Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Yakima County Stadium 1220 Pacific Ave Yakima, WA 98901 Yakima Valley Pippins website Yakima County Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 3,000 It’s Apple Time The Yakima Valley Pippins are a collegiate wood bat baseball team based in Yakima, Washington. They are a member of the West Coast League and began play in 2014 at the 3,000-seat Yakima County Stadium. They replaced the Yakima Bears of the Northwest League, who relocated to Hillsboro, Oregon, and were renamed the Hillsboro Hops. The team is named for the Pippin apple variety. Yakima County Stadium is a baseball stadium that opened in 1993 and was the home field of the Yakima Bears minor league team for twenty seasons. The stadium is located at the northwest corner of the Central Washington State Fairgrounds and is north of the Yakima SunDome, a 6,195-seat multi-purpose arena. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are a pretty consistent slate of offerings, although not always exciting. The food prices are very similar to most minor league baseball stadiums. They are very fair and offer many choices. Most entrees are $4 and up and won’t break your wallet. Look out for the value menu options. The food stands close before the game is over. Atmosphere 4 The stadium has seats, benches with backs, and benches without backs. The best value is to get a general admission seat and sit with your back to the stadium wall. The crowd should be small enough that most fans can do this if they desire. The stands sit fairly elevated from the field. There is a view of the hills beyond the wall and offer a nice view during the game. The stadium, although only built in the 1990’s, is pretty antiquated compared to most minor league stadiums. For summer collegiate baseball it is a pretty nice facility. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located within the Central Washington State Fairgrounds so there may be other events going on at the same time as the game. The rest of the neighborhood right around the stadium is pretty underwhelming and you will want to explore options elsewhere around town. The Yakima Valley has many beer and wine options for pre and post game options. The list of wineries alone will make your head spin. Another thing one will want to do in the area is to visit a farm stand and get fresh apples or other fresh fruit. Fans 4 There are some hardcore fans with seats around the home plate area. They will be loud and into all aspects of the game. The fans are pretty traditional minor league style fans. Some are very knowledgeable about the game, while others are there as part of a family or a group and may be less interested in the actual game. Crowds are larger for weekend games while weeknight crowds are going to be a struggle for this level of ball. Access 4 The fairgrounds are pretty easy to find and parking will be plentiful unless other events are extremely large. Parking costs $4. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are cheap, especially for general admission. Watch out for daily specials that can bring the price down. Parking is too expensive for the stadium, but the prices are supposedly controlled by the fairgrounds. Extras 4 There is a free program given to fans when they enter the stadium. The view of the hills beyond the outfield fences offers a great view to enjoy. There are games, such as corn hole, that are free for fans in the area behind the first base side stands. The team does a good job of sticking to the apple theme at all times, whether it is the team mascot or games such as apple bobbing. Final Thoughts The Yakima Valley Pippins and Yakima County Stadium is a perfect spot to watch a summer collegiate league team. The stadium is past its prime for minor league baseball. but is perfect for this level of ball.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh St Windsor, ON N8S 0A1 Wndsor Spitfires website WFCU Centre website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 6,500 Tragedy To Triumph The WFCU Centre is the home of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. The building has a seating capacity of 6,450 for hockey and was built for $71 million, opening on December 11, 2008. The new home to the Spitfires ensured that the club would remain in Windsor for the foreseeable future. The arena replaced the 84-year-old Windsor Arena that the Spitfires had called home since 1975. The new WFCU Centre was a much-needed replacement for the aging arena and resulted in the building hosting the 2017 Memorial Cup. The original Spitfires were members of the Ontario Hockey Association from 1945 to 1953 and relocated to Hamilton. The current version began operations in 1971 in the Major Junior Hockey League and was promoted to the Ontario Hockey League in 1975. In the close to 50 years in the OHL, the Spits have captured three league championships (1988, 2009, and 2010) and three Memorial Cups (2009, 2020, and 2017). The Spitfires are named after the Royal Canadian Air Force No. 417 Squadron, nicknamed “City of Windsor” squadron, who flew the Spitfire fighter planes during World War II. To many fans, they are nicknamed the Spits. Besides hockey, the building also houses the Windsor Express of the Basketball Super League, which won back-to-back championships in 2014 and 2015. The arena has hosted the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, OHL All-Star Game, Skate Canada International, and the World Cup of Curling. Food & Beverage 3 All of the concessions are available in the main concourse and above the seating bowl at one end of the arena. The featured items include hamburgers, veggie dogs, hot dogs, pizza slices, chicken tenders, and poutine. Snack items include popcorn, nachos, fries, candy, pretzels, and chips. The arena offers combo deals from $12 to $18. Pepsi products, MillerCoors, and Molson products are available for purchase during the game. A nice treat is the freshly baked mini donuts that fans can see riding through a carousel and topped with cinnamon and sugar.  Atmosphere 4 The WFCU Center features an outer concourse that wraps almost entirely around the building. The arena houses the WFCU Centre Bar and the Crown Royal Club Lounge, a team pro shop, multiple concession stands, three public rinks, and a swimming pool. The Centre Bar is between gates 1 and 2 and across from sections 109 and 110. The bar offers beer, wine, and other spirits. Fans can also enjoy seat service, open views of the rink, and tabletop seats. The Crown Royal Club Lounge is exclusive to Platinum seat ticket holders, offering beer, wine, and other drinks. It houses a full menu selection and opens 2 hours before the game. Fans can enjoy couch seating and live music in the club lounge. The seating bowl offers unobstructed views of the rink, banners hang from the rafters of former players and past championships. The team has three mascots: Bomber, Spike, and Ace, who make their way throughout the concourse and skate on the ice during pre-game festivities.  Neighborhood 3 The arena is near various shopping centers, restaurants, and retail stores. The Tecumseh Mall is within a few blocks, along with El Dorado Tacos, East Side Marios, Average Joe’s Sports Bar, and Windsor Pizza, home to the city’s style of pizza-Super-that features thinly sliced pepperoni, bacon, green peppers, and canned mushrooms. Downtown is about a 15-20 minute drive and close to the two border crossings into Detroit. Walkerville Brewery is recommended for craft pints in a historic building, but the last call is at 7:30 pm. Just downstairs is Funky Chow Kitchen. A few blocks south is Kildare House, The Grand Cantina, and The Twisted Apron.  Depending on the weather, a walk along the riverfront is a must for all visitors. The views of the Detroit skyline, the sculpture park, and the new Gordie Howe Bridge that is under construction make for photo spots. Cesar Windsor Casino and the Canadian Aviation Museum are two other points of interest. Fans 3 During our review, it was one of those years that most Spitz fans would like to forget. However, fans lined up early before the doors opened, a few weighed flags, and many others made noise with noise-makers to add to the ambiance of the building. It was a great crowd for our visit, and one would think that the season had been going a little bit better for the hometown club.  Access 4 The arena is north of downtown and the Border crossings. If crossing on a weekend night, take the bridge, the tunnel gets backed up, possibly from 19-year-old Americans taking advantage of Canada’s drinking age. The WFCU Centre is about a 15-20 minute drive north, situated in a residential/commercial district with easy access to shopping malls, regional chain restaurants, and other points of interest. There is plenty of parking adjacent to the arena for games. Once inside the building, there is one main concourse that offers fans everything they would need for the game Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket is as low as $20 and as high as $44 per game. The prices are on par with many other OHL clubs. The parking was free, at least I did not see anyone taking money, and concession prices ranged from $5.25 for a hot dog, $9,50 for a domestic beer, and $15 for a poutine burger and fries. Please keep in mind that these are all in Canadian dollars, if coming from across the border for the States, the exchange rate could be favorable, or not. Extras 3 The WFCU Centre is a premier facility in the city and for the OHL. The arena provides great views of the rink, easy access to seating, and an energetic fanbase. A Spitfires game makes for a great outing during the hockey season. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Dickerson Stadium Stadium Dr Dunbar, WV 25064 West Virginia State Yellow Jackets website Dickerson Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 5,000 Building Better in Dunbar Dickerson Stadium, home of the West Virginia State Yellow Jackets (yes, two words) is in the midst of some great renovations that will make the venue better and better over time. Opened in 1963 and holding 5,000 fans (about 20% more than the school’s enrollment), the facility recently added a turf field, lighting so the team can host night games, a new athletics center on the northwest side, and new bleachers on the visiting side – next on the list, when they receive enough donations, is a new set of home stands complete with press box and new concessions. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions selection at Dickerson Stadium is not bad, but not as wide as at some other sports venues you might have been to – on offer are pizza, hot dogs, nachos, candy, chips, popcorn, canned soda, bottled water, coffee, hot cocoa, Gatorade. The pizza is actually phenomenal, however, and on the plus side the prices are very low – canned sodas and bottled water are only $1 each, which is crazy good, and the most expensive thing on the menu is only $4 (hot dog with chili; a slice of pizza or hot dog sans chili is only $3). Note that the concessions are cash only, however, so please plan accordingly. Atmosphere 4 The staff does a lot here to enhance the gameday atmosphere, which makes up for the still dated home stands – for example before the game and after WVSU scores, the stadium lights flicker on and off in various sequences (during night games only of course), which is a really great effect for fans to see – this occurs most prominently between the 3rd and 4th quarters and at halftime, as well as after WVSU scores. There is also what I call a ‘glitter cannon’, which launches gold foil confetti into the air after each Yellow Jacket score, which is another great effect, especially at night when the accompanying light show makes the foil pieces glitter even brighter. The Jackets also have a great mascot (Yellow Jacket-dressed individual, complete with stinger) who leads the team onto the field, and a great band in the form of the WVSU Marching Swarm. The cheerleaders also perform (from a spot right in front of the home side bleachers) throughout the game to pump up the fans in attendance. Yellow Jacket Mascot, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey The only drawback I would mention is the wooden bleachers on the home side, which are peeling and at least in need of new paint, if not replacement – but as I mentioned the University is planning to upgrade these as soon as possible. The metal bleachers on the visiting side are actually in better shape, so I would recommend sitting there instead if you want to avoid potential splinters (although of course the visiting side doesn’t have any concessions below it, so it would mean extra walking if you do sit over there). I would also mention the scoreboard is static, so if you miss a play you will not be able to re-watch it on screen; there is a videoboard section, however, that plays team graphics sometimes, such as during third downs or after home team scores. There is also a team gear stand near the main entrance. Neighborhood 3 Dickerson Stadium is located on the banks of the Kanawha River (pronounced Ka-naw) in the small town of Dunbar, WV. The Pitch Sports Bar & Grill is nearby, as is Ridge View BBQ, which oddly enough boasts the best wings in the state. There is not a lot to do in Dunbar itself, being mainly home to West Virginia State University, but Charleston is only 5-10 minutes away, which offers plenty of hotel, dining, and entertainment options if you plan to be in town for the day or weekend. Fans 4 WVSU football boasts some pretty solid fans, the home stands being pretty full even in years when the team is not doing so well on the field. You will also see plenty of fans sporting the Yellow Jackets black and gold, and those in attendance cheer loudly for their team. Access 3 Dickerson Stadium is easy to get to, not far from I-64 and only a few miles down the road from Charleston, WV (where I-77 and I-64 meet up). There is also free parking right in front of the facility, making for an easy walk into the stadium. The main entrance is actually on the visiting side, but there is a walking path around the southeast end (the northeast end is blocked off to fans) so you can get to the home stands. Dickerson Stadium Main Entrance, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey The only concessions are located underneath the home stands, as are the only bathrooms. The bathrooms themselves are a little dilapidated, but again the school is planning to replace the whole shebang on the home side as soon as they get the funding, so this should improve over time. Return on Investment 4 Admission is only $15 for football games at Dickerson Stadium, which is a great deal to see college football, especially adding in the cheap concessions and free parking. This is a pretty good return on investment for the mostly-modern stadium, with new lights, new brightly colored turf, and the light shows, mascot, and cheer squads enhancing your experience. Extras 3 The Yellow Jackets have great uniforms – black shirts and black pants with a large gold logo on one side of the helmet. The scoreboard also displays game stats throughout the game, i.e. rushing yards/passing yards/penalties, which is not common but great for football junkies who like to keep track of such things. I also can’t say enough about the light shows throughout the game. Final Thoughts West Virginia State University is a D2 program, so you may not expect much from your visit. Certainly it doesn’t have all the pomp and ceremony of some of the bigger FBS programs, for example, but it is a great experience for this level of football, and on the plus side the small, intimate stadium means it is much easier to move around than the larger venues, and you can also get much, much closer to the action – if you are able I would definitely recommend a visit to Dickerson Stadium. Go, Jackets!

Photos by Dennis Morrell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 BC Place 777 Pacific Blvd Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8 Canada Vancouver Whitecaps FC website BC Place website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 21,000 Waves of Excitement Fuel the Whitecaps What was once a necessary and simple building located in downtown Vancouver for Canadian football has been transformed over the last few years into one of the crown jewels among international sports venues. Thanks to an ambitious plan to attract the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver’s BC Lions football team and the Whitecaps soccer club remain chief beneficiaries in the Games’ aftermath. As interest in Major League Soccer grew throughout the United States, interest from Canadian fans followed. In 2007, Toronto began play as the first MLS franchise outside the United States. Vancouver joined the League in 2011 and it was soon joined by Montreal in 2012. Like Toronto, the Whitecaps needed a plan for an acceptable venue to host MLS matches before a franchise would be awarded. Vancouver fans were satisfied upon learning BC Place, home of the Canadian Football League’s Lions , would be further renovated after the Olympics with completion set for September 2011. Until it was complete, though, the Whitecaps played most of their inaugural campaign in a makeshift venue on the site of the former Empire Stadium, the longtime home of the NASL Whitecaps from 1974-1983. They closed out play at this site on September 21st with a 3-1 loss to Seattle Sounders FC. On October 2nd of their first season, they opened their new, renovated home with a 1-0 defeat to the hands of their Cascadia rivals, the Portland Timbers. Since the last month of their maiden season, the Whitecaps have been able to proudly call their home a magnificent venue, the details of which are sprinkled throughout this review. Modernized for pro soccer in ways which are truly clever, the Bell Pitch at BC Place, as it is known on game-day, possesses an intimate feel leaving new visitors awestruck the first time they see the venue from the outside, especially at night, and of course once they step inside the seating area. In terms of history, BC Place served as the Olympic Stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. It has hosted eight CFL Grey Cup Championship games. Touting such a rich history, the BC Sports Hall of Fame is located within the stadium just inside Gate A. This is worth a visit, best made on non-game days, but still open on game days from 10 AM to 5 PM. As for the future, team ownership originally hoped to build a soccer-specific venue known as Waterfront Stadium in nearby Gastown for the 2016 season. Due to public opposition to the plan, the club is committed to BC Place through at least the 2015 season. Who knows if this will remain their home after 2015? If you can make it there to see a game, you are in for a unique treat as BC Place is among the best MLS venues. Food & Beverage 5 While fans have certain minimum expectations for food and beverage offerings you can find anywhere, the concessionaire at BC Place has taken a different approach. In the 2013 season fans are seeing an upgrade not just regarding the type of offerings, but the quality of what you would expect. There are four special things worth eating. Made famous more so in French Canada than Vancouver, the made-to-order Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich served with kettle chips and kosher pickle for $9.75 is one of the best I have ever had and is offered at a fair price. Cooked just right with a generous portion of overlapping slices within a hearty ciabatta bun, this needs to be your first stop. In the main concourse, you can only get it at one place, a portable unit just across from the entrance to section 218. Ask for Jordan who oversees this area. He set things up nicely. A little further down the concourse, try the bratwurst on a pretzel bun served with kettle chips at $10.50. A bacon-wrapped hot dog on a regular bun served with kettle chips is also available for $9.50. Beer battered fish (two-piece) with kettle chips is $11.50. While tasty, the latter seemed a little overpriced for the amount of food provided. Lastly are the poutine fries (French fries with cheese curds and gravy poured over them). The regular version is $7 with a short-rib version for $8.50. As for the regular items, prices are a little higher than expected, but relatively in line with what you would expect for sports venues. As for soft drinks, Pepsi products dominate with Dole, Dr. Pepper, Orange Crush and 7-Up also available. A 24oz. soft drink is $4.50 while a 32oz. drink in a collector’s cup is $6.50. Bottled sodas and water are $4.50 while coffee and hot chocolate are $3.50. Beer and wine are plentiful in a variety of forms with 12 oz. Budweiser draught at $7.75 and both Premium (Stella Artois, Beck’s, Alexander Keiths, and Stanley Park Brewery) draught and Belgian White draught are $8.25 each. Budweiser cans are $8.50 and Premium cans are $9. Specialty drinks such as Mike’s Hard Cider, Okanagan Premium cider and Palm Bay Coolers are $9.50. Sonora Desert Ranch Pinot Grigio and Merlot are $8.50 per serving. For regular eats, a hot dog is $5.50 while converting it to a combo with drink and chips is $10.50. Nachos with cheese are $6 while a house recipe chili bowl is $6.50. Chicken fingers with fries are $10.50, a cheeseburger is $8 and French fries are $5.50. A burger combo with fries and a drink are $16, a $2 savings off the individual purchase price. Texas-Style pulled pork, known as Southsliders, is $9.50. As for snacks, one of the more unique items comes from Cin City Donuts, a portable kiosk on the main concourse. They offer bags of mini donuts for just $5.50 (cash only). Other more traditional items are bags of peanuts at $4 and Cracker Jacks at $6. An 85 oz. popcorn bucket is $5.50 while a 130 oz. refillable bucket is $9.50. Assorted candy is $4.50. Various ice creams and frozen treats at portable units range in price from $3 to $6. Atmosphere 5 It is pretty difficult to convert a 55,000-seat, multi-purpose stadium into an intimate 21,000-seat soccer pitch on game-day, but BC Place does a great job of achieving this very unique atmosphere. Uniquely created with nearly 50 large white heavy-duty fabric pieces, these visual elements are hung from a cable which mirrors the encircling area which ends up being quite a bit smaller than the perimeter of the upper deck. These large pieces are draped and connected to the first row railing of the upper deck. The upper deck is pretty much put out of sight and mind in this process and interestingly is reminiscent of the upper awning commonly found as the top rim of many MLS soccer-specific stadiums. In addition, perhaps the most significant renovation element involves the largest cable-supported retractable roof in the world. When opened, the opening measures 110 by 93 yards, nearly the same size as the field below. Even when opened, the seating area is covered by the permanent portion of the roof. Taking 20 minutes to open or close, the fabric roof retracts into a pod and is hidden in the center of the opening which is suspended above the videoboard. Speaking of the videoboard, it is the second largest center-hung high definition scoreboard in North America, the largest being the one at AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas). This remarkable piece of technology measures 68 feet wide by 38 feet high and runs along the sideline and with slightly smaller screens attached and facing each goal. Live action and replays dominate with just a small area in the lower-right corner of each screen reserved for the score and running time. Just as remarkable is the renovation work which helps to infuse natural light into the building. This is best enjoyed during afternoon matches. Even when the roof is closed, the space between the top of the upper deck and the permanent roof has been changed from the building’s original brown glass to clear glazing with a subtle blue tint. This improves the outer appearance of the building while allowing a brighter more natural environment in ramps, concourses, seating areas and the playing field. The new glazing also helps to reduce the amount of energy used to light the concourses during the daytime. The lower edge facing of the upper deck features a brightly displayed electronic ribbon board and is effective in cueing fans to cheer, announce substitutions and, of course, advertising. Just above sections 249 and 222, the time into the match and score are displayed, the only place other than the lower-right corner of the videoboard this information is shown. The playing field is polytan artificial turf measuring 117 yards by 75 yards. The pitch is certified by FIFA, the international soccer governing body, with a 2-star rating, the highest rating possible. You can enter BC Place as early as one hour before kick-off. When entering the facility, fans enter at the street level concourse known as Level 3. If deciding on which gate to enter, consider Gate A as it leads you right to the BC Sports Hall of Fame, open 10-5 and admission is half off with ticket to a game from two weeks prior. Regular adult price is $15 so that is quite a nice savings at $7.50. Upon entry, you will travel down a wide ramp to Level 2 and reach the main concourse. Unless you have tickets to the special lower level club seats, this will be familiar territory for you on this day. The entire concourse is carefully filled with the right mix of permanent and temporary concession stands, tastefully erected merchandise areas for game-day only, restrooms and entrances to the seating area. In understanding the seating arrangement for the sections, consider the appearance of the overhead seating signs, a sample image which is shown in the photo gallery of this review as section 218. Pay close attention to how the seats are conveyed on the sign and how they are arranged within a row. It is a little different than most venues and that is why I point out the details below. As you can see, the section is clearly listed, but when entering the seating area of a section, you can see rows to the right are seats 1-17 while rows to the left are seats 101-117. The number of seats within a row can change by section, but the way these are laid out is the main point here. Regardless of which section you sit, as you face the field, the right of the aisle is seat #1, then seat #2 next to it and the numbers increase as the row extends to the right. To the left of the aisle, however, and still in the same section, seat #101 is the first seat, seat #102 next to it and so on as the row extends to the left. This is important so that you understand the layout and don’t, for instance, get a ticket for a seat on the aisle which is also in your line of view to see the field as people walking up and down all game might lessen the enjoyment of your attendance at the match. With this complicated part addressed, determine what section you want to sit. As a basis for determining your choice, consider viewing things as though you were sitting at the midfield line facing the benches. You would be sitting in section 242. Across the field, the Whitecaps bench is to your left in front of section 213 while the visiting team occupies the bench in front of section 215. Section 214 is on the center line directly across from you. To your right and between section 227 and 228 is the north or east goal. To your left and between section 201 and section 254 is directly behind the south or west goal and where the teams enter the pitch. This is also the end of the field where the Whitecaps two supporter groups stand and yell all game. From section 201-207 and section 249-254, all sections stand and chant. Unfortunately, many of the chants involve foul language causing me to question the intellect of these folks when they use some of these words, as they do not make sense in the first place. The lack of respect most fans in these sections have for those enjoying a match is a letdown. I expected better, especially having witnessed chanting at numerous MLS matches in the past which were certainly all above board. So it can be done right. The lesson is to avoid the south or west end if you do not want to stand during the match or hear foul language spewed in synchronicity. As for the seating bowl, the sections closest to midfield are set back off the sidelines more than those near the end lines or corners. The pitch in the rows seems average, nothing special. Premium seating occupies the sideline area of the field opposite the benches. Not sure why these sections are pushed back further away from the field in the first place given the longtime tenant in the Lions football team also plays on a rectangular surface. Wherever you sit, make sure it is lower than row “S” otherwise you might feel too suffocated by being too close to the artificial roof designed to make the venue intimate for soccer matches. Incidentally, the venue’s private boxes are the highest leveled area you can reach for the soccer layout and really cause you to feel removed from the event you came to enjoy. There is something to be said for being too close to the action. You might be too low to the field and the view might be obstructed with too much player traffic if you are below row “F”. Overall, I like section 231, row “O” and anywhere from seat 104 through 110 as the ideal spot to view a Whitecaps match. Here you can view the players entering the field pretty much straight on, there is a good view of the activity in the bench area, you get views of two videoboards and, depending upon which way you turn your head, a view down the nearest sideline to your left or a view from just behind the goal line to your right. The aisle to your right is pretty much out of play relative to obstructing your view. The club sells out nearly every match so buying tickets at the box office may be somewhat difficult to accomplish the day of a game. Should they be available, consider the seat mentioned above in section 231 (non-alcoholic zone) is $28.25 face value. Cross the aisle in 230 and you will be $38.25. A midfield seat in section 241 is $63.25. Neighborhood 4 Most of the activity is to the north of BC Place, a mix of eateries and places for a light snack before or after the game. I have several which should be considered and one that should be avoided. There is no shortage of places to enjoy a variety of good local beer and a few interesting foods. Back Forty at 118 Robson Street is just north and across the street from BC Place. It is a convenient and good choice for being close to the venue and offers great food. Consider the bucket of buttermilk fried chicken or the St. Louis Style Pork