Photos by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Stoffer Fox Stadium 1150 Fulton St Newburg, OR 97132 George Fox Bruins website Stoffer Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 2,800 George Fox Football Located in Newberg, in Oregon’s beautiful wine country, Stoffer Family Stadium provides a great experience for college football. Built in 2014, the stadium holds 2800 fans and is home to the DIII Northwest Conference George Fox Bruins football. Food & Beverage 4 Local food trucks at each GFU football game provide several food and beverage options. While the vendors vary from game to game, you can typically find corn dogs, barbeque, Asian-style street food, and a local favorite: Hannah’s Popcorn, which sells several different specialty flavors of popcorn. Beverage options include water and Coca-Cola products sold by the stadium, as well as various drinks from each of the vendors. The boba tea from Bobablastic is my personal favorite! Alcohol is not permitted at the stadium, and therefore is not served at any of the vendors. Atmosphere 4 All three of the grandstands at Stoffer Stadium are close to the field to keep you in the game. While the general admission bleachers are not covered, the main grandstand for season ticket holders is covered. Fans are free to move around the stadium, and there is plenty of room at the end zones to stand and watch the game. The GFU Cheer and Stunt Team, as well as the Drumline, are located in front of the student section and keep the crowd cheering throughout the game. You may even spot Pennington, the school’s mascot, wandering throughout the crowds and ringing the bell when the Bruins score a touchdown. Pennington at Stoffer Family Stadium, Photo by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 With downtown Newberg just a 10-minute walk away, Stoffer Stadium is close to several great restaurants and local shops. Newberg itself has been ranked as one of the safest places in Oregon, and with it being extremely walkable, everything you need is within a few blocks. Newberg provides a wide variety of dining options. A few personal favorites include Thai the Knot (just down the street from the stadium) and Old Town Bar and Grill . Several fast food restaurants are located on the other side of town, which is just a short drive away. Besides great restaurants, Newberg has several local shops, which include antique and clothing stores. Velour (vintage clothing and decor) and Wine Country Antiques are two of my favorite places to shop. A movie theater as well as a drive-in theater also can be found in Newberg. If you are looking to drive a bit, Portland is about 40 minutes from Newberg and has endless options for entertainment, including the zoo, OMSI , as well as many restaurants and bars. Options for lodging in Newberg include a Best Western and a Holiday Inn. Fans 4 Stoffer Stadium is full of excitement on Family Weekend, when student’s families have the opportunity to visit the university and attend the home game Saturday evening. Besides family weekend, each game has a theme where students dress up and pack the student section of the stadium. While family weekend attendance is more than usual, students and local fans will fill most of the stadium for a Saturday night game. Fans stay involved throughout the game, and if you are near the student section, it can get loud! Access 5 With Stoffer Stadium being on the smaller side, everything is extremely accessible. The food trucks are located right as you walk out of the stands, and restrooms are located close by in other campus buildings. Fans are welcome to walk around, and there is plenty of room to stand at both end zones. While there is no longer public transit service in Newberg, the town is small enough to be easily walkable anywhere around the stadium. Uber and Lyft rides are available in Newberg. Parking is available directly next to the stadium off of Fulton Street. Other parking lots are available around campus off of Villa and Meridian. Street parking is also available near campus, but usually fills up quickly. Ticketing gates open 90 minutes before games, and the only entry is located between the student section and the main grandstand. Tickets can be bought prior to the game. Getting through security is easy. There's no bag policy, though security personnel do random checks. Umbrellas are not allowed, and seat cushions can be up to 18 inches wide. Return on Investment 5 With ticket prices being $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 18, seeing a Bruin football game can be an affordable way to spend your Saturday afternoon. There is even a family pack option for $20 which includes 2 adults and kids. Season tickets range from $110-$120, and can be worth it for the covered seating area on rainy Oregon days. Parking on campus or in the neighborhood is free. Extras 3 Merchandise is available for purchase at games, located just outside of the stadium near the food trucks. During the autumn months, the GFU campus is full of beautiful fall colors. And did you even visit George Fox if you didn’t get a picture with Mama Bear, the large bronze bear statue? She is located in the Alumni Plaza on the south side of the stadium. Mama Bear at Stoffer Family Stadium, Photo by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Bruin Football at Stoffer Stadium is a great way to experience college football with a small-town feel. Newberg is a great community to visit, and the close proximity of the stadium to town makes everything you need within walking distance.

Courtesy of the Oakland Ballers There might be another ballpark to visit this summer for Stadium Journey readers. The Oakland Ballers have plans to keep baseball alive in town as an expansion club in the independent Pioneer League. The Oakland B’s expansion club is “stealing baseball back” and set to join the independent Pioneer League for the 2024 campaign. It is co-founded by Entrepreneur Paul Freeman and Bryan Carmel, a veteran writer and producer. They have scheduled a 2 p.m. ET news conference on Tuesday with Oakland Mayor Sheng Tao and other city officials. The B’s hope to play at Laney College's baseball stadium in downtown Oakland. The venue has a limited seating capacity and will be more than likely expanded for the new franchise. It is the site the A’s had once planned to build a new ballpark before announcing their decision to relocate to Las Vegas, NV. The franchise has raised $2 million from investors and started a fundraising campaign to invite others to become part-owners of the team. The ball club has introduced its primary logo and team colors of green and gold, similar to that of its major league counterpart. The B's will be the first California entry in the loop. The PL consists of 10 teams - spread across Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah - and play a 96-game schedule from May to September. The emphasis is to draw more fans to home games this summer than the A's at the Oakland-Alameda County Stadium. "Unlike the A's, the B's vow to never leave The Town," the Oakland Ballers said in a statement. "The Oakland B's will be for Oakland, by Oakland, and forever in Oakland. The Oakland B's believe that sports teams should serve their communities — not the other way around." ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Tori Bowe & Marshall Bell Soccer, Track and Field Complex 620 Meadowlane Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles website Southern Miss Soccer Complex website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 1,500 Soccer at the Eagle's Nest The Southern Miss Soccer Complex opened in 1997, which was the first year of soccer at Southern Miss. For the first 25 years the Lady Eagles competed in C-USA, but beginning in 2022 Southern Miss athletics began their transition to the Sun Belt Conference. After 27 years of soccer action the Lady Eagles have advanced to 7 C-USA Tournaments and 1 Sun Belt Conference Tournament as of the 2023 season, with the best season being the 2018 season when they advanced to semifinals of the C-USA Tournament. Also located within the complex is the Marshall Bell Track, named after the former track and field coach at Southern Miss for 18 years. The track is home to the men's and women's track and field teams. In 2016 the entire facility was officially dedicated and renamed after Tori Bowie, the most decorated Olympic athlete from Southern Miss – the track and field star competed at Southern Miss from 2008-2012 and later won three Olympic Gold medals at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Food & Beverage 2 There is one food truck at the main entrance to the Complex and it just sells the basics. Sausage dogs, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and candy round out the menu, and with prices ranging between $3 and $7 there is nothing that stands out or breaks the bank. Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of Southern Miss Athletics, and you can get bottled drinks for $5. However, my best advice for food options would be to instead get something to eat or drink next door at the Colludium Brewing Company, which is located in the parking lot probably 100 feet from the Soccer Complex. Atmosphere 3 The Soccer Complex is kind of hidden on the back side of campus, in quite a peaceful setting away from the noisy campus and the busy highway that runs right by it. The pitch runs north and south with an 800-seat grandstand located on the west side; 20 rows of metal bleachers make up the seating on that side. A small press box with a cool spiral staircase is located at the top of the bleachers – nothing really stands out regarding the seating except that all the seats are painted in the Southern Miss colors of black and gold. There is one main entrance into the Complex located under the bleachers, as well as a small gathering area behind the bleachers at the main entrance. The main entrance has a small table with posters and magnet schedules, and you can also find a plaque dedicated to Olympian Tori Bowie there as well. You can't beat the views from the bleachers – to the south you'll see the Long Leaf Trace bike trail that runs directly in front of the Complex. The Trace is a 44-mile paved trail that was once the site of a railroad that went into downtown Hattiesburg; the old looking building you can see to the south in the parking lot was once an old railroad storage warehouse. Today it has been renovated and is home to Colludium Brewing Company. To the north of the pitch you’ll see the locker rooms of the soccer and track teams. Once the match starts the atmosphere is pretty laid back, typical of a soccer match. They only play music during halftime and pre-game, and the PA announcer only speaks when Southern Miss scores. Don't come expecting any promotions or any fan engagement; instead the focus is squarely on the soccer match. Neighborhood 3 Hattiesburg (aka The Burg) is a decent-sized city of about 50,000 people, so it has everything you could want in a city and still retains that college town feel. The Burg has a wide selection of bars and restaurants, but unlike most college towns they are not located near each other – instead they are spread out throughout the city. Within walking distance of campus you'll find places like Patio 44, Brewsky's, and 4th Street Bar; if you’re looking for vintage Southern Miss memorabilia then 4th Street Bar is the place, located right on the Long Leaf Trace just down the street from the Soccer Complex in front of the Softball Complex . Another popular spot on the Trace and in the Soccer Complex parking lot is Colludium Brewing Company, Hattiesburg's newest brewery. Here they have a nice outdoor patio overlooking the Trace and the Soccer Complex, which makes for a great spot to have a beer before a soccer match. Closer to downtown you'll also find popular spots like Keg & Barrel, The Porter, Hattiesburger, Fairley Wings, and Nostalgia. In Hattiesburg there is also plenty to do for all ages – for families there's the Hattiesburg Zoo and Serenghetti Springs Water Park, while downtown has the popular Pocket Museum, Mississippi's tiniest museum. Located in an alleyway downtown, this popular museum has a different theme each month; we can't tell you where the alley is because that's part of the charm of the Pocket Museum, i.e. being able to find it. If coming to a match during October be sure to check out the Pocket Museum's Halloween display as well as Boo Zoo, located about a mile away from the Soccer Complex. For shopping in town there are plenty of chain stores, as well as Turtle Creek Mall. Another popular spot is the Lucky Rabbit – located downtown, it's a two-story vintage store with tons of antiques and different vendors with all kinds of little displays; this is a one-of-a-kind store and a must visit if you are coming to Hattiesburg. It also has a ton of Southern Miss memorabilia, and Hattiesburg also has a really cool Halloween theme with scary movies being shown in the street, plus giant skeletons all around town. If you are into the outdoors there is also Paul B. Johnson State Park, just south of Hattiesburg, which is an excellent spot for camping, while another popular pastime is rafting down the Okatoma River that runs right through Hattiesburg, all the way to the coast. Fans 3 You can usually find a couple hundred fans at a Southern Miss Soccer match; the grandstand holds about 800 seats and fills up pretty quickly, especially for weekend games. If you can't get a seat in the bleachers, the grass along the fence line makes for a great place to watch the game. I saw many fans bring folding chairs and sit along the fence line – you can even get closer to the action this way. Many of the visiting fans sit in the grass as well, to the north of the bleachers. The Southern Miss soccer team is pretty diverse, with the 2023 team having members from 7 different countries. A cool thing they do here is have flags of all those countries on display at the top of the bleachers, so as you enter the Soccer Complex you will be greeted by the flags of Hungary, Iceland, France, Ireland, England, Canada, and the U.S flying high above the bleachers. The Southern Miss student body also has many students from other countries who come out to support the soccer team – students from those countries are encouraged to bring their own flags as well, so you will see other flags flying such as Mexico or Sweden. Access 3 Getting to Hattiesburg shouldn't be a problem, as it is one of the more accessible cities in the state, located about an hour and a half from the coast, New Orleans, Jackson, or Mobile. If coming from out of town the main road into The Burg is I-59; once in town the main two roads in Hattiesburg are Highway 49 and Hardy Street, with Southern Miss’ campus sitting at the intersection of the two. Depending on the time of day Hattiesburg is notorious for traffic, especially on Hardy Street, so plan accordingly, as many of the weekday soccer matches start in the mid-afternoon. The Soccer Complex is tucked away on the back side of campus to the east of Highway 49. The best way to get to the venue is to take the 4th Street exit off Highway 49; when you see the softball field behind 4th Street Bar, go a little further east and you will see Colludium Brewing Company, with the Soccer Complex sitting behind it. For weekend matches parking is extremely limited – the Brewery shares a parking lot with the Soccer Complex, so when Colludium is packed it will be hard to find a parking spot. My recommendation would be to park at the Softball Complex and walk down the Long Leaf Trace to get to the Soccer Complex. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are free, parking is free, and concessions are cheap – the only issue is the limited parking in the parking lot, especially for weekend games. However, I consider this a good return on investment, and the facility being named after an Olympic Gold Medalist is always a plus. There isn't a lot going on besides the soccer match either, so don't come expecting a lot of music or giveaways, but you will get to watch a soccer match in a beautiful setting. Extras 3 One extra for the complex also housing the Southern Miss Men's and Women's track and field teams; the track also hosted the 1997 C-USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, as well High School State Championship meets. Another extra for the facility being named after Tori Bowie – the Pisgah, MS native was a two-time NCAA long jump champion during her time here, followed up by winning three medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics (gold in the 4 x 100 m relay, silver in the 100 m, and bronze in the 200 m). She also took bronze and gold in the 100 m at the 2015 and 2017 World Championships. Sadly, Tori would pass away in April 2023 at the young age of 32; it is quite fitting that the most decorated athlete to come out of Southern Miss, and probably one of the most decorated Olympic athletes to come out of Mississippi, will forever have her legacy honored at the track where she had so many memorable runs en route to the Olympics. One extra for the Long Leaf Trace and Brewery providing the backdrop to the Soccer Complex; it is possible to bike here from almost anywhere in Hattiesburg via The Trace, and almost all the Southern Miss athletic venues are located along the old railroad which is now a paved trail. The Trace provides a scenic way to bike to the Soccer Complex, especially on a crisp cool fall night for a soccer match.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium 1 Ira Errett Rodgers Dr Morgantown, WV 26506 West Virginia Mountaineers website Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 60,000 Take Me Home, Country Roads The last time I attended a football game at West Virginia was in 2007 – several years before Geno Smith, five years before they joined the Big 12, and long before the 2016 stadium renovations. Since that time the football experience at Mountaineer Field has just gotten better and better; the fans are passionate, the concessions are solid, and the band is top notch. The only challenge is getting in and out. Food & Beverage 4 Mountaineer Field boasts a wide array of concessions items from football-themed stands, with names such as Red Zone Grill and Sideline Stands. However, stands with the same name have different items around the stadium, which means you will have to hunt around for the items you want – ranging from burgers, hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, pulled pork, pizza, and even pepperoni rolls. Besides the main stands you can also find smaller stands all around the facility, offering snack items such as peanuts, popcorn, glazed nuts, and ice cream, as well as stands selling beer, wine, and seltzer. The prices for all these items are very reasonable for this level of football – for example you can find hot dogs, popcorn, and candy for only $3.50, bottled water for $4, and alcohol starting at $8.50, which is a lot less than you will pay at many similar venues. Atmosphere 5 West Virginia has a great atmosphere, and it starts with the marching band – the band does all sorts of formations during pre-game and during halftime, for example the WVU logo, state flower, shape of West Virginia, and even a football. The best thing about these formations is that the band flips them around so both the home and visiting stands can see them right-side up; the band wears white with dark blue capes, so you will see the formations done in both colors as they switch between sides. Besides the band there are also plenty of pyrotechnics for fans to enjoy – cones of fire and smoke when the team comes onto the field, as well as fireworks during the National Anthem, whenever the Mountaineers score, and after the game. West Virginia also has a great mascot, and all the traditional fan engagement activities, such as field goal contests and a t-shirt Gatling gun to shower fans with swag. There are also two huge videoboards so you can watch all the replays. Neighborhood 4 West Virginia University hospital is right behind the north end zone, and there are a bunch of restaurants beyond that, including an Applebee’s; sports bars such as Kegler’s, Smokin’ J’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings; Sam’s Pizza; and plenty of fast food restaurants as well – all of these are within 1-2 miles of the stadium. Hotels are not quite as numerous as the restaurants, but you can find several well-known chains such as Marriott and Hampton Inn. Morgantown does lack a little in terms of attractions for those who want to spend the day or weekend, but you can find interesting stops such as the Don Knotts statue and the USS West Virginia mast and bell, as well as several parks for the nature lovers. Fans 3 There is a great tailgating scene at West Virginia – from inside the stadium you can see tents and tailgaters expanding out quite a ways, and many fans stay until the end to sing Country Roads and to watch the band march out. The stands are also pretty full – not a sellout by any means but not very many empty seats either, especially for Big 12 matchups. The stands do tend to thin out a little as the game goes on, though, so there will be fewer by the fourth quarter than you will see during the second. Access 3 I will be honest – getting to Mountaineer Field is tough. Morgantown is just off I-79, but a little far from other major towns, so it may take a while to get here depending on where you are coming from. Also you will probably have to park pretty far from the stadium – you can find parking starting at $10 near where the restaurants are if you are willing to walk a bit, and the prices go up from there the closer you get to the stadium. Note that you will need a pass to park on the hill next to the facility, and if you do park on that hill, it will still take time to get back to your car, either waiting for one of the shuttles or walking back up the hill. Once inside the stadium, the lines are long for the concessions and restrooms, even before it hits halftime, though the lines at the entrances are not too bad; there is a long line right before the gates open of all those who came early, but once that rush is over it gets easier. You can’t really see the game from the concourse due to the tunnels that go up and down to the seats, which block your vision of the field. On the plus side they have TV screens all along the concourse, so you can still keep track of the game while waiting in line to get food or use the restrooms. Getting out after the game is also a bit challenging – the local police try to help by re-directing traffic; blocking certain streets and making other streets one way, meaning both sides go the same direction, allowing some people to drive on the “wrong” side of the road as they exit. But having certain streets blocked means you may have to loop all the way around to go in the direction you want to go in, and traffic is pretty heavy nearby for 30-60 minutes after the game. One option to note is West Virginia does have an elevated train consisting of boxy little vehicles, which shuttle folks from campus to the stadium and back – due to the issues with driving mentioned above, if you are able to use that train it is probably worthwhile, and should save you some time. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to West Virginia football games start at $65 on their website (conference games), but you can likely find them on third party websites for a little cheaper given they don’t usually sell out (the stadium has a capacity of 60,000 – for most games lately they are at two-thirds or three-quarters of that). That is a fair price for big-time college football, and given the reasonable concessions and low cost parking options, makes attending a game at Mountaineer Field a good return on investment. Extras 3 Being able to see the band march out after the game is a plus, and the setting is very nice, with the hills and trees in the background. The scenery on the drive up is pleasant as well – through the mountains of rural West Virginia, a part of the country many folks have never seen; a nice break from the hustle and bustle of city living. Final Thoughts Mountaineer Field has a great atmosphere with lots of amenities for fans, especially the pyrotechnics, and the recent upgrades to the stadium have improved things quite a bit. As long as you plan ahead in term of getting in and out, you should have a great time.

