for properly honoring the history of its baseball program. Bulldogs baseball has a very successful history, and you can see that everywhere you go at Dudy Noble Field, from the Will Clark and Rafael Palmeiro statues behind the home plate entrance to the Ron Polk Ring of Honor in right field. The university is very proud of its history, and it shows here – though Palmeiro had a somewhat controversial Major League career he is still revered at Mississippi State, and in addition to the statue the Bulldogs practice facility next door to the ballpark bears his name as well. In addition, walking the concourse you'll find banners signifying important years and big wins in the program, as well as banners honoring past players, including historic names like Buck Showalter, Jonathan Papelbon, and Boo Ferriss, to current names like Adam Frazier, Mitch Moreland, Brent Rooker, and Nathaniel Lowe – there are currently eight former Bulldogs on the MLB’s 40-man rosters. The 2021 National Championship trophy is also on display at the front entrance, next to the famous 'Welcome to Fabulous Stark Vegas” sign. Another extra for the stadium itself and the diehard fans who support the MSU baseball team. Most sports at Mississippi State experience up and down years, and the fans tend to be fair weather. That is not the case for the baseball team – the fans here support the program, with almost every game guaranteeing a sellout. It also helps that the Bulldog baseball team is one of the top teams in the country year in and year out.   Final Thoughts Coming to a game at Dudy Noble Field is truly a bucket list experience for baseball fans at all levels. From the grills in left field to the fans and their thousands of cowbells being rung, these all add to the spectacle of attending a game here and are something everyone should experience. Attending a game here brings everyone together whether they are baseball fans or not. As John Grisham also said, “I always feel like a better person after leaving a game at Dudy Noble Field”.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tiger Arena 3219 College St Savannah, GA 31404 Savannah State Tigers website Tiger Arena website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,000 The Coastal Cats of Savannah State Note: Savannah State Athletics have moved to the NCAA Div 2 level. Savannah State University is one of oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBU) in the country, as it opened its doors in 1890. Today its campus in the Midtown neighborhood of Savannah is home to a student body of 4,900 students. The largest majors at Savannah State are in the areas of Business Administration, Liberal Arts, and Science and Technology. Due to its location on the Georgia coast, it also offers programming in Marine Biology and certification classes for personnel who will be working in the Homeland Security field. The Tiger athletic programs play at the NCAA Division I level in the MEAC conference. The basketball program calls the Tiger Arena its home court, opened in 2000 with a capacity of 5,000. It is located on campus within the athletic complex. The arena is also the home of the Savannah State University Sports Hall of Fame. Savannah State is known to take on a very challenging schedule in its athletic programs. They are not afraid to take on major schools from the power conferences. Unfortunately, this has led to some rather dubious NCAA records for the school. In 2004, the team finished 0-28, the only time a school has gone through a complete season winless. The school also holds the record for the least points scored in a half (4) in an 85-25 loss to Kansas State in 2008. The team performs very well within the MEAC Conference. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands on the upper level of the arena. They serve a very basic set of items, but at extremely low prices. The entire menu consists of hot dogs ($2), nachos ($4.25), popcorn ($2), candy ($2), chips ($1.50), bottled water ($2), and Coca-Cola brand sodas ($2). It would be a good idea to load up on something more substantial prior to the game and then rely on the concession stand for a snack. Atmosphere 3 Despite the Tigers woes on the court, the atmosphere in the stands is one of celebration. The arena sets the stage for this by having the interior area of the building in the school colors of bright hues of orange, blue and white. Like many of the other HBCU schools, the band plays on a nonstop basis, which has the fans dancing in the aisles. The Tiger mascot, the Savannah State cheerleaders, and the Sapphire Dance Line also do a great job in keeping the spirits high during the game. In some respects, a Savannah State game is like a family reunion, as the opposition often has some players who attended high school in the local area. This is especially true for crosstown rival Armstrong State University, as well as schools such as South Carolina State or Georgia Southern University. Neighborhood 4 Savannah State University is located in the Midtown area of metropolitan Savannah. This is 5 miles east of downtown Savannah and its Historic District, and 16 miles west of Tybee Island and the Atlantic Ocean. This makes it very accessible to the many attractions and fine restaurants Savannah has to offer. Restaurants in and around the Savannah State campus include Chili’s, Baldino’s Subs, Bojangles, the Overtime Sports Bar and Grill, and the Coaches Corner. Baseball fans can enjoy the Savannah Bananas games at Historic Grayson Stadium, which is just five miles from the campus. Savannah is a tourist mecca and lodging is available to meet anyone’s budget. Accommodations in the downtown area along Bay Street are the most expensive, as are the oceanfront properties on Tybee Island. The most reasonable accommodations from a price point are near Savannah Mall along Abercorn Street. This is one of the city’s main thoroughfares and is only minutes away from Savannah State or any of Savannah’s many tourist attractions. Fans 3 You can typically expect a crowd of around 2,000 people for a Savannah State men’s basketball game, with sellouts limited to “backyard brawls” with neighboring institutions Armstrong State University or Georgia State University. A major portion of the crowd will be Savannah State students, as the arena is located adjacent to some of the largest dorms in the area and a very large apartment complex located just off campus. Savannah State’s alumni base is largely from within the city, as the school was at one-time commuter based. They may be gray around their temples, but they are true blue and orange in their hearts. The third component of the attendees comes from neighborhoods throughout the local area that has no official link to the Tigers. Savannah State is the only Division I sports program in town, and it receives a great deal of local media attention as a result. Access 4 The directions to Savannah State University and Tiger Arena are quite simple. Take I-16 East to exit 165 (Abercorn Street). Make a right on Abercorn Street, then a right onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Turn left onto Victory Avenue and stay on it until you enter the small village of Thunderbolt. You will then turn right on Whatley, which will bring you directly to the main gate of Savannah State University. There will be a staffed gate attendant, and you just need to let them know your destination is Tiger Arena. They will hand you a campus map, but it is hard to miss, as it is a tall white, blue and orange building. Free parking is available directly outside the arena. Once inside you can enter the court level at either floor level or go upstairs (via elevator or stairway). The lower level is bench seating as it is of the rollout variety. The upper seating is plastic chair back seating. The aisles and concourses are wide, and you will have no difficulty in navigating them, even at halftime. The concessions and restrooms are adequate for the typical turnout for a Savannah State game. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military personnel, and $5 for youth. There is no charge for parking in the lot adjacent to Tiger Arena. The concession offerings are very basic but quite inexpensive. A night out with the Tigers will not burn a hole in your pocket. Extras 3 March Madness in Savannah has nothing to do with basketball. On March 17 of each year, the city of Savannah hosts the second largest, after New York, St. Patrick’s celebration in the country, with thousands more taking part. The celebration includes a 5-hour long parade, dyeing the Savannah River green, and revelry all day and all night along the city’s historic River Street. You can also take drinks to go in plastic cups in this area of town only. Six basketball players from Savannah State University have gone on to play for the Harlem Globetrotters. A third extra has to go to the location of Savannah State’s campus. You can enjoy a lively nightlife on River Street within a matter of minutes of the campus or if it is a nice spring day you can be on the beach at Tybee Island in less than a half an hour. Final Thoughts Tiger Arena offers free parking, inexpensive ticket and concession prices, plus beautiful Savannah to enjoy after the game-try not to enjoy yourself while in town.

It’s something many sports fans take for granted; the ability to see and hear a sport’s game action, the fans, the public address announcer, the music (even if it is too loud at most venues), and often, those never-ending advertisements. Four years ago I attended a game with Reggie Deal, a blind baseball sports fan as he traveled to all stadiums in 30 days. Recently I interviewed super-sports fan, Gary Noll, who is deaf. I was eagerly apprised of what features sports venues can include for fans who can’t hear at all (or those with hearing impairments). These features can help deaf fans with the game day experience and enhance their passion and excitement of the game. While I find myself muting the Stanley Cup playoff game broadcasts on TV because the announcers talk too much about things not related to the game, it never occurred to me that someone who cannot hear might yearn that kind of yammer. But that’s TV, not a live game. Several legal battles in the United States have occurred over the last five years or so where fans have filed suit claiming inadequate closed captioning at sports venues. Cases include University of Maryland College Park (Maryland Stadium and Comcast Center), University of Phoenix Stadium ( Arizona Cardinals ), and Ohio State University, to name a few. At a live game for most sports venues in the United States, it is required by the ADA (American Disabilities Act) to have visuals for deaf fans. Basic things like: Captioned public service announcements, including pre-game information Play by play information and score Referee penalty explanations In-game entertainment announcements Advertising End-of-the-game announcements, final score and information regarding the next home game Beside the items listed above, Gary Noll recommends stadiums include the following as a part of their closed captioning: Evacuation/safety information Entertainment and celebrations happening on the field Celebrity sightings Promotions being offered Fan club or other membership information Song lyrics And as importantly, make the closed captioned letters BIG on the scoreboard/video board so fans in faraway seats can read the messages. This recommendation would be a benefit for all fans, not just those who cannot hear. Gary also suggests the following: Post closed captioning on ancillary scoreboards/TVs throughout the concourse (not just in the area where the game is played) Employ highly-experienced captioning vendors as how they portray the spoken word makes a world of difference Engage or hire an individual (at guest services or otherwise) who knows American Sign Language (ASL) so deaf fans can meet, greet and send a big hello using that language Position the closed captioning in all areas of the venue so no matter where a deaf fans sits, he/she can read the words Also recommended is if the venue has a big screen outside the stadium like Air Canada Center or the indoor Madison Square Garden lobby, include closed captioning on those screens as well. The scoreboard, ribbon banners and preferably the video board is the best place for closed captioning, according to Gary. Handheld devices don’t work well as looking at a handheld device prevents a fan from watching a fast paced game such as hockey or soccer. And deaf fans need their hands free for American Sign Language (ASL) communication, eating food, applauding, etc. Understandably there’s a cost associated for all of this. The technology available today for closed captioning includes prerecorded segments and live segments. Prerecorded segments at sporting events could include safety and evacuation instructions, advertisements, traditional song lyrics, and even common promotions. Trained caption writers, using special captioning software, transcribe the audio portion of the segment into a computer, inserting codes that determine when and where each caption will appear on the screen. Live segments could include the public address announcer, referee/umpire explanations, and play by play information. Currently, there are four types of captioning for live events: stenographic captioning (the only method available to caption a live, unscripted sports event), manual live display, electronic newsroom, and a hybrid system. With technology advancing so quickly, perhaps five years out, there can be the ability for a radio broadcaster’s play by play call to be voice recognized and immediately captioned on a stadium’s video board. Thanks, Gary, for our conversations and your continued effort at advocating features that will enhance deaf fans’ sports entertainment enjoyment and appreciation.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Deepdale Sir Tom Finney Way Preston PR1 6RU Preston North End website Deepdale website Year Opened: 1875 Capacity: 23,404 Into the Deep Deepdale is one of England’s oldest and most famous grounds. It is also home to Preston North End, one of the founding members of the Football League. Up until 2010, it was also home to England’s National Football Museum until its relocation to Manchester where it opened in 2012. Deepdale has been completely rebuilt into a 23,404 all-seated stadium and despite languishing in England’s third tier, it is a Premier League venue. The record attendance for the ground was set way back in 1938 when 42,684 witnessed a game against Arsenal. New Deepdale consists of four separate stands named after the club's most famous players: Sir Tom Finney, Bill Shankly, and Alan Kelly. The fourth is named the Invincibles Stand. A statue of Sir Tom is located outside of the stand named after him, called “The Splash”. Deepdale is also famous for having one of the first artificial pitches in Britain when one was laid in 1986. It was eventually replaced by grass in 1994. Food & Beverage 3 There are ample catering kiosks within all four stands that provide hot dogs, burgers, chips, pies, and mushy peas. A beer will cost you £3.50 and a pie £2.80. The Butter Pie which is made by the local Clayton Park Bakery a few miles from the venue is quite popular with supporters and is highly recommended. All of these are reasonably priced and the food is of good local quality. Atmosphere 3 Although the atmosphere of old Deepdale can never be replaced, the new version when full can become a close second. If North End can one day return to the top flight of English soccer where they were once one of the top dogs back in the 40s and 50s, then this will certainly be an outstanding venue to view English football. Neighborhood 3 Preston is a pleasant industrial city with a wide range of shops and public houses. The Mystery Tea Shop in the city center offers specialty teas and coffees in addition to Starbucks and Costa Coffee. Yate’s Pub, around a fifteen-minute walk away, is a regular watering hole for supporters as is the Sumners public house located on Tom Finney Way. You can also park here for 3 GBP which can be redeemed at the bar when purchasing food and drink. The nearby Sainsbury’s Supermarket also has its restaurant. There is a host of places to eat in the City Centre around a mile and a half away. Nearby Blackpool is one of England’s most famous seaside resorts. Fans 3 Preston North End has a loyal hard core of over 10,000 supporters and also takes a good following to away games. They would easily sell out if they were in the top division and locals are always welcoming when visiting. Local rivals are Blackpool, Blackburn, and Burnley, and derby games against these teams are well worth attending. Access 3 The stadium is easily reached by exiting Junction 31 of the M6 motorway and then following signs for Preston. Turn right at the Hesketh Arms roundabout onto Blackpool Road and you will eventually pass the stadium. Preston Railway Station is on the main west coast line to Scotland and is approximately one and a half miles away. Regular buses will run on a match day to Deepdale. Manchester and Liverpool Airports are both about one hour away. Return on Investment 3 Admission prices range from £5 for children up to £21 for adults with reductions for O.A.P’S. This is about the norm for this level of football although prices in the north are generally slightly cheaper for the same standard of football than those in the south. Extras 3 There is a club shop outside Deepdale selling a range of replica kits and souvenirs. Betting kiosks are available inside the stadium concourse in the vicinity of the catering outlets. A match day program is produced for all games priced at £3.