Ribs. Doolin’s Irish Pub at 654 Nelson Street at Glanville is just north and west of BC Place. You will enjoy the atmosphere with live music frequently, soccer on the tele and 23 beers on tap. To eat, choose Shepherd’s Pie or Guinness Beef Pie and don’t even look at the menu. Just pick one of those two choices. The Pint Public House & Sports Bar at 455 Abbott Street just a little north and east of BC Place is another fine choice. Any of their burgers or the Pale Ale Fish & Chips is worth ordering. I have enjoyed a visit to their downtown Edmonton location a few years back and the Vancouver location is equally worth visiting. You might want to avoid Rosie’s on Robson. There is something wrong when you order a simple appetizer with plenty of time to eat it, but then it takes 30 minutes to get it. I didn’t really get a warm feeling when I walked in there either. I left after the disrespect. Avoid this place as there are too many other options which clearly want your business more than Rosie’s. As for as things to do and see, my guess is most any trip to Vancouver will involve more than just soccer. So while you plan your trip to this magnificent city, consider visits to the following places in or around downtown Vancouver; Granville Island and Granville Market, Stanley Park and the seawall, Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, shopping and sightseeing in North Vancouver and West Vancouver and finally, Horseshoe Bay. Fans 4 There is a nice mix of fans at Whitecaps games as their following continues to grow in their third season. Soccer fans are passionate by nature and Whitecaps’ supporters follow suit. They come in all shapes and sizes from young to old as the club is making an effort to generate a family commitment among its fans. Each pre-game begins with a March to the Match beginning at the corner of Robson and Granville. Originated by the Southsiders, the longest serving supporters club, the group marches down Robson about a ½ mile toward BC Place. The march involves a chanting of songs, waving of flags and carrying of banners all the way to the game. Rain City Brigade is the newest of the two supporters groups having begun their organized support of the Whitecaps in 2010. Both supporter groups call the southwest end behind the goal as their home seating area. Access 4 Parking is available throughout the downtown area around BC Place, but you will pay a hefty price of $20-$30. I would avoid it at all costs, especially when you think of what the savings could buy you in the way of food and drink before or during the game. I chose a downtown hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott, and walked to the game. The next best option is to take light rail. If you choose Skytrain, Vancouver’s fully-automated light rail system, you will enjoy an easy, inexpensive option. Free from downtown traffic, there are three lines (Expo Line-navy, Millenium Line-yellow and Canada line-teal). Fares vary based upon distance travelled, but typically are $2.75 each way for reasonable distances. You will not pay more than $5.00 each way and that involves the furthest distances. The lines are laid out a little strangely so check the website for the details and map out your trip. From wherever you travel, the closest stations to BC Place are Stadium-Chinatown (Expo Line-navy and Millennium Line-yellow only), just two blocks northeast and Vancouver-City Centre Station (along the Canada line-teal only), just six “short” blocks northwest. Buses and streetcars run through the downtown area and are also a nice option to the game. If you are making it a full day of using mass transit, consider a day-pass which covers all travel on buses, street cars, Seabus and Skytrain for $9.75. Return on Investment 4 Vancouver tends to be a bit more expensive than most cities for anything, but all in all, the prices are decent for a Whitecaps game. Ticket prices in the upper tier of seating are a little over the top, but you can find a good seat for $30. Food and beverage prices are on par with most sports venues and while there are some which are over the top, there are also others that are better than expected. Mass transit is always the way to go, particularly if there is no tailgating involved. Extras 5 MASCOT – Spike the mascot is very active during games and even during the pre-game where he plays soccer with fans outside before the gates open. At the game I attended, he defended the northeast goal during a penalty-kick promotion (see image in photo gallery). Unlike some mascots, Spike is not an afterthought, but an integral part of the club branding strategy. MERCHANDISE – Despite the renovations, the facility relies on temporary merchandise kiosks spread through the main concourse. There is no main team store in the entire venue. Still, the club does a good job of merchandising a display of products in a wide range of price points. Although I found a stylish shirt to wear to the game while at Granville Island marketplace, prices are just slightly above what you would pay outside the facility. PROGRAM – Earlier in the 2013 season, the club provided the typical 5×7 size program filled with stories, rosters, statistics and all of the pertinent information soccer fans want to follow the match. On the date I attended and presumably beginning in early August, the team stopped producing the more content-based program in favor of inserts. Upon entry, I was handed the insert which served to promote a push for 2014 season ticket sales more than anything along with roster and statistics. No word on if the team will return to the traditional game program, but if they do, you can also find them in the Whitecaps website for download under the Match Programs tab below the Fans heading. To witness a match inside a venue like this is truly special. The view from the seats across the field with the gigantic videoboard hanging from the cleverly constructed roof structure and the hanging material which make the atmosphere spectacular are a real unique experience. The March to the Match led by the Southsiders supporters is a neat way to spark the excitement leading up to the match. An hour before game time, meet the group at Robson and Granville for the ½ mile March to the Match. This is a widely-embraced way to get ready for the match. An extra mark for the significant place that Vancouver has given Terry Fox. With the plaza named after him, and a fantastic bronze statue (four actually), Vancouver and BC Place has shown the importance of this Canadian icon, who arguably did more for cancer research than any other person, ever!

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 St Louis Field 284 Hill Street Biddeford, ME 04005 Sebago Slammin' Salmon website St Louis Field website St Louis Field – Sebago Slammin’ Salmon At first glance, St. Louis Field appears to be a nondescript high school baseball field, which it is, but it also has a rich history as the former home of professional baseball teams such as the Biddeford Clamdiggers in the late 1800s, and the Biddeford Orphans in the early 1900s. St. Louis Field is a source of deep historical roots and local pride in the southern Maine town of Biddeford, for decades serving as a gathering place for locals to cheer on high school teams, and also used to celebrate the city’s Franco-American heritage at the annual La Kermesse Festival . St. Louis Field has also routinely been used by the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League (GNCBL), as part of its rotation of sites for summer collegiate baseball over the years. The 2024 GNCBL season saw a big transition in its operations, as the league was purchased and reorganized from a nomadic style of teams playing at different sites around southern Maine to designated home teams playing at six different fields. One team, the Sebago Slammin’ Salmon, splits its season between St. Louis Field and Mahaney Diamond on the campus of St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, home of the Monks.   Food & Beverage   0 No concession stand is open at St. Louis Field, but fans are welcome to bring their food and beverages.   Atmosphere   1 St. Louis Field is the most basic facility used in the GNCBL, consisting of three sets of aluminum bleachers and a pair of small, cedar-shingled dugouts. The field overlooks a second baseball diamond, a wide-open multi-use field, and surrounding houses. There is no scoreboard in use at St. Louis Field, which can make it challenging to keep track of the inning and score. Most fans bring their tailgating chairs to find the best vantage point, or to set up in the few shaded areas available.   Neighborhood   3 St. Louis Field is a neighborhood field as much as any field can be. Single and multi-family homes line the streets just outside the field, while an elementary school sits just beyond the left field line. The nearby streets are so close that the backstop netting has been extended up nearly 20 feet to protect passing vehicles. However, it is not uncommon for foul balls to still find their way into neighboring yards. The field is just over a mile from Biddeford’s Main Street and the Biddeford textile mill, which has been converted into shops and restaurants. About half a mile further, across the Saco River bridge, is Biddeford’s sister city Saco, which boasts its own charming Main Street full of shops and locally owned restaurants. There you will find Rapid Rays, a 1950s-style restaurant, specializing in burgers, hot dogs, lobster rolls, and the Quebec classic comfort food, poutine (French fries topped with cheese curds and covered in gravy). If looking to make the day a doubleheader, the Old Orchard Beach Bugs (in the same league) play just 15 minutes away at The Ballpark.   Fans   1 Crowds are modest here, typically capping at around 50 spectators per game. The fans are generally supportive of the teams and only criticize umpires on egregiously questionable calls. There does not seem to be a large local following, however, which in part may be due to Sebago splitting its season between two sites.   Access   3 Biddeford is conveniently located off I-95, which connects most of Maine’s major cities and is also accessible via Route 1, which runs more along the Maine coast. Traffic can get backed up at the 5-Points intersection, so taking the back route through the industrial park might save time if you are using I-95 to get to Biddeford. Amtrak’s Nor’easter line does have a Biddeford/Saco stop just a mile-and-a-half from St. Louis Field – while this is an option to get to the field, it probably isn’t the most practical choice. There is parking across the street from the ballpark at the neighboring elementary school, leaving a short walk to the diamond.   Return on Investment   5 There doesn’t appear to be a charge for admittance, and parking is free at the elementary school across the street from the third base side of the field. A handful of teams in the league do charge between $5 to $6 for admission, so if by chance an admission fee is charged, it should be relatively modest.   Extras   1 There is not much at St. Louis Field by way of extras that will add to the experience, but for families who might bring younger children to a game, there is a wide-open field beyond the ball field where kids can play if watching the game might be too much.   Final Thoughts St. Louis Field does not come with many amenities to make the experience of taking in a baseball game here a memorable experience, but it does bring the game back to its most basic of roots; 9 players on each side, 90-foot basepaths, and a mound 60 feet-6 inches from home. It has everything needed for collegiate players who are just looking to get in more reps to improve their skills, and for fans, it is a great reminder of the simplicity of the game that is America’s pastime.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Ed Flaherty Field 156 School Street Gorham, ME 04038 Gotham Lightning website Ed Flaherty Field website Year Opened: 2017 Ed Flaherty Field – Gorham Lightning As the collegiate baseball season comes to an end on the campus of the University of Southern Maine in Gorham, attention shifts to the summer wooden bat season. As members of the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League (GNCBL), the Gorham Lightning are playing their first season in the league. Entering the 2024 season, the GNCBL underwent significant changes in operations and organization. The league was purchased by "The Players League", and its format was changed from a nomadic setup, with teams playing at various fields around the area, to a structure where each of the five teams now has its own designated home field.   Food & Beverage   0 There are no concessions offered at Ed Flaherty Field, but fans are welcome to bring their food and drinks. With a handful of convenience stores less than a mile away, grabbing a sandwich, chips, and soda to bring to the field might be a good option.   Atmosphere   2 Ed Flaherty Field is one of the more comfortable facilities used in the GNCBL – the seating bowl here is built into the hillside and consists of six rows of individual chairback seats, keeping fans close to the action on the field. Seating extends from dugout to dugout, and while the seats are not covered, the sun sets behind the grandstand, providing shade to the top rows fairly early in the game. Evening games do not have much difficulty with the sun in any direction. The games here are as pedestrian as can be – there are no walkup songs, no music between innings, and no on-field contests; it’s just baseball. The game is what it is, just some college players getting some summer at-bats and innings pitched.   Neighborhood   3 On the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham campus, Ed Flaherty Field is less than a mile from Gorham’s city center. Main Street oozes small-town charm and is dotted with locally-owned shops and restaurants. Junction Bowl offers both food and entertainment, while Sebago Brewing Company has a brewpub next door and a tasting room just a short 3-mile trip away. For more of a full-day experience, downtown Portland is about 10 miles away, featuring the area's biggest summer attractions. Closer still is the neighboring town of Westbrook, a growing community with numerous restaurants, Mast Landing Brewery, and a popular riverside trail.   Fans   1 Attendance is generally small, mostly consisting of friends and families of the players. The summer setting tends to keep fans more laid-back, but they are quick to let umpires know about borderline calls. This is the league’s first year using a home team format, where teams have a designated home field, so the idea of developing roots in a community has not yet had much time to set in.   Access   3 Gorham is a suburb of Maine’s largest city Portland. Without direct access from the state's only interstate route, I-95, traffic into Gorham can become congested, due to several highly traveled arteries feeding into the city center from neighboring towns to the east – roads coming from the north, south, and west are much less traveled. While there is a campus shuttle that runs between Portland and Gorham, it stops running at 5 pm, making it challenging to return to Portland after a game using public transportation. GPS directions lead to an awkward parking lot that is not directly adjacent to the field. It is easier to enter via the Campus Avenue entrance, which provides access to the lot directly next to the field – from this latter parking lot, it is just a short walk to the entrance and a walkway that runs atop the seating bowl.   Return on Investment   5 There was no admission charge during my last visit; GNCBL teams that charge for attendance typically ask for between $5 and $6 – it is possible I just caught a break from not having anyone there that day selling tickets. Typically, any sporting event that is free of charge is hard to beat. However, what is disappointing, and is no fault of the league, is that even during the summer the University here charges for parking. Although the fee is nominal, roughly $1.50 an hour, it seems unnecessary given the lower demand for campus parking in the summer.   Extras   1 The field is a rather quirky one – it is not every day you will find a baseball field where centerfield (388’) is 18 feet shorter than right center (406’).   Final Thoughts The reorganization of the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League appears to bring the league more credibility, as well as the ability to create roots in the towns that host teams, making it possibly an appealing option for families in the community to consider in the summer months. The Gorham Lightning have some work to do in terms of branding and marketing their team, but they might have one of the most important elements of the equation already in place with the comfort that is provided by Ed Flaherty Field.

Photos by Paul Baker and Marc Viquez , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 First Horizon Park 19 Junior Gilliam Way Nashville, TN 37219 Nashville Sounds website First Horizon Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 10,000 Sounds Like a Winner Professional baseball has been played in the city of Nashville since 1884. Numerous teams played at historic Sulpher Dell, located just north of Tennessee’s state capital building, from 1885 to 1963. Most notable among these teams were the Southern Association’s Nashville Vols, who called Sulpher Dell home from 1901 to 1963. When the Vols disbanded after the 1963 season, Nashville was left without pro baseball for 14 years.   In 1978 Vanderbilt Commodores baseball coach Larry Schmittou, along with a group of investors who included country music stars Conway Twitty, Cal Smith, and Jerry Reed, financed the building of a new ballpark and the purchase of a new team. This ballpark, Hershel Greer Stadium, was built two miles south of downtown on the grounds of Fort Negley, a Civil War fortification. The new team was named the Sounds in honor of the city’s country music heritage.   By the early 2000s, Greer Stadium was outdated and in need of replacement. Several proposals for a new ballpark were made and rejected over the years as Greer was upgraded in a piecemeal fashion. The team made threats to leave Nashville as plans stalled repeatedly. The team favored a site downtown near the Siegenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and Nissan Stadium, while the city preferred the old Sulpher Dell site as a new focal point of the Germantown neighborhood. The $37 million First Tennessee Park was agreed upon in 2013 and completed in time for the 2015 season.   The Sounds franchise began life as an expansion team in the AA Southern League. In 1983 Sounds ownership looked to establish Nashville as a viable Major League market. They purchased the AAA Evansville Triplets and moved them to Nashville, joining the American Association. When that league dissolved in 1998, the Sounds joined the Pacific Coast League. When MLB reorganized the minor leagues in 2021, the Sounds were assigned to the International League. The Sounds are the oldest professional sports team in the city of Nashville. In their time at the AAA level, Nashville won one championship, in 2005. Food & Beverage 4   As is the case in many new ballparks, concessions are a focal point of the First Horizon Park experience. There are four main stands scattered along the concourse above the seating bowl.  Smokehouse BBQ, Hot or Not Chicken, Music City Grill, and Sulpher Dell Slices are the main attractions. Each stand features a menu with unique items, so you may need to do a little searching to find your desired items. Of course, Nashville’s iconic hot chicken sandwiches can be found here. The main stands are augmented by portable carts that sell everything from cheesesteaks to donuts. The full concession map can be found here .   While the menus at the big stands are pretty diverse, even more specialty items can be found in the Band Box stand in right field. Among the items you’ll find here are jalapeno corn fritters, empanadas, tot-chos, and a full listing of specialty cocktails.   Pepsi products are featured at First Horizon Park. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a wide selection of beer, wine, mixed and frozen drinks. Craft beer fans will find many choices throughout the stadium, including brews from local favorites Harpeth and Tailgate Brewing.   Atmosphere 5   First Horizon Park’s glass and steel exterior instantly distinguishes it from its red brick and green seat peers around the country. You’ll find touches of Nashville throughout the park, from the Sulpher Dell marker in center field to the iconic guitar scoreboard in right. Nods to Nashville’s musical heritage are noted in more subtle ways throughout the ballpark, with guitar picks, clef notes, and strings adorning the seats, concourse, and signage of the facility.   Fans who may not necessarily be here for the ball game will still find many ways to entertain themselves, as they can play mini-golf, whiffle ball, cornhole, or even ping pong in the right-field party deck. This area, christened the Band Box , features an outdoor bar and restaurant with special menu items that can only be found here. This is undoubtedly the place to be at a Nashville baseball game.     The team store features a selection of throwback items featuring the Sounds’ classic logo, that of a batter taking a swing with a guitar rather than a bat. This logo can also be found in other locations around the ballpark.   Don’t worry, traditional baseball fans. Despite the numerous social gathering areas in the ballpark and the distractions happening in every nook and cranny of the facility, you won’t be clubbed over the head by the non-baseball activities. If you choose to visit First Horizon Park just to watch baseball, you’ll be able to do so. You may even find other things worth watching along the way.   Neighborhood 4   First Horizon Park is located in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood, located about a mile from downtown. The ballpark was hoped to be the centerpiece of the revitalization of this neighborhood and judging by the amount of construction in the area, it might just be working. While the millennial-hipster vibe of the area may be a turnoff to some fans, this does seem like an area where you can spend a few hours before or after the game enjoying the sights and sounds.   Just steps from the ballpark’s main entrance is Von Elrod’s Beer Hall and Kitchen, specializing in smoked meats, sausages, and burgers, with an impressive selection of pretzels on the menu. If Bavarian fare doesn’t do it for you, there are plenty of other options in Germantown. Check out DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana, Neighbors of Germantown, Geist Bar, Waldo’s Chicken and Beer, or Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint. Third and Home is a popular sports bar with a deck that overlooks the field.   While there are few lodging options adjacent to the ballpark, Nashville is a large city, with infinite options around if you expand your search. Of course, downtown isn’t too far away if you want to stay where the action is.   Fans 5   The Sounds have averaged over 7,500 fans per game over the past three seasons, which places them in the top five in minor league baseball in terms of attendance. Nashville has had a spot among the national attendance leaders since the opening of First Horizon Park in 2015. Stadium Journey visited Nashville on the Fourth of July, and as you may expect, there was a standing-room-only crowd in attendance.   With the numerous social gathering areas located throughout First Horizon Park, more curmudgeonly fans may complain that a large percentage of fans in attendance are not paying much, if any, attention to the game. Indeed, there are so many things to do here that the game may seem almost secondary, but there are plenty of die-hard baseball fans here in Nashville. The demographics of the crowd here are no different than you’ll find in any minor-league ballpark. There are lots of families, groups, and casual fans enjoying the show.   Access 4   First Horizon Park is easily accessible from Interstates 65, 40 and 24. If you are visiting Nashville and looking to visit the downtown area, it’s only a mile away. Fans taking public transportation will find WeGo bus routes  that run along both 2nd Avenue and Rep. John Lewis Way.   The Sounds boast that 6,000 parking spots are located within a half-mile of the ballpark. A parking garage is located adjacent to the ballpark, as well as numerous surface lots nearby. A full listing of parking options can be found here .   Fans will enter First Horizon Park via one of three entrances, located behind home plate, in deep left field and deep right field. All entrances deposit fans onto the spacious 360-degree concourse, with the field visible from virtually all points. Fans will walk down to their seats from the concourse. While there is much activity all over First Horizon Park, navigating the concourse is easy, and lines are not an issue. Restrooms are spacious and clean, and there are plenty of accessible areas for fans who require such accommodation.   Return on Investment 4   While Minor League Baseball continues to be a great entertainment value, especially when compared to the Major Leagues, remember that Nashville is a large city, so you will be paying big city prices. Still, there are great bargains to be found at a Sounds game. Tickets start at $10 for spots on the berm, while reserved seats start at $15. The majority of seats in the ballpark can be found for under $30. Purchasing your tickets on the day of the game will increase prices between $2-$5, depending on where your seats are.   Parking in the Sounds Garage beyond the right field wall will cost you ten dollars. In addition, there are several surface lots to the north of the ballpark along Jefferson Street and 2nd Avenue North. While concession prices may feel a bit high, they are in line with other facilities at this level of baseball.   Extras 5   The focal point of First Horizon Park is undoubtedly the iconic guitar scoreboard. While the original Greer stadium scoreboard did not make the transition to Germantown, the Sounds made sure an upgraded version of the scoreboard was part of their new home.   The country music legends race in the middle of the fifth inning features oversized caricatures of George Jones, Donny Parton, Johnny Cash, and Reba McIntyre. If you enjoy the racing Presidents in Washington or the racing pierogies of Pittsburgh, you’ll enjoy these shenanigans.   Behind the batter’s eye in center field is a marker honoring the site as the location of Sulpher Dell, the historic home of baseball in Nashville.   First Horizon Park is home to what is perhaps the best mini-golf course in all of baseball. If mini-golf isn’t your thing, try the wiffle ball field, or one of the many games in The Band Box.   A final extra point is awarded for the ballpark's address. The ballpark is located on Junior Gilliam Way. Gilliam was a Nashville native and one of the city's finest Major League players. His number 19 was retired by the Dodgers organization. Gilliam began his playing career with the Nashville Black Vols, who played at Sulpher Dell, in 1945. Final Thoughts   While wandering around First Horizon Park, it’s strange to think that a short time ago, Nashville was in danger of losing its team. The Sounds’ new home has been transformative for baseball in Nashville and the city’s Germantown neighborhood. It should be considered as one of the finest minor league facilities in the country. ----   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Harrison HPER Complex 14000 Highway 82 Itta Bena, MS 38941 Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils website Harrison HPER Complex website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 5,000 The Devil Went Down To The Delta The small city of Itta Bena, Mississippi is home to Mississippi Valley State University, a Division One Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The school enrolled over 2,000 students during the Fall 2023 semester. The athletic programs are known as the “Delta Devils” and they compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The basketball team has made five NCAA Tournament appearances, last making the big dance in 2012. Food & Beverage 2 Stadium basics such as nachos ($4), popcorn ($2), hot dogs ($4), wings ($6), and Pepsi branded beverages ($3) are sold at the Harrison Complex. Cash and cards are accepted for payment but alcohol is not sold at the arena. Atmosphere 3 Upon walking into the Harrison Complex the floor greets you with a logo of the Delta Devils program. After walking up a flight of stairs to enter the seating bowl, a trophy case showcases the athletic successes of the Delta Devils program. The venue was renovated in 2016 and the result is a seating bowl with chairback seats that only go 11 rows back. The walls are decorated with banners showcasing the successes of the program over the years. The band does an amazing job of keeping the energy up during breaks in game action. During halftime they play so loud that you can not hear yourself talking. Neighborhood 2 Itta Bena is a small town. Dining options include Larry’s Fish House, W8 Restaurant and Sports Bar, and Capricorn’s Cafe. There’s not much in the way of tourist attractions in Itta Bena. A drive eight miles East to the Museum of the Mississippi Delta in Greenwood is worth a stop. Lodging will also be in Greenwood with hotel chains such as Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Suites being options for overnight stays. Fans 2 The band does a great job of keeping the atmosphere up during basketball games. The fans that do show up to games have pride in the Delta Devils. Access 3 The campus of Mississippi Valley State is on highway 82. After entering the campus the arena will be on the left. The arena is easy to walk around as long as you can walk up a flight of stairs. Return on Investment 3 A ticket is $15 and lets you see both a men’s and women’s game. The band will give some great performances. The parking is free and concessions probably won’t run you more than $10. $25 for a day of SWACtion is what the Valley offers. Extras 1 Jerry Rice played college football for the Delta Devils. Final Thoughts Mississippi Valley State has its struggles as a underfunded school in a small town. But its alumni are proud to be alumni and there have been successes for the Delta Devils over the years. The fans and alumni are ready to see a competitive Delta Devils program again. Hopefully Mississippi Valley State can deliver soon.