Photo Designed by Jason Moragas This past November a series of baseball teams and leagues introduced new branding to the market in hopes of attracting fans to their organization and a few more to purchase merchandise. Each November brings out a wave of new franchises, rebranding, and logo updates. The month has become known as Logovember. Jason Moragas tracked down every league’s new styles on his Brand Identity Checklist and joined me on a recent episode of the Ballpark Hunter . Here is what we thought were the five best logos from the offseason, so far. Rome Emperors - South Atlantic League Marc - "I am not sure there is a negative complaint about this rebrand. The former Rome Brave ball club went from a vapid-sounding name to one that evokes that of Ancient Rome. The Studio Simon-designed emperor penguin has the right smirk on his face and dons enough aesthetics to make Julius Caesar blush. The colors of red, black, and gold have been a hit across the country, with merchandise sold in all 50 states." Jason -“Even among Dan Simon’s portfolio, this is some top stuff. The penguin logo appeals to little children, and the name is not over the top. It does a great job of appealing to everyone and isolating no one. I love the use of the old Roman columns, the wardrobe, and the penguin's smirk on his face. This brand writes itself.” Ft. Collins Foxesv - Rocky Mountain Baseball League Marc- "I was worried that after the ball clubs' hiatus, they might not return; instead, they unleash an update on an old classic and come very close to beating Rome in the Logovember Wars. The two shades of orange and the teal coloring make the logo pop. If you are doing a reboot with your club, this is how to get it started." Jason- “What a statement after taking last year off. The Foxes come back with a really impressive logo in a league that does offer powerful branding. The colors of orange and teal are electric. The real fox is commanding. This logo is the only one that could truly rival the Rome Emperors.” North Platte 80s - Pecos League Marc - "Leave it to the Pecos League to find one of its teams on this list and one that came out of the blue. The club isn’t named after a particular year but after "The Decade of Decadence". The logo looks like it was created in 1986, but it feels fresh for baseball fans to rock in on a trucker’s cap in 2024." Jason - “The 80’s is a good logo. It is one of my favorites of the off-season. It's like an 80s logo. They are trying to bring in the culture and the vibe of that era of baseball. That’s good and that sounds a lot of fun.” Saskatoon Berries - Western Canadian Baseball League Marc - "You can’t help but like the cute little logo of the expansion of Saskatoon Berries of the Western Canadian Baseball League. The emblem, designed by Brad McLeod, works for the company that owns the Berries, Sask Entertainment Group. The colors of purple and sky blue give this a fresh look for the club bringing back baseball fun in the summertime in Saskatchewan. Jason - “I love this one. It’s a nice, cute logo, but this little berry with the eye black, white cap turned backward like Ken Griffey, Jr., with his bat over his shoulder is great for the league. I’m a sucker for purple, and it’s a good logo for a baseball team. You love to see a logo like this for a collegiate summer league.” Northwest Arkansas Naturals - Texas League Marc - "I love the colors and secondary marks, and the rooster logo is a great addition to the new branding of the ball club. The oversized logos are not my cup of tea, but this new branding makes you realize how outdated the old logo was. There is a lot to enjoy from the Naturals new imagery." Jason - "The new Naturals logo dials back on the business of their old primary mark to create a new visual identity that puts the scenic views of NWA at the forefront. The blue, yellow, and red color scheme of the club creates a stunning portrait of a sunset sky over a natural landscape. I'm also a big fan of the oversized secondary marks that truly pop on caps. The oversized cap logo look seems to be in (see the Tampa Bay Rays Devil Ray throwbacks), and the Naturals certainly do not miss that mark. Overall, this is a massive improvement, in my opinion, and I cannot wait to see the new logo set hit the field." --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com Follow Jason Moragas on Twitter @jasonxxiv

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 New England Sports Village 1395A Commerce Way Attleboro, MA 02703   Johnson & Wales Wildcats hockey website   New England Sports Village website   Year Opened : 2016 Capacity: 1,000   Johnson and Wales Hockey Johnson and Wales University is a private university with its main campus in downtown Providence, RI. Founded in 1914 by Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales as a business school, JWU has a total enrollment of over 7,000 students spread out over its four campuses. Today the school is best known for its culinary arts and hospitality programs. Several celebrity chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Aaron Sanchez, are alumni of JWU. New England Sports Village is a community ice center containing two full-sized NHL rinks, a ¾ sized “studio rink” and a goalie pad. The hockey rinks at New England Sports Village were planned to be the first piece in a larger project that was to eventually contain facilities for soccer, tennis, and swimming in addition to a hotel and field house. However, this additional development has yet to materialize, and the owners of the complex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2021 to stave off a foreclosure auction.   Varsity hockey has been played at Johnson & Wales University since 1997. The team competes in the New England Hockey Conference, a Division Three hockey-only conference featuring teams from New England and New York. The Wildcats have yet to qualify for the national tournament.   Food & Beverage 2   The Blue Line Café, located in the main lobby, offers a basic menu for visiting Wildcats fans who need a snack. Hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and snacks can be purchased here. If your timing is right, you may find pizza slices, assorted sandwiches, or chicken tenders available. The prices are cheap and the quality is decent. Should the café be closed during your visit, there are several vending machines in the lobby.   Pepsi products are featured at NESV. Coffee and hot chocolate are popular items in the chilly complex. Fans are welcome to bring in their snacks if they wish.   Atmosphere 1   As you might expect in a simple community rink like the NESV, there’s not a lot to the game day presentation. The staff here does the best with the limited tools at their disposal, but are limited by a poor speaker system, which makes PA announcements almost unintelligible. A small scoreboard hangs at center ice, which displays basic game information. With youth hockey games going on at the other rink, you’ll be sure to find lots of kids running around the facility, giving the place a certain energy.   One of the best things about seeing a game at a small rink like the NESV is that you can hear the sounds of the game. You can hear coaches shouting instructions to their players, the officials making their calls, and the players chirping at each other. It’s very enjoyable for serious hockey fans.   Neighborhood 2   The New England Sports Village is located in a suburban neighborhood with nothing of interest in the immediate vicinity. Fans looking for a bite to eat can head to nearby Route 1, the primary business district in Attleboro, where multiple shopping and dining options can be found. Most of the options here are national chains. The local outpost of 99 Restaurant or Miller’s Roast Beef should suit your needs. If you are looking for fine dining, head to Providence, which is known as one of the better mid-sized cities in the country for dining options.   Fans looking for nearby lodging will find several options along this same stretch of Route One, including a Best Western, a Holiday Inn Express, and a Hampton Inn.   If visiting during the holiday season, a trip to LaSalette Shrine is a must. The facility is decked out in lights and is a popular local destination during the holidays.   Fans 1 At Stadium Journey we often use the term “friends and family” to describe smaller crowds. A JWU hockey crowd certainly fits this description. Stadium Journey attended a game on a Saturday night, and a crowd of under 100 fans were in attendance. On the plus side, you know that virtually everyone in attendance will have a personal connection with the athletes down on the ice and will be very knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support. Since the NESV is so far from campus, you won’t find many students here. With the Wildcats’ schedule featuring mostly local teams, you’ll find a good turnout from visiting team fans as well.   Access 4 The New England Sports Village is located in Attleboro, MA, a Providence suburb located about 12 miles from the Johnson & Wales campus. The facility is located just off Interstate 95, making access to and from the facility easy. The parking lot and the main entrance are located at the rear of the building as you approach from Commerce Way.   The Wildcats usually play in the “Premier Rink,” which is straight ahead as you enter the building. Since they are not the primary tenants at the NESV, their games may occasionally be shifted over to the secondary rink. Seating consists of metal bleachers without backs raised about eight feet over the ice surface. Nets run the length of the rink, obstructing views from all seating areas. There is a bit of standing room available at ice level. Fans wishing to escape the cold of the rink may choose to watch the action from tables located in the lobby, which have a view of the ice.   The cafeteria and restrooms are located in the main lobby. While the three ice surfaces here are in constant use, lines are not an issue and the facility is clean and attractive.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for Wildcat hockey games at the NESV, and parking in the adjacent lot is also free. Concessions are inexpensive, which all adds up to a very affordable night of entertainment for local sports fans.   Extras 1   An extra point is awarded for honoring local high school player A.J. Quetta by naming the premier rink for him. Quetta was a local high school player who suffered a spinal cord injury in a 2021 game at the facility. There's also an inspirational quote from Quetta on the rink's wall. "If there is a will, there is always a way, my friend."   Final Thoughts   It’s not unusual to see teams at this level of play utilize community rinks as their homes. While the New England Sports Village may not be the most convenient place for this downtown Providence school to be playing, it serves as a decent home for the Wildcats. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

The home of the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears is getting a new name. After Amway's title sponsorship was not renewed, Kia, the NBA's official auto sponsor, has been named the new naming rights holder for the arena. The Kia Center, as it will now be called, will give the venue a new name for the first time since it opened in 2010. “The Orlando Magic and Kia America have been proud partners for several years and we share in the excitement of Kia’s success and growth,” Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “We look forward to our expanded partnership which allows Kia to drive its brand forward and deliver a direct, impactful message to our fan base and beyond using the power of the NBA.” Amway, owned by the DeVoss family, which also owns the Magic franchise, had been the name of the arena and its predecessor facility for nearly two decades. Signage for Amway has been slowly removed over the past few weeks ahead of the new Kia partnership announcement.

When discussing the Baltimore Ravens, the guys welcome pinch-hitter, Stadium Journey's Richard Smith to discuss the most poetic team in the NFL. Is the experience as good as the Orioles? Is Baltimore a football or baseball town? Grab a beer and join Dave and Paul and settle in for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. 🏈 You can find Stadium Journey's review of M&T Bank Stadium and the Baltimore Ravens game day experience here.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 The Coliseum 325 W Georgia Drive Carrollton, GA 30117 West Georgia Wolves website The Coliseum website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 7,000 The Coliseum – University of West Georgia Wolves The University of West Georgia Wolves christened their new home, The Coliseum, in 2009, which serves as the home of the West Georgia basketball and volleyball teams. The 2023-24 season will mark the final season for the Wolves as a part of the Gulf South Conference and NCAA’s Division II, as they make the jump to Division I as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference.   Food & Beverage   2 There are two concession stands built into the arena, but only one seems to be typically used. The stand is conveniently located in the northwest corner of the concourse, just around the corner from the main lobby. The menu does seem a bit limited with hot dogs and nachos being the main courses; candy, chips, and popcorn are also available.  When it comes to beverages, Coca-Cola products, Powerade, and bottled water are the go-to choices. Even though the options are not overly eye-opening, there are no menu items over $3 – these low prices make grabbing a bite to eat a bit more enticing.   Atmosphere   3 The Coliseum is a rather modern-looking facility that incorporates a glassed entryway into a high-ceilinged, open lobby. As soon as they pass through the doors, fans are greeted with the unmistakable squeak of sneakers on hardwood, the repetitive thud of the ball on the floor, the blasts of referee whistles, and the arena horn. The entry point lobby is open to the playing area, so one of the first glimpses of the court fans have is of the large four-sided video board that hangs above the center court; the board gives fans a feed of the live broadcast. A second video board is suspended high above the eastern end of the court and shows live statistical totals, and in addition to these first two impressive video boards, smaller scoreboards that provide time and score information are affixed to the inside walls of the sideline seating. The Coliseum is probably bigger than it needs to be for West Georgia basketball, but the facility is also used for many events throughout the year, including the high school state basketball playoffs, concerts, graduation ceremonies, and several other large community events. So, while the size of the arena does make for a bit of an empty feel during basketball games, the fans here do well in making the stands seem much fuller than they are. Most breaks in the action are accompanied by a performance from West Georgia’s large (more than 30 members) cheer squad, typically followed by a short musical interlude from the West Georgia pep band – the combination creates a classic basketball atmosphere. Neighborhood   4 The Coliseum is less than 2 miles from downtown Carrollton, which is sneaky exciting with several shops, restaurants, and a brew house. On weekends the area is frequently bustling with activity, from the local eateries to town events. Maple Street, which runs along the front of the West Georgia campus toward downtown, also has several restaurants along its length. The Coliseum is tucked into the back of West Georgia’s campus, neighbored by the school’s baseball stadium, Cole Field, and several of West Georgia’s administrative buildings; the location does help promote a “college campus” feel and fanfare that makes college basketball so special.   Fans   3 An initial look at attendance numbers may make it seem like the Wolves struggle with fan support, but that is not necessarily the case. Attendance tends to be five to six hundred per game, which for the Gulf South Conference is just about in line with other programs.   What boosts the Wolves’ basketball experience, though, is that despite what appears to be a lack of attendance, there is a very supportive fan base. The most ardent of fans tends to be a group of students near court level across from the visiting bench, who are ready to celebrate each 3-point basket and dunk from the Wolves. Students tend to populate the southern seating area, while fans from the community and alumni typically sit in the northern bleachers, which are across from the main entrance. Access   3 The West Georgia campus is in the Georgia town of Carrolton, in the outer reaches of metro Atlanta.  For those heading to West Georgia from outside of the immediate area, getting to Carrolton can be a bit of a challenge, as many fans would likely be using Interstate 20. For weekday games, this can take more than a handful of patience, as Atlanta traffic is notorious for its unpredictable and uncooperative nature. Once on the West Georgia campus, a large parking lot sits just across the street from The Coliseum, just a short walk away from the venue. Upon approaching the front doors, a sandwich board instructs fans to scan a QR code to purchase tickets, since there is not a staffed ticket office selling them. Just after passing through the main entry, a table is set up to scan the entry tickets – the process is not difficult, but it might be wise to try and purchase tickets ahead of time just to not have to deal with the hassle of setting up a Wolves purchasing account. Once in the arena, the main lobby is very spacious and easy for groups to navigate. Alums and fans from the community usually sit behind the team benches by proceeding to the concourse straight ahead, while students occupy much of the seating across from the team benches, accessible by taking a sharp left upon entering the facility. There are no designated seating areas for students and alums, but the seating seems to shake out that way anyway. The concourse is open to the court from the baseline around the top of both sides. Though the concourse does continue completely around the arena, it is a bit deserted around the walkway at the opposite end.   Return on Investment   5 Seating is general admission and runs $10, which is extremely reasonable for college basketball tickets. If those rates are not good enough, West Georgia also offers ticket deals like ticket four packs for just $30. When factoring in free parking and the concession prices, it would be difficult to find a better deal in college basketball, short of free.   Extras   3 Banners celebrating the successes of the University of West Georgia athletic programs line the rafters along both sides of the court; included are banners from the NAIA National Championship the basketball program won in 1974. A trophy case just to the right of the lobby area displays the hardware of much of the Wolves' successes as well. The Red Clay Rivalry is an all-sport competition between the Wolves and the Valdosta State Blazers – the basketball portion of the rivalry creates a fun atmosphere, as the passion of the fans is a bit more amped up during those contests than normal. The West Georgia mascot, Wolfie, is a frequent participant in welcoming fans to the arena and during pregame festivities. Wolfie also makes several appearances with the cheer squad for off-court activities on the concourse, as well as for some of the on-court routines. Final Thoughts The Coliseum is a beautiful facility and should fit in seamlessly as the Wolves move from Division II to Division I. As with several programs in similar situations, there are typically growing pains that go along with such a move, but the Wolves of West Georgia appear to have solid footing upon which to build.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Jerry Richardson Stadium 8701 Phillips Rd Charlotte, NC 28223 Famous Toastery Bowl website Jerry Richardson Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 15,314 A Toast to the Famous Toastery Bowl There are two perspectives one could take when reviewing the Famous Toastery Bowl – the first looks at what is missing. When the Bahamas Bowl  needed to be relocated for a year due to ongoing stadium construction and renovations at Thomas Robinson Stadium , ESPN Events chose Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte. The home of the Charlotte 49ers , the stadium seemed like a perfect fit for a smaller bowl like this one. However, many of the things one expected were not here; there was little sponsor activation, signage around town was minimal at best, and the massive crowd wasn’t exactly filling every open seat. A change of perspective can alter your perception, though – everything at the stadium was immaculate, the staff was friendly and welcoming, tailgating was in full force even in the parking garages, game logos were all over the place, and they even had a celebrity coin tosser in Daytona 500 winning NASCAR driver Michael McDowell. By the end of the game, many in the stands were echoing what had become a common thought: “I hope they keep this game here for next year”.   Food & Beverage   4 For a smaller stadium, the food and beverage options here are numerous. Multiple concession stands exist in the stadium and all of them are open. The main draw is the Bojangles stand where you can get their famous chicken in baskets ($9.50) and have mac and cheese bacon bites ($8) or jumbo pretzels ($5 + $2 for cheese). Large souvenir cups with free refills of soda or iced tea run $6.25, while bottled water ($4-$6), Powerade ($4), and Monster Energy ($5) are also available. Beer ($8-$9) and wine ($9.50) are also available, including a local brew themed after the Charlotte 49ers. In addition, various other food carts are located throughout the concourse offering similar options.   Atmosphere   4 The stadium itself is simple enough; a single level to the bowl, fans enter the facility along what is currently the upper concourse, meaning you walk down to your seats. The architecture matches that of the buildings on campus nearby, a mix of classic colonial aesthetic and “Morrocroft Special” brickwork from Hanson Brick. The new LED scoreboard is visible from almost every seat in the stadium, and most seats are backed bleachers or individual chairback seats. The backdrop of the stadium features stunning campus buildings and trees – the campus itself is heavily wooded, making for a verdant college look.   Neighborhood   4 UNC Charlotte is a beautiful campus, filled with lakes and forested areas over 1,000 acres. Immediately across the street from the stadium is a Marriott hotel. The immediate neighborhood of University City features plenty of shopping, dining, and lodging for visitors, and the campus itself is beautiful to walk around. In downtown Charlotte, you can visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, as well as various race shops in the cities to the north in Mooresville.   Fans   3 The fan attendance at the Famous Toastery Bowl is smaller than some of those at bigger bowls, partially a result of the game’s tie-ins, which usually result in smaller schools from mid-level conferences being invited – Old Dominion  and Western Kentucky  highlighted the most recent match-up. Fans nonetheless can get a taste of the pageantry of bowl games. Also, the smaller stadium means the fans fill in a lot more than at larger facilities, putting them closer to the action. n. Everyone in attendance also made the most of their attendance, making for roars during scoring plays that could be heard far away from the stadium itself, despite its smaller size. Access   5 Getting to the Famous Toastery Bowl is incredibly easy; located equidistant from I-85 and I-485, the stadium lies right off the main roads of Highway 29 and Route 24. Parking is plentiful on-site, and signage on the nearby roads directs fans to the entrances. Additionally, pre-game info on stadium parking and entrances for various lots was readily available for fans and was well communicated.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Famous Toastery Bowl are incredibly affordable, starting at just $25 for end zone seats and topping out at $60 for sideline seats at the 50-yard line. Parking is also available, with various lots and garages around the stadium open, as well as having fan shuttle service available. With this in mind, the Famous Toastery Bowl may be the best value for bowl season.   Extras   4 The stadium features a large statue outside Gate 3 sculpted by artist Jon Hair – the “Go Long” statue honors the team’s ongoing history in college football, and serves as a great photo spot for fans. The game also features various giveaways, both for fans entering the game and for fans inside. You also can purchase Bowl Game merchandise at several sales stands around the facility, and finally, the stadium features plaques around the venue honoring university benefactors who helped fund its construction, as well as those whom the stadium was named after.   