Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Reed Arena 730 Olsen Boulevard College Station, TX 77843 Texas A&M Aggies website Reed Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 12,989 Aggieland Basketball Reed Arena is in College Station, Texas, in the Texas A&M University athletic complex, near the west side of campus. The facility is home to Texas A&M’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, the volleyball team, major concerts, commencement ceremonies, and a variety of other events. The two-level arena has a single concourse with a seating capacity of 12,989. Reed Arena opened in the fall of 1998 and is named for Houston veterinarian Dr. Chester J. Reed and his wife, Billie Jean (Dr. Reed is a 1947 graduate of A&M). Unlike all the other athletic facilities on campus, Reed Arena operates under the Department of Finance, not the Athletic Department. Reed Arena was the home court for the 2011 NCAA women’s basketball National Champion Texas A&M Aggies and has also served as the site for both the men’s and women’s first round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The largest crowd for a men’s basketball game here (13,888) took place on January 19th, 2016 versus LSU. Food & Beverage 3 Reed Arena has nine permanent concession stands located on the concourse level, along with various temporary stands. The concessions here offer all the expected stadium fare at typical stadium prices. At the regular stands, Aggie nachos are $10, while regular nachos cost $5, and you can add extra cheese or chili to either size for an additional $1.75. There are a couple of food values as well, such as a combo including a hamburger, chips, and a souvenir soda, or a souvenir popcorn, for $10. You can also find Slovacek sausage and bratwurst for $6, or an Aggie dog (a basic hot dog), peanuts, or candy for about $5 each. A standard stadium pretzel costs $6 while the popcorn is a dollar less unless you buy a souvenir popcorn for $10. In addition to the main stands, there are temporary stations that provide different menu options than what you can get at the regular stands. For example, the Aggie Hospitality stand provides California nachos, topped with black beans, Pico de Gallo, cheese sauce, pulled pork, black olives, salsa, and sour cream, or you can get a high-calorie, foot-long chili cheese dog with the hefty price tag of $12. There is also a very good BBQ sandwich for $10, or a slice of pizza for $8. All the fixed concession stands accept credit cards. The soda products offered inside Reed Arena are Pepsi products. The concession stands offer two sizes – regular for $4, or large, which comes in an Aggies Arise souvenir cup for $6. Aquafina bottled water costs $4 for a large and $2 for a regular. While Reed Arena may not offer a significant number of novelty concessions, you should find plenty to choose from to satisfy any appetite while attending an event inside the venue. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Reed Arena is above average, and although it may not be on the same level as Kyle Field , the 12th Man and the Spirit of Aggieland are alive and well among the “Reed Rowdies.” The Reed Rowdies consists of a student group that promotes Aggie basketball on campus. However, any student attending a game at Reed Arena is considered a Reed Rowdy – the Reed Rowdies are found on the baselines wearing white t-shirts, and can be seen waving towels to rally the team and their fellow onlookers. These students, along with the Texas A&M Yell Leaders, keep the Aggie spirit and tradition thriving during each basketball game. The most recognizable Aggie tradition comes alive at the beginning of each half, and after the game is over – this is The Aggie War Hymn , when you’ll witness Aggie upon Aggie linking arms and legs and swaying back and forth, in a motion like that of a saw blade. This motion is to symbolize “sawing Varsity’s horns off,” referring to Texas A&M’s most-hated rival, the Texas Longhorns. Legend has it that the Longhorns mascot (a Texas steer) used to be named Varsity, but in 1917 a group of A&M students snuck into Austin and branded him with a 13-0 mark, the score of A&M’s 1916 gridiron victory over Texas. UT students are said to have hurriedly responded by adding some branding of their own, turning the 13-0 into the word BEVO (the 1 and 3 became a ‘B,’ the dash became an ‘E,’ and the ‘V’ was added), which is the current name of the Longhorns mascot. Nevertheless, since tradition is king at Texas A&M, the Aggies continue to sing the original lyrics. Their yells and songs still refer to the university as Texas AMC, about the fact that Texas A&M University used to be Texas A&M College. Some games at Reed Arena feature the Corp of Cadets supporting the team from a section on the baseline, near where the Aggie Dance team is situated; the Aggie Dance team performs choreographed routines during timeouts and at halftime. In addition, since Texas A&M doesn’t have a traditional cheerleading squad, the Yell Leaders and the Reed Rowdies get the crowd to participate in A&M’s signature “yells” – the Yell Leaders use hand signals to tell the crowd what yell to do next, by signaling to the front row and then having the fans pass it back up to the top of the arena, so that all the fans can do the yell in unison. Texas A&M’s Yell Leaders are a group of five students, elected by the student body, who lead yells at A&M sporting events. Overall, the atmosphere here at Reed Arena can be spectacular, especially if Texas A&M has a competitive team on the court. But no matter the opponent, the atmosphere is above average, because of the Spirit of Aggieland. Neighborhood 3 Reed Arena is located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, just off George Bush Drive on the corner of Olsen Boulevard and Kimbrough Boulevard. College Station and nearby Bryan are in East Central Texas, about one-and-a-half hours northwest of Houston. The two cities together are referred to as the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area, and this “twin city” makes up the 16th largest metropolitan area in the state of Texas, with a population of approximately 170,000. College Station is constantly listed among the great college towns, and just north of Texas A&M University, on the other side of University Drive, is the Northgate District. The Northgate District provides many restaurants and bars that have an amazing pre or postgame atmosphere, such as the Dixie Chicken. Commonly referred to as “The Chicken,” this restaurant/bar has been serving College Station since 1974 and is located directly across from Texas A&M’s campus. The Chicken is a great place to grab a beer before or after the game and listen to live country music. Not only is the Dixie Chicken known to be a favorite watering hole among Aggies, but the bar also claims to serve the most beer per square foot of any bar in the United States, and also has a variety of food selections at reasonable prices. For the craft beer lover, just around the corner from The Dixie Chicken is the Blackwater Draw Brewing Company. Or, if you’re looking to find some BBQ in the area, avoid BBQ 13-0, as it is not a good test of Texas BBQ – 13-0 is more for A&M students who need a late-night BBQ sandwich to absorb their earlier alcoholic beverages. But College Station and Bryan have a few much better BBQ places to enjoy, such as Fargo’s Pit BBQ, Kreuz Market, and my personal favorite, C&J BBQ, which has three locations within a few miles of campus, and of which are worth your time. Alternatively, on the south side of campus, there is a well-known College Station burger place, Koppe Bridge. Koppe Bridge has two locations, but the original is on Wellborn Road – originally an old feed store, this restaurant opened in 1992. For history buffs, some of the original timbers on the floor are from the old Koppe Bridge that spanned the Brazos River until the late 1920s, when the bridge was destroyed by flood waters. Texas A&M University’s campus is a great way to spend time before or after a game. The one place on campus that is truly a must when visiting College Station is the Bonfire Memorial, located next to the TAMU golf course. This memorial represents the bond that Aggies have with one another, and embodies the spirit, history, and traditions long celebrated and honored by Texas A&M students and former students; the memorial is a tribute to the individuals who lost their lives or were injured during the tragic 1999 bonfire collapse. The campus is also home to the George Bush (senior) Presidential Library and Museum. Fans 4 Aggie fans are unique compared to those at other schools, in that there is a bond among Aggies. Texas A&M University is recognized as the Home of the 12th Man, a football reference, because the crowd stands throughout the game to show support for their team, each Aggie waiting (figuratively) to be called onto the field to play in the game if needed. This tradition goes back to 1922 when a former Texas A&M football player named E. King Gill was called from the stands during a football game after several players were injured. Gill suited up and sat on the bench for most of the game, but never needed to go in. His willingness to serve, however, ignited Aggie fans to loudly and energetically support their team forevermore; a larger-than-life statue of E. King Gill now stands at one corner of Kyle Field. However, the Aggie Spirit is felt not just in football, but in basketball as well; there are no bandwagon fans when it comes to Aggieland. When you visit Texas A&M you’ll learn that being an Aggie is about much more than just buying school apparel; either you’re an Aggie or you’re not. Despite this extreme loyalty, however, you’ll typically find Aggie fans to be polite and respectful to visitors. Access 3 Reed Arena is located on the campus of Texas A&M University near the intersection of Olsen Boulevard and Kimbrough Boulevard, not far from Blue Bell Park and across from the Davis Diamond softball field. The campus parking lots in the area are reserved or require permits, so it is better to follow the signs for general parking; general parking is cash only at $5 per vehicle. Reed Arena is surrounded by four parking lots, which hold a combined 1500 cars, and the venue is also within walking distance of a 3,750-capacity parking garage. Overall, you should have no problem finding parking, but be aware that while access to Reed Arena is excellent, be prepared to wait at least half an hour in the parking lots after the game, due to the traffic congestion afterward. Reed Arena’s main box office is located at the main entrance, across from the Student Rec Center on Olsen Boulevard. There are also satellite box offices at each of the other entrances, making it very easy to just walk up and buy a ticket. The doors open one hour before tip-off. It is easy to get into Reed Arena from any of the four entrances, and handicap access and restrooms are easily accessible. The concourse is wide and there is plenty of signage to help you find your section, regardless of whether you’re sitting on the lower level or the upper. Texas A&M University does have a clear bag policy for all Aggie athletics home events; to be clear on what bags are allowed into Reed Arena, you can click on www.12thMan.com/BeClear . Return on Investment 5 TAMU men’s basketball ticket prices are very affordable for top-notch college basketball; the price depends on where you want to sit. The best seats in Reed Arena are priced at $25 for courtside, with the rest of the lower bowl at either $20 or $22; balcony seating (upper level) is between $15 and $20. There is also general admission seating for $10 in sections 210-216, which is a great price considering that on most nights you will be able to move over to a better seat. In addition, parking is only $5 and is located right outside the arena, and the concessions prices are very reasonable. Overall the Reed Arena experience has a high return on investment, and Texas A&M University also participates in Flash Seat ticketing, which is a paperless way to manage your tickets. Extras 3 Texas A&M University is one of only six senior military colleges in the United States, and TAMU’s Corps of Cadets is the largest uniformed body outside of the military academies. While all colleges have their unique traditions, at Texas A&M it is a rite of passage to be an Aggie. The song The Spirit of Aggieland speaks of a spirit that “can ne’er be told,” which is not merely a punchline to use at sporting events, but a deep passion that seeps into every Aggie that comes to Texas A&M. In addition, this spirit passes not only throughout the world but even into space, as The Aggie War Hymn was used as a wake-up call on Day 11 of space mission STS-121, for Texas A&M former student and mission specialist Mike Fossum. The people of the Bryan-College Station area show Texas Pride and practice real Southern hospitality, and do not merely preach it, from the simple “Howdy” instead of hello to the “Welcome to Aggieland” water tower and signage throughout TAMU’s campus. Final Thoughts Reed Arena is an incredible venue to see top-level SEC Basketball, with sight lines that are perfect for basketball. And even though basketball isn’t the premier sport at Texas A&M, it says a lot about the program and fans here that the announced attendance was only 2,000 less than capacity for a recent Saturday night game against the #1-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. Reed Arena is also easy to access, has low ticket prices for top SEC games, and boasts the Reed Rowdies continuing the Aggie traditions. College Station is a wonderful college town, but witnessing the Spirit of Aggieland will amaze you. There is a little something here for everyone, but most of all, a simple Howdy from Aggieland makes it worth the trip.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Recreation Center 1 University Way San Antonio, TX 78224 Texas A&M-San Antonio Jaguars website Recreation Center website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 900 TAMUSA Jaguars New Rec Center In 2009 the Texas A&M University System opened its newest stand-alone institution, Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA) on the far southwest side of the Alamo City. In the ensuing decade and a half, the school has gone from holding classes at a temporary campus at a closed public elementary school, to operating a sprawling 580-acre (and growing) campus with a student body of over 7,000 (and climbing). TAMUSA took a bold step forward in 2019 in hiring former college football star and longtime athletics administrator Darnell Smith  to lead the TAMUSA Jaguars Athletics Department . Starting with men’s golf and men’s and women’s soccer, and softball, it was a huge leap for the fledgling university. In time for the 2024-25 academic year, the school and their athletics programs took another monumental step forward when they launched their first ever men’s and women’s basketball programs. The move coincided with the opening of a brand-new, on-campus recreation center, which serves not only the broader student body, but also is the new home of Jaguars basketball.   Food & Beverage   2 * For many of the following categories, I am going to be more lenient in my scoring than I normally would be for several reasons. First, this is a brand-new program playing in a brand-new facility, so there are plenty of kinks to work out. Second, the Recreation Center is just that, a recreation center. It’s not a typical collegiate gymnasium, but was built for students to unwind and relax, and to exercise in, while they’re in-between classes. The facility also just happens to be home to a fledgling basketball program. With all of that said, I’m going to give an “incomplete” grade for food and beverage. Currently, there does not exist any concessions inside the Rec Center, and the only permanent options are a handful of vending machines. I give this an incomplete, however, because on most game days, the school brings in several food trucks to serve fans. This is a great innovation and one that will continue to be a popular choice for as long as they call the Recreation Center their home. What makes this incomplete, though, is that this solution is wholly predicated on the unpredictability of the South Texas weather – for example during my most recent visit, a cold, rainy, late February day, there were no trucks. I’m willing to come back for another game soon, however, when the weather does comply to get a better answer to this ranking.   Atmosphere   3 As mentioned, the TAMUSA Recreation Center is a brand-new facility, closing out its first season of use. The designers did a great job in building it for its dual uses for students and for Jaguars basketball. The sightlines are fantastic, the seating is top-notch – you’ll be hard-pressed to find another venue where you are sitting closer to the action than here – and it feels like a venue made for lower-level college basketball. The front doors beckoning you to “Jaguars Country” are also a great touch. The facility really is a blank slate at this point, and I look forward to seeing it get filled in over the coming years as the program continues to grow. My one gripe, if it can be called that, is the lack of merchandise available for fans. A simple table with some items would go a long way in adding to the atmosphere for fans. I’ve seen this a lot at lower-level programs (especially this season); I hope this is something that can be corrected at the Recreation Center in the future.   Neighborhood   3 The TAMUSA campus is located on the farthest reaches in the southwest area of the city. In the not-too-distant past, the land the campus now occupies was virtually wilderness, but the area has changed a lot with the addition of the university, and more and more signs of life can now be seen. That said, you’re still quite a bit removed from San Antonio’s downtown area (about 30 minutes’ drive away). The immediate attraction you must take in if you’re heading to a TAMUSA Jaguars game is the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park . The park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to four of the city’s five historic Spanish colonial missions, which are some of the oldest structures in the southwest, and tell about such a fascinating chapter in history that they need to be experienced in person. If you’re looking for something else to do before or after Jaguars games, you can always make the trip into town and see the fifth mission, the historic Alamo . In terms of dining there are quite a few fast-food options in the immediate area around campus. There are also close to a dozen fantastic neighborhood Tex-Mex spots within a few miles of campus, ranging from La Torre Jalisco and Taqueria Guadalajara to La Gran Señora Mexican Restaurant. None of these spots have websites, which only makes them more “legit” to native San Antonians. Throw a rock in any direction before or after your game at the Rec Center, and whichever taqueria you hit will probably serve you some of the best food you’ve ever had. For lodging options, you are options are kind of limited near the Recreation Center – the nearest spots are going to be Days Inn by Wyndham at Palo Alto  and Best Western Plus Palo Alto Inn & Suites . Both are on the affordable side, but if you’re looking for something higher end, downtown San Antonio has a myriad of other options for you.   Fans   4 This area was one that I was pleasantly surprised about. As mentioned, the weather was not in the least bit welcoming on my last visit, but that did not keep the Jaguars faithful from filling the stands. While the Recreation Center was not at capacity, there were still several hundred students and fans filling the stands. Part of this will admittedly be that the game was the culmination of TAMUSA’s first-ever Homecoming festivities. However, having fans in the building for a ball game is never a bad thing, no matter the reason they’re there. The crowd was loud, and the energy was high. I think the fan base will only grow in the coming years, as the school is really the proverbial “only game in town” in this area of the city.   Access   3 The Texas A&M University-San Antonio campus is about a 30 to 55-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport, and as mentioned, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown, the literal and cultural center of the Alamo City. If you’re driving in, the exits to campus are clearly marked from the highway, and you can’t miss the university’s “grand entrance” gate. Signage on campus also points the way to the Recreation Center, which is also appreciated. Parking on campus is ample on game days. If you don’t want to drive, the city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit, offers routes to TAMUSA’s campus, but plan accordingly as it will take you quite a while to get there.   Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets for Jaguars games start at just $8 per person, which is a pretty good bargain for some college hoops. To get in on the ground floor of a brand-new program, and see history in the making at such a small cost, is really the big draw here, making this score what it is. Food and beverage costs will vary based on the food truck status, but parking is free, which is always a bonus.   Extras   2 In terms of Extras, like many of the rest of the ratings in this review, this section is going to be graded on a bit of a curve. The Jaguars offer up some of the accoutrements that most college sports have to offer, for example, the TAMUSA Jaguarettes  cheer team can be found on the baseline and in the stands during basketball games. The school also boasts their own costumed mascot, General the Jaguar , who can also be found at the Recreation Center interacting with fans. More of these Extras will come, as the program stacks years and builds traditions, which will only serve to increase this score.   Final Thoughts I greatly look forward to seeing what TAMUSA does to continue building this program. Having more basketball in the area is good for everyone. The program and the university are off to a fantastic start, and I think the Recreation Center is the perfect first building block for both. While it is not a “bucket list” stop in its current iteration, I can see where they want to go, and I’m excited about it. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sojka Pavilion 701 Moore Avenue Lewisburg, PA 17837 Bucknell Bison website Sojka Pavilion website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 4,000 The Orange Menace of Sojka The Bucknell Bison men’s basketball team has been the most successful in the Patriot League over the past few years. The Bison won at least a share of the regular season title all but one season between 2011 and 2019. They won the conference tournament four times during that period and nearly pulled off a couple of upsets over high seeds in the NCAA Tournament. However, the Bison’s biggest moment in March came in 2005, when as a 14-seed, they shocked national powerhouse Kansas 64-63 in the First Round in a stunning upset. The Bison play their home games at Sojka Pavilion, which opened in January 2003. Sojka (pronounced Soy-ka) is a 4,000-seat arena that is named for former university president Gary Allan Sojka. It is part of the Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center, which also includes a swimming pool, fitness center, and Davis Gym, the former home of Bison basketball which now hosts the wrestling team. Food & Beverage 3 Sojka Pavilion has two concession stands on the concourse which serves pretty average fare at affordable prices. Options for meals include hot dogs ($3), hamburgers ($4.75, or $5.25 with cheese), veggie burgers ($4.75), and chicken tenders ($6). Buffalo sauce is available at a table next to the concession stand with the other condiments, so you can make your buffalo tenders if you want. Sides include French fries ($3.25), soft pretzels ($2.50), nachos ($3.50), chips ($1), candy ($1.75), and popcorn ($2.50). Cheese can be added to the fries and pretzels for 50 cents extra. Each Bucknell venue has its signature item, and Sojka is no exception. The Bison basket costs $6.75 and contains beer-battered French fries, bacon, scallions, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Drinks include Powerade and bottled water for $2.25, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for $2, and soda for $2.75-$3.25. Combos are also available to add to the already excellent value. Atmosphere 5 When you enter the arena, you will be in the lower lobby of the Langone Center. Depending on which entrance you use, you may have to head down a hallway to get to the lower lobby of Sojka itself. From there, you have to walk or take an elevator up to the concourse. All seats in Sojka Pavilion are chairbacks except for a few bleachers behind the baskets. Several scoreboards are scattered throughout the arena and each one is somewhat different. There is a center-hung scoreboard that also shows timeouts and team fouls and a smaller scoreboard in one corner which shows more basic information. There are also video boards in two corners that show player stats and rotating team stats, but oddly enough, not the score, plus another player stats board behind one basket. Bucknell has contests and promotions during almost every timeout, but the real atmosphere attraction here is the pep band. They play before and throughout the game and are among the very best at this level. Although they may be small in number, they are certainly mighty. The Bison also have cheerleaders and a costumed bison mascot named Bucky. Neighborhood 3 Lewisburg, Pennsylvania may be in the middle of nowhere, but that does not mean there is nothing to do here. Your best bet heading out of the arena is to head north into town on Route 15. Reba & Pancho’s on West Market Street is a local favorite, as is the 7th Street Café, which is exactly where you’d expect it to be. There are also more options just across the Susquehanna River in Milton. Fans 4 Bison fans show up in good numbers for their team, wear orange, and make noise. Although the team doesn’t always sell out the arena, they often come close. Fans are loud, passionate, and knowledgeable, and cheer their team throughout the game. That being said, they’re not afraid to get on their case when the team is doing poorly. As the Bison have been successful for many years, they have gained a larger and larger following among the locals. Access 1 The one major downside of Sojka Pavilion is access. Just getting to campus in the first place is a challenge, as it is far removed from the nearest major cities. Harrisburg is the nearest city of any decent size and is over an hour away. Scranton is two hours, and Philadelphia is two and a half. Unless you’re a local, you’re going to have to drive quite a way. Once you finally make it to campus, parking is a challenge. No signs or directions are telling you where to park, and while there are a few spaces close to the arena, most likely you’re going to have to park in a more distant lot. There are shuttles available, but unless one is ready and waiting, there’s no indication of that. The challenges don’t end there. The Langone Center has numerous entrances and it’s not readily apparent which one to use. Making matters worse, some of the entrances can be locked while others aren’t, meaning fans may have to walk around the building to find an open door. Depending on where you managed to make it, you might have to walk through the building to get to the lobby after you get in. One entrance is signed as the Event Entrance, but the sign isn’t visible until you get close, the door is sometimes locked, and other entrances will also put you directly in the Sojka lobby, assuming they’re open. It should not be nearly this complicated and confusing to make it to a basketball game, and while Bucknell can’t do anything about its remote location, the rest of the issues need to be fixed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bison basketball game are $15 for adults, $8 for children under 18, and $10 for seniors. Although this is on the high end for the Patriot League, this is also one of the nicest venues in the conference. Throw in the affordable concessions and free, if confusing parking and there is good value here. Extras 5 There are many extras here at Sojka Pavilion. The rafters are almost filled with banners honoring the Bison’s athletic success. There are murals and retired numbers displayed on the concourse. The breezeway to the lower lobby has a display honoring Bucknell's athletic greats of years past. One final star here for the outstanding pep band. Final Thoughts Sojka Pavilion is one of the top basketball venues in the Patriot League. Whether it’s the fans packing the building, the fantastic pep band, or all the displays honoring Bucknell athletics, this is an experience not to be missed for basketball fans in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, getting to the arena can be a huge challenge for many reasons, some within the school’s control, some not, but once you’re here, you won’t regret it.