Photo Courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels The Richmond Flying Squirrels will be getting a new ballpark in 2026. After 40 years of minor league baseball played at The Diamond , a new era will begin at CarMax Field . A state-of-the-art facility that will be used for more than just baseball games. ​ Team officials describe it as a multi-use entertainment venue in the heart of the Diamond District, a 67-acre mixed-use development featuring apartments, housing, hotels, retail stores, restaurants, and public green space. While the mixed-use area is common among new ballparks built in the early 21st century, it is what is inside that will stand out among others of its kind. ​ The stadium will feature a 360-degree wraparound concourse slightly raised above street level. The left-field area will feature group and social spaces featuring a multi-tiered beer garden and a kids’ zone with outfield lawn seating in right field. The stadium will have a capacity of 10,000, with 5,500 on the lower level. The seats will be wider and there will be more room between the rows. ​ Field-level dugout suites will place fans as close as possible to home plate. It will offer a unique viewing experience and a look into the visiting team's dugout . ​ Photo Courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels The left field social area will be home to the Car Scout Power Tower, a distinctive feature that will stand 34 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The LED screen will display game information and enhance entertainment elements. It might be the first of its kind at a minor league stadium and perhaps a harbinger to future endeavors. ​ The Atlantic Union Bank Lounge will have 6,000 square feet of indoor space to entertain fans during the ballgame, but also be big enough for conferences, banquets, fundraisers, weddings, and other functions throughout the calendar year. ​ The exterior of the stadium will be equipped with a solar array on the roof and parking lot. A total of 1,700 solar panels will cover portions of the two-tier roof, and five solar panels will cover the carports in the parking lot. All of the harnessed energy will generate 1 megawatt of carbon-free electricity, enough to power 250 Richmond homes at full capacity. ​ Photo Courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels As for The Diamond , that has stood the test of time as the home of the Squirrels and formerly the Richmond Braves, it will be razed and redeveloped as part of the Diamond District. The stadium finished at the bottom of Stadium Journey's Double-A Rankings this year. ​ CarMax Park will be everything The Diamond could never be. A facility that can host more than 9 innings of baseball and do it comfortably. There will be more than a few baseball travelers making plans for Richmond in the spring and summer of next year. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Kyle M. Keenan Seattle’s Memorial Stadium is coming down after nearly 80 years of high school football games and graduations, soccer matches, and community events. Demolition crews are dismantling the aging grandstands at Seattle Center to clear the way for a $150 million, state-of-the-art multipurpose venue. The new stadium will seat 6,500 people and have a capacity of 8,000. It will feature three covered seating areas and multiple courtyards on the east and west sides. New concession areas, restrooms, locker rooms, and space center shops will be added. The design will integrate the stadium into the Seattle Center campus. The new stadium will be designed by Kansas City firm Generator Studio, a specialist in sports venues, which is collaborating on the design with local firm GGLO. Funding the costs will be $66.5 million, along with nearly $4 million in state funding and $40 million from the city of Seattle. Built in 1947 to honor Seattle students who lost their lives in World War II, the stadium’s legacy will live on with a preserved and expanded memorial plaza. The new facility will keep its high school football and graduation traditions while adding a broader slate of sports, from professional rugby to Ultimate Frisbee, with events planned annually. Photo courtesy of Brendon Keelan The stadium is home to the Seattle Cascades (United Frisbee Association), and Tempest (Western Ultimate League) has called the venue home since 2015 and 2021, respectively. Both teams will be sad to see the old stands razed, according to GM Xtehn Frame. “The stadium means a lot to our organization. I played on that field with the Cascades, coached the team, and can't count the number of home games we've hosted there - maybe more than any other pro team. It's sad to see those old concrete grandstands come down, but I'm looking forward to what's to come!” The stadium served as the first home of the Seattle Sounders when they were in the NASL and later the USL First Division. It also served as the home venue to the Seattle Reign of the National Women's Soccer League and FC Ballard in USL League Two. The Cascades and Tempest will play home games at temporary Interbay Stadium on the campus of Seattle Pacific University until construction is completed. However, Frame added that the team's home is at Seattle Center. “We really embraced Memorial Stadium in the heart of Seattle and made our home games super fun & family-friendly. Opening ceremonies with flags flying, a kid zone with a bouncy house, and Casey the Sasquatch roaming the stands. Of course, the on-field action was awesome to see from those steep grandstands. Opposing teams would tell us that we had the loudest and most passionate fans in the league!” The stadium hopes to be completed by the end of 2027 and operate as a sustainable not-for-profit venture, rather than a commercial enterprise. Seattle Public Schools will retain ownership and prioritize student athletics and events. Officials say the transformation will open the site to the community, create new sight lines to landmarks like the Space Needle , and make the venue a hub for Seattle sports for decades to come. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at   Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Artist rendering of Project Marvel, the proposed sports entertainment district (Photo courtesy of the City of San Antonio) On Tuesday, November 4, the citizens of Bexar County, Texas – the county where San Antonio is situated – took to the polls, to vote on two measures to help decide the future of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs . Voters were asked to vote for/against two propositions that could help fund a new downtown arena, which is something the Spurs and the city of San Antonio have been working toward since plans became public in 2024 . By a slim majority of 52% yes, Bexar County voters approved Proposition B, which will earmark $311 million in county hotel and rental car tax dollars (colloquially known as “tourist taxes”) to help fund the new $1.3 billion arena, to be built on the grounds of Hemisfair Park. “We love this city, we love this county, and the county and the city love us back,” Peter J. Holt, the chairman of Spurs Sports and Entertainment, told reporters at a public event on election night. City and county financing will cover roughly 61.5% of the arena’s total construction costs. The City of San Antonio has agreed to contribute up to $489 million via a combination of its share of state hotel taxes, property tax revenue from new development around the arena, and ground leases for that development. The Spurs will contribute $500 million and have guaranteed to cover any cost overruns. The vote ends what has been a contentious year-and-a-half, as vocal groups on both sides of the debate loudly voiced their opinions on the matter. San Antonio’s recently elected mayor, Gina Ortiz Jones, has seemingly been an opponent of the measure, speaking out publicly to call for a “slow down” on any measures regarding public funding for the privately owned San Antonio Spurs. According to reporting by the San Antonio Express-News , Spurs Sports & Entertainment – the owners of the NBA franchise – invested $6.5 million  in campaigning for the proposition. This included blanketing voter residences with numerous mailers, door hangers, online ads, and ads on local television. The vote was the first hurdle cleared in what is planned to be a much larger sports and entertainment complex in downtown San Antonio, which the city hopes will be a boon for residents going forward. The Spurs lease at their current home, Frost Bank Center, is set to expire at the end of the 2032-33 season; no timetable for construction of the new arena has been put forth as of yet. ---- Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Laurel Ice Gardens 13800 Old Gunpowder Road Laurel, MD 20707 Maryland Terrapins hockey website Laurel Ice Gardens website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 500 Here Comes the Hockey Turtle The American Collegiate Hockey Association is the leading organization for club collegiate ice hockey in the United States and is a step below NCAA ice hockey. Most of the teams that compete at this level do not sponsor hockey at an NCAA level, although a few do. The Maryland Terrapins compete in Division II of the ACHA, and as there is no ice arena on campus, they play their home games in nearby Laurel, at the Laurel Ice Gardens, a municipal rink that is home to several different amateur teams. The Ice Gardens actually includes several different rinks, and the Terrapins typically play their home games in Logsdon Pavilion, a rink located in the back of the Ice Gardens with some permanent seating plus standing room. If you are attending a different team's event on a different rink here, the experience may be somewhat different, as not all of them have permanent seating. Food & Beverage 4 The Laurel Ice Gardens has a nice little snack bar called Icebreakers Cafe, which serves up a good selection of food. There are some tables in the cafe where fans can sit and eat before the game or to warm up during intermission, or you can take your food into the rink and eat it there. Menu options include burgers, spicy chicken sandwiches, quesadillas, chicken tenders, and pizza. French fries are also available as a side. Like many ice rinks, The Gardens also serves breakfast all day, as they cater to a wide range of skaters who are coming in and training at different times. You can get an egg and cheese sandwich (sausage or bacon optional) or pancakes with eggs. A Caesar salad with grilled chicken is also available and is considered breakfast for some reason. To drink, bottled water, soda, and hot coffee are available. Prices for an entree will typically run around $12, while breakfast costs $6-$7. The inside of Icebreakers Cafe Atmosphere 4 Although Logsdon Pavilion is the nicest of the three rinks at the Laurel Ice Gardens, it is still a fairly basic experience. There are a few rows of elevated metal bleachers with very little legroom, and when those fill up (which they will), fans can stand along the glass and watch from there. The good news is you are up close to the action. There is also a PA announcer who announces starting lineups, goal scorers, and penalties, which is not a given for this level. A scoreboard behind one goal shows fans basic information, including time remaining on penalties. The team offers some promotions throughout the season, including fundraisers and giveaways. Overall, the atmosphere at a Terps hockey game is good - just be sure to arrive early if you want a seat. However, there is little point in arriving more than half an hour or so early, as another event will still be going on the rink. One thing to keep in mind is that it is very cold in the ice Gardens, even compared to other hockey rinks. Be sure to wear appropriate attire. Neighborhood 3 Laurel is a very pleasant suburb of Washington, D.C., but unfortunately, the best parts of the town are several miles from the Ice Gardens. You will find restaurants here of just about any variety, from Olive on Main serving Mediterranean fare to Mid Atlantic Seafood to Bella Indian and Italian Cuisine, which sounds like a weird combination, but the locals say it's quite good. You will have to drive a bit to get to any of this from the Ice Gardens, though, which brings this score down. Fans 4 The Terrapins draw a couple of hundred fans to a typical home game at the Ice Gardens. The crowd here is extremely knowledgeable about the team and the players, and many of them go to almost every home game. Although they aren't the loudest bunch, and the fact that many of them are spread out along the glass doesn't help with the crowd noise, they quite clearly care about their team. Access 3 Laurel is located right off Interstate 95, just north of where it splits from I-495 (the Capital Beltway). There is a large, spacious lot at The Ice Gardens, and while it gets crowded, you should be able to find a space. If you enter through the front doors, you will need to turn left and walk through one of the other rinks, then through the doors of Logsdon Pavilion. Staff can direct you if you are unsure of where to go. You can also enter through the side doors, which will put you right in Logsdon. There are tables selling tickets at both entrances. There are several restrooms located throughout the Ice Gardens, including one directly outside the doors to Logsdon Pavilion. You should generally not have to wait to use one, though it depends on what else is going on at the other rinks. Since many people use them after coming directly off the ice, there is often water on the floor, but there is no reason to suspect it is anything more sinister. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Maryland Terrapins hockey games is just $5, with tickets sold at the door. Cash and Venmo are accepted, but the cell signal is quite spotty inside the Ice Gardens, so you may struggle to pay with your phone. It is best to bring cash just in case. The food at the Icebreakers Cafe is a bit expensive, but it is of good enough quality that it seems like a fair price. Overall, a Maryland Terrapins hockey game is an excellent value. Extras 3 There are game machines in the lobby of the Laurel Ice Gardens for kids to play with, including a claw machine. Free programs with rosters for both teams are available at the ticket table for Terrapins games. A third and final star for all the friendly staff here, both those working for the Ice Gardens and those working for Terps Hockey. Final Thoughts While club hockey doesn't have all the fancy bells and whistles of the NCAA level, a Maryland Terrapins hockey game is still a fun experience. Fans of the Terps, or of hockey in general, should check out a game here at the Laurel Ice Gardens.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Arthur R. Driscoll Memorial Arena 272 Elsbree St. Fall River, MA 02720 Roger Williams Hawks men's hockey website Arthur R. Driscoll Rink website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,500 The Hawks Are Back on the Ice   Roger Williams was a Puritan minister, theologian and author who founded Providence Plantations in 1636. This settlement eventually became the state of Rhode Island. Williams was a staunch advocate of religious freedom, separation of church and state, and fair dealings with the local Native Americans. His Separatist views and belief that the Church of England was corrupt were deemed too radical by the Puritan leaders of Plymouth and Boston, so they expelled Williams from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.   Roger Williams University was founded in 1956 and named for Rhode Island’s founder. The school actually began operations in 1919 as the Rhode Island branch of Northeastern University before receiving its own charter from the state. The school moved to its current location in Bristol in 1969. Today, RWU’s 5,000 students study in 50 academic programs, including one of the only Marine Biology programs and one of the only Historic Preservation programs in the country. Roger Williams offers the only Juris Doctor (law degree) in Rhode Island.   2025 marks the return of NCAA hockey to Roger Williams after a 27-year absence. But this version of the Hawks is not the first squad to represent the school. Hockey teams representing Roger Williams College (at the time known as Roger Williams Junior College) played as far back as 1966. They competed in the NAIA, playing at the Boston Arena (now Matthews Arena ) against other teams from around New England. After winning a pair of New England titles, the school moved to Division Three in 1984. The school discontinued the hockey program in 1998 for financial reasons. In recent years, the school has sponsored a very successful club hockey program, which school officials have stated provided the impetus to restore the varsity program. The school will also ice a women’s hockey program beginning in 2026.   The Greater Boston area experienced a hockey boom in the early 1970s due to the popularity of Bobby Orr and the Big, Bad Bruins teams of the era. In response to the increased demand for hockey rinks and ice time, facilities were built throughout the state. Driscoll Rink in Fall River was one of these facilities. Driscoll Rink was named for Arthur R. Driscoll, a Fall River native who worked at the Massachusetts State House for 52 years, retiring as sergeant-at-arms in 1962. Mr. Driscoll, who passed away in 1966, was a great supporter of local skating programs.   Driscoll Rink Exterior. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 1    There is a small snack bar in the Driscoll rink lobby, which has a menu posted listing a variety of breakfast sandwiches and snacks for purchase. Unfortunately, the snack bar was not open during Stadium Journey’s visit. Fans have to make do with a quartet of vending machines selling Pepsi products, chips, and candy bars. There is a Dunkin’ Donuts located right across the street, so you’ll likely see a few fans run out during intermission to grab a hot drink to enjoy in this chilly rink.   Atmosphere 2   When the lights inside the arena dimmed seconds before the teams were to take the ice, a fog machine was activated, and I began to have high hopes that this would not be your standard small-rink game presentation. Sadly, those hopes were dashed almost immediately when I heard the sound coming out of the portable speakers set up for the PA announcer. The players entering the rink in a cloud of smoke turned out to be the highlight of the evening, by a long shot.   These FMC-operated rinks just don’t have the infrastructure needed to create any kind of elaborate in-game entertainment. There are no video boards, graphics, or sound systems in-house that fans are used to these days. Everything is dependent on what the staff schleps into the rink themselves. Thus, you get portable, muffled sound, basic scoreboards, and Spotify playlists played off of someone’s tablet. It’s all very basic and dependent on Wi-Fi signals. There are typically no promotions to speak of.   A significant negative factor during our visit was the fact that the person doing the pregame announcements sounded totally indifferent and didn’t even bother to announce goals or penalties during the game. This is a game experience that has nowhere to go but up.   So why two points? The fans brought a lot of energy. Stadium Journey visited Driscoll for Roger Williams’ first-ever NCAA game, and the 332 fans in attendance were loud and really into the action. Even though this rink is 25 minutes from campus, there was a good turnout from the student body, many of whom came dressed up for a Halloween costume contest. The Roger Williams Hawks Take the Ice for their First NCAA Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 2   Driscoll Rink is located in the North End of the city of Fall River, Massachusetts, a city of 94,000 residents on the Massachusetts-Rhode Island state line. The city was a textile manufacturing leader in the 19 th  century, and the industry still casts a large shadow over the city today. Visitors to the city will likely be headed here to explore sites related to Lizzie Borden or Battleship Cove, a collection of World War II-era naval vessels.   Driscoll Rink is located on the grounds of Durfee High School, in a mixed residential/business area. Visitors will find a McDonald’s, a Dunkin’ Donuts, a Papa Gino’s, and a Newport Creamery in the immediate area of the rink, but little else. Fall River does have its share of excellent restaurants throughout the city, particularly if you’re interested in Portuguese cuisine. Visitors will likely head on to nearby Providence or Newport for their optimum dining or lodging options.   Fans 2   Stadium Journey took in Roger Williams’ inaugural NCAA game, which took place on Halloween night in 2025. An announced crowd of 332 fans took in the action, which is a very respectable number for this level of hockey in this area. We fully expect attendance for the Hawks to settle into the “friends and family” zone of 100-200 fans per game. The fact that Driscoll is almost a half-hour drive from campus is sure to prevent a large turnout from the student body. Roger Williams Hawks Hockey Action. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   Driscoll Rink is easily accessible by car, as it is located just off Route 24. Interstate 195 travels through Fall River just a couple of miles south of the arena. Fans using public transportation can take the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority’s  108 bus to the arena.   A large parking lot on site provides ample parking, and a small lobby provides a warm place for fans to seek refuge from the chilly rink during intermission. Seating consists of four sets of wooden bleachers on both sides of the rink. Netting obscures views from all points in the rink, but won’t hinder your ability to watch the action on the ice. There is standing room on both ends of the rink. Small restrooms are located on the eastern side of the building. Men, time your visits wisely, as you’ll be competing with the players for space during intermission.   The layout of many of these FMC rinks is identical, so if you’ve been to one of the other ones (i.e., Hetland Arena  in New Bedford or Horgan Rink  in Auburn), you’ll get a serious case of déjà vu.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to a Hawks game is seven dollars. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the rink. If the snack bar is open during your visit, prices are reasonable. If not, the vending machines don’t rip you off. If you grab a hot beverage and a donut at the Dunkin’ across the street, that won’t break the bank either. A D-3 hockey game is a very affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   National Anthem at Driscoll Rink Before Roger Williams Hockey Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1   An extra point is awarded for the return of NCAA hockey to Roger Williams University after a 27-year absence.   Final Thoughts   There’s nothing especially flashy or fancy about Driscoll Rink, and it certainly isn’t convenient for fans of Roger Williams hockey, but that doesn’t matter for Hawk hockey fans, who have been waiting almost three decades for a return to the NCAA. Surely there are more permanent plans on the horizon for the Hawks, so stay tuned…   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Moglia Stadium at Jack Coffey Field 441 E Fordham Rd Bronx, NY 10458 Fordham Rams website Jack Coffey Field website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 7,000 Moglia Fordham University has one of the oldest college football programs in the country, having started it back in 1882. The school’s football squad, the Rams, currently competes in the Pioneer League of the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and currently plays its home games at Moglia Stadium at Jack Coffey Field, which is located in The Bronx, New York. One of the Rams’ rivalries is with nearby Columbia University, located in Manhattan – Jack Coffey Field is only about 3 miles away from Lawrence A. Wien Stadium , home of the Ivy League’s Columbia Lions. Jack Coffey Field opened in 1930 and holds 7,000 fans in a single grandstand on the north side of the field.   Food & Beverage   4 Jack Coffey Field offers a decent selection of concessions at its main stand under the seating, in fact a wider selection than you might find at similarly sized venues. Drinks include hot cocoa, coffee, bottled soda, bottled water, Minute Maid, and PowerAde, all of which cost under $5. Snacks include packaged candy, chips, popcorn, pretzels, and nachos with cheese, with snacks costing between $3 and $7, while main dishes include hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches. The main dishes cost up to $10, but are quite tasty and of high quality. What sets the concessions here apart, is, there is a grill set up on the concourse, only a hundred feet or so from the main concessions stand, which offer a special item for each game – during my most recent visit it was bacon, egg, and cheese served on a hoagie roll.   Atmosphere   2 The Rams offer an average game day experience, including t-shirt tosses, games for the kids during breaks in the action (such as kids racing against the costumed mascot, Ramses), fun music played over the loudspeakers, cheerleaders, and a dance team. The Rams band is very small, and doesn’t play very much during the game (you can spot them in the stands easily thanks to their maroon and white striped shirts). I also didn’t see the band perform at halftime; only the dance team did. At halftime they also had kids from a local flag football league play a game on the field. Jack Coffey Field is unique in that the school’s baseball stadium, Houlihan Park , is right next to the football field, such that the turf field serves as the outfield during baseball games. Thankfully the two seasons do not overlap, as there is no way both games could be played at the same time.   