Final Thoughts The Famous Toastery Bowl has the potential to be a great bowl game in the future. Should it become a new bowl and remain in Charlotte, there is little doubt it will become a great option for sports fans. Incredibly high affordability offers fans the option to take in a bowl game without breaking the bank, and the stadium itself is a wonderful site.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Audi Field 100 Potomac Avenue Washington DC 20024 DC United website Audi Field website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 20,000 A Real Stadium For United D.C. United is a charter member of Major League Soccer, joining the league for its inaugural 1996 season. For the first two-plus decades of their existence, the Black & Red played in cavernous, run-down RFK Stadium, which also served as a baseball and football stadium at various points in its existence. After many discussions of a new stadium, D.C. United finally got one in 2018, moving into Audi Field, a soccer-specific stadium located on Buzzard Point. This long-awaited home was intended to revitalize the atmosphere at D.C. United games, and for the most part, it has done so. Food & Beverage 5 Audi Field has a wide range of concessions that should satisfy any fan’s palate, many of which are provided by celebrity chef Jose Andres. In addition to classic options such as burgers and pizza, fans can pick from more unique options such as pupusas and arepas. Given that soccer’s fanbase skews towards those of Latin American descent, it is nice to see concessions that reflect this diversity. Prices can be quite high, with one meal costing $20-$25 between the meal and a soda or water, even more if you are planning to drink alcohol at the game. Atmosphere 4 Other than the Supporters’ Section (more on that later), every seat in Audi Field is a chairback, and no matter where you watch the game from, you will have a great view of the action. There are two levels, although 200-level seats are only located on one sideline, above the suites. There is a large videoboard behind the Supporters’ Section, although fans on that side of the field may have to turn around to look at it. There is a board on the other side which also shows score and video, but the video is very small and almost impossible to see from all the way across the field. As for the Supporters’ Section, this is where a lot of the energy is. Due to popular demand, the club converted these sections behind the north goal from benches to safe standing a couple years ago. The Supporters (with a capital S) in this section are loud, raucous, and rowdy for the whole game, cheering, waving flags, and really contributing to the atmosphere. The energy in the stadium is less than it was when it first opened and the place was routinely selling out, but is still palpable. That being said, when compared to other MLS stadiums built around the same time, the experience at Audi Field is much more basic, both in terms of the energy and the fan amenities. Neighborhood 4 Audi Field is located in an up-and-coming part of D.C., near Buzzard Point. There is currently a lot of construction going on around the stadium, so expect it to improve even more in the future. For now, All About Burger is a popular local burger place located a few blocks of the stadium, and there are other options closer to Nationals Park. Of course, you are in Washington, D.C., so there is plenty to do if you head towards the National Mall, and much of it is free. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 3 With D.C. United finishing towards the bottom of the league table the last few years, they are not drawing the crowds they used to. Many of the fans have been following the club since its inception in1996, while others are newer to the team. That being said, the real fan energy comes from the Supporters Section. There are several Supporters Groups, including Barra Brava, District Ultras, 202 Unique, La Banda del Distrito, Rose Room Collective, and Screaming Eagles. These fans are located in Sections 135-137 and can be expected to stand, cheer, chant, wave flags, bang drums, and more for the entire game. The Supporters bring raucous energy for the full 90 minutes, although they no longer fill the section like they once did. For many games, they will make a tifo (large, handmade banner) that they unveil pregame to support the team or various team-related causes. Other fans can get involved too, of course. D.C. United fans, in general, are knowledgeable about the game and the team, and while they’re not afraid to get on the refs’ case when a close call doesn’t go their way. All fans will celebrate D.C. United goals (except for traveling supporters of the visiting team, of course) but none get into it like the Supporters Section. Access 3 When going to Audi Field, your best bet is to use public transit or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. If taking Metro, take the Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark and walk about ten minutes to the stadium. Keep in mind, however, that there is often trackwork on Metro, particularly on weekends and during the summer, resulting in single tracking and/or the closing of stations entirely. Be sure to check in advance. If driving in, you can park at one of the stations in suburban Maryland and take Metro from there so you do not have to contend with D.C. traffic. Crowds will be large on the train after the game, although if you park at the Branch Avenue station in Southern Prince George’s County, you will be taking the Green Line in the opposite direction from most fans so it will be far less packed once you board. If you do arrive at the stadium by (whether one driven by you or an Uber/Lyft driver) there is a lot of construction surrounding the stadium right now so it may be hard to figure out how to get right there, although an Uber/Lyft driver should be able to get you close. Parking is very limited and can be purchased in advance through SpotHero, but the cheapest spots will cost about $45 and can be located a 15-minute walk from the stadium. To get closer will cost you twice that. There is still no dedicated team-run parking lot, in contrast to the spacious lots at RFK. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are sold with dynamic pricing, so the exact price will depend on the day you go and the opponent, but in general, they range from somewhat affordable to ridiculously expensive depending on where you sit. The cheapest seats are behind the goals and can cost about $30-$50 depending on the game. Keep in mind many of the “seats” behind the north goal are actually safe standing in the Supporters Section. These are clearly marked when buying through the team, but if you buy these, prepare to stand for the entire game (there aren’t even any seats to sit in) and possibly have your view obstructed by flags at times. However, if this is not for you, there are plenty of seats available behind the south goal for roughly the same price. Sideline seats will start at about $60-$80 depending on the game, and go up to about twice that. Premium seats such as suites will cost you even more but may come with food and beverage. These prices are slightly more expensive than most MLS ticket prices, and with D.C. United being a middling team in a stadium far less advanced than others built around the same time, there is little to justify this. Getting to the stadium will be extremely pricey if you do not want to deal with Metro delays, and concessions are expensive as well. While good value can be had if you are willing to go on a weeknight, for the most part a trip to DC United game is quite the pricey endeavor. Extras 3 One bonus star for the murals throughout the stadium honoring DC United history as well as the history of other soccer teams that have played in Washington throughout the years. The Heineken Rooftop Bar behind the north goal provides a unique vantage point to watch a game. A third star for the many unique concession options here. Final Thoughts D.C. United fans had been waiting a long time for a true soccer stadium by the time Audi Field opened in 2018. While Audi Field is a vast improvement over RFK Stadium, it has sadly left off many of the developments seen at successful MLS stadiums built around the same time. The team has remedied some of these, such as by honoring the history of soccer in the nation's capital, but Audi Field remains below the standard we have seen at other venues in the league recently.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium info FANFARE Score: 2.71 James A. Calhoun Gymnasium 1678 Asylum Ave West Hartford, CT 06117 University of St. Joseph men's basketball website James A. Calhoun Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity : 800 A Tiny Gym With a Big Name   Jim Calhoun is a legendary figure in college basketball. As coach of the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team, he won three national championships, in 1999, 2004 and 2011. He finished his career with 873 victories in Division One, good for 11th all-time at the time of his retirement. Considered to be one of the best coaches in the history of college basketball, Calhoun was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005.   The University of St. Joseph was founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Mercy Connecticut. Originally known as Saint Joseph College, it is a private Roman Catholic university located in West Hartford, Connecticut. This small school was founded as a women-only college, becoming co-educational in 2018. The school currently boasts an enrollment of just under 2,500 students.   Jim Calhoun was hired as coach of the newly formed men’s basketball program in 2018. Calhoun coached the team for three seasons. A member of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, the Blue Jays have qualified for three NCAA Division III tournaments in their short history, advancing to the sweet sixteen in 2023.   Food & Beverage 1    There is no concession stand at the O’Connell Center. Fans needing a snack during a Blue Jays game can bring their own into the facility or utilize the vending machine located in the lobby.   Atmosphere 2   Stadium Journey visited USJ for their annual Holiday Tournament during the 2023 semester break, which might have held down attendance and excitement. Fans who frequent Division Three basketball games will find a familiar, low-key game presentation here at Calhoun Gymnasium.   Missing during Stadium Journey’s visit were the student body, cheerleaders, pep band, mascot and most of the extras that breathe life into a small college gymnasium. The gym features a modern, crystal-clear sound system over which music is played during stoppages. Scoreboards at either end of the gym provide basic game information.   With its intimate setting, it’s easy to see how Calhoun Gymnasium could provide a great home-court advantage when filled with boisterous Blue Jays fans. Otherwise, it’s a clean, comfortable place to catch some affordable, quality college basketball.   Neighborhood 4   The University of St. Joseph is located in a residential neighborhood in affluent West Hartford. Niche.com recently named West Hartford the best place to live in Connecticut. Downtown Hartford is a short ten-minute drive away. For visitors looking to stay outside the city, West Hartford Center is located just a couple of miles away and contains many dining and shopping options. More options are available at the newly developed Blue Black Square. More information about things to do in West Hartford can be found here .   Fans 3   As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey visited USJ during the semester break, which held down attendance despite the tournament setting. During Stadium Journey’s visit, crowds were small, estimated at about 200 fans by the eyeball test. Many of the fans present were there to support the other teams in action. This could very accurately be described as a friends and family type of crowd.   While interacting with several students who were working at the game, they spoke of the gymnasium being packed with standing room only crowds for big games in recent years. We’ll take them at their word and split the difference with our rating.   Access 4   The University of St. Joseph is located in West Hartford, a town of 64,000 residents. The USJ campus is just 3.5 miles from downtown Hartford. In fact, if you follow Asylum Street to the east, you’ll find yourself at the XL Center in about ten minutes. The town center is located just a couple of miles from campus. USJ’s suburban campus in a residential neighborhood is easily reached via Interstate 84. For fans using public transportation, CT Transit  serves the USJ campus. Maps, directions and local points of interest can be found here .   USJ’s 84-acre campus contains 19 buildings designed in the Georgian architectural style by the Olmstead Brothers. The Calhoun Gymnasium is located in the O’Connell Athletic Center on the northern edge of campus alongside the school’s other athletic facilities. Parking is available in lots adjacent to the O’Connell Center.   Seating consists of molded plastic bleachers on either side of the court. There is no seating on either end of the court. This intimate gym seats only 800 fans, so all seats feature excellent views of the court. Rest rooms and vending machines are located nearby in the lobby.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to basketball games at Calhoun Gymnasium cost $10. During conference games, one ticket is good for admission to both the men’s and women’s games. Parking is available at no cost in lots adjacent to the O’Connell Center.   Extras 2   There is a trophy case in the O’Connell Center lobby which displays the hardware won by various Blue Jays teams over the school’s history. Flags commemorating championships and tournament appearances by the men’s and women’s basketball teams and volleyball teams hang on the gymnasium walls.   Another extra point is awarded for the upgrading of the school’s facilities. The new gym, opened in 2021, doubled the size of the old facility and was dedicated to Coach Calhoun upon his retirement.   Final Thoughts   The University of Saint Joseph is a new basketball program with an already impressive resume. With a gym named for a basketball Hall of Famer and multiple post-season appearances under its belt, this cozy facility is a great place to catch some quality basketball at an affordable price in an intimate setting.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Capital One Arena FANFARE Score: 2.86 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Georgetown Hoyas website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20,356 Georgetown A-Hoya The Georgetown Hoyas are one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. With players like Allen Iverson, Dikembe Mutombo, Patrick Ewing, and Alonzo Mourning, the Hoyas dominated the Big East for many years. They have reached five Final Fours, including a national championship victory in 1984. For many years, the Hoyas played on campus at McDonough Arena but moved off campus to the Capital Centre in Landover, MD in 1981 to accommodate the bigger crowds. McDonough is still home to the Hoyas’ women’s basketball team. In 1997, the Hoyas moved back to the District into what was then called the MCI Center and is today known as Capital One Arena. This arena is also the home of the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Capitals of the NHL. Georgetown’s colors are blue and gray and were chosen after the Civil War to promote unity between northern and southern students, many of whom had served in battle for one side or the other. Blue and gray were, of course, the colors of the Union and Confederate military uniforms, respectively. Food & Beverage 3 Seeing as Capital One Arena is a professional sporting venue, it does have quite a wide selection. However, the flip side of this is that what they have is quite expensive for a college venue. Additionally, many of the stands, including most of the specialty stands, will be closed for most games due to the smaller crowds compared to the Wizards and Capitals. That being said, fans certainly won’t go hungry. Main course selections include cheeseburgers and chicken tenders well as items such as sausage and hot dogs. Snacks include popcorn and hot pretzels. Drinks include bottled water and fountain soda.. Keep in mind that fountain beverages no longer come with lids or straws at Capital One Arena in an attempt to reduce environmental waste. Since Capital One is an off-campus arena, it is not too surprising that alcohol is available as well. Prices are very high, as this is a professional arena. As part of the naming rights deal, all Capital One credit or debit cardholders get a 10 percent discount on concessions throughout the arena, but this does not come off automatically and you must notify the cashier. Atmosphere 2 Capital One Arena is a perfect example of why bigger isn’t always better. Although the arena seats over 20,000 fans, it is rarely even close to full. Although the Hoyas’ former on-campus home is way too small at only a few thousand seats, it seems like there should be a happy medium somewhere. The arena is far too big and has a tendency to mask the crowd noise from the few thousand fans who show up. That being said, there are no plans to build a new arena on or off campus at any point in the future and the Hoyas seem content with playing at Capital One despite the thousands of empty seats at each home game. The Hoyas do at least try to keep fans engaged. Before each game, the Hoyas are introduced as spotlights and strobe lights light up the court. These lights continue during all media timeouts, which can get quite annoying, although they do not turn the lights out in the arena except at the beginning. There is a pep band as well as cheerleaders and a dance team to pump up the crowd, and contests on the court during TV timeouts. The Hoyas’ mascot is a bulldog named Jack, and there is both a costumed version and a real live dog version. The most popular Georgetown chant is “Hoya Saxa,” which literally means something to the effect of “What rocks!” in a combination of Greek and Latin. Fans can expect to hear it several times a game. Neighborhood 4 Capital One Arena is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of DC, though the area has gentrified significantly since the arena was built. The Greene Turtle is a popular sports bar located right around the corner. while the Gallery Place shopping mall is also right around the corner and includes numerous stores and a movie theater. Unfortunately, a lot of other businesses in the area have closed in recent years, between COVID and rising crime in the area. The neighborhood is still pretty safe despite public perception to the contrary, but you are in a major city so be aware of your surroundings. Your best entertainment options will involve traveling a bit away from the arena, but not far. That’s because you’re in DC, the nation’s capital, and there’s a lot to do. The best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s checking out the many memorials and monuments on and around the National Mall, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply taking in the historic sights, there’s something for everyone here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some private ones are not. Keep in mind, however, that if you wish to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 2 Georgetown only draws a few thousand fans a game in a 20,000 seat arena, which is not a good look. Gone are the days when the Hoyas dominated college basketball and played before large crowds. The fans who do show up can get loud at times, but there simply aren't that many of them, especially in such a large arena. It is unfortunate to see just how far this fan base has fallen. Access 3 Capital One Arena is located just steps from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. While this may seem like an amazing thing, the unfortunate reality is that Metro is difficult at the best of times and unusable at the worst. The last few years have seen numerous construction projects shut down several stations for weeks or even months at a time. Even if one of these isn’t ongoing, there is track work almost every weekend that increases headways on many lines and often closes several additional stations. The result is that there could be 24 minutes or more between trains, and that’s assuming everything functions properly, which it frequently doesn’t. The good news is that even people coming from outside the immediate DC area can take the Metro by parking at one of the suburban stations. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for parking with the same SmarTrip card you paid your fare with or you will be subject to a much higher rate at certain stations. If you don’t want to chance it with Metro, you can drive to the game. Ample garage parking is available but is costly. The exact cost varies by the day and based on availability, but expect to pay at least $20 and probably much more. You can also take a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. Once you’re in the arena, the concourses are wide enough to allow for easy navigation. There can be long lines at concessions or restrooms during halftime, but if you leave as soon as the half ends, you should be back in your seat by the time the game resumes. Of note, Capital One Arena has a no bag policy. Even clear bags are not allowed, unless they are wallet sized or required for medical reasons. Bags which meet these narrow requirements are allowed whether they are clear or not. This makes things extremely difficult for fans. Return on Investment 3 The Hoyas use a dynamic pricing method for their tickets, meaning pricing varies based on demand, opponent, and other factors such as the day of the week the game is being played. Good seats can be had for as little as $10 for non-conference games against lower-tier opponents, but if you want to see a top-level Big East school like Villanova, expect to pay at least $30, and possibly over $100 if you want lower-level seats. If you don’t care who you see the Hoyas play, you can have a chance to watch Big East basketball and get great seats for far less than what a comparable location would cost for other events in the arena. Tickets are still relatively affordable for the bigger games, but you’ll be paying more for worse seats. All that being said, you can often find better deals on the secondary market, especially closer to game time or if Georgetown is playing a weak opponent. Concessions are extremely pricey as well, this being an NBA arena and all. When combined with the mediocre fan experience, a Georgetown basketball game is average value at best. Extras 2 A team store is located on the 100-level concourse and sells Georgetown gear. :The pregame introductions, with spotlights illuminating the court, are impressive, though the continued use of light shows during all media timeouts gets irritating. Final Thoughts The Georgetown basketball program has fallen on hard times in recent years. Attendance is down, performance on the court is down, and this has all contributed to significantly reduce the quality of the fan experience here. Georgetown plays its home games in a cavernous arena that is mostly empty for the typical game, and that is simply not conducive to a good fan experience.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Reitz Arena 4501 N Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21210 Loyola (MD) Greyhounds website Reitz Arena website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 2,100 Greyhound Hoops Loyola University may not be as well-known as Loyola in Illinois. Or Loyola in New Orleans. Or Loyola Marymount in California. But this university began in 1852 as Loyola College in Maryland. It is a Roman Catholic, Jesuit private university located in Baltimore, Maryland. Previously an all-male college, Loyola became coeducational in 1971, following its joining with Mount Saint Agnes College. Currently, Loyola is located right next door to Notre Dame of Maryland University, which also just became a coed school in 2023. Loyola has a strong liberal arts program, as well as a fine education school and the Joseph A. Sellinger School of Business and Management. Reitz Arena replaced the original 1926 Evergreen Gymnasium on the campus. Notable alumni include Tom Clancy, author of The Hunt for Red October, Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down, and ABC Olympics commentator Jim McKay. Food & Beverage 1 You should try and eat before the game. Why? There is a simple temporary food table set up in the entranceway to the game. There is no real lobby to the arena, so there is no room for additional offerings. The small amount of food sold is done so at a good price, but just too limited. Atmosphere 4 The arena changed the seats from all bench seating to a mixture of chairs with seatbacks and plastic bench-type seating. The arena is small and there is not much space. That means it is loud if there is any type of crowd. There is just not always a big crowd. Reitz Arena’s scoreboard layout is extremely impressive, especially for an arena of its size and age. There is not a center-hung scoreboard. Instead, there are four large video boards, one in each corner of the court. One board on each baseline displays time, score, and informative stats. The adjacent board shows replays and close-up shots when appropriate. Neighborhood 3 Loyola is in a very good part of Baltimore City. The problem is that there is just nothing much around the local neighborhood. Luckily Baltimore is a big city that is not too big to get around. Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane is noted for their great breakfast and down-home food. Also relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys is the closest hotel and has a lobby restaurant which is another option. Venturing further from campus, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub (19 W Pennsylvania Ave) in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Fans 3 Reitz Arena usually does not fill, but it can still get intense during a tight game. The fans are very supportive of their Greyhounds, which once again is a product of a tight-knit religious school. We attended a game between semesters so it was light on students. A semester game will see much more of a student presence. Reitz Arena will get as loud as any other mid-major arena in crunch time of a hotly contested game. Access 2 Reitz Arena certainly has issues with access. First, the campus is located in a quiet north Baltimore neighborhood. That means that getting to the campus is not easy. The best route is to travel I-83/The JFX, south and get off at Cold Spring Lane. Other options include exiting I-695, the Baltimore Beltway, and driving south via York Road or Charles Street. York is the busiest route, but may be easier than the high-speed curves of Charles Street. Second, when you get to campus, you will need luck finding parking. Not only will you have trouble finding close parking, but you may have trouble finding any parking. If it is a weeknight game during the semester, you may be sorely out of luck. Look for spaces on Cold Spring Lane or one of the small lots around that area. There is a small paid visitor lot right off Cold Spring Lane. Then once you have found that parking space, you will need to find the arena. There are very few markings for Reitz Arena. Look for the Andrew White Student Center. The arena is actually above the art gallery and the campus cafe in the student center. And it gets even weirder at times, as the ticket windows are far away in the student center and not at all near the arena doors. The doors to the arena itself are a pair of doors back near the cafe. Frankly, finding an arena should not be this difficult. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are relatively decent for a Division I program. You should be able to get a ticket for less than $20. You may have to pay for parking, but the price may not be that high. Extras 2 The maze of an entrance is almost an extra on its own, as it is so unique. But seriously, look at Diane Geppi-Aikens Field just outside the Andrew White Student Center. This is the former home to the men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse teams. Geppi-Aikens was a former star athlete and women’s lacrosse coach at Loyola who died of brain cancer in 2003. Located just outside of the Reitz Arena, the field is a valuable space, so visit it while you can. Hopefully, if they do remove the field, the university can still find a way to honor the beloved former coach. The Loyola campus was designated an accredited arboretum by the Morton Register of Arboreta. The 80-acre campus boasts more than 2,200 trees that represent 84 varieties. Final Thoughts Reitz Arena is a small arena hidden away on a pretty campus. The small size of the facility can make it a nice place to see a game if you can find your way to the arena.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Cecil College Gymnasium One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 Cecil College Seahawks website Cecil College Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970: Remodeled 2010 Capacity: 1,500 Basketball Seahawks Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007. The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The Seahawks won the NJCAA Division II national championship for basketball in 2006. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, The gymnasium is located on the first floor of the Physical Education building (Building E) on the North East campus. Food & Beverage 2 There are no real food options available at the arena. We are giving much credit to the vending options, which include a hot pizza vending machine. We attended after a major snowstorm and between semesters so the machine was not working, but we are hoping it is as awesome as it sounds. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level basketball game. There are some simple PA announcements and music played. There is only one grandstand in the gymnasium with nice comfortable seats. Technically there is also a small 4-row set of stands behind the benches but we think it is usually only used by the athletic trainers. Neighborhood 3 North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is named from its direction on the Maryland map. Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs and its sister restaurant across the street, Woody's Tacos, are our choices for meals when in town. The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games, as well as other local teams fans. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the country's busiest and most well-known highways, so getting to campus will not be difficult. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the building. You can enter from both sides of the gymnasium as there will be people charging for tickets at both entrances. Return on Investment 4 There is a simple $5 admission charge, paid in cash. That small price, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. Extras 1 Cecil has a good number of trophies and other things that show their past accomplishments throughout the arena and building. Look for the National Championship trophy. Final Thoughts The Cecil College Gymnasium is a simple affair but serves as a decent, albeit simple, venue for intercollegiate sports.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Thompson Arena 4 Summer St. Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green hockey website Thompson Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,500 Big Green Pucks   Thompson Arena was designed by noted architect and structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi, the “Poet in Concrete,” renowned for buildings he designed for the 1960 Rome Olympics. It was built in 1975 to replace Davis Rink, the home of Dartmouth hockey from 1929 to 1975. The facility was named for Dartmouth class of 1928 alumnus Rupert C. Thompson, who was a major benefactor of the arena.   Dartmouth adopted a shade of forest green as its official color in 1866. Starting in the 1920s the school’s athletic teams were referred to as the “Indians” until the nickname came under criticism in the 1970s. The nickname “Big Green” refers to the Dartmouth Green in the center of campus.   Hockey has been played at Dartmouth since 1906. The Big Green have qualified for four NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 1980. The squad has reached the Frozen Four every time they have played in the tournament, reaching the finals in 1948 and 1949. Eighteen Big Green alumni have played in the National Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 3   There are concession stands in opposite corners of the arena. Basic stadium fare is served here, with hot dogs, pizza slices and nachos anchoring the menu. There’s a good selection of snack items available, including popcorn, pretzels, churros and ice cream novelties. You can even pick up a piece of fruit should you be so inclined.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Thompson Arena, along with a selection of hot beverages which come in handy on a cold New Hampshire winter night. No alcohol is sold at this on-campus facility.   A bit of variety is achieved in the concessions menu with the inclusion of the Boloco stand, which features a variety of burritos. Hungry fans can choose from chicken, steak or vegetarian fillings.   Atmosphere 2   Thompson Arena is a fairly old-school facility without a lot of modern amenities. For example, the rink still employs an old dot-matrix scoreboard hung at center ice. As you may expect, the game day presentation is pretty basic and reserved, especially when compared to the many newer arenas in the area.   The Dartmouth athletic staff do a lot right here, with a nice sound system and an enthusiastic PA announcer keeping fans appraised of the action and the energy level up. T-shirt tosses and youth skates during intermissions keep casual fans involved. However, without a strong presence from the student body and arena staples like a pep band, there’s only so much energy a small crowd can generate.   Still, the fans are into the game, knowledgeable about their team and enthusiastic in their support. Many fans in attendance have been coming to Big Green games for decades and will gladly tell you about the good old days when Dartmouth squads were more successful. The compact footprint of the ECAC means that there is likely to be a strong turnout from visiting fans during your visit. Visits from traditional Ivy League rivals bring out a stronger fan presence throughout the season.   Neighborhood 5   The village of Hanover, New Hampshire boasts a population of about 9,000 citizens, not much larger than Dartmouth College’s enrollment of 6,350 students. As you would expect, there is a great small-town feel to Hanover. The Dartmouth Green acts as a focal point for all town activities and the campus is worth a stroll to experience its classic Georgian architecture.   Located just a five-minute walk from Thompson Arena, Main Street features a bunch of shops and restaurants and is a great place to explore during your visit. Highlights include the Dartmouth Co-Op, where you can pick up some Big Green gear, Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery for a snack, and Murphy’s on the Green for a traditional pub experience. There are a good dozen eateries located within a few blocks here on Main Street.   Should you wish to stay in Hanover, there are lodging options located in this area as well, including the Hanover Inn and Six South Street Hotel. Visitors looking for other things to do in the area will find a wealth of outdoor options, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through Hanover. In the snowy winter months of the hockey season, several ski resorts are located just a short drive away.   For a unique and quintessential small-town New England experience, cross the Connecticut River into Vermont and visit the Norwich Inn. It’s said to be the inspiration for the television series Newhart. The Inn features a quaint, small pub that seats about 25. Despite its small size, the Inn brews their own beers and features an excellent pub menu.   Fans 3   In the seasons since the pandemic, Dartmouth has averaged about 2,200 fans per game at Thompson Arena. This ranks them around 40th among all the teams in Division One, just under the national and Ivy League averages.   While hockey is the marquee winter sport at Dartmouth, there’s not a huge presence by the student body at most Big Green hockey games. Much of the crowd in attendance is made up of locals and families out to enjoy an affordable night of entertainment. Fans are enthusiastic and supportive, but not rowdy. You can feel comfortable bringing the family to a Dartmouth hockey game. With the compact footprint of the ECAC conference, it’s not unusual to see a decent turnout from visiting fans.   Access 4   Dartmouth College and the small town of Hanover, New Hampshire may be well off the beaten path, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get to. Located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstates 89 and 91, Thompson Arena is located to the southeast of the Dartmouth campus, near the school’s other athletic facilities, including Memorial Field , Red Rolfe Field at Biondi Park , Leede Arena  and Scully-Fahey Field .   Driving is easily the most efficient method to arrive in Hanover, but there are bus and car services that run from Manchester, located an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston. Also, Amtrak has a train station just across the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont.   There is a large parking lot adjacent to Thompson Arena. The main entrance to the rink is on its west side. Fans will enter into a small lobby, where the ticket booths are located. After a quick security check, fans will find themselves on a 360-degree concourse that wraps around the top of the seating bowl. All seats in Thompson Arena are plastic bleachers with backs. The steep pitch of the seating bowl ensures great sight lines no matter where you sit. There is plenty of standing room all around the facility, along with accessible places for fans.   Concession stands and rest rooms are located in opposite corners of the facility. Lines can get long during intermission, so plan your trips wisely.     Return on Investment 5   All seats at Thompson Arena are priced at $15. Youth aged 3-15 can purchase tickets discounted to $10. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the hockey rink. Concessions are moderately priced, with no single item at the main stands costing more than five dollars. Free roster sheets and posters are available for all visiting fans. Put together, a night at a Big Green hockey game is a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 3   As you might expect from a team that’s played as long as Dartmouth, there’s a lot of history to the program. This history is displayed throughout Thompson Arena. On the east end of the building are banners commemorating conference championships and tournament appearances from both the men’s and women’s teams. Sharp-eyed fans will also see a bunch of banners honoring figure skating titles on the west end of the rink.   Photos of alumni who have played in the National Hockey League and who have represented their countries in international competitions line the concourse. There are also displays chronicling the history of Dartmouth hockey, hockey Hall of Famers and more.   If you happen to visit Hanover for a matchup with rival Princeton, be prepared for a barrage of tennis balls to rain down onto the ice after Dartmouth’s first goal. Why? During a road game against Princeton in 1998, a Princeton student threw a single tennis ball at the Dartmouth goaltender after the Tigers scored their first goal. When Princeton came to Dartmouth later in the season, the Big Green student body responded by throwing not just one tennis ball onto the ice after the first Dartmouth goal, but several hundred. The tradition continues to this day.     Final Thoughts   Thompson Arena is one of those unique old hockey barns that make Stadium Journeys so interesting. While Dartmouth fans will gladly tell you about the Big Green’s good old days, they continue to support the team through thick and thin.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex 550 Belsyde Ave Fergus, ON N1M 2W5 Fergus Whalers website Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity : 1,200 Hail To The (Junior C) Whale In Ontario, hockey can be found all over the province, in all manner of size and shape. Junior hockey is often the lifeblood of the small town and in 2023 it returned to Fergus, Ontario. Northwest of Guelph, Fergus can be found in the Township of Centre Wellington and boasts a modest population of just over 20,000. Junior hockey had been absent from Fergus since the departure of the Fergus Devils in 2015, partially due to travel issues. Jason Baier brought the expansion Whalers to Fergus and the Provincial Junior Hockey League where they compete for the Schmalz Cup at the Junior C level. Home for the Whalers is the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.  It's a larger community hub that also houses a second ice pad, gym, meeting rooms and a pool has been added on and renovated a few times.  The main ice pad, Pad A, was built in the seventies and then was added on in the two-thousands.  Fergus is famous for its annual Scottish Highland Games and the Whalers are counting on being a big part of life in Fergus. Food & Beverage 2 Concession options at Centre Wellington Sportsplex are fairly minimalistic. A concession stand outside of the ice pad, in the rec centre that was not open during the game that was reviewed. Many fans brought their own fare from Tim Hortons or Starbucks. Drink and snack vending machines are available outside of Pad A. Other beverages, including beer and spirits are sold in the beer garden in the upper end of the arena. Atmosphere 3 The Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex, like many venues in junior hockey, is part of a larger community hub which includes a variety of sporting facilities.  The exterior is fairly nondescript with a long brick and grey siding exterior where the original arena was.  The main entrance, accessible from Belsyde Avenue, is clearly a more modern addition.   Upon entering the Sportsplex, the ice surfaces will be on the right, while opposite the arena entrance is the donor wall, which brings some artistic value to the area with a natural rock look to it.  Immediately to the right upon entering the Sportsplex is the Community Hall of Fame, a long hallway on the northwest side of the arena complete with numerous trophy cases full of artifacts from various Fergus sports.  It is clear that lacrosse is quite popular in the area.  Fergus product and NHL player Jamie McGinn has a framed jersey and entry into the Fergus Sports Hall of Fame.  Outside of the ice pad entries, the Whalers play in Pad A, temporary tables are set up for fans to purchase tickets and programs.  Entering Pad A, fans will immediately notice the change in temperature as the arena is quite cold.  The ice surface runs from northeast to southwest with seating on the northwest side, wooden benches on concrete steps.  Fans should select their seat wisely and situate themselves under the propane powered heaters or bring their own blankets.  The simple hockey score clock hangs at the top of the southwest side of the arena.  The opposite wall from the seating is where numerous youth hockey banners hang, as well as the Intermediate C Champions banner from the 1980-81 Fergus Flyers.  A unique feature of the Sportsplex is the lounge at the northeast end of the ice.  The glass that looks out to the ice surface is the same glass that is along the boards.  Trophy cases are also found in the lounge, which is a good place to watch the game and avoid the cold, as well as a framed jersey of Dan Crone, a former Fergus Devil player who died in 1993 while a member of the team.  Above the lounge is the Beer Garden, which also allows for the game to be watched in a warmer temperature. The gameday production at the Whalers game is very simple.  Promotions include the 50/50 draw, chuck-a-puck and program raffles.  The PA system in Pad A is not terrific and it is difficult to hear the announcements at times.  Music is played during down times, but the Whalers have latched on to their roots with The Fables’ “Heave Away” as their goal song, a nod to their Scottish roots.  Also, the team enters the ice to the classic Hartford Whalers tune “Brass Bonanza.” Neighbourhood 3 Fergus is a small town of 20,000 and has small town offerings. The CW Sportsplex is on the east end of town a few blocks from Highway 6, where most of the commercial options are found. Many chain and fast food restaurants are found on Highway 6, but for those looking for some less corporate options, Offside Sports Bar and The Goofie Newfie are choices to consider. The Whalers are pretty much the only sporting option in town for spectators. In the summer months the Junior C lacrosse Fergus Thistles may be of interest. Otherwise, heading southeast to Guelph for other sporting options would be the best other option. As far as other tourist options, Fergus is most well known for August’s Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. The Fergus Theatre may also be of interest. For those wishing to stay in Fergus, the Best Western is available. Fans 3 In their first season, the Fergus Whalers have drawn between 150 and 350 fans per game. The top teams in the PJHL draw between 500 and 1000 fans per game. By no means are the Whalers at the bottom of the league in attendance, there is plenty of room for growth. Fans in attendance are pretty quiet, which is not unusual for Ontario fans.   Access 4 Getting to the Centre Wellington Sportsplex is not difficult.  It is located on the east side of Fergus not far from Highway 6, the main entry to the town.  Traversing through Fergus will be required and fans should be careful of passing the school zone with its slow speed limit on the way to the game.  There is plenty of parking at the Sportsplex and there is no charge for it.  There is no public transit in Fergus, which is not surprising due to the size of the town.  Getting around the Sportsplex is no problem at all and the washroom facilities are very good.  Ticketing is done at a temporary table outside of the entry of Pad A.  There are no physical tickets or online ticket purchasing options. Return on Investment 5 PJHL hockey offers great value for the dollar.  Tickets for the Whalers are only $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.  Parking is free and there isn’t much in the way of concessions.  The product on the ice is decent and fans will have a good time watching the Whalers.  Extras 2 An extra mark for the return of junior hockey to Fergus. An extra mark for using the most underrated goal song ever, Brass Bonanza . Final Thoughts Time will tell if the Fergus Whalers will be a long term success in the PJHL.  It is a great opportunity for Fergus residents to take in some hockey.  Catching a game at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex is a great way to spend an evening in small town Ontario. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Fant-Ewing Coliseum 4319 Northeast Dr Monroe, LA 71203 Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks website Fant-Ewing Coliseum website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 7,085 Warhawks Hoops In Northern Louisiana, east of Shreveport, is the small city of Monroe.  The centerpiece of higher education in Monroe is the University of Louisiana at Monroe.  Part of the University of Louisiana system, ULM was founded in 1931 as Ouachita Parish Junior College.  By 1969, the college had morphed into Northeast Louisiana University and was renamed the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1999.  With a small school population of under 9,000 students in the small city of Monroe with a population of 47,000, ULM athletics has the opportunity to be the centerpiece of the city’s sporting scene.  Louisiana-Monroe participates in NCAA Division I basketball, as well as other sports, in the Sun Belt Conference.  ULM began fielding a basketball team in 1951.  Previously known as the Indians, ULM adopted the name Warhawks in 2006 as a response to the NCAA pushing the removal of Indigenous nicknames and mascots.  The name Warhawks was chosen as a nod to Major General Claire Lee Chennault, an alum of LSU, who flew Curtis P-40 Warhawks with his World War II Air Force unit. Home for the Warhawks is Fant-Ewing Coliseum.  Located on campus and owned and operated by ULM, Fant-Ewing Coliseum is named after newspaper publisher Wilson Ewing and basketball head coach from 1957 to 1978, Lenny Fant.  The Coliseum was built in 1971 and has a capacity of 7,085, nearly large enough to house the entirety of the university student population. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Fant-Ewing Coliseum are fairly basic.  Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, sausage, candy, peanuts and popcorn constitute the majority of food options.  Coca-cola products represent the soft drink of choice at the Coliseum and bottled water is also available.  A limited selection of major beer brands are also available, mainly Coors Light and Miller Lite.   Concessions are provided by Aramark.  