Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 IndyCar Series website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 Summer Racing in Wisconsin Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. While the track’s annual schedule features Trans-Am, IMSA, and others, IndyCar can always be guaranteed to see fans from all over the Midwest flock to this track to witness some of North America’s best sports action. Racing in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan friendly and easy to navigate, this summer event is a must-see on the IndyCar slate. Food & Beverage 5 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. With over 20 concessions stands located around the course, Road America is led by The Gearbox, a hillside concession stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin, you can get the best cheese and sausage foods there, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers. The addition of the IndyCar Series to the Road America schedule means even more food options are now available around the race course. Of course the beer is also cold and tasty, perfect for sitting under a tree feeling the cool breeze as the cars go speeding past. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family friendly and relaxed. The best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a “let’s go race and enjoy every moment of it” state of mind. In addition, the quality of the on-track action is enough to make any fan excited to see what happens around the next corner. The excitement fills the air every time a car takes to the track, be it for practice, qualifying, or for a race. Road America also features some of the cleanest racetrack bathrooms anywhere. Add that to the incredible track store and the free fan shuttle that can take you around the various viewing areas, and you have a solid basis for calling this one of the best tracks around. In 2023, the track also debuted a new walking and golf cart path around the outside of the carousel, which leads to the new beach viewing area just before the famous Kink turn. Here, beach lounging chairs and faux palm trees offer a tropical vibe to watch motorsports in Wisconsin. Neighborhood 4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small, but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls this small town home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there is a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20-30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice – Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan. If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road American is the Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes. Fans 5 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest – die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with anything. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. Over 100,000 fans have been known to pack the speedway during IndyCar weekend, making them races unlike any other on the schedule. Access 4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path – at least 10 minutes’ drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. However, with the addition of IndyCar to the schedule, the facility has greatly increased its signage nearby. The entrance is so sudden and not easily marked that in the past one would be liable to drive right past it, were there not a major race going on that weekend. Now, however, with the new signs it is much easier to get on the right path to the entrances. Once you’re at Road America you will also discover that there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t know about, which can be frustrating if you had to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue to identify these alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete makeover in 2016, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers. Return on Investment 5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race. The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race from without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Extras 5 Where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. You can also take a trip to Elkhart Lake, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was once a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself and over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. If you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile device, you can also engage with the race on social media, and see your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. However, if treetop views or social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner. These trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Finally, several autograph sessions happen during the weekend in the fan zone, offering fans a chance to see some of their favorite drivers. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America – you will not be disappointed in what you find. In addition, if you want to take a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend. The fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful. It’s hard to find a better place to see racing in North America than Road America.

Photos by Ethan Hennessy, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Brown Field 1009 Union St Valparaiso, IN 46383 Valparaiso Crusaders website Brown Field website Year Opened: 1919 Capacity: 5,000 Valpo Football at Brown Field, Steadily Improving Brown Field is the home of the Valparaiso University Beacons who compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Pioneer Football League. The 5,000-seat stadium opened in 1919 and was named after Henry Baker Brown who served as the school president from 1873-1917. Valparaiso Football has struggled recently on the field only winning league championships twice in 2000 and 2003 during the past 46 years. In addition, Valpo has experienced three winless seasons in 1988, 1989, and 2010 and is typically found at the bottom of the non-scholarship Pioneer LeaguBeforer to the 2008 season, a new artificial surface was installed at Brown Field as part of numerous renovations under the fund-raising campaign known as FITT (Football, Intramurals, Track, and Tennis). The first phase of the multi-million dollar project included the installation of the programs, as well as moving the grandstands and adding handicap accessibility. Lights were added as well in 2010. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions are rather simple but inexpensive. A hot dog, nachos with cheese, and pretzel with cheese all cost $2, while hot dogs with chili and cheese, and the loaded variety of nachos cost $3. They also offer popcorn, chips, Slim Jims, cookies, and candy for $1 at the concession stand. The nachos are highly recommended. All beverage options are $2 featuring bottled water, Gatorade, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate took 15 minutes to serve ,and it still burned my tongue. Valparaiso University is a dry campus, so there is no alcohol served at Brown Field. Atmosphere 2 The stadium features bleachers along both sidelines of the field. The larger bleachers are closest to the ARC (Valparaiso’s basketball Arenare is where the home crowd sits while the visiting team’s fans occupy the opposite side of the field. The Valpo side was at about 70% capacity along with a 10-person pep band, an unusually large turnout on the account it was Senior Day for the Crusaders. On the other hand, the visitors' side was almost empty. Valpo must not attract many opposing visitors to games as they cover up a large portion of the visitor’s bleachers with a tarp. The 5,000-seat stadium does not usually sell out for football games. The team enters the field through an inflatable tunnel, a small cannon is fired when the Crusaders enter the field or score, and the team mascot and lively cheerleaders keep the crowd involved during the game. The best seats are located in section C directly below the press box providing a nice view of the 50-yard line. The entire stadium is metal bleachers and many fans bring t own seat cushions for added comfort. Neighborhood 4 Valparaiso University is a beautiful campus, especially in the fall; Brown Field is on the edge of campus near the ARC. The places to eat in town would be the Round the Clock Restaurant downtown off of Lincolnway, a family-style restaurant that offers ample parking and plentiful menu choices. Another fabulous option is the Tomato Bar off of La Port Avenue, two minutes from campus serving many varieties of pizza, calzones, oven-baked sandwiches, and a full-service bar. The Chapel of the Resurrection is a landmark of northwest Indiana and can be seen from just about anywhere on the campus. The town is a stereotypical small Midwest college town featuring quaint shops and restaurants in a picturesque downtown setting. There are many hotels around the university. The best place to stay is Hampton Inn and Suites – a 4-minute drive from campus offering plenty of spacious, comfortable rooms. Fans 2 Valpo fans care noticeably more about their basketball than football. They rarely pull in big crowds, especially when the weather is poor. The crowd is generally on the quieter side apart from a few individual fans and a very small student section; however, it does perk up for big plays in the half-filled stadium. Access 2 The stadium is easy to get around and park at, but it does lack many comforts of a modern stadium. There are port-a-potties just outside the gates and bathrooms inside the ARC, but none inside the stadium itself. All seats are bleacher style, the stairs are slightly rusted, and there are ramps to accommodate fans with disability. Most people drive to Brown Field, but the V-line (Valparaiso’s bus line) runs to the university. Brown Field is not well advertised, but signs for the Fitness Center and ARC will lead fans to the buildings adjacent to the field. There is parking for $5 at lots around the stadium and the ARC. However, if you’re looking to save a few bucks there is street parking about half a mile further down Lincolnway. There are two ways to enter the stadium: on the home on the visitor’s side. Return on Investment 2 The facility houses a box office, but a set of folding tables to take tickets. General Admission tickets are $10 and allow you to sit anywhere in the stadium. Children 10 and under are free. Valparaiso University students, faculty, and staff get in free with their One Card (Valpo ID). The team has not had a winning record since 2003 but seems to be improving for the 2016 season. This could help get fans in the seats. Extras 2 Brown Field has flags displayed along the top of the stands of fellow Pioneer League members’ teams and their primary color. The victory bell, which was unveiled in 1956, is rung after every win. Final Thoughts Valparaiso Football has been making strides on the field to improve as a team, but the stadium and game day experience need to start catching up to the terror attending a game to be worthwhile.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mitchell Field 19 Ave N.E. Swift Current, SK S9H 2Y3 Swift Current 57s website Mitchell Field website Capacity: 550 Swift Current Baseball Baseball has been part of the Swift Current sports landscape for more than a century. The 57s, previously known as the Indians, have been competing in the community going back to the 1950s, playing in the Southern Baseball League for several years before becoming a founding member of the Saskatchewan Major Baseball League in 1975. The SMBL eventually expanded into Alberta and rebranded itself as the Western Major Baseball League in 2001, now the Western Canadian Baseball League. Swift Current has won the most championships in WCBL history, with six, the most recent coming in 2017. Going back to the SMBL and SBL days, they have another eight championship trophies. So this is a franchise with a history of winning. Food & Beverage 3 Fairly typical options on the menu here. Burgers, hot dogs, and an assortment of candy are available at the main concession, next to the main entrance on the first base side of the diamond. The same menu is also available at the concession on the far end of the clubhouse, up the third baseline. Prices are reasonable, with a tasty double cheeseburger costing $10 and a can of Coke for $2. There is also an adult beverage stand tucked into the bleachers between the first base stands and the home plate stands with a selection of beer and coolers. Again, the alcoholic options are available in the clubhouse concession on the third base side. Atmosphere 3 Sitting at a small-town ballpark on a summer afternoon feels like what baseball is all about. Most of the fans in the stands know each other and you can hear them chatting about this and that between pitches. Or riding the umpire for questionable ball and strike calls. It’s comfortable and relaxed, just what a lazy weekend at the ballpark should be. Views from around the park are good, especially in the main stands right behind home plate. Locations higher up and off to the left or right of home are also good and give the fan a decent view of the prairie farmland in the distance. Seating down the third baseline, past the home dugout, is unobstructed, but the seats are pointed towards left field, not the middle of the diamond, so you’ll probably find yourself turning about 45 degrees to face the action. The seats themselves, are molded plastic, quite comfortable, and spread well apart, giving everyone decent amounts of space, so you don’t feel jammed in together. Neighbourhood 3 Mitchell Field is located on 19th Ave NE, right near the edge of town. The park is located in the residential neighbourhood just up the hill from the Innovation Credit Union iPlex, home of the Swift Current Broncos. To the south past the iPlex and the railroad tracks is industrial. To the east is essentially prairie farmland. The bottom line is that the immediate area provides no pre- or post-entertainment or dining options. Having said that you’re not too far away from anything in Speedy Creek (as Swift Current is sometimes known). Mitchell Field is only a couple kilometers south of the Trans-Canada Highway and along that highway, you’ll find the bulk of the commercial district for the city. Along the north and south service roads you’ll find all the typical franchise restaurants you might expect in a city, plus a couple of mom-and-pop places as well. You can find Original Joe’s at 935 Central Ave. N. adjacent to the west end of South Service Road, with the local Boston Pizza (1601 North Service Rd. E) also close by. If you’re thinking about an ice cream cone after a hot day in the sun, try Dairy King, right across the street from Original Joe’s. To the southwest of the diamond is the downtown core, with several other options, including Akropol, a Greek restaurant. Fans 4 As noted above, the fans were not afraid to voice their opinions throughout the game, which was refreshing compared to some of the more sedate crowds around the league. Fans responding to the game, pitch-by-pitch, show that they are engaged and focused on the action on the diamond, not simply there to hang out with their pals. Access 5 Access to the diamond is easy from just about anywhere. Situated a couple blocks from the east edge of town and a major artery, but only a few blocks west of downtown, Mitchell Field is only a few minutes away from anywhere in town. Parking along the neighbouring streets is free and plentiful. Moving around inside the facility is also easy, with a wide concourse lane from the south entrance to the park and running between the dugouts along the backstop fence. The walking area continues behind the 57s dugout and up the third base line to the far reaches of the stands and the clubhouse concession. Return on Investment 4 Pricing is quite reasonable at Mitchell Field, and right in line with other teams in the league. Adult tickets are $14, students are $7. Children under 12 are just $3 but are free if accompanied by an adult, so this is a very family-friendly venue. For the quality of the ball being played, this is a bargain. Extras 2 The exterior of Mitchell Field’s grandstand is adorned with all 12 of the championship banners the team has earned over the years. A nice reminder of the team’s proud history as you walk up to the diamond. Just to the third base side of the main grandstand is a pro shop, with all the team ball caps, shirts, and bunnyhugs (that’s the Saskatchewan word for a hoodie) you might want. Final Thoughts Mitchell Field is a lovely place to take in a ball game. Nice atmosphere, comfortable, and welcoming, this is a park well worth visiting on your travels.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Drass Field 401 Clara St Dover, DE 19904 Delaware State Hornets website Drass Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 2,500 Hornet Soccer in Downtown Dover Drass Field is the former home of several Wesley College athletics teams, including football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. In June of 2021, Delaware State University purchased Wesley and turned it into its DSU Downtown campus, thus ending the Wolverines' athletic programs. The deal was notable as the first instance of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) purchasing another school. Delaware State did find use for Drass Field, as its women's soccer and lacrosse programs moved there from Alumni Stadium, which remains home to the Hornets' football program. The stadium is located next to Bob Reed Field, the former home of Wesley Baseball and the current home of Delaware State Baseball. Delaware State soccer has not enjoyed much success, rarely winning more than a couple of games in one season. Although most of the Hornets' athletic programs compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the MEAC does not have enough soccer teams to sponsor the sport. DSU has previously competed in the Sun Belt Conference and as an independent, but now competes in the Northeast Conference for soccer. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Drass Field, but fans are free to bring their own. There is a water fountain that trickles out water if you are desperately thirsty. While there is a concession stand between Drass Field and Bob Reed Field, it was not open when we went. Based on our experiences, it is only open for baseball, not soccer or lacrosse. Atmosphere 2 There are three sets of bleachers at Drass Field, one on each sideline and a smaller one behind one of the goals. Fans use all three sets of bleachers, meaning the small crowd is quite spread out. Because Drass Field was built primarily for football and soccer, the field is wider than a football one. The views of the near sideline and the corners can be obstructed by the bleachers. The vast majority of the field should still be visible. If this is a concern, you can sit behind the goal, but then you will not be able to see the scoreboard. Some fans like to bring their chairs or stand along the chain link fence that separates the field from the path to the bleachers. A Delaware State soccer game is a pretty basic experience. Even the PA announcer does little other than announce the starting lineups before the game. Cards and goal scorers are only sporadically announced, if at all. Neighborhood 3 Although Drass Field is supposedly located on the DSU Downtown campus, there is not anything near the stadium other than some houses, a church, a synagogue, and a school bus depot. El Nopal is a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant about a mile away, and Vincenzo's Italian is close by as well. You can also head towards DuPont Highway (US Route 13) which is lined on both sides with restaurants and hotels. Most of the places are chains, but you will find a few independent eateries such as the Speedway Cafe and Wolfie's Grille. The Dover Motor Speedway is also located along DuPont Highway and you can sometimes hear the cars revving their engines as you stand outside. Fans 2 The Hornets typically draw a few hundred fans a soccer game, which when spread out over three sets of bleachers, isn't that much. While the fans can get loud on occasion, the large size of this stadium reduces the impact they can have. Most of the fans are friends and family of the players, although there are some locals mixed in. A good portion of those in attendance will often be fans of the visiting team as well, they tend to sit together and cheer on their team. Access 3 If coming from the north or south, US Route 13 (DuPont Highway) runs right through Dover, but if coming from the east or west, you will have to take a series of local roads to get into town. Once you get to the stadium, street parking is available on Clara Street and the other nearby roads, or you can park in a grass lot across the street from the stadium. Restrooms are available to the left of the bleachers, behind Bob Reed Field. They are small but should suffice for the needs of the crowd. Return on Investment 3 Admission to soccer games at Drass Field is $5. DSU students get in for free. While this is not a lot of money, most college soccer programs outside the national elite have no charge for admission. If this were one of those programs, the $5 charge would be understandable, but this is a barebones stadium experience, a far cry from the top atmospheres in the country that can get away with charging for admission. Nevertheless, $5 is hardly going to break the bank. . Extras 1 Look for the "Welcome to Drass Field" sign honoring Wesley College athletics. Although the Wesley Wolverines are no more, their history is becoming Delaware State's future. Final Thoughts The simple fact is that Drass Field is far too big for the crowds that Delaware State soccer draws. Although the Hornets have made it their home, it seems few people other than those with a direct connection to the program will come out and watch a game. The history of Wesley College bears mention here, but this is still a pretty basic soccer experience.