Neighborhood    4 There are plenty of restaurants and shopping in The Bronx, as you might expect, and much more in the wider area that is New York City. The closest major attractions are the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens, less than two miles from Fordham University’s campus – further away attractions include Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and many more. The state of New Jersey is right across the Hudson River from The Bronx. Fordham University is a closed campus, much like a gated community, meaning you will have to pass through a guard gate to get onto campus; you will have to show your ticket to the guard, in order to be let onto campus for the football game. One thing to be sure and try when in town is New York style pizza, or Sicilian pizza, which are two different things (Sicilian is closer to deep dish, but not as moist – the crust is fluffy, more like focaccia). Take it from me; real New York style pizza tastes better than copycat pizzas claiming to be New York style, and Sicilian is even better. Another interesting feature local to the area are black squirrels, which you may not have ever seen if you are from the south or western United States.   Fans   2 The stands will likely be pretty empty during the average Fordham football home game, especially in years when the team is not doing so well on the field. Also since there is only one grandstand, any visiting fans will be on the same side as home fans.   Access   3 I mentioned above that Fordham is a closed campus, and you probably already know that New York City has a LOT of traffic. Depending on where you are coming from, it is possible to get to campus via public transportation, but that means a train first and then a bus, since there is no train station close to this area. You may be able to get a taxi to the game, again depending on where you are staying, but you will probably have to rely on an Uber getting back, since there aren’t many cabs in the area. The traffic will also probably be worse after the game (late in the day) than before the game (early in the day). Note that since Fordham is a closed campus, a rideshare or taxi can only get you close, meaning a little bit of a walk to get to the stadium. Unless you are affiliated with the university, you won’t be able to bring your car on campus.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to Fordham football games cost about $13; you can also buy season tickets for around $100 if you want to attend all the games. The experience is perfectly fine for this level, although I was disappointed that the concessions and team gear stand both closed at the end of the third quarter.   Extras   2 Jack Coffey Field has plenty of signage for the team, and the maroon color scheme really pops. There are also banners/posters along the wall surrounding the field, showcasing current players (at least there was on Senior Day, which is the game I most recently attended here). The staff also recognized former football players and cheerleaders during that game.   Final Thoughts Attending a Fordham Rams football game at Jack Coffey Field is a pleasant experience, and the prices are pretty reasonable considering you are in New York City. You shouldn’t expect anything over the top, but on the plus side you can get really close to the action, and enjoy an intimate setting where football is the focus, and you won’t have to fight large crowds and long lines while at the game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium 5101 Broadway New York, NY 10034 Columbia Lions football website Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 17,000 Manhattan’s Lions Columbia University has the third-oldest college football program in the country, behind Rutgers and Princeton – the Lions began play in 1870. Columbia participated in the first interstate college football game ever played, versus Rutgers, on November 12, 1870. That game was the fourth college football game ever held. The Lions compete in the Ivy League of the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and currently play their home games at Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium, about 5 or 6 miles north of Columbia’s campus in Manhattan. The facility opened in 1923 and currently seats 17,000, down from 32,000 when it originally opened.   Food & Beverage   2 Wien Stadium offers very basic concessions – there is not a lot of variety, but it will get you through a few hours. Being in New York City the prices are also on the high side. The menu consists of hot dogs, nachos with cheese sauce, pretzels, popcorn, packaged candy, and chips, ranging in price from $4 to $8. You can also get bottled water, bottled soda, coffee, and hot cocoa – drinks are all $5.   Atmosphere   2 Wien Stadium has grandstands on both sides, as well as a videoboard behind one end zone. They have a band, cheerleaders, and a costumed Lion mascot named Roar-ee, although I didn’t notice the mascot at the most recent game I attended. The concourse is quite spacious, and the venue boasts a two-story press box, with the President’s box taking up the lower level. There is a running track around the football field.   Neighborhood    4 There are plenty of restaurants and shopping in Manhattan, as you might expect, and much more in the wider area that is New York City. The closest major attractions to the stadium, which is on the very north end of the Isle of Manhattan, are the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens, only a couple of miles from Wien Stadium – further away attractions include Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and many more. The state of New Jersey is right across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Brown Sugar is a great restaurant only a few blocks from the facility, which offers happy hour specials between 4 and 8 pm. One of the most interesting and tasty selections Brown Sugar has is shrimp stuffed plantains, which is a savory pastry crust filled with the two items. Another item to be sure and try when in town is New York style pizza, or Sicilian pizza, which are two different things (Sicilian is closer to deep dish, but not as moist – the crust is fluffy, more like focaccia). Take it from me; real New York style pizza tastes better than copycat pizzas claiming to be New York style, and Sicilian is even better. Another interesting feature local to the area are black squirrels, which you may not have ever seen if you are from the south or western United States.   Fans   2 Hardly any fans attend Columbia Lions games, except for students, who sit around the 50-yard line close to the field. Given that the stadium is 5 or 6 miles from campus, it is not surprising the students don’t have a bigger showing, although I was impressed by the number which were there. The visiting fan base is practically non-existent; there are large banners covering several of the seating sections on that side, in fact, due to the small crowd size.   Access   5 You probably already know that New York City has a LOT of traffic, but the great thing about Wien Stadium is that it is only a couple of blocks from the 215th Street subway station (which is actually above ground – I learned recently only the ones closer to city center are underground). The 215th Street Station is on Line 1, which is one of three “red” lines; the 1 will take you to Columbia University at 116th Street, and past that to midtown/Times Square. If you don’t want to take the subway, you should be able to get a taxi to the game depending on where you are staying, or you can try a rideshare like Uber. The train is nice because it only costs $3 one way, and is probably faster than taking a cab or Uber, since you don’t have to stop at traffic lights on the city streets. Most people in NYC don’t drive.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to Lions football games start at $18, or you can spend up to $32 for the nicer chairbacks. Spending the extra money is probably not worthwhile, however, since the stadium won’t be full, so you can probably sit in those better seats anyway. The cost is average for this level, and is fine if you really enjoy college football. Just don’t expect too much in the way of amenities, here.   Extras   2 Wien Stadium mostly uses a pleasant light blue in its color scheme, and there is lots of greenery in the background that hides the fact you are in the city. There is a team gear stand on the concourse, or you can visit the much larger team gear store on campus, which of course has a larger selections.   Final Thoughts Columbia football does not offer an over-the-top experience at present, and the team is also not doing so well on the field of late, which is surprising considering they won the Ivy League just last season. The prices are pretty reasonable considering you are in New York City, however, and on the plus side you can get really close to the action, and enjoy an intimate setting where football is the focus. You also won’t have to fight large crowds and wait in long lines during the game.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium 2225 Oliver Jackson Blvd Abilene, TX 79601 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 12,000 Abilene Christian University Football Established as a hub of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881, Abilene, Texas quickly became a regional economic centerpiece for the Big Country. Dubbed Key City, Abilene has maintained its importance to the west-central area of Texas for the nearly 150 years since. Allen Booker Barrett, educator and Church of Christ preacher from Tennessee, founded what would become Abilene Christian University in 1906 on five acres of land purchased from J. W. Childers. Originally named Childers Christian College in honor of J. W., the school was renamed Abilene Christian College in 1920. Though the school moved to a new, much larger location in 1929, its name remained until the school gained full university status in 1976. What began with 25 students on a 5-acre parcel of land near the railroad in west Abilene has grown into a university serving over 6,000 students, including 4,200 undergraduates representing all 50 states, 2 territories, and 56 foreign countries, all laid out in the northeast corner of town. ACU athletics competes at the NCAA Division I level, with its football team competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (the FCS, formerly 1-AA). The early days of the athletic program were spent as either independent teams or as members of the Texas Conference/Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In 1952, ACU joined the NAIA and competed as a member school for 20 years. In 1973, the Wildcats joined the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference, where they remained until beginning the transition up to Division I in 2013. Today ACU offers 17 varsity sports, and the school has produced 40 Olympians and 43 NFL players.   Food & Beverage   3 Concession options at Anthony Field include standard ballgame fare with a few local specialty items. Cash, credit/debit cards, and ACU campus Bean Bucks are all accepted. Food options include the basics like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, Frito pie, chips, and candy. The specialty items offered are walking tacos (chili and cheese in a bag of Doritos, Fritos, or chips of your choice), smoked pork nachos, and the Wildcat Wrap (jalapeno and cheese sausage wrapped inside a warm tortilla). Chips cost $2, candy $3, while popcorn and hot dogs are $4. Other entrees begin at $6, with the pork nachos being the most expensive item at $9. Condiment tables with napkins and forks are located across the concourse from most concession stands. Beverages are served in plastic bottles or cans, with no souvenir cups available. Coca-Cola is the drink provider, which means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Dasani water, Gold Peak tea, Smartwater, and Powerade are among the offerings. They do sell Monster Energy Drinks and Monster Ultra Zero, but no alcohol is available, nor is it allowed on ACU’s campus. There is also a Bahama Buck’s concession stand on the visitor side of the stadium with shaved ice available. In the rare event that a West Texas fall Saturday is cold enough, hot chocolate will be available, but take advice from my years of experience – it will sell at a rate greater than sno cones in the summer. Most drinks cost $4, with hot cocoa costing $3 per cup and Monster and Smartwater requiring $5 each. There are more than enough concession stands on the home side of the stadium. In fact, during the first half not all the roll-up doors were up at the game I last attended, but the lines were still manageable. As halftime approached and lines began to get longer, all the windows opened and the lines were immediately shortened. With only 3 or 4 windows, and a single Bahama Buck’s stand on the visitor/student side of the stadium, there are naturally long lines here, so my suggestion for the quickest access to a concession stand, no matter where you are seated, is to go to the northwest corner of the stadium (home side nearest the scoreboard), where the shortest lines seemed to consistently be located.   Atmosphere   4 Abilene Christian has averaged well above 9000 fans per game since Anthony Field opened in 2017. This has created a home field advantage for the Wildcats, which has led to some exciting games and big upsets in the past few years. The on-field emcee leads games and activities during planned time outs in a smooth and entertaining manner, and the production level is professional and polished; the sound system is also clear and can be heard anywhere within the stadium. The HD scoreboard also provides clear pictures. There are televisions located at each concession stand, playing the in-house feed of the game so fans can keep up with the play on the field. In addition, the restrooms have a radio feed being played loud and clear, so fans don’t have to miss a moment of the action. Lastly, one often overlooked piece of sound equipment is the referee’s lapel microphone – at the game I most recently attended, the mic used by the ref was easy to hear, even into the last minute of the game. The clarity of communication from the striped shirts eliminates some confusion from the crowd, as the referee can explain clearly what the calls on the field are, especially on replays and in a close contest.   Neighborhood   4 Abilene Christian, located on the eastern edge of the University Hills neighborhood of Abilene, is surrounded by a mixture of mid-century single family homes, duplexes, and condos, which are popular with students, faculty, and as short term vacation rentals. Traditionally a safe and quiet area of town, this Rockwellian setting is slowly showing signs of modernization through business development north and east of the university, as well as urban renewal one home at a time. Paired with the school’s desire to compete academically and athletically with top tier schools across the US, Abilene Christian’s campus has grown into a beautiful gem on The Hill. Within a short drive of the stadium, visitors will find numerous dining and sleeping options. In addition to multiple AirBnB and Vrbo listings near campus, there are multiple hotels within a couple miles of the venue, including Courtyard by Marriott ,  Home2 Suites , Residence Inn , TownePlace Suites , Holiday Inn Express , and Comfort Suites , among others. Dining options within a short drive are varied, with choices ranging from drive-thru fast food to fine dining restaurants. Located cater corner from Anthony Field you will find Allen Ridge, a retail and dining center featuring lakeside dining options, as well as a playground and walking trail. Restaurants found in Allen Ridge include Twisted Root Burger Company, Cork and Pig Tavern, Phoenix Pho, and The Biscuit Bar. With ample parking across the street from both the stadium and restaurants, dining and walking to the game is a viable option. Multiple fast food options can quickly be found by traveling south on Judge Ely Boulevard, or east on Ambler Avenue. Among these quick options you will find McDonald’s, KFC, Braum’s, Rosa’s, Schlotzsky’s, Raising Cane’s, Taco Casa, Panda Express, and Jason’s Deli to name a few. Or, for casual sit-down experiences in the same direction you can find Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, Chipotle, Blu Barrel Bar and Grill, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Other local favorites within a reasonable drive include Galveston Seafood Company, Oscar’s Mexican Food, Rock and Rollerz Burgers, and Texas Flaming Grill. Lastly, another local favorite is a Texas top 50 barbecue joint, namely Jay’s BBQ Shack on South 11th Street. For fine dining, a few suggestions that require a bit longer of a drive include The Beehive, Taylor County Taphouse, and Perini’s Steakhouse, among many more. Perini’s is located in Buffalo Gap, approximately 30 minutes south of Abilene, where the owner, Tom Perini, is famous for serving presidents, governors, and celebrities – his meals provide some of the best bites of food you will ever eat.   Fans   4 Wildcat fans are known to be loyal. They are generally neither rude nor confrontational, but get loud, cheer success, and expect to be competitive in all athletic endeavors. As the university has grown, and their athletic programs have moved up in competition, the number of regional rivalries has diminished, yet there are a few that remain. The particular game I last attended was one such game, providing a sellout crowd that pitted two nationally ranked teams which are geographically less than 100 miles apart. Since opening in 2017, Anthony Field has seen its average per game attendance range between 9,200 and 10,000 annually. This typically ranks in the top 35 among FCS schools and in the top five among private schools, despite ACU playing in a conference with schools from as far west as Utah and as far east as Kentucky and Georgia.   Access   5 Abilene Christian University’s athletic complex is located mere blocks off Interstate 20 in Abilene, Texas via exit 288, at the corner of Ambler Avenue and Judge Ely Boulevard. With Abilene Regional Airport a mere 12 minutes’ drive away, the university is easily accessible whether you are flying or driving into town. If flying commercial you will be forced to utilize American Eagle, with connections at DFW airport; Abilene Regional allows private planes as well. There are multiple rental car agencies at the airport to choose from, in addition to rideshare services. Public transportation is not a reasonable option in Abilene. Parking near Wildcat Stadium is limited, but there are plenty of lots and street parking within a half mile of the field. Parking along the streets immediately to the west of campus is free and relatively open. The businesses and fields across Ambler Avenue immediately to the north of the stadium are pay-to-park and charge $20. The campus parking lots on the south side of campus, past the track and baseball facilities, are open to the public and free on a first-come, first-serve basis. The closest of these lots is approximately a quarter mile from the nearest gate into the stadium, which has entrances on both sides, as well one coming from the tailgate area on the south end. Once inside the stadium there is 360-degree access, with walkways that go around behind both end zones. The walking path behind the north end zone is elevated and provides a picturesque view looking back toward campus, and has turfed berm seating, while the path behind the south end zone is adjacent to the tented tailgate zone; standing viewing along the wall is permitted there.   Return on Investment   5 General admission tickets are $17, and reserved tickets can be purchased through the school’s athletic website, with varying prices, presumably based prices set by individual season ticket holders who are reselling their seats. With the ability to safely park for free and bring in a water bottle, it is possible to enjoy a top-level FCS football game, sitting close enough to the field to hear the sound of the pads crunching together, for less than a $20 bill. In addition you can get an entree and a drink for as little as $10, making ACU football border on bargain level entertainment for a Saturday afternoon or evening.   Extras   5 The ACU Big Purple Band has a longstanding tradition of producing quality musicians; their halftime marching performances are also modern and entertaining. The biographical Hall of Honor photographs lining the outside of the stadium, as well as along the concourse walls, create a museum feel. Even though the Wildcats have only participated at the NCAA’s Division I level since 2013, they have produced world class athletes for many decades. On field and scoreboard activities are conducted during scheduled timeouts to keep the crowd’s attention. The emcee on the field is also entertaining, and guides players through the games in a fun, engaging manner. The fans, not only the students but those on the alumni side as well, enjoy the first down callback for each new offensive first down. The PA announcer will call out “That’s another First Financial Bank…” and the entire crowd will respond in unison “FIRST DOWN!”. I noticed this interactive response only increased in volume as the game grew in intensity, prompting inexperienced fans to begin following the lead of the veterans. Any modern big game experience with free parking deserves special attention. In the ever-growing race to fund athletic programs and “keep up with the Joneses” in the world of NCAA sports, many schools turn to every revenue stream possible. But when a program chooses to ignore the well accepted area of paid parking in exchange for their fans’ benefit, public recognition, and extra credit, is well deserved. While not fancy in nature, concession stand prices are reasonable, thus deserving of an extra point. The Wildcat Wrap, a jalapeno cheese sausage inside a fresh tortilla, is a tasty treat and filling for $6.   Final Thoughts Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium offers a wonderful setting for a football game. Fans are close to the action and concessions and restrooms are plentiful, assuring time wasted waiting in line is minimized. In addition, the cost comparison and ease of access increases the pleasure of your experience here.  I would suggest placing Wildcat Football on your short list for college football games to attend, as they are fun for the family and affordable. This author’s suggestion is, if time allows, to get some Jay’s BBQ for Friday's or Saturday’s lunch (they are open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch only), possibly taking your purchase to the tailgate before the game. Enjoy your food before going into the stadium to watch the game. Then for dinner or Sunday’s lunch, I would make reservations at Perini’s and enjoy a medium rare steak with succulent sides, before calling it a weekend and heading home.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gee-Gees Field 200 Lees Ave Ottawa, ON K1S 5S9 Ottawa Gee-Gees website Gee-Gees Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 3,352 Horses on the Gridiron At the University of Ottawa, they have been playing football since 1881.  Although they have the same lineage as Toronto, McGill and Queen’s, they do not seem to have the same history.  Ottawa looked east to join the initial Quebec Rugby Football Union in 1894.  Through the sixties, the Gee-Gees played in the OSLAA (Ottawa-St. Lawrence Athletic Association) and in the seventies moved to the OQFIC (Ontario-Quebec Football Intercollegiate Football Conference).  In 2001, Ottawa finally returned to the Ontario Conference and the current OUA.  The convoluted history of the Gee-Gees culminated with six OSLAA Championships, five Dunsmore Cups, four Yates Cups and a pair of Vanier Cups.  Ottawa also boasts six National Championships before the advent of the Vanier Cup in the sixties. For a number of years, Ottawa played at Lansdowne Park, home of the Ottawa Rough Riders.  When Lansdowne had structural issues and the south grandstand was condemned, the Gee-Gees needed to make some new plans.  The University of Ottawa built their own stadium on their Lees Campus in 2013, and Gee-Gees Field was born.  Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession tent at the southwest corner of Gee-Gees Field with a very limited selection. Soda, hot dogs, chips and chocolate are the options. Alcoholic beverages are available at a separate tent. Both are available through the tailgate as well as when the gates open. Atmosphere 3 Entry to the stadium is at the southwest corner, where the pregame tailgate occurs.  The Lees Campus of the University of Ottawa, where Gee-Gees Field is located, was formerly the location of Algonquin College.  The building is still standing to the west of the field and is used for football as well as other things.  On the side of the building, above the tailgate area, are six banners representing Gee-Gees football championships.  One honours the six OSLAA Championships, one honours the five Dunsmore Cups, one honours the six pre-Vanier Cup National Championships, one honours the 1907, 1975, 1976 and 2006 Yates Cups and the final two honour the 1975 and 2000 Vanier Cups.  The tailgate area offers a DJ, tent selling alcohol, a number of games including cornhole and some picnic tables.  The Ottawa tailgate is unique in that fans are able to bring in their own alcohol with some limitations.  The tailgate is open two hours before kickoff. Entry into Gee-Gees Field proper happens an hour before kickoff.  Sitting at the top, around the 25-yard line of the west side may give fans a peak at the Canadian Parliament buildings off in the distance.  There are not too many spots to see this view, but they exist. Gee-Gees Field is a very simple structure. The field is oriented from west to east and is wedged between the Rideau River and Highway 417. The seating is on the south side of the field and consists of 20 rows of aluminum bleacher benches. The scoreboard is a simple football scoreboard and is found in the northwest corner. Chain link fencing surrounds the stands and field and is covered with banners with Gee-Gee markings. Gameday production at a Gee-Gees game is about what one would expect for an OUA football game.  