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Scotiabank Arena 40 Bay St Toronto, ON M5J 2X2 Toronto Raptors website Scotiabank Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 19,800 Time for New North The recent news that Vince Carter was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is big for the city of Toronto and the Toronto Raptors.  The location of the very first NBA game with the Toronto Huskies and New York Knicks is finally getting a member of the Hall of Fame.  Although Vince Carter played for seven other teams and was technically not drafted by the Raptors, his formative years in the NBA were wearing purple.  Carter’s arrival in Toronto coincided with the moving of the team from the gargantuan SkyDome to the sparkling new Air Canada Centre.  Many Raptor fans credit Carter for helping build basketball in Toronto as well as the rest of the country. In 1999 the Raptors, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, also owned by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, moved to their current home, now known as Scotiabank Arena.  The building was once the Canada Post Delivery Building and the arena has been renovated several times.  Located in the heart of Toronto, Scotiabank Arena provides the Raptors with a premier venue to play in and has become one of the best experiences in the NBA. Food & Beverage 5 Scotiabank Arena provides a premium array of concessions that will allow fans to enjoy just about anything they can imagine at the arena.  The Scotiabank Arena website does a pretty good job of outlining the culinary options allowing fans the opportunity to plan.  Also very handy on the website is the Specialty Food Guide which outlines vegan, kosher, halal, and gluten-free options.  Some of the stands that fans may wish to consider include Hot Stove Carve for prime rib sandwiches; Mac & Cheese for a variety of macaroni and cheese concoctions; Noodle & Bao for Asian noodles and sandwiches; Poutinerie for a variety of different poutine options; St. Patties for burgers; Panini Sandwich Shop for a variety of deli sandwiches; Wicked Carib for the Caribbean fare; Edo for sushi; Hogtown for a huge selection of unique hot dogs; and Canadian favourite brands Tim Hortons and Pizza Pizza.  All of the expected arena items like popcorn and pretzels are also available.  The new “grab and go” areas that are popping up in stadiums and arenas can also be found in Scotiabank Arena.  Designed to get fans in and out quickly, the gated areas offer a quick selection and fast exit.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink selections.  There are several locations for fans to get a huge variety of alcoholic beverages.  The Molson Canadian Brewhouse on the 100 level is one of the most popular bar areas.  The Coors Light Chill Zone on the second level, above the pregame location, is another great spot to hang out pre-game.  The beer selection is as good at Scotiabank Arena as anywhere else in the NBA and full bar service is available in many areas also.  There is not much that a fan could want and not find at Scotiabank Arena. Atmosphere 5 Scotiabank Arena was originally the Toronto Postal Delivery Building.  The original facade is found at the “front” on Bay Street, however, most patrons will enter from either the north, where the arena is joined to Union Station at the Galleria, or the west where Maple Leaf Square can be found.  The “Search Light Star Light Spot Light” structure is an iconic piece of art that was also part of the original Air Canada Centre logo and is one of the exterior highlights.  A massive video board is found on the building exterior and is a major piece of “Jurassic Park,” the once innovative gathering area that is electric for Raptor playoff games.  Legends Row, a collection of bronze statues of Toronto Maple Leaf greats, is also found in Maple Leaf Square. When fans enter the Scotiabank Arena, they are greeted with a decent-sized concourse.  If there is a “main” entrance, it would be through the Galleria on the north side and empties into the largest interior gathering area.  The area where the pregame shows for television are shot is just to the right of the Galleria entrance.  The walls of the concourse are plastered with either ads or framed photos of Raptors, Maple Leafs, or concert moments.  The seating bowl is two-tiered and although fans are bombarded with Maple Leafs nostalgia, there are a couple of Toronto Raptors nods.  The court is east-west oriented and the spot to get that perfect centre court logo picture is from the south.  A huge, yet not overwhelming, state-of-the-art video board hangs above centre court.  Raptors banners hang in the centre of the arena with the Inaugural Season banner to the east and Atlantic Division Champions, 2019 Conference Champions, and 2019 World Champions banners to the west. The gameday production at a Toronto Raptors game begins as soon as the gates open.  Members of the promo team can be found parading around the lower concourse and interacting with fans.  Leading cheers, dancing with a circa 90’s boombox, and allowing fans to shoot a novelty basketball in a shoulder-mounted basket, the team’s goal is clearly to raise the energy and excitement of the fans entering the building.  Digital interactivity is one of the biggest changes in the last decade with fans having the opportunity to participate in live polls displayed on the video board, order food, and purchase 50/50 tickets.  The video board is used to the max with ads, pregame analysis, and interviews before the tip-off even happens.  That push for energy continues throughout the game where it is non-stop action, even when the game pauses.  The Northside Crew, one of the first diverse dance groups in the NBA, performs during the pregame and throughout the game.  The Raptor, Toronto’s mascot, is among the most underrated in the league and his antics are legendary locally.  The Raptors’ presence is felt throughout the game and he is very visible.  It is probably not possible for the Toronto Raptors to pack anything else into the time from pregame to the final buzzer. Neighbourhood 5 Scotiabank Arena is located in the South Core neighbourhood of Downtown Toronto, immediately adjacent to Harbourfront.  It is hard to argue that there is an arena that is better located in the entire NBA.  There are a plethora of pre and post-game options for food and drink, whether on Front Street or on the streets that cross it.  Some of the options include The Loose Moose, Kelly’s Landing, Real Sports, e11even, Taverna Mercatto, Hoops, Miller Tavern, The Fox, and NBA Courtside, to name a few.   There are also several fast food and chain restaurants in the area.  The hot dog carts, which are scattered near the arena, are among the best anywhere and should also be considered for a quick bite before or after the game. For other sporting options in the city, fans are almost overloaded with options.  Scotiabank Arena is also home to the Toronto Maple Leafs  of the NHL.  Heading west, fans will come to the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays  of MLB.  Further west is BMO Field, home of Toronto FC  of MLS and the Toronto Argonauts  of the CFL.  BMO is also a host of the next World Cup.  Heading north of Scotiabank Arena will bring fans to the University District.  The Toronto Metro Bold play hockey  and basketball  in the former Maple Leaf Gardens, as do Toronto’s PWHL team.  The University of Toronto campus is nearby and the Varsity Blues field a full complement of teams including football , hockey ,  and basketball .  At the northern edge of the city is York University, home of the Lions football , hockey ,  and basketball  teams.  Also on the York Campus are the National Bank Open Tennis Tournament and York United FC and Toronto FC II soccer teams.  That doesn’t even include Horse Racing or Auto Racing. Of course, there are also a ton of tourist options in the city.  Fans should consider hanging out at Harbourfront, the CN Tower, or Ripley’s Aquarium.  A must when in Toronto is a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame.  Fans 5 The days of the championship-caliber team in Toronto are over for now. With that, Raptors fans have proven to be resilient, remaining among the strongest supporters in the NBA. The drop in fan support from the 2022-2023 season is less than 100 fans per game. The Raptors have averaged over 19,600 fans per game in the 2023-2024 season, good for 7th in the competitive NBA.  Raptor fans tend to be more rowdy and loud than Maple Leaf fans, although they are not over the top.  The Raptors also tend to have a more diverse fanbase.  In the playoffs, inside and outside Scotiabank Arena is truly special and Jurassic Park is a sight to be seen.   Access 4 Getting to the Scotiabank Arena by car will force fans to traverse the Toronto traffic, which can be a real challenge.  The Lakeshore is quite far from Highway 401 in the north, so using Lakeshore Blvd or the Gardiner Expressway to travel east or west along the lake will be required.  There are plenty of parking options around which can be found for $20 or more. The real travesty is that the City of Toronto has not taken any lessons from other cities when events are put on.  Upon exiting Scotiabank Arena, Toronto Police are not present aiding in the movement of traffic, leaving drivers on their own to get out of downtown.  On the plus side, public transit downtown is very good. Union Station is attached to the Scotiabank Arena.  TTC subways and GO Transit trains along with Via Rail  trains can be found here.  Fans should check the TTC  or GO Transit websites for maps, fares, and schedules. Getting around the Scotiabank Arena is not difficult, however, fans need to keep in mind that there is rarely less than a full house in the arena and intermissions will be congested.  Washroom facilities are more than adequate but will have lineups during intermissions as well.  With security protocols and procedures in constant flux, Stadium Journey strongly suggests visiting the Toronto Raptors and Scotiabank Arena  websites for the most up-to-date security information before heading to the arena. Return on Investment 3 As with most NBA experiences, taking in a game is not a cheap experience.  Tickets for the Raptors are available starting between $50 and $75 on the secondary market.  Demand remains high for tickets, although finding them may not be too hard, the price may not be what fans are looking for.  It will be interesting to see if ticket prices on the secondary market drop as the Raptors have jumped into rebuild mode with both feet.  Parking will run at least $20 and concessions are on the expensive side.  According to media reports, the Raptors had the 12th most expensive tickets and were 11th in Fan Cost Index in the NBA in 2022.  Fans will have a great time at a Raptors game and it is wall-to-wall entertainment and energy, however, they should be prepared to pay for it! Extras 4 An extra mark for Toronto’s claim to the very first NBA game, which was played at Maple Leaf Gardens with the Toronto Huskies and New York Knicks in 1946. An extra mark for Toronto’s celebrity factor where Nav Bhatia has become a local celebrity sitting courtside for every game since day one.  Fans may also get a glimpse of Drake, who often sits near the Raptors bench. An extra mark for Herbie Kuhn, the PA announcer, who has been with the Raptors since the SkyDome days and brings energy and excitement to the experience. An extra mark for the Raptors embracing their role as Canada’s team. Final Thoughts Taking in a Toronto Raptors game is an event that fans will love.  The entertainment is top notch and the Scotiabank Arena is an excellent venue with a terrific location in one of the most dynamic, tourist-friendly cities in the world.  Basketball fans should not shy on the Raptors because of their relative youth as a franchise.  They are one of the best experiences around. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Benjamin Evensen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Alaska Airlines Arena 4131 15th Ave Seattle, WA 98195 Washington Huskies website Alaska Airlines Arena website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 10,000 Husky Basketball Alaska Airlines Arena, or “Hec Ed” as it’s known around Seattle, has been home to University of Washington basketball since it opened in 1927. The stadium sits on the University’s campus and right next to Husky Stadium where the football team plays. The arena is named after Clarence S. “Hec” Edmundson, who coached Husky basketball and track and field from 1920-1947. Hec Ed has also been the host of two Final Fours, in 1949 andparksbusesthe1952. In 1999, the arena underwent major renovations, costing $40 million in all. Seats, locker rooms, athletic offices, and Hall of Fame sections were all overhauled and replaced in the renovations. The seating capacity was brought up to 10,000, which is what it still is at today. It is the third-smallest arena in the Pac-12. Hec Ed is also home to Husky women’s basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics teams. Food & Beverage 2 The food at Hec Ed is nothing special, but simply what you would expect at a typical sporting event. Their basics are there; hot dogs, pizza, candy, soda, etc. But nothing stands out. This does come as a surprise though, as the other Seattle sports stadiums such as Lumen Field , Climate Pledge Arena , and T-Moble Park have many food options that are unique to the Seattle area. The options at Hec Ed are underwhelming, to say the least, but they are not bad either. Prices are your typical, overpriced stadium prices as well. Atmosphere 4 Hec Ed has been the home of Husky basketball for over 70 years, and in the rafters of the stadium hang the banners of Pac-12 Championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and more from other sports. The arena has a feeling of the entire history of Husky basketball; the good times, the bad times, and everything in between. That being said, there is still just something lacking. The University of Washington has not had much success in its history of men’s basketball but the arena is certainly a place with a lot of history that has come with its age. It is different than that of Kansas, Duke, or North Carolina – schools where the atmosphere of the stadium is tied with championships, Final Fours, All-Americans, and legendary coaches. Hec Ed just doesn’t deliver the same type of historical feel. It isn’t a must-see in the world of college basketball, but it’s still a unique venue that brings a very strong sense of pride to Husky athletics. Neighborhood 4 While it may be a smarter idea to drive, as the arena isn’t within short walking distance to many attractions, the area around the campus in North Seattle is one of the best in the country. The campus is right on Lake Washington, and the views of the mountains in the distance are breathtaking. University Village has many unique options to get a bite to eat, and if you hop on I-5 for a short drive into downtown Seattle, famous attractions such as Pike’s Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Waterfront are more than doable or after the game. Fans 5 The University of Washington is the premier college school in the city of Seattle, and the loyal following of Huskies across the Pacific Northwest flock to Hec Ed to support their team every home game. They are loud, proud, and very into the game. The student section is always packed and very into the game, sporting the purple and gold, along with crazy costumes to add to the fun. The stadium was about 95% full, and for a midweek game, that is certainly not bad. The fans were very into the game, and as it came down to the wire, they made sure to be loud and created a very intense environment. Access 4 With Husky Stadium immediately next door, there is more than enough parking for the much smaller seating capacity-wise arena. Prices are expensive though, so expect to pay around $10 to park in the lots next to the arena. Getting to the arena can be a hassle if you are unfamiliar with the area, but it shouldn’t cause too much of a problem. If you do not plan on doing anything before or after the game, an option I choose to use quite a bit is the metro service. There are many parks and rides across the Eastside and south of Seattle, and buses always run right to the arena. It can be a great way to avoid problems getting in and out of the stadium parking lots, and getting home in a faster, more efficient manner. If you do choose to drive yourself, you should not expect to run into many problems. Return on Investment 2 The University knows how popular they are around the Seattle area and takes full advantage of that in their ticket prices. Even for the very top levels, you can expect to pay $36. The mid-levels are in the $40-$50 range and only go up from there. But that only is when they are playing just any-old team. In the case of my game, that was Stanford, which big-time does not have much of a following in Seattle. It is much more expensive for a team like Oregon who has a large following in the area. Tickets for those games are about $20 higher than normal rates for the nose-bleeds, which is nowhere near the value of the experience. You can expect that for games against Oregon, Oregon State, instate-rival Washington State, and other big-time programs that may come to Seattle. Unless you have strong ties to those schools, I do not suggest attending games vs those schools. For most games, when the prices are “normal,” it still can be frustrating how much you are paying. For just a college basketball game, I have a hard time convincing myself that it is worth around $80 per person with the ticket price, parking, and food for just one game – and that isn’t even against a “marquee” opponent. You might be better off paying about $20 per person (including tickets and food) at Key Arena for a Seattle U basketball game, who also is a division 1 basketball program. Extras 5 One of the best things about Hec Ed is the other attractions inside the arena. The school’s athletic Hall of Fame is open to everyone inside the arena and has bowl game trophies, historic sports memorabilia, and walls of famous Husky moments in all sports. It which a must-see if you attend a game there. There also is a large team store in the arena, with lots of Husky apparel and memorabilia available for sale. Final Thoughts As far as college basketball arenas go, Alaska Airlines Arena is just not a “must-see” arena. It feels old at times, lacks more than basic food options, and is severely overpriced. Yet for Husky fans, it still holds so much history to the University, and once inside, it certainly is not a bad place to see a basketball game. It just is not a “top-level” venue in the college basketball world. Around the arena, there is a beautiful campus, a city, and so much to do. If you have the budget, making a trip to Seattle with a Husky basketball game as part of the plan will make for a very fun day. It holds a lot of value to the millions of Husky fans in Seattle, and you are not going to have a bad time going. If you love Husky basketball and are in the Northwest, then you are in for a nice time going to a game at Hec Ed.