Photo Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Moore Gymnasium 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats website Moore Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 3,000 Daytona Beach Hoops The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats play their basketball games at Moore Gymnasium in beautiful Daytona Beach, Florida. There are quite a few points of interest around town, including Bethune-Cookman University. This basketball team is a proud member of the MEAC Conference, but have never been able to attain great success. They did have a bid to play in the NIT back in 2011, but were quickly eliminated by Virginia Tech. Moore Gymnasium was built in 1954 and only holds 3,000 fans, but provides a surprisingly loud punch to the face for opposing teams. Food & Beverage 2 The refreshments are similar to what you’ll find at your local high school basketball game. Every food item is under $4. The menu includes a pulled pork sandwich, hot dog, cheeseburger, boiled peanuts, and nachos. There is also a nice selection of shaved ice flavors. The concession window is easy to find, located to the left of the main entrance. The line is backed up at halftime, so I suggest purchasing your items before then. Atmosphere 3 The tiny size of the gymnasium coupled with 3,000 passionate fans creates a hectic, and enjoyable, stadium atmosphere. The cheers and whistles are so deafening, it’s difficult to speak to the person next to you. Not to say this is a bad thing. If you’re a fan of loud, raucous environments, this experience will be for you. Even the squeak of the sneakers will reverberate around this intimate space. You can only imagine the passion this venue would offer during a rivalry or championship game. You will be so close to the action you’ll feel like you can jump in and attempt a three-pointer yourself, especially depending on where you sit. The seats are open to everybody with the price of admission, so if you arrive early you can grab a seat right on the floor! The mascot is really interactive and has a lot of fun with his role in the game. The Wildcat will pose for pictures, join huddles with the players, and dance with the cheerleaders. The walk to Moore Gymnasium is a great part of the atmosphere. The venue is located in the heart of the campus and makes for a great walk on a beautiful Florida afternoon. The gymnasium blends in with the surrounding architecture, therefore it may be easy to miss. Walking into Moore Gymnasium will provide some rare nostalgia of a high school game, but offers the talent of Division I basketball. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood around Bethune-Cookman University doesn’t offer anything special during your visit. However, Daytona International Speedway is located about ten minutes down the road, right next to the Interstate. It is highly recommended to check out this iconic sports venue. The stands are massive and will leave you in awe when seen for the first time. Check out tour information here and be sure to schedule your visit anytime you can make it. It’s a must-see for any stadium traveler. The area surrounding Daytona International Speedway is full of chain restaurants and bars. It’s a great place to spend some time before or after the basketball game on campus. The only reason for the low rating is the attractions area is not located close to campus, so it is a bit of a drive but offers the best tourist experience in the city. Fans 3 The noise inside Moore Gymnasium is a testament to the small size of the venue, but the fans offer a good amount of support for the Wildcats. Even en route to a blowout win, fans loudly suggest advice for the players. The atmosphere generated by the crowd is a combination of different aspects, including whistles and player communication, but the fans are here for the game. It’s common to find small schools with little interest in the happenings of the court. These are mere social events as compared to an actual interest in the team, so credit is due at this small basketball school. The interest is here and you can hear it during the game. Access 2 The traffic for a Saturday afternoon game is nonexistent, even around the attractions area. The campus is fairly easy to find, located down the road from US-92. Moore Gymnasium is tricky to find within the campus. There are zero signs or indications of its location. If you know the general area and address, you will eventually pinpoint its location in the middle of campus. Due to its small size, it’s easy to overlook. Allow some extra time if you plan to make an opening tip. Parking is free with plenty of spots available in the main parking lot. Once inside Moore Gymnasium, you’ll find space is limited in the hallways near the court. The seats are uncomfortable bleachers with limited legroom, but the games don’t last very long due to limited commercial interruption. Return on Investment 4 Any seat in the house will only cost $10 and the parking is free. The game is entertaining and doesn’t take up too much of the day. Plus, the campus is situated near the race track and offers an entire day’s worth of events to attend. Not to mention the beautiful beaches to spend an afternoon. Overall, the experience is worth the cost and offers plenty of extra sights to check out on your visit. Extras 2 The attractions of Daytona Beach are rare in relation to a small school. There is usually a campus and a long drive home. Here, there is plenty to experience to complement the trip. Moore Gymnasium holds onto a historic feel that you won’t find with many other small arenas. Final Thoughts Daytona Beach is a premier tourist destination and for good reason. It’s a beautiful area with history and picturesque scenery. The Bethune-Cookman campus is a nice addition, but the sports experience doesn’t match the charm of other small schools. Usually, there is momentum and promise with a small school building towards a name, but the energy here is stagnant. There may never be necessary funds to provide a modern venue, and without it, the experience cannot improve.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dix Stadium 2227 Summit Rd. Kent, OH 44240 Kent State Golden Flashes website Dix Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 25,513 A Flash of Lightning In 1914, a football team was attempted at Kent State University. Unfortunately, the team was disbanded as the school decided to focus on basketball. Enter coach Paul Chandler who would push Kent State to once again field a team and in 1920 the team would take the field, this time with longevity in mind. On November 6 Kent State would host their first home football game against Bowling Green. Kent State would show resilience and would be rewarded with its first victory in 1925. Kent State University president John Edward McGilvrey had an affinity for silver foxes which he raised on his farm. As a result, the team was first known as the Kent State Silver Foxes. After his controversial firing in 1926, a name the team contested would produce the Golden Flashes name, which has no other relevance to the team. Home for the Golden Flashes since 1969 is Dix Stadium. Formerly Memorial Stadium, it was renamed in 1973 after Kent State trustee and Record-Courier publisher Robert C. Dix. In 1951, Kent State would fully adopt the MACtion, joining the Mid-American Conference where they remain today. The university-owned stadium has seen a few successful Golden Flash seasons including a 1972 MAC Championship and three bowl appearances. With a capacity of over 25,000, Dix Stadium can accommodate nearly the entire 29,000 people that live in Kent or the entire 22,000 student enrollment at Kent State University. The MAC is the perfect spot for a school like Kent State where a flash of lightning is a great time on a Saturday afternoon. Food & Beverage 3 Dix Stadium offers a fairly pedestrian concession selection. There are decent items on the menu, but nothing that will blow the doors open. Pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, coney dogs, brats, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, chips, candy, burgers, Italian sausage, and fries are all available. There are a couple of smaller concession stands in the gathering area just after the west entry gate as well as a large concession in the south end zone. Pepsi products are the soft drink available as well as bottled water, coffee, Gatorade, and hot chocolate. There are some beer options at Dix at various spots including some decent craft options. MadCap, Thirsty Dog, and The Brew Kettle are all available along with Bud Light. Atmosphere 3 Dix Stadium offers a decent atmosphere for some weekend MACtion. Fans who are arriving at the stadium will be drawn to the west entrance, which would have to be considered the main entrance. Fans are greeted by a large, permanent Kent State Golden Flashes logo upon approaching the west gate. Getting past security and into the stadium area has more of a feeling akin to a Western stadium where large gathering areas exist between the entry gates and the stadium proper. The west side of the stadium is for regular and visiting fans as opposed to the east side which is designated for students. Entrances to the seating bowl are delineated with signage honoring not only former Golden Flash greats but also the lineage of the Kent State football helmets over the years. Inside the seating bowl, fans will find that the best option is the west grandstand. It may be the only option. The students are segregated to the east grandstand and many visiting fans will take up residence in the north end zone stands. There are no stands in the south end but the George Jenkins and Jim Phelan Hall of Fame Plaza is a breath of fresh air for college stadiums. The west grandstand offers the best view of the fifty-yard line logo and has the only reserved seating at Dix. Reserved seating, found in the center sections of the west side, comes with backs to the bleacher seats, a feature that helps the uncomfortable seats a little and is not available in the other sections. The biggest concession stand at Dix Stadium stands under the video board in the Hall of Fame plaza, flanked by large brick towers. Off of the towers are the banners of the other MAC schools, with the curious exception of Akron. Below the MAC banners are the banners honoring the retired Golden Flash numbers of football legends. James Harrison, Josh Cribbs, Eric Wilkerson, Jim Corrigall, and Jack Lambert were all football legends at Kent State and are honored accordingly. The plaza also features high-top tables and at each table,, there are placards for KSU Hall of Fame football players. It may be the best spot to watch the game from. The north wall at field level highlights banners for the three bowl games the Golden Flashes have participated in unsuccessfully including the 2013 GoDaddy.com Bowl, the 1972 Tangerine Bowl, and the eclectic 1954 Refrigerator Bowl. The game day atmosphere in Kent is about what you would expect from a college football experience. The band enters and plays before the game and during halftime. The cheerleaders cheer the team on and perform gymnastic stunts and the dance team performs during a stoppage. Flash the Golden Eagle, the Kent State mascot is found on the field during pre-game and on the sidelines throughout. Neighborhood 2 Dix Stadium is located at the eastern edge of the City of Kent and Kent State University. There isn’t too much to be found between the main campus and Dix Stadium and there are plenty of parking lots around the stadium. This makes Dix a better spot to slap up your tailgate party as opposed to heading to a pub before the game. However, a five-minute drive into town, and there are plenty of options to be found. Mike’s Place, Bricco in Kent, Lucci’s Place, and Wild Goats Fresh and Funky Fine Dining are all good options. Downtown Kent has several options also and Belleria Pizza and Italian is a great option. Kent State is unfortunately most famous for the tragedy that happened on May 4th, 1970 and the Memorial and Visitor Center at Kent State is a somber spot to visit while on campus. The Art Gallery on campus may also be of interest. For other sports, the basketball Golden Flashes play on the main campus at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center . The cities of Cleveland and Akron are also close by for rounding out a sports weekend. For fans wishing to stay in Kent, the University Hotel and Conference Center and Holiday Inn Express are both good options. Fans 3 Comparing college football attendance can be dubious. The Golden Flashes usually average between 10,000 and 13,000 fans per game. Rivalry games against Akron and Bowling Green, as well as the Homecoming game, are the best-attended games. However, the Golden Flashes do not have a consistent reputation for excellence on the football field so a big bump up in attendance has not been seen in a while. Games late in the season are often sparsely attended. The fans in attendance are fairly laid back. Not over the top, but supportive of their team. Students often have difficulty sticking around for the entire game. Access 4 The City of Kent is located about four miles north of I-75. The small size of the city makes it fairly easy to maneuver through to get to Dix Stadium. There is plenty of parking around the stadium on Summit Drive. The shuttle lot offers free parking and a shuttle ride to the stadium, but fans who wish to park a little closer and walk can expect to pay a mere $5 to park. For fans who wish to take public transit, some buses head right to the stadium. Fans should check the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority website for fares, schedules, and maps. The ticket windows, including will-call, can be found on the west side of the stadium at the Adam S. Hamilton West Entrance. There are four main pavilions in each of the corners of the stadium that serve as the washroom facilities. They are more than adequate for the stadium. Return on Investment 5 MACtion continues to be a great deal. The product on the field in the conference and at Kent State is vastly underrated. The ability to see great players at a great price is the staple of the Mid-American Conference. Tickets for the Golden Flashes go for $32 for reserved seating and $20 for General Admission. Along with $5 to park and decent concession prices and Kent State offers a combination that produces a great afternoon of football at a respectable price. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Golden Flashes rivalry games. Kent State plays Bowling Green for the Anniversary Award and they play Akron for the Wagon Wheel. An extra mark for the May 4th Memorial. An extra mark for the Hall of Fame Plaza Final Thoughts Taking in some MACtion is always a great experience and the Kent State Golden Flashes are no exception. Dix Stadium is a pretty good spot to catch some autumn entertainment and maybe even a few rays of sunshine and it won’t kill the pocketbook. Check out some MACtion at Dix Stadium soon. --- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Legion Field 400 Graymont Ave Birmingham, AL 35204 Magic City Classic website Legion Field website Year Opened:  1927 Capacity:  71,000 Magic of the Classic The intrastate clash between Alabama A&M  and Alabama State  is held annually at nearly the halfway point between the two schools, at Birmingham’s Legion Field. Opened in 1927, Legion Field is an icon of football history not just in Birmingham but also in the state of Alabama. In its lifespan, Legion Field has served as both a home field and a neutral site for some of college football’s biggest games. It has hosted both Alabama  and Auburn, as well as Birmingham area schools such as the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham Southern, and Samford – it has also been the neutral site of an endless number of bowls and rivalry games, most notably serving as the home of the legendary Iron Bowl, the annual meeting between Alabama and Auburn . Legion Field has also hosted several incarnations of professional football, including the World Football League, American Football Association, World League of American Football, the Canadian Football League’s shot at expansion into the United States, the XFL, American Alliance of Football, and two stints as home to teams in the United States Football League. Furthermore, not only has football found a home at Legion Field, but the venue was also home to Olympic soccer as part of the 1996 Atlanta Games.   Food & Beverage   5 Leaving the Magic City Classic hungry or feeling unsatisfied by the choices here might be more of a personal choice than a lack of options. There seems to be an endless number of tailgates smoking and grilling foods, and fans are more than willing to share their masterpieces of grill work. There are also several food vendors along Graymont Avenue selling everything from wings, chicken plates, turkey legs, fried fish, and fried carnival foods; exotic-looking tropical drinks, shaved ice, and individual canned drinks are also sold. Legion Field itself does not have an overall food vendor, which works in favor of food options to produce a very diverse stadium menu, rather than the typical stadium concession retreads, including tacos and quesadillas, chicken fingers, fries, fried okra bites, and nachos, here Philly cheese steaks, Polish and Italian sausages, burgers, and wings round out the choices. Those wanting more familiar tastes will be happy to see a Chick-fil-A window, but options there are limited basically to just the chicken sandwich. Dessert options at Legion Field are just as vast, including candied apples, strawberry shortcakes, banana pudding, acai berry bowls, flavored popcorn, and even various takes on French toast sticks. Soft drinks from the Coca-Cola line of beverages can be found at each stand, while a handful of stands serve shaved ice and fruit smoothies as well. Alcoholic beverages include premium and well spirits using vodka, tequila, rum, Crown Royale, Grand Marnier, and Hennessy. Game sponsor Gin and Juice by Snoop Dogg, plus Dr. Dre’s premixed cocktails, are also available. From the food trucks and tables along Graymont Avenue, the use of independent food vendors is a relief. Even where there is overlap in similar items, having individual concession stand operators does provide a different taste of the repeated items.   Atmosphere   5 The energy and buzz in the air around the stadium and around Birmingham rivals that of any Power Four conference pregame experience. Fans begin showing up days before the game in pull-behind campers and RVs. The morning of the game, lots around “The Gray Old Lady” start coming alive in the predawn hours as tent canopies spring up and the hinges of grills and smokers groan open in preparation for a day of grilling and smoking. Game day morning starts with a parade through the streets of downtown Birmingham. Back at Legion Field, everything from hot dogs and burgers to whole hogs can be found being cooked up throughout the lots. A trip through the tailgating encampments has the feel of a walk through the history of hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. The music seamlessly transitions from one genre to another in a trip around the stadium while the MC of the “official tailgate” of the Magic City Classic starts to rev up the crowd into game-level excitement. The tailgating that surrounds the game is second to none, as the music plays and the grilling moves from cooking to eating and into general pregame revelry. From the exterior, Legion Field shows her wear over the years. The paint is faded and peeling in several places, and oxidation and rust appear to have taken over in spots where the underlying steel beams are exposed. While the facility has taken a beating from the elements over the years, a walk through the concourse reveals some stunning architectural features. The mid-80s saw the expansion of the exterior of the stadium, pushing the main points of entry out and covering the beautifully arched masonry inside the stadium. It is features like this that have stood the test of time and remind visitors that you sometimes have to dig a bit and look deeper to find the beauty that lies within a historic stadium like Legion Field. A big draw for many HBCU football games is the performances from the marching bands – from the well regimented march into the stadium, volleys of refrains between each band, some not-so-subtle digs at each other from across the field, and the much-anticipated halftime performances. Unlike many college football games where the halftime clock serves as more of a countdown for bands, at the Magic City Classic, it seems to be a bit more of a suggested timeframe, as the halftime performances far surpass the allotted 20 minutes. At times, the difficulty with neutral site matchups is that it can be difficult to establish a consistent college football game day feel. On college campuses, breaks in the action are typically designed to fire up the home crowd and keep their fervor high until the game starts back up. Here at the Magic City Classic, however, breaks following stoppages in play are typically filled with sponsor ads and recognitions, which seems to take the excitement out of the crowd – this does not completely ruin the experience but does tend to create lulls in the excitement.   Neighborhood   3 Legion Field is in Birmingham’s Smithfield neighborhood, just west of downtown Birmingham. The area presents a mixed impression, characterized by a combination of residential and industrial zones, but with a notable number of abandoned and decaying homes and businesses – the neighborhood may elevate visitors’ situational awareness. Iconic Rickwood Field , where Major League Baseball held games during the 2024 major and minor league seasons, is just over a mile away and offers free tours of the stadium and its adjoining museum. If arriving in town before Saturday’s game, downtown Birmingham is also home to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in the Uptown District, just steps from Protective Stadium . For another look into the history of sports in the area, the Negro Southern League Museum is just beyond the left field wall of the Birmingham Barons’ Regions Field , and Birmingham is also a center of the history of the Civil Rights movement – the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and the historic 16th Street Baptist Church are all concentrated downtown.   Fans   4 Fans begin showing up starting Wednesday of game week, setting up tailgating sites and kicking off the revelry and fellowship that surrounds the game – it is estimated that over 200,000 fans show up for the game and the festivities associated with The Classic. Here at the Magic City Classic, the pregame tailgating and everything that goes along with it illustrates all that is special about the pregame football experience. Inside Legion Field itself, fans from both teams are actively part of the ups and downs on the field, and even more so are the bands from the respective schools. The lone knock on the fan involvement in the game, and it is a bit hard to hold it against them, is that there do seem to be plenty of empty seats in the stadium (which holds 70,000+), with many remaining in the lots tailgating. It is not uncommon for fans to stay outside of any stadium and choose to continue the party, but filling the stadium with those outside would go a long way in making this game an elite-level college football experience.   Access   2 Getting to Birmingham from any direction is as simple as could be, especially considering the number of interstate highways that run through the city. What is challenging, though, is contending with the parking situation and navigating the number of road closures. At Legion Field, backups are common throughout, much as they are on the surface streets around the city. Long concession lines paired with a tight interior concourse on the eastern side of the stadium create a rather significant choke point; luckily, there is an exterior concourse that makes navigating this side of the stadium easier. The upper-level field concourse creates obstacles, which block the view of those seated in the front few rows of seats due to typical concourse foot traffic and those who congregate along the walkway and entry portals. The city of Birmingham has made leaving the stadium and getting back to downtown parking as easy as can be by closing down cross streets, in essence, creating an express bus lane through the city. The best bet for the casual fan is to grab a shuttle and enjoy the ride back. The City of Birmingham and game organizers do all they can to make getting to and from the game as easy as possible, but with the volume of RV and trailer parking taking up so much of the lots around the stadium, it leaves very little for general parking. The layout of the stadium itself, as well as a lack of perceived urgency from stadium staff to move crowds along in tight spots, also makes for some challenges in navigating the facility.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets are available for purchase online and start at $25 before fees; reserved tickets run $35. Unfortunately, purchasing tickets at the stadium box office before the game does not avoid the added fees. Because game day parking is so limited at Legion Field, rates run nearly $60 at the stadium – downtown parking is more reasonable at $20 for most lots and garages. Concessions are a touch high here, but considering the quality of most food options and the large portion sizes, it does seem to offset the slightly higher prices.   Extras   5 The morning of the Magic City Classic starts with a parade through downtown featuring many groups of bands, as well as cheer and dance squads from around the southeast. Not enough can be said about the role the marching bands play in creating a truly special college football atmosphere – from the precision of their march into the stadium to the pregame salvos during warmups, to the main event, their halftime performances, both bands deserve a ton of credit for the roles they play in helping to create the atmosphere that surrounds the Magic City Classic. The concourse has plaques affixed to each side of the stadium, which serve as a bit of a timeline of when certain parts of the stadium were constructed or upgraded. It definitely does not seem to be intentional, but the plaques serve as a nice history of the growth of Legion Field. Seats in the upper levels of the west stands provide amazing views of downtown Birmingham and the mountains that cradle it. The upper deck was removed in 2005 due to safety concerns, but doing so seems to have made a massive improvement in the view it now provides.   Final Thoughts The Magic City Classic is a great college football experience, but it goes further than being just a rivalry game between two of Alabama’s historic HBCUs – this game has the feel of being a celebration of the game of football, as well as the history of two of Alabama’s most historically Black colleges. As much as has been made about Legion Field becoming obsolete and having outlived its functionality as a host to large-scale events such as the Magic City Classic, what cannot be underestimated is the historical and cultural relevance this facility holds not just for Birmingham but throughout the state of Alabama.