A unique aspect is that uOttawa is fully bilingual and all of the announcements are made in both English and French.  Gameday staff hand out sticks and buckets to fans entering to make noise and a tent is there with materials to make signs.  Ottawa’s mascot, Gee-Gee takes part in the pregame announcements and walks the stands, interacting with fans throughout the game.  The uOttawa cheerleaders perform stunts and lead cheers from the sideline also.  The Gee-Gees make use of the horse sound effect often, especially announcing Ottawa first downs. Neighbourhood 5 Gee-Gees Field is located on the Lees Campus of the University of Ottawa in the Old Ottawa East neighbourhood of the city.  It is approximately 2 km from Parliament Hill and offers a number of places nearby for pre or postgame food and drink.  Some options include Fathers & Sons, In’s Kitchen, No Forks Given and Elgin Street Diner.  There are plenty of other sporting options in Ottawa for fans to take in.  The University of Ottawa fields a number of Gee-Gee teams including basketball and hockey .  Carleton University also fields Ravens basketball , football  and hockey teams.  The annual Panda Game between Carleton and Ottawa is a local event worth checking out.  The Colonel By Classic and Capital City Hoops are also rivalry games played at TD Arena between Ottawa and Carleton.  Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata is home to the Ottawa Senators  and Ottawa Black Bears.  Other sporting options include the Ottawa 67’s , Ottawa RedBlacks , Ottawa Blackjacks, Ottawa Charge and Ottawa Titans .  Ottawa also has a plethora of other tourist options including skating on the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, the Canadian war Museum and Museum of Nature to name a few.  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Embassy Suites is a good option. Fans 3 Assessing Ottawa Gee-Gee fans can be a bit of a challenge.  For the 2025 season, Ottawa did not publish any attendance figures.  During the previous season, the Gee-Gees averaged over 1,600 fans per game.  This ranks them near the bottom of the OUA at 9th.  The 2024 attendance figures were an improvement from the previous season where they ranked 10th and had over 500 fewer fans per game.  The Panda Game draws huge crowds every year, but the regular home games at Gee-Gees Field do not draw anywhere near capacity.  The fans in attendance make a decent amount of noise and make use of the provided buckets.   Access 4 Gee-Gees Field is located on the Lees Campus of the University of Ottawa in the Old Ottawa East neighbourhood of Ottawa.  It is east of Lees Drive, between Highway 417 and the Rideau River.  The proximity to Highway 417 means getting to the stadium should not be too difficult.  However, fans should keep in mind that traffic in Ottawa can be an issue and there are plenty of twists and turns in the city.  There was plenty of slow traffic on Highway 417 for the duration of the game which was reviewed.  There is very limited parking at Gee-Gees Field and uOttawa suggests parking at the Minto Sports Complex, where there is a large parking garage where fans can purchase parking.  A shuttle is provided to the stadium, however it is only a twenty minute walk along a trail by the railway tracks. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Mann and King Edward and the light rail Lees station is right there.  Fans should consult the Ottawa-Carleton Transpo  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the stadium is not difficult, however, getting to the stadium from Lees Avenue will require fans to go around the existing buildings.  The path is well marked with signs.  Washroom facilities are good and in the building to the west.  They are not right by the door and will require fans to again follow the signs while traversing the halls. Return on Investment 4 Ottawa Gee-Gees football tickets are $22 for adults with discounts for students and youth.  Tickets are available online and will cost an extra $3 at the door.  Concession prices are good and parking is not very expensive.  The product on the field is solid and the Gee-Gees are consistently a competitive team.  The location is unique and offers a very “Ottawa” feel to the sporting experience.  A good use of the sporting dollar. Extras 3 An extra mark for the annual Panda Game.  The rivalry game between Ottawa and Carleton at TD Place Stadium is the premier USports football game.  It routinely outsells the Vanier Cup and no other USports football game comes close to the attendance.  If there is one USports football experience to put on the bucket list, this is it. An extra mark for Paul Padon, Rick Zmich, Phil Cote and Brad Sinopoli, the four Ottawa Gee-Gees who have won the Hec Crighton Award as the Most Valuable USports player in the country. An extra mark for the unique tailgate party offered by uOttawa.  Although not heavily populated, the opportunity to bring one’s own alcohol is definitely unique in this league. Final Thoughts Taking in an Ottawa Gee-Gees football game is a great way to spend a fall afternoon and Gee-Gees Field, although not fancy, does offer a uniquely “Ottawa” experience.  The location right on the Rideau River is very unique and the Parliament Building can even be seen from a few spots.  It is definitely worth the trip. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lehigh Arena @ Wellington & District Community Centre 111 Belleville St Wellington, ON K0K 1G0 Wellington Dukes website Lehigh Arena website Year Opened : 2010 Capacity: 1,225 The Dukes of Prince Edward County One of the hidden gems of Ontario is Prince Edward County.  The quiet area on the shores of Lake Ontario, just south of Belleville, offers a number of small communities and provincial parks.  One of the villages of Prince Edward County is Wellington, home of the Dukes of the Junior A level Ontario Junior Hockey League.  Wellington offers a population of nearly 2,000 of the 25,000 residents of Prince Edward County and is one of the smallest centres in the league.  The Dukes, named after Arthur Wellesley, First Duke of Wellington, a British Military leader, were established originally as a Junior C team.  In 1989, the Dukes merged with the Belleville Bobcats and advanced to the Junior B level.  Just two years later, the team moved up to Junior A, in what would be currently known as the OJHL.  In their tenure, they have been one of the most successful franchises, earning the Buckland Cup as OJHL champions three times. Home for the Dukes is Lehigh Arena, located in the Wellington & District Community Centre.  Built in 2010, it is a community hub featuring an NHL-sized ice surface and a community hall.  Lehigh Arena was originally named Essroc Arena after the cement company; however, it was renamed in 2019 after the Lehigh Cement Group purchased Essroc. Food & Beverage 4 Lehigh Arena has one of the top concession spreads in the entire OJHL powered by Rico’s Food and Restaurant.  A wide variety of options are available, including burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sausage, pogos, nachos, fries, poutine, onion rings, mac and cheese, pasta, fish, quesadillas, and pizza.  Other snack items like popcorn, candy, and pretzels are also available.  Beverages include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, energy drinks, and soda.  There is also a full-service Blueline Club in the Taskforce Lounge at the east end of the arena that serves alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 4 Lehigh Arena is an attractive, modern-looking facility from the outside with light brick and large windows at the entrance.  Fans are greeted by a temporary ticket table upon entry and pass into the main lobby, which has a warm viewing area that acts as the east end glass.  The ice surface is east-west oriented with seating on both the north and south sides.  A pair of centre ice logos is best viewed from the east or west ends.  The seating consists of eight rows of plastic arena seats, which begin at an elevated first row.  Standing room with drink rails is available behind the seating area. A running track encircles the ice surface behind the standing room.  A simple, hockey score clock hangs above centre ice, and protective netting runs from blueline to blueline with the centre ice area open.  The benches at Lehigh Arena are across from each other, which is not normally found in modern arenas. Inside the arena, there are some interesting items to keep a fan's attention for those who enjoy exploring.  The Prince Edward County Sports Hall of Fame is found behind the Taskforce Lounge.  At the opposite end of the arena are the championship banners earned by the Dukes, including the 2003, 2011, and 2018 Buckland Cups.  They are flanked by a number of Division and Conference Championship banners. Minor hockey banners hang on the south wall along with displays showing the history of the Duke of Wellington and the Village of Wellington.  The north side features several trophy cases displaying artifacts from various levels of hockey, including the Dukes, and a mini-stick arena is in the upper southwest corner, to keep the younger, more rambunctious fans safe and engaged.  Wellington’s favourite hockey son, former professional hockey player and AHL Hall of Fame member, Bryan Helmer, has his number 44 retired and hanging in the southeast corner.  The gameday atmosphere at a Dukes game is not unlike the others in the league.  Promotions include a 50/50 draw and chuck a puck.  Wellington’s mascot, Duke, can be found roaming the stands and interacting with fans. Neighbourhood 3 Lehigh Arena is located at the northeast end of Wellington, in Prince Edward County.  Although a small community, Wellington has a surprising number of bars and restaurants available.  Fans should head south to Main Street, where some options are found, including Drake Devonshire, Rock ‘n Rogers Pizzeria, Pounder’s Waterfront Pub & Patio, The Lakeside, and Midtown Brewing.  The Dukes are really the only game in town; however, the neighbouring town of Picton has the Junior C, Picton Pirates. The Trenton Golden Hawks  of the OJHL are not far, as are the AHL’s Belleville Senators .  As for other tourist options, fans should consider the Wellington Heritage Museum, Wellington Beach, or one of the wineries in Prince Edward County.  For those staying in the area, there are a few independent inns in Wellington, including The Lakeside and Drake Devonshire.  For those wanting a larger, chain hotel, heading north to Belleville is the best idea. Fans 4 The Wellington Dukes enjoy some of the strongest support in the OJHL.  At the time of writing, early in the 2025-26 season, the Dukes were averaging 390 fans per game, which ranked them 6th in the OJHL at the time.  The game that was reviewed welcomed nearly 350 fans.  The previous season, the Dukes ranked 4th in the OJHL, averaging nearly 530 fans per game.  This puts them just under the top echelon of teams in the league.  Fans in Wellington are knowledgeable and supportive and generally pretty reserved, not unlike most other Ontario fans.    Access 3 Lehigh Arena is located at the northeast end of Wellington, in Prince Edward County.  It is found on Belleville Street, which leads south to the lakeshore and Main Street.  It is 36 km south of Highway 401, the main artery of Ontario.  Belleville Street is also Prince Edward County Road 2 and is the main entry from the north.  Traffic will not be an issue, and the drive will be pleasant; however, it is a two-lane highway once off of Highway 401, and possibly not a terrific drive during the winter through rural areas.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  Unfortunately, there is no public transit available.  Getting around Lehigh Arena is not an issue, and the washroom facilities are adequate for the venue. Return on Investment 5 The Wellington Dukes offer a terrific return on investment for fans.  Tickets for adults are $17 and can be purchased online or at the door.  Seating is General Admission.  There are discounts available for seniors, students, and children.  Parking is free, and concession prices are good.  The OJHL offers a solid hockey product, and the Dukes are almost always a competitive team.  This all adds up to a terrific value for the sporting dollar. Extras 2 An extra mark for Wellington’s rivalry with the Trenton Golden Hawks, which produces the best crowds at Lehigh Arena each season. An extra mark for the Wellington & District Community Centre as a community hub. Final Thoughts Heading to Prince Edward County is a great plan, especially in the autumn.  While in Prince Edward County, taking in a Wellington Dukes game at Lehigh Arena is a fantastic idea and will leave fans satisfied in one of the most picturesque areas of Ontario. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium 350 N Razorback Rd Fayetteville, AR 72701 Arkansas Razorbacks website Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 76,212 Donald W Reynolds Razorback Stadium Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on the campus of the University of Arkansas. The stadium is on the west side of campus and has been home to the Arkansas Razorbacks football team since 1938. In that timespan the Hogs have played 300 games here, and have won more than 65 percent of those contests. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium originally opened as University Stadium on September 24, 1938, with room for 13,500 spectators; the first game ever played here was against Oklahoma A&M (now known as Oklahoma State University ). The stadium moniker was almost immediately changed to Bailey Stadium (after then sitting Arkansas Governor Carl Bailey), but in 1941 received the proper name of Razorback Stadium. Then in 2001, in honor of the late Donald W. Reynolds, the stadium was given its current name, while the playing field was named in honor of former athletic director and winningest head football coach in Arkansas history, Frank Broyles. During the 2016-17 offseason the Broyles Athletic Center was demolished as part of a $160 million renovation and expansion of the stadium. The expansion added 4,800 seats and new premium seating in the north end zone. This expansion boosted the capacity of the stadium to 76,212 – the actual increase in capacity is fewer than 4,800 seats because some club seating on the east side was eliminated to add additional suites, but the current total capacity is close to the all-time single game attendance record of 76,808, which was set on September 25, 2010, versus the Alabama Crimson Tide .   Food & Beverage   3 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium features a variety of concessions options, with several types of food and an assortment of Coca-Cola products. The main stands offer all your basic fare, such as hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos. These food items range from $5 to $12, while beverages range from $5 to $10. There are also locations for craft beer, at prices ranging from $12 to 15 depending on your selection. The rest of the stadium menu is from local or national restaurants ranging from Pizza Hut, Gusano’s Pizza, Slim Chickens, and Yarnell’s Ice Cream, along with my favorite, Wright’s BBQ, whose menu is small – a BBQ pork sandwich from Wright’s is $15, while the brisket sandwich is $18. There are also numerous carts and kiosks throughout the stadium, with Philly cheesesteaks, meatball subs, or Italian sausage. In addition, there is a spacious food court near the team’s main apparel store where you can sit and eat. However, although there is certainly enough variety at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, there is no substitute for better deals and better food than eating in the local neighborhood eateries near the venue.   Atmosphere   5 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium’s setting is one of the more picturesque places in the SEC. The stadium’s upper deck view of the vistas and surrounding Boston Mountains on the south side shows off the beauty of The Natural State. The festive game day atmosphere begins several hours before kickoff with tailgating around campus. While almost all the tailgating spaces must be rented, there are areas reserved for free tailgating; if interested, you can visit the Arkansas Razorbacks’ game day information website. Besides tailgating, there is so much to do and see before the game here, as Razorback Athletics provides a free pregame atmosphere in Hog Town. This includes inflatables for kids, live music, TVs, and food and drink vendors. Also at Hog Town, two hours before kickoff you can witness the Hog Walk, when the football team walks into the stadium while the pep band and spirit squad welcome them. In addition, on the north side of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium near the Pit (a colony of white tents) is Frank Broyles Athletic Center. Inside, fans are welcome to walk through the history of Arkansas football, from the early beginnings through the changing of conferences from Southwest to Southeastern, including numerous artifacts and trophies, especially the ones from the 1964 National Championship. Also, fans can visit the Razorbacks apparel shop for an updated selection of Razorbacks gear. As game time approaches, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium becomes a sea of red, with the Razorback Marching Band setting the stage by forming a huge ‘A’. This formation becomes a reality when the announcer introduces the marching band; the band then marches the length of the field while playing “Arkansas Fight”. When they finish there is an ‘A’ symbol that stretches from the Razorback locker room all the way to midfield. The band then plays “Arkansas Fight” again while the crowd roars, as the Razorback football team enters the field from the north side of the stadium, through a tunnel attached to Broyles Athletic Center. Above the athletic center is a massive scoreboard, the biggest in the SEC and fourth largest in college football; it measures out to a little less than 6,300 square feet. Every time the Hogs score fireworks are launched off the center’s roof, while during the game, the spirit squads and the three Razorback mascots – Big Red, Pork Chop, and Boss Hog – signal the crowd for certain cheers. Throughout the game the fans stand and are very vocal, cheering and of course Calling the Hogs; Calling the Hogs is the ritual where Arkansas fans raise their arms while moving their fingers in unison, while unleashing a high-pitched yell of the words “Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Razorbacks!” – it is unique and interesting to hear 70K fans in unison Calling the Hogs.   Neighborhood   4 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is on the west side of the University of Arkansas’ campus in Fayetteville. Fayetteville’s population of around 80K is just slightly more than the capacity of its football stadium, making it the third largest city in Arkansas. The city is on the outskirts of the Boston Mountains within the scenic Ozarks, and while the area seems to be safe for walking, the terrain is very hilly, especially throughout the campus. Fayetteville is a model college town. The University of Arkansas is just a short walk from Dickson Street, the city’s main artery; Dickson Street has a long list of bars, restaurants, and other entertainment options for visitors. There is a long list of places to choose from on Dickson Street such as Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese or Pickleman’s Gourmet Café. There is plenty of live music as well, so be sure to check out George’s Majestic Lounge. If you want to avoid the college bar scene on Dickson Street, then Foghorn’s has two locations around Fayetteville, serving up beer and wings, with its closest location right across the street from the school’s baseball venue, Baum-Walker Stadium . My favorite eatery to visit while in Fayetteville, Catfish Hole, is just up the road – if you are a catfish person, this place will be high on your list. The lodging around campus can be scarce, as on football game days the city of Fayetteville almost doubles in population. However, there are a few choices in the area; in downtown Fayetteville the Chancellor Hotel is a great choice, or there is a Staybridge Suites near Baum-Walker Stadium . There are also chain hotels, such as Candlewood Suites and Hampton Inn off I-49 at the MLK exit, and if you can’t secure lodging in Fayetteville, then check out historic Fort Smith – Fort Smith is about 45 minutes south of Fayetteville, off I-40.   Fans   4 There are plenty of serious Razorback fans, one of the most recognized being Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, a member of the 1964 National Championship team. Mr. Jones, along with his wife, have put a stamp on the Razorbacks program with the building of the Jerry and Gene Jones Family Student-Athlete Success Building. Razorback fans also have a common purpose when attending a Razorbacks game, and that is Calling the Hogs. No matter the size of the crowd, the fans stand for much of the game and are well engaged in everything from the band performance to the spirit squad cheers, as well as in the action on the field. Overall, the fans are certainly knowledgeable and passionate when it comes to rooting for their Hogs.   Access   3 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is nestled in the hills of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The location of Fayetteville itself can make access difficult for visiting fans, as the campus is amid a large collection of hills in the Boston Mountains. Once you arrive in Fayetteville, the parking is just like other major football programs, with close parking only for donors or season ticket holders. However, general parking is available for $25 at Harmon Avenue Parking Garage located north of Center Street, or you can park for free at Baum-Walker Stadium , which is about a mile from the football field. Parking spaces are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, and there is shuttle service provided to and from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium beginning four hours prior to game time. Arkansas athletic events enforce the clear bag policy – bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and must not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”, or they can be one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc or similar). Individuals may also carry a small clutch purse, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap. There are plenty of entrances into Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, and going in brings an old time feel, as the entrances are small. However, the stadium concourses are wide enough for an easy transition around the stadium, although the signage can be very confusing for first-time fans; once you see a map or have walked around the stadium a little the transition becomes easier. The best way to reach the upper decks is by using the ramps, as the elevators can have a long and frustrating wait. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium also has seating areas for ADA / handicapped guests to watch the game; if needed check with the ticket office to make sure you can be accommodated. Easier access to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium can be achieved by getting to Fayetteville early and getting some decent parking, leaving more time to enjoy the pregame atmosphere of Razorbacks football. However, leaving after the game is a little more time consuming – although the entry and exit routes are well-planned and will get you to your destination, the tight area around the stadium is packed. As a result, some fans just hang out and maybe have a postgame tailgate until the traffic whittles itself out.   Return on Investment   4 The prices for Razorbacks games range between $30 and $270, which is very reasonable for teams in the SEC. Just plan well in advance because Arkansas uses flex pricing, with tickets to the Alabama  game starting at $168 in the upper section for example. There is free parking if you choose to seek it out, and the walking distance from that garage isn’t that much different than the walk to the general paid parking. Concessions prices are a little high for most items, though, so if you are looking to get the best monetary return on your trip, then eating before or after the game would be your best option. Overall, the return on investment here is above average to excellent, for a wonderful football atmosphere in what some will argue is the best football conference in the country.   Extras   5 The setting is great, with the stadium’s south side upper deck view showing the Boston Mountains. The atmosphere is also festive during tailgating, and seeing the live mascot Tusk VI paraded around the stadium is unique, with the cheerleaders standing above the cage – after it circles around, Tusk VI’s cage sits in the corner of the stadium for fans to see throughout the game. Besides the above, there is also the tradition of the Razorback players running through the ‘A,’ along with all the years of history of Razorback football on display throughout the stadium, both of which provide special extras for fans visiting Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The official game programs are also complimentary for all fans.   Final Thoughts A trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas anytime is a wonderful adventure, as you travel into one of the most scenic college campus towns in the country – the Natural State motto is truly appropriate for this campus nestled in the Boston Mountains. There are plenty of reasons to visit Fayetteville for any college football fan; the fans are pleasant and the atmosphere unique, but the tradition of Calling the Hogs makes the trip a must. WPS – Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie!