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Select Car Leasing Stadium Shooters Way Reading, England RG2 0FL United Kingdom Reading FC website Select Car Leasing Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 24,161 The Mad Stad Select Car Leasing Stadium is home to the English Football Championship club Reading and was formerly named Madejski Stadium after their Chairman Sir John Madejski. The stadium was built in 1998 following the club's departure from their Elm Park residence of over one hundred years. The stadium has an all-seated capacity of 24,161 and also hosts the home games of the Rugby Union club London Irish. Food & Beverage 3 Once inside, the stadium is well served by food outlets selling a range of hot dogs, burgers, pies, and stir fry noodles as the vegetarian option. A hot dog retails for £3.20 with tea and coffee priced at £1.50 per cup. Pepsi is slightly overpriced at £2 a cup with lager costing £3 per pint. The kiosks also sell chocolate and crisps. Atmosphere 3 By Championship standards, Reading is a well-supported club with an average attendance of 18,000. However, despite playing to a three-quarters full stadium for most home games the atmosphere within the ground can at times be quite muted. The noise levels do increase against sides with large away followings, however, this is mainly when Reading plays local derbies or one of the bigger clubs. Neighborhood 4 The town of Reading is situated in the county of Berkshire and is a mere forty-minute drive from London and Heathrow Airport. The stadium is within easy reach of Junction 11 of the M4 Motorway adjacent to the A33 which runs directly into the Town Centre. The Mad Stad, as it is nicknamed locally, is a typical new British stadium development situated on the outskirts of town surrounded by retail parks. If it is here that you wish to while away the hours leading up to kick off then it's visiting DIY Superstores that will be the order of the day. There are also fast food outlets here in the form of Pizza Hut, Mcdonald's, and KFC. A better recommendation would be to take the three-kilometer journey into town where you will find the Oracle Shopping Centre with its selection of High Street stores, Bars, Coffee Shops, and Restaurants including one from the Jamie Oliver range. These are located in the pleasant canal side area of the complex. Fans 3 Reading supporters are not renowned for being the noisiest in the land, however, the core fan base has grown from approximately eight to eighteen thousand since the club took up residence at the Madejski. Those supporters who wish to spend the duration of the ninety minutes singing and chanting congregate in the East Stand which adjoins the South Stand, the end where away supporters are located. Access 3 The stadium is easily reached by a car exiting Junction 11 of the M4 motorway which runs between Bristol and London. There is plenty of parking, but be aware that this is limited to two hours in the retail parks. The official car park is for season tickets and guests only, but paid parking is available for £8 per vehicle and is between a five and ten-minute walk away. The nearest railway station is Reading Central and Bus 50 arrives and departs from directly outside the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Unless Reading is playing one of the big four then tickets for most matches can be easily purchased in advance over the internet or by arriving early on the day of the game. Ticket prices are £23 and £26 if purchased in advance but rise by £4 if bought on the day. There are discounts for those under 16s and OAPs. This is the average cost of a ticket for the English £10 to increase attendance. Extras 4 There is the normal superstore selling a wide range of both Reading and London Irish merchandise situated by the main entrance to the stadium. A match day program is available for all home games priced at £3. All sporting venues in Britain are now nonsmoking areas, however, Reading allows supporters out onto the concourse at halftime to enable smokers to get their fix, which is particularly needed when their team is losing.

Photos Courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Alex G. Spanos Stadium 1 Grand Ave San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 Cal Poly Mustangs website Alex G. Spanos Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 11,075 Mustang Football With less than a decade remaining until its centennial anniversary, the California Polytechnic State University football program remains the top football draw for the state’s central coast. While the basketball team plays at Mott Gymnasium and the baseball plays in the beautiful Robin Baggett Stadium , the Alex G. Spanos football stadium may be the crown jewel of Cal Poly athletics. First opened in 1935 as Mustang Stadium, the venue has been undergoing renovations since 2006 to bring the capacity to 22,000. The stadium is named after Alex G. Spanos, current owner of the San Diego Chargers. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions were surprisingly limited for what appeared to be a large crowd in the expanding venue. Some of the larger items included the tri-tip sandwich ($7), Vienna beef hot dog ($4), Johnsonville bratwurst ($4), nachos ($4), kettle corn ($6), peanuts ($3), sunflower seeds ($3), soft pretzel ($3), churro ($2), cheeseburger ($4), fries ($3 with chili and garlic add ons for an additional fee), and sweet potato fries ($4). Some of the more popular and unique items included Lucy’s chocolate covered strawberries ($5), or a Poly Pineapple (strawberries, pineapple juice, and pineapple sherbert for $5). The beverages included bottled water ($2), canned soda ($2), Monster Energy ($4), lemonade ($3), iced tea ($2), and coffee/cocoa ($2). An interesting addition was a Cal Poly food truck on site that offered some additional options. I could see this being something utilized on more and more campuses nationwide to add additional concession capacity when necessary. Atmosphere 3 Despite the state of California offering many reputable football programs, few can boast a setting as beautiful as that surrounding the stadium. Views of Bishop’s Peak and San Luis Mountain can be seen from within the stadium. Even with the serene surroundings, the inside of the stadium still provides a lot of excitement. Prior to all kickoffs, fans rise up to support their Mustangs. Musty the Mustang & the cheer team are on the sideline throughout the contest inspiring fan interaction. The loudest interaction takes place after a Cal Poly first down when the PA announcer says, “First Down,” and the fans respond “Mustangs!” Neighborhood 3 I always enjoy a visit to San Luis Obispo as there is a variety of different settings that a fan can explore. Closer to campus fans can find a Carl’s Jr, Pita Pit, Subway, The Shack and Nucci’s pizza. Both Indian and Thai restaurants are also nearby. I would recommend heading to downtown SLO if time allows. In the vibrant downtown area surrounding the San Luis Obispo creek, fans can find bars, restaurants, shops, theaters, and art galleries. If fans are willing to take a short trip north to Paso Robles, they can experience wine tours at places such as J. Lohr Vineyards or brewery tours at the popular Firestone Walker Brewery. If you cannot find something for you in San Luis Obispo, try the nearby towns of Morro Bay, San Simeon, Shell Beach, or Pismo Beach for a variety of entertainment options. Fans 4 Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Cal Poly football program provides local fans their pigskin fix. The recent stadium expansion should be a testament to the passion of the fan base. The student section opposite the grandstand was definitely the most animated, but it seemed that all parts of the stadium were contributing to the noise levels. As previously stated, this is the closest college football program for many fans of the central coast, so much of the fan base has been following the program for years. During the contest, I overheard many such fans reminiscing about the conference title years under previous head coaches Andre Patterson and Rich Ellerson. Access 3 Once you’ve made it to the central coast, getting to Cal Poly is a breeze. Fans will not experience the traffic problems of the Bay Area or Southern California. Parking on campus requires a pass for $6, but exercise caution in the lot you choose as some of them require a bit of a walk to get to the stadium. The restrooms were a bit on the small size for the expanding venue. There were only approximately seven stations in each restroom I visited, but perhaps these will be modified during the ongoing expansion. The stadium offers a single scoreboard at the north end of the stadium and I did notice that it is difficult to see from certain vantage points. Return on Investment 4 As many of the Cal Poly fans have been following the program for years, the season tickets are very popular. Reserved seats are available for $80 for the full season. If fans just want a single game or to attend a few, the reserved adult tickets are $20 and $15 for seniors/youth. General admission seats go for $15 for adults and $10 for seniors/youth. With parking at just $6 and concessions priced at levels fans would expect at any local eatery, the whole experience turns out to be an extremely reasonable value. Extras 3 My first extra goes for the scenery surrounding the stadium. I’ve mentioned some of the mountains that surround campus which provide the perfect backdrop. Fans can also walk up to the upper level of the west end seats for some panoramic views of the stadium. It is a bit removed from the action, but can provide some great perspective in watching the plays develop. Behind the scoreboard fans will find a small rose garden and fountain. This serene setting offers a relaxing place to get away from the action. Lastly and most importantly is the Mustang Memorial Plaza outside of the stadium. During the 1960 football season, an airplane crash took the lives of sixteen Mustang players, the team’s manager, and a football booster. The plaza was constructed in 2006, and is certain to evoke emotion from all sports fans. A mustang statue sits in the middle and is surrounded by 18 copper pillars, one for each member of the Cal Poly program affected by the crash. Final Thoughts After enjoying both the baseball and basketball programs at Cal Poly, the football program certainly did not disappoint. The campus remains one of the most beautiful in California and the fanbase makes it one of the more memorable sporting experiences in the state.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 LECOM Harborcenter 100 Washington St Buffalo, NY 14222 Canisius Golden Griffins website LECOM Harborcenter website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,800 The Griffins Golden Home Located just north of downtown Buffalo, Canisius College is a small, private Catholic college of approximately 3,900 students. The Canisius Golden Griffins compete in the NCAA, Division I, but struggled to find an appropriate home on campus. Without a home on campus, for many years, the Griffs played at Division III Buffalo State; a slightly embarrassing ordeal for the school. Relief for the Griffins came in 2014 with the opening of HarborCenter. Part of the redevelopment of downtown Buffalo, HarborCenter is direct across the road from the home of the Buffalo Sabres, KeyBank Center. A larger complex, also housing a Tim Hortons, 716 Food and Sport, and the Buffalo Marriott, HarborCenter has become a busy hub, downtown. In 2017-2018, HarborCenter, along with KeyBank Center, hosted the World Junior Hockey Championships. HarborCenter is owned by Pegula Sports and Entertainment, the same owners of the Buffalo Sabres and Bills. Having played Division I hockey since 1980, Canisius currently plays in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. The highlights of Canisius hockey have come from current NHL player, Cory Conacher, their 2017 Atlantic Hockey Conference regular season title, and participation in the 2013 Frozen Four tournament after winning the Atlantic Hockey Conference Tournament. The KeyBank Rink at HarborCenter has been a great move for the Griffins with an increased presence in the Buffalo area. However, a few years into their habitation at HarborCenter, a greater following was expected. Food & Beverage 4 Being a busy facility with several different tenants, HarborCenter offers a solid array of concessions. Conveniently provided by the (716) Food and Sport, which is on the ground level, concessions are better than your average, small, NCAA hockey facility. There are two small concessions behind the seating sections and two main concessions, one at the ice level and one behind the seating bowl. Chicken tenders, pizza ($4.50), fries, onion rings, pizza logs, popcorn ($2/$4.50), nachos, and pretzels are all available along with other grill items. However, some items that may not be expected include fruit, protein bars, peanut butter, banana sandwiches, and hummus dip. A full smoothie bar is also on hand. The soda of choice at HarborCenter is Coca-Cola and its products ($2.50/$3). Bottled water and Tim Hortons coffee products are also available. Very surprising is the alcoholic beverage selection at HarborCenter. Labatt Blue, Blue Light, and Bud Light are the staple beers that can be found, but local brews like One Buffalo and Southern Tier IPA are also available. Wine is also available. Atmosphere 3 Located in downtown Buffalo, HarborCenter fits right into the downtown area. However, if there is one thing it does not look like is a hockey arena. The exterior of HarborCenter is very nice with a sleek modern look but truth be told it looks a little bit more like a condominium or office building than a sports venue. With the recent World Junior Hockey Championships being hosted by KeyBank Center and HarborCenter, several displays and attractions are remaining in the Canalside area. Just across the road from HarborCenter is the bronze statue of Buffalo Sabres legend Tim Horton. There are also a few bronze bison statues across the road, which can be found in many places in the city. Inside the HarborCenter building, fans must ascend by an elevator to the seventh floor to reach the KeyBank Rink. The home of the Golden Griffins, as well as other local teams, immediately stands out with its bright interior due to LED lighting. Fans will also immediately notice the throwback to old-school hockey venues with the curved, hardwood ceiling reminiscent of the old hockey barns. The ice surface runs from east to west with the main concourses behind the seating area. Smart-looking grey brick gives the arena a clean and crisp look. Canisius markings are rather limited due to the arena’s multi-tenant nature, but at the west end of the arena, fans can find the 2013 Atlantic Hockey tournament championship banner along with a banner honoring First-Team All-Conference members. The seating bowl is not huge or overly comfortable. Essentially nine rows of wooden benches require standing, but on the plus side, the sight lines are terrific. The game day experience is a decent one. The Canisius pep band, the Blue and Gold Gang gives the game the college feel and the PA announcer has lots of energy. An interesting moment occurs at the beginning where the PA announcer asks for a moment of silence and reflects fans to Canisus’ Jesuit roots and reads the Jesuit code against oppression. Neighborhood 5 Being in downtown Buffalo, there are a host of places to eat and drink before or after a Golden Griffins game. Some of the best spots to eat include Washington Square, Liberty Hound, Cobblestone Bar & Grill, Iron Works, Lagerhaus 59, and a personal favorite, Pearl Street Grill. Across from the bronze statue of Tim Horton himself, you will of course find a large Tim Horton’s coffee shop. However, the big buzz is for (716) Food and Sport. This is a very popular spot and is being compared to the Real Sports Bar and Grill which has become so popular outside the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. HarborCenter is located right across the street from the KeyBank Center, which is home to the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL and the Buffalo Bandits of the NLL. Up the road is Coca-Cola Field, which is home to the Buffalo Bisons . The Golden Griffins play their basketball games on campus at Koessler Athletic Center which is about four miles away. Other options, if you are in the city, would include Buffalo Bills football in Orchard Park or Buffalo Bulls football or basketball in Amherst. If you are looking for something else to do in the immediate neighborhood of HarborCenter, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino is just up the street. As far as accommodations go, there are several hotels in the vicinity of HarborCenter. The closest hotels are the Buffalo Marriott, located right at HarborCenter, and the equally convenient Courtyard by Marriott, right across Scott St from HarborCenter. Fans 2 Since moving to KeyBank Rink @ HarborCenter, the following at Canisius hockey games was expected to increase. However, attendance has remained fairly flat for the Griffins. Usually averaging around 1,000 fans per game, Canisius attendance is near the bottom of NCAA schools in the mid-fifties. There is not a lot of buzz in the stands from the fans and the student section, which is in section 7, is often fairly empty and fairly quiet. Although the KeyBank Rink capacity is only 1,800, often it remains legitimately half full. A better experience would be aided by a stronger, more passionate fan base. Access 4 Getting to HarborCenter is pretty easy. HarborCenter is located just across Perry Street from First Niagara Center in downtown Buffalo. It is located near major highways, south of I-190 and east of the Buffalo Skyway. With downtown Buffalo attracting more and more people, parking is becoming a more significant issue. The first try for parking should be in the garage in HarborCenter. If that is not available, an attendant will direct fans to the correct parking lot. This is crucial as parking for a Sabres game versus parking for a Golden Griffins game is about a $14 difference. The Metro Rail Special Events Station is just east of HarborCenter and is free to ride “above ground.” Some buses travel the area. Interested fans should check out the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority website for maps, fares, and schedules. The main ticketing gate is at the east side of the building and out of the elevator, on the seventh floor. It is a portable kiosk. Getting around the arena is not a problem at all. Although the washroom facilities are not huge, they are more than adequate for a crowd of around 1,000. There is also ample room in the concourse for traveling around. With more fans in the stands, washroom facilities could be a bit of an issue. Return on Investment 5 A Canisius Golden Griffins hockey game provides a solid return on investment for the sports fan. Although the lack of fan support may leave the experience a little lacking, the minimal investment that is to be made by the fan makes up for it. Tickets for the Griffs go for $20 for a rail seat, $15 for reserved seats, and $10 for general admission. Unless rail seating is an absolute must, the $10 general admission ticket is the way to go. Parking should go for around $3 and concession prices are not too bad. The product on the ice is solid, as with most NCAA hockey experiences and Canisius does what it can to provide a solid hockey atmosphere. Although the rabid fan base is not there, the investment is so low that fans really can’t complain. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Canal Cup rivalry with Niagara. Located essentially up the road in Lewiston, the Niagara Purple Eagles are a similar school in size and location and a great rival for the Griffins. An extra mark for the great view of Buffalo from the seventh floor of HarborCenter. An extra mark for the recognition of the high number of Canadian players and fans in attendance with the playing of the Canadian National Anthem before games. Final Thoughts It is a little disappointing to see that the Canisius Golden Griffins have not found a stronger foothold in the Buffalo sports market since moving to the KeyBank Rink @ HarborCenter. That being said, catching the Griffs is a solid sporting experience. The investment is so low and the product on the ice is exciting in a decent college atmosphere. HarborCenter is a great facility and worth checking out. _______ Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 FAU Arena 777 Glades Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33431 Florida Atlantic Owls website FAU Arena website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,000 Winning in Paradise   The story of the 2023 NCAA basketball tournament was the Florida Atlantic Owls making a surprising run to the Final Four. That means they are now a very popular draw, which presents challenges for the stadium traveler. The Owls play out of the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, which holds just 2,900 (though a sellout is considered 3,161), and almost all seats belong to season-ticket holders or are reserved for students.  The secondary market has seen very high prices, but tickets that are returned from the visiting team are made available at the box office. That is your best bet, other than enrolling as a student and picking up a student ticket the day before.  Even then, that's no guarantee of entry as the student capacity of 750 is often exceeded, and some students are sent home. Everyone loves a winner, and the Owls are certainly that these days, even after moving up to the American Athletic Conference. So, if you are fortunate enough to get in, what is the experience like? Food & Beverage 2 The biggest weakness here is a limited selection of food and beverage options. There is a single concession stand inside the main entrance with typical arena fare. The cheapest food items are small popcorn and small cotton candy at $6, while almost everything else is $8 (hot dogs, nachos with cheese, pretzels (add $2 for queso), hamburgers (add $1 to make it a cheeseburger) and a large popcorn). Snacks are limited to chips for $3 and boxes of candy for $4. Coca-Cola products are $5, as is Powerade, while water is a buck cheaper. Beer is reasonably priced at $7 for domestic (perhaps the only place where beer is cheaper than a hot dog) and $8 for imported, and there is even wine for $9 and Prosecco for $10.  Fans should eat before or after the game as several good establishments have a short drive to the arena. Atmosphere 5 The venue opened in 1984 and was initially called FAU Arena, with The Burrow added as a nickname (there is still a sign outside indicating this). The campus features burrowing owls on campus, contributing to the arena being nicknamed The Burrow. In November 2022, Eleanor Baldwin donated $7.5 million, and the arena is now named after her (and nicknamed The Elly). The team won 20 straight games after the change of name, adding a bit of good luck. Inside the main entrance is a large lobby, where the trophies from last season are on display, as well as a single concession stand. If you have lower bowl seats, you can enter the gym on this level and walk up to your seats; if you are on the upper level, you have to use a stairwell on the correct side to reach a walkway at the top of the building and then walk down to your seats. The two levels of seating on both sides are separated by metal bars; you will need to know where your seat is. On the second level,  behind one net, is a large club area that leads to some suites. You need a special ticket to enter this area.  Students take up the entirety of the lower bowl along the same side as the cameras, in other words, facing the logo. There are two smaller student sections behind each basket as well. Sellouts have attendance listed at 3,161, and students make up about 25% of this number, which gives the arena a fantastic atmosphere from well before tip-off. It can be loud, so if that bothers you, you can stay outside until closer to game time. I think this is what most fans do, as the upper bowl took a lot longer to fill up. By game time, though, nearly every seat was taken, and the crowd was energetic. There is no scoreboard above center court, which gives this small venue a more open feel. At the far end is a huge video board that shows highlights and all the player and team stats.  There are two mascots: Owlsley is the grown-up, and there is also Hoot, who seems to be a baby owl. Both were very active during the game, as were the cheerleaders and dance team, who are known as the Fly Girls. When FAU slams a dunk home or hits a key three-pointer, two students run flags around the court. It was a very dynamic atmosphere until the final buzzer.  Neighborhood 4 The FAU campus is self-contained and bordered by the Boca Raton airport to the northwest, Spanish River Road to the north, Glades Road to the south, and a creek to the east. It is quite a large area, and walking to any eateries outside the campus is not recommended. However, several establishments are within a short drive.  In particular, downtown Boca Raton is just 10 minutes away and has dozens of restaurants and bars that should offer something for everyone. Slightly closer to campus is the Irishmen pub, while the Town Center at Boca Raton is just to the southwest of the campus and includes Tap 42 Craft Kitchen and Bar, as well as a Hooters, among other joints. Of course, the Atlantic Ocean is right there, and there are a few beach parks within a 15-minute drive of the arena. There are many hotels within the vicinity of FAU, though prices can be high during the winter season. You may want to stay a few minutes away to save some money. On the campus, the FAU Fogelman Sports Museum is nearby and open for a few hours every day except Monday. It is free and contains quite a bit of sports memorabilia and is worth a visit if you have time in the area. Fans 5 It was an hour before the tip, and the student section was mostly full. It is because student capacity is so limited (many students were turned away a week before the game). Students show up early to grab a seat, which is great to see. A student section that cares about their team, and they stood for most of the evening. By the time the game started, the arena was full, and it stayed that way until the end of the game. Fans are loud and proud and deserving of their fantastic Final Four run last year.  Access 4 FAU is located next to I-95 and is easy to get to by following your GPS. You do have to drive a bit on campus to get to the free parking lots immediately surrounding the arena. Getting out is pretty easy, too as you can be on the highway in just a couple of minutes. Inside, there is not a true concourse but a lobby that leads to the main gym for those in the lower seats and the stairwells to the upper level for fans in those seats. As such, there is no real difficulty in getting around. The single concession stand does see long lines before the game, so if you need to eat, get there early or wait until the game starts. Restrooms are a bit difficult to find, but there were no lineups there that I saw. Return on Investment 4 This might be the most difficult area to rate because tickets are hard to come by, and you can pay close to $100 on the secondary market. As mentioned, tickets that are not used by the visiting team are returned and made available at the box office, which is likely your best bet to snag one. I saw a small lineup more than an hour before the game, so if this is your plan, you need to arrive early.  Parking is free, but food is a bit expensive. Still, this is one of the best experiences in college basketball, with a talented team playing in front of a passionate crowd in a small, intimate venue.  Extras 3 The floor is adorned with palm trees, one of the more attractive court designs in college basketball. I always appreciate the attempts to add a bit of local flavor to the court.  The trophies in the front lobby for both the men and women merit a point. There are photos and other displays inside some of these stairwells that are worth checking out. Final Thoughts Overall, FAU is the epitome of what college basketball should be: a small school that maintains a small arena where students get the best seats despite the team's rise to national prominence. I don't know how long this combination will last, so if you want to enjoy this experience, you should get there in the next few seasons to appreciate all that the team has to offer the fans.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 FBC Mortgage Stadium 4465 Knights Victory Way Orlando, FL 32816 Cure Bowl website FBC Mortgage Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 45,000 The Cure Bowl Finds a New Home Having played several years at Exploria Stadium , and Camping World Stadium before that, the Cure Bowl moved in 2023 to a new home at UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium. Home to UCF football , this facility already features everything needed for college football game day experiences. Aside from this, the Cure Bowl continues to be the only bowl game each year to raise money for charity, donating profits to cancer research.   Food & Beverage   5 After having average food options for many years, UCF invested in local businesses and upgraded their options. By far the star of the concessions at FBC Mortgage Stadium is Four Rivers BBQ; this central Florida BBQ restaurant has become a local favorite, and can now be found at the Cure Bowl as well. Other popular options at the stadium are the Knights Dog (featuring an all-beef hot dog topped with shredded pork, queso blanco, onions, and salsa), nachos ($7), chicken Caesar wraps ($10), and pretzels ($7). Drink options include souvenir sodas ($10 with $5 refills), Truly VodKA Sodas ($9), beer ($9-$10), BodyArmor Water ($7), and bottled water and soft drinks ($4-$5.50).   Standard stadium fare is also easy to find, as are other local favorites like Kelly’s Ice Cream.   Atmosphere   3 The facilities at FBC Mortgage Stadium are immaculate as well, with restrooms constantly restocked with paper towels and soap. The pre-game tailgating is incredibly vast, covering nearly every open lot and green space on campus for hours before the game even starts, reaching from the lots at the stadium itself across campus to the far corners of the academic buildings. The fans are also sport-knowledgeable and know their favorite players well. During night games, the new LED lighting adds to the look of the field, adding colored hues during performances and flashing on and off whenever a team scores. While known for its party atmosphere during UCF football home games, during the Cure Bowl the facility doesn’t feature some of the more well-known items such as Lights Up, Lights Down, or fans bouncing up and down to the tune of dance music to make the “Bounce House” shake.   Neighborhood   4 FBC Mortgage Stadium is located on the campus of UCF; both the immediate area around the stadium and the campus itself are chock full of places to find food and shopping. Just outside the stadium’s main gate are Addition Financial Arena  and UCF’s baseball stadium ; here you can also find the UCF campus bookstore and associated Starbucks, as well as Burger U, the campus bar and burger/wings joint frequented by fans and students. Outside of campus, you can find Blaze Pizza, Tijuana Flats, and countless more restaurants. For somewhere to stay, the closest options are Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East. Fans in the area are also less than an hour from Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center to the east, while to the west they can find downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Park.   Fans   3 The atmosphere at the Cure Bowl is different from most, as all those in attendance are helping to contribute to a worthy cause. The crowd is smaller than some of those at bigger bowls – this is partially a result of the Cure Bowl tie-ins, which usually result in smaller schools from mid-level conferences being invited, with App State  and Miami (OH)  highlighting the most recent match-up. Fans nonetheless can get a taste of the pageantry of bowl games; there is also plenty of beautiful scenery with downtown Orlando just to the east.   Access   3 The biggest difficulty of game day at FBC Mortgage Stadium is the parking and traffic in and around the stadium. Being that the stadium is located on campus, the roads in and out of the facility are small and get clogged quickly. Parking lots and garages fill up fast, so getting to the stadium early helps avoid a longer walk from across campus. Thankfully, with the Cure Bowl happening in December, many students are finished for the semester by the time the game rolls around, and a smaller crowd than UCF home games usually have means fewer people to contend with. Thankfully, the school has done a great job of managing the traffic flow in and out of campus. Additionally, new updates to FBC Mortgage Stadium’s ingress and egress mean no longer having to enter a gate and navigate the entire concourse to find your seat.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Cure Bowl are affordable compared to most games, starting at $35 for the lower half of the stadium that is open, and with the money going back to a worthy cause, it’s hard to argue why someone would want to attend this game. Getting the experience of a college bowl game is always enjoyable for sports fans in general, and getting to watch one in Florida in the winter makes it even better. Orlando is blessed with great weather, never too cold or too hot in December, meaning you will be comfortable no matter where you are from.   Extras   2 The Cure Bowl organizes a survivor’s march to the stadium featuring cancer survivors and bands from each of the participating schools, starting at Burger U and ending at the stadium gates. Outside the main entrance to FBC Mortgage Stadium stands a statue of former head coach George O’Leary; this is a popular photo spot for fans.   Final Thoughts The new home for the Cure Bowl certainly has notoriety in college sports, thanks to UCF football’s  ascent over the past decade. Tickets are inexpensive and access is easier, with much more parking and tailgating options than the game’s previous home at Exploria Stadium . If you want to go to a great game with great ticket prices and a charitable benefactor, the Cure Bowl is perfect for you.

