Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium 1600 Campus Court Abilene, TX 79699 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 12,000 History and Excitement Reside in Abilene Three division titles, 12 conference titles, two national titles – the history of Abilene Christian University football is long and storied. Currently playing in the Southland Conference in the FCS division of college football, the Wildcats have sent scores of players on to the NFL over the years, including Taylor Gabriel, Johnny Knox, and College Football Hall of Famer Wilbert Montgomery, as well as former WWE World Champion John Layfield. After sharing a stadium with local high schools for several years (the Wildcats have not played on campus since World War II), ACU unveiled their brand-new Wildcat Stadium in 2017. This $50 million facility features all the shiny bells and whistles associated with new facilities. The stadium also has one eye firmly rooted in the history and heritage of the Wildcats program, and looks to be the best of the past, present, and future. Food & Beverage 4 The food scene at Wildcat Stadium is – quite frankly – insane! There are all your traditional favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs ($4 each), Frito pie and nachos ($5 each), soft pretzels and popcorn ($5 and $3 respectively), all of which can be found at any of the five stands (three on the home side and two on the visitors side) in the stadium. However, there are two stands that go far above and far beyond the norm for most college facilities. At the Ultimate Tailgate stand options include a garlic and herb stuffed hamburger as well as a mozzarella and roasted red pepper stuffed hamburger. Wow. Need more? There is also a New England hot dog, Chicago style dog, and a brisket chili cheese hot dog. The burgers are just $6 (or $9 with fries) and the dogs are $5 (or $8 with fries). In addition, at the Wildcat Smokehouse you can also get the burger and hot dog options, plus such outstanding options as smoked candied bacon on a stick, smoked brisket or pulled pork sandwiches on cornbread buns, a pork riblet sandwich, and a Buffalo chicken sandwich. Crazy, right? With all of that said there are a couple of things to be aware of when getting your grub on at Wildcat Stadium. First, there is no alcohol sold at Wildcat Stadium; fountain drinks, bottled water, and sports drinks are available though. Second, the stands are open until the fourth quarter and do sell out of some of the most popular items quite fast. Atmosphere 3 History is everywhere at Wildcat Stadium. On the exterior of the building near Gates A and B, the facade is bedecked with large photos of some of the all-time greats in Wildcat history. In addition, a statue entitled “Lean on Me” greets visitors at the B Gate – depicting the late All-American Chuck Sitton and his lifelong friend David Halbert, the statue is another nod to the team and university’s storied past. Exterior of Wildcat Stadium, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The inviting brick facade soon gives way to the slick interior of Wildcat Stadium, where even more history can be found. Nearly every wall on the stadium level features photos and history of past Wildcat greats. A gently sloping hill sits under the massive Wessel Scoreboard in the north end zone. Decorated with the signage of several of the campuses Greek societies, the hill has become popular with fans – especially kids who can be seen tumbling down it repeatedly throughout games – as a comfy spot to enjoy the on-field action. Neighborhood 3 Located in the part of the state designated as West Central Texas, Abilene has a long history of being one of the preeminent cow towns in Western history. It is this tradition that the city has embraced fully, and you can see it fully on display at the impressive Frontier Texas! history museum located in downtown Abilene. Visitors get an immersive experience into Western history and the role Texas played in its development. This museum has consistently been ranked as one of the best museum experiences in the state, and should definitely be added to any to-do list when visiting Abilene. Another must-do is taking in the Abilene Zoo – a giraffe encounter, a miniature train that spans the whole zoo, and a pond with paddle boats are all on the table of activities to do when visiting. If you’re bringing young ones with you, this is a spot you have to take in. When it comes to eating either before or after Wildcats games, Abilene has got you covered. My personal favorite, after having made several trips to the city, is Belle’s Chicken Dinner House . This family style restaurant will flat out fill you up – fried chicken, chicken fried steak, catfish, chicken and dumplings …bring your appetite if you go to Belle’s. Or, if you’re looking for a little more upscale dining, Beehive Restaurant is one of the most highly recommended and highly rated in the area. This restaurant is billed as a classic West Texas steakhouse, so the beef is front and center. It is on the higher-end of the price scale, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on making a visit. Fans 4 Wildcat Stadium has done a tremendous job of boosting the attendance at ACU football. Last season the Wildcats averaged over 10,400 fans per game and sold out the stadium twice, which was a 60% increase over 2016’s attendance, and placed in the top 25 overall in the FCS. And at the most recent game I attended, it was clear that the honeymoon is far from over for fans at Wildcat Stadium. The east side stands are set aside for the student section and they are jam-packed! There are cowbells, towels waving, and there is purple everywhere. The stadium configuration doesn’t lend itself to being overly loud, but that does not take away at all from the fan experience. Access 3 Wildcat Stadium is located on the Abilene Christian University campus in the school’s athletic complex, within walking distance of the basketball arena and soccer, baseball , and softball fields, as well as the tennis courts. You can see the stadium from quite a distance away, and there is ample free parking for visitors. ACU has also jumped on the relatively new trend of allowing electric scooters on campus. There is a docking station near the Gate C entrance to Wildcat Stadium, and if you have the app, you can use these scooters to tour the neighborhood or just get to and from your car in the parking lot. It is not incredibly easy to get to the city of Abilene itself – the airport is not one that takes many commercial flights, so you’re pretty much going to have to drive here to get here. It is around a four-hour drive from San Antonio, three hours from Austin, and two and a half from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. So, unless you know someone willing to give you a flight, plan on being in the car for awhile. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for general admission seating at Wildcat Stadium start at $25 per person (reserved seating tickets are $50 per person). With parking being free and the relatively low cost for the (outstanding) concessions, you get a bargain at Wildcats games. Again, the only drawback is the access. But for what you get in terms of the competition and history at ACU, it’s a stop that college football fans shouldn’t miss. Extras 2 The extras at Wildcat Stadium – beyond the amazing history of the program – are all pretty standard in terms of college football. There are the cheerleaders, the mascot – Willie the Wildcat – and the marching band. The Big Purple Marching Band plays throughout the game in their section of the home team stands and – of course – at halftime. One highlight to be aware of is the t-shirt toss; between the third and fourth quarters, cheerleaders and student volunteers throw t-shirts into the crowd and fire off a t-shirt gun. Final Thoughts Wildcat Stadium is a great venue for college football – there are no bad seats in the building. Also, the food is exciting in its variety and is a bargain. Especially since it is still so brand new, you should definitely add Wildcat Stadium to your bucket list of venues to visit. Abilene, while a little tricky to get to, is also a great city in its own right. Make a visit when you can, you won’t be disappointed. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Ewood Park Nuttall St. Blackburn, England BB2 4JF United Kingdom Blackburn Rovers website Ewood Park website Year Opened: 1882 Capacity: 31,367 The State of Depression Ewood Park is home to the Northern English club Blackburn Rovers. The stadium itself was opened way back in 1882, but the Rovers moved there in 1890, and now has a capacity of 31,367. In 1992, plans were approved by the local council to improve the stadium into one of the best in England (at the time). By 1994, all the new developments were completed and, as a result, saw the Blackburn and Darwen End transformed into new two-tier stands. Recently, it’s been a complete and utter mess at Blackburn, all because of new owners, the Venky’s. When they took over in 2010, Rovers were a mediocre Premier League club, looking to move forward. It was seen as a great move by most fans having the Venky’s as owners hoping to excel the club forward. However, they soon changed their tune. No huge signings were made by the Venky’s, and as a result, the team ended an eleven-year stay in the top flight. During the 2012/13 season, three managers were sacked within the space of six months, which nearly resulted in relegation to League One. In the last twenty years, Blackburn has arguably seen their most successful period. They are one of only five teams to have won the Premier League when they did so back in 1995. In addition to this, they won the League Cup in 2002, and have had good cup runs in the FA Cup, being semi-finalists in 2005 and 2007. Food & Beverage 3 Don’t expect a wide range of continental cuisine when visiting Ewood Park. Like all other English football stadiums, the quality is decent, but the prices are high. The traditional stadium burger is priced at £3 ($4.60), and you pay the same for a stadium hot dog. As for the other options, pies and pastries are all priced at £2.30 ($3.50), which isn’t that bad. You can buy beer inside the stadium, and (depending on what you buy) the prices range from £3.40 to £3.80 ($5.20 to $5.80) for a pint, which is very expensive. However, a pie ‘n’ pint offer is available for £5.50 ($8.40). Atmosphere 2 All the noise – of what is made – is very negative and weirdly depressing. The fans are always having a punt at their players and very rarely do you hear songs cheering the team on. The chants that are normally sung are pre/post-game about how much they hate the owners or the latest manager. Ewood Park just isn’t a fortress. It’s extremely rare to see the stadium full, and it’s come to a point where it’s unusual to see the stadium half full. As a result of this, no noise is generated. As an away supporter at the game, you just never feel timid, and the traveling supporters (nine times out of ten) will make all the noise. A drum is constantly played by one Blackburn fan and it just annoys every supporter in the stadium. It just drowns out through the game and creates no suspense in the game whatsoever. The only time I have seen Ewood Park “rocking” was when they beat Chelsea a few years ago. Even when local rivals Bolton and big teams like Manchester United (when they were in the Premier League) come to town, the atmosphere is as flat as a pancake. Neighborhood 1 I’m being brutally honest when I say this, but Blackburn is one of the roughest towns in England. It’s one of those away trips where you think, “Let’s make a weekend of this…not.” Outside the stadium, there are two main car parks, some terrace housing, and just some desolate green. When you arrive and see the stadium, it’s just grim. As an away fan, you do not feel at all welcome. When you see the ground, you don’t get that pre-match buzz, and that just isn’t right as a football fan. Fans 2 The only reason why I have not given the fans one star is because of the current situation at the club. When the club was in the Premier League, fans just didn’t come in recognizable numbers – even when the top four were in town! However, the fans turn up in great numbers when there is a protest about how badly run the club is. Let’s not forget the club, not so long ago, was a force in the Premier League. As I mentioned earlier, the fans don’t get behind their team enough, which is what the players need to push toward victory. When I visited Ewood Park, it shocked me at how little the fans cheered for a good tackle, corner, or anything like that. During the 2012-13 campaign, Rovers came third-worst in the Championship attendance table for the percentage of stadium full, with 47.7%. But let’s be honest, the standard of football in that season was pretty shocking, so you have to feel sorry for the fans that turn up week in and week out. Access 2 Getting to Blackburn is fine, though the stadium is signposted and, as a result, we got lost. When traveling to Ewood Park, set off with plenty of time in advance, because the roads around the stadium shut thirty minutes before the game. Parking-wise, though, it’s fine. A couple of official car parks are just outside the ground, and there are a lot of private ones, mostly priced at £5.00 ($7.60). If traveling by train, the nearest station is Mill Hill, and from there it’s a fifteen-minute walk to the ground. Return on Investment 3 Although the team isn’t very successful at the moment, there are a few top-quality youngsters who are very exciting to watch. The owners have aspirations of reaching the Premier League next season, so expect to see a few very good players on show. In addition to this, the high-paced, tough tackling quality of Championship football is very high and can arguably be more exciting than the Premier League at times. Let’s not forget that Blackburn was recently a top-flight club and still has that quality inside them. When they finally have a stable manager, it will be entertaining to go and watch Blackburn play. For league games, an adult is £25 ($38.20), a senior £15 ($22.90), and a junior £7 ($10.70), though these prices will differ for cup games. The prices are reasonable, but I’m still not sure if you get your money’s worth. Extras 3 As always, the club has a programme on sale for £3 ($4.60) at every home game. History is also a key extra. Why? Because it’s one of the oldest grounds in the country, you can say that you have been to the home of former Premier League champions. However, the main feature at Ewood Park is the statue of Jack Walker. Walker was a former, “fans’ favourite” chairman at the club. He was the man who pushed the stadium developments forward and made Rovers Premier League giants during the early 1990s. Finally, Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes is a fine talent and goal-scoring machine – like that former legend Alan Shearer. He is a bright spark in a mediocre Blackburn side, and he is worth watching. Final Thoughts The club is a complete mess at the moment. There are a lot of things that need improving at the club. A good manager needs to be given time to work with his players, and the fans need to be more supportive of their team. Oh, and the Venky’s need to get a grip. Once this is all done, Blackburn may return to the Premier League and hopefully, the stadium experience will improve.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 State Farm Stadium One Cardinals Drive Glendale, AZ 85305 Arizona Cardinals website State Farm Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 63,400 House of the Cards The Cardinals are far older than most people realize. Although they have only been the Arizona Cardinals since 1988, the organization has been around since 1898. From their beginnings in Chicago as the Morgan Athletic Club and the Racine Street Cardinals, they have played in Chicago and then St. Louis before making it to the desert of Phoenix, Arizona. From 1988 to 2005 the Cardinals played at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, on the campus of Arizona State University. This new facility opened in Glendale in 2006. Originally called Cardinal Stadium, it has also been known as University of Phoenix Stadium before the current State Farm sponsorship. The stadium cost $455 million and includes a retractable roof. The field is maintained outside of the stadium and then brought into the venue by way of a giant moveable tray. The end zone area on the side of the facility where the field tray rolls in and out of the facility can be expanded to accommodate an additional tier of seating that slopes down from the scoreboard level. The stadium is also home to the annual Fiesta Bowl game. The first Fiesta Bowl held here is very famous on its own. The Boise State Broncos won by defeating the Oklahoma Sooners 43–42 in overtime. It has been called one of the greatest college football games ever played, due to the combination of an underdog team, trick plays, comebacks by each team, and a thrilling overtime finish. Food & Beverage 4 There are a large amount of the usual standard kind of food stands all over the stadium with names such as Mr. B’s, Desert Breeze, 1st Round Draft, Gridiron Grill, Red Dog, Rings, and things, Sportsman’s Café, TD Café, Touchdown Tortillas and Wings of Honor. The problem is that with all of these names, and extensive menus, the variety between the stands is basically non-existent. The prices are in the middle range for NFL-type stadiums. There are none of the usual name-brand franchises you often see at other stadiums. There is also a lack of southwestern and/or Mexican items found all around the venue, and this is quite a shame. Coca-Cola is the soft drink of choice here. Many beer and liquor options exist. Atmosphere 4 State Farm is known for its distinctive architectural style. The rounded metal panels that make up the exterior of the stadium can be seen from quite a ways away. The actual inspiration for its shape is the barrel cactus that is commonly found growing in the region. The stadium’s roof can be opened or closed in a 12-minute span. There are four levels to the stadium. The Red Zone is a massive area where there is an impressive video screen, a fun walkway bridge, and a lowered section near where the field tray is placed into the stadium. There is a Cardinals’ Ring of Honor along the front of the Club level displaying the best players of the team’s long history. The game atmosphere is very good with the usual NFL activities keeping the fans involved. When the roof is closed the stadium can get very loud. Neighborhood 4 The Glendale neighborhood around the stadium is growing along with the stadium. The Glendale Sports and Entertainment District is located across from the stadium. Besides many hotels and restaurants, it is the home to the Desert Diamond Arena which was formerly known as the Gila River Arena. Until earlier in 2022, the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL called this arena home (they temporarily play at the Arizona State hockey arena). The Yard House is a great option for food or drinks in this area. There is a fairly new Top Golf facility close to the stadium. Also coming soon is the Crystal Lagoons Island Resort featuring a first-of-its-kind Mattel Adventure Park. Glendale is a few miles west of Phoenix, so the many options of this ever-growing metropolitan area are available to the fans. Fans 3 The Cardinal fans are known as the Red Sea, and they have a pretty good tailgate scene at the Great Lawn across from the stadium. Once inside the stadium the great scene outside seems to break down a bit. Inside you notice that the fans are not the most engaged in the league. It is partly because so many people who live in Arizona come from other parts of the country and may already have teams they support. One day they are Cardinals fans but when the home team comes to town, “boom” they are fans of the opponent. It has gotten better, especially when the Cardinals have shown life. Access 4 State Farm Stadium is located just off AZ Loop Highway 101. It will be fairly easy to find parking around the stadium, but you should plan on purchasing that ahead of time. There are over 25,000 spaces around the area. For early season games, where the Arizona temperatures are likely to soar, one needs to be very aware of where you are going as too much heat exposure could be a bad idea. The stadium has six entrances and your best option will be marked on your ticket. Return on Investment 4 We found that generally Arizona Cardinal games are priced better than other NFL venues, especially on the secondary market. You may find tickets for around $50 to start. It is the NFL, so there are still many very expensive tickets and options if you choose to go that route. We found parking as cheap as $10 on the secondary market, but even with normal prices ranging from $30 and up, it is not the worst value comparably. Extras 5 The Pat Tillman Plaza is a great place that the stadium uses to honor the memory of the former Cardinal who lost his life serving in Afghanistan. The Roof is an extra that identifies the stadium so well. One look and you know what stadium you are at. The roll-in turf system is such a creative way to ensure a great field for game days. The Cardinals try really hard to display the extensive history of this franchise. Besides the Ring of Honor, there are areas around the main concourse displaying things that have happened in the team’s past. The Great Lawn, although not in the stadium itself, is a great place to gather and tailgate before games. Even if you are not a traditional tailgater you will find food, entertainment, and more in this great spot. Final Thoughts State Farm Stadium is a distinctive venue that offers fans a great sporting experience. The fact that it offers a cool place to watch games away from the sometimes oppressive heat of the desert is just one more win for this venue.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 United Center 1901 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60612 Chicago Blackhawks Website United Center Website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 19,717 Blackhawks Hope to Take Flight At United The Chicago Blackhawks, one of the NHL’s most storied franchises and winners of the Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015 have fallen on hard times. The team, one of the league’s “Original Six”, founded in 1926 will not make the playoffs again this year for the fourth consecutive season and sixth out of the last seven. But better days appear to be ahead as Chicago, a member of the Central Division, won the Draft Lottery in 2023 and selected phenom center Connor Bedard. The 18-year-old wonderkid has been impressive this season until sidelined by a broken jaw in December. The speedy centerman is back in the lineup and expected to be a staple at United Center for years to come. The Blackhawks have hoisted six Stanley Cups and countless other conference and division titles since entering the league. They sport a list of Hall of Famers notably Glen Hall, Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Tony Esposito. The retired numbers that hang from the rafters are 1 (Hall), 3 (Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson), 9 (Hull), 18 (Denis Savard), 35 (Esposito), and 81 (Marion Hossa). The Blackhawks made Chicago Stadium (nicknamed Madhouse on Madison) their home until January 1995 due to the NHL lockout and then moved across the street into the United Center. The facility is the largest in square footage in the United States and has a capacity of 19,717 for hockey (with room for 3,000 more fans willing to take standing-room-only tickets). There are 167 executive suites, 34 club boxes, and 5 super suites in the facility. The arena is owned jointly by the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks. Food & Beverage 4 There are four stands around the stadium dubbed Chicago Dish that offer some of the local Chicago favorites including the Chicago Dog, Vienna Polish Sausage, Garrett Popcorn plus french fries, chicken tenders, and ice cream. Pepsi Products ($6.75 for a small soda) are served at United Center. Remember never, ever put ketchup on a Chicago Dog or risk the wrath of the locals. Beer concessions are provided by Chicago’s own Goose Island Beer Company. Goose Island’s Blackhawks Pale Ale is back for its second season and is available in 16 oz. cans. A can of beer is $10.75, domestic drafts $12, and $13.50 for imported. Bottled water is $4.75. Rocky's Bar offers a unique and inviting experience in honor of the late Chicago Blackhawks Chairman W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz. One of the nicest additions is the Pepsi Grab N Go and The Dashery Markets. The locations are powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology. Atmosphere 5 The madhouse is probably best described as a funhouse in 2024. The fans still fill the seats but losing has taken the passion down a notch. The fanatics do pump up the noise for the anthem as they cheer throughout Jim Cornelison’s fantastic rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. That tradition began on May 9, 1985, before Game 3 of the playoffs versus the Edmonton Oilers. When the Hawks hit the ice for warmups and each period, three loud blasts of the goal horn are heard without any introduction from the Public Address announcer. The Allen Organ, a replica of Chicago Stadium’s famous Barton Organ, is fabulous and accompanies the anthem. The music played during breaks is played at a reasonable decibel level and the crowd responds well to Tommy Hawk the mascot who appears on the Jumbotron for many of the contests during breaks in the action. The main entrance to the stadium is at Gates 2 and 3 on the north side (gates open 90 minutes before the event) and is impressive as fans walk through a large atrium lined with banners and the Michael Jordan statue with the Madhouse Team Store on the left. There is a stage with a band playing and a bar to your left as you enter the lower bowl. Guests can enter the arena with a small purse or personal bag up to 10x6x2. No backpacks or other bags are allowed. Exceptions for guests with required medical equipment will be provided. Bag check is available in United Center Parking Lot J on Wood and Monroe Streets. As fans enter the arena it is illuminated vibrantly in Blackhawk red. The views of the ice appear to be unobstructed with the only drawbacks being no cupholders and the concourses are a bit narrow. There are three levels of seating and two levels of suites. United Center's acoustics were designed to amplify noise to replicate "The Roar" – the din that made Chicago Stadium famous, especially during hockey games. The designers originally estimated that the United Center would be 80% as loud as the Chicago Stadium had been. To amplify noise, they placed angled steel panels around the top level to reflect noise into the arena's bowl The massive center scoreboard was unveiled in 2019 and at the time was the largest in the NHL or NBA. The HD video board at center ice provides crystal clear views on relays and great graphics packages. The statistics are all-inclusive and not only show who is on the ice but also how much time they have played and how long their average shift is. A 360-degree ribbon board keeps fans updated on out-of-town scores and info on upcoming events. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood surrounding the United Center is designated as the Near West Side. It lies to the west of downtown Chicago and is just north of I-290 (known as the Loop Highway). It was seen as unsafe in the past but is rapidly gentrifying. The closest hotel to the United Center is the Hotel Chicago West Loop which is about a half-mile walk. There is a Hyatt Place and Courtyard Marriott (near Rush University Hospital) just under a mile away. The Billy Goat Tavern (of “Cheezborger…no Pepsi” fame back in SNL’s glory days) is the official pre and post-game hangout of Blackhawk fans. The original location opened in 1934 but no longer exists. The immediate surrounding area is lined with parking lots with few entertainment or dining options. Bacci Pizzeria and Barn Hockey Bar are two nearby possibilities. More of the restaurants are east of the United Center on West Odgen Avenue. Fans 4 The Blackhawk fans are noted for being loud and loyal. Most of the fans are decked out in Blackhawk jerseys and attire. During the game, which is typical for fans of a last-place team, the locals often chirp about their team and seem to be waiting for bad things to happen. The building has lost some of its raucousness since its Cup runs which ended in 2015. The building is typically sold out but losing and inflation knocked the Hawks down to 95.5% of capacity through December. In 2021, the Blackhawks consecutive sellout streak ended at 535 games. One popular site for Blackhawk fans and visitors alike is the Madhouse Store. The 10,000-square-foot retail space is co-branded with both Bulls and Blackhawks gear. The store is equipped with interactive technology which allows fans to design their jersey or hat. The store is open daily to the public from 10-5. Access 4 While traffic is often an issue, access from I-290 is rather straightforward, take the Damen Avenue exit (#28A) and then Damen Avenue north to Madison Street. Turn right on Madison and the United Center will be on your right. From I-90 East take the Madison Street exit and take a right on Madison. The building will be on your left. The train (better known as the L for Elevated) offers three options as the Green, Pink, or Blue lines stop in the vicinity. The Blue Line is a half-mile walk from the Illinois Medical District stop and the Green or Pink lines are 0.6 from Ashland and Lake. There is also the 20 Bus that stops just outside the building on Madison and the 19 express bus to downtown following the game. The train is $2.50 and the bus is $2.25 per ride. A new stop (0.4 miles away) is being built on the Green Line at Damen and Lake and will open middle of this year. That stop shaves about 5 minutes off your walk from the previously mentioned stops. There is also an enclosed Uber zone to wait for your ride located just north of the arena on Madison and Wood. Return on Investment 3 In 2022, the Blackhawks were ranked 5th most expensive according to the Fan Cost Index at $573.76. Fan Cost Index comprises the price based on four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking, two game programs, and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. On the plus side, there are upper bowl tickets available for upcoming weekday games against lesser-known opponents for as low as $29 on Ticketmaster not including fees ($50.29 at checkout). Parking is fairly reasonable with lots nearby between $23-40 and food prices are typical for an NHL venue. Extras 4 The rafters are an impressive sight with 6 Stanley Cup Banners, 4 for Conference Championships, 2 for earning the President’s Trophy, and 16 for Division Championships. Then there are the retired numbers and all of the banners for the Chicago Bulls. The origin of the Blackhawk's name and iconic logo is worthy of one point. The original owner of the team served in the 86th Infantry Division, which was nicknamed the “Blackhawk Division” during World War I. The division was named for Black Hawk, a prominent member of the Sauk Indian nation based in Illinois. The team was named in his honor. The iconic logo of the team was designed by the wife of the original owner in 1926 and has never been changed or updated. In a pregame video, the Blackhawks honor the many local native American tribes that have called Illinois home for centuries. One point is for the Blackhawk's goal song The Fratellis's hit single, "Chelsea Dagger", which is most prominently associated with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. The song, a staple since 2008-09, is played at the United Center after every Blackhawks goal and win. The United Center, which hosts the Chicago Bulls , has activities scheduled for an average of 200 nights a year. The facility is one of the largest indoor concert venues in the area Olivia Rodrigo, Nicki Minaj, Tim McGraw, Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Chicago’s own Sebastian Maniscalo are all slated to perform this year. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional will be held at United Center in March of 2026. Final Thoughts United Center is a must-see venue for sports fans and hockey enthusiasts alike. If the Hawks can trend upward led by Bedard a Stadium Journey to the Windy City will be even more memorable and could ignite the United Center to madhouse status once again.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 NelsonCorp Field 537 Ballpark Drive Clinton, IA 52732 Clinton LumberKings website NelsonCorp Field website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 5,000 An Old-Fashioned Baseball Experience Sitting a mere few hundred feet away from the Mississippi River, FieldCorp Field opened in 1937 as Riverview Stadium and was home to the Clinton Owls, a farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The stadium has been renovated to include new lighting, bigger dugouts, and better locker rooms and batting cages. The home of the Clinton Lumber Kings is the only charter member of the Midwest League from its maiden season of 1956. A quick scan of the list of players who have played in Clinton includes greats such as Denny McClain, Mike Scioscia, Dave Stewart, Orel Hershiser, Jason Bay, and Ian Kinsler. The LumberKings are the last remaining member of the original Midwest League, which began in 1956. For fans of stadiums with an old-time feel, NelsonCorp Field is right up your alley. Additionally, Clinton is a mere 90-minute drive from Dyersville, Iowa, home of the iconic Field of the Dreams movie site. Food & Beverage 3 Much like the ballpark, the concessions offer the basics, with one exception. The featured food item at this ballpark is simply called…the garbage pail. For $8.50, you get a load of mini tacos, chicken strips, fries, onion rings, poppers, cheese balls, corn nuggets, and corn dogs. It’s not the healthiest thing around, but who cares, everyone that was eating them seemed quite happy with their choice. The prices are quite good and for $3-$5 you can have burgers, brats, hot dogs, nachos, grilled cheese, onion rings, cheese balls, ice cream, popcorn, and many other traditional ballpark items. Can and bottles of soda, including RC Cola, Diet Rite, Sun Drop, 7 Up, A&W Root Beer, lemonade, and Snapple along with water are the beverage choices. For the adults, there is a decent choice of beer and malt-type beverages available throughout the concourse and out by left field. Atmosphere 5 Entering the gates gets you to the concourse with concessions, restrooms, and the LumberKings team shop. Walking up the entrance ramps to the seating bowl is like going back in time. The stadium was built in 1937 and not much has been done with its appearance since, which isn’t a bad thing. The seating bowl is very uncomplicated with three rows of stadium box seats that sit in front of the walkway, guaranteeing fans will rarely have their view of the game blocked by someone walking by. Behind the walkway, bleachers encompass the rest of the seating bowl. The bleachers behind home plate have backs to them and are a bit more comfortable than those without. Netting surrounds most of the infield from mid-dugout on the third base side to mid-dugout on the first base side. An overhang covers the entire seating bowl so the likelihood of being in the shade most, if not all of the game is quite good. Over the right field wall is the Leinenkugel’s Lumber Lounge, which hosts groups of 25-200 people. The Coors Light Picnic Pavilion hosts groups of similar size and sits down the left field line along with the Bullpen Patio, which hosts smaller groups and gives the unique experience of sitting directly over the wall from the home bullpen. A kid’s area is also in the left field corner where kids can play on various equipment for $5, good for the entire game. Once the game starts, it’s all about baseball with your typical between-innings promotions. A primitive scoreboard sits over the left-center field wall. You won’t get replays on ancillary stats on the scoreboard, simply the line score and ball and strike count, which only adds to the old-time charm of this stadium. Neighborhood 3 The best part about the location of the ballpark is that you are a couple minutes’ walk from the Mississippi River. A quick walk up 6th Avenue will get you to the Candlelight Inn Restaurant. The Candlelight is a great family restaurant, having a large menu with something for everyone. Chicken George with Jan sauce is the specialty of the house and quite popular. If Mexican food is your thing, just down South 2nd Avenue is the El Toro Restaurant. The locals say El Toro doesn’t serve a bad meal and is well worth a visit. The majority of the hotels are in the same area, about 10 minutes away from the ballpark. It’s a quick and easy drive and there is a wide choice of lodging including a nice Hampton Inn. Fans 3 For those involved in the party areas, many seem more interested in socializing than paying attention to the game. Fans sitting in the seating bowl largely have their focus on the goings on on the field and cheer when the situation dictates. Numerous fans can be seen keeping score of the game, a tradition that seems to be disappearing from baseball stadiums across the country. Fans in Clinton are pleasant to talk with and seem proud of their ballpark. Access 4 The majority of the ballpark is very easy to get around. The concessions are under the seating bowl with another food area down the left field line. The seating bowl is easily maneuverable and you can get to the restrooms and concessions without much difficulty. The left field corner encompasses a kid’s area, concessions, and a party area and can become quite congested on busy nights. The parking areas are close and easy to get in and out of. The concession lines move relatively quickly and are sufficiently staffed. Return on Investment 5 For the price you pay, this might be one of the best experiences in all of minor-league baseball. Parking is free and there are two lots (on the first base and third base sides of the stadium) that make the walk to the stadium minimal. Tickets are $8 for box seats and $7 for general admission. Seniors, students, and the military will pay $6 for GA, and children 5 and under are free. Combine this with very reasonable concession prices and it equals a great time for a minimal amount of money. Extras 4 An extra point simply for having a fun stadium that is 80 years old. The left field wall has a unique semi-circle “inlet” that would allow for some very strange bounces should the ball hit it. Any sports fan will appreciate the cup holders in the restrooms. This should be a requirement everywhere. The LumberKings staff makes the game experience very family-friendly. Families can attend a game without worrying that their kids will hear a lot of things they probably shouldn’t. Final Thoughts FieldCorp Field doesn’t offer the most modern feel in the Midwest League, it offers quite the opposite. It takes fans back in time to when baseball was about taking in the experience of what was happening on the field, rooting for your players and against the opposing team. For a true baseball fan, this is a fabulous venue. Come to the ballpark, turn off the cell phone, and simply enjoy baseball at its purest. If enjoying a ballgame is your goal, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 McKie Field at Hayden Park 550 E Withrow St Oxford, OH 45056 Miami (OH) RedHawks website McKie Field at Hayden Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 600 Charming Little Ballpark, Charming College Town In 2012 the website College Baseball Today proclaimed McKie Field at Hayden Park was the best small college baseball venue with seats under 1,000. It would be hard to disagree since the ballpark is quite a beautiful sport for baseball. Almost a decade later the ballpark is still a charming venue for baseball on the campus of Miami (Ohio) University. The home of Redhawks debuted in 2002 with an 8-0 loss to Purdue in front of 1,178 fans. The ballpark blends in nicely with the surrounding brick buildings on campus. It is within easy walking distance to campus residence halls and academic buildings along with the bustling High Street where a plethora of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops are open for business. The previous McKie Field had been demolished and the current $3.7 million ballpark was built on the same site but with a home, plate moving from the southeast corner of the park to the southwest. According to the university’s website, “the design intent is to create a ballpark that captures the nostalgia and history of baseball in the context and tradition of the Georgian architecture found at Miami.” The Redhawks began their baseball program in 1915 and are members of the Mid-American Conference. The team has made six NCAA tournament appearances and has three conference tournament championships. Food & Beverage 3 There is a food truck parked near the entrance of the field offering a nice array of items that include hot dogs, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken breasts, nachos, chicken strips, fries, and bratwurst. There are also onion rings, mini corn dogs, and fried pickles. The prices average around $4 apiece and Pepsi products are the drink of choice. There is also RedHawk Water with a specialized bottle featuring the Cradle of Coaching. A bonus is that the ballpark sells beer and alcoholic seltzer. Blue Moon, Bud Lite, Goose Island IPA, Miller Lite, Natural Lite, and Vive Seltzer are available between $5 and $7.50. There are also O’Doul’s for $5. Credit cards are accepted for both food and drink at McKie Field. Atmosphere 4 A lot is going on in this small little ballpark that is tucked in between the university’s brick buildings. Bleacher seating flanks both sides of the baseline, bucket seats are situated behind home plate, and there are grass areas for more seating down each foul line. A small press box is located behind the box seats and the press box, small children can be found bouncing red rubber balls for entertainment. The rubber balls are souvenirs that kids can earn when they return one of the copious foul balls that fly out of the ballpark during the game. It is plausible to see a group of three to four children chase down a prized possession and take it back to the information table that offers schedules and team posters. An electronic scoreboard is situated behind the left-center field and it reads “The Good Guys” but it appears that it could also provide player data and stats as well. There is thick protective netting from the first to the third baseline that is somewhat thicker than the norm but not enough to deter the perspective of a fan of the game. There are also plenty of other areas to enjoy the game from the grassy areas. Like with many college baseball games in the Midwest, the fan can hear everything that goes on between both dugouts from discerning from bad calls, arguments over balls and strikes, and a player trying to rally his team after sliding home with a score. This is also the same for the fans who have no problem hurling a few opinions of their own to the umpiring crew when they do not agree with a call on the field. Neighborhood 5 Oxford, Ohio, has a population of 21,731 and the university has slightly more with an enrollment of 24,505. The small town is quite attractive and provides a pretty nice college atmosphere for its students while keeping visitors entertained during a visit to a hockey game. The campus itself has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost and its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture, with all buildings no more than three stories tall. The main college drag is High Street, a few blocks away from the campus and arena, where you find a bevy of commerce at its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The action starts early on the weekends with local watering holes packed with students. CJ’s, Varsity, Brick Street, and Steinkeller are a few of the hot spots if you choose to mingle with the young crowd. The area offers a few upscale restaurants: Alexander House, High Street Grill, and Paesanos, and local favorites: Mac & Joe’s, Rapid Fire Pizza, Spring Hill Tavern, and Hitching Post Saloon. Skippers and Bagel & Deli Shop are next to one another and offer patio seating, half-yard pints of beer, and awesome sandwiches. It is a great way to fraternize with the local population on a warm fall afternoon. Fans 3 It was a rather nice early March afternoon with temperatures approaching the 50s and enough to get people out and about for the unseasonably warm day. However, it was still cold enough for many to don a blanket or jacket to keep themselves warm. The small gathering of individuals is what you would expect at this time of the year and there was enough fun from cheering on loved ones on the field or others just enjoying the start of baseball in the new year. Access 4 Miami University is tucked away in its little bubble and the town feels miles away from the major metropolitans of Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis. The small two-lane roads take you past farms, including one that houses llamas, and small towns but once on campus, it is easy to get around to and from the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost for baseball games and parking is free, but check during early afternoon games on the weekdays. The campus and town are a destination all to themselves and the ballpark is a charming little reminder that even the smallest packages are big and bright. Extras 4 The campus itself has been described as “one of the prettiest campuses that ever was” by poet Robert Frost and its buildings are in the style characteristic of Georgian Revival architecture, with all buildings no more than three stories tall. If the weather is right, it could provide for a nice stroll before the game. The ballpark’s location on campus and within easy walking distance of High Street is also a desirable feature when attending baseball games. Fans can come in, spread a blanket on the grass, and take a walk to some fun dining options. Kids earn free rubber balls when returning foul balls to the information desk. A nice way to collect the various balls that fly out of the ballpark. McKie serves beer and that is something not common at other Midwestern ballparks of this size. They also take credit cards. Final Thoughts McKie Field at Hayden Park is a charming little ballpark in a very picturesque college town. On a warm spring day with the right type of crowd, there may be nothing more pleasing than enjoying nine innings of baseball with a hot dog or drink in hand. For a ballpark of 1,000 seat capacity, there is so much to like from a visit to Miami University. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 William "Dick" Price Stadium 700 Park Ave Norfolk, VA 23504 Norfolk State Spartans website William "Dick" Price Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 30,000 HBCU Spartans The highlight of most HBCU football games is seeing the bands perform, and at William ‘Dick’ Price Stadium in Norfolk, VA this is no different. Home of the green-and-gold Norfolk State Spartans, Dick Price Stadium opened in 1997 and has a capacity of 30,000 (although at present seats in the east end zone are not sold, so the capacity is much lower). The stadium was named after former athletic director, football, and track coach Dick Price, and features a great PA announcer and a good selection of food and beverage options. Food & Beverage 3 At Dick Price Stadium you can find hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, and hot wings, chicken tenders, fried fish pieces, and fried fish sandwiches, and even veggie wraps, as well as fries, pretzels, peanuts, packaged candy, and chips. Main dishes run from $4 to $7 with hamburgers being the cheapest and chicken wings/hot wings being the most expensive – the lack of hot dogs is surprising; you rarely see sports stadiums without those delicacies. In addition to the food selections noted above, you can find Gatorade, bottled water, bottled soda, coffee, and hot cocoa for $2 to $3. While the prices are very reasonable and the selection is great, the downside is that concessions lines at Dick Price Stadium are very long, since most of the concessions windows are not open (I assume due to the crowd size, or could be lack of staff). Atmosphere 5 The two best things about attending a game at Dick Price Stadium are the PA announcer and the band – the PA announcer is great; he really gets the crowd fired up by encouraging fans to do the wave (you don’t see the wave much anymore, at least in this writer’s experience) and encouraging them to stomp their feet on the bleachers – this is a tradition at Dick Price Stadium, and really creates a lot of crowd noise. But the best thing the announcer does is getting fans to clap for opposing players after they get up from an injury, or getting them to clap for the refs – the PA announcer asks fans to applaud, and when they aren’t loud enough or enthusiastic enough, he fusses at them to make them do it better; this is great fun to see and participate in. The second great thing about seeing a game at Dick Price Stadium is of course the Spartans marching band. The Norfolk State is pretty big, and these folks are continually moving; dancing and gyrating in the stands, waving their arms, and sashaying as they make their way down to the field for the halftime show – really a fun thing to witness. The halftime show is also pretty impressive, so make sure you stay in your seats for that. Neighborhood 3 Norfolk State’s campus is not in a great part of town – the area is a little industrial and even has a railroad track running right behind the stadium. The campus is a couple of miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Norfolk, where you can find some pretty snazzy restaurants and shopping. While closer to the stadium you will find mainly quick service stops like Church’s Chicken or Bay Seafood, if you head toward Norfolk proper you can find more upscale choices such as 4 5 6 Fish and Istanbul Gyro & Kebab. Most of the hotels are closer to downtown as well, but there is a Budget Lodge closer to campus. If you plan to be in town for the day or weekend, Nauticus is a maritime museum in Norfolk which is home to the Battleship Wisconsin – the ship served in WWII, the Korean War, and even during Desert Storm following a modernization effort, so that is a fun trip if you have the time. Another great option is the nearby Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, and there are also several historic homes in the area which you can visit. Fans 2 Not a whole lot of fans come to Dick Price Stadium for the average NSU Spartans game, so the stands will feel pretty empty, especially at times on the visitor’s side, and as I mentioned earlier seats in the east end zone are not sold, so that whole area is blocked off. The fans that are there really get into it, though, and are pretty loud (helped in part by the aforementioned PA announcer), but you definitely won’t see many sellouts. Access 3 Getting to Norfolk for any reason is a tricky proposition – there are lots of bridges and tunnels to get over the water from the rivers and the bay, and these tend to get backed up a lot so the traffic can be heavy. Be sure to pay close attention to your directions or GPS so you don’t miss your exit; if you do you may have to loop back around to get back over/under the water to your destination. Once you get to NSU, there is parking for $5 (at Shiloh Baptist church) right across the street from the campus’s main entrance on Park Avenue. However, that means a pretty long walk to the stadium across campus, so you are better off if you can find parking on the opposite end near the NSU Gate 8 entrance. The will-call booth (looks like a white trailer) is also on the Gate 8 side, so if you don’t have your tickets with you I would try to park on that end instead. Once you get into the stadium there are plenty of bathrooms and plenty of room to move around; the only drawback is the aforementioned lines at the concession stands. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to football games at Dick Price Stadium are $20 for general admission, but cheaper tickets are available for students and others connected to the university. Parking can be had very cheaply if you don’t mind the walk, and concessions are reasonable, so all in all, you can get a great experience at NSU football games for not a lot of dough. . Extras 3 In addition to the PA announcer and the band, there are a couple of other extras to mention at Dick Price Stadium – the mascot looks phenomenal in a bright yellow-and-green Romanesque costume, and the team comes onto the field thru a tunnel nestled in a cloud of green-and-white smoke, which is pretty cool to see. The cheerleaders also do a great job keeping the fans entertained, and the tailgating scene is bustling, with lots of great music blaring from loudspeakers outside the stadium. Final Thoughts If you are in the Norfolk area, or if your favorite team happens to be heading that way, I think you would have a great time attending an NSU Spartan football game – if you plan for the traffic and parking, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Photos by Jay Wagner, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Monongalia County Ballpark 2040 Gyorko Dr Granville, WV 26534 West Virginia Black Bears website Monongalia County Ballpark website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 3,500 Almost Heaven Granville, West Virginia is a town few may have heard of. After all, the entire land area of Granville is just 1.3 square miles. But in 2015, the 781-resident area got a sparkling 3,500-seat ballpark to call its own. The Jamestown Jammers of the New York-Penn League announced relocation to the Morgantown Metropolitan Area in 2014, and WVU’s baseball club had needed a new ballpark for years to replace aging Hawley Field. After years of planning, construction on West Virginia’s new baseball facility began in 2013. Two years later, Mon County Ballpark saw its first hardball action with a Mountaineer win over Butler on April 10th, 2015. The park’s opening was delayed by nearly two months due to an onslaught of inclement weather during the final stages of construction. The Jammers’ new branding was announced as the West Virginia Black Bears, and the new minor league team moved in with WVU at Monongalia County Ballpark in the summer of 2015. Since its inaugural season, the ballpark has been hailed as one of the greatest for both NCAA and MiLB. West Virginia’s attendance has skyrocketed to the top 40 in Division 1, and various stadium review websites have praised it as the “best short-season ballpark in the minors.” Food & Beverage 4 Monongalia County Ballpark offers several concession items that are unique to the Mountain State. Pepperoni rolls are Morgantown’s favorite food, and they are served at all standard concession stands for $5. The more basic items are priced on the higher side of the average, but only slightly. A chicken tender basket is $9, a pretzel costs $4.50, and regular and souvenir Coca-Cola sodas are priced at $5 and $6, respectively. Various beer vendors are clustered down the first baseline, and wine is also available at most concession stands. Because of the wide-open concourse, there is minimal wait time in the lines. Atmosphere 3 Monongalia County Ballpark’s seating bowl is just one level, with chair-back grandstand seats covered by the overhang. The blue seats extend around both dugouts. A grassy hill is located down both the right and left field lines, and when not closed due to rainy weather, is a great seating option for families. If you are looking for more unique seating options, a party deck and home run porch overlook the Black Bears bullpen near the right field foul pole. One of the more unique seating options in all of minor league baseball is the “Back Yard” in the right-center field. The outfield fence transitions to a chain link fence for a short portion, and behind it is an outdoor lounge area that is accessible to all fans. The Back Yard is complete with lengthy couches to watch the game from in comfort, as well as tables and chairs covered by large umbrellas. As for in-game entertainment, it’s about what’s to be expected from minor-league baseball. None of the between-inning contests are overly innovative, but there is still a focus on fun for the entire family at Black Bears games. Perhaps the greatest element of the game day experience in Granville is Mother Nature. The stunning backdrop features majestic mountains through the light smoky fog in all directions. Many university landmarks can be seen from Mon County Ballpark, such as WVU Coliseum. Neighborhood 3 The population of Granville was measured at 781 in the 2010 census. However, the town now has an estimated population of over 2,500. Although it’s still a tiny town, that large of an increase in under a decade is remarkable. It’s safe to say that Monongalia County Ballpark was a key player in Granville’s relatively rapid growth. University Town Center is the name of the neighborhood which has been built around the ballpark, and it’s got plenty of great chain restaurants, such as Olive Garden. Buffalo Wild Wings is visible from the ballpark, which is always a good pregame spot for sports fans. The very closest building to Mon County is the new Courtyard by Marriott Morgantown, which is an ideal option for lodging. Right across the Monongahela River in Morgantown, home to the beautiful campus of WVU. If you enjoy outdoor excursions, you cannot miss this opportunity to explore Wild and Wonderful West Virginia while you’re here! Among the most notable scenic spots is Dorsey’s Knob Park. The 70-acre park has several hiking trails, and Sky Rock at the very top gives you a breathtaking look at the city of Morgantown. Fans 3 The opening of Monongalia County Ballpark exponentially increased enthusiasm about the dormant West Virginia University program. Fans flocked to the new ballpark across the Monongahela River from Morgantown, averaging a turnout of over 1,800 for Mountaineer home games. The Black Bears have done very well themselves in terms of fan excitement, as the new ballpark has facilitated the development of its neighborhood, University Town Center. Although games are generally not packed with fans, the fans of the hometown West Virginia Black Bears in attendance remain responsive throughout the ballgame. The Black Bears ranked third-to-last in 2019 attendance for the New York-Penn League, averaging 1,699 fans per game. However, Monongalia County Ballpark is one of the smallest in the league, making the average Black Bears game a 68% capacity crowd – almost the same as the attendance leader of the NYP League, the Brooklyn Cyclones. Access 5 Because Monongalia County Ballpark facilitated the growth of its neighborhood, all nearby construction was done with fan access in mind. The venue is located directly off Interstate-79. After exiting toward Granville, University Town Center Drive takes you to the ballpark in less than a mile. Two main parking lots are servicing Mon County Ballpark, and both are priced at $5. Lot 1 sits across Gyorko Drive beyond the center field. Lot 2, which is even closer to the gates, is located just beyond the team clubhouses in the right field. Overflow parking is available right around the corner at Walmart, Sam’s Club, and the WVU Hospital. You may enter at the ballpark at the gates from either the left or right field. Concourses are extremely wide, and the field remains visible from the walkway. The bathrooms are plentiful, spacious, and clean. Please be advised that the ballpark implemented a clear bag policy in 2017. This means that all bags must be no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”, and must be transparent. Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” are the only exception to the clear bag policy. Return on Investment 4 As is the case with the food and beverage rates, the ticket prices lean to the more expensive side of neutral, but only slightly. Tickets are priced at $12.50 for premium grandstand seating behind the plate, $10.50 for reserved seating behind the dugouts, and $8.50 for standing room only. Parking rates, however, present a great value – a $5 investment will set you up for a two-minute walk to the gates. Any further analysis of return on investment seems like splitting hairs. Even if a ticket, hot dog, and parking at Monongalia County Ballpark cost $3 more than the average minor league park, does that make it any less affordable for anyone? Probably not. Extras 2 2018-19 Bob Sheppard P.A. Announcer of the Year, Bill Nevin, is the voice of Monongalia County Ballpark. Nevin is also the public address announcer for WVU football, men’s basketball, baseball, rifle, and marching band as well as the Black Bears, Nevin’s baritone voice can seemingly be heard from miles away, and his professionalism adds a layer to the fan experience in Granville. Also, the Black Bears go the extra mile to display their affiliation with their parent club, the nearby Pittsburgh Pirates. On-screen graphics routinely show the two team’s logos side by side, and there is a sign inside the park that reads, “The Bucs Start Here.” Pittsburgh and Morgantown are separated by just 75 miles, and the Black Bears’ pride in their affiliation aids in creating a sense of pride with the fan base, since so many baseball fans in West Virginia already root for the Pirates. Final Thoughts Sporting venues today often become an either/or situation – either a stadium is new and luxurious, or it has character. The construction of Monongalia County Ballpark proved that doesn’t always have to be the case. In addition to being as gorgeous as any, the ballpark finds a way to nestle itself perfectly into the iconic setting of West Virginia. With the Monongahela River, mountain ranges, and WVU as the backdrop for this pristine facility, it doesn’t get any more Wild and Wonderful than Monongalia County Ballpark.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 The Ballpark E. Emerson Cummings Boulevard Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 The Ballpark website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,500 Second Act at The Ballpark The Ballpark was built in 1984 to be the home for the AAA Maine Guides, which lasted only five seasons before moving to Moosic, PA. The park was unable to attract another baseball team, and was utilized as a summer concert venue as it sat mostly dormant. Over the years, the ballpark sat neglected, overgrown with brush, and was falling apart. It became a popular spot for drug use, fires, and vandalism. A lightning strike at the site caused a significant amount of fire damage in 2007. The town of Old Orchard Beach considered plans to sell the land for development, and it was a mainstay on Ballpark Digest’s endangered ballparks list. The tide turned for The Ballpark in 2008, when a volunteer group called the Ball Park Group began to clean up and renovate the ballpark for special events and ballgames. The Raging Tide moved to Maine and began calling The Ballpark home in 2011. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at The Ballpark, and it offers a very limited menu consisting of hot dogs ($3), burgers ($4/$4.50), French fries ($3), and nachos ($2.75). Fans looking to snack can choose from cotton candy ($2), popcorn ($1.50), chips ($0.75), or candy bars ($0.75). Bottles of Pepsi products can be bought for $2. Ice cream novelties are available for $2.50. Fans looking for a more adult alternative can choose from several varieties of beer and wine. The beer garden at The Ballpark has bottles of Coors Light ($4), Corona, Guinness, and Heineken for $5. Angry Orchard Cider and glasses of wine are available for $5, and Cayman Margarita can be had for $6. Fans looking to purchase Raging Tide gear will be happy with the selection of t-shirts, hats, and novelties available at the souvenir stand. Atmosphere 1 Try as you may, there is just no way to create a festive atmosphere when a couple hundred people are scattered in a 5,000 seat concrete stadium. To their credit, the Raging Tide staff do try, with music, games, and promotions throughout the game. The staff are very friendly and genuinely grateful to see the fans that do show up. Unfortunately, there is only so much they can do, and their efforts generally fall flat. Add to the mix one of the saddest looking mascots in creation, and the atmosphere at a Raging Tide game is not the most electric you will ever come across. Neighborhood 5 The Ballpark is located in a secluded, wooden area adjacent to the Old Orchard Beach High School and behind the Old Orchard Beach Police and Fire Departments. There is little to see or do in the immediate vicinity of The Ballpark, but that changes in a hurry as you head towards the ocean. About a mile away from the ballpark is the Palace Playland, the Pier, and other Old Orchard Beach attractions. The area, once one of the largest tourist destinations on the east coast, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to hurricanes, fires, and blizzards. The current incarnation of the beachfront is significantly smaller than past versions, but still attracts a great deal of tourist traffic during the summer, particularly from Quebec. It is not uncommon to hear conversations taking place in French during the summer months. The year-round population of Old Orchard Beach is under 9,000, but swells to almost 75,000 during the summer. Interestingly enough, Old Orchard Beach is the closest oceanfront beach to Montreal, explaining the lure of the area to French Canadian tourists. In fact, most shops in the area have signs in their windows proclaiming “ici nous parlons Francais” (we speak French here). The Futures League season begins in June, when the tourist industry is just getting started. If you venture to the area later in the year, you may be dealing with an entirely different crowd. Fans 2 Crowds at The Ballpark can vary wildly from night to night. In their three seasons in Old Orchard Beach, attendance has averaged in the 500 range. On weekend nights the Tide can attract close to 1,000 fans, and crowds less than 100 have also been reported. The fans that do show up are knowledgeable about the team, and enthusiastic about their efforts. Access 3 Old Orchard Beach is easily accessible via Interstate 95 (Maine Turnpike). Simply take the Interstate 195 exit, which will quickly turn into route 5. The Ballpark is located just off of Route 5 behind the Police and Fire Stations. Fans seeking alternate methods of transportation to the seaside town will be pleased to know that Amtrak’s Downeaster train stops just feet from the beach during the summer months. From there, The Ballpark is a short cab ride away. Once inside The Ballpark, there is more than enough room to spread out. With a capacity of 5,500, The Ballpark is the largest facility in the Futures League. The concourse is located underneath the grandstand, and is more than large enough to accommodate even the largest Raging Tide crowd. One major drawback of the concourse area is that it isn’t paved or landscaped, so fans with unsteady gait should step carefully. Also, if you can help it, don’t look up. The underside of the seating bowl is not the most attractive view one will come across at a ballpark. Despite the great efforts of the volunteers who have tirelessly worked at renovating The Ballpark, it still has an unfinished feel to it. The concession stands and locker rooms at The Ballpark are built to resemble the pine cabins typically seen in lodges and campgrounds in this area. The bathrooms are new, clean, and more than large enough for any Raging Tide crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets at The Ballpark cost $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children aged 7-12. Children under 7 are admitted for free, as are active members of the military. Free parking is available in the large parking lot adjacent to The Ballpark. Food will not cost you an arm and a leg either, so a night at a Raging Tide game is a very affordable alternative to many other activities in the area. Extras 2 The experience at The Ballpark is a bare bones one, to be sure. The staff are friendly and helpful, which goes a long way towards covering up the shortcomings of the ballpark. Still, ballpark aficionados will undoubtedly enjoy visiting this once endangered field. The locker rooms here are located in a separate building located behind and underneath the seating bowl, meaning that the players have to walk the concourse through the crowd after the game to get to their lockers. It was an autograph hound’s nirvana back in the day, and that tradition continues today. The Raging Tide players were more than accommodating to any children wanting their items signed. Final Thoughts After spending a day at The Ballpark many fans will marvel over the fact that this ballpark was ever considered adequate for AAA baseball. It’s even more unbelievable that Sports Illustrated once called The Ballpark the best ballpark in minor league baseball. It’s entirely made of concrete, it’s cold, and it’s ugly. It was only used for five seasons before the Guides moved on to the greener pastures of Moosic, PA and the equally unattractive Lackawanna County Stadium. Still, it’s a monumental achievement that it is still standing and in usable condition. Kudos to the volunteers who gave their time, energy, and money to preserve a ballpark that would have easily faded away into history. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos Courtesy of Zach Beeson Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 El Nido de los Águilas Calz. Cuauhtémoc s/n, Las Fuentes, 21239 Mexicali, B.C., Mexico Águilas de Mexicali website El Nido de Los Águilas website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 17,000 Enjoying Baseball in The Nest in Mexicali The Águilas de Mexicali (Mexicali Eagles) are members of Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico (Mexican Pacific League), a 10-team winter loop that operates from October to January, with the champion advancing to the Caribbean Series in February. The ball club calls the 17,000-seat El Nido de Los Águilas , its home ballpark, AKA The Nest in English. The stadium debuted in 1976 and incorporates a double-deck seating bowl, a large concession area plaza behind the backstop of the area, and no seating behind the outfield walls. The stadium is a cash-only venue except for the gift shop and a few concession stands in the plaza. The Águilas have won four championships in the league (1986,1989,1999, and 2017), plus one Caribbean Series championship in 1986. The club was founded in 1976 but has a history that dates back to 1948. Food & Beverage 4 The stadium has an abundance of foods, from regional favorites to ballpark staples. Vendors sell more items in the seating bowl or back of the grandstand in the plaza area, where tables, chairs, benches, and concession stands are designed in a state-fair fashion. The Crazy Fries stand is among the most popular and will take credit cards. French fries are topped with fried chicken, carnitas, roasted chicken, beans, or bacon and then drenched with either nacho or parmesan cheese, buffalo/barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. There are other local favorites, including street foods of tacos, refried beans, tamales, sweet pastries, patitas (pigs feet), taquitos, quesadillas, and burritos. Fans can enjoy pizza slices, hot dogs, nachos topped with carne, chicken tenders, french fries, and Buffalo wings. Fans can wash all of this down with Pepsi products, Tecate beer, micheladas, clamato, pina coladas, palomas (tequila and grapefruit soda), and fresh fruits served in cups: jicama, pineapple, melon, coconut, and mango. Atmosphere 4 The game day atmosphere is festive and exciting. An Aguilas game is more like a party than a baseball game. The first noticeable thing is the music that plays, not only in between innings but during plays. The only time it’s silent is between pitches to the batter. The music ranges from Norteño, reggaeton, pop, and popular sounds. Vendors hock food and drinks up and down the aisles, yelling aloud for potential sales and adding a mix to the night’s procedures. Cheerleaders and dancers entertain folks behind the foul lines. The ushers are set up at the front of each aisle, checking tickets to make sure they are in the correct section of the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Mexicali has a population of over a million people and is one of the safest border cities in Mexico. The city offers family entertainment with all the attractions that a big city has to offer. There are museums, retail stores, parks, and a historic downtown known for its rich Chinese heritage. The stadium is about 10 minutes from downtown in a residential area. Mexicali has a population of over a million people and is one of the safest border cities in Mexico. The city offers family entertainment with all the attractions that a big city has to offer. There are museums, retail stores, parks, and a historic downtown known for its rich Chinese heritage. The stadium is located about 10 minutes from downtown in a residential area. Just north of the ballpark is Main Street, which features local restaurants that offer tacos, burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. The Historic Center is home to a variety of restaurants, street foods, and Chinatown, where some of the country's best Chinese restaurants exist. La Chinesca is a system of underground tunnels built by Chinese immigrants who once lived there to escape the heat (later xenophobia) and housed bars, casinos, and brothels in the early 20th century. Families continued to live underground up until the 1970s. Popular tourist attractions include el Museo Sol Del Nino (children 's museum), Centro Estatal de las Artes (art gallery), and the Bosque y Zoológico de la Ciudad (city zoo). Misión Dragón is a public space with trees, live music, food, and drinks. It is also a great spot for photos. Fans 3 The fans support the Aguilas quite well during the season. The games are loud, joyous, and filled with revelry. It should be noted that games cool down at night and a lightweight jacket or long sleeve shirt is required at times during the fall and winter months of northern Baja California. Access 4 The stadium has one of the largest capacities in the league, with 17,000 seats. The stadium features a lower-level and upper-deck seating bowl, along with general seating behind the right and left field walls. The plaza behind the backstop offers an area where fans can grab something to eat or drink with ease. However, fans are not permitted to move around to different sections of the stadium to sit unless they have a ticket for that area. Return on Investment 4 Águilas tickets start as low as 30 Pesos ($2 US) for seating general admission behind the right and left field wall. The upper deck seating ranges from 230 to 350 Pesos ($13 to $20 US), while lower deck seating ranges from 450 to 700 Pesos ($26 to $40 US). If driving to the game, a fee of 30 Pesos is what it costs to park your car. Food prices differ from 175 Pesos ($10 US) for Crazy Fies, 87 Pesos ($5) for a Tecate beer, and 35 Pesos for fresh fruits and snacks. Team merchandise is on par, perhaps slightly higher for caps, with what you will find at Double-A and Triple-A ballparks in the United States. The gear is made by the same manufacturers. Extras 3 The stadium earns several extra points for its vibrant atmosphere during the game, the abundance of regional foods and drink specialties, and a final point for the colorful vendors that add to the excitement with their vocal production. Final Thoughts The Águilas provide baseball excitement from October to January each year in Mexicali. Baseball is on par with higher minor league levels in the States, and the fans are intuitive to what takes place on the field. Just when you think baseball is over after the World Series, the Águilas and the rest of the Mexican Pacific League are just getting started. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Murray Stadium 235 Hope St Providence, RI 02912 Brown Bears baseball website Murray Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 1,000 Brown Bears Baseball   Brown University has played baseball on the site of Murray Stadium since 1959. Originally known as Aldrich Field, the facility was rechristened as “Attanasio Family Field at Murray Stadium” in 2017 in recognition of the role Mark Attanasio, Brown class of 1979 alumnus and owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, played in securing funding for the renovations to the baseball and adjacent softball fields.   Those renovations featured the installation of synthetic turf at the stadium, sunken dugouts, a new backstop, expanded batting tunnels and bullpens, and a new and improved scoreboard and press box. In addition, new chairback seating was installed in the seating bowl.   Brown has qualified for the NCAA Tournament only once in their history, in 2007. They have yet to make it to the College World Series. 39 Brown alumni have made it to the major leagues, but this number includes only one player since the 1930s. Rhode Island native Bill Almon was the first overall pick by the San Diego Padres in 1974 and went on to have a 15-year major league career. In 2023 the Bears made history when Olivia Pichardo became the first woman to be named to a Division One baseball roster. She appeared in one game that season as a pinch hitter.   Food & Beverage 1   On certain days throughout the Bears spring schedule, the Bruno Eats food truck is present at the Erickson Sports Complex. Operated by Brown Dining Services, it offers a rotating menu throughout the season. Visiting Bears fans may find a seclection of burgers, tacos, or other snacks available on a given weekend. If you happen to visit Brown on a weekend when there is no food truck on site, fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during the game. On chilly spring Rhode Island afternoons, it’s not unusual to see many fans enjoying warm beverages from the local Dunkin’ or Aroma Joe’s.   Atmosphere 2   As you would expect at a small facility like Murray Stadium, A basic game day presentation is in order here at a Brown baseball game. With a small crowd in attendance sitting close to the action on the field, baseball purists will enjoy hearing the chatter on the field, coaches barking out instructions to their players, and the ping of the bat on ball.   Brown’s athletic staff give fans what they need, and not a whole lot more. A simple scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. The PA announcer gives fans lineup information without being too over the top or intrusive. Music plays in between batters and innings at a decent volume. Fans can enjoy conversations with their neighbors without having to shout. There’s a lot of room around the ballfield for younger fans to roam and chase down foul balls. Fans can exchange a foul ball to the press box in exchange for a chocolate bar and a Brown sticker.   Neighborhood 5     Murray Stadium is a part of the Erickson Athletic Complex on the eastern edge of Brown’s urban campus. Located in Providence’s affluent East Side neighborhood, there is much to do in the immediate vicinity of the complex. Most of Brown’s athletic facilities are located here, including Meehan Auditorium , the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center , Stevenson-Pincince Field  and the Brown Softball Field. Brown Stadium  is located about a mile away.   Just a couple of blocks from the Athletic Complex is Thayer Street, Brown’s main street and the East Side’s main commercial drag. Numerous cafes, restaurants and shops can be found here, including Brown’s bookstore and the Avon Cinema, which dates back to the early 20th century.   Other notable areas in the East Side a short walk or drive from Brown University are Hope Street, Wayland Square and Wickenden Street. All have their own bohemian vibes and feature great local restaurants, shops and bars. Of course, downtown Providence is located just at the bottom of College Hill about a mile away from campus. If you’re visiting Providence from elsewhere, this is likely where you will find lodging options in addition to numerous additional dining choices.   Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest small cities in the country for foodies. Visitors to the area will find more than enough choices to satisfy even the most adventurous of palates. If staying in Providence isn’t appealing enough, Boston is an hour’s drive to the north, with the mansions and beaches of Newport about 45 minutes south.   Fans 2   The fans at Brown baseball games can be described as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Attendance at Bears games generally ranges between 100-200 fans per game. With a multitude of events going on simultaneously at the sports complex on spring weekends, it’s not unusual to see fans roam from game to game over the course of the afternoon.   Most of the fans at Murray Stadium have a personal connection to the players on the field, and are very enthusiastic in their support of the Bears. With Brown playing a schedule loaded with local teams, it’s not unusual to see a solid turnout from supporters of the visiting nine.   Access 3     Murray Stadium is located in Brown University’s athletic complex on the East Side of Providence. While the Brown University campus is located near both Interstate 95 and 195, there is no direct way to get to or from campus. If driving, one must navigate a maze of neighborhood streets before arriving at the facility. If attending a game during a weekday, Providence can be a tough city in which to get around. The 2024 closure of the Washington Bridge, the main way to access Providence from all points on the East Bay, has only made getting into the city more difficult.   Several RIPTA busses run regularly to nearby Thayer Street, and the Brown campus is just a short distance from Murray Stadium. Check the  RIPTA website for schedules , fares and route maps.   Parking is available for Brown baseball at no charge in any of several small lots shared by the university’s athletic venues. A map to these lots can be found  here . Fans unable to find a spot in the lots will find free on-street parking in the streets around the stadium. Finding an available spot is usually not too hard to do on weekends. Patient visitors should be able to find spots within easy walking distance of the ballpark.   Murray Stadium is located on the far side of the Erickson complex, beyond Stevenson-Pincince Field. Recent renovations to the facility changed some of the seating in the small grandstand from bleachers to individual folding stadium seats. Metal bleachers with backs remain in the furthest sections down the lines. There is some standing room at the top of the seating bowl. There are no permanent rest room facilities at Murray Stadium. Fans will have to make due with several port-a-johns located behind the press box. Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Brown baseball game. Fans are welcome to bring in their own refreshments, and parking is free in the Erickson Complex parking lot or on the streets in the area. Going to a Brown Bears baseball game will not cost you a cent.   Extras 1                                                                                                             Brown displays information about their long athletic history throughout the Erickson complex. At Murray Stadium you will find plaques honoring Edward Aldrich, the Murray family and the Attanasio family, all of whom are namesakes of this facility.   