Author:   Dan Mansfield   Publisher:   Pavilion Books Company Ltd   Copyright 2022 Over the years, quite a number of books have been written about baseball stadiums and  parks.  Some discuss their history, others explain the business of stadium construction including public funds and taxes to pay for them.  I was surprised that I have more than ten such books on my bookshelves.   A good friend gifted me Remarkable Ballparks ; it is part of the Remarkable series which includes Remarkable Cricket Grounds , Remarkable Golf Courses , Remarkable Racecourses , Remarkable Road Trips , Remarkable Football Grounds, and Remarkable Bicycle Rides . Remarkable Ballparks - Pavilion site ( pavilionbooks.com ) The vivid photos are well chosen, offering unique perspectives of the stadiums.  Many are credited to Alamy, Unsplash, and Getty Images.   While the photos are excellent, the most interesting content is author Dan Mansfield’s selection of stadiums around the world and the story he writes about each one.  They are presented alphabetically from American Family Field to Yankee Stadium. MLB parks, of course, but he has selected great historical parks such as Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL; Warren Ballpark in Bisbee, AZ; Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, MA; Simmons Field in Kenosha, WI; North Meadow Ballfields in New York City, NY; and McCormick Field in Asheville, NC and their evolution. The author chose to include a number of parks with incredible scenic backdrops such as Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola, FL on Pensacola Bay; Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY; Field of Dreams in Dyersville, IA, etc.   His discussions of stadium architecture are highly informative.  Opened in 2019, the unique design of Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu in Mexico City, home of the Los Diablos Rojos, is spectacular.    Mansfield chose 67 ballparks around the world for this book, including locations in Mexico, China, Taiwan, Japan, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Korea, and England.   Some people might think of this as a “coffee table” book with its beautiful photographs but Mansfield’s writing makes it so much more.    After reading Remarkable Ballparks , it just might be time for a few more road trips!

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Wake Forest Tennis Center 100 W 32nd St Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Winston-Salem Open website Wake Forest Tennis Center website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 3,400 Tennis Tailgating In the many years that I've followed tennis I never would have thought I'd see people tailgating before a tennis tournament. I couldn't believe my eyes! However, this was the first of many indications that the people of North Carolina love their tennis. In a span of just under a year, the vision of a pro tennis tournament came to fruition this August in the inaugural Winston-Salem Open, ATP World Tour 250 Professional Tennis Tournament. The brand new Wake Forest Tennis Center facility includes a nice stadium with a capacity of 3,400, 4 additional match courts, and 8 practice courts, totaling 13 courts located on the beautiful campus of Wake Forest University. The new facility will be utilized by the Wake Forest Men's and Women's Varsity Tennis programs for the rest of the year. Food & Beverage 4 The deduction of one point goes solely to the lack of variety. The food that was offered was exceptional, and very classy. Specialty drinks included: strawberry lemonade and southern sweet tea priced at $5, and a range of beer and wine were available from $6-$8. In addition to the classic stadium treats, one could get a chicken or salmon salad ($8), a pulled pork sandwich ($8), or even a whole BBQ turkey leg ($6). Great desserts were on hand ranging from Dippin' Dots and ice cream bars to fresh gelato from $4- $6. With the addition of outstanding customer service and a nice food court with live music, the overall food and beverage experience was excellent. Atmosphere 4 Generally, the atmosphere was wonderful. The facility was very nicely decorated and had a fresh and classy tennis feel. It has a very cozy and quaint feel that larger tournaments could never offer, which I really appreciated. The closeness to the action is incredible. They offered plenty of activities for kids of all ages and some creative promotional events. One included a contest in which fans are encouraged to throw tennis balls from the stands towards trashcans, placed on the courts, and one lucky individual who made it won a prize. In addition, each session included the opportunity for fans to win unique prizes from a raffle. Everyone seemed to really enjoy their time at the tournament. Overall it was a very relaxed but excited crowd of people; clearly amped to have this event in their backyard. Neighborhood 3 While it's not fair to be too hard on the tournament, there is room for improvement in this category. Even though there are some exceptional choices for pre and post match food and drink, there's nothing very close. It is, however, very worth the short ten-minute drive to downtown Winston-Salem where there is a long list of great one-of-a-kind traditional southern style restaurants located. Unfortunately for me, I was only lucky enough to spend one evening in town so I was only able to experience a few of these. A great little spot called 6th and Vine Wine Bar and Cafe offers a very unique atmosphere and a menu loaded with a range of delicious options. In addition to a great menu, they also offered a very extensive wine selection both by the glass and bottle. The best thing about this local favorite is the outdoor back patio, which featured a neat bar and tons of tables to have dinner under the stars. Every weekend the restaurant hosts great local bands with all kinds of southern flavor. Meals range from $9-$26. If you are able to stay for a few days you are encouraged to try other gems located in the downtown Winston-Salem Arts District such as: Finnigan's Wake (Irish), Hutch &Harris; (Continental), Mellow Mushroom (Pizza), Sweet Potatoes (American), Twin City Chop House (Steakhouse), Downtown Thai & Sushi (Thai), or The West End Cafe (American). If you still have some energy after tennis and dinner and would like to catch a bit of the unique W-S nightlife there are a couple of nearby pubs that have a neat feel. Tate's and Noma are two great places to grab a drink and check out the city. All of these options are located in very close proximity to two of the tournament hotels: The Marriott downtown and the Embassy Suites directly across the street; both being exceptional places to stay. There is a Marriott Courtyard within 5 minutes of the tournament site, however, you would miss out on being so close to all of the added entertainment that W-S has to offer. There are three reasonably close airports if you are flying in for the tournament including Piedmont Triad International Airport (33 miles away), Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (87 miles), or Raleigh-Durham International Airport (100 miles). Fans 5 When this tournament was in the early stages of planning, the biggest thing that was mentioned was that the tennis fans in Winston-Salem are like no other, and they deserve an event like this because of their love of the game; I couldn't agree more. During the finals of the event you could hear chants of the crowd's favorite player from miles away. I've never seen an entire stadium pulling for one player as much as I did during this match. People made custom shirts, cried out for him to win, and even professed their love aloud in front of everyone; quite a spectacle. I would have to consider these fans to be some of the best I've ever seen in tennis. Access 5 The access deserves a full score based on proximity and creativity. The construction of the facility was brilliantly placed in the shadows of BB&T; Field, The Wake Forest football stadium. Since the football season and week of the tournament do not coincide, the tournament is able to fully utilize the amenities in which the football stadium offers including: parking, restrooms, ticket office, concession stands, and hospitality areas. Although I found the parking to be a bit steep at first ($10), but later realized that it was more than worth it when you consider the proximity to the facility. The restrooms are first class all around; extremely clean and festively decorated. Return on Investment 5 Surprisingly the only way to buy tickets in advance is through their website and then print it out yourself. If you're old school like me and love the feel of a real ticket as opposed to the print out you won't enjoy this. But, it's the only way to go if you want to attend. I would especially appreciate a real card stock ticket for the price of admission (ranges depending on day of the week: $10-58 for grandstand level and $575-625 for lower level box seats only sold in week long increments). Also I didn't really appreciate paying $58 for upper level finals tickets which are tight benches. For most tennis tournaments you get spoiled and expect permanent seats. Maybe for next year they will install something more comfortable. Food and drinks, however, were priced very similarly to other ATP World Tour events of its kind, which is very common. Other souvenirs such as programs ($5), t-shirts ($25), and jackets ($45) were reasonably priced for the quality you receive. Extras 3 All staff and volunteer members were extraordinarily helpful, professional, and outgoing; everyone from the ticket-takers to the concessionaires to the ball kids to even the tournament director taking the time to stand out front and thank visitors for coming. Overall, the event is tremendously fan oriented and it shows in every aspect. Final Thoughts Whether you're from the Triad, NC area or hundreds of miles away, I would highly suggest visiting this beauty of an event for a relaxed but exciting getaway. The city of Winston-Salem clearly takes great pride in the event and you will undoubtedly notice the effort and have a great tennis experience.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been back playing October baseball! There does not seem to be a ton of love for the home of the Phillies, Citizens Bank Park. Is this warranted? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. You can find Stadium Journey's review of Citizens Bank Park and the Philadelphia Phillies game day experience here.

Photo courtesy of John Jay Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Doghouse 524 West 59th St New York, NY 10019 John Jay College of Criminal Justice men’s basketball website The Doghouse website Year Opened: Capacity: Welcome to the Doghouse A name, just a name, can go a heck of a long way. There’s The Pit in New Mexico and The RAC in New Jersey, just to name two. You may never get to these name venues, but you won’t forget their names. Located in midtown Manhattan, a mere three subway stops away from Madison Square Garden, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice has a venue on its fourth floor with an unforgettable name: The Doghouse, where admission is free and every bleacher seat is excellent. The Doghouse is often overlooked in New York City’s congested professional sports market. The John Jay Bloodhounds, members of the CUNYAC, play at the Division 3 level, which means no scholarships and no bells and whistles like a fancy scoreboard or Jumbotron. However, the Bloodhounds are turning into a force on the hardwood. In 2020, the Bloodhounds won their conference regular season with a 20-7 record. Food & Beverage 4 There is none, technically. However, one of John Jay’s organizations might be hawkin’ modest snacks as a fundraiser. Another quick option: You can go downstairs to Tenth Avenue and purchase a very reasonably priced plate ($6) from the mega-popular halal truck and bring it back in. Also, an enormous Whole Foods is a few blocks east, as are a multitude of excellent food selections just outside (which can be brought in). F&B is not a problem at John Jay; they have food options – just not in the traditional sense. Atmosphere 4 It can vary depending on the game. For meaningful games, including homecoming, The Doghouse fills up and flips out, getting loud and intense. Fun! We’re talking hundreds of fans, not thousands. John Jay doesn’t have a pep band, but they blast lively music during breaks, and they have a lot of energetic, aerodynamic cheerleaders, who rarely take a play off. Neighborhood 5 It’s a hustling, bustling mecca, steps away from destination sites and attractions. Lincoln Center is a few blocks away as is a Broadway show. A stroll or bike ride in Central Park is even closer. You can rent a bike through Citi Bike . And there’s no shortage of dining options. In addition to the above, The Greek Kitchen, Ocean Dragon (Chinese at a hole in the wall) and Jake’s Saloon (pints and pub fare) are all just a block south. Further away, uptown, there’s Cafe Fiorello (Italian), which is an institution. Parm (Italian) is much newer, but also excellent. For sweets, Magnolia Bakery is off the charts. And that is just the tip of the iceburg. Fans 4 Most of the fans are students, faculty or alums, and they can get passionate. In the tight quarters, expect to hear everything, so those with ultra-sensitive ears should be on alert for, uh…. colorful language but nothing that’s not on cable. Access 4 Don’t expect much of a line or hassle but be prepared to show ID and to go through a security screener. John Jay is easily accessible by public transportation, about 15-10 minutes from Penn Station and Grand Central Station. By car, it’s very close to the West Side Highway. You can hunt and peck for a space on the street, or you can pay for an overpriced garage, which NYC has no shortage of. Return on Investment 5 It’s free! Excellent, nearby halal is cheap. It’s good basketball in a small space on a micro budget. Extras 2 Since it’s free admission, everything is extra. With that said, John Jay offers an upper level of seating: The Alumni Skybox, unveiled in 2013, surrounds the court and is on the fifth floor. Final Thoughts John Jay offers good college basketball in a small space, and it doesn’t break the wallet, to say the least. Jon Hart is @ManVersusBall

Photo by Daniel Zepeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Crutcher Scott Field 555 Walnut St Abilene, TX 79601 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Crutcher Scott Field website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 4,000 Stadium Upgrades at The Crutch Lifts ACU Baseball After 24 years of baseball at Abilene Christian University, the Wildcats chose to upgrade their field to better suit the dry and unpredictable West Texas weather. In its third year of Division I play, ACU converted its once natural grass field into artificial turf prior to the 2016 season and brought AstroTurf to Crutcher Scott Field for the first time in 25 years. The Wildcats also upgraded several other facilities, such as their batting cages, dugouts and even added a home bullpen behind the right field wall. ACU brought in the wall all along the outfield and the new bullpen can be seen by fans through a coated chain link fence that will run the length of the bullpen, and a new pad will cover the rest of the new outfield. Crutcher Scott Field seats 4,000 fans and spectators and with the renovations, has become one of the best baseball facilities in the state. Located on ACU’s campus, students can get in for free after only a five to ten minute walk from anywhere on campus. When The Crutch officially opened in 1991, it marked the return of baseball to Abilene Christian after a 12 year hiatus. The Wildcats christened their new stadium with a 2-1 win in 10 innings in which students sat in the back of flatbed trucks in the outfield to watch. ACU added the Bonneau Family Indoor Hitting Facility to the complex, giving ACU an indoor facility to use on bad weather days. With weather conditions ranging from 100 degree heat to wind and snow, along with random Texas thunderstorms to dry conditions, Abilene does not make the ideal home of an all-natural field. The move to turf allows the program to spend less time preparing their field and more time practicing and putting work in. Food & Beverage 3 It’s a golden rule to always have hot dogs and peanuts at a baseball game. The Crutch allows for that and more. Hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels, candy, burgers and more can be found at the concession stand located near the main entrance gate. For drinks, soft drinks and bottled water are available. The prices won’t kill you either, usually averaging around $5-$7 per person for a full meal, but the food quality isn’t the best either. With quick service, lines are normally short which keeps fans in their seats where they really want to be. Atmosphere 3 A baseball game at ACU can be one of the most enjoyable things to do when in Abilene. With a solid following from students and the ACU community, seats are always available. Students also stay loud and proud with cheers and chants, allowing for few moments of quiet. It’s a great place to bring kids and families for a great night out. With that said, ACU baseball only averages around 200-250 fans per game. Even with the small stadium seating, the stadium still looks mostly empty for most games. When big programs come to play however, such as Texas Christian or Texas Tech, the fans come out in support. But in the dog days of Southland Conference play, it becomes a challenge to get anyone to show up. Neighborhood 4 With being on campus, safety is never an issue. There is limited parking in the immediate area, so finding a spot can become an issue. But, if you’re willing to do a little walking, it’s not a problem. Crutcher Scott Field is located on the north side of campus, near the softball and soccer fields and the soon-to-come on-campus football stadium. Fans 3 The fans that show up are engaged and steadily cheer on their purple and white Wildcats. With the resurgence of the ACU student’s section called Wildcat Reign, the students who come out often heckle opponents, but nothing along the lines of profanity or distasteful rhetoric. It is a Christian college after all. Access 3 With the stadium on campus, it’s a wonder why ACU baseball doesn’t have a steadier following for home games. The Crutch is only a few minutes walk from any location on campus and is free to all students who show a valid student university ID. The field is located off of Interstate 20 and one of the busiest roads in Abilene, North Judge Ely Boulevard. Parking can be problematic for highly-attended games, but normally isn’t an issue. Return on Investment 4 For non-students, ticket prices are marked at $8 for adults and $4 for kids. Students get in for free with their university ID. So even if you’re not a student, a family of four can spend $24 on tickets and then $20-$30 on food for everyone. That’s less than $60 compared to perhaps hundreds you can spend at some stadiums. Extras 3 The Crutch is one of the best stadiums when it comes to on-field facilities. If ACU could find a way to update some other parts of the stadium like seating and fan-interaction, they could have something special. Overall, catching a game at Crutcher Scott Field is usually a solid choice for baseball fans of all ages.

Photos by Jared Townsend, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 AMSOIL Arena 350 Harbor Dr. Duluth, MN 55802 Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs men’s hockey website AMSOIL Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 6,726 Enjoying Bulldogs Hockey at AMSOIL Arena Drive on I-35 near downtown Duluth and it’s almost impossible to ignore AMSOIL Arena, the hockey venue that’s served as home to the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs since 2010. Set near the shoreline of Lake Superior with Duluth’s instantly recognizable Aerial Lift Bridge within the site, the stadium features a capacity of 6,726 and is part of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Complex. Every time the Bulldogs play at AMSOIL, the arena becomes the center of excitement in this quintessential Minnesota city. The passion for hockey in Duluth can’t be emphasized enough and in no way is it better represented in the state than by the fans who show up at AMSOIL to cheer on their Bulldogs every game. Food & Beverage 4 AMSOIL offers a wide variety of foods and beverages at relatively affordable costs. Your basics run for the following prices: hamburger ($7.25), cheeseburger ($8.00), french fries ($4.50), chicken tenders ($7.75), hot dog ($5.00), nachos ($5.50), pretzel ($4.00), popcorn ($4.00). Some of the more interesting items offered (and might I say likely fan favorites), include the smoked wild rice brat ($6.00), the Pulled Porketta Sandwich ($7.00), and the walleye fillet basket, the latter of which is priced a bit high at $12.00 (but it’s a fan favorite along with the Pulled Porketta Sandwich). You can also find pizza served by the slice elsewhere in the arena. In terms of beverages, you’ll find your basic Pepsi products such as Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and Sierra Mist. But here’s where things get interesting: AMSOIL offers some amazingly unique beverages that are perfect for Duluth’s cold weather: french vanilla cappuccino ($2.75), hot chocolate ($2.50), hot apple cider ($2.75), and locally roasted ARCO Coffee ($2.25). Meanwhile, if you’re not in the mood for something to warm you up, you can always visit AMSOIL’s Cold Stone Creamery stand, something that’s always popular even during the coldest months. Atmosphere 5 Interestingly enough, the excitement of visiting AMSOIL doesn’t wait to hit you until you’ve entered the concourse or taken your seat it sets in much sooner. It begins with the lobby, probably one of the most impressive for a college arena …so much so that it gives professional arenas a run for their money. The lobby itself is highlighted by blue lighting that illuminates from the ceiling and down upon the artistic terrazzo flooring. Meanwhile, the wording “AMSOIL ARENA” in all caps adorns the gateway entrance. Like much of the lobby around it, it too is lit with blue. You can also catch a great view of downtown Duluth through the lobby window and it is especially beautiful when it’s seen lit up at night. The arena’s concourses are sufficiently sized and if you walk around you’re sure to see some history. One wall features pictures of all the UMD Men’s hockey players who’ve gone on to participate in the Olympics, while another wall features framed jerseys of those who have played at UMD in the past. And the biggest highlight, the seating bowl combined with the ice rink itself are surely the most impressive features of AMSOIL. The maroon and gold seats feature plenty of legroom and no matter where you sit within the venue, you’re sure to feel like you’re right down by the ice where all the action occurs. Meanwhile, the arena features an impressively large scoreboard that hangs over the center of the ice. It’s square and includes four sides. At the bottom is a circular screen that showcases the scores and the game periods. Neighborhood 5 Set near the heart of downtown Duluth right by Lake Superior, it’s hard to imagine a better place in town for this arena to be located. It’s within walking distance of many great restaurants and shops, all part of nearby Canal Park. Just some of the restaurants you’ll find in the area: Famous Dave’ (BBQ), Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe (sandwich shop & brunch), Green Mill Restaurant, Old Chicago (really good Italian), Canal Park Brewery (beer & pub food), and Red Lobster. One of my favorite shops in the area is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory which has a wide variety of chocolate candies. My recommendation is to get one of their chocolate-covered apples. Meanwhile, Grandma’s Saloon & Grill is a fan favorite before and after the games and features some great homestyle takes on classic American dishes. Right across from AMSOIL sits none other than the Duluth Curling Club, a place to grab a beer and get some food, all while enjoying the sport of Curling. In addition to exploring the Canal Park area, you can also cross into downtown Duluth via the skyway over I-35. One of the cool places downtown are Dubh Linn Duluth Restaurant and Irish Brew Pub, a place where many Bulldog fans also assemble before and after the games. Display your game ticket stub to the staff, and they’ll offer you one free drink. Fans 5 The fans are energetic, follow the team closely, and appear to be having the time of their lives while watching the Bulldogs play. Attendance is relatively good, albeit there are some notably empty seats during gameplay; of course, part of this could be because people are wandering around. Since moving into AMSOIL back in 2010, the Bulldogs have generated an increased amount of excitement. The following year, they won the NCAA National Championship, and ever since the team has remained the talk of the town. The “Penalty Box” is AMSOIL’s student section. Out of anywhere in the stands, it’s where most of the excitement is generated …especially given the student section’s attempts to get into the heads of UMD opponents (in particular, the opposing team’s goalie). Attend a game at AMSOIL and you’ll hear fans shout their chants with enthusiasm and the whole display of excitement is quite fun to watch. Fans of opposing teams are, of course, treated with respect, it’s a Minnesota Nice thing, after all. Access 4 The arena is just off of I-35, so it’s super easy to find. If you’re driving by car, however, there’s one caveat. Parking directly by AMSOIL can be tricky and traffic around Canal Park can become congested. One idea is to park in one of the parking garages across I-35 and walk across to the Convention Center Complex via the skyway. If you take the tip, getting in and out is a breeze. Parking directly by the arena, however, is affordable and much cheaper than the parking you’ll find at other venues. Most lots in the area charge just around $5.00. Walking from wherever you parked and into the arena is easy. There’s nowhere that crowds can become congested. Important to note: Duluth winters can be extremely harsh, so make sure you’re dressed warmly. Meanwhile, the concourses are relatively wide and there are plenty of bathrooms in the arena. Return on Investment 5 Tickets typically cost anywhere from $20 to $30. However, you can expect to pay higher rates when they play a rival, such as the University of Minnesota. For what you pay, you get more than enough in return. Wherever you sit in the arena, it’s next to impossible to get stuck in what some would refer to as the “nosebleed” section. That said, the setting is what could be described as intimate and you’re sure to feel like you have a premium seat to all the action on the ice. Extras 3 AMSOIL features a lot of history in the concourses. From the wall that displays the UMD Olympians, all the way to the jerseys …you get a sense of school spirit and pride in the team. In addition, you’ll also find quotations from local heroes relevant to Duluth on the walls. You’ll also see plenty of banners proudly displayed above the rink – whether they’re commemorating the 2010 Championship, other storied seasons in UMD’s history, or the team’s 2 retired numbers – those belonging to Brett Hull (#29) and Keith Christiansen (#9). And one last thing that I thought was cool: Try to find the fireplace on the concourse. It’s especially neat to warm up if you’ve just arrived in the arena from the harsh cold of the outdoors. Final Thoughts Having just been opened in 2010, AMSOIL Arena is a relatively new venue. However, once you take in the entire experience, you’re sure to get a vibe that’s steeped deep within the University of Minnesota-Duluth tradition. Simply stated, you feel like you’re at an older arena, and that’s not a bad thing. AMSOIL is certainly one of the best college hockey game day experiences you’ll find in the state, if not the entire U.S. Midwest. It’s more than just getting your money’s worth, it’s an experience that’ll make you want to recommend attending a game here to others, even if they’re not UMD Bulldog fans.