Fans will not go hungry at the Coliseum, but there are no original or must try items either. Atmosphere 3 Fant-Ewing Coliseum was built in 1971 and does not stray too far from the architectural designs of the time.  The Coliseum is circular and the exterior is a simple combination of red grey siding.  The main entrance is at the south side of the building, along Northeast Drive, although from the exterior, there is little to differentiate the main entrance from other entrances. Entering the south entrance fans are welcomed by the ticket office and the ULM Sports Hall of Fame plaques.  The placement of this is unfortunate as fans will be past the ticket takers and unable to have a good look at the entries.  It may be better placed inside the Coliseum concourse.  The concourse has light painted blocks and is circular but does not offer very wide spaces for traveling, however, this is probably not a big issue due to the attendance and presence of an interior walkway in the seating bowl.  There is not much in the concourse and any trophy cases present are empty.  Entry into the seating bowl does feature some murals and team markings to bring the spirit up a bit. Inside the seating area, the circular nature of the arena continues and is immediate.  The basketball court runs from west to east and the best spot for the center logo picture is from the south.  The seating bowl has red, orange and yellow seats that are split by a single walkway around the arena.  On the north and south sides of the court the seats do not conform to the court shape and are very far from the action.  ULM does place some courtside premium seats, high-top directors chairs, for those interested.  The Warhawks hang a number of banners honouring their basketball accomplishments. The men’s banners are yellow and include conference championships, conference tournament championships and post-season appearances.  The Warhawks have been to the NCAA tournament seven times.  There are also banners honouring former coach Mike Vining and his 402 wins from 1981 to 2005, and Glynn Saulters, who participated in the Olympics and played a season in the ABA.  In the centre of the domed roof hangs a simple basketball scoreclock, without any video capabilities. The gameday experience at ULM is similar to many college basketball experiences.  The game that was reviewed was during the winter break and there were not many students in attendance.  The ULM band plays from the west end and adds to the fun with their chants and antics. Ace the Warkhawk is the school mascot, however, was not in attendance during the game that was reviewed.  ULM also has a cheerleading team that performs at basketball games, but was not in attendance for the game reviewed. Neighborhood 3 The University of Louisiana at Monroe is located at the northeast inlet of the city of Monroe, immediately south of a huge greenspace and north of the Bayou DeSiard.  For pre and post game food and drink options, fans will be required to head across the bayou via Warhawk Way.  There are a number of chain options along Sterlington Road and Desiard Street.  Some unique options fans may want to consider include The Cookout, Waterfront Grill and Catahoula’s For other sports options in Monroe, they also focus on ULM.  The Warhawks play football  and baseball  mere steps from Fant-Ewing Coliseum.  Other colleges that are close by include Louisiana Tech and Grambling State.  As far as other tourist options, fans should consider the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Hampton Inn is not far. Fans 2 Louisiana-Monroe has not enjoyed the strongest support for basketball.  For the 2022-2023 season the Warhawks averaged 1,800 fans per game.  This ranks 10th in the Sun Belt Conference.  At the time of writing, the Warhawks have attracted an average of 800 fans per game for the 2023-2024 season, dropping them to 14th in the Sun Belt Conference.  The game that was reviewed was during the winter break and there were very few students in attendance.  Hopefully, the Warhawks can draw stronger crowds to improve the experience at ULM basketball.   Access 4 Fant-Ewing Coliseum is located on the campus of ULM, just north of the Bayou DeSiard.  Getting to the arena is not difficult.  It is located north of highway 80 and east of highway 165.  Interstate 20 is a few kilometers south.  Once on campus, there is plenty of parking in the area for free.  For fans who wish to take public transit, there are Monroe Transit bus stops on the south side of the Bayou.  Fans should consult the Monroe Transit  website for schedules, fares and maps.  Inside Fant-Ewing Coliseum, getting around is not difficult.  Although concourses are narrow, the low attendance won’t make that an issue.  Washroom facilities are adequate for the fans in attendance. Return on Investment 4 Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks basketball is very affordable.  Reserved tickets are available for $15 each and General Admission tickets are $12.  Parking is free and concession prices are about what one would expect.  The product on the court is Division I basketball and ULM does what it can to put together a good gameday experience.  A higher attendance would add greatly to the vibe and push the return on investment for the Warhawks even higher. Extras 2 An extra mark for the rivalry Louisiana-Monroe shares with nearby Louisiana Tech in Ruston. An extra mark for the historical significance of the Warhawk nickname, which was well thought out and fitting. Final Thoughts A trip to see the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks is definitely affordable and a good opportunity to take in some Division I college basketball.  Better attendance at Warhawk games would improve the experience for the fan and most likely make Warhawks tickets more highly sought after. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Devlin Fieldhouse 6811 Freret Street New Orleans, LA 70118 Tulane Green Wave website Devlin Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 4,100 Roll Wave The oldest active college basketball arena in the south is Tulane’s Devlin Fieldhouse. In use since the 1930s the Devlin Fieldhouse is the home of Green Wave basketball and volleyball. It was built with the proceeds from the football team’s appearance in the 1932 Rose Bowl and the nickname “Rose Bowl Gym” was given to the venue as a result. The Tulane Green Wave men’s basketball program was involved in a point-shaving scandal in the 1980s that led to the program being dissolved for four seasons. In 1989 the program was revived with the arena getting a renovation and was named for Tulane alum Avron Fogelman.  The Green Wave made the NCAA Tournament in 1992, 1993, and 1995. The Green Wave has not made the big dance since the 1990s but with Ron Hunter at the helm of the program things are looking up. They compete in the D1 American Athletic Conference. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands in the arena with one being in the lobby while the other is in the upper concourse. Standard stadium fare includes popcorn ($5), nachos ($5), hot dogs ($5), burgers ($7), peanuts ($4), and pretzels ($4). Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with bottled drinks costing $4 and beer is also sold for $8. The concession stands are cashless. Atmosphere 4 Devlin Fieldhouse is a small arena and if not for the fact that a sign says “Devlin Fieldhouse” you would not know you are entering a Division One college basketball arena. The lobby inside is small with a bell and a Tulane logo before you walk through a glass door to the seating bowl.  There is a lot of green in the arena including the out-of-bounds area on the court, the seats, the walls, and the banners. The seats are all close to the court with the furthest seat on the sideline only 14 rows away, thus creating an intimate atmosphere for Green Wave basketball games.  The students are on one side of the court and they give opposing teams a lot of grief. The band and cheerleaders also definitely play their part in keeping the energy up during games. I will add an extra point for the LED light shows during breaks in game action. Neighborhood 5 Tulane University is located in one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. On the campus of Tulane is Yulman Stadium, the home of Green Wave football. Yulman Stadium was built on the site where Tulane Stadium used to be and where three Super Bowls, Saints games, and Sugar Bowls were played. Across the street from the campus of Tulane University is Audubon Park and the Audubon Zoo. This area is perfect for a family-friendly outing. Restaurants near the Tulane campus include Jamila’s Cafe for Tunisian food, Ted’s Frostop Diner for burgers, and Dat Dog for hot dogs. Bars to check out include The Boot, Phillip’s, and Bruno’s Tavern. Lodging options a couple of miles away include the Adler Hotel, Hampton Inn, and St. Charles Inn.  If you are planning to stay in New Orleans for a few days you should consider heading towards downtown and the French Quarter for the full New Orleans experience. Fans 3 Tulane does not have the largest fanbase and the Devlin Fieldhouse is not always packed. The game I attended had a packed crowd but at least a third of the crowd was pulling for the visiting team. That being said the fans that do pull for the Green Wave get invested in the game and cheer and jeer when appropriate. I will give a point for some of the chants the students gave the refs.  Access 3 To get to the campus of Tulane University from I-10 Westbound you turn off Exit 234C onto Highway 90. Turn left onto State Street before making another left on Freret Street. From I-10 Eastbound turn off on exit 232 onto Carrollton Street before turning left onto Nelson Street and an immediate right on Short Street. Turn left on Claiborne Avenue and make a right on Broadway before making a left on Freret.   Free parking is at the Loyola RecPlex garage which is across the street from the Tulane campus. There are enough restrooms inside but the lobby can get cramped during a game with lots of spectators and there are only two concession stands. Return on Investment 5 Tickets go for $8 for bench seating on the baselines or $18.50 for chairback seating by the sideline. With free parking, reasonable concession prices, and a historic venue to check out this is a great deal! . Extras 4 In 1969 and 1970 the venue was home to the American Basketball Association’s New Orleans Buccaneers.  President Gerald Ford announced the end of the Vietnam War in Devlin FIeldhouse in 1975. Ford would not be the only President to speak at Devlin as then Senator Barack Obama gave a speech in 2008 during his presidential campaign. During the 2021-2022 season, the arena was home to the NAIA’s Loyola Wolf Pack basketball teams. The Wolf Pack men’s team ended up winning the 2022 NAIA National Championship. Final Thoughts Catching a Tulane Green Wave game at Devlin Fieldhouse may not be the first thing on your list when visiting New Orleans. However, it is an underrated venue and experience given that you are attending the oldest active Division One men’s basketball arena in the South.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium 601 Cummings St Spartanburg, SC 29303 Wofford Terriers website Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 3,400 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium – Wofford Terriers The roots of what is now the home court of the Wofford Terriers started on the gridiron during the mid to late 1950s, when tight end Jerry Richardson established himself as a standout on the field for the Terriers. It was in the business world though where Richardson would experience his greatest professional achievements – after starting multiple successful businesses and serving as a CEO, Richardson brought professional football to Charlotte, North Carolina as owner of the Carolina Panthers . Through all the professional successes Richardson enjoyed, he gave much of the credit to the time he spent at Wofford. Jerry Richardson’s accomplishments in the business world put him in a position to give back to the college he held so dear; Richardson would give an estimated $250 million back to Wofford, including the $40 million to build what would end up being Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. Since joining the Southern Conference at the start of the 1997-98 season, the Terriers have established themselves as one of the top teams in the conference, tied with Chattanooga for the most NCAA tournament appearances (5) during that span. The crowning moment for Wofford came in 2019 when the 7th-seeded Terriers stunned the Big East's Seton Hall Pirates to reach the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32 for the first time in program history.   Food & Beverage   4 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium houses two concessions stands with a decent variety on their menu, offering chicken sandwiches and tenders, burgers (including a veggie option), Papa John’s pizza, and several snacks. The real eye opener on the menu, though, has to be the fried pickles, which you are not going to find at most stadium concessions stands. The 51 Club, exclusive to Terrier Club donor season ticket holders, provides fans with some bit higher end food options, along with beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice, with Powerade and Dasani bottled water offered throughout the general seating area. Other than the suites and the 51 Club, alcoholic beverages are not available.   Atmosphere   4 The exterior of Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium oozes sophistication – limestone and sleek black accents frame tall, narrow windows, creating a modern yet classic feel, while the soaring foyer welcomes fans with a marble floor, emblazoned with a simple “W” underscored with “Wofford”. Staircases flank each side of the entrance leading to the concourse level. Ticket offices can be found on either side of the main level. The charm of the parquet floor with the Wofford W at center court perfectly complements the overall elegance of the arena. In a time when gaudy floor designs appear to be in vogue, the simplicity and classic feel of the parquet almost seems comforting. Rather than the center hung, four-sided scoreboards common at most arenas, Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium has four large rectangular boards, one hung in each corner, providing fans with a live feed of the game and real time statistics. Each one also has a ribbon board below giving the time, score, and team foul information; this definitely opens up the playing area, keeping it from feeling too small. Wofford provides diverse seating choices throughout the arena, ranging from traditional courtside chair backed stadium seats to the student section bleachers dubbed, “The Boneyard”. In addition, luxurious, open-air suites are situated in each of the corners, which have the feel of theater box seating. A second level of seating along the sidelines provides fans with a view not often seen in the Southern Conference. Additionally, a drink rail encircles the seating area, providing a convenient option to enjoy the game without a feeling of being confined to your seat.   Neighborhood   4 Wofford College is situated within 2 miles of downtown Spartanburg, providing a number of dining, accommodation, and entertainment options just minutes away from the campus. West Main Street, running alongside Morgan Square, has been transformed by the closure to make way for parklets, enhancing the appeal of the lively downtown district. Within the campus, the athletics district on Wofford's eastern edge hosts Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, along with Russell C. King Field  for baseball and Gibbs Stadium ,  which serves as the home of Wofford football. The Wofford campus is amazingly designed with stunning architecture and meticulously maintained grounds.   Fans   3 Typically, attendance ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 fans, but in-state rival Furman draws near sellout crowds of students, alumni, and opposing fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Casual fans planning to attend a Wofford game would want to mark this particular match-up as a must see. On a game-by-game basis, Wofford students consistently turn out and contribute significantly to the game's atmosphere right from the tip. With an undergraduate enrollment of just over 1,800 students, the student section, consisting of around 300 students, represents a substantial portion of the student body.   Access   4 Located at the crossroads of two significant interstates, Spartanburg, South Carolina benefits from I-85 connecting Atlanta and Charlotte, as well as I-26 linking Columbia, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. With these key arteries running through the southeastern region, the area is readily accessible. Parking is plentiful at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in the gravel and grass lot opposite the stadium, requiring only a brief walk. The grassy parking may be a bit tricky for some, particularly if contending with rainy conditions. Upon entering, ticket scanners for fans are positioned on both sides of the grand entry point, which serves as the sole entrance to the arena. Majestic staircases on each side of the entryway guide visitors to an internal concourse encircling the top of the main seating area. Visitors with mobility limitations can access the second level by use of the escalator on the left side of the foyer. The concourse level gives fans plenty of space to navigate. The area above The Boneyard, where students gather before heading to their seats, around to the 51 Club can become somewhat narrow, especially with fans standing along the drink rail. While these obstacles may not pose an issue for most games, popular match ups that draw large numbers of fans can lead to some congestion.   Return on Investment   4 Starting at $10 for kids and $16 for adults, ticket prices are reasonable but on the higher side for SoCon – when factoring in free parking, however, the overall cost is in line with expectations for the conference. Additionally, concessions are reasonably priced, making the overall experience a worthwhile investment.   Extras   4 A tribute to Jerry Richardson, whose financial support and commitment to Wofford College served as the driving force behind the construction of the $40 million facility, includes a replica of his Wofford football jersey and a brief biography detailing Richardson's journey from Wofford tight end to NFL player, to co-founder of Hardee's which ultimately led to becoming the owner of the NFL's Carolina Panthers . This tribute is situated in an alcove overlooking the grand entry. On the opposing side of the entry foyer, a matching alcove proudly showcases the trophies and nets that the Terriers cut down, commemorating the five Southern Conference Tournament titles they have won. As a tribute to Wofford, after the game players, staff, and the cheer squad line the 3-point arc, joining the students of The Boneyard and the WOCO BAND in singing the school's alma mater. Unlike many colleges and universities whose pep bands are made solely of students, the WOCO BAND includes not just students but also alumni, fans, local high school students, and other community members looking to make a commitment.   Final Thoughts Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium is a facility that if you didn't know what you were looking for, could be easily overlooked as the campus basketball arena – at first glance its majestic architecture may give the impression that it is one of the college's buildings designed for hosting formal galas, rather than basketball games and volleyball matches. The elegance and sophistication of the building is evident in nearly every aspect of the arena, from the entrance to the suites to the general seating, and even down to the meticulous detail of the fully encircling drink rail. The entire game experience at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium goes beyond giving fans a basketball game in a beautiful facility; it highlights everything there is to love about college basketball.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 PPL Center 701 Hamilton St Allentown, PA 18101 Lehigh Valley Phantoms website PPL Center website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 8,578 Phantom of the Hockey Arena Located in Downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania, is the PPL Center, home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL). Since 2014, the Phantoms have been the top-level minor league hockey affiliate of the nearby Philadelphia Flyers. Previously, the Phantoms played in Glens Falls, New York, and before that, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, which they had moved into after the Flyers moved out. The PPL Center seats just over 8,500 fans and is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary as the home of the Phantoms. Food & Beverage 5 The PPL Center has a wide range of concessions that will satisfy every fan. Traditional items such as hot dogs and burgers are available, but you will find many specialty items as well. Q BBQ sells several barbecue options, including pulled pork, brisket, and nachos topped with barbecue meat. Donnybrook Sausage sells several different kinds of sausage. Burger Prime sells not just classic cheeseburgers but multiple specialty burgers as well, with a wide range of toppings. Fans can also buy pizza, chicken parmesan sandwiches, and much more. For those with a sweet tooth, Italian ice, and frozen custard are available at the Rita's stand. Alcohol is available for those of age as well. Atmosphere 4 The PPL Center is a raucous atmosphere right in the middle of Flyers Country. The orange and black color scheme shared by both the Phantoms and the parent club can be seen throughout the arena. All seats have a good view of the ice, and you will hear every hit against the boards, every smash of the puck, and more. The Phantoms have a mascot named meLVin (yes, that is the correct capitalization), who is a bright yellow character full of mayhem in the same vein as Gritty and the Philly Phanatic. Whether it's annoying fans of the visiting team, causing chaos in the crowd, or heading out onto the ice before the game, meLVin is sure to cause beautiful chaos in the arena. Before the game, the Phantoms starting lineup is introduced as flames shoot from the ice and players emerge from a cloud of smoke. Multiple pregame hype videos get the crowd roaring and ready to go. After every Phantoms goal, the PA announcer will announce "Phantoms...." and the crowd will shout "Goal" in response before the announcer says the scorer. Neighborhood 3 The PPL Center is located in Downtown Allentown, and while you may pass through some questionable neighborhoods driving to the arena, the immediate area should be safe. Chickie's and Pete's, a legendary Philadelphia area sports bar and crab house chain, is located right next to the arena. Fagley's Allentown Brew Works is a couple of blocks away. The Renaissance Hotel Allentown shares a parking garage with the arena for fans looking for a place to stay overnight. Fans 4 The Phantoms have consistently ranked in the top 10 of the AHL in attendance. Phantoms fans are proud and loud, and the fact that most of them are also fans of the parent club, Flyers, certainly helps. The crowd noise can get quite loud here at times, and when the Phantoms score, the arena will erupt with cheers. Expect to see an arena full of fans wearing orange and black, whether those are Phantoms or Flyers jerseys. The crowd here loves their team and isn't afraid to show it. Access 3 The PPL Center is located in downtown Allentown, several miles from I-78 and US 22, so fans will have to drive on city streets to get to the arena. There are several parking garages and surface lots located near the arena, which can be reserved in advance and cost between $5 and $10. We recommend using the lot that is directly attached to the arena. You can just take the elevator to the ground floor and walk through a door that will put you in the lobby of the arena. Keep in mind that although the Arena Garage allows drivers to back into their spaces, the other garages, which are owned by the City of Allentown, do not. Keep this in mind if you're one of those drivers who insist on backing into parking spaces. The concourses of the PPL Center are wide enough to accommodate even sold-out crowds but sometimes take meandering routes around luxury suites. Fortunately, it is very clearly singed where to go. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Phantoms games start at $23 for upper-level seats, and standard seats go up to about $55 at center ice. VIP club seats will cost more. Concessions are about average price, and parking is reasonably priced as well. All in all, a Phantoms game is a decent value for your money. Extras 3 One bonus star for meLVin, one of the most exciting mascots in the AHL. Look for the display of the concourse featuring photos of every member of the team, including meLVin. A team store on the concourse offers a wide range of Phantoms merchandise. Final Thoughts The PPL Center can be a fun place to take in a minor league hockey game. With a crazy mascot and a loyal fan base that rocks the team colors every game, the Phantoms experience is well worth checking out for hockey fans in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Most people assume that the history of baseball parks in Los Angeles got its’ start in 1962 when Dodgers Stadium opened. After all, everyone knows that it is the third oldest stadium in Major League baseball. But did you know that Angels/Anaheim Stadium is the fourth oldest ballpark in the majors?  How about the fact that a Wrigley Field existed before the iconic home of the Cubs was built in Chicago? These and many other interesting facts are available in the book Los Angeles’s Historic Ballparks by Chris Epting. California was a mecca for baseball at the majors, minors, and company levels due to its year-round comfortable weather. Before either major league stadium was built, the city had been used for several major league spring training camps. The Cactus League in Arizona had not yet come into existence. The earliest ballpark in Los Angeles dates to 1887. It was known as Chutes Park and was located inside of an amusement park. In 1911 it moved next door to become Washington Park Stadium, where it operated from 1912-1925. Brookside Park was another early ballpark. It opened in 1914 in the Los Angeles suburb of Pasadena, where it served as the spring training home of the Chicago White Sox. In 1988 it was renamed in honor of its hometown baseball legend, Jackie Robinson. The first Wrigley Field opened in 1925 as the home of the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League. It served as their home park from 1925-1957. Among the baseball immortals to play at Wrigley Field were Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle who were on a barnstorming tour by the Yankees when they played several Pacific Coast League teams. The stadium was also used as a stand-in for movies/ television shows including Pride of the Yankees, Angels in the Outfield, and Home Run Derby . The stadium featured an Art Deco style of architecture with a red tile roof, so it would fit in with the residential neighborhood that surrounded it. It had a capacity of 20,500 and included a feature that would be copied in Chicago… the outfield walls were covered with ivy. An early program used at the ballpark listed the following concession items and their prices… beer for 35 cents, hot dogs for 25 cents, Coca-Cola’s for 15 cents, and popcorn for 15 cents. Those were the days! Catalina Island also served as a spring training home for the Chicago Cubs from 1922-42, 46-47, 50-51. The players would arrive by ship for the training camps. Another early ballpark was Gilmore Field, which was the home for the Pacific Coast League Stars from 1939-1957. It was also popular with the Hollywood Stars, as its opening was attended by Jack Benny, Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, and Gary Cooper. The stadium also hosted spring training for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The space it occupied is now home to CBS Television City. The suburb of Burbank was home to Olive Memorial Stadium from 1947 -1952. It served as a PCL stadium and as the home park for the St. Louis Browns spring training camp. One of the earliest industrial leagues in the country was in the Los Angeles suburb of Long Beach. It featured a stadium built by Shell Oil Company for its workforce. It was a very basic facility, as the borders of Shell Oil Field were outlined by the Model T cars surrounding the playing field. Oil derricks lined the outfield fences. No word on whether the early pitchers were “oiling up” the balls! Other cities in the greater Los Angeles area that had ballparks were Las Palmas, San Bernadino, and Palm Springs. Each of these ballparks served as a spring training home for a major league team. We’ve now come full circle to the present major league residents in the Los Angeles area. The Brooklyn Dodgers were the first to arrive in 1958. Dodger Stadium had not yet been built, so the Los Angeles Coliseum served as its first West Coast home from 1958-1962. The Coliseum is oval-shaped, which resulted in a very unusual layout for the field. The left field fence was only 251 feet from the plate. A net was hung atop the fence and a ball had to go over the net to be a home run. Meanwhile, fans in right field were sitting more than 700 feet from the plate. The outfielders had a lot of ground to cover! The Dodgers went to the World Series the second season they played in the Coliseum, and as a result, were able to reach an attendance record of 93,103 for one of their games. The Dodgers would move on to Chavez Ravine and Dodger Stadium in 1962. The Angels were created as an expansion team in 1962. They would share Dodger Stadium with the Dodgers until their stadium in Anaheim opened in 1966. Los Angeles’s Historic Ballparks does a superb job of covering the early ballparks in the City of Angels. Many of these park sites have been obliterated by time, development, and the Los Angeles freeway system. Fortunately, Chris Epting was able to travel to many of these sites before they disappeared. His photos accompanying each chapter bring alive the history of these early ballparks and the many baseball immortals that played on their fields.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hanner Fieldhouse 590 Herty Drive Statesboro, GA 30458 Georgia Southern Eagles website Hanner Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 4,325 Final Curtain Call for Hanner Following the 2023-24 basketball season, the Georgia Southern Eagles will be leaving their home of the past 55 years for a new $64 million facility, the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center . While the new facility comes with much anticipation, there is also much to appreciate and look back on in fondness as the Eagles leave their nest. Initially established as the Georgia Teacher College Professors, the school transitioned to the Georgia Southern College Eagles in 1959. The Eagles have played as members of the Sun Belt Conference since the 2014-15 season, having previously been a part of the Southern and Trans-Atlantic Conferences, as well as spending time as an independent program upon their jump from NAIA to NCAA in 1970. Since joining the NCAA, Georgia Southern has played in three NCAA tournaments (‘83, ‘87, ‘92), have been selected for three Post Season NITs (‘88, ‘89, ‘06), and have played in one CBI tournament (‘17).   Food & Beverage   2 Concession stands can be found in the court level lobby down the stairs from the main entry point. The menu offerings are somewhat limited, featuring typical stadium fare such as hotdogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, chips, and various candies. Beverages include various options from the Coca-Cola family, with Dasani water also available. For those looking for alcoholic beverages, Hanner Fieldhouse offers a selection of Budweiser products, including beer and seltzers. For a bit more flavor, craft beers from Wicked Weed are also available, as are Cutwater premixed cocktails.   Atmosphere   4 From the outside, the brick and concrete facility might be a bit less than impressive, but once they step into the playing area, fans are seemingly teleported back to a time when towns shut down for games because the entire population was at the gym. Upon entering the seating bowl the fold-down, wooden seats along the upper level of sideline seating, not to mention the wooden benches at each end of the court, give the feeling that Jimmy Chitwood ( Hoosiers ) might run out from the locker room to take the floor. Court level seating, while a bit more comfortable, does not have the same charm as the wooden relics in the upper seating area. A row of court side seats run the length of the sideline opposite the team benches, only broken up by the center court press table. Regardless of your seat, you will be close to the action and have a clear view of the floor. However, the railings of the stairs in the upper seating area, along with the clear plastic used in the openings, can slightly interrupt the view of the court for those seated in the first few rows of the upper level. Due to a low roof line here, the use of an overhead scoreboard is impractical. Instead, LED ribbon boards span the width of the court on either end, serving at the arena scoreboards. While this setup may pose some minor limitations for certain in-game features, it brings a sense of relief as fans are spared from being bombarded with ads and commercials during breaks in the action. The promotions staff wonderfully engages fans through on-court contests, primarily featuring the Eagles youngest fans, and by simply allowing the pep band, cheer squad, and dance team to “do their thing” in entertaining the crowd until the ball is back in play. The simple act of giving these groups the stage to showcase their talents significantly contributes to energizing the fans and keeping them actively involved in the game.   Neighborhood   4 Downtown Statesboro has every ounce of charm that would be expected from small town America. A mile from the northern edge of Georgia Southern’s campus, Main Street Statesboro is home to several shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. The recently revitalized Blue Mile, connecting campus to downtown Statesboro, is dotted with bars and restaurants. Notable establishments like the well-regarded BBQ joint Dolan's, and the popular nightlife spot Gnat's Landing, are found along this path. On the opposite side of campus, Dingus MaGee's is another favored spot for grabbing a bite and a pint. For those seeking a larger city atmosphere, the Georgia port city of Savannah is conveniently located about an hour east on I-16.   Fans   4 Georgia Southern fans are a loud and supportive bunch – it is not uncommon for those in court side seats to be a bit more reserved, but at Hanner Fieldhouse they might be some of the more rambunctiously supportive groups. The Georgia Southern student section, the Hanner Hooligans, do a lot to bring a lively atmosphere to Hanner Fieldhouse. Though they do have a section all for themselves, it seems as if the students are more spread out than that, albeit mostly concentrated in the court level seating behind the team benches. As a whole, the Georgia Southern fan base shows a high level of appreciation and participation when it comes to the cheers and chants led by the spirit squads. Eagles fans contribute to a unique and vibrant experience inside Hanner Fieldhouse, an atmosphere that might be overlooked in a larger venue, but undeniably adds to the distinctive charm of Hanner.   Access   2 Statesboro can be a bit challenging to get to. The closest bigger city, Savannah, is still an hour's drive away, while the next closest Georgia city, Macon, is nearly 2 hours. Fans coming from central and northern Georgia will definitely get familiar with the Georgia countryside along Interstate I-16. Once in Statesboro, the core of its athletics neighborhood is wedged into the northern reaches of the Georgia Southern campus on the south side of town. Parking is available in the large lot along Fair Road, behind the tennis complex and baseball’s J.I. Clement Stadium . This leaves a short walk to the front doors of Hanner Fieldhouse – parking directly in front of Hanner Fieldhouse is reserved for season ticket holders and doners. While there are some interesting quirks to navigating Hanner Fieldhouse, one being the only concession stands are located in the court level lobby, downstairs from the main concourse, there is one concourse that encircles the break between the upper and lower levels of seating. This walkway is wide enough to accommodate fans moving in different directions, but with endline seating starting in the concourse, there is a bit of having to navigate around the legs of those seated in the front rows.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $10 for general admission seats at the ends of the fieldhouse, while reserved seats with sideline views will run $15. There is also a $3 service fee added to the transaction. While this fee is a bit of an annoyance, it is better than the Ticketmaster fee that is added to each ticket sold on top of the total transaction. Tickets are not outrageously priced to the point that it would be a deterrent to attending a game. Concession prices seem comparable to most smaller sports venues; as expected there is a premium markup on alcohol. Cash payment is not accepted here, so prices might be subject to convenience fees, which does not tend to be all that coinvent.   Extras   4 The wooden seating around the upper level of Hanner Fieldhouse is a rarity, and creates a very special atmosphere that is almost a time capsule of basketball history. GUS, the Georgia Southern mascot, is an active part of the game experience, and often leads the crowd in chants during breaks. Banners of retired numbers in Georgia Southern basketball history recognize the careers of Scotty Perkins, Chester Webb, Jeff Sanders, and Michael Curry. Following the game, in an ode to their university the cheerleaders and pep band join with alumni to sing the Georgia Southern alma mater.   Final Thoughts While new facilities are generally much anticipated and create a great deal of excitement for a fan base, there is always a bit of historical relevance that is left behind that can never be duplicated. There are definitely aspects of Hanner Fieldhouse which are either outdated or inconvenient, due simply to limitations in being able to improve them, which moving to a new facility can remedy, but one thing that will be difficult to recreate is the air of special basketball that is Hanner Fieldhouse.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hank McCamish Pavilion 965 Fowler St Atlanta, GA 30332 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (WBB) website Hank McCamish Pavilion website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 8,600 Women's Basketball at McCamish Originally opened as Alexander Memorial Coliseum in 1956 as the home court for Georgia Tech basketball , the arena has been more than just the nest for the Yellow Jackets. In 1996 it was used for Olympic basketball, and following a tornado that struck downtown Atlanta in 2008, the arena played home to the SEC tournament following extensive damage to the Georgia Dome, creating a need for the tournament to be relocated on short notice. Nicknamed the “Thrillerdome”, the arena also served as the home court of the Atlanta Hawks  during the demolition of The Omni and construction of the now State Farm Arena, as well as the home of the Atlanta Dream  of the WNBA. After 55 years and being the fourth-oldest arena in the ACC used for women’s basketball, the facility was in need of significant upgrades – rather than building a completely new arena, the coliseum was retired in order to undergo $50 million in renovations, giving birth to the newly reconstructed McCamish Pavilion. Since the completion of renovations and moving back into their home to start the 2012-13 season, McCamish Pavilion has given Georgia Tech women’s basketball a definitive home court advantage, with the team winning 63% of their games at home.   Food & Beverage   3 A lone concession stand gives fans a menu that is quite standard, featuring hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and an assortment of sweet treats. However, the presence of Chick-fil-A provides a wider selection of choices, offering their classic chicken sandwich, its spicy counterpart, and grilled chicken wraps. Additionally, various Chick-fil-A desserts, as well as their wonderfully tart lemonade and sweet southern tea, enhance the overall concessions experience. With Coca-Cola’s headquarters less than a mile away, it would almost feel sacrilegious for Tech to offer anything other than Coke products. Concessions also provide fans with a wide choice of alcoholic beverages; seltzers, wines, spritzers, macro brews, and craft beers from New Realm Brewing Company, including two Georgia Tech-branded beers. While the availability of Chick-fil-A is a welcome addition, the prices are significantly marked up, nearly double those found in the restaurant.   Atmosphere   3 After the 2011 season, the facility underwent a $50 million, 20-month renovation. The upgrades involved reconfiguring the seating bowl, widening the concourse, and adding club seating, an upper balcony, and an entry plaza. These changes give the arena a significantly more modern feel and addressed much-needed updates. The corner panels and underside of a relatively smaller center court-hung scoreboard incorporate honeycomb accents, perfectly complementing the school's Yellow Jacket moniker. A dark-colored roof and dark-colored seats and arena support structures effectively establish a dark background, framing the court as the primary focal point for the action. While the game remains the central focus, the traditions of Georgia Tech complement the fan involvement during most stoppages in play. Fans enthusiastically rise to their feet during the initial notes of the fight song "Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech", or in anticipation of the 4th Quarter's “Buzzweiser song”, a rendition of a Budweiser jingle during which fans energetically alternately bob up and down, joining in the chant, "IF YOU’VE SAID BUUUUDWEISER, YOU’VE-SAID-IT-ALL!" . The band, along with the cheer and dance squads, contributes to the classic college basketball atmosphere. While there are a few in-game hosted features during timeouts, they more-or-less complement the pep band and spirit squad as the main focal point of breaks in the action.   Neighborhood   5 The Georgia Tech campus is in Atlanta’s midtown neighborhood – McCamish Pavilion itself is on the northern most reaches of campus, in an athletics neighborhood of sorts. The tennis complex, outdoor track, baseball’s Mac Nease Ballpark at Russ Chandler Stadium,  and even Hyundai Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium  can be seen in the distance.   Georgia Tech’s campus will never be confused with being a college town by any means, but if strolling the heart of campus it can be easy to forget you are in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.   Being in midtown, the area around Georgia Tech provides nearly an endless number of food, lodging, and entertainment choices. Just across the Downtown Connector, several entertainment venues and restaurants line Peachtree and Juniper Streets. Tech is also only slightly over a mile away from Centennial Olympic Park, surrounded by attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame, and World of Coke. Just off the western edge of campus, the nationally renowned Antico Pizza and late-night hangout spot Northside Tavern are popular locations. In addition, the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center is conveniently located near campus, but is just one of several lodging options in the area.   Fans   3 According to NCAA statistics , Georgia Tech women’s basketball averages roughly 1,800 fans per game, which is in line with the national average – the Power Five conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big XII, Pac10, SEC) average 1,900, so the night-in-night-out attendance here is comparable with similar teams around the country.   At a capacity of 8,600, McCamish Pavilion is one of the smaller arenas in the ACC, but it does create a more intimate atmosphere where fans are closer to the action on the floor, and their passion has more of an impact on the game than it might in a larger arena. Fans are supportive throughout, celebrating baskets and defensive stops accordingly, even in late game situations of a lopsided game. A lot of credit needs to go to the Georgia Tech pep band who, while not filling the breaks in the action with music, are passionately rooting on the Yellow Jackets.   Access   4 Getting to McCamish Pavilion for a Yellow Jackets game may pose some challenges, but knowing some of the workarounds can ease some of the traffic frustrations. McCamish Pavilion is conveniently located off Atlanta's Downtown Connector just off 10th Street in midtown Atlanta. However, keep in mind this intersection is often highly congested, especially during the evening commute. For fans coming from the northwest side of Atlanta via I-75, moving to the right as soon as you see the 16th, 14th, and 10th Street exit sign will alleviate difficulties with merging at the last moment; easy rule of thumb – when in doubt, merge right. For those on I-85, taking the opportunity to turn right onto Techwood Drive can help avoid congestion on the exit ramp. Unfortunately, fans arriving from the south via the Williams Street exit may not experience the same relief from backups along 10th Street. The recommended parking lot for the arena is the McCamish lot (E65) located directly behind the arena. Additional parking is available in the garage on 10th Street, diagonally across from the facility (E66), as well as street parking along Fowler Street—be sure to check street signs for any parking restrictions. When using GPS for parking behind McCamish Pavilion, note that the gate is frequently closed for women’s basketball. Instead use the entrance on Fowler Street, which provides easy access to the back entrance of the arena. While Atlanta does have a serviceable subway system, MARTA, the most accessible stop for McCamish Pavilion is still a half-mile walk.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets here go for just $7, making the experience extremely affordable. The affordability of tickets helps to offset slightly higher concessions prices. When factoring in that parking is free, however, the overall investment is well worth it.   Extras   5 When McCamish Pavilion essentially replaced Alexander Memorial Coliseum, its floor found a new purpose as trim around the arena's support structures – the Yellow Jacket and “GT” logos from the old coliseum now adorn the ceilings and a section of the wall in the Calloway Club. Buzz, Georgia Tech's mascot and one of the most recognizable figures in college athletics, roams the stands during games, engaging kids, students, and anyone eager for a photo opportunity. The Yellow Jackets women’s basketball program strives to make their program accessible with their devoted supporters. For $35, season ticket holders are able to access open practices, a meet-and-greet with the team, a tour of the locker room, and the opportunity to participate in pre-game “chalk talks” on several occasions throughout the season; this provides insight into the preparation that goes into each game. The regular season and post season successes of the Tech’s women’s basketball program are recognized with banners in the rafters. Of the recognitions, the 1992 WNIT Championship team not only earned their own banner in the rafters, but also recognition among the honorees and NCAA Final Four teams in the support beams of the main entry point. One of the great experiences of college athletics are the traditions tied to them; in the minutes following the final horn, the Tech pep band's final performance, “ The Horse ”, gets those still in attendance up to dance with the band and spirit squad. During the drum break, band members scatter around the arena until the end of the break to complete the piece. Legend has it that band members are then forbidden to play their instruments again until after midnight, or risk bringing bad luck to the team against their next conference opponent.   Final Thoughts Georgia Tech women’s basketball has the pieces in place to build an overall exciting college basketball experience, but a handful of the aspects that support the overall positivity of the women’s basketball experience might also be working against it. A university in the heart of a major metropolitan area will commonly have endless competition for viewers simply given the number of options there are in the immediate vicinity. This does not take away from the excitement under the dome of McCamish Pavilion, however.