Anyone who has been there will tell you that Oklahoma City is vastly underrated. In this episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views, Dave and Paul head south to one of the gems of Minor League Baseball, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and the Oklahoma City Dodgers. ⚾⚾🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and the Oklahoma City Dodgers game day experience here.

Photos by Richard Smith and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Wellspan Park 5 Brooks Robinson Way York, PA 17403 York Revolution website Wellspan Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,200 Revolution in the White Rose City York, Pennsylvania was the first capital of the United States. The title claim comes from the assertion that the Articles of Confederation was the first legal document to refer to the colonies as “the United States of America,” and York happened to be the capital when it was adopted. York is known as the White Rose City while nearby Lancaster is known as the Red Rose City city about the Wars of the Roses. For many years a baseball rivalry existed between the two cities with the York White Roses and Lancaster Red Roses. The York White Roses existed from 1894–1969, although technically they were known as the York Pirates the final year in town. League membership moved around between the Eastern League, Piedmont League, Interstate League, New York-Penn League, Tri-State League, Pennsylvania State League, and Keystone Association. The former home of the White Roses, now known as Bob Hoffman Stadium, is still located in town and is in use as a softball field. The original concrete walls of the stadium still exist. An upward-sloping hill was, and is, a unique distinction of the stadium. Of course, softball uses fences of a shorter distance and so the hill is no issue for the modern players. It must have been quite a thing to witness and play in the day. In 2007, the Revolution came to town as part of the independent Atlantic League. Food & Beverage 5 Check out the “Hungry Fan Map” on the main concourse for more information. There is a good selection of options at the stadium, more than some stadiums double their size. There are numerous permanent stands, as well as more temporary setups around the concourse. Fat Boys Pizza and Hoagary have two separate stands next to each other with quite a few options that we can most recommend. Macho Nacho serves large nachos in a full-sized helmet. Or you can opt for some chicken fingers and fries, also served in a helmet. Ripleigh's Creamery has great ice cream, with another helmet option, of course. Atmosphere 4 Fans enter the stadium through Brooks Robinson Plaza. The Orioles great played for the White Roses and was a part of the Revolution's operations until he died in 2023. The grandstand is a basic bowl set up and offers a great view from pretty much any seat. A fun place to sit is in the lawn section beyond center field. In that location, there is also one row of seating both in front of the lawn and in front of the playground area. A nice addition to the stadium is the “Arch Nemesis” wall in left field. Basically, it is a green monster type wall. There is a hand-operated scoreboard in the wall. Fans can walk behind the wall and see the scoreboard operator in action. There is a walkway that extends around the entire field and offers some great views. The team has a man clad in revolutionary garb, who fires off a small, real cannon at the start of the game and when the Revolution takes the lead. Be prepared, as it is VERY loud. The team mascot is named “Downtown.” Neighborhood 4 The baseball stadium is just north of the downtown area. Downtown York is not far away and there are some great bars and restaurants here. Stop in at White Rose Bar and Grill or Holy Hound Taproom for a bite and drink pre or postgame. Holy Hound has 30 beers on tap. Route 30 is a place to find almost every chain restaurant and hotel brand in existence. Recommendations here would be Cheddar’s and Mission BBQ. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company has a large facility in York. Check their website for the occasional tour. Fans 3 York is about the middle of the pack in attendance within the league. The fans that sit right behind the plate are knowledgeable. Once you get out to the fringe parts of the park you may see the more casual fan. Wellspan Park seems to make both types of fans feel right at home. Access 3 Route 30 and I-83 are the big roads in the area. The stadium sits not far off of these roads in the north of downtown York. Parking is $5 cash at nearby Smalls Athletic Field. Other lots are for pass-holders only. Most people will enter through the main gates at Brooks Robinson Plaza Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices at Wellspan Park are fair, ranging from $9 (lawn) to $15. There is also a nice variety of season and package plans. There is a parking charge of $5 but that price is low and reasonable. Extras 5 It is great to see the manual scoreboard in operation. So make sure to use the walkway and go behind to see the operator at work. It is a fun little thing the Revolution added to the park to add character. Also, make sure to spend some time before the game and check out the Brooks Robinson statue. The statue in the plaza shows a young Brooks in his York White Roses uniform. The entire Brooks Robinson Plaza is a nice little feature as well as serving as a great pregame meeting spot. The loud cannon is a nice little feature. Just be prepared because that cannon is loud. The ballpark has a nicely designed play area and a carousel in center field. Wellspan Park is home to the tallest outfield wall in all of baseball. At 37 feet, 8 inches, the left field wall is called the “Arch Nemesis,” and is 8 inches taller than the famed Green Monster at Fenway Park. There are four retired numbers on the façade of the press box at Wellspan Park. Brooks Robinson (5), Jackie Robinson (42), Andy Etchebarren (8) and Corey Thurman (35) are the honorees. Final Thoughts The York Revolution and Wellspan Park offer a nicely designed stadium with some really interesting features that are sure to please both the serious and casual baseball fans.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 John Euliano Park 4000 Central Florida Blvd Orlando, FL 32816 UCF Knights website John Euliano Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 3,600 Baseball Charges On at UCF As often happens in cities without a major league sports team, the local college fills the gaps. Such is the case with UCF baseball. In a city that is within driving distance to multiple other college teams, UCF attracts the biggest fans. Thanks to a multi-million dollar renovation, John Euliano Park is now a premiere baseball facility as well. You can find this beauty of a stadium nestled between the UCF Bounce House and Additional Financial Arena . However, on game days just follow the roar of the crowd to find your way. With an updated stadium, it is hard to argue against this being one of the premier college baseball stadiums in Florida. Food & Beverage 4 Thanks to large crowds, UCF has expanded its food offerings on game days in recent years. Food vendors dot the main concourse downstairs behind home plate, while smaller vendors can be found in left and right field. A cold beer will cost $7-$8 while a soda or water $4-$5. For food, fans can pick from burgers ($10), sausages ($9), hot dogs ($4), and assorted snacks (popcorn $2, nachos $7, sunflower seeds $3, peanuts $4, and Cracker Jack $5). This represents a solid mix of stadium favorites and baseball essentials. UCF students can take advantage of special pricing for water, popcorn, and hot dogs on game days for $2 each as well. Atmosphere 5 The fans at John Euliano Park are electric. Weekend games frequently feature a packed house. The team has also become a mecca for youth baseball teams to come watch some great action on the field. The stadium itself feels like a whole new place after its recent renovation. The second deck behind home plate now gives fans an elevated option from which to take in the action. The right field seating upstairs remains a great option for fans as well, serving as general admission seating as it has in the past. Below that the right field concourse runs along the batting cages, allowing fans the option to watch players warming up before heading onto the field. Down left field you will find a large sloping berm that gives a great picnic area feel. The outfield is also home to the rowdiest of fans, as many will use the parking lot and adjacent free viewing area as the perfect tailgating spot. Neighborhood 4 John Euliano Park is located on the campus of UCF; both the immediate area around the stadium and the campus itself are chock full of places to find food and shopping. Just outside the stadium’s main gate are Addition Financial Arena and the Bounce House. Here you can also find the UCF campus bookstore and associated Starbucks, as well as Burger U, the campus bar and burger/wings joint frequented by fans and students. Outside of campus you can find Blaze Pizza, Tijuana Flats, and countless more restaurants. For somewhere to stay, the closest options are Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East. Fans in the area are also less than an hour from Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center to the east, while to the west they can find downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Park. Fans 5 Fans have started to make UCF baseball games a must-see event. From little league to high school varsity squads, kids from around Central Florida flock to UCF games. Without a doubt, however, the rowdiest crowd is the fans in the outfield. Beneath the scoreboard in center field the fence drops down to just a few feet high, offering a unique vantage point for tailgaters. The outfield parking lot is also transformed on game day to the home for the biggest UCF fans, who select their spots for free baseball viewing. They chant and cheer with gusto, adding to the home field advantage UCF enjoys. Access 4 Being that the stadium is located on campus, the roads in and out of the facility are easy to get around to find John Euliano Park. Parking lots and garages are free and plentiful. There are even several entrances for the stadium, either at the main entrance or down the first base line. That way, you can enter and exit John Euliano Park at different points, depending on where you parked. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to UCF baseball are incredibly affordable. General admission tickets start at $7, with assigned seating behind home plate starting at $10. Club seats on the second deck can be purchased for $40. Parking for games is free, either in the F garage adjacent to the stadium, or in the outfield lot when the F garage is being used for an event at UCF arena. With concessions prices not rising to the level of professional stadium rates, you can take a family to the game and get a bite to eat without breaking the bank. Extras 5 John Euliano Park features a neat view of the batting cages from the right field concourse, allowing fans an up-close view of pitchers warming up and players taking batting practice before games. There are also several themed giveaway days throughout the season, giving fans multiple reasons to come out to UCF baseball games during the year. Fans can also enjoy visits from a baseball-dressed Knightro mascot throughout the event, and everyone coming into the stadium can also take advantage of multiple giveaway tables. Here, fans can pick up posters, magnets, stickers, pins, and even flags on game day, courtesy of UCF and their sponsors. Finally, the team has a kid’s club that young fans can join to show their love of UCF sports. Final Thoughts While many may immediately think of football when it comes to UCF athletics, it is clear baseball is quickly becoming a draw here as well. With a beautiful newly renovated home stadium, the Knights are well positioned to provide one of the best game day experiences in college baseball. With great weather year-round and a fanbase that loves to support their team, there are plenty of reasons to not pass up UCF baseball when looking for a great place to watch America’s pastime.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium 2047 Two Notch Rd Columbia, SC 29204 Benedict Tigers website Charlie W. Johnson Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 11,000 Purple Pride in Carolina Home of the Benedict College Tigers football team, Charlie W. Johnson Stadium holds 11,000 fans and opened in 2006. The stadium is named after Dr. Charlie W. Johnson, who graduated with a Doctorate in Law from Benedict, as well as played professional football with both the Baltimore Colts and the San Francisco 49ers, helping win one Superbowl with each team. Dr. Johnson donated $1 million to Benedict toward the building of the Leroy T. Walker Health and Wellness Complex, which was the largest gift ever received by the college at that time, and he also donated $300K toward a scholarship to help Louisville youth attend Benedict College. Dr. Johnson also purchased 2 buses for Benedict College Athletics – the stadium was named after him in recognition of these gifts as well as his other lifetime achievements. Dr. Johnson was inducted into the Benedict College Hall of Fame in 2010. Food & Beverage 3 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium has concessions stands on both the east and west sides, all of which offer the same menu – hot dogs, fries, and nachos (all 3 are served either plain or with chili and/or cheese), chicken wings, chips, popcorn, candy, and bottled soda or bottled water. All items are $3 except for the bottled soda ($4) and chicken wings ($8), though add $1 each for the chili or cheese if you want your dog, nachos, or fries to have those. This makes for a decent selection and reasonable prices, but the major drawback is that the concessions lines are very long, and they also don’t open the concessions stands until after kickoff, which is kind of annoying. The stands on the west side also run out of drinks very quickly, so buy early if you want any. Atmosphere 5 As with many HBCUs, the highlight of the day at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is the band performance at halftime, and this is even more dramatic at Benedict than at other HBCU schools you may have seen games at. Benedict recently won the HBCU band championship, and it may have gone to their heads a little, but in a good way – the band is now known as the Benedict Tigers Band of Distinction, and the 4 drum majors are brought onto the field before the halftime show in a white SUV escorted by three Georgia police cars – yes you read that right; the police cars are driven into one of the end zones with lights and sirens going, so this is kind of a big deal. The drum majors each have nicknames like “The Funkmaster” or “The Quiet Man”, which they are announced by as they exit the SUV, and they pack a lot of rhythm and soul into their performance those 4 are more entertaining to watch than the rest of the band. The Benedict Tiger band has also been invited to perform in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, so check them out there if you can. Benedict Tigers Band of Distinction, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is located in a neighborhood that feels a little rough – there are bars over the windows at the ticket office in the admin building up the street from the facility, for example – but you should be perfectly safe around game time as there are plenty of police directing traffic in the area. There are plenty of places to eat within walking distance of the stadium itself, such as Two Notch Restaurant, Badd Boys Café, or Railroad BBQ, but the nice hotels are all closer to downtown along Gervais Street near the river, for example, the Graduate Columbia (formerly the Inn at USC) or Hilton Garden Inn. The University of South Carolina is not far from Benedict College, and there are several attractions near USC, such as the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden or the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum, if you plan to be in town for the day or the weekend. You also might be able to take in a second football game at South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium while in town, if the schedules between the two schools happen to align. Fans 2 The crowd at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is very small – even during homecoming when a lot of alums are in town and visiting bands from local high schools are invited to perform at halftime, the stands will be pretty empty. There is a great tailgating scene around the facility though; you can see tents set up as far as the eye can see as you look down from inside the stadium. Also, the fans do represent, with most of them showing up geared in their purple and gold attire – that is a big plus. Tailgating at Benedict Tigers Football, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 4 Columbia, South Carolina is the state capital and as such is pretty easy to get to – Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is along Highway 1 (aka Highway 378), a few miles south of I-20 or east of I-77. There is a giant parking lot set up right outside the venue (parking on the grass), with parking costing $15, so only a short walk from the stadium entrances. Note that there are no game tickets sold at the stadium itself, which is odd, but you can buy them (cash only) from the parking attendants at the same time you pay for parking – $40 for both a general admission game ticket and a parking pass. Charlie W. Johnson Stadium has a main grandstand on the west side and a smaller set of stands on the east (facing the sun) – you can walk between them via a gravel path on the hill behind the north end zone. Moving around is pretty easy given the small crowd size, even at homecoming, but remember the concessions lines are pretty long; you are better off walking across to the east side, which has shorter lines if you want something to eat – that will take you less time than waiting in line on the west side. Return on Investment 4 Watching a football game at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is well worth it – the stadium has some great décor and amenities, including purple bucket-style seats in the middle on the west side, a great tiger head-shaped tunnel – complete with lots of fangs – for the players to come onto the field through, purple and gold balloons decorating the concourse, tiger statues outside the main entrance, and shrubs spelling out “Benedict” behind the north end zone. Tickets are pretty reasonable at $25 each, and $15 parking is pretty solid compared to most college football venues. Extras 3 The Tigers do have a mascot (person in tiger costume) to help entertain fans, as well as cheerleaders and dancers to support the band. They also play a lot of great music during breaks in the action, mostly a mix of rap/pop, which the fans seem to enjoy dancing to. Final Thoughts Some of the D2 football stadiums I have been to don’t have a lot to offer, but that is not the case here at Benedict – Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is a great looking, modern venue, and offers better quality and production values than a lot of FCS schools (and even some FBS schools), so I think you will enjoy your visit if decide to take a stroll in Tiger country – go BC!