Photos by Dave Cottenie Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rupp Arena 432 West Vine St Lexington, KY 40507 Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball website Rupp Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 23,500 Big Blue in the Bluegrass State Let’s face it. Lexington, Kentucky is known for two things … horses and Kentucky Wildcats basketball. The second largest city in the Bluegrass State is home to the University of Kentucky, a public university with just over 27,000 students. The men’s basketball team is one of the most famous, iconic sports teams in North America. With a history that dates back to 1903, seventeen Final Four appearances, eight National Championships, and a stranglehold on the Southeast Conference, Big Blue is at the forefront of the national consciousness for college basketball. Add to that a semi-controversial coach in John Calipari and his willingness to exploit the rules to the advantage of Kentucky and you have a formula for a consistently competitive program at the highest level. Of course, Kentucky also boasts massive basketball alumni that include NBA royalty at all levels. Rupp Arena has been the home of Kentucky basketball since 1976. Located in downtown Lexington and essentially owned by the city, Rupp Arena is part of the larger Lexington Convention Center. Although the arena is central to the city, it is clear that it is the home of the Kentucky Wildcats first and foremost. It is, after all, named after iconic Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Rupp Arena are decent for college basketball. All of the expected items are available along with some locally specific spots. Hunt Brothers Pizza, Gold Star Chili, City Barbeque, and Repicci’s Italian Ice and Gelato are some more unique spots. One consideration is the nature of the concourses. They are a bit of a labyrinth and some concession areas are hidden around corners. At the main concession stands peanuts, popcorn ($4.25/$5.50), nachos, pretzels, chips, beef jerky, pulled pork, burgers, sausage and hot dogs ($4) are all available. Soft drink options center around Pepsi products ($3.75/$4.25/$5.25) and include Mountain Dew and Dr Pepper. Bottled water and coffee are also available. Alcohol is not served in the main concessions for Wildcat games. Atmosphere 4 Upon .the first view of Rupp Arena, it is quite clear that it was built in the seventies. Pretty much a rectangular box covered in siding and with little to no windows, Rupp Arena’s exterior pales in comparison to the much nicer, newer attached Lexington Center. Parts of the siding are covered with murals boasting Big Blue Nation’s eight National Championships and honoring legendary coach Adolph Rupp. Otherwise, from the exterior, Rupp Arena is nothing special. The interior is a bit of a different story. The attached Lexington Center offers a bit of a decent entryway into the Rupp Arena. It is littered with banners for Conference Tournament championships, great players, regular season conference titles, and NCAA Championships. A large video wall helps advertise future events. After passing security and entering Rupp Arena proper, fans are assaulted with what seems like blue all over. The floors are blue. The walls are blue. The concessions are blue. The concourses are a bit of a maze and there is plenty for fans to look at as they make their way around the arena. Upon entering the seating bowl, fans will immediately notice the littering of banners in the rafters, which essentially line the perimeter of the east-west-oriented basketball court. Banners honoring,east-west-oriented1948, 1949, 1951, 1958, 1978, 1996, 1998, and 2012 NCAA Champions hang in the east end. They are joined by NCAA runner-up banners from 1966, 1975, 1997, and 2014. Final Four banners also hang for 1942, 1984, 1993, 2011and 2015. Impressive to say the least. The other three sides of the arena are lined with, banners that honor 42 former players, coaches, and contributors. Some names that fans will assuredly recognize include Tony Delk, Dan Issel, Jamal Mashburn, Pat Riley, and Kenny Walker. Coaches Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino, and Adolph Rupp are also honored with banners. It is curious how these honors will change with Kentucky’s embracing of “one-and-done” players who have fame in the professional ranks but spent little time as Wildcats. The best spot to get the perfect center-court logo photo is from the north side of the area. The video board in the center is not massive, but, There are additional video boards in the four corners above the seating bowl showing statistics. As far as seating goes, the lower bowl has typical arena chair seating and the very steep upper bowl has bench seating. The students sit behind the basket in the west end with the band. The production of a Kentucky Wildcats game is about as professional as it gets for a college basketball game with several old-school traditions sprinkled throughout. Pyro and fireworks are featured throughout the significant pre-game introductions. The Wildcats make great use of their video boards. The Wildcats band help remind fans that this is still a college basketball experience. The national anthem at Kentucky is one of the best renditions that will be heard anywhere and the opening tip is precluded by the “First Call” or “Call to the Post,” the traditional bugle melody signaling the beginning of a horse race. The mascot, Wildcat, makes his presence felt in the pre-game and roams the court engaging fans. The cheerleaders also perform several typical stunts and lead students and fans in cheers. One of the best traditions at Kentucky is the cheerleaders spelling out Kentucky with their bodies. When it comes to the “Y” a former player or celebrity is brought out to participate. Neighborhood 4 Rupp Arena is located in downtown Lexington and as a result, there are a plethora of places to eat or drink before or after a game. Most are found between Main and Short Streets. Some spots that fans may want to consider include Bluegrass Tavern, Saul Good Restaurant, Tony’s of Lexington, Goodfellas Pizzeria, The Village Idiot, and Shakespeare and Co. Lexington is the center of horse country. Although not downtown, there are several horse-themed options for fans who are in the area for a bit of a longer stay. Fans are encouraged to check out The Thoroughbred Center and Kentucky Horse Park. While in Lexington, fans can find other sporting options as well. The local horse racing track is Keeneland. , baseball can be found at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends . Of course, state-of-the-art offers other sporting options, most significantly, Kentucky Wildcats football at Kroger Field. Fans who wish to stay near Rupp Arena can stay at the Hyatt Regency Lexington or the Hilton Lexington Downtown and take just a couple of steps to get to the arena. Fans 5 Although there is some mild panic at an average drop of over 1,000 fans for Kentucky basketball games in 2017-2018, Kentucky is still locked into some of the highest attendance figures in the entire NCAA. In 2017, the Wildcats averaged almost 23,500 fans per game to lead the entire NCAA, including the mighty Syracuse Orange, who have the opportunity to bring in more than 30,000 fans per game. The Kentucky Wildcats are the game in town and also have a significant stranglehold on the entire state of Kentucky. Wildcat fans, led by the students, are rabid and loud and ready to support their team. Access 4 Rupp Arena is located in downtown Lexington, a pretty significant distance west of the interstates I-75 and I-64. Fans of several old-schools to the arena from out of town will signal several have to maneuver through the city. It can take a little time, so leaving sufficient time is a pretty good idea. There is parking around Rupp Arena specifically behind the arena and on the other side of High Street. For fans who desire public transit, some buses travel High Street, Broadway, and Main. Check the Lextran website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the arena can be tight at times. There are a ton of corners and pockets that can be challenging to navigate. Combine that with crowds of over 20,000 consistently and you have a good reason to plan your visits to the washroom well. Washroom facilities are adequate, but not spectacular. Return on Investment 3 Although the Kentucky Wildcats are a great experience and a bucket list item for sports travelers, it remains one of the most expensive experiences in college basketball. Tickets are extremely hard to come by and often remain on the overly inflated secondary market. That being said, conference games are over $75 face value for the cheapest ticket, in the upper deck on the benches. Lower bowl tickets are all subscribers and students and come in at an even heftier price. Parking is affordable and concession prices are pretty decent. Fans who attend a Kentucky Wildcats game will have a great time but will pay for it. Extras 3 An extra mark for the national anthem experience at Kentucky . One of the great renditions in sports … mostly run by the fans and led by UK faculty member Everett McCorvey. An extra mark for being a simply legendary program. An extra mark for a facility that remains named after a legendary local figure rather than a corporation. Final Thoughts Kentucky Wildcats basketball is most definitely a bucket list item for any college hoops fan. A trip to Rupp Arena gives fans a taste of what the Bluegrass State is all about. However, fans must be prepared to pay for the experience. If you can get past the price tag, then you will not regret the experience! ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Vineyard Baseball Park 100 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Rd. Oak Bluffs, MA 02568 Martha’s Vineyard Sharks website Vineyard Baseball Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 2,000 Vineyard Baseball The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks are the reigning champions of the Futures League. They play their home games at the Vineyard Baseball Park, alternately known as “The Shark Tank”, on the campus of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. The playing field was built specifically for the Sharks, and is one of only two full sized baseball diamonds on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The Sharks have invested $200,000 in the building of the field and improvements to the facility. Before serving as home to the Sharks, the Cape Cod League would hold a few games per season on the island. The Sharks came into existence when Chris Carminucci of the Brockton Rox and Drew Weber of the Lowell Spinners sought to place expansion teams in the New England Collegiate Baseball League in Martha’s Vineyard, and Nashua, NH, respectively. When the NECBL declined, they began their own league. The Futures League began in 2011 with four teams and has since expanded to 10 teams. In many markets the Futures League has set up shop in old ballparks formerly used in professional minor league baseball. Food & Beverage 2 There are three small shacks behind the grandstand that sell a variety of concessions for hungry Sharks fans. All the usual ballpark fare can be found here, such as hot dogs ($3.50), burgers ($5.50), chicken nuggets ($5.00), sausage and pepper sandwiches ($4.50), and French fries ($3.00). A little variety is achieved with pulled pork sandwiches ($6.00) and mozzarella sticks ($5.00). Fans looking for a snack can choose from nachos ($5.00), popcorn ($3.00/$5.00), or Cape Cod Chips ($2.00). A variety of ice cream novelties can also be found here. There are no alcoholic beverages sold here, but there is a wide variety of beverages available, featuring Pepsi products ($3.50), and Nantucket Nectars ($3.50). There are two large sheds on the third base line selling a wide variety of Sharks merchandise. If you are looking for any kind of t-shirt, hat, sweatshirt, or jersey with the MV Sharks logo on it, you will find it here. Selected novelties can also be found here, such as baseballs, a souvenir item that is missing at far too many of these summer league ballparks. Atmosphere 3 The Futures League attempts to stand out from its competitors in New England by presenting a game day experience more similar to the minor leagues than what you will find in the Cape Cod League or the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Here you will find numerous promotions, wacky between-innings contests (such as a hot dog eating contest) and a whole lot of music. The staff here at Martha’s Vineyard do a good job straddling the line between entertaining the crowd and becoming intrusive. This is a vacation destination, after all, and people come to the islands to have fun. The Sharks’ staff do a nice job ensuring that a night at a Sharks game is indeed fun. The signature element of the Vineyard Baseball Park is the new grandstand, built in 2013. It features four sections of individual bucket seats, each one consisting of seven rows of seats. All seats are located behind home plate, offering great views of the action. The remainder of the seating consists of metal bleachers scattered throughout the ballpark. There is room available all around the field for fans to set up lawn chairs and blankets. Neighborhood 3 The Vineyard Baseball Park is located next to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in Oak Bluffs, one of six towns on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The island has a year-round population of 15,000, and swells to over 100,000 people in the summer months. The ball field is located centrally on the island, in a rural, residential area. It is located about 5 miles from the tourist destination of Oak Bluffs and 3 miles from Vineyard Haven. Edgartown is about 5 miles to the southeast. Fans looking for things to do in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark will find nothing of interest to occupy them. Head to one of the tourist hot spots to make the most of your time. Fans 3 Martha’s Vineyard annually ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of attendance in the Futures League, averaging between 600-750 fans per game. The team markets itself towards the year round residents of the island, most likely figuring that tourists to the island are not coming here to see collegiate summer ball. Still, you can find some tourists mixed in with all the locals. After all, going to a Sharks game is a much cheaper alternative to many other activities available on the island. With a budget that is much larger than any other summer league team, the Sharks require a great deal of community support. Their travel budget alone tops out at $40,000, as it gets expensive to get teams on and off the island every night. Luckily, the Martha’s Vineyard business community has stepped up in a big way to support the Sharks. Access 2 Martha’s Vineyard is the third biggest island on the eastern seaboard, and is the largest island without a bridge connecting it to the mainland (for those keeping score, Long Island and Mount Desert Island in Maine are larger). There is a small airport on the island, and planes come and go regularly. Jet Blue has even begun daily flights to Martha’s Vineyard. But the most popular method for getting to the island is by boat. Ferries depart throughout the day from New Bedford, Falmouth, and Hyannis. The largest (and least expensive) ferry company is the Steamship Authority, which operates ferries almost hourly throughout the summer from Woods Hole. We will cover how best to get to a Sharks game in a bit. Get your notebook ready. The ease at which one gets to Vineyard Baseball Park depends almost entirely on whether said baseball fan is a native or not. For residents of the island, Martha’s Vineyard High School is fairly centrally located on the island in southern Oak Bluffs, a short drive away from most points on the island, and close to the larger towns on the western side of the Vineyard. The ballpark is located on the campus of the high school on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road. Fans requiring public transportation can take bus route #1, which travels along this road from, you guessed it, Edgartown to Vineyard Haven. There is a stop directly in front of the high school. The ballpark is set back about a half mile from the main road along Sanderson Ave. If you are visiting the island for any length of time, chances are you brought along your car or have rented some sort of transportation. Mopeds, bicycles, and cars are all readily available to rent for the day or week. In addition, ferries transport hundreds of cars back and forth to the island daily. While the streets of Martha’s Vineyard can be narrow and winding, it’s very accommodating and accessible to those getting around on two wheels. If you are vacationing on the island with transportation and headed to a Sharks game, follow the instructions above. If you are coming to the Vineyard for a day trip and are looking to catch a Sharks game, you have some planning to do. First you must get to the island. As mentioned earlier, The Steamship Authority is the most popular transporter of people and vehicles to the islands. The company operates several parking lots in the mainland town of Falmouth (and won’t Cape Cod residents get a kick out of me referring to the Cape as “the mainland”), at a cost of $13 per day. From these lots, you will board a free shuttle to Woods Hole, where the ferries depart from. Do not try to bypass the shuttles and park in Woods Hole. There is no room there. Seriously. Don’t try it. A one-way ticket to Martha’s Vineyard will cost $8. There is no discount for a round trip. As you may imagine, if you travel to the Vineyard in the summer months, you won’t be going alone. Be prepared for crowds, lines, and delays. Luckily, the folks at the Steamship Authority have done this a time or two, and will move you along as quickly as possible. The ferry is a nice 45 minute ride across the Vineyard Sound to either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. Both are excellent destinations, I will not recommend one over the other. My job is simply to get you to the ballpark. If you rent a vehicle, whether motorized or human powered, follow the instructions above. Just keep in mind that the Sharks play their games at 7pm, and most rental places close around 6. Get used to this. If you are in Vineyard Haven you can always take the #1 bus to the High School. Getting to the ballpark from Oak Bluffs requires a couple of transfers. Take the advice of a local on how to most effectively use the local busses. If you are a day tripper, your best bet is to take a taxi to the game. Taxis are everywhere on the island, and will take you to the Shark Tank fairly quickly and cheaply. A one-way fare for three from Oak Bluffs to the Vineyard Baseball Park costs $16. Now remember, and this is important, that the Sharks begin their games at 7pm. The last ferry departs Oak Bluffs at 8:30, and Vineyard Haven at 9:30. The Steamship Authority recommends arriving at the dock 45 minutes before departure. Do the math. Even if you arrive at the last second for boarding the ferry, there is no way you can catch an entire Sharks’ game if you aren’t staying overnight on the island. Day trippers are obviously not the target audience for Martha’s Vineyard Sharks games. Return on Investment 2 Reserved Seats at Vineyard Baseball Park sell for $10. This may seem like a steep price for this level of baseball, but these reserved seats get you an individual seat in the grandstand. Bleacher seats are sold as general admission for $6. Seniors can purchase bleacher seating for $5, and children are admitted for $4. Parking is available on Sanderson Road at no charge. The Sharks sell loaded tickets good for a reserved seat and concessions for $19 and $15, depending on the package. Taking into account that everything tends to be more expensive on the island, these prices are not as outrageous as they may seem at first glance. Extras 2 The Sharks offer extra incentives to draw in fans, such as 2 for 1 specials and giveaways throughout the game. The Sharks hold a 50/50 raffle each night to help raise funds to cover operating costs. You may not think it, but there is actually a decent chance of bumping into a celebrity at tiny Vineyard Baseball Park. Many of the rich and famous own homes on the Vineyard, and it is a favorite vacation spot for many Hollywood types, as well as Presidents Clinton and Obama. It is rumored that Bill Murray, who owns a home in Oak Bluffs, is a regular visitor to the ballpark. Stadium Journey can neither confirm nor deny these rumors, but a quick trip to the Sharks’ Instagram account will answer this question for you. Final Thoughts If you are planning a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard, a trip to Vineyard Baseball Park will not be in your best interests, unless you are the most ardent of ballpark chasers. The schedules of the games and ferries just do not line up. However, if you are on the island for any extended period of time, be sure to include a trip to see the Sharks. The ballpark, while small and somewhat plain, is new, comfortable, and features a laid-back atmosphere perfect for any vacationer. This ballpark is in stark contrast to the old, abandoned minor league ballparks that dot the Futures League, but Martha’s Vineyard is a welcome addition to the circuit. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Or is it? As the anticipated countdown to the A’s final scheduled home game at the Oakland Coliseum  on September 26 approaches, Sacramento news radio station KFBK is reporting that Major League Baseball has not yet agreed to the upgrades to Sutter Health Park .  Among the upgrades to the stadium is the installation of artificial turf. Many are questioning how safe it would be given Sacramento’s triple digit heat during the summer months.  "I'm not convinced, to tell you the truth, that this will be the A's last game in the city of Oakland," said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. "I always say, if the A's want to stay in Oakland, we welcome them back to the negotiation table.” The team's director of baseball communications released a statement Thursday, saying, "It is a certainty that the A's will play their 2025 season in Sacramento as planned. MLB is continuing to work productively with the MLBPA on the details of the transition." Though the A’s have sold out their final home game for September 26th, despite pleas and even offers of volunteer labor , the derisively nicknamed Mt. Davis, unused since 2019 will remain closed.  Currently, Sutter Health Park  is the home to the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Barring other new developments that continue to test the faith and patience of A’s fans, the A’s and River Cats will be sharing Sutter Health Park throughout the 2025 season. Sutter Health Park, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Will September 26 be the last time A’s fans walk along the BART bridge to The Oakland Coliseum?