Photos Courtesy of Donny Wise. If you have been to Columbia, South Carolina, you might have noticed that Capital City Stadium is still standing. The former home of both minor league and summer collegiate baseball hasn’t hosted a game since 2014, and the site was supposed to have been in the finishing stages of a redevelopment plan. However, those plans changed when Weddle Real Estate pulled out of the plan to build a 310-apartment unit and 20,000-square-foot retail in December after it bought the land for $1.6 million in June 2019. The complex would have been called The Ballpark, but the pandemic, the resulting high-interest rates, and the even higher cost of materials have paused the project for the time being. There is also the solution of devising a way to keep stormwater off the property that's located in a flood plain. Weddle received tax incentives from the city and county and had a $5.4 million flood radiation plan, including off-site measures to control stormwater runoff in nearby streams. Another reason the structure still stands is city officials are debating whether to raze it or let it stand until another deal arrives. The stadium is eligible for state abandoned building tax credits if a developer decides to preserve it. Bulldozing the grandstand and building would mean losing the incentive. It is the third attempt to convert the site for life after baseball. In 2011, a proposed Walmart was turned down, and in 2017, Kroger pulled out of placing a supermarket because it housed baseball for 87 years in Columbia. There was always talk about the stadium’s last day, even during my lone visit in July 2013. The ballpark has lived many lives; it first opened as Dreyfuss Park after the Pittsburgh Pirates owner personally financed the construction. It was renamed Capital City Park in 1946 but was knocked down in 1972 after a decade without minor league baseball. It was rebuilt in 1983 for the arrival of the Columbia Mets and reconstructed one last time in 1991. That current structure hosted baseball by the Mets, Capital City Bombers, or Blowfish until 2014. It is also that same structure that stands in ruins with tattered signage from the Blowfish days, overgrown grass, and weeds popping through the concrete. A walk through the concourse displays a crumbling facade, tangled ivy, graffiti-painted walls, and rotting wood. The home and away dugouts also feature graffiti, and the press box area is boarded up with wooden planks in the windows. The place looks like any other ballpark would be after its main tenant relocated almost a decade ago. The city and area have other ballparks to watch baseball at Segra Park in the Bullstreet District opened in 2016 and is home to the Columbia Fireflies. The Blowfish relocated to nearby Lexington and now play at Lexington County Blowfish Stadium, and South Carolina Gamecocks fans have been enjoying games at Founders Park since 2009. However, the area’s old and cranky ballpark still refuses to call it quits, and there's no telling when it will finally meet the wrecking ball. Perhaps the failed redevelopment is a sign that it should be left as a baseball or sports-related complex, albeit on a much smaller scale. Could it be cleaned up and revamped for a soccer-specific field or city or high school sports? It is easy for this reporter to say that it’s not my money going into the planning. There have been other abandoned ballparks brought back to life. Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville, Alabama, was rechristened as Wicks Family Field and houses Huntsville City FC of MLS Next Pro. The Double-A Huntsville Stars left after the 2014 season and welcomed the new soccer team this year to the city. There have been a lot of baseball memories invested at Capital City Park dating back almost a century. The site has been home to three separate structures, but many spring and summer nights were spent enjoying a minor league game or other baseball-related event. For some it’s an eyesore, to others, it’s an old friend just hanging out where they always have just down the street. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Central Recreation Centre 519 Drury Lane Burlington, ON L7R 2X3 Burlington Blaze website Central Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,300 Blaze in the Oven The City of Burlington sits on the shores of Lake Ontario between Hamilton and Oakville. It is Toronto Rock country with the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, and Oakville Buzz to the east in Oakville, and the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League to the west in Hamilton. However, lacrosse fans should not sleep on Burlington as they have a strong connection to the sport. The city with a population of 187,000 has been home to the Burlington Chiefs since 1976. In 2023, amid the move away from Indigenous-based names, Burlington Minor Lacrosse changed their team names, Junior A included, to the Burlington Blaze. Home for the Blaze is the Central Recreation Centre, commonly referred to as Central Arena. Built in 1968, Central Arena is nicknamed The Oven, which seems to be an apt home for a team referred to as the Blaze. Alumni for the Blaze and Chiefs include Andrew Kew, Brent Noseworthy, Ryan Smith, and Ed Comeau. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions for Blaze games are amongst the most simple. A temporary table located in the lobby sells chips, soda, water, Gatorade, chocolate bars, and freezies. Concession prices are very affordable, but the limited selection will push fans to eat elsewhere. Atmosphere 2 Central Arena is part of a larger community centre in Burlington. The Central Recreation Centre building is a simple combination of light stucco and siding on the exterior. A colourful mural at the southwest corner of the building is the exterior highlight. Fans can enter the building at the main entrance on the west or the back end on the east side. The east side has a small merchandise tent for fans. The main entrance leads fans into a small lobby with temporary tables for concessions and ticket sales. The feeling that the building is designed more for recreation as opposed to spectators becomes evident. The main arena is available to fans after traversing a set of stairs. In the hallway, just before entering the main arena, there are many mainly empty trophy cases, one of which showcases some Burlington Minor Lacrosse items under the old Chiefs name and logo. Inside the main arena, fans are met with a very plain area with no markings or banners to let fans know that this is the home of the Blaze. The polished concrete floor runs from west to east with ten rows of step benches on the south side. An enclosed operations/press box is at the top of the south side, dividing the seating area. The simple hockey-style scoreboard is found on the west wall. Inside the arena two other major items become evident. The first is that the moniker “The Oven” is apt as there is no air-conditioning and the arena is very hot in the summer months. The second is that some diagonal structural I-beams can obstruct the view of the floor from the seating area. The gameday production is the most simple there is. No music is played before the game or during down periods. It could be possible that this was due to technical difficulties as during the game that was reviewed the national anthem was unable to be played. However, after Blaze goals, a goal song was provided by a fan holding a large portable speaker. The PA system is very poor and it is difficult to understand announcements that are made. Neighbourhood 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington. There are several other recreation facilities in the immediate Central Park area including the curling club, lawn bowling, tennis club, library, baseball diamonds, and theatre. The practice facility for the famous Burlington Teen Tour Band is in this area also. Other than the park facilities, it is a fairly residential area with little in the way of pre and post-game culinary facilities. Fans should consider heading south towards Lakeshore Road to find bars and restaurants. Some options worth considering are The Carriage House, The North Coal Kitchen & Bar, Joe Dog’s, La Creme de la Creme, and Pepperwood Bistro Brewery. There is not much in the way of other sports options in Burlington and fans would probably need to head southwest to Hamilton for those options. For other entertainment options fans should consider checking out the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Drury Lane Theatrical Productions, and Spencer Smith Park. Fans wishing to stay in Burlington should consider the Waterfront Hotel or The Pearle Hotel. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJLL is difficult as attendance figures are not published. Also, the game that was reviewed was one of the OJLL Finals series. That being said, it appears that the Burlington Blaze has a decent following. Many fans were standing on the floor and even climbing the boards on Blaze goals. The fans in attendance make plenty of noise and are supportive of the Blaze. There were many fans in attendance supporting the visiting team as well for the game that was attended. Access 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington, east of the Queen Elizabeth Way south of Highway 403, and north of Lakeshore Road. Fans coming to Burlington from out of town will be required to drive a bit through the city, however, the travel is not difficult. There is plenty of parking in the area at no cost, however, it is a busy area with many other recreation facilities where parking will also be utilized. Fans who wish to take public transit to The Oven have several options on Drury Lane, New Street, and Central Park. Fans should consult the Burlington Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules. Traversing the arena can be difficult as there are plenty of stairs throughout the arena. As mentioned above, there are plenty of obstructed views due to the diagonal structural beams and railings. Also, there is no air conditioning in the arena and it is hot in the summer months. Return on Investment 4 OJLL lacrosse offers tremendous value for a small investment. Tickets for the Burlington Blaze go for $12, parking is free, and concessions are very affordable. The product on the floor is top-notch and very fast and exciting. If the Blaze offered a little more when it comes to the atmosphere, then the ROI would be a perfect score. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Blaze earning the 2023 Iroquois Cup as OJLL champions. An extra mark for the strength of lacrosse in the area with the Toronto Rock located in Hamilton and the Oakville Buzz just up the highway in Oakville. OJLL teams are also found in nearby Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto, and Six Nations. Final Thoughts The Burlington Blaze have a strong lacrosse tradition and has helped produce some strong professional lacrosse players. Their home, Central Recreation Centre, also known as The Oven is a hot spot, but is not fulfilling its potential as a solid lacrosse facility. It will be interesting to see if the Blaze can work with the city and make The Oven a far more hospitable home for the OJLL. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Shell Energy Stadium 2200 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77003 Texas Southern Tigers website Shell Energy Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 22,039 Texas Southern University Tigers – BBVA Stadium Editor's Note: BBVA Stadium name changed to Shell Energy Stadium in early 2023. Founded in 1927 as a historically black university (HBCU) in Houston, Texas, Texas Southern University began fielding a football team in 1947. The team has a rich history on the gridiron, sending numerous players to the NFL and boasting two Pro Football Hall of Famers in Winston Hill and Michael Strahan. As is popular with HBCU schools, Texas Southern competes in two football classics against two of their rivals, the Labor Day Classic against Prairie View A&M and the Texas State Fair Football Showdown against Southern University. Over the years, they’ve won five conference championships – one in the defunct Midwest Athletic Association and four in their current home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC); the most recent one came in 2010. The Tigers have also claimed two Black National Championships, one in 1952 and one in 2010 (though that title was forced to be vacated by the NCAA). After playing the previous four decades at Alexander Durley Sports Complex, Texas Southern moved to their new home field stadium in downtown Houston BBVA Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo of the MLS and the Houston Dash of the NASL. In non-pandemic years, the state-of-the-art facility provides a unique home-field advantage for the Tigers. Food & Beverage 2 As with all the ratings throughout the course of this review, these will all need to be taken with the grain of salt that these were done during the time of the pandemic. During normal times, BBVA Stadium has an abundance of food and drink offerings for visitors ranging from street tacos to frozen mixed drinks. However, during the truncated spring season, with its limited seating capacity, there are also limited concessions open on the main concourse area, as well as stadium favorites such as H-Town Grill (near Papa John’s Pizza), Goal Post Grill, and Flor de Caña bar. All have a limited menu, but you will still find enough of the traditional stadium offerings, such as hot dogs, popcorn, soft pretzels, bottled beer, sodas, and water, as well as frozen drinks ($14-$16.50). Concessions at BBVA Stadium During Pandemic, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 2 During normal seasons, Texas Southern averages just over 9,000 fans per game, while during the spring season they average far less than that, of course. The lower bowl of the stadium is closed off to fans and this honestly greatly impacts the overall atmosphere of the stadium. The stadium store is also closed off during the spring season; however, there is a small merchandise table open during games. Having the band in the stands (more on them in the Extras section) does greatly help, however. With the stadium usually only getting filled 50% and now getting less than half of that for games, it can feel cavernously empty. Having the noise and energy of the band helps fill the void. The videoboards in the north end zone help fans keep track of the action on the field, while the overhang in the south helps shade those who have the good fortune to be sitting there during those hot, humid afternoons and nights in Houston in early and mid-September (or in this case, in April and May) before the weather cools. BBVA Stadium itself is such a unique construction that it features a “faceted facade” of expanded metal mesh with orange, polycarbonate enclosed entrances and spectator facilities that reflect “the industrial heritage of the East Downtown location”. It is truly unique on the Houston sports scene. Neighborhood 5 Space City is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States. As such, it truly has all that one could hope for in a big-city experience. This is especially true when it comes to sports. BBVA Stadium is home to the Houston Dynamo of the MLS. Downtown Houston is also home to the Houston Astros and the Houston Rockets. The NFL’s Houston Texans are also within shouting distance of the area. With that in mind, if you do your homework and you plan accordingly, you could really get some good bang for your sporting buck if you want to see other games when you make your visit to see the Texas Southern Tigers. What gives this particular section its high rating is what drives all things in real estate: location, location, location. Downtown Houston is the cultural and economic hub of the city and BBVA Stadium is right smack dab in the middle of all of it. In terms of food, H-Town has everything you could want and more. For a little more of that modern, hipster vibe, the Truck Yard Houston capitalizes on what is now an institution and no longer a fad in food trucks. The park is also within walking distance of the stadium and combines all the things that make these experiences great – unique food, craft beer, and live music. Each day of the week features different trucks and different live performers. It is a very chill experience and one that offers a great experience before or after Tigers games. If you’re looking for things to do and are, again, looking to stay downtown before or after Tigers games, there is a lot going on in the area. One of the hidden gems in the area for outdoor enthusiasts is the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. An outgrowth of the history Buffalo Bayou Park, the Cistern is a former underground reservoir that is now open for urban hikers and art and history enthusiasts, as the area has been converted into a public art space. For those traveling to H-Town with kiddos, the Downtown Aquarium is something that should not be missed. The six-acre site features over 300 species of aquatic sea life and has a full-sized Ferris wheel on site, which can be seen from nearby Interstate 45. Fans 2 The fans have not turned out in droves in recent years for Tigers games at BBVA Stadium, which is truly a shame. For such a large city at a Division I program with a large alumni base, this is unfortunate. But every team will get the proverbial mulligan for the COVID era, so again these numbers are a little skewed. In the lots surrounding the stadium, there are plenty of fans out tailgating, which greatly enhances the energy of the overall game day experience. This goes a long way toward honestly normalizing things during these abnormal times, and making this spring season feel like a true college game day in the fall. Access 4 Going back to Houston being the fourth largest city, it also has one of the largest and busiest airports in the country in George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This means that flights are coming and going from all over the world at all hours of the day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. No matter where you’re coming from, you’ll be able to fly into H-Town to catch a Texas Southern game. Once you get to town, getting to the stadium, well, therein lies the challenge – Houston is notorious for its traffic. No matter the day of the week nor the time of day, factor in a drive of at least 30 minutes to get from one area of the city to another; it’s just a fact of life. Once you get to the stadium, there are lots around BBVA Stadium where parking will run you anywhere from $5-$10 depending on how close you want to park; or you can park in metered spots on the street. However, if you are looking to eschew driving to the game, for $1.25 each way, the METRORail will drop you off right in front of the stadium, which is a great convenience and is something to consider. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for TSU Tigers games range from $18 to $53 per person, though these tickets have been limited during the spring season. This is pretty commensurate with other Division I teams at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. Parking and concessions are also on par for this level of college football. When you take into account the level of competition that comes into BBVA Stadium, this cost is a pretty good deal, especially if you can catch the Labor Day Classic. H-Town in general is pretty high-end, but you’re getting a good bargain at Texas Southern games. Extras 3 Again, not to keep harping on this, but in a normal season the Extras at Tigers game would be rank much higher. Texas Southern still has all the great accoutrements that make college football special. These are taken up a notch at HBCU schools, especially the marching band. Texas Southern University’s marching band, the Ocean of Soul would normally put on a tremendous show at halftime on the field, but are relegated to the stands during games at present. The same can be said for the TSU Spirit cheerleaders, Tiger Sensations dance squad, and Tommy the Tiger mascot. They’re all present at games, but in limited capacities, just waiting to be unleashed in the Fall. Final Thoughts While I was glad to get out to a football game again, I was somehow hoping for more out of my visit to Texas Southern. I completely understand that these are extraordinary times and everyone is doing what they can to get some games in during this spring season. My hope is that once the world gets back to normalcy, so too will Tigers games at BBVA Stadium, and I look forward to making another visit then. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photo Courtesy of Katie Gimore Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bill Snyder Family Stadium 1800 College Ave Manhattan, KS 66502 Kansas State Wildcats website Bill Snyder Family Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 52,200 Putting the Wild in Wildcats Bill Snyder Family Stadium, home to the Kansas State Wildcats opened in 1968 and has become one of the loudest football places on the plains. The seating capacity here is 50,000, and most of that noise stays inside the stadium making it a big home-field advantage for the Wildcats. Over the past 25 years, the Wildcats have enjoyed a near .800 winning percentage at home. The facility has had many upgrades over the years since being constructed for a mere $1.6 million. These upgrades include a new press box, a playing surface, and upgraded seating areas. The major renovations before the 2013 season are just the second in a five-phase master plan that is expected to be completed in 2025. The Wildcats have not sat idly while the rest of the college football teams race to build the most significant and fanciest facilities. Future phases of their plan could include a new strength gym, retail and condo space, seating additions, sound and video upgrades, a recruiting lounge; everything but a literal football factory that spits out more gritty underdog players to continue the Snyder legacy of teams that surprise the nation’s collective football conscience. Food & Beverage 4 There are many options inside the stadium to have a nice meal while enjoying a Wildcats football game. Standard stadium fare such as hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and pizza is sold throughout the stadium. Prices are on par with most other big-time college football venues. The south end of the stadium offers a wider variety of items such as BBQ, ice cream, kettle corn, turkey legs, and vegetarian options. The BBQ sandwich here is quite tasty, and for $8, you get your choice of three styles of meats with the option of fixings. Pepsi products are sold here for the typical stadium prices. A souvenir cup is worthwhile so you can wet your whistle while cheering loudly with the K-State faithful. Concession stands are abundant throughout the facility and wait times are minimal, even at peak times. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere here at Bill Snyder Family Stadium is something to be seen live rather than on television. Nicknamed the “Little Apple,” the entire town of Manhattan is decked out in grey and purple on game days. The population of Manhattan, Kansas, is around 56,000, but that doubles on game days. Traffic is heavy going in with fans arriving super early to tailgate. Outside the stadium on all sides, tailgating can be seen as far as the eye can see. The smells and sights are as good as you will see in the Big 12. Inside the stadium, heavy metal music plays over the loudspeaker at key times to get the fans cheering loudly. A song, such as “Crazy Train” before a kickoff is enough to pump any football fan up. On this day, a hundred or so motorcycles rode around the perimeter of the football field before the game for the once-a-year Harley Day at the stadium. Willie the Wildcat is the official mascot and does an admirable job with fans at the game. After each Kansas State score, he will do as many pushups as K-State has points followed by a pose and chant. This can get quite entertaining during high-scoring games. The biggest tradition of them all here at Kansas State is the Wabash Cannonball. This song gets fans bobbing back and forth in unison. This may seem silly but when 50,000 people all do it at once, it’s a sight to see. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is not quite on campus, which makes for more tailgating room, but less college culture. Fraternity houses, which can always be counted on to contribute some debauchery, are much too far from the stadium for people to enjoy their antics. Instead, the area surrounding Bill Snyder Family Stadium is a lot like the rest of Kansas; expansive and flat. Fortunately, the next three phases of the master plan promise to bring vast improvements to the neighborhood immediately surrounding the venue. A neighborhood that needs no improvements is Aggieville, the downtown district diagonally across from the main campus gates. This place has everything you’d expect in a college town: local boutiques, fun restaurants, numerous bars, and plenty of people milling around. If coming to town for a morning game, stop at Varsity Donuts and bring a dozen to your tailgate. Their unique and various treats are sure to please everyone. Fans 4 Kansas State football fans suffered through some historically bad years, yet have always been supportive. The Bill Snyder years have been a reward for fans' persistence. Fans are into the game from the opening kick until the end of each game. It is a loud venue and enjoyable yet nothing over the top towards opposing fans. The Wabash Cannonball is one of those fan traditions that you must see live once. Fans also take part in a first-down chant when the Wildcats earn a first down. Access 3 The only bad part of attending a game is the commute. Manhattan sits about five miles off I-70, and on game days, the side highway from the interstate to town is clogged with traffic. Although lots surround the stadium, most of them are reserved, so expect to pay a bundle for parking within a few blocks of the stadium, or wear comfortable shoes for a long walk from the car. Free parking can be had in residential areas around the stadium but watch signs carefully. Some streets do not permit street parking without a residential permit. I was able to find a spot by the soccer stadium for free while the church across the lawn was charging $30. Renovated bathrooms and concessions mean short lines, but the line to get out of town after the game will make you forget how much you enjoyed the stadium experience. Bill Snyder Highway (really, K-177 is named after the coach) could use the same expansion that the stadium has gotten. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for most games are reasonable and on par with most power five conference schools. The games against Texas or Oklahoma will be a little pricier than a random mid-September game vs a non-conference opponent. Parking seems a bit high ($20-$30), but the ability to tailgate can make it worth it. Inside the stadium, food and beverage prices are on par with normal stadium prices at any division one football game. Extras 3 The west side of the stadium is a beautiful sight on its own, but if you climb to the highest levels of the stands and look out beyond the field and north end zone, you get a fantastic view of the Kansas landscape. A grain elevator stands guard over a golden pasture, and in the near distance, hills of flint rock meet baby blue skies chock full of puffy clouds. Anyone who naively says Kansas isn’t scenic or beautiful doesn’t know what they’re missing. The pregame presentation by the Wildcats band is a good one and worth a couple of bonus points. Final Thoughts The experience at Bill Snyder Family Stadium is pleasant and unassuming unless you see it in person. It truly is electric and even the most hardened traditionalist will find themselves having a superb time here.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 First Responder Field 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd Olney, MD 20832 Olney Cropdusters website First Responder Field website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: N/A Crop Dusting in Olney The Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League consists of seven teams from across the Washington, D.C. metro area, in Maryland, Virginia, and the District itself. The newest team in this league is the Olney Cropdusters, who play their home games in Olney, Maryland, at First Responder Field, formally known by the much more verbose name First Responder Field by ServPro at OBGC Park. Whatever the name of the stadium, it is located on the grounds of the Olney Boys and Girls Club. The team just joined the Ripken League in 2022, and while Phase 1 of construction on the stadium was completed in time for the 2022 season, there is still a lot of work to be done, including adding lighting and permanent seating. Food & Beverage 4 Although there is no permanent concession stand at First Responder Field, the team partners with local food trucks, who will be parked down the right-field line for each game. Selection will vary by game and may or may not include a local beer vendor, but will generally be high-quality food if a bit on the pricier side. The Cropdusters post a list of the food vendors on social media before each home game, so check there if you want to know before you go. Water is available at the team store for $2.50 a bottle, but if you want to eat or drink anything else, you will have to buy it from one of the trucks. Atmosphere 3 First Responder Field is a very basic stadium at the moment, as of the summer of 2022. It is not even really a stadium at all, more of just a field. There are a few hay bales fans can sit on, but other than that, fans will need to bring their chair or blanket and set them up behind home plate. We recommend that fans either set up right behind the backup or further back, on the hill. Anywhere in between will have poor sightlines. The sightlines are not great from the hill either, but they are decent enough. The PA system is far too quiet, although the announcer is passionate and does a great job of getting fans involved when he can be heard. Despite the lack of infrastructure, the Cropdusters do put on a good show here. There are multiple between-innings contests, including a race at the “third-inning stretch” where kids race miniature tractors down the two baselines, and a relay race at the “fifth-inning stretch.” There is music and giveaways which will vary by night but serve to keep the fans in the game and entertained. Unfortunately, the quality of the stadium itself (if you can call it that) takes this down a couple of notches, but that should be resolved by 2023. Neighborhood 4 Olney is a thriving suburb of Washington, D.C. with the typical options one might expect there. Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company is just down the street from the field, but your best bet is to head a couple of miles away to the downtown area near the intersection of Georgia Avenue and State Route 108. Unless you are coming from within Olney, you will have to head through that intersection anyway on your way to and from the ballpark, so it is not as burdensome as it seems. The Greene Turtle is a popular regional sports bar, and the Olney Grille is a nice restaurant as well. You can find a wide range of cuisines here ranging from traditional American to seafood to Vietnamese. The Olney Theatre is a short drive east of the intersection, for those looking for some non-sports entertainment. Fans 4 Despite being a new team, the Cropdusters draw very well for the Ripken League, attracting several hundred fans a game. Most of those in attendance are young families with small children, but the fan base represents a wide swath of the Olney community. Given a couple of years to develop a fan base, the crowds could be even larger. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the seating area, the crowd does not seem as loud here as it would if there was permanent seating. That is not their fault, but it does bring this score down a notch. Access 3 First Responder Field is located a few miles off State Route 200 (the Intercounty Connector, a toll road, and an expressway) via Georgia Avenue (State Route 97) and State Route 108. Once you get to the OBGC, you will see large signs announcing that there is a Cropdusters game that night and prompting you to turn into the stadium. Once you get in, single-game ticket holders, and those looking to purchase single-game tickets, will enter using the right lane, while those holding season tickets will use the left lane. Tickets are purchased at the entrance and are $10 for adults, but children are free of charge. Although this is officially the cost of the game ticket, and parking is officially free, it functions as more of a de facto parking charge. There is plenty of parking available in the lot once you get through the checkpoint. Restrooms are available in the red pavilion down the right-field line by the food trucks and are of sufficient size for the crowd. However, the lack of permanent seating and the need to bring your chair or blanket hurts this score significantly. As mentioned above, this will be resolved in 2023. Return on Investment 4 As mentioned above, tickets are $10 per person and children are free. It had previously been $10 per carload. Concessions are a bit pricey, but worth the cost given they are much higher quality than most stadium food. Parking is officially free, but it may be easier to think of the $10 as a parking charge rather than the ticket cost. Regardless of how you classify it, it will cost $10 for your party to get into the stadium, no matter how many people are in it. This is a stadium with a lot of potential, and it will likely earn a higher score in this category once construction is complete, but it’s hard to give it the top score in value when the infrastructure is currently so basic. Extras 4 There is a team store down the first baseline which sells Cropdusters merchandise. Free programs are available at the team store as well. The hay bales certainly provide a unique way to watch a game if you get there early enough, but there are only a few of them so be sure to arrive early if you want one. Although Stadium Journey does not usually focus on team uniforms, the Cropdusters’ jerseys are unique enough to merit a star here. They are designed to replicate the overalls and checkered shirts worn by farmers in the area, although they are standard uniform shirts and pants. Perhaps this would make them fauxveralls. In any case, the most unique jerseys in baseball are certainly worthy of a star here. Final Thoughts Although First Responder Field isn’t quite finished yet, an Olney Cropdusters game is still an enjoyable way to spend a summer evening as long as you remember to bring your chairs. Once the permanent seating and lights are added for the 2023 season, and hopefully, a better sound system, the atmosphere here will be even better. If visiting a Cropdusters game during the 2022 season, it is important to remember the stadium is still very much a work in progress and not be discouraged from attending a game in future years because of the very basic setup. This is a great place to watch a game, and it will only get better.

The QMJHL has decided to take measures to eliminate fighting. Is this a good thing, and will other leagues follow suit? Could this be the end of fighting in hockey? Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Centennial Bank Stadium 2180 Aggie Rd Jonesboro, AR 72401 Arkansas State Red Wolves website Centennial Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 30,964 Home of the Arkansas State Red Wolves Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, Arkansas is home to the Red Wolves football team at Arkansas State University. The venue opened in 1974, and currently has a capacity of 30,406 in grandstands on three sides, with the ASU Football Facility taking up the south end zone. The Red Wolves currently compete in the Sun Belt Conference. The playing surface at Centennial Bank Stadium is GEO Surfaces field turf, and was installed in 2010; the multi-use nature of the field allows it to be used by other teams at Arkansas State besides football. Other recent renovations include the construction of the aforementioned football facility in the south end zone, which was built in 2002, and the newly renovated press box on the west side. The press box is named after donor Johnny Allison, an A-State alum, and the renovation increased its size from ~7K square feet to ~36K square feet; the renovations to the press box were completed in 2016. Food & Beverage 5 Centennial Bank Stadium has a whopping 21 different concessions stands under the seats on the east and west sides. These stands sell almost anything you can think of, and the prices are very reasonable; the only hard part is deciding what to get! Main dishes include 3 different types of hot dogs, 5 different flavors of brats (for example mango habanero), and smoked sausage, all with a host of available toppings, as well as barbecued pork, barbecued chicken, or barbecued bologna sandwiches, brisket sandwiches, turkey legs, burgers with or without cheese, chili, and/or bacon, corn dogs, chicken tenders, Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches, 3 types of pizza from Godfather’s, nachos with several different types of meat, and rib tips. Other items include regular popcorn, kettle corn, packaged candy, snow cones, dill pickles, chips, pretzels, fries, and funnel cake. Prices for main dishes range from $4 to $10, while snack items cost between $1.50 and $7. For the most part, the different stands each offer different items, but there is a map at the entrance to help you find what you’re looking for. The drink selection at Centennial Bank Stadium is more limited than the food selection but is more than adequate, and most of the drinks can be found at all of the stands. Choices include bottled water, PowerAde, soda in bottles or from the fountain, sweet tea, hot cocoa, and coffee. All drinks are $3, except the fountain sodas and sweet tea, which are $5 for a large souvenir cup. There is no alcohol allowed in Centennial Bank Stadium. Atmosphere 3 At a typical game, Centennial Bank Stadium will draw a decent crowd, and the staff does some fun things to improve the experience. For starters, the mascot Howl leads the team onto the field riding a motorcycle, and later the Red Wolf's other mascot, Scarlet, also makes an appearance. Also, throughout the game, you will hear wolf howls in celebration of big plays. As mentioned above, the facility has regular seating on three sides, with only box seats in the south end zone, inside the ASU Football Facility. The press box is on the west side, along with additional boxes, while the students and band sit on the east side (the north end zone is general admission). The scoreboard/video board is above the football complex in the south end zone, so fans sitting anywhere in the stadium should have a great view of it. Most of the seats in the stadium are aluminum bleachers without chair backs, but there are plastic chairbacks in sections D, E, & F (in the middle on the west side), and padded chairbacks in sections CC, DD, R, & S (in the middle on both the east and west sides). You can also rent seat backs for $5 that attach to the bleachers. Two other interesting features to note about Centennial Bank Stadium are that, first, there is an arch above the sidewalk as you approach the main entrance, under which there are bricks inlaid into the sidewalk to commemorate ASU lettermen, which is a nice nod to players past. Second, there is a berm area in each corner of the venue (in the gaps between the stands), but no seating is allowed there; this may provide room to expand Centennial Bank Stadium, however, should attendance eventually get high enough. Neighborhood 2 Jonesboro, Arkansas is not a large town, so there is not a ton to do in the area if you come for the day or weekend. However, there are a few good places to eat, the most popular of which is JTown’s Grill, located practically across the street from Centennial Bank Stadium; you can even sit on the patio and see the field. Recently opened, JTown’s offers traditional bar & grill fare such as pizza, burgers, steak, nachos, and sandwiches, as well as local favorites like spinach and crawfish dip. If you are planning to be in town overnight, there are plenty of hotels south of campus along I-555. The options in this area range from higher-end accommodations like Holiday Inn to more budget-friendly choices such as FairBridge Inn & Suites. Fans 2 The average attendance at Centennial Bank Stadium is a little over 20K, or about two-thirds full. Depending on the opponent, of course, this number could increase or decrease quite a bit. Even though there is a decent amount of crowd noise here, however, way too many fans leave early, even during a close game, and the student section is a little lackluster, with very few students in attendance. The students that do show up are pretty diehard though, especially the ones who show up with chests painted in support of their team, the same group you might see at football stadiums all across America. This passion is not limited to body decoration; the students here also have a fun kickoff ritual. The way it works is that every time the Red Wolves kick-off, the students link arms and sway back and forth in unison. This is the same ritual that Aggies fans do every weekend at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field but on a much smaller scale. Access 4 Getting into and around Centennial Bank Stadium is a breeze – fans without passes can park at the nearby basketball arena for only $10, and enjoy a very short walk to the football field. Once you get to the stadium, there are entrances on three sides; two on the south end and the third in the northwest corner, and none of them are crowded. Moving around the concourse is easy as well, since there are so many concessions stands, and more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the crowd size, so lines are non-existent. Also, for those who need it, there is disabled seating at the top of the stands on each of the three sides, and there is a sidewalk with a gentle slope that connects them. The only oddity about access at Centennial Bank Stadium is that they seem to close some of the bathrooms early, so make sure you go early in the fourth quarter if you need one. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to conference games at Centennial Bank Stadium start at just $10, which is a great deal for college football, and you may even be able to get free tickets from “scalpers” outside the venue. Complement that with $10 parking and reasonably-priced concessions, and a day of A-State football is an awesome value for the money, even if you have a large group. If you would prefer a chair-back seat, you are probably better off sitting in the cheap seats and renting a seat back for $5, because the chair-back sections start at $35 per ticket. Also note that tickets to non-conference games are about $5 higher per ticket than conference games, so you can save money simply by picking a different game. Extras 3 The arch and bricks commemorating lettermen are a nice feature, and it is fun to watch the mascot tripping around on his motorcycle. Having a second, female mascot is also a plus, and it is nice to see so much school décor. Final Thoughts Visiting Centennial Bank Stadium would be a great way to spend a Saturday (or possibly a weeknight, as the Sun Belt often has games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The recent renovations have helped the venue become a little more modern, the tickets are very low cost, and there are plenty of great concessions to keep you satisfied while you cheer on the Red Wolves.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 T-Mobile Park 1250 First Ave S Seattle, WA 98134 Seattle Mariners website T-Mobile Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 47,943 A Ballpark with a View in Seattle T-Mobile Park is the house that Griffey built, and if that magical run of the Seattle Mariners did not take place, who knows where the team would have ended up? The ballpark opened as Safeco Field on July 15, 1999, and replaced the colossal Kingdome that had been their home since 1977. The 1995 Mariners won their division and defeated the New York Yankees in an epic 5-game series that saw Ken Griffey, Jr. slide home with the winning run in front of a packed Kingdome crowd. A month earlier, King County voters defeated a ballot measure to approve public funding for a new baseball-only stadium, but the playoff run and renewed interest in the ball club resulted in the Washington State Legislature approving alternate funding for a new stadium with public money. T-Mobile Park has not outlasted the Kingdome as the home of baseball in Seattle and features a retractable roof covering the entire ballpark but does not enclose it, providing an open-air feel. There are views of the city and sound from the upper concourses that are stunning at sunset, and a centerfield open bar section called The T-Mobile ‘Pen that brings a party atmosphere to the ballpark. The ballpark also features perfect views of the diamond, an assortment of food, several merchandise stores, and other areas that will satisfy today’s baseball crowd. Plus, easy access via car, light rail, train, bus, and ferry should also please the everyday fan. However, let's find out more about the home of the Seattle Mariners. Food & Beverage 5 T-Mobile Park has an array of food from local Seattle restaurants: Marination, Ballard Pizza Co, Woody’s, Just Poke, and Moto Pizza specializing in Detroit-style pizza with a local take. More options include the Mexican stand Edgar’s Cantina and Holy Smoke Barbecue. The ballpark is a cashless stadium. Marination is located in Section 119 and offers Hawaiian Luau plates featuring kalua pork, tofu, or grilled miso ginger chicken, rice, macaroni salad, and slaw. Fans can also purchase kalua pork sliders and Spam musubi. Moto Pizza is in Section 109, and the stand includes Mr. Pig with Filipino lechon-style pork belly, longganisa, chimichurri, and garlic banana ketchup, and the more familiar pepperoni pizza. If you are a New York-style pizza fan, Ballard Pizza Co. in The ‘Pen has slices, calzones, and specialty pizzas. Edgar’s Cantina is named after former Mariner Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez and is located in The ‘Pen and Section 212. Fans can choose from bay shrimp quesadillas, crispy fish tacos, and burritos. Holy Smoke in Sections 105 and 313 offers smoked beef short rib sandwiches, pork wings (mini shanks), and pulled pork sandwiches. Garlic fries are popular, and one can smell the aroma from a few feet away. They can be purchased at the Way Back Crab Shack in Section 187, along with crab fries and toasted crab sandwiches. They can also be bought at Lil Woody’s in The ‘Pen, along with grass-fed burgers, Impossible burgers, and chicken tenders. The beverages are impressive and include a range of locally crafted beer from 17 plus Washington breweries. They can be purchased at multiple spots in the stadium, including The Walk Off, where fans scan their credit cards to enter the store, grab a beer or cider from the coolers, and walk off with a refreshing beverage. The Mariners have brought back the Value Menu, ideal for parents with kids and for those who want to save a little money. The 12-ounce cans prices are $5 or $6 from 12 local and national brands. You can find more information in the Extras section of this review. Atmosphere 4 T-Mobile Park is designed to entertain fans from your traditional and non-traditional fans looking for a night out on the town. A total of $30 million was spent to improve many parts of the stadium to improve the experience. The Left Field Gate or Home Plate entrance are the two main access points. The Home Plate entrance features a rotunda and a baseball bat chandelier hanging from the ceiling over the staircase. This leads to the main concourse that wraps around and provides access to all parts of the stadium. The T-Mobile ‘Pen is located in the bullpen in centerfield and opens 2-hours before the game. Visitors can enjoy happy hour prices until the start of the game and have access to two full-service bars and several restaurants. The party atmosphere continues during the game with large crowds and good times. The Trident Deck is above the left field pole on the view level. It