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hyland Performance Arena 209 South Kingshighway St. Charles, MO 63301 Lindenwood Lions website Hyland Performance Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 3,270 The Home of Lions Basketball Lindenwood University is a private university located in St. Charles, Missouri. It is the second oldest higher education institution west of the Missouri River, as it was founded in 1827. The university has an enrollment of 6,900 and offers degree programs in more than 80 areas of study. Lindenwood’s athletic teams are known as the Lions. The school has steadily progressed through various competition levels to Division I status in 2022. They began at the NAIA level (1999-2011), moved up to Division II level (2012-2021), then up to Division I status in 2022. The teams are not eligible for NCAA Championship tournaments until 2025. Lion athletic teams compete in the Ohio Valley Conference, which includes teams such as the University of Missouri-Little Rock, Eastern Illinois, Morehead State, Southeastern Missouri, Southern Illinois, Tennessee State, and Tennessee-Martin. The home of Lindenwood Lions basketball is the on-campus Hyland Performance Arena. It opened in 1997 and has a capacity of 3,270 seats, including 270 luxury seats. It is named for Robert Hyland, a former chairman of the board for Lindenwood University. The facility stays very busy throughout the year, as it also hosts women’s basketball, women’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s wrestling, and student intermural games. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand servicing the arena. As a result, the lines are long throughout the game. Food offerings can only be described as meager, as they consist of popcorn, candy, and Pepsi brand sodas. Atmosphere 4 Hyland Performance Arena offers a very enjoyable experience in which to watch basketball. The seats are predominately bleacher seating and are very close to the court on three sides. The arena offers a striking graphics package, with a huge lion’s head at the center court and a gold and black color scheme along the side and end lines of the court. A large center-hung scoreboard provides the time, score, and statistical information on the game, while a videoboard is mounted on the wall at one end of the court. The walls along the concourse are decorated with the mascot logos for each of the member OVC institutions. Neighborhood 4 Lindenwood University and Hyland Performance Arena are in St. Charles, MO, a town of 65,000 located on the west bank of the Missouri River. It is located 24 miles west of St. Louis via I-70. St. Charles was one of the first settlements west of the Missouri River, as it was settled in 1769. It served as the starting point for the Lewis and Clark expeditions and was the home of Daniel Boone before he moved to Kentucky. As you can imagine, St. Charles has a large and active historic district, with many attractions. Among the attractions you will want to visit while you are in town are the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum and the Frenchtown District. The Schlafly Bankside Brewpub is in the Historic District as well. It is designed to look like a pub of the 1700’s vintage. While in town, walk very carefully, as the streets are still constructed of the original cobblestones from the colonial era. Both the Fairfield Inn and the Comfort Inn offer reasonable rates and are close to both the Lindenwood campus and the St. Charles Historic District. MOD Pizza is across the street from Lindenwood University and offers a wide variety of pizzas and beers for your pre- or post-game enjoyment. The Show-Me Sports Bar and Grill on Veteran’s Memorial Parkway features a wall of TV’s tuned to a variety of games while you enjoy your meal and a beer. Fans 3 Lindenwood parents and students are very welcoming to visitors, as the school has a very strict code of conduct. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have once you arrive at the campus. Once the games get underway, the Lions fans show that even if they are new to Division I, they’re not newbies when showing their support for the team. The parents and the alums are very vocal, as are the students at the school. The student section (known as the Uproar section) is set behind one of the end lines and is sponsored by the Raising Cane restaurant. We think this name is very appropriate in describing what the students do throughout the game. Access 4 Getting to and from a Lindenwood basketball game is quite easy. The school is easily accessed from either I-70 or I-64, the two major interstates in the area. From I-70 (St. Louis area): Take I-70 W across the Blanchette Bridge over the Missouri River. Take exit 228 and turn right onto First Capitol Drive. Go ¾ mile to the intersection with Kingshighway. Turn left onto Kingshighway and enter the Lindenwood campus. Volunteers will direct you to the appropriate parking lot. From I-64 (Chesterfield, MO area): From Chesterfield take I-64 and travel west across the Daniel Boone Bridge over the Missouri River. Take exit 10 and turn right on Highway 94. Head north and cross over I-70. Highway 94 becomes First Capitol Drive. Proceed to the intersection with Kingshighway and turn left. This will bring you to the Lindenwood campus. Volunteers will direct you to the appropriate parking lot. Doors open 60 minutes before tipoff, leaving you plenty of time to get to your seats. Return on Investment 5 Going to a game at Hyland Performance Arena will not break your budget. All tickets are considered general admission seats. The tickets cost $5 a game. Season tickets to Lions games are an even better deal, as they cost $40, with seniors and students paying $20 for a season ticket. There is no charge for parking on the Lindenwood campus on gameday. Hotels in the St. Charles area typically charge $125/night. Extras 2 Hyland Performance Arena has hosted NCAA Division II Wrestling Super Regionals, political rallies, graduation ceremonies, and local youth sports tournaments. The Lindenwood Sports Hall of Fame is located adjacent to the basketball arena. Final Thoughts Lindenwood University is the newest member of the Ohio Valley Conference. Hyland Performance Arena is one of the nicer basketball facilities in the conference. The Lion’s lair is a welcome addition, as it provides a comfortable and well laid out place to enjoy a college basketball contest.

Photos by Courtesy of Eastern Illinois University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Lantz Arena 1900 4th St Charleston, IL 61920 Eastern Illinois Panthers website Lantz Arena website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 5,400 Lantz Arena Eastern Illinois University has developed quite a reputation for churning out high-quality NFL players and coaches. O’Brien Field has played home to Super Bowl-winning long-time, coaches Sean Payton and Mike Shanahan, and All-Pro quarterback Tony Romo. Next door is the Lantz Arena Complex, which serves as home to the EIU Athletic Department. Named after long-time coach and teacher Charles Lantz, the facility is home to Lantz Arena, Lantz Indoor Fieldhouse, and Ray Padovan Pool. The building also houses the Panther Athletic Academic Center, a student recreation center, and offices for coaching, staff, and instructors. Eastern’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, along with the volleyball squad, play in Lantz Arena. Completed in 1967, the venue has a capacity of 5,400. The Panthers are members of the Ohio Valley Conference. Food & Beverage 2 The concourse features only one concession stand, with the game day staples at affordable prices. Guests can try a hot dog, nachos, or a pretzel for $2.50. The most exotic food item on the menu is Bosco sticks (breadsticks filled with cheese and served with a dipping sauce), which sell for $3.50. Pepsi products are available for $2 and $3 depending on the size. One of the more popular items is slushies, served in a souvenir cup ($2.50). The south balcony features the Panther Patio, open to fans over 21 years old and sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings. The patio includes seating behind a giant, blue curtain where you cannot see the game or a handful of tables where fans can eat and watch the game. Atmosphere 3 The lower level of Lantz Arena has eight rows of blue plastic bleachers across the court from the benches and scorer’s table. These bleachers hold the subdued “Blue Crew” cheering section and a very lively pep band. The band does quite a bit to entertain the fans and cheer on the home team. The lower level also features chair back seats directly behind the benches and scorer’s table. These seats are mostly reserved for donors. Most of the crowd sits in the balcony on blue plastic bleachers. Balcony seating is general admission and above a walkway that wraps around the court. The seats are comfortable and provide a good viewpoint. The north end of the balcony features wooden bleacher seating, exceptionally often hidden behind a big gray curtain. The end zone seating is only used in exceptional circumstances for large crowds. One of the best things about attending an EIU game is the number of contests held by the sports marketing team. There are several different shooting games including participation by students and fans. The cheerleaders even throw out samples of Jimmy John’s sandwiches. Neighborhood 3 Lantz Arena, along with the rest of the Eastern Illinois athletic facilities, is located on the west side of campus between 4th Street and Grant Avenue. The building is just a couple blocks away from Charleston’s main road, Lincoln Avenue. The closest watering hole is Marty’s, just across 4th Street from Lantz Arena. Marty’s might be more of the college scene than you want if you are not a former student looking to relive your glory days. The bar is named after Eastern Illinois alum, and former MLB pitcher, Marty Pattin. Dirty’s Bar and Grill is right off of Lincoln Avenue and features an extensive food and drink menu. Dirty’s promotes its six homemade sauces (Buffalo, Apple Q, Kansas City Style Q, Yum Yum, Sweet Chili, and Honey Mustard) and its 20 specialty martinis. An order of ten chicken wings (tossed in one of the homemade sauces) is $8 and the specialty martinis start at $6. If you are in a hurry and need something fast and reliable, why not get a sandwich in the town where the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain started in 1983? The Charleston store is no longer in the original building, but the sign identifies the location as “Store #00001.” Make sure you take the time to walk through the small, but pretty campus before the game. The highlight is the Old Main Building, a castle-like structure dedicated in 1899. In front, you’ll also find a flagpole, and memorials dedicated to veterans and Eastern Illinois students who fought and died in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. If I’m in Charleston, though, I’d consider heading a few miles out of the way to nearby Mattoon, Illinois, and visiting Burger King. Mattoon Burger King is not related to the fast food chain and has been in operation since 1957. The family-owned restaurant features a variety of sandwiches and ice cream treats but is best known for its burgers. A double cheeseburger, small fries, and an extra-large drink costs less than $7 and are delicious. Fans 2 The student section on the lower level seems to be at the game because they have nothing else to do. The team fills up, but most of the cheering is done by the band one section over. Groups of students sitting among the fans area on the balcony are more into the game than the Blue Crew. Access 3 Parking is free, with plenty of spots in a lot right next to the building. The lot is used by students and faculty during the week before 5 PM, but basketball fans are free to use the lot for weeknight and weekend games. Patrons enter Lantz Arena on the balcony level and use stairs to reach the lower-level seats. Restrooms are not the most spacious, but can more than handle the crowds at Panther games. The facilities are clean and well-kept. Return on Investment 3 All seats on the balcony are a steal at only $7. Chairback seating on the floor is $12. You will have a clearer, unobstructed view in the cheaper seats. The factor is that in with free parking and affordable concessions and you have an inexpensive night out. This is an especially good deal when Ohio Valley Conference heavyweights Murray State or Belmont are in Charleston. Extras 2 Before finding a seat in Lantz Arena, it is highly recommended to walk through the Baker/Warmoth Hall of Champions. Located in the lobby of the Lantz Arena Complex, the history of EIU sports come alive through interactive displays and displayed jerseys. While the displays cover the football greats mentioned above, they also touch on long-time professionals like Kevin Duckworth (NBA) and Kevin Seitzer (MLB). Inside Lantz Arena, banners hang from the rafters honoring players who have had their jerseys retired and members of the school’s all-century team. Banners are also displayed for conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, most recently in 2001. Final Thoughts Eastern Illinois University’s pride in its athletic accomplishments is evident as you walk into the Lantz Arena Complex. Once you are in the arena, you will find a comfortable venue for college basketball.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Jones Convocation Center 9501 S King Dr Chicago, IL 60628 Chicago State Cougars basketball Jones Convocation Center website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,000 The Jones Convention Center is the Cougar Den The Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center is a 7,000-seat multi-purpose arena home to the Chicago State University Cougars basketball program. The $47 million used to construct the venue was allocated from the State of Illinois treasury by then-Senate President Emil Jones. It is an impressive facility that stands proudly on campus adjacent to its baseball field. The Cougars men’s program has the distinction of being the easternmost team in the Western Athletic Conference. The school joined the program in 2013 and its closest rival school is UM Kansas City followed by UT Rio Grande Valley. Before moving to NCAA Division I the program operated in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Cougars won the Great West Conference Tournament championship in 2013 to earn an automatic bid to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. The team had also appeared in three NAIA Tournaments placing third in 1984. Before the JCC was built the Cougars played at the 2,500-seat Dickens Athletic Center that was built in 1971. The basketball program began in 1966 when the school was still called Chicago Teachers College before adopting its name the following year. Food & Beverage 2 The food and beverage consists of one concession stand serving nachos, hot dogs, and chips. The food looks as if it was prepared off-site and brought in by aluminum serving plates. There are more concession areas but they were closed during the game. However, the facility has a piece of paper with beverage options that include Bud, Miller, and Coors products for $5 along with spirits: Hennessey, Malibu, Bacardi, and Courvoisier for $8-$9. Atmosphere 2 It’s hard to generate much of an atmosphere in a 7,000-capacity facility with well under 150 people watching the game. It’s a beautiful facility with great seating dimensions and plenty of room to move around that one could only wonder, when full, what that may be like. However, it appears that many games at home offer a similar feeling as was the case for this afternoon’s contest. Many other teams play under similar conditions–I was at one last month–but with enough time to ponder around the nearly soulless arena, there are many key elements to a great college basketball game that are missing. There is no presence of a band, a team mascot, or a dance or cheer squad anywhere in sight. A student section, which could add a lot of noise all by itself, is also missing from the contest. Several banners are hanging from the rafters that add a nice touch and its video board hanging from above center court is first-rate. The building itself, from its interior, is impressive but several of its doors were locked making several attempts to get inside the main lobby. The lobby is spacious and features a curved ramp leading to the gym's upper levels. What you will get at a game like this is the option to sit wherever you like and be as close as possible to the action on the court. You’ll hear all the players, the squeaks of their sneakers, the bounce of the ball against the court, and the chairs from the bench. Also, the fans that are in the stands make you appreciate how hard they cheer and desire their home club to win. Neighborhood 2 The campus is at Roseland University. There are many restaurants within a few blocks of the university and including The Caribbean Jerk Palace, The Crazy Crab, Jack’s Famous Chicken and Subs, and Ware Ranch Steak House. Argus Brewery is nearby and offers tours on Saturdays including all you can drink while you venture around its impressive brewery and building. Another brewery is about 5 miles from campus called Horse Thief Hollow. Downtown is about a 20-minute drive or 45-minute ride on the Red Line presenting access to Millenium Park, the Magnificent Mile, the Theater District, and other spots in the area. Fans 3 The die-hards at the game cheer every basket and every defensive stop possible during the contest. They show unbridled passion unmatched because they are here for the primary purpose of supporting the players in hoping that the Cougars can find a way to win. There is nothing more but the game itself leading them to today’s contest. Access 3 The campus is right off I-57 but one has to exit before getting to the campus and driving through the neighborhood that features road conditions that can use repairs. The same could be said once you enter the campus but once inside one should have no trouble finding their seat, bathrooms, and the one concession stand. Return on Investment 2 Floor seats for all home games are $20, general admission prices are $10, and senior citizen tickets are $5. The parking is free and there is plenty around the building but when games are attended by just a few fans Chicago State Cougars game is merely for the die-hard college basketball fan. Extras 2 The gymnasium itself is very beautiful and impressive for the college. It’s a perfect venue if the team could ever attract 5,000 fans to the game and maybe one day they will and we’ll look back at these times as the early pioneering days of Chicago State basketball. Any building that can supply banners hanging from the rafters earns a point for me and this arena has a few of them to add a nice touch to the proceedings. Final Thoughts The Jones Convention Center – it’s a beautiful building and could be a wonderful place for basketball once the college program develops a fan base and a following throughout the area. Those days are not there yet and attending a game is merely for the true basketball fan. In a city where there are plenty of other sporting event options, including college basketball, the Jones Convention Center may not make the top of your list. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Credit Union 1 Arena 525 S Racine St Chicago, IL 60607 UIC Flames website Credit Union 1 Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 8,000 Sparking A Flame in Chicago The UIC Flames are members of the Missouri Valley Conference and play their home games at the Credit Union 1 Arena. The building opened on campus in 1982 as the UIC Pavillion but changed names in 2018 after a $9.3 million naming agreement of 15 years. It is a multi-purpose venue with lower and upper bowl seating, but only the lower level is open for Flames games. The horseshoe-shaped concourse does not allow fans to walk around the entire arena, but it does offer a majority of unrestricted views of the court from the lone concourse. The building features a distinct halo-shaped ribbon board that displays the score and a video screen at the open stage end of the building for player stats and other information. There are also ribbon boards above the lower seating bowl. This venue has been home to the team for over 40 years, and it has hosted the NCAA Tournament three times in 1998, 2002, and 2004. The school's best years were when the late Jimmy Collins guided the Flames to 9 winning seasons between 1996-2010. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand open called the Racine Street Grill. The food offerings include hot dogs, fries, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, pizza, nachos, pretzels, and popcorn. Ice cream and cotton candy are available for the sweet tooth, and Pepsi products are sold in 24 and 32-oz sizes. In a separate beer kiosk, Goose Island 312 is available in 20 oz cans. The hot dogs appear to be boiled but are quite large. The Prices range from $5 to $7 for food options, while beer prices fetch up to $12 apiece. There is not a lot of variety, but more than enough to satisfy a craving during a game. Atmosphere 3 The Flames do a nice job providing a collegiate atmosphere for its fans. It includes a court area dressed up nicely with school imagery, Chicago city images, and player introductions surrounded by sparklers. Cheerleaders and a dance team entertain fans during breaks in the action, along with a small band behind the net. Sparky is the team’s mascot, and he is very entertaining, shaking hands with fans and doing backflips on the center court with the cheer team. Fans are provided comfort with movie-style recliner seats at one end, along with three rows of court-side seating. The Impact Courtside Club, located in the open area courtside, provides fans with catered food, a bar, comfortable cushioned seating, and flat-screen televisions. This area also features retired jersey numbers and past championship banners. Neighborhood 4 Little Italy is only half a mile from the campus but not within walking distance of the arena. However, they are worth visiting before or after the game for a meal. They include Tuscany on Taylor’s, The Rosebud’s, and Conte Di Savio deli and Italian market. The Haymarket Pub & Brewery is on the other side of I-290 and offers pub favorites, a wide variety of craft beers, pizza, and regional favorites. There are a couple of small, local favorites south of the arena: Al’s #1 Beef for Italian beef sandwiches and Jim’s Original, which is home to a Maxwell Street Polish with grilled onions. Busy Burger is a trendy spot for burgers and sandwiches. Fans 3 UIC Flames games don't sell out, and fan interaction depends on the score of the game. If it is a blowout, there is not much noise, but if it's back and forth (especially against an in-state rival or cross-city foe), there’ll be plenty of chatter. The game we attended saw the Flames build a 14-point lead and be in full control until midway through the second half. This is when Illinois State mounted a comeback to cut the deficit to 4 points. The result was the ISU fans making more noise, but it quickly shifted to the UIC crowd once the Flames pulled away. Access 5 The Credit Union 1 Arena is near the intersection of I-90 and I-290. The parking deck is adjacent and an east walk to the entrance. Inside the building, the concourse offers fans access to the seating bowl, concession stands, bathrooms, and the main lobby. The arena is on campus and accessible by CTA buses, rapid transit trains, and the Dan Ryan Expressway. The Union and Northwestern commuter train stations are also nearby. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets is $15 per game, and parking is $5. However, concession prices are a bit high for the MVC, but that is no fault of the university. A beer is $12, and a hot dog is $5, perhaps a tad high for a Flames game, but perhaps prices are established for all events held at the former UIC Pavillion. Extras 3 Sparky is the official mascot and is active, social, friendly, and energetic. There is an open view of the court from the concourse, so fans won't miss any of the action. For an event in Chicago, the parking garage costs $5, an amazing deal. Final Thoughts There are many options for college basketball in Chicago. A UIC Flames game at Credit Union 1 Arena is an affordable experience and offers enough amusement. It is worth a visit when in town. --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Banterra Center Highway 51 South Carbondale, IL 62901 Southern Illinois Salukis website Banterra Center website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 9,628 With the New at SIU In Carbondale, Illinois, what is old is new again. SIU Arena, which originally opened in 1964, has a new lease on life. In 2010, Southern Illinois University completed a $29.9 million renovation that included new seating throughout the lower and upper areas, improved accessibility and entrances to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, middle handrails at all aisles, improved concessions, additional restrooms and fan amenities on the upper level, a new scoreboard and other aesthetic and functional improvements. The biggest improvement to the 8,339-seat facility is the newly constructed atrium on the east side of the facility. Inside the atrium, which is now the main entrance to SIU Arena, fans can visit the SIU Team Store, take a stroll down memory lane with the SIU Hall of Fame, or sit back and watch the children play with the inflatable basketball goals. Once inside the main walkway of the arena, fans are treated to painted murals of famous moments in SIU Basketball history. Inside the bowl area, all seats are either newly furnished chair backs or newly installed bleachers that are made with a soft feel and strong support behind your back. Note: After 55 years, the venue known as SIU Arena changed its name to Banterra Center in May 2019. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage at the concession stands are on par with what you will find at just about every other arena in college basketball. Both the prices and items struck me as basic and average. If you do buy something at the concession stand, make sure you pay $4.50 for a beverage that comes with a Salukis souvenir cup. The cup is made of high-quality materials and makes for a good keepsake to remember SIU Arena. If you walk around the main level, there is one stand you must check out. That stand is the “Just Nuts” stand. The smell and aroma of these sweetened nuts can be sensed throughout the entire arena. This stand makes SIU Arena unique in the MVC Food & Beverage category. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere is phenomenal inside SIU Arena. The Salukis did a good job of renovating SIU Arena so that the vast majority of the facility displayed the team’s color- maroon. The Salukis also did a great job turning an arena that is now almost 50 years old into an arena that is easily one of the best in the Missouri Valley Conference. One thing that stuck out to me was the banners displayed on the inside of the arena. Behind one corner was a “Salukis In The NBA” banner that showed all of the SIU players that have gone on to the NBA, while another corner had a “Salukis In The Sweet 16” banner that showed the years that SIU made it to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. The main thing that you should take away from SIU Arena is that old and new can work in harmony together. SIU needed an arena that brought them into the 21st century of college basketball arenas. At the same time, they needed to retain the history, nostalgia, and memories of SIU Arena. What they came up with was a renovated SIU Arena that is no doubt a must-see! Neighborhood 4 Although it’s in a state of transition, the neighborhood around SIU Arena is already displaying great potential. A few years ago, SIU unveiled a plan called “Saluki Way,” which called for the construction of a new football stadium (completed), construction of new classroom buildings, and construction of new dormitories to be completed in 3 Phases. Already, the area south of SIU Arena is beginning to show how nice the surrounding area will be once completed. Just south of SIU Arena, you will find a small waterfall and creek, a statue of a Saluki, and maroon-painted bricks to reinforce the SIU image. If you’re looking for food and retail, you’ll have to go north and past campus for these amenities. I highly recommend going down Southern Illinois Avenue if you are searching for food. Although there wasn’t one restaurant that stuck out to me, I did notice a variety of affordable and unique Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and American restaurants. As far as retail goes, make sure you visit University Mall, which is on State Road 13 between Carbondale and Interstate 57. Anything you want, University Mall has it. Fans 4 I was impressed at how passionate the fans of SIU were, given that their team is currently struggling in the MVC. If no one gave you any background information before the game, you would think that the Salukis were battling for a Final Four spot. With the 2010 renovations, SIU Arena does a good job of keeping the crowd noise loud, the stands at near capacity, and the focus on the court. When you walk around the SIU arena, you quickly realize that SIU Basketball isn’t just a game, it’s a way of life in Carbondale. Access 5 At first, the parking arrangement confused me as all lots on the north and west sides of the arena were for those with parking passes. But if you travel to the south side of the arena, which can be easily reached by State Road 51/ Southern Illinois Avenue, you will find both a parking lot for those with passes as well as a bigger parking lot for those who don’t have a pass. Most importantly, the lot is free. How many other arenas have a free parking lot next to them? Something that made my day was the event security police. As I drove around the arena, the police who were directing traffic quickly realized that I was lost and from out of town. They went out of their way to make sure that I found the free parking lot on the south side of SIU Arena. They also did a great job of dividing traffic up between those who had a pass and those who didn’t. It’s always good to be helped by arena staff both inside the venue as well as outside in the parking lot! Return on Investment 5 Not only were tickets an affordable $15, but they also come with a comfy seat. Whether you are sitting in the cushioned chair backs, which account for the vast majority of seating, or the newly enhanced bleachers, you will be sitting in comfort during the entire game. Another great thing about SIU Arena is that it also serves as a great history lesson for SIU Basketball. All one has to do is visit the SIU Hall of Fame, walk around the main level of the arena, or take a look around at the banners, and they will instantly be thrust into the glory of SIU basketball. Extras 4 I give SIU one point for the renovations they have done to SIU Arena. As someone who values arena history and modern amenities at the same time, it means a lot to me for SIU to preserve its deep basketball history inside of this arena. I give SIU one point for their banners of past Saluki greats. The banner that stuck out to me most was that of NBA legend Walt Frazier. I get goosebumps just looking at it inside the nostalgic SIU Arena. I give SIU one point for developing a comprehensive master plan around SIU Arena. Although I’m not a fan of McAndrew Stadium being demolished, I am impressed with the new Saluki Stadium, the new atrium attached to SIU Arena, and the ease and walkability of the campus around SIU Arena. I give SIU one point for the look and design that they have created at SIU Arena. No matter what part of the arena you are in, you will always be surrounded by the team’s maroon color and legendary photos of former and current SIU players. SIU Arena is just one of those places you have to see for yourself how great of an environment it is.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Worthen Arena 1699 W Bethel Ave Muncie, IN 47306 Ball State Cardinals website Worthen Arena website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 11,500 Worthy of an Experience at Worthen Arena In the heart of campus at Ball State University is the John E. Worthen Arena, the home to Cardinal basketball and volleyball since 1992. The arena dominates the landscape featuring an octagonal-shaped structure that has a capacity of 11,500. Its size is the perfect venue for commencement ceremonies, trade shows, concerts, and other special events. The Cardinals basketball program began the year the school was founded in 1920, and they have been members of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since the 1971/72 season. They won six conference championships in basketball during that time. The Cards have also made six NCAA Tournament appearances, losing to the eventual tournament champions UNLV 69-67 in the Sweet 16. The arena received an upgraded court, new scoreboards in the corners of the court, and a new Daktronics six-panel video board installed above the center court. Before the opening of the Worthen Arena, the Cards called the 6,600-seat capacity Irving Gymnasium home. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverages have improved at Worthen Arena. There is plenty of options to choose from that are all served by A-Team Concessions. Fans can choose from bratwurst, pretzels, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, and bbq pork sandwiches. There is also Chick-fil-A and Papa John's available at the concession stands. If you have a sweet tooth the Dippin' Dots kiosk has quite a variety and cotton candy and elephant ears are available for purchase. There is also a selection of candy and Pepsi products. Two beer kiosks have Bud, Coors, and Miller Lite, along with locally brewed varieties from Guardian Brewing Company, that are worth checking out after the game. Atmosphere 3 Worthen Arena is somewhat of a mixed bag in terms of the atmosphere; this may be because it was built right before sports stadiums started to focus on aesthetics and fan comfort. The 11,500-seat venue offers plenty of comfortable red theater-style seats, but the last ten rows are of the metal bleacher variety and are somewhat of an eye-sore. Seats in the corners are angled toward the court, providing a good view no matter where you sit in Worthen Arena. Cheerleaders and the Code Red Dance team get the crowd excited with energetic performances during breaks in the action and at the beginning of the game. The large group is quite impressive and drowns out the student section that seemed to be absent the night of our visit. Adding to the festivities is Charlie the Cardinal, the school’s official mascot who greets fans at their seat launches shirts from a cannon, and cheers along with the band The vaulted ceiling offers a myriad of banners from all three sports teams that utilize the arena, along with a couple of retired basketball jerseys. Graphic lettering and school sports are featured on larger banners on the top walls of the seating bowl to break up the rather gray and red tone in the interior of the building. The main concourse features a small play area for younger fans that includes paint facing, balloon animals, and inflatable rides, Also, a small kiosk is set up that offers university-themed merchandise and schedule posters. Neighborhood 3 Worthen Arena is located on the main campus and a few miles away from the village area of town. The area can become somewhat congested at times with mall shoppers, but there are a few ideal locations to seek out before or after the game. There are plenty of options for beer, pub food, and the college atmosphere during your visit. Amazing Joe’s offers giant tenderloins and steak dishes, and Savage’s Ale House is your typical brewpub that features juicy burgers, chicken wings, and a bevy of fried appetizers – try the aloha burger. Downtown Muncie features Heorot Pub and Draught House, and the Fickle Peach. Elm Street Brewing Company and The Guardian Brewing Company are two local spots for craft beer. If you are interested in more basketball, the Muncie Fieldhouse is one of the state's oldest and most historic venues for high school hoops. The home of the Muncie Central Bearcats was constructed in 1928 and is home to eight state championships and an impressive historical room. Fans 3 Crowds for Cardinals basketball games are around 3,000 per game, but the fans who are in attendance do an admirable job cheering for their team on the court. The student section appeared barren during our visit, something that was surprising since it was the last home game of the season. Access 4 Worthen Arena is located on campus, just a few blocks south of SR-332, the main drag that brings motorists off of I-69 from Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne. Fans enter the building at floor level and take the stairs to the main concourse and seating bowl. There is a main outer concourse that wraps around the seating bowl and provides access to concession stands, bathrooms, exits, entrances, and the stadium club room. Large exposed piping and windows add a touch of character. The seating bowl does not offer a wraparound concourse, but once the game is over, fans can exit either from the main concourse or at floor level. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to a Ball State game is quite affordable on the wallet or pocketbook. The lowest cost ticket is $10 while the highest priced ticket is $20. There are certain games when prices for upper deck seating are just $5 and parking is free for all games. Concession prices are reasonable with food products costing between $4 and $6, while beer sells for $7 and $8. There is a souvenir stand with shirts, caps, and hoodies for fair pricing as well. The Cards offer a $16 ticket that includes two 20-ounce beers from Guardian Brewing Company. Extras 3 The Ball State cheer and dance team are both energetic and provide a good old-fashion college atmosphere during breaks in the action or when the crowd needs to be fired up. During certain breaks, the group throws out t-shirts to fans and waves flags around the court. The updated video scoreboard above the center court is a nice addition to the arena and provides stats, replays, information, and player profiles. Final Thoughts The Worthen Arena does not stand out like quite a few other college venues in Indiana, but it is rather easily accessible, affordable, and a great canvas for MAC basketball. Muncie is certainly close enough to the state’s major cities of Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne that making a trip is quite easy during the basketball season. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Jadwin Gymnasium 800 Faculty Rd. Princeton, NJ 08542 Princeton Tigers website Jadwin Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 6,854 Jadwin is an Ivy League Gem The L. Stockwell Jadwin Gymnasium is a multipurpose athletic facility that has a combined floor space of approximately 250,000 square feet with seating for 6,854 spectators for various indoor athletics that include men’s and women’s basketball, track and field, fencing, wrestling, and squash. The venue is also large enough to house an indoor baseball diamond that is utilized during the truculent New Jersey spring weather. Opened in 1969, it is the second largest on-campus basketball arena in the state of New Jersey featuring an aesthetically pleasing roof consisting of three interlocking shells designed by prize-winning American architect and Princeton alumnus Walker O. Cain, who also designed the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of History and Technology in Washington, D.C. The eye-popping design of the structure is adjacent to both the home for football, Princeton Stadium, and baseball diamond, Clarke Field. It is a memorial to Leander Stockwell Jadwin who captained the track team during his senior year and passed away in an automobile accident eight months after graduation. Four decades later after his mother died, she left the university an unrestricted bequest of $27 million, the trustees decided to use part of the funds to complete the $6.5 million athletic building under Jadwin’s name. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession booth underneath the roof in the main lobby. The concession stand offers the basics in food choices including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, popcorn, nachos, and chicken sandwiches. If you have sweet tooth there are assorted candies, cotton candy, and Italian ice varieties. Coca-Cola products are served by the fountain in three sizes. The selection is similar to many other college hoop venues in the area. Atmosphere 4 The design of the gymnasium definitely strikes the fancy and captures the imagination of many who enter the main playing court. The roof is made up of three interlocking shells that create an arch around the building, but also adds a lot of vast space beyond the basic set of movable bleacher stands. The bleachers look as if they would fit adequately in your standard middle school gymnasium and are situated around three sections of the court; permanent orange theater style seating is slightly above the fourth section in the upper concourse. This section sustains a Broadway-like quality of viewing for the fan and, on a smaller scale, similar to the seating structure to Assembly Hall on the campus of Indiana University. What the arena offers is a very up close and personal relationship between fans and athletes. Fans can easily stroll up near the end courts where camera crews set up shop or directly behind both home and away benches. It is an experience that is somewhat unusual in Division I college hoops that also includes players heading to the locker room at a handshake distance. Up above the playing court is a basic scoreboard that is enveloped by glorious orange colored banners that showcase the program’s rich history, including a Final Four Appearance (1965), an NIT Championship (1975), 24 tournament appearances, and 26 Ivy League Championships. There are also two banners for two prominent members of the program – Bill Bradley’s retired number and one for Pete Carril who coached the Tigers for 31 seasons and whose name also dons the playing court. Jadwin has two primary levels beneath the roof formed by the three interlocking shells. The first shell covers the entrance lobby featuring the concession stand, ticket booth, restrooms, and a rather impressive collection of memorabilia including Dick Kazmaier Heisman Trophy. A makeshift souvenir stand is also located in the lobby next to the bronze tiger that was donated by the Class of 1943. The outside exterior resembles a concert hall with a tall, narrow glass entrance welcoming fans indoors. Neighborhood 5 Perhaps the best part of attending any Princeton collegiate game is the campus and neighborhood. The population of the area exceeds 30,000 and offers a mix of suburban sprawl and voluminous open space; this area of the state seems miles away from New York City and Philadelphia. The fourth oldest university in the country offers historic buildings, open gardens, beautiful walkways, and spacious grounds throughout the 500-acre campus. It is easily accessible by bike, car, or walking. The downtown section of Princeton is worth an endeavor before or after the game; shops, bars, and restaurants along Palmer Square provide visitors numerous opportunities to enjoy the ambiance of the city. The Alchemist & Barrister offers 28 beers on tap and is located in a historic building that dates back to the 19th century. There are open air and sidewalk seating where one can enjoy a drink or something to eat. If you are looking for just a quick bite, Hoagie Heaven is noted as one of the state’s best places for a sub sandwich. The Sanchez, a chicken cutlet with cheese, mozzarella sticks, fries, and Sanchez sauce is a local favorite. The Infini-T Cafe is a small, quaint little restaurant offering vegan options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are plenty of lodging options in town and the surrounding area. The Westin, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn are just a few of the hotels a visitor will find when staying in the vicinity. Fans 3 The men’s basketball program ranks above the league average of attendance drawing close to 2,000 spectators per game. The fans are focused throughout the contest and don the colors of orange and black. These are not uproarious fans, but rather refined and confident that their Tigers will take care of business on the court. The Jadwin Jungle is the official student section located near the scorer’s table. Access 3 It is not difficult to get around Jadwin Gymnasium. The facility is sectioned off into upper and lower balcony sections that are labeled and well spaced out for patrons. Bathrooms are clearly labeled and the concession stand and fan shop are adjacent to one another in the main lobby. The only problem with access is traveling to the game from the two main routes of US-1 and Route 27 into Princeton. The traffic could be heavy depending on the time of day and signs to the gymnasium are not clearly marked. However, a basic GPS will correct that in an instant. There is plenty of parking, but at times could fill up depending on the matchup. It should be also noted that the campus is an equal distance in miles between Philadelphia and New York City, but much more direct and faster from Philadelphia including no tolls for roads or bridges. If you happen to be visiting these two cities, you may ponder a fantastic day drive to Princeton. Return on Investment 3 All adult tickets for the game are $12, and kids tickets are $8, making an extremely affordable night of college sports in the prominent town of Princeton. However, one should bring cash, since they do not accept credit cards at the ticket booth. Also, having to sit in what amounts to be roll-out middle school wooden bleachers feels a little uncomfortable when you are squeezed in during heavily attended games. Fortunately, the upper balcony seats are comfortable and posh to enjoy the game. Parking is free for all games. Extras 3 The history of Princeton athletics is vibrant in and out of the gymnasium. Two lifelike bronze statues of its two most prominent athletes Bill Bradley and Dick Kazmaier greet fans near the entrance of the building. There is also Kazmaier’s Heisman trophy encased in the lobby along with a bronze Tiger statue, retired numbers, trophy cases, and other memorabilia on display. The facility design is somewhat spectacular and perhaps unexpected on the campus of Princeton University. It definitely makes for great acoustics and clear sightlines from the seats. It is also vibrant with an abundance of lighting arching up and down the curvy shelled roof. Final Thoughts Jadwin Gymnasium is a hidden treasure to discover among the basketball venues on the campuses of New Jersey. The second largest on-campus facility has an affection that should be applauded and relished by both students, fans, and alumni living in the area. I don’t have to witness a collegiate game in Princeton to enjoy the town and campus, but attending a game at the Jadwin Gymnasium complements any visit to the town of Princeton.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons website Allen County War Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 10,500 College Basketball at the Memorial Coliseum Purdue Fort Wayne began its men’s basketball program during the 1973 -74 season and was known as Indiana University – Purdue University (IPFW) up until the 2017-2018 academic school year. The Mastodons compete in the Summit League and split its home games at the Hilliard Gates Sports Center on campus and in the much larger Allen County War Memorial Coliseum about half a mile away. The Dons made their only NCAA tournament appearance in 1993 at the Division II level but capture the Summit League regular-season title in 2016. Later that year a capacity crowd watched the team defeat Indiana University at the Coliseum in overtime. It was the school’s first victory over an AP Top 25-ranked program in history. PFW has also qualified for the CIT four times since 2014 and has posted six straight winning seasons as of this writing. The Mastodons play 10 out of its 15 home games at the Memorial Coliseum and the building is no stranger to hoops being home of the Ft. Wayne Pistons from 1952 and 1957 and also hosting Ft. Wayne Mad Ants games in the NBA G League since 2007. The Ft. Wayne Fury of the Continental Basketball Association called the Coliseum home from 1991-2001. Food & Beverage 3 Many of the Coliseum’s concession stands are closed and only two areas that serve food are open. They offer a nice variety of menu items consisting of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and giant tenderloin sandwiches. It’s more than enough for the typical crowd at basketball games and fans can also enjoy watching the team play while drinking a frosty beer. Atmosphere 2 The facility is blocked off with giant black curtains that limit the seating during basketball games. This creates a nice intimate vibe in the building with crowds usually hovering around the 1,000 mark for games played off-campus. A similar setup is used for Mad Ants games and the curtains also hide the disassembled hockey rink structure. The Mastodons feature a band that plays at one end of the court and a few shouts and jabs at the opposing players can be heard due to the size and small crowd in the building. The team’s mascot makes his way around the court and stands to greet fans and poses for pictures. However, fans can get close to the action on the court and can hear everything echo from the squeak of the players’ shoes, the bounce of the ball, and the emotion from players on the bench rising from their seats after a three-point or hard-fought shot is made. The atmosphere is at its best against Summit League rivals South Dakota State. Neighborhood 4 The Coliseum is located near an abundance of chain restaurants, retail outlets, and berries lodging options. There is almost everything you could want within a couple of miles from the building including coney dogs, barbecue, craft beer, and Tim Horton’s coffee. Mister Coney has been a mainstay for over 50 years and offers their take on the coney dog that is a bit meatier in texture than what you would find downtown. Mission BBQ is a Maryland-based chain that provides an array of smoked meats and 8 varieties of barbecue with portions of their proceeds going back to first responders. 2Toms Brewing Company brews a nice range of beer and offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for games of all ages. Glenbrooke Square Mall is one of the largest in the area and is surrounded by familiar chain restaurants and shops. Tim Horton’s has a location here featuring its coffee that is widely consumed up north in Canada. There is also the practice rink for the Ft. Wayne Komets and if you happen to be in town for a doubleheader between hockey and a basketball game, you should be able to find enough to keep you busy in between games at the Coliseum. Fans 2 The Mastodons average crowds of a little over 1,000 per game and the ones in their seats do a nice job of cheering on their team on the court. However, the Dons could use a few more faithful in the building for home games. Access 4 The seating arrangement on the court is among the best pricing options for pro or college basketball in the state. There is also the opportunity to watch college basketball up close and personal where you can hear everything take place from the players to the coaching staff. The Coliseum has gone through multiple renovations this century that has modernized it for greater access for all guests and patrons. These new features include escalators and elevators and provide access for fans to multiple areas of the arena. There is parking for 5,000 cars in the lot and it’s only a 1.5-half-mile drive from the I-69 exit or a 4-mile drive to downtown Ft. Wayne. Return on Investment 3 A cost of a ticket for all PFW games is $23 in the 200 level of the building. The price to park your car is $6 per vehicle and concession prices are reasonable. The $23 price tag is not a bad deal to watch college basketball but would be enhanced with a better game day atmosphere, Extras 2 The team has an impressive-looking Mastodon mascot that parades around and greets fans during the game. He does not look like one character you want to mess with. The school band also does a good share of ribbing against the opposing players with a little humor and passion throughout the game. Final Thoughts Although there is much to like about the basketball being played at the Coliseum the overall experience suffers from the size of the building and the small number of fans in the stands. In a state where capacity crowds are the norm at Butler, Purdue, and Indiana, Purdue Ft. Wayne hopes to include itself among these prominent programs.