Final Thoughts   Murray Stadium isn’t fancy, but it’s an intimate, comfortable place to watch some quality baseball on a beautiful spring New England afternoon.   Fans planning to visit Providence should keep in mind that the baseball season takes place mostly during the months of March and April, when the weather in New England can be fickle and unpredictable. Postponements and schedule changes are common occurrences. It’s best to make your plans flexible if possible.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Scheumann Stadium 2800 W Bethel Ave Muncie, IN 47306 Ball State Cardinals website Scheumann Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 22,500 Chirp! Chirp! Ball State Football Scheumann Stadium opened in 1967 and since its debut has expanded to a 22,500-seat stadium for the Ball State Cardinals football program. The stadium has undergone a few changes during the last decade that included $13.7 million in renovations that resulted in a new lighting system, concession stands, FieldTurf, an enlarged press box, and a new video board. Another improvement was enclosing the north end zone seating area that includes open grass seating. These changes have not changed the intimate atmosphere that a visitor would have when attending a football contest at Ball State. The Cardinals play in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), and depending on the weather or opponent, the cozy and relaxed atmosphere could be the perfect recipe for a wonderful Saturday afternoon in Muncie, Indiana. Food & Beverage 3 Walking around underneath the main grandstand, one would find the majority of the stadium’s concessions. The prices are fairly affordable and feature your basic stadium cuisine of pizza, hot dogs, and nachos. For a discounted price, you can purchase a combo that includes a hot dog, bag of chips, and pop or you can enjoy a brat or a barbecue pork sandwich. The jalapeno and cheddar brats are worth a visit, and like many of the other options, are cooked on an open grill. Peruse the game day program and you’ll find that the university lists other concession items that include Chick-fil-A sandwiches, corn dogs, pork tenderloins, elephant ears, and walking tacos. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is dictated by many factors, including the weather, the opponent, and promotion. When the stadium is packed, it is rocking, as it was for our visit during a beautiful early fall game on parents’ weekend. The parking lot was packed with alumni tailgating in their vans and cars, while the student body seemed to be having more fun at the grass parking lot hours before kickoff. It was a festive mood at Charlestown, an area hosted by the alumni association for select games, on the northwest side of the Alumni Center. A few food trucks are set up, along with craft beer taps. The Ball State marching band and cheer squad entertain a few lucky fans in the parking lot who had a front-row seat from their folding chairs. Once inside, the stadium is separated into three seating sections, plus a grass area at the back of the north end zone. The stadium features a majority of bleacher-style seating from the main concourse to the student section. All of the concessions are underneath the main concourse, along with historic photos of the program’s past and championship banners. It is a very functional stadium that offers a few aesthetics to make it stand out from other mid-sized venues of college football. The grass lawn area in the north end zone is the focal point of the venue. It features a basic but functional electronic scoreboard and the school’s iconic pillars. This area fills up during the early parts of the season when the skies are blue, and the sun is shining. During warmer weather games, a Kid’s Zone is set up with inflatable rides and face-painting tables. Charlie Cardinal is an entertaining and impressive college mascot. During the game, he can be seen on the field with the cheerleaders, leading the band after a touchdown and starting the school chant, ”The Chirp.” When the opposing team is on third down, the student section will move their hands up and down chanting “chirp, chirp, chirp.” It’s a tradition that began in 2004 and was modeled after similar ones at Purdue and Indiana University. Rituals are an important part of the college football game day, and this one is perfect for the Ball State Cardinal fan base. Neighborhood 3 Scheumann Stadium is located right off the main campus and a few miles away from the village area of town. The area can become somewhat congested at times with mall shoppers, but there are a few ideal locations to seek out before or after the game. Downtown Muncie has changed a bit in the past few years, and Elm Street Brewing Company, located in a former ice house from 1999, is worth the visit for its food and decor, but they also serve craft beer. A recommendation for lunch or dinner includes the pitmaster pie with Coca-Cola barbecue, smoked gouda, smoked chicken, house bacon, and brisket, or the Gonzo, a fried chicken breast top with spicy bacon jam, cheddar cheese, and egg on a homemade biscuit. Amazing Joe’s, Savage Ale House, and Sitara Indian Restaurants are other options in town. A cheap eat location is the B&K Drive-In which features car service and a menu that offers Spanish dogs, coneys, homemade root beer, and barbecue pork and brisket that is made on site. A few more places to grab a pint include The Guardian Brewing Company, Twin Archer Brewpub, and Heorot Pub & Draught House. You might be able to grab a bite at these places, but enjoy a couple of pints if you can; they are worth the visit when it’s a town for a Cardinals game. Fans 4 They chant “The Chirp,” but you will likely see less tailgating, barbecuing, or tossing cornhole before the game. Inside the stadium, the student section is lively, with the band performing adjacent to them during the four quarters. In this area, you can see some fans with signage, face painting, and a lot of cheers. On the other side at the main concourse, there are a few die-hard fans who do their best to cheer on the hometown Cardinals. Access 3 Scheumann Stadium is relatively simple to reach from I-69. Local police guide cars into the various lots surrounding the stadium. On busier weekends such as parent or alumni day, some of the main roads are closed to the stadium. However, there are plenty of surrounding lots that offer $5 parking and are within walking distance of the stadium. It should also be noted that lines were long for concession stands, resulting in a 30-40 minute wait for food and beverage. This could be due to the recent shortage of help in our country during the pandemic. Return on Investment 4 The price for single-game general admission tickets is $15 (advanced) / $20 (game day) for adults, and reserve tickets are $25. Kids' tickets are $10. If interested, a Kid’s Club membership is $35 and allows kids into all Ball State athletic games for free, plus many benefits for kids and their parents. A popular option is the Metazoa Ball and Brew Pack which consists of one general admission ticket and two of their beers for $20 when purchased in advance – it increases to $30 on game day. If you know of your plans ahead of time, it might be worth looking into this if a fan of craft beer or a good deal. The game day prices are comparable with other football programs in the Mid-American Conference. The parking is $10 in the purple lot, but there is $5 parking at multiple spots southeast of the stadium. There is no charge to park at the Worthen Arena and the Cardinal and Creek lot. Extras 3 Scheumann Stadium receives two additional stars for the enclosed grass seating behind the north end zone and the student section chanting “The Chirp” on third downs. The Family Zone is a fine addition on the grassy hill that includes bouncy houses and facing paint for the little fans in attendance. Final Thoughts Scheumann Stadium can be a fun outing for mid-major college football. The atmosphere in the parking lot is festive, the ticket prices affordable, and the fan participation quite energetic. True, it might depend on what time of the season you attend a Ball State game but choose wisely – you should have a good time. Chirp! Chirp! ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hart Recreation Center 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders men’s basketball website Hart Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,600 The Hart of New England Basketball The Reverend Francis J. Hart Recreation Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “Woostah” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John and Joanne Luth donated $32.5 million to the college in 2015 towards expanding and renovating the athletic department. Their donation largely funded the massive renovations to the complex in 2016. The Hart Recreation Center houses not only the Holy Cross basketball arena, but a 1,400-seat hockey rink , a six-lane swimming pool with separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, and the college’s strength and conditioning facilities. Behind the Hart Center is a full-size track, practice fields, soccer field and a lighted turf field which service numerous sports and intramural programs. Holy Cross has a long and storied basketball history, hosting teams since 1900. The Crusaders won the national championship in 1947 and made it to the Final Four in 1948. Two additional Elite Eight appearances followed in 1950 and 1953. In 1954 the team won the National Invitational Tournament. Overall, the Crusaders have qualified for the NCAA Tournament 13 times, most recently in 2016. Ten Crusader alumni have played in the National Basketball Association, most notably Hall of Famers Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn. Holy Cross basketball was so highly regarded that they could have joined the Big East Conference when it formed in 1980. The school vetoed the move for academic reasons. Today, Holy Cross competes in the Patriot League, a mid-major conference made up of northeastern schools with high academic standards. Food & Beverage 3 A pair of concession stands are located in the main lobby. The basic menu contains hot dogs, popcorn chicken and nachos along with a solid lineup of snacks. A side order of tater tots always goes well with your chicken or hot dog. Cans of Pepsi products can be purchased at these stands along with a selection of hot beverages. In addition, adult beverages can also be found at the concession stands. Greater Good Pulp Daddy, Harpoon Rec League and Sam Adams Octoberfest highlight the offerings. Here’s a Stadium Journey insider’s tip: there are some vending machines located a bit past the concession stands in the main lobby. Bottles of soda can be found here for $2, a much better deal than the $3 cans of soda at the concession stand. This can be our secret. Atmosphere 3 Any seasoned college basketball fan will tell you that the small gyms across the country contain some of the most rabid fans and the best game day atmospheres in the country. While the Hart Center doesn’t draw large enough crowds to measure up to the legendary gyms in the nation, there’s no doubt that if this place filled up, it would be a great place to experience a game. All the elements that make up a solid experience can be found here, including a rowdy student section, pep band, cheerleaders and dance team driving the noise and excitement. There’s a solid sound system and a video board on the far wall of the gym which is put to good use with game stats, graphics and videos. Smaller scoreboards in each corner of the facility display basic game stats. There are contests held on the floor during play stoppages involving younger fans (and sometimes students) along with the standard smile and flex cams to keep the casual fan engaged. In a small gym like the Hart Center with the small-ish crowds in attendance, you can hear the players on the court and the coaches barking out instructions to their teams. It’s a great place to visit for basketball purists. Neighborhood 3 Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus. Holy Cross is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options. Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center. The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross. Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain is located just ten miles outside of city limits Fans 2 Attendance at Holy Cross basketball games has dipped since the Covid pandemic. Where the team used to average somewhere around 1,500 fans per game, for the 2021-22 season this figure decreased to 800 fans per game. While attendance has rebounded a bit in the 2022-23 season, it is still below pre-pandemic levels and Patriot League averages. One thing that may strike you while at the Hart Center is that the average age of the fans here seems to skew older. The stands are filled with Holy Cross alumni, with a smattering of locals mixed in. Stadium Journey’s most recent visit took place during the semester break, but there’s usually a solid representation from the student body here. No matter what time of year you visit Holy Cross, this is a place where you can feel safe bringing the whole family. Access 4 The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Hart Recreation Center is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’ location gives it spectacular views of the city below. 2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby which houses the ticket booths. The basketball arena and hockey rink share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands, rest rooms and Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Long gone are the 70’s style carpeting, trophy cases and stained-glass windows of the old Hart Center. The basketball arena is located to your left as you enter the Hart Center. Fans holding lower-level seats will enter the arena at floor level, while fans holding reserved or upper-level seats will head to the staircases. Lower-level seats consist of molded plastic bleachers. There are three rows of individual plastic stadium seats at the top of the lower level, and metal bleachers make up the balcony seating. All seats at the Hart Center are painted purple and enjoy great views of the court. There is a concourse inside the arena that circles the entire court. At points, the concourse provides access to the remodeled upper level, overlooking new meeting rooms and a practice court. Standing room is available on this concourse at either end of the court. Be sure to time your visit to the concession stand and/or restrooms carefully, as lines can form at halftime. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Crusader basketball games start at $10 for bleacher seats, with chairback seats priced at $15 and floor seats available for only $20. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. Waiting until game day to buy your tickets increases the price by $3. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the Hart Center, and concessions are reasonably priced. All in all, a day at a Crusader basketball game is a most affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 3 Extra points are awarded for the sense of history here at the Hart Center. While the glory days of Holy Cross hoops did not occur here (the Crusaders used to play at the old Boston Garden regularly), there are reminders of the school’s success everywhere. A bronze statue of Bob Cousy greets visitors, and the new athletic Hall of Fame is filled with names of Crusader greats. Banners commemorating Crusader tournament appearances and retired numbers hang from the Hart Center rafters, and trophy cases hold mementos from Crusader titles. Final Thoughts The Hart Center is one of the nicer small basketball facilities in this part of the country. Taking in a game at Holy Cross is a laid-back, affordable experience in an intimate setting. While Holy Cross no longer competes among the giants in the sport, college basketball historians will enjoy looking around the Hart Center at the reminders of the Crusaders’ glory days. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena is a multi-purpose arena located within the MGM Grand Las Vegas hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The arena has a seating capacity of 17,000 with bleachers and is used for a wide range of events including concerts, boxing, and mixed martial arts. Despite its relatively small size, it’s one of the most iconic arenas in the world and frequently hosts high-profile events. It has a long history with WWE and is set to host SmackDown this March. History of the MGM Grand Garden Arena The MGM Grand Garden Arena was built in 1993 and quickly became one of the most iconic live spots in the USA. Its main use has been for UFC and boxing events, with many super fights in recent times such as Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II in 2020 . It has also hosted the Latin Grammy Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and the Billboard Music Awards. In terms of sports, the arena is home to the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL. There are also various concerts that take place there every year. Ariana Grande, Shakira, and the Killers have all performed there recently. The MGM Grand Garden Arena is located within the famous MGM Grand hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, which is the largest hotel in the world with 6,852 rooms. It’s one of the longest-running sites in the Nevada gambling hub, having previously existed as the Marina Hotel and Casino between 1975 and 1990. The casino itself makes it into the top ten list of largest casinos in the world , with an area of 171,000 square feet. There are more than 2,500 slots and 139 table games to choose from. SmackDown Set to Come to MGM Grand in March Wrestling has long been associated with the MGM Grand, and it has hosted numerous events from UWF and All Elite Wrestling in the past. Recently, it held its first-ever WWE pay-per-view event. This was Money in the Bank in 2022, which was originally scheduled to be held at the Allegiant Stadium . The success of that event persuaded WWE organizers to make a return to the arena this year. WWE Friday Night SmackDown is one of the biggest wrestling events on the planet, and it takes place in a different location every week. It usually tours around the USA, but it has also been held in other countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan. To date, it has been broadcast from a whopping 163 arenas around the world. This year, the event will be in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in March, and viewers can expect to see the likes of Braun Strowman , The Brawling Brutes, and Charlotte Flair. WWE fans are soon to get a taste of how the MGM Grand Garden Arena is the perfect setting for fighting events. It’s highly likely that there will be many more wrestling contests to come there in the future.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Roger Dean Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training website Roger Dean Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 Rulers of the Roost Although it may seem as if Roger Dean Stadium is named for a local luminary, in reality, the 6,871-seat stadium is named for a less-lofty local car sales magnate, making it one of two parks in the Grapefruit League related to car sales (the other being Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin). But the park is unique in that it (currently) is the only Grapefruit League park hosting two teams: the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals. The park was originally shared by the Cardinals with the late, lamented Expos, but in 2003, the Expos became the Nationals and sought other facilities in Viera, while the Marlins moved in to fill the void. The park is neatly split between the two teams, with the Marlins signs and facilities on the left side of the park, and the Cardinals on the right side. Though the park is split evenly on paper, the Cardinals dominate the park with their more massive and rabid fan base, coupled with their lengthy and storied history. While it is one of the more expensive experiences in the Grapefruit League, Roger Dean Stadium makes up for it with an engaged fan base and great location. Food & Beverage 3 The food and drinks are mostly located in the exterior walkway that surrounds the seating area. Standard ballpark fare (hot dogs, pizza, burgers) are available at most concessions, with a twist or two such as brats and cheesesteaks thrown in. The pick of the ballpark grub is either the Super Dean Dogs (available at the “Stadium Favorites” concessions for $9.50), a truly jumbo dog in a pretzel bun that comes with an order of chips, and the “Island Grill” concessions, which serve up Shrimp Po-Boys, Crab Cake Sliders, and Mahi-Mahi Tacos ($9 for each of the selections). The MVP Grille brings some tastes from St. Louis to the stadium in the form of St. Louis dogs, Cubs Hater dogs (both $9), and pancake & sausage on a stick ($4.50, with maple dipping sauce). Try the pancake on a stick just to say you did. The concession also has selections from the Miami club, but Sonny BBQ is the only thing to recommend there ($9.75). For a team from St. Louis, the beer selection at the park is disappointingly modest. Your choices are mostly the Bud family, Rolling Rock, and Yuengling, but Monk in the Trunk, Landshark, and some other microbrew selections are available at smaller concessions around the park. One of those concessions with specialty beer, Island Cocktails, also doles out mixed drinks and cocktails, as well as wine ($8 for each). Atmosphere 3 Roger Dean Stadium has a fairly common minor-league layout. The field boxes (closer to the field) run from outfield to outfield around home plate. A second tier of loge seats, separated by the main walkway from the field boxes, runs from about third to first. Above them, the press box and luxury suites sit right around home plate. A party tent and small bleachers section minor leagues out in the onion theleft field, and the Cassidy Cool Zone (an air-conditioned group area with an all-you-can-eat buffet) and a small picnic berm sit in right. The view in the outfield is a pair of executive offices (the Marlins on the left and the Cardinals in right). The doors open two hours before game time from three gates arrayed around the park. Cardinals fans show up early and in great numbers, so Gate C is a slightly better option. The left side/right side split between the teams holds up everywhere. The Cardinals use the first base side as their home dugout, and Cardinals autograph seekers can hang out by the player gates outside of right field–but get there early. Crowds start forming way before game time as Cardinals fans make a day of it looking for signatures. Both Roger Dean residents offer a limited number of on-field experiences during home batting practice for $15 per person. For the cost, you get a personalized lanyard and an escort to a roped-off area behind home plate for the duration of batting practice and the best chance at autographs. You have to check in at the desk outside of Gate B, and it isn’t marked. If you’re looking for home autographs, get there early (it opens three hours before game time), as starting players take batting practice first and then disappear to the practice fields. Like everything else in the park, the Cardinals practice fields are on the right side. Follow the sidewalk down right field, and you’ll see the entrance. Once again, get there early to get choice seats at the fields where the major leaguers will be using. All the seats offer good views close to the action, but there is nearly no cover from the elements unless you spring for a luxury box or group event area. The only regular seating with any sort of protection is the last three rows of the loge boxes in front of the press box but not directly underneath the first base luxury boxes. Sitting anywhere else? Load up on sunscreen and pray it doesn’t rain. The Cardinals mascot doesn’t make the trip down for spring training, and there are limited between-inning contests compared to a regular minor or major league contest. These are more modest with the new between-inning pace-of-play clock, but the fun is still to be had. Neighborhood 4 Roger Dean Stadium is located within the planned community of Abacoa in Jupiter, FL. It is a development of different areas, each themed on a different architecture, with plenty of shopping and dining available. A Florida Atlantic University campus also lies just south of the park. Jupiter houses many top-notch golf courses that attract PGA talent, and it is a boon for any duffers. In addition to the ocean beach and the inlet area to the northeast of the park, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is of historical significance, and the Hibel Museum on the FAU campus offers a dash of culture. The Abacoa development has a lot of restaurant and bar options within a few blocks of the park. Those looking for a drink after the game will find JJ Muggs Stadium Grill right across the street, while Rooney’s Public House, and DAS Biergarten are just slightly further down the road. Eateries include the Copa Cabana, Le Metro Neighborhood Bistro, Costello’s Trattoria, Jumby Bay Island Grill, and Hokkaido Hibachi & Sushi. Fans 5 There is a slight discrepancy in the commutes for fans of both tenants of the park. It is over a thousand miles for the Redbird backers, and under a hundred for the Fish fanatics. You might think that Miami fans would be out in droves an hour and a half from home, but unfortunately, the Marlins lack of fan base at home extends slightly to the north. That is not the case for the Cardinals. They don’t have a reputation as one of the best baseball cities in America for nothing. Cardinals fans swarm south for the first sniff of baseball for the year, and Cardinals spring training tickets can be one of the hardest to get in the entire Grapefruit League. Cardinals fans come out in great numbers and make for a great place to watch a ballgame, spring training, or otherwise. A case in point on the discrepancy is a game between the Cardinals and Marlins where you have to take some time to pick out any Marlins black in the sea of red that dominates the park. Access 4 Jupiter is nestled on the southeast Florida coast, and the park is conveniently right off of both the (toll) Florida Turnpike and I-95. The park is about a half-hour by car from sister Grapefruit League locale Port St. Lucie, a little over two hours away from family vacation hotspot Orlando, and slightly more than an hour and a half to Miami in the south. Parking can be had for $5 for the uncovered grass lots or $10 for one of the parking decks (available for pre-order). For anyone looking to take public transport to the game, Palm Tran Buses on Route 10 ($2 per trip, $5 for unlimited pass) have a stop right by the stadium (University Blvd at Main St), and they serve Jupiter and surrounding cities, such as West Palm Beach. But a car is nearly a necessity for moving about Florida, especially if you’re going to multiple Grapefruit League parks. Palm Beach International airport is just twenty minutes south for those coming from further away. Getting around the park is a breeze. A wide exterior walkway extends from left to right field, servicing all entrances and getting people to the concessions that line the walkway, as well as the stairways up to the seating bowl. Another comfortable walkway splits the field and loge boxes seating areas on the inside of the park. The standing-room sections are on this walkway, which can get congested when the Cardinals are playing. Make your way to your seat in the outer promenade and pop up as near as possible to your seat. Return on Investment 3 Tickets at Roger Dean Stadium are some of the pricier in the Grapefruit League, but given the demand by rabid St. Louis fans, the market can support them. But the Marlins fans surely suffer for the prices that aren’t supported by their more modest history and demand. Tickets are on three tiers (Regular, Premium, and Super Premium). Standing room tickets can go for over $20, and the best seats in the house are what you’d expect for MLB-level seats. Mini-plans and “season” tickets can bring that price down a little, but it is still costly. Food and drink aren’t cheap, either. Many food items go for MLB-level $9 and above. There are some relatively cheap eats (brats go for $5.50 and regular hot dogs for $4.25), and beers run $7.75-$8.50, and a wine and mixed drinks will cost you $8. There are kids' meals (hot dog, chips, and a soda for $5) and some adult combo meals that help make it more affordable, but the prices are going to stay at what the Cardinals fans are willing to pay. It is still cheaper than a game in St. Louis, and the prices are somewhat justified with the storied franchise it houses, but remains on the high end for the Grapefruit League. Extras 3 A $6 magazine program is available, but it is overpriced for the content it provides. Everything as far as signage is split fairly evenly between the Cardinals and the Marlins. Some small plaques commemorate the stadium construction and a county administrator who championed it (Alan Tarlow), and a large plaque commemorating the park’s first Cardinals and Expos season ticket holders is seemingly disregarded behind the home plate concessions. The Palm Beach County Hall of Fame is celebrated in banners along the right field concourse, and a well-appointed brick fan walk is located outside the main entrance, surrounding a copse of trees. There is a small inflatable golf pitch stand for the kids in right field (a nod to the large golf presence in the area), and a sizeable team store hawks merchandise for the Cardinals and Marlins, as well as their minor league franchises which inhabit the park after the spring. Final Thoughts Roger Dean Stadium is a nice ballpark in a great community, and it is hopping when the Cardinals are in town, but it remains one of the more expensive experiences in the Grapefruit League.