is named after the club’s original logo and is available to groups of 75 to 159 people or open to the public. A bar, lounge area, tables, and benches make up the scenic spot with wonderful views of the Seattle skyline. There are also views of the ball field as well as easy access to the seating bowl. The Rooftop Boardwalk above the Home Plate Gate Rotunda on the view level provides the best views of the city and the nearby Puget Sound. The section features tables, benches, and social areas for a relaxed atmosphere. The area is perfect for watching the sunset in the distant mountains. T-Mobile is dominated by a 56’7 by 201’5 foot video board in left field and neon pink ribbon colors on the retractable roof. Fans will also find two statues of Griffey and Martinez outside of the stadium. The Pacific Northwest Baseball Museum is behind the third base area. It displays teams from the past and present, former Mariner’s great, a not to the Seattle Pilots, and memorabilia from old Sicks Stadium where the Pilots and minor league teams once played. Neighborhood 4 T-Mobile Park is located in the SoDo district of Seattle and is a short 1.5 miles away from Pikes Place Market and a little closer to the piers and ferries. There are a few places within a few feet of the ballpark, but the better options include visiting some of the city’s trendier neighborhoods and tourist attractions. Street vendors set up shop on Occidental Avenue to sell grilled hot dogs that are Polish sausages, brats, Louisiana Red Hots, and kielbasa. They are then placed on grilled buns and customers then choose toppings from mustard, barbecue sauce, siracha sauce, jalapenos, relish, grilled onions, and pepperoncini. The Seattle Dog is worth eating. It is a 1/4 Polish sausage on a bun with grilled onions and cream cheese. They are served at all vendors and all over town. Read more about in this article. Pier 48 and 50 are within a short walking distance from the stadium and allow fans to take a short ferry ride to a few of the islands in Puget Sound. The more popular trip is the Bainbridge Island ferry, a 90-minute round trip that offers scenic views of the city and Mount Rainier. You will also find a collection of shops and restaurants, including Ivar’s Acres of Clams. A little further north is the Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57, which is a giant Ferris wheel that provides excitement for the family. You will also find the Seattle Aquarium and various other shops and restaurants. A short walk up Union Street takes visitors to Pikes Market Place. The area is a haven for tourists, and they surround Pikes Place Fish Market waiting for a large salmon and tuna to be flung into the air for sale. You will find The Pike Brewing Company, The Gum Wall, the original Starbucks store, and some great pizza and sandwiches from DeLaurenti Food & Wine. As with Seattle, there are also beautiful views of the sound from the elevated sections. If visiting Seattle in July and August, the city offers a few more sporting options that include the Seattle Storm at the Climate Pledge Arena, the Seattle Seahawks or the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field, and the Seattle Cascade (American United Disc League) and Seattle Memorial Stadium that is adjacent to the Space Needle. Fans 4 The fans have an exciting Mariners team to watch and have been coming out again to the ballpark to support the club. Fans are decked out in multiple team gear spanning from the current jerseys back to the trident logo of the 1970s, plus the City Connect jerseys are popular among fans. Yes, many are there to have a good time with friends and family, but it’s hard not to get excited about the young team that hopes to bring a championship to town. Access 4 T-Mobile Park is accessible via interstate, light link rail, city bus, train, on foot, and ferry. Fans who take the ferry from the nearby islands have about half a mile to walk to the stadium, and those who take the train, bus, or light rail system are dropped off at the stadium (the light rail system probably has a little bit of a longer walk). If arriving by car, there are multiple public and private lots around the ballpark. There are 15 entry points at the Left Field Gate entrance, including escalators and elevators to all three levels. There are additional elevators behind the home plate entry and escalators behind the home plate entrance and Sections 125 and 143. All gender restrooms are located in Sections 105, 120, 219, 234, 327, and 333. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Mariners games can be as low as $15 if purchased on sites such as TickPick with no additional fees or services but can rise to $35-$40 for games against Houston or ceremonies honoring former players. However, the average price for a ticket should be no more than $20-$25 games when you factor all of this in. The cost to park a car will range from $20-$30, Seattle Dog is $13, and craft beer is $16 inside the ballpark. You know what type of spender you are, and here is my advice to save a few bucks. If possible, hop in the light rail system for a $6 round trip fare, grab a Seattle Dog for $6 (or a Polish sausage combo, chips, and fries for $6) before the game at one of the street vendors, and once inside, enjoy a couple of value beers of Miller High Life or Iron Horse High Five for $5. The total will be around $16 for food and drink. If money is not an object, enjoy a plate of garlic fries, a luau plate, and a 16-ounce Black Raven Pilsner. It will cost around $36 in total. Extras 3 T-Mobile Park earns extra points for the scenic views of the city and Puget Sound from either the Trident Deck in the upper right corner or the Rooftop Boardwalk above the Home Plate Gate Rotunda on the view level. You would want to arrive around sunset for picture opportunities. Value Menu options are $3 and include a junior dog, nachos, peanuts, Red Vines, popcorn, a 12-ounce water bottle, and a 16-ounce refillable soda. If you are traveling with kids, this might be all they need to satisfy their hunger. For the adults, value beers are either $5 or $6 and include varieties from Pacifico, Bale Breaker, Boneyard, Corona, Lagunitas, PBR, and Vizzy. The T-Mobile ‘Pen is the place to be for younger fans looking for an open bar atmosphere. The area is next to the Mariners bullpen in center field and opens up 2 hours before the game featuring happy hour pricing. Final Thoughts T-Mobile Park provides everything a traditional and non-traditional fan would ever need at a ballpark. The assortment of food, beverages, and value options is impressive, along with its location to public transportation. However, it might be the views of the city and The Sound that is the real highlight of the ballpark. When you add a winning Mariners ball club, you should have no doubt a wonderful time at the ballpark. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Colonial Downs 10515 Colonial Downs Pkwy New Kent, VA 23124 Colonial Downs website Year Opened: 1997 Colonial Ponies Colonial Downs is located in New Kent, VA not far from Colonial Williamsburg, and re-opened for Thoroughbred racing in 2019 after a 5-year hiatus from the sport. The facility is part of the same complex as Rosie’s Gaming Emporium casino and offers both a dirt track as well as two turf courses. Horse racing is only available in the summer months (July through early September). Food & Beverage 5 There is plenty of food on offer at Colonial Downs, including full bars on each level of the clubhouse, a full-size restaurant called Rosie’s Kitchen inside the casino (ground level, featuring such items as burgers, flatbread pizzas, and chicken or fish sandwiches), a buffet on the third floor of the clubhouse (included as part of the ticket price for that level), food for purchase on the fourth floor of the clubhouse, and multiple options outside next to the track. The options outside include a smoked sausage stand, a fresh-squeezed lemonade stand, two bars, and a food truck serving up boozy ice cream drinks. There are also additional food options, sans any alcohol, available in the family zone section on the right-hand side facing the clubhouse. Atmosphere 5 The staff at Colonial Downs pull out all the stops even on days when there are no major stakes races – the amenities include a jet flyover following the National Anthem, a bouncy house and petting zoo with pony rides set up for the kids, free stuffed animal horses for the little ones, myriad betting stations so there is never a wait if you want to have a flyer, multiple horse statues on the grounds in case you want to take selfies, and almost every seat outside is undercover, to protect fans from the elements. There are also plenty of places to watch the races from; you can stand up close next to the rail or sit at one of the many picnic tables and watch while you eat. Or, of course, if you are willing to spend a little more on tickets you can sit in air-conditioned comfort on the third or fourth level of the clubhouse. Neighborhood 3 There is not much within close distance of Colonial Downs – there is a gas station with a Dairy Queen on the periphery of the property, but not much else. There is a golf course to the south of the track with lots of nice houses abutting it; in fact, the main entrance to the track is shared by those residents. There are some restaurants and hotels a few miles away if you want to stay near the track, but the big attraction of course is Colonial Williamsburg, about half an hour away. However, there are so many dining options at Colonial Downs itself that you likely won’t need anything else during your visit. Fans 3 Colonial Downs has pretty good attendance during most race days, and you will see plenty of people there with children. As with most horse racing courses, there is not much crowd noise except at the end of each race, when you will hear a few folks enthusiastically cheering on the horse of their choice. Access 4 Getting to Colonial Downs is pretty easy, as it is not far from I-64 and 1-95, the two main arteries taking people to the bigger cities north, south, and west. Once you get on the property there is free parking right next to the facility, but you may want to arrive early, as the closest spaces tend to fill up fast. There is a slight delay getting inside the clubhouse, as they do check IDs to make sure you are 21 – kids are allowed trackside, but you must be 21 or older to bet or to enter the casino and clubhouse. I didn’t see any kids inside, so it isn’t clear to me whether an adult has to go inside to buy tickets while the kids wait outside, or if there is a separate waiting area inside where children are allowed. Once at the track itself, there is plenty of room to move around and more than enough seating to accommodate the crowd size. There are chairback seats as well as chairback benches, depending on your preference, and there are escalators inside if you have tickets for the third or fourth level. Return on Investment 5 General admission seating is free at Colonial Downs, or you can pay a little extra for better seats outside ($5 to $40 each). Tickets inside the clubhouse are $75 each, but you must buy them in sets of at least four – food is included with tickets on the third level (buffet style), although you have to buy your drinks; only water is included in the base price. Tickets on the fourth level are also $75 each, again purchased in sets of at least four, and although the fourth floor has better seats, the food is not included there. However, since you can watch for free if you choose, seeing the races at Colonial Downs represents a great return on investment, given the free parking and all the great amenities. Extras 3 The horse statue in the main parking lot is of Secretariat, and there are other horse statues on the property as well. The facility also offers some great views, such as the fountain and pond in the infield, and is well kept up both outside and in. There is no gift shop on the property, however, so there isn’t a way to grab any souvenirs of your visit. Final Thoughts I would recommend a visit to Colonial Downs – this is a very upscale track without the upscale prices you may see at other tracks. In addition, the facility is very easy to get to for many people on the eastern seaboard, so it will be easy to plan a visit.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Osceola County Stadium 631 Heritage Park Way Kissimmee, FL 34744 Orlando City B website Osceola County Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,300 Orlando’s Future Soccer Stars In Orlando, the soccer scene has become a deeply woven part of the city’s sports fabric. Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride may very well get all of the attention, but make no mistake, there are other options in the area. The former indoor Orlando SeaWolves started the soccer craze in Osceola Memorial Park, and now the mantle belongs to Orlando City B. Having moved from Exploria Stadium after the COVID-19 pandemic to the former home of the Orlando Fire Frogs, OCB has found a home and a fanbase to call their own, without any distractions from big brother. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium fare is simple but tasty here. For most games only one concessions stand is open, but it has a wide variety of options. Cheeseburgers, nachos, hot dogs, fries, and various candy and chip selections are available, with drinks including water, bottled sodas, and beer. Pricing is simple and consistent with most stadiums, with drinks in the $4-$5 range and food just over $10 for meals. Atmosphere 3 The stadium itself is a former baseball stadium, playing host to various MiLB and spring training matchups over the years – now it has been converted to a soccer pitch. Seating is all general admission, meaning you can sit anywhere from the top rows down to right along the field. The seats along the sidelines line up well with the pitch and are in the shade for most of the afternoon and evening. However, any seating along what was the right field line will be in the sun and at an angle, when available. Neighborhood 3 The fact that you’re not far from Orlando proper means you aren’t far from plenty of entertainment. However, right around the stadium itself, you will find limited food and shopping options. Rodeo Diner and Chicken Spot are located right next to McDonald’s and Denny’s along US-192, the main road outside the facility. For lodging, Quality Inn & Suites Heritage Park and Travelodge by Wyndham Kissimmee East are your two best options. For seeing the sights, Walt Disney World Resort is only 15 minutes away, while NASA and Cape Canaveral are just an hour east near Cocoa Beach. Fans 3 The stadium may not sell out every game or echo with the chants from the Wall like their bigger counterparts downtown, but Orlando City B has built a loyal fanbase that shows up to their games with passion – signs in the stadium are still common showing their love of Orlando. Younger fans are among the most passionate at games, crowding the lower rows closest to the pitch and cheering with every pass and shot on goal. Another big fan draw is the family aspect of going to an OCB game; even after kickoff families with young fans continued to trickle into the stadium. Access 4 To get to Osceola County Stadium, a simple drive south on I-4 will take you to exit 244. From there a turn to the west on US-192 will lead you right to Osceola Heritage Park, where Silver Spurs Arena is located. Parking is plentiful on-site and free. Signs are also plentiful on-site to help direct you once you get on the property, as there are several different venues located at Osceola Heritage Park, including Silver Spurs Arena, the new home of the Kissimmee Magic. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are incredibly affordable at just $15 a person, and all seats are general admission. Partner this with free parking and affordable concessions, and it is easy to see why Orlando City B games are a hit with local families. Add to this the great action on the field, and the opportunity to watch some of the young stars that are coming up through the ranks in soccer, and you have little reason to skip out on this great game-day value. Extras 3 The stadium features a dedication plaque in the main concourse showcasing the history of the stadium. Fans also can enjoy watching the game from field level on the left field patio. Here, tables and chairs and standing room offer perhaps the most up-close view of any professional soccer experience without having to pay an extra price. Finally, the stadium facility is also the training home for Orlando City SC, and Orlando City B, so you can see plenty of stars in the fields around the stadium, training for future games. Final Thoughts Orlando City B may not have the big-name players or the big-time stadium, but they are no less deserving of your attendance. A great family atmosphere showcasing some of the brightest future stars makes for a perfect night out watching soccer in Orlando, without paying the price for the team’s bigger brother.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gateway Center Arena at College Park 2330 Convention Center Concourse College Park, GA 30337 Atlanta Dream website Gateway Center Arena at College Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 3,500 A Dream Matchup In 2021 the Atlanta Dream moved into the brand-new Gateway Center Atlanta Arena in College Park, GA. The Arena is a mere ¼ mile from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Atlanta’s Southside. This location has earned the arena the nickname of “The Runway.” It is a part of the Gateway Center’s expansion, which includes a convention center, two hotels, and direct access to the airport via the Air Train people mover system. The Gateway Center Arena seats 3,500 fans, which fits into the WNBA trend of moving the “right size” of its franchises into smaller capacity venues. The Dream formerly played at the 10,000-seat McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech and the 18,000-seat State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. They were simply too big for the Dream’s needs, plus the Dream had to line up behind the primary tenants (i.e., the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Atlanta Hawks) to establish their home schedule, which often left them with no weekend games and other unpopular dates. Now the team is the primary tenant in the new facility. The Atlanta Skyhawks, the G-League affiliate of the Hawks, also play at the Gateway Center Arena, but their two seasons do not overlap. The Dream now play in a much more intimate setting than their former homes. All seats in the new arena are located below the concourse level, with no seats further than 18 rows from the court. The new layout also allows for much more lucrative courtside seats than they had in past homes. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage programs have also been right-sized with the move to the Gateway Center Arena. There is now one primary concession stand on each side of the court, plus several product-specific culinary carts along the concourses on each side of the action. The program also benefits from the fact that stands are managed by vendors located on the Southside of Atlanta so that attendees are purchasing their food and beverages from companies they are familiar with. The Hangar stand sells hamburgers, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken club sandwiches, smoked chicken hoagies, nachos, pizza slices, pretzels, candy, and popcorn. Post Oak BBQ features pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, and hushpuppies. The sides include waffle fries, chips, and cookies. Coca-Cola beverages are sold at both stands, along with bottled water, coffee, and energy drinks. There is a full-service bar set up in the lobby. Atmosphere 4 The Dream has used the move to rebrand and refresh its look. This includes new court graphics and a new color scheme for their uniforms. The move to the Southside has also allowed it to be more focused in its marketing efforts. Its previous bases in the Midtown and downtown Atlanta had them in direct competition with Georgia Tech, the Atlanta Hawks, and other major events going on in the area. New branding for Atlanta Dream, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey They now market heavily in the Southside area of Atlanta. This has been a very underserved section of town for sports teams. The Dream marketing team has done a terrific job in the recruitment of civic organizations, church groups, and youth leagues for both season ticket sales and individual games, where a specific community group can be that night’s honoree. This has been very successful in getting the Southside to adopt the Dream as their “home team”. In return, the Dream has members of the team attend community events and appear at schools in the area to further cement the team’s outreach to the area. Thus far these efforts have been wildly successful, with near-capacity crowds at the games. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhoods in and around the Gateway Center Arena have been adopted by the team, and work closely with area clubs and organizations on projects that are important to improving the quality of life in the area. The “neighborhood” can also be expanded to include the many passengers and attendees that are staying at one of the two hotels on the property, as well as groups and individuals attending conferences at the convention center. The marketing team often does group sales as a “night out with the Dream” to conventions taking place at the center. While most of the attractions in town are in the Downtown Atlanta area, the Southside also is home to some major attractions. These include the hometown Delta Airlines Flight Museum, the museum at the Chick-fil-A corporate headquarters, and Tyler Perry’s film studios, which is less than two miles from the arena. Some of the stars from these films are known to attend Dream games. Both College Park and East Point feature some terrific dining options. Fans 4 The Dream’s decision to really focus on the Southside has really worked, as attendance is way up when compared with the team’s previous homes. The community surrounding the arena now claims the team as “their own.” In addition, the team has been very involved in outreach to Atlanta’s large LGBTQ community. This population has never been heavily recruited by the other major sports teams in the area, and they have responded very well to the team’s recruiting of their community. Each Dream game is filled with recognition of the groups in attendance that night on the scoreboard. They also fill breaks in the action with fan participation games. This really ties the team and the fans together. The fans are the team’s “sixth player” in close games, making so much noise that it makes it difficult for the visiting team to communicate. Access 4 The team’s new home is a dream to get to, as it offers multiple transportation options. If you are flying into Atlanta, you can simply take the free Plane Train to the Gateway Convention Center station and walk a short distance to the arena. You can also take the MARTA rail system to the airport from anywhere in Atlanta to the airport station and transfer for free to the Plane Train. The Gateway Center Arena is also easy to get to via Atlanta’s ring road (I-285) Take I-285 South and take Exit #2 (Camp Creek Parkway). Turn left on Camp Creek Parkway, then take a right at the red light for Convention Center Concourse. Once at the arena access is excellent. There is one main entrance into the arena, with multiple lanes available. Doors open one hour before tipoff. The signage is very clear in guiding you to your seats. All seats are below the very wide concourses. Return on Investment 3 The Dream offers a wide variety of price points for tickets. The cheapest seats are located behind the nets at the north end of the court, and they go for $23. The seats on the corners are $35, and the seats on the sides of the court cost $44. The most expensive seats in the house are courtside seats just a few feet from the action. They cost $105 or more. Parking at Dream games is $10. You can also take the MARTA bus or rail system for $5 roundtrip to the arena. The concession prices at Gateway Center Arena are much lower than other sports venues in the Atlanta area. Extras 2 The Dream work very closely with community organizations to offer free or discounted tickets to populations who are less fortunate. The Dream works very closely with the civil rights organizations in the area on furthering Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of a more equitable society during the MLK holiday observances in his hometown. Final Thoughts The Atlanta Dream finally has a home of its own for the first time in its 15 years of existence. It is working closely with its neighbors to make professional sports more accessible to communities on the Southside of Atlanta.