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Memorial Stadium 1606 TX-24 Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 11,582 East Texas A&M Lions – Memorial Stadium The now East Texas A&M Lions  began their football journey back in 1915. Over the years they have steadily made their climb up the college football ladder to their now home in the Southland Conference, competing at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. Since the Lions first took the field,, they have sent scores of players to the NFL, including Super Bowl champions such as Harvey Martin, Dwight White, and Wade Wilson, and most recently starting quarterback Luis Perez. East Texas A&M also lays claim to two National Championships, once in 1975 as members of the NAIA and again in 2017 at the Division II level. The bulk of the team’s success has come since they began calling venerable Memorial Stadium their home. Built in honor of the 78 East Texas A&M alums and students who fought and died during World War II, the stadium opened with much fanfare in 1950; the opening was attended by former U.S. Speaker of the House and East Texas A&M alum Sam Rayburn. It has been renovated numerous times over the years, most recently with the addition of a new home team locker room, lounge and video boards. Read on to learn more about what makes Memorial Stadium unique in the college football landscape.   Food & Beverage   3 Like most small school venues, the concession stands at Memorial Stadium offer up your basic game day fare for fans. Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels are the main items, along with candy, bottled soft drinks, sports drinks, water, and beer. The highest-priced options run no more than $7. While there isn’t much in terms of variety, it will get the job done. Also, while the stadium has two stands on the home team side and one on the visitor side, only two of them were open during my most recent visit. If you’re looking for more, the stadium boasts food trucks in a grassy area near the main concourse. The trucks there during my last visit offered up tacos and Italian ice, which bumps the score up just a bit, in my opinion.   Atmosphere   3 This section (as well as the “Fans” section) almost got an incomplete grade based on my most recent visit, due to the weather that popped up. A lightning delay moved the kickoff back an hour, and it unfortunately dispersed a lot of the crowd that had been tailgating before the game (especially the students). However, once inside, the history of the stadium shines through, and that’s its selling point. Outside the stadium, there is signage touting the Lions many successes, like their national titles and the many players they have sent to the pros. Inside, you’ll find more of the same, such as the walls being painted with the years of conference titles and player records. The press box and walls of the upper level of the stadium are adorned with the names of great Lions of the past. The other main attraction is the team store located on the home team side, which sells all manner of East Texas A&M paraphernalia.   Neighborhood   3 For those unfamiliar with Texas geography, there are these isolated ecosystems that are far removed from the major metropolitan areas. These areas aren’t near a big city, yet thrive out there on their own, and that’s what Commerce is like, the place where East Texas A&M is located. The campus is roughly an hour and a half from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, an hour from the Oklahoma border, two hours from Arkansas, and nearly three hours from Louisiana. Commerce itself is a fairly contained college town. However, there are plenty of things to do for visitors. Museums in the area include the Northeast Children’s Museum , which offers visitors of all age's tons of hands-on learning experiences. Also, the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum  has the twin mission of honoring World War II’s most-decorated American soldier, as well as showing the importance that cotton growing played in the history of this region. For dining options, there are plenty of local spots within walking distance of the campus. These include Luigi’s Italian Cafe , an award-winning scratch-made Italian kitchen that’s a favorite hangout before and after Lions games. Also, there is Lone Star Eatery Bar & Grill , which offers up wings, burgers, pizza, and steaks, just to name a few of their items. In terms of lodging, spots near Memorial Stadium include Magnuson Hotel Commerce and the Lion's Den Extended Stay Commerce. The nearby towns of Sulphur Springs and Greenville also offer multiple options, and are only 15-20 minutes from the East Texas A&M campus.   Fans   4 My earlier comment about the weather impacting the fan turnout might have been a little misleading. While the hour-long delay and continuous rain during the first quarter surely impacted the overall number of fans in the stands, the ones who did stay and brave the elements are surely more indicative of the week-to-week turnout at Memorial Stadium. The fans at the stadium were loud – including a large contingent clanging cowbells throughout the game – and they rooted for their Lions the entire game. Most were decked out in East Texas A&M gear. Last season, the Lions averaged over 8,700 fans per game, which is not too far from capacity. I can only imagine how much larger the crowd would have been without the rain.   Access   2 As mentioned, Commerce is almost a world unto itself. For fans coming in to see a game at Memorial Stadium, your best bet is to arrive via Dallas. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field are each just under an hour and a half away from the facility. Once you get to Commerce, the campus is easily the most visible attraction in the city. There is plenty of signage directing you to the stadium – just follow the throng and you can’t miss it. Parking is plentiful in unmarked spots around the campus, as well.   Return on Investment   3 General admission seating for East Texas A&M Lions games starts at just $20 per person. Reserved seating is just $30. These are incredible bargains for a Division I program. The Southland Conference is home to multiple FCS playoff teams each year, and many of them make a pilgrimage to Commerce to play the Lions. Parking is also a pretty decent bargain at just $20 in select spots. Combining this with the low cost for concessions, fans are in for an affordable treat at Memorial Stadium.   Extras   3 East Texas A&M boasts all the traditional fanfare that’s found at most other colleges in the country. The Pride Marching Band  performs from the stands and at halftime and is a great source of pride – no pun intended – for the university. The Lion Dance Team  and Cheer Squad can also be found performing at home games. Lastly, Lucky the Lion is the school’s costumed mascot. He is a fan favorite and patrols the sidelines and stands at Memorial Stadium, to the delight of his fans.   Final Thoughts Despite the weather, I had a great time during my most recent visit to Commerce and East Texas A&M. Memorial Stadium feels like something from another time, in a good way. I love old school stadiums like this; they are true connections to the history of the great sport of college football. If you’re a fan of the sport of football, I would highly recommend making a visit to Commerce, to East Texas A&M, and to Memorial Stadium. I think you’ll come away as impressed as I was. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Richard Smith, and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N Pima Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Salt River Rafters website Salt River Fields at Talking Stick website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 11,000 Rafting the Arizona Fall League Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the spring training complex for the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. It also hosts the Salt River Rafters, a baseball team in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The Arizona Fall League is a developmental instructional baseball league played in various spring training complexes in the Greater Phoenix area. The season lasts a little over a month, during October and November. Major league teams send some of their most highly touted prospects to play in the league for additional practice in the hopes that it will allow them to advance to the next level sooner. This is even true for the umpires, who are Double-A or Triple-A umps getting their first experience in a four-person crew to prepare them for advancement to the next level. Each Fall League team is affiliated with five major league clubs who send their prospects there, including whatever teams play their Spring Training at that facility. The alignment varies by year, but in 2025, the Rafters drew players from the Rockies, Diamondbacks, Angels, Pirates, and Red Sox. The Rafters were Arizona Fall League champions in 2011, 2014, 2019, and 2024. Salt River Fields is located on the land of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community and is the first spring training facility built on Native American land. As of 2025, most Fall League games start at either 1:30 or 6:30 PM. Food & Beverage 3 Although there are many different concession stands at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the vast majority of them are not open for Fall League games, where the crowds are far smaller than they are for Spring Training. As you come in through the home plate gate, there is one concession stand located to your left and a cart selling alcohol straight ahead. Everything else is closed for Rafters games. The concession stand that is open has a decent enough selection. Hot dogs, chicken tenders, cheese and pepperoni pizza, and nachos are available, as are snacks such as popcorn and peanuts. Fountain soda and bottled water are available as well. A decent selection of beer is available at the alcohol cart for those of age. Atmosphere 3 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is a gorgeous stadium, with desert landscaping in the batters eye and a gorgeous view of the mountains beyond the outfield fence. There is a 360 degree concourse, although many of the features of the concourse that would be open for Spring Training games, such as concession stands and the Rockies and Diamondbacks team stores, are closed during the Fall League. The first base side will be in the shade for day games, and the shade line moves towards home plate and then third base. All seats are general admission for Fall League games, so you can sit wherever you want and will have a great view of the action from anywhere int he ballpark. There are grassy hills in left and right field that some fans like to bring blankets and sit on, but the view is better from the main seating area and you should have no problem getting a seat there in the AFL. While the hills would be packed for Spring Training games, they are nearly empty in the AFL. Some kids like to use it as a play area and will run around or roll up and down the slope throughout the game. Music is played over the PA system between batters, and sometimes between pitches. However, like other Fall League stadiums, there are not a lot of bells and whistles here. There is a t-shirt toss at select home games (usually on Thursdays) and a raffle where a randomly selected fan wins a prize, but that's about it other than the game. The Fall League is for baseball purists and baseball in its pure form is exactly what you will get here. Salt River Fields Behind Home, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is located on the land of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, with other tourist facilities in the surrounding area. A Great Wolf Lodge is basically right next door to the stadium complex, and many other resorts are nearby as well. The Pavilions at Talking Stick Shopping Center is down the street and offers everything from wings to beer to seafood to burgers and more at its various restaurants, plus entertainment options such as indoor skydiving and movie theatres. Talking Stick Resort and Casino is less than a three mile drive away. The two other Fall League venues in the East Valley, Sloan Park and Scottsdale Stadium are a short drive away, and one can easily attend a 1:30 game at one ballpark and a 6:30 game at the other. Even the West Valley venues are within a 40 minute drive or so, although it may be longer with traffic. Fans 3 The Salt River Rafters draw more fans than any other team in the Fall League, the vast majority of whom are baseball purists deeply knowledgeable about the game. The crowds are small enough and quiet enough that you can hear a lot of the banter and discussion between other fans, which gives you a feeling for just how much they know and care about the game. The Rafters typically draw about 400 fans to a weekday game and more on weekends. Many of them are retirees who moved to the area (in some cases specifically to be closer to the Spring Training and Fall League facilities) and for evening games, you will get some families as well. The paid attendance figures cited above do not include scouts (who don't need to pay for their tickets) and you will see many of them sitting behind home plate as well, although they are there to work, not to cheer. Access 4 Salt River Fields is located just west of the Loop 101 Pima Fwy at the Indian Bend Rd exit. Park in the lot behind home plate off Pima Rd as that is closest to the main entranceway. You will likely hit more traffic for 6:30 games than those at 1:30, so plan accordingly. The lot is huge, so you should have no trouble parking, although many of the closest spots are reserved handicap spots. There are several other lots throughout the complex, although you will likely have no problem parking in the main one. Were you to come here for a Spring Training game, the lots would be packed with fans and you would have difficulty getting close, but for the Fall League, it is not an issue. The concourses here are very wide, as they were designed for the much larger Spring Training crowds and you should have no problem moving around. There are restrooms open down each baseline, as well as a set in the outfield for those fans sitting on the hill. Again, this is more than enough for the Fall League games due to the size of the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices have increased several times in recent years but are still a great deal. General admission seats are just $14 for adults, with seniors 60+ and kids 11-17 getting in for just $12. Kids 10 and under get in for free when accompanied by an adult. Concession prices are on the high end since this is a major league Spring Training facility, but parking is free. If you were to attend a Spring Training game here, the airfare and hotels would cost about three times what they do the rest of the year, but if traveling from out of town for the Fall League, you will encounter no such inflation, making it a much more affordable way to experience Spring Training venues. Extras 4 Look for the signage on the concourse honoring the Salt River Braves, a local community team that played games across the southwest in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. A second star for the gorgeous landscaping and scenery in and around the stadium. As you walk in, you will cross a pedestrian bridge over a stream that leads to a pond used to irrigate the fields. There is a small but gorgeous man-made waterfall that will be on your left as you approach the stadium. A trail will take you to the pond itself. There are also gorgeous views of the desert mountains beyond the outfield fence, and for evening games, the sunsets can be spectacular. There is a merchandise store selling Rafters and Fall League merchandise at an Information booth on the concourse, on the first base side of home plate. You can also sign up for the raffle here and they will announce the winner near the end of the game. Also be sure to check out the USS Arizona Memorial Garden across the parking lot for the stadium, in memory of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the battleship that was lost. Final Thoughts A Salt River Rafters game at Talking Stick is a laid back, fan-friendly experience where you can watch baseball in its purest form with other knowledgeable, passionate fans. Many of baseball's best players have made stops in the Fall League, and an AFL game here or at any of the other venues is a chance to see future stars in an intimate atmosphere at an affordable price. This is also a Major League Spring Training facility, and while not all the amenities are open for Fall League games, it is still a great place to watch a game.