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Francis Olympic Field 1 Big Bend Blvd St. Louis, MO 63105 WashU Bears website Francis Olympic Field website Year Opened: 1902 Capacity: 3,300 Historic Soccer in St. Louis While the soccer scene in St. Louis is growing thanks to the addition of the city’s MLS franchise, few may be privy to the fact that college soccer is also growing in the area. A stellar example of this is Washington University’s soccer team. Playing in one of the most historic facilities in America, this program has a small but loud fanbase that shows up to games on a regular basis. And with a beautiful location, it is easy to see why. Food & Beverage 1 The biggest downside to games at WashU is the lack of concessions. One single concessions stand is open during games, serving the most basic of stadium fare. If you want anything beyond a soda, hot dog, or chips, you likely will be looking elsewhere before or after the match to satisfy your hunger. Atmosphere 4 The stadium itself seems simple. A throwback soccer pitch in the middle of a running track harkens back to images of the golden era of college athletics. This image is with merit, however, as the stadium itself is indeed the same facility that hosted the 1904 St. Louis Olympics. The large wrought iron gates that greet you as you enter the facility are the same gates that greeted fans and athletes alike in 1904. The stadium is also known as the birthplace of the gold medal, the first main stadium for a modern Olympic games, and was recognized in 2019 by the International Olympic Committee for its historic significance. Walking through these entry gates feels like you are a part of history. Once inside, the stadium features a single section of grandstands underneath a press box also bearing the 1904 Olympics name. Seating is open for all fans and plentiful, but the benches don’t feature backs or individual chairs. Neighborhood 5 The area around Francis Olympic Field is a beautiful part of St. Louis. Located on the west side of the city of St. Louis, the campus itself is a stunning gem. Each of the buildings feature intricate stonework and details, the likes of which few colleges today can showcase. The grounds are perfectly manicured and the neighborhood outside of the campus is equally as beautiful. Not far are restaurants and shops, and a few minutes down the highway is downtown St. Louis. Fans 3 The fans for WashU soccer are what would be expected for college soccer. A solid mix of current students, alumni, and family or friends of players usually make up the majority of fans at the stadium. While not exactly a sellout crowd, the fans know their soccer and cheer along with each play on the field. Access 4 To get to Washington University, several highways can make your task easier. Located near the intersection of I-170 and I-64, the campus features several parking lots near the stadium that serve fans well. Traffic is rarely congested in the area, and signage is plentiful nearby to help you get to the campus. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to WashU men’s soccer are free, which means watching some college soccer in St. Louis is incredibly affordable. Parking on site is also free for fans of athletic events, making this a no-brainer for budget-conscious sports fans. Extras 2 The stadium features a large Olympic rings statue near the entrance of the stadium, commemorating the 1904 St. Louis Olympics – this is a popular photo spot for fans on game days. Inside the stadium, a large ornate stone obelisk stands as a water fountain for fans. Erected by the Class of 1870, it honors the memory of David R. Francis, for whom the stadium was named. Final Thoughts Watching college soccer in a historic sports stadium is something many fans don’t get the opportunity to do. If you find yourself in St. Louis, catching a soccer match at Francis Olympic Field on the campus of Washington University should be near to the top of any sports fan’s list. While not as big a draw as some of the city’s major sports teams, WashU features no less succ

Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig at Kinsley Park in 1927. Photo Courtesy of smallstatebighistory.com Kinsley Park was an athletic field located in Providence, RI, on the shores of the Woonasquatucket River. It was primarily used for minor league baseball, but professional football and soccer games were also held here. It was built by Peter Ludati, a prominent local real-estate developer and part owner of the Providence Steam Roller. Ludati also built the Cycledrome, which served as the home of the Steam Roller from 1925-33. Kinsley Park may be best known as the site of the first night game in National Football League history. The Providence Steam Roller was scheduled to play the visiting Chicago Cardinals on Sunday, November 3. However, heavy rains made their home field, the Cycledrome, unplayable. Rather than lose a potential payday, the game was postponed for 72 hours until the night of the sixth. With the Cycledrome field unfit for use, the game was moved to the Steam Roller’s previous home, Kinsley Park. For the hastily scheduled game, floodlights were brought in to illuminate the field. An account of the game published in the Providence Journal described the system as “33 giant projectors on poles 53 feet high, and nine poles on top of the grandstand.” To help the players see the ball, it was painted white. The Providence Journal reported the ball “looked like a giant egg.” The Cardinals won the game 16-0 behind the running, passing and kicking of Ernie Nevers, who scored all 16 Chicago points. He rushed 23 times for 102 yards and a touchdown and also completed 10 of 15 passes for 144 yards and another touchdown. Nevers also kicked a 33-yard field goal and an extra point. The game attracted over 6,000 fans, making the game a success financially. Seizing the opportunity, Ludati installed floodlights at the Cycledrome for the next season, with other NFL owners soon following suit. Babe Ruth with Tim O'Neil, Photo Courtesy of smallstatebighistory.com In addition to its football notoriety, Kinsley Park also was known as a hot spot for integrated baseball. The ballpark often hosted Negro League games as well as integrated games between teams of black and white players. The first professional baseball game that was played at Kinsley Park occurred in 1921 between the Cleveland Colored Giants, a team made up of black players and the Providence Independents, made up of white players. This game was part of an experiment called the International League, which collapsed after the game, stranding the Cleveland team in Rhode Island. The team stayed in Providence, eventually rebranding as the Providence Giants. The team lasted for three years before a dispute over salaries resulted in the disbandment of the team. Kinsley Park is considered by some as sacred ground for black baseball. Babe Ruth played in Providence for a short time for the Grays in 1914, but that was before the construction of Kinsley Park. He did come back with Lou Gehrig in 1927 as part of a barnstorming tour that stopped at Kinsley Park . Kinsley Park site in 2020, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Kinsley Park was closed by the end of 1931. It was torn down in 1933. No trace of the field remains. Today only a parking lot stands on the site across from the Nicholson File Company Mill Complex. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Wallace Wade Stadium 110 Bassett Rd Durham, NC 27708 Duke Blue Devils website Wallace Wade Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 40,004 A Football School in Durham The idea of sold-out crowds at Duke is not new. What is new is these crowds showing up en masse for football instead of basketball. Indeed, recent success has meant that Duke fans now have two major sports to cheer for, marking a new dawn for college football in Durham. Housed in a historic stadium on campus adjacent to other sports facilities, Wallace Wade Stadium features renovated and modernized touches on a football facility that has been around for nearly 100 years. Food & Beverage 3 The food options here begin with your standard stadium fare. Hot dogs ($5), pizza ($12-$14), and burgers ($8) can be found, alongside other non-standard options like mozzarella sticks ($10), chicken wings ($12), and Bavarian pretzels ($5). North Carolina BBQ sandwiches run $8 and are a star of the food options. Some stands also feature Bojangles chicken, while drinks such as beer ($9-$11), soda ($4.50-$5.50), and water ($4) are available. Atmosphere 4 The stadium itself is not new, having been constructed in 1929. Despite its age, multiple extensive renovations mean it now features more modern touches and has the look and feel of a new stadium. The nicest aspect is that most stadium entrances enter at the top of the stadium bowl – this means you walk down to your seats instead of up to your seats from the entrance. Most sections in the middle have individual chairs, while the sections on the ends have basic bleachers. However, the sections with seats have had the chairs bolted onto the front side of the seating tiers, meaning the seats tend to lean forward more than usual, which results in most seats feeling like you’re always leaning slightly forward of normal. The main tower features suites and boxes on one side of the stadium, while both sides have team stores, be they indoors or under outdoor tents. Neighborhood 4 Durham and the area around Duke’s main campus are experiencing a revitalization, especially in downtown Durham. The campus itself is beautiful and easy to navigate, with Wallace Wade Stadium sitting next to the school’s soccer stadium and track & field facility. Hotels are plentiful nearby, as are shopping and dining. Raleigh-Durham Airport is also only a 15-minute drive away, meaning that a weekend trip to catch some college sports in town doesn’t involve a lengthy drive out to somewhere far away. Fans 3 Recent success has led to Duke fans turning up in large numbers to football games, something rarely seen in the past. Higher rankings and consistent bowl appearances have meant Duke fans have reason to get excited when football season begins, and both the student section and regular seats are now hot tickets. However, while the physical seats may be filled, it is easy to see that fans here are new to football. Simple things like remaining quiet when Duke is on offense are lost, as fans roar and chant on critical plays. Tailgating around the stadium is plentiful, but only in the lots immediately adjacent to the stadium. In the nearby streets and neighborhoods, it looks like another day in Durham, just with more cars parked. That college football gamely energy is sometimes lacking as well due to the stadium being so open in its construction, meaning the fans are not as loud as they would be in other stadiums. Access 3 The parking at Wallace Wade Stadium is at times less than ideal – free parking is available but is not located near the football stadium, requiring a long hike back to the parking itself. Pay lots are available next to the stadium’s main entrance, but those all require parking passes and fill up quickly on even the quietest of game days, so make sure you purchase parking ahead of time if available. Several free lots are available in the area with shuttle buses to take you to the stadium and back as well. To get to the stadium, you just need to follow the signs locally for the college itself. Located near I-85 and perfectly framed by the 501 and 147 Highways, Duke University is just west of Durham proper. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Duke football start at $42 and go up from there. Considering the difficulty of finding parking, and the potentially expensive prospect of parking in a paid lot nearby as opposed to hiking a bit of a walk to get to the stadium, your cost is relative for Duke games. Whether it is worth the cost and effort also would depend on how much you want to see a game here, as the atmosphere is still learning and growing with the team’s success. Extras 3 The stadium is located near several of the school’s other sports stadiums, and with them, some memorial plaques and statues showcasing the school’s sports history can be seen. Additionally, the main concourse level underneath the suite tower also showcases Duke football’s history thanks to infographics wrapped onto support columns, explaining the team’s origins, the history of the Iron Dukes, and the team’s various bowl wins. Finally, there is a large kids' play zone at the field level beyond the scoreboard that is open to fans before kickoff. Final Thoughts Though they may still be in their growing phase of late, Duke football has a long history. This team is on an upward trajectory, and the fans are moving along with it. While the stadium has history and some updates thanks to recent renovations, it does remain in the simple and basic category of stadium layouts. Nonetheless, the great weather in North Carolina coupled with a stadium that features good views from practically all seats means there is a base level of quality to be expected when attending Duke football games.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.43 Dr. Arthur and Martha Pappas Field 144 University Drive Rindge, NH 09461 New Hampshire Wild website Pappas Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 1,500 Call of the Wild The New Hampshire Wild are one of four teams competing in the inaugural season of the Empire Baseball League. They play their home games at Dr. Arthur and Martha Pappas Field on the campus of Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire. The Empire League is a replacement of the North Country Baseball League, which lasted only one season. The NCBL was itself a replacement for the East Coast Baseball League, which disbanded before ever playing a game. The Empire League is a low-budget league designed to give recent college graduates and players with little experience a chance to be signed to higher level league contracts with affiliated or independent teams. The level of play is roughly equivalent to affiliated Rookie or short season A-Level ball. Dr. and Mrs. Pappas were local residents and well-known philanthropists in central Massachusetts and beyond. Dr. Pappas may be more well-known as the Boston Red Sox’ medical director from 1978 to 2002. Food & Beverage 1 There are limited concessions sold at a folding table at the entrance to the ballpark. Assorted chips, candy bars and drinks are offered here. Fans looking for something a little more substantial can select hot dogs or hamburgers cooked while you wait on a Foreman Grill. While the selection is limited, nothing on the menu costs more than three dollars. Some Wild t-shirts are also sold at this table for fans looking for a souvenir. Atmosphere 1 Like every other aspect of the Wild gameday experience, the atmosphere here at Pappas Field is a bare bones one, to be sure. There are no extraneous between inning contests or giveaways here. The only noise that comes from beyond the diamond are PA lineup announcements and between inning music. There are none of the extraneous bells and whistles that have become commonplace throughout the minor leagues. On the plus side, you won’t find a more laid-back place to catch a ball game. Neighborhood 1 Rindge, New Hampshire is a rural town of just over 6,000 inhabitants. The university is located on 1,200 acres of land northwest of downtown. The picturesque campus sits on 1,200 acres overlooking Pearly Pond in the shadows of Mount Monadnock. There is nothing to attract visiting baseball fans within walking distance of Pappas Field. While there are some restaurants and hotels scattered throughout Rindge and neighboring Jaffrey, these are several miles from campus. Fans 1 The Empire League as a whole has had difficulty attracting fans, and the Wild have experienced similar difficulty in this area. The league does not release attendance figures, but during the game attended by this writer on a Saturday night, under 30 fans were in attendance. In speaking with some regular fans (yes, even a crowd this small can have regulars in attendance), they noted that this crowd was on the large side for the Wild. Early reports from the other teams in the Empire League reflect a similar dearth of fans. Access 2 Pappas Field is located on the southeastern edge of the Franklin Pierce University campus in rural Rindge, New Hampshire. Rindge is situated in the southwest corner of New Hampshire, just north of the Massachusetts border. It is located about 25 minutes from Keene, NH and 90 minutes northwest of Boston. There are no highways that serve Rindge. The nearest interstate is I-91, 40 minutes to the west. Fans driving to Franklin Pierce will most likely arrive in Rindge via Route 202 or 119. The grounds at Pappas Field are nicely manicured and easy to navigate. Parking is located in a large lot beyond left field. Paved paths lead to the various seating areas, including 150 molded plastic stadium seats behind home plate. Metal bleachers are located further down each baseline, as well atop the hill beyond the left field fence. Rest room facilities are located in the boat house across the street from the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 Admission to Wild games cost five dollars for general admission seating. There is no charge for parking, and no items at the concession stand cost more than three dollars. Taking in a Wild game is inexpensive, if nothing else. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the Wild’s early attempts to integrate themselves into the community. Local Little League teams are invited to spend their days practicing with the team and stick around for the game. Youngsters can be found shagging foul balls around the ballpark. Final Thoughts To state that the Empire League is experiencing some growing pains would be an understatement. The four teams in the league are struggling to attract fans and sponsors, and the bare bones gameday presentation is a direct reflection of this lack of support. Still, the fact that the league has made it to a second season (their inaugural season was played as the North County Baseball League) offers some hope for the future. As a facility, Pappas Field is a fine place to take in a game. As one of the only lit fields in both the state of New Hampshire and the Northeast-10 Conference, it is in use weeks before other area ballparks, as its EdelGrass Surface allows it to be plowed while other natural grass fields await the spring thaw during the frigid New Hampshire spring. Five NCAA Division II Regional Championships have been held at Pappas Field. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium 291 Catamount Rd Cullowhee, NC 28723 Western Carolina Catamounts website Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 13,742 Mountain Cats Delivering Whacks Western Carolina University is a member of the North Carolina University System. It is the westernmost school in the University System. WCU’s 600-acre campus is in a valley between the Great Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was founded in 1889 and now serves more than 12,000 students. The school is particularly known for its computer sciences curriculum and its liberal arts programs. Western Carolina University has had a football program since 1931. The school competes at the FCS level of college football as a member of the Southern Conference. The home field for the Catamounts is Bob Waters Field at A.J. Whitmire Stadium. A.J. Whitmire was a longtime board member for WCU, and Bob Waters was the WCU athletic director/football coach for 20 years. The stadium was built in 1974 but has gone through several renovations over the years. The most current renovations occurred in 2020 when the artificial turf at Bob Waters Field was replaced by a new surface. There are stands on the east and west sides of the field only, with a capacity of 13,742. Food & Beverage 3 There are enough concessions stands at WCU’s stadium to cover the typical crowds for a game very efficiently. Whitmire’s concession stands sell the typical stadium fare, which includes pizza, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and BBQ sandwiches. Snack foods include pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, candy, and funnel cakes. The beverage selections at the concession stands consist of Pepsi brand sodas ($3) The same price is charged for all drink selections, including lemonade, bottled water, and Bojangles sweet tea (this IS the South, y’all!). Alcohol is available at Whitmire Stadium. Atmosphere 4 Even though a game at Western Carolina does not provide you with the buzz you would find at a major college, it does provide you with a great atmosphere to enjoy the game. First of all, note the natural beauty just getting to and from the game. Whitmire Stadium’s setting in the mountain valley is just beautiful with all the fall colors…. did we mention how colorful the stadium is as well? Expect to see the rich purple and gold hues that cover everything on the campus. If you need to find the stadium when you park, simply follow the large purple cat prints on the pavement to the field. Make sure to stop at the school bookstore or one of the merchandise tables in the stadium to get some Catamount cheer gear. If you have small kids with you, check out the bouncy house and other kids’ activities located just outside the stadium. This will wear them down somewhat so they will not get as cross at the game. The layout of Whitmire Stadium is small enough that all the seats on both sides of the field are close to the action. Seating for most fans will be on the East/West sides of the field. The South zone is filled by the Ramsey Center, the home of the Catamount basketball programs. The North end zone features the field house, which has the Paws Porch atop it. Unfortunately, the Porch is limited to major donors to the school. The cheerleaders and the Pride of the Mountains band do a great job of entertaining the crowds throughout the game. Neighborhood 3 Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC, an unincorporated area of Jackson County, North Carolina. In essence, the university’s campus is the town of Cullowhee. There are no restaurants, lodging options, or attractions in Cullowhee. These items can be found seven miles north of Cullowhee on Highway 107 in the town of Sylva, the county seat of Jackson County. Sylva offers a wide range of lodging, dining, and activities for fans traveling to a WCU football game. Dining options include the Lazy Hiker Brewing Taproom and City Lights Cafe.’ Lodging is available at the Blue Ridge Inn or the Holiday Inn Express. A wide range of activities is available for visitors to the area, including the Mountain Heritage Center at WCU, the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort, and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The city of Asheville, NC, with its many breweries, lodging options, and many attractions is located 52 miles east of Cullowhee. Fans 3 The WCU fan base is mostly made up of WCU alumni, the students at the school, or persons who are affiliated with the school, such as faculty and staff. The main reason there is a relatively small fanbase is due to the isolated location of the school. The fan base may be small, but it is very loud and spirited. There is also a tight-knit sense of community within the fan base. There are plenty of WCU groups available to keep the fanbase energized. These include the efforts of Catamount’s mascot Paws and his friends, the WCU cheerleaders. Musical support is provided by the Pride of the Mountains Marching band. The fans enjoy some great traditions linked to WCU football. The Victory Bell is a transportable bell that takes part in the pre-game parade. It is rung after each WCU score and follows each Catamount win. Access 3 A.J. Whitmire Stadium earns our mid-range score due to its isolated location in the mountains and a great distance from any interstates. You can also expect heavy traffic during the leaf peeper season in the October-November portion of the season. Despite those issues, the roads leading to Cullowhee on state and federal highways are well maintained. Once at the school, the access to the stadium is excellent, as there are several entry gates. You should not experience much of a line at the concession stands, as they are in adequate numbers to serve the typical number of fans at the games. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to a WCU home football game range from $16-36, with the higher price being the seats in between the 40-yard lines. Parking anywhere on campus on gamedays is $10. You should prepay for a parking pass online, as the parking spaces on campus are very limited. Concession prices are very reasonable and should not break the bank. Due to the large number of leaf peepers descending into the mountains during the height of fall color, lodging can be quite expensive in the October-November months. Consider hotels/motels in Clayton, GA for lower prices and a reasonably close-to-campus drive on game days. Extras 4 A Catamount is any type of wild cat such as a cougar, lynx, or bobcat. These types of cats are found in the mountains surrounding the WCU campus. WCU is the only football-playing college in the country using Catamounts as its team nickname. The WCU-Appalachian State University game is considered a rivalry game. The winner of this annual contest takes home the Old Mountain Jug. 28 Catamount players have gone on to play in the NFL. The beauty of the mountains surrounding the Western Carolina campus at their fall peak of color deserves its own extra. Final Thoughts While a football game at Western Carolina University will not match the intensity and large crowds of a major college game, it does offer one of the most picturesque locations to watch a game on a lovely fall afternoon. The fall colors provide a backdrop to the action taking place on the field. The locals are friendly, the prices are reasonable, and the scenery can’t be beaten!