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George S. Erath Field at Coy O. Williams Baseball Stadium 1013 N College Dr High Point, NC 27262 High Point Panthers website George S. Erath Field at Coy O. Williard Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 550 Choose To Be Extraordinary North Carolina is a state loaded with collegiate baseball history. Though no Tar Heel State team has raised the trophy in Omaha since Wake Forest accomplished the feat in 1955, North Carolina has played for two titles. NC State and Duke have also enjoyed success on the diamond, and many other schools across the state have participated in the NCAA regionals in recent years. High Point University has spent fewer than two decades at the Division I level, but has already placed a player in Major League Baseball (reliever Cody Allen) and hosted the Big South Conference baseball tournament. The Panthers’ home, Williard Baseball Stadium, is part of a vibrant athletic complex that continues to enjoy significant growth. If you want to catch a North Carolina program on the rise in a comfortable setting, High Point may just be your place. Food & Beverage 3 One should not expect a large amount of offerings at a High Point game. There are, however, enough choices to enjoy a small meal or in-game snack from the lone concession stand behind home plate. The school offers four hot items as part of the menu. Domino’s pizza slices ($2), hot dogs ($2), nachos and cheese ($2.75) and warm pretzels ($2.75) serve as the “entrees.” For those seeking a snack, candy and bagged chips are available for $1.50 per item. Coca-Cola serves as the Panthers’ bottler, with bottled sodas, Powerade and water available for $2. If you attend a weekday game, you might be able to enjoy an even more inexpensive night out. The school sells hot dogs for $1 apiece during in-week games. Atmosphere 3 Williard Stadium is just steps from the university’s expanding track and field sports facility, and the Millis Center — along with numerous additional campus buildings — is visible beyond the outfield fence. The view reinforces the integration of the facility into the fabric of the campus. There are also a few interestingly-hued houses (green, red, blue, et al) visible beyond the outfield wall. One of the more interesting atmospheric touches in the ballpark is also a considerable drawback. There is a bit of a “wide-open” feel in the seating bowl, as there is no overhanging structure. While this allows views of most of the action on the field from almost anywhere inside the confines of the park, this also means that there are no shaded seating areas. Therefore, day games make sunscreen a requirement. If you are visiting for an evening game and sitting on the third base (visiting) side, consider a good pair of sunglasses and a hat to block out the setting sun. The sun will remain in your eyes for at least the first half of most evening contests. All of the seats in the seating bowl are fixed, eliminating the highly uncomfortable spring option of bleachers. There is a reasonable amount of leg room for each seat, though the considerable amount of distance between the plate and backstop separates the seats from the field a bit. A standard nine-inning scoreboard can be found beyond the wall in right-center field. The board contains the normal options one would expect to see when attending a game, along with a digital clock and LED board. The board is not used for video options, but does display statistical information about the current batter and the first three batters due up in the next inning. Advertisements are also occasionally shown on the board, with each shutout inning by the homestanding Panthers sponsored — for whatever reason — by a local real estate agent. Neighborhood 2 Williard Stadium is located in a largely residential neighborhood, near the intersection of Lexington and College. There are just a couple of options — along with a Food Lion grocery store — within a reasonable distance of the park. A small group of fans tailgate in a nearby parking lot before the game, so if you feel outgoing and adventurous, it may be worth trying to introduce yourself and joining the tailgate. Many dining options can be found along North Main Street and Eastchester Drive (North Carolina Highway 68), though these options are well outside walking distance from the campus. Gianno’s, the official caterer of High Point athletics, is located on Eastchester Drive. Fans 2 A fairly sizeable crowd can be found in the seats at most Panther games. The night I attended featured a crowd of 522 (capacity is 550), with numerous others gathered outside of the gates to watch. The number of fans in attendance is comparable with a number of Big South schools. The true concern comes when analyzing the crowd itself. Attending games at High Point seems to be more of a social affair, with fans appearing more interested in hanging out with friends and catching up on the latest social news, versus making their support of the home team heard. The atmosphere can get a bit quiet at times, with the ability to hear the players on the field louder than the fans nearby in the stands. The crowd woke up a bit toward the end of the game I attended, though one might have expected more of a response throughout what ended up being a one-run game. Access 3 For fans looking to access High Point by air, the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) is located about 20 minutes north of the university in Greensboro. This is easy enough. However, the numerous interstate highways in the Triad tend not to visit the High Point campus. Interstate 74 (co-signed with US Highway 311) is the nearest interstate, and is some ten minutes from the campus. North Carolina Highway 68 (Eastchester Drive) eventually connects the campus to the airport, though there are a number of stoplights along the route. Upon your arrival to campus, parking is a bit of a challenge. There is a small lot behind the track, though it quickly fills. Therefore, it is probably best to park along the street on West College Drive (behind the track) or East Farris Avenue (between the stadium and the main campus guard house). Though this parking is free, it is not among the most convenient possible options. Either option will leave you with about a five-minute walk. There is a tiny concourse inside the ballpark, and the concession stand and restrooms are located on the concourse. The restrooms are clean and well-kept, satisfying the needs of any crowd that may attend a game at Williard Stadium. Return on Investment 4 In a world where it seems as though there is more demand for the entertainment dollar than ever, High Point offers a tremendous entertainment value for fans looking to enjoy a night out. The Big South is one of the better “non-power” baseball conferences in America, and it is almost a guarantee that, no matter the game, a great opponent will be on the field to take on the Panthers. Using the standard test we often apply, a fan can get a seat ($5 for any seat in the park), a hot dog ($2) and a soda ($2) for just nine dollars, meaning a family of four can almost assuredly attend a game for under $40. Parking is also free, removing one of the usual headaches at a game. Value such as this is hard to argue. . Extras 3 High Point has a sports marketing table just inside the entrance to the stadium. The table features free roster sheets and other helpful documentation. For those who love to keep score at a game — and who doesn’t? — score sheets can also be found at this table. If sitting in a regular ballpark seat bores you, the school furnishes rocking chairs along the top of the concourse. These chairs fill up early, so it is best to arrive early to guarantee a shot at one of these comfortable chairs. Rocking chairs are a long-time part of Southern lore, and these chairs give the park a sense of identity. If you are a “knothole” viewer who chooses to watch the game from outside the interior of the park, there is a large hill behind the first base dugout on which fans can stand or sit. This area also contains one of the only sections of shade in the vicinity of the park. There is also a section beyond the center field wall called the Panther’s Den, in which fans tend to gather to watch the game. This area contains picnic tables and standing room. While these areas allow you to get a glimpse of the game without buying a ticket, you are also not afforded the options of concessions and restrooms offered within the gates. Keep this in mind when making your decision. Final Thoughts Sure, the park could be a bit louder and more lively, but — surprisingly — this may dim some of its charm. If a comfortable, inexpensive baseball experience is what you seek, come pull up a rocking chair at Williard Stadium. You’ll be treated to great people, beautiful weather and a relaxing night at the ballpark.

Photo by Kirsten Richards, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Munhak Baseball Stadium 482 Munhak-dong, Nam-gu Incheon, South Korea SSG Landers website Munhal Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 28,500 NOTE....This review was done while the team was known as the SK Wyverns. In 2021, the team was acquired and renamed the SSG Landers. Munhak Stadium, Home of the SK Wyverns Munhak Stadium is home to the SK Wyverns, one of the eight teams (expanding to nine teams in 2015) contesting the Korea Baseball Championship (the KBO). The SK Wyverns incorporated in 2000 and have been playing at Munhak since it opened in 2002. In that time, the SK Wyverns have played in the Championship Series seven times and won it outright on three occasions (2007, 2008, 2010). The stadium seats 28,500 and regularly sells out. A large portion of the seats are general admission, but lower level infield seating is reserved. There is also a grass area, a Korean BBQ zone, a party deck and a number of extras inside the stadium, away from the field. Like all professional baseball teams in Korea, the SK Wyverns have passionate fans who know and participate in a number of songs and chants throughout the game. Munhak is a lovely modern stadium that is very easy to get to and very easy to move around in. An afternoon or evening at Munhak is a guaranteed good time. Food & Beverage 5 Munhak Stadium has vendors selling pizza, burgers, fried chicken, hand-cut fries and hot dogs in the $4-$10 range. There are also a wide-range of Korean snacks available, including grilled pork skin, fried octopus, fish cakes, spicy rice cakes, dumplings, deep fried sweet potato and cup noodles. Prices range from 3 pieces for $1 through to about $10. Standard sodas are approximately the same price as standard Korean lager beers (Cass, Hite and OB) for $2/can. Lemon and honey tea is a standout treat on a cold evening in early May. Lines are short and move very quickly. The Korean BBQ zone is a highlight as well. As with all Korean baseball games, you are welcome to bring anything you want to eat or drink into the stadium with you. It is common to see people dragging very large eskies/coolers into the stadium. In short, you don’t have to restrict yourself to unopened water and packaged crisps – bring in exactly what you want, including alcoholic beverages. A note to the traveler – it is polite to bag your rubbish and take it out to the concourse and leave it in/nearby the bins. Atmosphere 5 Munhak Stadium is part of the Munhak Sports Complex, which has hosted a number of large international games and will host the Asian Games in September 2014. The setting is very peaceful, with wide tree-shaded pedestrian avenues for crowds to make their way between stadiums. The baseball stadium provides painted lines for you to follow from the Munhak Sports Complex subway station exit to the ticket window and around to the relevant gate. Views from the outside of the concourse take in forested hills, the city of Incheon and the Munhak Sports Complex. Inside the stadium, sight lines are good from all general admission areas, with the seats in the outfield oriented towards second base. Shade/shelter from the rain is available in the upper areas of the grandstand. The third base side of the park is in full sun during day games. The first base side gets shade earlier in the day. There is not a lot of room between the rows of seating, but the pitch is not so extreme that an accidental bump feels like it will send you tumbling down to the field. The pitch is steeper in the upper level of the stadium. The lower level infield seating is reserved and entry is not permitted without a ticket. Autograph hunters are best off to wait outside the locker rooms after the games – which are easy to find, as there will usually be a polite gauntlet of fans lining the way from the exit to the team buses. The scoreboard is large and easy to read and contains all of the standard stats for pitchers and hitters. The animations for foul balls, strikeouts and extra-base hits are a stand-out. Jersey numbers and the outcomes of previous at-bats are not shown. The home team dugout is on the first base line, away team is on the third base line and the fans of each team group themselves behind the relevant dugouts. Neighborhood 4 There is not a great deal in the area immediately surrounding the stadium, however the stadium is on the subway line, which gives easy and quick access to Incheon and only takes a little longer to get back to Seoul.Incheon and Seoul are both very safe cities and it is comfortable, safe and easy to ride the subway at night. Fans 5 The fans are very passionate and very loud. People of all ages have their gloves ready to catch a foul ball or a home run. I have never seen any kind of aggression between fans at a Korean baseball game and don’t expect that I ever will. Fans are largely friendly and welcoming to foreigners and may go so far as to offer you some of their picnic. There are cheer sections for both the home team and the away team. The cheer section has a small stage for the cheerleaders to lead chants and provide between-inning entertainment, however most of the crowd can and will participate in all songs and chants. Two thundersticks (inflatable cylinders) are the key equipment for participating in cheering. Access 4 Munhak Stadium is best accessed via the Incheon line on the subway. From either Incheon International airport or Gimpo International airport there is one transfer to get onto the Incheon line. Travel time from Incheon Airport is approximately 1 hour. The other practical way to get to the stadium is from the Incheon bus terminal, which is one station away from Munhak Sports Complex on the subway. Subway tickets are approximately $1 each way (1200 Won). Bathroom queues are short and move fast. Cleanliness of the ladies was excellent. I did not inspect the men’s room. Mobility impaired travelers may have a difficult time navigating to their seats in the general admission areas, as the space between rows is narrow. Return on Investment 5 An afternoon or evening out at Korean baseball is always worth your time. Prices are roughly equivalent to Minor League ball – $8-$20 for regular seating and up to $50/head for boxes, Korean BBQ seating, etc. There is a wide range of reasonably priced merchandise – from $3 keyrings up to $150 for player jerseys. As a visitor, sitting in or behind the cheering section for either the home or the away team is great fun. Tickets to Korean baseball can be a little difficult to acquire ahead of time if you do not have a Korean mobile phone number, a Korean credit card and the ability to read Korean. If, for mobility reasons you need to book ahead to get a seat at a table or in one of the boxes, you should definitely get help from a travel agent, hotel concierge, Korean workmate or friend. For tickets on the day I advise arriving a couple of hours early to buy your general admission tickets and acquire a good spot. Extras 4 There is a smoking area downstairs and outside on the first base side. Other things downstairs in the fan-zone area include a pitching speed gun machine, batting cages, casts of the players’ hands and the kids playground area.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Peterborough Memorial Centre 151 Landsdowne Street West Peterborough, ON K9J 1Y4 Peterborough Jr. Lakers website Peterborough Memorial Centre website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 3,729 (Junior) Lake Show in Peterborough Without a doubt, Peterborough, Ontario is known as a bit of a hockey hotbed.  Legendary names have come through town and played for the venerable Peterborough Petes.  Coaching legends like Scotty Bowman and Roger Neilson got their starts behind the Petes bench and Hall of Fame players like Steve Yzerman and Chris Pronger led the Petes to glory back in their junior days.  It is a little known fact that Peterborough is also a hotbed of lacrosse.  The Senior ‘A’ Peterborough Lakers are both wildly popular and have been wildly successful.  Peterborough also puts a Junior C team on the floor.  However, the focus of this review is the Peterborough Jr Lakers that play in the Junior A level, Ontario Junior Lacrosse League.  Founded in 1950, the Lakers have found themselves under a vast number of monikers, most of them sponsor driven, including the Filter Queens, Pat’s, Pete’s, UEWs, Hastings Legionnaires, Petes, Tee-Pees, Gray-Munros, Century 21, James Gang, Maulers, Traders, Javelins and finally in 1999, the Lakers.  Earning a staggering 12 Minto Cups as junior lacrosse National Champions, the Lakers have also been wildly successful. The home for the Jr Lakers is the Peterborough Memorial Centre.  It is most known as a hockey rink and the home of the Petes in the winter, but in the summer months it is home for lacrosse, both at the Senior A and Junior A levels.  The PMC opened its doors in 1956 and is one of the most unique venues.  It gives the Jr Lakers a bit of a boost as they are the only team in the OJLL that plays in such a large, professional-type venue.  The PMC has been the centre of plenty of discussion over the last number of years as replacement has been a popular topic of conversation locally. Food & Beverage 2 The concession situation for Jr Laker games is not terrific.  The typical concession stands on the ground level are closed.  There are vending machines available on the west side, upper level, with soft drinks and small snacks.  The south side of the arena, near floor level, does have a full service bar that sells alcohol, which gives the food score a bit of a boost. Atmosphere 4 The Peterborough Memorial Centre is a very unique building.  Fans enter the building from the north side, on Lansdowne Street, and are welcomed by a ground level, glassed-in lobby, that is beneath a huge, rectangular facade with flags perched atop of the building.  Upon entry, fans enter a large concourse and it is immediately apparent that this is the home of the Peterborough Petes.  Banners of Petes legends hang in the concourse.  Off to the left is the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, which is excellent.  Unfortunately, on the day of this review, it was closed.  It is probable that the museum is not open for Jr Lakers games.  Fans will ascend the stairs to get to the upper concourse, which is the easiest way to get to the seating area. The floor of the Peterborough Memorial Centre runs from north to south and fosters the very unique seating area.  The north end has a massive seating section, most of which is closed for Jr Laker games.  The east and west sides have smaller seating areas that provide excellent sightlines.  The bulkheads above the east and west seating provide a facade for the massive number of accolades that have accumulated in Peterborough.  The east side has the accomplishments of the Peterborough Petes as well as the banners for honoured players and coaches.  The honoured players are a who’s who of hockey royalty and include such names as Chris Pronger, Larry Murphy, Jamie Langenbrunner, Steve Yzerman and Bob Gainey as well as coaching legends Scotty Bowman, Colin Campbell and Roger Neilson.  The west side covers all of the Peterborough lacrosse accomplishments of the MSL Lakers (Senior A) who have earned a ton of Mann Cup’s as National Champions, as well as the 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1986, 1987, 1989 and 2006 Minto Cup banners for the Junior Lakers.  Unparalleled success is on display in Peterborough. The floor at the Peterborough Memorial Centre is covered in turf, which is not standard in the OJLL but found in only around half of the facilities.  As well as being more aesthetically pleasing, the turf changes the game a bit with the ball reacting less erratically on bounces off of the floor.  One of the most unique aspects of the Peterborough Memorial Centre is the corners of the floor, which are much more square than a traditional hockey arena.  A big advantage for the Jr Lakers is the videoboard, which hangs above the centre of the floor, the only one in the league.  The production at a Jr Lakers game is fairly simple.  Kids take to the floor with their lacrosse sticks and balls during intermission, and the main promotion is a 50/50 draw.  When the Jr Lakers score, the song “Heave Away” by The Fables is played over the excellent PA system. Neighbourhood 3 The Peterborough Memorial Centre is located at the north end of the Kenner neighbourhood, bordering South Central, south of downtown.  It is west of the Otonabee River and north of Little Lake.  There is not a ton in the immediate neighbourhood.  One Eyed Jack’s is a restaurant right beside the Best Western, which is within walking distance of the arena.  Other bar and restaurant options that are a very short drive away include Dockus, the Original Spaghetti House and Sticks. If in the area during the summer months and looking for another sporting event, the MSL’s Peterborough Lakers are the best bet.  During the lacrosse off season, taking in a Peterborough Petes  game is a must.  Peterborough is a nice town in the summer with some good outdoor entertainment options like taking in the Trent-Severn Waterway.  Also consider the Canadian Canoe Museum and the Peterborough Museum.  The Best Western and Holiday Inn are both close to the arena and good options for accommodations. Fans 3 It is very difficult to assess fans in the OJLL as attendance figures are not published or tracked.  The Peterborough Jr Lakers further this difficulty by playing in a facility that is massively oversized for the league.  For the game that was reviewed there appeared to be more than the traditional “friends and family” crowd.  The Jr Lakers play many games on Monday evenings, including the one that was reviewed, which is not an ideal time for spectator sports. Peterborough fans are knowledgeable and not afraid to let the officials know about what they think of the previous call.   Access 5 The Peterborough Memorial Centre is located in the Kenner neighbourhood of Peterborough.  It is north of Highways 7 and 115 and will require travelers to drive through the city to get to the arena.  This is not difficult and definitely easier than for a Petes game, although that is not difficult either.  There is plenty of onsite parking that is free.  For fans interested in public transit, there is a Peterborough Transit bus stop right on Lansdowne Street.  Fans should consult the Peterborough Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules. One of the big advantages of playing in a bigger venue is the ease of getting around.  The seating is more comfortable than many of the other OJLL facilities and moving around the arena is no problem at all.  The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd on hand. Return on Investment 5 The value of an OJLL game is very high and taking in the Peterborough Jr Lakers is no different.  Jr Lakers tickets are $10 each with discounts available for those that qualify.  It is cash only at the door so be prepared.  Parking is free and the concession prices are appropriate for vending machines.  The action on the floor is solid and fans will definitely enjoy taking in a Jr Lakers game.  Extras 2 An extra mark for the Jr Lakers playing in a professional-like venue. An extra mark for the recognition of the accomplishments of the Jr Lakers that is found in the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Final Thoughts Peterborough is definitely one of the lacrosse hot beds in Ontario and when taking in lacrosse during the summer months, the Jr Lakers are a must stop on the tour.  Playing in a Major Junior Hockey venue, the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the Jr Lakers offer an experience that is far different than many of the other teams in the OJLL.  Fans should definitely take in the (Junior) Lake Show. 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 Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre 6 Northmen Way Orangeville, ON L9W 3B2 Orangeville Northmen website Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,050 Rose of Orange With a mere population of 28,000, the Town of Orangeville has a significant sports legacy. The Orangeville Prep Basketball Academy counts Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, along with Edge and Christian (Adam Copeland and Jay Reso) of professional wrestling fame along its alumni. Despite these famous residents, Orangeville is essentially a lacrosse town. Orangeville offers among the most in-depth lacrosse programs in Ontario and fields three teams at the junior level with the Orangeville Northmen of the OJLL at the top of the chain. Few centres offer both Junior A and Junior B teams, but Orangeville offers Junior A, Junior B, and Junior C teams. Those who play Junior A lacrosse for the Northmen hope to translate their success on the floor to opportunities in the NCAA or the professional National Lacrosse League. Orangeville Northmen alumni include Pat Coyle, Josh and Phil Sanderson, Brodie Merrill, Mike Poulin, and current General Manager Nick Rose. All have or are currently playing in the NLL. Home for the Northmen is the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre. Named after the father of GM and Toronto Rock goaltender Nick Rose, the Tony Rose offers seating for 1,050 in the main arena and a classic lacrosse environment. Tony Rose was a member of the Northmen in the eighties and was a member of Senior B championship teams. He was a promoter of local lacrosse and died in a car accident in 1990. Food & Beverage 3 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre has a fairly typical concession scene for Junior A lacrosse. A single snack bar-style concession is found in the lobby and offers all of the expected arena delicacies. French fries, poutine, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, muffins, freezies, and chips are all available. Vending machines opposite the concession offer soft drinks. Inside the main arena, a small selection of beer and seltzer can be found. Atmosphere 3 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre functions as a typical town community centre. The exterior is a mix of both modern and dated looks for the two-pad complex. The main entrance off of Northern Way features a mix of light brick which gives it a clean, attractive look. “The Torchbearer” and “Mr. Lacrosse,” wooden sculptures which are part of the Orangeville Art Walk of Tree Sculptures, welcome sports fans heading to the game. Mr. Lacrosse is a tribute to Orangeville lacrosse legend, the late Terry Sanderson. Inside, fans will enter a small lobby before heading into the main arena. In the lobby, there is a display for Tony Rose including his stick and jersey. Inside the main arena, fans are greeted by volunteers at temporary tables for ticket sales, raffles, and merchandise sales. The floor runs from north to south and offers 10 rows of step bench seating on the west side. On the north end of the arena is a trophy case that lacrosse fans should check out as there are a ton of accolades and awards for the Northmen. In the northeast corner, around what could be the operations window, hang the six Minto Cup Championship banners signifying the highest honour possible in junior lacrosse, the national championship. (1993, 1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015) . The north wall also offers some nice touches including a large banner signifying the retired number 19 for Terry Sanderson. To the left there is also a large, touching, “In Memoriam” banner with the initials of those Northmen who have passed. The nod to Northmen history and accomplishments continues with a trophy case with artifacts for former Team Canada player, Chris Sanderson and painted championship rosters for Northmen Ontario Senior Champions from the eighties. The eastern wall is littered with youth box and field lacrosse championship banners. The simple hockey-style scoreboard is found on the south end. The playing surface is polished concrete and does have a centre floor logo, to further personalize the venue. The gameday production is very simple with some music played during down times and a 50/50 draw is at the centre of the promotions. The PA system is poor and it is difficult to understand the announcements that are being made much of the time. Neighbourhood 3 Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre is located in the town of Orangeville, which is not huge. Orangeville is located northwest of Brampton and west of Highway 10. There is not much in the way of pre or post-game spots for food and drink in the residential area surrounding the arena, so fans should head south to Broadway for more options. Bluebird Cafe, Rustik Local Bistro, Black Wolf Smokehouse, and Hockley Valley Brewing are some options fans may wish to check out. There is not much in the way of other sports in the immediate area, however, Orangeville being such a lacrosse hotbed, the Junior B or Junior C Orangeville Northmen may be of interest. For other entertainment options, Theatre Orangeville may be of interest and the Walk of Tree Sculptures are worth checking out. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Best Western on Highway 10 is a good option. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the OJLL is difficult as the attendance figures are not published. The game that was reviewed was also part of the OJLL Finals series. That being said, the Orangeville Northmen enjoy a strong support network. The game that was reviewed involved a standing-room-only crowd. The fans in attendance are loud and supportive and even take their support to the next level with college hockey-type chants after goals. Access 4 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre is located in central Orangeville. It is located west of Highway 10, the main artery in town. Getting to the arena will require going through town, which is not a big deal. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there is a bus stop right across the road from the arena. Fans should consult the Orangeville Transit website for fares, schedules, and maps. The Tony Rose facilities are fairly tight when there is a big crowd, and feature benches that are not the most comfortable, and there is no air conditioning making it pretty hot during the summer months. Return on Investment 5 Orangeville Northmen and OJLL lacrosse offer tremendous value for a very small investment. Tickets for the Northmen are $10, parking is free and concession offerings offer a decent price. The lacrosse on the floor is fast and pure without too much production. In the end, this all adds up to a tremendous return for a minimal investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the strong community connection that Orangeville has with the sport of lacrosse. An extra mark for Northmen GM Nick Rose, who not only is the goaltender for the Toronto Rock but also the son of Orangeville legend Tony Rose. An extra mark for the massive Orangeville Northmen alumni including Nick Rose, Phil Sanderson, Josh Sanderson, Mike Poulin, Pat Coyle, and Brodie Merrill to name a few. All have had significant careers in the National Lacrosse League. Final Thoughts Orangeville and lacrosse go together like peanut butter and jelly and the Orangeville Northmen are the main attraction for the town. For lacrosse fans, a trip to see the Orangeville Northmen will be an experience that will be worth the time, and checking out all the lacrosse artifacts and history at the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre will be worth it. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Mimico Arena 31 Drummond St. Toronto, ON M8V 1Y7 Mimico Mountaineers website Mimico Arena website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 800 Home of the Wild Pigeon Mimico has deep lacrosse roots. Once a village outside of Toronto, Mimico was swallowed by the City of Etobicoke in 1967. Located on the west side of Toronto, Etobicoke was amalgamated into the City of Toronto in 1998. However, the community of Mimico still has a very strong sense of community and local pride. Nowhere is that more evident than in its attachment to lacrosse. The Mimico Lacrosse Club was established in 1890. The name “Mimico” translates from Ojibwa to “Home of the Wild Pigeon.” Lacrosse was so significant in Mimico that they built the Drummond Street Bowl in 1931, an outdoor, box lacrosse facility, which would eventually become the Mimico Arena. Mimico competed in lacrosse at various levels over more than a century and continues today. The lacrosse achievements would culminate in Mann Cup Championships in 1932 and 1942 as Senior Lacrosse National Champions and Minto Cup Championships in 1938 and 1951 as Junior National Champions. The Lakeshore Maple Leafs, which would be folded into the Mimico Mountaineers program, claim a 1970 Minto Cup also. Mimico even boasts the legendary Conn Smythe as part of their history as a resident and lacrosse player. In 1978, Junior lacrosse would cease to exist in Mimico, only to be resurrected as a Junior B program in 1993. The Mountaineers would move up to the current Ontario Junior Lacrosse League, a Junior A league, in 2013, and is still going strong today. Food & Beverage 4 Most would expect the most simple snack bar options available at a junior lacrosse game. However, at Mimico, the community vibe even bumps up the concession scene to another level. Although the variety would not compare to a professional experience, the uniqueness of the options takes the concession scene to the next level. The expected arena options are all there including chips, popcorn, soda, coffee, and tea. Sandwiches are on the menu along with breakfast sandwiches, but what Mimico is known for are their peameal bacon sandwiches. There is also a small lounge in the upper north end of the arena where fans can relax and converse with other fans and enjoy the specialty branded beer for the Mountaineers from Great Lakes Brewery, Lax Lager. Atmosphere 4 Mimico Arena began its existence as the Drummond Street Bowl in 1931, an outdoor lacrosse facility. Since that time, Mimico Arena has changed drastically with the facility becoming an indoor facility with an ice plant, which allows Mimico Arena the ability to host hockey in the winter months. The exterior of the arena has that local feel to it with double blue siding and a low profile. Unique to Mimico Arena is signage outside that boasts Mimico Arena as the home of the Mountaineers. Entering the north entrance from Drummond Street brings fans into a small lobby and the immersion into Mimico lacrosse history begins. A large trophy case immediately to the right upon entering features trophies and pictures of Mountaineers teams of the past. A temporary table offers patrons the opportunity to purchase tickets. To the right, behind the ticket table is the set of stairs that takes fans up to the bar. There is even more history at the fingertips of patrons with more trophies and retired jerseys of former Mimico lacrosse greats and team award honourees. Straight past the ticket table, to the right of the concession stand, is the entrance to the arena floor. Fans are instantly met with the feeling of nostalgia as Mimico Arena remains an “old-school hockey barn” that lacks ice during the summer. The concrete floor runs from south to north with step benches for seating on the east side of the arena. Also unique to Mimico Arena are Mountaineers markings on the floor itself. The simple scoreboard hangs on the south side and a window from the crow’s nest bar is found at the north end. The stands are split by a simple press box where the game day operations staff make announcements and control the music played during stoppages. The west side of the arena is where the player benches are and above them hang numerous banners reminding visitors just who’s home they are in. A banner hangs for the two Mimico Mann Cups and another for the two Minto Cups as well as a Lakeshore Maple Leafs Minto Cup championship. The local, community vibe is proliferated with the banners that honour Mimico lacrosse builders Norm Gair, Jerry Chemij, John J.R. Robinson, Ruby Lang, and Bob McCabe are just as prominent, if not more, than the retired numbers of Archie Dixon, Andy Dudun and Ken Dixon. Mimico Arena is not the most comfortable or modern setting as the five rows of step benches are very simplistic and the age of the arena also means it lacks climate control. The gameday atmosphere is fairly simple. The team is led on the floor by a local youth lacrosse player carrying the Mountaineer flag on a lacrosse stick. Music is not played during the play but during stoppages. Although it seems that the announcers do a decent job, the PA system is quite old and it is difficult to understand all of the announcements. Neighbourhood 4 Mimico Arena is located in the Mimico-Queensway neighbourhood of Toronto, in the former city of Etobicoke, which is on the west side of the city. The arena is situated in a mixed residential commercial area, right beside a grocery store. There are a couple of restaurants in the area close to the arena. These include TC Tibetan MoMo, Il Padre’s Gourmet Pizza, Canadiana Grill By The Lake, Blue Goose Tavern, and Tila’s Mexican Food. It is probably best to bring the car to the destination as opposed to walking. Although there is not much in the way of sports in the Mimico neighbourhood, one should remember that they are still in Toronto and a short drive will bring fans to some of the best sports around. The Toronto Beaches, also in the OJLL, play in the east end of town. Downtown is where fans will find most of the other options. BMO Field at Exhibition Place is shared between the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL and Toronto FC of the MLS. Also, at Exhibition Place is the Coca-Cola Coliseum, home of the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. East of Exhibition Place is Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays of MLB. Further east along the Lakeshore is Scotiabank Arena, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL and Toronto Raptors of the NBA. The University of Toronto fields a full complement of varsity teams including football at Varsity Stadium , hockey at Varsity Arena , and basketball at the Goldring Centre . A true gem is Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) hockey and basketball , both of whom play in the renovated former Maple Leaf Gardens. Summer may also bring fans to Christie Pits for some Toronto Maple Leafs baseball. There are not a ton of great options near Mimico Arena for hotels. The Deluxe Inn and Stay Inn are the closest, but getting a spot closer to downtown or the airport is probably a better idea. Fans 5 OJLL attendance is difficult to assess as attendance figures are not published. The game that was attended for this review was also a playoff game. That being said, the Mountaineers have strong community support and played in front of a capacity crowd for the game that was reviewed. Friends, family as well as community members were all in attendance and there were plenty of younger people in attendance, who all stood behind the goal. The crowd was loud and into the game and there were even fans leading others in cheers. The fans made the Mimico Mountaineers game that much more exciting. Some fans were even tailgating in the small parking lot behind the arena. Access 3 Getting to Mimico Arena is not the easiest venture. The arena is located between Lakeshore Blvd and the Gardiner Expressway, which brings fans from the west to downtown. Toronto traffic can be a real issue so fans coming from out of town should make sure they give themselves plenty of time to arrive. Combining traffic issues with some distinct parking challenges amplifies fans' need to get to the arena early as opposed to late. Most of the parking in the neighbourhood is on the street. There is a very small lot to the west of the arena and the grocery store to the east has numerous signs dissuading arena patrons from parking there For fans wishing to take public transit, there are TTC buses that run to the east on Royal York Blvd and Mimico Ave and the streetcar can be found further east. Fans should consult the Toronto Transit Commission website for fares, and maps. and schedules. Mimico Arena is an old building and it is not overly spacious. Fans with mobility challenges will find the arena difficult to traverse. Return on Investment 5 OJLL games are among the most affordable experiences there are. Mimico Mountaineer tickets are sold for $12 for adults. The price of concessions is more than palpable and parking, although a challenge, is free. The product on the floor is the fastest game on two feet and is very exciting. The history of the building and the engagement of the fans put the return on a relatively small investment, over the top. Extras 4 An extra mark for the deep history that the Mimico Mountaineers enjoy and share. An extra mark for the connection that is evident between the Mountaineers and the Mimico community. A true neighbourhood team in an era where the neighbourhood is almost lost. An extra two marks for the Sportsman’s Battery . In World War II, the 30th Battery of the 7th Toronto Regiment was led by hockey legend Conn Smythe. All of the members of the Mimico Senior Lacrosse team were members of the battery. Mimico native Smythe stated that if he were to go to war again, he would bring lacrosse players. Final Thoughts The Mimico Mountaineers of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League offer a unique experience for fans. Mixing a ton of history with the youth and exuberance of the young players, the Mountaineers experience is one that lacrosse fans should experience. The refreshing feel of a true community team in a big city is one that fans will find in the Home of the Wild Pigeon! ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Toronto Rock Athletic Centre 1132 Invicta Drive Oakville, ON L6H 6G1 Oakville Buzz website Toronto Rock Athletic Centre website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 750 What’s the Buzz in Oakville? In 1999 the Ontario Raiders moved from Hamilton to Toronto to become the Toronto Rock. Making their home at the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens until 2001, the Rock helped expand the reach of lacrosse in Southern Ontario and definitely increased its status. Under the ownership of Jamie Dawick, in 2012, the Rock would open a training centre for the team to house its offices and provide space for the Rock to practice. Going beyond the practicality of providing for the team, the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, in the nearby city of Oakville has become a hub for lacrosse activity in the area. With two indoor box lacrosse fields and an outdoor turf field, the TRAC has become a centre for lacrosse at all levels. The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is the home for the Oakville Buzz of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League. The top junior lacrosse league is viewed as one of the top providers of lacrosse talent to the professional National Lacrosse League. The Buzz moved up to the OJLL, which is Junior A level, from Junior B in 2019, after winning a Junior B, Founders Cup National Championship in 2006. Taking advantage of one of the top lacrosse facilities in the province, the Buzz provides a good lacrosse experience for Ontario fans. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at the TRAC are fairly simple but not insignificant. The typical snack bar experience is what fans can expect. Hot dogs, slushies, candy, popcorn and soda make up the menu for the most part. Sometimes pizza and other items are also available. Concessions will keep fans from being hungry during the game, but not replace a trip somewhere else for a pre or post game meal. Atmosphere 3 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is basically the training ground for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League. Complete with offices, medical and a pro shop, the TRAC is an innovative centre for lacrosse in the Greater Toronto Area. The exterior is attractive, with a clearly designated main entrance. Red and blue pillars highlight the grey exterior with plenty of windows for a sleek, smart look. That look continues as fans enter the lobby of the TRAC, which continues the Toronto Rock theme and markings but in a classy fashion with some tiled floors and walls. When fans enter for a Buzz game, there are temporary tables off to the right where tickets are sold as well as raffle tickets and a merchandise table. Entering the playing area, fans will immediately be struck with the notion that this facility was built for lacrosse. The TRAC features synthetic turf for a playing surface, similar to what can be found in the National Lacrosse League. Many of the other OJLL venues have concrete floors for the playing surface. The floor runs from west to east with seating on the south side. Four rows of simple step benches comprise the seating area, so the majority of fans sit on the last row to take advantage of the wall behind the final bench. The west side of the arena features a simple, yet effective, scoreboard, which is surrounded by the Toronto Rock championship banners and retired number and honoured coaches banners. The arena is well lit and very clean. On the east side is a balcony which links to the upper level offices. Although it is great to see all of the accolades for the Toronto Rock, there is little to no evidence that the Oakville Buzz play here at all. Even a simple banner acknowledging the 2006 Founders Cup Championship would be good. The gameday production at a Buzz game is very simple. Unlike the NLL, music is not used during play. The Buzz take advantage of the excellent PA system and use promotions such as 50/50 and raffles. The Buzz add just enough production value to make the game feel a little more professional, but at no point is the attention taken away from the action on the floor. Neighbourhood 2 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is located in Oakville, Ontario in an essentially industrial area. Oakville is located on Lake Ontario, between Hamilton and Toronto. The TRAC is east of the Falgarwood neighborhood in Oakville and there is not much in the immediate area. Cameron’s Brewing Co is just up the road. Other than that, fans will need to hop into the car. Monaghan’s Sports Pub is about five minutes away, or fans can head south to Downtown Oakville and find a spot somewhere on Lakeshore Road. As for other sporting options, Oakville doesn’t offer too much. Glen Abbey Golf Course is in Oakville and has been home to the Canadian Open on a number of occasions and may warrant a visit. Otherwise, fans may wish to head to Hamilton or Toronto for sporting options. Of course, the Toronto Rock at FirstOntario Centre would be an option if it were not off-season. As far as other tourist options, heading to the waterfront might be a good plan. For fans wishing to stay near the TRAC, the Holiday Inn is not too far. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJLL is extremely difficult. Attendance figures are not published. The game that was reviewed was a playoff game. The capacity of the TRAC is only 750, so the couple hundred fans in attendance made the game seem adequately populated. It is difficult to assert how many fans in attendance were beyond the “friends and family” category. The fans in attendance are fairly reserved and not over the top. Access 5 The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is located between the Falgarwood neighbourhood in Oakville and Highway 403. Getting to the arena is not difficult at all due to the proximity of the highway and the industrial neighbourhood the TRAC is in. There is plenty of free parking on the premises for fans who are driving to the game. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are Oakville Transit bus stops on North Service Road, near Invicta Drive. Fans should consult the Oakville Transit website for maps, schedules and fares. Inside the TRAC, washroom facilities are more than adequate for the expected crowd and getting around the facility is no problem at all. Return on Investment 5 There are not too many experiences that can be found for a $20 bill anymore, but the Oakville Buzz are one of them. Tickets for the Buzz go for $15 per adult. Students and seniors get in for $10. Parking is free and concession prices are decent. The product on the floor is exciting and fun. The math works out for the fan in this case for sure. Extras 2 An extra mark for the TRAC providing a hub for lacrosse. A clear benefit to promote the game. An extra mark for expanding the Toronto Rock brand, giving junior players something to strive for each game. Final Thoughts Checking out some OJLL lacrosse action and the Oakville Buzz is a great way for fans to catch the next generation of lacrosse professionals during the summer months. The Toronto Rock Athletic Centre offers a professional facility that is a real advantage for the players who play there. If you were wondering what’s the buzz in Oakville, now you know to see for yourself. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Colonial Life Arena 801 Lincoln St Columbia, SC 29208 South Carolina Gamecocks website Colonial Life Arena website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 18,000 Colonial Life Arena – South Carolina Gamecocks The Southeastern Conference has long been home to several of the most decorated college basketball programs – Florida and Kentucky have both won multiple national championships, and Arkansas has added a championship of their own. In all, the SEC has made a total of 44 Final Four appearances. While a national championship has been elusive, the Gamecocks have experienced their own postseason glory with consecutive NIT titles (2005-2006) and an unforgettable run to the 2019 Final Four, the first in program history. USC made a major investment in basketball in 2002, opening the doors to the 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena, following 34 years at the Carolina Coliseum. This move signaled a commitment to competing at the highest level of not just the SEC, but nationally.   Food & Beverage   5 The food options at Colonial Life Arena are as plentiful as a mall food court. Fans can choose everything ranging from stadium favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and chicken tenders, to a wide selection of more regional offerings including Mexican at Salsarita’s, craft burgers at Burgerim, Thai Kingdom, and even a taste of the ocean from Mr. Seafood. Many carts are also situated around the concourse offering everything from ice cream to donuts and gourmet popcorn to smoothies. Colonia Life Arena sells both craft and domestic beer, wine, and seltzers. Craft beers include selections from Terrapin, Columbia Craft Brewing Company, Wild Leap, and Peak Drift Brewing Company, while soft drink choices include Coca-Cola products.   Atmosphere   4 Fans fill the plaza at the entrance to Colonial Life Arena in anticipation of the doors opening. The plaza, at the corner of Lincoln and Greene Streets, is lined with South Carolina palmettos and is fronted with a circular fountain that beautifully frames the entryway. A 15-foot statue of Gamecock women’s basketball hero A’ja Wilson also welcomes fans upon their arrival. The entry point to Colonial Life Arena is framed by large support columns backed by a full bank of windows. As fans pass through the doors into the grand foyer, an intricate mosaic of the gamecock mascot is front and center on the floor of the entry. Fans ascend staircases on either side of the entrance, the actual center courts from both national championships won by the women’s program hang overhead. The staircases lead to the main concourse, as well as an area dedicated to the retired jerseys and championships won by the Gamecocks. The concourse that wraps completely around the arena is a virtual walking tribute to the icons of South Carolina Gamecock basketball. Pregame entertainment might be more accurately described as a pre-game extravaganza – as  the house lights dim and cell phone flashlights illuminate, the energy in the air is palpable. The South Carolina cheer squad, alongside Cocky the mascot, leads the team onto the court, with flags spelling out C-A-R-O-L-I-N-A. As the festivities move to player introductions, flames and sparks shoot from boxes set up around the center circle as Cocky waves a Gamecock-logoed flag about. The highlight of pre-game, though, is in the moments leading up to tip off; in what has become one of the great traditions in all college athletics, the techno beats of Darude’s “ Sandstorm ”  get the arena rocking. The song also plays during a handful of late game situations to fire up the crowd coming out of a timeout. Carolina power companies might want to tap into Colonial Life Arena as a source of energy – from the pre-game "Sandstorm" to the final buzzer, excitement is woven into the Gamecock basketball experience. This electric atmosphere is undoubtedly a highlight of the overall game day experience. The biggest obstacle facing South Carolina basketball might simply be consistency. Despite flashes of brilliance, maintaining consistent success has been elusive. Over the past 40 seasons, the Gamecocks have only managed three consecutive winning seasons on four occasions, often stumbling just as they start building momentum. This lack of consistency can be frustrating for fans who want to go all in with their support of the program.   Neighborhood   5 Sometimes for colleges and universities in downtown areas, it can be difficult to tell where the campus ends and the city begins. Owned and operated by the University of South Carolina, Colonial Life Arena is located about a block off the main section of USC’s campus. The surrounding neighborhood provides fans with several options in terms of eateries and points of interest to visit as part of their experience. The student housing building at 650 Lincoln has several choices for a quick bite, including Jersey Mike’s, Urban Wok, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Also, student housing at 750 Lincoln includes a more upscale taste with offerings from Angell Bros. 1801 Grille. However, one of the more popular pregame spots is Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub, where fans are lined up prior to opening at 11 am for a 1 pm tip off. If looking for more entertainment to fill a visit to the South Carolina campus, early season tilts might be paired with a late season SEC match up at William-Bryce Stadium , while mid-February will see the start of the college baseball season at Founders Park , and softball at the Carolina Softball Stadium. Or, those looking for a bit of history of the area have just a short walk to the South Carolina state capital.   Fans   4 Gamecock fans are a passionate bunch who recognize good basketball as it is unfolding. Fans start clamoring merely at the sight of the ball moving toward an open shooter, or the ball being fed to the post against a mismatch. Carolina fans show up in force, averaging a respectable 10,000-12,000 per game. But the uneven distribution of supporters seems to leave some unrealized potential of what could be, in terms of a full house on a night-to-night basis. While the lower bowl and sidelines are relatively full of excited fans, the upper baseline sections can sometimes appear a bit empty. Enough cannot be said about the role the students play in the fan experience. Dubbed, “ The Cockpit ” the student section even has their own X account (@SC_COCKPIT), and has four rules: 1) On your feet, 2) Arrive Early, 3) Be Loud, and 4) Use Props. The Cockpit is a great student section that does not seem to get the credit they deserve when ranking the top student sections in the country.   Access   3 The streets around Colonial Life Arena can seem like a bit of a maze trying to navigate. The intersections around the arena start to be blocked off about 2.5 hours before a game, creating what can be a two-block detour to get to a desired location. There are plenty of parking garages and lots that are just a short walk from the arena. The entrance at the corner of Greene and Lincoln Streets is the only one used to get fans into the arena – this does create some back-ups as fans pass through security checks before entering the foyer to have tickets scanned. Stairs leading up to the outer concourse gives fans plenty of space to navigate, with the exception of the far end of the arena where the Frank McGwire Club juts out, creating a bit of a bottleneck there. Within the seating area, a narrow walkway passes completely around the upper level of the seating bowl. With most parking concentrated on one side of the arena, it does create a great deal of congestion following the game on the secondary streets leading away from the arena, especially for those heading back toward the interstate.