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre 6 Northmen Way Orangeville, ON L9W 3B2 Orangeville Northmen website Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,050 Rose of Orange With a mere population of 28,000, the Town of Orangeville has a significant sports legacy. The Orangeville Prep Basketball Academy counts Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, along with Edge and Christian (Adam Copeland and Jay Reso) of professional wrestling fame along its alumni. Despite these famous residents, Orangeville is essentially a lacrosse town. Orangeville offers among the most in-depth lacrosse programs in Ontario and fields three teams at the junior level with the Orangeville Northmen of the OJLL at the top of the chain. Few centres offer both Junior A and Junior B teams, but Orangeville offers Junior A, Junior B, and Junior C teams. Those who play Junior A lacrosse for the Northmen hope to translate their success on the floor to opportunities in the NCAA or the professional National Lacrosse League. Orangeville Northmen alumni include Pat Coyle, Josh and Phil Sanderson, Brodie Merrill, Mike Poulin, and current General Manager Nick Rose. All have or are currently playing in the NLL. Home for the Northmen is the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre. Named after the father of GM and Toronto Rock goaltender Nick Rose, the Tony Rose offers seating for 1,050 in the main arena and a classic lacrosse environment. Tony Rose was a member of the Northmen in the eighties and was a member of Senior B championship teams. He was a promoter of local lacrosse and died in a car accident in 1990. Food & Beverage 3 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre has a fairly typical concession scene for Junior A lacrosse. A single snack bar-style concession is found in the lobby and offers all of the expected arena delicacies. French fries, poutine, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, muffins, freezies, and chips are all available. Vending machines opposite the concession offer soft drinks. Inside the main arena, a small selection of beer and seltzer can be found. Atmosphere 3 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre functions as a typical town community centre. The exterior is a mix of both modern and dated looks for the two-pad complex. The main entrance off of Northern Way features a mix of light brick which gives it a clean, attractive look. “The Torchbearer” and “Mr. Lacrosse,” wooden sculptures which are part of the Orangeville Art Walk of Tree Sculptures, welcome sports fans heading to the game. Mr. Lacrosse is a tribute to Orangeville lacrosse legend, the late Terry Sanderson. Inside, fans will enter a small lobby before heading into the main arena. In the lobby, there is a display for Tony Rose including his stick and jersey. Inside the main arena, fans are greeted by volunteers at temporary tables for ticket sales, raffles, and merchandise sales. The floor runs from north to south and offers 10 rows of step bench seating on the west side. On the north end of the arena is a trophy case that lacrosse fans should check out as there are a ton of accolades and awards for the Northmen. In the northeast corner, around what could be the operations window, hang the six Minto Cup Championship banners signifying the highest honour possible in junior lacrosse, the national championship. (1993, 1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015) . The north wall also offers some nice touches including a large banner signifying the retired number 19 for Terry Sanderson. To the left there is also a large, touching, “In Memoriam” banner with the initials of those Northmen who have passed. The nod to Northmen history and accomplishments continues with a trophy case with artifacts for former Team Canada player, Chris Sanderson and painted championship rosters for Northmen Ontario Senior Champions from the eighties. The eastern wall is littered with youth box and field lacrosse championship banners. The simple hockey-style scoreboard is found on the south end. The playing surface is polished concrete and does have a centre floor logo, to further personalize the venue. The gameday production is very simple with some music played during down times and a 50/50 draw is at the centre of the promotions. The PA system is poor and it is difficult to understand the announcements that are being made much of the time. Neighbourhood 3 Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre is located in the town of Orangeville, which is not huge. Orangeville is located northwest of Brampton and west of Highway 10. There is not much in the way of pre or post-game spots for food and drink in the residential area surrounding the arena, so fans should head south to Broadway for more options. Bluebird Cafe, Rustik Local Bistro, Black Wolf Smokehouse, and Hockley Valley Brewing are some options fans may wish to check out. There is not much in the way of other sports in the immediate area, however, Orangeville being such a lacrosse hotbed, the Junior B or Junior C Orangeville Northmen may be of interest. For other entertainment options, Theatre Orangeville may be of interest and the Walk of Tree Sculptures are worth checking out. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Best Western on Highway 10 is a good option. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the OJLL is difficult as the attendance figures are not published. The game that was reviewed was also part of the OJLL Finals series. That being said, the Orangeville Northmen enjoy a strong support network. The game that was reviewed involved a standing-room-only crowd. The fans in attendance are loud and supportive and even take their support to the next level with college hockey-type chants after goals. Access 4 The Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre is located in central Orangeville. It is located west of Highway 10, the main artery in town. Getting to the arena will require going through town, which is not a big deal. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there is a bus stop right across the road from the arena. Fans should consult the Orangeville Transit website for fares, schedules, and maps. The Tony Rose facilities are fairly tight when there is a big crowd, and feature benches that are not the most comfortable, and there is no air conditioning making it pretty hot during the summer months. Return on Investment 5 Orangeville Northmen and OJLL lacrosse offer tremendous value for a very small investment. Tickets for the Northmen are $10, parking is free and concession offerings offer a decent price. The lacrosse on the floor is fast and pure without too much production. In the end, this all adds up to a tremendous return for a minimal investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the strong community connection that Orangeville has with the sport of lacrosse. An extra mark for Northmen GM Nick Rose, who not only is the goaltender for the Toronto Rock but also the son of Orangeville legend Tony Rose. An extra mark for the massive Orangeville Northmen alumni including Nick Rose, Phil Sanderson, Josh Sanderson, Mike Poulin, Pat Coyle, and Brodie Merrill to name a few. All have had significant careers in the National Lacrosse League. Final Thoughts Orangeville and lacrosse go together like peanut butter and jelly and the Orangeville Northmen are the main attraction for the town. For lacrosse fans, a trip to see the Orangeville Northmen will be an experience that will be worth the time, and checking out all the lacrosse artifacts and history at the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre will be worth it. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Maimonides Park 1904 Surf Ave Brooklyn, NY 11224 Brooklyn Cyclones website Maimonides Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 7,500 Maimonides Park– Brooklyn Cyclones Throughout the early 20th century, Brooklyn was one of the hotbeds of baseball in America. The Brooklyn Dodgers were the heart and soul of the borough for over 65 years until "Dem Bums” moved to Los Angeles in 1957. Brooklyn was without professional baseball for over 40 years until it returned in 2001, not in the Flatbush neighborhood where the Dodgers had played at Ebbets Field, but now on Coney Island, by way of the Brooklyn Cyclones. First members of the short-season New York-Penn League, the Cyclones survived the “Great Minor League Contraction” of 2020 and were also elevated from the NY-Penn League to the High-A, South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. Food & Beverage 3 Despite the food options at Maimonides Park being slightly above the status quo, they have a decent amount of better-than-average concessions when compared to what might be found at comparable minor league ballparks. Be on the lookout for the concessions stand selling knishes though – they are a definite treat. And would it be a true New York experience without a slice of pizza? There is a specialized pizza oven down the third base concourse; the only drawback is that it does not seem to be in use regularly. It just would seem wrong if a baseball stadium in Brooklyn served anything other than Nathan’s Famous hot dogs – the Coney Island staple is the hot dog of choice at Maimonides Park, and their flagship location is just two blocks away. Keeping with the taste of local indulgences, Coney Island Brewing’s Mermaid Pilsner and NY Mer Man IPA, as well as Brooklyn Brewery’s Pulp Art Hazy IPA and Summer Ale are served at the stadium. Those who are looking for more national beers or non-craft options have a selection from the Miller family of beers, Truly Seltzer, and Twisted Iced Tea to choose from. In addition, even more, alcohol choices are available through several frozen drinks, margarita popsicles, and boozy ice cream in many different flavors. Concession prices are a touch high for some items, rivaling those at many major league ballparks. Kosher options are available throughout the stadium; there are a handful of stands labeled with their kosher food choices. In all, even though there is no wow factor of anyone concessions item, the selection of adult beverages and local favorites does set Maimonides Park apart from most. Atmosphere 4 The neighboring carnival atmosphere of the area seamlessly flows into Maimonides Park. From the red and yellow alternating lights and neon of the ticket windows to the neon-colored hoops on each of the stadium’s lighting stanchions, along with the 262-foot World’s Fair-era Parachute Jump tower just beyond the right field wall, brings the visual components of the midway into the stadium. Screams from riders of the Thunderbolt roller coaster and the carnival barker personality of in-game host King Henry also add to the unique atmosphere of the stadium. One of the unique features of Maimonides Park is, other than the suites and themed gathering areas, the field level seating bowl has one price for all tickets. Fans on the first base side of the field tend to be a bit more rambunctious in their support of the Cyclones, while lower levels on the third base side of the stadium provide spectacular views of the grandstand, with its yellow and blue awning, colored accent lighting, and the parachute tower. In addition, seating in the upper levels of the suite area of the stadium provides views of the Coney Island boardwalk, pier, and Atlantic Ocean. Brooklyn puts on a well-orchestrated show for fans each night between several clever themed nights, well thought-out gate giveaways, and the mid-inning games hosted by King Henry. The Cyclones have been recognized as one of the top organizations in minor league baseball with numerous Golden Bobblehead Award nominations, awarded for top promotions and events. Given their New York City location, many promotions have centered around Seinfeld characters or popular scenes from the long-running sitcom. When it comes to the overall game experience at Maimonides Park, the Cyclones do an excellent job of bringing the fun and excitement of the surrounding area inside the stadium. Neighborhood 5 Maimonides Park is bordered by several high-rise residential buildings and the famed Coney Island boardwalk. The park is at the junction where urban residential meets New York City’s beaches. The culture from the Coney Island boardwalk and pier just outside the stadium feels at one with the ballpark. On busy weekends, Latin music coming from the boardwalk provides a beautiful musical backdrop as the teams warm up; the only drawback is the stadium speakers frequently drown out the nearby music. The Luna Amusement Park neighbors Maimonides Park for three blocks outside the outfield fences and sets the background for the stadium – it also provides a lot of thrills to experience before heading through the gates for a game. Just a short walk from the ballpark is legendary Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, world recognized for their Fourth of July hot dog eating competition. However, though Nathan’s is the most iconic of the food options in the area, there are a seemingly endless number of food shops serving fried clams, oysters, shish-kebob, Italian sausage, and assorted sweet treats. Fans looking for a pre-game craft beer need to, look no further than Coney Island Brewery, which is part of the outer side of Maimonides Park. If something a bit more lowkey than the excitement of the midway and beach is more up your alley, the New York Aquarium is a short walk down the boardwalk. Fans arriving hours before the gates open will find themselves with nearly an endless number of options to fill their time before entering the stadium, and this does not include the endless choices in Brooklyn or the rest of New York City. Fans 4 Cyclone fans remind you that Brooklyn still has a love affair with the game of baseball. Attendance numbers do fluctuate greatly throughout the season, but come the summer months attendance ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 on most nights, with weekend day games being the most popular. This is consistent with the success the Cyclones saw while members of the New York-Penn League when they were commonly the top attendance draw in the league. Now as a full-season affiliate, the crowds still show up, but early-season attendance can be a bit modest. It is just not the attendance that helps to add to the experience at Maimonides Park, but fans sit on the edge of their seats, ready to celebrate each Cyclone's run or outstanding play. What makes the fans in Brooklyn special though is not necessarily their passion for baseball, but the way they celebrate the team’s successes together – it is not uncommon for a whole section of fans to erupt in jubilation following a pivotal play in the game. Access 4 The ease of getting to Maimonides Park depends a lot on how you plan to get to the ballpark. If arriving by vehicle, it can be an adventure simply given the congestion of New York City’s highways and surface streets. On the other hand, New York is much easier to navigate via its subway system, which has a stop less than a half mile from the stadium. If just passing through New York and driving to the stadium, be prepared to deal with the city traffic. If possible, taking the subway to Coney Island’s Stillwell Avenue stop is probably the best bet. Return on Investment 3 Many think of New York City and the exorbitant prices that can come with it, but the Cyclones offer several tiers of tickets that make attending games a steal. Grandstand tickets start as low as $9, before fees for bargain games, while games held on premium dates run $20. Typical game tickets begin at $15 with fees added to online sales, but which can be avoided if tickets are purchased at the box office. The affordability of pricing is relative to the location of the ballpark. Fans with proof of a game ticket can park for $10. This may seem to be a bit expensive for High-A baseball but is a good deal given the location of the ballpark and the fact that visitors to surrounding attractions are paying at least twice that rate. Concessions at Maimonides Park are a bit on the higher side compared to other minor league parks – they are more on par with major league stadiums, but there are a handful of less expensive options. Extras 4 A statue of Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese stands just outside the main gate. The statue memorializes the accounts of Reese supporting Robinson by putting his arm around his shoulder while Robinson was being tormented by hecklers early in his career. Though the exact account of the story is a bit inconsistent, the friendship between the two is well documented. The artwork atop the scoreboard replicates the wooden structures of the Cyclone roller coaster, which is the namesake of the team and is visible in the distance over the left field wall. Outside the stadium adjacent to the neighboring parking lot is the Wall of Remembrance which honors the 416 first responders who lost their lives when responding to the attack on the World Trade Center. The Cyclones have a few ways they recognize the historical significance of the Brooklyn Dodgers; the “B” of the logo replicates the one used by the Dodgers almost exclusively during their days in Flatbush. In addition, the iron art at the end of each row of seats also makes use of the “Brooklyn B”. Final Thoughts The Dodgers may have left Brooklyn over 65 years ago, but the impact they had in creating a baseball-loving community is still felt today. The passion Brooklyn has for baseball creates a fun and knowledgeable baseball community. Partnered with the work the Cyclones do in meshing fans with fun, and the carnival atmosphere from neighboring Luna Park midway and the Coney Island boardwalk, baseball at Maimonides Park is one of the true gems in minor league baseball.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Seaman Stadium 256 Don Seaman Way Okotoks, AB T1S 1A5 Okotoks Dawgs website Seaman Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,200 Alberta’s Dawg House The Okotoks Dawgs are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada. They play in the Western Canadian Baseball League and are six-time WCBL champions. They play at Seaman Stadium which opened in 2007. The team began in 2003 as the Calgary Dawgs but has some history as part of a larger overall youth baseball operation that began in 1996, which is noted on their team logo. While in Calgary they played at Foothills Stadium former home to the Calgary Cannons AAA baseball club. Donald and Doc Seaman were the principal donors to this new stadium in Okotoks, located 38 km (24 mi) south of Downtown Calgary in what is now a bedroom community of Calgary. Okotoks is the largest town (not a city) in the province of Alberta. Food & Beverage 4 The stadium has two main concession stands, along with a smaller stand at the far end of the left field berm area. That small food area in left offers the wonderful Spolumbo’s sausages on a bun. Spolumbo’s is a well-established Calgary deli that makes fantastic sausages, so this is a place to visit if you want a real treat. Having Spolumbo’s as an offering makes this food rating worth a 4-star on its own. The other two main stands are fairly similar and offer a good variety of the normal concession offerings at the usual ballpark prices. There are many beer and alcohol options at Seaman Stadium. Atmosphere 4 Seaman Stadium has a great atmosphere for a summer collegiate game, as the stadium rivals ones in higher-level leagues. The ballpark has a capacity for 5,200 with a mix of stadium seating around the infield, and a grass berm stretching the left field line. The grass berm is very steep and if it was a little less steep it could be a little better of a seating area. There are quite a few hospitality and VIP areas that can be utilized around the ballpark. The team offers the usual between-innings promotions seen at a minor league stadium. Neighborhood 2 Seaman Stadium is located east of the Okotoks' downtown area and is in an industrial area. There are no real options within walking distance for pre or post-game dining. You will need to make a short drive around this suburban area for other options. Cha Cha John’s and Tom’s House of Pizza are two of the options we recommend within a short drive from Seaman Stadium. Fans 5 The team is well-supported and fans pack the stands at Seaman Stadium at levels that are far above the averages for this league. The crowd seems knowledgeable and they seem to enjoy the players and coaches who often come back from one year to another. Access 4 Seaman Stadium may not be in an area that is exciting for pre or post-game activities but there is plenty of free parking nearby. There is plenty of signs that assist you in finding the stadium area. The concourse area is of a decent size although there are a couple of pinch points when the stadium gets packed. Return on Investment 4 Seats for the grandstand ($20) do often sell out, but there should always be tickets available to sit on the left field berm for $10. The prices will also be higher for Canada Day and Father's Day games. The overall prices might be a little high but still in the normal "ballpark" for high-quality games. As mentioned previously, parking is free. Extras 5 Duvernay Fieldhouse, a full-service indoor training facility for the Dawgs, as well as for the Dawgs Youth Academy players, is seen along the right field line. Diggity is the team mascot who entertains the crowd. There is also a good videoboard for the stadium. The Dawgs General Store is a very well-stocked team souvenir store. The Dawgs do a good job of showing off their history by detailing all of the alumni who have played for the team in the past along areas of the concourse. The Dawgs have been a great success in the WCBL and you will be able to see the many championships and successful teams by all of the banners and signage around the stadium. Final Thoughts Seaman Stadium is a wonderful ballpark, especially for the collegiate summer league level. There are likely to be affiliated minor teams that would be jealous of this fine facility.