Photos by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 SHI Stadium 1 Scarlet Knight Way Piscataway, NJ 08854 Rutgers Scarlet Knights website SHI Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 52,454 The Birthplace of College Football SHI Stadium is home to the Rutgers Scarlets Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey. Piscataway, New Jersey is considered the birthplace of college football, as the first intercollegiate football game was played here on November 6,1869. Rutgers College beat Princeton 6-4 on that day. SHI stadium is located on Rutgers’ Busch campus.  The stadium sits on the banks of the Raritan River in Piscataway, New Jersey.    SHI stadium has been the home of Rutgers football since 1994 with a seating capacity of over 52,000, while also serving both the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. The facility has had multiple stadium names over the years. Originally named Rutgers Stadium, the corporate names started in 2011 with High Point Solutions Stadium, followed by HighPoint.com Stadium and finally SHI Stadium.   The stadium offers fans a wonderful atmosphere filled with the roar of the Scarlet faithful. Whether under the bright lights of a primetime matchup in the BIg Ten Conference on a beautiful fall day, the stadium offers a great college football experience and shows the true spirit of Rutgers University. The Scarlet Knights Take the Field. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 4   SHI stadium delivers a flavorful amount of options for food and beverage around the concourse of the field. There are plenty of options for fans to choose from self-served stands, as well as concession stands. The standout option is the barbecue stand that offers brisket, pulled pork and BBQ chicken sandwiches.  For those who are not in the mood for barbecue food there are also plenty of concession stands scattered around the stadium serving chicken tenders, tacos and nachos. There is also a Jersey Mike’s sandwich stand that sits just inside of gate C, at Section 118. The prices for concessions are fair and compare to most around the country with food around 12-13 dollars and soda being 8 dollars. For the fans that enjoy having a cold beer while you watch a game, there are plenty of beet gardens scattered around the concourse and will cost you between 15 to 16 dollars depending on the type of beer.   Atmosphere 4   The atmosphere at SHI Stadium captures the pride of Rutgers University and Scarlet Knight football perfectly. The Gameday experience starts way before you enter the stadium on Rutgers Boardwalk with a great tailgating experience. The boardwalk starts its gameday fun four hours before kickoff with many different pregame activities for those of all ages. The boardwalk is also lined with local food trucks for those who are looking to grab a bite or beverage before entering the stadium. The Rutgers Scarlet Knight marching band and cheer squad march their way down the Boardwalk signaling that kickoff is near. Once in the stadium the band, cheer squad and student section keep the energy high showing a loyal fan base to the Rutgers Football Team, with the famous “R!U!” Chant echoing throughout the stadium.   Rutgers Scarlet Knights Mascot. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey. Fans 3   The Rutgers Football program has seen their share of struggles in recent years, but that has not stopped the loyalty of fans of the Scarlet Knights. In the 2024 season SHI stadium saw an average attendance of 48,341 fans, and in the  2025 season the team has seen two sellout crowds and a largest crpwd of 52,142. What makes Rutgers fans special is their resilience and pride no matter what the outcome is on the field. The fans will proudly wear their scarlet and black to cheer on their hometown team. The roar of the crowd will echo through the stadium with their “Let’s Go Knights” chants on third down leaving you to join in with the Rutgers faithful on your visit to SHI stadium.   Neighborhood 3   The neighborhood surrounding SHI stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey offers a great blend of college town and  suburban comfort. The area around Piscataway and New Brunswick combine the charm of a campus and urban neighborhood with plenty of food options and hotels. Some of the more convenient lodging options for those who will need a hotel on gameday near the stadium are Hyatt Regency and the Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center.   Some of the top restaurants in the area are RU Hungry, which is the home of the original fat Sandwich. RU Hungry has been featured on many TV shows, including Man vs. Food. If you are not in the mood for sandwiches there are plenty of other options that are within walking distance of the downtown area that people can take advantage of. If you just want a quick pregame slice, you can find them at Daniel’s Pizzeria or Biggies Slice House. If you are looking for a good pub to have a pregame or postgame meal there is Tavern on George or the Scarlet Pub. Rutgers Super Bowl Champion Alumni. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   Getting to SHI stadium can be confusing for those who are not from the area. The Stadium sits just off of Interstate 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike about 30 miles south of Newark. Rutgers University currently has a total of three separate campuses in the local area with SHI stadium being on the Busch campus. The parking directly around the stadium is for season permits only while everyone else who is looking to attend a game will be directed to Jersey Mike’s Arena, home of the Men's and Women’s Basketball program, for general parking. General parking will cost you 32 dollars and you will be shuttled to the stadium. Once at the stadium the concourse is small but not terribly hard to get around.   Return on Investment 4   The pricing of Rutgers football tickets is similar to the college football landscape, as prices truly depend on who they are playing that weekend. Non-conference tickets will usually cost you around $55 per game, while The Big Ten Conference tickets will be around $100. There is always the secondary market, this could lower prices on the less desirable games. As stated before, the concessions are around average of other stadiums that you will attend so for those who are looking to save a little while going to a game, eating before heading into the stadium may be your best option.   Extras 4   Anytime you are at a Rutgers football game you will always be reminded that you are at the birthplace of college football, even to go as far as it being written on one of the walls behind the field goal post.   The stadium also has a wall in the main concourse commemorating all the Rutgers football players who have won Super Bowl championships after their time at Rutgers.   If you miss the other extras, you won’t miss the Revolutionary War-era cannon, fired by a group of reenactors after every Rutgers score, at halftime, and at the end of a home game win. The Cannon at SHI Stadium. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey.   Final thoughts   Rutgers football being part of a power conference in The Big Ten offers top-tier college football to the Tri-State area. The decent price and great atmosphere makes SHI stadium a wonderful place to catch a game and is often  overlooked by many people.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 550 Taylor Ave Annapolis, MD 21401 Navy Midshipmen website Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 34,000 Light Football In the Navy What is Sprint Football? Sprint football is a varsity, full-contact, intercollegiate sport played in the United States that operates under standard American football rules but with a strict player weight limit of 178 pounds or less, which must be met at official weigh-ins before each game. The sport, which originated in the 1930s as "lightweight football," emphasizes speed, agility, and fundamental execution over size and strength, providing an opportunity for smaller, skilled student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level. The game is primarily governed by the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL) and the Midwest Sprint Football League (MSFL), featuring teams from a mix of institutions, including military academies and Ivy League schools. Navy is a member of the CSFL along with Army West Point, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Mansfield University, Molloy University, St. Thomas Aquinas College, and D'Youville University. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single concession stand offering the very basics—hot dogs and such — with drinks, and that is all the food you are going to get at a spring football game. We would suggest eating ahead of the game. Atmosphere 3 There is not much to the game except for a very enthusiastic PA announcer and the impressive scoreboards. You can pretty much sit anywhere you want in the stadium due to the non-existent crowd, although we are assuming the upper deck is off-limits. We should have tried going up there to see for ourselves, but we did not. The stadium itself is what saves a bit of a score here. If this were played before such a small crowd and at many other stadiums, there would be almost no atmosphere at all. The stadium, with all its signage, statues, and tributes to the Navy's past, is worth a visit if you have other reasons to be there. Neighborhood 5 Annapolis, the state’s capital, is a beautiful town located on the shores of the Severn River’s exit into the Chesapeake Bay. It is located almost equidistant from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., providing easy access to two major metropolitan cities full of shopping, dining, and major airports. The area around the stadium is quaint and features many historic sites, including the Maryland State House. Shopping and dining are plentiful downtown near the Annapolis waterfront area as well, and fans can find plenty to entertain themselves there. Fans 2 Friends and family made up the bulk of the "crowd". We even heard a fun conversation between some fans who thought they were coming to a flag football game. We guess we are not the only ones new to sprint football. Access 4 To get to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, you need to drive on US 50 from the DC area, or on I-97 to US 50 from the Baltimore Area; both routes will drop you steps from the stadium. Once you’re there, parking is plentiful and costs $10. The lots are used daily by Annapolis visitors and state employees, so you will not get away with free parking at any time. Return on Investment 4 Parking is paid, but you can get into the game at no cost. Extras 4 The northwest end zone features the Navy goat statue and a memorial garden for the military, showcasing plaques and memorial statues from the Navy’s past. Also of interest is the Blue Angels' F/A-18 Hornet on display outside the stadium, a popular photo spot for fans. The field itself also pays homage to former star players, with yellow player numbers painted near their corresponding yard lines, and the stadium’s ring of honor features historic and notable Navy battles rather than former player names, as at other facilities. Final Thoughts Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is worth a visit, especially when watching one of the most unique variations of college football around.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Coach Richard Wackar Stadium North Campus Drive Glassboro, NJ 08028 Coach Richard Wackar Stadium website Rowan Profs website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 5,000 Glassboro Profs Rowan University is a public university in Glassboro, New Jersey. Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School, it was known as Glassboro State College from 1958 to 1992 and as Rowan College of New Jersey from 1992 to 1997. The university has an enrollment of just less than 20,000. Rowan University has 18 sports teams. They are members of the NCAA Division III, competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The teams are called the Profs (short for Professors, a nod to the university's 1923 founding as a school to train educators), and the mascot is Whoo RU. The most successful team at the school is the Profs football team, which is regularly a contender for the national title, having gone to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl five times (1999, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993) and the national semifinals in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2004, and 2005. Within Coach Richard Wackar Stadium sits John Page Memorial Field, which was first used by the football team in 1971. The stadium was renovated in 2009 and is named after the only coach in NJAC history to win conference championships in football, basketball, golf, and cross country. Coach Richard Wackar Stadium is home to the Profs' football, field hockey, and men's and women's track teams. The stadium hosted the 2022 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium features a small, limited main food stand located near the primary grandstand. This traditional concession area typically offers classic stadium fare. While the selection is modest, it fulfills the basic need for conventional, affordable stadium snacks and beverages, ensuring fans have the necessities to enjoy the action on the field. To enhance the dining options beyond the standard concession stand, Rowan University frequently incorporates one or more food trucks alongside the main grandstand, particularly for larger events like Homecoming or Family Weekend. This addition significantly diversifies the menu, offering fans a welcome variety of "gourmet" or specialty options that go beyond hot dogs and chips. These rotating vendors can feature everything from tacos and gourmet sandwiches to desserts and other ethnic or regional specialties, providing a richer, more exciting culinary experience for students, alumni, and visiting fans. This blend of classic concessions and eclectic food truck fare ensures a satisfying range of choices for all attendees. Atmosphere 4 The Profs offer a lively and spirited Division III college sports experience that emphasizes school pride and fan participation. The setting is intimate, with fans, students, and alumni filling the stands to cheer on the team. The crowd's enthusiasm is immediately apparent, creating a loud, supportive environment for the team. This atmosphere often peaks during special events like Homecoming or Family Weekend, when the stadium becomes the centerpiece of campus celebration, drawing larger crowds and even higher levels of spirited cheering. A key component of the game-day experience is the vibrant performance and enthusiastic support from the spirit groups. The Rowan University Cheerleaders and the Dance Team are constantly engaged, leading the crowd in cheers, performing stunts, and showing off synchronized routines. Their high-energy presence on the sidelines and during breaks helps maintain excitement and actively guides the audience in showing support for the Profs. Adding to the spectacle is the university's beloved mascot, Whoo RU the Prof, a large, energetic owl. Whoo RU is a fan favorite, patrolling the sidelines to interact with children, pose for pictures, and generally engage in fun, attention-grabbing antics that keep the mood light. The heart of the stadium's sound and spectacle belongs to the "Pride of the Profs" Marching Band. The band's performances are a significant highlight of the day, particularly their elaborate and musical halftime show. Their rousing renditions of the school fight song and other contemporary pieces are essential to setting the tone before kickoff and providing a memorable entertainment experience during the break in play. Neighborhood 4 Glassboro is a borough within Gloucester County, New Jersey. It is considered part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Several major roads crisscross Glassboro. These include County Route 553, Route 47, and Route 55, while U.S. Route 322 (much of which is also Mullica Hill Road) passes from east to west. There is no current passenger train service to Glassboro, but the proposed Glassboro–Camden Line, an 18-mile (28.97 km) diesel multiple unit (DMU) light rail system, is planned to stop nearby. Fans 3 The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend. Rowan is a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, which currently has all its full members as public universities in New Jersey (SUNY New Paltz will join the NJAC as a full member, becoming the NJAC's first-ever full member outside the state of New Jersey). This means that fans from other schools, especially the athletes' parents, are very likely to be in attendance. Access 3 Rowan is easy to get to, but since it is a major university, you should research ahead of time your best entrance to the campus. If attending a weeknight game during the semester, give yourself a bit of time. We like to use the entrance near 500 Joseph L Bowe Blvd. Return on Investment 4 Attending a football game at the stadium offers an excellent return on investment for an afternoon of Division III collegiate entertainment. The initial investment for an adult is highly affordable, typically costing $10 for general admission. Discounted tickets are available for just $5 for faculty/staff, senior citizens, and children aged 3-12. While the total cost will increase with purchases from the concession stand or food trucks, the low entry price provides accessible, high-energy entertainment in a community-focused environment. For a minimal financial outlay, fans receive a complete game-day experience featuring live football, a marching band, cheerleaders, and the excitement of campus spirit, making it a valuable use of leisure time and money. Parking is free. Extras 3 The pre-game atmosphere, particularly the lively tailgating in Lot O, which often features a live DJ, lawn games, and free food/giveaways for students, creates a robust, community-driven event is a nice extra here at Rowan. The presence of the Rowan University Marching Band, Cheerleading, and Dance Teams provides quality, high-energy entertainment both before the game and during the halftime show, successfully maintaining crowd engagement. Homecoming and Family Weekend games may include an extensive Kids Zone with inflatables and face painting, multiple food trucks, a Beer Garden, and an expansive University Showcase. These elevated offerings are not consistently available for every regular-season game. Final Thoughts Rowan University plays a high level of football, and the NJAC opponents are skilled, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by Meg Minard , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sloan Park 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy Mesa, AZ 85201 Map It Mesa Solar Sox website Sloan Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 15,000 Solar Sox at Sloan The Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League (AFL) play their home games at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. The AFL is a developmental league designed to provide some of the top prospects of Major League Baseball with additional instruction and playing time. Games are held at various spring training complexes throughout the Greater Phoenix area, and the season runs for just over a month during October and November. For the 2025 season, the Mesa Solar Sox roster features rookies from five MLB organizations: the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees. The franchise began in 1992  (the AFL’s inaugural year) as the Sun Cities Solar Sox, playing their first two seasons at Sun City Stadium . In 1994, they relocated to the newly opened Peoria Sports Complex, where they remained through 1996. From 1997 to 2013, the team played at HoHoKam Stadium, and in 1999, they adopted the name Mesa Solar Sox to reflect their home city. Since 2014, Sloan Park has served as their home field. Sloan Park is best known as the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs. Owned by the City of Mesa, the stadium is named after the Sloan Valve Company, an Illinois-based global leader in water-efficient technologies. The Solar Sox have claimed the AFL Championship title six times, most recently in 2021. Food & Beverage 3 During Arizona Fall League games at Sloan Park, one concession stand is typically open, offering a modest but satisfying selection of food and snacks at standard AFL prices. Hot items include chicken tender baskets (generous enough for two), hot dogs, cheeseburgers, fries, and nachos, ranging from $6 to $15. Snack options - priced between $4 and $9 - feature peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, chips, soft-serve ice cream pouches, and candy. Bottled beverages include Coca-Cola products at $6 and water priced between $5 and $6. The stand also offers a wide variety of canned beers, wine, cocktails, and seltzers, typically priced from $9 to $12. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks and bottled water into the stadium. Beer Selection at Sloan Park, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 Most seats at Sloan Park offer shade, which is especially welcome for 1:30 p.m. start times. Seating is general admission, so fans can choose their preferred spot - easy to do with crowds typically under 1,000 for Fall League games. The inner concourse is wide open, allowing fans to watch the action from anywhere. During lightly attended games, it’s common to see parents and kids tossing a ball along the walkway. Sloan Park - Playing Catch, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Protective netting of medium thickness extends to the foul poles, meaning no seating area offers a net-free view. Only the lower bowl is open for Fall League games; the upper level houses the press box, announcer booth, and suites. Seating consists of traditional green fold-down stadium chairs with comfortable width, decent legroom, and cup holders. Unfortunately, the cushioned fold-down chairs once placed along the top row are no longer available—a small letdown for returning fans. The grassy berms and outfield seating areas in left and right field are also closed during Solar Sox games. Music is minimal, played only before the game and between innings, making for a refreshingly quiet atmosphere. A Solar Sox game is ideal for fans who come to watch baseball and scout future talent, without the extraneous fanfare typical of MiLB or MLB events. The Arizona Fall League promotes a ‘Sunday Funday’ where kids get to run the bases after the game.  On occasion, Mesa’s mayor throws out the first pitch. Neighborhood 4 About a mile northeast of Sloan Park is the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center . This center contains several places to eat, a movie theater, and many stores including a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Restaurants include Cracker Barrel, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Henhouse Café (good for breakfast), Copper State Taphouse, and plenty more. A little over a mile west of Sloan Park (make a right on Rio Salado Parkway out of the ballpark) is the Tempe Marketplace , an even larger shopping area. This contains 26 restaurants/places to eat in cluding the Thirsty Lion and King's Fish House, a multitude of shops, and another movie theater. If shopping is your thing, this might be the place to go. For places to stay near the ballpark, the Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West and a Courtyard by Marriott are just beyond right field. The Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa is adjacent to the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center (about 1.2 miles from the ballpark). A Hilton Garden Inn and a Homewood Suites are a mile the other way (west) of the ballpark. Hotel rooms in the area are about 1/3 the price for Fall League games as compared to spring training games. Hotels Next to Sloan Park, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Adjacent to the ballpark is Riverview Park which offers a fishing lake, playground, picnic area, and water fountains to enjoy pre or post-game. For other sports in the area, visit the other two East Valley Fall League Stadiums: Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River Field . ASU (Arizona State University) football , basketball , or soccer games are about three miles from the ballpark. Or sports fans can go downtown Phoenix and see an early-season Suns game. Fans 3 Fans who attend AFL games are the fans who like baseball for the game, not ‘the event.’ Day games tend to draw retired fans, plenty of scouts, and a lot of autograph hounds with their binders, player cards, balls, and Sharpies.  During the weekday afternoon games, expect minimal children. A few more families are at the evening and weekend games. Since most fans have a common interest in baseball, expect to meet, share stories, and make friends with those who sit around you. The fans cheer for all the good plays regardless of the team or player. Access 4 If flying in for a Mesa Solar Sox AFL game, the closest airport (about seven miles from Sloan Park) is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Public transportation is somewhat available – from the airport, it’s a combination of using the Valley Metro  light rail, transferring to a bus, and taking a short walk. Since there are under 600 fans or so attending a game, traffic access is not the nightmare it is for a Cubs spring training game. Plenty of parking is available for no charge. Massive numbers of handicapped parking spaces are available. It is easy to get to the area by driving, as it is located near the corner of the Loop 202 Red Mountain and Loop 101 Pima Freeways. If drivin g to attend night games, allow extra time due to rush hour on those freeways. Only the first base gate is open for Fall League games. Clea r sports bags (12” x 12” x 6”) or less are allowed.  Getting through security is easy:  walk through the metal detector ( no need to remove items from pockets).  Security personnel will stop you to check bags, if needed.  The security folks here are much more friendly than at other parks.  Restrooms (including family restrooms) on the first base side concourse are open for AFL games and are kept clean. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices have increased for the 2025 season: $14 for adults, $12 for kids 11 - 17 and seniors (60+), and children under 10 get in free. Parking is still free; food prices are not too bad for a sports venue (and you can bring in your own). Fans can sit anywhere they want. The AFL sells season ticket packages (single or double), worth the investment if you and/or a friend plan on attending more than 10 or 15 games. Extras 3 Sloan Park will host both the Home Run Derby and the Fall Stars Game during the 2025 Arizona Fall League season. If you're in town the weekend of November 8, it's well worth a visit. The merchandise stand (just upon entry to the stadium) provides printed copies of the starting lineup and team rosters.  It sells a collection of artfully designed merchandise.  The artists who design the t-shirts obviously don’t live in AZ and print everything in black or dark colors, not realizing how HOT it gets here.  Offering some shirts in white would be welcomed.  Not playing music while the PA announcer calls the starting lineups or player changes, and only playing between innings, makes the game more enjoyable. It gives fans the ability to have conversations with their neighbors. Final Thoughts Attending a Mesa Solar Sox game at Sloan Park is a much more relaxed, uncongested game day experience than seeing a Cubs spring training game. When coming to the area during the fall season, it is worth visiting some AFL games.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Estadio Jalisco C. Siete Colinas 1772 Independencia, 44290 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico Map It Atlas F.C. website Estadio Jalisco website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 53,961 Guadalajara Fútbol When you think of Mexican fútbol (soccer), for many the name Chivas de Guadalajara immediately pops to mind. But what if we told you there was another option to watch top-flight Liga MX fútbol in Mexico’s second city, closer to town and at fan-friendly prices? While Chivas plies its trade at the gleaming Estadio Akron on Guadalajara’s outskirts, its former home Estadio Jalisco – in the northeasterly Independencia neighborhood – hosts both Atlas F.C. as well as second-division Leones Negros . Opened in 1960 and maintaining a retro feel, Estadio Jalisco is unlikely to win any beauty contests, but it is Mexico’s third-largest stadium and hosted matches in the 1970 and 1986 World Cups. It’s also featured some pretty good club fútbol in recent years; Atlas ended a 70-year title drought in December 2021, and then repeated the feat six months later to become only the third team in Liga MX history to win back-to-back titles (the league plays two mini-seasons per year). Combine the quality on-field product with a spirited, grassroots scene both inside and outside the stadium, and you’ve got yourself one fine sports fan experience. Food & Beverage 4 Mexico is synonymous with sensational street food, and you’d be wise to arrive at Estadio Jalisco at least an hour before kickoff to scope out the offerings on the four streets bordering the venue. It’s built right into the neighborhood, so you’ll find tacos al pastor, tortas ahogadas (the signature “drunken” sandwich of Guadalajara), elotes (corn), churros, and more wafting from both brick-and-mortar establishments and temporary carts. For a DIY drinking experience, grab a cerveza or canned cocktail from the Oxxo mini-market on Calle Monte Carlo and stroll until finding your meal of choice, beverage in hand. Inside the gates, concessions are simple but satisfying; think crispy tacos dorados, popcorn and chips (drenched in chile and lime, the Mexican way), hot dogs, and the usual beverage selections. There are also offerings from local fast food outlets, including mini-pizzas and chicken fingers. Service lines can get congested close to kickoff, so it’s best to grab your food early or flag down one of the many vendors roaming the aisles. If you’re a stadium concession connoisseur, Estadio Jalisco has an incredible option for you: A ticket in the San Matías Premier section, starting at around $50, includes four beers, two hot dogs or sandwiches, and unlimited snacks and soft drinks, brought directly to your seat by attentive stadium employees constantly asking if you’d like anything else. I opted for this package – mainly to guarantee a seat in the lower level near center pitch – and left stuffed to the gills. Atmosphere 3 As alluded to above, Estadio Jalisco is at one with its community, not buffered by an endless parking lot like a modern-day fortress. The pregame hub of activity is along the stadium’s east side, in Plaza Brazil. There you’ll find brand activations, inflatable test-your-skill stations, and pumping music. Interspersed with the street food vendors are merchandise tents, where you can outfit yourself in red and black Atlas gear at a fraction of official team store prices. Inside, the gameday fervor will depend on Los Rojinegros’ fortunes and the caliber of opponent. For the early season match I attended vs. Santos Laguna, not a traditional rival, the stadium was at roughly 40% capacity. Expect greater fervor for the annual Clásico Tapatío  vs. Chivas, when Mexico City giants Clúb América come to town, or the biannual Liga MX Playoffs. As with most Mexican sporting events, there are spirited PA announcements and numerous in-game advertisements. An investment in new, 4K video boards would go a long way, as the two current monitors high above each goal are small and outdated by modern standards. And speaking of retro: There is a ring of “luxury boxes” circling the lower level of seats. Only a fraction were in use, and those that weren’t had a simple piece of plywood keeping them closed. Estadio Jalisco Video Board, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 The working-class Colonia Independencia, around three miles or a 15-minute drive from the historical center of Guadalajara, is not overly polished, but it is authentic. Expect to mix with families, lifelong fans, and street performers drumming up excitement before the gates open. Although a rideshare driver warned me about the neighborhood, safety is generally fine on matchdays when exhibiting typical urban awareness. With “strength in numbers,” I felt completely at ease walking several blocks west of Estadio Jalisco post-match to hail a DiDi (Mexico’s local, cheaper alternative to Uber). If you prefer to linger after the final whistle, options abound for a late-night bite or celebratory drink, especially along Calzada Independencia and nearby avenues. Fans 3 Atlas supporters are collectively nicknamed La Fiel (“The Faithful”), apropos because they endured seven decades between enjoying the fruits of a championship. The most fervent among La Fiel call themselves La Barra 51 and set up in the lower level behind the north touchline. While this is a passionate group with the requisite standing, chanting, and flag-waving throughout the match, I have observed larger and more frenetic supporters’ groups at other stadiums across Latin America. The scene was predictably more subdued in my high-priced, food-focused section. Access 3 Getting to Jalisco is straightforward but can be hectic. The Macrobus rapid transit line runs directly along Calzada Independencia, just steps from the stadium, while several local bus routes also serve the area. If coming from the city center, Colonia America, or Zapopan – the areas you’ll likely be staying in as a visitor – it’s best to rely on Uber or Didi. Fares are cheap, and available drivers are plentiful. If you’re driving, be warned: parking is limited and informal, often relying on small private lots or curbside attendants. Arriving early is strongly advised. I found stadium ingress and egress to be easy. There are numerous entry gates, and once inside, you can circle the concourse until you find your seating section. Note that fans are required to upload personal info and a selfie to a Mexican Football Federation app before entry, an effort to curb hooliganism. You can scan a QR code outside the gate and complete the process in minutes, mobile reception permitting. Return on Investment 5 There are ticket prices to match every budget at Estadio Jalisco. The least expensive way through the gates is an upper-level seat starting at 175 pesos (around $10). If you’d like to sit closer to the action, lower-tier tickets can be had for roughly $17. Atlas adjusts its ticket pricing based on the caliber of the match. It will cost more to attend the crosstown showdown vs. Chivas, and with both fanbases vying for tickets, you may need to purchase an official Atlas club membership card to guarantee ticket access. StubHub operates in Mexico, so that is always an option. If your goal is to just check Estadio Jalisco off your bucket list, then look at attending a Leones Negros match, which will be even more wallet-friendly than seeing Atlas. Extras 3 Guadalajara is known as the City of Eternal Spring and definitely warrants a few days of exploration. Most visitors make the “pilgrimage” to the town of Tequila about an hour away, where legendary names like Jose Cuervo and Sauza were born. There are countless tour options so you don’t need to worry about driving. The Centro Historico is rich with colonial architecture and the hustle and bustle one expects in a large Latin American city. It’s Mercado Libertad is one of the largest indoor markets in the world and sells just about anything you can imagine under one roof, from food to crafts to home goods to clothing. You can pick up an “authentic” Atlas or Chivas jersey for well under $10. Southeast of the city center is Tlaqueplaque, known as the home of mariachi music and an array of traditional restaurants. Final Thoughts Estadio Jalisco isn’t perfect, but rather it's imperfect in the most endearing ways. The aging concrete, the echoing chants, the scent of grilled meat in the air coalesce to create something few modern sports venues can replicate. You truly feel at one with the proud residents of Guadalajara while sitting in its creaking seats.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Amerant Bank Arena 1 Panther Pkwy Sunrise, FL 33323 Map It Florida Panthers website Amerant Bank Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 19,250 Banking on Success For many years, the thought of locating an NHL team in South Florida was seen as a joke. Fans are not laughing anymore, as the Florida Panthers have played in three straight Stanley Cup Championships, bringing the 2024 and the 2025 Stanley Cups back to their home ice at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL. The arena opened in 1998 as the National Car Rental Center and has gone through several naming rights agreements over the years. It became the Amerant Bank Arena in 2023. It has a capacity of 19,250 for hockey, making it the largest arena in Florida. Included in this count are 70 suites and 2,623 club seats. Food & Beverage 4 Amerant Bank Arena concentrates its food concessions in a food court format, rather than spreading them throughout the concourse, which really keeps the fan traffic flow manageable. The arena has three food courts on each of the two general seating levels.   Vendors operating in the food courts include the BBQ Shack, Nashville Hot Chicken, Tastes of Florida, and Poutine and Ice Cream. Pricing on some popular items include hot dogs ($9.85), double burgers and fries ($23), chicken tenders and fries ($18), onion rings ($12), popcorn ($10), nachos ($15), and empanadas ($11). The arena serves Coca-Cola brand sodas - a 20 oz goes for $8 and a water is $7. Adult beverages can be enjoyed at several bars within the Amerant Bank Arena. These include the Funky Buddha Bar, the Coor Light Cold Zone, the Jameson Crossbar, the Patron Patio, the Corona Beach House, and Club Stoli. Prices for adult beverages include premium liquors ($17.50), wine ($22), and domestic beers -16 oz ($15). All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 Despite the large capacity of the arena, there really are no bad seats. Sightlines are excellent even in the 300 level. The fans are energized by the team’s pair of mascots…. a cat and a rat. Stanley C. Panther is the primary mascot, while Viktor E. Ratt assists him. (Toy rats fly out of the stands after Panther wins). The center-hung scoreboard does a great job of keeping the Panther fans updated on the game stats and action. Each of its four video screens measures 38 feet wide by 31 feet high. There are also two angled screens at the base of the scoreboard to provide fans whose seats are close to the ice a good view of replays and game stats. Amerant Bank Arena Video Scoreboard, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The Pantherland Team store sells a wide variety of spirit items. It is in the main lobby on the Plaza level. Neighborhood 3 Amerant Bank Arena is in Sunrise, Florida, a suburb located 12 miles west of Fort Lauderdale, FL. The neighborhood surrounding it is predominantly commercial, with the Sawgrass Mills shopping mall the only tourist attraction in the area. Sawgrass Mills has several restaurants. They include the Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, Yard House, Johnny Rocket’s, the Rainforest Café, and a wide range of fast-food brands.  Home to over 350 retailers, the vast complex spans a broad spectrum of brands, ranging from upscale boutiques to affordable outlet shops Lodging options close to the Amerant Bank Arena include the Doubletree by Hilton Sunrise and the LaQuinta by Wyndham Sunrise. Fans 4 While the Panthers did suffer from attendance issues during their early years, the team’s success in recent years has energized the local fans. The team benefits from the large retirement population in the area, as many Floridians moved to Florida from cold-weather climates where ice hockey has a major sports presence. You will also notice large numbers of Canadian license plates in the lots, as many Canadian “snowbirds” have winter homes in the area. The stands are a sea of red, as the fans are celebrating several championships, something the South Florida sports community has not experienced in recent years. The team’s season ticket allotment has sold out for the past two years, but individual game tickets remain available via SeatGeek, the official ticketing partner. Access 3 The best way to reach Amerant Bank Arena from the Ft Lauderdale area is to take I-595 West to NW 136 th  Avenue, then turn north for 1.5 miles to the arena. It may look like taking the Sawgrass Expressway to the game is a more direct route, but this expressway is a toll road, and it can get very backed up during the afternoon rush hour period. There is no nighttime public transportation service in the area, so you will need to drive or take a taxi/rideshare to get to the game. (One word of warning…. If you miss your turn, you will be in the Everglades swamp!) There is a large parking lot with more than 7,000 spaces at the arena. Parking can be pre-purchased on the Panthers website. The parking lots open two hours before the puck drops. The arena's main entry point is located on its south side. Doors open one hour before the puck drops. Once inside, you will find it easy to navigate, as the concourses are wide enough to handle even a full house. There are two seating levels in the arena, with a suite-only level sandwiched in between them. Several sets of elevators and escalators transport fans to their appropriate seating level. The three food court areas serve each level of the arena, and service is usually very quick, except during the two period breaks. Return on Investment 3 Parking in the Amerant Bank Arena lot can vary by opponent, but on average, it costs $35-$40. Many fans tend to park in the Sawgrass Mills lot across the street from the arena for free, with little pushback from the mall operators or the local police. Ticket prices have soared due to the high demand for tickets after the two straight Stanley Cup Championships. You can expect to pay $100-$150 for seats in the lower level and $40-$80 in the 300 level. Overall, the concessions offered in the food courts are priced on the high side. On average, figure a cost of $25-$40 per person for your food and beverages. Extras 3 In addition to hosting several Stanley Cup Finals games, the arena has hosted the NHL All-Star game twice (2003, 2023). Amerant Bank Arena is a major concert venue in South Florida. Recent concerts have included the Jonas Brothers, Barry Manilow, Cardi B, and Ariana Grande. The facility has also hosted both the Latin Billboard Music Awards and the Latin American Music Awards. Florida Panther fans enjoy a strong tailgating tradition usually found at football games. This is possible year-round due to South Florida’s tame winters. Final Thoughts Lord Stanley’s Cup has found a winter home at the Amerant Bank Arena in recent years. The Florida Panthers and their fans are truly “taking it to the Bank” at their team’s home in South Florida.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena 1116 S. State St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines men’s hockey website Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 5,800 Get the Most from Yost Yost Field House opened in 1923 to house the Michigan Wolverines basketball team. When the squad became so popular that the place could not hold all the fans who wanted tickets, Crisler Arena was built in 1967, leaving Yost to host gymnastics for a few years. In 1973, the building was converted into an ice arena, and the Wolverines hockey team has been there ever since. The arena is one of the oldest in college hockey, debuting on November 10, 1923. Unique among college rinks, Yost features distinctive arched windows and brick construction, setting it apart from others. Only Princeton's Hobey Baker Memorial Arena (built 10 months prior) and Northeastern's soon-to-be-demolished Matthews Arena (1910) have older rinks. At the time of its opening, Yost was the largest indoor building of its kind on any U.S. college campus. These days, Michigan hockey is a perennial contender, which makes Yost a great place to visit. It is an old-school hockey arena and should be on the bucket list for all hockey fans. Food & Beverage 4 All of the athletic venues at the University of Michigan have the same concession provider with similar offerings at similar prices. Yost Ice Arena has a single concourse with 13 stands. The most common is Wolverine Classics, which offers hot dogs ($7.25) and stadium sausages ($8.25) that are provided by Dearborn Sausage Company, and they are very good. Snacks include a soft pretzel for $6.50 (add $2 for the cheese cup) and popped maize ($6.50) instead of popcorn, a shoutout to the school colors of Maize and Gold. Buddy's Pizza out of Detroit is the pizza provider, with a four-square pepperoni or cheese pizza going for $16. BBQ Shack has loaded BBQ Nachos for $15, the same price as a BBQ Chicken Sammie, which is the most appealing option. Hail! Hail! Burger and Chicken have just that, with tenders going for $13. Coca-Cola products are on offer in various sizes. A souvenir beverage mug is $12.25, a 32-ounce souvenir cup soda is $9.50, and a 20-ounce bottle of pop is $6.50. Bottled water will cost $5.50, while hot chocolate or coffee is $5. Alcohol is now available here, with a 16-oz. can of beer ranging between $12.25 and $13.50, while a canned cocktail goes for $16.25. Overall, although food and beverages are rather expensive, it is higher quality than fare found in similar stadiums. If you’re staying in Ann Arbor, though, better to save your appetite for the large selection of excellent restaurants found downtown. Atmosphere 5 The exterior features arched windows and brick walls and provides a timelessly classic appearance. Although it is over a century old, it looks like it was built last week, a testament to the remarkable job of keeping it up to date for players and fans. Inside, most of the seating consists of aluminum benches on all four sides of the rink.  Modern theater-style seating is provided on the upper level, parallel to the rink. After several renovations in recent years, the arena has added a new ice surface and glass around the rink.   Overhead, there are many banners reflecting the successful history of Michigan hockey, as well as an octagonal state-of-the-art video board. Modern touches, such as noise baffles, make the environment more enjoyable. The sound system is lively, and the announcer’s voice is very clear.  During the video review of a Wolverine's goal, the fans are treated to The Beatles’ “Let It Be.” While walking around the concourse, fans can truly experience and enjoy the history of the school’s hockey program. Display cases explain the changes that have occurred over the years, while pictures of former and current players are on the walls and even support pillars. Yost Arena Hockey History on Support Pillars, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Two maize and blue Zamboni machines, a favorite among fans, maintain the ice, piloted by young men wearing sports coats and ties—a tradition unique to Yost that adds character to the game. The results create an intimate, cozy, and vibrant hockey experience. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Ann Arbor is within walking distance, and Main Street is the primary thoroughfare. Here you will find a great variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and breweries. Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a favorite spot and is featured on ESPN as the local place to go and would be a perfect early morning stop if you want to get supplies for a gourmet tailgating party. Places like Ashley's and Arbor Brewing Company's Corner Brewery provide excellent full-service options as well. If you like Italian food, then Mani Osteria and Bar comes highly recommended, especially if you want something a little more upscale. Frita Batidos serves up tasty Cuban-inspired food. The Blue Nile serves up Ethiopian food, which is both unique and delicious. If you want to enjoy a cheaper option, the New York Pizza Depot offers some specials throughout the week. Kids will love the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum, while adults might prefer the university's Museum of Art. Both should be inspired by the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology or the Museum of Natural History. All are within walking distance of each other and the sports complex. Hotel accommodations can be found clustered near I-94 just to the south of the stadium but expect to pay a hefty sum to stay here. If you’re flying in, the Detroit airport is about 20 miles to the east along I-94, and there are plenty of hotels there for a much better rate. As well, there are several lodgings in the northeast corner of the city along Plymouth Road. Fans 5 The seating capacity is 5,800, and the average attendance usually exceeds 5,500. Students sit in the southeast corner of the arena next to the school’s hockey band–a very lively bunch. They keep the place rocking, offering chants and cheers that are quite clever. Michigan Wolverines Band and Student Section at Yost Arena, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Access 4 Yost Ice Arena is in central Ann Arbor, equidistant from I-94 and Highway 23, the main expressways around the city.  Getting here, as with all Michigan athletic facilities, will require some travel through the city. Considering that this town welcomes over 110,000 fans for Wolverine football games, getting 5,000 in and out of Yost is relatively easy. There are a number of free parking options as long as football or basketball is not playing at the same time. Crisler Lots 4, 5, 6, and 7 are near the Crisler Center, while University Lots 13, 14, and 32 are at the corner of Hoover and Greene. The arena is within walking distance of downtown, and you can find street parking there, with meters expiring at 6 p.m. If you get there around 5, you can pay for an hour and have a drink or two at one of the many establishments before strolling over to the rink. Remember that no bags are allowed at any Michigan sporting event, which makes entry quick and painless. Getting around Yost is not too difficult, as the single concourse is wide enough, though you can expect lines at concessions and restrooms during intermission. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are available through SeatGeek, the university's official reseller. As this is a secondary market, ticket prices vary widely between games. Big Ten matchups can be very costly, with the cheapest option often exceeding $70. If budget is your concern, try for a non-conference game where you should be able to get in for $30 or less. Food is also expensive, but at least you can park for free. Still, with the overall experience one of the most memorable in college hockey, the expenditure is well worth it for puck heads. Extras 5 A point for the Charlie Brown statue along the concourse. I don't know the connection between Michigan and Peanuts, but it is always nice to see Charlie when traveling. A point for the History of Yost display; it is important to appreciate the past when visiting a historic venue such as this. Another point for the photographic roster along the wall of one course. Another point for the other displays recognizing the achievements of Michigan hockey over the years, including 9 national championships. A final point for the student section and band, who really add to the proceedings. Final Thoughts Michigan is known for football, but if you are lucky, you might find a hockey game the night before the Wolverines take to the gridiron. With so much history here, a visit comes highly recommended. Get there early and get the most out of Yost.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ira R. Herr Field 600 Campus Rd. Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Elizabethtown Blue Jays website Ira R. Herr Field website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 1,000 Fun In E-Town Elizabethtown College (usually referred to as just E-Town) is a private college in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown is in Lancaster County, 21 miles southeast of Harrisburg and 20 miles south of Hershey. The college was founded in 1899 by the Church of the Brethren and offers 53 majors and over 90 minors, and concentrations focusing on arts, humanities, and sciences. The Elizabethtown College Blue Jays have been a member of the NCAA Division III and the Landmark Conference since 2014. The most famous athletic alumni may be Gene Garber, who is the former all-time saves leader for the Atlanta Braves (currently third behind John Smoltz and Craig Kimbrel). Ira R. Herr opened in 1970, and Elizabethtown is the only soccer team in the Landmark Conference to play on a natural grass surface. Herr Field has been the host site for numerous NCAA and conference contests in men's and women's soccer, including the 1989 NCAA National Championship, which the men’s team won, 2-0, over UNC-Greensboro and the 1997 NCAA Women’s Final Four, a semifinal appearance by the Blue Jays, its best finish in program history. Most recently, the men’s soccer team hosted the 2018 Landmark Conference Championship, topping Catholic 1-0 for its first league title since 2006. Elizabethtown women's lacrosse used Herr Field as a temporary home in 2005 and for parts of the 2011 season while the turf was replaced at nearby Wolf Field. Food & Beverage 2 There is no permanent food stand at Herr Field, but the Jay Truck, a mobile food truck, is almost always located right nearby for games. Even if the truck is not around, the nearby student center should have food. The prices for both are very fair. Atmosphere 3 Herr Field is a nice, small college field. There is one fairly large grandstand as well as a smaller stand next to it. The hill on one end of the pitch is designed beautifully and reminds you of which college you are at. Neighborhood 4 The town of Elizabethtown is quite quaint and also offers a nice variety of food options. Our top choices would be Good Burrito Co. and PizzAtown. Hershey is just a short drive north. There just happens to be a major amusement park located there, as well as other Hershey attractions. The Troegs Brewery on Hersheypark Drive offers guided and self-tours, as well as a great tasting and food room. If you’re looking for more standard dining options, then you will find a Red Robin and Fuddruckers all in the area. I might suggest checking out a lesser-known option, the Parkside Bar and Grill (3 E Derry Rd, Hershey, PA 17033), as they have some great burgers and other bar food options. Fans 4 As with most small college fields, the bulk of the fans tends to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. It was a decent crowd, but the student turnout seemed light. Access 5 Elizabethtown is off the PA-283 freeway that runs between Harrisburg and Lancaster. Access to the town itself is quite easy. The college itself is located a few blocks from Market Street, which is the main street in E-Town. The town itself is fairly walkable but driving and finding parking are not much of an issue. Return on Investment 5 There are no charges to attend games, and parking is free, so the value is fairly high. Food prices are also quite fair. Extras 2 The fields' surroundings are very nice, and the campus is a nice place to walk around before or after the matches. E-Town is a great little extra on its own, as this quaint Pennsylvania town is always a favorite stop of ours. Final Thoughts E-Town’s Ira R. Herr is a pleasant small college gym in an exactly pleasant small town. If traveling in central Pennsylvania, attending a game here is a nice choice.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fortera Stadium Henry St Clarksville, TN 37044 Austin Peay Governors website Fortera Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 10,000 Welcome to the Fort Named after a former governor of the state of Tennessee, Austin Peay University first took to the gridiron in the city of Clarksville as an independent team in 1930. They joined their first conference in 1947 as a part of the Volunteer State Athletic Conference before moving into the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in 1963, where they spent the better part of the next half century. During that time, the Governors played first as a part of the NCAA College Division and then NCAA Division II until 1973, when they transitioned to the then I-AA level in 1978, long before it became the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 2006. After a short run in the Pioneer Football League in the early 2000s, the program returned to the OVC. Austin Peay captured the conference title in 2019 and made a run to the FCS tournament semi-finals. That success helped lead the Governors into their best stretch of success in school history, which included back-to-back championships in the ASUN (2022) and United Athletic Conference (2023), the first time the Governors have ever pulled off consecutive conference titles. With that rise in performance, football Saturdays in Clarksville now bring a renewed sense of excitement that surrounds the game day experience at Fortera Stadium. Let's find out how the gameday vibes and pre-game activities are at the home of the Governors.   Food & Beverage   3 There are two traditional concession stands, one on each side of the stadium, offering a straightforward lineup of burgers, hot dogs, and nachos with cheese sauce. The home side adds a slightly wider selection with BBQ sandwiches, chili dogs, and fries, perfect for making chili cheese fries or other topped-up variations. Typical snacks like candy, chips, popcorn, as well as the always popular stadium pickle round out the snack menu. Beverages come from the Coca-Cola family, including Powerade, Bodyarmor, and Dasani water. Around the concourse, smaller vendors help break up the routine with sno cones, gourmet popcorn, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Beer sales are limited to a single location on the home side of the stadium, but it is a highlight of local flavor; alongside standard domestics, Star Spangled Brewing’s Austin Peay-branded Governors Golden Ale and The Struggle Bus Southern IPA add a selection of Clarksville’s local brewing.   Atmosphere   3 Even with a smaller enrollment, Austin Peay does an excellent job of not just filling seats, but creating a game day atmosphere many larger programs would be proud to call their own. From pregame tailgating to the energy inside the stadium, the Govs deliver an outstanding college football experience. Game day at Fortera Stadium begins when Tailgate Alley comes to life three hours before kickoff. Just west of the stadium in Lot 6, tents rise, the smell of grills fills the air, and you can hear music from a DJ. Food trucks line the lot, offering an alternative to home-cooked tailgate spreads, while two and a half hours before kickoff, fans gather along the route for the Gov Walk, cheering as the team makes its way into Fortera Stadium. Inside the gates, Fortera’s split-bleacher design creates a larger, shaded west-side grandstand topped with suites and club seating, while the east side holds visiting fans and the press box. Though the field is surrounded by an eight-lane track, the stands sit close enough to maintain intimacy, avoiding the detached feel common in multi-use venues. The home side rises about ten feet above the playing surface, combining aluminum bleachers, temporary seatbacks between the 40s, and molded chairbacks on the second tier. The north end zone features converted shipping containers turned into field-level suites, while the south end hosts a beer garden and Buffalo Wild Wings tents. The west side’s shade and amenities make it the clear choice for comfort and atmosphere. Tradition anchors the experience. A hand-crank siren signals the start of pregame, and on third downs, fans are implored to “Stomp the Fort,” the echoing of aluminum bleachers reverberating throughout the stadium. The Governors Marching Band performs during pregame and at halftime, while during breaks in the action, a mix of pop music and in-game hosting keeps the energy up. The lone scoreboard at the south end provides a video feed of the game with basic game stats of time and score, along with down and distance information.   Neighborhood   4 Fortera Stadium sits on the northern edge of Austin Peay’s campus, just over a half mile from downtown Clarksville. The surrounding area has seen significant growth, blending the small-town Tennessee charm with modern development. One of downtown’s newest spots is Shelby’s Trio, a three-level building featuring the motor-themed Joe’s Garage, upscale Italian at Trattoria Di Cat’s, and the rooftop Skyline 500 Bar overlooking the Cumberland River. A few blocks away, local favorites such as Strawberry Alley Ale Works, Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, and the Taproom keep downtown lively well into the evening. For a look at Clarksville’s history, the Custom House Museum and Cultural Center, less than a mile from the stadium, highlights Clarksville’s heritage, while Liberty Park along the riverbank features a statue honoring Olympic legend Wilma Rudolph, who grew up in the city. For those looking to get into nature around town, Dunbar Cave State Park, just outside town, offers scenic trails and guided cave tours. Visitors coming to Clarksville for the weekend will find the DoubleTree by Hilton conveniently located behind F&M Bank Arena, home to Austin Peay basketball . The hotel is within walking distance of the area’s shops, restaurants, and cafes. Travelers preferring easy highway access can find a range of options near the I-24 / US-79 interchange, though that area sits several miles from Clarksville’s downtown energy.   Fans   4 Average attendance at Fortera Stadium sits around 6,500 fans per game, a strong showing for the university's size. The home stands are typically more than three-quarters full, creating a lively atmosphere, especially during competitive matchups. While there does not seem to be a clearly defined student section, a cluster of fans along the field-level fence line brings energy and personality, often giving the venue a rowdy edge. Given the wide dispersion of teams in the United Athletic Conference, visiting fan turnout can be light.   Access   3 Interstate 24 runs locally from Clarksville to Nashville, making the trip to Austin Peay’s campus rather simple. From the interstate, it’s roughly a 15-minute drive to Fortera Stadium. Parking is available in campus lots and streets, in accordance with typical university parking regulations. Inside the gates, the facility’s split-stand layout can make it slightly tricky to move between the home and visiting sides. For most home fans, this is not much of an issue, as that side of the stadium includes the majority of concessions and amenities. Visiting fans, however, may find that the limited food and beverage options on their side require a bit of extra navigation around the south end, to reach the main concourse.   Return on Investment   5 Ticket prices start at $15 for general bleacher seating, plus a $1.50 service fee. Reserved midfield seats are priced at $20, offering one of the best views in the stadium at a very reasonable rate. Concession prices are equally affordable, making it easy for fans to enjoy the full game-day experience without overspending. Parking is also free throughout campus, adding even more value to the outing. All told, attending a Governors game remains one of the better bargains at the FCS level; a family of four can enjoy tickets, food, and drinks for under $100.   Extras   4 The exterior of Fortera Stadium recognizes Austin Peay’s conference championships, including titles from the Volunteer State Athletic Conference (1948), the Ohio Valley Conference (1977, 2019), and back-to-back crowns in the ASUN (2022) and inaugural United Athletic Conference (2023) season. Inside, the facings of both the press box and suites honor the program’s nine retired numbers, while the concourse offers a deeper look into Governors football history. Large displays feature biographies of retired players, photos of championship teams, and a tribute to College Football Hall of Fame coach James “Boots” Donnelly. In addition, at the southwest end of the facility, within Blake Jenkins Plaza, stands the Fox Walk of History, a series of concrete obelisks recognizing each of the more than 1,700 players who have represented Austin Peay football. Game days are brought to life by “The Gov,” Austin Peay’s energetic mascot. He begins the day weaving through the tailgate lots, posing for photos and hyping up fans before kickoff. During the game, he’s a constant presence on the sideline, urging fans to get loud or taking aim with his t-shirt Gatling gun, sending shirts flying into the crowd in rapid-fire bursts.   Final Thoughts From the moment you enter campus until you place your backside in your Fortera Stadium seat with as good a vantage point of campus as the view of the field, you’ll be surrounded by college life and surroundings. College football is as much a part of the southern college experience, and it's proudly on display in Clarksville. It's a fun, fun football experience at reasonable ticket prices. Austin Peay provides an enjoyable environment. The Governors have built a college football experience that has grown into something special in Clarksville.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Phil Simms Stadium 150 University Boulevard Morehead, KY 40351 Morehead State University website Jayne Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 10,000 Welcome to Phil Simms Stadium On October 18, 2025, Morehead State’s football stadium was renamed Phil Simms Stadium, in honor of the legendary Giants  quarterback. Simms led the Giants to victory against the John Elway-led Broncos  in Super Bowl XXI, winning Super Bowl MVP honors after throwing 3 touchdown passes in that game. Simms would lead the Giants to the Super Bowl again 4 years later, but suffered a broken foot late in the season, leaving Jeff Hostetler to start in, and win, Superbowl XXV in the famous ‘wide right’ game against the Jim Kelly-led Buffalo Bills , the Bills 1st of 4 consecutive Superbowl appearances. Phil Simms Stadium, formerly Jayne Stadium, opened in 1964 and holds 10,000 fans. The facility boasts grandstands along both sidelines, as well as a running track around the field itself, and field-level club seating behind the south end zone, under the scoreboard. The press box can accommodate 20 media/game day staff, while the President’s box can accommodate up to 50 guests. The Morehead State Eagles compete in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision, as part of the Pioneer League.   Food & Beverage   4 Morehead State offers basic concessions at its stands under the home seats, although they do sell alcohol, which is not always the case at college football stadiums. The lines for alcohol tend to be a little long, but the lines at the regular stands are much shorter. Food options at the main stands include hot dogs, brats, pizza, nachos, pretzels, chips, candy, and popcorn, along with fountain sodas, bottled water, and Gatorade. With nothing costing over $4, prices are very reasonable – you can easily get a main dish, side, and a drink for under $10. Phil Simms Stadium also has a few food trucks on the concourse, in the Southwest corner along Playforth Place.   Atmosphere   3 The bright blue and yellow colors at Phil Simms Stadium really pop, and the scoreboard behind the south end zone is easy to read. The Eagles also offer the traditional marching band, along with a great mascot, and the cheer squad throws out t-shirts to fans in the stands. The highlight of the day, however, is the howitzer pulled by an army truck, sitting over in the Northeast corner all game long. The school’s Army ROTC cadets operate the gun and is very loud – it goes off every time the home team scores.   Neighborhood    2 There is not a lot in Morehead, Kentucky, beyond the university. The town is nestled in a long valley at the foot of the Appalachians to the north and south, with only a few restaurants and places of interest. There is a gift center, and some flea markets/antique malls nearby, but most of the restaurants near Phil Simms Stadium are the fast-food or pizza place type. Morehead is about an hour west of Huntington, West Virginia, which is near the border between the two states. If you are coming from the east, your GPS will likely tell you to take I-64 onto Highway 60 about 30 minutes past Huntington, but I think you are better off just staying on I-64 until you get to Highway 32, and backtracking to the university; that route will keep you off the smaller roads, and offer more shopping/lodging options when you get off I-64.   Fans   3 The visiting stands will probably be pretty empty when you attend a football game at Morehead State, but the home stands should be pretty full, with lots of Eagles gear to be seen and a festive atmosphere. I didn’t notice an obvious student section during my most recent visit, but the fans were engaged and really seemed to enjoy themselves.   Access   4 Getting to Phil Simms Stadium is easy enough, with I-64 not that far away from the university. There is plenty of parking on the west side, though, as you might expect, some of the lots are reserved for those with passes. Lots of fans park for free a little further away and just walk over. Once you get inside the stadium, there is plenty of room to move around the concourse, and the concessions lines are short, except for alcohol, as mentioned above. There are also plenty of restrooms, though they are not the nicest. Even if you are rooting for the visiting team, you are better off sitting on the home side, as that is where all the amenities are.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to Morehead State football at Phil Simms Stadium run around $17 for adults, including taxes/fees, and can be purchased on the school’s athletic website. This is a real bargain for college football, and with reasonable concession prices, you would be hard-pressed to find much better value. The Eagles put on a good show, and the stadium is not too crowded, which will let you get really close to the action.   Extras   2 The facility has a small trophy room showcasing team uniforms, awards, and a special case dedicated to Phil Simms. There is also a small team store on the home side, which sometimes offers special items for certain games, so make sure to shop on your way in, so you don’t miss out.   Final Thoughts I would absolutely recommend a visit to Phil Simms Stadium in Morehead, KY. A great little football facility in a rural town, there is nice scenery, and you will have a fun time.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Bank of America Stadium 800 S Mint St Charlotte, NC 28202 Carolina Panthers website Bank of America Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 75,037 Panthers across the Carolinas The Carolina Panthers were announced as the NFL’s 29th franchise in 1993 and began play in 1995. They played their first season of home games at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium while their current home, Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, was being constructed. The Panthers went 12-4 in just their second season, making it all the way to the NFC Championship. The team has since won their division 5 times and made it to the Super Bowl twice. Bank of America Stadium opened in 1996 and is currently owned and operated by Tepper Sports and Entertainment. The venue currently seats just over 75,000 fans and is also used to host Charlotte FC  (MLS) matches, as well as being the annual host of the Duke’s Mayo Classic and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl , the former being a game held during college football’s opening weekend each year. Photo courtesy of Abe Carlile Each of Bank of America’s 3 entrances is flanked by 2 larger-than-life snarling, crouching bronze panthers; these are the largest sculptures ever commissioned in the United States. The statues are named “Indomitable Spirit”, and the names of the Carolina Panthers original permanent seat license holders are engraved into each statue’s base – PSL holders are also honored with a banner inside the stadium.   Food & Beverage   5 Bank of America Stadium’s concessions include pretty much anything you can imagine, including all the standard fare at reasonable prices, such as hot dogs, burgers, pizza, etc., as well as all-you-can-drink soda for around $10 in a souvenir cup; there are refill stations (Coke products only) all over the concourse. The venue’s concessions vendor, Levy, also makes a point to ensure that all items are available on all three seating levels, meaning you don’t have to go up and down to find what you want. In addition, the third seating level offers myriad tables and chairs set up next to the concessions, so you can sit and eat your food before you go out to your seats – these tables are set up next to wall-size windows, to allow great views of downtown Charlotte while you dine. In addition to the basic fare, Levy also offers plenty of special menu items, which rotate slightly every year. In the most recent iteration, you can find “The Masked Bandit”, a smoked/chopped brisket sandwich with cheddar cheese, coleslaw, and bourbon BBQ sauce on a marbled bun, as well as a pressed Cuban sandwich featuring Mt. Olive pickles and Duke’s Gold BBQ sauce. Other non-standard options include fried rice; a BBQ platter with pork, a chicken quarter, and a jalapeno cheddar sausage link; lamb/beef gyros; and nachos, most notably one variation offering pulled/roasted BBQ chicken with Cheerwine BBQ sauce – Cheerwine is a local soda favorite. These special food options start at about $14, and in addition to these, the stadium has bars set up all over the concourse, as well as vendors selling cans of beer in the seating sections.   Atmosphere   5 The fun on a Carolina Panthers game day begins with tailgating both outside and inside the stadium; the gates open 2 hours before game time, but you can get in early if you are attending one of the tailgates. There are set-ups outside the stadium as well, such as the Bud Light zone, for those who prefer not to do their own grilling in one of the parking lots. You might also catch a glimpse of the Panthers PurrCussion Drumline, who march out of the stadium about 2 hours before kickoff and patrol the area around the stadium, before coming back inside to perform during the game. In addition to tailgating, Panthers gamedays offer all sorts of other excitement – it is best to be in your seat well before kickoff, so you don’t miss anything. For example, at certain games you can expect to see military paratroopers swooping in to land on the field; halftime exhibition football games between youth players and local pro/college mascots, including Sir Purr himself; or a recognition of the Bank of America Teachers of the Year. At the most recent game I attended, there was a Play 60 theme (the NFL’s Play 60 initiative encourages children to be physically active for 60 minutes a day); the festivities before that game included a kids combine before the game at nearby Romare Bearden Park, as well as a Play 60 tunnel run. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood    5 There is plenty to do in Charlotte, NC – the 14th largest city in the US based on population. There are myriad restaurants within walking distance of Bank of America Stadium, far too many to name, as well as plenty of hotels if you want to stay nearby. I-77 goes right through town, and I-85 is not far off, if you would rather save money and stay a little further out. In terms of attractions, the most well-known is probably the NASCAR Hall of Fame, located about a mile from Bank of America Stadium. Here you can walk through the sport’s history, pick up some souvenirs, and even try your hand as a member of the pit crew, or go head-to-head in one of the Hall’s driving simulators. Charlotte Motor Speedway is also not far away, and if you are interested in taking in some other games during your visit, there are no fewer than 8 FBS football schools across the 2 Carolinas. UNC-Charlotte  is the closest, or you can check out the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets , or the MLS aforementioned Charlotte FC .   Fans   4 Panthers fans are loud and love their team – you will see plenty of them wearing team gear, and they will cheer loudly for big plays out of the field, as well as during third downs. The team has rewarded this passion with 2 Super Bowl appearances in the past 20 years, and the fans don’t want to let their squad down. That said, the Panthers are going through some rough times on the field in the past couple of seasons, so you might have smaller attendance than usual – but Panthers fans will really show up in force for big games, either against Division opponents or for games against some of the bigger names in the NFL. Bank of America Stadium (pre-game) - Photo courtesy of Abe Carlile Access   4 With a 75,000+ capacity, moving around the concourse can be challenging, especially if you are trying to grab food or a drink right before the game or during halftime – you are better off waiting until near the end of the 1st or 3rd quarter. That said, the staff does a great job making getting in and out easier, with plenty of ramps, escalators, and elevators to help you move between levels. Outside the stadium, there is plenty of parking – you might pay as much as $40 or $50 for a spot, depending on how close you want to get, and be forewarned that some of those spaces are in parking decks, which can take a while to get out of after the game (I speak from experience). It is recommended to park a little further away, both to save money but also to get out faster; walking a half mile or mile from the stadium means fewer cars you have to play chicken with as you make your way onto the highway. Once you get to the freeway, however, you can mostly expect smooth sailing. Insider pro tip – the best place I have ever found to park at Bank of America Stadium is a small lot underneath I-77, on W Morehead St, on the other side of the freeway from Tora Sushi & Bar. The lot is unmarked, but its entrance directly faces the I-77 northbound on ramp; a bit of a walk from the stadium, but super convenient when you leave.   