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hancock Whitney Stadium 500 Stadium Dr Mobile, AL 36608 Senior Bowl website Hancock Whitney Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 25,450 The NFL Draft begins in Mobile For 75 years the country's top college football players have converged in Mobile, AL, for the annual Senior Bowl. What was once just a football game featuring the best players from the North taking on the best players from the South, has now evolved into a weeklong event for the NFL as the official kickstart to the NFL Draft. It is usually held the weekend before the Super Bowl and the day before the Pro Bowl. The Senior Bowl is much more than a regular all-star game, but an annual tradition on the NFL's calendar as coaches, scouts, and front office personnel from all 32 NFL teams are on hand for the weeklong festivities to get their first glimpse at their teams’ next star players. The game has played host to some of the greatest players ever to grace the NFL – a whopping 56 players enshrined in Canton have all come through Mobile en route to their Hall of Fame careers. The Senior Bowl traces its beginnings to 1950 when it was played in Jacksonville, FL; in 1951 the game was moved to Mobil where it has been played ever since. The game is played on the campus of the University of South Alabama at the brand new, state-of-the-art Hancock Whitney Stadium, which opened in 2020. There's probably a good reason that the game has stayed in the Port City after all these years, and that is because Mobile can be considered the birthplace of Mardi Gras, and Senior Bowl Week takes place right in the middle of Mardi Gras season. The Gulf Coast's love affair with football, combined with Mobile's hospitality and festive carnival spirit, make this the perfect recipe for an event like this. It is no wonder NFL scouts rave about coming to Mobile every year.   Food & Beverage   3 There is no shortages of concessions here with ten permanent stands throughout the facility. The usual fare of hamburgers ($5), corn dogs ($4), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), pretzels ($3), and popcorn ($2) can be found, but they also sell chicken sandwiches ($7), Conecuh Sausage ($6), and pork nachos ($6). They also have a chicken tenders and fries combo ($7) and a Philly cheesesteak combo ($8). Coke is the soft drink provider with 32 oz. drinks for $4, or you can get a 20 oz. Dasani bottled water ($3). They also have three custom stands built into the concessions – a Cotton States BBQ stand on the southwest corner, a pizza stand on the northeast concourse, and a taco/nacho stand on the southeast side of the concourse. Foosackly’s, a Mobile-area chicken chain, has their food truck set up on the concourse as well. There are several beer stands located throughout the stadium which sell 16 oz. Michelob Ultra and White Claw ($7), or Bud Light, Miller, and Coors ($6). The concessions here sell mixed drinks as well, and you can also get beer from the permanent concessions stands.   Atmosphere   5 As mentioned the Senior Bowl is more than just a game; it is a full-fledged event in itself filled with fan fests, parades, food, entertainment, and concerts that take over the city for 5 days. You can definitely tell that this is Mobile's premiere sporting event every year. From 1951-2020 the game took place downtown at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, but in the early 2000s the aging stadium was beginning to fall on hard times, and the game was at risk of moving cities. Fortunately, since the opening of Hancock Whitney Stadium in 2021 the game, as well as the event's festivities, now have a much more intimate experience. The 25,500 seats are the perfect size for an event like this – the stadium is designed so no matter where you sit, you are close to the field and have a perfect view of the field. You will also not miss any action on the field as you walk the wide and spacious concourses. In the south end zone is a large videoboard that shows stats and game action as shown on NFL Network; this videoboard is also the second-largest board in the State of Alabama. The huge team store in the south end zone that is open for South Alabama  games is closed for the Senior Bowl. However, there are four pop-up tents inside the stadium, and several outside the stadium, selling Senior Bowl gear (shirts, hats, helmets, programs, footballs, etc.). For the Senior Bowl, the Michelob Ultra Terrace in the south end zone is turned into a private club sponsored by the NFLPA – it is quite an impressive setup with couches and a full spread set up in the club. It is also quite intimidating to see the NFL's logo on everything throughout the game, from the NFL coaches coaching the game and NFL cheerleaders on the field, the game is even played under NFL rules. The Senior Bowl has a pretty big Hall of Fame, a who's who of NFL Legends. So, during the game it is not uncommon to see former big-name former players standing on the sidelines. Reese's is also the main sponsor of the Senior Bowl, so expect to see plenty of orange and Reese's logos throughout the stadium as well. The Reese's mascot walks around, and the Saints  cheerleaders hand out Reese's as you enter the stadium. And if you have a ticket to the private Hargrove Club on the West side of the stadium, they have a giant Reese's chocolate fountain and candy station up there. Many of the traditions that fans were familiar with at Ladd-Peebles Stadium have carried over to the new site, for example, before the game Mobile's famous Azalea Trail Maids make an appearance at midfield as the teams are introduced. The trail maids are high school senior girls who are chosen to be the official ambassadors for the city of Mobile; the maids wear bright colored and long dresses, meant to evoke Mobile's Southern charm and hospitality. The Azalea Trail Maids have become sort of synonymous with the Senior Bowl and with the city of Mobile. Another yearly tradition at the Senior Bowl is the HBCU band that entertains fans during the game. Known for having some of the best marching bands in college football, the HBCU bands are a sight to see and hear as they dance while they perform. For 2024 the Talladega College Marching Band entertained the crowd during the game and at halftime, while in years past Jackson State , Southern , Florida A&M , and Grambling State have all had their bands play at the Senior Bowl.   Neighborhood   3 The University of South Alabama's campus is located in a residential area on the far west side of the city of Mobile. There are a few restaurants in the vicinity for you to check out – Fuzzy Tacos, Mellow Mushroom, Ollie's Mediterranean Grill, and Heroes' Sports Bar are just some of the places to visit in the area. Mobile's famous chicken joint Foosackly’s is in the area as well and is extremely cheap, or for BBQ, Dreamland, an Alabama staple, has several locations in Mobile. To experience Mobile at its best I recommend taking the 15 to 20-minute drive into downtown where most of the attractions and nightlife are located. If you take Government Street or Dauphin Street into downtown pay attention to the many historic buildings that line this stretch. Mobile is a very historic city, and this is evident by its many antebellum mansions and historic buildings that date back to the 1800s. The entire downtown area retains that French Quarter feel like in New Orleans; Dauphin Street is even like a smaller scale Bourbon Street, but with fewer people. The Senior Bowl also takes place during prime Mardi Gras season. When it comes to Mardi Gras most people think of New Orleans, but Mobile is actually considered the "Birthplace of Mardi Gras". If you are into that sort of thing then you have to see a Mobile Mardi Gras parade. After the Senior Bowl game they usually have a parade downtown, so I recommend attending it if you have never experienced Mardi Gras before. For more on the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile, I recommend checking out the Mobile Carnival Museum located downtown. Mobile's top tourist attraction is the USS Alabama, a huge battleship that was used during World War 2 and is located in Mobile Bay – the ship is now a museum, and you can take a tour of it. For other attractions in downtown Mobile you have the Mobile Museum of History located in the old building that was used as City Hall during the Civil War. Also nearby is historic Fort Conde, a replica 1800s fort located above the Mobile Bay Tunnel and built to guard the entrance to the Port City in the 18th and early 19th Century. For kids and families you can also visit GulfQuest Maritime Museum or the Exploreum Science Center, with all kinds of hands-on exhibits.   Fans   5 The unique thing about attending a game like the Senior Bowl is seeing all the different fan bases the game attracts. Mobile is prime SEC country, so you will find a lot of people representing LSU , Mississippi State , Ole Miss , and Georgia .  And of course, the majority of the crowd are either Alabama  or Auburn  fans. With the intense college football season over by the point the Senior Bowl takes place every year, the hatred between the different schools' fanbases is not evident here – you'll find Alabama  and Auburn  fans talking amongst each other as friends for one day only. Hancock Whitney Stadium also has a small capacity of 25,000 and the game usually sells out. The Mobile Sports Entertainment Authority goes all out making this a top-notch fan experience. Since moving to the new stadium, they have the Senior Bowl Fan Fest located outside the south end zone, where you'll find various vendors, food trucks and displays, such as the U.S. Army simulator and photos with the Saints cheerleaders. They also have different hands-on football exhibits and bounce houses, as well as a few race cars, and an exhibit where you can get your own football card made by Panini. In addition, there are several other public and private tailgate spots scattered around the grounds, including one that features a pre-game concert. And for the kids, many of the school mascots make the trip to Mobile, so they are constantly walking around the tailgates and getting their pictures taken. If that wasn't enough for the fan engagement, the various events and festivities that take place during the week are both public and private. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday they have practices in the morning that are free and open to the public. The practices are set up like an NFL Draft combine with players running various drills, while NFL scouts and head coaches look on and take notes. They also have various media events and Q&As with current and past players at the local Saenger Theatre. During the day on Friday the players do different community events around town and visit local children's hospitals, and then on Friday night they have huge a Mardi Gras parade through the streets of downtown Mobile, with the players, coaches, and mascots taking part in the parade. To top it all off, after the parade they end the week by having a huge concert that takes place in Mardi Gras Park downtown – the Revivalists, Nelly, and Counting Crows are just some of the bands who have played in year's past.     Access   3 Unfortunately, the one drawback to the game being moved is just getting to Hancock Whitney Stadium; Mobile is a very spread-out town, and the South Alabama campus is located on the far northwest side. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get to campus, as you will be navigating highways once you get off I-65 or I-10. If coming from the east I recommend taking I-10 to I-65 North and then taking Exit 5A onto Springhill Ave. Travel west for 5 miles until you reach University Blvd, and the campus will be about a mile south at the corner of University and Old Shell Road. There are 3 entrances into campus, and I recommend taking the main entrance on Jaguar Blvd in front of the baseball field . Parking is $10, but it is possible to find free parking the further away you park from the stadium. The stadium is kind of hidden on the back side of campus, but there is plenty of free parking near the basketball arena and baseball stadium . There are three entrances into the stadium, with the main entrance being on the south side. Lines tend to back up the closer it gets to game time, but once inside the facility the concessions lines run smooth, and the concourses are very wide and don't look as crowded as they actually are.      Return on Investment   4 Tickets for the Senior Bowl range from $15 for general admission in the north end zone upper deck, to $55 for the chairbacks on the west side of the stadium. Every seat in Hancock Whitney Stadium has good sightlines, so no matter where you sit you are guaranteed to get a great view. I consider this is an absolute bargain to see some of the best college football players in the country, and not only that, but all the fan events and just being able to attend practice for free make this event worthwhile. You never know who the next big NFL player you are going to see is, and you never know which NFL Hall of Famer you'll spot walking the sidelines during the free practices – for a 2024 practice I spotted Terrell Owens and Jerry Rice having a chat on the sidelines. To top it all off, Senior Bowl week takes place during Mardi Gras season, so you are able to watch college football greatest players, and then afterward watch some of the best Mardi Gras parades in the country.   Extras   5 One extra for the level of fan engagement the Senior Bowl provides – all the events that take place during the week make Mobile a must-visit during Senior Bowl week. This is all possible thanks to Executive Director of the Senior Bowl Jim Nagy, who took over in 2018. A longtime scout for the NFL, his vision for the game was to make Mobile a destination city for the NFL, and establish this game as the unofficial start of the NFL pre-draft process, which led to the saying "The Draft Starts in Mobile". With Nagy in charge of operations, the Senior Bowl has a full-time staff of scouts, event coordinators, social media coordinators, and sponsorship sales coordinators that work full time during the year to make sure the entire weeklong event operates smoothly. If you want to see something cool then I recommend visiting the Riverview Renaissance Hotel in downtown Mobile, the official hotel and headquarters for the Senior Bowl during the week; you never know which NFL head coach or former NFL player you'll run into while visiting. It is quite unique to walk the streets around the hotels and see the different NFL coaching staffs walking around downtown Mobile. While you are at it check out the Convention Center across the street from the Hotel, home to media row during the week. Inside you'll find all kinds of podcasts and draft shows set up broadcasting their shows, everyone from the top sports media conglomerates like ESPN and Bleacher Report, to the average fan who just decided to start a podcast or show, is set up broadcasting on the second level. Another extra for all the past big players and coaches who have been a part of this game over the years. Some of the 56 Pro Football Hall of Famers who have played in this Game include Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene, Franco Harris, Joe Namath, Walter Payton, and Derrick Thomas, while some of the current NFL players who have come through Mobile include Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herberts, Derek Carr, Dak Prescott, Davonte Smith, Deebo Samuel, Cooper Kupp, and Baker Mayfield. In addition, a whopping 20 former NFL coaches enshrined in Canton have coached in the Senior Bowl including Don Shula, Bill Walsh, Mike Ditka, Bill Cowher, and Tony Dungy. Something special they do every year for the game is induct the newest members of the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame – the former players or coaches are then honored on the field during the game. For the 75th Anniversary of the game in 2024 the Senior Bowl made a 75th Anniversary Team. Before the game they had each player make a special entrance into the stadium, with many of the players wearing their Pro Football Hall of Fame jackets as they entered the stadium. Some of the players named to the Senior Bowl 75th Anniversary team include Brett Favre, Dan Marino, Shaun Alexander, Hines Ward, Terrell Owens, Michael Strahan, Aaron Donald, Brian Urlacher, Richard Sherman, and Pat McAfee. One extra for the stadium playing host to the South Alabama Jaguars football team; entering the 2024 season the Jags  have a record of 17-9 record at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Jags  have also played in two bowl games and have had two players drafted since the opening of the stadium. Hancock Whitney Stadium also hosts the 86 Ventures Bowl every December.

Every baseball fan knows that Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are the two oldest stadiums in Major League Baseball. However, did you know that Wrigley Field was not the original name of the ballpark… or that it was not built to house the Chicago Cubs? These, and many more interesting facts, are found in Chicago’s Wrigley Field by Paul Michael Peterson. Weeghman Park was built by Charlie Weeghman, a Chicago millionaire, to house his baseball team, the Chicago Federals, who played in the Federal League. The new stadium was built in an astounding two months and opened for business on April 23, 1914. Unfortunately, the Federal League failed financially just one season later, closing in 1915. Weeghman was not deterred, as he then purchased the Cubs of the National League and moved them to his new ballpark. Weeghman was ahead of his time, as many of baseball’s longtime traditions were innovations introduced at his ballpark. He was the first owner to allow fans to keep foul balls that went into the stands, and the first to build concession stands in a ballpark. In 1919, Weeghman ran into financial difficulties and sold the Cubs to chewing gum millionaire William Wrigley, Jr. Wrigley then renamed the ballpark “Cubs Park." The first few years of Wrigley’s ownership were lean, both on and off the field. In 1926, the ballpark was finally christened as “Wrigley Field.” He recruited some of the top players of the era, and the results on the field changed dramatically. By 1927 the team was drawing more than a million fans per season. By 1929 the team was playing in its first World Series. The senior Wrigley died in 1932, and his son, P.K. Wrigley took over the team and the ballpark. He was responsible for one of the defining features at Wrigley Field, the planting of the ivy on the outfield walls. This was to protect the players from injury by running into the brick wall, but he also saw that it would be an amenity in making the park more fan-friendly. Another feature that still stands today is Wrigley Field’s manual scoreboard. This was added to the park in 1937 by Cubs front office genius Bill Veeck. He also produced the concept of the “pennant race.” The Wrigleys were avid sailors on Lake Michigan. Their boats were often decorated with pennants won in races. Veeck added pennants to the top of the scoreboard, arranging each team’s flag in the order of the league standings. In 1921 Wrigley Field became the first two-sport stadium in major league sports. Bill Veeck saw that the stadium sat empty after the baseball season and was not generating any income for more than half of the year. He reached an agreement with George Halas to have the Chicago Bears of the NFL play their home schedule at Wrigley Field. The shape of the field was not ideal for football but it was squeezed in between the first base dugout and the left field wall. The Bears would continue to play at Wrigley Field through the 1970 season. One tradition that did end was Wrigley’s reluctance to add lights. P.K. Wrigley was agreeable to adding lights as early as 1941, but World War II was underway, and the steel in the light towers was required for the war effort. Stadiums throughout the country were also under orders to follow the “blackouts” required at night, as there was a fear that enemy bombers would find a lighted field an attractive target. Later, the residents of the neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field fought against lighting the field, as they did not want the noise and traffic created by night games to interfere with their lives. Finally, on August 8, 1988 the lights went on for good. A more recent development is the creation of viewing areas atop the apartment buildings that surround the park. These areas often include bleachers, bars, and food service. The Cubs went to court to prevent these additions, arguing that it was stealing business away from the team. Eventually, an agreement was brokered, where the Cubs receive a licensing fee from each building that houses one of these structures. We have chosen to focus on the structural and historical aspects of Wrigley Field in this book. However, readers will find that Chicago’s Wrigley Field is filled with the tales of the Billy Goat Curse, the exploits of famed announcer Harry Caray and the Bleacher Bums, as well as the records set by Cubs Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, and Billy Williams.   We know readers will enjoy this look at one of baseball’s most unique ballparks.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Slush Puppie Place 1 Tragically Hip Way Kingston, ON K7K 0B4 Slush Puppie Place website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,614 The Oldest Rivalry in Hockey *On February 16th, 2024, the Leon’s Centre was officially renamed Slush Puppie Place, 8 days after the 2024 review of the Carr-Harris Cup On March 10, 1886, Lennox Irving scored the only goal for Queen’s University against Royal Military College on the frozen Kingston Harbour.  There were few things recognizable in this watershed matchup, recognized as the Oldest Rivalry in Hockey, to the game that is played today.  Fast forward 140 years and Queen’s and RMC still meet on the ice multiple times each year.  However, since 1986 it has been for the Carr-Harris Challenge Cup.  Beginning in 2012, the game has been played at the neutral site Leon’s Centre, home of the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs, and a major local event that draws the largest gate by far for either team.  The game is named after Professor Robert Harris, who was the first professor of civil engineering and architecture at the Royal Military College of Canada in 1879.  He would later become an engineering professor at Queen’s University and would adopt the name Carr-Harris to honour his late mother Sarah Carr.  Over the years, the Carr-Harris name has been prominent in Kingston and associated with railway construction projects, military projects, and sporting events. The most recent home of the Carr-Harris Cup is the Leon’s Centre.  Set to be renamed Slush Puppie Place sometime in 2024, Leon’s Centre was built to keep the Frontenacs in Kingston in 2008.  It has gone through several different names including the K-Rock Centre and Rogers K-Rock Centre.  At a capacity of 5,614, the Leon’s Centre is a hub for Eastern Ontario’s live entertainment and OHL hockey and is the perfect location for a major university event like the Carr-Harris Cup. Food & Beverage 3 Being an OHL venue, Leon’s Centre offers the expected OHL concession items at some different stands.  Canada’s own Pizza Pizza offers a variety of pizza options as well as hot dogs and pretzels; Barracks Grill offers burgers, chicken fingers, hot dogs fries and poutine; YGK Eats offers pizza, hot dogs and nachos; and Smoke’s Poutinerie offers a variety of different poutine concoctions.  The soft drinks of choice at Leon’s Centre are Coca-Cola products.  There are also a few different beer options including Molson Canadian and Heineken.  Look for the Riverbend Brewing stand for a local craft beer option.  The Molson Canadian Brewhouse offers a standup bar area for patrons to gather and get a drink. Atmosphere 4 Leon’s Centre is an attractive building in a premier location in Kingston.  It is located in the Inner Harbour neighbourhood just steps from the water.  The exterior is a mix of grey brick, silver siding,g, and glass which gives the 2008 building a clean and modern look.  The northeast side of the building is where fans can find the ruins of the original Fort Frontenac, which was originally erected in 1673 and currently has a heritage marker to denote its historic value. Inside the Leon’s Centre fans enter directly into the main concourse, which is light coloured, clean,n and bright.  It is a horseshoe configuration and does not allow patrons to do a full 360-degree walk.  The pillars in the concourse feature murals of major acts that have played at Leon’s Centre.  Of special note is the pillar with the visage of Gord Downie, lead singer of Kingston’s favourite sons, The Tragically Hip, who died way too young.  Also of note in the concourse are the members of the Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame.  There are always fun nuggets for treasure hunters to find in local halls of fame.  In Kingsto, those include NHL legends Kirk Muller, Doug Gilmou,r and Don Cherry.  Temporary merchandise tables for both Queen’s University and Royal Military College were present in the concourse. When fans enter the seating bowl from the lower concourse, they will find a single tier of seating with another concourse above the seats.  