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Freedom Hall 937 Phillips Ln. Louisville, KY 40209 Bellarmine Knights website Freedom Hall website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 6,206 Bellarmine Knights are at Home in Freedom Hall Freedom Hall is one of the iconic buildings of college basketball, a mecca to many fans of the sport and especially Louisville Cardinals fans who watched them play between 1956-2010. Crowds of around 19,000 were common, especially after the Cards captured the 1980 NCAA Final Four, but after the team relocated to the KFC Yum Center, it appeared that it would no longer be home to college hoops. That changed in the summer of 2020 when Bellarmine University Knights basketball program was elevated to NCAA Division I status and moved into the ASUN Conference. The university’s athletic director said that Freedom Hall was a natural choice as it’s steeped richly in basketball tradition and minutes from campus. To say that the building is rich in basketball tradition is an understatement. Besides being the home for the Cards for 54 years, the place was home to Kentucky high school championship games, the former home of the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA, countless NBA exhibition games, and the host of six NCAA Final Four–a record for one individual building. Adding to its lore is being the home for Louisville-native Muhammad Ali’s first professional boxing match on October 29, 1960. Bellarmine played in the building’s second game before an exhibition game between the Boston Celtics and Minneapolis Lakers in November of 1956. The Knights have also played a handful of contests in the old building before settling permanently. The arena can seat 18,252 for basketball games but is capped at 6,252 for the university. The university was established in 1960, and the basketball program competed in NCAA Division II and played at Knights Hall on campus. The Knights became a powerhouse making 11-straight NCAA DII postseason appearances from 2009-to 2019. The team made four Final Four appearances during that time, culminating in the 2011 Final Four championship against BYU-Hawaii in Springfield, Massachusetts. There were many improvements made at Freedom Hall in 1984 that included lowering the floor to accommodate more seating. In 2017, the lower bleachers were replaced, a new scoreboard and sound system were added, repairs were made to the concourse flooring, and a paint job after the acoustic tiles were removed from the ceiling. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands and kiosks are open on both levels of the concourse and provide more than enough options for fans at the game. The standard hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and fries are featured. The Kentucky Pork Association stand includes the following options: boneless pork chop sandwich, pork burger, pork bbq, baked country ham sandwich, brats, and chili dogs. Domestic and imported beers are available, along with premium cocktails. Waffle cones and various ice cream flavors are provided by local Ehrler’s Ice Cream. Coke products are the drink of choice at Freedom Hall. Atmosphere 3 Despite the size of Freedom Hall, the atmosphere is pleasant for the Knights. The massive building did not quell the good mood of the home crowd, who provided a great backdrop for the evening’s contest. The majority of the faithful sat in the lower bleacher section consisting of foldable chairs, while a few enjoyed the game from the upper seating bowl. The new scoreboard has video capabilities and hangs above the center court. The Knight new floor design is quite nice in design, and both the cheerleaders and the band provide the usual college exclamation points. A small student section does its best to provide a home-court advantage along with the team mascot that walks around the cheer section. The outer concourse area is broken into upper and lower levels that are fully separate from the seating area. There are no views from the concourse levels, and one could feel the slightest isolated while walking around with the game taking place just a few feet away through the vomitorium. The concourses do provide bathrooms, concession areas, and exits for easy access. The end court stands are standard bleachers and mask the additional seating and floor section of the building. The stats scoreboard is at the far end of the arena and provides a little old-school charm along with some of the building’s signage. To many who have grown up attending games here, there appears to have been little that has changed at Freedom Hall. However, there is not much that celebrates the venue’s rich baseball history. There are no banners, trophy cases, photos, murals, or mention of what has taken place since 1956. Bellarmine does not even have its 2011 Final Four banner hanging up from the rafters. The building has been home to more than just basketball, but a lot could be on display in the walls of the vapid concourse. Neighborhood 3 Freedom Hall is located 5-miles south of downtown Louisville on the grounds of the Kentucky Exposition Center. Louisville Muhammad Ali Internation Airport is adjacent to the complex that is directly off of I-65 and I-264. Churchill Downs is also nearby the complex. It is easily accessible by car, but one has to leave the complex to access other areas of Louisville. There is a multitude of hotel and restaurants chains nearby the complex. The best suggestion would be to travel 5 miles north to downtown and enjoy the many options of the city that includes the following museums: Louisville Slugger Museum, Kentucky Science Center, and the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. There are numerous distilleries in town that include the following: Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Rabit Hole Distillery, Kentucky Peerless Distilling, Angel’s Envy Distilling, and Brough Brothers Distilling. The Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs are within a few miles from the complex and are must-see options in Derby City. Church Hills Down is home to the Kentucky Derby, but there is plenty of other horse racing throughout the season. Also nearby are Patterson Stadium (baseball) and Cardinal Stadium (football) on the University of Louisville campus. Fans 3 Despite the size of Freedom Hall, the Knights fans make the massive building very comfortable. There is never a feeling that the team is playing out of its league in the historic hall. The Bellarmine fan base provides an impressive atmosphere that should add another notch to the history of the arena. Access 4 Freedom Hall is located 5-miles south of downtown Louisville on the grounds of the Kentucky Exposition Center. It’s home to various exhibition buildings, Kentucky Kingdom amusement park, and Hurricane Bay water park. The complex is easily accessible from I-65 and I-264, and there are plenty of parking spots surrounding the arena. Inside the arena, two concourses wrap around the interior seating bowl for easy access to individual seating and sections. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket is between $15 to $25. There is not a bad seat in the house, but lower section seating puts the customer close to the action on the court. Parking is $10, understandable for being in an exposition complex, and concessions are reasonable, but a few items are a tad high including, hot dogs for $6. Extras 3 Freedom Hall has a grand history, but none of that is on display on the interior walls of the concourse. It is somewhat sad since there have been many celebrations from college basketball, an ABA championship, concerts by national acts, and Muhammad Ali’s first bout. Thankfully there are plaques, including one of Ali, of Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame members on the walls. A second point is awarded to the Kentucky Pork Producers that offer plenty of tasty products at the game. Final Thoughts Freedom Hall has seen a lot of sporting events during its tenure, and there was a thought that it would be too big for Bellarmine. That doesn’t appear to be the case, as a substantial crowd provides a wonderful backdrop for the evening. However, the outside concourse could use some improvements to honor the building’s amazing history. Even with that in mind, Freedom Hall is worth a visit for being what it has always been, a historic home for college hoops. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Stabler Arena 124 Goodman Dr Bethlehem, PA 18015 Lehigh Mountain Hawks website Stabler Arena website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 6,000 Safe & Sound at the Stabler Arena While attending a Lehigh University basketball game at the Stabler Arena, I was told a story from one of the ushers about an alumnus who claimed to have attended every game since he graduated high school in 1934. I assume that this had been some time ago since this man would be close to 110 years old, but he swore up and down that all the games had been played in the same building since he was an undergrad. The only problem was that the Stabler Arena opened in 1979–45 years after he had graduated college. The 6,200 multi-purpose arenas were dedicated on May 26 of that year with commencement ceremonies and became home to Lehigh basketball the following season. The building is named after Donald, a 1930 Lehigh graduate, and Dorothy Stabler, who were primary donors of the facility. The arena replaced Taylor Gymnasium, which had been home to the basketball program since 1914 and where the former alumni probably saw a majority of his games–it still exists on campus as a fitness center. The Mountain Hawks are members of the Patriot League and have a strong rivalry with nearby Lafayette College in Easton–just 13 miles down the road. The program has made five NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournaments and, in 2012, gained national prominence by knocking out the #2 Duke Blue Devils 75-70 in the opening round of the tournament. The Stabler Arena defines what a basketball arena of the 1970s represents: rectangular shaped with plenty of 90-degree angles in the seating bowl. The aesthetics are not as welcoming as, say, The Palestra down the turnpike in Philadelphia or the plush and modern PPL Center in nearby Allentown, but the facility does not pretend to be anything it isn’t. The fan can expect a comfortable seat that is up close to the action on the court. Food & Beverage 3 There is a food court with various concessions that include tabletop seating next to a set of windows that add a touch of natural lighting to the concourse level. The options are limited but are rather inexpensive and include pretzels, hot dogs, french fries, nachos, and chicken fingers and fries. There are also deli wrap sandwiches and pizza slices available during the game. If you are feeding a group or family, a whole pizza sells for $17 to $20 a pie. The arena offers a line of Pepsi products, and there are no alcoholic beverages sold on its property. Atmosphere 3 The Stabler Arena features a main lobby with a set of two staircases that lead to a wraparound concourse that provides entrances to the seating area. The lobby wall is painted with the Stabler name and two portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Stabler. Fans can pick up tickets inside at tables or outside in the ticket booth. There is also room for more tables from local business advertising services and consulting. The school colors of brown and yellow are prominent inside the seating bowl, which also includes championship banners and retired jersey numbers, LED video boards in two corners, and a court-level area behind one of the baskets that features high-top tables. The popular area is a welcome addition and offers tabletop seating nearby behind the basket. Fans socialize with one another, enjoying food and drink while watching the game. The atmosphere was a little tepid since our visit took place between sessions; a school band, student section, or official mascot was not present at the game. Their presence does add a little life to the proceedings. The game itself was against arch-rivals Lafayette, and a spirited crowd was at hand to cheer on their Hawks to victory. Neighborhood 4 The Stabler Arena is located on the Murray H. Goodman campus, down the mountain from the Mountaintop campus. It is a few miles away from the town of Hellertown, which has a quaint main street featuring stores, restaurants, and bars. Bella’s Ristorante, Hellertown Crossroads Hotel, and Lost Tavern Brewery are three establishments worth checking out before or after the game. Bethlehem is just over the mountain and displays decorative holiday lights during Christmas time, along with an array of restaurants that include The Brick (pizza), Apollo Grill (cozy, refined restaurant), The People’s Kitchen (neighborhood vibe), and The Bayou Southern Kitchen (Cajun and Southern cuisine). The city also features the National Museum of Industrial History, the Moravian Museum, and the American on Wheels Museum. Fans 3 Fans are energetic and supportive of the Mountain Hawks. As with any program, winning cures a lot of ailments, and the basketball team has posted ten winning seasons over the better part of the decade. There are no visible traditions witnessed in the game. Access 4 The Stabler Arena is extremely easy to access once inside. There is one main concourse that houses concessions, bathrooms, and entrances for easy access to and from your seats. The entrances are marked with oversized numbers that appear to date from the arena’s first year. The building is also easy to access off I-78 via the Hellertown exit. A large parking lot is adjacent to the building. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket to a game is either $5 or $26.50, plus a service fee. The $5 ticket price point is almost a steal for basketball at this level and one of the best bargains you will find in the Patriot League. The price of concessions is also extremely reasonable, and there is no fee for parking in the arena’s lot. Extras 2 Stabler Arena earns a point for the oversized numbers that mark each entrance to the seating section. The number font reminds me of the ones at the old Giant Stadium that captured my fancy as a youth. Stabler Arena earns a second point for $5 tickets, a price almost unheard of at this level of basketball. If you are with someone who isn’t the biggest basketball fan, it is not a bad way of getting them to the game without hurting your wallet. Final Thoughts I am somewhat perplexed by the Stabler Arena. The building is an example of 1970s architecture and aesthetics that have not aged as well as other arenas built before it; then again, the ticket and concession prices are extremely affordable, and the vantage points from the seats are top-notch. Add to the scenic mountain view and the quaint main street of Hellertown, and you have a top destination that offers a lot of bang for your buck. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Glass Bowl 3044 N Glass Bowl Drive Toledo, OH 43606 Toledo Rockets website Glass Bowl website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 26,248 The Rockets Blue and Gold Glare For those of you who have never experienced MACtion, you have no idea what you are missing. A great college football experience without the claustrophobia and sheer craziness of having a tenth of a million people in one spot. The MAC has provided the big conferences with some of the most legendary coaches in the game. The Toledo Rockets have been among the best MAC experiences that you can find. Establishing a team in 1917, the Rockets are one of the longest-running members of the MAC, joining in 1950, just 4 years after the conference was founded. Toledo boasts 10 conference championships including victories in the 2001 and 2004 MAC Championship games. The other titles came in 1967, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1981, 1984, 1990 and 1995. Toledo football has had its share of legends and boasts big-time college coaches Gary Pinkel, currently of Missouri, and Nick Saban, currently of Alabama among its coaching alumni. Perhaps the most significant Toledo coach, however, was Frank Lauterbur, who oversaw one of the most legendary teams in college football history. Under Coach Lauterbur and standout quarterback Chuck Ealey, the Rockets went on a 35-0 winning streak. Ealey never lost a college football game in his career. The Glass Bowl has been the home for the Rockets since 1937. The stadium remains after numerous upgrades and is one of the best examples of amalgamating original architecture with modern amenities. The Rocket faithful have stayed true to their team, especially when facing their arch-rival just 20 miles south on I-75, the Bowling Green Falcons. The “Battle of I-75” has become so significant that in 1961 the University of Toledo procured an actual rocket from the U.S. Army and positioned it in such a way that if fired, it would land on the 50-yard line in Doyt-Perry Stadium on the campus of Bowling Green State University. Food & Beverage 3 The Glass Bowl provides a fairly average culinary experience for college football. You will find what you expect to find here, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Hot dogs ($3.50), popcorn ($3.50), pizza ($4), nachos ($3.50), soda ($3.25), and beer ($6) are all available. Unlike many college football stadiums, there are alcohol sales at the Glass Bowl. Featured brands of beer include Budweiser, Bud Light, Labatt Blue, and Yuengling. If you are looking for something a bit more unique, then try the Tailgate Gourmet in the south end. They feature a sirloin burger and a quarter-pound hot dog. The quality of the food at the Tailgate Gourmet is high, but the service can be slow. Atmosphere 4 The Glass Bowl is a great place to catch a college football game. The University of Toledo has done a fantastic job of merging the old with the new. The Glass Bowl has a north-south orientation with a horseshoe seating area, opening at the north end. All seating is aluminium benches with the band and students sitting in the south end. The west grandstand features the press box and luxury boxes in a three-tier complex above the seating bowl similar to many college stadiums. The entire stadium is surrounded by a beautiful stone wall made from irregular stones with sharp vertical stones at the top. It gives the stadium a fort-like feel. The north opening also features two large, square ramparts continuing with the fort feel. The beautiful stonework features what may have at one time been windows, that are now covered with pictures of Rocket Legends. The legends include players who have had their numbers retired including Mel Long, Mel Triplett, Gene Swisk, and Chuck Ealey. Legends also include newer Rocket players including Chester Taylor and Bruce Gradkowski. On the facia of the luxury boxes, the retired numbers of the Rockets are featured, as well as the 10 conference championship years. When game time arrives, the Rocket Marching Band marches toward the stadium and enters. They perform as most bands do, forming various icons on the field while playing songs including the Toledo fight song. The team enters the stadium from the north end through smoke and cannon fire. When the Rockets score, be ready as the cannon will fire again! The in-game experience is fantastic and well worth the trip. Outside of the Glass Bowl is a Nike-Ajax Rocket which was erected on the campus in 1961. The Rocket is pointed at the top rival of the Rockets, the Bowling Green Falcons. The Sullivan Athletic Center, a few steps from the Glass Bowl, houses the main campus store as well as the Rockets Hall of Fame. Toledo has done a fantastic job of sharing their history and their points of pride with visitors, students, and alumni. Neighborhood 3 The Glass Bowl is located right in the heart of the University of Toledo. The university has a beautiful green campus just south of the Ottawa River. The university campus is west of downtown Toledo. The home of the Toledo Mud Hens of the International League, Fifth Third Field, can be found downtown, as well as the new Huntington Center, which is the home of the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. Other Toledo athletic events are held at Savage Hall, which is just a few steps from the Glass Bowl. If you are looking for some pre or post-game libations, you probably want to head to Dorr St. There you may consider trying Jed’s on Campus or Oasis Restaurant. Fans 4 The Toledo Rockets have enjoyed solid fan support. The student section is strong and it is right beside the band. The Rockets have routinely featured attendance in the top 5 in the conference. They typically average over 18,000 fans per year. In 2013, the Rockets averaged over 18,000 fans and were 4th in the conference in attendance. The previous year the Rockets were averaging over 20,000 which was good for 3rd. Some of the fans do take their time arriving on time, missing the fun of the band performing before the game. This could be because of the solid tailgating scene that can be found on campus. Either way, Rocket fans are not afraid to make noise and love the cannon fires signifying a Rockets score. Access 3 Getting to the Glass Bowl is not too difficult. The campus of the University of Toledo is located south of I-475, west of I-75, and Highway 24. The game day crew does a great job of keeping traffic flowing through campus and helping fans find and pay for parking. Large parking garages and tailgate lots make parking on campus fairly easy. Inside the Glass Bowl, patrons do find some difficulties with older facilities. Some of the washrooms are pretty small and feature old-school troughs and sinks. Also, on the east side, the light standards are actually in front of the upper deck. Return on Investment 5 The investment in Rocket Football is not significant. Tickets are normally $25 and can rise for big games. In 2014, the Bowling Green game went for $35 and the Missouri game went for $45. The sight lines on the west side of the stadium are excellent, but you would want to be careful behind the light standards in the upper deck on the east side. Concession prices are very reasonable for college football and campus parking is not very expensive. Overall, you will have a great time in Toledo and you can easily bring a family. The return is significant with a solid college football atmosphere in a very unique stadium. Extras 3 An extra mark for the student section who throws footballs back to the game when field goals are kicked. There is no protective netting for field goals and it appears that one is not needed. An extra mark for the Rocket pointed at Doyt-Perry Stadium. A truly unique feature that revs up a solid rivalry. An extra mark for legendary Rockets quarterback Chuck Ealey who played his entire Toledo career without losing a game, leading a 35-0 streak. Final Thoughts A trip to see the uniqueness of the Glass Bowl is worth a trip to Toledo just on its own. The Rockets provide a first-class college football experience and the MAC provides some excellent #MACtion in what may be a fairly forgotten football conference otherwise. If you are a college football enthusiast, consider traveling to Northern Ohio to see the Toledo Rockets. You will not be disappointed. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bowling Green Ballpark 300 E 8th Ave Bowling Green, KY 42101 Bowling Green Hot Rods website Bowling Green Ballpark website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,700 Things are Getting Better in Bowling Green Bowling Green Ballpark has been home to the Bowling Green Hot Rods of the Midwest League since the 2009 season. The 4,559-seat stadium was designed by architectural firm DLR Group and it features a concave right-center field wall due to the road behind the stadium and an embedded 6 by 68-foot LED display board in the left field wall. The price tag on the stadium was $28 million when completed in 2009. Bowling Green’s population is near 67,000 and is probably best known for being the home to Western Kentucky University and the manufacturing home of the Chevrolet Corvette, with the Corvette Museum located in town. The city is somewhat new to minor league baseball and there is not a rich history that you might find in other cities, although the town was home to the Bowling Green Barons from 1939-1942. The Hot Rods ended the 67-year drought with the completion of ballpark construction in 2009, and looking at its front entrance there is a nod to baseball past with retro paintings of step by step instructions on how to swing a bat in pink and black colors. The ball club is the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Food & Beverage 4 There is a lot to choose from at the ballpark during a game and it consists of all the staples plus much more. Ballpark Favorite include Fritos chili pie, honey fried chicken sandwich, chicken or beef nacho salad, deep fried corn on the cob, Philly steak sandwich, and chicken caesar wrap. Healthier choices include grilled turkey and pork chop sandwiches and a veggie burger that is topped with grilled vegetables. The grill down the third base side offers gluttony of punishment for your arteries that includes the Bootlegger Burger – a beef patty between two Moon Pies. There are also burgers topped with homemade bacon jam and a full-sized souvenir batting helmet filled with nachos. A few feet away is a bar that offers both domestic and craft beer for $5 a pint, a remarkable price at any level of baseball. The price also includes tall boy national brands in cans, along with 16-ounce drafts of Yuengling Lager and Pilsner, Blue Moon, and locally-made Blue Holler Goin’ Yard Pilsner. Cocktails and Moonaritas sell for $6 and $8 respectively. Atmosphere 3 Bowling Green Ballpark went through $2 million in renovations prior to the 2019 baseball season that has improved many aspects of the park for people of all ages. The ballpark now features a full wraparound concourse that allows patrons to view the game from multiple vantage points and allows them to utilize the facility during the day for walking and jogging. The most recognizable feature is the close to $800,000 high-definition video board that stands at 35 feet tall by 56 feet wide, almost triple the size of the old video board and with a video quality will put it on par with other ballparks in baseball. The 1,500 square foot Splash Zone also includes two new adjacent restrooms and two changing rooms behind the batter’s eye in center field. The 10-foot-tall baseball bat water fountain allows fans to cool off during the hot summer months and provides a new way to beat the heat at the baseball game. The ballpark features an impressive kids area down the right field line that includes a covered playground, carousel, and radar pitch machine. The official team store is called The Body Shop and has a vast collection of team merchandise plus $60 game worn jerseys. Axle and Rascoe are the club’s official mascots and can be seen throwing out shirts, waving flags on the dugouts, signing autographs, and posing for photos throughout the concourse. The facility also features an outdoor patio set suite down the left field line, tier-lawn seating, and table tops on the concourse to enjoy food and drink while watching the game. The press box itself is not directly behind home plate but pushed down the third base side; this gives fans in the Reinhart Club seating a panoramic view of the diamond. Neighborhood 3 Bowling Green Ballpark is situated in a college town, but it’s much more than that. The downtown square is within walking distance of the stadium and offers a few nice bars and restaurants that are busy on the weekend nights. 440 Main Restaurant and Bar offers fine dining minutes away from the home field of the Hot Rods. The Mellow Mushroom is a nice option for pizza and beers before or after the game and so is the White Squirrel Brewery. Both are located within a mile from the stadium. Directly outside of the ballpark area are two great places to grab a drink before or after the game. The first is 3-6-4 Sports Bar & Grill that includes build-your-own-burgers, pizza, sliders, and chicken wings. A few feet away is Mariah’s that offers a menu of mahi tacos, hot brown sandwiches, brick-oven pizza, pasta, and steak. Lost River Pizza Company and Double Dogs, two inexpensive eateries, are approved by locals. A little further up the road on I-65 is Mammoth Cave National Park, featuring numerous underground tours that will fascinate and keep you cool during the hot summer months. There is an adventure to be had when you take a two-hour cave tour and squeeze through narrow passages and tunnels. It is one of the great national parks of the United States. Fans 2 The fans are rather quiet but supportive of the Hot Rods. They are like many other Single-A fans who do their best to support their club at home. The night that we were there was Bark at the Park Night and it felt that there could have been more promotions going on at the stadium since this type of night brings out many a dog lover to the stadium. Access 4 Bowling Green Ballpark is located within a few miles of I-65 and there is free parking in the various lots on streets near the facility. Once inside, the small and cozy conditions make for a rather accessible stadium. There is even signage directing motorists to the ballpark, something that is not always common in smaller sized cities. The average fan should have no problems being able to watch the game away from the seat while waiting in line for food. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a general admission ticket in advance or on game day is $8, a very reasonable price for minor league ball. Box seats are $8 and premium box seats are $10 in advance but spike up to $4 each on game day. Club seating is $20 in advance and provides fans access to the recently renovated Reinhart Club up above the concourse behind home plate. A full-service bar, wait-staff, and custom menu items give the fan an upgrade ballpark experience for a few dollars more. Parking is free in the main lot across the street and on the street, the price of a draft beer is $5 (including both domestic and locally crafted varieties) and from Tuesday to Wednesday evening, certain food and drink prices fall from anywhere from one to two dollars each. For example, on Whacky Wednesdays carnival rides and radar pitching stands are free and certain menu items are only $2. Extras 4 Bowling Green Ballpark earns a point for free parking at every game and earns a second point for providing a 16-ounce pint of beer for $5, not too many ballparks or bars offer that price for locally brewed beer. The ballpark earns another point for the recent improvements that include a 360-degree concourse that allows walkers to utilize the stadium during the day. The final point is for providing mid-week promotions to attract fans to the game that includes sales on merchandise on Monday, dogs at the ballpark for free on Tuesdays, and Whacky Wednesdays pricing. Final Thoughts Bowling Green Ballpark is a very modern and comfortable place to watch Single-A baseball. The recent renovations to the stadium and the value for your dollar makes it an affordable destination for fans in the area. It also makes for an ideal visit when in the area, or on your way to a couple of ballpark heavyweights in Louisville or Nashville.