Photo by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Burlington Athletic Stadium 1450 Graham St Burlington, NC 27217 Burlington Sock Puppets website Burlington Athletic Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 3,500 The Royal Treatment It’s fascinating that one of North Carolina’s most historic baseball venues wasn’t even constructed in the state. Burlington Athletic Stadium, home of the only rookie advanced team in the Tar Heel State, was built across the border in Danville, Virginia and moved to its present location almost 60 years ago. After moving to the Piedmont city of Burlington, the ballpark was historically known as Fairchild Stadium, named after the nearby Fairchild Aircraft plant. The team was known then as the Burlington Indians and saw many future major league stars pass through, including CC Sabathia, Jim Thome, Bartolo Colon, and Manny Ramirez. Today, these players and more are honored on pennants located on the concourse behind the main grandstand. Food & Beverage 3 With old-school baseball comes old-school concessions. That isn’t a bad thing, but don’t expect any over-the-top food items. Traditional fare is offered at several stands throughout the park, at below average prices. Chowing down is even cheaper on promotional nights when select items are just $1 or $2. Ice cream and ribs are probably the most deviant choices, although sno-balls are sometimes available. Pepsi is the main beverage served, primarily due to its popularity and roots in the region. Atmosphere 4 Burlington Athletic received $1.2 million in upgrades and renovations prior to the 2019 season, which helped immensely in improving the game day experience for fans. Despite the changes, Burlington hasn’t lost the old-timey baseball feel that is always front and center in the Appalachian League circuit. While Minor League Baseball in general has earned a reputation for being outlandish and outrageous in team names and promotions, you won’t find any of that nonsense here in Burlington. Things are very laid back on game days; sound effects and on-field games between innings are kept to a minimum. If your seats are located in the main grandstand, be aware of the extremely steep ramps that lead up from the concourse. They’re somewhat difficult to ascend and descend in good weather, so imagine the difficulty level when it rains. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is located in a residential area of Burlington, near the adjacent town of Graham. In fact, depending on how you approach the park from the interstate, you may pass through this quaint town. That being said, there are no walkable options for fans before or after games. Since one would likely be driving to the ballpark anyway, there isn’t exactly a need for amenities in the immediate area. Retail and restaurant chains are just a short drive away, near I-85/I-40. The towns of Burlington and Elon are also close; both are home to local shops and eateries. Skid’s Drive-In, a Burlington staple, is just a few minutes from the stadium and worth a stop. Fans 3 Burlington typically draws in the upper echelon of the Appy League. It’s not clear whether this is due to the team’s performance (the Royals advanced to the Championship in 2019, losing to Johnson City in 3 games) or the dedication of baseball fans in the area. Regardless, folks show up to support their Royals. Sellouts don’t happen often, but the house is usually packed with a decent number of fans, depending on the night of the week and the opponent. Most fans who show up to games are knowledgeable and involved, but there are a select few who are just there to socialize and aren’t engaged with the action on the field. Access 5 The ballpark is surrounded by parking lots, all of which are free. There is a massive lot directly adjacent to the park; when it fills up, there is a secondary lot not too far away. Note that there’s a bit of a walk involved if you park in this alternate lot, so arrive early if you want to park close. Interstate 85/40 is the main route used to get to the stadium and there are several exits and approaches that can be used depending on the direction that one comes from. Burlington itself is located approximately halfway between the Triad and Triangle regions of North Carolina, meaning the city is almost equidistant from Greensboro and Durham. Within a short drive, there are at least 4 other minor league teams, as well as a multitude of college baseball programs. The region is served by two airports and five major interstates. In the Appalachian League, the Royals might be considered the geographical outlier. The nearest team is in Danville; together, the two clubs are somewhat isolated from the extremely compact league footprint in southern West Virginia, southwest Virginia, and the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee. Return on Investment 4 Tickets on the day of game are between $7 and $10, depending on where you want to sit. This is just a shade higher than the league average, but still extremely affordable and well worth the price. Tickets and concessions for a family of four will run approximately $70. One person can enjoy a solo night out for around $15. Remember, parking is free. Extras 2 One point for the updated ticketing system, which has made significant strides in recent seasons. Today, the simple and easy process for purchasing game tickets is on par with the rest of the minor leagues. A second point is awarded for the rich history of the stadium. The park appeared momentarily in the famous movie Bull Durham and was home to a 27-inning contest in 1988 that lasted more than eight hours, setting the record for the longest continuous single-game solo broadcast in baseball history. Final Thoughts Burlington Athletic Stadium is small-town baseball at its finest. The quaint grounds on which the Royals play almost transport you back in time to the golden age of baseball. While it’s not a modern venue in a vibrant downtown as is the case in other Carolina cities, this Field of Dreams should be on your ballpark bucket list.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Future Legends Complex 801 Diamond Valley Dr Windsor, CO 80550 Northern Colorado Hailstorm F.C. website Future Legends Complex website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 2,500 A Better Future Awaits Northern Colorado Hailstorm F.C. at Future Legends Complex This is a review of a facility that is an active work in progress. The Future Legends Complex in Windsor, CO, provides the home for Northern Colorado Hailstorm F.C. The Hailstorm plays in USL League One, the third tier of the American professional soccer pyramid. Unfortunately, the Hailstorm also plays smack-dab in the middle of a construction site. The Future Legends Complex has endured the COVID-19 pandemic, construction delays, and legal entanglements, slowing the progress of what aims to become a massive sports complex a little more than an hour’s drive north of Denver. Despite these hardships, the complex – and the stadium in which the Hailstorm will play – is moving toward completion. In addition to what will become TicketSocket Park, where the Hailstorm will play, the complex will have expansive sports facilities, retail, restaurants, and lodging, all with an eye toward hosting youth sports competitions. Much of this remains in various phases of construction and all of it surrounds the Hailstorm’s current pitch in a temporary facility on what will be developed into TicketSocket Park. Once this happens, a review of a Hailstorm game should dramatically improve. Entrance to Future Legends Complex, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 3 Even in the facility’s inchoate state, there’s a decent variety of food and drink. The Hailstorm sells gourmet hot dogs at the stadium’s only dedicated concessions stand and each dog costs $9; a plain hot dog sells for $6. A couple of local food trucks, Panhandlers Pizza and Southern Twist Foods set up just outside the stadium and both are quite good. At Panhandlers, a slice of cheese, pepperoni, or sausage deep-dish pizza costs $8 and a gluten-free personal pizza is $12. Southern Twist has a grilled cheese-based menu. An example: its Heat Wave is a grilled cheese sandwich with a ¼-pound burger and pulled pork, drizzled with buffalo sauce and topped with jalapeno peppers ($14). Southern Twist also sells twisted and loaded nachos and fries, ($7-$13); grilled cheese sandwiches with fried bologna, fried spam (yes, spam), and a hot dog (all $8); and traditional, plain grilled cheese sandwiches ($5). There’s one dedicated bar at Future Legends, to the left of the stadium’s entrance once inside. It sells wine by the glass ($13), canned beer ($12 for domestic/import, $14 for premium/craft), cocktails ($10-$18), and hard seltzers ($10). Atmosphere 1 The atmosphere is difficult to assess because there isn’t any atmosphere – yet. Again, the Hailstorm plays in an active construction zone. Fans approach the stadium greeted by an electrical junction box, followed by a walk between cyclone fencing under which weeds have grown to reach the facility’s temporary ticket office. The stadium and many of the other parts of the complex remain under construction, with partially built structures and heavy equipment providing an unsightly backdrop. Plywood separates fans from the neighboring construction areas and the team shop is in a tent. The public address system can be difficult to hear, as well. There is some permanent seating along the stadium’s southwest corner, though it doesn’t offer great views of the action. Metal bleachers are also available on the west side of the pitch. Temporary metal bleachers behind the south goal provide the only other seating. Arguably, the best location to watch a Hailstorm home match is from the standing-room, east sideline. Fans can sit or stand behind temporary barricades, within inches of the pitch’s sideline. This positions the crowd close to the action with the dramatic view of the mountains to the west. But the entire seating arrangement is disjointed. Hopefully, the completed version of the stadium will have a more traditional seating approach. Neighborhood 1 For many of the same reasons that the atmosphere suffers at a Hailstorm game, so does the neighborhood. Much of what should make a great experience has not yet been built. Once that construction is complete, the Hailstorm should play in the middle of a complex that teems with bars, restaurants, and shops. Fans 3 No one will mistake a Hailstorm match for a Tottenham Hotspur or Newcastle United match. But there seems to be an enthusiastic response to the Hailstorm in Northern Colorado. The fans who attend are engaged and pay attention to the action on the pitch. Although the Hailstorm rated 10th out of 12 USL One teams in attendance (1,408 per game). Completion of the stadium and the surrounding complex should bring larger crowds, particularly as the league expands. Access 3 The only way to reach the Future Legends Complex is by car. It’s about seven miles west of Interstate 25, Colorado’s primary north-south interstate, and a half-hour from the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins. So the location isn’t central for many people. There’s also no way to reach the complex via mass transit. Several roads appurtenant to the complex are rural routes that do not appear ideal for bicycling to a match. Additionally, there is not great signage directing fans where to park or even where the stadium is – another change that would improve the match day experience. Once inside, there’s plenty of room to move around. Kids kick soccer balls without bothering anyone in the standing room area on the pitch’s east side. The concourse around the concession areas is sufficiently wide to permit fans to maneuver without issue. Return on Investment 3 A Hailstorm game is a decent bargain. Tickets cost $15 for the standing-room section on the east side of the pitch. Tickets for the bleachers behind the south goal cost $23, while fans can also buy tickets for the corner bleachers ($28) or bleachers on the west sideline ($33). Parking is free while concession prices are in line with reasonable expectations. . Extras 1 The Northern Colorado Rain FC will bring professional women’s soccer to Centennial State and will begin competing at TicketSocket Park in 2024 in the USL W professional league. Props to ownership for developing soccer in northern Colorado. Final Thoughts This review should rightly be an “Incomplete.” Much about what should provide the essence of a Hailstorm match is still under construction. Until that construction is completed – especially TicketSocket Park – fans will feel like they need PPE to enjoy a match. However, team ownership (which includes several retired professional athletes) aims to build an ambitious complex that should significantly enhance the Hailstorm experience.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Harold Alfond Sports Stadium 50 Tunk Rd Orono, ME 04469 Maine Black Bears website Harold Alfond Sports Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 10,000 The Maine Event Morse Field at Harold Alfond Stadium is a 10,000 seat stadium located on the campus of the University of Maine at Orono. Constructed and designed almost entirely by Maine companies and financed entirely by private donations, Alfond Stadium cost $6.1 million to complete in 1998. The field was named in honor of Phillip and Susan Morse, class of 1964 alumni, who donated over two million dollars for the playing surface, scoreboard, and lights. The grandstand was built as a result of a donation of over three million dollars by longtime Maine athletic booster Harold Alfond. In 2008 the Morses again made a million dollar donation to the university to install Field-Turf at the stadium. The University of Maine hosted its first football team in 1892. The team has experienced their fair share of success over the years, winning twelve conference championships and appearing in the Tangerine Bowl in 1965. Longtime members of Division 1-AA/FCS, the Black Bears now compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. UMaine has appeared in the Division 1-AA/FCS playoffs seven times, advancing to the second round on three occasions. Their last appearance in the playoffs was their first ever post-season home game in 2013. Twenty-five Black Bear alumni have gone on to play in the National Football League. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Alfond Stadium cover the basics, and little more. There is a small concession stand located under the main grandstand, which offers your stadium basics. Hungry Black Bear fans can select hot dogs, pizza or nachos. Assorted snacks, including popcorn, pretzels and candy are available. A second portable stand by the main entrance offers hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken fingers along with french fries and onion rings. Coca-Cola products are featured here. Fans looking for adult beverages should head over to the beer garden located beyond the south end zone. Coors Light, Blue Moon, and brews from local favorites Shipyard and Sea Dog Breweries can be found here. You can also purchase a pulled pork sandwich, chili or nachos while in the beer garden. Hot chocolate and coffee are popular choices on chilly Maine fall days. Stadium Journey recommends the whoopie pies, which are made locally and will satisfy any sweet tooth. Atmosphere 3 College football in the northeast is generally not a big deal, featuring small crowds and a more laid-back atmosphere than what is generally found in other parts of the country. While Alfond Stadium attracts decent crowds, especially by New England standards, you will find a typical New England football experience here. The scene is laid-back and the fans are friendly and welcoming. It’s far from the life-and-death struggle that is big-time college football. There is an active, if relaxed, tailgating scene here at Alfond Stadium. Season ticket holders are given prime real estate right next to the south end zone, and all the lots near the stadium are filled with flags, fans and UMaine’s black and blue colors. Maine features a very large marching band and cheerleading squad, which are active throughout the game. The school’s mascot, Bananas the Bear, is entertaining but doesn’t leave the sideline. There is an excellent turnout by the student body, but their home is located on the opposite sideline from the main grandstand, which minimizes their effect on Alfond Stadium’s noise level. Neighborhood 2 The University of Maine campus is located in the small town of Orono, a town in central Maine about 15 miles north of Bangor. The campus is located on the banks of the Stillwater River, a couple of miles north of downtown. There isn’t much within walking distance of campus. Visiting fans can find a few chain restaurants out by Interstate 95, but if looking for dining or lodging options in town, you’ll want to head downtown by the confluence of the Stillwater and Penobscot Rivers. For a small town with a population of just over 11,000, Orono has some good dining options. The original location of Pat’s Pizza, a Maine pizza institution, can be found on Mill Street. The Family Dog is a favorite spot of the student body. Fans looking for a more traditional pub experience can check out the Orono Brewing Company, Woodman’s Bar and Grill, or Bear Brew Pub. Many visiting fans will choose to travel to nearby Bangor, Maine’s third largest city, where there are more options for dining, lodging and entertainment. Be sure to stop by the giant Paul Bunyan statue, right in front of the Cross Insurance Center , for a photo. Bangor’s most famous son, Stephen King, resides nearby, and his home is a popular spot for visitors and pictures. Fans 3 UMaine’s attendance can vary from year to year. You can expect to see a crowd anywhere in the range of 5,000-9,000 fans on any given day. In 2017 the team averaged about 7,000 fans per game, which is a bit below the Colonial Athletic Association average, but not bad for this part of the country. The fans that fill Alfond Stadium are a mix of alumni and locals, as this is truly the only game in town. The next closest Division One football team is over 200 miles away. As is typically the case in the northeast, fans are pretty reserved during the action. Even though the tailgating lots open three hours before kickoff, don’t expect a rowdy scene here at UMaine. Fans are certainly welcoming to visitors. There is a good turnout from the student body, who fill much of the bleachers on the far side of Alfond Stadium. Unfortunately, since they sit away from most of the crowd here, their effect of the atmosphere is diminished. Access 4 Besides the fact that the University of Maine is located over 200 miles from any other Division One football program, it is very easy to get to Alfond Stadium. Simply take exit 193 (Stillwater Ave / Old Town) off of Interstate 95, cross the river and take a right onto College Avenue. Alfond Stadium and the rest of UMaine’s athletic facilities will be on your left hand side about a half mile up the road. Alfond Stadium is located on the northern edge of the UMaine campus, in between Alfond Arena and Mahaney Diamond . Parking is available in several parking lots surrounding the facilities, as well as in lots throughout the campus. Seating at Alfond Stadium is located on either side of the field, with no seats beyond either end zone. The main grandstand consists of individual stadium seats and aluminum benches without backs depending on the level of ticket you have purchased. On the far side of the facility are additional bleacher seats where the students and band sit. Concessions and rest rooms are located underneath the main grandstand. Additional concessions are located near the southwest entrance, with the beer garden located adjacent to the south end zone. Lines form at halftime, so time your visits appropriately. Also, beware the giant stuffed black bear in the men’s room! Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMaine football games are sold at three price levels: individual stadium seats for $35, midfield bleacher seats for $25 and other bleacher seats for $15. Parking in the tailgating lots C and D adjacent to the stadium costs $20, while other nearby lots are free of charge. If heading up to UMaine for homecoming, more of the lots are opened for tailgating, but they will also incur a charge. Should you arrive late or if the lots are filled, free parking is available all over campus. With inexpensive concessions, an afternoon at Alfond Stadium offers an affordable entertainment option for Maine sports fans. Extras 2 If free swag is your thing, be sure to check out the local vendors who set up shop by the southwest entrance. UMaine branded gear, including rally towels, t-shirts, programs, posters and more are available to Black Bear fans in this area. The Bear Necessities Shop is open next door to Alfond Stadium inside the Alfond Arena. The arena is stocked with all kinds of Black Bear gear. You can even check out the home of the Maineiacs while you’re here. Final Thoughts UMaine’s location in the far northeastern corner of the country makes it a destination only for the most ardent college football travelers. If you do find yourself in Orono on a beautiful fall afternoon, be prepared for friendly, passionate fans enjoying some college football in a relaxed manner in a solid facility. Pair a visit to Alfond Stadium with a game next door at Alfond Arena to see Maine’s favorite sport, hockey, and you have yourself the makings of a great day in central Maine. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Yale Bowl 81 Central Ave New Haven, CT 06515 Yale Bulldogs football website Yale Bowl website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 61,446 A Second Century of Football at the Yale Bowl Football has been played at Yale since 1872. The team originally played at Yale Field, a 33,000-seat venue that eventually proved to be inadequate for the popular team’s needs. Charles A. Ferry, class of 1871, designed a new stadium for the university that would seat over 70,000 fans. Even though capacity has been reduced over the years, it remains the largest university-owned stadium in FCS. In its century of existence, the Yale Bowl has hosted National Football League games, international soccer friendlies, concerts and countless other events. Its unique design inspired imitators across the nation, including the Rose Bowl and Michigan Stadium. The Yale Bowl was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Yale University was the most successful college football team in the formative years of the sport, winning 27 national championships between 1872 and 1909, as well as two of the first three Heisman Trophies. The school boasts 100 All-Americans, 28 College Football Hall of Famers, the first professional football player and several coaching legends among its alumni. Thirty-one former Bulldogs have gone on to play in the National Football League. Food & Beverage 3 There are several concession stands that line the outer edge of the Yale Bowl property. These stands don’t stray far from stadium basics, but fans should find what they need. Burgers, hot dogs and sausage sandwiches anchor the menus here. Veggie burgers are available for fans looking for an alternative. Assorted snacks, including nachos, candy, popcorn, fried dough and pretzels also dot the menus. Mr. B’s Ice Cream truck is a popular spot for younger fans. Not every stand has the same menu, so a bit of searching may be necessary to find what you are looking for. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Yale Bowl, and alcohol is not sold during Yale football games. Atmosphere 3 If you’re in New Haven for the annual edition of “The Game” crank this score all the way up to the maximum. Crowds of over 50,000 pack Yale Bowl whenever Harvard comes to town, and the atmosphere ratchets up accordingly. At a typical Yale football game, the atmosphere is much more sedate. While the Yale staff put on a good show, even a crowd of 10,000 leaves the Yale Bowl mostly empty. On the plus side, there is A LOT of room to spread out and roam this large facility. All the elements of a typical college game day experience can be found here, including the cheerleading squad, the Yale Precision Marching Band and Handsome Dan, the original live mascot. The current Handsome Dan, an Olde English Bulldog named Walter, is the 18th Handsome Dan to prowl the sidelines. There is an active, but laid-back, tailgating scene in the many lots adjacent to the Yale Bowl. The team throws a Fan Fest with games, giveaways and a giant inflatable bulldog overseeing the whole scene. After the game, fans are able to go down onto the field and play catch. Neighborhood 3 The Yale Bowl is not located within the downtown Yale campus, but about a mile and a half to the west on the West Haven town line. Visiting fans will not find a whole lot to do in the immediate vicinity of the Yale Bowl. Historic Yale Field , Reese Stadium , and the Connecticut Tennis Center (the former home of the WTA’s Connecticut Open event) are adjacent to the football stadium. Visiting fans may enjoy exploring the Yale campus and downtown New Haven while in the area. The Yale campus is noted for its unique architecture, and New Haven has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie hotspot, with excellent bars and restaurants located throughout the city. A couple of spots in particular may be of interest to visiting fans. Just blocks from the old campus is Louis’ Lunch, which claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger. New Haven is also home to a unique brand of brick oven pizza, called apizza by locals. Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s Apizza, located just over a block apart on Wooster Street, are world famous for this pizza style. Many locals tout a third location, Modern Apizza, located only a half mile from campus. Fans looking for lodging during their visit to New Haven will find no shortage of choices around the Yale campus. A detailed list of hotels can be found here . Fans 3 The average yearly attendance for Yale football fluctuates wildly from season to season depending on if the Bulldogs host the annual Harvard-Yale game. While a crowd of over fifty thousand can be expected for Harvard games, for other games, crowds range between 7,000-10,000. Expect Ivy League games to be better attended than non-conference tilts. Either way, there is plenty of room to spread out in this 60,000-seat facility. Yale football attendance has been in a steady decline since the glory days of the program, when forty thousand fans would regularly show up at the Yale Bowl. Before the Ivy League downgraded to FCS in 1981, the team still averaged twenty thousand fans per game. At a Yale football game, you can expect to see a healthy dose of fans who have been coming to games for decades alongside casual fans, families and students. There doesn’t seem to be a large turnout by the student body, or a cohesive student section, but this may be a factor of playing in such a large facility. Access 4 The Yale Bowl is easy to find. Simply take Exit 44 and head north on Ella T. Grasso Boulevard. After about two and a half miles, take a left onto Derby Street. The legendary columns of Walter Camp Field will be on your right. Most of the parking is located on Central Street, just past the stadium complex. Be aware that Yale football has adopted a clear bag policy for all games starting in 2019. Bags can be purchased at stands just outside all gates. Check the Game Day Central Page for more information. Once you pass by the statue of Handsome Dan that guards the main gate and enter the stadium, it may be hard to believe you are steps from a facility with a capacity of over 60,000. While many football stadiums look like giant spaceships dropped in the middle of an open field, the Yale Bowl couldn’t be more unassuming. When the stadium was built over 100 years ago, its builders simply dug a big hole in the ground and used the dirt to build up a large berm all around the hole. The seating bowl was built into this berm. It was a revolutionary design at the time and influenced the design of later stadia, such as the Rose Bowl and Michigan Stadium . Surrounding the Yale Bowl is a wide paved concourse where you will find the concession stands and buildings that house the restrooms. These restrooms may be dated, but they are plenty large enough for even the biggest Yale football crowd. Fans will enter the seating bowl through one of 30 long portals, which deposit fans onto a walkway about halfway up the seating bowl. This walkway circles the entire field, as does a second walkway that runs along the top of the seating bowl. Be sure to check out the views from the top of the Yale Bowl while you’re here. All seats at the Yale Bowl consist of wooden bleachers with backs. Many of the bleachers have been replaced and all have been painted in recent years, but some old bleachers remain in spots. Luckily, if you happen to sit on a bench that looks like prime splinter territory, there’s lots of room to move around. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Yale football games are a great bargain, ranging in price from $12-$20. Discounts are given to children and seniors. While seats are sold only in the sections between the 20-yard lines, fans are able to roam around the entirety of the Yale Bowl. Parking in the lots surrounding the Yale Bowl costs five dollars. If heading to New Haven for the Harvard-Yale game, you must purchase parking in advance. Extras 3 Extra points are awarded for the sense of history here at the Yale Bowl. While Yale football is far from the national power it was during the first half of the 20th century, the football played here continues to be of a high level. To this day, Yale ranks fifth all-time in wins in college football history. Be sure to check out Jensen Plaza by the main entrance, where every letterman in Yale football history has their name engraved in the bricks. Traditions abound at the Yale Bowl, from the many Ivy League championship banners that surround the field to Handsome Dan, the first live mascot in college sports. If you plan to visit Yale for the latest incarnation of “The Game,” the annual matchup between Yale and Harvard, expect much, much more from the Yale Bowl. Played annually since 1875, the Harvard-Yale rivalry is one of the most storied in the nation attracting over 50,000 fans when the game is held in New Haven. The accompanying tailgating scene alone is worth the price of admission. Final Thoughts While Yale football is far removed from its glory days, any college football fan should be sure to visit the Yale Bowl at least once. It looks remarkably similar to how it looked when it opened in 1914. For a truly legendary experience, head to New Haven sometime in late November for “The Game,” still one of college football’s marquee events. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium 2149 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 Wilmington Sharks website Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 1,200 Welcome to the Shark Tank Now in its 90th year, Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium has been home to the Coastal Plain League’s Wilmington Sharks for over one-third of that time; the wood-bat collegiate summer league was founded in 1997, and the Sharks have played here ever since. The venue is also home to a local high school baseball team, and sits next to a football stadium that similarly hosts high school games. The baseball facility holds 1200 fans across one main grandstand, a secondary grandstand, and a handful of suites that can be rented out by groups or by local businesses.   Food & Beverage   3 The concessions at Legion Stadium are a bit of a mixed bag – on one hand there is not much variety, for example there is no boxed nor packaged candy, and there are no diet sodas, only regular. The prices are also on the high side, in that the cheapest items start at $5 (hot dogs, bottled water, cookies, etc.); the only item cheaper than $5 is the fountain sodas, which are $4. But on the other hand, the beer is extremely cheap – 20 to 24 oz cans start at only $5, including the most popular choice, Landshark, for obvious reasons.  I would also recommend trying the Hoop Tea (hard iced tea in a rainbow-esque can) for $6; probably one of the best tasting alcohol drinks this writer has ever had. There is only one main stand at Legion Stadium, and this is the only place that sells food, including hot dogs, burgers, nachos, walking tacos, popcorn, peanuts, etc., as well as bottled water, Gatorade, and soda – the main stand does not sell alcohol. For that you will have to visit one of the satellite stands, most of which only sell alcohol; the lone except is the Italian ice stand next to the team gear store.   Atmosphere   3 The Sharks don’t necessarily pull in a lot of fans, but they do offer a myriad of seating options, and they have all the bells and whistles one might expect from a minor league baseball club, despite the fact this team might technically be one level below that. First up is the costumed shark mascot, who roams the stands taking photos with fans, while next up is “Shark Dog”, a golden retriever wearing a shark fin and eye black. In addition are the contests and games you have come to expect at sporting events like this, such as a putting contest, dizzy bat race, water balloon toss, etc. Also music to get the fans fired up, as well as a few marketing promos, such as the sound of glass breaking every time a ball is hit out of the park, brought to you by a local glass repair company. In terms of seating options, there is one main grandstand behind home plate, as well as a smaller satellite one down the third base line. The main stand has bucket-style chairbacks in the lower half and bleachers above, while the smaller grandstand is all bleachers. In addition, there are picnic tables down the first and third base line, as well as several sets of box/club seats on the first base side – each of these “suites” features high-top stools, and can seat ten to twelve fans. There are also a couple of tabletops attached to the brickwork right behind home plate, with chairs, which can accommodate a handful of fans; these are probably considered the best seats in the house.   Neighborhood   4 Wilmington is a great please to visit – the ballpark is more inland near the intercoastal waterway, but the beach is not far away, with attractions such as Fort Fisher and the North Carolina Aquarium. Much closer to Legion Stadium, however, is the Battleship North Carolina, one of the most popular attractions in the area. There is also a great concert venue nearby, Live Oak Bank Pavilion, if you want to try and catch a show while in town. And of course there are plenty of great restaurants nearby; check out Pilot House for seafood, Dough House for pizza, or Irish pub The Harp, which has trivia and karaoke. Whether you are in town for just the day, or for a whole weekend, those attractions, and many others in the area, will be plenty to keep you occupied before or after the baseball game.   Fans   3 The Sharks don’t bring a ton of fans, but you will see a lot of Sharks gear being worn, and the fans cheer (or razz the umpire) at all the appropriate moments. You will see fans all over the park utilizing all the different seating areas, and of course plenty of kids running to chase down foul balls.   Access   4 Getting in and out of a Sharks game is no trouble at all at Legion Stadium. There is free parking right next to the ballpark, and there is plenty of room to move around the concourse. Lines are also very short and move swiftly at all the concession stands. Pro tip – use the windows at the far side of the main concessions stand, the one facing away from the entrance, for faster service; a lot of fans don’t know there is a second set of windows on that side. The sole set of bathrooms seems to be behind the main grandstand; I didn’t see any other bathroom options, so if you are sitting in one of the other seating areas you likely will have to take a brief walk.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $13 and go up to $17 – $13 is general admission and gets you into either the satellite grandstand or lets you use the aforementioned picnic tables, but you can probably sneak into the main stands with this ticket, since the ballpark isn’t usually full. Otherwise, $15 (reserved) gives you a bleacher seat in the top half of the main stands, while $17 (box) gets you a bucket-style seat in the lower half. Personally I like to move around and watch from different places, so I would choose the $15 seats just to give you that option, as the bleachers are perfectly comfortable, and the $17 seats are probably a little too close to the action, so you can’t see as well.   Extras   3 The team gear stand doesn’t have a lot of different sizes, and the prices are on the high side, but they do have a few options for those wanting a souvenir, for example $3 for a set of Sharks stickers or $10 for a souvenir baseball.  I thought “Shark Dog” was a nice touch, but I was sorely disappointed they did not play “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the 7th inning stretch on my last visit. On the plus side they do have two cornhole sets, so fans can enjoy tossing the bean bags.   Final Thoughts Watching the Sharks play at Legion Stadium is a solid choice for daytime, or evening, entertainment in Wilmington.  The venue is well done and offers a lot of vantage points to watch from, as well as includes all the accoutrements fans have come to expect from sports at this level. Wilmington is also a great place to visit, so I would encourage you to make at least a weekend of your visit.  Go, Sharks!

Photos by Matt Collins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Hameline Field at Wagner College Stadium One Campus Road Staten Island, NY 10301 Wagner Seahawks website Hameline Field at Wagner College Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 3,300 Football With A View The Wagner College Seahawks football team plays their home games at Wagner College Stadium in Staten Island, New York. Wagner is a member of the Northeast Conference and competes at Division I FCS level. The NEC is a consortium of 10 small east coast colleges that also includes Quinnipiac and Sacred Heart in Connecticut, Bryant in Rhode Island, and Merrimack in Massachusetts to name a few. Wagner College was founded in 1883 and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church. Wagner is located on Staten Island atop Grymes Hill, which provides both sweeping vistas of Manhattan and Brooklyn, which are easily accessible for students and visitors alike. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stands at Wagner College Stadium are nothing spectacular, which can be expected at a small college facility. It isn’t even an established edifice like the stands at other colleges and professional stadiums. It is a tent and truck that were still being set up when Stadium Journey arrived a little over a half-hour before game time. The tent is equipped with tables that hold drinks and snacks and hot food is cooked in the truck. Student-workers are dispatched to both truck and tent duty. A hamburger costs $4.25, a cheeseburger costs $4.75 and a hot dog is $3.25. A veggie burger is offered for $5.50, a grilled chicken sandwich is $5 and cape cod chips cost $3. Numerous snacks are offered including pretzels and Doritos for $2.50, and M&M’s, Snickers, and Skittles for $1.50. There is no official soda brand at the Wagner concession stand but Coke and Sprite are offered for $3. Water and Powerade are also $3. No alcohol is sold at the stand. Both cash and credit cards are accepted. A recommended entree to try would be the cheeseburger, which is above average for stadium fare and cooked hot off the grill. Atmosphere 3 Wagner College Stadium has one main grandstand that extends the length of the field on only one side because the other side of the field is adjacent to Howard Avenue. Seats are mainly bleachers, with a limited amount of chair back seats that can be bought as part of the green and white season ticket packages. The area of the bleachers closest to the main entrance is reserved for the Wagner marching band and student section. Seating towards the middle is dominated by parents and alumni and the far end seating is typically where opposing fans and students sit. The press box is located atop the stands at the fifty-yard line. An area next to the press box is cordoned off for opposing coaches to call plays. The scoreboard at Wagner is located behind the end zone near the main gate. It is an excellent small college scoreboard featuring the quarter, score, time, timeouts, down/to go (3rd and 8 for example), and the yard line that the ball is on. Oddly enough there were two public address announcers (one for each half) at the game Stadium Journey attended so there is no way of telling which one is the regular one unless we went to another game there but both had clear voices and pronounced names correctly. No free Wi-Fi is available at the stadium. Music is played over the public address system both before the game and at halftime. Musical selections vary from AC/DC to Doja Cat and Jay-Z. In a nice touch that makes the college game unique compared to the pros, there is a marching band. The band plays the national anthem on the field before the game, the school song at halftime in a coordinated routine with the cheerleading squad, and songs like “Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” and the Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping up to Boston” from the stands throughout the game. The cheerleading squad leads cheers throughout the game and a separate dance team does a choreographed hip-hop routine at halftime. The team mascot, a Seahawk, tries to get the crowd hyped up but isn’t worshipped as much as other mascots are at games where more little kids attend. Neighborhood 3 Wagner College is located on Staten Island, the forgotten borough of New York City, often derided by residents of the city’s other boroughs as smelling like garbage and being populated by mafia members. Down the hill from the college is Stapleton, the run-down neighborhood immortalized in the music of the Wu-Tang Clan, who called it home growing up. However, the neighborhood adjacent to both Wagner and St John’s University’s Staten Island campus is leafy with picturesque views of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Wagner College Stadium is located across Howard Avenue from the Wagner campus, although crossing the avenue is perilous because New Yorkers think a red light is a suggestion and don’t stop even when a light is red. The must-see building on campus is the Main Hall, an imposing structure evocative of the campuses of Princeton and Yale or an English manor. The main allure to visiting a Wagner game is the proximity to Manhattan and Brooklyn, which are a ferry and bridge away, respectively. There are some hotels, restaurants, and attractions on Staten Island that are recommended for visitors in this article that are less expensive and crowded than those in other boroughs, especially Manhattan. Fans 3 A Wagner crowd is a lot less rowdy than other crowds in college football. Some of that may have to do with alcohol not being sold at the stadium, as alcohol and rowdiness go together like peanut butter and jelly. That doesn’t mean the crowd isn’t engaged, it just isn’t as bonkers as others in college sports. A packed contingent of student and parent fans alike cheer loudly when Seahawk players do anything well, and a surprisingly large opposing fan contingent also brings the noise to Grymes Hill. Unlike other stadiums, there is nothing prompting fans to cheer like a hype man or a call and response from the P.A. system urging fans to yell “charge.” The natural intensity and passion for football amongst New York fans make the need for hype gimmicks null and void. An example of the intensity of New Yorkers is that the scoreboard malfunctioned before the half and fans were livid, yelling profanity at the refs and the clock operator to change the clock as their lives depended on it. Alas, these are the same people that run through red lights and employ the middle finger constantly whilst driving so it makes sense that their feverish intensity carries over to football fandom. Access 4 Wagner College Stadium is easily accessible from any surrounding area. A traveler from Brooklyn, Queens, or Long Island can take the Belt Parkway and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge to the stadium, someone from Jersey can access Staten Island from the Bayonne or Goethals Bridge, or the Outerbridge Crossing, and Manhattanites (if they knew football existed) can take the Staten Island Ferry from Battery Park and a shuttle bus from the ferry stop to campus. Wagner’s campus is almost equidistant from all three major area airports: Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK. Parking costs $10 but the large lot is conveniently located right next to the stadium. If the lot fills up, there is even more parking on campus across Howard Avenue. Wagner has the unique distinction of still printing only hard copy tickets. Tickets can be ordered online but have to be picked up in person at the will call. In terms of the superiority of one gate over another, there is only one gate so therefore it is the top gate by default. Moving around isn’t a problem as people largely stay in their seats the entire game and the lines at the food truck/tent are never excessively long. The only restrooms are porta-potties that are shockingly clean and odor-free and there are numerous handicapped parking spaces and ramps that allow for easy access to seats. Return on Investment 3 In terms of transportation costs, the Staten Island Ferry is free, and traversing a bridge by car in NYC costs $16 in tolls, but the system can be gamed because the tolls only go one way. This reporter took the Bayonne Bridge southbound and the Goethals westbound to Jersey and didn’t pay a toll either time. Visitors from Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island have only one bridge option though (Verrazano), and will have to pay the $16 at least once. The recommended cheeseburger entree cost a mere $4.75, and with a drink and chips a whole meal still barely exceeds $10, a steal compared to another college, minor league, and professional stadiums in the area. Parking costs $10 but is conveniently located adjacent to the stadium and a program costs $10 (a bit overpriced honestly). A single game ticket costs $10 for an adult and $5 for a child. Folks with kids can save some money by buying a $20 Sammy’s Kids Club package, which covers one child ticket per home game. Buying five separate child tickets without the package would amount to $25, so $5 could be saved. A $65 white package and a $115 green package (named after the school colors) are more expensive than five single-game tickets but come with perks like free parking and team t-shirts and a reserved chair back in the stands. Extras 3 -Statue dedicated to Nicholas Lia, Wagner Class of 1966, who died in the Vietnam War -Exquisite view of Verrazano Narrows Bridge and Brooklyn from the top rows of the bleachers -Friendly workers at the snack stand and ticket booth Final Thoughts For any New York or New Jersey resident looking to catch some college football action on a fall Saturday or any New York City tourist looking for something fun to do, head to Wagner College Stadium on Staten Island for a Wagner Seahawks football game.