Photo Courtesy of Purdue Ft Wayne University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Hilliard Gates Sports Center 2101 E Coliseum Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons website Hilliard Gates Sports Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 2,300 Back to Campus The Purdue Ft. Wayne men’s basketball team began the 2013-2014 season at the Hilliard Gates Sports Center after several years a few miles down the road at Allen County Memorial Coliseum . The return of the team back to campus signals a new direction for the basketball program as the team has traded a massive venue for a more intimate venue and proximity with the rest of the school’s athletic teams. The move back to campus is intended to be a start of a new era for the program. Prior to the 2018-2019 school year the school was known as Indiana Purdue Ft. Wayne. The Mastadons also play games at Memorial Coliseum, perhaps the biggest night was when they defeated Indiana 71-68 in triple overtime in front of 11,076 fans. IU was ranked number 3 at the time and it was the Mastadons first win over a AP top 25 rank opponent in program history. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession area at the entrance of the building that serves a small variety of food that they have listed on the 1-2-3 Menu. For a buck you can enjoy candy, granola or fruit. Soft drinks, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn are $2 and for $3 you can make it a combo with an addition of a drink. Personal pizzas from Pizza Hut are also available for $5. The most interesting item is the Don Dog which is a hot dog with pulled pork, cheese and Frito chips that sells for $3 a la carte or for $4 with a drink. The only travesty is that I did not get to try one, since due to its popularity, it was sold out half way through the game. Atmosphere 3 The Hilliard Gates Sport Center is a 60,000 square foot, multi-purpose facility that houses various other activities besides basketball games. Workout rooms, racquetball courts, offices, and classrooms are to be found outside of the main gym. Pull out bleacher seating is situated on both sides of the basketball court and can seat 1,894 spectators. The seating is in two sections, with the bottom rows offering chair back seats. The sterile white walls are decorated with various sports banners from IPFW’s sports teams and a few retired numbers don the main hallways outside of the gymnasium. There is also a large LED video scoreboard that was installed just before the start of the team returning to campus in 2013. The concession stands and bathrooms are easily accessible, along with the small table of merchandise and other information about the program and school activities. There is a strong sense of keeping the fans interest throughout the game. During breaks in the action and at halftime, patrons are treated to a multitude of gimmicks and promotions that are reminiscent of minor league baseball. Chicken wing eating contests, dizzy bat races, free throw challenges, local dancers, kid races, musical chair style games involving layups, and T-shirt tosses by the cheerleaders and official team mascot Don take up a majority of the time between the game on the court. A pleasant and welcoming surprise, these types of activities at sporting events are always great for kids of all ages. Neighborhood 4 The IPFW campus is close to the main shopping area of town and there is plenty to choose from up and down Coliseum Drive. Quaker Steak and Lube, Ruby Tuesdays, Liberty Diner, and Carlos O’Kelly’s are just a sample of the many places to eat before or after the game. The Glenbrook Square Mall is also in the vicinity for your shopping needs. However, I would recommend a few places that are a short 15-20 minute drive from this area that are worth the venture. Oley’s Pizza (10919 Highway 24 West) serves double crust pizza, stuffed with a cheese blend and topped with tomato sauce and other toppings, and is a local favorite. Their homemade meatballs, margherita bread and mozzarella chips are also worth the drive. Sara’s Family Restaurant (5792 Coventry Ln) is a must for breakfast with their heaping portions of skillets, omelets, and ten varieties of eggs benedict. My favorites are the grilled salmon benedict and the Christopher Country Skillet. Fans 3 When the Mastodons are winning or attempting a comeback, the fans are loud and frenzied. However, when their team is down, dead silence envelops the building. The crowds on campus are similar in numbers to what they were at the grander coliseum of season’s past, but even with average crowds hovering close to 1,000, the atmosphere is very energetic when the fans are cheering, stomping and shouting. Do not be surprised if this becomes the hottest ticket in town one day. Access 3 The campus of IPFW is extremely simple to get to from I-69. Exit off of 112A and proceed a few miles until you arrive on campus. Traffic could be busy near the shopping mall, but with the assistance of GPS, you will get there in time. The signage to the Gates Sport Center is prominent, parking is free and there are plenty of spaces to choose from. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are $10, $13 and $15, while seniors and children tickets are $7 and $15. They are reasonable prices for college basketball in the city and not too much more than what you pay for a movie, dinner, or a minor league hockey game. The game day staff does an admirable job of keeping you entertained for the majority of the contest. Extras 2 The low prices at the concession stands and the creation of the Don Dog is a nice nod to creativity. The move back to campus is also worth an extra point.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Athletics Center O’rena 2200 N Squirrel Rd Rochester, MI 48309 Oakland Golden Grizzlies website Athletics Center O’rena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 4,005 The O Factor In 1998, Oakland University joined the Mid-Continent Conference and the ranks of Division I basketball. The conference has since changed its name to the Summit League, and the Golden Grizzlies are beginning to establish themselves as the league’s top program. Part of the reason for this growing success has to go to their home court, known as the O’rena. Like many arenas in the Summit League, the setting is small, but Oakland is doing a lot of things just right, making this a really good (and relatively unknown) college basketball experience. Food & Beverage 3 It’s an interesting set up for concessions at the O’rena. Since the concourse circles above the seats, you never lose your view of the action when you’re up and about. The same goes for the two concessions stands. This is a real benefit, especially because lines tend to get long during the game. If you’re hungry, try to grab your grub early. The prices are reasonable, but the selection is a bit lacking. I would recommend going for the kielbasa sausage ($2) over the hotdog ($2) or Hungry Howie’s pizza slice ($3.50). Snacks include popcorn ($2), pretzel ($2.50), and nachos ($3). They also have a great ice cream selection of either Ben & Jerry’s or Starbuck’s brand ice cream bars ($3). Pepsi is the soda of choice ($2). Atmosphere 4 The determination of where to place the student section and pep band is an absolutely critical component to creating the right basketball atmosphere. Oakland does a great job of placing their students directly behind the opponent’s bench, and the pep band blasting them from the side. It’s a fantastic one-two punch. That 50-member pep band is active starting as early as 45 minutes before the tip-off, and they are the only music you’ll hear throughout the game (with the exception of the video montage during introductions). You’ve got to love the jubilance that comes from a college pep band. There’s no overhead scoreboard. Instead, there are four very basic scoreboards in each corner, and one large HD screen on the south end of the facility, providing highlights and the detailed statistics. It’s a great modern touch. Black plastic bleachers can be found under each basket, and they are relatively comfortable. On the east side (behind the team benches) there are permanent chairback seats and drink holders. The opposite side is a foldable stand with seats that are without cupholders, and less than adequate leg room. The seats face straight ahead, so the view is a little awkward if you’re away from center court. My recommendation is to sit in section E4, where you get the best seating situation as well as the best view. One area for improvement is definitely with the mascot, who seemed pretty invisible throughout the contest. With the size of the arena, he should be making his way around the concourse and through the stands as much as possible. Neighborhood 3 Oakland University is found in Rochester, Michigan, close to Auburn Hills, former home of the Detroit Pistons. It can make for a convenient NCAA/NBA doubleheader when the schedule allows. Most of the options for bars or restaurants in the immediate vicinity are uninspiring chains. I’m a big fan of Jet’s Pizza, just a couple of blocks away. Other predictable choices include BD’s Mongolian Bar-B-Que, T.G.I. Friday’s, Applebee’s, or Romano’s Macaroni Grill. Fans 4 The student section is good but still needs a little more energy and bodies before they can be great. For the game that I attended, they were pretty late. Known as the “Grizz Gang,” this assembly needs to come earlier and in greater numbers, but in the meantime, they are a pretty imposing little group. Access 4 There is one primary parking lot near the O’rena, which is mostly taken by donors. Parking is free throughout the campus, so just find one of the nearby lots and take the short walk through campus. You’re only a couple of miles away from I-75, a major north/south thoroughfare. The size of the crowd is small enough that you should have no trouble getting in or out. Return on Investment 4 Tickets cost either $15 or $10. I would recommend paying $15 only if you can find seats in section E4, otherwise, go for the cheaper option as you’ll have a fine view in most cases. With free parking and very reasonable concession prices, you’ll find your money to be well invested in this experience. Extras 2 The murals on the walls of the concourse are a nice touch, with pictures of generations of athletes and coaches proudly displayed. Another bonus point for the University for the smart arrangement of the student section and pep band. Final Thoughts The more college basketball I see, the more I appreciate these small arenas that are focused on the basketball and beautiful college atmosphere. This is definitely one for you to see if you are living in the Detroit area, or are in town when the Golden Grizzlies play.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum 1964 Bobby K. Marks Dr. Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State Bearkats Website Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum Website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 6,110 East Texas Bearkats Nestled among the lush greenery of the foothills of the Piney Woods area of East Texas is the city of Huntsville, Texas, home of Sam Houston State University. The university bears the name of one of the great heroes in Texas history. The school’s athletic programs, the Bearkats, have seen an extraordinary amount of success since they began. The men’s basketball program began in 1917 and would go 43–11 during their first five seasons, including an unblemished 24–0 record during the first three. They have 14 regular season conference titles, five postseason conference tournament appearances, and made the NCAA Tournament twice since becoming Division I participants (in 2003 and 2010) as members of the Southland Conference. The team is currently a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and has seen runs recently to the NIT (in 2019) and to the CIT. Sam Houston State moved into their current home in 1976. Originally known as University Coliseum, it was remodeled in time for the 1986-1987 season and rechristened the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum after an honored member of the school’s Board of Regents. It is also home to both the Bearkats women’s basketball and volleyball teams. The classically designed coliseum has a devoted following among the Bearkats faithful. Read on to learn what makes it special. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Johnson Coliseum are pretty much what you’d expect to find at a mid-major collegiate program. There are three main stands that you can find near the entrance areas, and they all serve the same items. The three stands allow fans to get their food and beverage pretty quickly, and not miss much of the on-court action. The items the stands offer include hot dogs (regular for $4 and Bearkat, a.k.a. jumbo, for $4.50), nachos ($7), bottled and fountain drinks ($3.50 and $4), and Domino’s pizza, either cheese or pepperoni by the slice or as a whole medium pizza ($3.50 per slice or $14 for the whole deal). The stands also offer candy and popcorn. The one caveat to be aware of is that Sam Houston State does not sell any beer or alcoholic beverages at their games at Johnson Coliseum – keep this in mind if that’s something you traditionally like to imbibe during games. Atmosphere 3 The architectural design of the Johnson Coliseum is a great throwback to old-school round arenas, which you don’t see much of anymore. The walls are decorated with the banners of all the Bearkats tournament appearances, championships, and conference titles. Sam Houston State also completed their latest round of renovations to the coliseum in 2016, where they installed a 31-foot videoboard and upgraded the seats in the lower courtside level. Outside the coliseum near the main sign there is a marble statue of the team’s namesake bearcat, as well as a life-sized statue of the mascot, Sammy Bearkat. Another point of interest to be on the lookout for is the team store – this is located near the box office entrance and sells the traditional team paraphernalia if you’re interested in stocking up on Sam Houston State gear for the game. Neighborhood 3 Johnson Coliseum is located right in the middle of the Sam Houston State University campus. It also shares a parking lot with Bowers Stadium, home to the Bearkats championship-winning football team. It’s a typical college town, with one notable exception. For the sake of transparency, the city is the headquarters of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (it has been since Texas was founded as a Republic in 1836) and there are several prisons throughout the area. If you travel into Huntsville on Interstate 45, the prisons are unavoidable. However, as you move into the city and towards the university, there are no reminders of that part of the city at all. In terms of attractions, Huntsville has a lot to offer visitors looking to do something before or after Bearkats games. For history buffs make sure to visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum; this 15-acre complex is located on the site of the former homestead of Sam Houston, and is dedicated to telling the story of the first President of the Republic of Texas. Not too far from the museum you can also visit the Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center. At 67-feet tall, it is the largest statue in the world of an American hero. For outdoor enthusiasts, Huntsville State Park has all the amenities you could hope for. Again, the city is the gateway of the Piney Woods region of the state, and the park is a perfect example of this type of environment. Covered by a canopy of Texas pine trees it offers a year-round mild climate that is perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. There is also canoeing, fishing, and swimming allowed in certain areas of Lake Raven; check their website for hours and camping site availability. When it comes to dining there are also a lot of great options, many of which are close to campus. One I would highly recommend is Farmhouse Café & Bakery – offering blue plate specials, specialty sandwiches (the double-decker BLT is a fave), and homemade baked good and desserts (I couldn’t stop eating the broccoli cheddar cornbread), the Farmhouse is a favorite among locals, visitors, and Bearkat students. Or, for something off the proverbial beaten path, Carbonero Rotisserie Charbroiled Chicken & Steak serves up a unique taste of El Salvadoran cuisine. Diners can get rotisserie-style chicken quarters, steaks, or tacos, all served Salvadoran style. When it comes to lodging, you are more than likely only going to be able to find a place to stay at a lower-level hotel or a motel, as that’s all that’s available in the city outside of an Airbnb. The two spots closest to Johnson Coliseum are the Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville and Super 8 by Wyndham Huntsville; both are less than a 10-minute drive to the coliseum. If you don’t want to stay in Huntsville proper, Houston is an hour’s drive away. Fans 2 One thing you notice immediately about Johnson Coliseum is how big it feels on the inside. Being a circular coliseum, you feel how enormous it is once you find your way to your seat; it is also very noticeable when you take in the crowd size. On most game nights, the Bearkats average less than 1,000 fans in the stands. In all fairness, those who do show up are passionate about their team – it is just hard to ignore how empty much of stands are. Access 3 As mentioned, Huntsville is just about an hour-long drive from Houston and just a shade under four hours from San Antonio or Austin. From the Dallas/Fort Worth area, it is about two and a half hours. Once you get on site, parking is ample and free, which is always appreciated. Huntsville doesn’t currently have anything in the way public transportation. So, unless you plan on utilizing a rideshare service, you’re pretty much locked in on driving to and from games at Johnson Coliseum. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for Bearkats games at Johnson Coliseum range from $8-$15. This is a good bargain right now, but it’s not clear if this will hold up after the team’s move to Conference USA in time for the 2023 season. However, for now this is highly affordable – with concessions on the low end of the scale and free parking, you get a pretty good bargain at Sam Houston State games. Extras 3 Sam Houston State brings a lot of pomp and circumstance to their basketball games at Johnson Coliseum. The Bearkat Marching Band sits in the stands beneath the giant videoboard, and leads the crowd in the school fight song, raising the bearcat hand sign, and razzing the opposing players. Also on hand are the Bearkats’ cheerleaders, Orange Pride dance squad (who perform at half time), and the costumed mascot Sammy Bearkat. Fans can count on seeing Sammy patrolling the stands and sidelines, leading in cheers, tossing out t-shirts, and being around for random photo ops. All in all, these combine for a great college atmosphere that helps ramp up the crowd energy. Final Thoughts All in all I had a fun experience at Johnson Coliseum taking in Bearkats basketball. Fan attendance aside, the energy from those who are in the stands makes up for that. The coliseum itself is a good experience; it is a bit of a throwback to the way basketball arenas used to be made and I appreciated its aesthetics. For college hoops fans, I think you’ll enjoy the experience. For sports fans, it’s an inexpensive way to catch a basketball game in a fun setting in a really nice college town. It’s not a bucket list stop, but if you find yourself in Huntsville, you should make a visit. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Welsh-Ryan Arena 2705 Ashland Ave Evanston, IL 60208 Northwestern Wildcats website Welsh-Ryan Arena website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 7,039 New to the Old at the Welsh-Ryan Arena The Welsh-Ryan Arena has been the home to the Northwestern Wildcats basketball team since 1952 and went through a $110 million renovation during the 2017-2018 academic year that resulted in a complete transformation of the interior of the building. However, much of its charm is still intact, which should keep things familiar to long-time fans. The building is a basketball field house, first and foremost. It creates an intimate feeling in the 7,039-seat gymnasium, the smallest in the Big Ten. The gym has seen many renovations, most notably in 1983 when it gained its new name Welsh-Ryan Arena in honor of the principal donor's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Welsh. However, the current renovations ripped out the foldable bleacher seating in favor of individual purple chair backs, suites, and massive spacing on the concourses. Basketball was introduced to Northwestern in 1901, and the school hosted the first NCAA Tournament in 1939 at its former gymnasium. Surprisingly, the Wildcats have only made one tournament appearance in 2017 but have appeared 7-times in the NIT. Food & Beverage 4 Numerous concession stands offer a limited selection of items but are rather upscale to the world of college basketball. The Wildcat Burger is a double smash burger with provolone cheese, fried onions, slaw, and barbecue sauce and served on a pretzel bun. There is also a single smash burger served with traditional toppings of pickles, onions, and Wildcat sauce. Fans can also select two regional favorites: pizza puffs and Italian beef with hot giardiniera. The chicken tenders are served with barbecue, ranch, and honey mustard sauce, the spicy chicken sandwich is topped with ranch coleslaw, and there are also waffle fries. Photo by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey The traditional items include pretzels, nachos, popcorn, chips, candy, and hot dogs. Pepsi products are available by bottle or fountain. Northwestern also serves beer and wine at the Welsh-Ryan Arena, just the tenth school in the conference to do so, beginning in January 2023. Keep in mind that all purchases are cashless, and menu prices don’t include sales tax. The prices are $4.99 for a hot dog and top at $13.99 for a Wildcat Burger. There are 36 points of sale inside the building. Atmosphere 4 As I said earlier in this review, the building is a basketball gymnasium, and that is evident as you walk around the court with great views from almost anywhere in the building. There is still the charm of the old venue that has been incorporated into areas of chic modernism. It can be seen throughout the building from the main lobby entrance to the concourse walls. The school colors of purple and white are dominant, with artistic murals adorning the walls, alongside the former student-athletes photos and information. The lobby has a digital presentation of Northwestern Hall of Famers. The center video scoreboard adds new touches to the gym. The original roof was left intact and refurbished. The steel trusses at the corners and the far end of the top concourse are a splendid reminder of the building’s history, along with the new balcony seating hanging over both ends of the baskets. Natural light fills the concourse with windows with automatic translucent blackout shades. Photo by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey There's plenty of room to move around the concourses, which are wide and ADA-accessible. There are five elevators and staircases at each corner of the building. The perimeter of the lower concourse offers table ledges to keep your food and drink. It is a modern-looking facility that was missing a few amenities, such as a cheer and dance team, banners, and a mascot. Perhaps it was due to our visit in between semesters of the school year. However, the seating behind each basket puts the fans within fingertips of the play on the court. Neighborhood 4 Welsh-Ryan Arena is located between the football stadium Ryan Field and the baseball stadium Miller Park. Downtown Evanston is worth a visit, situated 2 miles from the arena. The trendy district has plenty of small shops, local and chain restaurants, and bars. Casual places for food include Koco Table, Giordano’s, Prairie Moon Restaurant, and Smylie Brothers Brewing Company. Photo by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey However, just across the street from the sports complex is Mustards Last Stand, a little joint with Northwestern memorabilia, offering Chicago-style hot dogs and other items. Ten Mile House is next door and serves American fare, while Hewn is a local bakery known for sandwiches and pastries. Downtown Evanston is most easily accessible to the CTA Purple Line via the Davis stop. Welsh-Ryan Arena is a quick walk from the Central Purple Line stop. Walking through Evanston is safe and can be somewhat scenic, especially if you take the lakefront path through campus. The Ryan Fieldhouse has picturesque views of Lake Michigan from inside the complex. Fans 3 You can count on a good number of people at home games due to the number of alumni living in the Chicago area. Capacity crowds can be expected for Big 10 match-ups against rivals Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin. The student section was not available during our visit due to the time of year, but the game felt more like a professional environment. Access 3 Evanston is located north of Chicago and has a scenic drive along Lakeshore Boulevard from the south along Lake Michigan. The campus is a fair distance from I-94 and Highway 41, so be prepared to travel through town if you arrive by car. You will hit the city, suburban, and highway traffic within a few minutes of your journey. Public transit is also an option, taking the Purple line train and getting off at the Central stop. From there, your walk is a little less than a mile. There is sufficient parking around the arena for a price, and you can look for parking on the street. The parking lot is shared with the football stadium and a short walk to the arena. Inside the arena, fans are welcome to spacious staircases, wide-open concourses, and large bathrooms (up 270 percent before renovations). The concourses are accessible via five different elevators, and space is available for guests in wheelchairs and their parties. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices on the secondary market can go as low as $8 against early season matchups against non-rival opponents. Those prices will increase against conference opponents; expect prices to rise to $30-$50 for games against Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. They could go higher for games with Purdue and Illinois. However, prices will dip against the Big 10 teams from the east coast: Penn State, Rutgers, and Maryland. The parking price is $20, but there are also street parking options depending on what day of the week you attend the game. The food prices are reasonable, but some items seem a tad high. However, Welsh-Ryan Arena is worth the visit when in Chicago. Extras 3 The Welsh-Ryan Arena earns a point for its classic college basketball ambiance, which includes the restored roof and balcony seating. The second point is for the wide-open concourses that provide open views of the seating and court. A final point is the natural lighting that opens up the building, providing great views of the football stadium. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Northwestern State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Prather Coliseum 399 Caspari St. Natchitoches, LA 71497 Northwestern State Demons website Prather Coliseum website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 3,400 Demons Dunking in the Prather For a school that has only been in the NCAA tournament three times in its history– including the most recent appearance in the 2013 season – the fans know how to make some noise. With the conference title on the line, an opportunity for the team’s head coach to become the all-time leader in career collegiate wins in Louisiana, and in celebration of its centennial season, the Demons of Northwestern State rocked the Prather Coliseum with their fans there to witness. Eventually, all that was cheered for was awarded with the teams’ win and eventual Southland Conference Tournament title victory. The Prather Coliseum max capacity is 3,400, but for basketball games only about two-thirds of the coliseum is used for seating space. There is baseline seating at each end of the court and on one back end of the coliseum are smaller practice courts. The Prather looks like a hanger on the outside, and it hosted rodeos at one time. The Demons celebrated their centennial season for basketball in the 2012-2013 season. The first recorded games on campus took place 100 years ago in 1912. NSU was then known as Louisiana State Normal School and it’s believed basketball games were played outside, but there is no definitive documentation. Food & Beverage 3 The Prather has all of your basic food items covered at its lone concession stand. There is only one concession stand available though, so you can at times expect to stand in line if you hit the stand at the wrong time. The concession stand offers hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, candy, and popcorn. For drink options they have 20 oz. Coca-Cola products and water all for a reasonable $3. Overall there is not the best of selections, but the prices are more than fair so there is very little room to complain here. Atmosphere 4 The Demons have done a good job of providing a great atmosphere for college basketball. Interestingly enough, they place the student section behind the west basket, which is the one the visiting team uses in the second half. It’s a great placement for the students. The Prather is filled with Demon memorabilia and remnants of teams and players of the past. You can see the banners of the former Demon teams that have been conference champions hanging from the rafters. I was pleasantly surprised for a school this small to have such a great college basketball atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Natchitoches is a smaller city, but its downtown area is about a mile north of the campus and has a nice historic district. In the downtown, there is a red-brick road and there are a few bars that peer over the river. There are a few different options for places to eat or hang out, and there are always the fast-food chains as well. Fans 3 I’ll start with the student section which was a bit of a disappointment. The students showed up, but with silent chants and looking bored most of the game. As for the other fans in attendance, most were either older alumni or faculty but they kept the game alive. They were proud of their school and openly supported it by applauding when needed and joining in with the cheerleaders’ chants. Access 2 The access to the Prather is one of the hardest I’ve ever experienced at the college basketball level. I don’t know if my directions were bad, but my route to the coliseum was confusing. When I got to the campus I had to drive all the way through it to the athletic side and when I got there I wasn’t sure if I was at the right place. Let’s just say the Prather’s outer appearance doesn’t look like it’s still an occupied building – very antiquated. However, there is an open parking lot across from the arena and parking is free. The parking isn’t bad at all and the walk to the coliseum isn’t far. When you get in though, it’s an old laid back coliseum with a straightforward entrance; ticket scanned in lobby, walk into coliseum. The bathrooms were clean and I never noticed a line, even during halftime intermission. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $10 for adults to $9 for kids aged 3-15 for double-header games. All kids under the age of 2 are admitted free into the games. With food prices more than manageable and tickets prices as low as this, a trip to the Prather makes for a fun trip out in a historic city. The Demons are doing a great job of not only providing a great atmosphere for college basketball, but making it affordable for the whole family to go. Extras 3 One point automatically goes to free parking. In today’s economic world this is always a plus. Another point goes to the Demons’ success at 100 years and recognizing its players from the past. Head coach Mike McConathy gets an extra point for becoming the winningest coach in Louisiana. Final Thoughts You can’t help but root for the Demons, despite their devilish theme. Even if the Prather used to host rodeos or was a hanger, it goes down as one of my favorite places to visit for basketball.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 State Farm Center 1800 S 1st St. Champaign, IL 61820 Illinois Fighting Illini website State Farm Center website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 15,500 It’s Called The Assembly Hall The State Farm Center at the University of Illinois is often still known affectionately as the Assembly Hall. The arena reopened with its new design in December 2015, after the first few “home” Illini games were played at Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Center. Max Abramovitz is a world-renowned architect that also designed the Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, Pittsburgh’s U.S. Steel Tower, and Paris’ Tour Gan. The University of Illinois alumnus also designed this building. It was once the world’s largest edge-supported dome and is 400 feet in diameter and rises 128 feet above the floor. Many people compare it to a UFO when looking from the outside. The roof is supported by 614 miles (988 km) of one-quarter-inch steel wire wrapped at the base of the dome under intensive pressure. It is the second-largest arena in the state, second only to the United Center in Chicago. Food & Beverage 4 There are some good, but pretty normal options available. Once the outside concourse is finalized, expect to see better operations out here. Hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and pretzels are the usual suspects and are a pretty good value. Jalapeno cheese dogs and Kansas City-style pulled pork and Italian beef sandwiches and Polish sausages are some other options. Atmosphere 4 You will see orange at State Farm Center, lots of oranges. While the football team at Illinois has often tended to emphasize the color blue, orange tends to dominate the crowd attire at an Illini game. The dome structure means that the arena is very wide and open. Sometimes that means that the sound does not seem as intense as in some other arenas. The new suites and expansive seating options have made it more difficult to travel between some sections of the arena, something that was done pretty easily before the renovation. The big-money contributors still get the best seats, but it can mean that the closer you get to the court, the less rowdy of a crowd you will find. The Illini cheerleaders and dance squad are on hand to get the crowd riled up. The male cheerleaders used to run with a giant flag through the top deck of the arena, but the new design has made the 360 degrees run impossible. There is the new, high-quality scoreboard. New ribbon boards have also been installed above the suites. Your eye will be drawn to a large number of banners above the scoreboard. The 1989 and 2005 Final Four teams are prominent, but so are the jersey signs for the honored players of the entire history of the Illinois basketball program. The seats, as well as the outside concourses, are broken into large circular sections. The Orange Krush student seating section is different than it used to be. The suites do break up some of the flow of seating. Neighborhood 5 The neighborhood closest to the State Farm Center is mostly made up of research facilities, dorms, and academic buildings, not to mention high-quality athletic facilities. Culver’s at 2302 S Neil Street and Espresso Royale (1411 S Neil Street) are a couple of close quick service establishments nearby. A very short walk away is the area along Green and Wright Streets called “Campustown.” There are many bars, shops, and restaurants in this area, and they tend to cater to young college students. Older fans will want to center their post-game activities around downtown Champaign. Once a pretty boring downtown area, one will now find many bars and restaurants. The Esquire Lounge is a local icon and should be a stop for everyone. Try a pork chop sandwich and you will fit in nicely. Other great downtown spots are Blind Pig Brewery , Jupiter’s, and Farren’s Pub & Eatery (at a very hidden location at 308 N Randolph Street). There is also a much larger version of Jupiter’s on the outskirts of Champaign (2511 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center) that is also a good choice. If visiting that second Jupiter location also try Billy Barooz right next door (2521 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center). Urbana is a bit slower pace kind of town. But three places jump out as must-visits. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House offers amazing barbecue, just expect to wait in line to get in and that the tasty burnt ends will go quickly. Crane Alley is a nice bar with some great beers and Masijta Grill is a great Korean barbecue. Fans 3 Fans can get pretty loud. The main problem is Illinois has one of those programs that gives some of the best seats for the high-dollar donation types. That leaves the more rowdy “everyman” fan sitting further away from the game. Fans have also been known to sit on their hands during exciting parts of the game, even asking the more engaged fans to sit down. The student section, known as the Orange Krush, is almost always on point and keeps the feeling pretty intense. Big Ten Conference games are where you will see the fans get more intense. This is always a knowledgeable basketball crowd. They will cheer, jeer and get engaged as needed. Access 4 Champaign and Urbana are both easy cities to navigate. The State Farm Center is not located close to a major highway but most roads leading to the area will be four-lane ones. There are many parking lots available, but it would be a good idea to look at the official university parking site so that you head the right way. Champaign-Urbana is at the crossroads of I-57 and I-74, as well as being the eastern terminus for I-72 so getting to the area from Chicago, Indianapolis and points west will be pretty easy. Return on Investment 3 Big Ten games will cost the most of any ticket as they start around $50 and go upward. Attending a non-conference game can get you in much cheaper. Look for special ticket packages that include a mix of game types for the best value. The prices can be a bit high, but the level of talent at Illinois and their conference opponents is pretty amazing to watch live. Extras 4 The architecture of Max Abramovitz’s design is a great extra. From the outside, it looks like a giant UFO crashed along the prairies of east-central Illinois. Take a look at the names of the honored players. One will not only see a recent NBA star in Deron Williams but former Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo who played here at Illinois from 1960 to 1962. Check out the outer concourses to see if you see where the old and new parts of the venue are tied together. The Orange Krush student sections are an extra all in themselves. Final Thoughts This venerable old building with a unique UFO shape is a great place to watch some high-quality basketball. It will be the University of Illinois’ arena for some time to come.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Cintas Center FANFARE Score: 3.71 Cintas Center 1624 Herald Ave Cincinnati, OH 45207 Xavier Musketeers website Cintas Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 10,250 All For One at Xavier’s Cintas Center The Cintas Center is the home of the Xavier University men’s and women’s basketball teams. It was built through private donations as part of the school’s Century Campaign, opening in June 2000 at $46 million. The arena has a capacity of 10,250 and includes a large open concourse, an auxiliary gym, and multiple meeting and event spaces. The Musketeers have flourished, posting a 310-54 record as of this writing. The team also advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament three times since the Cintas Center opened, while the program has made 28 appearances in the post-season tournament. However, as modern as a building as it is, it will go under the knife as construction begins on refreshing suites, adding new seating options, and expanding hospitality and other social areas over the next two summers. The renovations will be completed in time for the 2024/2025 season and will decrease capacity to 10,224. Food & Beverages 4 The Cintas Center offers a fair amount of food that is very traditional for a college basketball game. There is nothing unusual, but the building offers Hoopy Hour before the game. Fans can enjoy $2 discounts 60 minutes before the game. Fans will find hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, chicken tenders, popcorn, chips, peanuts, and candy. The most unusual item is the Cincy pork nachos: barbecue pulled pork covered with cheese and topped with pickled onions and jalapenos. There is a kiosk called the Quatman Cafe, offering freshly made burgers and local Cincinnati Grippo’s barbecue potato chips. If you're looking to wash all that food down, you will find Pepsi products and an assortment of beer from Bud Light, to Sam Adams, to Great Lakes. A lot of the craft beer is located in D'Artagnan's Deck in section 200. There is also White Claw and wine offered at the game. Atmosphere 4 A Xavier game is quite the experience with a rabid student section, along with near-capacity crowds to provide a home-court advantage for the Musketeers. Also, when your team is naturally ranked, it can provide quite the atmosphere for the first-time visitor. The Cintas Center feels more like a multi-purpose venue but is the ideal size for basketball. The main concourse is decorated with giant photographs of the various sports teams that play on campus and more than enough historical photos of Xavier logos from the past. this is perhaps one of the things that stand out as a school has quite an array of word marks and brands from its glorious past. There was also a Hall of Fame that included memorabilia and historic pieces from Xavier’s basketball, football, volleyball, and Olympic sports teams. The Hall of Fame also features a video highlighting the history and tradition of Xavier athletics. Former NBA Draft pick and Musketeer David West has a colorful mural inside the building. The student section produces quite a bit of noise, and they line up very early before a game. They provide a beautiful backdrop to the athletes on the court and bring the decibels up quite a bit. The school has two official mascots, D'Artagnan, and The Blue Bob. A bizarre trio, but beloved figures at the arena. D'Artagnan waves the flag before games, while The Blue Blob looks like a Jim Henson creation. There is not a bad seat in the house, and most of the fans are focused on the court below. Banners are hanging from the rafters, and a modern visual scoreboard looms above the center court. The seating bowl does not wrap all the way around, but the outer concourse does for easy access for visitors. Neighborhood 2 The University Station development near Cintas Center has finally filled in. The mix of campus housing and street-level retail has brought some life to what was long an empty lot at the gateway to the university area. It does feature several food options, but since it is aimed at the college crowd, most are quick service shops like Starbucks and donut bakeries, along with a Gold Star Chili. There are several restaurants just off-campus, including Betta’s Italian Oven, a popular pregame spot near the corner of Cleneay and Montgomery Road. A short drive north on Montgomery will lead you to Gordo’s Pub & Grill (4328 Montgomery), featuring one of the city’s best burgers, along with a creative beer list. Across the street from the campus is one of the city’s best microbreweries, Listerman Brewing Company. The small, unassuming building offers everything from pale ales and IPAs to peanut butter porters and vanilla and cinnamon stouts. A great place to meet before taking in a Musketeers game. Fans 5 It's hard not to be impressed with the number of fans in the building. They are among the loudest and most dedicated in the state and could give some of the larger schools a run for their money as well. The student section makes their presence known and can stand up with the best of them, too. Access 4 If you're coming to the area via the Dana Avenue exit off I-71, it's best to give yourself some time, as the road toward campus can back up before big games. If coming from the north, you may find an easier path by taking SR-562 (a.k.a. the Norwood Lateral, as it runs between the city's two north-south interstates) and exiting at the US-22 (Montgomery Road). Then head west and turn left onto Montgomery. Follow this for a mile, and you'll encounter signs for the large basketball parking lot. Once inside the building, the main concourse wraps around the seating Bowl and allows easy access in and out when necessary. There is plenty of parking surrounding the arena and off the main streets of the neighborhood. Return on Investment 4 The price of tickets through the school could range from $40-$50, but slightly lower on secondary market sites. However, games can sell out fast, and depending on who the team is playing, prices can dip under $20 for non-rivals. Public parking lots are located on the South side of campus. Gameday parking will be available in Lot E off Montgomery Road, and any lot labeled P. There is a charge of a $20 fee for any of these lots. Extras 3 The Cintas Center earns a point for the decorations throughout the concourse, honoring the school's past. It earns an additional point for the Hoopy Hour, where concession prices or slashed a couple of bucks. The third point is awarded to the student section that is on its feet throughout the entire game. The fourth point is to The Blue Bob, one of the most unusual but endearing mascots in college sports. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 University of Dayton Arena 1801 Edwin C. Moses Blvd Dayton, OH 45408 Dayton Flyers website University of Dayton Arena website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 13,409 Dayton Gets LOWD for College Hoops Many say that it is one of the elite venues and toughest buildings to play college basketball. The University of Dayton Arena, commonly known as UD Arena, hosted its first game on December 6, 1969, and quickly developed into one of the best places in the nation for college hoops. The arena is currently undergoing a three-phase renovation project that is scheduled for completion by the arena’s 50th anniversary. The $72 million privately-funded effort will include the replacement of all 13,450 seats, a new four-sided video board above the center court, installation of air conditioning and new WiFi, a wraparound main concourse around the bowl, new club seating, updated bathrooms, new ticket office location, and new corner terrace suites. The renovations will improve the fan experience at the game and update the building to modern standards, but one thing is certain, the atmosphere will continue to be among the elite. The Flyer Faithful is known to fill up the arena and create an environment that ranks with the best college programs in the nation, ranking in the top 30 of average attendance figures on an annual basis. Food & Beverage 4 There is a surprising amount of variety at the UD Arena with prices that are more than reasonable. There are hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, bottled and fountain drinks, and craft and domestic beers. The prices range from $4 for a hot dog to $7.25 for a draft craft beer. However, there are a few other great choices that include Donato pizza, Lee’s chicken strips, and City Barbecue pulled brisket and pork. The pulled pork is also topped on nachos for $10. A few other interesting choices include cheddar peppercorn sausage, steak, shrimp tacos, and grilled chicken sandwiches ranging in price from $4.50 to $8. The beer choices are varied and fans can enjoy selections from local Warped Wing and Local 27, along with microbreweries from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. Don’t worry, there are Budweiser, Miller, and Coors selections to choose from as well at the arena. Atmosphere 5 The current renovations that are currently taking place have transformed the outer concourse of the building to make it easier for traffic flow during games that are near capacity a majority of the time. Visitors can now walk by walls decorated with the Dayton Flyer logo and photos and information about the team’s history which includes 21 years in the top 30 in average attendance, 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, 7 conference championships, and one Final Four appearance in 1967. About five minutes before the game the chanting begins and music blares over the arena’s sound system. The student section, dubbed the Red Scare, is one of the most spirited and loud student sections across the nation. The thing that sets Red Scare apart from other student sections is the people who make it up. There are three Blue Men/Women, who paint their bodies every game and embody the Flyer spirit and The Pilot who steers the section throughout the game and leads cheers. The place gets loud, or should I say LOWD, which is a term that can be described as the highest decibel that can be achieved in a college basketball arena. It helps if you are the home team needing a boost when you are down late in the game and can hinder the performance of any would-be opponent looking to escape with a win in the arena. The Flight Deck and BOESCH LOUNGE are two premium seating areas that offer a variety of luxury options to entertain family, friends, companies, or groups located at the upper ends behind each basket of the UD Arena. Neighborhood 3 The arena is located about two miles from downtown Dayton. There has been a serious amount of major investments this century that has resulted in residential, commercial, and transportation developments that have brought people back to the city. Seven million people visit the high-tech friendly downtown annually. There is a collection of breweries that include Warped Wing, Lock 27, and Toxic Brew which all offer their vibe and craft beer. The Dayton Beer Company is an ideal spot with over 36 different beers on tap that includes their own made on-site and a pizzeria on the first floor. Many of the places charge by the 4 and 8 ounces for more options of sampling award-winning beer. Most of the nightlife is concentrated near the Brown Street District, Oregon District, or Fifth Third Field (Webster Station). A few choices to enjoy a meal is The Pine Club (steaks), The Winds (farm to table), Jay’s Restaurant (seafood), Corner Kitchen (burgers), and El Meson (a vast array of American cuisine south of the border). The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, America’s Packard Museum, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame are all popular tourist attractions. The Oregon District has a nice balance of retail, bars, live music, restaurants, and several breweries. The architecture of the residential buildings dates back to the 19th century and is ideal for photos. Fans 5 The Flyer Faithful is one of the most loyal fan bases in the country. They are dedicated to the program and create an energy that is unmatched at many college facilities. The Red Scare is filled with a cast of characters who are unique to the building from fans painted in blue to a captain in full uniform steering the ship. The decibel levels are intense and it makes for a very tough place to play for any opponent. The rest of the fans in their seats do their part to create a powerful home-court advantage at the UD Arena. Access 4 The UD Arena is located west of downtown Dayton and directly off of I-75 near the school’s other sports facilities. There is a large on-site and off-site parking lot available for commuters and current renovations will make access around the outer and inner concourse areas a bit smoother. Due to the number of fans per game and renovation projects, the concourses can become congested before, at halftime, and after post-game. Return on Investment 5 Single-game tickets for Dayton games begin at $20-$25 for 300 to 400-level seating areas. Lower-level seats in the 100 to 200 sections are generally sold out, but there are certain games where student seating is available for $35. The concession prices are reasonable at $4 hot dogs, $7.25 craft beer pints, and $5 nachos. The parking lots located at the UD Arena (Lots A, B, C, and D) are for season ticket holders only and all parking passes for all lots are sold out at this time. There are on-site lots in the overflow lot (O Lot) that are available for single-game buyers which is $5 and includes a complimentary shuttle bus. The atmosphere is one of the best in college basketball and decibel levels increase immensely during certain times of the game. The price of a ticket almost guarantees a near-capacity crowd in an electric atmosphere. Extras 5 The UD Arena receives an extra point for its price points from $20 tickets in the 400 level to $4 hot dogs at the concession stand. The prices throughout the building are more than reasonable with one of the best atmospheres in college basketball. The UD Arena earns a second point for the Red Scare, according to its website, the largest student organization at the university. The Red Scare is the official group of students that facilitates cheers at UD varsity athletic events and is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to give the Flyers a home advantage during games. The UD Arena earns the third point for its impressive attendance figures which are currently averaging close to 13,000 fans per game and placing them in the top 30 of all NCAA college basketball programs. The UD Arena earns the fourth point by the copious amounts of terms that are used to describe the atmosphere and fans during the game. The Red Scare, Decibel Dungeon, Flyer Faithful, and the term lowd are all part of the UD lore and perhaps need an explanation to the common fan making a visit for the first time to the arena. The final point is for the Flyer Faithful who are a loyal group of supporters who create a challenging atmosphere for opponents and will travel in packs to support their basketball program. Final Thoughts The UD Arena is quite the experience for college basketball and goes somewhat underneath the radar to most fans. However, you will never have to tell a Dayton fan, alumni, or student what an experience is like during a home game. UD Arena is as advertised, it gets LOWD. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 UCSB Events Center El Colegio Rd. near Ocean Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93117 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos website UCSB Events Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 5,000 Mid-Major Mayhem on the Pacific Nestled between the mountains and ocean, with one of the best climates found anywhere on Earth, Santa Barbara, Calif., beckons outdoor exploration. But for true college basketball sickos, two hours of bliss can be found indoors at The Thunderdome, home court of the area’s only NCAA Division I institution, UC Santa Barbara. Officially, the venue is simply the UCSB Events Center. The Thunderdome nickname—and its reputation as one of the fiercest mid-major home courts—was born on Feb. 19, 1987. With the Gauchos clinging to a 53–52 lead over San Jose State and the Spartans shooting late free throws, students flooded behind the visitors’ basket and whipped the building into a deafening frenzy. When a local TV reporter called for a score update, sports information director Bill Mahoney replied, “I can’t hear you—it’s like the Thunderdome in here!”   That reference to Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome  starring Mel Gibson made it into the evening news, and the rest was history. Approaching 50 years of use, the home of the Gauchos has undergone several recent upgrades to bring it into the 21st century, without losing the quirky charm that allows the thunder to still roar along the California shore. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions are not going to be the highlight of a visit to the Thunderdome. Aside from the usual hot dog ($7.25), nachos ($7.50), giant pretzel ($6), popcorn ($7-9), chips, candy, and ice cream ($3.50-5), and sodas ($4.25), the lone curveball being a corn dog ($5.50). The main snack bar, tucked into the west lobby, can develop long lines during well-attended games, so plan ahead. There is an auxiliary concession stand with pared-down offerings on the second level above the northeast corner lobby. Atmosphere 4 There’s not a bad seat in the very symmetrical Thunderdome. Sideline seating is split into two levels separated by a walkway in the middle, while baseline seats are in a single section, the same on each end. What was once all-wood bleacher seating has been incrementally upgraded to theater seats over the years, reducing the Thunderdome’s original capacity of 6,000 to 5,000. Across from the team benches and flanking the press table are sections of padded chairs dubbed “Thunder Row.” Numerous celebrities call Santa Barbara home, and among those spotted courtside in recent years are Michael Douglas, Don Johnson, and Trevor Noah. While the same center-court scoreboard has been in place for decades, 2022 saw the addition of a massive 4K video board along the southwest baseline. Across the court are banners honoring “Legends of the Dome” from UCSB’s basketball and volleyball history, including Brian Shaw, who should be well-known to NBA fans. The Thunderdome - Legends of the Dome, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey The exterior is made of tan-painted corrugated metal, and frankly, looks like a massive industrial barn. Neighborhood 5 Whether adjacent to campus or about 10 miles south in Santa Barbara proper, you won’t lack for non-basketball activities. UCSB is the only D1 school located directly on the Pacific Ocean, and beach weather is possible even in mid-winter. Next to campus is Isla Vista, home to a majority of UCSB’s student body and the most densely-populated square mile west of the Mississippi. Grab pregame pizza, burgers, or burritos and beer on a patio in IV’s compact business district as tanned co-eds whiz by on bikes and skateboards.   Those older than their early 20s will want to focus their time on Downtown Santa Barbara’s pedestrianized State Street, or the adjacent Funk Zone. Boutiques, bars and wine tasting rooms, and both casual and fine dining options abound.   At the foot of State Street is Stearn’s Wharf, from which miles of beaches and bike paths fan out. Santa Barbara is also a golfer’s mecca, while within an hour north are the wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley, made famous by the movie Sideways . Fans 3 If this review were written in the early 1990s, this ranking would be a solid five. That’s when the Gauchos were a perennial national contender and routinely sold out the Thunderdome with rabid fans in front of ESPN audiences. Alas, despite numerous 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances under current Head Coach Joe Pasternack, the spectator energy is closer to a low rumble these days. That’s likely due to a confluence of factors: The local season ticket base is comprised mainly of AARP members, the high-achieving student body cares more about biology than basketball, and the new chairback seating doesn’t produce the same kind of echo that the old wood bleachers did. That said, the Surge, a student booster group standing behind press row, brings the energy with blue body suit-clad cheer leaders, and invites new members through a variety of promotions. The quirky UCSB Pep Band sets up shop to the right in their trademark floral-print shirts. The athletic department does a nice job of engaging local teams and youth organizations, who bring some high-pitched cheering to the T-dome. Access 4 Getting to the Thunderdome is rather straightforward. U.S. Highway 101, which runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles, cuts through the length of Santa Barbara. If coming from the south, take the Highway 217 off-ramp, which ends at campus. From the north, exit at Los Carneros Rd., and let GPS do the rest. Note that UCSB’s on-campus speed limit is 20 MPH, and campus police lurk at blind spots, so take it easy on the gas.   The closest parking to the Thunderdome is either the open-air Lot 22 or multi-level Lot 27; you’ll need to enter your license plate number at a kiosk ( more info here ). Assuming you’ll be attending either a night or weekend event, the rate is a reasonable $4.   Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route services Santa Barbara, including a stop in Goleta about three miles from campus. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are readily available. Flying in for the game? You’re in luck, because the tiny Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located adjacent to campus. Time it right and you could get from tarmac to hardwood in under 20 minutes.   Things get a bit more congested once inside the Thunderdome. The main entrance lobby, in the northeast corner, also houses men’s and women’s restrooms and the team shop. The only other option to relieve yourself is in the opposite lobby, adjacent to concessions, which creates a similar bottleneck. Tip: make use of the stairwells in each of the four corners and navigate the Thunderdome from above, rather than floor level. Return on Investment 4 In today’s era of premium ticket pricing, UCSB basketball remains a relative bargain. For the 2025-26 season, single-game sideline seats, located in the upper level, are $20. Want to sit closer to the action? Baseline seats are $15. For Gaucho women’s basketball, those same sections are priced at $16 and $14, respectively. Both the ticket booth and doors open an hour before tipoff. The Thunderdome Interior, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey  With parking also a bargain, the only ROI blemish is the inflated concession prices on a lackluster menu. Extras 3 Gaucho fans prefer both unofficial arena names and homespun mascots. While UCSB is officially represented by an Argentine cowboy, two superfans organically emerged from the bleachers to fire up their fellow students during the late 1980s and early 1990s heyday. Wearing a Batman t-shirt, “Gaucho Joe” O’Brien led cheers with his bellowing voice and later became the school’s water polo coach. He passed the baton to the Fantom of the Dome, a mysterious masked man who danced spastically and teased referees during timeouts. If you visit the Thunderdome in the early season, you may be able to catch a Gaucho soccer match at Harder Stadium. The men’s program won the 2006 NCAA title and draws some of the largest college soccer crowds in the country, helping UCSB earn the moniker “Soccer Heaven.” The Old Santa Barbara Mission dates to 1786 and is called the “Queen of the California Missions” thanks to its striking masonry and pink domes. A stop to tour the cathedral and sprawling grounds north of downtown is worthwhile. Final Thoughts Full disclosure: I’m both a UCSB alumnus and former employee. During my time on campus, I jokingly referred to the aging arena as the Thunderdump  or Blunderdome . However, the venue has been firmly brought into the modern era, with a quality basketball product offered at good value to fans. Here’s hoping the decibel levels someday return to their former, bone-rattling heights inside the Thunderdome.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Daytona International Speedway 1801 W International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Roar Before the 24 website Daytona International Speedway website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 167,785 Roaring Into the New Year A week before the historic Rolex 24 , Daytona International Speedway is already buzzing with race action. An event that used to be held three weeks before the current date, the Roar Before the 24 has now become part of the fabric that makes up IMSA’s return to racing in January. Featuring three different racing series, this event is mostly a three-day test session for those in the IMSA WeatherTech Series and Michelin Pilot Challenge. However, for the VP Challenge series, this weekend features two races in their season kick-off. With stellar weather in January, this seaside raceway showcases why race fans flock to Florida in the winter. No doubt, this is becoming a must-see event right in line with the Rolex 24  for diehard fans. Kids 12 and under are free, and there is plenty to see all race weekend long.   Food & Beverage   3 During the Roar, there aren’t as many food trucks and pop-up bars to see as you have during the Rolex 24 . The main stop is the paddock cafe, featuring chicken tenders and fries ($15), cheeseburgers and fries ($15), hot dogs ($7), nachos ($7), beer ($9-$11), soda ($5.50), and various other snacks. The main grandstands are closed off during this weekend, limiting the food options for fans.   Atmosphere   4 The Roar features a lot of the things you’ll find at the Rolex 24 , just on a smaller scale. The infield campfires grow more numerous and the party picks up only as the night darkens, just like at the 24 . There are night practice sessions, and two races for the VP Challenge series. Fans are invited on a pre-race grid walk before the VP race on Saturday, and victory lane is also open to fans for those races. The track itself is stunning as well – there are numerous grandstands in the infield for fans to watch the action from, and the track invites local Boy Scouts troops to come camp for the weekend in the infield during the Roar.   Neighborhood   4 Daytona is a party town from days gone past when tourists flocked to the beaches during the summer months. However, the sun isn’t always so warm in North Florida in January. Nonetheless, the beaches are still just a few miles away from the track. In addition, right across the street from the track sit numerous stores, malls, and restaurants – from Chipotle and Panera to Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, there are plenty of places to shop and eat during your stay. The most popular spot is now One Daytona, a shopping and dining district that features the likes of PF Chang’s, 4 Rivers BBQ, and even the Daytona Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel.   Fans   3 The fans at the Roar are diehards who know the sport inside and out and are not afraid to show their allegiance to their favorite driver, team, or car manufacturer. They also know how to party like few others, but are also among the most welcoming in the sport. Any one of the various campsites will have a campfire going with a TV playing a broadcast of the race – you’re always welcome to pull up a chair and take in the atmosphere. During the Roar many of the fans are kids, as the track invites countless Boy Scouts troops from the area to come and camp at the track during the weekend. That said, there simply aren’t nearly as many fans at the Roar as there are during the Rolex 24 .   Access   5 Parking at the Roar is plentiful; not only are there on-site parking lots for those with various parking passes, but the track also has various off-site parking options for fans to use, as long as you’re willing to walk. For those who would rather take a ride, trams are also available to shuttle you in and out of the track from numerous parking lots, as well as take you from one point to another at the track itself. You can also wander the facility as you wish, with any ticket granting you access to the various infield grandstand seating areas. On top of that, Daytona International Airport is literally across the street from the track, and hotels in the area are numerous, including the Daytona Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, a Hilton Garden Inn, and others.   Return on Investment   5 The Roar is a race to be added to any sports fan’s list of must-see events, especially if you are a diehard sportscar fan. Tickets for the roar start at $17.03 for Friday or Sunday, or just $22.70 for Saturday, and go up from there, with various options for multi-day access and infield parking and camping available. Kids 12 and under are free of charge, which makes this a no-brainer for families as well.   Extras   2 All tickets get you into the garage and paddock area at Daytona, which features fantastic views of the track and paddock from the rooftop patio decks. Fans can also get a look into the team preparations, thanks to the viewing windows in each garage bay. In addition, the biggest plus that few other races offer is the fan walk before the race starts on Saturday; fans can get up close to the cars on pit road, and have an up-front seat for the driver introductions.   Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Daytona for the Roar Before the 24 is a visit worth taking. Anyone who is a race fan should attend, and with Daytona’s famed high banks, the action is non-stop. The sound of sportscars fills the air all day and night for three days, ramping up the excitement for the Rolex 24  the following weekend.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Father William Gartland C.S.C. Field 111 Belmont St. S. Easton, MA 02375 Stonehill Skyhawks softball website Father Gartland Field website Year Opened : 1997 Capacity: 500 _________________________________________________________________________________ Stonehill Skyhawk Softball   On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts, with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division One level, effective in the fall of 2022. Before 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division Two. Upon its elevation to Division One, Stonehill joined the Northeast Conference.   The home of Stonehill’s softball team, Father William Gartland C.S.C. Field, is named in honor of Stonehill’s first athletic director. Reverend Garland served at Stonehill College for 33 years before his passing at the age of 64.   Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2005, the school officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks. This name has no connection to a bird but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954 and 1995.   Now in their fourth year competing in Division One, Stonehill has yet to see much success at the sport’s top level. A member of the Northeast Conference (NEC), Stonehill has compiled a record of 41-141 in D-1 as of this writing, which occurred in mid-April of 2026. Stonehill has finished no higher than 7 th  in the NEC standings thus far.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at Father Gartland Field. Fans are able to bring their own drinks and snacks to enjoy during the game. You’ll be sure to see lots of coffee from the nearby Dunkin’ on chilly spring afternoons here at Stonehill.   Atmosphere 2   The game day atmosphere at Father Gartland Field is a fairly basic one. The Stonehill staff does a nice job with the tools they have. The first thing you will notice while at a Skyhawk game is that the sound system needs to be replaced. The music sounds fuzzy over some blown speakers, and the PA announcer can be difficult to understand, although he does a good job sharing game information.   As is the norm at a college softball game, much of the energy and noise created at the game comes from the dugouts. The teams themselves come armed with a repertoire of chants and songs, and their antics can be as entertaining as the action on the field. Game Action at Father Gartland Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   Stonehill College’s 375-acre, treelined, suburban campus keeps it hidden away from the hustle and bustle happening on the busy roads just beyond the campus borders. Stonehill is located on the Brockton/Easton town line, with State Routes 123 and 138 intersecting at the southwest corner of campus. Both roads are pretty busy commercial routes, lined with businesses, strip malls, and dining options for visiting fans. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal. While you’re at Father Gartland Field, you may notice the local outpost of 99 Restaurant located right across the street from the field.   While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half-hour drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options closer to campus should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott, located just off Route 24, just a mile from Father Gartland Field.   More information about local accommodations, restaurants, and attractions can be found here .   Fans 2   The crowd at Father Gartland Field is what we at Stadium Journey often refer to as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Typically ranging in size between 100 and 200 fans, almost everyone in attendance seems to have a personal connection with the players on the field. As you would expect, the fans in the stands have great knowledge of the teams and are enthusiastic in their support. With Stonehill’s schedule consisting exclusively of teams from New England and the northeast, it’s not unusual to see many fans of visiting teams in attendance as well. Stonehill College Softball Banner at Father Gartland Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   Stonehill College is located in suburban Easton, MA, just across the Brockton city line, 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south barely a mile from campus. Father Gartland Field is tucked in right behind Skyhawk Field near the front entrance to Stonehill College on Belmont Street. Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including Merkert Gymnasium , W.B. Mason Stadium  , and Lou Gorman Field , are located close by.   Parking for the softball field is located a short distance away at an unpaved lot on Blessed Basil Moreau Drive, or in some parking spots near the Shields Science Center beyond the left field fence. Seating at the field consists of a pair of bleachers located far down either foul line. There is room all around Father Gartland Field for fans to set up their own lawn chairs and watch the action.   There are no permanent restroom facilities on site. A pair of porta-johns are set up down the left field foul line.