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum is just across the street from Busch Stadium and is part of the Ballpark Village. The museum is an impressive collection of team history dating back to the team’s origins and showcases the many players, home stadiums, and World Series championships won by the club. The museum boasts one of the largest team-specific collections of artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Seven galleries take you on a chronological journey through the history of the Cardinals; visitors learn about the birth of the franchise, relive special memories, view game-worn jerseys, and interact with great exhibits. The floorplan is set up in seven different areas highlighting the team's former homes of Sportsman Park and Busch Stadium II, along with its current venue, Look of the Cardinals, Championship Gallery, Cardinals Nation, and the Hall of Fame. There is also a rotation exhibit at the museum. The Look of the Cardinals illustrates how those two birds got onto the bats and game-worn jerseys are displayed that show the evolution of the famous insignia that has been on every home jersey, except 1956, every year since 1922. The look was inspired by table decorations created by Allie May Schmidt for dinner engagement by the Cardinals Vice President and General Manager Branch Rickey. The championship gallery features all 11 World Series trophies, rings, and paraphernalia in a beautiful circular-shaped room. There is a collection of great material from the different championship eras from pins, game day programs, press pins, clothing, and photographs. The museum also dedicates an area to the memory of the St. Louis Browns who played from 1903-1953 and in 1944 played the Cards in the all-St. Louis World Series. All of the galleries offer interactive areas, detailed information, and plenty of nostalgia for fans of the teams. Visitors are also able to pose for pictures holding game-used bats by former players, call a game in the broadcast booth, and put on an actual World Series championship ring. Even if you are not a Cardinals fan, it would be hard not to be impressed with the massive collection and detail of history. St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum 700 Clark St., St. Louis, Missouri 62102 http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/cardinals-nation/hof.jsp Open Monday-Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 BMO Center 300 Elm St Rockford, IL 61101 Rockford IceHogs website BMO Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 5,895 Big Orange Box Opened in 1981, BMO Harris Bank Center was known as the Metro Centre or the “Big Orange Box” due to the reddish/orange brick facade. It seats about 5,900 for hockey, 10,000 for concerts, and approximately 7,700 for basketball. The IceHogs are currently the AHL affiliate for the Chicago Blackhawks since the 2007-08 season. Prior to that season, they were in the now-defunct United Hockey League (UHL). The unique thing about this venue is that when the IceHogs were accepted into the AHL the arena ice surface had to be extended by 15’. As a result, the open end of the arena used to have seating but no more. Also, since the rest of the seating bowl was not changed, the benches do not have enough room for the backup goalies. Therefore, the goalies sit away from the rest of the team where the Zambonis come in/out between periods. The seating is a horseshoe shape with one end being open. In the open end, there is an ice level club lounge area. Any fan can visit the upper level and watch the game if the area is not rented (the view is nice from up there). In addition, there are about 10 conventional skyboxes on one side of the arena. Their gift shop is huge and has a great selection of the usual stuff…hats, t-shirts, sweatpants, game-worn uniforms, etc... The seating areas and restrooms are very clean in the arena. Food & Beverage 5 The food here is outstanding. The IceHogs offer many choices. My favorite is the Barnyards pulled pork bbq sandwich. However, the country fried chicken sandwich and the "Pig Slop" are very tasty too. The Pig Slop is French fries, cole slaw, pulled pork, and nacho cheese. Barnyards also sells fried buffalo chicken sandwiches. Sandwiches are $13. The Oak Leaf Grill has chicken tenders with fries ($13), pork tenderloin ($8) or grilled chicken sandwiches ($8), corn dog or cheese curds ($8), or a bratwurst ($6). Nacho Dillas stand has “gourmet nachos” - beef or chicken with queso, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream, jalapenos, and salsa ($13). In addition, there are “walkaway nachos” - beef or chicken topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, onions, tomato & sour cream ($7.50). The arena has standard fare foods such as Pizza Hut pizza ($7 a slice). This stand also sells breadsticks with marinara sauce ($7). The Barnburner stand has a cheeseburger basket ($14) or just a cheeseburger ($8), Various stands have hot dogs ($5.50), popcorn ($7), nachos ($6), hot pretzels ($7.50), and candy ($4.50). Alcoholic drinks include the River City Brew stand which serves mixed drinks ($10 to $17) as well as domestic draft beer ($8), specialty beer ($9), champagne ($9), frozen margaritas ($13), and wine ($10). For drinks, regular and diet Pepsi brand soda is $9 for a souvenir cup ($4.50 for a refill), Rockstar energy drinks ($6), water is $4.50, and Gatorade or tea goes for $4.75. A Dippin’ Dots stand sells its ice cream for $5.50 (small) and $7.50 (large). Popcorn is $7. Atmosphere 5 The fans who attend are really into the game. This is a major plus since the place is so small you are very close to the action and there is no bad seat in the arena. The main level open end seating area has a bunch of sit-down tables and stand-up bar tables. My only beef with this area is if you are not right against the railing, you cannot see all of the ice. The IceHogs have updated the look of Hammy - the mascot. Many fans dislike the new look, as do I. Hammy does a lot of stuff on the ice. Hammy walks around the arena and is readily available for pictures. I do have a problem with the IceHogs changing the look of the "live" mascot but not on all of their swag and specialty jerseys. A lone championship banner from the IceHogs UHL days hangs from the rafter. It is the only banner indicating that the franchise, as a whole, is not very successful on the ice. The in-game entertainment is your usual stuff and includes a local choir singing the national anthem, a local drumline team performing between periods, chuck a puck, and t-shirt tosses. The IceHogs Game promotions throughout the year are outstanding. They include different themed nights like Star Wars Night, Pink in the Rink, Halloween festivities, Country Nights, Teddy Bear Toss (always a fun time), dog days, specialty jersey auctions and more. In addition, they have great giveaways throughout the year. Neighborhood 2 BMO Harris Bank Center is located in downtown Rockford, IL on the west side of Rock River. There is not much of a neighborhood immediately around the arena. It is mostly government offices and buildings, store fronts (many vacant), or parking. However, there are some bars / restaurants within walking distance. Cantina Taco and J-bears Place is good. Less than a half a mile away from the arena, across the Rock River, is the more riveting part of the downtown area. It has bars, breweries, restaurants, art galleries, shops, and a river walk for those warmer days. For local craft beers, go to Prairie Street Brewhouse or Carlyle Brewing Company. Vintage@501 is a local favorite and is considered one of the best places in Rockford for a burger. Fans 4 As with most minor league sports, the people in attendance are mostly families. Many fans wear IceHogs game-worn jerseys/replica jerseys. In addition, visitors see many Chicago Blackhawk jerseys in the stands. COVID really hit attendance during the last two seasons. However, things are getting back to “normal.” The average attendance is about 3,500 per game now. And the fans who go are loud and into the game which makes for some good times. The intensity increases when local rival, the Chicago Wolves (Carolina Hurricanes AHL affiliate), are in town. One thing that amuses me is after a home team goal is scored the crowd taunts the opposing goalie to the old tune of "Mony, Mony," by saying “hey guess what, your goalie sucks.” Note: If you don’t like cowbells, you are not going to like this place. It seems that most of the people have one here. Access 3 Getting to the arena from Chicago is easy, off I-90 onto US 20 going first through first commercial shopping and restaurants. Just about every major chain you can think of is down this stretch. Then you drive through residential neighborhoods which are rundown but safe. Then it becomes somewhat industrial and lastly, downtown. There are parking lots all around the arena which cost about $5 - $7. More expensive parking is nearer the arena too. In addition, a lot of free street parking is a couple blocks from the arena. My only problem is, when leaving the game, the one road, US 20, is packed, and it takes about 15 minutes before you get to an area where traffic is flowing again. It really would help if Rockford police directed traffic after a game. BMO Harris Bank Center has adopted the clear bag policy where only 12” x 6” x 12” bags are permissible in the venue during a hockey match. Small wallets, clutches, and purses less than 8 ½” x 11” are also allowed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $12 to $29, depending on the game. In addition, there is a service fee too. Sadly, I did not get a paper ticket on the day of this review. I don’t know if they are available. The IceHogs have instituted a “premium” pricing program which I really hate. Despite this pricing, between the promotions, game activities, and food, it is well worth the time and effort to get there. Extras 4 Several things are worth noting. Fans can purchase a between-period Zamboni ride. The organization took a Zamboni, removed the water tank, and put seats in that spot. The Zamboni fits ten people, and the money goes towards charity. Next, the IceHogs organization displays the promotional-themed night jerseys worn throughout the franchise's history along the concourse. I wish all teams would adopt this. The Stars of Tomorrow area features pictures of former players who have made it to the Pros. Finally, the standing areas with tables in the arena are worth a mention. The open end of the upper level has an area where fans can stand and watch the game. Final Thoughts Rockford being fairly close to the Chicagoland area (about 2 hrs), the IceHogs being the Chicago Blackhawks affiliate, and all the promotions the IceHogs have, this is a can’t miss venue. A bad time can't be had here.

Photos courtesy of Lehigh Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park 123 Goodman Dr Bethlehem, PA 18015 Lehigh Mountain Hawks website J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 500 Watching the Hawks J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park is located on the Goodman Campus in Bethlehem, PA, and is another one of those parks that is so small it lacks a real address, so your GPS can only get you very close. Like many smaller schools, the athletics facilities tend to be clustered together at Lehigh, so you will find the baseball diamond right behind the Rauch Field House, next to the tennis courts and not far from the track – if you can get to Goodman Drive you should be able to find the venue, eventually. Food & Beverage 0 Currently there is no concessions stand, so you have to bring your own food and drinks if you want them, and many do – a number of fans sit or stand on the hill overlooking the park (behind the press box), and there is a real tailgating atmosphere there, including numerous food tables and coolers for beer; more on that in the Fans section below. Atmosphere 2 Not a terrible place to see a game; since it is so small you can get really close to the action and clearly hear the crack of the bat and the shouts from the umpire; the attendance is also pretty decent, so you can experience some good crowd noise. However, the facilities are admittedly lacking – it was built so long ago the Internet doesn’t even know when, there are no concessions, and all the seats are metal bleachers (only some have chair back rails, which are at least painted in the team colors). The Mountain Hawks compete in the Patriot League, which has been dominated by Bucknell for the last 25 years, and only has 5 baseball teams besides Lehigh (Army, Bucknell, Holy Cross, Lafayette, and Navy). Neighborhood 3 There aren’t any restaurants close to J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park, which is a bummer since they don’t sell food inside, so to find anything to eat you pretty much have to go downtown, where there are several fast food and local places. But the real jewel in Bethlehem, and probably the only place worth hanging out before or after the game (except for the Sands Casino Resort) is the Apollo Grill, which is located on West Broad Street, and for 15 years has been voted the best restaurant in Lehigh Valley (pretty much every year since it opened). Reservations are suggested because it is so popular. A little on the pricey side, Apollo’s offers a variety of sandwiches as well as seafood options, but also fancier entrees like pork, veal, and lamb. The atmosphere is pretty lively – the only downside is that wine and martinis are the only adult beverage options. If you plan to stay the weekend, the main attraction in Bethlehem is the aforementioned Sands Casino Resort, which opened in 2009, and added the hotel and an outlet mall in 2011 – the resort complex includes nearly a dozen restaurant as well as four night clubs. Sands and the Holiday Inn are the main hotel options in Bethlehem proper, so if neither of those is your scene you may want to try nearby Allentown, which has several Hiltons, a Ramada, a Wingate by Wyndham, and a few off-brand lodging choices. Fans 3 Lehigh draws a pretty good crowd for baseball games. The capacity at J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park is only 500, and the stands tend to get pretty full, so a lot of fans instead choose to watch from the hill behind the press box. You will see a long row of tables up there loaded with food, as well as several beer coolers hidden underneath, and that crowd gets pretty raucous, more so than the folks in the stands. A lot of fans in both areas wear Lehigh gear, and they loudly and proudly support their team, and boo the bad guys. Access 3 I mentioned earlier that J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park is hard to find because it doesn’t have a real address. Once you get to it, though, parking is easy to find – there are small lots all around the park, with plenty of space to accommodate the typical crowd size. The bathrooms are a little odd, however – there are plenty of them, but they are the inside-a-trailer type, not your usual free-standing option. Admittedly they are a step up from port-a-johns, so I guess they do the job, and at least they are clean and close to the stands! Return on Investment 3 Admission to Lehigh baseball games is free, as is parking. However, they don’t have concessions here, which may be problematic for some. Nevertheless, the crowd is pretty solid, so that makes a visit to J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park a lot of fun. If you can suck up the weird bathrooms and the lack of food and drink for a few hours (or haul in your own), it is probably a worthwhile trip. Extras 1 One point for the Sands Casino Resort – this provides a great additional reason (besides the baseball) to make the drive out to Bethlehem. Another point for the tailgating on the hill – you rarely see this at baseball games, so it adds a nice bit of fun and uniqueness. Final Thoughts A decent place to see a baseball game, with a really good crowd, and a great opportunity to do some tailgating, which you can’t do at a lot of other college baseball stadiums. J. David Walker Field at Legacy Park also underwent some renovations since this article was published, so the venue should look even better right now.