Rendering courtesy of UTRGV Athletics On Wednesday September 25th, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)  announced upgrades and enhancements to Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium, previously a soccer-only venue, in advance of the Vaqueros inaugural football season beginning in 2025. The stadium was named in honor of area philanthropists Robert and Janet Vackar, who donated $20 million to UTRGV Athletics. Construction at Vackar Stadium is already underway, with UTRGV lowering the field to improve sightlines, and expanding the existing field-level suites and patio areas. Once the field lowering is completed, new synthetic field turf will be installed, with the goal of making Vackar Stadium available for events year-round. With interest at a fever-pitch in advance of the Vaqueros impending football debut, 184 premium seats – including 19 loge boxes – are being added to the facility’s north end zone. Also, 2,000 additional bleacher seats will be added to the south end zone; these additions will bring the stadium’s capacity to nearly 12,000. Elevators and other accommodations are also being added to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. “It is with the support of the Vackars that these stadium enhancements are possible,” UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said in a news release. “Robert and Janet’s generosity is allowing us to greatly enhance the game day experience for our student-athletes and fans.” UTRGV acquired the stadium  from the city of Edinburg this past February. “We greatly appreciate the City of Edinburg and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation for facilitating the acquisition of this stadium,” Conque said. “It was their shared vision that made this a reality, and we are looking forward to helping to create a transformative impact on Edinburg and the entire Rio Grande Valley.” The Vaqueros are scheduled to kick off their first season of football in August 2025, as members of the Southland Conference – the team’s first game, at home, is scheduled for August 30th against the Sul Ross State Lobos. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 DCU Center 50 Foster Street Worcester, MA 01608 Worcester Railers website DCU Center website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 14,800 Off The Rails The DCU Center was built in the early 1980s as an alternative venue to the aging Boston Garden. Many national touring acts had stopped including Boston on their tours due to the inadequate facilities at the Garden. Worcester, located 47 miles west of Boston, is the second largest city in New England and was considered a suitable location for the new arena. Since its opening in 1982, the arena and adjoining convention center have hosted numerous sporting events, concerts, trade shows, and conventions. After serving as home to American Hockey League teams for 20 years, Worcester found itself without hockey when San Jose moved their farm team west in 2015. Into the void stepped the ECHL, which granted the city of Worcester an expansion team that began play in 2017. That team, the Railers, has qualified for the playoffs once during their five seasons in the ECHL, losing in the first round in 2018. Food & Beverage 4 Not all of the DCU Center’s concession stands are open for Railers games, but there are enough points of sale open to ensure short lines that move quickly. The menu does not stray far from standard arena fare, with hot dogs, sausage and pepper sandwiches, burgers, and chicken tenders comprising the bulk of the menu. Portable stands create some variety, offering pizza slices (Slice Slice Baby), meatball subs (Cousin Sal’s), and nachos (Nacho Mama’s). Several stands dedicated purely to snacks and ice cream are popular destinations for the younger fans in attendance. Pepsi products are featured at the DCU Center. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a good selection of national brands. A variety of local craft beers, including several from Wormtown Brewery, are sold at the Craft Beer Corner. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at a Worcester Railers game will be very familiar to veteran minor league hockey fans. The expanded lobby at the DCU Center is put to good use, with an inflatable shooting cage and team store. Trax, the Railers mascot, will often be found here posing for pictures with fans. During the game, the team puts on a good show, with contests for fans during play stoppages, hype videos on the scoreboard, and t-shirt tosses. The very active Railers booster club sponsors 50/50 and other raffles every game, as well as road trips for fans. During intermissions, local youth teams and skate groups take the ice. The Bud Light Lounge and Coors Light Chill Zone are full-service bars located on opposite ends of the rink. Both bars overlook the ice and are open throughout the game to all fans. Neighborhood 4 Many visitors may not know this, but Worcester is the second-largest city in all of New England. The DCU Center is located right downtown in the Central Business District. While Worcester has historically been viewed in a less-than-positive light, it is a city on the rise, with many things to do and see. While not considered a college town, there are eight colleges within Worcester city limits. While Worcester as a whole has many fine options for dining, options are a bit slimmer near the DCU Center. Local chains 99 Restaurant and Uno’s Pizzeria draw the largest crowds around game time. The Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express are located nearby. Many Railer fans will head to Off the Rails, right behind the DCU Center, for some live music or postgaming. Fans willing to branch out and explore the city of Worcester will be rewarded with many great options. Worcester’s famous “Restaurant Row,” aka Shrewsbury Street, boasts over 40 restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual joints, brew pubs to diners, and everything in between. With many shops also located on this drag, it’s a great place for a stroll and some window shopping should the weather cooperate. Worcester made a big splash in the national sports scene with the construction of Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox, the top farm time of the nearby Boston Red Sox. The ballpark, located about a mile from the DCU Center, is the anchor of the up-and-coming Canal District. Fans looking for dining options will find many choices in that area. College sports fans will be pleased to know that the Holy Cross Crusaders play football nearby at Fitton Field along with basketball and hockey at the Hart Center. Fans 3 Attendance at Railers games has remained fairly steady over the team’s existence, averaging around 4,000 fans per game. This figure puts the team right in the middle of the ECHL rankings. As is the case for most minor league teams, a Railers crowd consists of a base of hardcore hockey fans (there are a lot of them in Central Massachusetts), supplemented by families and groups. The presence of many younger fans gives the DCU Center an energetic vibe. Access 4 Before you arrive at the DCU Center, plan. The venue has a very restrictive bag policy. Bags are not allowed into the arena. Nothing larger than a wristlet is allowed. Check the bag policy here. The DCU Center is located in the Central Business District of the city of Worcester. Located just two blocks from Interstate 290, the arena is easily accessible via exit 20. Parking is available in several surface lots in the area, as well as a parking garage across the street from the main entrance. There is plenty of on-street parking in the area for those who want to search for it. Most fans will enter the DCU Center via the arena’s main entrance on the corner of Foster Street and Major Taylor Boulevard. The newly redesigned entry plaza features a statue of longtime Worcester resident and Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy, which was dedicated in June of 2021. Even though the concourse of the DCU Center is quite narrow, getting around is rarely an issue thanks to the small crowds present on most nights. Lines at the restrooms and concession stands are not a problem, either. Even when all stands are not open, you will not have to wait to purchase snacks. The seating bowl features folding stadium chairs with cupholders. The lower bowl features a very gentle slope, which makes some viewpoints less than ideal for hockey. Most of the upper deck is curtained off to make the venue seem less empty. Fans looking for some Railers gear will find two merchandise stands on the concourse. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Railers games start at $15 for upper-level end zone seats, with prices increasing to $35 for lower-level seats at center ice. Purchasing tickets on game day increases all ticket prices by an additional three dollars. The team offers several ticket packages that offer group discounts and added value with food vouchers. Check the Railers website ticket center for more details. Parking is plentiful around the DCU Center, with several lots and garages located within walking distance of the facility. The Mercantile Garage right across the street from the DCU Center charges $12 on game nights. There is on-street parking available for fans who wish to search for it. Just be careful when city meters are in operation. Concessions prices are a bit on the high side, but prices are comparable to other arenas in the area. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the statue of longtime Worcester native and Holy Cross alumni Bob Cousy, located in the DCU Center’s entry plaza. Displays of Railers founding season ticket holders and artists who have performed at the DCU Center can be found on the concourse. Final Thoughts The DCU Center is a solid if unspectacular place to catch some quality minor league hockey. Recent years have seen the city of Worcester raise its profile in the sporting world by courting the Pawtucket Red Sox to the city. When the American Hockey League left town, the ECHL wasted no time jumping into this thriving market. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Montgomery Blair Stadium 51 University Blvd East Silver Spring, MD 20901 Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts website Montgomery Blair Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 710 Home of the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts Montgomery Blair Stadium is located in Silver Spring, Maryland on the grounds of Montgomery Blair High School. During the school year, it is home to the school’s baseball team, while over the summer, it plays host to the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League. The Ripken League is a collegiate summer wood bat league in the Washington, D.C. area containing eight teams across the DC Metro area. Although the field itself has existed for many years as the home to MBHS baseball, until 2005 it was just that – a field, not a stadium. In 2002, the Thunderbolts came to town and opted to expand the field into a proper stadium with a capacity of around 700 seats. At the time, the team competed in the Clark Griffith Collegiate Baseball League, but they opted to move to the Ripken League in 2005 and the Griffith League folded shortly thereafter. The name honors both the city of Silver Spring, where the team is located, and the nearby city of Takoma Park. Several former T-Bolts have gone on to play professionally, including major league pitchers Jonathan Papelbon and Brett Cecil. Food & Beverage 3 Montgomery Blair Stadium has a decent range of concession items. Hot dogs, pizza slices, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers are the main meal options, with none of them costing more than $4. Nachos are also available for $3. There is a wide range of snack options as well, ranging from traditional treats like ice cream, peanuts, and popcorn to more unusual ones like honey buns, Welch's fruit snacks, and Pop-Tarts. None of the snacks are more than $2 and most of them are a dollar or less. Soda cans, bottled water, and Gatorade are available to drink. The stand takes credit cards as well as cash. Given the stadium is located on the grounds of a high school, alcohol is obviously not sold here. Although outside food and beverages are allowed in the stadium, alcohol is not. Attempting to bring in alcohol not only violates stadium policy but state law and could potentially result in criminal charges according to the announcements on the PA system before the game. Atmosphere 3 Although Montgomery Blair Stadium is not large by any means, it is still a nice place to watch the game. All seats are chair backs – rare at this level – divided into three stands, although one is blocked off. One is located directly behind home plate and is in the shade of the press box before the sun goes down. The other two are between the dugouts and home plate. There is not a bad seat in this stadium. A scoreboard is located down the left field line, but it only shows the most basic information. The Thunderbolts do a better job at promoting an atmosphere than most teams in this league. There are several between inning contests for the kids and trivia questions for the adults to keep everyone engaged. There is also a raffle where fans can win various prizes from the team and sponsors. This really makes you wonder why the team calls it that. Music is played over the PA, but the sound system is not the best and seems to alternate between being way too loud and being way too quiet. Neighborhood 4 Silver Spring is a suburban neighborhood typical of what you would find just outside our nation’s capital. The stadium itself is located near the Four Corners intersection, where Route 29 meets University Boulevard. A number of restaurants are located at that junction, including The 4 Corners Pub and a number of chain restaurants, but your best bet is to take the short drive into downtown Silver Spring. This is where most of the action is located in this town, including several bars and restaurants ranging from Italian to Ethiopian to Cuban to, of course, American. You are also about a 30-minute Metro ride away from downtown Washington, D.C. where you can tour the many monuments, memorials, and museums dedicated to our country’s history. All of the government-run attractions are free, though some of the private ones charge for admission. Just keep in mind that if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to book in advance. Fans 3 The T-Bolts will draw a little over a hundred fans per game, which sadly is above average for this league. With so much else going on in this area, fans are just not that into summer collegiate ball, and may not even realize this league exists. However, the fans who do show up are knowledgeable about the team and the game, cheer on their T-Bolts, and stay until the end. Some of them seem to be friends and families of the players, but there are also local individuals and families who just want to attend a baseball game. Since the Ripken League footprint is so small, there will often be fans of the other team there as well. Access 4 Montgomery Blair Stadium is located on University Boulevard (State Route 193), just east of the junction with Route 29. There is ample parking in the high school’s main lot, though you may not be able to park right next to the stadium. The front gate is located in between the school’s softball stadium and its football stadium. Once inside, you can purchase your ticket from a table in a little vestibule area, then head in. You should have no trouble getting around once inside. Restrooms are located in the football stadium adjacent to the baseball stadium. They are more than big enough to handle the crowds at T-Bolts games considering they were designed to handle much larger football crowds. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children under 18. Children under the age of five and all youth in baseball and softball uniforms get in free. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, but you will have to pay a small fee to do so on top of the ticket price. It is easier to just buy at the gate, as the games never sell out. A visit to a Thunderbolts game certainly won’t break the bank, and they put on enough of a show in a nice enough stadium to make it a worthwhile trip. . Extras 3 There are programs and roster cards available at the entrance. Although half of the program consists of advertising, the team has to make money somehow and there is still some good information on the team and its players. Most of the ads are for local businesses as well, which can provide some ideas for places to check out after the game. There are about 40 college flags located in an area between the entrance and the home plate stand, representing some of the schools represented by current or former T-Bolts players. The displays are really quite impressive. One final star for a cart selling Thunderbolts merchandise that is located near the concession stand. The prices aren’t bad, either. Final Thoughts If you ask sports fans to name a baseball team in this area, they will almost certainly mention the Washington Nationals. But the Nats are not the only baseball team to play their home games in the capital area. Unfortunately, most baseball fans don’t realize the Ripken League exists, or that it has teams in almost every part of the D.C. area. Most people in Silver Spring, Takoma, and the rest of Montgomery County don’t realize this fabulous opportunity to see baseball at an affordable price exists right in their backyard. Although the quality of play isn't as good as you would get at a major or even minor league ballpark, the affordability can't be beat.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Historic Riggs Field at Dr. I. M. Ibrahim Stadium 115 Alpha Beta Circle Clemson, SC 29634 Clemson Tigers website Historic Riggs Field at Dr. I. M. Ibrahim Stadium website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 6,500 Historic Riggs Field at Dr. I. M. Ibrahim Stadium – Clemson Tigers Fall in Clemson, South Carolina, typically brings thoughts of busses circlin g Memorial Stadium , Howard’s Rock, and the blast of the Clemson cannon sending the football team down and running down “The Hill.” What might fly under the radar, however, is Clemson men’s soccer program, which has experienced more national success than any other athletic program at Clemson, which most instantly associate with the school’s successes on the gridiron. Serving as Clemson’s football field as far back as 1915 and baseball field from 1916 to 1969, Riggs Field was named in honor of their first football coach, Walter Riggs, who also served a stint as the school’s president from 1911 to 1924. During Riggs’s tenure, he hired John Heisman as the school’s football coach. Soccer was first sponsored as a varsity sport at Clemson in 1932 but was discontinued in 1939. Soccer would return in 1967 under the direction of Dr. I. M. Ibrahim, who was not just the soccer coach but also a professor of chemistry at Clemson – the soccer stadium is now named after him. In their history, the Tigers have claimed 17 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) soccer titles while being crowned soccer National Champions four times as of 2024 (1984, 1987, 2021, and 2023).   Food & Beverage   2 Concessions can be found built into the exterior of the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility at the western end of Riggs Field – offerings are rather straightforward, with hot dogs, nachos, and barbecue sandwiches as the featured items. Beverages come from the Pepsi line of soft drinks, but one of the more intriguing items on the menu is the Clemson orange slushies.   Atmosphere   4 Riggs Field sits down in a natural bowl, which is created by the surrounding hilly terrain. This should not come as much of a shock, as the Clemson campus is also extremely hilly. The stadium is made up of two sets of separated bleachers on either side of the pitch, both faced in brick. The far side visitor seating area runs roughly from penalty area to penalty area and has limited backed seating. In contrast, the home side seating runs the entire length of the field and has a full section of aluminum seat backs at midfield. Given the open nature of the stadium, crowds often gather along the fence outside the pitch due to its proximity to the exterior sidewalk along Old Greenville Highway at the northern edge of the stadium. This setup leaves very little to obstruct the view and goes a long way in enhancing the overall campus and neighborhood feel, connecting the community to the game. There are also no bad seats at Riggs Field, and the supporters’ section, positioned behind the visiting team’s bench, often spills over behind the opposing goalkeeper, contributing significantly to Clemson’s home-field advantage.   Neighborhood   5 Riggs Field is just a short walk from College Avenue, Clemson’s hub of dining, shopping, and nightlife. Less than a mile away is the legendary Esso Club, a former gas station turned Clemson tradition. For Friday night soccer matches, pairing a visit with a Saturday football ga me at Memorial Stadium is a perfect weekend experience. Despite Clemson’s hilly landscape, there are some scenic walks around campus – historic Woodland Cemetery, and the Clemson Dike are both highly popular locations for students, locals, and visitors to get out and be one with the outdoors.   Fans   4 Clemson soccer’s successes have long drawn a great deal of support from students, alumni, and the local soccer community, and the fan base has done a good job showing their appreciation for that success with a raucous collegiate soccer atmosphere. The ever-present student support section, Central Spirit, does a good job creating an interactive soccer atmosphere – throughout the match, they chant, beat base and snare drums, and run through a series of songs. It is not uncommon for matches against other premier programs and rivals to draw more than 6,000 fans, although midweek matches and those against smaller programs do not bring in nearly the same crowds.   Access   4 Clemson is roughly a 20-minute drive from I-85, with multiple exits leading into town. The most direct route is through Pendleton, South Carolina, which leads to the eastern side of campus. The E-5 lot , adjacent to Fike Recreation Center, offers convenient parking, while street parking near Memorial Stadium is al so an option, just a short walk from the soccer field and frequently plentiful. Riggs Field has four entry points, making access easy. The main entrance, shared with the Duckworth Family Tennis Pavilion, frequently offers promotional items for fans. A walkway also encircles the field, though views are obstructed by the stands except at the ends of the pitch.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are reasonably priced at $10 for general admission and $15 for reserved seating, a fair deal considering Clemson’s status as a premier collegiate soccer program. Free parking close to the stadium is also a bonus. Though concession prices are slightly above average, they are not as unreasonable as sports stadium fare goes.   Extras   4 Plaques at the entrance along Old Greenville Highway honor Walter Riggs for his contributions to both Clemson athletics and the university. Clemson takes great pride in its soccer history, with the underside of the stands recognizing team and individual accomplishments, including National Championship teams, national scoring leaders, and Hermann Trophy winners awarded to college soccer’s top players. Inside the playing area, flags commemorate Clemson’s four National Championship titles, and placards along the fencing highlight the successes of both the men’s and women’s programs, including their ACC titles and NCAA Tournament achievements. The Clemson Tiger mascot is an active participant in the game experience, greeting fans, interacting with the student section, and taking part in halftime contests. Also, could you even have a Clemson sporting event without its rich traditions? The popular fight song, “Tiger Ra,” is played just before the start of the soccer match, as well as after every Clemson goal. Clemson also does a good job paying tribute to the university, as following the match with the Alma Mater Salute has become customary across Clemson athletics.   Final Thoughts Clemson soccer has been one of the elite programs in the nation for years, and their game experience is just as special. The product on the pitch will always be of high quality, and the surrounding campus and neighborhood atmosphere perfectly complement the experience.