The ice runs from west to east and fans who wish a picture of the Kingston Frontenacs logo on centre ice should sit on the south side.  The press box is found on the south side above the upper concourse along with suites that form a horseshoe with the west side open.  Frontenacs honoured numbers and other banners hang on the west wall and a large poster hangs at the top of the east side delineating Leon’s Centre as the home of The Tragically Hip.  A decent video board hangs above centre ice. The gameday production for the Carr-Harris Cup takes a normal OUA hockey production up a notch.  The Queen’s bagpipes and band are found in the upper concourse and west end of the arena and play pre-game, during some stoppages, and after the Queen’s goals.  The RMC band is in an adjacent section in the west end and also plays throughout stoppages.  The game begins with an old-time crier proclaiming the Carr-Harris Cup open and introducing the teams entering the ice surface.  The crier is very Kingston, however, is required to yell without the aid of a microphone and is therefore difficult to understand.  A member of the Carr-Harris family is also present for the ceremonial first face-off.  Unfortunately, the PA system at Leon’s Centre is not terrific and it can be difficult to understand announcements.  At the first intermission, the Queen’s Gaels figure skating team performs to the delight of the crowd.  At the end of the game, the MVPs of both teams are presented with their awards, and the Carr-Harris Cup is also presented to the winner. Neighbourhood 5 The Leon’s Centre is located in the Inner Harbour neighbourhood of Kingston, probably the best place to be in the city.  Just across the harbour, which is where the very first matchup between Queen’s and RMC took place, the picturesque campus of the Royal Military College of Canada can be seen.  Queen’s University campus is a decent walk to the west.  The heart of the tourist section of Kingston, the Inner Harbour offers a plethora of bars and restaurants for pre or post-game food and drink.  Some of the options include Chez Piggy, Red House, The Toucan, Merchant Taphouse, The Heist, Melt & Grill, Harper’s Burger Bar, Iron Duke on Wellington, and Wooden Heads. There are also several sporting options available in Kingston.  Leon’s Centre is the primary home of the Kingston Frontenacs  of the OHL.  The Queen’s Gaels field several athletic teams including hockey at their regular home, the Kingston Memorial Centre , basketball ,  and football .  The RMC Paladins also have hockey at their regular on-campus home, Constantine Arena , among other sports.  Other tourist options in Kingston include Fort Henry, the Canadian Penitentiary Museum, Bellevue House, and the Original Hockey Hall of Fame.  Fans wishing to stay near Leon’s Centre can choose the Delta or Holiday Inn which are steps from the arena. Fans 5 The Carr-Harris Cup, along with The Frosty Mug  and Crowchild Classic, is among the best-attended USports hockey games each year.  The game traditionally draws between 3,500 and 4,000 fans a year.  That is somewhere in the neighbourhood of 17 to 40 times what a normal Queen’s or RMC game will attract.  It is an event with the majority of fans in attendance from one of the two schools.  This is especially excellent for RMC which has a very small student population of around 1,100.  RMC also uses the Carr-Harris Cup as a big alumni event.  The students in attendance add to the atmosphere and the small but mighty RMC contingent are very loud.  The most popular chant at the Queen’s students from the RMC students is “Daddy’s Money” pointing out the perceived entitled nature of Queen’s students.   Access 4 Leon’s Centre is located in the Inner Harbour neighbourhood of Kingston encircled by The Tragically Hip Way, Place D’Armes, King Stree,t and Ontario Street or Highway 2.  The main entry to Kingston is Highway 401, which is significantly north of Leon’s Centre.  Traffic should not be an issue but fans coming from out of town will have a long way to traverse through town.  An alternate way to Leon’s Centre would be taking the Kingston-LaSalle Causeway, which comes from the opposite side of the harbour.  There are some open parking lots south of the arena, but there is a cost and be warned, they are very messy due to not being paved.  For fans who wish to take public transit, there are bus stops on Barrack Street and Ontario Street.  Fans should check the Kingston Transit  website for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the Leon’s Centre is not too difficult, however, fans need to recognize that there are no 360-degree options for walking around the arena.  Washroom facilities are good for the arena. Junior hockey security protocols are changing.  Fans are encouraged to consult the Leon’s Centre website for the latest security protocols including prohibited items and bag policy. Return on Investment 5 The Carr-Harris Cup is one of the premier events in OUA hockey, yet the price of tickets does not reflect that.  Adult tickets are only $15.  Concession prices are decent and there will be a cost for parking.  That being said, the experience of a Carr-Harris Cup is unlike anything else and worth the small cost.  OUA hockey is already a great value and the Carr-Harris Cup takes that up a notch. Extras 3 An extra mark for Queen’s and RMC sharing the oldest hockey rivalry in the world. An extra mark for the connection that the game and schools have kept with the Carr-Harris family. An extra mark for the Carr-Harris Cup as one of the premier events on the USports calendar. Final Thoughts In the sporting landscape where costs are rising exponentially, fans are required to re-evaluate their sporting dollars.  It is especially unique for fans to experience a premier event for such a small investment.  The Carr-Harris Challenge Cup brings just about everything that a fan could want.  The oldest rivalry in hockey with the Queen’s Gaels and RMC Paladins, a great sense of history, a great venue, an excellent city to visit, and a whole lot of fun. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Danville & Burlington are joining the Old North State League, but don't worry they are not leaving the Appalachian League. The two new teams will be owned and operated by Knuckleball Entertainment, who own the Burlington Sock Puppets and Danville Otterbots of the Appy League. They will play a partial schedule this season. Ryan Keur, Knuckleball Entertainment owner, and Alec Allred, CEO of the Players League, began talk of expanding into the Burlington and Danville markets over a year ago. Allred was the co-founder of the ONSL before moving on to The Players League last year. “Ryan approached me in November or December with the idea, and we all loved it! Burlington and Danville are great baseball cities, and we can't wait to be a part of their communities. Ryan is an incredible operator, and we know he will add much value to the Old North State League.” The new teams will call Burlington Athletic Stadium and Dan Daniel Memorial Park home. Sock Puppets GM Anderson Rathbun sees it as an opportunity as an avenue to further that mission and be able to give twice the amount of athletes the experience that we have been able to provide athletes these first three seasons as the Sock Puppets. “We are always exploring avenues that allow us the opportunity to activate our stadium in a fan-centered, entertainment-focused way. The way the Sock Puppets schedule broke out with a few open weekends and the Old North State League looking to expand into new markets, it was a perfect fit. We see this as an incredible opportunity to try new things that will stimulate the stadium atmosphere and elevate the energy fans will experience when they watch a baseball game here in Sockville.” The two new teams will announce their names in the next few weeks. They will play a part-time schedule of 13 games and won't be eligible for the ONSL championship. The plan is to transfer to full-time and beyond next season. According to Allred, this was due to finalizing everything between the two sides late in the year. “The Old North State League had already announced the schedule, and the by-laws were finalized. So we all felt that the best way forward was to go ahead and insert them into the infrastructure and operations and give them league opponents to play in 2024 without the ability to compete for a championship this first year.” The new teams will be separate entities from the Puppets and Otters, who will play their 24-game schedule in the Appy League. Danville will release the new team's name on February 28, while Burlington will wait until March 7 to unveil their club's new name. "The addition of an Old North State League team here in Danville is a perfect fit for all involved," said Otterbots GM Austin Scher. "The members of our incredible fan base, which grows by the year, now have even more opportunities to enjoy affordable family fun and high-level baseball. Additionally, folks can look forward to some antics that have never before been seen at this ballpark. It's new. It's wild. It's different, and I think fans across the country will have a new favorite hat in baseball." The ONSL season will begin on May 18. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Robins Center 365 College Rd Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website Robins Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 7,201 The Spiders’ Web The 2023-24 season marks the 52nd season of basketball being played at the Robins Center. The Robins Center opened as the home of the Richmond Spiders teams in 1972. A $17 million renovation in 2013 transformed the arena into one of the premier facilities in the Atlantic 10. These renovations included four new videoboards, upgraded seats, premium seating options, and terrace hospitality areas. The Spiders have consistently competed against and beaten some of the top programs in the nation. Spider basketball fans are passionate and regularly fill the Robins Center, to make it one of the top home-court atmospheres in the Atlantic 10.   Food & Beverage 4 Simply put, the concession options at the Robins Center are impressive. The Robins Center concession stands offer standard concessions including hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn and peanuts. However, the following additions are what set the concessions apart. Papa John’s Pizza, Chicken Sandwiches, and Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream are all available on the concourse. Other options include candy, caramel corn, peanuts, fruit snacks, fruit cups, veggie cups, and chips. Fountain Pepsi products are available as well as Dasani bottled water. The University of Richmond started selling beer and wine to the general public at men’s games in 2018, and in doing so became the first Division 1 school in Virginia to sell alcohol to the general public at basketball games.   The Robins Center is a cashless venue. Lines can tend to get long during halftime, but other than that are not bad.   Atmosphere 4 The seating bowl of the Robins Center is a single level surrounding the court and offers great sightlines. Entrances to the seating bowl are about halfway up, with half of the seating above the portals and half below. All seats are chairback and are angled toward the court, with the exception of the student section which is bleacher seating. There are four giant video boards at the top of each of the four corners of the arena. Along with video replays, they provide the score and stats such as points and fouls for each player. Above each of the four video boards in the corners is a terrace/suite level.   There is a small pep band in one end zone in the student section. Richmond is the only D1 school that has a Spider for its mascot and the school does a great job promoting this. Not only is there a Spider mascot that makes his way around the court during the games, but there are two giant spiders projected onto the ceiling above the court. Also, the pre-game video incorporates a giant spider and web to make you almost feel like a spider is crawling out of the video board and into the crowd!   Neighborhood 3  The Robins Center sits in the northern part of campus between Robins Stadium (home of Richmond basketball) and Pitt Field (home of Richmond baseball). Many of the parking lots in the vicinity of these three venues are used for basketball parking. The campus is beautiful, clean, and well-kept. Westhampton Lake is a short walk from the stadium and is a great place to bike or jog around. There is also a bridge that crosses the lake with a nice gazebo on one side.   Richmond is the capital city, so in the downtown area, there are many museums and the capitol building, that can be visited. If you are looking for a variety of shopping or dining options, take a 15-minute drive to the Short Pump area which offers several restaurants and a two-level outdoor mall.   Marriott is the official hotel of the Spiders, so if you are looking to spend the night check out the Visitors Guide for a list of Marriott hotels in the Richmond area that offer special U of R rates.    Fans 5 Spider fans are very passionate about their basketball team, and the majority of fans in attendance are clad in red Spider gear. For a typical game, expect at least 6,000 fans to be in attendance. For the last two seasons, Richmond has averaged 6,000 fans. The Spiders’ sold out five games in 2022-23, and several games in 2023-24. Due to the intimate design of the arena, the fans are right on top of the court, and it does not take much for it to get loud.   Access 4  The University of Richmond’s campus can be a little tricky to navigate if it is your first time. However, if you point your GPS to the Robins Center, you should be fine. Be aware that there are only two-lane roads leading to campus, so allow extra time. General parking is free and available behind the Robins Stadium  press box. This is only a 2-3 minute walk to the Robins Center. Many of the other lots immediately around the Robins Center are for parking pass holders only. The lots are well-signed and the parking-lot attendants are friendly, so just follow their lead.   Both paper and mobile tickets are available for Spiders’ games. The ticket office is on the College Road side of the arena. Entrance to the arena is easy as there is no clear-bag policy and the security staff are not overbearing. There is a single concourse under the seating bowl. It is spacious and clean, and the portals to enter the seating bowl are well-marked.   Return on Investment 5  In a day where prices to attend sporting events seem to continue to rise, the prices to attend a Richmond basketball game are a breath of fresh air. Tickets to a typical Atlantic 10 conference game range from $10-27. However, $5 tickets and BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals are offered to select games. Throw in affordable concessions, free parking, and free game programs and it is well worth the cost to see some of the top “mid-major” basketball in the country.   Extras 4 The Robins Center has a Family Fun Zone on the concourse, that provides games and activities for kids and families. Another bonus is the free parking at various points around campus and the friendly staff. A popular pre-game promotion among Spider fans is the Basketball and Brews for select games. This is an add-on to your ticket that includes a pre-game craft beer taste testing session with five local breweries and restaurants. The arena has also hosted various political events including the 1992 Presidential debate between George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot; and an address by President Barack Obama in 2011.   Final Thoughts  The Robins Center is frankly a great venue for college basketball. It is the perfect size for the Spiders, in the middle of campus, and the fan base consistently fills it up. Due to the design of the arena, one could argue it offers a better experience than VCU’s Siegel Center across town, which does not have the best sight lines. Richmond also has an attractive home schedule each season. The Atlantic 10 schedule is always great, and the Spiders have had an attractive non-conference schedule for many years as well. If you are in Richmond and are a college basketball fan, it will pay you to visit the Robins Center to catch a game. You will find a great college basketball atmosphere against some great competition.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre 50 Stone Rd. E Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Guelph Gryphons basketball website Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 2,200 From Aggies to Gryphons The Ontario Agricultural College was founded in Guelph, Ontario in 1874.  One of the oldest institutions of higher education in the province would grow to engulf the MaDonald Institute and Ontario Veterinary College as the University of Guelph in 1964.  Guelph would grow to nearly 30,000 students at the time of writing, making it one of the larger universities in Canada.  The OAC would compete athletically as the Aggies.  With the advent of the University of Guelph, the moniker of the Gryphons was adopted.  The Guelph Gryphons first basketball team hit the floor in 1964 and have enjoyed various degrees of success over the years.  The Gryphons’ success culminated in a Wilson Cup as conference champions in 1990 and a W.P. McGee Trophy recipient as National Champions in 1974. For years the on campus home of the Gryphons was the small, yet intimidating W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre.  Named after the Guelph Athletics Director of 33 years, the Mitchell Centre was known for its boisterous fan support.  The growing university required a more comprehensive approach to athletics and a new basketball facility was part of that vision.  The Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre opened in 2016 and pushed the idea of what a state of the art facility was in USports.   Food & Beverage 2 The main concession at the Gryphons Athletic Centre is in the main lobby near the main entrance and offers a small and simple selection of snacks.  Popcorn, cotton candy, chocolate, chips and granola bars are all available.  Bottled water, soda and Powerade are the beverages that are available.  Alcohol is not available at basketball games. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is attractive and features a unique roofline with smart-looking red and dark grey siding.  It is right along Ring Road and very prominent from the street as opposed to some other embedded athletic facilities.  The main entrance for the Gryphons Athletic Centre on Ring Road is the Garney Henley Entrance, named after the basketball coach from 1966-76 who would lead the Gryphons to the National Championship.  Henley also is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame after playing 16 years in the CFL for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and won 4 Grey Cups.  A large display touting Henley’s accomplishments can be found in the lobby, immediately upon entry to the Athletic Centre.  Along the northwest hallway, past the bright and clean lobby, is the Gryphons Athletic Hall of Fame.  Smartly designed with separate areas for Athletes, Builders and Teams, fans can find enshrinements for the 1974 and 1990 basketball teams, among other honourees.  The Gryphons Athletic Centre connects to the Mitchell Centre, and University of Guelph recreation facilities are also found here. Entering into the seating area of the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre, fans will immediately notice how bright the area is with plenty of natural light allowed in.  The playing surface is sunken and fans enter on a running track which circles behind the seating area.  The court runs from northeast to southwest.  Each of the four sides surrounding the court has a set of retractable seats with the northeast and southwest bleachers going right to the floor and northwest and southeast elevated.  The northwest side is the spot to get the perfect centre court logo picture and has plastic chair seating as opposed to plastic benches.  A temporary merchandise table can be found in the south corner of the track.  Media facilities are above the track on the northwest side.  Overall the gym is bright and clean and professional looking.  Guelph boasts of a centre hung, four-sided videoboard, which is unique for this level of basketball.  On the game that was reviewed, which honoured the 1974 National Championship team, a banner for the National Champions hung on the northwest side.  However, this banner placement seemed temporary. The gameday presentation is fairly simple.  The PA system is excellent and music is played during the pregame and breaks which is not uncommon.  The mascot, Gryph, can be found traversing the crowd during many games.  The south corner has a large, inflated Gryphon arch, which players enter the floor through.  Guelph has a very strong, student run media production for its athletic teams. Neighbourhood 4 The Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is located on the campus of the University of Guelph, on the west side of the city.  As a large university, there are a number of bars and restaurants just off campus that will service the students.  Some options include The Shakespeare Arms, Beertown, The Burger’s Priest, Guelph BBQ and Borealis Grill.  Although none are that far, hopping in the car to get off campus and towards Stone Road would be the best idea.  For other sporting options, the Guelph Gryphons field a full complement of athletic teams including hockey  and football , which are also on campus.  The Sleeman Centre is near and the home of the OHL’s Guelph Storm  and the Guelph Royals  hit the diamond in the summer months.  Perhaps the highlight of the Guelph Gryphons athletic calendar is The Frosty Mug , which is also played at the Sleeman Centre.  Other Guelph tourist options include the River Run Centre for plays and concerts, the Guelph Civic Museum and McCrae House, birth home of John McCrae who wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields.”  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Delta is an available option. Fans 3 Assessing OUA basketball fans is difficult as attendance figures are not normally published.  Anecdotally, the Gryphons enjoy a decent following and definitely do not play in front of a full complement of empty seats.  Some of the atmosphere from the Mitchell Centre seems to have been lost and the fanbase is not nearly as loud or boisterous.  There is definite room for improvement, but the Gryphons are not the least supported team in the OUA.   Access 5 The Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is located on the east side of the campus of the University of Guelph.  It is located with the other UofG athletic facilities and is immediately west of East Ring Road.  Fans will have to traverse the city a bit in getting to campus as it is located south of Highway 7 and east of Highway 6.  The main artery through Southern Ontario is Highway 401, and Guelph is a few kilometers to the north.  There is plenty of parking on the opposite side of East Ring Road and behind the hockey arena.  There is usually no charge for parking during athletic events.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are Guelph Transit bus stops on Ring Road that lead through campus.  Fans should check out the Guelph Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is not difficult at all and the entrance to the basketball seating area from the track is good for those with mobility issues.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the arena. Return on Investment 5 There are few bargains in sport on the same level as OUA basketball.  Adult tickets to see the Guelph Gryphons are $10 with youth and staff going for $5.  Students of the University of Guelph are free.  Basketball tickets are actually doubleheaders with the women’s basketball team playing either before or after the men.  Concession prices are decent and parking can be found on campus for free.  The investment for the Gryphons is very low and fans can easily bring the family.  The product on the court is very good and fans will no doubt enjoy themselves.  Overall, the return on investment for the Guelph Gryphons is excellent. Extras 2 An extra mark for the University of Guelph investing in their athletic programs with up to date facilities. An extra mark for the high quality, student-run broadcast at the University of Guelph. Final Thoughts A steadfast member of the OUA, the Guelph Gryphons offer a basketball experience in one of the premier facilities in the conference.  Taking in a game at the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is very enjoyable and it won’t come close to denting the pocketbook. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.