Return on Investment   4 Carolina Panthers tickets will most likely be sold out on the team’s website, so you may have to depend on third parties to find tickets. Depending on what game you choose, you may be able to get tickets in the upper deck for around $40 to $50, including fees, while for marquee matchups, you can expect to pay well over $200. This is not uncommon as NFL stadiums go, and in some cases is on par with college football as well. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Given potentially high parking costs, as well as concession prices which can hurt the wallet depending on what you get, the experience at Bank of America is definitely worthwhile, given all the great amenities the Panthers staff offers during a typical gameday. Nevertheless, unless you are dying to see the Panthers take on a particular opponent, you may want to wait to find a cheaper game to make your visit a little more affordable.   Extras   5 The Panthers have team stores on every level, with the largest and main one on the first floor. That one tends to have longer lines, so depending on what item you want, you may be better off hitting up one of the satellite stands, which have all the basics – the main store, of course, has a much wider selection. Note, they do sell special items for certain games, such as pins showing the date/opponent for that particular game, which may sell out if you don’t purchase early. Before the game, during the National Anthem, the staff unfurls a giant American flag shaped like the country, which is a great sight to see. They also have both the North Carolina and South Carolina flags on display, to highlight that they represent not just one but both states. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey If you are lucky, you might also get an autograph from one of the players if you head down to the field about an hour before kickoff, when the teams are warming up.   Final Thoughts I would absolutely recommend a visit to Bank of America Stadium to see the Carolina Panthers – the staff pulls out all the stops to ensure a fun gameday, so make a point to take in all the festivities. And while attending an NFL game can be pricey, the Panthers do make an effort to offer some affordable options.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Pucillo Field 105 Pucillo Drive Millersville, PA 17551 Millersville Marauders website Pucillo Field website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 700 Marauding In PA Millersville University of Pennsylvania (commonly known as Millersville University or MU) was founded in 1855 as one of Pennsylvania's normal/teaching schools. One of its biggest programs is meteorology. Malik B and Black Thought of The Roots are two of the university's most well-known alumni. The Roots are best known by many people as the house band of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The soccer field is named in honor of Dr. John A. Pucillo, who served with distinction as coach, athletic director, and administrator at Millersville from 1925 to 1957. The Pucillo Field complex includes a competition soccer stadium and an 80-yard practice football field for use by intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation. In early 2014, Millersville University Student Senate approved $2.5 million for the project from funds remaining from the Student Memorial Center renovations. Groundbreaking took place in April of 2014, and the facility was completed in time for the 2014 fall season. When the soccer teams took to the newly-built Pucillo Fields in the fall of 2014, it was a return to the site as the programs played on a grass surface at the site until the early 2000s. But for a decade, the soccer teams played at Biemesderfer Stadium . Millersville participates in varsity sports as part of NCAA Division II. Their sports teams are known as the Marauders. The Marauders compete as members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In lacrosse, the school was the 1982 AIAW Division III national champion. Food & Beverage 0 There is a nice concession stand in the gymnasium's lobby, but it was closed on a busy weekend where there were multiple sports events going on in the same area. There are no permanent food options outside at the stadium itself. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is very nice, but it is a simple setup. As you enter the stadium, you will find two grandstands sitting along the pitch and some hill seating on one end. Neighborhood 3 Millersville is a nice little town located just to the west of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. Although it is not the most exciting place, I tend to go to the Sugar Bowl just down the street. They have simple pizza slices and sub sandwiches at a good value. Wayback Burger is another local option. Some great food options exist in the nearby Lancaster area. A very nice hotel, the Lancaster Arts Hotel makes a nice place to stay and watch games. The hotel serves as an art gallery and lodging establishment while making use of former factory space. Fans 3 The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend. The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, and Shippensburg. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance. Access 4 Lancaster and Millersville are easy areas to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. The university is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the stadium. Parking is also free, but watch for any regulations during weekday games. Return on Investment 5 Parking and admission are free. Extras 2 The nearby gymnasium lobby cases also hold information about the members of the Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame. Following extensive renovations to the lobby in 2017, it was renamed the Anttonen Lobby in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Ralph (Doc) and Judith Anttonen. Final Thoughts Millersville University plays a good level of soccer, and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

With the European and South African club rugby seasons officially over, it is now time to look ahead to next season’s Investec Champions Cup. The Investec Champions Cup is an in-season tournament in which clubs from the Gallagher Premiership (England), TOP 14 (France), and United Rugby Championship (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and South Africa), compete. Round 1 is slated for the first weekend of December with the knockout stages starting in April. Last season saw Stade Toulouse of the TOP 14 defeat Leinster Rugby of the URC 31-22 in front of 61,531 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This season’s final will be played at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 24 May. The top 8 teams at the end of the regular season for each respective union qualify for the following season’s Champions Cup. The champions of each union head up three of the four pools for the following season and the winner of the Champions Cup heads up the fourth. In the event that the Champions Cup Winner is also the champion if its respective union, the runner up of that season’s Investec Champions Cup is awarded the top spot in its respective pool. The pool draw took place on 2 July, so here’s what we’re looking at for next season’s Investec Champions Cup: Pool 1 Pool 2 Stade Toulousain (TOP 14) Leinster Rugby (URC – Ireland) Union Bordeaux-Bègles (TOP 14) ASM Clermont Auvergne (TOP 14) Hollywoodbets Sharks (URC – South Africa) Stade Rochelias (TOP 14) Exeter Chiefs (Gallagher Premiership) Bristol Bears (Gallagher Premiership) Leicester Tigers (Gallagher Premiership) Benetton Rugby (URC – Italy) Ulster Rugby (URC - Ireland) Bath Rugby (Gallagher Premiership) Pool 3 Pool 4 Northampton Saints (Gallagher Premiership) Glasgow Warriors (URC - Scotland) Munster Rugby (URC – Ireland) Racing 92 (TOP 14) Vodacom Bulls (URC – South Africa) Sale Sharks (Gallagher Premiership) Stade Francais Paris (TOP 14) DHL Stormers (URC – South Africa) Saracens (Gallagher Premiership) RC Toulon (TOP 14) Castres Olympique (TOP 14) Harlequins (Gallagher Premiership)

This week's episode takes a look at the world of rebranding from the low levels of baseball all the way to the NBA!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Thompson Gymnasium One Alpha Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Elizabethtown Blue Jays website Thompson Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 1,000 Fun In E-Town Elizabethtown College (usually referred to as just E-Town) is a private college in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown is in Lancaster County, 21 miles southeast of Harrisburg and 20 miles south of Hershey. The college was founded in 1899 by the Church of the Brethren and offers 53 majors and over 90 minors and concentrations focusing on arts, humanities, and sciences. The Elizabethtown College Blue Jays have been a member of NCAA Division III and the Landmark Conference since 2014. The most famous athletic alumni may be Gene Garber, who is the former all-time saves leader for the Atlanta Braves (currently third behind John Smoltz and Craig Kimbrel). Thompson Gymnasium opened in 1970, but it underwent a forced renovation in 2015. During construction on the gymnasium’s pitched roof, a vapor barrier was blown open by a thunderstorm, resulting in water damage to the court. Food & Beverage 0 There are no normally scheduled food offerings at E-Town games. I would suspect that student organizations occasionally offer bake sales or simple concession offerings in the lobby for certain games. There was an organization selling bracelets when we attended. Atmosphere 3 The arena is very nice, but it has a basic high school-type setup. As you enter the arena, you will find bleacher-filled grandstands sitting along two sides of a volleyball court. Outside the gym and down a hallway are the E-Town Hall of Fame and trophy cases. There are also some sports-specific display cases located in the gym itself and the adjacent lobby. Neighborhood 4 The town of Elizabethtown is quite quaint and also offers a nice variety of food options. Our top choices would be Good Burrito Co. and PizzAtown. Hershey is just a short drive north. There just happens to be a major amusement park located there, as well as other Hershey attractions. The Troegs Brewery on Hersheypark Drive offers guided and self tours, as well as a great tasting and food room. If you’re looking for more standard dining options, then you will find a Red Robin and Fuddruckers all in the area. I might suggest checking out a lesser-known option, the Parkside Bar and Grill (3 E Derry Rd, Hershey, PA 17033), as they have some great burgers and other bar food options. Fans 4 As with most small college gyms, the bulk of the fans tends to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. It was a decent crowd, but the student turnout seemed light. Access 5 Elizabethtown is located right off the PA-283 freeway that runs between Harrisburg and Lancaster. Access to the town itself is quite easy. The college itself is located a few blocks from Market Street, which is the main street in E-Town. The town itself is fairly walkable, but driving and finding parking are not much of an issue. Return on Investment 5 There are no charges to attend games, and parking is free, so the value is fairly high. You also won’t be spending money on any food offerings, so there’s that. Extras 2 There is a nice Hall of Fame and other athletic displays down a hallway attached to the gymnasium. It is always cool to see national championship trophies, no matter the level. E-Town is a great little extra on its own as this quaint Pennsylvania town is always a favorite stop of ours. Final Thoughts E-Town’s Thompson Gymnasium is a pleasant small college gym in an exactly pleasant small town. If traveling in central Pennsylvania, attending a game here is a nice choice.

For the first time in 37 years, Colorado Springs will not have professional baseball. Pioneer League President Michael Shapiro confirmed to the Denver Gazette  that the Rocky Mountain Vibes will not return in 2026.  Colorado Springs's KRDO-TV separately confirmed that the Vibes will shut down all operations. Professional baseball came to the Springs in 1988, when the Elmore Sports Group purchased and relocated the Hawaii Islanders to serve as the Cleveland Indians ' AAA affiliate, renaming the team the Colorado Springs Sky Sox . The Colorado Rockies joined Major League Baseball in 1993.  Located just 70 miles from Denver, he Sky Sox became the Rockies' AAA affiliate in 1993 -- and would remain so until 2014. The Sky Sox were then the Milwaukee Brewers ' AAA affiliate from 2015 until 2018. Owner D.G. Elmore announced in 2017 that the Sky Sox would relocate in 2019 to San Antonio and would play as the Missions ; the Pioneer League's Helena Brewers (A) then replaced the Sky Sox in Colorado Springs, leaving the city without a AAA affiliate for the first time in 31 years. Elmore also announced that the team would rebrand, debuting as the " Rocky Mountain Vibes " in 2019. When MLB converted the Pioneer League to an unaffiliated, independent league in 2021, Colorado Springs also lost its 33-year connection to an MLB parent club. The Sky Sox averaged more than 4,100 fans for a 72-home game season according to the Denver Gazette . Over the 48 home games in 2025, the Vibes had an average attendance that was approximately 40 percent lower (2,390). blocktickets Park, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey 2025 has been a tough year for professional baseball in Colorado, as none of the Centennial State's three Pioneer League teams will return. Owners of the Grand Junction Jackalopes recently announced an intention to relocate the franchise, and the Northern Colorado Owlz ceased operations during the 2025 season.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rate Field 333 W 35th St Chicago, IL 60616 Chicago White Sox website Rate Field website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 40,615 Rate Field Review – White Sox Ballpark Experience Rate Field debuted as Comiskey Park II in 1991 and, for the past 30-plus years, has seen multiple names and plenty of changes to the White Sox ballpark. Often considered one of the least favorite baseball stadiums in the major leagues, team management has worked hard to ensure that fans will have an enjoyable experience at Rate Field during the baseball season. The facility was the last of its kind built before the opening of Camden Yards the next season. It stands as a symbol of a bygone era, but there have been extensive renovations at the stadium this century that have altered the exterior and interior to better the ambiance, keep up with modern technology, and keep up with current standards expected from today’s fans. The renovations have included the removal of 6,600 seats from the upper deck section of the ballpark, the repainting of every seat from blue to hunter green, the addition of party decks and restaurants, the inclusion of a kids' play area, the addition of bronze statues, and a 25-ton statue honoring the 2005 World Series team outside Gate 4 at the main entrance. If you haven’t been to a Sox game for some time, chances are that it looks a little bit different from your last visit. However, have the myriad of changes created a better ballpark? Food & Beverage 5 Rate Field offers a variety of food, from Chicago favorites to items made for the ballpark. There are numerous kiosks, eating areas, social spots, and the newly named Leinenkugel Craft Lodge and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina. It's advisable to walk around first before making a selection. The standards are still here, including Comiskey dogs and burgers, Cuban sandwiches, Italian beef, tavern-style pizza slices, street tacos, brats, tamales, and nachos. Sweet treats include ice cream, Italian ice, and churros. The best spot for a slice or two is at the Beggar’s Pizza area in the outfield, which features tables and views of the game. The new items for this season include the Fuku stands that sell Korean fried chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, and the Lucky's stand that offers bubble waffles with fried chicken and other fillings. Other new items include the Sonoran and the pineapple dogs, beef and spinach empanadas, and the specialty milkshakes. that are served in a specialty glass with marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham cracker crumbles. The Polish & Colombian kiosk has salchipapas on the menu: french fries topped with kelbasi and slaw. The Miller Lite Landing in the right field includes premium seating, a repurposed CTA car with 12 taps, and cascading water down the concourse are still there. Up in the 500-level are new outdoor bars with premium seating that were added a few seasons ago. The viral milkshakes are available at the Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina The Leinenkugel Craft Lodge is located on the ground level behind the visitor’s bullpen, offering a full-service wait staff and 75 beers from 46 different area breweries. Fans can pick them out of the refrigerators and enjoy them in the full-service restaurant. However, tables are packed with fans enjoying craft-made burgers and sandwiches. The Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina (formerly the Vizzy Bar) has been scaled back a bit compared to other years. The area still provides patio views of the game, plus different food items inside the air-conditioned tap room. The Old No. 7 Bar, sponsored by Jack Daniel's, offers various drinks, hard liquor, and other libations with TVs and tabletop seating. Atmosphere 4 Two hours before the start of the game, fans line up in the parking lots next to the stadium to tailgate. The area includes bags tossed in the air, the smell of smoke from the barbecue, and a few drinks between Sox fans before the first pitch. Closer to the start of the game is Championship Plaza, featuring a life-sized white bronze and granite sculpture celebrating the 2005 World Series championship team and a historical timeline of the franchise along the diamond’s base paths. Legacy Bricks are inscribed with a personalized message on the plaza. Once inside, the main concourse from the first to third baseline is somewhat narrow, but the outfield concourse opens up to a wealth of excitement that makes it one of the best areas in baseball. The wide-open area houses an array of fun areas for fans of all ages. White Sox Legends Sculpture Plaza is the highlight of the center-field concourse, featuring life-size statues of all-time greats. There are nine statues featuring Frank Thomas, Harold Baines, Luis Aparicio, and Carlton Fisk, where fans can pose and take pictures during the game. A fan cools down underneath the shower, which has been a tradition since 1976. The CIBC Fan Deck is available at times for single-season ticket holders and offers a panoramic view of the playing field on the two-tiered deck atop the center-field concession stands. However, most of the time, it is rented out to large groups. Just below the deck is an ivy-covered batter's eye. The Xfinity Kidz Zone is above the left-center concourse, overlooking the playing field that provides instruction on the game. Kids 12 and under can utilize the plaza with a youth-sized Wiffle ball diamond, along with batting and pitching cages accessible from the 100, 300, and 500 levels. The best part about it is that it’s free of charge. Also located above the concourse is the center-field video board that’s slightly larger than 8,000 square feet, measuring 60 feet high and 134 feet wide. It shoots off fireworks after every Sox home run or victory, provides Sox Facts of the Day, displays the Buono Italian Beef race (where lucky fans have the opportunity to redeem a ticket for a free Italian beef the next day at one of its locations), and provides interactive activities in between innings. The 500 section of the ballpark features a nod to old Comiskey Park. The canopy is painted dark gray, and colorful murals of former White Sox players, All-Star programs, paintings, and yearbooks are on display on the brick walls. It should be noted that fans are limited to this area during games, but there are times when that rule is lax later in the game. An old CTA train is now a bar in the Miller Lite landing in right field. The Chicago Sports Depot is the team’s official two-story team shop offering much more than Chisox gear. Before the game, the ChiSox Bar & Grill offers a full-service bar with food and drink, with outside patio seating. If you arrive a little earlier and aren't tailgating, this might be the spot for you to get into the mood before the first pitch. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is bordered by the Dan Ryan Expressway and the working-class residential Bridgeport neighborhood . The area is not littered with bars, comedy clubs, and restaurants, but it is safe to walk around after the game if you happen to frequent a few places nearby. The best bet would be to hop on the L and head towards the city if searching for better entertainment options. The Chisox Bar & Grill is located across the street from the main entrance and features 65 flat-screen TVs and a large open patio that opens three hours before the game. The menu highlights include chopped brisket tacos and smoked corn on the cob with sweet maple bourbon butter. A few blocks away from the stadium is Buffalo Wings and Rings, which offers free shuttle service to and from the stadium. All management asks is that you purchase a drink or other menu options. A few feet down is the Bridgeport Restaurant, which is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, featuring breakfast specials, three-tier sandwiches, and house specialties. Antique Taco is home to traditional tacos, plus fried chicken burritos and creamed elote (Mexican Street Corn). The Duck Inn offers its signature rotisserie duck but also the duck fat dog and duck wings. About a mile away from the stadium is Ricobene’s , which is a must-go after the game; the breaded steak sandwich, deep-dish pizza slices, and Italian beef are highly recommended. The atmosphere is lively, and there is plenty of free parking across the street from the restaurant’s covered lot. Chicago's Chinatown is a tad north of the ballpark offering a collection of restaurants and businesses catering to the Chinese population of the city. From barbecue, dumplings, noodles, and Sichuan, popular restaurants include B.B.Q. King House, Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings, Mala Temptations, and Slurp Slurp Noodles. Fans 4 The White Sox fan base is a dedicated group of people who enjoy watching baseball but, more importantly, want a consistent winner on the Southside. They are among the savviest in baseball and provided stories of the season’s past. At the game, they are focused on the field and hope that within the beginning of the next decade. Access 4 The stadium is easily accessible via public transit or car. If driving, the stadium is directly off the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) at the exit for 36th and 37th Streets. There are six lots for cars that surround the stadium, purchasing a parking pass before the game will get you to your spot quicker. The CTA Red Line drops you off at the Sox/35th Station and the CTA Green Line at the 35th-Bronzeville station. The bus stops near the stadium include stops 24, 35, and 44. The ballpark’s main concourse wraps around the stadium and provides proper access to the various concession and merchandise areas of the stadium. The facility also features a series of ramps that take fans to the upper concourse and provides access to the Chicago Sports Depot and Craft Lodge. Return on Investment 4 The price of a single-game ticket for the 500 section averages around $10 for many games, but that will depend on the date, opponent, and second-site markets. The most affordable days are Coca-Cola Family Sundays, where tickets begin at $10, and parking is $20. Parking is $25 in advance, but $27 on the day of the game for every other day of the week. Other options include the Bleacher & Brews ticket, where fans can purchase a ticket and two beers starting at $27 for a bleacher ticket. Southside Mondays offer special tickets where fans receive up to $20 in concession credit added to their mobile ticket. Family 4 Packs include a ticket, hot dog, drink, and a bag of chips for $19 per person. If you are looking to save money on parking, Buffalo Wings and Rings offers free parking and shuttle service to and from the game from 7 blocks away--just purchase a menu item or a drink while you are at the restaurant. Tuesday night games are worth visiting if you are on a budget. Except for the Crosstown Classic with the Cubbies, select food items are $5. They include 16-ounce drafts of Modelo and Miller Lite, Vienna Beef hot dogs and Polish sausages, buckets of popcorn, Coca-Cola products, nachos, and Beggar's pizza slices. Check out Sunday Family Days, including $20 parking, tickets starting at $10 in the 500-level concourse, and kids running the bases after the game. Even if you are not with the kids at the game, a $10 ticket is a great price to enjoy a major league game. Extras 4 The White Sox earns a point for 75 varieties of craft beers located throughout the concourse, with a majority of them in the Kraft Cave. Around the Bend, Pipeworks, Pollyanna, Lagunitas, 18th Street, 3 Floyds, Half Acre, and 2 Brothers are among the local breweries featured by the can in the cooler. One of the many statues in the outfield of former Sox greats The Sox earn a fourth point for the statues of former team greats from Luis Aparicio to Frank Thomas; a total of 9 figures provide fans a chance to pose for pictures and learn about these all-time greats. The South Siders earn a final point for the Plumbers 911.com Shower, a carry-over from old Comiskey Park and a fan favorite that was originally installed by owner Bill Veeck in 1976. It is near Section 160 in the outfield concourse. The shower works, and on a hot day, might be the best way to cool off. Final Thoughts The White Sox continue to provide great value and entertainment at Rate Field. The ball club's recent struggles on the field have hindered a few, but there is plenty to do when attending a Sox game on the Southside. The inexpensive tickets, easy access, food selection, and various places to enjoy the game inside the ballpark make for a great time at the game. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com