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 PointsBet Stadium 2 Captain Cook Drive Woolooware, NSW 2230 Australia Cronulla Sharks website PointsBet Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 22,000 Shark Park Southern Cross Group Stadium (formerly known as Remondis Stadium) is located in the Sutherland Shire of Sydney, serving as home to the Cronulla Sharks of the National Rugby League (NRL). The stadium was built in 1960 and, in somewhat of an anomaly in Australian sport, is actually owned by the Sharks. Several renovations have lifted the capacity to the current mark of 22,000. The original name of the venue is Endeavour Field, but it is commonly called “Shark Park” by the Cronulla faithful. The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks joined the then NSW Rugby League in 1967, having previously played in the Sydney inter-district competition. The Sharks are based in the Sutherland Shire, representing the coastal areas south of Botany Bay and the Georges River. While enjoying several periods of success throughout their history, the Sharks have yet to win a first grade premiership, losing two grand finals in the 1970s to Manly (plus a GF replay in 1978 after the original match was drawn 11-11), and the 1997 Super League grand final to Brisbane. Financial instability has dogged the club over the years, although it’s hoped a large development project on land owned by the Sharks will secure their long term financial future. Note: The stadium name is now named PointsBet Park. Food & Beverage 3 Southern Cross Group Stadium embodies exactly what you expect from a trip to a suburban footy stadium; long lines, average mass produced food, and prices that make you wonder why you didn’t get an extra $50 out at the ATM. Your food offerings can broadly be separated into all the basic stadium food groups; meat pies, hot chips, hot dogs, burgers, fish and chips, and chicken. Add to that nachos and some basic wraps, and that’s pretty much it. A decent feed is likely to set you back a minimum of around $12 per person. Limit your expectations at the bar to another long wait in line, despite the “VB Only” lines. Soft drinks are Pepsi-Schweppes and beer is CUB. Probably best not to be too adventurous in the food department while at Southern Cross Group and stick with the tried and true pie, chips and a beer. Atmosphere 3 The Sharkies offer a traditional game day experience with the focus on the footy. Games against local rivals St George Illawarra draw good crowds, while most Sydney opponents will also attract reasonable numbers. There are two entrances to Shark Park; both on the southern side of the stadium. You enter through a large inflatable shark’s head, with the southwestern entrance also featuring the Sharks honour walk. The stadium has grandstands on three sides, with the northern end dominated by a hill area. The main stand is on the western side and is named after arguably the Sharks greatest ever player, Andrew Ettingshausen (ET Stand). The Peter Burns Stand is on the eastern side and is built onto the adjoining Sharkies Leagues Club. During an afternoon game this stand looks directly into the setting sun. The southern stand is the most recent addition to Southern Cross Group Stadium and was named after the first captain of the club, Monty Porter. There are video screens at either end. The ground announcer is passionately one-sided towards the home team, and adds to the atmosphere, despite his painfully constant referrals to the Sharks captain, Paul Gallen as, “G-Train.” The public address system is too loud, particularly the music leading up to the start of the game. Expect the standard cheerleaders, known as the Mermaids, and junior footy played at halftime. The ET Stand is the premiere place to sit and as a result tickets for this area tend to sell faster than any other area (and are priced accordingly). The hill is designated as family friendly and alcohol free, but if it’s a solid crowd it can be quite uncomfortable. There’s concourse seating around the ground which is a better priced option if you don’t mind sitting closer to ground level. Be aware that only a small amount of seats have good coverage from rain. Neighborhood 2 The immediate neighbourhood is largely playing fields and residences, save for the leagues club next door. If you’re after anything more than that then you’ll have to head down the road to Cronulla itself. The Leagues Club has a bistro, cafe, and Chinese restaurant as well as bars and entertainment. If you’re down in Cronulla, then the Nuns Pool Cafe (103 Ewos Pde) has a well-deserved good reputation. Northies Cronulla is also a well-known local watering hole (Cnr Kingsway & Elouera). The Cronulla area is dominated by its waterways. Local surf beaches are Cronulla, North Cronulla, Elouera, and Wanda. The nearest major shopping centre is Westfield Miranda, just to the west of Woolooware. The metropolitan area of Sydney and CBD are within a 30 minute drive, while Sydney’s Kingsford-Smith airport is 18km to the north. There’re several hotels in Cronulla including a Rydges and a Quest. Fans 3 The Sharks are well supported by their local community. However, the area the team represents is relatively small, and borders too closely with St George Illawarra. Sadly, Cronulla is often mentioned as a candidate for relocation, should it ever occur. Average attendance is around 12,000 which is at the lower end of NRL teams. Choose the game you attend carefully to make the most of your experience at Remondis. Look for matches against other Sydney teams to boost crowds and the resulting atmosphere. If a decent crowd does turn up, the atmosphere compares well with other venues. Sharks fans enjoy their footy and strongly cheer for their team. Access 2 Southern Cross Group Stadium is not well located in terms of transportation, with no close parking or public transport. The nearest train station at Woolooware is around a 15 minute walk from the stadium. Buses may be an option depending where you are travelling from. There are no parking lots available. While not having to pay for parking is always a pleasure, the resulting traffic and battle to find a parking spot on packed suburban streets is not. A walk of a kilometre or more is easily possible if you choose to drive. Interestingly, there are numerous security guards and police in the surrounding streets to help manage pedestrian safety and congestion. Entry is relatively smooth with electronic ticket scanners and a minimal security check for the standard bag check. Best to buy your ticket online before you turn up. A half decent crowd and the concourses will be quite busy as fans spill into walkways. Crowds for bathrooms are reasonable, even at half time. Ushers are minimal, overworked, and not particularly effective. Return on Investment 3 Not having to pay for parking is a huge bonus when comparing cost to other major venues, but let’s face it, the long walk and stress in finding a parking spot all but cancels that positive out. Cost of entry and food is about average. Cheapest Adult Ticket: $25.49 Parking: $0 Pie: $6 Drink: $3.50 TOTAL: $34.99 There are discounts for juniors and families. Extras 2 There are two inflatable attractions for older children on the hill, and it’s also worth mentioning the honour walk at the south western entrance. Final Thoughts The best thing about Southern Cross Group Stadium is that it completely represents the football team that plays there. It’s an older stadium with minimal amenities, but is worth a trip to the Shire all the same.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Cbus Super Stadium Centreline Pl Robina, QLD 4226 Australia Gold Coast Titans website Cbus Super Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 27,000 Titans Super at Cbus Originally known as Robina Stadium, Cbus Super Stadium was opened in 2008 with a capacity of 27,000. The venue was constructed to serve as a home ground for the new NRL entity, the Gold Coast Giants. Former A-League club, Gold Coast United, was also a permanent tenant. Additionally, Cbus Super Stadium has hosted several rugby league test matches, the Gold Coast Sevens tournament as part of the World Rugby Sevens Series, and the Queensland Country NRC rugby team. The stadium is owned by the Queensland State Government and is supposedly a smaller replica of Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The rugby league on the Gold Coast has a chequered history. The region was first granted an expansion team in 1988. The club existed for only 11 seasons, during which time they were variously known as Gold Coast-Tweed Giants, Gold Coast Seagulls, Gold Coast Gladiators, and lastly, Gold Coast Chargers. Unfortunately the club never really gained much support from locals and suffered from various ownership changes and boardroom politicking. Almost 10 years later the Titans were formed and admitted to the NRL, playing their first season at nearby Metricon Stadium. While the Titans have been more successful in growing a fan base and achieving commendable results on the field, they too have found themselves embroiled in several controversies including financial inconsistencies and a salary cap breach. Despite this, it appears the Titans are in for the long haul in their shiny new home at Robina. Food & Beverage 4 Several outlets can be found along the concourse behind the seating bowl. They are well-designed and provide easy flow and efficient service. There is a slightly larger range of offerings normally found at other NRL venues, although unsurprisingly, prices are uniformly high. You’ll likely pay $10-$15 per adult for food, with an additional $5 for a soft drink or $7.60 for a mid-strength beer. Atmosphere 4 Cbus Super Stadium is only young in comparison to most high-level sporting stadiums in Australia. It is considered a smaller boutique venue, and as such, the seating bowl is limited to one stand on each of the four sides. There are screens located in the northwestern corner and southeastern corner, not huge but adequate. The seats match the Titans colours with a nice wave pattern on each side. Interestingly the northern stand was not used at all for the game we attended. The roof is well designed for both weather protection and for enhancing crowd noise. There aren’t many other personalised touches but largely the stadium is a great fit for the Titans. Neighborhood 5 Robina is a development project which has steadily grown over the past 20 years. It is largely residential save for the health precinct and town centre shopping centre. The stadium is at the northern end of the suburb, with the only structure of note in the vicinity being Bond University Institute of Health and Sport building. That being the case, local attractions in the immediate area are minor. However, Robina is of course located on the Gold Coast, famous for its beaches and tourist attractions. The coastal strip closest to the stadium is Broadbeach which has a great beach (Kurrawa, long-time host of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships), numerous hotels and holiday units, Jupiters Casino, and a mall full of great restaurants and cafes. A couple of suggestions include Marigold Indian Restaurant (53/54 Ground Floor Oasis Shopping Centre), Kurrawa Surf Club (Old Burleigh Rd), and Mario’s Italian (Oasis Shopping Centre). Further afield, the Gold Coast is home to several large theme parks including Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and Dreamworld. The best surfing beaches in the area are Kirra, Burleigh Heads, and Snapper Rocks. The Gold Coast is highly populated and the surf is always crowded. Gold Coast Airport straddles the QLD-NSW border at Coolangatta and is around a 15-20 mins drive from the stadium. If you’re visiting the Gold Coast it’s also worth remembering that the state capital of Brisbane is only an hour to the north, while the stunning beaches of Ballina and Lennox Head are an hour to the south. Fans 3 Crowds have steadily declined over the past few years as the Titans have struggled through financial and off-field dramas. The current average is around 12,000 although a derby game against the Brisbane Broncos would be expected to draw higher. To a certain extent, the Titans need to rebuild trust with the community, although if they win more games there’s no doubt fans will return quicker. As the population of the Gold Coast is largely transplanted from around Australia, many locals retain their allegiances to other teams. As a result, you can expect to see plenty of opposition fans in attendance, regardless of who the Titans are playing. Generally, the crowd is good-natured, well-behaved, and supports their team well. Access 3 Cbus Super Stadium is not designed to be accessible via private car. There is pretty much no parking whatsoever, with the stadium offering none and parking restrictions heavily enforced on the local streets. However, if you get there early and look around you can probably jag a spot within 10 minute walk of the stadium. I managed to get a free spot with no time limit across the road from the local high school. It might also be worth trying to park at the shopping centre. You are highly encouraged to utilise public transport with Robina Train Station basically on the stadium's doorstep. The price of public transport is usually included in your Titans game ticket. It’s a little difficult to spot the stadium as you approach by foot, as you are directed down Stadium Drive which is not the most direct route. The Bond University Building also provides a stark visual obstruction. Once inside, it’s a completely different story with nice wide concourses facilitating easy movement around the stadium. The signage is clear and the stadium is very clean, bathrooms included. My only complaint regarding the concourse is that you are unable to sight the playing field, which in itself wouldn’t be too much of an issue except that there are no television screens. An interesting quirk once inside the seating bowl is the small height of each step – and if you are seated up high there will be plenty of steps to climb. Return on Investment 4 Given the reports of excessive match day fees for the Titans to hire the ground, it’s surprising that tickets aren’t more expensive. I don’t often say this, especially for the NRL, but in this case, tickets are well-priced. The best adult tickets run about $40 which is a great value. There’s not r bad seat in the house and while there are ushers at each section, there is still some flexibility in terms of “upgrading” your allocated seat. The Titans also use several fan engagement activities to enhance the experience. Extras 3 Bonus points for fan engagement activities on the stadium forecourt, the merchandise outlets, and the entertainment during breaks in play (large cheerleading display and junior games throughout the afternoon). Final Thoughts The Gold Coast is a tourist hot spot. If you’re in town during the cooler months a visit to see the Titans play at Cbus Super Stadium is recommended for a well-priced and enjoyable, modern stadium experience.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Silver Spurs Arena 1875 Silver Spur Ln Kissimmee, FL 34744 Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 8,000 Indoor Soccer Fever For a city like Orlando, attracting sports fans to games is something of a hassle. You have to compete with the constant flow of events, conventions, concerts, and the ever-present theme park industry for attention. So for indoor soccer to arrive in the Central Florida area just south of the city in Kissimmee, there had to be some interest. The success and fervor around Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride is very well known. However, would fans flock to Silver Spurs Arena for the indoor version of the sport? Opening night for the Orlando SeaWolves brought nearly 2,500 fans to the 8,000-seat facility. Subsequent games have seen crowds of approximately 1,500 fans per game. Somewhat of a hidden gem, the Orlando SeaWolves have the foundation for another successful soccer franchise in Central Florida, and the experience for fans at games reflects that potential. Food & Beverage 3 Silver Spurs Arena offers a few different food options at their concessions stands. For drinks, beer and alcohol prices run anywhere from $6 to $14. Soda, water, Gatorade, and coffee all run $3. Main dishes include chicken tenders with fries ($9), cheeseburgers with fries ($9), hot dogs ($4), or turkey wraps ($9). A side of fries by themselves costs $5. Other sides and smaller dishes include popcorn or nachos for $4, a pretzel for $5, chips for $2, and candy for $3. While nothing really stands out here above your average stadium concessions options, prices are relatively fair, and everything is served hot and with a smile from the friendly staff on site. Atmosphere 3 Silver Spurs Arena isn’t exactly one that is chock full of history, having only been in existence since the middle of the last decade, nor does it feature sports memorabilia from historic seasons past. That said, it does feel cozy, and the sound flow means loud crowd cheering reverberates well throughout. So while the attendance may only be 1,500, it can sure feel like a lot more are there. The supporters section in the end zone also has all the hallmarks of a traditional soccer supporters group. A modest sign showcasing their logo, fans playing instruments and singing various chants throughout the game, and even smoke whenever a goal is scored are all present. The “Wolf Pack” surely makes game day fun, keeping the feeling of a traditional soccer game experience well alive indoors. Neighborhood 3 The fact that you’re not far from Orlando proper means you aren’t far from plenty of entertainment. However, right around the arena itself, one will find limited food and shopping options. Rodeo Diner and Chicken Spot are located right next to McDonald’s and Denny’s along US-192, the main road outside the arena. For lodging, Quality Inn & Suites Heritage Park and Travelodge by Wyndham Kissimmee East are your two best options. For seeing the sights, Walt Disney World Resort is only 15 minutes away, while NASA and Cape Canaveral are just an hour east near Cocoa Beach. Fans 3 The crowds may not fill in like other professional sports in Orlando, but that is to be expected with a brand-new franchise. The arena also is away from the city center, meaning there isn’t a fan march from downtown like those seen at other pro soccer events. That said, the fans who do go to Orlando SeaWolves games are extremely passionate and are often fans of the sport itself rather than just casual fans. They’re also loud, which makes for a great experience on game day. When goals are scored, the fans erupt with cheers that make it feel like a packed arena. Hopefully, with continued success and exposure will come the bigger crowds that central Florida is known for when it comes to soccer. Access 4 To get to Silver Spurs Arena, a simple drive south on I-4 will take you to exit 244. From there, a turn to the west on US-192 will lead you right to Osceola Heritage Park where Silver Spurs Arena is located. Parking is plentiful on site and costs $10, cash only. Signs are also plentiful on site to help direct you once you get on property, as there are several different venues located at Osceola Heritage Park, including Osceola County Stadium, home of the Florida Fire Frogs. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Orlando SeaWolves games range from $12 in the end zone and supporters section to $30 on the sidelines. Adding in $10 for parking, an Orlando SeaWolves game is much less expensive than other major sporting events in the greater Orlando area. The excitement of indoor soccer is also well worth the price of admission. Extras 4 Silver Spurs Arena’s main entrance features a pop-up team store where fans can pick up some SeaWolves Swag before and during the game, and there are also some giveaways during the game. During breaks in between quarters, fans are selected from the stands to participate in games on the field of play for entertainment. There are also various vendors set up in the main lobby and along the upper concourse. Final Thoughts If you’re looking for an evening of sports in Central Florida but don’t want to fight downtown traffic or pay the high ticket prices of other pro teams, the Orlando SeaWolves are a perfect choice. This brand-new franchise is growing in a market that is soccer-crazed. The excitement of indoor soccer is also something that is growing, with large crowds across the league marking a growth in the sport. For sure, the Orlando SeaWolves are a team to be seen in person, and indoor soccer a sport to be experienced the next time you’re in Central Florida.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 The Flair Airlines Hangar at the Edmonton Expo Centre 7515 118 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5B 4M9 Canada Edmonton Stingers website The Flair Airlines Hangar at the Edmonton Expo Centre website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,000 Stinging In Edmonton The Edmonton Stingers are a Canadian professional basketball team based in Edmonton, Alberta. They compete in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and play their home games at the Flair Airlines Hangar at the Edmonton Expo Centre. The Stingers' mascot is Buzz, a hornet, inspired by the CF-18 based in Cold Lake. The team logo has a CF-18 going through a capital E to make the body of the hornet. The Stingers played their first game in 2019 and won league championships in 2020 and 2021. The CEBL began play in 2019. and currently consists of 10 teams from six provinces, with four from Ontario, two from Alberta, and one each from British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec, making the CEBL the largest professional sports league based entirely in Canada. CEBL teams play 20 regular-season games from May to August. The league has stated that they would emphasize offering a "party wrapped around a basketball game" with "a ton of value for the fans" to attract spectators, including outdoor pre-game events, in-arena entertainment, autograph sessions, and other features. In 2020 they started using the Elam Ending under which the game clock is turned off near the end of the fourth quarter, and teams play to a target score to determine the winner. The Edmonton Expo Centre was formerly known as the Northlands AgriCom and is officially the Edmonton Exposition and Conference Centre. It originally opened in 1984 and was expanded and remodeled in 2009. The venue is it is located in Edmonton's Montrose neighborhood, across the street from the now-closed Northlands Coliseum, the former home of the Edmonton Oilers. The center's operations are now operated by the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation Food & Beverage 4 There is a very good amount of food options both in the arena itself and in the food court of the Expo Center. This is one of those venues where you can probably skip a pre-game meal as you know there will be some good options at the venue. It seems like most all options are $7 or less. There are game day specials listed around the venue. The game we attended had $3 hot dogs, $4 pizza slices, and $2 popcorn. Atmosphere 5 The league mentioned that they wanted to make a CEBL game a party. The Stingers have done a good job in this regard. The entrance hall outside the arena itself is filled with activities for kids and adults, with numerous things to do before and during intermissions. Once inside the arena, the game is more lively and more fun than a typical basketball game. The arena itself is a simple affair with a lower bowl and an upper section along each sideline. There is not a bad seat in the medium size arena. The Elam Ending makes the atmosphere at the ending game much more electric than a typical game. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood near the Edmonton Expo Centre is not that exciting. The hulking shell of the old Northlands Coliseum offers a unique view but offers nothing more for fans attending the Stingers games. There are also many old and abandoned businesses in the area. The closed Northlands Park horse track is also nearby. if you’re looking for some pre- or post-game entertainment or dining, you’ll be much better off heading elsewhere. We would recommend Edmonton’s Little Italy as a good option if you choose to eat before or after the game. Fans 4 The Canadian Elite Basketball League has been a success in Edmonton. The fans pack the venue, arrive early, and stay engaged in the game. As mentioned before, the Elam Ending keeps the fans excited until the end of the game. Access 4 The Edmonton Expo Centre is easy to get to off of Wayne Gretzky Drive NW. It should be easy to get there from different directions such as Yellowhead Highway, Anthony Henday Drive, and Manning Drive NW. There is plenty of parking for Stingers games as the center has plenty of parking. Return on Investment 4 Parking is free, at least at the game we attended near the end of the regular season. We did see it listed as $10 in other publications. Single-game tickets range from $25 to $89, which is a good value for any level of professional basketball. Extras 5 The games and attractions in the entrance hall are a great extra for all fans. One should arrive early and enjoy the experience. Team mascot, Buzz, and the Swarm Hype Team will be on the concourse all game. The team offers free courtside haircuts and shoe shines during the game. After each game, the Stingers players have a 15-minute post-game autograph session. There is a well-stocked team store in the entrance hall, along with smaller, temp stands around d the arena. Final Thoughts The Stingers games offer one of the most fun and fan-friendly atmospheres we have seen in a long time. It might not be for the most serious basketball fan, but it should be experienced if you are in the area.