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Skyhawk softball game. With free parking nearby and no concessions on site, you will not have to reach for your wallet even once while visiting Father Gartland Field. Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey   Extras 1   Stonehill honors figures from the softball program’s past at Father Gartland Field. A plaque near the bullpen honors Coach Ken LeGrice, who coached the softball team for 17 years, including a stint as head coach from 2004 to 2021 until his passing after a long battle with cancer in May 2021. A small plaque on the Stonehill dugout honors Dr. Fred C. Petti, Stonehill’s first softball coach.   Final Thoughts   Father Gartland is a basic facility that suits the needs of this fledgling Division One program. Much like the rest of the facilities at tiny Stonehill College, there is plenty of room for growth here.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Courtesy of the WNBA The landscape of Philadelphia sports is undergoing a significant transformation. By 2030, the city will not only welcome a WNBA expansion team but will also open the doors to the New South Philadelphia Arena, a state-of-the-art $1.5 billion facility destined to become the unified home for the city’s major indoor sports franchises. The WNBA Comes to the City of Brotherly Love The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors formally approved a new expansion franchise for Philadelphia on April 9, 2026. This announcement marks the first new major professional sports team for the city since 2008. The team is scheduled to begin play in the 2030 WNBA season. The franchise is owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE)—the group led by Josh Harris and David Blitzer that also owns the Philadelphia 76ers—with Comcast holding a minority stake. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted the city's "unmatched passion" and rich basketball tradition as key factors in the decision. The team will also feature a dedicated, state-of-the-art women's performance center for training. A New Home: The New South Philadelphia Arena The centerpiece of this development is the New South Philadelphia Arena, a 50-50 joint venture between HBSE and Comcast Spectacor (owners of the Flyers). While a previous proposal for a Center City arena was scrapped in early 2025, the teams have now unified their vision within the existing South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Upon completion, the arena will serve as the home for: Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) Philadelphia WNBA Team Although a 2031 opening was initially projected, ownership has accelerated the timeline to 2030 to coincide with the WNBA team’s debut. If construction lags, the WNBA team will play its inaugural season at the nearby Xfinity Mobile Arena  (the renamed Wells Fargo Center). In October 2025, the teams selected a joint venture led by Turner Construction and AECOM Hunt to manage the project, aiming to create one of the most technologically advanced and fan-focused venues in the world. The new arena is designed to anchor a larger entertainment district inspired by mixed-use developments like Atlanta’s "The Battery". It will provide award-winning food and stadium innovations. In a major update effective February 27, 2026, Levy was selected as the venue's official food and beverage partner . This selection was made four years in advance to ensure the hospitality program is deeply integrated into the arena's architecture, promising a culinary experience that is "unmistakably Philadelphia." This dual-front expansion solidifies Philadelphia as a premier destination for both men's and women's professional sports, ensuring that the city's "blue-collar" sports culture continues to thrive in a world-class environment for decades to come.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bogota Savings Bank Center 1000 River Road Hackensack, NJ 07601 FDU Knights website Rothman Center website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,000 FDU Basketball Shines in North Jersey Editor's Note: On January 18,2024, Fairleigh Dickinson University and Bogota Savings Bank announced an naming rights agreement to rebrand the former Rothman Center. This makes FDU the only NEC school with a corporate name on their basketball gym. George and Phyllis Rothman dedicated the Rothman Center on September 9, 1987, as the home of the Fairleigh Dickinson University basketball program. The self-made millionaire donated the entire $1 million to cover the cost of the building that is the centerpiece of athletics on campus. On February 9, 2007, the naming rights to the athletic venue inside the building were renamed the Stratis Arena after a generous donation from alumna Mary Kay Stratis. The arena holds just a tad under 3,000 that, includes 500 chairback seating bleachers and enough parking spots for more than 2,000 vehicles. The building consists of four playing courts, a six-lane, 200-meter track, and the Stratis Lounge that overlooks the main arena and can seat up to 150 guests. Its trademark feature is its tent-like roof design that has hosted three former presidents (George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama) along with an array of campus events, trade shows, and entertainment options. The Knights are members of the Northeast Conference and have made five NCAA Basketball Tournament appearances since 1985. The team has not ranked higher than 15 each year and has yet to win in the postseason tourney. The program's only victory in a tournament was in the NAIA in 1952. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession area that serves hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. There is, at times, pizza offered at the arena, along with frozen treats. The prices are relatively inexpensive and will tide your hunger over until you can grab a bite to eat after the game. Atmosphere 3 The Rothman Center is an interesting-looking building with a roof that is somewhat unique compared to other basketball arenas in the area. The ceiling roof comes together in a series of tan and dark brown triangular pieces that contrast beautifully with white-washed walls. A standard pull-out bleacher section pulls out from both sides. Various championship banners hang from the rafters, along with a centerpiece scoreboard that adds a nice touch to the building. The fans are close enough to the action on the field that you can hear every squeak of a sneaker or drop of sweat fall to the court. When it comes to a pure basketball environment, it is here at the Rothman Center. Neighborhood 3 The FDU campus stretches between the cities of Teaneck and Hackensack. These two cities are a mix of residential and urban. The best part about attending an FDU game is that you are close to many places to eat and shop. The Shops of Riverside is a mall that features well-known chain franchises, including P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, Friday’s, Smashburger, and Houston’s. There is also a Hooters and several other local pizza parlors nearby, but the best place for a pie is at Brooklyn Coal-Oven Pizza. It is a must before or after the game with their coal oven pizza and in-house mozzarella, which give their pizza a kind taste at a low price. Also, try the fried ravioli, a somewhat rare treat in this part of the country. If you’re in the mood for more Italian food, then Donn Pomodoro is an excellent choice, especially for brunch on Sundays. Fans 2 A typical crowd for an FDU game is anywhere from 300 to 500 games in an arena that seats about 5,000. The student section does its best to provide a home-court advantage against conference rivals LIU Brooklyn, Wagner, and Saint Francis, but the rather intricately detailed facility deserves more than the sparse crowds. Access 3 The Rothman Center is located on the Metropolitan Campus of FDU and is accessible by either Route 17 or the Garden State Parkway. The arena is on Hackensack Ave. S exit of Route 4 on Temple Ave. There is plenty of parking in the lot, and once inside, it is very easy to get around to all parts of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Visitors have the option of purchasing general admission tickets for $10, reserved seating for $15, or premium courtside seating for $25. The parking is free, and concession items are relatively inexpensive. However, with crowds hovering around 300 to 500 people per game, an FDU game is for the die-hards and alumni only. Extras 2 The arena’s tent-like shape roof and ceiling add a distinctive look to the building, along with the championship banners. The ticket prices are relatively inexpensive, and parking is free for all games. Final Thoughts A game at the Rothman Center is accessible if in North Jersey and won’t break your bank when it comes to pricing–even with its unique roof design and other features–but might be only for the die-hard fan or alumni. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Abbotsford Centre 33800 King Rd. Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8 5 Abbotsford Canuck s website Rogers Forum website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 7,000 Home of Johnny Canuck Johnny Canuck is a fictional cartoon character that dates back to 1869.  He gained prominence as a World War II comic strip hero akin to Uncle Sam.  Johnny Canuck was adopted by the original Vancouver Canucks of the Pacific Coast Hockey league as part of their logo.  In 1999 the new Canucks brought the logo back to the NHL team.  Vancouver treated Johnny as a secondary logo, behind the current orca logo.  In 2021, the Canucks moved their AHL affiliate from Utica, New York to Abbotsford, British Columbia and Johnny was made the primary logo.  The lineage of the Abbotsford Canucks dates back to the 1932 Quebec Beavers.  In 1935 they moved to Springfield which were followed by moves to Syracuse, back to Springfield, Worcester, Peoria and Utica.  The team was purchased by Canucks Sports and Entertainment in 2013 when they were the Peoria Rivermen.  The desire was to move the team to Abbotsford, however, the farm team of the Calgary Flames, the Abbotsford Heat, was already there.  The Heat moved to Glens Falls, New York the following season. Home for the Canucks is Rogers Forum.  Built in 2009 as the Abbotsford Centre, the city-owned arena signed a naming rights deal with Rogers Communications in 2025 and renamed Rogers Forum.  At the time of the Heat, Abbotsford was fairly isolated from the rest of the AHL.  However, with the increasing importance of the farm team’s proximity to the NHL team and a few AHL franchises a bit closer, Abbotsford is now a solid location for an AHL affiliate. Food & Beverage 4 Rogers Forum is operated by Canucks Sports & Entertainment, so many of the concession options found at Rogers Arena in Vancouver are also found in Abbotsford.  The selection of concession items is great and of high quality.  Some highlights include premium sandwiches from Crave including the Lumberjack, Prime Rib, Smoked Meat and Pulled Pork as well as premium hot dogs from Dirty Dog. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at Rogers Forum and Molson products comprise the main beer options. Atmosphere 3 The main entry for the Rogers Forum is on the east side.  The exterior features brown siding with a glass entry way with plenty of Abbotsford Canucks markings.  A giant goalie mask welcomes fans and is perfect for pictures and a DJ spins tunes in the back of an Abbotsford Canucks pickup truck as fans enter. Inside Rogers Forum, fans are led into the main concourse, which is fairly non-descript and does not feature too much that is interesting.  The Canucks have a smallish team store which also features a number of items for the Vancouver parent club. Inside the seating bowl, the ice is south-north oriented.  A picture of the centre ice logo should be taken from the east side.  The seating bowl is a simple design with a single seating level and suites above the east and west sides.  The concourse opens at the south end to create a large social area.  This is the most interesting part of the arena as large murals for the 2025 Calder Cup winning team can be found here, below the banners for the Calder Cup and Western Conference.  A four-sided video board hangs above centre ice and LED ribbons are found above the east and west suites.  Abbotsford does have a dedicated board with live 50/50 tracking and makes use of LED lights. The gameday production at a Canucks game is very simple.  The in-game host keeps the program moving.  Youth hockey players welcome the Canucks as they enter the ice and stand with them for the National Anthems.  Neighbourhood 4 Rogers Forum is located in the Abbotsford Central neighbourhood of Abbotsford, 70 km southeast of Vancouver. There are some spots for pre and post-game food and drink.  Some options include Field House Brewing, Restaurant 62, Bavaria Restaurant, Anne Marie’s Cafe, Paliotti’s, Lou’s Grill and Old Yale Brewing. There is not much in the way of other sporting options.  University of Fraser Valley is found in Abbotsford and the UFV Cascades compete in USports.  Other tourist options in the area include The Reach Gallery, Mennonite Heritage Museum as well as a number of parks and wineries.  The proximity to Vancouver and Whistler is also advantageous. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Best Western and Ramada are close options. Fans 3 At the time of writing, in the 2025-26 season, the Abbotsford Canucks averaged over 3,800 fans per game.  This ranked them 25th out of 32 teams in the AHL.  This is also coming off of a championship season which saw the team average over 4,100 fans and ranked them 23rd in the league.  This is an improvement from where the Abbotsford Heat were, however in a building that holds 7,000, there is plenty of room for improvement.  The fans in attendance are fairly reserved and quiet.   Access 4 Rogers Forum is located in the Abbotsford Central neighbourhood on the south side of King Road, between College and University.  The arena is just ¼ km from the Trans-Canada Highway, so getting to the arena is very easy.  It is adjacent to the university and parking is conveniently shared between the school and arena.  Fans who drive to the game will need to pay for parking at a kiosk.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are buses that run on King Road.  Fans should consult the BC Transit, Central Fraser Valley  website for fares, maps schedules. Getting in and around Rogers Forum is not very difficult and the washroom facilities are good for the venue.  A curious aspect of the seating in Rogers Forum is that not all of the seats are the same size.  There does not seem to be any rhyme or reason to this and seats of one size are not organized in a particular section.  Seats in the same row may actually be different sizes. Although security protocols for Rogers Forum are not complicated, Stadium Journey strongly encourages consulting the Rogers Forum and Abbotsford Canucks  for the most up to date information regarding security procedures including bag policy and prohibited items. Rogers Forum is a cashless facility. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the Abbotsford Canucks start at $31 for the No Alcohol section.  The next price level up is $45 and tickets go up to $100.  Considering the average attendance, it may be that the Canucks have missed their price point.  Parking will go for $15 and concession prices are on the high side.  Fans will have a good time at a Canucks game, but the experience is fairly simple and a bit on the expensive side. Extras 3 An extra mark for the revival of Johnny Canuck as the logo for Abbotsford, one of the best in the entire AHL. An extra mark for Abbotsford’s close proximity to the parent Vancouver Canucks. An extra mark for the smart green and blue colour scheme enjoyed by the Abbotsford Canucks. Final Thoughts The Abbotsford Canucks are now providing the parent Vancouver Canucks with an ideal affiliate location.  The AHL club has brought historic Canadian character, Johnny Canuck to the forefront of the league and present a good AHL experience for fans. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Little Caesars Arena 2645 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201 Detroit Red Wings website Little Caesars Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 19,515 Pizza, Pistons, and Pucks The Detroit Red Wings are one of the earliest teams in the NHL, founded in 1926. Originally known as the Detroit Cougars, they changed their name to the Red Wings in time for the 1932 season. The team has won 11 Stanley Cups over the years, with hockey icons such as Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and Alex Delvecchio leading the way. Over those years, the team has called three venues their home ice. Their original home was the Olympia (1927-1979), followed by the Joe Louis Arena (1979-2016) and their present home at the Little Caesars Arena. Little Caesars Arena is also the home of the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. The arena is also a very popular venue for concerts. Food & Beverage 3 Little Caesars Arena offers both sit-down service and the traditional concession stand service to fans. Sit-down options are featured in the District Detroit area of the arena. They include Mike’s Pizza Bar, which offers artisanal pizza ($18) and sandwiches ($16), along with craft beers ($14) or wine ($10). The UWM District Market is divided into multiple sections, including The Coffee House, The Garden, La Cocina, and the Patio Grill. The more traditional concession stands include Little Caesars Pizza (pizza), the 313 Grill Company (fries, burgers, sausages, chips, and sodas), Classics (nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and chips), the Coop (chicken tenders, chicken rollups, fries), and Taqueria (nacho grande, street tacos). The arena features Coca-Cola brand sodas. There are several drinking establishments at Little Caesars Arena. Before the game, you might want to check out the Budweiser Biergarten. This is located on a patio just outside the arena. It is glass-enclosed, so you can still visit during the colder winter months. Two other options are Mike’s Pizza Bar or Bell’s Tap House in the District Detroit section of the arena, which both offer a wide selection of craft beers. The drinking age in Michigan is 21. Atmosphere 4 Even though the Little Caesars Arena is shared with the Detroit Pistons, it is readily apparent that the Red Wings are the primary occupant of the building. Once inside the building, fans will see a wide variety of salutes to the history of the Red Wings, through displays, memorabilia, and statuary. Along the main concourse of the arena, you will find statues of Red Wings superstars Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and Alex Delvechio. One of the brick walls lining the concourse features a vintage graphic of the Hockeytown logo with the year the team was founded. The letters from the original home of the Red Wings, Olympia Stadium, can also be found along an interior wall of the facility. Other memorabilia include the team bench from the Joe Louis Arena and a mural featuring Gordie Howe. The team store is also located on the main concourse. As you make your way to your seat, you can’t help but notice the eleven Stanley Cup banners hanging from the rafters of the arena. They are accompanied by eight banners recognizing the retired numbers of Red Wing superstars. The show does not stop there. The pregame program also features action footage with hype music projected onto the ice to get the crowd fired up. Neighborhood 4 Little Caesars Arena is in the Midtown area of the Motor City. This is just across I-75 from downtown Detroit and the other major league sports venues, Ford Field and Comerica Park. The neighborhood around Little Caesars is primarily residential, but the presence of the arena is beginning to spur more businesses to relocate to the area. Little Caesars opens a portion of its building to serve the community during non-event days and hours in a section known as District Detroit. The district features several restaurants, including Mike’s Pizza Bar, the Mixing Board, and the UVM District Market. Downtown Detroit is within easy walking distance of the arena, or fans can take the free Q -Line light rail train to visit the sights in the downtown area, including the ballpark, the football stadium, and the elegant Fox Theatre. One of the most popular sites for pre- or postgame gatherings is the Hockeytown Café. It is located just across I-75 from the arena. The Hockeytown Café was founded by former Red Wings owner Mike Illich in 1999. It is considered one of the top sports bars in the country by ESPN. Fans 4 The Red Wings have developed a deep bond with their fanbase over the past 100 years. Many families have passed their season tickets from generation to generation, as well as shared their stories of multiple Stanley Cup Championships. They tend to wear the red hockey jerseys to show their loyalty to the team and follow the team very closely in the media. Like many of the other Detroit franchises, it has been a while since they have been to a championship game. Rather than complain, the Red Wing fans have developed some unique traditions to will the team back to the playoffs. One tradition is the singing of the Journey anthem “Don’t Stop Believin” after each home victory. When the team does make it to the playoffs, the fans are known to throw an octopus out on the ice. Theoretically, octopi have seven sets of tentacles, the same number of games in a Stanley Cup series. Supposedly, this brings good luck to the team, as it has won several Stanley Cups since the tradition began. Fans will be able to keep up with the action by getting their information from the huge 6,020 square foot center-hung videoboard. It constantly updates the game stats, as well as providing replays of key plays on one of its four video screens. The videoboard also gets the fans charged up during breaks in the action and during power play opportunities. Access 4 Getting to and around Little Caesars Arena is very easy. If you are driving to the arena, you would take the Fisher Service Drive exit off I-75 at the Fisher Service Drive exit. Stay on Fisher Service Drive to Woodward Avenue and turn left towards one of the six parking decks that surround the arena. The rideshare pick-up and delivery area is also located on Fisher Service Drive. If you are staying in downtown Detroit, the most economical way to get to the game is via the Q-Line light rail system. The Q-Line is free to ride and drops you off right in front of the arena. After the game, you would then return home via the stations at Adelaide or Sproat Street. Once at the arena, you can enter through one of the four entrances located on the four corners of the building. Doors open 90 minutes before the puck drop. You will find that the concourses are wide and easy to navigate. There are two levels of seating at Little Caesars Arena. You can take one of the ten elevators or four sets of escalators to your seats. The arena uses a portal system to easily guide you to your seats. The portal number is on your ticket, and you simply follow the signage to your seat location. Portals 1-20 service the lower seating areas, while Portals 21-72 are dedicated to the upper-level seats. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at Little Caesars Arena is more affordable than at many other NHL arenas. Fans have several options when it comes to saving money when they attend a Red Wings game The average ticket price for a seat in the upper level of the arena averages $55-80, depending on the opposition. Parking can range from $20-30 in one of the arena parking garages, but other private lots in the area charge much less. You can also use the Q-Line light rail system to get to games for free if you are staying in the Downtown or Midtown areas of the city. Food concession prices vary greatly depending on what level of service you desire. The average prices at one of the traditional concession stands are hot dogs ($7), water ($5), pizza slices ($8-10), and a soda ($7). Prices at one of the District Detroit full-service restaurants tend to be much higher. Little Caesars Arena operates on a cashless basis. Extras 2 During the 2025-2026 season, the Red Wings will celebrate their Centennial Season. Numerous special events, unique uniforms, and merchandise items will be incorporated into the celebration. Little Caesars Arena has one of the most unique seating areas in the NHL in its Gondola seats. These seats are suspended from the ceiling and hang out over the ice for a one-of-a-kind view of the action below. Final Thoughts The Red Wings have a long and deep relationship with the Motor City. The Little Caesars Arena is a more than worthy successor to the team’s previous homes over the past century…. the Olympia and the Joe Louis Arena.

Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey The Home of the Gamecocks is Getting a Facelift A new era in Gamecocks football and the Williams-Brice Stadium is coming very soon. The new era comes with a massive wave of investment that hopes to turn around USC's fortunes. South Carolina has never been a highly regarded SEC football program. The program has never won a conference title since coming to the SEC. Even recent success has been hard to come by. The team has been moving in and out of bowl contention throughout the 2020s, never making the playoffs or even finishing in the top 15 in any season so far this decade.  But Indiana showed how a college football program can do a total 180 in the NIL era with the right investment, having gone from the worst record of any program in the FBS to National Champions. And with their recent massive investment in Williams-Brice Stadium, this shows that’s exactly what the Gamecocks are trying to do. South Carolina are sinking 350 million dollars into improving its home for almost a century. Spread across a three-phase plan. The plan is in three phases, with construction having begun and with hopes to be entirely completed for the 2028 season. The plan includes tearing it down to rebuild it from the ground up. To get ready for the start of the 2026 College Football  season, crews of 200+ people working hard to help get everything ready and to make South Carolina's vision come true! We are now at the point in construction where progress is becoming obvious. The Floyd Building, which used to sit proudly before the Gamecocks' scoreboard, is now turned to scraps  along with the coaches’ offices that were once in the building and the scoreboard it sat under with it. But all that destruction is to facilitate creation. A majority of it will be done by 2026. If everything goes according to plan, of course. The 350 Million-dollar renovation project is being handled by some proven names as well. South Carolina University hired the  renowned architecture firm Populous  to handle the Williams-Brice Stadium upgrades. This firm has been behind many of the world’s most recent marvels such as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, the Vegas sphere, and recent renovations to Yankee Stadium . Populous has a lot to change about the iconic William-Brice Stadium as they’ll be widening concourses by adding more concessions and restrooms,  but more importantly will be increasing the suite count from 18 to 42 . Gamecocks fans were given a preview of how they’ll look after USC put a preview center in the Bignon Gameday Center, which is right by the iconic Williams-Brice Stadium. The school will be showcasing all the changes they’ll be making to curious fans and students. Fans will also get a 360-degree immersive view of Williams-Brice Stadium soon. A preview about the increase in premium seating from less than 6% of the seats in Williams-Brice Stadium to the 42 suites that’ll help them catch up to their SEC foes is also being shown. This preview center was sometimes shown to 15 groups in one day, letting everyone involved with the project know that fans are as excited for the renovations as they are. “What we have found a lot of is people that come through this preview center and understand what we’re doing here, that truly believe in the project,” Gamecock Club CEO Wayne Hiott said. “Which is why some of those gift conversations have been a lot easier than we initially thought.” Hiott continued: “Because they understand that if we don’t do this, we are subjecting ourselves to forever being at the bottom of the pack. And if we do, do it, it gives us a shot.” Some of the exciting changes aren’t only about putting more fans in the stands but also about giving them a better experience. They’ll be adding two video boards which will go up in the south end zone, and also will provide a 25,000-square-foot club-like space for students to hang out and watch games in, and an open-air terrace above that. USC is also pursuing mixed-use development opportunities to help fund improvements to Williams-Brice Stadium and to further fund the University of South Carolina's athletic department. The hope is this will help bring more success to the football team playing in the newly renovated stadium. The stadium is being renovated by Contract Construction, who are the lead constructors on this extremely ambitious project, and USC couldn’t have a more trusted partner, as CC is based in South Carolina and has worked with the university several times. USC has also partnered with someone filled with experience and expertise. The Manhattan Construction Group  has helped many universities build stadiums, including many of the biggest stadiums in the nation. Included on Manhattan Constructions Group’s resume are the Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium , the Texas Rangers Globe Life Field , USF’s football stadium, and Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You couldn’t find many companies better suited for this project than the Manhattan Construction Group. So as you can see, there’s a lot to be excited for as the 2026 Gamecocks season begins. This brand new stadium represents the grand ambition of the new South Carolina sports director Jeremiah Donati, the man behind TCU’s transformation from afterthought to a college football powerhouse. His plan is to do the same for USC on the other coast.

Map Courtesy of Louisvilleky.gov City and private stakeholders are quietly advancing plans for a mid-sized, indoor arena adjacent to Lynn Family Stadium  in the proposed Butchertown Entertainment District, a development aimed at filling a long-standing gap in Louisville’s venue mix.  The project’s preliminary target is roughly 4,000–8,000 seats, often compared to the recently opened, 7,500-seat Fishers Event Center  outside of Indianapolis. Proponents say it would serve the larger KFC Yum! Center  is not optimized for, such as minor league hockey, indoor football, indoor soccer, and professional volleyball. Butchertown Site The Butchertown site is favored because of existing zoning and available land around Lynn Family Stadium, home Louisville City FC, Racing Louisville FC, and the Louisville Kings.The venue would anchor a sports-and-entertainment cluster while minimizing neighborhood impacts.  Developers tied to Soccer Holdings and chairman John Neace are involved in early discussions, and Mayor Craig Greenberg’s office  frames the effort as part of a broader strategy to raise Louisville’s national sports profile. Design work is in an early phase; city and private partners have suggested the facility could open as soon as 2028, but that timeline is conditional on schematic design completion, financing and firm tenant commitments. Cost estimates and completed renderings have not been released publicly and totals will be reported once schematic design and financing partners are identified. Butchertown neighborhood, Photo by Marc Viquez Dedicated Ice Surface Planned program elements emphasize a dedicated ice surface combined with configurable bowl seating to support a multiuse calendar: minor-league hockey, competitive figure skating, curling, professional volleyball, youth and amateur programming, mid-size tournaments and regional championships. The intent is explicitly to complement, not compete with, with the KFC Yum! Center . The project responds to a tangible local need: Louisville’s existing rinks—two at Iceland Sports Complex and the aging Alpine Ice Arena—are oversubscribed, and local interest in ice sports has increased in the wake of the 2026 Winter Olympics. City leaders highlight the potential to expand recreational ice time, strengthen elite-program development, and create clearer youth-to-pro pathways in winter sports. Expansion Teams and the Future Officials are pursuing a minor league hockey ownership group—potentially at an ECHL level or comparable level—as a primary tenant; reports note conversations with ownership groups that operate multiple ECHL franchises. A professional women’s volleyball club has also been identified as a likely tenant, modeled on venues that host both hockey and pro volleyball. Beyond pro hockey and volleyball, stakeholders see opportunities for university and club teams, local programs, and other pro/semipro tenants. Possible users include University of Louisville men’s and women’s club hockey, Louisville women’s volleyball, and expanded youth, amateur, figure skating and curling programs—effectively adding a third full ice facility for the metro area.  The facility would help anchor the Butchertown Entertainment District, complement Lynn Family Stadium and adjacent mixed-use development, and diversify Louisville’s mid-size event offerings to attract additional events and teams.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Gwinnett Field 2500 Buford Dr Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Gwinnett Stripers website Gwinnett Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 10,427 Editor's note: In early 2026, the Coolray sponsorship ended for the ballpark , and the venue name changed to Gwinnett Field. Keeping’ It Reel When the Braves  moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, it also marked the birth of a long partnership with the city of Richmond, Virginia, as the Braves AAA affiliate would take root in the commonwealth’s capital city for 43 seasons. After spending four decades in Richmond, the AAA Braves played their final season at "The Diamond", where they had been for 23 years. With an aging stadium and little hope for the upgrades needed for a minor league baseball team, the AAA Braves relocated to Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Georgia, a suburb less than an hour from downtown Atlanta, in 2009. The new ballpark in Gwinnett was billed as a mixed-use development, to include apartments, shopping, and dining. However, the development took longer than expected to materialize – Coolray Field stood alone in an open field for its first five years, while plans to build around it were still being finalized. Apartment complexes now surround the stadium, and changed the feel of the ballpark as they were completed; the first apartment building was finished in 2015, with a second completed in 2021. Since their move to suburban Atlanta, Gwinnett has made three postseason appearances, winning two International League-South Division titles and reaching the finals in 2016.   Food & Beverage   5 Coolray Field offers fans a wide range of dining options, from traditional concessions to regional specialties, as well as what seems like endless beverage choices. One standout is "All the Fixins" which specializes in Southern cuisine, offering catfish baskets with hush puppies, hot honey pork chop sandwiches, Nashville Hot Chicken, grilled pimento cheese sandwiches, and footlong hot dogs topped with bacon jam. If the offerings at All the Fixins don't pique your interest, The Boathouse restaurant on the first base concourse provides an alternative, also with an impressive menu. It doubles as more of a sit-down restaurant and craft brewhouse, and the menu is more pub fare, with cheese curds and fried pickles, along with sides such as mashed potato bowls and potato wedges. Entrees range from smoked wings and tacos to brisket nachos and specialty sandwiches. The Boathouse also pours up to ten beers from Pontoon Brewing Company and another six from Wild Heaven, both local to the Atlanta area. Additionally, basic domestics are also available. The libations also extend beyond beer, with a selection of wines, hard Italian sodas, and pre-mixed cocktails on tap as well. But wait, there’s more! Throughout the concourse, several carts offer a variety of specialty items. Smokie’s Sausage Shack not only serves Polish and Italian sausage, but also offers brisket and BBQ sandwiches, and just as expected, Steakadelphia has a selection of cheesesteaks, while Cantina Comida Hispana offers a range of Latin American-inspired choices. Lastly, to satisfy a sweet tooth head to Sweet for their sundaes, floats, funnel cake fries, and of course the ever-popular Dippin’ Dots.   Atmosphere   3 Originally named after their parent club , the team went by the name Gwinnett Braves for its first twelve seasons, before being rebranded as the Gwinnett Stripers in 2021. While the change faced significant pushback locally, it ultimately made sense to establish Gwinnett as a national brand. Additionally, it allowed for more of a theme to be integrated into the stadium and game presentation. In its first five seasons, Coolray Field sat alone in little more than an open, roadside field. Today, surrounded by two apartment buildings nearly encircling the stadium, the ballpark has a cozier feel. Beyond the stadium confines, local restaurant franchise Three Dollar Cafe overlooks the field from a distant vantage point. Like many minor league baseball teams, the Stripers host numerous promotional nights but primarily focus on appreciating local groups rather than having extravagant themes. Unlike some teams the Stripers don't have quirky promotions like "Mystery Egg Roll Night" or "Tribute to the Brannock Device” – instead they tend to stick to more traditional themes. However, each game still offers some form of promotion or discounted concession to boost weekday attendance, and in-game promotions are the standard scoreboard shuffle, variations of the dance cam, mascot races, and “Double Dare” inspired contests. When looking at seating options, the berm referred to as “The Bank” does offer space to spread out and for kids to run and play. The issue with this area though is the kids are lightly supervised by adults, which can be rather distracting if you are simply looking to enjoy the game from the grassy outfield hill. The best bet here is probably any of the grandstand seats down the first base side of the field since they offer the most shade.   Neighborhood   4 The Stripers play in Lawrenceville, a northeastern suburb of Atlanta, approximately 30 miles from downtown ATL. Coolray Field is just off one of Gwinnett County’s busier traffic arteries, Buford Drive – the area has experienced remarkable growth since the opening of Coolray Field. There used to be just a road between Buford and Lawrenceville, but now Buford Drive is lined with several restaurants, stores, and hotels, and the area is anchored by the massive Mall of Georgia. The area around the ballpark is probably not a destination by itself, but for those arriving early or staying late, attractions such as Top Golf and Andretti’s Karting and Gaming, located just off the exit for Coolray Field, might be of interest.   Fans   3 Gwinnett has typically seen routinely low attendance figures over the years. After the AAA affiliation was transferred from Richmond to suburban Atlanta, Gwinnett's inaugural season saw an average attendance of just under 6,000 fans, which was in the middle third of AAA teams in attendance. However, since then attendance has steadily declined and now ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 fans per game over the last six seasons. Much of the Stripers fan base consists of families and youth groups from Gwinnett, Hall, and Barrow counties. Some discussions around attendance troubles focus on the Stripers proximity to their parent club, just 34 miles around Atlanta’s north end to Truist Park . Although this may be a contributing factor, other AAA teams like St. Paul  and Worcester  rank in the top 10 of AAA attendance, despite being within 50 miles of their Major League affiliates. While the accessibility of the Braves  might play a role, factors such as a lack of immediate attractions at the stadium, as well as lingering animosity from the public's lack of input in the stadium funding process, seem to contribute to the less-than-stellar attendance numbers. On a positive note, attendance has begun to increase since reaching a franchise low of under 3,000 per game during the 2022 season.   Access   3 Navigating the metro Atlanta area can be quite challenging, especially during weekday games. I-85, the primary route through the northeast suburbs, often sees heavy congestion when leaving Atlanta. For the less populous communities north of Lawrenceville, however, southbound traffic on I-85 doesn’t face the same volume of traffic as you see heading toward the city during this time of day. Buford Drive leads to each of Coolray Field’s access points, which can be a bit tricky for first-time or infrequent visitors – the only entrance with any sort of signage is for VIP parking. Instinct would make one think the entrance next to that is the most accessible, and while that entrance does eventually lead to another parking lot, a lack of noticeable directions leaves drivers guessing whether to turn left or right. The actual most direct entry point is the third entrance, but much like the previous one, it is not well labeled and can easily be missed, leaving drivers to have to make a U-turn to try it all over again. With the parking lot running the length of the first base side of the stadium, it doesn’t seem like only two entrances for general seating would be enough, but fans move quickly through the gates. Once in the stadium, the concourse fully encircles the field and is wide enough to keep congestion to a minimum. Buford Drive is a divided highway so after the game, crossing back toward the interstate can be challenging. If you choose the wrong exit, a U-turn is needed to head back toward the freeway. Your best bet is to stay in the left lane of traffic, but exiting via Ballpark Lane, which runs in front of the main gates, tends to be a quick and easy exit point.   Return on Investment   3 Seating on the berm starts at just over $11 once Ticketmaster fees are factored in. As ticket prices increase, so do the service charges which are applied to each ticket.  On weekends, ticket prices increase, with the same ticket costing $17. Unfortunately, the secondary market does not offer much relief, as prices are comparable to those at the ticket office. Parking runs $10, so even a single visitor is already spending over $20 before entering the ballpark, and due to the lack of facilities in the surrounding area, there are no independent parking lots to offer a lower price. Concession prices are consistent with what you would expect at a sports stadium.   Extras   4 The left field wall displays the retired numbers of three Atlanta Braves players: Hank Aaron’s # 44, brother Tommy Aaron’s # 25, and Phil Niekro’s # 35. Jackie Robinson’s # 42, which is retired across baseball, is also displayed. Balconies of the apartments beyond the stadium, stretching from left to left-center field, are marked with distances to home plate. Those along the left field line, just under 400 feet away, are well within play, while the farthest markers measure over 460 feet. The Stripers mascot Chopper is an active participant in mid-inning contests and makes his way around the stadium stopping for endless photo requests. In recent years, a lot has been made of "robo-umps" potentially taking over calling balls and strikes, due to perceived inconsistencies in umpire strike zones. Opponents argue this takes the human element out of the game; proponents advocate for increased consistency and accuracy. In AAA baseball, a balance seems to have been struck with the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System – this system preserves the traditional role of the umpire while allowing for questionable calls to be reviewed by batters, pitchers, and catchers. The outcome of the challenge is then displayed on the stadium scoreboard and upheld or reversed accordingly.   Final Thoughts For the Braves , having their AAA franchise located so close provides some operational advantages when it comes to roster management, but may be a barrier when it comes to attracting fans. The location does seem a bit isolated when considering the dynamics of Atlanta’s northeast suburbs. Attendance woes do not seem to be due to anything specific the staff in Gwinnett could or should be doing differently – the club is more a victim of planning circumstances that weren’t considered or planned for when deciding to build a stadium here. Promotional nights could be a bit more creative, but it takes the right organization and fanbase to pull off “ Exploding Whales ” or host a successful “ Toilet Paper Night ”. What Gwinnett does offer, though, is a decent minor-league baseball experience that is entertaining, while keeping the game on the field as the focus of the experience.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 GCU Softball Stadium 3300 W Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 Map It Grand Canyon University Antelopes softball website GCU Softball Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 1,200 Lopes Up! Grand Canyon University founded its softball program in 2004 at the Div II level.  Like the other Grand Canyon University athletic teams, they moved to the Div I level in 2014 as members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).  The 2022 – 2025 seasons saw them reach the NCAA Regionals and win the Conference regular season and conference tournament championships three of those four.  The 2026 season sees them in the Mountain West Conference, continuing their winning nature, earning their first national ranking in the Top 25. The Antelopes play their home games at the comfortable GCU Softball Stadium on the GCU Campus in Central Phoenix, diagonally across from Brazell Field (Antelopes' baseball), and next to the GCU Track and Field. You'll be sure to see an excellently played game at a good-looking stadium when visiting this park and team. Food & Beverage 3 A small concession stand beneath the grandstand offers basic concessions at reasonable prices.  Pizza, nachos, bratwurst, and hot dogs run $3 - $4.50 while Thunder nachos cost $8.50.  Snacks offered include candy, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and a big purple churro, priced between $3.50 and $6.    Sodas, water, and Gatorade will set you back $3 - $5.  This facility does not serve alcoholic beverages. I saw one or two picnic tables on the outer concourse, but most fans bring their food to their seats. Atmosphere 3 GCU Stadium is a good-looking stadium.  The grandstand behind home plate has comfortably wide, purple seats under a slotted canopy.  Metal bleachers with backs and the same canopy cover are above each dugout.  The stadium seats 1,200, so it's a good size.  Wheelchair seating is in the first row of the grandstand section, and all seating areas have banisters.  The press box rests above the purple seats. GCU Softball Stadium Grandstand, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A medium-thickness net hangs across all the seating for safety, but it does distort the viewing of the game action. Left field houses a good-sized video board that displays the line score,  the team at bat's lineups, and the player at bat's photo and stats.  A traditional dot matrix board is in center field. The music and the announcer are loud, but fortunately, music is only played pregame, between innings, and for ‘Lopes walk-ups.  Between-inning entertainment includes trivia, dancing, and the YMCA, etc.  Similar to all athletic events at Grand Canyon University, a short prayer is said before the start of the game. Game day staff do not hand out lineups and rosters.  Instead, the announcer directs fans to Instagram for that information.  The scoreboard lists the lineups.  The announcer asks fans to return and foul balls to the concession stand. Neighborhood 3 Fans can find a few places to eat close by, but our recommendation is to head downtown or elsewhere for a pre or post-game meal or drink. Several fast food restaurants like Qdoba, Chick-fil-A, Pita Jungle, and Subway are within walking distance. The Great Wall Cuisine (Mexican) and Angie & Jimmies Italian Pizza are next door. A Habit Burger Grill is at the Student Union. Downtown Phoenix, just seven miles away, has a vast variety of eating establishments. Some recommendations are Pizzeria Bianco (Italian), Breakfast Club, and Angels Trumpet Ale House (gastropub). The SunUp Brewing and the Huss Brewing Taphouse are within a few miles of the ballpark.  Hotels are not close to the stadium.  We recommend driving four or five miles to mid-town where a Tru by Hilton Midtown  or a Hampton Inn  are affordable places to stay. Other sports to see in the springtime nearby are GCU basketball  (men's), GCU basketball  (women's), GCU baseball , and several of the Cactus League spring training ballparks, like American Family Fields  (Brewers) or Peoria Sports Complex ( Mariners  and Padres ). The Arizona Diamondbacks – Chase Field  (MLB) is seven – eight miles southeast.  For golfers, the GCU golf course is nearby. Fans 3 The GCU Lopes softball fans show strong support for the team.  While attendance numbers can be 300 or 400 hundred, it can reach over 1,000 at some games.  A pleasant surprise is how many seem to pay attention to the game rather than on their phones.  It’s a social gathering as fans know one another and chat throughout the seven innings.  They groan about perceived miss called balls and strikes against the Lopes, yet they applaud good plays made by both teams. Access 4 Getting to the ballpark is relatively easy, as it is a mile west of I-17 on Camelback Road and just a couple of exits north of the I-10/I-17 interchange. Several buses stop at Grand Canyon University. Check Valley Metro  for fares, schedules, and routes. Sky Harbor International Airport is 12 – 13 miles from the field. A five-story garage (Halo Parking Garage) is right next door on 35th Ave and is free of charge. Stop at the security booth and just let them know you’re attending the game. They'll direct you to the parking garage. Walk past the track and field from the parking garage to get to the softball stadium. Ticket booth tents are on each side of the entrance to the complex.  The stadium’s policy requires clear bags for entry.  A wide, open plaza greets fans after entry and before visiting the concession stand, clean restrooms, or the seating bowl.  Both ramps and stairs take you to the seats; only stairs to the bleacher area. Return on Investment 5 The softball games are $5 ($15 for tournaments).  Our recommendation is to order the tickets online (there’s no service fee) as only one of the entrances at the stadium accept cash.  Seating is general admission. You must walk all the way around the track to get to the other one and you must have cash.   Refreshments are priced reasonably and parking is free.  Seeing a well-played softball game at a nice facility is well worth your sports entertainment value. Extras 2 Plaza poles display banners highlighting the program’s conference championships and its recent run of four straight NCAA tournament appearances. The team operates a small, but chocked-full merchandise stand along the first base plaza.  GCU Softball Stadium Lopes Shop, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The GCU Antelopes should be proud of their achievements, advancing from DII to DI, reaching the NCAA Tournament four times, and most recently being named one of the top 25 programs.  With its spacious, inviting layout, this stadium is well worth a spring afternoon or evening out in central Phoenix.