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for conference match ups start at $15, before Ticketmaster add-on fees; it would be difficult to find a ticket at any of the Power Five conference teams that beat this. Prices do substantially increase for premium games against the top teams in the conference, in-state rival Clemson, or a premier non-conference foe. Given Colonial Life Arena’s size, games typically do not sell out, so decent deals can be found on the secondary market. Of course, there will be fees added. Parking starts at $10 for lots and garages that are just a short walk to the arena, which seems to be in line with most other conferences like the SEC.   Extras   5 Not enough can be said about the frenzied pregame atmosphere that is carried on throughout the game. The South Carolina mascot Cocky is an active participant in hyping up the crowd, especially the student section, who really get the rest of the arena going. The concourse area of Colonial Life Arena is a virtual museum of Gamecock basketball. More than the impressive displays of the center courts from the women’s national championships, there are also displays of retired jerseys, trophy cases, recognition of those enshrined in the USC Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Walk of Fame are all a fantastic look at the history of basketball at the University of South Carolina. In addition, an array of South Carolina’s basketball history is recognized above the center-hung scoreboard, where men's and women's championship banners mingle with retired jerseys honoring past Gamecock legends. Following the game, players, coaches, staff, and cheerleaders gather in front of the pep band, raising their cupped hands in a unified "C" as the school's alma mater is played. This simple gesture speaks volumes, solidifying the bond between the program and its fans, and the university they all represent.   Final Thoughts South Carolina Gamecock basketball is an incredible college basketball experience, but one issue might be that, at a capacity of 18,000, Colonial Life Arena may be a touch too big. While the passion of the crowd does not waver, it does seem like a smaller arena might magnify that excitement even more. South Carolina basketball may be one of the best kept secrets when it comes to arena atmospheres in the country. It can be difficult for basketball programs to cut out their own niche in the football heavy SEC, but Gamecock basketball has done a wonderful job creating an electrifying college basketball atmosphere that many might simply not be aware of yet.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium 90 Stadium Dr College Park, MD 20742 Maryland Terrapins lacrosse website Martland Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 51,802 Terps Lacrosse The Maryland Terrapins are one of the most successful college lacrosse programs in the country, winning three NCAA titles, most recently in 2017, and finishing runner-up an additional nine times. In all, the Terps have made the Final Four 27 times, and as of the end of the 2021 season had made the tournament every year since 2003 (excluding the canceled 2020 tournament). The Terrapins play their home games at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium, which is also home to the football program . The stadium has a full capacity of 51,802, although the maximum capacity for lacrosse is typically lower as they do not sell all the seats. The stadium was originally known as Byrd Stadium, after university president Harry “Curley” Byrd, but his name was taken off the stadium in 2015 due to his staunch racism and his role in preserving segregation in the University of Maryland System during his tenure. Food & Beverage 3 Although Maryland Stadium has many concession stands, most are not open for lacrosse. Only one or two of the many stands will typically be open, serving just basic options such as chicken tenders, hot dogs, pretzels, soda, and water. As with football, beer is available at Maryland lacrosse games for $10 a can, with a limit of one per person per trip. Prices can be pretty high – the tenders and fries will cost $10, for instance, and bottled water is $4. Atmosphere 5 College lacrosse is huge in Maryland, where it is the official state team sport (but not the official state sport, which is jousting). A Terps game is no exception, and the school does a great job of getting fans into the game, starting with a pregame hype video that is comparable to what you would see at many football and basketball games across the country. There is music played after every Terps goal and giveaways and promotions on the concourse. There are activities during timeouts just as you would see for football or basketball, and local youth lacrosse teams will scrimmage at halftime. There is also a mascot named Testudo, a turtle who can be seen roaming the stands or appearing on the field before and during the game. All in all, the atmosphere here is comparable to what you would see for football or basketball at many schools. As for the stadium itself, most seats are metal bleachers without backs except for a small number of reserved chairbacks. Normally only half of the lower bowl is open for lacrosse, but they may open the other half when they are expecting a large crowd, such as against a fellow Maryland school. The upper level will rarely if ever be open for lacrosse. There is a large, recently upgraded video board at one end of the stadium and a smaller one at the other end. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is really nothing special. There is a bowling alley a couple of miles away, and a bunch of chain restaurants within walking distance. If you’re looking for some local color, College Park Diner is a favorite with residents and students alike and serves up comfort food 24 hours a day. Looney’s Pub on Route 1 is a sports bar with dozens of big-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. A couple of hotels are located nearby, including a Marriott just off campus, and The Hotel on-campus. (Yes, the on-campus hotel is literally called The Hotel. Not a very creative name). That being said, if you’re looking to do more than eat and sleep, your best bet is to head down to the Metro station and take the Green Line into D.C. It’s about a 30-minute ride to downtown. Once you’re there, there’s so much to do and most of it is free. Whether it’s visiting one of the historic monuments and memorials, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply walking outside on the National Mall, there’s something for everyone. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to reserve that ahead of time. Fans 5 Maryland routinely is at or near the top of the country in attendance, with a typical game drawing several thousand fans. While this might not seem like a lot in a 50,000+ seat stadium, it will seem like it’s much fuller than it actually is. Part of this is because the fans are compressed into a smaller area than they would be for football, so the actual capacity is far less than 50,000, but a large part of it is due to the fans themselves. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and loud. They know not just about the Terps players but about the sport in general – during breaks in the action, fans can be heard discussing college lacrosse news from across the nation. When the Terps are playing an in-state rival like Loyola or Johns Hopkins , or another nearby school like Georgetown or Virginia, expect a good number of away fans to make the trip to College Park as well. They will still be outnumbered by the Terps fans, and it will still feel like a Terrapins home game, but visiting fans shouldn’t face any overly hostile treatment. Access 3 The University of Maryland campus is located just a few miles off of I-495 (Capital Beltway) and Maryland Route 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). However, there is a very good chance you will sit in heavy traffic getting from the highway to the stadium. Although gameday-related traffic is not nearly as bad as it would be for a Terrapins football game, traffic in this area is notoriously terrible in general, so you may find yourself in bumper-to-bumper traffic for seemingly no reason at all. Once you’re on campus, free parking is available in Lot 1/Z all day on weekends and after 4 PM on weekdays. Maryland Stadium has lights so it is unlikely there would be a weekday afternoon game, but if there is one, fans will need to park in a nearby garage and pay money for it. This will almost certainly not be an issue unless a game has to be rescheduled or there are some other unusual circumstances. From Lot 1/Z, the stadium is about a five-minute walk away. Once inside the stadium, concourses are more than wide enough for the lacrosse crowds, and bathrooms are of ample size, though keep in mind it is possible not all restrooms will be open for lacrosse. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to a Maryland lacrosse game are only $10 for general admission seats in the metal bleachers, or slightly more if you want a reserved chairback. However, unless having the chairback is important to you, we suggest just buying the general admission seats as they actually put you closer to the action and provide a better view of the game. Parking is free, barring unusual circumstances, and while concessions are expensive, they are not outrageously so. Considering this is one of the top college lacrosse experiences in the country, it is well worth the money. While some other college lacrosse programs are cheaper or even free, you get what you pay for in terms of the experience. Extras 2 The fans are among the best in college lacrosse and are worth a bonus star here. There will often be giveaways on the concourse, which could be anything from pom-poms to t-shirts. Look for the marketing table for more information. Final Thoughts Maryland is often regarded as the epicenter of college lacrosse, and a visit to a Terrapins game shows exactly why that is. In some parts of the country, lacrosse is just another random sport the college sponsors, but not here. This is one of the best college lacrosse experiences in the country, both from a fan perspective and in terms of the product on the field. There are so many great college lacrosse programs in the area that a fan with only a short time to visit couldn’t possibly check out all of them, but this is one of, if not the, best of them.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Sunny South Raceway 11380 US-90 Grand Bay, AL 36541 Sunny South Raceway website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 3,000 Sunny South Raceway Entering its 30th season in 2019, Sunny South Raceway in Grand Bay, Alabama has become one of Alabama’s finest short track speedways. The 1/4-mile track originally opened in 1989 as a 1/8th-mile dirt go-kart track, but as the raceway began to host full-size cars the track expanded to the asphalt track it is today. Sunny South Raceway now hosts a wide selection of full-time racing events, including races for the Southern All Star Supertruck Series, Pro Challenge, INEX Legends Bandoleros, Go-Karts, Bombers, and Stingers. The track also hosts the Sunny South Citerium, which is a professional bicycle race held every April. Every year Sunny South Raceway hosts the INEX Bandolero Nationals, which draws the top bandolero drivers in the country. For those unfamiliar with bandolero, meaning bandit in Spanish, this is a type of junior entry level racing where drivers can compete as young as 8 and usually into their early 20s. Bandit cars are basically toned-down modified versions of regular racing cars, but the speed usually tops out in the 70s. Many notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and David Ragan got their start racing bandoleros. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concessions area located on the first floor of the press box tower, and it sells the basics. Prices are reasonable with the chicken tender basket being the most expensive item at $7. Other items include hamburgers ($5), corn dogs ($4), hot dogs ($3), fries ($3), pretzels ($2.50), and peanuts ($2). Coke is the soft drink provider with can drinks costing $1.50. Because of the family nature of this event alcohol is not sold, nor allowed on the property. Atmosphere 3 Sunny South Raceway is short track racing at its finest. The 1/4-mile track is action-packed from start to finish. The raceway is set up so there is a good view of the entire race track but without any distractions. With no pit area, just grass in the infield, you can see the entire track and distinguish the different cars from anywhere in the grandstand. The races on my most recent visit were mighty-mites, which consists of younger drivers aged around age 5-6. These go-kart style carts top out at about 50 mph, and it was interesting getting to see drivers compete at such a young age. The only downside is that there are a lot of caution flags that slow the race down because of drivers spinning out on the track. The next set of races that night were bandoleros, which as mentioned earlier are basically smaller versions of NASCAR style cars, and there was also truck racing as well INEX Legends cars being raced. The majority of races were only 20 laps, and the track seems so small that most races were being finished in less than five minutes. This, combined with the fact that the staff was constantly switching different styles of racing in and out, provided fans with a variety of racesq23a and age groups to keep them interested. The track faces east and west and is located down the hill in a kind of a valley off Highway 90. Parking is free at the top of the hill, and from there you can walk down the hill to the area where the ticket office is located. The pits are located to the left and right of the ticket office, and you can walk around and mingle with some of the drivers and get to see the cars up close before the racing starts. The grandstand here is basically bleacher style seating that extends from one end of the track to the other; I was told that Sunny South raceway can hold around 3,000 people, which is impressive considering the size of the track. In the middle of the grandstands sits a tower that consists of the press box on the top level and the concessions area on the first level. There is a fence blocking off access to the north side of the track, but there is nothing but woods on that side anyways. There is no score tower or anything to let you know what lap they are on, but the PA announcer did a good job of informing fans about how many laps were left and who was leading. Neighborhood 2 There’s not much of a neighborhood around Sunny South Raceway – Grand Bay is not exactly a hotbed of activity and Sunny South Raceway is located on a rural highway that runs parallel a couple of miles south of I-10. Grand Bay is most famous for hosting a watermelon festival every year on July 4th, but other than that there is not a lot going on. There are a few chain restaurants (such as Hardee’s, Waffle House, Subway, Arby’s, and McDonalds) located at the I-10 exit a few miles north of the track, but other than that your best bet would be to drive 15 minutes on I-10 either way to Pascagoula or Mobile. For attractions in the immediate area I recommend checking out Bellingrath Gardens located in nearby Theodore. This 900-acre, luscious garden area is a beautiful sight to see and must be seen to be believed; every Christmas the gardens light up with a display of over 3 million lights – USA Today even ranked it one of the top 10 best public light displays in America. Bellingrath Gardens is truly a sight to behold, and a must see for fans of all ages if in the area. The island town of Dauphin Island is located a short drive south of Grand Bay. Unlike most of the beach towns in the area, Dauphin Island is void of any major resorts or hotels, but instead focuses its efforts on preserving nature and history. Historic Fort Gaines, a Civil War era fort, is located on the island, and you can also find multiple Indian shell mounds and burial grounds. As you drive to Dauphin Island you drive through the tiny town of Bayou La Batre, the sleepy fishing village that is most famous for its shrimp boats, but also served as the inspiration for the town in the movie Forrest Gump. If you looking to spend the weekend I recommend staying in Mobile, as that city has a lot more attractions and a wider selection of hotels and restaurants than Grand Bay does. But if staying in Grand Bay for the night I recommend driving over to the Pascagoula exit where cheaper hotel rooms can be found. In addition, the beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are both about an hour’s drive away, and the casinos of Biloxi are located only about 30 minutes west. Fans 3 A trip to Sunny South Raceway will present you with a mixture of all different styles of racing – depending on what you are into there’s something for everyone here. And even if you are not a racing fan it is the type of place you can go to and still have fun, and you won’t be able to help being intrigued by the little kids race at such high speeds. Many of the fans in the crowd are family members and friends of the drivers, but mainly because most of the drivers are from the area, and a majority of the drivers are not old enough to obtain a driver’s license to drive themselves to the track. Grand Bay is one of those towns where the street lights cut off and the town shuts down at dark. Because of this Sunny South Raceway is the only form of entertainment for the locals on a Saturday night, so many people show up because there is simply not anything else to do. Driving down Highway 90 in Grand Bay reminded me of driving through one of those small Mississippi towns on a Friday night, and all you see is the stadium lights for miles, for a high school football game where everyone in town is there because it’s the only thing to do. You kind of get that vibe here, although it’s nice that that community shows up to support their local drivers. Access 3 There really is one way to get to Sunny South Raceway; if traveling the interstate coming from the east or west the best bet would be to take I-10 to Grand Bay-Wilmer Road at Exit 4. This is the first or last exit in the state of Alabama on I-10 depending on which way you are coming from, and this area will be the only place to get something to eat in Grand Bay, with several fast food restaurants at this exit. Take Wilmer Road south for about 2 miles until you reach Highway 90, then head east for about 2 miles, and Sunny South Raceway will be located on your left. Because of the size of track navigating the grandstand and concourse is no problem and concessions lines flow nicely. Sunny South Raceway is also a pretty easy place to find at night, as you can’t miss the reflection from the track lights, since they are the only thing in the area that is lit up. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for all races run at Sunny South Raceway are $10, which can seem kind of high at first, but that also gets you access to all areas of the track including the pit area. Parking is free and located in the grass at the top of the hill. Unlike most tracks where the pit would be to the infield, the pit area at Sunny South Raceway is located in the asphalt parking lot surrounding the track. So, by purchasing a general admission ticket you are free to roam around all the different areas and garages in the pits. Extras 3 Being able to roam around in the makeshift pits before the race is a plus – many of the drivers have their own pit crews who get the cars ready, and you can just walk up and watch; everyone is friendly and happy to talk to you. There is even a full-service garage which has cars being worked on, and for a non-racing fan like me it was cool to be able to view all of this and see everything it takes to get these cars ready for the track. Many of the pit crew members are family member of the drivers and work other full-time jobs, so they do this just for the love of the sport and to help their family member out; it is amazing to see the detail that goes into getting these cars built and ready to race. Another plus is the family atmosphere at Sunny South Raceway; Grand Bay is a close-knit small community, so a lot of people know each other and many of the drivers. After walking around the pits before the race, and mingling around with the drivers and their families, you develop kind of a relationship with the drivers that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. So, when the races begin later in the evening, it keeps fans engaged in the action because they now have drivers to root for, since they have just met them and their families earlier – this type of fan interaction is something you won’t get to experience at most racing events. You can also check the schedule for when there are races at nearby Mobile International Speedway and catch a doubleheader of night racing action; Mobile International Speedway is located east along Highway 90 in nearby Irvington, about 5 miles down the road from Sunny South Raceway. Mobile’s 1/2-mile oval track is a little bigger than Sunny South’s, but many of the drivers at Sunny South transition over to Mobile once they get old enough. Mobile International Speedway is also host to the Mobile 300 ARCA race every year, which attracts some pretty big names in the auto racing world. Final Thoughts In a state like Alabama stock car racing is huge and has been big in the state for decades. All throughout the state you can find many different smaller style racing tracks in small towns. Sunny South Raceway is no different, though it is not a spectacle like Talladega in the north and it’s not even as big as it’s big brother Mobile International Speedway a few miles down the road. Still, Sunny South Raceway is a fine place to catch a race on the weekend; the small-town family atmosphere and variety of racing makes certain that people of all ages will not be bored, and will have a great time at the track.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Retriever Soccer Park 1000 Hilltop Cir Catonsville, MD 21250 UMBC Retrievers website Retriever Soccer Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 3,000 Shining Stadium On A Hill Constructed in 1998, the Retriever Soccer Park is home to the soccer teams of the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, known as UMBC for short. Although UMBC athletics is best remembered for the basketball team’s upset over Virginia as a 16-seed, the soccer program has had its successes as well. The team made four tournaments in five years from 2010 to 2014, capping it off with a run to the College Cup, college soccer’s equivalent of the Final Four. Retriever Soccer Park has been renovated several times, most recently to expand and renovate the bleachers at field level further up the hill that the stadium is built into. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at field level at Retriever Soccer Park, selling only the most basic menu. Grilled chicken sandwiches are $5, hot dogs are $3, and that is it as far as things which could be considered a meal. You can make either of those a combo by adding $3 for chips and a drink. Chips are available separately for $1, popcorn for $3, and candy for $2. Bottled soda and water are available for $3. Atmosphere 5 The Retriever Soccer Park is built into a hill, making for one of the most unique settings in all of college soccer. There are a few small sets of bleachers at the top of the hill, where fans can sit or stand adjacent to the fence and watch the game. There is a much larger set of bleachers at the bottom of the hill which offers up close views of the game action. Some fans choose to bring blankets and sit on the hill itself but be warned it is very steep and many kids seem to have decided the best way down is to slide on their backside. There is a path along the back of the hill that enables fans to walk from the upper to lower level while reducing the incline a bit, but if you want to sit on the hill itself, you will need to walk up the hard way. There is also a scoreboard at one end of the field that shows the score, time, and basic statistics. Note that what purports to show shots on goal really shows all shots, including those not on target. UMBC has no football program, and soccer is their flagship sport during the fall, with the school putting in all the effort to promote it that many schools put into their football program. There is music to hype the crowd up and even fireworks on occasion. The fans themselves also contribute to the atmosphere here, with the student section functioning like a Supporters Section would at a professional soccer venue. Neighborhood 3 Retriever Soccer Park is located on the UMBC campus in the Baltimore suburbs, and there is not much going on in the immediate vicinity. Even elsewhere in town, there isn’t much other than a few chain restaurants. UMBC won a hard fight with the US Postal Service to get a Baltimore mailing address, but it isn’t actually located in the City of Baltimore. Your best bet is to make the short drive to the actual city, perhaps to the Inner Harbor neighborhood, where you will find many restaurants and other entertainment options. Fans 5 On a Saturday night in the fall, while fans of other schools might be checking out their football game, UMBC fans can be found at Retriever Soccer Park taking in some soccer. The club routinely draws over 2,000 fans a game, and while the hill isn’t as packed as it used to be, that’s only because they expanded the bleachers to create more seating there and not because fans are losing interest. Fans are loud, passionate, and some of the most knowledgeable college soccer fans in the country. They are not afraid to get on the referee’s case when they feel a bad call has gone against their team, but unlike some fan bases, have enough soccer knowledge to recognize when a clearly correct call has gone against the Retrievers and not protest, even nodding in agreement at times. The Retrievers have a student section known as Lot 17, which functions very similarly to a Supporters Group of a professional soccer team. They can be seen front and center in the bleachers cheering throughout the game, banging drums, waving flags, and cheering on the Retrievers. However, all the fans, not just the students, bring a tremendous amount of energy to the game. Access 4 The UMBC campus is easily accessed via I-195 and I-95. If coming via I-95, take Exit 47 to Maryland State Route 166 and the exit for the campus will be about a mile ahead, followed by a short drive through a series of roundabouts. If coming from I-195, just continue straight across 95, the highway will switch designations and become MD 166, then proceed as previously noted. Once on campus, parking is available in the Stadium Lot right next to Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena (formerly the UMBC Event Center.) From there, you will walk up a hill in the back of the lot to the ticket booth. To get to the lower bleachers, you will need to walk back down the other side of the hill to field level. The hills are small but fairly steep and the path from the parking lot is unlit at night, so be careful. There is a small lot at the top of the hill, but this is only available to media, game staff, and those who require handicapped parking. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMBC soccer games are $10, which is more expensive than most college soccer in the country, but the Retriever Soccer Park is a top-notch venue so ultimately you get what you pay for. Concessions are affordable if limited and parking is free. In the end, although this is far from the cheapest college soccer ticket in the country, it is still relatively inexpensive, and given the high quality of the stadium, it is still a great deal. Extras 3 Look for the banners honoring UMBC teams of the past, including the College Cup appearance in 2014. There is a table by the field level entrance which offers free UMBC gear such as posters. A third star for the excellent energy here that is brought to every game by the team and the fans. Final Thoughts While most soccer fans don’t pay nearly as much attention to college soccer as the professional game, UMBC fans really care about the sport. Even the homecoming game here is a soccer game. All in all, Retriever Soccer Park is one of the top college soccer venues in the country, and a trip here is a must for any soccer fan in the area, even those who wouldn’t otherwise be interested in taking in a game at this level.