In the summer of 2023, Paul ventured to Toronto for his first trip to see Toronto FC. Not a soccer guy by admission, Paul was perplexed by what he found at BMO Field. Join Paul and Dave as they analyze the Toronto FC experience with a good beer and a good time! ⚽⚽🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of BMO field and the Toronto FC game day experience here.

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

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 RE/MAX Field 10233 96 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5K 0A5 Canada Edmonton Riverhawks website RE/MAX Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 9,200 Hawks of Edmonton RE/MAX Field, formerly Edmonton Ballpark, and Telus Field, opened in 1995 as home to the AAA Edmonton Trappers of the Pacific Coast League. Since 2005 it has been home to various teams in various leagues. John Ducey Park was its predecessor at this location from 1933 to 1995 and was home to the Edmonton Cubs, Edmonton Dodgers, Edmonton Drakes, Edmonton Navy Cardinals, Edmonton Eskimos, and the Trappers Five-time Stanley Cup winner Randy Gregg is head of the ownership group for the Riverhawks. The Riverhawks played their first game in 2022 as part of the West Coast League, a collegiate summer baseball wooden bat league. Food & Beverage 3 The RE/MAX Field menu is pretty standard fare, with all your typical ballpark options at typical prices. The concessions also offer a selection of domestic beer as well as many specialty beer choices. Atmosphere 4 The seats in the main portion of the stadium go from first base to third and are nice ones for fans. Further down on both sides are metal bleachers which are available for general stadium seating. Beyond the outfield walls is a fairly interesting industrial area, as well as a very beautiful bridge. Both areas offer a great view from the stands. You can also see the Alberta Legislature building from various parts of the ballpark. The infield is artificial turf, while the outfield is natural grass. This gives the field itself an unusual look that you won’t find in a lot of places. We attended a combination fireworks and “play catch on the field after the game” night. This was a bit of a mess as kids were running and playing just a few feet away from staff setting up fireworks on the same field. Then after the fireworks were done, kids were jumping over the spent fireworks equipment. We would suggest they add some roping or something in the future as we were shocked the whole time, expecting disaster to happen any second. They did push the crowd during the actual fireworks past the foul lines, but we might suggest keeping things a bit more separate. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is located just to the south of downtown Edmonton and near the Alberta Legislature area. The area around the stadium itself is primarily residential though and doesn’t offer much to do before or after the game. Although pleasant enough the rating is impacted by the poor access to the stadium on days with high attendance. Fans 4 The team draws fairly well and if fireworks or other promotion nights are involved, you can expect a large crowd. The fans in attendance seem to be a knowledgeable lot, although the general admission bleacher sections are often filled with kids who may be less involved in the game action. Access 1 Although located right near the heart of Edmonton, RE/MAX Field is hard to get to on game days if there is any amount of substantial attendance. There is not a lot of parking in traditional lots at the stadium. There should be enough parking spaces, but you may end up packed into a grass lot across from the stadium. The streets leading up to the area will be jammed with traffic. We thought we would miss the start of the game although we left plenty of time to get to the stadium. We would recommend taking 105 Street NW north and turning east on 96th Avenue NW as a backway into the grass lots. 10427 96 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 0A7, Canada is a good address to put into your GPS, but remember to come from the west. Another recommendation is to use public transportation, or even if a bit of a walk, find parking downtown. It will be an uphill walk back after the game, so be aware. The concourse also has a few pinch points around the concourse. It is hard to believe this concourse was a AAA ballpark as it is far too small for any large crowd. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are $19.99 for adults, $14.99 for students and seniors, and $9.99 for kids 17 and under. You can also upgrade to Balcony seats for $24.99. There are also premium areas available from $24.99 and up. Parking is $10. The prices are fairly high but not outrageously so. Extras 3 The Alberta Legislature and Parliament are close by and provide a cool view from certain areas of the stadium. If you have time, you should stop by and check out their free hourly tours. There is a mascot and the usual games and items found at many minor league stadiums. There is a nice souvenir stand located in the crowded concourse. Final Thoughts RE/MAX Field is a nice place to watch baseball even with the poor access to the stadium.

Photo Courtesy of Harry Potter Wordl Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Hogwarts, Scotland Gryffindor Lions website Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch website Year Opened: unknown Capacity: 10,000 Quidditch Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry started over 1,000 years ago. The exact time frame of the construction of the Quidditch Pitch and stands are unknown. Quidditch is a dangerous, yet popular, game played by witches and wizards all over the world. It is played on special flying broomsticks, uses three types of balls (one scarlet quaffle, two black bludgers, and one golden snitch) with seven players on each team. The pitch is used by all four teams of the school: Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor. Teams fervently compete against one another to win the Inter-House Quidditch Cup every school year. The venue’s darkest moment, and indeed one of the darkest moments in Wizarding history, came not during a quidditch match but when it hosted the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament in 1995. The pitch was converted into a giant hedge maze with the championship trophy in the middle. Unbeknownst to the participants, the trophy had been converted into a Portkey, which set off the death of Cedric Diggory, the return of Lord Voldemort, and the beginning of the Second Wizarding War. Food & Beverage 5 A feast of unique choices are available for consumption at Quidditch Pitch. Golden plates and goblets are filled with roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup. Anything your taste buds desire. Pumpkin juice or butterbeer for drinks! We don’t recommend the Polyjuice as you’ll end up leaving the match as someone (or something) other than you arrived. Goblets of eggnog or firewhiskey in the cooler weather are great suggestions to warm fans up. And for the sweet tooth there are Bertie Bott’s Every Flavored Beans, peppermint humbugs, chocolate frogs, cauldron cakes, pumpkin pasties, fizzing whizbees, and plenty more. The extraordinary and unique characteristic of the refreshments at Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch is the portions automatically refill. Atmosphere 4 The oval-shaped pitch is immaculately green and three 50-foot-high hoops emerge in each end of the field. The stadium’s seats rise extremely high on either side of the pitch so fans can watch the flying broomsticks’ soaring action. A high row and a center-pitch location provide the best view. Remember to bring binoculars or omnioculars, aka magic binoculars, as fans can be a distance from watching the match, the two black bludgers and scarlet quaffle. In an unusual twist for a live venue, spectators can hear the commentator call the match. The quality of commentators varies significantly, from the passionate, biased Lee Jordan to the excellent Professor McGonagall to the quixotic Luna Lovegood. And that last one is putting it nicely. Mascots or between-action entertainment is not needed, as thankfully, it is all about the fast-paced match being played. The atmosphere is especially high-charged when Gryffindor and Slytherin face off against each other. Neighborhood 2 The closest town to Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch is Hogsmeade, an enchanted town filled with shops and places to eat. Derish and Banges sells magical instruments and Honeydukes is a popular sweet shop for students which offers succulent-looking sweets, wizarding candy, and the owners make their own fudge. Zonko’s, a joke shop, is always an adventure, even for magical folk. The Three Broomsticks is a lively pub in town. Stadium Journey recommends not going to the Hog’s Head for a pint as it is quite filthy and the clientele are of a particular sort you’d be advised to avoid. When in town, be sure to visit the Shrieking Shack, a historic haunted building. Also, a visit to the post office to see the owls (300+) might be worth a stop, if that’s you’re thing. On a sunny spring day, the grounds around the pitch are perfect for playing wizard chess, Exploding Snap, a casual game of Gobstones or practicing dueling pre or post match. However, stay away from the perilous Whomping Willow on campus. Hotels, motels and BnB’s are not near the pitch nor the school. If taking the Hogwarts Express train to the school, the Leaky Cauldron (a wizard pub offering food, drinks and rooms to rent) is a few stops on the tube from Kings Cross station. Though many lodging places closer to Kings Cross are nicer, those are in the Muggle world; not the Sorcerers’ one, therefore not quite as interesting. Although not close at all to Hogwarts, other Quidditch teams to visit if in United Kingdom are the Chudley Cannons, Wimborne Wasps, Puddlemere United, Holyhead Harpies (all down south in England or Wales) or an even more exciting international team such as the Irish National Quidditch team is a short flight over the Irish Sea. One can always head to Easter Road in Edinburgh, home of the Hibernian FC, and watch a football match; different sport but closer to Hogwarts (at least in the same country). Fans 5 For security reasons, attendance is limited to Hogwarts personnel including students, professors, house-elves, and mischievous ghosts. Dementors are not permitted. Students turn out in great numbers to fill the stands. They sit with their respective houses and get thoroughly involved, waving flags, brandishing banners, and shooting off magical Filibuster fireworks. Tumultuous applause is awarded after amazing blocks and superb flying. The pitch has been the site of a number of fan incidents over the years, including a professor who was secretly Voldemort in disguise attempting to curse a player off his broomstick and a group of Slytherins disguising themselves as dementors to disrupt a match. Access 2 Getting to Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch can be tough as it is hours by train (Hogwarts Express) from Kings Cross station. The tricky part about this method is you need to know how to get to platform nine and three-quarters. Due to protective enchantments, Hogwarts is not accessible via Apparating, Portkey, or Floo Powder, although some of these may have been lifted with the end of the Wizarding War and final defeat of Voldemort. Restrooms are located in the school castle. For the ladies, we recommend not using the one on the second floor just above the Great Hall as you may run into Moaning Myrtle who sometimes floods the floor. If getting lost in the school castle (the spiral staircases randomly move), check the Marauder’s Map. The clear bag policy is not in affect and fans do not need to walk through metal detectors nor be wanded (Muggle wand!) when entering the stadium. Muggle technology is less than useful in this magical environment. Return on Investment 5 Admission and concessions are free to all Hogwarts personnel. The excitement of watching a quidditch match is nothing less than exhilarating, bewitching and thrilling. Extras 4 A merchandise shop is located not far from the entrance and offers scarves (no half and half scarves are for sale – real fans don’t like them). Other items offered are Filibuster fireworks, sparkling roaring pinwheels, rosettes, moving player figurines, team robes and hats in various sizes (all four house garments are for sale), quidditch gear, and much more. Prices range from five sickles to ten galleons (though a few trinkets are priced at 19 – 29 knuts). Watching a match in a historical, magical venue and school is always something worth writing home about. Having refreshments automatically refill is certainly worth an extra mention. Always refreshing at a sports venue, spectators can actually hear the commentator call the match. Final Thoughts Only scorcerers are able to witness a quidditch match at Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch, much to the despair of us other sports fans. If you are in Scotland, are a sports fan, and are a witch or wizard, put visiting Hogwarts for a quidditch match on your bucket list! ** A special thanks to Gregory Koch who helped with wording of the historical references and tried his best to keep me on track with actual book facts (he didn’t always succeed). Thanks Gregory! Additionally, thanks to J.K Rowling for creating such an entertaining read beginning more than 25 years ago.**

Photos by Meg Minard,, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Laney College Football Field 900 Fallon St Oakland, CA 94607 Map It Oakland Roots SC website Laney College Football Field website Año Abierto: 1962 Capacidad: 5,500 Oakland Roots ¿Crees que los Athletics son el único equipo deportivo en Oakland, CA? Piensa otra vez. Con solo unos pocos años de existencia, Oakland Roots SC atrae grandes multitudes durante la temporada de fútbol. El club es miembro de la USL-C, el segundo nivel de fútbol en los Estados Unidos. Comenzó su notable aventura en 2019 como miembro de NISA (Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Independiente) y se mudó a la USL-C en 2021. Los empresarios de Oakland que se enorgullecen de pertenecer a la comunidad de Oakland son dueños de The Roots. Los camiones de comida son todos locales; los artistas de Oakland realizan entretenimiento previo al partido. Los socios de los pubs de los partidos fuera de casa son los bares comunitarios y las tabernas. Todo es bastante impresionante. Los propietarios y la comunidad deben estar orgullosos de su equipo y organización. Oakland Roots SC juega sus partidos de local en el campo de fútbol de Laney College. El colegio es un colegio comunitario público cerca de Lake Merritt y tiene una reputación de diversidad y capacitación técnica de alta calidad. Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimenticia 4 Las opciones de comida son increíbles. Los camiones locale de comida deliciosa cierran la calle 10th Street. Algunas de las tarifas que se ofrecen son: Mediterránea (giros, arroces y ensaladas) Pupusas, Nachos, Tacos (Guatemaltecas y Mexicanas) Coolinaria (mexicano contemporáneo con ingredientes de origen local) Munchiez (comida reconfortante y dulces) Southern Comfort Kitchen (muchas opciones de pescado frito) Empanadas Argentinas También se instala a lo largo de la calle una carpa que ofrece cerveza enlatada, agua mineral, sidra y vino. No noté ningunas mesas ni sillas para sentarse y comer. Los fanáticos disfrutan de sus comidas poniéndose de pie o llevándolos a sus asientos. Es fantástico ver la variedad de cocinas que se ofrecen y aún mejor que son negocios locales de Oakland. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 4 La mayor parte del área de asientos está en el lado este (más cercano al campus). Consta de 10 a 12 filas de gradas orientadas al oeste. Las gradas no tienen pasamanos instalados; para aquellos que se sienten incómodos, quédense en la sección para discapacitados o en las filas superiores. El club marca algúnas secciones apartadas. Los asientos de “Mosaic” son las tres secciones al centro del campo. Los asientos centrales de las primeras cinco filas, acolchados con cojines multicolores brillantes, se conocen como asientos Mosaic+. Oakland Roots Colorful Mosaic+ Seating, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey La sección de Deep Roots Supporters son las dos últimas secciones en el extremo sur de las gradas. Los graderios están al lado oeste y se usan para el desbordamiento y las familias de los jugadores. El club coloca asientos individuales alrededor del campo, detrás de las vallas laterales, para los fanáticos que desean una experiencia cercana a la acción. Los aficionados no pueden recorrer todo el perímetro del terreno de juego. La sección de la familia de los jugadores está vigilada y bloquea el circuito. El Oakland Roots SC utiliza el marcador del estadio de fútbol que se destaca detrás de la portería sur y muestra el tiempo, la mitad y el marcador. La organización despliega un césped modular específico para fútbol sobre el campo de fútbol para la temporada de fútbol. Siguiendo con el tema basado en la comunidad, los residentes y las organizaciones de Oakland brindan el entretenimiento. En el partido de esta revisión, la Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil de Oakland desempeñó antes del juego, al igual que G-Eazy, un destacado rapero y productor nacido en Oakland. Los clubes de fútbol juvenil patearon la pelota en el medio tiempo. Neighborhood / Barrio 3 El estadio se encuentra en el campus urbano de 60 acres de Laney College, a menos de una milla del Lake Merritt. Para lugares para comer, varios restaurantes vietnamitas y tailandeses están cerca. Más cerca del lago se encuentran Portal (restaurante de brunch) y Tacos Mi Rancho (mexicano). Varias cervecerías están a una milla de distancia: Buck Wild Brewing & Taproom, Oakland United Beerworks, Original Pattern Brewing y Federation Brewery. Jack London Square, un área histórica frente al mar y puerto deportivo con restaurantes, bares, tiendas y entretenimiento, está a solo 1,5 millas del campo de fútbol de Laney College. Un excelente museo para visitar es el Oakland Museum of California, a solo media milla del campo. La mayoría de los hoteles están en el centro de Oakland, a una milla de distancia. Estos incluyen un Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown, Ramada by Wyndham, un Marriott y un Courtyard Marriott. Otros deportes para visitar en el área durante la temporada de fútbol incluyen los Oakland Athletics y los San Francisco Giants. Fans / Fanáticos 4 Con solo dos años en la USL-C, la comunidad de Oakland ha adoptado Oakland Roots de todo corazón. Es un placer ver una variedad de grupos étnicos, familias, niños y adultos jóvenes reunidos en torno a este club de fútbol. Todos los fanáticos se ponen de pie y vitorean (o gimen) ante la acción en el campo. ¡Sin duda son una multitud alegre y bulliciosa! Deep Roots, el grupo de aficionados, crea una atmósfera eléctrica en los partidos con tambores, ondear banderas, vítores y saltos. Una línea de tambores anima a los fanáticos antes del juego con un desfile espectacular a lo largo de 10th St antes del partido. Tambores, bailarines y una persona sobre zancos caminan por la cuadra para que todos disfruten. Durante el concurso, Ryan, un artista local y avido fanatico, se para detrás de la meta y pinta un paisaje del estadio y el partido de futbol. Oakland Roots Local Artist, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey La asistencia promedio es de 4.600, lo que les brinda una multitud sólida para la mayoría de los partidos durante la temporada. Access / Acceso 3 Llegar al campo de fútbol americano de Laney College es relativamente fácil, ya que está justo al lado de la I-880 y a media milla de la estación BART de Lake Merritt. El estacionamiento está en el estacionamiento para estudiantes de Laney College en E 7th St, frente al campus (solo busque todos los autos), y es gratis. La entrada principal al estadio está en E 10th St y 2nd Ave, y los fanáticos pasan por detectores de metales para su control de seguridad. Se permiten bolsas transparentes de hasta 14” x 6” x 14”. La seguridad se toma en serio. Las puertas abren una hora antes del inicio. 10th St entre 2nd y 4th Avenue está cerrada para los camiones de comida y el entretenimiento previo al juego. Los baños están debajo de la cabina de prensa y las gradas; otro conjunto está en un edificio en el extremo noroeste de la cancha. Espere líneas durante los partidos con entradas agotadas. El área de asientos puede llenarse, especialmente durante los juegos que se agotan. Return on Investment / Retorno de la inversion 5 El precio de un boleto para un solo juego para un partido de Oakland Roots es el siguiente: Generalidades – $20 Mosaic – $25 Mosaic Plus – $35 Línea final de asiento de campo – $65 Línea lateral del asiento de campo – $75 Los boletos de temporada y los paquetes grupales reducen ese precio. Los fanáticos no pagan por el estacionamiento. Los precios de los alimentos son lo que se espera en California. Los fanáticos y el ambiente del día del juego son fenomenales. Obtendrá el valor de su dinero de entretenimiento deportivo en un partido aquí. Extras 4 Oakland Roots SC se unió al movimiento Common Goal cuya misión es crear un cambio social positivo. Los participantes contribuyen con un mínimo del 1% de sus salarios para luchar contra la desigualdad social. “El club fue fundado con un propósito; aprovechar la magia de Oakland y el poder del deporte como una fuerza para el bien social”. – tomado del sitio web Oakland Roots La organización está promocionando a su contraparte del equipo femenino, Oakland Soul, que comenzará a jugar en 2023 en la liga USL-W. Estar involucrado en la ciudad e incorporar empresas y organizaciones comunitarias en aspectos del día del partido es profundamente evidente. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos Finales Los fanáticos de los deportes de Oakland definitivamente han abrazado su nuevo club de fútbol, Oakland Roots SC. Encontrarás una casa repleta a menudo durante la temporada con fanáticos apasionados y acogedores. Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Meg Minard,, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Laney College Football Field 900 Fallon St Oakland, CA 94607 Map It Oakland Roots SC website Laney College Football Field website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 5,500 Oakland Roots Do you think the Athletics are the only sports team in Oakland, CA? Think again. Only a few years in existence, the Oakland Roots SC draw large crowds during the soccer season. The club is a member of the USL-C, the second level of soccer in the United States. It began its remarkable venture in 2019 as a member of NISA (National Independent Soccer Association) and moved to the USL-C in 2021. Oakland business people who pride themselves on being Oakland community-based own the Roots. Food trucks are all local; Oakland artists perform prematch entertainment. The away-game pub partners are community bars and tap houses. It’s all quite impressive. The owners and community should be proud of their team and organization. The Oakland Roots SC play their home games at Laney College’s football field. The college is a public community college near Lake Merritt and has a reputation for diversity and high-quality technical training. Food & Beverage 4 The food choices are amazing. Yummy local food trucks line closed-off 10th Street. Just a few of the fares offered are: Mediterranean (gyros, rice dishes, and salads) Pupusas, Nachos, Tacos (Guatemalan and Mexican) Coolinaria (contemporary Mexican using locally sourced ingredients) Munchiez (comfort food and sweets) Southern Comfort Kitchen (lots of fried fish choices) Empanada Argentina A bar tent offering canned beer, seltzer, cider, and wine is set up along the street as well. I did not notice any tables or chairs to sit and eat. Fans enjoy their meals by standing up or taking them to their seats. It’s fantastic to see the variety of cuisines offered and even better that they are local Oakland businesses. Atmosphere 4 Most of the seating area is on the east side (closest to the campus). It consists of 10 – 12 rows of bleachers facing west. The bleachers do not have handrails installed; for those uneasy on their feet, stay in the handicapped section or top rows. The club ‘brands’ some sections. Mosaic seats are the three sections at center pitch. The first five rows center pitch, padded with bright, multicolored cushions are known as the Mosaic+ seats Oakland Roots Colorful Mosaic+ Seating, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The Deep Roots Supporters section is the last two sections on the far south side of the bleachers. Smaller sets of bleachers sit on the west side and are used for overflow and players’ families. The club places individual seats around the pitch, behind the sideline boards, for fans wanting a ‘close to the action’ experience. Fans cannot walk the entire perimeter of the pitch. The players’ family section is guarded and blocks the circuit. The Oakland Roots SC uses the football stadium scoreboard that is prominent behind the south goal and shows the time, half, and score. The organization rolls out a soccer-specific modular turf over the football field for the soccer season. Keeping with the community-based theme, Oakland residents and organizations provide the entertainment. At the match of this review, the Oakland Youth Symphony Orchestra performed pre-game, as did G-Eazy, a noteworthy rapper and producer born in Oakland. Youth soccer clubs kicked the ball around at halftime. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is on the urban 60-acre Laney College campus less than a mile from Lake Merritt. For places to eat, several Vietnamese and Thai restaurants are nearby. Closer to the lake are Portal (brunch restaurant) and Tacos Mi Rancho (Mexican). Several breweries are about a mile from the field: Buck Wild Brewing & Taproom, Oakland United Beerworks, Original Pattern Brewing, and Federation Brewery. Jack London Square, a historic waterfront and marina area with dining, bars, shopping, and entertainment, is only 1 ½ miles from Laney College Football Field. An excellent museum to visit is the Oakland Museum of California, just a ½ mile from the field. Most of the hotels are in downtown Oakland, about a mile away. These include a Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown, Ramada by Wyndham, a Marriott, and a Courtyard Marriot. Other sports to visit in the area during soccer season include the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants. Fans 4 Only two years in the USL-C, the Oakland community has adopted the Oakland Roots wholeheartedly. It’s a pleasure to see a variety of ethnic groups, families, kids, and young adults rallying around this soccer club. All fans stand up and cheer (or moan) at the action on the pitch. They’re certainly a jolly, boisterous crowd! Deep Roots, the supporter’s group, creates an electric atmosphere at the matches with drums, flag waving, cheering, and jumping. A drum line riles up the fans pregame with a spectacular parade along 10th St before the match. Drums, dancers, and a person on stilts stride down the block for all to enjoy. During the contest, Ryan, a local artist and avid fan, stands behind the goal and paints a landscape of the stadium and the soccer match. Oakland Roots Local Artist, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Average attendance is 4,600, giving them solid crowds for most matches throughout the season. Access 3 Getting to Laney College Football Field is relatively easy as it is right off the I-880 and a ½ mile from the Lake Merritt BART Station. Parking is in the Laney College Student Parking Lot on E 7th St, across from the campus (just look for all the cars), and is free. The main entrance to the stadium is on E 10th St and 2nd Ave, and fans walk through metal detectors for their security check. Clear bags up to 14” x 6” x 14” are permitted. Security is taken seriously. Gates open an hour before kickoff. 10th St between 2nd and 4th Avenues is closed off for the food trucks and pregame entertainment. Restrooms are under the press box and bleachers; another set is in a building on the northwest end of the pitch. Expect lines during sold-out matches. The seating area can get crowded, especially during games that sell out. Return on Investment 5 A single game ticket price for an Oakland Roots match runs as follows: GA – $20 Mosaic – $25 Mosaic Plus – $35 Field Seat Endline – $65 Field Seat Sideline – $75 Season tickets and group packages reduce that price. Fans are not charged for parking. The food prices are what is to be expected in California. The fans and game day atmosphere are phenomenal. You’ll get your sports entertainment money’s worth at a match here. Extras 4 The Oakland Roots SC joined the Common Goal movement whose mission is to create positive social change. Participants contribute a minimum of 1% of their salaries to fight social inequality. “The club was founded with a purpose; to harness the magic of Oakland and the power of sport as a force for social good.” – taken from the Oakland Roots website The organization is promoting their women’s team counterpart, the Oakland Soul, who will begin play in 2023 in the USL-W league. Being involved in the city and incorporating community businesses and organizations in aspects of the match day is profoundly evident. Final Thoughts Sports fans of Oakland have definitely embraced their new soccer club, Oakland Roots SC. You’ll find a packed house often throughout the season with passionate, welcoming fans.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 RGCU Field at Isotopes Park 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 New Mexico United website RGCU Field at Isotopes Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,279 Somos Unitos Para leer esta resena en espanol, haga clic en este enace. Attending a New Mexico United soccer match is a blast! The fans are certainly into it, there’s a fantastic supporters’ group and the organization does a tremendous job ensuring all fans are welcome, accepted, and free from derogatory name-calling. Strong reminders of the code of conduct are announced before the start of the game (both English and Spanish)! The New Mexico United play in the USL Championship League (one step down from MLS – Major League Soccer). The club began operations in 2019 with only one ‘home’ game played in 2020 because of the COVID pandemic. The club plays its home matches at Isotopes Park (Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park), home of the Albuquerque Isotopes baseball team. Though it is common enough, I find it odd watching soccer on a baseball diamond. New Mexico United manages it well and hats off to the grounds crew and staff for maintaining the field and integrating a lively soccer atmosphere. Food & Beverage 5 The park offers an excellent variety of food with several local restaurants providing the fare. Permanent concession stands and carts line the inner concourse. Almost all concession stands are open for United matches. Fans can carry sealed bottled water into the stadium. Concession stands include Batter Up! (burgers, chicken baskets, fries, nachos, sopapillas, etc.), Pecos River Café (sandwiches, burritos, etc.), and Sante Fe Trail (BBQ hot dogs, sandwiches, green chile cheddar brat from $5 – $10). Dion’s Pizza is always a fan favorite ($5 – $6 / slice and fans can get green chile on top, salads cost $7). The Sweet Spot and More, down the third base side, offers various nacho choices, burritos, green chile dog, tortilla burgers from $7 – $12. A Hebrew National cart sells their famous hot dog ($5) and a sausage cart is on the third base concourse ($9). Other carts offer funnel cakes, kettle corn, Dippin’ Dots, and there’s a unique lemonade cart offering its various flavors brewed in jugs. A craft beer cart along the first baseline sells draft beers from New Mexico breweries Santa Fe Brewing and Bosque Brewing as well as canned beer such as Dogfish Head ($10 – $12). Other carts offering adult beverages and snacks dot the concourse. Most stands offer domestic beers and Pepsi brand sodas (beer $10 – $12, soda $6 – $8). There’s certainly plenty available for hungry soccer fans. Atmosphere 5 The organization provides an amazing match day experience. First, the field alignment: One goalpost is just about on the first base side; the other is in left field under the video scoreboard. The right-center field holds the player benches; the dugouts are not used. The grounds crew remove and flatten out the pitcher’s mound and put artificial turf on the infield. It looks awful on that area of the field. Second, the seating: One nice thing about using a baseball field is the seats are standard stadium fold-down seats; not bleachers. Sit in section 177 for the center of the pitch. The same berm seating is available in the ‘outfield’ as it is during a baseball game. Except for the infield sections behind home plate, the nets are gone. Fans sitting in the second level, third base side (sections 201, 203, 205) see the beautiful Sandia Mountains in the distance. Alcohol is not allowed in a designated family section (section 126). Announcements (safety and rules) are broadcast in both English and Spanish. During the starting lineup notice, the announcer states the player’s number and first name, the crowd yells the last name. Same with goals except that’s done three times in a row. Fun! A video scoreboard behind one of the goalposts shows a live visual broadcast of the game as well as the time played and goals per team. The second scoreboard is not used. Half-time includes contests and local youth teams kick a ball around. Beach balls get tossed around in the stands. The exterior of the stadium gives no indication soccer is played there but the fans know! New Mexico United Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits adjacent to Central New Mexico College and the University of New Mexico (UNM), and is across the street from The Pit and other UNM Lobo sports venues. It is a mile from the Nob Hill neighborhood, a vibrant area full of brewpubs, eateries, taquerias, pizzerias, local boutiques, and small art galleries. Sounds from music bars fill the late-night air in this neighborhood. For breakfast, try Frontier. A hidden gem for Korean food is Soo Bak Seoul Bowl. For authentic, tasty New Mexico fare visit Cocina Azul – even the rice and beans are yummy. Unbeknownst to the rest of the country, Albuquerque is a hopping local brewery town. Recommended breweries close (though not necessarily walking distance) to Isotopes Park are The 377 Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, and Marble Brewery. But there are plenty more to visit. Things to see and do while in Albuquerque include Sandia Peak Tramway, Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument, and of course, take a ride in a hot air balloon. For places to stay when in town, plenty of hotels are available at the intersection of Gibson Blvd and Yale Blvd (about a mile from the park) ranging from La Quinta to Marriott brands to Holiday Inns, many with shuttles to and from the airport. Fans 5 New Mexico United fans are loud and proud. A supporter’s group, called The Curse, make quite an impression at home matches. The most ardent assemble pregame, march into the venue on the first base side, then walk the entire concourse chanting, waving flags, banging on drums. One leader with a New Mexico flag cape orchestrates the group. It’s extremely impressive. Two sections behind the first base goal (sections 116 and 118) are full of these supporters who cheer, clap, yell, wave flags and create a brouhaha throughout the entire match. NM United - The Curse Supporter's Group Circles the Concourse, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey By no means are they the only ones who chant, cheer, and yell. Many followers wave flags throughout the game and on the concourse. A good portion of the crowd wears New Mexico United, Meow Wolf, and Somos Unidos attire. And, of course, all fans have a second job of being a referee. The club led the USL Championship their first season with an average attendance in 2019 of 12,693 a match. Access 4 Approaching and traversing Isotopes Park is relatively easy. It is just a block off of I-25 with plenty of nearby parking ($10) across the intersection. Visitors or residents of Albuquerque may find it just as easy to get to via side streets vs getting on the interstate. Two bus stops are across the street but figuring out the ABQ bus schedule is difficult. An Amtrak station is about two miles from Isotopes Park. The closest airport is Albuquerque Sunport Airport, about a 5-min drive to the ballpark. Three entrances are available with the one behind home used only for those with club or VIP tickets. Fans are required to use clear plastic tote bags; no backpacks. The concourse gets quite crowded, especially at halftime. Patrons can walk the entire concourse circumference. Fans must cross a small bridge to complete the circle (fans afraid of heights and such things may find this difficult). Re-entry is not permitted. Local law officials do a fantastic job moving cars out of the parking lots after the game. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets run $20 – $55 and are comparable to other USL Championship club ticket prices. Parking increases to $10 vs. $5 for an Isotopes game. Food and beverage costs are comparable to other sports parks, albeit higher than restaurants and bars outside the stadium. The game is fun, the fans are a hoot, and the organization does a splendid job at making the evening one of enjoyable, safe sports entertainment. Extras 3 Stadium Journey cannot say enough about The Curse supporters’ group and how they’ve created an identity just for New Mexicans. In March 2020, the club launched the Somos Unidos Foundation, a charitable nonprofit arm of the New Mexico United organization. Both the club and the supporters’ group do a great job at bolstering the team spirit as well as strengthening the communities of New Mexico. The team markets themselves quite well on social media. Final Thoughts The community certainly supports New Mexico United. The results of a feasibility study to see if and where a soccer-specific stadium could go and what it should look like are expected in summer 2021. Time will tell. Until then, if in the area, take the time to see a match. It’s worth a sports fans entertainment dollar.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.57 Highland Stadium 9135 Erie Street Highland, IN 46322 Indiana Panthers website Highland Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 500 Making a Home at Highland High The Indiana Panthers are new to the Northern League for 2023. The ball club had called Crestwood, Illinois, home for over a decade before crossing the border into Indiana. The club was renamed Indiana to act as a mobile team that can be placed anywhere in The Region or when league membership is uneven. The Panthers last-minute move landed them at Highland High School in Highland, Indiana. The 500-seat stadium is your typical high school venue with two sets of aluminum bleachers and a press/concession stand in the middle. The layout is ideal for baseball in the league that operates in similar-style facilities. Food & Beverage 0 Unfortunately, the concession stand is closed during the game, and no food and beverages are available. It is a shame since a simple cool pop or a bag of chips would be all you need to pass your time watching baseball. Fans can bring food to the game but maybe not alcoholic beverages. Fortunately, there are plenty of nearby local and chain restaurants, but skip down to the neighborhood section of this review for more information. Atmosphere 1 If you like baseball and baseball only, this might be the place for 9- innings. There is not much else taking place than the game on the field. Be prepared to sit back in the aluminum bleachers and enjoy the ballgame. Unlike other members of the league, the Panthers do not provide much of a game-day atmosphere. You will not hear music, a PA announcer, witness one-field promotions, or even keep track of the game on the scoreboard (it was turned off). The few fans in attendance are a mix of family members, fans of the opposing team, and curious onlookers from the neighborhood. The atmosphere does include hearing players’ banter in the dugout, the crack of the bat, and the sounds of cheers and jeers on the field. An interesting sight is the foul balls that land on residential lawns retrieved by the players. Neighborhood 4 The high school is in a residential area of Highland, Indiana, but a few miles away from the busy US-41, where a myriad of shops, retail chains, and malls exist. The average fan will find almost everything they want in these various spots. Sophia's Pancake House, Kui Korean BBQ, Theo's Steak & Seafood, and Highland Gyros are on US-41, AKA Indianapolis Blvd. The Blue Top Drive-In is a throwback to the early 1960s that features burgers, fries, shakes, and a few muscle cars. It is a great spot for families. The Highland Grove Shopping Plaza offers a variety of regional chains that include Chipotle, Panda Express, Dave's Hot Chicken, Noodles & Company, Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery, and Naf Naf Grill. Lou Malnati's is home to Chicago-style deep-dish and thin-crust pizza. Fans 1 There is little fanfare at Panthers games. It is dominated by family members supporting their sons out on the field. You might gain a little interest from the opposing team's fans, but the fan support is light during games. Access 3 The stadium is located a mile or two from the busy US-41 corridor, and the small size makes it easy to move around during ball games. There are bathrooms and plenty of parking outside the stadium. Return on Investment 1 There is no charge for games or parking. However, the atmosphere is not anywhere close to what you would find at nearby league games in Crown Point, Griffin, and Whiting. Attending a game should be for the curiosity seeker during the summer months. . Extras 1 The stadium earns a point for being in an area where fans get a chance to watch players fetch balls out of neighborhood lawns and driveways. It is something to don't see any other ballparks. Final Thoughts Highland High School might be a temporary fix for the Northern League and worth checking out due to its proximity to nearby Griffin High School, less than 2 miles away. However, there are better ballpark experiences in the league and The Region. ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com